Author's Note: I was surprised at how fast I was able to update this time. I guess I just really was inspired to write Emma and Peter reuniting after the building collapse. This will also be the last chapter of dialogue from the movie and I'm pretty sure the next chapter will be the ending of Part II. Part III will come right after that.
Plenty of Peter in this chapter by the way. Sorry that last chapter didn't really have a lot of Peter in it but this one will make up for it. I just felt like last chapter needed to be an Emma and Tony chapter.
AppropriateLlama: The upcoming chapters are definitely going to feel less stressful and filled with a more happy Emma. She'll almost be like Emma before Steve went away but still a little different. Things have definitely changed for the better.
Radioactive88: I always love your long reviews. Feedback is always welcomed. Emma and Peter aren't going to admit their love for each other for a little while but it won't be forever. They're both scared that the other will reject them. I think the relationship between Tony and Emma is one of most complex as well and definitely one of my favorites. They've butted heads for so long so it'll be nice to see them be more friendly with each other. They'll still banter a lot but things won't be hostile anymore. She does care about Tony in a way but I think she'll care more about him as time goes on. Okay, thanks for clearing that up about what you were saying about Tony before. I was thinking about that same order. So glad we're on the same page.
Capricious-Sunshine: Peter will be in this chapter so no worries.
Spawn Hades: That would be really cute. I just wonder how long it would take me to get to that point. lol. This story's probably going to be like over 1,000 words long. Maybe I'll split it up into a sequel. Who knows?
JuggernautJJ: And here's to looking at you, JuggernautJJ.
crazyman844: Emma and Peter's reunion in this chapter will definitely be satisfying. I was always going to have Tony and Emma make up because otherwise her relationship with Peter would be too complicated. It's also what Steve would want.
I tend to miss words every now and then within a chapter. I know I need to go back and fix it but I'm pretty busy with writing new chapters. I keep telling myself that I'm going to go back one of these days and fix it. Hopefully soon. Thanks for the constructive criticism by the way. I really appreciate it.
Onlyinitforthestories2: This story is going to be way longer so hold tight. I don't even know when I'm ever going to end it. I haven't the faintest idea.
ilypopxtart333: I really need to update Undisclosed Desires now that you mention it but I'm so busy with this story that I don't think I will in the near future. Hopefully someday. I haven't abandoned it yet. Thanks for the compliment!
Ariel-Sarina-Jen: Yes. Emma and Peter will definitely be reunited in this chapter but they're not going to admit their feelings for each other for a little while so just hang tight.
"Miss Rogers, Mr. Stark would like to see you in the lab now." McConaughey said from the ceiling. It seemed like Tony had kept McConaughey as the AI system inside the facility. She had been drawing in her sketchbook but quickly closed it the moment she heard McConaughey.
"Did he say what he wanted?" Emma asked curiously.
"Mr. Stark only stated that there's something you need to see." McConaughey replied vaguely and Emma sighed. She reluctantly got up from her bed and started heading for the door of her bedroom before leaving her room all together.
It had been exactly one week since the confrontation with Toomes and Emma still hadn't heard anything from Peter. She supposed Tony was trying to keep them separate because he was still deciding what he going to do with them. Emma thought Tony might've been considering taking her out of school but she wasn't sure. Sometimes she didn't understand the eccentric billionaire but Emma wasn't angry with him either. Although she missed Peter, she was just happy to be back at the compound in surroundings that were familiar to her.
Emma finally made it the lab area of the facility which she hadn't been to in a long time. She saw Tony through the glass doors and he smiled at her before quickly waving her in. It was so strange for there to be no more anger and resentment between them. Emma felt a whole lot better letting all of that go and she knew Steve would be happy for them too if he was there. Tony and her making amends was exactly what Steve had wanted.
"Mini Cap, you're here." Tony announced as if he were surprised that she had actually showed up. Emma raised an eyebrow at him as she entered the lab, the glass door closing automatically behind her. She looked around the lab curiously and found that not much had changed about the lab since she had last been there. Stark still had all his Iron Man suits in their correct spots against the wall as well as prototypes for new devices displayed on some of the holographic monitors.
"You didn't think I would come?" Emma questioned and Tony gave her a sheepish look.
"Well, you've never exactly listened to me in the past so…" Tony awkwardly trailed off. Emma bit the inside of her cheek somewhat nervously as she tried to hide her own awkward feelings about the situation.
"Forgive and forget, remember?" Emma said shortly before moving on. "Now what is it that you wanted me to see?"
Tony nodded as he remembered what he had brought her down to the lab for in the first place. He gestured for her to follow him to the back of the lab and she cautiously followed him. She was quite curious to see what Stark had planned. He finally stopped in front of a pedestal in the lab that had a blanket tossed over the top as it was obviously hiding something from view.
"What are you up to, Stark?" Emma asked as she eyed the mysterious object covered by a blanket. Tony grinned but his grin soon faded as a more serious look came over his face. He seemed quite sentimental which wasn't something that was normal for Tony Stark.
Tony then pulled the blanket off the concealed object and Emma gasped in surprise. It was Steve's shield. She glanced over the shield and took in every single little detail that she could. The shield was still Captain America's infamous shield but now it had a large, three nail, scratch mark over it. Emma figured that it was most likely from the Black Panther. She just wondered why Steve no longer had his shield.
"I told him to leave it." Tony said suddenly as he looked down at the ground, almost looking ashamed of himself. Emma looked back over at him curiously. "He left me there and went over to Barnes' side immediately which pissed me off. I told him that the shield didn't belong to him but I was wrong. My father made the shield for him and no one else."
"You were angry." Emma stated as she stared at Tony with an unreadable expression on her face. She wasn't angry yet she wasn't happy about it either but Emma understood why he took the shield on some level. Tony sighed before nodding slowly.
"I was." He admitted. "He didn't even care…he just left it there, took Barnes, and left. I was so angry at him but now none of that seems to matter as much."
"No, I get it. It's fine." Emma told Tony, not wanting him to beat himself up over something that happened so many months ago.
"It's not fine, Emma." Tony told her seriously as he locked eyes with her. "He wrote me a letter too, you know. He asked me to take care of you but I haven't even done that. I only made you hate me more." Emma shook her head furiously as she knew that Tony wasn't the only one to blame.
"It's my fault too, Tony. He asked me to give you a chance and I never even did that. We both messed up." Emma confessed and Tony rested a hand on her shoulder. Emma tensed but she didn't swat his hand away either. Tony took that as a good sign.
"Then maybe we can start over?" He suggested and Emma gave him a small smile that was almost too small to notice but it was still there.
"I think Steve would like that." Emma told him. It was clear to Tony that when Emma said Steve she really meant herself. It was clearly a baby step for Emma after all. He returned her smile before glancing back over at the shield.
"Well, as a symbolic gesture of our new friendship I'd like to give the shield to the person it actually belongs to." Tony announced as he then look back at Emma who seemed confused. "You." Emma's eyes widened in surprise as she looked between Tony and the shield, not really believing what Tony was saying.
"Are you serious?" Emma asked in surprise as she looked at the shield in amazement.
"Why not? You can be the shield's keeper until Cap comes back. It's not like I can lift that thing anyways. It weighs a ton." Tony remarked as he then gestured for Emma to take the shield from the pedestal. She eyed it cautiously before carefully lifting it up before holding it closer to her so that she could inspect it. The shield must've been heavy for most average humans but Emma wasn't an average human. She was easily able to hold the shield up to herself. Emma gently ran her fingers over the surface of the shield, finding that most of it was smooth save for the scratch marks. She glanced back up at the billionaire with a grateful look in her eyes.
"Thank you, Tony. I really appreciate it." Emma told him sincerely and Tony waved his hand dismissively.
"It was never mine to begin with." He stated but Emma still appreciated the gesture. Something else came to Emma's mind as she stared at the shield. For some reason it was Peter who came to mind in that moment…Peter who she hadn't seen in a week. There was still something she had to ask of Tony. She'd beg Tony if she had to because this was Peter she was talking about. There was a lot she would do for Peter Parker. She bit her lip somewhat nervously as she thought of how she would bring this up to Tony. It was probably the only thing she ever asked of him.
"Can I ask for a favor?" Emma asked hesitantly as she looked into his eyes. Tony seemed curious about what she had to ask but also seemed willing to hear her out.
"Sure…if it's about a puppy I don't know what I can do. I don't want dog fur around the compound." Tony said jokingly before Emma took a deep breath before asking him something that had been on her mind for a short time.
"Can you forgive Peter? I know that incident on the ferry was stupid and immature but Peter was only doing it because he thought it was right." Emma told Tony honestly before continuing. "I should've stopped him. It's my fault but I wasn't thinking. He won't say it but I know you looks up to you like a father. He really hates how much he's disappointed you."
"I didn't know he looked up to me that much." Tony said sadly as he glanced away from her but Emma just shook her head.
"He does. Just please don't stay angry at him…don't punish him anymore." Emma practically pleaded which surprised Tony beyond belief. He never heard Emma plead anyone's case before which made him more curious about just how close Emma and Peter had gotten during their time together. He wondered what was going on with them.
"You and the kid are pretty close, huh?" Tony inquired curiously and the look on Emma's face hardened as she looked away from him. She seemed a bit grumpy as she did so...almost as if she remembered something that she didn't necessarily seem keen on remembering. Maybe Tony didn't want to see what was going on inside her mind after all. Emma seemed like a complex person to even try to understand.
"No…his constant whining about you is just annoying. It hinders our missions together." Emma denied as she tried not give away her true feelings about Peter. Tony narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the blonde but decided not push her too much. He had just gotten back into Emma's good graces after all.
"Fine. I'll take the kid back…I was already thinking of doing that anyways and I wouldn't want to cause a rift in your friendship." Tony told her and Emma made a face at his statement, clearly not liking his insinuation about Peter. The billionaire didn't fail to notice how Emma didn't deny her friendship with Peter either.
"Good. I'm sure Peter will appreciate that." Emma replied before returning her attention back to the shield. She wondered what Steve would've thought about her having his shield. Emma didn't know if he'd be proud of her or if he'd be reluctant for her to have it in battle. She was just glad that Tony cared enough to put his pride aside and give it to her. Things had really changed between them after all.
Emma had spent the rest of the morning admiring Steve's shield as she wondered what he and the others were currently doing. It was a thought she seemed to be having a lot of these days. She was sure, however, that he was okay. She also didn't feel as stressed out as she had before because of all the broken bridges that had been mended as of recently. Suddenly the Avenger's facility didn't seem as much of a hostile environment as it had been before. Emma finally felt at peace…well, she almost did. The current well-being of Peter Parker constantly circulated her mind as she worried about him and wondered what he was doing. Emma wondered why the others weren't letting her have any outside contact. She supposed it was because they still didn't know what to do about her now that she was back at the compound. Emma would probably just have to wait until they made a decision but that didn't mean she didn't obsess over Peter.
It was then that Emma's enhanced hearing picked up on a familiar sounding voice coming from the level below. She opened her eyes as she then abandoned the shield on her bed before letting her curiosity overtake her. Emma wandered out of her bedroom and down the hall as she kept listening to the familiar voice that was leading her away. She almost felt entranced by the voice as her heart raced. It was only when Emma reached the top of the staircase that she saw who was there.
Peter Parker.
She couldn't describe the elation she felt at seeing him. It felt like it had been forever since she had seen Peter when in reality it had only been a week. A smile couldn't help but make it's way onto her face and she wondered if this was what it was like…being in love. Steve would always act this stupid and dorky whenever Susan walked into a room so Emma wondered if Steve had fallen in love with Susan as well. Probably.
"Peter?" Emma finally managed to say from the top of the staircase and that immediately got the teenage boy's attention. He beamed up at her the instant her saw her which caused Emma's breathing to slightly hitch.
"Emma." He breathed and Emma immediately started walking down the stairs towards him.
Peter felt his heart pound against his chest as he set his sights on the beautiful blonde. He had been desperately worried about her but Happy assured him that she was alright whenever he tried to call her. The older man said that Emma was resting somewhere undisclosed where she was completely safe and healthy. That didn't cease to end Peter's worries as he spent all week in school thinking about her. It didn't even throw him off earlier that day when Liz announced that she was moving to Oregon. He did feel bad for the older girl and all that had happened to her but Peter spent the majority of his time recently thinking that Emma was on her deathbed so that was his main concern as of recently. She had been badly injured the last time he saw her after all. But now, however, she seemed to be in perfect health. Emma wasn't bloody nor did he see any other injuries on her.
It was then that Peter glanced over her appearance and he realized just how much he missed her. They only spent a week apart but it felt like it had been much longer…especially since Peter was still coming to terms with the fact that he'd fallen in love with Emma. Everyone around him at school noticed that he had been acting even stranger than usual but most of them assumed that it was just the usual odd behavior of Peter Parker. Ned assumed that Peter was just worried about Emma which was true but it was so much more than that. If Emma had been stuck in his head before she was even more stuck now. He simply could not seem to stop thinking about her.
Peter noticed that Emma was dressed in the most casual of clothing he had ever seen her wear. She wore a pair of printed leggings, a man's shirt, and a pair of ankle boot slippers that seemed to be have the Marauder's Map printed on them. Was Emma a Harry Potter fan? That was something that seemed very important to Peter all of a sudden. He never took her for a Harry Potter fan but he was keen on learning whether or not she was. The blonde also didn't appear to be wearing any make-up but her casual appearance couldn't look any more beautiful to Peter. Emma Rogers was suddenly the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on and it was now more apparent than ever that he was in love.
"What are you doing here?" Emma asked as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs. The way Peter smiled at her before as she had walked down the stairs reminded her a bit of the way Rhett Butler had smiled at Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. However, Emma was sure that she was imagining it. Her mouth suddenly felt more dry as she took in his appearance. He looked like he had just gotten off from school but Emma didn't think he had ever looked more handsome to her than in that moment. She felt like it may have had to do with the fact that she hadn't seen him in a week. Emma was delighted to see the very same warm brown eyes that she hadn't been able to stop thinking about.
"Happy brought me here. He said Mr. Stark wants to talk to me." Peter answered as he continued to stare at her. He didn't even spare a glance at Happy who was standing next to him. Under Peter's intense gaze, she suddenly wished that she had dressed in something a little nicer than a pair of old leggings and one of Steve's shirts. Wait…what? Now she suddenly cared about her appearance? This being in love thing was very strange. It caused her to act in the most unusual of ways.
"Happy's here?" Emma asked in confusion as her gaze remained glued to Peter. Happy Hogan glanced between the two teenagers in annoyance as he raised his hand and waved it in front of both of their faces. It was clear that he had somehow become invisible the moment the two kids saw each other. Happy didn't understand what was going on. Peter had asked him nearly a million questions about Emma on the drive up to the compound. Happy never should've told him that Emma was going to be at the compound. That was his greatest mistake.
"Right here…I've been here the whole time." Happy said in an annoyed voice. Yet Emma and Peter both ignored him as they continued to stare at each other.
"Hmmm…that's nice." Emma said softly, not paying any attention to Happy.
"Happy said that you're doing better. How are you feeling?" Peter asked her, wanting to know immediately if she was okay. Emma shrugged.
"I've been hurt worse but I'm doing fine now. I'm all healed up and I don't even feel sore anymore." Emma told him sincerely and Peter listened to her intently. "The doctors said that they'd feel better if I got a lot of rest. They said I was really sleep depraved which I suppose is true." Peter felt a wave of concern come over at him as he stared at the blonde. She hadn't been sleeping? It was probably to do with everything concerning Toomes and the weapons. Peter hadn't really slept that much during that time either.
"Really? Have you been sleeping better now?" Peter questioned and Emma nodded.
"Yes. I've never required much sleep to begin with but I've been resting a lot lately. It feels nice." Emma replied and Peter felt comforted to know that she was doing a lot better. She had a lot on her plate recently, even more than him, so getting a lot of rest was probably what she needed.
"That's good." Peter said quietly before continuing. "I tried to call you but Happy said that you were resting."
"I know." Emma told him as she smiled at him. "Tony told me that you really annoyed Happy since you called so often." Peter blushed but he was also curious as to how Emma just referred to Mr. Stark. Tony? Peter thought she had only referred to him as Stark or narcissistic asshole.
"Again, guys…I'm right here." Happy said as he gave his input. "Don't talk about me like I'm not standing right next to you." However, Happy once again went ignored as Emma and Peter seemed to be trapped inside their own little world.
"I was just really worried." Peter defended as he averted his eyes from her and ignored Happy. "The last time we saw each other you were hurt really bad."
"No, I get it." Emma said, shaking her head. "I was really worried about you too." Peter immediately looked up in surprise at Emma's unexpected confession.
"You were?" Peter asked in disbelief and Emma nodded.
"Yes, I was. I've even…" Emma trailed off as she hesitated but then gained a bit of courage and locked eyes with Peter. "I've even missed you." Peter was even more shocked by Emma's statement as he widened his eyes. Emma actually missed him? Did she miss him as much as he missed her? Peter honestly doubted it. He didn't think it was even possible for her to miss him as much as he missed her. Even Happy watched the two teenagers in shock. He felt like he was watching an episode of Downton Abbey. This was almost like the episode he saw with Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley.
"I've missed you too." Peter told her softly as he looked at her adoringly. Emma actually blushed at the look he was giving her. Those brown eyes had a way of melting her frozen heart and a part of Emma hated him for it because she felt like he was making her weak but Emma also still loved that he did that to her. No one had been able to make her feel so much…no one had ever confused her this much either. Emma thought of doing something she had thought about a lot in the past couple days. Something she had wanted to do the moment she saw him. A small part of her was afraid but Emma decided to just ignore that feeling. After everything that happened with the building collapse she just didn't care anymore.
Without another moment of hesitance Emma moved forward and immediately wrapped her arms around Peter, engaging with him in a hug. Peter's eyes widened in surprise at Emma's abrupt action but he soon relaxed into the hug and wrapped his arms around Emma as well. Happy even gasped a bit when he saw Emma hug Peter…Emma hugging someone was probably a sight as rare to see as the Lochness Monster. The older man suddenly felt like he intruding on a private moment between the two…a moment which he most certainly didn't belong in. Peter closed his eyes as he smelled the slightly familiar scent of strawberry and coconuts in her hair. He finally felt at peace as he held Emma in in his arms, his heart racing as he felt Emma pressed up against him.
Emma also felt strangely content in Peter's arms. She hadn't really hugged anyone since Steve and her father were around so it was a little strange. However, Emma knew that she loved Peter in a very different way than she loved Steve and her father. She almost didn't want to let go of Peter but she felt like she would be giving away too much if she stayed there wrapped in his embrace. With some reluctance she finally pulled away from Peter only to see the vivid shade of red on his face as he looked almost anywhere other than her face. He felt disappointed at the loss of contact but happy that Emma had even hugged him in the first place. Emma never struck him as the affectionate type after all.
"It looks like the others are going on a mission." Emma said randomly as she tried to distract herself from the giddiness she felt in hugging Peter. She glanced past Peter out the window only to see Maria Hill loading some equipment into one of the Quinjets. Emma walked past Peter and Happy to the large glass window and they followed her. Peter was still in a bit of a dazed state from Emma's hug. He reluctantly followed her gaze and stared at the amazing and high tech looking aircraft on the landing pad. This place was amazing.
"Where are they going?" Peter asked her. Happy looked like he was about to answer Peter but Emma didn't give him the chance as they continued to ignore the older man.
"Maria Hill runs things around here for the most part. She's more than likely just going to stake out a terrorist cell or run some drills with the others." Emma answered as they watched Maria Hill and some former Shield agents board the Quinjet. It seemed like they were all set to go now that everything was loaded.
"Cool." Peter whispered as he watched the doors close on the Quinjet. It didn't take long before the Quinjet powered on before lifting off into the air, flying at a speed so fast that it only took a couple seconds before it flew out of sight and into the clouds. Peter just shook his head in amazement as he glanced at both Happy and Emma, clearly impressed. It was clear that Emma and Peter were finally acknowledging Happy's appearance as the moment between them passed.
"You don't see that everyday." Happy told him as Peter continued to look around the compound in awe. Emma smiled at the expression of wonder on his face. He obviously just wanted to explore the compound and Emma didn't blame him. It really was a state of the art facility and the only place that truly felt like home to her right now even if the others were no longer there.
"Oh, there they are." Tony said as he announced his presence. Emma had been so caught up in Peter that she hadn't even heard him walk up behind them. Peter looked quite happy to see Tony and Emma didn't feel the usual annoyance when she saw him either. She even managed to give Tony a small smile. "How was the ride up?"
"Good." Happy told him as he gave him a brief nod.
"Give me a minute with the kids." Tony told Happy as he stared at the both of them. Emma and Peter both exchanged a look with each other before looking back at Tony. Emma wasn't sure what more Tony had to discuss with her since they had already discussed a lot of things in the past two days.
"Seriously?" Happy asked in disbelief, not believing he was being ignored…again.
"Yeah." Tony replied. "I gotta talk to the kids."
"I'll be close behind." Happy said firmly.
"How about a loose follow? All right?" Tony suggested but Happy didn't seem very pleased. "Boundaries are good."
"Still the bodyguard, Happy? I thought Tony promoted you?" She teased the stocky man and Happy glared at the smirking blonde.
"Shut up, you little brat." Happy muttered under his breath but Emma just gave him another smirk before turning back around as her and Peter began to walk on either side of Tony. She supposed that Tony took her more seriously than she thought when she told him to make amends with Peter. Emma never thought he'd call Happy right away to bring Peter to the compound. Tony playfully punched the teenage boy in the shoulder as all three of them began to walk down the length of the main level of the compound.
"Sorry I took your suits." Tony apologized as he tossed an arm over Peter's shoulders before doing the same with Emma. "You both had it coming. Don't get me wrong. Actually, it turns out it was the perfect tough-love moment that you needed. To urge you on, right? Wouldn't you think? Don't you think?" Tony asked them both rapidly and Emma scoffed. It was just like Tony to take all the credit but she was more amused than anything else. Peter just scrambled for an answer as he looked at his mentor, just happy that Tony didn't seem to be mad at him anymore.
"I guess." Peter finally managed to say.
"You're full of shit, Tony." Emma told the billionaire bluntly. Tony grinned at the blonde as they continued to walk. He was just happy that she had gone back to calling him Tony rather than Stark or Asshole.
"Let's just say it was." Tony said, apologizing in his own way. Peter didn't know this but Emma and Tony had just done enough heart felt apologies to last them both decades. Tony sighed just as Peter decided that it was finally time for him to apologize to Tony.
"Mr. Stark, I really-" He started to say but Tony interrupted him.
"You two really screwed the pooch hard…big time." Tony said but really only focusing on Peter when he said this. He felt like he and Emma had already said enough the day before. "But then you guys did the right thing. Took the dog to the free clinic, you raised the hybrid puppies…all right, not my best analogy." Emma had to agree with Tony there. He seemed to have a really bad habit of rambling on about complete nonsense. She figured that Rhodey and Pepper had to be the only two people who ever understood him when he talked like that.
"I was wrong about you." Tony told Peter before briefly glancing over at Emma as well. "I was wrong about the both of you. You two work really well together…better than I could ever hope for. I think with a little more mentoring you could both be a real asset to the team." Tony then walked up a small amount of stairs on to a higher platform as both Emma and Peter followed him. Emma wondered what he was intending to do? Tony was acting strange just like he had earlier this morning before he had given her Steve's shield. What was Tony up to?
"To the-? To the team?" Peter stuttered as he raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Even Emma was a little surprised that Tony had said that. It seemed a little crazy for Emma to even comprehend. Her as an Avenger? Maybe Tony was insane after all. Emma always thought she would be the last person to be accepted as an Avenger. Not without Steve around at least. Deep down she always imagined she'd eventually venture off and become a mercenary which wasn't really bad by any means. At least she would get to pick the work she got to do. But Avenger? Emma didn't know why but she kind of liked the sound of that. Especially if Peter was also involved.
"Yeah. Anyway…" Tony trailed off as he glanced back at Emma and Peter before pointing in the direction of the doors. "There's about fifty reporters behind that door. Real ones, not bloggers. When you're ready…" Tony trailed off again as he pressed a couple buttons on his watch and the metal contraption in the wall began to rotate before revealing something absolutely shocking to both Emma and Peter's eyes.
It looked to be the new updated version of their Viper Assassin and Spider-Man suits. Both suits looked oddly metallic more than the material that was in their own suits. Emma could tell that the armor of both suits was more resistant against force and other possible attacks. Emma's suit was a dark green color that matched her other suit but the metallic material greatly resembled the rough looking keeled scales that real vipers normally had. There was also some black coloring on the arm and leg area of the suit but for the most part it was green. At the middle of the torso area of the suit was a symbol of a viper ready to strike with it's fangs out. Emma never cared much for snakes but she found the symbol to be fearsome which was a good thing for her. The mask of the suit extended down further than her other suit's mask had. The new mask went way past the eyes and stopped just above the mouth. A pair of golden fangs poked out the bottom and Emma wondered if they had a purpose or if they were just there for decoration. The eye slits looked even more snake like than the other suit. Alarmingly red in color like before but they had slit-shaped pupils that were oddly transfixing to Emma. Over all, Emma really liked this new suit and wondered what kind of gadgets this one contained.
"Why don't you try that on." Tony told them as they walked closer to the suits in amazement and awe. Emma snapped out of her thoughts as she glanced back over at Peter and Tony. Peter was still in awe of his newly updated suit and Emma couldn't blame him. "And I'll introduce the world to the two new official members of the Avengers: Spider-Man and the Viper Assassin."
"I…" Peter trailed off before he laughed in disbelief. He was clearly speechless and Emma was almost the same way. Tony honestly wanted to introduce them as the new Avengers? Emma was pretty sure that Steve had the internet where ever he was from and she didn't believe he'd be true thrilled to realize that Emma had become an Avenger without his permission. He'd probably come racing back home and get himself arrested now that she thought about it. Suddenly Emma wasn't so sure about this Avenger thing. Not right now at least.
"Yeah, give it a look." Tony told them as they both studied their updated suits. Emma had to admit she really liked her suit and how could she not? But she wasn't too comfortable with becoming an Avenger at the moment and being on everyone's radar. She preferred to work more in the shadows than that.
"So after the press conference, Happy will show Peter to his room." Tony announced as he momentarily glanced away from them. Emma watched as the happy look on Peter's face then faded as something else seemed to be on his mind. Peter realized in that moment that everything that he thought he wanted wasn't actually what he really wanted. He had learned that lesson first with Emma and Liz but now he was learning it again with this. "Peter's new quarters. Who's he between? He's next to Vision?"
"Yeah, Vision's not big on doors or walls." Happy added and Emma knew just how true that statement was. Although in the past couple days she had alarmingly gotten used to Vision barging in. She supposed a lot had changed in the time since she had last been to the compound.
"It's fun. I think Emma's room is on the other side of you so I don't think I'll be getting any complaints there. You'll fit right in." Tony said as he smirked at the both of them but his statement seemed to fall on deaf ears as both Emma and Peter had something else on their minds. Peter glanced at Emma and his mind was then made up. She gave him a confused look before he turned back around to face Tony.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark." Peter said gratefully. "But I'm good." Emma raised her eyebrows in surprise, not exactly expecting Peter to say that. All he had talked about in all the time she had known him was finally becoming an Avenger. What had changed since then?
"You're good? Good? How are you good?" Tony asked in disbelief, completely bewildered by what Peter was saying. Peter swallowed before answering.
"Well, I mean, I'd rather just stay on the ground for a little while." Peter informed him much to Tony's confusion. "Friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Somebody's got to look out for the little guy, right?" Tony then turned to Emma who was watching the conversation in both confusion and surprise. It was one of the few times he had seen the blonde be almost speechless.
"And you, Mini Cap?" Emma broke out of her confused state as she looked up at Tony in surprise. She had barely registered that he had even asked her a question until that moment. Emma was just so caught up in Peter's odd confession.
"What?" She asked, sounding a bit lost.
"I can take you out of school right this instant and you can go back to living here again." Tony told her sincerely as she stared back at him. "We'll give you missions right and left if you really want. I realized that high school was probably beneath you anyways. I'm sure you'd keep busy leading the raids of old Hydra bases and finding Rumlow. What do you think?"
Emma honestly wasn't sure what to think of anything that Tony had told her. Leaving her mundane teenage life had been what she had wanted after all, wasn't it? Emma always complained about being bored at school and high school life. What Stark had told her about raiding Hydra bases and finding Rumlow was also very tempting. Rumlow was the one person in the world she sought vengeance against or cutting loose ends as she always called it. Killing him had been a goal of hers ever since she could remember and she could finally have that chance. Finding Rumlow seemed more interesting to her than high school did after all but high school wasn't really that boring.
If she left Midtown then there would be no more intellectual conversations with Michelle as the frizzy haired girl attempted to guess Emma's secret. Emma would never feel the annoyance that Ned gave her again. There would be no more making fun of Flash and constantly turning down his advances which always gave her pleasure. No more bickering with Darcy as the brunette fought tooth and nail to maintain her pledge to record all of Emma's important high school events. Most of all…there would be no more Peter Parker.
Emma glanced over at the brown eyed boy who glanced worriedly between her and Tony. Since he seemed quite keen on staying in Queens than Emma wasn't likely to see him that often. The thought of not seeing him for long periods of time saddened her. She really enjoyed his company and she wasn't sure if she wanted to stay away from him. Emma should probably let him go like Rick let Ilsa go but she didn't think she was as selfless as Rick.
It was true that vengeance was really important to Emma but Rumlow wasn't going away anytime soon. He'd still be there tomorrow and he'd be there whenever she was ready. Emma wasn't so sure she was ready to face him anyways. The truth was that Rumlow knew that she was out there and he'd come looking for her one of these days. When that asshole finally decided to show his fucked up face around there then that would be the day Emma finally got her revenge. Revenge didn't have an expiration date so Emma didn't see why she should have to obsess over finding him when he'd eventually come around looking for her. Her time was much better spent elsewhere…a place where she didn't have to linger on the memory of what he did to her. Where she could finally be happy.
"I think I'd like to stay in Queens." Emma said in a small voice and Tony was almost certain he hadn't heard her right. A grin suddenly came over Peter's face as he looked overjoyed at what the blonde had just said. He had been afraid that Emma wouldn't want to come back to Queens…come back to him but that didn't seem to be a problem whatsoever. She was coming home…to him.
"What was that?" Tony asked in disbelief, not believing that the girl who had been complaining for the past almost two months about going to school was actually seemingly okay with staying there.
"I think my time is best spent in Queens." Emma said a little bit louder as she maintained stoic look on her face, trying to seem as nonchalant as possible about this. "School's not so bad and Parker's not a terrible partner to have either. Besides…I don't see the harm in rescuing a bunch of filthy cats from trees or helping smelly old ladies hobble across the street. I'd like to think that it's what Steve would want. " Peter supposed that was as close to getting Emma to admit to liking him as he was going to get. It was probably the most Emma sort of way of saying that she actually enjoyed going on missions with him. He was still happy nonetheless that Emma was staying in Queens. Tony just sighed he shook his head at the both of them. He immediately took his tinted sunglasses off to look them both in the eyes.
"You're both turning me down?" Tony questioned in bewilderment. "You better think about this. Look at that. Look at me." Tony pointed at their suits and they both stared at the suits like Tony told them to. Emma didn't feel like it was that great of a loss anyways. Her suit probably had more gadgets than she knew how to deal with. She had gotten back what she really wanted after all…Peter.
"Last chance." Tony told them firmly. "Yes or no?"
"No." Peter told Tony and the billionaire glanced over at Emma who nodded her head in agreement with Peter. Tony was completely surprised by this new information but it seemed like the two teenagers weren't about to change their minds. The billionaire had even tempted her with Rumlow and Emma still turned him down. Maybe she really had changed for the better…maybe sending her to high school hadn't been a mistake after all. She seemed better…healthier even. Emma seemed like how she had been before the accords and when Steve was still there. This was definitely a better version of her. That much he could tell.
"Okay." Tony said briefly as he tried to process what Emma and Peter had just told him. "It's kind of a Springsteen-y, working-class hero vibe that I dig. Happy will take you home, Peter. Yeah?" He asked Happy and the older man walked over to them as he nodded.
"Yeah." Happy confirmed. Peter glanced between both Happy and Tony anxiously as something else came to mind. His eyes then rested on Emma and she stared back at him as they seemingly became lost in their own little world again. Both of the teenagers felt extremely happy to be working together again and even to be going back to school together. It seemed like their partnership hadn't come to an end.
"What about Emma?" Peter asked almost dreamily. "When is she coming back to school?" Peter stared at the blonde almost longingly which was something that confused Tony. What was up with these kids? Tony thought to himself. They were acting even stranger than usual. Emma found that she also wanted to know when she could back to Queens. It was Friday after all so Emma doubted she would going back that day.
"Well, Happy can bring you back Sunday so you'll be set to go back to school on Monday." Tony told Emma before glancing suspiciously at Peter who's eyes were still glued to Emma. "That'll give you the weekend to catch up on the work you missed...you know, since you seem to actually care about that sort of thing now." Emma just rolled her eyes at Tony before giving him an amused smile.
"Whatever. I promise to tend to my studies, Steve." Emma said sarcastically. "Or would you rather me call you dad now too?"
"Nope. Tony's cool…or Uncle Tony if you prefer." Tony told her as he shuddered and Emma smirked at him.
"Good. I think I would've puked if you said yes which would've been a scientific anomaly since I don't think I can puke." Emma told him and Tony only shook his head in amusement. Peter glanced between Emma and Tony in confusion. He wasn't sure what was going on with them. Emma hadn't cussed Tony out once since he'd been there and Tony didn't seem to be irritated with her either. Did something happen since she arrived at the compound?
"Do you mind waiting in the car?" Happy asked Peter as he wanted to get things going as well as have a word with Tony. "I need a minute."
"I'll walk him out." Emma volunteered as she gave Peter a small smile. Peter swallowed nervously as Emma smiled at him. He could tell that things were much different between them than before and he had a feeling that was a good thing. Peter didn't think he was ready to tell Emma that he loved her and he wasn't sure he ever would but it was clear to him that they were friends. He could accept that if it meant being close to Emma. He nodded at her before looking at Tony again.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark." Peter told him and Tony formally shook his hand. Emma thought it was quite odd since Tony never really shook hands that often but this was an odd situation after all.
"Yes, Mr. Parker, very well." Tony formally bid him goodbye and Peter smiled at him.
"See you around." Peter replied. Peter and Emma then began to walk down the steps of the platform before a troubled look came over Peter's face. He paused slightly as Emma gave him a confused look. Peter turned around once more to look at Tony and Emma curiously watched the exchange between them.
"That was a test, right?" He asked Tony. "There's uh…nobody back there?" Emma smiled at Peter, clearly amused, because she knew for a fact that it wasn't a test. She could hear the commotion of all the reporters even though the sound proof walls. Peter's hearing was enhanced but it wasn't enhanced like hers was just like how Emma wasn't as strong as Peter despite her enhancements.
"Yes, you both passed." Tony confirmed and Emma almost wanted to laugh. She wanted to laugh because not even Tony was brilliant enough to think of a test like that. To go through all the trouble of designing those suits just to throw it all away? No that wasn't Tony. He didn't think that way. Tony was probably even a little annoyed that he had gone through all the trouble of designing and creating the suits just for them to turn him down. It was definitely a blow to his ego but nothing amused Emma more.
"All right, skedaddle there, you crazy kids!" Tony called out to them just as he saw the smug smirk on Emma's face. He knew then that Emma was aware that none of that had been a test. Smart ass, he thought to himself.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark." Peter said one last time before he and Emma turned back around to walk in the opposite direction.
"Yeah, thank you." Tony replied and he watched curiously as the two teenagers began to walk closely, shoulders brushing. Something definitely was up with them but Tony wasn't exactly sure what although he had a sneaking suspicion.
Emma knew things between her and Peter had changed now that she had somewhat come to terms with the way she felt about him. She didn't want to tell him because she knew that he still really liked Liz. This was why she never liked movies with love triangles. Casablanca was a favorite of hers and she'd like to think she was Rick in this situation but Rick didn't get Ilsa now, did he? No, Victor was the one who ended up with Ilsa in the end. Everyone also desperately wanted Rick and Ilsa to defeat the odds and actually up together. Emma was almost completely sure if her and Peter were a movie, no one would want them to get together. Someone like Peter ended up with someone like Liz every time. It wasn't just the whole love triangle thing either because Emma was almost positive that Peter would never reciprocate her feelings. He just knew too much about her. He would really never reciprocate her feelings if he knew everything about her…especially what happened down in that Hydra base.
"Michelle's the new captain for the decathlon team." Peter brought up suddenly and Emma look at him curiously. They had just exited the compound and were now walking down the steps of the building.
"Really? What about Liz?" Emma inquired politely and Peter looked down, a bit saddened about the whole situation with Liz. He had ditched her at the dance after all and not to mention how he'd also technically taken down her father too.
"Liz is moving to Oregon. She said that her father didn't want her here during the trial." Peter told Emma and even Emma felt a bit sympathetic. Even with her dislike of Liz, which was really just her jealousy speaking, Emma felt a bit bad for her situation. She knew how difficult it was to be away from your father. Emma knew that better than anyone.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Emma said softly and Peter shrugged.
"Maybe it's for the best. I really screwed things up with her." Peter admitted and Emma looked at him compassionately.
"No, you didn't. It just looked that way to most people…you were trying to help her." Emma told him sincerely. "You were trying to help her father. If it was me I would've just killed him." Peter shook his head, not believing Emma in the least bit. He knew her far too well by now to really believe she'd do that.
"I don't believe that, Emma. That's not you." Peter told her, not wanting Emma to believe that about herself.
"It used to be me." Emma said quietly as they began to walk alongside the building after leaving the set of steps. "But maybe it's just not me anymore." Peter smiled at her, happy that she was finally agreeing with him about that. His smile soon faded as he remembered something that had been troubling him for the past week. It was something he had been dying to ask Emma and now he finally had a chance.
"Why did you save me from the debris?" Peter asked her all of a sudden. Emma stared at him, not really knowing how to answer a question like that. She knew that question was going to come up eventually and Emma knew that she could never tell him the real answer. Emma would have to tell him that she loved if she was going to tell him the real answer. She sighed.
"Because you're my friend, Peter." Emma answered reluctantly and Peter felt slightly disappointed by her answer. He was hoping that she might've said something more but he knew even that was something major coming from Emma. Peter smiled at her softly.
"Really?" He asked and Emma returned his smile.
"Is that so hard for you to believe?" Emma asked before continuing to speak. "Of course you're my friend. You're more tolerable to me than most people."
"Gee, thanks." Peter said sarcastically but he honestly would've thought it would be quite odd if Emma said anything else.
"Don't expect a heart felt declaration of friendship, Parker." Emma said jokingly before a serious expression came over her face. "But in all honesty, Peter, I do consider you a friend. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing."
"Neither would I...you're my friend too, Emma." Peter told her and they both stared each other for a moment. They realized that they had been staring at each other for quite a while which prompted them into feeling awkward. Peter coughed awkwardly before remembering what he had been carrying around in his pocket since last week.
"I almost forgot." Peter said suddenly as he pulled out Emma's compass from his pocket. Emma's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her grandfather's compass. She had completely forgotten about it after everything. "As you requested." He held the compass out to her and Emma carefully took it from his hand before analyzing it. Every time she saw the compass she thought of her grandfather and how much she loved him. The blonde looked back at him hesitantly.
"You brought it back to me?" She said and Peter smiled at her, admiring the way she had stared at the compass in such utter love and adoration. A small part of Peter wished that Emma would look at him like she had looked at that compass.
"Without a scratch." He confirmed before continuing. "I guess it did bring me some luck after all. Maybe your grandfather's onto something." Emma chuckled as she clutched the compass tightly in her hand.
"Maybe." Emma replied. She looked at Peter, wanting to say more, but she was stopped before could even attempt to do so. Happy, like always, seemed keen on interrupting important moments between people. He walked up to the pair of teenagers with an oblivious look on his face.
"Hey, kid, get in the car. I want to get you home before dinner." Happy told them in his familiar gruff tone. Peter looked slightly disappointed to have to leave Emma so soon after seeing her for the first time in a week. He had wanted to spend more time with her…to learn more about her. Emma fought the urge to give Happy a very annoyed look because she had barely seen Peter before he had to go again. The two teenagers returned their gazes to each other and didn't look in Happy's direction as they seemed very reluctant to look away from each other. The both of them, unknown to each other, were already unable to wait until the next time they would see each other.
"Come on, kid, I don't have all day!" Happy called out again.
"I'll be right there, Happy!" Peter called out to Happy, not even looking in the older man's direction as he kept looking at Emma.
"I'll see you at school Monday?" Peter asked her and Emma smiled before nodding.
"Of course. I'd say I'll text you but my phone's broken and Tony still hasn't replaced it." Emma told him and Peter nodded in understanding.
"That's fine. Until Monday then." He replied.
"Monday." Emma confirmed. Peter stared at her for another moment, his eyes searching hers as he tried to look for something but not even he knew what he was looking for. He started debating something, struggling with the idea of whether or not she would kill him for doing it. A part of him was afraid to even try but another part of him didn't care that he was afraid. The part that didn't care urged him to go ahead and at least be brave.
Without another second of thought Peter swooped down and pressed a lingering kiss against Emma's cheek. The blonde tensed for a moment but immediately relaxed at his touch, closing her eyes in the process. Her heart rate increased as she felt his lips pressed against her skin and Emma felt that familiar feeling in the pit of her stomach. The feeling of butterflies or something similar only now she knew it wasn't because she was sick. Peter pulled away a little too soon for either of their liking. He put the feel of her skin against his lips to memory as he pulled away...skin that was so soft and smooth. Flawless even. Emma stared at Peter with a shocked expression on her face and it was then that reality came back down on him. He blushed shyly and he avoided looking into her eyes any longer. Peter was a little surprised that Emma hadn't even slapped or pushed him away.
"Bye." Peter said awkwardly, not knowing what else to say, before turning around to go to the car. Happy stood by the car, his mouth practically hanging open at what he just witnessed.
"How are you still alive?" Happy asked Peter before the teenage boy got into the car. The older man had never seen anyone that actually had the balls to do that to the blonde. Happy always thought she'd murder anyone who would try and touch her. Peter just ignored Happy as he got in the car, not saying another word.
Emma watched Happy get in the car and then drive off into the distance. She watched the car drive away in complete and utter confusion as to what just happened. Her face felt slightly flushed as she was still reeling from what Peter did. It wasn't anything incredibly and completely romantic since Emma had even kissed Peter before but something felt different this time. She supposed it was because Emma was in love with Peter now and she hadn't been then. The only thing Emma wondered, however, was why did he do it? Why did he kiss her on the cheek? What did it mean? Emma even felt a bit annoyed at him for doing that. How dare he just kiss her on the cheek and then leave with no explanation. Who does that?
Emma started to walk back up the steps of the building feeling even more frustrated and confused than before. It seemed like Peter was doing a lot of that to her these days which frustrated her even more because it wasn't like she could stay mad at him for long. She loved him after all. Love. Was that going to be her explanation for everything now? Emma couldn't believe it. She was actually turning into the most terrifying person she could ever think of. Taylor Swift in a music video. This was exactly what she was afraid of becoming but now it was inevitable.
Peter Parker had her all messed up in the head now and there was no avoiding him anymore. She had turned down hunting down and murdering Rumlow in cold blood just so that she could be near him…so that she could be somewhat happy. If this was several months ago then Emma would've laughed at the very idea of giving that up for love. It was probably for the best if she put off looking for Rumlow. She'd go mad looking for Rumlow but she was also currently going mad just thinking about Peter. It seemed like she relied on him a lot which was dangerous but somehow Emma didn't regret it. Emma sighed as she walked back inside the compound.
"Well, he's finally done it…that boy's finally driven me insane."