Hello my beautiful followers, and future readers. You have requested for Darcy/Peter relationship and more focus on her high school like as Darcy Stark so I give you her Memoirs of a Teenage Snark. It is a continuation of the events that occurred in Chapter 16 of Another Stark One. First few chapters will show the aftermath of the kidnapping and the start of her relationship with Spider-man. I have made this separate story because half of my readers are getting impatient with the first story [they wanted me to go straight to the movies] while others wanted me to further write more about her life as a teenager.

I will still work on the other fic, starting with the Iron Man arc and so forth, so don't fret my lovelies. And please enjoy this one.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

He didn't know why but he just had to leave. After seeing her smile like that… it took quite a shock. It has been awhile since he has his Aunt May smile ever since… ever since Uncle Ben's death. Ever since that heartbreaking tragedy, he never saw Aunt May grin and laugh freely like before. The old woman would always distract herself by doing housework, and volunteering. It was never the same.

Such a terrible price he had to pay. In exchange for this immense and incomparable power he had acquired, tragedy was placed in his old life and everyone around him was affected. What was even more annoying was, even though he surpassed the capabilities of a normal human being, he couldn't do the simple things that would matter the most to the ones he loved. He couldn't do anything in his power to bring Aunt May up from the sorrow. He couldn't do anything but merely add to the pain that she was already suffering.

It was a hard responsibility—taking in a new alter ego. Not everyone was satisfied. Even himself. He felt that if he chose one thing over the other, his life as Peter Parker or his escapades as Spider-man, there will be always be consequences. If he chose to be Peter Parker for one night, a bank would get robbed, a house would be set on fire—a giant lizard would attack Midtown, Manhattan. If he chose to be Spider-man, Aunt May would have to lose sleep again because her only living relative is not home yet at 2 in the morning. He'd have to lie again, in her face, how he got bruises and cuts all over his body, and why random areas of the house are getting destroyed by his super-strength. Living each life is hard enough, living both of them is a whole other story.

So how can he make Aunt May smile like that again?

Being the genius himself, he figured out that he should keep the source of her happiness, close and well—Darcy. That little girl who suffered a brutal kidnapping just last night should be kept safe. If she's happy then Aunt May is happy. If she's smiling, maybe Aunt May will smile again. It doesn't have to be because of him. The fact that he's doing this for her is enough. It proves that he didn't fully evolve into one selfish jerk.

Darcy. That pale-faced girl should just be around his age, maybe a couple years younger. He could still remember those dark auburn curls that flittered through the cold wind as she took down her captor with a Taser. He remembered her wavering voice as she cried out her fears and worries to him. And those aquamarine orbs that pierce through the lenses of his mask, they were so strong, brave. He only saw them electrified with tears and agonized cries, he wondered what color they'd turn into once she smile. Would it turn into a calm cerulean like the New York sky? Or flicker with more electrifying intensity that shocked him as their first meeting? He was curious. He was interested.

"Sir, hello?" a voice said, breaking him out from his lingering thoughts.. He blinked a few times to realize that he was inside a small bakery. The smell of warm bread wafted into his nose, and he then figured why he was there in the first place.

"Oh, sorry. I was spacing out," Peter murmured while straightening his slouched back. He scratched his head confusingly as he reached for his wallet from his bag pack. The action was quite romping, involving him to hit the little waving cat charm on the counter and the person behind him. He muttered apologies and curses as he took out bills for the cashier.

"Uh, how much is it?" he asked, but the woman only gave a curt weak laugh.

"How much is what?" she asked feebly. Peter raised his head to finally meet the woman's eyes. Her round face contorted into a sly grin as she stared back.

Peter gave out a shaky laugh, "Ha… I didn't order anything yet, did I?

The cashier didn't reply but simply smiled, "Welcome to Paris Baguette, sir. May I take your order?"

He arched his eyebrows and resumed scratching the tousled mane, offering a weak, helpless grin. How clumsy it is of him. Typical of Peter Parker. He wasn't quite sure about his real purpose to go to this store. Hell, he doesn't even remember how he got there.

"Uh…" he started, still scratching his head, "I think I'm looking for a cake…"

"Well, sir, you have come to the right place," the clerk smirked, "Do you have any specifications? Preferences? Type? Flavor?"

"Oh, right," he murmured, scanning his surroundings to view the ornately decorated pastries arranged inside a glass case. Brown eyes looked for a certain cake. He wasn't sure what it looked like but he knew he wanted that specific one. But unfortunately, he didn't see it.

"Um, I'm looking for this chocolate cake…"

"Surely! We have the Mocha Supreme Cake, our Double White Chocolate, Tiramisu Crumble and—

"Strawberries." He cut her off. "The one with strawberries." He breathed out the words with an ardent tone, recalling the fleeting memories of Aunt May talking about it to the nurse.

The lady frowned at him, which earned her a disappointed stare. That look meant they didn't have it. Has he gone to the wrong store?

"I'm afraid our last Chocolate Strawberry was taken… just ten minutes ago…." She smiled apologetically, looking at him with timid almond eyes.

He released a quick sigh, and ran his fingers over his messy head. The woman continued to mutter more recommendations for him, asking to try other cakes but he was already so set on that cake. Images of his Aunt May smiling nostalgically added more to the stimulus to him buying the pastry. That cake reminded her of the good old times. The last time he ate that cake, Uncle Ben was still alive, she was still happy, and he was also happy.

He stared into the air of the small bakery. The lights warmly glowed over the whole premise and he could see the little dust particles dancing and floating in the air. His ears perked up with his alerting instincts. Long, slender fingers flittered impatiently, while his stretched the muscles of lanky body. His breathing slowed and paced with his heartbeat. His senses always spike up when he sinks into a pensive mode. It was a natural process for him. He needed those few seconds to just think. At times like this, when he feels incompetent and useless, he resorts to the one thing he is only confident in—his mind. Luck may not be compatible with him but his intellect is his trusted and only friend. Also, the determination to keep his Aunt May overwhelmed all means. It was time to take matter into his own hands.

"You say that it was just taken by someone ten minutes ago?" he asked with a slight tone of enthusiasm and urgency. When he meant taking thing into his own hands, he meant the cake. "Who bought it?"

The woman raised her eyebrows at him, slowly catching up. She knew what he was going to do and was quite amused by it. She hasn't seen anyone go through such trouble for such thing. "It was some lady in her late twenties. Short, long straight brunette, wearing a black turtle neck and a skirt. I think she went that way towards east Midtown."

Somehow and inexplicably excited, Peter quickly put his wallet back into his bag and took a quick glance at the cakes presented in the case. He mumbled a small goodbye to the cashier and pushed the people away in the line to get through the exit. The garrulous sounds of taxi cabs replaced the classical ambiance of the bakery. A flock of crowd bombarded him and carried his lanky figure along the pavement current. He didn't look where he was going, he only followed the direction the woman gave him and eyes locked for a short brunette carrying a blue bag. He stretched his neck up and tip-toed against the passing crowd in the sidewalks of New York Manhattan to look for the girl but found no success. He zoomed artfully through the energetic city crowd. He tried to listen for any hints of the woman talking about a cake but the vociferous honks of taxi cabs and people blocked his ears. He needed somewhere quiet; somewhere he can focus his senses. He needed somewhere high up. But Peter Parker can't climb buildings and jump through roofs.

Good thing, he's also Spider-man.

Walking swiftly among the busy Saturday afternoon crowd, he looked left and right for a secluded alleyway. He knew he can't just shoot his arm up in the air and shoot webs to stick through buildings. He also just can't start swinging high up in the sky in his worn-out hoodies and jeans. So as he found a long, narrow alleyway just between two stores and within a second, as the normal world carried on with their own mundane life, he swung into a whole new different one.

As he perched onto one of the cornices of the buildings, he scanned the bottom surroundings. The crowd became a solid block of color with their heads only visible to his eye. He sat languidly on the edge, with his slouched back and messy hair. The November air was crisp and cool, he considered if he should take off his jacket or not. He pictured himself swinging around the skyscrapers of Manhattan with his red and blue outfit with a windbreaker. He chuckled and shook away the thought. If he's going to be a better superhero, he should suck it up with the weather.

His pants slid to the ground and he shed his jacket off, revealing his well-known costume. The ostentatious colors of his crimson and navy suit contrasted with the bright cerulean sky. His auburn hair flittered with the autumn breeze as he reached for his mask in his bag pack. His eager chocolate brown eyes were then replaced by blue and gold tinted optical lenses. He tilted his head as he looked down for his prey. Red webbed fingers flexed as he felt the adrenaline pumped through his system. Every time he wears the suit, a strong sense of confidence surges through him. As if he was suddenly cloaked with undeserved power, everything that Peter Parker would worry about is gone. It was a chance for him to renew himself, to change things his weak alter-ego can't and that is—to get that cake.

"Blue bag. Blue plastic bag," he muttered to himself as he scanned the crowd below him, "Where are you, blue bag?" The cake he was looking for was fairly small in size so to find it in that horde of people was a daunting task. But thanks to his enhanced eyesight, he was able to spot the plastic bag right away. And look, the brunette was cute.

He did not hesitate to just push himself off the building to take a swan dive. Heights no longer became a problem. It became his advantage. It became his friend. Taking a swift somersault, he twisted his body to land on the brick stone face of the building and began running. Pigeons flew frantically as he quickly sauntered across the brick façade, descending down to his target. The brunette was walking mindlessly across the sidewalk, with one hand with the bag and one with her phone. He decided to run faster, worried that she might go hail a cab or something.

With one big push from the wall, he bounced off towards the woman's way, landing perfectly in front of her. Everybody around her reacted at once by gasping and jumping. The woman targeted, on the other hand, lost grip of the phone and the bag. Spider-man caught both instinctively. He looked up inwardly just to meet her dumbfounded face and breathless mouth. Grinning under the mask, he handed the phone to her.

"Uh, hi," he cocked his head to side, to look somehow innocent. But the people around began to gather around, muttering nervously as if he just committed a crime. He raised his arms up to ease the tension in the crowd and said, "Guys, nothing to see here. I'm just a regular guy trying to talk to the sweet lady."

But the people didn't move an inch.

Sighing, he moved his attention towards the astounded young lady. The lady was frozen still, hazel eyes cracked open, catatonic and confused. He scratched his head, also puzzled of what to do.

"Your name is Emily, right?" he said softly, "I heard from the guy on the phone…"

The woman uttered no words. She just nodded.

"Well, Emily," he said slowly, walking closer to her, "I am very sorry for scaring you. My name is Spider-man and I'm not menace, contrary to journalistic beliefs." He didn't know why, why he added the bit about not being a menace. Jameson has been in his ass for awhile now, like an annoying splinter.

And he found that introducing himself is a good way to start. Isn't it the most civilized thing to do?

"I-I know," she finally said, with overwhelming nervousness evident in her voice, "Everyone knows who you are." He took a step back and playfully sighed. "Well, that makes things easier then." He laughed.

The lady did not have the courage to respond. She did not what to say. The man in front of her was the Spider-man. Freaking Spider-man! He was the one who caught 67 robbers in a week. The one who saved Midtown. What does he need from a woman like her? She didn't need any saving.

"I need a favor," he started, surprising the woman even more. What kind of favor does he need?

"You see, uh, I don't really know how to work this out. This is probably the first and last thing you'll ever hear this. No normal people would ask you this but then again I'm Spider-Man you know. I'm not normal. But then, I shouldn't be asking this kind of question. This is just plain creepy and weird and wow, this is kind of awkward so I'm just going to say this straight: Can I have your cake?" he said in one breath. Everyone around watching almost tilted their heads in pure confusion. It was almost comical.

The lad just opened her mouth out wide, but no words came out. Spider-man looked at his hand and realized he was already holding the bag that contained the cake.

"Yeah, this cake," he continued, raising his hand to show the bag, "Can I have this?"

"W-What?" she said, even more flabbergasted than before. What could he possibly need with her cake? It was just a cake. A normal chocolate cake. A superhero like him would only need such a thing if there was something bad in it. "Oh my god!" she gasped, taking two full steps back, "Is there a bomb inside?!"

At that instant, everyone around began walking away, gasping, screaming, and panicking. Spider-man raised both of his hands to calm everyone down, "Guys. Guys, wait. GUYS!" he bellowed, stopping everyone in their tracks, "There is no bomb! I just want the cake!"

"God, you people give me heart palpitations." He sighed, "Look, lady. This cake is Chocolate Strawberry right? From that bakery by the corner?"

The lady nodded.

"Okay, you see. I really need this particular cake. The cashier told me it was the last one and you took it so I went to go find and you and please give this cake. Look, I'll pay you," he reached for his pockets and took out two twenty-dollar bills, "I saw that the other cakes are 40 bucks, so I guess this one is too. So here,"

The lady nodded, but refused the money.

"No, no, you don't understand, lady. This maybe my allowance for this month, but that's not important. Please rid me of any guilt and just accept the money."

The lady accepted.

"I apologize for scaring you and taking your cake. I just really need it." He said quickly while slowly backing away preparing to shoot his web, "I don't mean any harm. I just needed this. Thank you very much, Emily. I'm so sorry for scaring you again. You're a lovely soul and I have to go. Thanks again."

Everybody gaped as he took off in one blink of an eye. They only heard a swishing sound and the next thing they see is him swinging around the buildings of Korea Town. One commented that Spider-man may be after all just a normal human being with their own urgent needs. One stated that this world is dwindling down to the point where anyone can feel like taking things from other people just became they crawl through walls. The lady, on the hand, as she stood still watching that red and blue figure diminishing in the sky, whispered, "No, I think it's for a girl."

He tried really, really hard to swing carefully. The cake in his arms was very fragile. He didn't want it to get ruined. All he needed to do was to head to Mount Sinai and give it, hoping that she'll smile. He knew that everything that occurred last night can't be easily forgotten. No one could ever forget such tragedies. He knew that by heart. But he hoped that this little gesture would someone bring a smile that he never saw under all those tears and dirt.

He didn't know, really. He had no clue as to why is he doing all of this for Darcy. Sure, he had victims saved by him in the past, but he never went past the all the "thank you"s. He never worked so hard for such a person. Sure, it has been established that he somehow was envious of her and her relationship with his Aunt May and her courage. That, alone, already built one level of admiration for her. But there was something else that was bugging him. It was something so strong that it drove him to do this far. There was this overwhelming curiosity and urge to see what she looks like smiling and laughing. There was something in her that makes him want to learn more about her. To see what kind of person she was, her personality, her affinities. She emanated this obscure mysteriousness he yearned to unfold. He wanted to learn more about Darcy but he was still unaware as why.

"Maybe it's the watch," he murmured to himself as he swung from building to building. He caught a glimpse of the barren trees of Central Park and the well-known hospital. He was close.

Maybe it was the watch. Ever since he encountered the British-talking watch, he wondered what kind of person she was. To have such advanced and unprecedented technology, he wondered where she got it from. He already assumed that she was already rich but the genius in him, looked for that pioneering mind behind the gadget.

"Yeah, that's why," he stated, "That's why I kept the watch. I wanted to see who made it."

But was it really? Is it really because he wanted to learn the technology? Or was it because of something else?

He took one big swing towards the roof of the hospital. He landed perfectly and set the bag on the floor as he realized that he doesn't really have a plan of giving this cake to her. Spider-man can't just waltz inside the hospital and tell the nurses that he has a cake to deliver. That thought was just plain awkward and weird. He considered finding her room but he can't just go around crawling on the walls of the hospital and peeking at every room.

"I could go down as Peter and just give the cake to the nurse," he suggested to himself, "Nope that would reveal my identity."

Sighing, he decided jump down to the nearest tree to look down the building for inspiration. He perched himself on one of the branches and scanned the surroundings to see if he can find a person to just hand the cake to. He could go ask a nurse or maybe some doctor.

"But doctors are big fat prudes. They wouldn't give a cake to a patient." Then he realized, "OH what the hell. I'm giving a cake to a patient. Stupid, stupid, stupid."

He sunk himself to a moment of self-deprecation and humiliation by hitting his head on the tree trunk. The orange and yellow leaves shook violently as he continued to curse upon himself. He should have planned this out more carefully in the beginning.

"Yeah, Happy, she's fine. She's resting right now," he suddenly heard. It seemed like it came from the entrance of the hospital. Some woman was on the phone. But he ignored and continued hitting himself.

"Tony is with her right now. Yes, he got his scotch. Dr. Conrad allowed it. No, I only gave him one glass." The lady continued, "Did Stane call? Oh, he did. Did you make up an excuse? Oh yes, good, good, thanks Happy. You and James can visit Darcy later when she wakes up. She is just tired, that's all."

He scoffed to himself. What kind of person is allowed to drink in the hospital? The guy must have some kind of influence to be able to drink alcohol inside a hospital. He remembered the doctor's name from yesterday. He was the one who greeted him and took in Darcy. He looked like a nice guy, but considering how he just allowed a guy to drink inside a hospit- did the woman just say Darcy?

He straightened himself and leaned closer to hear the woman's voice more clearly. This woman knew Darcy, and she sounded like she's close to her. Peering in from the tree, he saw a rather tall woman pacing back and forth on the pavement of the hospital garden. She was clad in a simple cotton trench coat and sleek black editor pants. Her long straight blonde hair swayed, twisting in her red and black heels as she whispered on the phone.

"The Doctor said she has a concussion and will have to be in bed for two weeks," she muttered, "Yeah, I already called the school. I told them that she got sick and asked for a break. She can go back to school after the winter break. Did James call about other girl? Uh-huh. Hmm. Really? Well, I'm glad she's well. Is the Ambassador pressing charges? No, it's fine. I'll call him later. Well, continue on your lunch. Darcy will be awake by the time you two finish. No, no it's fine. I already ate. Thank you, though, Happy. Okay, bye."

Pepper shut off her phone and breathed out. She exasperatedly inserted a small lock of lair behind her ear. She can never get used with the wig. Moreover, the night was overpoweringly tiring and the morning drained the energy out of her. The tests involved her walking around the hospital with no time to sit down. Tony insisted that she stay in the room and wait like him due to his identity but the anxiety that seeped in her system remained in her fingertips. Moreover, Tony kept asking for a glass of scotch like a little child. He completely disregarded her whole speech last night about being a parent. She guessed old habits die hard.

Grey blue eyes looked up to the clear cerulean sky. There was no trace of the storm that brought darkness to their hearts and soul last night… as if it did not happen at all. But she knew that this was something unforgettable. This kind of trauma will continue to haunt them forever. Pepper just hoped that recourse will find them sooner. She'll accept about anything, anything to distract Darcy of the pain.

"Um, hello? Psst, blonde lady, hey," a voice suddenly called to her. A voice that sounded so adolescent—she recognized it. Her sharp memory immediately recalled it from last night, when Tony was having JARVIS check the man who had Darcy's watch. Taking a deep breath, she turned around to face the voice and there he was.

"Whoa, you're tall," the masked man commented as he stood in front of her, back straight and chin up. Pepper grinned inwardly. The bright red and blue outfit was certainly more ostentatious than usual as the sun shone over him. Doctors, nurses and other random passersby stopped in their tracks to witness the famous Spider-man standing in front of Pepper Potts.

"And you're just a kid," Pepper remarked breathlessly. Spider-man raised his eyebrows behind his mask in chagrin.

"Hey, I'm still growing…" He was surprised that someone would actually notice that he was just a kid. He was already taller than an average 16- year old and manlier due to his powers so no one would really see that that he was just a teenager. But Pepper, who was actually a couple of inches taller, saw it.

"How old are you really?" Pepper narrowed her grey-blue eyes at him, stepiing closer. Soider-man took a step back, alerted by the woman's sharpness. "You seem like you could just be the same age as my daughter," she added, " If she was to do something like this—oh my god, do your parents know about this?!" she said loudly, loud enough for the surrounding people to overhear. The remark sent a small pang into his chest. No one knows that he's doing something like this—that he's living a dangerous double life. None who are still living.

"Whoa, calm down, lady," he raised his palms up, conscious of the ongoing mutterings around him, "Those are none of your business!"

"Of course, it's my business!" Pepper countered, "I need to know about the person who just saved my daughter." At that moment, she realized that she was actually talking to the man that saved her daughter—that she was actually talking to Spider-man. So, just before the masked superhero could retort something back, Pepper pulled him close to a hug.

His first instincts would be to throw the woman overhead for such an unexpected move but the feeling subsided as the smell of flowers wafted into his nose. She smelled exactly like Darcy when he embraced her last night and the sensation, the embrace… it was heartwarming. He soon forgot his real purpose. He forgot about the cold November air that he was dreading earlier. Instead, nostaligia filled his system, making him remember things that he forgot that was still present. He began remembering the warmth in his soul that he used to feel back when he was just a small kid. He began remembering the feeling of a mother's embrace.

"Thank you…" Pepper whispered as she pulled away, "Please, if you need anything. Darcy and her father and I are greatly indebted by you. We would do anything to repay you. I'll say thank you again, and again because no greater gratitude can ever compare to your courage and strength for saving my Darcy. Oh my god, thank you." She hugged him again.

He couldn't say anything back right away. The way that her grey eyes just gazed at him softly with a small grin on her face—it brought back thoughts to ponder. He realized that moments like this becomes a reminder. Reminding him that having a double life like this was worth it.

"N-no problem," he stammered, earning a gentle smile from the woman, "Oh and here—" he handed her the bag, "This is for Darcy. I heard it was her birthday… So I thought I should… um... yeah."

He can breathe easier now.

Grey eyes widened at the sight. Pepper didn't know what to say or do. Of all the unexpected things that happened recently, this tops everything. "Oh my. I-I don't know what to say," she stuttered, looking up to thank the man once again but all she saw was a lone maple tree shedding its sun-kissed leaves.

Pepper had two things going on her mind when she opened the door of Darcy's room. One was reminding herself to research further more about the mysterious web-head of New York City. The other wished she had the power to freeze time. After witnessing Darcy and Tony in a tight embrace, she wished for time to hold still for just a few more seconds. She wasn't quite sure of what happened but she felt like it was not needed to ask. Knowing Tony, it's not like she'll get any answers anyway.

"Hey," she greeted. Tony coolly leaned back to his chair and greeted back. Darcy flashed her a big smile, and seemed more in peace. Pepper didn't know what happened but she was glad it occurred.

"I'm kinda growing on that blonde wig, Ms. Potts," Tony nonchalantly remarked, "It brings out your eyes."

"Really, Mr. Stark?" she slyly grinned back, "I'm sure yours would look good on you too. Where is it?"

Tony merely scoffed in reply. He'll do anything he can to not wear such thing. he'll stay inside the hospital room forever if he had to.

"I'm sure we can find another one," she teased.

Meanwhile the girl on the bed, sat up with curious eyes directed on the small box in Pepper's hands. It was topped with three plates and forks. "What's that, Ma?" Darcy asked.

"Oh this? It's nothing," she replied, a hint of playful mischief present in her voice, "Some kid just gave it to me when I was downstairs. He says it's for you…"

"A boy?" Tony raised his eyebrows, "Who?"

Darcy smirked at her father's reaction and at the same time was confused about the mystery boy. "Boy? Was it Alex?"

"Who's Alex?" Tony asked, narrowing his eyes but Pepper ignored him.

"No, I don't think it was Alex," Pepper added with a sly smile, "He was wearing red and blue tights."

At that instant, Darcy perked up. With a huge smile replacing her small grin, and blue eyes that were as bright as the sky, she sat up on her bed, and propped the eating desk in front of her. Tony raised his eyebrows at the statement, while Darcy beamed, "Spider-man?! Are you sure?! For real?!"

Pepper tried her hardest to maintain her composure. To see Darcy so happy brought overwhelming warmth to her soul. It was as if it was Christmas morning all over again. She, herself, wanted to jump for joy too. Yesterday was such a tragedy. She did not know what to do move the pain and sadness away. But thanks to a certain web-head, today became a gift—a source for only joy and happiness.

"Yup, honey," Pepper crooned as she set the plates and forks in front of the girl, "He gave it to me then just went away. We really need to have him over and have a nice little chat."

"Don't I get a say in this?" Tony interjected, "You're talking about some stranger in tights." But Pepper merely ignored him.

Then as she placed the box on the desk, she looked to her daughter with a soft gaze, "Happy Birthday, Darcy."

Tony took the liberty to open the box, somehow upset that he did not think of buying a cake in the first place and yet amused at the same time by the fact that some kid, who claims that he's a spider, had a nerve to send one to his daughter. But all feelings of insecurity went away as he released a loud hearty laugh. Pepper and Darcy cocked their head in confusion as he continued to chuckle at the cake.

"Is something wrong?" Pepper asked, "Did the cake get ruined?"

Darcy, curious, went ahead to look inside the box too. She began to break into a fit of giggles, turning into a light shade of red. Pepper leaned in to see, only to turn around right away, blushing in embarrassment.

Tony playfully pulled her back, moving closer to take the cake out of the box. "Oh come on, Pepper. Have a slice," he said with breaking guffaws, "This is a once in lifetime chance to celebrate this day."

Darcy joined him with the laughter, giggling some more. The action brought some a burning sensation around her neck but she learned to ignore. Everyone is distracted and that is how it should be.

"Yeah, that kid and I need to have a talk," Pepper declared, staring dumbfounded at the message on the cake, "Did he think that this was some kind of joke?"

"No, Ma," Darcy chuckled, "I'm sure it's not that."

"No, this is no laughing matter, Darcy!" Pepper countered and Tony grinned some more.

"No, according to the cake, Ma," the girl giggled, looking at the cake's again, "I just got out my gastric bypass surgery and, and- my name's Bob."

I made Peter a 16-year old instead of 17. I don't know why. I'll probably changed it again. Or not. Idk.

I also apologize for all grammatical and spelling mistakes. I could not use my computer due to the disaster brought by Hurricane Sandy. All the power went out for a week and many, many friends' homes are flooded and destroyed. So I typed this chapter using my dying phone and just copy and pasted it to when I go to Starbucks to charge.

Yeah, my english dies whenever the wifi goes out. Sorry again.