Shout Outs: Thanks to batguy2000 for favoring the story. Thanks to Jyheim582 for favoring and following the story. Thanks to Sonar for reviewing the story.
Chapter 3: The Will of Tony Stark
Black Cat narrowed her eyes as she stared at the view ahead. A gloom of fear had swept the city, being covered with dark clouds. Even if the Spider Man is still lingering around, he couldn't possibly defeat the dread of what's to come. Not alone but with allies, yes. And if there was something for Black Cat to feel remorse, it would be that she feels sympathy for the boy since he had lost Stark.
Black Cat deepened her stare, recalling her promise to Stark's request. She had made a deal that she would watch over the boy even if babysitting isn't really her thing but Stark had let her go from the prison. She supposed she owed Stark a favor.
And besides, other than Stark's bodyguard, who else is there to keep the boy in check? With how he's running around the city, all depressed and heartbroken, making stupid decisions, he could get himself killed. And if he had gotten himself, where would the city be without its saviour?
But on the other hand, now that she was free, Black Cat could forget about Stark's request and she could roam free, doing whatever she wants which would leave Tony to worry about his boy in his grave.
Decisions, I know, Black Cat thought.
One's thing for sure; if Black Cat were to follow the Spider, the Spider himself wouldn't be too pleased to see her and would demand why she was out of prison so therefore, Felicia could really, in all honesty, leave Spiderman to his demise. It's going to be his choice after all.
Black Cat groaned. She hated when she was in this kind of situations. It makes choosing difficult.
Sighing, Black Cat started to walk away while she was rethinking the process. Having this freedom seems so much fun.
Since when did you decided to grow a conscious? Black Cat muttered angrily.
Wherever you are, Spider. You better not be dead because you're having a Guardian Angel over you.
Peter stared numbly at the letter that was in Happy's hand. Shaking, Peter grabbed the letter and with trembling hands, he had difficulty opening it up. He read the bold words that were titled as LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT before reading the rest of the Will.
I, Anthony 'Tony' Stark, of Stark Enterprises, New York, revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me and declare this to be my last will and testament.
I appoint Pepper Potts to be sole executor of this will and I give to Peter Parker absolutely all my real and personal property whatsoever and wheresoever.
IN WITNESS of which I have set my hand to this my will this 22nd day of March 2018.
Signed by the above named Anthony 'Tony' Stark in our presence and by us in his
Signature: Anthony 'Tony' Stark
Print Name: Anthony 'Tony' Stark
First Witness:
Signature: Virginia "Pepper" Potts
Print Name: Virginia "Pepper" Potts
Address: Stark Enterprises, New York
Second Witness:
Signature: Harold "Happy" Joseph Hogan
Print Name: Harold "Happy" Joseph Hogan
Address: Stark Enterprises, New York
"Everything he ever had is now yours," Happy spoke.
Silence overcame the two as Peter reread the Will twice. He didn't want anything what Tony had. All he wanted was to have him back. To have Peter to call him dad. It hurts. It hurts that he couldn't do that anymore.
Peter lifted his head but the sight startled Happy as he stared at the teary-eyed kid.
"I just want him back…" Peter snivelled.
Smiling sadly, Happy placed his hand on his shoulder, giving a small pat. "He never left you. He's always here…"
Peter squeezed his eyes shut tight, trying to compose himself as his whole body was shaking but he stifled the sobs so they wouldn't escape. Taking in a breath, Peter stared at the letter.
"So…Harold, huh?"
Happy made a flat face. "I prefer Happy."
Peter slightly chuckled at the abrupt statement of his name. Regardless, it was still hard to believe that what once was Tony was now Peter's which made Peter still be numb. What was he supposed to do with the company? He was still too young to handle this and plus, he had no experience on how to handle such a large company.
Peter read the first witness which wrote Virginia 'Pepper' Potts. He let out a small breath. At least he still has Pepper who is running the Stark Enterprises and she would know how to handle it.
"Right then," Happy cleared his throat as he realized the trouble situation Peter was in. "You also have a meeting with Pepper Potts and well…with the conference but that isn't until 11 so you still have an hour to do whatever you want to do."
Peter widened his eyes. "Wait, what?"
Happy winced. "Um well you see…ever since Tony had died, people are starting to question as to who will take care of the Stark Enterprise and who it will be left with. Of course, Pepper is still in charge as she is the CEO but Stark's death had really taken a toll on her which makes people think that she's slightly unstable."
"You're telling me this now?!"
"I was getting to the point of telling you right after I handed you the Time-travel device," Happy huffed.
"I'm not going to the meeting," Peter insisted.
"I'm sorry, Peter but it is not optional. It is a must. You must show the people—the world that Tony Stark did not make a mistake by leaving this company in your hands. I believe in you," he then looked at the current state. "And you're certainly can't go like that," he said as he motioned to the new Spider suit.
Peter dismissed the last sentence. "But I have zero experience in handling a business! What makes you think I can handle a very well-known company?!" Peter slightly shouted. "I'm not a Stark!"
"But to Tony, you are…" Happy said quietly.
Peter went mute after Happy said that but he shook his head. "Take me to Pepper."
Happy winced. "I'm sorry but Pepper is busy finishing—"
"Take. Me. To. Pepper," Peter growled a bit though he let out a small sigh. "Please, Happy…"
Happy stared at the distressed boy before he let out a sigh. "Very well."
"Thank you," Peter muttered.
After a quick change to his normal outfit, Peter followed Happy in silence. Peter got lost in thoughts. Sometimes, he thinks that Tony requests Peter way too much. He doesn't know how to handle a company. What if he makes a mistake? That would for sure go on the news. Why couldn't the will be left to Pepper and leave everything whatever Tony had to her? Why him? What makes Tony think Peter could run the Stark Enterprises?
A knock on the door made Peter withdraw from his thoughts as he realized that he had reached the office.
"Peter Parker wishes to see you," Happy stated.
Pepper stopped what she was doing, eyeing the two. Peter took this short moment to study her. She really didn't look too good. It looked like she had cried recently since Peter could tell her eyes were still red and watery. Her usual neat hair was a bit of a mess. Peter looked around the office and saw that there were stack of files on the table and the folders were stacked in a column on the floor.
Pepper sniffed, nodding slightly. "Very well,"
With a small nod, Happy straightened out his hand which indicated Peter that he could in. Once in, Happy closed the door and waited.
There was an awkward silence though Peter bit his lip as he struggled to say something.
"Um…I didn't realize how…um…busy you were," Peter tried to start a conversation.
Pepper shook her head. "It's alright. I'm just organizing the files, deciding what goes in or not."
Silence.
"…So um…how are you?" Peter asked.
"I've had better days. But I just didn't realize for Stark to be gone so soon. It's different now and it's been so quiet," her eyes pooled with tears again. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm rambling. Did you wanted something?"
Peter hesitated. "Um yes…Er…Happy mentioned that there was going to be a meeting about Stark Enterprises and who should run it."
Pepper nodded. "Yes, that's quite right. I know you're just a young boy, Peter and I know it's a lot to take in. I can't imagine how hard this is for you and what you're going through as of right now but I promise you, I'll help you in every way I can. I'm still the CEO of the Enterprises."
"But that's the thing," Peter said. "I don't want the company. I want it to be left in your care. You know it better than I do. I don't know how to run it. How am I supposed to persuade the conference that I can run it?"
"Don't worry Peter. I promise you; everything will go well."
After the small talk with Pepper, it was already eleven and the three of them walked towards the Conference room though Peter was still nervous despite the support he had. Why did Tony leave him? Once at the door, Peter's heart hammered against his ribcage in a rapid speed but it was fruitless to try and ease the quick heartbeat.
"Ready?" Pepper asked.
"Uh…sure, I guess," Peter stammered.
Taking in a breath, Peter opened the door and the minute he did, he instantly wants to back out. The once chattering room was now silent and all eyes went on him. Peter felt a bead of sweat rolled down at the side of his forehead and he could hear the blood roaring in his ear; his heart beating rapidly than before.
Get out. Get out. Get out…
Someone cleared its voice though Peter couldn't identify who it was. All he saw was that a bald man, slightly chubby, stood up and started to walk towards him. How was Peter supposed to know them?
"James Smith, the President," the man introduced himself as Peter shook his hand.
"Um…Peter…" Peter slightly stumbled over his words.
After the introduction was over and Peter sat down next to Pepper, Pepper began to reach out for her files and cleared her throat.
"Right then," Pepper started. "The purpose of this meeting to question Tony Stark's decision whether or not Peter Parker can manage well-known company."
Peter flickered his eyes towards a lady who had a laptop on the table and was clicking away as she typed. Peter may have little knowledge of a Conference but he knew that she was a minute-taker.
In every Conference meeting, there's always a minute-taker, speaker, participants, and learners. Then the rest of the ladder follows suit… CEO, chairman, president, manager…but in this case, Pepper Potts is both CEO and chairman or chairwoman, having her the highest rank which allows her to fire anyone who she doesn't want anymore.
Peter ran over the rules of the Conference in his head until he eventually went back to the conversation.
"…But Peter Parker is a kid. He has no idea how run a famous Enterprise. He's reckless…he's too naïve."
Pepper flared her eyes at the brown-haired man. "Might I remind you that Tony Stark was also reckless but look at what he had turned out to be. He turned out to be a great man! One of the most respected men there ever was and I believe that Peter has to what it takes to run this prestigious company! To be frank, Peter is in almost in every aspect of what Tony Stark is."
The man scoffed a bit. "Tony is reckless and look where it got to him now."
There was a heavy silence though Pepper was breathing heavily and was trying not to lose her temper but if looks could kill, this man would certainly be dead already.
Deciding to ease off the intense silence, the black-haired tan man spoke as he cleared his throat. "And what does young Mr. Parker has to say?" a man asked, having Peter's attention. "Can you prove us wrong by saying that Tony Stark hadn't made a mistake into leaving this company to a young boy?"
Peter stared at the black-haired; his breath got caught in his throat and he seemed to freeze in his spot.
During a Conference, you must be able to persuade the attendees that they're wrong and you're right. You can prove your reasons.
Pepper was about to speak as she saw the small hesitation and she knew that the others could see it as well. Pepper started to open her mouth but made a small surprise look.
"Even though I have no experience in handling a famous company such as this, I am sure I can run this enterprise just fine as long as I have the support," Peter flickered his eyes towards Pepper who nodded, reassuring Peter that she is with him all the way. "I will not back down and let some unknown person to run the Stark Enterprises and ruin what it stood for. I will not fail Tony Stark. And given the circumstances, he has written a Will which stated that everything he ever owned now belongs to me including the Enterprises itself," Peter ended with a sharp note. "So excuse me, gentlemen. I have some errands to take care of."
With that abrupt end, Peter pushed his chair back so it scraped against the floor. He walked away from the group and exited out of the room though as he disappeared from sight, Pepper couldn't help but to have a small smile on her face.
"Well then," Pepper resumed as she held a small twinkle of amusement in her eyes at the sudden silence. "I think everything what has been said had been said so, I believe the decisions are made. Gentlemen, thank you for your time but I believe that this meeting doesn't need to be continued," she paused. "Meeting dismissed."
Maybe he shouldn't have stormed out of the room but Peter was tired of having people telling him what he can't do and what he can do based on his age and appearance. But since he had said what he spoke, he now has to prove that he can handle the Enterprise. Which is funny because he didn't want the company in the first place.
"Peter, just a second! Peter!"
Peter stopped in his tracks and whirled around to see Pepper running towards him and she still had that grin on her face.
"That was fantastic," Pepper said breathlessly; her eyes shows excitement and proud. "I didn't know you would be able to say that."
"Neither did I in all honesty but someone had to set the record straight and well…um…I guess it happened," Peter rubbed behind his neck, sheepishly. "I didn't mean to storm out; it just…it just happened and I didn't really think straight and—"
"Shush," Pepper dismissed his ranting with a wave of her hand. "What you did was incredible so that ought to have those stuck up snobs be put in their places. I never really liked them," she frowned. "And besides, they can't really do much damage as long as I am the CEO but really Peter, I will help you in any way I can. You will show the world what you can do."
Pepper softly patted his shoulders before she walked away though behind her exciting eyes, small tears began to form.
Author's Note: Aww, this was a bit of a sad chapter but I promise you things will start to pick up at the next chapter actually! It's gonna be fun ^^ it was a hard to write the Conference just because I've never actually been to a meeting before so I wouldn't really know as to who the people will participate but I did research! XD Nd I thought the Conference was necessary because like, Tony is literally putting the company to a young teenager who doesn't know how to run one at all; yes, there's Pepper but she can't always look after the Enterprise. Also, I had no idea how to write a Death Will so I searched it up and I hope I did Justice :3 Anyway, we also get a glimpse of Black Cat! Huzzah! And you tell them, Peter! You're gonna show who's the boss! What happens next? Find out! Toodles!
