Chapter 39: Battle Plans

"Alright, show me what ya got," Tony requested.

"Well, I've been experimenting with different mixtures," Banner, on one of the rare moments he was out of Hulk mode, elaborated, "and I've found that the best one contains high concentrations of Theobroma."

"Let's see it."

Bruce held up a large metal bowl that contained a thick brown substance, allowing Tony to take a look.

"Are you certain the ratio of Theobroma to Glucose is accurate?" Tony questioned. "Too much of one of the other could have disastrous consequences."

"I made a Gamma Bomb that could harmlessly neutralize enemy weapons. I think I know what I'm doing."

"No offense Bruce, but that bomb had a very serious flaw, so you'll understand if I'm a bit cautious."

"... fair enough." Bruce pulled the bowl back. "But in this instance, I'm right."

"I guess, but I just need to make sure this goes off without a hitch. Honestly, if Hank wasn't running point with Cap, I'd have him here with you."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Bruce muttered sardonically.

"Just triple check everything," Tony advised. "I have other things to check on."

"Jan, how we lookin?" Tony asked, entering the room.

"I'm working as hard as I can, but this is a big job for just me," Jan reported.

"Well everyone else has other jobs. And I don't think Natasha is very creatively minded."

"I know, I know." Jan sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'll figure something out in time. Promise."

"Just do what you can, and try to do it quick. Target could be here any minute."

"You can't rush quality," Jan remarked before returning to work.

Meanwhile across town, Spider-Man was swinging through the city, carrying several packages in a makeshift webbing bag.

"Someone remind me why I volunteered for this," Spidey said to himself. "Package detail isn't exactly in the superhero job description."

At that time, his ID card started ringing. He tried taking it out, but almost dropped the bag in the process. He dove to catch it, shooting another web for his feet to hold onto as he answered the card.

"Oh, hey Mr. Stark."

"Hey kid, you got everything?"

"Uh, yeah." Spidey moved the bag up his arm so he could swing with his free one. "Should be there in about five minutes."

"Good, make sure everything's intact when you get here. If anything is broken, there will be hell to pay."

"Hey, I'm being careful. No need to be so nervous. Everything is gonna go off without a hitch."

"A lot of people say that, right before the hitches come in."

"Usually, yes, but if we can save the world from aliens, monsters, and super villains, we can handle-"

There was a loud horn, followed by his spidey senses going off. He quickly webbed himself up to higher ground, narrowly avoiding a large semi that nearly got another oversized insect on its windshield.

"Sorry about that. Traffic."

"Just get here. Soon, preferably."

"You got it."

Back at the mansion, Tony met up with Cap and Hank, who were on the roof of the mansion watching the streets.

"How's the view?" Tony asked.

"Clear, for now," Cap reported.

"Is all of this really necessary, Tony?" Hank asked.

"You know me, Hank," Tony replied. "I can never do anything halfway."

"Still, to go this all out?" Hank continued. "Seems a little excessive."

"Never stopped me before," Tony maintained. "Just let me know when Parker returns with the packages."

"Will do," Cap reassured as Tony went back inside.

Back with Spider-Man, he continued swinging through the city, desperate to arrive at the mansion on time. As he swung from rooftop to rooftop, he noticed a particular car driving down the street, much to his surprise.

"On the move already? Gotta cover more ground, quick!"

Thinking fast, Spider-Man saw a nearby train, heading off in the direction he was already going. He quickly snagged a webline onto the train, allowing it to pull him along at high speeds.

"Now this is fast service!" He let out.

Back at the mansion, Tony returned to check on Bruce as he made the finishing touches on his project.

"Bruce, tell me we're almost done," Tony insisted.

"Just about," Bruce replied. "Just need to apply the finishing touches."

"Great. Mind hurrying up a little, though? Target's en route and closing in fast."

"You can't rush these kinds of things, Tony."

"No, but it'd be nice."

Bruce just gave him a look.

"Right, right." Tony took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "Just… do what you can."

Back with Spider-Man, he continued coasting along the train until he reached the part of the tracks that was closest to the mansion. He then leapt off and shot out a webline, swinging towards it. After a bit of swinging, he finally caught sight of the mansion. With one final swing, he landed in front of the mansion doors, rushing to open them.

"I'm here!" He shouted.

"Nice timing," Tony commended, walking towards him. "Got the packages?"

"Yeah, but target's nearly here." Spidey relayed. "Five minutes, tops."

"Damn," Tony let out. "We've gotta move then."

He pulled out his I.D, activating it.

"Avengers, ETA 5 minutes! Places people!"

Some time later, the car Peter spotted earlier pulled up to the mansion and came to a stop in front of it. The door opened up, revealing Pepper Potts inside as she got out. She walked up to the doors and walked inside, surprised to find the lights out in the building.

"Don't tell me Tony overloaded the power grid again..." she muttered. "I thought he had enough dampers in place this time."

Just then, the lights turned back on, revealing the Avengers standing in front of a large holographic sign that read "HAPPY BIRTHDAY", a table filled with hastily wrapped presents, and a massive chocolate cake. There were streamers everywhere and balloons artfully set out all across the room.

"Hey Pepper," Tony greeted, stepping in front of the group. "Happy Birthday."

Pepper was honestly shocked by all of this, unsure how to react.

"Did… did you do all this?" She asked.

"With a little help," Tony admitted. "Okay, a lot of help."

"Thank you," Bruce responded.

"Tony was insistent that everything go as planned," Cap explained. "He wanted it to be special for you."

"R-Really?" Pepper realized, beginning to get choked up.

"You've done so much for me over the years," Tony told her. "Figured it was time I returned the favor."

Pepper smiled, hugging Tony in response. Tony returned the hug before they turned to face the others.

"Now, how about we get this party started?" Tony suggested.

The Avengers cheered before beginning a rendition of Happy Birthday, leading into one of the best birthday parties Pepper would ever have.