Chapter 25 Peter's Secret... revealed
Tony's point of view
The press conference was almost a disaster.
"Peter, whenever you feel ready put on your suit and come and join us."
"OK"
After 10 minutes of waiting, the audience of assembled journalists were growing restless and irritated
"Hap, you still got that ring?"
"The engagement ring? Sure"
"All right, operation put a ring on it is go. While I'm proposing to Pep, you go and see if you can find the kid."
"OK"
"Mr Stark where is the newest recruit to the Avengers?"
"He's on his way. In the meantime, I wasn't expecting to have to do something this brave and noble today but… here goes. I'm going to keep it very simple so watch closely" I tapped Pepper on the shoulder and she stood up. She gave me a questioning look. I got onto one knee in front of her and she gasped and nodded. Tears splashed down her cheeks. I stood up put the ring on her finger and we kissed. The journalists clamoured to get the best shot of us.
Happy's point of view
I went to the restroom to find Peter.
"Kid? You around?"
"Happy, I can't go out there"
"What's wrong son?"
"Flash found out my secret and he's spread it round school already… if I go out there everyone is going to know"
"Bud, your dad is waiting for you"
"How did he cover my absence?"
"I think he proposed to Pepper… listen trust me kid, you're going to be fine OK? I just want you to go through to the media conference room and join the team officially. Let your dad and I handle the rest."
"OK"
Peter's point of view
Dad and Pepper were looking very… snuggly
He saw Happy and I hovering in the door.
"All right, now for what you really came here for… the newest recruit to the Avengers team… Spider-man"
Happy gave me a gentle but firm nudge towards my dad.
"Spidey, do you want to take off your helmet?"
"Sure…"
I took off my helmet and…
Vulture's point of view
It was revenge time… my favourite time of day.
"Jameson. Vulture here. I got a scoop for ya… Spider-man is Peter Parker. Stark's son"
Jameson's point of view
"This just in… some breaking news about the newest member of the Avengers… Spider-man. Unfortunately, he is a fraud. Spider-man is a 15-year-old kid named Peter Parker. He is the son of Mary Fitzpatrick and Anthony Stark"
Tony's point of view
The headline above Jameson's head showed a picture of Spider-man with a picture of Peter next to it and the words SPIDER-FRAUD? Emblazoned in big black letters underneath. Creepy spiders crawled their way up the picture. I shuddered
"This just in… some breaking news about the newest member of the Avengers… Spider-man. Unfortunately, he is a fraud. Spider-man is a 15-year-old kid named Peter Parker. He is the son of Mary Fitzpatrick and Anthony Stark"
"SHIT! Pepper, call Barney Galbraith IV at once. This is unbelievable unacceptable ridiculous… unconscionable. It's not happening"
The press conference began
"All right you miserable specimens listen up" I barked "There will be absolutely no speculating, proselytising, gossiping or predicting about what I am about to tell you. You do any of those things after this press conference and I will sue you for defamation of a minor, libel, slander and harassment of a minor. Do I make myself clear?"
There was silence in the auditorium
"Good. Now the reason we're here…"