Author's Note: Thank you all for the nice comments about this story! So, without further ado, here's chapter 2!
"You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family."
—Trenton Lee Stewart
It was becoming crystal clear to Peter that the Avengers weren't exactly the perfect team that they appeared to be on TV.
"I said no!" A voice bellowed and the teenager glanced at Tony who smirked slightly.
"I don't care!" A feminine voice challenged. "I told you last week that it was my turn—"
"The answer is still no!" The other voice hissed. Tony chuckled as he led Peter to what appeared to be a huge living room. Giant couches made of plush material surrounded what had to be the biggest TV in the existence of TV's. On the couch, he spotted the deadly assassin, Black Widow glaring daggers at her partner Hawkeye, who had a death grip on the remote.
"The two lovebirds are at it again," Tony announced and instantly the duo's eyes were focused on the newest arrival to Avengers Tower. "Peter Parker meet Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton."
"We're not lovebirds." Clint stated quickly—a bit too quickly, but Peter refused to let a smirk grace his lips. He could deduce whether the pair was actually dating after he survived meeting the team. Natasha shot Clint a glance that seemed to speak volumes and instantly, the archer was up on his feet and by her side as they shook hands with Peter.
"I'm Spider-Man," Peter informed them since he could spy the confusion still lingering in their eyes. "I'll be staying here for the next two months."
"Fury's orders." Tony added, noticing the duo's perplexed expression.
"I see," Natasha murmured, her gaze softening slightly. "How old are you?"
"16." Peter replied and Clint shook his head.
"Too young." He whispered.
"I know," She replied. Then, much to Peter's surprise, she smiled and it took him slightly off-guard. "Welcome to the team."
"T-thank you." He stuttered.
"Come on," Tony interjected, ushering him down a long corridor. "There's still more people for you to meet." Their steps echoed down the marble hallway, but Peter stole a glance at the duo behind him. Natasha had her hands on her hips now, almost as if she was warning Clint that she would hurt him if she had to. Facing forward, Peter chuckled dryly.
"Clint, hand me the remote!" Natasha's voice echoed behind him and Peter bit his tongue to prevent a comment from slipping out. Still, the whole matter left the teenager more than a little bit disillusioned and perplexed. The Avengers fought over who got to watch TV? How was that even possible? Couldn't they afford more than one TV here?
"Right in here." Tony told him, quickly pushing him into a secluded room. Various workbenches littered the space, each covered with numerous pieces of equipment—wrenches, computers, small motors, and even some parts that Peter didn't recognize.
"Wow." He breathed.
"We have three labs here," The older man boasted to him. "This one is Bruce's."
"Bruce's—?"
"That would be me," A soft voice interjected from the side and Peter's eyes instantly locked on the man that stood awkwardly before him. He was a bit disheveled, hair messy, sleeves rolled up and arms spotted with grease and oil. "Bruce Banner." He extended his hand and Peter shook it.
"Peter Parker," The teen replied. "I'm Spider-Man."
"The Hulk." Came Bruce's reply.
"Really?" Peter echoed, confusion evident on his face. This man didn't look like the Hulk—nowhere close to it, in fact. How could that be?
"Long story." Bruce muttered, clearly not willing to discuss it.
"Peter will be with us for the next two months." Tony explained and Bruce nodded his head.
"Welcome then." He whispered softly before disappearing into a different part of the lab. Puzzled, Peter wondered if he had done something wrong to cause the man to practically flee the scene. Maybe he was naturally like that? Still, how was that man the Hulk? Sighing, the teenager glanced around the lab and froze suddenly when his eyes spotted the piece of equipment.
"Is that a molecular stabilizer?" He asked incredulously.
"Yes," Tony answered and then he shot Peter an odd look. "You into science?"
"I love science," Peter breathed as he approached the machine. "This is so amazing. I could use this to help my web shooters—"
"Wait," Tony interrupted. "You made those?"
"Yeah."
"Your 16 year old brain came up with those?"
"Yes." Peter answered, a bit offended.
"As soon as you get a free moment, we are going to my lab and you're going to show me." Tony's tone left no room for argument and Peter simply nodded. "Okay, only guy left is Cap." Peter swallowed nervously. Captain America was a national hero—he was the man that everyone aspired to be! What if Cap didn't like him?
Silently, they boarded the elevator and went down two floors. When they re-emerged, they were in what was a huge gym. Various workout machines and pieces of equipment were strewn everywhere and in the center of the room was a huge training ring. Captain America was in the middle of the ring practicing what appeared to be dodging rolls. Nervously, Peter held his breath and waited.
"Cap?" Tony called and slowly, ever so slowly, Steve Rodgers spun around and met Peter's gaze. "Meet Spider-Man. Fury assigned him to us." Steve jumped out of the ring and walked over to the duo. Smiling softly, he shook Peter's hand.
"Steve Rodgers."
"Peter Parker."
"Nice to meet you, Parker." Peter tried to not let his mouth fall open in shock. Captain America was talking to him!
"You too."
Suddenly, an alarm went off and red-flashing lights filled the room.
"Looks like they're playing our song." Tony remarked.
"Ready for your first mission?" Steve questioned.
"Yeah." Peter lied.
"Good, cause you're up."
And with that, Peter quickly followed the others and suited up. It was time for his first mission as an Avenger.
Author's Note: This chapter was such a pain to write, but necessary. Tomorrow, I will post chapter 3 where we will get to see the team in action! How will Peter fare on his first mission? Please review!