Last week, Peter decided to make his unofficial internship; official. When he called Happy to explain his sudden interest in interning with Tony, he said it was to maintain his cover. Truth be told, it was because he missed Happy and Mr. Stark significantly.

His internship started on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Never before had Peter worked so closely with Mr. Stark. He might as well have been on a different planet or even the universe. He was treading new ground with no idea what the future held.

On his first day there, Tony waved him into the lab without looking up from his desk. He was soldering together a piece of his newest iron man suit. Peter's hands grew cold and wet. He felt his breath quicken.

It's Mr. Stark , he thought. There is no reason to be afraid of the man.

Why was he so uneasy?

"Can you hand me that tool, Kid?" He said, pointing towards a table in the back.

He walked towards the back table and picked up the tool Tony had asked him to get. He gave it to Tony without a single word. Once Tony finished soldering the pieces together, he looked up from his work.

"So, I thought you could work on whatever project you wanted. I could help you if you have any questions. When done, you can help me out. How does that sound?"

Peter nodded politely at him, "Sounds good, Mr. Stark."

"Call me Tony, Kid. I think we're past the whole Mr. Stark thing, hmm?"

Peter chuckled, "Of course, Mr. Stark."

Tony scowled at him and rolled his eyes. "I made a work table for you over there. Go knock yourself out."

Peter nodded and went over to the table. At the present, he had some semblance of what he wanted to make, but he wasn't sure if it was possible. The boy pulled out some paper and started writing down some designs. Most of them he scrapped, but some showed small promise.

The concept of time was an odd thing to Peter. The next thing he knew, two hours had passed in the lab. It had felt like minutes, seconds even. Peter and Tony talked for very little of the time. Sometimes the man took a moment to crack a joke, but besides that, they were speechless.

"Hey Kid, Are you alive over there?" Mr. Stark said.

"Yeah, just kinda got wrapped up on this idea."

"About the other night." Tony sighed and put down a screwdriver that had been in his hand. "Are you okay? You can talk to me about anything; you know that, right?

Peter nodded, not looking up from the project. "I know, Mr. Stark." He knew Mr. Stark was going to bring up the previous night at some point. It was surprising it took him so long to bring up the topic.

There was a moment of profound silence before Tony spoke again. "I was wondering if you wanted to join Pepper and me for dinner sometime. Not today, of course. But, sometime?"

"Oh, yeah…T-that sounds good. I-I'd like that." He would love that. Peter hadn't gotten to spend much time with Mr. Stark in the past. Usually, the only conversations they had ended with a long berate on how careless he had been. In retrospect, Peter was childish, stupid, and naive in the past. But who could blame him? He was just that—a child.

Peter was excited to see Pepper Potts. Before, Peter had never been very close to Mrs. Potts. But everything changed when Tony died. She became like a second parent to him. Often on the weekends, Peter would visit Pepper and Morgan up at their cabin and spend the whole day with them. Some days they would watch movies all day. Others they would cook or be there for each other. Peter needed them to move on, and they needed him.

"What are you working on over there?" Mr. Stark eventually asked.

"Oh. I thought it might be a good idea to look into a portable regeneration cradle. You know, in case anything ever goes wrong, we won't have to go all the way to the compound to get medical attention."

He had been thinking about the plan for a long time now. Suppose he had something like it when his Aunt and Tony died, maybe just maybe, he could have saved them. It was a long shot, but it was good to prepare.

Peter understood that he most likely wasn't going to save everyone. But that didn't mean that he wouldn't have a contingency for everything that could go wrong. Even if he couldn't stop Thanos from snapping, at least he would have a way to save them.

Tony couldn't help but look impressed at the kid. The boy was still a mystery in every way to the man. Sometimes the way he said things made him think he was an adult in a child's body. Someone Somewhere in the past had told him before of people having old souls, but this was ridiculous.

There was also sadness in the boy's eyes. He didn't think the boy noticed, but sometimes he looked like he had the entire weight of the world on his shoulder. He wished the boy would let him help carry the load. No young person should have to worry about so many things out of his control.

He wondered if maybe it was his fault. If he hadn't let the boy join him in Germany, perhaps he would have never had to think in that way. But Still, there were so many things that didn't make sense about the boy.

Tony put a hand on the boy's shoulder and quickly pulled his hand away when the boy's entire body tensed under his hand. "You know, that's not a bad idea, kid.. I'll let Doctor Cho know. Maybe, she'll be able to help."

Peter couldn't help feel his cheeks redden. "Can I ask you something?"

"Whoa. Your voice just got super serious." Mr. Stark quipped, "Do you need anything? Money? College letter of Recommendation? I got some pull at MIT."

"Does the pain ever go away after you lose someone?" Tony was silent, and Peter couldn't blame him. What kind of question was that? He wasn't sure why he even said it.

"Not really. It hits you at random times. One day, you'll stop thinking about it. Then the next day, it will hit you like a semi-truck. It takes time. I'm not good with touchy-feely things, kid, But I'll always try."

"Thank you. Thanks." He said.

Peter looked back down at his work table and concentrated on the piece of technology he was making. It would do wonders if he could get it to work.

"Uh…Who is this?" A voice said behind him. Sure enough, he turned around; Rhodey was behind him on a pair of crutches and braces on his legs. The man looked terrible if he was being honest. His face was a bruised mess, and there were still bandages on his head.

"Oh, this is my intern, Peter," Tony said, getting up from his desk to greet his friend.

Rhodey looked at him like he had been driven insane "You don't have interns. You don't like kids. I don't think I've ever seen you around a kid before."

Mr. Stark shrugged. "Pete, here is the exception. He's smart. Like scary smart. Bruce Banner, Einstein, Tony Stark, kind of smart." Peter felt his cheeks redden at the compliment. Mr. Stark rarely said anything in such praise.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," Peter said, smiling at him. He outstretched his arm for the man to shake.

Rhodey naturally took his hand and shook it firmly. "You too, kid. How old are you?

Peter almost spat out his actual age but caught himself at the last moment. "Fourteen, Sir."

Rhodey tilted his head." Really? I would have thought you were sixteen or seventeen."

"What did you need, Rhodey?" Tony asked.

"Pepper wanted me to remind you; you have a meeting in about an hour."

Mr. Stark looked at his watch and scowled. "Shit, You're right. Peter. You're okay on your own for a little bit. You can stay or go home. It's your choice."

Peter nodded at him. "I'll stay a little bit to finish up. But I've got to go home and finish some school work."

"Perfect, I'll let your Aunt know."

"It was nice to meet you, Peter. Take care of the old man for me, Will you?"

"Of course, Sir." Rhodey waved at him with a chuckle and left the room with Mr. Stark in tow.

Peter had never been on his own in Tony's lab before. And now that was, he didn't know what to do with himself. He kept trying to work on the project, but his mind kept shifting to his missing notebook.

He was really in for a load of trouble if that notebook got into the wrong hands. Hopefully, it was just in the hands of a student or janitor who wouldn't know what to make of it. But, if it somehow ended up in the hands of Thanos, he would ruin everything. There would be no bringing anyone back from the snap. Everyone would die for good this time.

It was unlikely to him that Thanos would ever get his hands on the notebook. However, knowing his luck, the alien already had it and carried out some grand plan.

Peter shook his head and tried to use the project to distract him. It would be beneficial to get the cradle to work.

An hour later, Peter decided it was okay to leave. He didn't want to extend his welcome.

When he arrived home, May was waiting for him.

"How was the internship, Kiddo? Your home early." She said from the kitchen.

"It was great!" He mused. "Mr. Stark, let me work on some of my projects."

His Aunt started dishing fried rice into bowls for each of them. "I'm proud of you. You know that, right?"

"I love you, Aunt May. I don't say it enough, but I do."

"Come here, kid." His Aunt wrapped him into a big hug, forgetting the fried rice she had dished into the bowls. He melted into her arms. Had it been only weeks ago since he thought he would never get to hug her again? It was surreal. Even now, he still couldn't believe that it was real.

But it was real. Peter would make the most of this opportunity. Maybe, everything would be alright. Now was his chance, and he wasn't going to waste it. At that moment, Peter knew what he had to do. No one could stop him from doing what he needed to do.

It was a stupid plan. But it was the only one Peter had. He was probably going to die. Not probably- definitely. He was definitely going to die. Tony Stark was probably going to murder him when he found out what Peter was planning. However, by the time Tony found out, Peter would be long gone.

Peter didn't go to his internship on Thursday. Instead, he stood in front of Dr. Strange's sanctum for what felt like hours. Every time he tried to ring the doorbell, his throat closed up, and it grew harder to breathe. But Peter didn't have time to be afraid. So before he could lose his nerve, with one sure push, he rang the doorbell.

The door didn't open right away, but he heard the scuffling of feet and cursing behind the door. Someone was there. Seconds later, Dr. Strange opened the door in a fluffy bathrobe, looking like he had just been asleep for twelve hours.

Dr. Strange looked down at him and grimaced. "No, I do not want to buy any girl scout cookies." He slammed the door in his face, leaving him dumbfounded.

Well, that was one way to start a conversation. Everything was going great.

Peter rang the doorbell again. His foot tapped incessantly on the steps. If the man shut the door on him again, he would probably punch him where he stood.

Dr. Strange pulled the door open sharply with a loud groan. "What? What do you want, kid?"

"First of all, I'm seventeen, not a child." He snapped, "and the girl scout's comment was offensive." Peter took a moment to control himself. "Second of all, I need your help."

The doctor started to pull his wallet out of his pockets. Peter didn't even know his get-up had pockets. "Do you need money?

"No, I do not need money." Honestly, he was offended. "Why does everyone always ask that?"

"Then what could you possibly need?" He spat out at Peter. "I'm a very busy person."

Peter groaned. It was best if he just got everything up in the air. He needed to rip the metaphorical band-aid off. "I need you to open a portal and send me to another planet."

There was a pause. A long moment of silence that the teenager wished would end. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You heard me?" Peter told him. He kind of squeaked it out. He had so much confidence earlier, but it was beginning to wane.

"How do you even know about that?" It was apparent the man didn't believe him. Peter was used to the grown-up people not believing in him in his life. Quite frankly, he was sick of it. He was almost a legal Adult, for Pete's sake.

"Doctor Strange-"

He cut him off. "Wait a minute. How do you even know my name?"

Peter looked across the block. Several people carrying groceries had stopped and been scrutinizing the duo. "Could we do this inside? People are staring."

"Fine…Come in." The doctor opened the door wider and quickly pushed them into the building. The moment the door slammed shut, Dr. Strange turned to him. "Why on earth would I send you to another planet?"

"I need to warn Thor and Loki." Peter couldn't help himself from looking around the foyer of the room. It was just as grand as he remembered.

Doctor Strange looked even more confused at his words." Are they friends of yours? Do you usually travel to other planets to meet the Avengers?"

"Not really…" He started pacing throughout the room. He wasn't sure how he could explain everything without revealing his secrets. "Look, Dr. Strange, someone is hunting infinity stones. The first one they will go for is the Power Stone with Thor and Loki. They need to come back to earth where they and the stone can be protected."

Dr. Strange folded his arms and glared down at the boy. "If they can't protect it, no one can. What makes you think you can protect it better than literal gods?"

Peter was growing irritated. He knew that it would be hard to get Dr. Strange to believe him. He just wished the man had some faith." I wish I could tell you. I wish I could tell. I'll explain everything to you. Eventually, I promise. But, If you don't send me to Thor and Loki now, millions will die. Do you understand? Millions."

"Kid, I can't just send you into outer space. It's dangerous." The man's face looked sympathetic. Maybe he wasn't as annoyed as he thought he was. "Thor and Loki will probably kill you. "

Peter sighed into his hands." Doctor Strange, I've been to space before, and I am still very alive. Look, if you don't trust me, use The Eye of Agamotto to see what I'm talking about."

Dr. Strange looked at him as if he had grown another head. The doctor couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. It wasn't every day a child showed up at your doorstep talking about the end of the world.

"Humor me. What's the worst that could happen?" He was almost shouting at the man now. "I waste five minutes of your time? What happens if you're wrong? The world ends." Peter was begging now. But he was running out of options.

"Fine." Dr. Strange said, throwing up his hands. "This might take some time. Sit down."

Dr. Strange sat down on a chair. The man closed his eyes, and then the world erupted into swirling colors. Greenlight flowed out of the man and danced around him. Peter could imagine coming from a science fiction novel or Television show.

Eventually, the light stopped, and the doctor's face turned back to normal. The man was silent. His face was white as a ghost, and tears twinkled in his eyes. "Holy shit. You were right."

Peter nodded at the man. Dr. Strange had probably just seen hell. He didn't have to imagine what it looked like because he lived through it. It was something he didn't wish his greatest enemy to have to live through or see.

Eventually, Dr. Strange spoke, but his voice was high and strained." What makes you think they will come back with you?"

"They will come back."

They had to come back with him. Everything depended on it.

Not only would he save the stone, but he could also save Loki and dozens of other Asgardians. They would need them if there were ever a massive battle. Peter didn't want to make another final stand like the last time. But if they did, they would need everyone they could get their hands on.

"You're just a kid. It would help if you didn't have to do this. Iron man will go. Someone else. Anyone else."

Peter shook his head at the man. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "Dr. Strange, we need them. You know that. I'm just your friendly neighborhood spider-man. I'm expendable."

The man's face softened." Call me Stephen, kid."

"Another thing. Please protect the time stone. Don't leave this building. Do whatever magic you have to do to protect it. If you can't protect it, look for a woman named Wanda Maximoff. She'll be able to destroy the stone. Thanos cannot get it. They will come for the stone, and you need to prepare for it. Hopefully, by the time they come, I'll have Thor and Loki and other Asgardians with me."

"Who are you?" Stephen asked.

Peter didn't know who he was anymore. Peter Parker died when he cast the spell at the Statue of Liberty. There was something new and different about him. It wasn't necessarily bad, but he wasn't just Peter anymore. He was something more, which scared him more than anything in the entire world.

"I'm Peter Parker, sir."

The man smiled at him. It wasn't a happy smile. There was a sadness to it that he couldn't quite pin down." Good luck Peter Parker."

"I'll do my best, sir."

"Is there anyone I should contact, you know? In case you do die?"

Peter laughed," Give Tony Stark a ring. He'll probably be pissed...Tell him to look into a man named Adrian Toomes." He said as an afterthought. "And, tell him… I'm sorry. I don't have a choice."

Dr. Strange opened the portal with a swirling spark of orange and yellows. Already, on the other side of the doorway, he could see the cold interworking of a ship. It reminded him darkly of the boat that had taken him to Titan.

Everyone has a moment in their life when they have to choose. They can either rise to the occasion or cower in fear. Some run, while others stand up and fight. It was time for Peter to stop running. He stepped into the unknown with one final breath and didn't look back.