Peter and Hank talked shop some more over the next few hours. They made notes via tablet. Peter sent those to Friday for Tony to see. Those hours were wonderful. Peter hadn't been happier. R and D was always a big passion of his. And with the ideas Hank had shared Peter had little doubt with Stark's massive capabilities they could be brought to fruition.

"Mister Stark has just received all of the Doctor McCoy ideas, Mister Parker," said Friday.

"Good. Great to hear." Peter was in the X school cafeteria looking over tablet data. He had little doubt that Tony would act on what he could. And Stark had the biggest government contracts out there; and it wouldn't be hard for them to get many more.

And Peter understood Tony's vision for his father's company. He wanted to get the company away from the weapons that killed so many; including friendlies. Stark had to be about other things. The future. As the new COO that was Peter's daily job; to implement that vision of Stark's for the next generation of technology and all of its myriad applications.

It was an awesome job.

Would he ever pull a Happy and Pepper and do his own startup? Parker Industries? He wouldn't rule it out. But being linked to Stark was the best way to go for now. Stark was a legend. It carried weight. And in a world where science had to beg for money more than actually get things done Peter wasn't too concerned whose name was above the door. All he cared was that the company in question produced the betterment results sought.

And Stark could do that better than most.

"Welcome back Peter."

"Professor." Peter started to stand but Charles held up a hand. The head x man stopped his motor chair at the table where Peter sat. He didn't speak right away. Rather he studied Peter for a moment and then leaned forward. Charles then touched his head side lightly. Peter nodded; understanding what he meant.

/Hank spoke with you I'm sure./ /Yeah he did. I appreciate the offer professor. I really do. But.../ /You've come to accept this?/ Accept was a strong word. Peter hated the whole thing; but it was what it was. Peter looked down at the tablet. /Make no mistake Peter. We won't do anything here that violates your wishes./ Peter looked back up at the professor. /Thanks professor. I appreciate that./

Charles then leaned back. /But I won't lie... x men here have stated that they are willing to save Natasha to bring her here; or another safe location.../

Peter sighed at that and set the tablet down on the tabletop. /That'll just cause more trouble that we don't need Charles. You know how much I hate this. But you've also seen the memories of Mephisto. This is not a guy we should screw with. We just shouldn't. Look at my memories of Teresa and me. We've found happiness at Stark. The potential here is limitless./

/All true./ Charles thought something over before speaking further. /But will he do that for good? Or is this just another sadistic phase of his?/ Peter could only shrug. /I honestly don't have a clue. I love Tasha. I miss her dearly; but I love my sister too. Teresa sacrificed her soul for me. I have to make this as right as possible for all of us./

Charles nodded. /You're a great man Peter. You've made many great sacrifices./ /Honestly I just wanna be Peter Parker. Scientist. A man that makes a better world. Spiderman too on the side didn't hurt either. But science is where my heart is. Look at Hank and I when we're together. Look how natural the association is./ Charles smiled and nodded. /Indeed. Hank doesn't get that kind of interaction often. I think he'd like to get away for a while too./

Peter's brows shot up. /Have Hank come with us?/ /It wouldn't hurt Hank to get away from here for a while. He needs it./ /But the school.../ /We'll make do Peter. Get Hank to join you. I'm sure he'll jump at it./

That was a hell of a turnaround; and not the kind Peter minded. Hank Tony him and so many similar others on one team... Hello; dream team! And Mister Fantastic might get involved too...

We just need Banner; and Shuri... Peter's spirit soured at thinking of Shuri. She was still under Killmonger... and would stay that way for a good long while. Damn it.

Work with what you have for now Pete. It'll come.

XXX

When Peter later found Hank to ask him... he already had some bags packed. Hank shrugged. "Charles cheated." "Indeed he did. I was supposed to tell you." "What can a guy do?" "True that."

Peter summoned the small Friday piloted Stark jet. It landed right in the school's backyard. The x men and students watched on with some fascination. "It's not the x jet..." Hank laughed. "No matter Peter. It will do just fine."

They boarded and took off for Stark/Avengers tower in Manhattan. Hank was now officially a Stark consultant for comprehensive technological applications. Hank technically works for me now... Go figure.

They relaxed and had some beverages. Not booze. Not yet anyway. There would be plenty of time for that.

As they flew the short supersonic flight from the upstate to his urban stomping grounds proper Peter looked out the window. Tasha... I'm happy. This is a stroke of luck where usually my luck sucks worse than a vacuum cleaner.

What happened to you was wrong. Is wrong. But I also got Teresa back. You know what that means. You're a hero. You helped me save her. Thank you. I won't say goodbye. Only thank you...

XXX

From his seat at Cerebro, Charles was in Peter's thoughts at those moments. And without Peter's permission, sent those exact thoughts to Tasha's mind on the other side of the planet.

/Thank you Charles/ she said. /Just let Peter live. He deserves that much. Our mission, for now, is accomplished.../