Mission P.S.
Written by Stawberryfield.
Chapter 3: Phase one
All rights belong to their rightful owners.
"You know Tony, I have never seen you be on time for a meeting… let alone show up ten minutes prior to it," Pepper commented, as she sat down in a chair, and placed her bag next to the chair.
Tony and Pepper where in the Avenger Tower, sitting on floor 45, in a meeting room, which were connected to Peppers office. This floor was where those with the highest stand in Stark Industry worked, and therefore Peppers office was here too… with the meeting room attached.
It was a rather normal room. Consisting of a long table, with chairs on each side, and a few paintings on the wall. A whiteboard was placed at the end, not that they were going to use it at this meeting… actually they were only going to be three.
And Peter was the third person.
"Well, you were the one who said i wasn't showing enough commitment to have an intern, so here i am, ten minutes prior, to show my commitment," Tony told, and gave Pepper a smile… which wasn't returned.
They were sitting at the end of the tabel, in comfortable leather chairs, and a chair was left for Peter on the opposite side.
"Being on time isn't the same as being committed to something," Pepper snapped back. Pepper wasn't happy about this meeting at all, and felt as though it was a waste of her time… however she couldn't let Tony interview a sixteen year old boy alone, so she had to clear an hour from her schedule to be here.
She was as always dressed for business. Her hair was gathered in a ponytail, light makeup had been applied applied, and she wore a pinstripe business suit to show who was the boss. She was wearing heels too, to seem a bit taller, but she still looked professional. However what surprised her wasn't her own outfit, it was Tony, who had dressed up for once.
The man had actually styled his own hair, and trimmed his goatee. On top of that he had decided to wear a suit, which was newly pressed, and sat perfectly tight against his body. Of course some designer had tailored it to his measures, and chosen the red and blue colors, in hues that worked with his skin tone and hair color. It was just rarely he wore those suits, as he preferred his old cheap shirts and jeans. And Pepper silently began to wonder if he was trying to impress this boy.
'You know, I really think you are making a huge thing out of this," Tony commented back. It wasn't like he an Pepper was arguing right now, but Tony was under a lot of stress at the moment, thanks to his son and Fury, and he didn't have the time to defend his actions to Pepper. Yet, he was doing just that.
"I am making a huge thing out of it, because you have been acting weird since you began to talk about getting an intern," Pepper told him in a calm voice, and was the opposite of his nervous self. Although he did everything to hide it for Pepper.
"And is it wrong?" Tony snapped back, as he took a sip of his hot coffee, and burned his tongue slightly, not that he showed it. "Perhaps i am just changing a bit… taking more responsibility and being on time," he defended himself, and looked at the table. He had made sure to get Dr. Pepper as he knew that was Peter's favorite, and someone had placed a bowl of fruit too, not that anyone would eat anything from it.
"Tony you aren't changing," Pepper sighed, and was trying to get to the point, since Tony wasn't going to admit it on his own. "But you have changed since yesterday, and i think you are nervous… i can see it in your eyes, and the way you talk. Something is bothering you," She confronted him, and Tony's only defense was to deny everything.
"No… no no, absolutely not," he said immediately, and wasn't going to admit to anything. Pepper couldn't know what was going on, or she would run away.. screaming.
"Don't lie Tony Stark!" Pepper told him sharply, and gave him a warning glare. She didn't like all the times he had held the truth from her, only to discover it later.
"Pepper i am fine, i just happen to be on time," Tony hissed, and couldn't take this conversation.
He was stressed enough as it was, and Pepper was starting to sense something was wrong. However, Tony had no intention of telling her what was bothering him, and he knew he could relax some if everything went well today. But so much where at stake, if Peter said no to this internship Tony Stark was fucked, and had no idea what to do… except kidnapping him. But that was still a bad idea.
Which meant that this time he actually had to impress someone, which was something he wasn't used to, and that made him nervous as hell. His hands were even shaking slightly at the moment, but he was trying to control the situation and be on top of things. It was just hard… especially after Pepper insisted to be present at the meeting.
"I only you would tell me what was wrong," Pepper sighed, and squeezed his hand to show her support and that she loved him. And Tony squeezed back, but shook his head at the same time. He couldn't involve her in this.
"I… look i just need to do some things, and everything will be fine," he promised her, and gave her a reassuring smile. He knew it wasn't enough, but Pepper would have to take those words or nothing
"But if you got all of that to take care of… then perhaps this isn't the best time for an intern," Pepper tried to convince him, and didn't understand the connection between the problem and hiring an intern.
"Still not a fan of the idea?" Tony asked, and smiled. When he presented the idea to her yesterday she had almost dropped her jaw in surprise. Tony had never cared about the interns, or showed any interest in the youth. Pepper was actually positively sure Tony would scare the poor kid away, and terrorize him with his personality.
"In no way… i can't see what you would need one for. It's not a toy Tony, it's an actual person, whom you would be responsible for," Pepper warned him, almost like they were talking about getting a child, and not an intern. However none of it scared Tony, who only smiled.
"I got plenty of tasks Peter can solve for me, and i know Pepper. I will treat him well, feed him and all that," he promised her with a cocky smile and a wink.
"Very funny… clearly shows how mature you are," Pepper smiled sarcastically, and then looked down at her papers she had brought along. She had printed Peters application out, and she took a look at it once more, and shook her head. It was really one of the worst applications she had read in a long time, and she still didn't understand why it hadn't been send straight to the trash can. "And i mean, if you wanted an intern… why him?" Pepper questioned, and pointed at his picture. Her finger just right under his smiling face. "You could have anyone you wanted… and hopefully someone who could write an actual application," she argued, and was still rather confused about the whole situation. "I don't even get how you ended up looking at this one," she muttered tiredly.
"Well… i think he is just fine, and i like how… lose he is about writing applications," Tony lied, not sure how to praise it. "Anyway, I was the same at his age…"
"So you think taking him under your wing will be good idea, if he is already slightly like you?" Pepper interrupted, with a raised eyebrow that said you can't be serious.
"No, it's the exact opposite!" Tony sighed, and lied. "And want him to become better than i ever was at his age… you know guide him around a few holes here and there, and give him a few advices. I view myself as a kind of mentor to him," he told proudly, and Pepper still looked skeptical, but her face softened some.
"So this is really just about your own ego?" she asked, clearly a bit disappointed, while she took a sip of her own coffee.
"What no… no, it's about him. It's just, he has been through some of the same things as i have, and i don't want him to make the mistakes i did…" Tony sighed, and tried not to give too much away… but it wasn't going that well.
"Tony is there something i should know about this child?" Pepper asked rather puzzled…. she had never seen him care that much about another human being. But she could only guess he had found someone he could see himself in… although that could end badly.
"Well ehh... look i saw the application, and it's long story how," he smoothly lied, hoping he could win her over with a bit of pity. "But I saw it and made a small background check… and well, he has lost his family like i have, and i can just see how he is going down the same road i was," he lied, although that wasn't the truth at all. Peter was not like him at all, he wasn't drinking or having sex with every female that he met… but Tony didn't say that to Pepper either.
"Oh... " Pepper said and suddenly had some empathy for the boy. "I am really sorry to hear that, but is this the right place for him to be if he is feeling bad?" she asked worried, as Tony could make this kid feel a lot worse than he already felt.
"It's the perfect place," Tony promised and smiled. He could clearly see Pepper wasn't really into the idea, but the story of the boy who had lost his parents had softened Pepper slightly. Tony had perhaps forgotten to mention Peters parents died when he was five, and it was his uncle who died recently. But that was a minor detail. Tony wasn't proud of how he was using Peters past to his advantage, but they were in a bad situation at the moment, so everything was permitted.
"Well… look i am not agreeing with this, but if you really think you can help him…" Pepper trailed, suddenly unsure what she should think. She thought it was great if Tony actually wanted to take time out of calendar to help a young boy, but also very strange and very unlike Tony. He was a good person, but he mostly showed that side of him with donations to charity, and saving the world.
"Then it's worth it," Tony smiled. Pepper wondered if he perhaps wanted a child himself, and wanted to practice with a teenager first, but she quickly threw that thought aside… they weren't going to have any children anytime soon.
"Look," she sighed, feeling slightly defeated… also because she knew he would do this with or without her permission. "We are going to talk with... "
"Peter," Tony informed her, and Pepper nodded… Tony wasn't good with names, so why could he remember this one.
"Peter, we are going to talk with Peter in a moment, and if he wants too he can be your private intern," she told, and Tony's lit up into a huge smile. "However!" Pepper continue before he could become too happy about it. "He has to say yes on his own, you won't force him into it!" she warned, and Tony nodded.
"Of course… i would never do that!" he promised her… but it was a lie. He had to get Peter as his intern so he could keep him occupied, and if he said no at this meeting, he would go to his home and pursue him and his aunt if needed be!
"And!" Pepper continued giving him a strict look. "I will have a meeting alone with Peter next week, should he accept the offer, and if he tells me it's too much for him, I will either send him home, or to another section!" she warned, and Tony nodded in understanding, although he was going to make sure that wouldn't happen.
"Sure sure!" he smiled, like a little child who had gotten his will.
"Promise me you won't terrorize him!" Pepper begged, thinking of how he had treated her when she was his assistant.
"Calm down… I have changed over the years," Tony tried to calm her, but she only raised her eyebrow. "I have changed some!" Tony insisted, but Pepper simply shook her head.
"But not that much!" Pepper insisted…
And so they were arguing forth and back as a knock could be heard on the door, and Pepper and Tony managed to give each other a look, before they looked toward the door, which was softly opened by Peppers assistant… Tiffanny or something like that.
"Mr. Peter Benjamin Parker is here for his interview," she told them. She had only poked her head inside, so Tony couldn't see if anyone was behind her… but his heart began to beat in his chest… and his hands felt warm.
Now was the moment. He had stayed away from his son for so many years, but now he was going to face him for the first time. He knew everything about him, yet it didn't make him any less nervous. This was the moment everything had led up to, and although Pepper had managed to calm him down some, he was still nervous as hell.
Would this even work… well it had to, for Peter's sake. But for the first time Tony was afraid another person wasn't going to like him. He had never cared about image before, but he did today, and he quickly checked over his clothing, making sure everything was perfect.
"Please send him in," Pepper told her assistant with a smile, and took a sip of her coffee.. she was the only one who wasn't nervous.
Outside Peter was waiting, just as nervous as Tony, but he was rather clueless compared to Tony Stark.
Peter had been nervous since yesterday, and he couldn't explain why. He didn't expect to get the internship anyway, so there was no reason to be nervous about anything. The application was terrible, and that he had reached this far was a miracle.
He hadn't been able to eat much today anyway, an apple for breakfast, and a few veggies for lunch. He was so nervous his stomach couldn't handle much food, and he promised himself to find the nearest burger bar when he was done… or he would pass out from starvation.
Peter had just been released from classes, and so he didn't have a chance to dress up in any way, and whoever was on the other side would have to see him as he was. They would therefore have to deal with his blue, white and yellow hoodie, messy hair and sneakers. Not to mention his schoolbag which he hadn't been able to drop of before he got here.
He had been tempted to dress as Spiderman, and just swing through the city, but he felt it was unwise to go that near the Avengers Tower dressed as a vigilante. Therefore he had to rush with the metro, but he had managed to get here on time.
In the email it had been told the meeting would take place at level 45, so he had upon his entrance in the building taken the elevator straight to that floor, only to be greeted with a spacious white reception, and a nice lady named Tiffany, who smiled and told him to wait a moment.
And so he waited beside a huge plant, trying to stay in the background, while she poked her head into a meeting room. Peter had sort of hoped to get a glimpse of who would attend the meeting… not that he expected to know them. It was probably some sort of middle boss, but it was nice to put a face on, so he could prepare himself.
Because his heart was beating faster and faster, and his palms were sweaty, while his head turned slightly red. He was shy as hell, and although he knew this internship wouldn't be his, it was an embarrassing process he was about to go through. Perhaps he had only been summoned to this interview so they could humiliate him?
"They are ready to see you now Mr. Parker," Tiffany smiled, and held the door wide open for Peter to enter.
"Pull yourself together Parker," Peter muttered to himself under his breath, as he took one last deep breath, picked up his bag, and began to walk toward the door. His eyes where so unfocused that he didn't notice who was in the room, until the glass door was closed behind him, and two people decided to stand up on the other side of the tabel.
"You must be Peter," the female smiled, and went around the table to shake his hand. Peter was so confused that he didn't notice at first who it was. He just saw a lady with strawberry blond hair in a ponytail, who looked very businesslike with red high heels.
"Yeah hi, uhm i'm Peter Parker," he managed to stammer out, as he shook the lady's hand, and noticed her red nails. His heart was beating wildly in his chest, and he had to calm down soon, or he would have a panic attack.
"Pepper Potts, but just call me Pepper," Pepper smiled, and she suddenly thought the boy was rather cute, with his red cheeks and shy attitude.
And something clicked in Peters mind.
He knew who Pepper Potts was… of course he did. He wasn't blind or stupid, she was first of all girlfriend to Ironman himself, and secondly she was the CEO of Stark Industry. Peter almost felt as though his jaw should drop in awe, as he suddenly recognized her face form the internet and magazines. And his heart skipped a beat…
Why was she here at all… this was about an internship… right?
"And you can just call me Tony," said a voice just beside Pepper, and if Peters heart had skipped a heartbeat before, it stopped completely now, as his mouth opened slightly, and his pupils got big.
And he got eye contact with the man.
Suddenly Peter Parker was looking at the genius Tony Stark himself. The brown eyes met each other, and he received a soft smile from the genius, while he in return stared back confused, and slightly intimidated. He had been one of Peters idols for years, and someone he looked up too, and now he was right in front of him. Suddenly Peter felt completely ridicules in his hoodie, as the man was dressed in a suit, and his head got even more red, due to embarrassment.
And there was a moment where they gazed into each others eyes, both lost for words. Because while Peter faced his idol… Tony saw his son for the first time.
It was clear from the first moment that he had Tony's eyes, and nose. He already knew that, but it was just strange to see it in real life. Peters hair color was a bit lighter than his own, and he looked cute with his messy hair, and a few freckles across his nose.
And Tony felt how his jaw tightened, and a a explosions happened inside him, as he didn't know what to do with himself. He never thought this moment should come, he had done everything to avoid it, but now it was here, and his emotions was a mess. He felt so many things at once that he didn't know what to do, except give his son a warm smile. Because love was what he felt above all of these things.
However in the meantime Peter had composed himself some. He was still just as confused, but he had found his voice once more, all while Pepper had waited patiently and a bit confused on both parts. She understood why Peter was in a bit a shock, as Tony had that effect on some people… but why was Tony reacting like this.
"Uhmmm… have I stepped into the right meeting?" Peter asked nervously, as he was rather sure these people where to busy to interview interns. His heart was beating once more, but it felt like it was trying to escape his chest, and Peter didn't know what to do with himself.
"Well you are Peter Benjamin Parker, aren't you?" Tony asked, and had gathered himself once more, as his eyes finally broke away from Peters.
"Yes… but i am just here about an internship…" Peter trailed off, like they would understand now, and send him in the right direction. They seemed kind enough about it, but there had to some sort of misunderstanding… he was normal Peter Parker. And he had written a rather bad application.
"Then you are at the right place," Pepper told him, and tried to give him an assuring smile, before Tony made him panic completely. "Now why don't you take a seat, and we can discuss all of this… please, everything is as it should be," she promised, and she had to admit she was a bit charmed by his rather shy personality… although she so far couldn't see where Tony saw himself in Peter. Although they had the same brown soft eyes.
"Right yeah… okay," Peter muttered, and took a seat in the black leather chari, while Pepper and Tony sat across from him… which didn't help on his nerves. Tony hadn't said much, but his eyes were glued to Peter, watching him from top to bottom, until Pepper stepped with her heal on her foot, and made him look up at her face.
"Hey!" he said, not too loud, but it hurt when she did that with her heels.
"Be nice!" Pepper warned him, and Tony tried to look offended, but Pepper then turned her head to look at Peter and talk, but Tony was faster.
"Coffee or soda?" he offered, but he had already picked a Dr. Pepper up, and held it toward Peter. He knew it was his favorite, and his kid had yet to learn to enjoy of a good cup of coffee… but they would deal with that later.
"Thanks…" Peter smiled, and took it from Tony, but none of them got to say more, as Pepper took the word once more, before an awkward silence could appear.
"So Peter, now that we know who you are, and you know us, i think it would be great if you could tell us a bit more about who you are… i am afraid your application didn't tell us that much about you," Pepper said, and Peters cheeks went red once more.
"Yeah…. uhm about that... look it was my aunt who send it, i didn't know… and i know it's bad…" Peter began to ramble. He was really bad at lying when he was in a stressed situation, and although Pepper had asked him about something completely different, he began to ramble about the application instead.
And he already hated himself for it, as he had promised himself not to say a word about that. Because one things was to write a bad application… but to have your aunt write a bad application, that was even worse.
And for a moment there was complete silence… both Pepper and Tony looking dead serious, before Tony broke out into a smile, and began to laugh.
"Wait you Aunt wrote it?" he asked, and couldn't help himself. He had been afraid his son was dumb or something, but clearly he wasn't… and for a genius like him, that was a relief.
"yeah uhm… My aunt sort of wrote it without my knowledge, and uh…. i know it's bad," Peter admitted, feeling ashamed, but also relieved that they weren't angry. Pepper just seemed to smile a bit, while Tony was having a full time laugh going on.
"It was shit!" Tony laughed, which made Pepper turn her face and glare at him at once.
"You don't talk like that in front you kids!" she told him sternly, and gave him a clear warning with her eyes. He was the one who wanted to help a young kid, but Peter didn't need to learn Tony's more colorful words.
"Calm down… he is a teenager," Tony smiled, and suddenly felt more relaxed after the good laugh he just had. However, Peter was more tense than even, especially after Tony and Pepper began to argue slightly.
"Anyway Peter, i just need to know, if your aunt wrote this without your knowledge, then are you even interested in this internship?" Pepper asked. It was nice to know Peter hadn't written such a bad application, but it didn't sound like he has asked for this interview either.
"Of course!" Peter quickly answered. "I am however surprised i have been invited to an interview, considered how bad the application was…" Peter trailed off, not sure exactly how to explain it.
"Well…" Pepper began, and wondered how she should explain it. "I must admit you weren't exactly on the list either, but… Tony here saw it, and for some reason he liked it," she tried to explain, and looked at Tony for help… it was his meeting after all.
"Well i liked the shortness of it," Tony smiled, joking slightly. "And i would like for you to work for me," he smiled, although Peter still looked like one huge question.
"Work where?" he asked, as it sounded like Tony wanted to work with him… but that couldn't be true.
"Oh god…" Pepper muttered, and took a deep breath. She couldn't see how this was supposed to work between the two of them… Tony was going to scare the boy in some way. "Listen Peter, i know this is a bit of a special case, i don't really get it myself. You see we can't offer you a normal internship here… but Tony would like for you to be here as his personal intern," Pepper explained, and Peter didn't look any less confused.
"Like actually work with you?" Peter asked completely dumb, and didn't understand a word… they had read the application, right? Which was horrible.
"Yes… you know, like my personal intern," Tony answered, and gave him a charming smile. Peter thankfully didn't seem to be against the idea like he had feared, just a bit confused. Which Tony could use to his advantage.
"But… i don't understand… what would you use a personal intern for?" Peter asked confused, and couldn't see how in god's name he could help Tony with anything. He liked math and science, but he wasn't on a level that was high enough to provide Tony with anything.
"Yes Tony, i would like to know that too," Pepper said sharply, and stared at her boyfriend.
"Well… you will just help me with my daily work…" Tony said, a bit unsure, as he hadn't thought through what he use him for. He knew it had to be hard, so he was too tired to be Spiderman at night… but he wasn't sure how yet. "Get me coffee… fetch things for me, help me with my projects," Tony smiled, although it didn't seem to sooth Peter in any way.
"With all respect sir… i do not believe i am qualified or educated enough to help you with anything," Peter tried to excuse himself. He had to admit that the prospect of working that close with Tony Stark was exciting, but he was afraid he couldn't keep up with Tony brainwise, and would end up looking like an idiot.
"Well kid… I am not seeking a genius, if you can make coffee everything will be great, and we will take it from there," Tony promised him with a quick smile, as he took another sip of his coffee.
"That is if Peter actually wants the internship," Pepper reminded Tony, as her boyfriend seemed to think Peter had said yes already.
"Well i want it… it's not that," Peter said. "It's just… well, no offense Mr. Stark, you could have anyone in the world… i just don't get why you even invited me to this interview," Peter told humbly, and Pepper smiled… thinking he was a rather sweet boy, but she still didn't see how he resembled Tony's personality in any ways. But perhaps it came when you began to know him.
"As i said kid… you application was short, and i liked it," Tony smiled, and it was the worst lie ever. Both Peter and Pepper could feel that he wasn't telling the truth. But Pepper had already tried, and didn't get anything out of him, and Peter was too shy to ask again.
"Okay…" Peter muttered, and was starting to feel a bit lightheaded. This interview had been rather confusing, and taken a toll on his nerves, as his heart kept beating like insane.
"Yes well now, Peter you don't have to decide anything yet, but why don't you tell a little bit about yourself?" Pepper suggested, and went back to her original question, which seemed like a thousand years ago. Usually she asked it, so people had a chance to relax a bit… but that seemed a bit too late.
"Well yeah sure…" Peter rambled, not sure what he should say. "Uhm… my name is Peter Benjamin Parker, but you already know that… uhm i am studying at Middleton High School in Queens… uhm…" Peter said, not sure what exactly he should tell about himself. That he was Spiderman, and fought criminals in his spare time?
"Do you have any interests outside of school?" Pepper asked, and tried to help him a bit.
"Uh well… i like everything that has to do with science…" Peter trailed off. "And programming…" he added, and Tony lit up into a smile.
"Well that's just perfect!" he smiled, although he already knew all of this.
"And uhh… i suppose i like Star Wars, and skating…" Peter said, unsure how much they wanted to hear. "Oh, and i like photography!" he added, although it had been a long while since he had taken any photos.
"That's lovely to hear," smiled Pepper. "Now I just have one last question... " Pepper continued, and moved a few papers away to look at his grades. "Your grades has been send from your school, and well you are clearly an intelligent boy," Pepper smiled. She already knew the answer to this question, but she needed to see how much this affected him, and if Tony would be too much. "But," she continued. "I can see that your grades dropped last year, and hasn't been that high since. It's not because I care much about grades, i simply wish to know if there is a reason for this fall?" Pepper asked kindly, and there was a deep silence for a moment.
Tony wanted to explode… everything had gone so well… but Pepper had moved into a private territory, and Tony knew it would make Peter uncomfortable. He had of course failed to mention Pepper shouldn't ask to his grade, he didn't even know she had them… but of course she did. This was Pepper afterall.
And Peter wondered what he should say. He was afraid they would think he was too fragile if he told the truth, but at the same time he didn't know what else to say. However Peter was over it, he had mourned… and well, his grades had dropped just as much because of his Spiderman thing, but it didn't start because of that.
"Well uhm… my uncle was murdered last year… some robbery went wrong, and my uncle was at the wrong place at the wrong time," Peter told them, and added the last bit so they didn't think his uncle was a criminel. Ben was anything but that.
"I am very sorry to hear that," Pepper told him with a sad smile, but she didn't regret her question, as it now was obvious he had time to mourn, and wasn't completely torn.
"It's okay… anyway i just had a bad time after that, and took a break from all of it," Peter explained with a smile, and both Tony and Pepper nodded in understanding. "But well… i am getting a hang of school again," he lied… he hadn't been that much in school recently, and if he was, he was often too tired to focus. Spiderman just seemed more important, and he wasn't sure what he should do with his grades anyway.
"Do you know what you are going to do afterwards?" Tony asked curious, and to change the subject. This was one of the things Jarvis couldn't help him with, as there didn't exist a record of his future plans anyway.
"Well… i don't really know yet," Peter trailed of unsure, but then quickly added. "But probably something to do with chemistry, programming or something alike,"... which wasn't exactly a lie, but he hadn't thought that much about it.
"Well… you don't have to decide any of that right now," Pepper smiled, and turned toward Tony. "Do you have any questions?" she asked, and Tony shook his head.
"Nope… i suppose the only question that stands is if he wants the internship?" Tony asked, hoping… no begging Peter would say yes. Tony heart had been calm for the last few minutes, but now it began to beat again… there was a reason for this meeting after all.
"Peter you don't have to answer that yet… why don't you just take a few day's to think about it?" Pepper suggested, and Tony wanted to curse her to hell at the moment… Peter needed to say yes now!
"Or he could just say yes… no reason to take days about it?" Tony suggested, mostly to Pepper, and they had an intense staring competition. However Peter interrupted them before they could go into a full argument.
"Wait… don't you have others to interview first?" Peter asked, and was a bit amazed if he was the only one.
"Nope," Tony smiled. "It's just you kiddo," he told him, and hoped his charm would work.
"But Peter, really take your time… you don't have to do what Tony says," Pepper reminded him once more, and Tony wanted Pepper to leave now before she ruined everything.
"But I want it… i would really like the internship," Peter answered, and Tony could almost laugh in relief.
Peter hadn't thought much about it. He didn't even think he would reach this point, but he was here, and he knew it would be a one time chance, so there was no doubt in his mind. He would figure the whole thing out… be he wasn't going to miss something like this.
"Well that's just perfect!" Tony smiled, and clapped his hands together in joy. "Now how would you feel like starting tomorrow?" he suggested, and Peppers eyes widened.
"He shouldn't have to start before next week!" she protected, and then looked toward Peter. "And are you sure Peter?" she asked, and looked deeply into his eyes. She knew how Tony could manipulate people.
"I am sure," Peter told her, and looked straight back into her eyes, to show her that he meant it. "And tomorrow is just fine… school stops at three," he told Tony, who was pleased… the boy was his now, and he had brought himself some time.
"Good, be here tomorrow after school, and when you step into the elevator, just ask Jarvis to bring you to me. Then we will take it from there, and figure out your working hours," Tony smiled, and Pepper looked a bit sceptical, as Tony offered to work out his hours. She would have to remind him they had a time limit for interns, so they didn't stay till midnight…
Not that he would listen to hear anyway.
"Great," Peter smiled, more than ready to leave. He had to tell aunt May about this, and Ned!
"Well it was nice to meet you Peter Parker," Pepper smiled, and stood up to shake his hand. "We will see each other soon," She smiled, and began to collect her papers, after they had shaken hands. She was a bit behind schedule. But she couldn't just leave the two of them.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow kid!" Tony smiled, and winked, before he pulled his phone out. There was no way for Tony to tire Peter out today, and keep him from the streets as Spiderman, so he had to annoy Natasha somehow tonight.
"Thanks Mr. Stark, and Mrs. Potts!" Peter smiled, and began to walk backwards to the door… almost tripping over a plant. "Oh sorry!" he apologized, but Pepper just smiled… he was rather cute in his own awkward way.
"That's fine… good day to you Peter!" she smiled and waved, as he finally got out of the door, and waved back, before he turned around.
There was silence for a moment, while Tony was on his phone, and Pepper watched as Peter fished his phone out of his pocket, and called someone on his way to the elevator. Probably his aunt.
She really liked that kid.
"I really hope you're serious about this," Pepper warned Tony, but didn't take her eyes off the kid.
"Of course," Tony smiled, and didn't take his eyes off the phone. He was trying to locate Natasha, but she didn't seem to be in the building, so he began began texting annoying things to her. .
"Tony i warn you, that kid could really use some male role models, so you better be there for him," she told him sharply, and Tony looked up, as he sensed the seriousness in her voice.
"Of course Pepper… i will be the perfect mentor for him," Tony promised, with a charming smile… which faded slightly as Pepper spoke.
"I just think he needs a bit more than a mentor… i think he needs a father," Pepper sighed, and shook her head. The kid was going to be alright, but he could use a father figure.
What Pepper didn't know was how much Tony's heart clenched as he heard those words, and he never replied.
...oOo…
Somewhere in New York city, at a place that must remain a secret, three people were waiting. Two females and one male.
All three of them were sitting in a small apartment, decorated as though it belonged to another period of time. The one female and the male sat on a old uncomfortable couch, with a flower pattern, and a plate a cookies in front of them. A cup of tea was placed in front of them too, although both would have preferred coffee, but it didn't exist in this apartment.
In the armchair the third female were sitting, waiting with her hands in her lap… as they stared at each other. None of them had said a word, as there was no need to say anything. They were all here to wait, and wait they would.
The two females identity must remain a secret, although i am sure you know who it is deep down. But their names mustn't be mentioned just yet.
However the male couldn't be mistaken. His dark skin, and bold head was easy to recognize, and if not… then the eyepatch and leather clothing gave him away.
And he was waiting. Just like the two ladies. His phone was balancing on his lap, and everyone waited for the screen to lit up with a text, or perhaps a phone call.
One of the females drummed her fingers against the table, impatient, and ready to bold out of this apartment as soon as the message had been received. This wasn't exactly a SHIELD Mission, and they all had places to be…
But this was just as important.
That was why it was in a private apartment and not on SHIELD's ground. Because this had nothing to do with SHIELD. It wasn't a threat to the whole world, but it was still a threat, and a few of them still felt rather guilty about the whole situation.
And they felt that they owed it.
Suddenly everyone opened their eyes wider, as Fury's screen lit up with blue light, and he took one glance at his phone, before he with a calm dark voice said.
"Phase one of Mission P.S. has been completed,"
So who do you think the two females are? and Who send that text? And is Tony going to be able to keep Peter occupied? Please review! It means the world to me as a writer!
