Author's Note: Hello, hello, my readers! Welcome back to Raise Me Up! Sorry for the long wait, life's been pretty busy, and I hit a little writer's block. BUT I am back with CHAPTER 22! Strap in, friends! Because we got some fluff and a little of suspense! But…before we get to that…REVIEW REPLIES!
Guest: Thank you so much, friend! Got a little busy and writer's block, but I'm back now!
Wandamarie: WOW! Thank you so much for all your comments! I'm so glad you love this story! I hope you continue to like what comes next!
RosePetal7: Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you love this story, and I'm sorry it made you cry! I hope you continue to love this story!
Guest: Thank you so much! I'm really glad you love this story! This story is about Tony and Peter's growing father/son relationship, but I really wanted Pepper to be more involved because she is Tony's fiancée at this point. Therefore, she will be in Peter's life!
ForeverGautian: Thank you so much! I'm really glad you love this! And no, he's not. I never liked how he acted in CW, and he was not a great guy to Bruce! More updates will be coming!
Konoewpl: Well, unfortunately, someone like Ross, a politician does have more power than Tony. Tony is a businessman, and Ross is not just politician. He's the Secretary of State, which means he is in charge of foreign affairs and is appointed by the President. So…he's got a lot of connections and can call the shots in a lot of matters, like the Accords. And now that Tony is in charge of Peter, he wouldn't want to do anything that could take him away from Peter. He would need solid evidence to do anything like that. I hope that helps!
Megan844: Very intense indeed! Oh yeah, definitely, at this point he knows he can go to Pepper and Tony for help!
SapphireRuby24: I hope you enjoy it! Let's hope so! He's definitely not lying. Hope you enjoy what comes next!
Sillysammijo: I'm so glad you enjoy it! I hope you continue to enjoy what comes next!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chapter 22
After texting Pepper that he was going to take Peter out, Tony went into…his kid's room and found him still asleep in his bed, and the billionaire shook his head and smiled at the sight. He then walked over and gently shook Peter's shoulder to wake him up, and he watched as Peter slowly opened his eyes and looked up at his guardian.
"Oh hey, Tony, what's up?" he asked groggily.
"I was working in my office," Tony said sitting on the edge of his bed, "and I thought I'd come wake you up to see if maybe you wanted to get out of the tower today…just us guys."
"Yeah, yeah, I'd like that," Peter said turning onto his back. "Pepper busy today?" It wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with Tony without Pepper. It was just for a while unless Pepper was working, she would often join in on the fun. It would be nice to get out there with Tony for a guys' day so to speak.
"Yeah, she's got some things to take care of," Tony replied, "so it's just you and me." The billionaire couldn't help but smile even more at the fact that Pepper had taken such an active role in Peter's life since May died. They were to be married at some point, so it made sense for her to be involved in their kid's life.
"Awesome," Peter said.
"Great, why don't you get dressed?" Tony suggested as he stood. "We can grab a bite at our favorite diner in Queens and talk about what we can do. Sounds good?"
"Yeah, sounds great, Tony," Peter said smiling as he propped himself on one of his elbows smiling at his guardian.
Tony smiled and ruffled Peter's hair. "Great, kid," he said before standing up. "I'll leave you to get dressed and meet you in the living room, buddy."
Peter smiled and nodded as he watched Tony walk out and give him some privacy, and as soon as he was alone, he immediately hopped out of bed and got dressed. As frightening as it was to deal with what happened with Steve Rogers and the news that Ross possibly wanted to talk to his guardian, he was thrilled to get to spend time with Tony. This way he could protect him just in case something was to happen, and he was able to see that Steve being there messed with Tony a little. It made sense given what happened in Germany with the Accords, and from what Tony and Steve said and how they acted, they definitely didn't part on good terms. He could try to take Tony's mind off it for a few hours.
As soon as he was dressed and showered, Peter practically ran out of his room and headed into the living room to meet up with Tony.
The drive to Queens was fairly quick as there was very little traffic on Saturday. As promised, Tony took Peter to the very same diner, where he and May always went for breakfast and where Tony took Peter for breakfast after he burned the eggs…the very first time Peter stayed over. Even though the press conference was merely a week ago, Tony and Peter felt very relaxed being in public together. After deciding to go to the public and tell the truth regarding May's death and the current living situation, Peter was somewhat worried that the media would be more tempted to dig up dirt, but since then, he realized that they took Tony and Pepper's requests seriously and left them done. They had nothing to hide, and the press backed off.
The teen was grateful for that as that meant he and his guardian could enjoy a quiet day together.
"Were you able to get some sleep, buddy, after…?" Tony asked trailing off as they sat at the table waiting for their food to come.
Peter nodded. "Yeah, it…took a little while," Peter replied, "but I actually ended up falling back to sleep knowing that you and Pepper were okay."
"Trust me, waking up to seeing you being manhandled by…you-know-who wasn't exactly a pleasant sight," Tony replied as he gently took Peter's hand into his. "I'm glad that's all it was."
"Me too," Peter replied nodding. "I mean…I know you know him, Tony, but…I hated the idea of leaving you alone with him."
"This kid…my kid…" the billionaire thought to himself as he squeezed Peter's hand just a little tighter. "I know, bud," he said aloud after a moment, "but you did the right thing calling Pep and me for help, trust me. I know you want to help, but let me handle things like this first. If I need you, I promise I will ask you, okay?"
"You really promise?"
"Really, really promise, buddy," Tony said with a smile, "and I even told Rhodey. So, if anything like that happens again, we can ask him and Vision for help."
Peter nodded feeling more relieved that his guardian went to his best friend and told him what happened. "What did he say about Ross wanting to…maybe question you?" he asked.
"He said he hadn't heard anything from the man or anyone in D.C.," Tony replied, "but he said that he would help me prepare for whatever Ross could ask me. We're going to make sure we're one step ahead, but we'll worry about it if…if it happens, okay?"
"Okay," Peter said nodding. "I do trust you, Tony. I just…don't want to lose you…or Pepper, you know?"
"I know, buddy," Tony said. He understood. He really did. Peter had lost his parents, his uncle, and now his aunt. He and Pepper were all he had left, so of course, he wouldn't want to lose his guardian. "I promise you, nothing bad is going to happen, and if anything does happen, you and Rhodey will be the first people on my team."
Peter smiled and nodded. "Okay," he said. It didn't ease his worries completely, but knowing that Tony would ask him for help relaxed him somewhat.
After breakfast, Tony and Peter left the diner and made their way to Forest Park to spend the morning together. It wasn't too far from the diner and was a quick drive. The billionaire and the teen found a nice spot in the shade on a bench, where they sat down enjoying the silence and the beautiful summer weather. Thankfully, Peter brought his notebook with his notes on their nanotechnology project, and the two of them sat next to each other with Tony's arm holding Peter close to his side as they discussed the project.
Tony found himself smiling as he watched Peter talk very enthusiastically about their project…something that they were finishing together. When May died, Tony knew there was a chance Peter wouldn't be interested in it for a while, but the billionaire knew from experience that normalcy helped with the grief. Peter would've needed something to represent one part of normalcy in his life after it had essentially been turned upside down. It had helped during the wake, the funeral, the hearing, Ms. Walker's visit, and the press conference. They had quite the emotional roller coaster, and Tony and Pepper agreed to try to keep things as relaxed as possible for their kid…to help him heal. So far, it seemed to be working, and Tony loved seeing it…that despite the tragedies and the craziness, Peter was still willing to pull through and move forward.
"You okay, Tony?" Peter suddenly asked jolting his guardian out of his thoughts.
"Hmm?" Tony asked. "Oh yeah, I'm fine, kid. I'm just…I'm really proud of you, you know?"
"W-What did I do for you to be proud of me?" Peter asked with raised eyebrows.
"Well, I could go through a whole list from the time I first met with you, but we'd be here all day," Tony replied. "So, I'll just focus on more recent times. You've been such a trooper in all this. I know it hasn't been easy with May being gone, but you've been holding on, kiddo. You were dealt a pretty crappy hand, and you've been trying to process it all and move forward. That's not exactly the easiest thing to do when someone we love dies."
"Sometimes it doesn't feel like it," Peter said staring at the notebook and leaning his head on Tony's shoulder.
"Why do you say that?" Tony asked.
"Well, I still cry when I think about May," Peter added bashfully. "It usually doesn't last for too long, but it still happens. Like I told Ms. Walker, I haven't even asked you and Pepper to take me to the cemetery yet."
"It's perfectly normal to not want to, Pete," Tony said gently rubbing Peter's shoulder. "It's hard to face that part when all is said and done. I was the same way when my parents died, and Pepper, too. There's no timetable as to when you go to the cemetery, but it's there for when or if you feel ready."
"Really?" Peter asked.
"Really," Tony said with a smile. "You don't have to force yourself to do something you're not ready to do. No one is expecting you to do that. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you call the shots. Whatever you want to do…Pepper and I are with you all the way."
Peter smiled and angled his body so that he could hug his guardian tightly. "Thanks, Tony," he said with the smile never leaving his face.
"You're welcome, Peter," Tony said gladly returning the gesture.
They stayed in each other's embrace before slightly pulling away to look at each other.
"And to add onto that list," Tony said, "you were a trooper and an absolute dynamite at the hearing, the press conference, and when Walker came to visit. Just saying."
"Yeah, but I've had you and Pepper by my side in some way, shape, or form," Peter replied. "So, thank you again, Tony."
"You don't need to thank me, kiddo," Tony replied. "I'd do it all over again if I had to."
Peter smiled and nuzzled deeper into Tony's shoulder. He hated that he lost his parents, Ben, and now May, and he wished more than anything to have all of them…his parents, Ben, May, Tony, and Pepper. He was grateful to have a home, a family, and love with Tony and Pepper, but a part of him wished he had everyone together. "I wish I could have all of you," Peter said. "You, Pepper, my parents, Ben, and May…I wish all of us could be together."
"I know, buddy," Tony whispered as he buried his face in Peter's hair. "I know."
"But I really am grateful that I have you and Pepper," he said after a moment. "I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you both."
"I think you would've been fine, buddy," Tony said. "You're stronger than you think, but I am glad May trusted me to take care of you. I don't know what I would've done without my buddy."
"I was right," Peter said. "May knew what she was doing when she asked you. She knew we're better together."
"Of course, she did," Tony said rubbing his hand on Peter's shoulder again.
"Hey, so, uhh…I was actually texting Ned and MJ last night before bed," Peter said as they drove back to the tower later in the afternoon.
After their talk, they spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon in the park, they decided to head back to work a little in the lab and meet up with Pepper when she was done for the day. With all the craziness with Steve Rogers coming and breaking in, Peter had completely forgotten about his text conversation with Ned and MJ from the night before until Ned finally texted asking how he was and if he even asked Tony to begin with.
"Oh yeah? How are they doing?" Tony asked as he drove the car through typical city traffic.
"They're great so far," Peter replied smiling. "They're really enjoying their summer vacation. Umm…they were actually wondering if it was cool for us to hang out for a bit on Monday at Ned's apartment."
"Oh, really?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, so…is it okay if I go?" Peter asked.
"Of course, it's okay with me, buddy. We'll double check with Pepper when we get home, but it shouldn't be a problem. Are you sure you're up for it?"
"Yeah, I think it would be good for me for me to spend time with my friends, you know? Plus, I did promise them we would now that we've gotten through the craziness."
"I completely agree," Tony said with a smile. "You know, if you want, and again, this is if Pepper is okay with it, too, maybe after you guys hang out at Ned's house, Happy can bring you all back to the tower, and we can all go out to dinner—somewhere casual, you know?"
"Yeah, I would love that! I'll ask Ned and MJ when we ask Pepper, but if they can't, the three of us still can, right?"
"Of course, kid, of course."
Peter smiled as he settled back into his seat making a making mental note to text his two best friends as soon as he and Tony spoke to Pepper. He had a feeling she would be okay with it, but she and Tony were a team just as May and Ben were. Whenever he wanted to ask them something, either May or Ben made sure the other was in the loop before making a decision. The fact that Tony was so okay with it and willing to take them out to dinner brought a smile to his face. Tony had met Ned and MJ in the past, so they already knew each other. It would be nice to have them altogether. He had a feeling that was just what he needed…to be with his family and friends, especially after the scare they had with Steve Rogers.
Monday came, and of course, Pepper was more than okay with Peter going to spend time with Ned and MJ at Ned's place. In fact, she was even more thrilled at the idea of her and Tony taking Peter and his two best friends out to dinner after work, which in turn made Peter even more thrilled. Once Ned and MJ cleared it with their parents, the plans were all set, and Peter said goodbye to Pepper and Tony and hopped into the car with Happy at around 11AM promising to be back around 4PM with Ned and MJ. As soon as Happy pulled up in front of Ned's apartment building, Peter thanked Happy before climbing out of the car with Happy reminding him that pick-up was around 4PM, and he practically skipped up to the building.
Mrs. Leeds wasted no time in buzzing into the building once he rang the bell.
"Peter, it's so good to see you," Mrs. Leeds said as soon as she opened the door and hugged him.
"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Leeds," he replied hugging her in return.
"How are you, sweetheart?" she said pulling away and letting Peter come inside. "We saw the press conference. You were amazing."
"Thank you, Mrs. Leeds," Peter said as she closed the door behind them. "It…It wasn't easy. I was very grateful to have Tony and Pepper up there with me. They made it doble."
"I'm glad to hear that," Mrs. Leeds said, "and you seem to be happy with them."
"I really am," Peter said nodding. "They've been amazing with me…through everything, you know?"
Mrs. Leeds nodded. "Well, I told them this at the wake, and I will tell you now. If you all need anything, you knew where to find us."
"I appreciate that, thank you," Peter replied.
"You're welcome," Mrs. Leeds replied. "Now, Ned and Michelle are in his room. I'll have pizza delivered in a bit. Go on and have fun."
"Okay, thank you," Peter replied as he walked over to Ned's room. He knocked on the door and opened it only to see Ned and MJ.
"Peter!" they shouted in unison as they practically shot up from the floor and ran up to him pulling him into a group hug.
"Hey, guys!" Peter said happily as he returned the gesture. "You act like you haven't seen me in ages."
"Well, yeah, dude, it feels like it's been ages," Ned said as they pulled away to look at him. "We haven't seen you in person since…" he stopped, "well…since the funeral."
"And we totally get why, you know?" MJ added quickly.
"No, no, it's okay," Peter said quickly holding his hands up. "You're right. I haven't seen you guys since May's funeral, and I am sorry about that. It's been crazy since then, and I've been trying to get back on my feet and get used to this…new normal, you know?"
"Yeah, buddy, absolutely," Ned said nodding. "We don't want you to rush into anything you're not ready for or don't feel up for. We're with you all the way."
Peter's smile widened. "I know, Ned," he said before pulling them into a group hug. 'Thank you, guys."
"You're welcome," Ned and MJ said in unison.
"Well, come on," Ned said as he guided Peter to his little table where the Lego pieces waited, "these pieces aren't going to put themselves together."
"And my sketches won't draw themselves," MJ said as she sat down next to them, "so get to it, losers."
Peter and Ned laughed as they sat down next to her and started working on the newest Lego set. Much like working in the lab with Tony, building Lego sets and hanging out with Ned and MJ was just what he needed. He found himself missing the days when Ned and MJ came over to hang out with him and May…and how May either took them out to dinner, but he tried his hardest to keep it down and focus on the time he was spending with Ned and MJ.
"It's okay to miss her," MJ said placing a hand on his shoulder.
Peter looked up at MJ. "Hmm?"
"May, it's okay to miss her," MJ replied. "Ned and I loved when we came over to your…old place, and she would try to cook us dinner."
Peter laughed as tears formed in his eyes. "Yeah, I loved it too," he said. "We always went to the diner or…or that Thai place." He sniffled and wiped his eyes. "I-I know it's okay to miss her, but…I don't want to bog you guys down."
"You're not, Peter," Ned said. "We want you to talk to us, especially when you miss her. I mean, it's one thing if you don't want to, which is totally fine, but if you ever want to, we'll listen."
"Exactly," MJ said. "We won't shoot you down, Parker."
Peter smiled as he wiped his eyes. "Thanks, guys," he said, "but really, if you get sick of it—"
"Not happening," Ned and MJ said in unison.
"Well, still, thanks," Peter said with the smile never leaving his face. "I really appreciate it. You guys and Tony and Pepper and your parents have been great."
"You'd do the same if it was one of us," MJ said. "Believe it or not, your do-gooder personality is one of the reasons why I consider you a friend."
Peter couldn't help but blush hearing MJ compliment his personality as he continued to stack the Lego pieces.
"Not to change the subject, Peter," Ned said after a moment of silence, "but you were amazing at that press conference last week."
"Yeah, I'm glad you were up there, and not me," MJ said as she continued to sketch in her book. "I would probably have some words for that one reporter who asked why you didn't go with extended family."
"Trust me, I think Tony would've cheered you on if you did," Peter said with a smirk. "Pepper and Tony warned me that they might ask something like that. The media likes to try to poke holes in the story…to see if something doesn't sound right and use it as a chance to get a paycheck."
"Yeah, but you went back at them like a badass," Ned said patting Peter on the back.
"Hell yeah, you did," MJ added with a smile as Peter blushed. "Not that I'm prying or anything, but that one question about…adoption…has Stark talked to you about that?"
Peter had a feeling that ether she or Ned would ask about the question regarding adoption. He might've cleared things up with Tony and Pepper, but he knew Ned and MJ would've wanted to know. "Yeah, we talked about it after the press conference," he said, "and we basically decided to table it for now and see where the future takes us. If we decide to go for it, great. If not, Tony says that we don't need paperwork to prove that we're family."
"Oh well, that's good," Ned said with a smile. "It's not a 'no' from you guys, just a 'maybe.'"
"Yeah, a 'maybe,'" Peter said nodding as he placed another piece on the set. "So, don't expect me to think about it anytime soon. I just…want to get used to everything, okay?"
"And that's fine," MJ said quickly. "No one will force you into anything you don't want to do."
"Yeah, no, absolutely," Ned quickly added. "That's between you and Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts. No judgment here."
Peter smiled. "Thanks, guys," he said. "How's that sketch coming along, MJ?"
The three teens enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together before 4PM finally arrived. Happy texted Peter that he was waiting for them outside, and after saying goodbye to Mrs. Leeds, Peter led Ned and MJ down to meet Happy in the car. The three of them greeted the "forehead" of security as they piled into the backseat together, and as soon as they were inside, Happy pulled out into the street driving back to the tower.
Once Happy finally pulled up in front of the building some time later, he gave Peter specific instructions on how to sign Ned and MJ in at the front desk. Peter couldn't help but roll his eyes, noting how he didn't have to do that when he brought his friends home, but then he realized. Tony was a billionaire, and it would be bad news if someone managed to walk in and out of the tower without clearance of some sort. So, it was necessary to keep an eye on potential danger. So, he agreed and thanked Happy for taking them back home, and he led his two best friends into the lobby, where he signed them in at the front desk before leading them to the elevator.
"Good afternoon, Peter, Ned, and Michelle," FRIDAY said as he stepped onto the elevator.
"Uh…MJ is fine," MJ said to the AI.
"Very well, MJ," FRIDAY replied. "Peter, boss has instructed me to escort you three to the office floor. Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts have been notified that you are on your way, and they're in a meeting in her office."
Peter furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion as he realized what FRIDAY just told him. "Did they say who they're meeting with, FRIDAY?" he asked. Pepper and Tony didn't mention to him about them having a meeting today, and he felt a little bad not knowing that. Maybe he could've asked FRIDAY to take them to the penthouse, but as he checked his phone, he saw that he didn't receive any texts from Tony or Pepper about this meeting.
"It's with Secretary Thaddeus Ross," FRIDAY replied.
Peter immediately perked hearing FRIDAY's answer, and it seemed to get Ned and MJ's attention as well.
"Why would the Secretary of State want to meet with Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts?" Ned asked with concern in his voice.
"Is it because of the Accords?" MJ asked.
"I don't know," Peter replied. 'They didn't mention anything to me about it."
"Maybe they didn't know," MJ suggested.
Peter tried to steady his pounding heart thinking about what Steve Rogers had told Tony just a few nights ago. Was this it? Was it about the Accords? Did Ross find something to use against Tony or Rhodey or Pepper? Could the Secretary of State really be that powerful and just come to the tower whenever he wanted? There were so many questions and hardly any answers. "One way to find out," Peter said aloud.
Soon enough, as if on cue, the elevator doors opened, and the three teens found themselves on the office floor, where Pepper's office was located. Peter had been here quite a few times before May died. Sometimes if Peter came over on an early Friday afternoon or Saturday or a day off, he and Tony stopped by to meet with Pepper for lunch before heading to the lab for Lab Day, so he was familiar with this part of Stark Industries. He knew immediately where to go, but his worries weren't put at ease when he saw two men in black in front of Pepper's office door, which was closed. It was pretty clear that Ross was indeed in there with his guardian and his guardian's fiancée. Without wasting much more time, he quickly walked over to Pepper's office with Ned and MJ.
"What's with the two guys in black?" MJ asked. "Are they trying to keep the alien attack a secret, too, now? It's bad enough they do that with Roswell and Area 51."
"I guess they're Ross' bodyguards," Ned replied in a whisper.
"Let me do the talking," Peter said as he led his two best friends. Sure enough, as they got closer, they saw Pepper's secretary sitting at her desk staring at the men with apprehension. "Hey, Ms. Arbogast?"
Ms. Arbogast, who had been working for Tony when he was once CEO and now for Pepper, had come to know Peter ever since he became Tony's intern and now charge, and needless to say, she grew fond of the teen. She jumped slightly when she heard said teenager and saw him standing there by her desk. "Oh, Peter, hello, there, darling," she said. "I didn't see you there."
"W-What's going on? Where are Pepper and Tony?" Peter asked eying the bodyguards. "I…I think they said for my friends and me to meet them here."
"Oh no, you were," Ms. Arbogast said quickly. "They're just in a meeting with Secretary Ross. I don't know what they're talking about though."
Peter looked at the secretary and then at the door with Tony's words from the night Steve came to the penthouse just a few days ago.
"According to Rogers…there's word going around that Ross believes that I know where the Rogues are and…that he may want to question me…"
His brown eyes widened as he realized that that was probably what this meeting was about, and his heart pounded. There was no telling what Ross was asking Tony and Pepper or if he was threatening them or something. Would Ross even go that far if Tony didn't give him the information he wanted? Was it like the movies and TV shows with politicians who wanted to do whatever they could to stay in power? He eyed the two bodyguards as he tried to listen in. He couldn't hear anything specific, but it definitely sounded like a tense conversation. Maybe the two bodyguards would let him in once they saw Tony Stark's charge and tell their boss to wrap things up. They kept looking straight ahead clearly pretending no one was there, but Peter smiled at the secretary deciding to take the leap.
"Uhh…excuse me?" Peter said coming up to the bodyguards.
"Peter, what are you doing?" Ned asked quickly.
"I-I'm Peter," the teenaged vigilante said not paying attention to his best friends walking closer to stand behind him. "Are you Secretary Ross' bodyguards?"
"Yeah, what's it to you, kid?" one of the guards said dismissively.
"W-Well, I'm Tony's kid…or…charge…or ward/intern," Peter replied. "Well…I guess…I guess, I wouldn't be his intern anymore, but Tony's my guardian and wants me in there. So…is there any chance you can tell your boss to let me in?"
"Sorry, Pablo—"
"Peter—"
"Whatever, Ross said no one is allowed in there until he's done," the guard replied, "so why don't you be a good boy and go play videogames or something? Tony Stark's rich brat doesn't get everything he wants."
"Excuse me," Ms. Arbogast said as MJ and Ned stepped closer to Peter, "but this boy just told you that Mr. Stark asked that he come. He's not a brat."
"Whatever," the guard replied, "with how I grew up, children should be seen and not heard."
"I'll tell you what, you asshole," MJ said. "I got some choice words for you."
"MJ, no," Peter quickly said holding an arm out to stop her from proceeding any further. "It's fine. We'll just have to wait."
Before either MJ or Ned could protest, Peter gently ushered them away closer to Ms. Arbogast's desk away from the guards.
"Peter, come on," MJ said. "Tony is your guardian. You have every right to be in there."
"Yeah, man," Ned said. "Those goons shouldn't talk to you like that."
"I know," Peter said holding his hands up, "but I don't want to make Tony look bad. This could affect if Ross will change the Accords, and well…last time I eavesdropped on Tony, he asked me to trust him to handle things like this. He and Pepper will be okay."
MJ and Ned looked at each other and then back at Peter with some doubt, but they knew their friend had a point. If the Secretary of State saw that Tony couldn't handle being in charge of a teenager and that he wasn't listening. Peter emphasized just how important the Accords were. There was no room for anything to get out of hand, so…they had no choice but to wait.
"Hey, kid," a voice suddenly said making Peter look up. It was Happy walking up to them.
"Happy," Peter said in relief. "Secretary Ross is here, and those guards won't let us in or anything. What's going on?"
Happy looked at Peter and then at the two bodyguards, who clearly didn't work for Stark Industries. He then turned to Peter and winked at him. "I'll handle this, kid," he said. "Sit tight."
Peter gave a small smile as he watched Tony's "forehead" of security walk over to the two men still standing at the door. "Excuse me, gentlemen," Happy said with a slightly annoyed look on his face, "but I believe that as head of Stark Industries security, this is my turf and I need to get inside to speak to my bosses and to tell them that their kid and his friends are here waiting for him. So, kindly, please step aside and let me in."
The two guards looked at each other and rolled their eyes knowing that they couldn't fully compete with someone, who was the head of security at Stark Industries. Peter sensed this as he took a step closer behind Happy. He and Happy watched as one of Ross' bodyguards knocked on the door and stepped aside allowing Happy to walk in.
The head of security opened the door and sure enough saw Secretary Ross in the room with Tony and Pepper. Pepper stood behind her desk while Tony faced Ross, and both of them glared at the Secretary of State. The tension was so thick that one could cut it with a knife.
"This had better be important," Ross immediately said with a glare.
"Excuse me," Tony snapped. "You don't—"
"Go ahead, Happy," Pepper said calmly.
"I apologize for the interruption," Happy said looking directly at Tony and Pepper, "but it seems you both have another appointment."
"Trust me, Hap, no apologies," Tony said looking directly at Ross. "I've been waiting for the appointment all day. How about you, Pep?"
"As a matter of fact, I have," Pepper said as she gathered the remainder of her things from the desk and put it in her purse. "Perhaps, another thing, Mr. Secretary? Maybe after you've made an appointment like everyone else?"
"Oh, of course," Ross retorted. "Perhaps…this Friday…in Washington D.C. at 10AM?"
"You really expect me to fly all the way to D.C. just so you can throw more questions in my face?" Tony asked glaring.
"Of course, I think it will be in your best interest to do so," Ross retorted, "especially if you wish to amend the Accords. You have until tomorrow to tell me if you'll be coming, or I can send my friends to pick you up." He didn't leave Tony, Pepper, or Happy any time to answer as he walked out of Pepper's office, but after a couple of steps, he stopped in his tracks once he laid his eyes on…a certain teenaged boy with brown hair and eyes. There were two other teenagers behind him. He didn't recognize the two teenagers, but he did recognize the one in front.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Ross asked raising an eyebrow as he looked at Peter. "I didn't realize Stark Industries was hosting field trips."
"Oh, well, not really, sir," Peter said trying to steady his pounding heart and shaky voice. "It's summer vacation now, so…no school."
"Ah, yes, I remember those days," Ross replied with a smile.
Peter was having a hard time trying to figure out if Ross' smile was genuine or fake, but given that he was a politician, that seemed to be given that he couldn't tell. Instead, he simply laughed nervously and shrugged before remembering his manners. "Oh, I-I'm sorry, sir—Mr. Secretary," he said holding his hand out to shake, "I-I'm Peter…Peter Parker, and this is—"
"Right, you're Stark's boy," Ross said shaking his hand. "I saw the press conference. I must say, you're a very poignant speaker. Perhaps, politics are in your future."
"Why would he choose a field that corrupts people, Ross?" Tony asked as he quickly walked up to Peter wrapping an arm around the kid while eyeing Ross.
"Hmm…" Ross said eyeing the billionaire, "perhaps you're right, Stark. Well, then, perhaps, I should take my leave. Remember, Friday…10AM…Washington, D.C. Perhaps, you, Ms. Potts, and Peter can make…a little getaway out of it so to speak, or I can come back and drag you there. The choice is yours. Let me know…by tomorrow."
"Noted," Tony said glaring back at the politician. "Now, get out."
With that, no other words were spoken as the Secretary of State and his bodyguards finally left.
Peter could only watch as they made their way toward the elevator and disappeared behind the door. He looked up at his guardian, who looked back at him squeezing his shoulder silently telling him that they would talk about it later.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked quietly placing a hand on Tony's hand.
"Better now that you're here," Tony replied with a soft smile. He then looked at MJ and Ned. "I'm sorry you guys had to see that. Are you all okay?"
"Yeah, Mr. Stark," Ned replied.
"Just shocked that that douchebag gets to talk to you like that," MJ said furrowing her eyebrows together.
"Unfortunately, MJ, he didn't get lessons in etiquette," Pepper said. "Now, guys, we're not going to talk anymore about this. We're going to go out and have a great time, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," Tony, Peter, Ned, and MJ said in unison.
Author's Note: Annnnnnnnnd that's all for now, boys and girls! I hope you all enjoyed it! Tony, Pepper, and Peter will talk more in the next chapter! Don't forget to read and review! Thanks, guys! See you in the next chapter!
