Chapter 1 – The Internship
a/n: it's been so long… I'm not sure what really made come back to this but I just missed writing and its nice when you have a layout and characters chosen for you. To me this is a way to get back into the world of writing and hopefully get over that thing we all call, "writers block" I hope my writing is better, what? 4 years later? Well without further ado…
Peter Parker couldn't really mark the exact day his life changed. It just kind of did, slowly, but surely. He might think it was the day his parents died. Was he too young for that to be life altering? It had been normal for quite some time. As avid workers Richard and Mary - the two most innovating scientists of their field at Advanced Idea Mechanics - were never home. They were married to each other and their work even more so. They were always on trips across the country to places Peter was never allowed to go. Of course, there was one time when he was around 3 and got to go to Disney World but his parents were gone the whole time and May and Ben had taken him around, laughing as he tugged them towards each character, he laid eyes on. So, it's safe to say that the death of his parents was just another thing to happen to him. Another stroke of doomed 'Parker Luck.'
Maybe it was the day Ben died. The second father figure he had in his life, gone in a moment. That's how long it takes doesn't it… only a moment and you never see them again. Peter remembered the anguish he felt, the longing, but most of all the regret because he had been there hadn't he? Standing over his uncle, or what used to be his uncle that was now a lifeless corpse, begging him to come back because he hadn't noticed. Just a few moments prior, his Uncle disappeared from his side and the boy had assumed he'd gone to the bathroom. A moment, Peter had told himself, just a moment he'll be back. But he never did. Peter hadn't even seen it. Ben did though. He did see the man across the street running away with that woman's purse. Ben had seen the women's frightened eyes and her useless call for help. Peter hadn't though, Peter who could've stopped him, could've done something hadn't. Ben was gone then, maybe he was gone the second he left Peter's side.
Peter had just been changing for a while. Small changes here and there he couldn't quite put his finger on. He got more confidence. Then he got stronger, and then his eyesight got better which scientifically wasn't possible, but it had happened anyway. Well, it must of happened at the start of the internship. If he thinks back really hard maybe he can pinpoint the day…
MJ was leading the Academic Decathlon team practice. Anxiety was through the roof as the young teens worked and worked for this competition. The last one of the year, they'd made it all the way up to nationals. MJ smiled at them, or at least Peter thought it was a smile because it was gone in a flash, speaking of…
Said child had gotten an answer wrong.. again. MJ gave him a sharp look, mouth turned downwards in a frown, eyes cold. Yup, Peter did not want to end up on her bad side. Flash smiled weakly.
"I'll get it right on Saturday," he said casually arm resting on the table. He took another sip of the root beer he was drinking letting out a small ahh as the bubbles hit his mouth. MJ just glared harder but glanced up when Mr. Harrington walked in. He was dressed in his usual blue stiped button up and khakis. Glasses resting gently on the tip of his nose. Very millennial Peter couldn't help but think.
The man looked giddy, giddier than usual that was. He eyed Peter with a look, one that the boy couldn't quite put his finger on.
"Maybe it's about the internship" Ned whispered in his ear sounding almost as excited as Mr. Harrington looked. Peter grimaced looking as his teachers stretched out cheeks into a smile that definitely hurt.
"We have some exciting news!" The man finally spoke with a slight sing songy tremor to his voice. Peter saw the man's hands twitch into almost a jazz hand but they stayed down by his sides unmoving. Almost immediately the team looked up at him quizzically, eyebrows raised. Peter could've almost laughed if his nerves weren't spinning butterflies in his stomach.
It was then that the teen noticed a large packet in Harrington's hand where he could barely make out the name…
"Peter..You got the internship!" Harrington just about yelled. Peters jaw dropped in shock as his teammates stood up cheering and clapping him on the back. He had got it, the internship.. his thoughts were very slow like walking through thick molasses as the teachers words sunk in.
The internship was at Advanced Idea Mechanics, or AIM for short, the same place his parents worked. Peter felt like crying but he sucked it in, instead choosing to embrace Ned's, and if anyone saw the small drop of liquid that spilled on his friends shirt.. no one said anything.
It was safe to say that practice was pretty much over at that point with all of Peter's friends questioning him trying to figure out how it happened, if he knew, when he would start. The questions made his head spin and he could almost see the birds flying in the halo above him.
May was equally when he got home later that day asking him question after question and trying to figure out how she had missed his application. Guilt sunk into a pit in his stomach at he watched May try to figure out what she was feeling, excitement, longing, joy, sadness, hurt, surprise and more all crossed her face in mere moments before she settled on a proud grin.
"I knew you could do it!" she said confidently with an arm resting gently on his shoulder and her eyes were full of so much love.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you" he blurted out, "it's just that when I applied they said that I didn't have a very high chance since I don't have any job experience, and I obviously couldn't list that I fix computers I find in the garbage can, and sooo many people completed applications and I didn't want to hope to much because we both know what this means to me and I love you so much May and I should've told you but I didn't…" his voice trailed off when May pulled him into a hug.
"You don't have anything to be sorry for," she whispered in his ear, he melted into her, a real smile settling on his features as the truth of the matter set in for real. "Your parents would be so proud."
…..
On the day of the internship Peter woke up just a few hours before the Saturday internship. He planned on getting ready early. Finding a a white collared button up shirt hanging up in his closet, and nice black dress pants. Thank God May washed these over the weekend. He was just putting on his – slightly disfigured looking – suit jacket when the woman in question walked in leaning on the door frame with a coat hanger in her hand.
"He would've wanted you to wear it," May said softly. She looked tired and Peter immediately went to apologize when she stopped him, "don't apologize, I was up."
Peter nodded; eyes locked onto his dad's suit. The nametag was still there, reading Richard Parker in bold letters. A blue handkerchief rested neatly in the top pocket. Draped on May's other arm was Bens lucky tie. It was also a blue perfectly complimenting the handkerchief.
"Oh May," Peter gushed running into his Aunt's arms, careful not to wrinkle either of the two pieces. Even though he wasn't facing her, he felt her smile.
Together they put his jacket on with May straightening out the cuffs and tying his tie before finally putting on his shoes and running a brush through his hair. May stared on him hands on his shoulders taking in his new appearance. The two smiled at each other before she checked her watch.
"Almost ready?," she questioned, "lets go get breakfast and then we'll walk you over there."
Together the two walked out of their slightly dingy apartment with its squeaky door and flickering lights into the daytime rush of the buzzing city. People were out and moving shoving others out of their way, briefcases brushing up against one another. May grabbed onto Peter's arm like he'd seen her do to Ben so many times and a smiled pricked at his cheeks while they made their way to their favorite place, "Beans and Queens."
Beans and Queens was a small café on a corner side of the city a couple blocks down from their apartment. They sold everything from baked goods, to sandwiches, to quiches, chips, soup, and of course, pancakes. The two eyed the menu hungrily as Peter felt his stomach growl making his aunt laugh.
"What'll that be today," the waiter said bringing the two out of their fit of giggles. Peter pretended to eye the menu, a suddenly serious look on his face even though his eyes were still glimmering from the laughter just moments before.
"I'll have the egg and sausage wrap with hashbrowns," May said seriously, and Peter didn't miss the way the waiter looked her up and down. He felt himself glare at the man.
"And for you," he said turning to Peter. A guilty look passed across his face, probably finding to place the relationship between the two. May interrupted him before he could say anything he regretted.
"My nephew will have the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of fruit." She said blinking her eyelashes up at the waiter. Peter scoffed as the waiter walked away.
"What!" She said with mock surprise, "he wasn't ugly."
Peter only shook his head, turning on his phone to check his most recent messages and double checking the time for his internship. 10 o'clock, they were still set to go as planned.
"You're going to do great sweetie," she said reading his mind or possibly his nervous looking face. He glanced up at her reading her face equally as concentrated.
"Thanks May." He said taking a sip of water.
When they got to the building Peter could only stare at it wondering how in the world something so big had been built. It was a glossy silver with windows covering every inch of it. Moreover, he was amazed with just how many people worked there. Peter saw numerous people walk inside giving a sparing glance to the two. He stared at each one taking in their outfits and each female 5 inch pumps.
"I'm so proud of you, Peter," May said giving him one last kiss on the cheek before nudging him gently towards the door. "larb you!"
Peter's whispered reply of "Larb you too!" was interrupted by a worker brushing past him and shoving him the rest of the way into the entrance.
Immediately he was entranced with the interior. It was pristine and perfectly white. Almost blindly. Chairs were spread out sporadically around the lobby and a gentle piano melody was playing from the overhead speakers. Phones were ringing at the front desk and peter decided that was a safe bet on where to start.
"Name," one of the secretaries said hastily. He had barely gotten a reply in before she was picking up another phone, "please hold, say that again sweetheart."
"Peter Parker," he said louder this time trying to feign even an inkling of confidence despite his appearance that said, 'I don't belong here.'
The secretary smiled at him. "Dr. Killian is waiting for you." She seemed friendly enough and Peter led her lead the way.
She walked through hallway after hallway, each of which amazed Peter to know ends. If Ned was here they'd definitely be nerding out together bouncing from station to station fangirling over everything they saw. But Ned wasn't there and Peter had to be professional.
"You must be Peter," A voice said and Peter found that it was the man himself.
"That's me sir," Peter beemed, "Peter Parker."
Killian smiled, "You come from a great name," he said, "The Parkers were some of my most dedicated workers. It was a shame to see them leave."
Something about the way Killian made it seem like they quit and didn't die rubbed Peter the wrong way and he fought the urge to raise an eyebrow up at the CEO.
"I was so excited to hear about the internship," Peter said cheerfully, with a hint of cautious the man didn't seem to pick up. Or maybe he did and didn't say anything. Killians sickly sweet smile look made his insides twist, "it means a lot to me that I can-"
"That's why we do this, Peter" Killian said cutting the boy off, the latter bit his lip, "we started this program to give the… disadvantaged a chance to spread their wings to their full potential, but when I saw a Parker on the list, I just knew I had to take you under my wing. Personally."
Peter grinned. He doesn't mean anything by it, Peter tried to comfort himself, He wants to take you under his wing, be grateful.
"Thank you so much, Doctor." Peter said with a polite smile. Killian returned it.
"Of course, shall we head upstairs."
The man led him up more flights of stairs. So many in fact that Peter began to wonder why he didn't just take the elevator. Killiam seemingly reading his mind responded with a short, "The elevators are crowded today," and he almost glared at the elevator. The glare kind of reminded Peter of MJ and he felt a blush rise in his cheeks.
"This internship is going to look great on your resume," Killian spoke filling the silence, "Our interns go on to receive honorable awards, and high-level jobs within the company. Your dad was an intern here once… A long time ago." Killian seemed to be lost in thought, "The only rule is that you can't give anything we do here away to the outside world, although I'm sure you've assumed that already given your unique childhood."
Peter did know that. He remembered begging his parents for any details surrounding their work life. As an offspring of scientists he desired to be one even from a young age. Reading textbooks instead of story books and doing math equations instead of playing with toys.
"The secretary will have you sign an NDA on your way out. Given this, you are not, under any circumstances, allowed to work for a competitive company after the internship is over. You are legally prohibited from spilling secrets, and therefore any cross match between other companies is a direct violation."
"Yes, sir," Peter replied weakly vaguely thinking of his future dream working at Stark Industries. He wishes his parents had chosen there instead, especially when he was revealed to be the one and only ironman. He remembered watching the news with his parents when the whole thing with Obadiah went down. The two robots fighting against each other had intrigued the young boy as he watched intently rooting silently for the billionaire.
Ever since then he had dreamt of working for the superhero himself. He never imagined he'd meet him but for the super genius to one day recognize Peter's work, well, that was a dream for anyone. Peter simply nodded, trying not to let his disappointment show. Be grateful his inner voice reminded him; this is just as good.
Killian opened a door finally leading them down a long hall. He stuck a hand out when they got to door allowing Peter to lead the way in. The lab was ginormous. Equipment littered each table, televisions sat in every corner and a door leading to a balcony fell on the far wall, opposite the door. Peter could only gawk taking everything in and Killian stood next to him chest puffed out proudly, seemingly taking in as well.
"This is where the magic happens, kid," he said whisking his arm around like a magician. "During this internship you'll mostly be cleaning out beakers, working with the occasional lab tech to do experiments, but at the end there will be a project that will potentially be published and made available to the public. Some popular project ideas include work in green energy, robot innovations, medical technology innovation, and so much more."
Peter already had so many ideas, so many that he was looking forward to try out. "I am so excited to get started, sir!" And in that moment, he realized that he was being stupid. All of his nervousness was just feeling inadequate, but he was chosen, was handpicked for this, and he could do this. Peter smiled.
"What do you want me to do first?"