Here's Chapter Five Guys!
I do not own the Avengers or Marvel.
Chapter Five
Tuesday, day three
Listen, I never thought that I would be in a building with more floors then I have hair. But I am. It's my fourth day at Stark Tower, and I'm about ready to pull my eyes out of their sockets. Yesterday, I explored the tower a bit more. I tried working out in the high-tech gym, but that only lasted for about a half hour. I visited the numerous lounges and tried to break into the lab. The latter didn't go as well as planned.
JARVIS is upgraded and ready to kill today. Simple hacks weren't working this morning when I tried to get into Tony's workshop, and I don't know any more so. I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I lay on a large circular green sofa in the lounge. Clint's at SHIELD headquarters filling out paperwork from his last mission.
Steve is working out in the gym, Bruce is in the lab, Natasha is in her room, and Tony is God knows where. Jane Foster, an astrophysics scientist has been visiting since Sunday; apparently she's the God o' Thunders woman. I haven't spoken to her much – she's always with Bruce in the lab.
"JARVIS?" I call up to the ceiling.
"Yes, Mr. Enriquez?" The pleasant voice responds, sounding the same as always.
"Where's Tony?"
"Mr. Stark is currently looking for you in the Tower. He has informed me to inform you that Pepper has left you a suit in your bedroom."
I raise an eyebrow, "Why?"
"A press conference is being held today outside of the tower. Tony will inform the public of your arrival into his life."
"Finally," I breathe as I stretch and stand up. I walk to the elevator and go up to my room. As promised there is a very nice designer brand three piece suit laying on my bed. The pants and jacket are a light grey and the shirt underneath a dark black.
I change, putting it on slowly, as if it's a foreign object. It kinda is. I've never worn something so expensive in my life. There's a soft knock on the door as I undo the first three buttons of the shirt with ease, giving it a more casual look.
"Come in," I call from my spot in front of the mirror.
Pepper opens the door and pokes her head through, letting out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank God. I was worried you wouldn't be ready." She walks over; a clip board in one arm and note cards in the other.
"Nah, I'm ready to go." I assure her, adjusting the gold chain around my neck. "Is Tony?"
"As ready as he'll ever be without booze… Can I?" She gestures to my hair, which is sticking up in all directions, as usual. I shift slightly on the balls of my feet before shrugging and nodding at the same time.
She comes over, somewhat awkwardly and sets her clipboard and cards on the dresser before grabbing a bottle of gel from in front of the mirror and squirting some in her hand. "You're like Tony. The man can never keep his hair in order."
"Neither can my sister's. Theirs is always knotted." I inform her, but I leave out the fact that I'm usually the one to brush all the knots out at the end of the day.
She nods, "Those cards are for you," She runs a hand through my hair, tugging slightly. "Just follow the cards and it should all go very smoothly."
"Alright. So, how were you planning for this all to go?" I ask as I grab the cards, and skim them, reading only parts:
"... I am so happy to finally be with the man I've respected my whole life. Being able to be so important in his life now is something that brings me great joy. I am greatly looking forward to having Mr. Stark guide me. I can only hope that I will make a good apprentice-."
…Wait…What? "What does this mean? Why does it say apprentice?" I ask, confused as Pepper finally finishes tugging at my dark brown hair.
She steps back at rubs her hands together. She makes sure to avoid her clean white suit as she tries to get the excess gel off of her fingers. She looks down as she gathers her board once more. "Tony and I have agreed that it would be smarter to portray you as Tony's apprentice. It will lessen the risk of you being endanger; it won't lower it much, but it will be better than you saying you're his son."
I just gape at her, mouth half open like a dead fish, "I – what?" I should have expected this. I really should have expected this. I'm not even that surprised. I just feel… weird. I know it lowers my risk of being killed by enemies of not only Tony, but the Avengers, but still. Imagine your dad telling people you were just his friend.
I don't even feel that close to Tony. I don't really know him well yet. I'm happy I know him, and I'm happy he's taken me in… I just don't know.
Pepper seems to see my expression as she looks up, "I'm really sorry, Luis. It's just this way is safer for not only you, but your family." Her expression is so sincere I quell the anger threatening to explode. Because it's not her fault. It's not anyone's fault.
"I know. It's okay." I lie, looking into the mirror, because I can't bring myself to look at her. "I'm ready." I say, fixing my lapels once before turning.
She nods, plastering a bright smile onto her face, "Then let's go. Tony's already waiting downstairs."
"Where's the conference?" I ask.
"In front of the tower. It's impromptu, so we just decided to have it there. Besides, it's good publicity for the tower." We pass through the living room of Tony's private floor. On the TV is a live stream from in front of the Tower where reporters are circling hungrily like vultures around a carcass.
"Only hours ago Tony Stark has told the public that he has an announcement that relates to the future of the company. Many can only wonder. Is this the end of Iron Man? Will Stark Industries return to making weapons? We can hardly contain the questions." That's what the bright eyed reported says.
I bitterly look away. Announcement that relates to the future of the company… Those are the only words that remain as we descend in the elevator.
"Does he even like me that much?" I ask, breaking the silence. I look down at my new shoes. Leather. Black. Italian. Very nice.
I glance up to see Pepper look up, startled somewhat. Her expression softens somewhat, "I think he likes you just fine." As the words leave her mouth the door to the private elevator dings open and we walk out. The Lobby of Stark Tower's is empty, surprisingly. The only person inside is Tony; he stares out the giant windows and watches the reporters swarm like locusts.
He turns to face us, "Ready?" He's wearing a dark pair of sun-glasses and a dark red suit. A little tacky, if not typical.
"Yea, let's go," I nod toward the door. "Why? You scared old man?" I try to lighten the situation by joking.
A smile pulls at the corners of his lips, "Pfft, old?" He adjusts his jacket, much like I had moments before. "We good to go, Pep?"
"Yes, the podiums set up and ready. The press has been quieted down for the moment, so now would be the time."
We position ourselves at the doors and the room takes a collective breath before Tony pushes the door allowing Pepper to leave first followed by myself and then Tony. Outside there's a platform set up, draped in red and gold. I roll my eyes once again. Typical.
On the platform there's a single podium. Two chairs are set up on either side. Pepper takes the right and I take the left. Tony stands at the podium, clearing his throat somewhat. He begins to read from the cards:
"Welcome, everyone. Today, Stark Industries would like to announce that I, Tony Stark, am taking on an apprentice."
The press erupts into question. Flashes of cameras are blinding and cameramen fight to keep their stands up.
"Jeremy West-."
Who? Do I look like a Jeremy West? Tony looks uncomfortable and stiff as he reads off of the cards; he tugs at his collar only slightly.
"-will be taught the ins and outs of my company. He's the very intelligent son of a very dear friend of mine. He has proven his worth in the past and I believe he can become future CEO of Stark Industries until my own son is ready."
Always behind the un-born baby. That kid will always be more important – Tony actually will love that kid's mom. He doesn't even remember mines name. I'm always going to be a bastard. I twinge at the extensive self-pity.
"I would like L- Jeremy to say a few words."
I jerk out of my thought-process. Tony was still talking while I was wallowing in self-hate. Oh no, I must have missed more of the bullshit he just spouted off to the reporters. I'm so upset about that. Insert sarcasm here.
I stand – hopefully at least a little gracefully – and walk toward the podium. Tony stands aside, but doesn't sit. Probably still enforcing his position as Alpha Male. I roll my eyes slightly as I stand in front of the crowd. Larger then I previously assumed. I'm surprised they're not stopping traffic. I've never had an issue with public speaking before, and luckily one doesn't develop now.
"Hello, I am Jeremy West, and I would like to start off my expressing just how grateful I am to be a part of Stark Industries. I've always known deep in my heart that this was a position made for me. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a part of something bigger…"
I trail off, looking up from the cards and toward the now dead-silent reporters, all of them eager to soak up every word. "I..." I look behind me at Tony whose expression I can't see due to the sun-glasses, and all of the sudden, I know what I must do. Because I may have never wanted to be a part of something bigger, but I've always wanted a father who doesn't beat the shit out of me. Tony may not be perfect, but he's as good as I'm going to get.
I'm grateful for that.
I'm not really sure what makes me want to do it. I just know I want to. Right now it's going to be about me. That may be selfish, but, know what? I don't really give a damn.
"Sorry, Pepper." I say sincerely, turning to her. She looks startled to say the least. I turn back to the microphone. "My name is Luis Enriquez. And I am Tony Stark's son."
The crowd erupts into shouts. Similar to when Tony himself did it a year of three ago. I back away from the podium, and turn to Tony, prepared to offer him an apology, but instead of being angry. But instead I see something quite different.
Tony Stark is smirking.
"So he turns, all dramatic and shit. He looks right into the camera-."
"No, I did not look right into the camera," I point out from where I'm sprawled out in a chair at the table.
"Shhh, I'm trying to tell a story," Tony waves me off, "And then this little son of a bitch says-."
"I am Iron Man?" Natasha asks dryly from her seat on the counter. She arches an eyebrow and leans against the cabinet.
"Tasha, just watch it on TV, it's on every station," Clint says as he pours five bowls of cereal. "Obviously, his facts are to not be trusted."
"How do you know? I haven't even finished the story, Legolas!" Tony exclaims, snatching a bowl of cereal from the archer and pouring milk into it. "Anyway, long story short, if Luis is kidnapped it's not my fault. Let it be said that I tried to prevent it." Tony slides the bowl down the table toward me.
I take it gratefully, "Let's talk about the real problem here. Jeremy West? That is the whitest name I've ever heard in my life."
"What about Steve Rogers?" Clint asks dryly as he hands Natasha a bowl.
"Haha," Steve deadpans as he takes his own bowl. "Why are you all here eating my food again?"
"I'm out. Nat never restocks. Stark won't let anyone else eat his, and Luis is correcting the facts of his coming out." Clint informs him through a mouth of Frosted Flakes.
"Is Pepper mad?" I ask Tony.
"Nah, I think she kind of expected it. She's just annoyed that she has to do press for awhile now."
"Sorry," I say, even though I'm really not.
"Don't be. Those cards were shit anyway." Tony doesn't look apologetic either.
I shrug, not disagreeing. "Anyway, I'm just happy I get to get out of this building."
"And then get swarmed by paparazzi," Natasha says.
I shrug, "I don't care. I was raised on the streets. I hate being cooped up in places for too long. Besides, didn't you say something about bonding?"
Tony lets out a groan, "I need to stop saying things all together."
"No one's arguing," Steve speaks up from his seat at the counter.
"Shut it, Stars and Stripes. Who asked you?" Tony says, exasperated. Steve just chuckles, shaking his head slightly. "Whatever, but this time I'm picking what we're doing, got it?"
"Got it," I say through a mouth full of cereal. Clint opens his mouth to speak, but before he can lightning lights up the sky, seemingly shaking the whole building.
"Wow, that's gotta be some storm," I muse, looking out the window as thunder rumbles the windows.
Tony, Steve, and Natasha all share a look with each other. "No. Oh no, this fucker is not on my roof." Tony sets his bowl down and rushes out of the room and into the hallway, closely followed by Natasha and Steve who have also abandoned their bowls.
"What's goin on?" I ask, confused.
"I'm having trouble keeping up myself. Come on, kid." Clint sets his bowl down and walks out of the room. I look remorsefully at my bowl before sighing and getting up. Tony is holding the elevator door open, looking particularly impatient.
"Hurry up. He's going to break my windows again if we aren't quick." I slide in quickly and the door shuts.
"Who?" I lean against the shiny gold wall of the lift, looking at my reflection in the ceiling.
"Thor," Steve supplies helpfully.
"Thor," I repeat slowly.
"You act surprised, like you don't live in a place full of superheroes." Tony states, raising an eyebrow.
"Gee, I'm sorry for being surprised that there's a demi-god on the freaking roof."
"Hey-," Tony is cut off as the elevator door is practically pried open by a pair of hands.
"My friends!" A very excited God of Thunder Bellows.
"My elevator!" Tony shouts, staring at the now very much dented doors.
I can only manage to stare at Thor in not astonishment, but I'm still pretty surprised. He's wearing exactly what he wore on TV during the Battle of New York. Maybe Asgardian's don't have closets. Everyone crowds out of the elevator except Tony who is still groping the door in sadness muttering something about 'real gold'. What a snob.
I stand only awkwardly to the side as Thor is welcomed by his friends. Banner and Dr. Foster must have gotten here first because she has been clinging to his arm since after he broke the elevator. Banner is smiling, arms crossed and slightly hunched over.
"Who is this?" Thor asks, finally noticing me.
Tony walks over, looking shaken, but at least he managed to pry himself away from the doors. He claps a heavy hand on my shoulder, "Well, turns out I have a kid. This is Luis."
"I do not understand. To some Midgardian children grow faster than others?" Thor looks confused as he looks between the two of us.
"Well, I kind of just found out he was my dad," I reply with a slight shrug.
"Ah, I see. Well, it is very nice to meet you Son of Stark." Thor claps his own hand on my other shoulder, almost causing me to crumple to the ground under the sheer weight of it.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Steve asks curiously.
"I have come to stay, my friends. I have informed my father that I am not ready to be king, yet. Perhaps, one day I will return and take my place on the throne, but for now, I shall protect Midgard with all of you, as an Avenger." Thor informs us somewhat gallantly.
"Your dad just let you leave?" Natasha asks.
"Yes, I was surprised myself. Though he did seem somewhat opposed, he did not seem angry in his words."
"It's good to have you back," Bruce says, speaking up from his corner of the room.
"Thank you, Bruce….!" He talks, but I don't pay attention as my phone vibrates in my pocket, startling me somewhat. I'm still wearing the suit, but the jacket has been long forgotten, probably slung over a chair in Steve's apartment.
I walk quietly away from the group and back toward the elevator, away from the ears of the group. I look at the ID and sigh. I haven't talked to my mother since she told me Manny was missing. I've been dreading this call for all sorts of reasons, but despite my reluctance, I answer it.
"Hey, mom-," The rest of the words die on my lips as I'm greeted by rapid Spanish. Words mumbled and sobbed and jumbled out so quickly I can barely string a sentence together.
"Stop! Slow down, Lupe. Qué Pasa? Huh? What's wrong?"
"Mama-," She gasps, "Papa came back and got really mad with m-mama. He hit her a lot and now she's – she's not breathing, Luis! I don't think she's breathing!"
Dread fills me and I feel as if I may throw up, "Lupe, is Manny still there?"
"N-No, he left and he took Marta with him. I-I tried to – I tried to stop him, but he hit me and I got scared." She cries hard on the other end, and I feel sick. Sick and scared.
"Okay, I'm on the way, okay? Right now I need you to check if Mama is breathing. Chech si ella está respirando."
Silence and then her quavering voice is back, "She is… I couldn't tell before, I'm sorry."
"Está bien. Now, I'm going to hang up, and when I do I want you to call 911. Can you do that?"
"No! No! Don't leave me," Lupe's panicking, and nothing gets done when you panic so I try to calm her.
"Shhh, it's okay. I'm going to go straight there right after I hang up. Three minutes tops." It's a lie, we both know it, but she says nothing.
"After you call 911 calls Mrs. Rodriguez. Tell her what happened and that you've called an ambulance, and have her stay with you if she can, okay." Mrs. Rodriquez is the only neighbor I trust with this situation. The others are gang bangers or high off their minds by this time at night. It's only 9:00.
Her only response is a whispered, "Okay."
"Okay," Now I notice that the room has become quiet. Everyone is staring at me. I turn my back to them and try to speak quieter, hoping they don't hear. "Okay, I'm going to hang up now. Love you."
"Love you too," She whimpers back.
I hang up quickly and turn to Tony, "Listen, I got to get to my house in like three minutes. Let me borrow the suit, yea?"
Finished! There's chapter five for ya. Sorry for the cliffhanger like ending, but you know how it is. Writer's always have a bit of sadist in them Mwhahaha. Anyway, who hates Manny right now? I dooooo. And yayyy Thor has arrived bitches. I would love to make Loki show up, but at the moment it really doesn't fit into the story, maybe later.
Also, guys! Where's the love? Reviews make a happy writer! And a happy writer makes Luis' love interest show up in the next chapter! Probably going to happen anyway, though, so no worries. Next chapter up soon! Review Review Review!