A/N- Early update cause I'm nearly done with the whole writing process and wanted to share another chapter :)
*Location- Bucky's hideout*
-Third Person P.O.V-
The next day, Peter was on his way to school, feeling better than he had in a while. Bucky had indeed stayed with him the whole night, and the next morning he had given Peter some food and a warm goodbye, much different from what he was used to with May.
Peter hated to admit that he was scared to go back home, he knew, realistically, that May didn't even know he wasn't home, after all, normally she gets home and goes right to bed, although recently that had begun to change. Now, normally it seemed she would wait until Peter was about to leave to go to school, May would decide to strike before heading to bed.
Hopefully this time, May would just think that he had left early, rather than thinking he had just not been 'home,' all night, but then again, he doubted it would make a difference to how angry May would be when he got 'home'. Although, then again, he didn't plan on going back until May was at work.
Before leaving this morning, he had promise Bucky to be back later, knowing he really didn't want to miss one day without going there. It had quickly become his safe place and he didn't want to have to go so long without being able to go and see Bucky and be there.
School came into view and Peter had to visibly shake of the fear and nerves that were beginning to go within him. He knew, realistically that he was only scared for later, but with every passing minute, it was growing closer and Peter couldn't help but be scared by that.
With one final deep breath he begun his final decent into school, unknowing that after today, his life would slowly begin to change, in way Peter never thought were possible.
-
The school bell rang through Peter's ears and he looked at the clock in fear. 3'oclock had just struck and Peter knew he had an hour to get to Stark tower.
He had an hour until he would be there, with Mr Stark, and probably others. How the Hell was he supposed to cope.
He took a steadying breath, willing himself to calm down and stood up while shouldering his bag. Peter had already bid farewell to Ned, and even though he had wanted to tell Ned about the internship, he wasn't sure if he was allowed to- that was something he would need to ask Mr Stark about tonight-. He also really wanted to avoid Flash, with his fast healing, and being able to eat something for breakfast (thank you Bucky) and have lunch (thank you Mr Delmar) his healing had worked nearly wonders. You could still see a little of the bruises on his face, and his chest still hurt a reasonable amount; however, it was a whole lot better than it was yesterday.
Peter made his way out of the class door, keeping his head down as he made his way out of the school. He couldn't stop himself from worrying about what could happen. Sure, when he met Mr Stark yesterday, he didn't seem so bad, but that could always be a front, after all, that's all people tended to do around him, pretend to be someone their not until they're alone with Peter. That's when they allow their true colours to shine and it normally ends with Peter coming out of it black and blue.
He knew he would have to be careful with what he said around these people, if May had taunt him anything, it was that more than anything, you shouldn't speak unless your spoken to, and you shouldn't make eye contact with anyone. Peter had learnt this the hard way with May. The only person (or people Peter guessed) these rules didn't apply to was Ned and Bucky.
Peter made his way towards the tube, he would have to take two trains and then walk about five minutes to reach the tower. By the time he gets there, he should still have ten to five minutes to spare, but he wanted to make sure he was early- or at least on time- in order to not get into any trouble. He really didn't want to make a bad impression straight away.
Slowly but surely he neared the tube station; he really wished he could turn around and run back. But he knew if he didn't go tonight, Mr Stark would go back to the flat and tell May exactly who he was, meaning he would definitely be killed. But by doing this, it was a 50/50 chance of dying, and he would prefer that over the 100% guarantee if he didn't go.
Peter took a shaky breath and walked into the station, sealing his fait for the future, turning the tides in his life.
Had he just sealed his to eternal Hell, or had he just saved himself from his nightmare.
-
*Location- Stark Tower*
- Third Person P.O.V-
Tony was pacing back and forth in his lab. He knew it was a stupid idea. What had come over him, telling a goddamn teenager that he could come here. Jesus, he should have just left the kid alone. But noooo, he had to go and get the kid involved and get him here.
"For god sake Tony, will you please stop pacing back and forth," Pepper grumbled from where she sat at one of the lab tables.
Earlier in the morning, Tony had confessed to Pepper what had happened, he had told her who Peter was, but he trusted her and knew she wouldn't tell anyone who Peter really was. Pepper was quick to agree it was a good idea, after all, Ross was out there wanting every person with a power, or doing some kind of superhero work in the world to be essentially under his control, and seeing as Peter was only fourteen, she agreed it would be bad for him to be involved.
However, Tony no longer saw it that way.
"I can't Pep. Why did I decide to invite him here. I could have just met him somewhere and not have him come here. But no, I had to invite him here. What if something happens in the lab. What if he turns out to be evil and use all this against me. This was a terrible, terrible idea, he's only fourteen, there is no way he should be coming here," Tony spoke, his voice holding no room for argument.
That didn't stop Pepper though, after all, she had been 'working', for Tony for so long now, she knew more about him then he did himself. With a heavy sigh, she got to her feet and walked over to him. They may no longer be together, but that didn't mean Pepper didn't care about Tony still.
Lightly, she grabbed Tony's shoulders, making him stop pacing back and forth and focus his attention on Pepper.
"You need to breath Tones. It will be okay, I promise. From what I've heard, Peter sounds like a lovely boy, and it also seems he needs our help. More importantly, yours. I know you might be worried, but it will be okay. You'll have me, Rhodey and Happy beside you the whole time," Pepper reassured him.
Tony stopped his pacing and looked at Pepper, looking into her eyes, he could see the sincerity in them and knew she wasn't lying to him. Deep down, somewhere, he knew she was right. Peter needed someone to help him and keep him away Ross, and surely, with the grades he was getting, he would be okay in the labs. And even if he wasn't, he wouldn't even have to be in them.
If Tony was this worried, he hated to think about how worried Peter was, the kid already seemed nervous yesterday with just him there. So now, with him being here, at the tower with people everywhere he couldn't think of how worried he might be.
Before he could threat anymore about it though, FRIDAY cut in- 'Boss, Mr Parker has arrived and is at the front desk, would you like me to bring him up?'
An encouraging nod came from Pepper and he took a deep breath before replying, "sure FRIDAY, send him to the lab, I'll meet him there."
-
"Go into the elevator Mr Parker, FRIDAY will take you to where you're needed," the receptionist, Mrs Pebble spoke, sending him a small, welcoming smile.
Peter quietly thanked her and clutched the badge he had been given tightly in his shaking hands. His whole body was vibrating with fear, and if someone were to ask him to hold a glass of water he thinks he ma drop the whole glass, not just the water.
It had taken a lot of his courage to even step into the building. Constantly jumping back and forth when someone would brush too close to him or someone remotely raised their voices. Peter hated to admit it, he hated thinking so much about his weaknesses. And yet he knew, with every passing day he was getting worse and worse. He could no longer walk the halls of school without being on edge and ready for an attack from any side.
Being here was very out of his comfort zone, the fear that at any moment, someone might shout at him, saying how he was Spider-Man, and before he knew it, his whole identity would be revealed. Or maybe someone might get angry with him and hit him, it wouldn't shock him if it did happen, Peter seemed to always do things wrong, and it rightfully so allowed him to be hit for it.
Peter feared Tony will be like this, his fears had grown more and more through the day and by the time he had got here, he knew he would have to be extra careful, he wouldn't be disrespectful or step out of line, not once.
Carefully, he made his way into the elevator, he knew who FRIDAY was, after all he had read all about the AI that ran the whole tower, but suprisingly, he never thought he would be able to speak to her while here.
He was grateful when the doors slid shut, the sound from out there was loud, and Peter worried his senses might become overloaded if he stayed out there too long. Peter was so stuck in thought, he jumped out of his skin when he heard a voice.
'Hello Mr Parker. I am FRIDAY, I will be taking you to Mr Starks private lab to meet you there,' FRIDAY exclaimed, though an AI, she seemed animated and more than happy to be talking to Peter.
Shocked, all Peter could muster was a small, hello back and a quick thank you.
He had really just spoken to FRIDAY, and she had spoken to him as well. Not only that but he was going to Mr Starks private lab. PRIVATE. Surely that must've been a mistake, he stayed silent though, not wanting to bother the AI.
Instead, as the elevator continued to move upward, he glanced down at the card. It was black and gold with the number 10 printed on the corner, his name was also placed in the centre and Peter was shocked by how cool it looked.
Before he could examine the card any longer the elevator stopped moving and the doors slowly slid open. For a moment, Peter was in shock, unable to move. In front of him lays a lab, but not any kind of lab. The Tony Starks lab. Iron-Man suits lay all over the place, most of them placed in cases around the wall. A few cars were around as well, engines out and half deconstructed, Peter could just see a glass door that lead to a lot more cars (that weren't taken apart). He could see a lot more projects all over, but he couldn't tell what it was.
'Goodbye Peter, it was lovely to meet you,' FRIDAY spoke, snapping Peter from his mind.
Numbly, Peter nodded and whispered a small, 'thank you, you too,' before making his way into the lab. He couldn't help but feel very anxious and scared, what if he wasn't even meant to be here. Oh my God, what if it gets him hurt, or- or killed.
Footsteps approached where Peter was, although he stood frozen in front of the elevator, scared that if he were to make a step closer he might get shouted at. He really wasn't sure how he was meant to cope with all this, all he wanted to do right now is go to the hideout and curl up on the sofa.
"Peter, right?" Tony nonchalantly asks as he walks into the lab and saw the kid stood there. Of course, he knew his name, but he didn't want to let Peter know that, after all Tony Stark wasn't someone who would remember peoples names.
Peter felt himself stiffen at the sudden voice, yes, he heard the footsteps, but that didn't stop him from getting scared out of him mind. He looked up from where his eyes had wandered to the floor and looked at Mr Stark in front of him.
"Yes sir," Peter replied, thankful that he was able to keep his voice from breaking in fear. Even in his fear, looking at Mr Stark he could tell the man was also slightly scared, he might not seem like it but Peter could still tell.
Tony looked at Peter momentarily, stopping what he had been doing, slightly shocked at the fact the kid had referred to him as sir.
"No need to call me sir kid, now get over here," Tony voiced, gesturing to where he was stood at one of the tables.
Peter doesn't reply, and instead walks carefully over to where Mr Stark is. He makes sure not to touch anything as he does so.
"Alright, for the time being, I don't really want you touching anything in here. There is a lot of things in here that could go boom with the smallest of movements. But, that doesn't mean I won't let you work in here, for you Spider-man stuff. Next time you be here, I'll make sure there is a place for you to work," Tony explained looking to Peter back and forth between his work.
"I-I understand, thank you sir," Peter replied, in shock that he would be able to work here.
Tony was going to say again not to call him sir, but one glance at the kid told him he wouldn't stop calling him that for a while.
"Anyways, let me show you around the lab a little," Tony said, though the kid hadn't said much and was obviously shy, he knew the kid would be a good person to have around and he would be happy to have him around- he hoped at least.
"Okay," Peter agreed softly, Tony began to move and without even thinking Peter flinched back slightly, feeling rather embarrassed that he had done that.
Tony saw as Peter flinched back harshly, part of Tony wanted to ask him and see what the matter was. But he knew he shouldn't ask, he really had no place to do so.
The pair walked around the lab, Tony showing everything he felt necessary. Peter, whenever he would see anything, even small he would whisper 'woah,' in shock, and part of Tony wanted to laugh every time he heard him say it. Tony was grateful it was Peter who was Spider-Man and not some stupid ass, after all, he doubted he would be able to deal with them being here.
After about ten minutes of walking around the lab, Tony turned to Peter. "Now that that's done, I'll show you to the common room, the others will want to see you and you might want to go there every now and again," Tony explained as the pair moved towards the elevator.
Peter could feel the fear rising within him, he was only just feeling remotely comfortable around Mr Stark and he didn't want to have to be around more people he didn't know. He had to remember though that he had to be careful with what he said, after all, this could be a ploy to make him feel safe before they decided enough was enough.
He pushed the thoughts away though and decided to ask some questions. "Um, do they- do they know who I am?" Peter asked, feeling his heart beat pick up a little.
They stepped into the elevator before Tony turned to him, "Pepper knows, sorry about that. She somehow knows everything. But I promise she won't say anything to anyone," Tony reassured Peter, feeling terrible that Pepper knew, but really, he hadn't told her, she just seemed to know.
Peter could feel more fear rising within him, but looking at Tony, he knew he was serious. And he had heard of Pepper Potts, and she really didn't seem like someone who would spill about his identity.
"That's- that's okay," Peter mumbled, really not sure if it was, but he wouldn't say anything. Glancing carefully at Mr Stark, he saw him bobbing back and forth on the back of his heels. "Am I allowed to tell my friend about this?" Peter asked carefully.
Tony looked at the kid quickly before turning back to the doors, "you can if you want, but that would mean telling them about you being Spider-Man, but if you don't want them to know, then you can tell them it's an internship."
Peter nodded and smiled a little, happy he was able to tell Ned about this 'internship.' Peter was still a little nervous though, after all he was meant to be meeting more people, and he really wasn't sure if he would cope very well with it.
Almost as though he could sense Peter's fear, he spoke up, "there's only three other people you should meet. Pepper Potts, the CEO, Happy Hogan, my security, but also one of my good friends, and Rhodey, who is also a good friend."
Peter nodded silently, having heard all those names. Pepper Potts, she was the leading female in industry and production (Peter also thought she was a badass and deserved all the recognition for that).
Happy Hogan was someone who Peter didn't know a lot about. He knew he had been working for Mr Stark for a long time and Mr Hogan wasn't someone who wouldn't be seen right next to Mr Stark nearly all the time.
Finally, there was Rhodey, also known as James Rhodes and he was the war machine, and was in the air force. He was one of Mr Starks closest friends and always had been.
Peter was broke from his reflection when the doors slowly slid open. Just as he was about to follow Mr Stark out the doors, Mr Stark stopped and turned to Peter, "don't be nervous around them, they're good people, and I'm more than sure you're get along with them," he said before walking out.
Peter couldn't help but be shocked from what Mr Stark had said. It was almost as if he could tell Peter was more than apprehensive about meeting them and wanted to help him. He shook himself quickly and followed Mr Stark out the doors, making sure to pay attention to his spider sense and make sure there was no danger near him.
As soon as he didn't feel his senses telling him anything, he looked around where he was, after all, he was actually in the Stark Tower, and not only that, he was in a place where no one would normally be allowed. And yet he was here.
The first thing he noticed when he stepped out the elevator was the big, L shaped sofa placed adjacent to the elevator doors. Love seats and bean bags were also placed around the sofa for more people. There was a huge, platinum TV placed in front of the sofa and Peter could spot some speakers dotted around it.
Peter noticed windows (although they were more like walls, considering there was nothing other than glass) looking out across the skyline and Peter somehow knew, even if you were to try to look in from the outside, it would be impossible.
He spotted a door that was opposite from where the elevator doors were and Peter could only guess what was behind there.
However, the pair were heading towards a hallway and Peter could hear voices from within there. Looking ahead of him he could make out some kitchen appliances and knew in here was the kitchen. The hallway was small, only about three meters long and before Peter could even comprehend what was happening he and Tony had made it in there.
As soon as they stepped into the room all conversations stopped and Peter couldn't help but shrink back slightly with all the eyes on him. He knew straight away they weren't trying to be intimidating, after all, Miss Potts was sending him a warm smile and Mr Hogan and Mr Rhodes were both looking at him was a warm look- close to smiling, but not quiet.
"You must be Peter," Pepper chimed, standing and walking closer to Peter.
Peter nodded, taking a deep breath before answering, "I am Miss Potts."
Tony couldn't help but smile a little at the way he addressed Pepper. He knew Pepper wouldn't mind him calling her by her first name, but he could also tell Peter was very nervous around them all and probably wouldn't stop addressing them with some kind of title for a while.
Pepper shook his head lightly and smiled warmly at him, "no need for the titles Peter, it's lovely to meet you though," Pepper spoke.
"It's nice to meet you too," Peter replied, and even though Miss Potts had told him he didn't need to call her Miss Potts, he knew he wouldn't be able to for a while.
Rhodey and Happy introduced themselves to Peter as well and once more, Peter used their titles and they told him there was no need. Once more though, Peter knew he wouldn't be able to stop straight away; it would take them.
They all began to talk to Peter, asking him about school, homelife (which Peter really tried to make seem better than it was. 'I live with just my Aunt now, but it's okay because she's really nice and I think of her a little as my mum (Peter couldn't help but cringe and hate everything he had said)),' friends and so on.
Throughout them all talking, Tony took note of some of the things Peter does. He won't make eye contact with anyone, even when you try to catch his eyes, it's almost like he avoids it like his life depends on it. If you move a little closer to him, he'll move back without even realising and curl a little into himself. Loud noises and sudden movement would make him flinch without him even noticing and when he spoke, sometimes it seemed as though he was reading it off a script.
Tony could tell the others could see it, and he was entirely grateful they didn't say anything. Tony could already they were taking a liking to Peter- much like Tony himself- and they would be happy having him around here.
Glancing at his watch, he saw it was already 5:30 and they had been talking for an hour. Tony would leave it, but he knew tomorrow the kid would be coming again and he didn't want to keep him for too long tonight.
"Alright kid, I'm going to steal you again," Tony managed to fit in when there was a lull in the conversation.
Peter nodded, and even though he had been happy to talk to them all, he was also happy to be able to leave. Being near so many people new, and talking to them for so long really set him on edge and every now and again he would have to remind himself of the danger that could come with talking to them and being near them.
They all bid him goodbye and the pair once again made their way to the elevator.
"Back to the lab please FRIDAY," Tony requested, startling Peter slightly.
Once the elevator began to move, Tony turned to Peter and sent him a small smile, "so, did you like talking to them?"
Peter thought about it for a moment before responding, "I did, they're nice people. I'm still a little scared, but it's not too bad." Peter decided to be truthful, normally when he lies he gets hurt.
Tony nodded and hummed, "like I said earlier, they're good people. They won't hurt you. And if you're comfortable, I can tell Happy and Rhodey that you're Spider-Man. It would make it a lot easier for you to be here as Spider-Man and not have to pretend to be another person. But it's one hundred percent your choice."
Peter thought about it for a moment. He really, really didn't want people to know who he really was. After all, the more people that knew, the more chances of May finding out. However, if he were going to be coming here, he didn't want to have to separate the two (Peter and Spider-Man that was) and he knew it would probably bite back in the end.
"Do you- do you trust them?" Peter questioned tentatively.
Tony stopped and really thought about the question. Those three were the only people he had left, and he knew he could count on them with his life now. He knew deep down, with any secret they would all keep it, no matter what. So, with that in mind, he turned back to Peter.
"With my life Kid."
Peter took the words in and thought about them for a moment. He knew how much those words meant, after all he only trusted thre- two people with his life. Ned and Bucky. Those two were the only people he knew he could keep in his life without being scared, and even though Ned didn't know who he was, that was more the fact he just doesn't know how to tell him.
"Okay, you can- you can tell them," Peter stutted quietly, hoping beyond hope that he had made the right decision.
Tony smiled and nodded, "will do kid. And when we get back into the lab, I need to give you something."
Peter tilted his head, about to ask what it is, but he was cut off by the elevator doors sliding open. They both walked out and Tony led them over to one of the work table, a case was sat on the table, and once closer to it, Peter could see a small web design on it.
Before Peter could question it, Tony pushed it towards Peter and smiled a little, "open it."
"Umm, are you sure?" Peter mumbled.
"Yes kid, I made it for you, now open it. I promise nothing back will happen," Tony promised, nodding towards the case.
Peter took a deep breath to calm his nerves and tried to make himself not think about all of the worst outcomes. He moved the box closer to him and pushed down on the two latches that kept them both together.
There was an audible click that echoed around the room and wormed it's way into Peter's skull. Before he opened it, he turned his head and looked at Mr Stark, who in turn, smiled slightly and nodded, indicating it was okay.
Peter pushed the box open and very nearly forgot how to breath. Inside the box was a brand new suit, his iconic blue and red suit had been recreated into something a lot similar, and yet something completely new.
Carefully Peter picked it up and he knew within an instant it was high tech.
"This- this is mine?" He murmured.
Tony laughed a little before saying, "well I don't know any other Spider-Man do I. Once you put the mask on, there should be an AI, she'll help you and talk you over everything. I was going to make you knew web shooters, but I decided it was something you could do, after all, I wasn't sure if you even needed new ones."
Peter couldn't help but gape in shock, "this is- this is wow."
"You can go try it on, and you can take it on a test run. Then tomorrow, if anything needs changing we can do it then," Tony said, making Peter beam in joy.
"Thank you so much Mr Stark," Peter breathed in pure shock.
Tony brushed it off lightly and shrugged his shoulders, "don't worry about it. FRIDAY will take you somewhere you can change and then show you how to get out. Oh, and make sure you still have your card with you. It will allow you access to the whole tower, FRIDAY will know who you are though so it doesn't matter too much, it's more for the other people to know not to kick you out," Tony explained.
Peter couldn't seem to muster any more words as he placed the suit back in the case and then gripped the case tightly, almost as though he feared it might be ripped away from him in any moment. He thanked Tony and continued to do so even as the elevator doors closed.
Tony shook his head in fondness and couldn't help the small chuckle that left his lips. Even though it was their first proper time spending time together, Tony knew Peter would fit in well here. He also knew that having Peter around the lab would be a good thing.
He could also tell Pepper, Rhodey and Happy liked him.
For the first time in a while, he felt normal, he felt as though everything was okay in his life and he had no worries at all.
Maybe having Peter around here wouldn't be too bad, he thought distantly as he began to work on another iron-man suit.
Maybe everything would be okay.
-
-
-
A/N- :)
5k words
- Bear x