I am such a horrible person. I have reasons for leaving this story for as long as I have - suddenly moving, house renovations, and mental instabilities. However I am here, and officially for good this time. I went back and edited this chapter, as well as the next two chapters and have a good idea of what will happen between now and chapter 8. I am still needing a beta reader if anyone wants to do it, but am no longer going to actively search for someone after having so many of them leave. Honestly, that alone made me really question this story and if it's even worth writing.
I hope it is, because I'm rather having fun writing it again.
Anyways, here's chapter two! Oh, the chapters might get a bit longer and Doctor Strange will be making an appearance probably between chapters six and eight. So this is absolutely a slow burn.
Here's to hoping I'm not royally screwing this story up haha
Pepper slowly roused from her light slumber, the soft voice of Jarvis reaching her ears as he said the time, weather and Tony's current location. Slipping from the large soft bed she barely remembers climbing into Pepper brushes out the now ruined outfit that was slept in. Leaving it as a lost cause she heads towards the kitchen – the clothes will need to go back to the dry cleaners later today. The first priority is coffee and judging by the smell of hazelnut coffee grounds the pot was already started. Since Tony is with Peter and has likely been there all night without sleeping, the only one who could have started the coffee is Jarvis. Running fingers through messy red hair, Pepper grabs a hair tie from a pocket and tosses it into a loose bun to be dealt with later. Knowing the kitchen by heart it doesn't take long to locate two mugs, creamer and sugar.
Pepper isn't really sure how to feel about everything that's happened in the past 24 hours and most of it is more of a blur to begin with. One thing is obvious, Tony is definitely hiding more than just the boy – who he is and where he came from. There's more to this than he is wanting her to know about and it's bothering Pepper more than she would like to admit. Heaving a sigh at the beginning of a headache she can feel coming, each cup is filled and given different amounts of cream and sugar before being grabbed off the counter and Pepper begins heading towards the room Peter is in. Concern twists inside her stomach the closer she gets, but she also knows if something was wrong Tony would be panicking and calling the doctor to come right that second. A soft smile forms on her lips at the image – seeing Tony care this much about someone is rather rare and is more proof that he does actually have a heart, despite what the rumors say about him.
Pepper enters the doorway of the room; seeing Tony sitting at the end of the bed she walks over to stand next to him and offers the steaming cup.
Tony's POV
"How is he?" Pepper asks softly as I take the cup and wrap both of my hands around it. I can only give a small, negative shake of my head in response, then mumble a soft "Thanks."
I take a cautious sip only to flinch instinctively as the burning liquid reaches my lips. "He's strong though. I know he will pull through. It's just a matter of when." I seal my mouth shut when I nearly slip about his quick healing thanks to that spider. Even if my identity were to ever come to light I'd protect Peter's till my dying breath.
"We should figure out his new identification papers while we wait, Tony." Pepper's voice sounds tired, and concern scratches at me. I know that she's already realized I didn't tell her a few things last night, and despite how badly I wish to tell her, I also know it's better not to say. I stand up, gently patting Peter's ankle in a smooth motion, the last of the coffee is gulped down having gone lukewarm.
"I could help with that," A calm, smooth voice states from behind us, and I tense as Pepper turns around, surprised.
"JARVIS?" I ask, not needing to turn around to know it's Agent Coulson. The name Jarvis is heavy on my tongue, foreign even though he's been my AI longer than FRIDAY. It will require more time to get used to talking to him instead. I rub the bridge of my nose, Jarvis' british accent sounding out around us.
My apologies sir, but he was very insistent.
I sigh, turning as I try to ignore the quicker beat of my heart. It's difficult to look the Agent in the eye, his death is all I can focus on. Forcing a deep breath, ignoring how shaky it is while exhaling - he died believing in the Avengers, and we - no, I let him down.
"Why?" The question is a loaded one, something Pepper could recognize right away but Coulson simply looks at me in confusion. Though the confusion is warranted, having no clue what's in the future for all of us in the room. I have the urge again, to tell him, give some sort of warning, beg him not to try and attack Loki on the Helicarrier. I shove the urge back, knowing he would do it all over again if it meant helping the Avengers. Why did he believe so strongly in the team, why did he have to sacrifice himself like he did, why did he try to go up against Loki of all people? My head swirled with questions, even though not a single one could be asked or answered. Will he die again? His sacrifice is what brought us together in the first place; even if Fury's execution with the bloody cards was a bit much.
"Why would I help? Why not? Under one condition, of course," Coulson smiled before turning and heading back to the living room to sit. We easily follow behind, Pepper more sure in her steps than I am, and Coulson's own still carrying a lightness that will be gone in just a short amount of time.
Once we all sit down, Coulson holds the file out towards me but Pepper takes it, then slides it over to me. Coulson's mouth turns down faintly at the edges, confusion swirling in his expression.
"I don't like being handed things." I shrug at the Agent, who only raises an eyebrow in response. I have to quickly hide my surprise at finding information on the Avengers inside, it was Fury who approached me about it last time. Maybe the reason it's Agent Coulson this time is because I didn't spill the beans? Though I really shouldn't be surprised at finding the Avenger's in the folder, or at only seeing Iron Man and no mention of myself except in passing: "Creator of Iron Man - Tony Stark". I wonder if Natasha will still show up undercover.
"The Avengers Initiative is what we are calling it. Bringing together a group of powerful individuals to help protect the world from things that the police can't handle themselves. We want you to be part of that." Coulson explained, barely hidden excitement at the prospect shining in his eyes, his words cutting off my swirling thoughts.
"No," I snap the file shut, dropping it onto the table. It slides over and connects with Coulson's hands, he straightens it out so it lays facing him.
"No?" Coulson repeats and I feel a sigh wanting to escape but I hold it in. There definitely isn't a twinge of pain along with the sigh - no matter how badly I want to immediately agree, some things need to be laid out first.
"It's my money and Iron Man that you want, not me personally."
"Tony -" Pepper tries to break into the conversation, but I keep talking over her. This can't - won't - be like last time. We need to get it right this time around.
"However, I also know how important this Initiative is. I will consider accepting, if - and only if you let both Iron Man and myself into the Avengers. Just because you know that I'm Iron Man, doesn't mean I can just waltz around with the Avengers without unwelcome questions from others. So both of us need to be part of it."
"Okay," Agent Coulson shrugs, quickly agreeing to the term. I pause for a second, taken back.
"Okay? Just like that?" I blink, shocked at the fast response. I figured he would have to talk to Fury about it first. That's odd.
"Yup, just like that." the Agent smirks, his amusement clear on his face.
"Um. Right, okay. I guess I will accept your offer then. Just send me the rest of the details later." I know that the Avengers will be canceled by the Council though, not that it stops Fury any, thank goodness. If it had stopped Fury, then the world would have been destroyed years ago by Loki and this time travel trip wouldn't have been possible.
Pardon me sir, but Peter has awoken and is calling for you.
I immediately stand up and head towards the bedroom, Pepper grabbing a glass of water on the way. Coulson, concerned, trails behind us and we all slip into the room.
I only relax when I see Peter sitting up, a frown on his face, and rubbing his throat. He looks up once we are all in the room and his frown turns into a bright grin, "Mr Stark! I am so glad I found you - or, wait, did you find me? Is this the Malibu house? How did I get in this bed? Did you carry me? I heard JARVIS talking, do you think Karen is okay? Are you going to make FRIDAY again? Oh wow - hi Mr Agent Coulson sir, I've heard so much about you from Mr Stark! And Miss Potts too! What are you guys doing here?" Peter's voice is rough, weak, from the problems he had with the time travel and what it put him through. Pepper hands over the glass of water once she's sure Peter isn't going to spill it in his excitement, and I can't stop the small chuckle that escapes.
"Slow down Underoos, let's focus on making sure you're okay first, then I will answer any of your questions later yeah?"
"Okay, sorry Mr. Stark." Peter nods, quickly downing the whole glass of water. Thankfully his voice seems to go back to normal afterwards.
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Tony, kid?"
"At least three thousand more times Mr. Stark." Peter grins and I huff, shaking my head.
"I should go ahead and give you a heads up - Pepper and I have been talking and decided it would be easiest if I were to adopt you as my son. If that's okay with you, that is."
"You would really do that? " Peter looks at me, eyes wide.
"Of course." I grin, Peter doesn't wait long before swiftly nodding in agreement. I turn towards Agent Couslon who is patiently waiting, trying to keep up with the conversation. I could see the confusion and strong urge to ask questions, and am glad he held back from asking them. I don't think it would be easy to refuse to answer Coulson with the truth right now. "Alright then, you heard the kid. Agent, meet Peter Benjamin Stark, my fifteen year old adopted son."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Peter Stark." Coulson holds his hand out, smiling, and Peter quickly shakes it, admiration blatantly showing on his face.
"You too Mr Agent sir!"
"Expect the necessary documents to arrive tomorrow afternoon, Stark." Coulson says, suddenly feeling a little awkward at Peter's enthusiasm towards him and not knowing what he could have done to receive it. Coulson walks from the room quickly, file folder under his arm, before the situation could confuse him even more. He figures it's better to ask Fury if he knows what's going on with them, instead of asking Tony - and might have better luck getting some sort of truth that way. Then again, maybe their perceptions of Tony were all wrong? Coulson heads back to Headquarters, thoughts in disarray.
"Wonderful. Oh! And you don't need to worry, Pepper already knows everything including the time travel bit. Well, everything but about your erm, friend. I will leave deciding who knows about that up to you." I explain, going towards the kitchen for a second cup of coffee - the alcohol can wait a little bit.
"Oh, um, thanks Mr. Stark! Miss Potts?" Peter looks at her, serious as he can manage to be. Since she knows about Tony and the time travel, it would be better if she knows about Spiderman, Peter decides. They both begin walking towards the kitchen as well, their conversation drifting towards me.
"Yes Peter?" Pepper smiles at him, calm. Though she isn't really sure what to expect, or what Tony meant by friend. She hopes it isn't something bad, but prepares herself for such anyway.
"Well, you see, what he means by friend, is that I - um - I'm Spiderman!" He nervously gets the words out, even if it's a stuttering mess, and walks over to the fridge to pour out a glass of milk.
"You're what?" She blinks, confused and I can't help the small snort that escapes. Her mind momentarily pauses - what the heck is Spiderman? I notice the cogs beginning to turn in Pepper's head, signs that she is beginning to concoct plans to get back at me for whatever I could have done to the poor teen to create this Spiderman. I quickly cut in before her mind can actually create anything.
"Kid, she doesn't know what being Spiderman means - he isn't a concept here yet." I wearily grin at him.
Peter's face falls in shocked realization that Spiderman doesn't exist now, and Pepper is more curious than homicidal - I mentally pat myself on the back for avoiding an early death. She focuses more on Peter, who groans.
"I forgot! Crap. Wait, that means I get to have my first outing as Spiderman again! And my first case! And - and -"
"Peter, who's this Spiderman?" Pepper interrupts, amusement and confusion apparent. Peter takes a breath, switching his focus back to her question.
"Okay, so, I was bitten by a radioactive spider that gave me super cool spider powers and advanced healing. I can also make my own web and use that to fight and swing along buildings and stuff. Oh! Also Mr. Stark made me my own amazing super suit and gave me my own AI who's name is Karen and she is really nice and helpful and is a very good listener. I hope you can meet her soon! I think you would like each other. Wait - why didn't I merge with my younger self like you did Mr. Stark? Will he - I - uh, they, also be Spiderman?" Peter turns to me leaving Pepper to absorb the new information. I humm, setting down my once again empty mug.
"The way I figure is that when your current body tried to reach your younger body in order to merge, your younger self sort of rejected you. It has to do with the way the brain functions and how it holds information as it grows with the body. Since you are still extremely young here, your younger brain wasn't quite developed enough to hold all that extra information your 15 year old brain now has. The only other option was to send you to the place you were focused most on - me. As for your younger self being Spiderman, it is possible. However, since we came back in time, the future we knew no longer exists. It might be a good idea to keep him from also becoming Spiderman. Otherwise things will likely become complicated with having two of you running around." I try to explain the best I could, and consider the possibility of his younger self being Spiderman as well.
Peter finishes off his milk and searches for something to eat - he quickly takes out fish and custard, heating up multiple plates of it. Pepper raises an eyebrow at the amount of food, quickly looking at me and I just shrug. Petter can just about out eat Thor - almost. Which reminds me, this place needs to be restocked with the right amount of groceries and Peter is going to need clothes and his own bedroom. Damn, I can't wait to be back in the tower.