Chapter 2 – Visiting Hours

Peter Parker was endlessly bored. In all of his classes he sat, foot tapping, sighing, stretching, anything to force time to move quicker but it did never did. The only place time moved quick was during his internship. Each week he went, without fail, into the pristine building he didn't belong in, to meet the man who was never anything more than a boss to him, working on a project he couldn't figure out how to do. Each day sped fast and before he knew it his time was up and it was time to leave still having not made any lee way in his project.

"Remind me again what days you go again," Ned asked for what felt like the 100th time since the internship started. Peter did his best to hold back a sigh. The entire time during class he had brainstormed every good idea to try and figure out what to be innovative on. He didn't miss Killian's disappointed face when each day Peter reported having not come up with a single idea. It was like all his ideas just stopped flowing.

"Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays," Peter replied after a few moments. A few moments too long it seemed because Ned had already moved on to the next thing in his eyeline. Betty. She had been the object – a term used loosely – of his desires and dreams every night. Peter had heard endless chit chat of everything she did during every moment.

'But Peter you should've seen her during math class she answered the question no one else could!'

'Peter, peter, is it just me or did Betty get a haircut'

'I'm thinking of asking Betty for her number.'

'do you think she likes me?'

It was all more or less the same, nothing new, nothing different. Peter couldn't help but smile at his friends' antics though because despite everything Ned had been for him always. When his parents died and his aunt and uncle had to take care of next-of-kin and legal stuff Ned had not hesitated to bring Peter over top his place almost everyday even missing out on a few days of school.

"I think Betty did get a haircut. I was right!" Ned explained, suddenly breaking Peter from his train of thought. Peter glanced up quickly following Ned's line of sight. Betty's shiny hair, normally pulled straight had been tied up neatly into a claw clip and looked like it had made of pears. She even looked to be wearing a hint of makeup and possibly blush.

"How can you even tell," peter questioned, eyebrow raised. "her hair is up.'

Ned shushes him dramatically, "I always know Peter."

Peter rolled his eyes jokingly grabbing his friend and practically dragging him away from the poor girl. "ogle over her later, we're supposed to walk to the tower together." This seemed to bring his friend back to the present.

"wh-" Ned started but Peter quickly responded.

"Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays." Peter responded immediately, reading his friends thoughts. Killian somehow did that a lot. Every time Peter opened his mouth to speak Killian already had some semblance of what he was going to say. There were moments where it put him on edge, but he did his best to ignore it.. most of the time.

"Thanks!" Ned said looking a little embarrassed, "so we can build that lego kit on Saturday?"

Peter thought for a moment… Saturday… Saturday… did he have anything going on? "what day is it now even"

"Friday," Ned answered. Peter had completely forgotten he even said that out loud.

"Sounds like a plan," The latter said cheerfully. Peter then turned on his heel to leave the building. It was over, finally. What used to be a solstice now just felt like it was holding him back. Maybe it was the fact that his confidence was at a peak and he realized his full potential or maybe it was just that his patience was running low.

The outside air hit him in the face as he and Ned descended the steps preparing for their walk to the tower. It wasn't long, maybe 15, 20 minutes and it was always filled with laughter, conversation, and the occasional snowball fight.

This day when they stepped outside they noticed something aloof. It seemed as though the entire student body was crowded in front of a fancy looking car. It was black and shiny with tinted windows so no one could see the owner. It wasn't until a man stepped out of the car and greeted Peter did the boy even know who it was. After all, it was easy to recognize such a public persona. Killian was wearing his glasses perched lazily on top of his pointy noise with his dirty blonde hair pulled back into a slick ponytail. Many of his classmates stood around taking photos.

"Hey Peter!" Killian said gleefully taking in the compliments and awed looks. Peter smiled politely and made his way over. When he got to the car Killian put his arm around the boys shoulders asking him about school and other going-ons in his life. "My favorite intern." He said a little louder so the rest could hear.

"What are you doing," Peter whispered trying to keep the tenseness out of his voice. He was hardly ever the center of attention, preferring to lay back and watch from afar. Back when his parents died everyone had been trying to console him and distract him from the tragedy that had befallen him and the Parker Family. He hadn't missed the whispered, that's the kid who's parents died or the pitiful looks that followed him down the hall.

"What?" Killian said with mock offense, "I can't pick up my FAVORITE INTERN" – he repeated, a little too loudly again, "From class on my day off."

It took everything in Peter to hold back the sharp no he wanted to say so badly. He wasn't exactly sure why this bothered him but it did and he wished Killian knew him well enough to realize he was uncomfortable. "It's just a surprise, that's all," he settled on instead.

Killian's response was only a smile but anyone who had worked with Killian as closely and frequently as Peter had knew that the man was not pleased with his lack of excitement. It was clear he had expected some grand gesture as thanks for boosting Peter's social status' in school. In an attempt to bring the mood back up Peter shoved down any type of ill thought he had towards his boss's actions and plastered on the biggest smile he thought he'd ever mustered and cheerfully spoke.

"Thanks! You didn't have to do this, what are we working on today in YOUR LAB." Peter tried to match the tone of his boss and Killian's pleased smile told him it was a job well done.

"Of course!" Killian said almost robotically before opening the car door for the teen, wide enough for the entire student body to catch a glimpse.

In addition to the black polished exterior the interior was filled with dimmed lights and fancy seating. There was an insane amount of leg room for such a small car and it screamed money. Peter didn't even know it was possible to beunderdressed for a car.

"Wow, this is nice," Peter said a little quieter and Killian smiled proudly, for real this time.

"I'm glad you like it Peter." And just like that the door was shut and within a few moments Killian was inside on the opposite side and they went off into the city. It wasn't until about 10 minutes after the show was over Peter realized he had left Ned. Pulling out his, slightly roughed up, phone he texted his friend.

PETER: Sorry, Ned… That was a lot

NED: Don't worry man

NED: THAT WAS SO COOL

PETER: XD Glad you liked it

NED: Dude your life is so cool!

Rolling his eyes playfully as his friends antics he decided to pay attention to the CEO sitting behind him he had conveniently decided to put off talking too.

"What made you decide to come get me today," Peter asked curious. It wasn't that he didn't like it he was just surprised Killian would take time out of his busy day – stressed multiple times through the internship – to come pick up this teenage he displayed obvious disappointment towards.

"I thought maybe we could have a discussion on the way there." The word 'discussion' was drawn out longer than necessary and Peter was sure his heart had just dropped into his stomach.

"Oh, of course. I have thought of some cool ideas for the project, I was thinking of a robot that could help kids with homework who might struggle more with doing the work. Studies have shown that its not that the kid doesn't know but that the work seems tedious and if they don't know that a-" Killian quickly held a hand up successfully ending the word vomit that was erupting from the boy.

"You've just been doing a lot of brainstorming.." Killian said just as slowly as he had used earlier. He seemed to be thinking every word before he said it, trying to sugar up the fact that Peter was about to fired from the internship, and with it all possible job prospects.

"I promise I can do better!" Peter said desperately, leaving any semblance of dignity and the school they had just driven away from.

"You're not getting fired." The man said shortly. "I just thought we might want to take a trip down to the lower labs to see what kinds of things my company is working on. Maybe when you see the type of things we value you can come up with some of your own ideas."

Peter was stunned into silence. This was… Not what he was expecting. "That's sounds great, sir," He said, professionalism bleeding back into his voice. He wished silently that Killian would forget the pleading act he had just pulled. The smirk that tugged at the mans lips told him it wasn't forgotten.

"Don't worry Peter, this isn't the first time coming up with a project idea has been difficult." Killian reassured him wrapping an arm around him just as he'd done before in the parking lot. Peter beamed up at him wondering if maybe he had read the signs all wrong.

The rest of the car ride was filled with light conversation. Talks about schools, tests, Killian's upcoming meetings and project deadlines. They talked sometimes during the internship was Peter was disappointed when they never addressed the elephant in the room. There was an obvious lack of any sort of feeling towards his late parents. They were some of the top scientists of their field and he'd been under the impression that Killian knew them, maybe even personally. Instead, the man seemed to be avoiding any mention of them almost ignoring the fact that Peter was a direct descendant.

When they did finally arrive at the tower Killian led up to the stairs. Peter still found it strange that they never used the elevator and instead resorted to using stairs on every occasion.

"We'll start in the medical lab, and then head to general science, and then end at research and development. There is of course a lot to be seen but this is just where you'd probably have the best luck at finding a project idea."

Peter eagerly nodded his head and followed Killian up the near 5 flights of stairs. Legs burning he entered the lab. It was as pristine as every other part of the building and housed a lot of medical equipment – as to be expected. A room was sectioned off with walls made from windows highlighting exactly where the main chemicals were used.

Inside Peter could see math equations filling up whiteboard after whiteboard and a large posterboard on the opposite side which was likely a model of what they were trying to work on.

"What are they working on?" Peter asked, squinting his eyes to get a better look at the white board. When after a few seconds the words did not seem to clear up he made a mental note to get new glasses.

"Why don't we go in and ask," Killian said opening the door for his intern. It was a completely different atmosphere than what he would've guessed from standing outside. The movement that had looked fast and stressed moments ago now seemed relaxed and small bouts of laughter filled the room.

"and who might this be?" a man in a lab coat said. Peter fought the urge to jump out of his own skin.

"This just so happens to be my newest personal intern." Killian said proudly, placing his hands atop Peter's shoulders in front of him. The doctor – or what Peter assumed was a doctor – smiled at the pair.

"It's lovely to meet you!" The doctor said cheerfully. He had gray hair and was a medium sized man. Big science goggles covered up about half of his face but Peter could see a small mustache poking out from underneath. "I am Doctor Reyn (rain)."

"Peter, Peter Parker." The boy said shaking the doctors outstretched hand. Peter almost missed the widening of the doctors eyes before it was gone before Peter even registered it was there. "My parents worked here." Peter said wondering if maybe the Doctor was trying to place his name.

"Ah yes." He said hesitantly glancing up at the man behind him, "Two of the most respected scientists… Richard and Mary."

Peter beamed up at him but before he could respond Killian tightened his hold on the boy's shoulders and led him deeper into the lab. "Over here our scientists are working on creating a portable defibrillator. This way anyone could have it in their car and save someone's life at the drop of a hat."

Peter couldn't help but stare in awe at the mathematics. He could, not that he was closer, see the miniaturized tool. "Are you going to mandate how often someone can use it? And is it automatically recharged or does it need to be plugged in."

Killian pondered the questions for a moment, "I think we're going to try to use clean energy to recharge it. As you probably know, Stark's name is the only one in the field of clean energy and we can't let him get off that easily." It was said humorously but the name Stark was said with so much distaste Peter couldn't help but wonder what had happened between the two or if it was simply company rivalry.

One moment they were staring at math equations and the next lights were flashing and sirens were blaring. Peter tried to see what was happening but smoke was filling the room quicker than he could examine. Vaguely he heard someone yell the words Parker Theory but the sprinklers started going off and he felt a hand practically drag him out of the newly destroyed lab before he could think it about it any further.

"Sorry, that happens," Killian said calmly as soon as they exited the building. It was as if he hadn't dragged a dazed Peter out of a smoking lab. Through the window he could see that most of smoke had cleared up thanks to the ventilation system and could see the scientists laughing about whatever had happened and going to try to clean up the residue. The boy did, however, make eye contact with one scientist who looked scared out of his mind.

"Onwards!" Killian said with a forced excitement as he led the teen to the next station.

To be honest wherever they were this time, Peter couldn't remember what Killian had called it, but the scientists were hard at putting finishing touches on some technology that looked to be in the earlier stages. There wasn't much to see since they were presenting projects, and it was empty for the most part but Killian explained that this was where about 40% of their funding went. Working on smaller gadgets designed to make normal life just a little easier. Peter wasn't too interested in it and chose to ponder what the doctor could've meant by Parker Theory. He was sure he had heard it somewhere before, back when his parents were alive, but the dots weren't connecting.

Killian seemed to notice his prolonged silence and decided then that it was best to head to R&N. "You're going to love this!" he said no longer forcing excitement and seemingly genuinely excited about his work.

Inside were cages upon cages of spiders that Peter couldn't help from immediately cringe away from. They were on top of each other one after the other and they looked empty but he could see small movements. This didn't look like any type of research department he had ever seen.

"What is this?" the boy whispered yelled trying to create as much distance between him and the arachnids.

"we're combining out resources with one of our former competitors, Oscorp to research the DNA of spiders, specifically their healing factor. We believe that if used correctly it can rejuvenate other animals missing limps, and possibly cure paralysis in humans.

Peter watched in awe as the scientists handled the creatures with caution and care bundled up in one.

"Did you name them?" Peter asked softly lost in thought as he imagined his life living in a box, being experimented on and suddenly what he once saw a disgusting creature now seemed to be a victim. Victim to humanities own faults and weaknesses.

The man above him scoffed almost humorlessly. "of course not. They are named by breed." He seemed almost incredulous that Peter would even ask this question. All the boy could do was nod slowly.

"Wait here" Killian said suddenly, "My head of research is calling me over, I think they have made a new development." The man appeared eager to leave Peter's side, this kid who probably caused more trouble than he was worth.

After the man left Peter wandered around the main lobby when out of seemingly nowhere one of the spiders dropped onto his hand. It held still almost watching him. Peter stared back, "Sorry little guy," he said sympathetically and went to put the Spider on the windowsill to find freedom. Before he even got the chance the Spider's fangs had already found purchase in his hand and out of fear Peter swatted him off his hand and onto the windowsill. In a flash the Spider was gone leaving Peter in an adrenalized haze.

Breathing hard and fast Peter glanced at his hand. Already it seemed to be swelling up. If Killian notices this he's going to fire me, he thought biting his lip. Quickly he ran to the nearest desk which just so happened to be down the hall a few paces and found a nice enough looking lady.

"Hey!" he greeted trying to remove any shakiness from his voice, "I'm Killian's personal intern and I just felt really nauseous all of a sudden so if you could just kindly tell him I went home and that this has helped so much-" he was interrupted by sudden wave of real nausea and just about spilled his guts all over the nice lady. "with figuring out what I'm going to do for the project. I'm going to go home get better." He said in a rush before high tailing it out of the tower.

He practically ran home in a desperate attempt not to spill his guts on the New York city sidewalk and his eyes seemed to be losing focus by the minute, but why did everything look clearer.

Just as he was about to turn onto a block, he ran headfirst into someone. Eyes glazed over he apologized to whoever it was and tried walking forward but only managed to just about fall flat on his face. Vaguely he heard the man, or what he thought was a man, drop down beside him.

"Kid?" oh no he sounded worried. "Kid?!"

And then..

"Oh my god, is that Tony Stark!"

But Peter was out before the words even registered.