Written by Sara K.

(A/N) It's all been fun and games so far but now the story heads down its darker path. Warning, many angsty chapters ahead as we head towards the climax. [Don't worry, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel!]

Thank you all for the support and again I'm sorry for the long break. I truly appreciate every review and love you leave for this story as it continues to keep me motivated. Thank you for TEN whole chapters!

"How far away are we now?"

"We left forty minutes ago."

Peter huffed back into his seat.

Tony had taken them to a run down parking garage where they were apparently renting from. He told Peter to wait behind until he got a car, but that didn't keep Peter from looking out for him. He watched the man scoff and grimace at Tony all before he pulled out the cash. Once money was brought into the picture, the man flipped a switch. He began laughing, smiling and patting Tony on the back. Being overly friendly all the way through the transaction.

A younger guy finally ran off and pulled out in a beat up black Camry. The other man passed Tony the keys and then the two were on their way to Pittsburg.

"Only five hours and twenty-ish minutes to go." Tony adjusted his sunglasses, keeping his eyes on the road.

The car smelled like cigarettes and air freshener. Peter cracked open his window and watched the buildings pass buy. They were heading out of the city towards the open road.

He sat there a while before unbuckling his seat belt and leaning backwards. He reached in the back seat and grabbed his bag before pulling it into his lap. Peter unzipped it and pulled out a water bottle.

Tony glanced over at him.

"What are you doing?"

Peter looked down at himself before looking back at Tony.

"Drinking?"

"No, your seatbelt."

"It's a six hour trip!"

"What were my rules?"

"You're in charge." Peter sighed.

"Exactly, and I say the seatbelt stays on."

Peter reluctantly buckled himself back into place. He took another sip from his water before putting the bottle in the cup holder and the backpack at his feet.

Tony leaned over and flipped on the radio. He skimmed through the stations, mostly hitting static before landing on a classic rock channel. Without looking at the buttons, Tony cranked the volume and Black Sabbath's Paranoid came blasting through the speaker.

Peter looked over to see him drumming his fingers on the steering wheel and softly mouthing the words. He grinned, bobbing his own head to the song.

"Who's this?"

"Who's this?!"

"Yeah."

"Jesus...Black Sabbath?"

"Oh I know them, I have one of their really old shirts."

"Really? What's your favorite Black Sabbath song?"

"I've never actually listened to them; I just have the shirt."

Tony sighed.

"It's a cool shirt." Peter nodded.

Smirking, Tony shook his head.

The two continued down the road in a comfortable silence for a while; Peter enjoying the music that Tony flipped to.

At one point, the two pulled into a gas station. Tony filled up the tank while Peter used the bathroom. The two then walked through inside and got a few small things. Peter got another slushee and a bag of Cheetos while Tony grabbed a coffee. He also gave into Peter's request of a pair of sunglasses that he just had to have. Then the two slipped back into the car and continued down the way.

They exited the bustling cityscape and landed in the rural countryside. Trees and fields of grass passed by. Peter made sure to point out every horse or cow he saw. Tony didn't mind.

Peter eventually shifted to where his arms folded beside the window and his chin resting on top of them.

Elton John's Rocket Man hummed through the speaker and into his ears. Peter felt his eyes get droopy as the gentle bumps of the car ride and passing sunlight sent him into a doze.

Tony flashed a grin at the sound of Peter's soft snores. He then took off his cap, ran a hand through his messy hair and leaned back in the driver's seat. Moving one hand on top of the steering wheel, Tony rested his other elbow by the window. He pressed the palm of that hand against his cheek and tapped his temple to the music.

Time went on and eventually the sun began to set.

Tony folded his sunglasses into his shirt as the sun ducked behind the buildings of Pittsburgh.

It didn't take him long to find the lot and pull into a parking space.

The car lurched forwards as it parked, shaking Peter awake.

"We're here." Tony patted him on the shoulder.

Peter rubbed his eyes and sat up. He looked out the window to see the big Stark Industries logo plastered over the building in front of them.

"We're going straight here?"

"Yeah." Tony narrowed his eyes. "What did you think we were doing?"

"Maybe stay in a hotel, get dinner, enjoy the city a bit before having a fresh start in the morning." Peter shrugged.

"This isn't a field trip. We're on a serious mission."

"Yeah yeah I know that but Mr. Stark we kinda been through a lot; especially you and maybe you- I mean we - should rest up or something?"

Tony stared back at him a moment. "I rested in the car. Come on, let's go."

Peter frowned as Tony quickly took out the keys and climbed out of the car. He let out a sigh and stared out the front windshield a moment before climbing out of the passenger seat. He slung his bag over his shoulder before looking over to see Tony digging through the trunk. Peter walked around to see him fiddling with his metal backpack.

"Ah!" Tony jumped back as a few sparks flew off from it.

A large panel folded out from the side of the bag. Tony then patted the metal to make sure it wasn't still hot. Once he was sure, Tony pulled it out wider to wrap his hand around a large piece of it. A loud click sound came as Tony slide the piece off, detaching it from the rest. He bounced his hand, feeling the weight in his palm.

"What's that?" Peter watched him closely.

Tony unclipped one more part, tossing it back in the trunk before shutting it. He then held his hand out to Peter.

Tony placed the repulser piece in his palm and clipped the lock around his wrist.

"It's the skeleton of my hand piece." He nodded. "Something's better than nothing."

He tightened his fingers together, making the pulse glow a second before dying it back down.

"So what's the plan?"

"You're gonna wait by that back door." Tony pointed at said door before locking the car and sliding the keys into his pocket. "I'm gonna go inside and let you in from there. Now we don't know who else might be working for AIM; that means you can't be seen, by ANYONE. So keep that hood up and don't talk to people. They cannot know you're connected to me. It won't take them long to put two and two together."

"Yeah ok." Peter nodded.

"Then from there you're going to keep watch while I interrogate our friend."

"Keep watch?"

"Yes."

"But Mr. Stark I can help-"

"No one can see you. Did I not make that clear?"

"Well what if I wear my mask? Then I can help!"

"Our point is to keep a low profile. A bright red and blue suit isn't exactly what I had in mind for that."

"But you going in alone with the guy is?!"

"I'll be able to cover myself with him. Trust me kid."

"But-"

"You can always keep watch from the car instead." Tony crossed his arms.

Peter bit his lip. He shook his head a moment before sighing. "No."

"Then we stick with my first plan." Tony headed for the front door. "Make sure that hood is up!" He called back.

Tony pulled his sleeve down over the mechanism in his palm. He then swung open the glass door and stepped inside the building.

"Can I help you sir?"

A young receptionist sat in a desk a few feet ahead of him, her eyes glancing up at him before looking back at the computer.

Tony closed the door behind himself before stepping up to her.

"I'm actually looking to talk to an employee here."

The woman looked up at him, her eyes growing wide.

"Oh my god...you're...him...you're..."

"Yeah." He flashed her a smile.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Stark-"

"It's fine, I promise."

She shook her head before perking up. "What can I do for you sir?"

"I just need the office number of Jason Page."

"Sure thing!" She smiled before pulling her focus back on the computer.

Tony waited, tapping the counter. He looked up to see the security camera pointed at him. He felt for the palm of his hand till a finger landed on the repulser.

"His office number is 34A; just down the hall." She nodded.

Tony looked back at her. "Thanks miss."

He then headed toward the doorway of the offices.

"Should I call him and let him know you're on your way down?"

"Uh no." Tony shrugged. "It's kinda a surprise...visit."

"Big promotion?"

"Something like that."

Tony then slid out his ID card from his wallet and pressed it against the door's handle. A metallic beep sound was heard and the door unlocked. Once he was through the doorway, Tony pressed down on the repulser. A kick felt in his hand before he looked up at the camera in front of him. The red light died on the side and the lens turned to the ground. Tony then made his way down the hall to the back door. He pushed it open.

"We got about fifteen minutes before the cameras come back online." Tony said as Peter quickly stepped through the doorway. "So stay sharp."

The two walked down the hall, Peter following Tony's lead till they got to the office door.

"Don't come in unless I EXCLUSIVELY ask you to."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"Knock on the door if someone's coming."

Before Peter could argue again, Tony stepped inside the office.

"Mr. Page?"

The man from the Arthur Parks file sat at his desk. He snapped up at the sound of Tony's voice. A shocked grin spreading on his face.

"Mr. Stark! No one told me you were in town!" He stood, hand outstretched. "It's an honor sir."

Tony hesitantly shook his hand. "Yeah, I'm not really here on company business."

"Oh really?" Jason stepped back behind his desk. "Well what can I do for you sir? A drink maybe?" He chuckled.

"No, but thanks." Tony shoved his hands in his pockets. "I just needed to ask you a question."

"Oh?" Jason leaned his head back, placing his hands on top of his desk. "Not to be rude, but couldn't we have done this over the phone?"

Tony paced over to the window. He stared out it a moment, letting the air sit.

"How do you know Arthur Parks?"

Silence.

Tony looked up to see Jason's face frozen on its original smile.

He blinked for a second before scoffing. "I'm sorry, who?"

"Arthur Parks." Tony nodded. "How do you know him?"

"I-I don't know an Arthur; sorry to disappoint you -"

"Cut the bullshit." Tony stepped up to him. "I know that you know who I'm talking about. So who is he?"

Jason stared back at him a moment before looking at the ground. He shook his head and chuckled.

He leaned forwards. "Guess he really didn't erase my name after all."

Then, in one smooth motion, Jason reached under his desk, pulling out a glock pistol from underneath and raising it up at Tony.

Tony stared back at him, unfazed.

"You should've done your research before you came here unarmored Mr. Stark."

"Oh I did." Tony nodded. "Jason Page, five years in special services while holding a degree in mechanical weaponry. It's all very impressive."

Jason smirked. "You're that arrogant huh?"

"What are you gonna do?" Tony raised his hands. "What's your plan here? You gonna shoot me? And then what? How's that gonna look to the cops? CEO killed in the office of one Jason Page. Who do you think the prime suspect is gonna be?"

"I wasn't in your average special services you dumbass." Jason scoffed before pulling out his drawer. Opening it to take out a silencer. He carefully screwed it on to the muzzle, keeping eye contact with Tony. "I took down whole towns in foreign countries and made it look like an accident; who says I can't do that to one building." He paused. "Maybe the receptionist had a mental breakdown and shot up the office? The great Tony Stark included before she offed herself. There's lots of ways I can do this."

"The fact you're holding a gun instead of glowing a bright orange tells me you might not be with AIM." Tony shrugged. "So how about you just tell me who Parks is instead."

Jason stared back at him.

He squinted a moment, shifting his shoulders.

"Nah."

BANG BANG BANG

Tony hit the ground, sliding down with his back pressed up against the desk.

Jason leaned over, pointing the barrel down at him. Tony quickly rolled away to the side before jumping up. He pulled back his sleeve and sent a pulse of blue from his hand, blasting Jason back. Tony then slid over the desk and wrapped his hands around the gun, getting control over it before throwing a punch at Jason's face. The two began struggling over the weapon.

The door burst open.

"Mr. Stark!"

Shit.

"I told you NOT to come in!" Tony grunted, looked up at the hooded Peter.

"There were GUNSHOTS!"

Just then, Jason head butted Tony hard; cause him to stumble into the filing cabinet against the wall. Before Jason could pull the trigger, Peter shot a web from his wrist, wrapping it around the guy's ankle. Peter then yanked backwards, causing Jason to hit his head against the desk before face planting on the ground.

He groaned, holding his head.

Tony quickly jumped up and ripped the pistol from his hands.

Jason then clambered to his knees only to see Tony standing, pointing the barrel in his face.

"Talk."

Peter pulled down at his hood, looking back and forth between the two.

Jason wiped the blood from his nose and looked at it a moment. He chuckled before turning back up to the gun.

"Parks was a work friend. We worked together. He in chemical warfare, me in mechanical."

Tony squinted. "Work?"

"Here, idiot. He worked here."

"There's no record of him."

"Of course there isn't." Jason laughed. "Stark Industries cut all ties with him as soon as they could."

"Keep talking."

"Before you came out as Iron Man this company worked on real science. We worked on power, on the future. We did what we wanted cause we could. But you had to throw all of that away cause it didn't fit in your moral compass." Jason spat on the ground. "AIM was a think tank long before you blew it to pieces and they had the same goal as us. Our collective effort created things you could only dream of-"

"Who authorized that?" Tony shook his head. "It never passed through me."

"Stane. Obadiah Stane."

Something hit him hard in the chest. Tony hasn't heard that name in years. He did his best not to think about him. Not to think about how every pat on the back, every birthday or Christmas gift, every visit, every call and every fatherly figure moment with him, always held a knife at Tony's back. That Stane had just waited to ram him through the entire time. That when Tony had nothing he had Stane; but in reality, when Tony had Stane, he had nothing.

Even now, Stane's actions continued to screw him over.

Peter watched Tony's face drop once that name was said. His stare looking dead for a long moment before he shook himself out of it.

"What happened to Parks?"

"He combined the Extremis formula with his own. That's when Project Living Laser was created." Jason wiped his nose again. "He was gonna change the world with what he had. Then you pulled the plug at that press conference and Parks had nothing. He lost more than you could know because of it..." He shook his head. "But Parks was desperate to finish what he started. When he had no more test subjects he decided he'd just test it on himself." Jason sighed. "I watched my friend tear himself in half...he exploded. Gone. Then Stane said he'd clean all this up for the rest of us. He'd file us back into high paying relaxed jobs as long as we kept our mouths shut. Obviously he didn't do a good enough job."

"And?"

"And? And I thought he was DEAD! That's what!"

"I don't know if you've been watching the news-" Tony stepped closer. "-but he blew up a big chunk of my tower recently, me almost along with it."

Jason chuckled. "Yeah I saw that. I don't know what to tell you except that's all I know. Till a couple days ago I thought he was dead. And before you ask: no, I do not know how he survived the explosion."

Tony's eyes stayed locked on him. His mind racing, trying to process everything.

Then the door opened.

"Sorry to bother you Mr. Stark, but there seems to be a problem with our security cameras and I was wondering if you could-"

Tony looked up to see the receptionist had stepped in. With his attention distracted for only a moment, Jason leapt forwards, grabbing the gun and shoving Tony to the ground. Peter started to run forwards only to duck under the desk as bullets were shot in his direction. The receptionist screamed as Jason jumped over and grabbed her. He pulled her against his chest and aimed the barrel against her temple.

Tony and Peter climbed to their feet only to freeze at the sight of the terrified woman.

"Let her go." Tony spoke calmly, raising a hand.

Jason smirked. He looked at him a moment before turning his gaze to Peter.

"Hey kid, take that hood off."

Peter stared at him from the shadow that covered his eyes. A sweat forming at his forehead. He glanced at Tony, worried.

Jason sighed. "Take it off or I shoot her. How about that?"

The girl yelped in fear as he yanked her still.

Peter then hesitantly gripped the edges of the hood before carefully pulling it back.

Tony let out a defeated breath and closed his eyes a second.

Looking him up and down, Jason smiled. "You're that Spider guy right?"

Peter stared back at him in silence.

"Ooh you are!" He shook his head. "Bet Parks will be so happy when I tell him exactly who he's dealing with."

Peter's eyes were fixated on the horrified girl. Tears were streaming down her face as muffled cries came from her lips. His face grew hot and red. A new feeling of rage bubbled up inside of Peter.

Then, without waiting another moment, Peter shot a web forwards, catching on the woman.

Tony jumped.

"PETER NO-"

As he began reeling her back, Jason fired.

BANG

The flash went off and the woman's body collapsed.

Peter caught her in his arms.

The powerful rage turned into a dropping feeling.

Peter stared down at her dead eyes.

Shock froze his face.

"I told you:" Jason caught his breath. "I'd shoot her."

"AHH!"

Tony rushed up on Jason, slamming him against the closed door. Tony than blasted him with the repulser, pulling the gun from his hands. Then as everything moved so fast, in a flash, Tony fired too.

He stood.

Gun smoking.

Pointed at the body that was once Jason Page.