Uhhhh... Yeah. I suck at uploading/writing/being a normal person. I'm sorry! This chapter is fairly long but is a bit of a filler - hope you enjoy.
Please let me know how you think Tony is in this.. I'm finding it a little difficult to write what I believe to be as in-character as possible so if he (or anyone) seems OOC please let me know.
"I'm okay Gwen, I swear," Peter sighed into the phone, his attempts to placate his girlfriend's worry going completely to waste. He had asked Tony (it was still difficult to get used to calling him just 'Tony' so casually) if he could borrow a phone to call her up as he was fairly confident the news would have spread that Spider-Man had gone into a burning building and come out unconscious (and held in the arms of Iron Man who had flown off back to his tower.. yeah, he was sure Gwen had been going out of her mind with worry at that point).
"God, Peter," her voice wobbled through the line, "do not do that again, you hear me? I can't keep worrying if you're going to come back alive or not." Peter could hear the thickness to her voice and knew that she had been crying. Closing his eyes, he felt a rush of guilt and dropped his chin to his chest.
"I'm sorry," he replied quietly, meaning it in more ways than one. He couldn't stop what he was doing, not when he was actually making a difference and he couldn't promise Gwen that he would come back alive either. He heard a sigh from the speaker and knew that she realised the way he meant it.
"I know," came the equally subdued response. A few moments of silence passed and Peter looked up as some movement caught his eye. Tony had walked back into the room and stood leant against the frame of the door, waiting for him.
"Look, I've got to go," he explained. "I'll come see you tonight, okay?"
"Okay, Peter," she replied, a hint of sadness colouring her tone. "Be safe, okay?"
"I'll try," he smiled wryly. He heaved a large breath and hung up, smiling up at the billionaire in front of him.
"Thanks," he offered, holding the phone out away from him.
Tony smiled, shaking his head at the teen. "You keep it," he said, nodding at the phone. "It's got the numbers to call if you need us and it's now locked to your fingerprints anyway."
"Locked to my fingerprints?" Peter frowned, looking down at the expensive piece of kit. He placed his thumb on the button at the bottom and his eyebrows rose in surprise when the phone lit up and his name flashed across the screen in a bold green text before unlocking.
"I… I can't accept this," he ducked his head, not used to receiving things of this kind of money (especially not from super hero, genius billionaires). Whilst Aunt May and Uncle Ben had always had a relatively comfortable life, they didn't have many luxuries and only having enough to put food on the table and the main necessities (not that he had a problem with that, he valued how happy they'd been more than the gadgets he had).
"Sure you can," Tony smirked in response. "Think of it as a communication device for when we need your help," he joked.
"Thank you," Peter replied, his chest clenching with a sudden wave of gratitude. He looked down at the phone and carefully placed the phone in his pocket.
"No problem," Tony waved the gratitude off. "Anyway, I guess it's time to introduce you to the team," he said, nodding his head in the general direction of the elevator behind him.
Peter nodded and stood, wincing when his sore muscles protested the movement. Shuffling forward, he reached Tony who smiled and lead him out of the room.
As they reached the elevator, Peter swallowed, feeling suddenly nervous.
"I just wanted to say thanks for… saving my life," he mumbled, eyes on the ground. He felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment and he scratched the back of his neck before wringing his hands. He wasn't used to people having to save him and he felt disappointed that he had let himself get bested by the fire. He closed his eyes as scene flashed in his mind and he was sure he could hear the screams of the people trapped in the building.
"You're welcome," Tony responded, almost nonchalantly. They stepped into the elevator and Tony reached forward, tapped a button and almost at once the doors closed and they shot up a few floors before coming to a halt.
"Ready to meet the family, kid?" Tony grinned, sensing the younger man's nervousness.
"Yeah," Peter nodded, gritting his teeth. He was already pretty poor at meeting new people (Gwen had once told him he looked like he was trying to squirm out of his skin when talking to new people and proceeded to call him "adorable" to which he glared at her and she had laughed that laugh of hers) and the fact that these were literal heroes made him even more nervous. He was pretty sure coming face-to-face with the God of Thunder was going to go down as one of craziest things that had happened to him, and he'd fought a giant man-lizard - he was used to crazy things.
The doors slid open and the two stepped into what appeared to be a lounge area. Chatter grew louder and Peter wiped his slightly sweaty palms against his jeans and followed Tony round the corner.
"-an't trust Loki. We don't know how many of his powers are still left and we have to get this situation under control immediately. We can't risk another situation like the Chitauri-"
Tony stepped forward and cleared his throat and four heads turned to look in their direction. Peter noted the two agents that he'd seen in his house months back and grew slightly wary once more.
"Mr Parker," Agent Coulson stood, walking swiftly over to the two. "It's good to have you with us."
Peter nodded his head, reaching out to grab the hand that was offered and shook it firmly. Coulson turned and gestured to the others that were in the room.
"You met Agent Ward before," he said and Peter rose a hand in greeting at the familiar quiet figure. "Agent May, Natasha Romanov," he continued, pointing out the other two people in the room.
"Hi, Peter," the red-headed woman greeted with a small smile. Peter felt his awkwardness growing and he returned the greeting and nodded once more at the other Agent.
"So… I assume you all know that I'm Spider-Man?" he questioned, completely unsure of how to phrase the question without seeming like he boasting in any way. When they all simply nodded in response, he let out a breath and felt his anxiety lowering.
"How are you doing now, Peter?" questioned Coulson, a genuine look of concern painted on his features.
"Better, thanks," he nodded with a forced smile, covering up how much he still ached. He was relatively sure that all five of the people in the room could see right through him but if they did, they didn't mention it. Tony placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gestured vaguely to his left.
"The others have dispersed by the looks of things," he mused. "Jarvis? Where are the rest of the kids?"
"Mr Rogers and Agent Barton are currently in the gym, sir, and Mr Banner, Mr Fitz and Miss Simmons in the science laboratory. Would you like me to inform them of your incoming visit?" the English AI rang out, impressing and startling Peter once more.
"Jarvis, quit it with the whole last name thing will you? How many more times do I have to say it?" Tony said exasperatedly, shaking his head. Peter caught the smile on the man's face however and wondered if his friends still had trouble telling when he was being serious or not.
"My apologies, sir," the drawled response came with somewhat of a sarcastic tone (Peter honestly had no idea how Tony had managed to program a sassy computer and decided that he was not even going to bother trying to find out).
"Right kiddo, lets visit the geeks first," Tony grinned, knowing full well that he was just as "geeky" as the rest.
Tony turned on his heel, heading towards a corridor off to the side and Peter, shooting the four agents a smile and lifting a hand in a way of departure, hastily trooped after him. They walked down the corridor for a little way, rounding a corner before Tony stopped in front of a door and lifted his hand to a panel that sat next to it. It quickly scanned his prints before letting out a soft confirmation beep and the door swished open.
Peter immediately noticed that the lab was enormous - much bigger than any individual ones he'd seen at Oscorp. Three people stood to the right, huddled around something he couldn't quite see and chatting animatedly. They hadn't noticed the newcomers' arrival and all three jumped when Tony let out a loud greeting.
"Sorry to interrupt the nerd convention," he called, placing a hand on Peter's back and pushing him gently forward. "Guys, meet Peter. If anyone doesn't like Spiders I suggest you keep it quiet around this one."
Peter smiled at the joke before lifting a hand in greeting. He recognised Bruce Banner - there weren't many who wouldn't - but the other two people were a mystery. The group took their attention off the files they'd been pouring over and walked over to him, each offering a hand.
"Bruce Banner," the man introduced, smiling warmly. From what Bruce had been told about Peter, he felt he would get on well with the boy. He was definitely intrigued to hear about Peter's powers and his interest in science.
"I'm Jemma Simmons - S.H.I.E.L.D bio-chem," the woman smiled at him, her English accent catching him slightly off guard. "This is Fitz - he's S.H.I.E.L.D engineering," she continued, gesturing to the man on her left who also shook his hand and offered a greeting.
"Simmons here patched you up," Tony said, nodding towards the aforementioned. Peter looked back towards Simmons and smiled gratefully.
"Thank you," he said, glancing at his bandaged arms. His body still throbbed and he could feel his muscles stiffening up but he'd suffered worse and wasn't about to complain.
"You're welcome," she smiled easily again, a light blush on her cheeks forming from the praise. Peter decided then that he liked Simmons the most out of the women he'd met so far - she was definitely the friendliest.
"How are you feeling now?" Simmons questioned, looking pointedly at his injuries.
"I've had worse," Peter grimaced slightly, shifting his stiff shoulders and missing the look of alarm that shot through Simmons' eyes at this statement.
"Well, Peter," Tony began, clapping him lightly on the shoulder, "time to continue the tour."
After offering good-byes to the three others, Tony and Peter headed back out of the lab and into the elevator once more. Tony hit another button, the doors shutting almost instantly and then they were heading down. When they came to a halt a few moments later the doors pinged back open and Tony led Peter down another brightly lit corridor.
With his enhanced hearing, Peter could hear the sound of something being hit accompanied by small grunts long before they rounded the corner and pushed through the door that led them to what appeared to be a boxing ring. In it stood Steve Rodgers (he had to shake himself that it was the Captain America standing in front of him. He wasn't sure he could take much more of this meeting superhero thing lest his eyes be continuously glued open in a poorly concealed awe) and another man that Peter didn't recognise - though he assumed this to be Agent Barton. Steve had his hands up in front of him with training pads on and the other was swinging with precision and strength that left Peter certain to not get on his bad side.
"Hey Cap', Katniss," Tony greeted casually, wandering up to the edge of the raised platform and leaning against the side. Peter shuffled forward and tried not to duck his head when the two men stopped and gazed across to them.
"You must be the infamous Spider-Man we've seen so much about," Steve nodded at Peter, pulling his hands from the inside of the pads. Throwing them down he quickly grabbed the towel that he'd left to the side and swiped it across his forehead before hopping over the edge of the ring and making his way to the pair.
Again Peter found himself shaking hands with the man he'd only read about in Comics and had to forcibly remind himself to be polite and responded with a nod of his own.
"Guilty," he grinned. Steve smiled in response, offering his own name (as if anyone would need to be informed).
"Clint Barton," came a voice from Peter's right and he jumped slightly having not noticed the man move from the ring. They went through the same pleasantries he had exchanged with all of the others he'd met today before Tony spoke to him.
"You've probably had enough of meeting people now - how about some lunch?" he questioned.
"Food sounds great, thanks," Peter nodded gratefully. "It was nice to meet you," he added, looking back at the two men who returned the sentiment before moving back into the ring.
Tony led Peter back through the building and a few minutes later Peter found himself back in the now empty lounge-area. They headed through into the kitchen and Tony gestured to a bar stool, telling Peter to take a seat. Peter obliged and eased himself onto a stool, resting his arms onto the work surface in front of him.
"Sandwiches okay?" Tony asked, opening the fridge and pulling out various food items.
"Perfect, thank you," Peter confirmed, happy with anything. Letting out a long breath Peter ran his fingers through his messy hair and the two remained in a comfortable silence while Tony threw together some sandwiches and plated them in front of him a few minutes later.
"So I hear you're good at science?" Tony asked, attempting to pry. Peter nodded, swallowing his mouthful before responding.
"First in my class.. Though if you asked Gwen she'd tell you I'm second," he smiled. "I guess I take after my father.." he trailed off, taking another bite of his food.
"I know what that's like, kid," Tony smirked in response. "Your webs shooters - you make them?" Again Peter nodded.
"Impressive," Tony mused. He'd seen them whilst he'd fixed (modified) Peter's costume and had been impressed by the sophistication. He'd be sure to ask Peter about them again at another time.
After the two finished their food, Peter stood up and washed his plate, once again thanking Tony who laughed and waved it off.
"It was great to meet everyone today but I have to get going… My Aunt is going to be worried about me," Peter said. "I'll just grab my stuff and get going."
"Okay, I'll drive you home," Tony offered, also rinsing off his plate. "One thing before you go though - follow me."
Peter squinted curiously but followed with no hesitation. They walked briefly down a corridor before Tony pushed open a door which led to a large bedroom. In it he spied his now repaired costume resting on the bed and moved to collect it. Picking it up, he noticed it was significantly lighter than his previous costume and looked at Tony questioningly.
"Told you I'd made some changes," Tony reminded him. "Flame-proof, water-proof and tear-proof."
Peter felt his jaw drop open as he looked back at the red and blue suit. He ran his fingers across the spider symbol on the front as the familiar sight comforted him.
"Thank you - again," he said once more - gratitude swelling.
"Please stop with the thanking," he received as a response alongside an eye-roll. Peter shook his head incredulously and moved to place the costume in his bag which was sitting next to the bed.
"The room's yours if or when you want it," Tony said from behind him.
Peter nodded, suppressing the words of thanks that bubbled up as he took in the size of the room. He was confident that this room alone was bigger than the size of most of his home. A pang of guilt shot through him at the thought of his Aunt by herself at home. After S.H.I.E.L.D had come into their house and revealed who he really was to her she'd been beside herself with worry and anger. She'd spent the next week chewing him out for keeping such a thing from her and had then alternated between being annoyed and worried about him ever since. It had taken him a while to convince her he would be fine before she finally relented and given her approval. He would never forget the words she had spoken the first night he'd returned from his Spider-Man duties to find her awake on the sofa waiting for him.
"You may be Spider-Man now but you'll always be my boy before all else. I love you Peter and I'm so proud of who you are - never forget that. But please, please come home safe okay? I can't lose you too."
He'd felt a lump in his throat after she'd said that and he had reassured her he would, wrapping her up in a tight hug.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, he turned around and the two scientists made their way down and into the garage of the building. An array of different expensive cars were littered around the room and Peter merely shook his head, still in awe. He followed Tony over to one of the cars and they got in, Tony starting the engine and driving out of the building.
The two exchanged small-talk for a while as they headed towards his house (Peter wasn't even going to ask how Tony knew where he lived, he wasn't sure that he wanted to know) and they arrived around twenty minutes later. Peter put his hand on the door, ready to leave when Tony began speaking again.
"Just remember kid, you may choose to turn down the offer but deep down I think we both know that you're already an Avenger." Tony sounded so convinced that Peter swallowed nervously and nodded.
Exiting the car after saying their goodbyes, Peter headed back up the steps towards the front door and glanced back as Tony peeled off and went back to Stark tower. Letting out a breath, Peter shook his head and went inside.
What a day.
Norman Osborn slammed his office door behind him and sat down, letting out an angry growl.
"Those idiots don't know what this discovery could mean," he grumbled to himself, rubbing his temples to try and alleviate the growing headache. Sitting still for a few moments, he tried to reign in the anger that was bubbling in his veins at the nerve of Dr Stromm nearly causing the loss of the entire programme.
"Dr Osborn is it?" A sudden voice startled him. He leapt up from his seat and gasped at the sight of a man standing in the dark corner of the room. Placing a weary hand on his chest briefly he nodded hesitantly, confused as to how this person had got in his office without him noticing.
"Who is asking?" he questioned slowly, trying to keep a straight face though his heart fluttered. His hand crept carefully from his chest and towards the panic button that was on the underside of his desk. Fighting the panic, he kept a steady eye on the figure before him as he stepped forwards into the light. His confusion only grew when he took in what the man was wearing - long robes of black and green. He had a smirk on his face and glint in his eyes that Norman could only suppress a shiver at.
"My name is Loki and I have an idea that may interest you greatly."