"Hey guys, we have something we want to run by you."

Hallie

"Yeah, dad?" Peter's head tilted in curiosity.

"We've just been talking, and we've been wondering about the wisdom of trying to keep your relationship a secret."

Peter picked up Hallie's hand from the table and texted their joined hands in front of him.

"How so?"

Pepper spoke next. "Well, Peter, Hallie, how do you imagine that looking? What's the end game here? I mean, we've been aiming at getting you through the bond settling in secret, so then you don't have to be together as much, and it should be easier to keep it a secret. But at what cost?" She turned, looking seriously at Peter.

"Are you really willing to keep Hallie hidden, to not be seen in public with her, or even in the Tower? What happens when you have to travel? It will be months or maybe even a year before you can be apart for more than a day or two. And should you even try? Is it worth it?"

"It's worth it if Hallie can stay out of the spotlight, and out of the crosshairs," Peter said tensely.

Hallie leaned sideways into his shoulder, trying to help him relax now.

"But will she really be any safer, Peter?" Tony said gently. "He paused to make sure his son had a moment to consider his question.

"Someone is going to find out at some point, especially with her living in the Tower, in the penthouse even, and if we're keeping our distance, we won't even know when someone has found out, and she'll still be in danger. Why not acknowledge your relationship, at least, if maybe not the soul bond, unless it's necessary, and take what steps we need to to make sure she's protected?"

"But, what if she was able to go back to her apartment in a few months? What if she could have a mostly normal college experience, if we can just get through the next few months in secret? What if…" Peter's face looked anguished, and conflicted.

Peter opened his mouth to speak again, but Pepper forestalled him with an upraised hand. "Hallie, what are your thoughts on this? I assume you have some, from the look on your face?"

Hallie froze a little bit, not sure what to do, or say. But she knew what she was feeling. She took a deep breath, and spoke quietly, "I don't like all the sneaking around, and the stress of trying to hide it." Peter rubbed her knuckles gently, staring at their joined hands.

When no one spoke, Hallie continued, getting stronger as she gained momentum. "I don't like being away from Peter, and don't want to just see him at night, or in the shadows in between meetings. I - I'll do whatever I need to for his protection, or to make things easier for you guys, but if it's me you're worried about, I'd rather trade a little bit of crazy and whatever you said about security and stuff for being able to be with him more." She paused, wiping at her eyes with her free hand. "It's not like I had a big important life before that I'm going to lose, even if things go haywire for a while." She turned her eyes to Peter, whose gaze was intense. "I definitely don't want to live somewhere else, without you." Then she amended quietly, " I mean, unless that's what you want for yourself."

Suddenly, Peter's expression melted, and he pulled Hallie in hard for a hug. He pulled back, meeting her gaze with hope this time. "You… you want to stay with me? You're sure? You're not still thinking about moving back out when you can?"

Hallie was so confused. How could he think she was even considering that still? "Why would I… why would I want to be away from you?" she asked incredulously, pulling back to look at his face. She felt tears in her eyes again, and she blinked them away. Did he want his life back? Because she had gotten the impression that- but then he was kissing her, overcoming their awkward side-by-side position by pulling her fully into his lap.

Someone cleared their throat.

Aaaaand again.

"Okay, Underoos. Point taken. We'll try to keep the PDA to a minimum," Tony joked.

Peter finally pulled back, only sparing his dad a brief glance. "Hallie. If you're sure, that does change some things." He looked at the ceiling and let out a long, slow breath. Especially my stress levels every time I think about you suddenly deciding you need space next month. And for the record, I didn't think you didn't like, or even love me. I just know it's a lot to be officially connected with me, and the publicity, and the danger, and the inconvenience… and that's all before we bring Spiderman into the mix." I just didn't know if you would be up for it. If… I would be worth all that.

Hallie screwed up her face in mock disgust. "For a genius, you're kind of dumb. And you talk a lot."

Hallie heard Pepper laugh, but she sounded a little emotional as well. Hallie brought her hands up to either side of Peter's face and touched her forehead to his. "I don't want to go anywhere. I want to stay with you."

"Okay, then," said Peter, holding Hallie close, and grinning as he turned to Tony and Pepper. "What's next? Did you guys already come up with a plan, or do we need to hash that out?"

As it turns out, the plan Pepper presented was a pretty good one. SI would announce its heir's engagement to Hallie, who he'd met during her internship at the Tower (with records fudged a little to put her there since November in different minor capacities) early the next week. ("But, aren't we already married?" "Yes, but soulmate marriages are protected, not public record, so no one should know that.")

Along with the public announcement, Hallie's security (when outside the Tower) would kick in. Peter would accompany her to class for a few more days, visually establishing them as a couple, along with Alex (who mostly shadowed Peter when he was in public anyway, both for appearances, and as a failsafe). After that, they'd figure out a security team for her.

Hallie wasn't excited about that part, but as she'd said, it was worth it to her to be able to be with Peter most of the rest of the time. She would adapt.

As for her self defense class, well. "I just don't know how we're going to work security there, Peter," said Alex. The fully non-descript (perfect for security) brunette was in the Avengers common space with them the next morning, and their heads were bent over possible schedules and plans. "I'm afraid the celebrity status might pull curious people in to an extent that you can't effectively teach." This comment was directed at Hallie.

Alex had been there with them since 7:30, and Hallie had already heard him speak more than she had in the whole weekend he'd accompanied them to Malibu. He was currently frustrated with all the logistics, but she could also see why Peter liked him, and had him heading up his personal detail. He was brilliant in his own way, and seemed to think of everything.

"What if," said Hallie, "we talk to Cass at the Center and get her to close enrollment off to anyone who's not already in the class? And close off the building during it if needed? I don't think there are any other classes Thursday nights. I mean, maybe she won't agree to it, but if she does… would it work?" Peter reached over and absentmindedly ran a few fingers back and forth across her shoulders, which was very distracting.

Alex contemplated Hallie's suggestion. "Yeah, it might." He rubbed at the back of his head, looking down at their schedules.

"If she'll cooperate, can we try it? I'd love to at least finish the semester, even if it doesn't work out after that," she said ruefully. Peter reached his hand up to stroke her hair sympathetically. He understood how much she enjoyed her class. "Alex, maybe you could come with us tonight and talk to her about it? I can still teach tonight, right? They're not announcing anything until next week?"

"That's right, Hal. No changes yet." Peter sat up straighter and his hand moved to rub at the base of his neck. "Actually, I was thinking." Alex looked up sharply, like a man who had heard that phrase before, and had developed a healthy fear of it. "Now, this seems crazy with everything we're trying to arrange (he was looking directly at Alex now, with a nervous look on his face) but, what would you say to us running out to California again this weekend?"

Alex and Hallie both stared at Peter in confusion. Well, Hallie thought hers was confusion. Alex's more closely expressed, "What are you, an idiot?"

"Why?" Hallie finally said. Peter reached over and took her hand, but his eyes turned to Alex. "I can fill you in on what I want to do later," and back to Hallie, "but it's something we could probably pull off this weekend, that will be a lot harder if we try it anytime soon after Monday's announcement. Could we?"

"I mean, I guess," said Hallie, still feeling a little off-kilter. What did he need to do in California that couldn't wait?

Alex sighed. "If it's what I think, I'm going to need more team members," he said flatly.

"You're the best," said Peter brightly. Alex only sighed.

Peter

Hallie's classes passed more quickly that day, since Peter had all sorts of planning and arranging to keep him busy. He asked Hallie to sit near a door in her classes, and he would slip out about halfway through each one to get a few things done, usually on the phone, before he met her at the door when class was over. She kept looking at him like he was a little crazy, but he could feel her also catching on to his enthusiasm, and she did a lot of smiling too. At lunch they grabbed some Peruvian food right next to campus, and talked at length about what things might look like next week.

"It's going to be a bit chaotic, Hal. I'm nowhere near as visible or famous as my pare- as my dad, but because of that connection, and because I'll be inheriting SI, lots of people are still interested. They could be digging up any dirt they can find, and trying to get pictures, and just… it's a mess. Someone will invariably talk about your background, including your mom and your grandmother, and… It happened to me when Tony and I were outed as soul mates, and again, to a lesser extent, when the adoption and inheritance were publicized."

"I know. It's going to be rough for a while. But I'll be with you." Hallie said, brushing her hand over his covered soul mark. Peter smiled, shaking his head at her optimism, and leaned in to kiss her briefly.

"So about, security. What are you thinking? What would be an ideal situation for you, in these decidedly sub-ideal circumstances?"

"Peter, I have absolutely no frame of reference for this. What would you want?"

"Mmm, that doesn't really convey, because of my, um, enhancements, I'm at significantly less risk than you. I mean, I have been kidnapped twice, but both times were really almost freak accidents that they happened, and since they didn't know all about me, I was never in any real danger. There have been at least eight attempted kidnappings, six that I thwarted myself because of my (he made a Spiderman hand motion) sense and hearing. My security team caught the other two though." He finished his second entree while he played absently with her fingers with the other hand. "I'm actually considering assigning Alex to you. There's no one I trust more."

"Oh, Pete, don't do that. You guys are like… friends. I'm sure he'd be wonderful, but there must be other options, right?" Hallie tipped her head to the side in thought. "Actually, though, I think that's what would be ideal for me. Someone I could maybe be friendly with? Someone who could sit with me in class, not just spy on me from afar? I don't know if that's possible, but it would be nice. Until I met you, I was always just kind of… lonely. If I can't be with you, it would be nice to have someone to talk to during the days." She sighed, and he smoothed her hair back from her face, a contemplative look on his. "I know that's not really a security thing, though."

"Not usually, but good thoughts, sweetheart. Alex and I will keep discussing it. Did you hear back from your roommates?" he said, changing the subject.

"Uh, Rory is available, and she thinks Isa is, but I haven't heard back from her directly. 5:30 at my old apartment, right?"

"Yep. Mmm. I like hearing you call it your 'old' apartment though." He kissed her temple and nuzzled into her hair, breathing in deeply. I can't tell you how excited I am to know you're not going back to it."

Hallie smiled happily. "Me, too. I can't imagine being without you, Pete."

He leaned in for a real kiss this time, and they only broke it off when his spidey-sense started buzzing softly because they were attracting too many passing glances.

As they stood at Hallie's (old) apartment door that evening, she paused. "Do I knock? Do I use my key? This is so awkward."

Peter smiled, amused. "You know they're there. Just knock." She did, and the door was soon answered by a tall, smiley blond woman.

"Hallie!" Hallie looked surprised as her roommate stepped forward to grab her in a quick hug. "It's really so good to see you. I haven't been worrying per se, but it's just good to see you're okay for reals!" She stepped back, and her smile dimmed just a little as she eyed Peter.

He stepped forward, sticking his hand out. "Peter Parker-Stark. Nice to meet you."

Rory's eyes widened and her smiled slackened. "What did you…" Her eyes flashed to Hallie, then back to him. "As in Stark Industries Peter Stark?"

"That's me," he said, smiling politely. "May we come in?" he said, when it seemed like Rory might just stand there for a while.

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah, of course!" she said, obviously flustered. "Hallie, why didn't you tell us that- ISA!" she bellowed towards the other room. Peter winced. His noise-canceling headphones helped a little, but not that much.

Rory led them into the living/dining area, and Peter and Hallie set down the bags of Chinese takeout they were holding.

"Um, I'll just grab some plates," Rory said nervously as Isa walked in from the bedrooms.

"Peter." Isa said, neither happy to see him, nor as hostile as she'd been the other day. "Here to tell us the whole story, Hallie says?"

She jumped right to it, didn't she? "Isa, nice to see you again. Yeah, you guys are about to be on a very short list of 'in the know' people."

She smiled at that. Peter had already deduced that she enjoyed exclusive information, and was playing that angle as part of having his business-charm dialed up. He saw Hallie side-eye him slightly. Yeah, yeah. He knew he sounded a little, or a lot, like Tony's public persona in these cases. But what did people expect? The man had partially raised him, and taught him everything he knew about these situations. Well, Pepper had taught him a lot too. Which is why he was more diplomatic and effective than Tony, honestly. But charm still opened a lot of doors. And he felt the need to be charming as he reached into his handy-dandy backpack for two very ironclad NDA's.

Later, after they'd explained everything (well, all of the public story, plus the added soulmate angle) and laid out their basic plan for the two women, Peter sat back and analyzed their expressions. "Questions? Comments?"

Rory had been pretty quiet since finding out who Peter actually was, but she had a look of determination on her face now. "Hallie? You're really okay with all of this? Did they give you a choice?" Her eyes cut towards Peter, nervous to ask that with him sitting there, but not backing down.

"Yes, Rory. So many choices, at every juncture, I promise." This one, she said, bumping her shoulder into Peter's, "is ridiculously self-sacrificing. For a while I wondered if he even wanted me hanging around after the bond settled, because he was trying to make it easier for me to keep living my old life if I wanted to."

Rory looked contemplative, but nodded.

Isa spoke up next. "You said people might come asking us questions about Hallie? What exactly do you want us to say? I'm not making stuff up…"

"No, of course not, Isa," Peter said smoothly. "We're just asking for help to keep the soulmate part under wraps as long as possible. The rest of it is all pretty much the truth, other than how long we've known each other. And in appreciation for your loyalty to Hallie, and as a huge apology for having to deal with some difficult reporters probably pestering you, I'd like to cover rent on the whole apartment for the rest of the year."

Rory's eyes rounded, and Isa's narrowed. "Are you trying to bribe us, Peter Stark?"

"Of course not, Isa. There would be a lot more money involved if so. I know that you guys would do this for Hallie anyway, to help her. I'm just trying to show my appreciation for you doing it for me, too, when we're not friends, yet, by freeing up some of your income to be put toward something more interesting. Saving for a new car maybe, or a trip somewhere if things get intense around here."

Isa looked somewhat mollified, and Rory was still staring. New York rent on a whole apartment was nothing to sneeze at.

"Okay, Stark. I guess you can afford it," Isa said reluctantly.

Peter smiled, hiding the fact that he'd been sweating a little at their possible reaction to that. "Like I said, you'll be earning it. The reporters might be really obnoxious. And it doesn't work well to just not talk to them. It's easiest to seem willing to talk, but only give them part of the truth. If you won't talk, they just keep trying to find other avenues. If they think you've already told them what you know, they're more likely to back off. I know this from experience, unfortunately." (And so, so many boring meetings with Pepper and the PR team…)

Hallie

After finally feeling like they were on the same page, and promising to have Rory and Isa to the Tower for dinner in a few weeks, Hallie and Peter took another 20 minutes to go through Hallie's stuff so she could get what she wanted. Honestly, there wasn't a lot. A small box of photo albums and discs with pictures and videos (which Peter was pretty excited about), a few more clothes that were favorites, a few boxes of books and childhood memorabilia. Anything else was pretty replaceable.

"You guys sure you're okay dealing with the rest of it?" Hallie asked her roommates nervously. Of course, just keep anything you want, but you don't mind bagging the rest up and donating it?"

"Nah, we got it," drawled Isa. You have a lot going on," her eyes flicked to Peter "and like he said, we gotta earn our rent." She winked, to make sure Hallie knew she was teasing.

"Thank you so much!" Hallie said, looking around her old room, and sighing. Surreal. All of this was just surreal.

"Be right back, love," Peter said, his arms loaded with boxes. He was going to take one trip down to the car, then they'd take the last set together. His eyes pinned her for a moment, and the unspoken 'stay here.' made her mouth quirk up in a half smile. Where did he think she was going to go? She rolled her eyes with a smile at his protectiveness.

Her roommates had watched the whole interchange, and as soon as he was out the door, Isa and Rory converged on her. "Okay, girlfriend. Spill."

Hallie backed up against the wall under their onslaught, but she was giggling. "I… what exactly do you want me to tell you?"

"You're sure you're fine with this? I mean, yes, he's super hot, and smart, and yes he's going all Daddy Warbucks with you, but-"

"Daddy Warbucks? Isa, he's only 26, and he's not adopting me… Tony, however…" She laughed shyly. "Maybe."

"You're on a first-name basis with Tony Stark?" Rory breathed.

"Well, yeah. He's basically Peter's dad…"

"I thought that adoption stuff was just for him to inherit the company."

"Um, no, they're very much father and son, and closer than most. They're platonic soulmates too. You knew that right?"

"O-oh. I might have heard that once, but I definitely forgot. Peter has a platonic and a romantic soulmate?"

"Yeah, crazy, huh? Tony does too. Pepper Potts is his romantic soulmate. It's kind of insane that they both have doubles, right?"

"I did know that," said Isa. "I had forgotten he had a double soulmate though. And I'd never heard that Peter did. I'm sure about that."

"He hadn't, uh, met me yet, and they never publicized that. Another reason we're hoping to keep this quiet for a while. But yeah, they need pretty frequent contact too. We live in the penthouse together, just in our own suite."

"Oh, in your own suite, " Isa said primly. Hallie opened her mouth, but then closed it as she realized that Isa was teasing her.

"So, how's the love life? He seems pretty into you. Is he good in-"

"Hey! Let's talk about something else," Hallie said in a strangled voice, jumping over to the couch and picking up Rory's purse. "Is this new?" She was fairly certain she knew what Isa was going to ask, but also fairly certain Peter was close enough to hear their conversation.

"Oh come on, Hallie, we need details!" Isa continued, laughing, but then there was a knock on the door. Hallie rushed to answer it, though she was blushing at Isa's line of questioning. It was Peter, of course, and he had a mischievous grin on his face. Instead of walking inside, he pulled her through the doorframe and up against him, where he kissed her soundly. Not quite out of sight though, because Isa wolf-whistled at them after about 5 seconds.

She pushed back from him, knowing he had heard the whole partial conversation. "You are the worst," she growled softly, knowing he was just feeding into their need for details. She would just have to avoid being left alone with them…

"What? I just missed you," he said innocently. Why was he so adorable when he was being difficult?

"Liar," she grumbled, then pulled him inside with her and immediately started loading his arms with boxes. "Come on, I don't want to be late for my class."

"Oh, your self defense class! Does Peter go with you to that?" Rory asked, eyes wide.

"I get to go everywhere with her," Peter answered with a happy smile. "And vice versa. You know, the whole soulmate thing. We still can't be apart for more than maybe 30 minutes."

"Oh, wow. How's that going?" Rory asked Hallie.

"It's been a challenge, at times. But in good news, with so much time spent together, we already know each other really well," Hallie said with a smile, picking up the last box.

"Thank you, Isa, Rory! We'll see you soon!" she said over her shoulder as she hurried out of the apartment, happy to avoid any more conversation tonight.

As they walked down the stairs, Peter started chuckling.

Hallie eyed him. "What?" she asked, not knowing if she wanted the answer or not.

"Your roommates are, uh, imaginative. And complimentary." That's all she could get out of him.

"What's the point of being married to someone with super hearing, if he doesn't spill?" asked Hallie, too quietly for anyone else to overhear, as they descended the last set of stairs.

"I like when you talk about us being married," Peter said with a pleased smile, ignoring her complaint.

Hallie shook her head slightly. "Well, we are," she said lightly, smiling back. It was impossible to stay irritated at him. She hoped that continued. It would make life a lot easier, especially in the coming weeks, which were sure to be challenging.