Peter woke up and rolled over to pick his phone up off the bedside locker to check the time, it was seven in the morning, early enough that he could still go back to sleep for an hour, maybe an hour and a half if he either skipped breakfast or grabbed a piece of toast on his way out the door. He knew F.R.I.D.A.Y would be wake him in half an hour though, even with his parents out of town his Dad still expected him to get up in time to have a proper breakfast no matter how hypocritical that was coming from a man who lived off three hours sleep and essentially a caffeine drip. He turned back over, stretched out his body and groaned into his pillow. He figured he may as well get up. Besides there is usually someone on the Avengers common floor around this time having breakfast anyway.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y will you turn the shower on and deactivate my alarm", Peter called out to the room. There were times having the most advanced A.I in the world at your beck and call came in handy. "Of course, Peter" came the reply. Once he had showered and got rid of the bit of stubble that had built up since the previous morning, he got dressed, made sure he had everything in his bag not that he needed much that day anyway, and made his way to the elevator. He swiped his access badge and waited for the doors to open, once they had he stepped in, punched in his access code and pressed the button for the common area.
He got off the elevator to the smell of waffles and bacon wafting through the air, surprised to see who was cooking. "Hey Vision, when did you get home?" The man in question turned around and smiled. "Good morning Peter, Wanda and I arrived late last night". Peter made his way to the coffee pot poured himself a cup, adding two spoons of sugar and a dash of milk before stirring and taking a sip. "Did you have a good time in Europe?" Before Vision could answer Wanda came in muttering to herself about late flights and lack of sleep. Not even acknowledging Peter she made her way to the now empty coffee pot. "Who took all the coffee and didn't put on a fresh pot?". Peter smirked, "Hello to you too Wands, how are you? Did you enjoy your trip? Bring me back anything nice?".
Vision just shook his head; he had long given up trying to understand why Peter and Wanda antagonised eachother so much. Facing him for the first time since she arrived, Wanda scowled at the overly peppy teenager. "It was you wasn't it?". He didn't say anything at first, just smiled and took another sip from the steaming cup. "In my defence I literally only poured the cup like thirty seconds ago, I haven't even had a chance to put on a new pot. It will be ready in like five minutes", he promised as he started to make a fresh pot.
Wanda's hand glowed red and the cup Peter had just put down flew across to her open palm. "Lucky for me we take our coffee the same way, I'm sure you won't mind waiting", she said sarcastically while he started prepping a fresh pot. Peter went to the cupboard and took out the box of Lucky Charms before pouring two bowls. Not quiet the proper breakfast his Dad meant but still better than nothing at all. "Not like I have much choice". He placed one bowl in front of the tired witch and tucked into his own. "So, what did you get me from Europe?". She ignored him for a moment while she ate her cereal. "What makes you think I got you anything?" Before he could respond Vision put a plate in front of Wanda and asked Peter if he would like some waffles or bacon. "No thanks Vision, I'm good with just the cereal", he replied before turning back to Wanda. "Because that's most people do when they go away on a trip, they bring back their loved ones a present". Without missing a beat, she quirked an eyebrow and looked at him. "When did you get the impression that you are a loved one?"
Peter dramatically brought his hands to his chest and put on a face of pain. "Ouch, you wound me Wands you really do". "Somehow I think you'll survive". He laughed and stood up, noticing the coffee pot was full again. Before he could reach for a cup though one appeared in front of him on the counter in with a red hue around it. "Worlds Worst Sibling" was in Bold writing across the front. "Aww Wands I love it, I'll cherish it forever, you do know though that calling me your sibling just proves you love me, even if I am the worlds worst". He filled the cup. "I'd say tolerate is more accurate, but whatever floats your boat". He made his way back to his seat put his coffee down and went and wrapped his arm around Wanda, pulling her tight into his side resting his cheek on her head. "It's sweet you think I'm the world's worst sibling but I think its you". She elbowed him into his stomach, "If you want to still have use of that arm in the next thirty seconds, you should probably let got".
Before he could come up with a witty response someone else came into the room. "Now, now kids, play nice, don't make me separate you". Peter smiled at the man before standing to attention and saluting him. "Yes, sir Captain America sir". Steve just rolled his eyes and made his own cup of coffee. "Nobody likes a smart-ass Queens". Peter turned to face Wanda, "You hear that, he just used a bad language word". Wanda shook her head in disappointment. "I know, just think of all the kids who look up to him, what kind of example is he setting for them?" Steve once more rolled his eyes at them. "I don't know what's worse Vision, when they pick at eachother or when they team up". "I don't know myself Captain, I no longer try to understand them, I just do my best to stay out of their way, it is easier that way".
Peter leaned over to Wanda who had at that stage finished her food and stage whispered, "Got to love how they talk about us like children who aren't in the room with them". She let out a small laugh, "Imagine how I feel, at least you still are a child, I'm a married woman". Peter huffed in indignation "I am not a child and you know it". She ruffled his hair, "Okay Petey, whatever you say sweetie" He did not look impressed by that comment and fixed his hair, before he could retort though she continued, "Hey don't you have to get to school? You don't have your usual driver with Happy on babysitting duty for little Stark"
He checked his watch and she was right, if he was going to make it on time, he would want to leave within the next few minutes, he knew Mo was sick but didn't put two and two together and realise Happy wouldn't be able to drive him today. It was a good thing he hadn't slept in after all "Yeah, you're right, shame the adoption hasn't been announced yet, today is the SI field trip, I could have slept in a bit longer. It's not as if I need to go to Physics this morning and that's the only class I have before hopping on a bus right back here"
Steve turned around at the mention of the field trip. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear the part about you skipping class". Peter shook his head in exasperation, "Save the lecture Cap, if I skipped, I'd only end up in detention and get a lecture from you there anyway so how about we skip it seeing as I am going to class". Wanda laughed they all enjoyed making fun of Steve for the videos he did for the school. Steve ignored the jab. "Bruce was talking about the tour yesterday, he is looking forward to having you, he already has a load of experiments lined up to show the class". Peter couldn't help smiling at that, next to his Dad, Bruce was his favourite person to work with. Ever since he actually started working officially for SI, he worked with a lot of the staff but Bruce was definitely his favourite. "Sounds fun, anyway I better get going or I'm going to be late, see you later guys". Everyone said goodbye and he ruffled Wanda's hair in revenge on the way to the elevator.
When the Avengers first reversed The Blip as it was now known, Peter came back to a world in chaos. His Aunt May had passed away from cancer two years previous and he didn't know what he was going to do. He should have known better though, he should have known Tony would have sorted something out, he just didn't imagine it would be by taking him in himself, let alone adopting him. While he still mourned his aunt and uncle who raised him, he was now part of a huge family and he couldn't be happier. The Starks formed their own core family, but all the Avengers were like extended family. It was never something that was said but he knew the majority of them looked at him as a nephew and he them as a surrogate aunt and uncles. Except Wanda, as far as he was concerned Wanda was his older sister, which was both weird and nice. Having grown up an only child he always wanted a sibling, he just figured if it ever happened it would be a younger sibling from May and Ben. Little did he know he would get a younger sister in Morgan and an older sister in Wanda. He supposed it was the age gap, there was only six years between them so it wasn't as if she was going to fit into the role of aunt.
Needless to say, Peter Stark was happy, he had the huge family he always wanted and while he missed May and Ben and to a lesser extent the parents he never got know, he knew they were watching over him and that they would be proud of the man he was becoming. At least according to Tony and Pepper who never failed to tell him how proud they were of him. He somehow managed to balance school, a social life, patrolling as spiderman and a job. Although it was made easier by the fact that he essentially worked for himself. He had his own lab on the lowest level of the building, Tony, Bruce and Peter were the only ones who worked down there. The only ones who had access were family. Even the interns were only allowed as far as the main entrance just off the elevator. When Tony gave him his own lab and told him he would be working for him officially he was shocked and a little concerned about how he was going to do it. His Dad had reassured him though that his job was to just do what he wanted to. If he worked on tech for the avengers great, if he worked on tech for SI then that was fine to. Essentially, he had the cushiest job he could imagine.
If only his class tour was to another SI building though, yes it would be nice to be able to finally prove that he did on fact have an internship, sort of the previous year, or five years ago depending on what way you looked at it, he also didn't like being in the spotlight which he was sure would happen, especially given his lab was right next to Bruce's so unless he got really lucky there was going to be no way nobody in his class didn't notice his name on the door. At least it might shut Flash up though.
He made it to school just in time and sat got into his chair just as the last bell rang, not that it mattered anyway their homeroom teacher was late as usual. "Morning Dork, excited for the trip". Peter couldn't hold back the smile as he turned behind him to face his girlfriend. "Morning MJ, excited is one word you could use, I wouldn't but I'm sure others would". She gave him a sympathetic smile. MJ and Ned of course knew everything about his family situation, he trusted them implicitly so didn't bother hiding any of it knowing they wouldn't discuss it with anyone. Even when the adoption was announced at the end of next week, he knew all they would tell people who asked them questions about him was to mind their own business.
"Penis Parker, I'm looking forward to look of shame and embarrassment on your face when we arrive at Avengers Tower and nobody recognises you". Peter just ignored him; it wasn't worth responding to him. "You do have to admit Pete you are definitely excited about finally being able to get him to shut up and to prove everyone who still think you lied about your internship, which thinking about it technically you did, but still". Peter had to give her that she was right about that, before he could tell her though their teacher arrived and went through the morning announcements.
Before long they were all on the bus on the way to Avengers Tower. Once they arrived Ned was practically jumping with excitement. "Calm down Ned its not as if you haven't been here before". Ned did calm down, if only slightly, "I know, but, its just Flash is finally going to have to shut up and I can't wait to see the shock on his face". They made their way into the building, Peter holding MJ's hand, normally they weren't the they type of couple to hold hands during school but MJ knew how much Peter hated being the centre of attention so she wanted to show her support however she could.
"Midtown High over here please". They made their way over to security desk where a medium build tall brunette was standing waving them over. "Good morning everyone my name is Stacey I am an intern here at Stark Industries and I will be your tour guide today. Before we begin have you all signed your NDA's?" She waited for a positive response from Mr. Harrison and once she had it, she began passing out visitor ID badges. "Okay everyone please place your badges where they are clearly visible and make sure they remain that way at all times. If anyone has any questions at any point through out the tour please just raise your hand and wait to be called on". Stacey continued going through the ground rules, not that Peter was paying much attention, its not as if he needed to. He put on his own employee badge not bothering with the visitor one.
"Yes Mr…?" "Thompson, Flash Thompson" That couldn't be good. "Yes Mr. Thompson you have a question already?" Everyone could hear the tone of surprise in Stacey's voice, they hadn't even started the tour yet so it was definitely unusual for someone to have a question so early on. "Yeah, I was just wondering if you know Peter Parker, he says he was Tony Starks personal intern before the Blip?". Stacey seemed confused by the question but it certainly didn't escape her notice that everyone was suddenly a lot more attentive to her, even the teachers. It was also the first time she actually saw Peter as everyone had looked between her and him. She suddenly stood a lot straighter. "Mr. Parker sir, what are you doing here? I – I mean I – I didn't know you were a part of this tour". Her cheeks flushed, she was one of th interns whi had often been tasked with getting coffee or food whenever he was in his lab. That had taken some getting used to, college students whose job it was to get him whatever he wanted. It was three months before he would even request so much as a coffee. Tony had told them it was a perk of his job and that his son or not, he wouldn't have access to interns if he didn't deserve to act like every other highly positioned employee.
Peter's cheeks also flushed, he was hoping this wouldn't happen, he had really hoped people would recognise him, say hello and that would be proof enough, he knew better though. "Hi Stacey, yeah, this is my class, I'm still in school remember?". She still seemed flustered but her cheeks were starting to return to a normal colour. "Right of course sir, I remember you saying that". Everyone except Ned and MJ just stared at him in awe, even Mr. Harrison. Undeniable proof that he did in fact work at Stark Industries. He was not looking forward to next week when everyone realised that he was the adopted son of Tony and Pepper Stark and was set to inherit the company one day. He still argued against that since Tony told him, feeling that it should go to Morgan but Tony would hear none of it, as the oldest the company was his, Morgan would inherit their mothers' twenty-four percent but Peter would inherit their fathers fifty-one percent controlling interest. He had a few more decades to hopefully change his father's mind on that point but either way, if he thought the looks, he as getting now were bad, they would be a whole lot worse in one short week.
"I'm sorry but did you just call Penis Parker sir?". Before Stacey could even think of a response Mr. Harrison had beaten her to it. "Mr. Thompson behave yourself or you can spend the day on the bus while the rest of us take the tour". Flash looked suitably chastised but did throw Peter a dirty look. The rest of the tour went okay until lunch. Everyone at some point or another looked at him weirdly as other SI employees that they came across addressed him as sir or looked nervous. Peter wished they would stop that. The looking nervous part anyway, he understood the sir part was never going to go away but it wasn't as if he was ever anything but polite to them, not that he saw the vast majority of them that much anyway. If he thought about it, maybe that was why, it had to be weird for them. He was a high school kid with his own lab on the most restricted floor in the building working directly with Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. That wasn't normal. He should probably start making more of an effort to have breaks in the cafeteria or something, get to know people. Maybe then people would stop being so antsy around him. "Alright everyone this is the cafeteria, lunch is provided free of charge so help yourselves, relax and hang out for an hour, just don't leave the cafeteria, we will continue the tour in an hour. Dr. Banner has kindly volunteered his time to run a class for you all and take you through some experiments not demonstrated in a high school classroom".
Everyone swarmed Peter, everyone except Flash that is. He sulked off into the line for food throwing Peter dirty looks the whole time. Questions were being thrown at Peter left, right and centre. "Guys, guys, seriously relax its not that big a deal, so I work here, its not anything I haven't told you before". "That's just it, Peter, you didn't really tell us. You said you were Tony Stark's personal intern which we didn't believe, even if we did none of us would have guessed you did anything other than get him coffee or maybe pick up his dry cleaning, flash forward to now and everyone we have come across either calls you sir or looks like they want to be literally anywhere else". Betty did have a point; it wasn't as if he actually thought people believed him. "Well now you know I was telling the truth". "So, what is it you do here?". He wasn't sure who asked him but he thought it might have been a kid named Tyler, one of the kids who wasn't snapped from exitance so was now in his class. "I can't discuss what I do". Nobody seemed to appreciate that answer. "No really guys, I can't, if you thought the NDAs to just visit this place were detailed you should see the ones you have to sign to work here". Not strictly one hundred precent the truth, the NDAs to work in SI were extremely detailed and ironclad but he hadn't signed one. "Why would I need you to sign an NDA? You are literally heir to the proverbial throne kid, if I trust you enough to give you the company, I think I can trust you to not sell your work to our competitors" were the words his father used.
"Why is everyone so skittish around you and why did Stacey and others call you sir?". Valid question he thought to himself but how did he answer it was the other question. "I honestly don't know, I don't have that much interaction with most people, I come here do my work and go home". Technically true. "As to Stacey calling me sir, I guess that's because she is an intern? I know I called everyone sir or Ma'am when I was one". Again, technically true, even if he did really only deal with Tony and Pepper. At this point Flash had decided to come join them. "Guys what difference does it make if Penis Parker works here, he is still a nobody loser. He probably only got the internship because he is a poor orphan with no family other than an aunt. I bet Tony Stark just ate up that sob story and gave the position out of pity". That shocked everyone, they all knew Flash was a dick, but even for him that was a new low. "Jesus Flash". Before anyone could say anything, else there was a cough from behind them. Peter's stomach dropped when he saw who it was.
Tony Stark had heard the whole conversation and he looked livid. "I came over to introduce myself, I saw you all over here and figured I would come say hi, Peter is always talking about you all so I wanted to meet you. I see I arrived just in time." He looked at Flash with such anger, Peter was sure the guy nearly wet himself. "For your information "Flash" what kind of stupid name is that by the way, actually I don't care, to know I'd have to hear you speak and I've heard enough of you to last me a lifetime. The reason Peter got the internship is because he had the best application by far, his talent, his skill, his knowledge and his thirst to improve are the reason he is the youngest employee in the company's history. The reason everyone is so skittish around him is because he is one of the most senior employees in the company and Stacey calls him sir because she is in a pool of interns that serve Peter, Dr. Banner and myself exclusively so while he will never admit it or act like it, he is technically one of her bosses. The only reason she is even conducting your tour is because I asked her. He has a higher security clearance than every single other employee in the entire company. That's right you heard me correctly. Peter Parker has the same security access as myself and Pepper Stark. That is how much I trust him and value his opinion". Tony paused for dramatic affect to let that sink in, he was mainly talking to Flash but he knew it bugged Peter that nobody other than his closest friends believed him about working for him.
You on the other hand Mr. Thompson, your application was so mediocre I only remember it because of its mediocracy. It was actually the worst application I ever received, I wasn't sure whether you actually seriously wanted the position or if you were just forced to apply because it would look good if you got it. Don't worry about it though, you never need to worry about me looking at another application for you again or anyone in HR. Your name is going to be on the very short list of people whose applications go straight in the recycling bin. Your tour is now over, go find your teacher and advise them you have been kicked out of the building and are no longer welcome"
There was complete silence after Tony finished his rant, that was until Peter took pity on Flash. "Tony it's fine, let him stay, Bruce is going teaching a class after lunch and demonstrating experiments not seen in the classroom. I don't care about Flash's opinion of me, I never have and never will". So that was a lie, he often did care and his latest jab cut deep even if he refused to acknowledge it especially since he had lost May. Peter didn't think he had ever seen Flash appear so small or as embarrassed, and a part of him didn't care, he deserved it, but he knew he was supposed to be a bigger person, so looked at his father and silently pleaded. "Very well you can stay for the rest of tour, but enjoy every last second of it kid because you will never see so much as the lobby of this building after today". Tony's phone buzzed and what nobody else knew was that he was seeing the message through his glasses but Peter knew it. "I'm sorry to have to leave on such a dark tone but I'm running late for a board meeting and my wife does not like it when I'm late, don't believe ask Peter whats it like when Pepper Stark is mad at you". Everyone laughed at what they presumed was a joke but Peter knew was a statement of fact. His mother was not to be messed with.
The rest of lunch passed smoother, everyone left him alone and he ate his lunch in silence with MJ next to him rubbing circles on his hand with her thumb and Ned across from them. They both knew as happy as Peter was with his current family, he missed his parents and uncle a lot and his aunt even more so, her loss being so recent for him. MJ felt like punching Flash in his smug little mouth and maybe knocking some teeth out. She knew Peter wouldn't want that though so thought better of it.
Once their hour for lunch was up Stacey came back and took them on an elevator to the lowest level, the most secure level in the building, well most secure Stark Industries level, the residential levels were more tightly secured given it was the home of the Avengers, a place where they were supposed to be able to relax and unwind, the last thing they needed was to be worried about security. Tony also took the security of his family more serious than anything in the world.
"We will have to wait for Dr. Banner to meet us to give us access to the labs, I don't have access myself. No other tour ever gets to come to this level, the fact you are Mr. Parker's class is the only reason Dr. Banner is giving this demonstration". Stacey had just finished speaking when she got an alert on her Stark Pad. She looked up at Peter "Dr. Banner has advised he got delayed and with setting up the experiments and asked me to ask you to let us in Mr. Parker". Peter groaned internally, Bruce didn't get delayed, he did this on purpose wanting Peter to show off. "Yeah, no problem Stacey". He walked up to door, keyed in his pin, scanned his palm print, had his retina scanned. Everyone looked at him gobsmacked as he did this. It looked like something out of a Bond movie. "Access Peter Parker 0003, security level Alpha". Peter felt the heat rise in his cheeks. F.R.I.D.A.Y. responded to him "Access granted, welcome back Peter". "Thanks F.R.I.D.A.Y".
Peter led the way through the doors into the large atrium not noticing, or at least not paying attention to the dazed looks on his classmates faces. Each corner of the floor had a room in it and straight in front of them was another elevator that led to the residential floors. "Mr. Parker sir, given that uhm Dr. Banner isn't here yet could you take over the tour, I haven't been this far before, you always meet me at the main door". She looked sympathetic having to ask figuring it must be embarrassing as anything having to be here with his class let alone take over the tour for a few minutes. Peter gave the intern what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it, its not a problem". It definitely was a problem; a problem Bruce was going to pay for later on.
"Alright guys this is where the most confidential work gets done. Everything has been put away and the place has been triple checked to make sure nothing has been left out for you to see, so you will be able to at least see the labs themselves". He pointed to the first on the opposite end of the room away from his and led them over. He opened the door and had everyone line up on one end away from everything in the room. "This is Mr. Stark's lab, over there you can see models of the Iron Man suits mark one through mark fifty-nine. Mark sixty being the latest that Mr. Stark has with him at all times". He continued with his demonstration of his father's lab being sure to keep an eye so nobody, particularly Flash touched anything. He doubted anyone would especially not after the tearing down Flash got in the cafeteria. Still if even one thing was a millimetre out of place Peter would be the one to hear about it even if extending the tour to this level was technically his Dad's idea and just about the last thing he wanted to begin with, next to actually going on the tour in the first place.
"That room over there is Dr. Banner's lab, we will be in there shortly, I have the feeling Dr. Banner will be ready for us oh so conveniently once we finish with the rest of the tour" Some of his more understanding classmates who realised how much Peter didn't want to be the one to do this laughed a little. He led them into the only room on the floor that wasn't a lab. "This is the break room not that many breaks are taken it is primarily where coffee and pizza get reheated, it is also where Mr Starks daughter hangs out when he is doing an experiment that is too dangerous for her to be around". Or when he was doing the same, she tended to split her lab time with him and Tony, he left that part out though.
"Right, well I'm going to go see if Dr. Banner is ready for us, stay right here, I'll be back in a minute". "Peter you never showed us the other lab" So close, he sighed and turned around, trying to resist the urge to curse Ben out of it. "Right yeah, sorry". He led them to his lab, opened the door and hoped nobody noticed his name as he began pointing out some of the tech he had been working on, nothing sensitive just some improvements on already released Stark Pads. "Whose lab is this Peter?". He couldn't help imaging making Ben disappear for a while. "This is uh…" Screw it they were going to find out anyway he may as well own it. "This is my lab". It took a couple seconds for anyone to register what he said, once they did though, all at once everyone turned around to look at the door to see the name plate. Everyone except MJ and Ned who obviously knew what it was going to say. Both of whom just smiled softly at him, knowing just how much he hated today.
Before anyone could say anything to them the elevator doors opened and someone was calling him. Everyone followed Peter out the door to see none other than Natasha Romanoff. Peter just wanted the floor to open up and swallow him. She took no notice of the flock of teens rushing to see her, she was used to the fame that came with being an Avenger at this stage. She was also expecting it given she purposely waited until she knew the kids class was there before coming down. "You're Black Widow". She looked at the kid who had pointed at her and instantly recognised him. "And you must be very brave or very stupid, given what I just heard from Tony ten minutes ago I figured you'd keep your mouth shut for the rest of the day, then again you go around calling yourself Flash, you can't be that bright". The disdain in her voice was clear for all of them to hear, and if it wasn't the look, she was giving Flash made it blaringly obvious. Natasha had started calling Peter baby spider as a joke to tease him. It worked a few times, that was until he got the courage to fight back and call her mama spider. She was so stunned she didn't say anything, that was until the sound of everyone else laughing at her shook her out of it. She had been so impressed he had the stones to actually say it she let him get away with it, much to the disappointment of Clint who had just lost his fourth straight Mario-Kart tournament to the kid and wanted some payback. Ever since he was baby spider and she was mama spider, well in private, publicly it was Pete and Nat. Nobody messed with her baby spider and got away with it, even if frightening the little shit was all she could do.
Ignoring the rest of the class she looked at Peter, MJ and Ned. "Ned, MJ, nice to see you both again". For once in his life Ned managed to remain calm. "Hi Natasha". MJ just nodded, never been hero obsessed, at least not outwardly, being the badass woman that she was, Black Widow was MJ's favourite hero next to Spider-Man of course. She wasn't going to ever say that out loud though. "Pete you see where Tony put my helmet? he was doing some upgrades on it but never bothered to give it back". The glint in her eye showed she knew exactly where her helmet was. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of embarrassing him though. "Hey Nat, yeah its in my lab, he had me double checking his work, we wouldn't want our favourite spider to be squashed if the helmet wasn't up to par". His class were nearly catatonic. Peter Parker not only actually had a stark internship, but it had to led to a job where he had security clearance as high as the owner and the CEO which was just so unbelievable some of them though Stark was trying to make him sound more important than he actually was, at least until they saw he was needed to gain access to one of the most secure floors in one of the most secure buildings in the country. Not to mention he had his own lab, where he worked on not only tech upgrades for Stark Industries, but upgrades for at least one Avenger, an avenger who he was not only on a first name basis with but was clearly friends with, calling eachother nicknames and making jokes.
Natasha just smirked, knowing she couldn't really say anything given her surroundings, the kid had beat her at her own game and she couldn't do anything about it. She didn't know whether to be annoyed or proud so she settled for a mixture of both. She followed him into the lab leaving Stacey to supervise the teens along with their teacher, who had noticed Natasha's comment about Tony Stark and Flash and wanted answers. He looked at Flash. "Mr. Thompson, care to explain exactly what she meant by what Tony told her?". Flash decided to remain quiet and look away, MJ however saw her opportunity and was going to take it. It wasn't going to be as sweet as punching the dick in the face but it would do. "Flash decided to insinuate that the reason Peter got the internship and now works here is out of pity because he is, and I quote, a poor orphan with no family other than an aunt. Mr. Stark kicked him out and told him to go find you but Peter asked that he be allowed stay as learning from Dr. Banner is a once in a lifetime opportunity". A mixture of shock and disgust appeared on Mr. Harrisons face that he quickly schooled but not before most the class saw it and turned back to Flash. "Mr Thompson is what Miss Jones said correct?".
Again, there was silence. "Mr. Thompson I believe I just asked you a question and it was not rhetorical". Resigned the young bully met his teachers disapproving gaze and answered meekly before looking back at his shoes. "Yes sir". The look of disgust returned on Mr. Harrison's face, only this time he didn't try to hide it. "Mr. Thompson you will serve lunchtime and after school detention everyday for the next month, you will no longer be welcome on the decathlon team, you will also not be welcome to take part in the Europe trip in the summer and I will be phoning home once we return to the school. In all my years as a teacher I have never been so disappointed and disgusted with another student. All the staff are aware of the taunting and teasing you do as well as he childish nicknames, we figured you would eventually grow up and that unless Mr. Parker felt the need to report it, to leave it run its course. Clearly, we were wrong, and you have finally taken things to far. To throw another students losses and home life in their face out of what we all know is nothing but pure jealousy is just appalling. I advise you take a good long hard look at yourself in the mirror someday soon young man and figure out what type of person you want to be. As it stands right now it is not a good one. To top it off Mr. Parker still chose to fight for you to stay, and it is out of respect for him, for doing that, that I will allow you to stay and not send you home myself". MJ and Ned didn't even try to hide their smiles at Flash finally getting what he deserved and then some.
Meanwhile in Peter's lab he had just finished going through the upgrades to Nat's helmet, oblivious to what had just happened outside as the door was closed. "You know I still don't know whether to be impressed or angry you beat me at my own game kid". It was Peter's turn to smirk. "Oh, please you know damn well you could have waited until we left before getting your helmet, you came down trying to embarrass me and I wasn't going to let you get away with it". Natasha laughed, "It was going to be Clint but I convinced him not to". Peter shuddered at the thought. "How'd you manage to do that?". Her smile dropped "Your Dad came back from his Board meeting fuming about what Flash said, needles to say none of us were happy Clint was already half way to the elevator bow in hand before I caught him". Peter dropped his head and shrugged his shoulders not wanting Nat to worry about him. "It was no bid deal". They were alone so the mask of cold Russian assassin that she still had trouble letting go of in front of a lot of people was dropped. She pushed his chin up so he had no choice but to look at her. "Yes, it is, it was horrible and if we could get away with it, all of us would have come down to kick his ass. I know you baby spider; better than you think I do, and I know even though you put on a brave face you still hurt over your birth parents and May and Ben. Family is more than blood though, you know that. You also know you don't have to play it off like it didn't hurt, we are all here for you always". She kissed his forehead and gave him a hug. Peter sighed and welcomed the comfort. "I know, thanks, mama spider". She gently shoved his shoulder once he had pulled away. "You saw the look of fear on that little shits face though right? Could you imagine if Wanda was the one who came down, thankfully she is still a bit jet lagged so decided to take a nap and wasn't there when your Dad came in ranting and raving like a mad man. I don't like the idea of going up against her to stop her coming down, not since Germany".
Peter locked up the drawer he had the helmet in and laughed, he would have loved to seen the look on Flash's face if Wanda showed up all Scarlet Witch. He wouldn't have loved what came next but the beginning would have been beautiful. "I better go see is Bruce ready, somehow I doubt he was delayed setting anything up, just wanted to force me into giving the tour". Before she left, she put her hand on the door. "Oh, just a heads up, your Dad has moved the press conference announcing your adoption to this afternoon. He really didn't take what Flash said well. "Peter is going to school tomorrow and that dickhead is going to know exactly who he is I'm not waiting another week" is a direct quote". Peter wasn't even surprised and just sighed and shook his head fondly. "Of course, it is". They left the lab and didn't take notice of the other students who were talking quietly, well they were until Black Widow appeared in front of them again. Peter let his class know he was going letting Bruce know they were done with the rest of the tour and Natasha kept walking to the elevator. "Hey Pete, we still on for sparring later?". For a super spy feared the world over her subtly was sorely lacking. She clearly wanted everyone to know that Peter Parker knew how to fight, even if they didn't know he was Spider-Man. "Usual arrangement, loser buys dinner?". She started walking backwards away from them. "That arrangement was fun when you would always lose and Tony would end up paying, he won't pay for me when you win". He smirked, enjoying the fact his class just found out he beat Black Widow in sparring. "Don't lose this time then". MJ snorted and whispered knowing that his super hearing would pick it up. "Nobody likes a show off Stark". She knew the look on his face was that smug one he got when she was wrong. "Okay I do, but that doesn't count, I love you, so by default I have to like you".
Peter went into Bruce's lab and closed the door, oblivious to what was about to happen to his just outside the lab doors. Selective soundproofing was a cool feature in all the labs, if any of them wanted to be heard by the other they just let Friday know, otherwise the labs were completely soundproof. Just as Natasha made it to the elevator the doors opened and a very pissed off, very glowing woman was floating in front of her. The entire class had their attention drawn to her when she shouted "Which one of you is the idiot who told Peter he has no family?". Everyone moved so fast it was like the parting of the sea, leaving Wanda a direct path to Flash. Natasha wasn't going to let anything happen though, against what she wanted that is. "Come on Wanda I get it, I do, I want to kick his ass too but you know this isn't what Pete wants". It took a second but the glowing stopped and she came down to stand on the ground instead of floating above it. She however did not stop glaring daggers at Flash who looked as if he may have wet himself after all.
The doors closed taking two of the women who loved Peter more than most others in the world away back up to the common area in the residential floors. Betty was the first one brave enough to speak "What was that about?". Ned pointed for MJ to explain. "That was Wanda, her and Peter have this weird best friend, siblings who can't stand eachother relationship going. It's confusing at first, one minute they are annoying the shit out of eachother, the next they are in a corner plotting some prank on Tony. She has this attitude of I can hurt him but if someone so much looks at him wrong, I will tear their head off, and he has the same attitude towards her. Even Tony tends to lay off the pranks on Peter when Wanda is around and well, he is Tony freaking Stark." She glared at Flash. "See as you so eloquently pointed out Peter lost his parents and then his uncle. The thing is, the Avengers are like a family, and when he got the internship and became close with Tony, Peter was sort of adopted into the fold and is now close with all of them. And trust me, if Wanda knows the rest of them do because she is the last person, they would tell for fear of what she would do. So, congrats Flash all the Avengers hate you, well except maybe Bruce, he has been down here in his lab so maybe he doesn't know yet, but he will eventually and then he will hate you".
Nobody had any sympathy for Flash, they were all more shocked at the fact that Peter was close with all the Avengers and not once tried claiming it or using them for popularity. Mr. Harrison's respect for the young man kept growing. To be that close to the world's mightiest heroes, have his own lab within SI and remain the same well mannered, studious young man her was, was a testament to how he was raised. Peter came out of the lab followed by Bruce. Both unaware of what just happened and would remain that way until they were later told, Bruce glad given how furious he was with Flash and knowing he would have regretted scaring the kid, Peter both touched at Wanda's attempted defence of him and embarrassed his class saw it. Before they would be told though, they had a chemistry lesson to get through followed by a range of experiments that captivated the audience, including Stacey who had asked to stay when was given the option of leaving, Bruce offering to take everyone back to the lobby, and Mr. Harrison who felt like he was a kid himself paying rapt attention to the man in front of him.
With the last demonstration preformed and questions answered Stacey led the group back up to the main entrance where everyone handed back their visitor passes, thanked the intern for the tour and started making their way back to the bus, that was until they were stopped by Mr. Stark. "Given our last meeting didn't go to plan". He paused to glare at Flash who had the intelligence to not meet the man's eyes. "I thought I'd take the chance before you left to take a few pictures and sign some autographs". Peter, MJ and Ned took a seat in the seating area, not needing autographs or pictures, they knew the man personally. "Man, what a day, I can't believe Bruce made me do the tour, I was right, he was set up by the time were half way through lunch. He said Dad put him up to it as he knew I'd hate it at the time but it would go further prove I never lied about the internship, which I suppose I did in a way but still". Ned laughed "Wait until you hear what happened while you were with Natasha, Mr. Harrison wanted to know what she was on about so MJ told him. He chewed into Flash, month long detention both lunchtime and after school, no longer allowed on the decathlon team, he isn't allowed go to Europe with us and Mr. Harrison is ringing his parents when we get back to school". Peter let out a low whistle, that was a harsh punishment. Then again it was Flash, he deserved it. MJ then explained about Wanda coming down. "Oh God no, Nat and I had hoped she wouldn't find out, should have known better"
The conversation ended there as Stacey came over to them. "Mr. Parker sir? Your class is finished taking pictures and are just about to leave". All three teenagers stood up, thanked and said goodbye to Stacey before joining the rest of their class. Peter took his bag off and threw it at his Dad who barely caught it in time. "Uh what do you think you are doing; do I look like a butler?" Yet again the high schoolers were in shock. "No, a Butler dresses better, given that you are home though I presume Happy is no longer on babysitting duty with Mo and will be collecting me. There is no point in me bringing that with me on the bus only to put it in the trunk of Happy's car as soon as we get to the school. Be a dear and throw it in my room". Tony stared at his son, he would have said something but it was his idea to have Peter give his class the tour of the labs and figured if this was payback, he could deal with it. He turned to MJ and Ned, "I've rang your parents, you are going home with the kid, there is a party tonight among and you are coming apparently Thor enjoyed meeting you both last time and has requested your presence". MJ dropped her bag at Tony's feet, not even caring how rude it looked. She pretended not to respect him, he pretended he didn't know she did. It was stupid, but it worked for them. "Let me guess you expect me to take your bag up as well?". She smirked "Maybe you would make a good butler after all". He just shook his head picked up her bag and put it over his shoulder along with Peter's. He looked at Ned expectantly. "You want me to take yours as well I guess?". While Ned had eventually moved passed the hero worship that made him a mute or a blubbering idiot around Tony, he still wasn't brave enough to act like MJ around him. "Do you mind Tony?". Tony pointed at him "Finally one of you has manners, congrats Ned you are now my favourite". Ned placed his bag down in front of the man, knowing he was weird about being handed things. "Thanks".
Everyone left Avengers Tower and made there way back onto the school bus, nobody said anything to either Peter, MJ or Ned for a few minutes and then the shock wore off and they spent the rest of the ride back to school being bombarded with questions about the Avengers. Peter did have to acknowledge to himself even though he really hated the attention a very small part of him enjoyed the popularity a bit, not that he would ever admit it out loud.