I don't own Avengers or its characters. I only own Riley Stark and other OCs that appear in the story.
Take on the World
Chapter 21: The New Kid
(2013)
At the Avengers Tower, Riley smiled happily as she ate her plate of cranberry white chocolate chip pancakes.
The young brunette wore a purple hooded jumper with mint green trousers and pink striped slippers.
It felt great to be back at New York City after the Mandarin's demise and spending the last few days of the Christmas holidays with her father and Pepper in Rome.
Despite the changes, the tower seemed better than it was before.
Mostly because her home had been transformed into the Avengers headquarters which adapted to the needs of each and every member.
Riley couldn't wait for the rest of the Avengers to return someday and hang out with them.
With Aunt Natasha, how to fight in hand to hand combat and kick the bad guys' butts.
With Uncle Clint, she would probably know how to be an excellent archer.
With Uncle Bruce, she would know more things in Science.
And lastly with Uncle Thor, she would hear various stories of Asgard and the battles he took part with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three.
Riley's eyes widen and nearly choked on a piece of her pancake before washing it down with her glass of warm milk.
How could she forget Steve?
Steve was many things beside another uncle figure of hers.
The first Avenger.
The Star Spangled Man With A Plan.
The Sentinel of Liberty.
Symbol of Courage.
Symbol to the Nation.
Hero to the World.
But what could he teach her?
How to be a leader in the future or a good soldier?
Riley shook her head.
Maybe, Steve could tell her stories about his time in World War II as well as more things about Grandfather Howard?
She knew her father and Grandfather Howard had a rough and strained relationship, never being able to make amends.
However, her father had a much closer and caring relationship, built on love with Grandmother Maria.
Once she finished eating her breakfast and washing the dishes before taking out her iPhone to play 'Virtual Piano'.
Though Riley could tell her father deep down had a difficult time in accepting and mourning the deaths of his parents.
Still it made the young brunette feel a little sad that she would never know her paternal grandparents since they both tragically died in a car crash before she was even born.
Riley brought her attention away from iPhone when she felt Tony come over and plant a kiss on her head.
"Hey, Rye-Rye."Tony greeted.
"Hi, dad."Riley responded.
Tony smirked. "Practicing the piano?"
Riley smiled back at her father.
"Basically pretending to play one on my phone."Riley chuckled.
Tony ruffled Riley's hair, making it look a bit more wild.
"You want to practice your musical talents?"Tony complemented."I might suggest you follow me to the guest room."
Riley raised an eyebrow at her father's declaration.
"What for?"Riley questioned.
"Might as well go see for yourself."Tony insisted.
Riley placed away her iPhone as she began following Tony to the guest room.
Tony was about to open the door before smirking at Riley.
"Close your eyes and no peeking."Tony instructed.
Riley smiled and closed her eyes before Tony opened the door before leading her inside the guest room.
"Okay, Rye-Rye."Tony sneered."Open."
Riley opened her eyes, only to gasp in astonishment.
Inside the guest room was a white grand piano with gold accents.
There were some music sheets opened with the name 'Maria Collins Carbonell' on it and a small bouquet of flowers displayed on it.
"Oh my gosh!"Riley chuckled in delight."You got me a grand piano?!"
Tony smirked and folded his arms in pride.
"Well, I clearly remembered that you enjoyed classical instruments."Tony stated casually."So I thought it was only fair that you got your own."
Pepper laughed lightly as she planted a small kiss on Tony's lips.
"And if I remember you wanted Riley to learn the piano, so that she can play a song for us to dance to."Pepper informed.
Tony gave Pepper a smug look.
"Really?"Tony said, pretending to act confuse."I thought you wanted the piano, so that you can learn a few lullabies."
Riley smiled as she studied the grand piano.
It was smooth to the touch and looked more bigger in person.
"I love it so much!"Riley remarked in delight before rushing forward to hug Tony and Pepper."Thank you, dad and Pepper!"
Tony and Pepper hugged Riley back.
"Glad you like it, Riley."Pepper responded.
"How about playing a song for us?"Tony requested.
"A song for you and Pepper, dad?"Riley said in surprise.
Tony smirked and raised an eyebrow at Riley.
"You did say you're unique in your music classes at school."Tony reminded.
Riley smirked. "Okay."
Riley then went to sit in the seat near the grand piano before checking the music notes, only for her eyes to look at the one for 'Try To Remember' from the 1960 musical, The Fantasticks.
It was her father's favourite song to hear during his and the very last song her paternal grandmother played before she and Grandfather Howard were-
Riley simply turned a few pages to look for another song to play before stopping at the one that said 'Manhattan' by Blossom Dearie in 1958.
The young brunette took a deep breath before she started playing the song using the grand piano.
I'll take Manhattan
The Bronx, and Staten Island too
It's lovely going through
The zoo
Tony and Pepper smiled at Riley as she began to sing before the two of them began to slow dance.
It's very fancy
On old Delancey Street, you know?
The subway charms us so
When balmy breezes blow
To and fro
A soft smile appeared on Riley's face as she continued playing the song on the grand piano.
And tell me, what street
Compares with Mott Street in July?
Sweet pushcarts gently
Gliding by
Tony and Pepper stared at each other lovingly as Riley sang the song and played the piano in the background.
The great big city's a wondrous toy
Made for a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan
Into an isle of joy
Riley blushed a bit as she thought of Tristan as she looked at the music notes of the song she was playing.
Tell me, what street
Compares with Mott Street in July?
Sweet pushcarts gently
Gliding by
Pepper closed her eyes as she gently placed her head against Tony's chest.
The great big city's a wondrous toy
Made for a girl and boy
We'll turn Manhattan
Into an isle of joy
Riley carefully kept playing the theme of the song before singing the last lyrics.
I'll take Manhattan
I'll take Manhattan
A delighted smile appeared on Riley's face as she finished singing the song and playing the piano before noticing Tony and Pepper were still slow dancing with each other.
She honestly couldn't wait until the two of them got married.
Not long after playing a song for her father and mother figure, Riley met up with her friends at McDonald's.
At McDonald's, Gwen, Peter and Ned sat around Riley, listening to the tale of her dangerous adventure with her father in California as well as the fight against the Mandarin and getting the Extremis condition removed from her body.
"And my dad kept his promise."Riley remarked as she held her cup of strawberry milkshake."It took a while. Some tinkering as he always does, but Dad had Pepper and me fixed. The Extremis conditions were taken out of me and Pepper, making us free and normal again while Vice President Rodriguez and Trevor were taken into police custody."
Riley then took a sip of her milkshake before she continued telling her story.
"After that, my dad decided to undergo surgery to remove the pieces of shrapnel embedded in his heart."Riley stated."He even rewarded Harley for his help by filling his garage with cool and expensive items complete with a Mark II potato gun and a replacement of the Dora the Explorer watch that Dad somehow managed to get decimated. Dad had also promised Harley a future job at Stark Industries or at our new building, Avengers Tower, if he wants it."
Riley then let out a sigh before glancing at her friends.
"So, that's about it."Riley complemented with a bright smile."Any questions?"
Both Peter and Ned looked completely stunned struck by everything they heard from Riley while Gwen simply smirked at her best friend's story.
"Wow."Ned declared, not knowing what to say."So your Christmas was basically dealing with some terroristic businessman that attempted to kill your dad and the US President. Even conquer the world by spreading the Extremis virus all over it?"
"That's right."Riley agreed with a nod."And to think my dad didn't really need the rest of the Avengers to help him out. Just my Uncle Rhodey."
"But you Riley was the one that actually took the guy down with your own arc reactors."Peter remarked, utterly astonished by the story."You just took down a supervillain on your own."
Riley gave a simple shrug.
"My dad and Pepper were the ones that did most of the beating up on that psycho clown."Riley declared."I just pretty much burned him into a crisp."
Peter smiled in admiration.
"That is still pretty awesome."Peter chuckled.
Gwen smirked at Peter.
"Hey, Tiger. Riley is a Stark."Gwen reminded smugly."Did you expect her Christmas to be ordinary like ours?"
Peter gave Gwen a frown before placing a chip into his mouth.
"I have a question."Ned commented."How badly damaged did the Stark Mansion become from the terroristic businessman's henchmen?"
A frown appeared on Riley's face.
"Pretty badly."Riley stated slightly."The mansion got blown to bits and fell into the sea along with a few important treasures and the notebook that I had been using from the first time I came there."
Gwen frowned. "So you basically mean it's gone?"
"Yeah."Riley agreed with a nod.
Peter and Ned became shocked upon learning Riley lost her childhood home.
"Yikes."Ned muttered.
"Sorry about that, Riley."Peter apologised.
Riley simply smiled and shook her head.
"It's okay. Me and my dad may have lost our mansion, but we still have the people we care about. That's far important than anything else."Riley assured."In addition, Happy got out of the hospital and has a new nurse lady friend. So my Christmas wasn't that bad after all."
Gwen smirked in approval.
"And that's why you're my best friend."Gwen remarked.
"Even though New Year's day now past, how about I treat you guys for a tour inside Avengers Tower on one of these days?"Riley suggested."I am sure my dad wouldn't-"
"Yes, please!"Peter insisted enthusiastically.
Peter blushed in embarrassment when he noticed the other customers in McDonald's looking at him at his sudden outburst.
Riley covered her mouth to giggle at Peter's awkwardness.
"I mean…yeah. That would be cool."Peter replied simply as everyone else went back on doing what they're doing."I would love to meet your dad. I mean Iron Man."
"Do you think we can meet the rest of the Avengers too, Riley?"Ned suggested.
"I guess so."Riley replied."But depends when they're available that is."
Gwen rolled her eyes, knowing the fan boys were getting too excited at seeing Avengers Tower.
"Hey, boys. Riley just said she'll give you a tour within the Avengers Tower."Gwen reminded casually before eating a chicken nugget."Don't push it."
"Sorry."Peter and Ned apologised in unison.
Riley chuckled and picked up her cup of milkshake.
"Then let's raise our cups in toast."Riley insisted."For exciting adventures to come for this year and the near future. Cheers."
"Cheers!"Gwen, Peter and Ned declared in agreement.
Riley, Gwen, Peter and Ned raised their cups of milkshakes up in toast.
(Three Days Later)
At Midtown West Middle School, Riley and Gwen were standing near their lockers to put their books away.
Riley wore a turquoise blue long sleeved top and floral overalls with short black boots.
Gwen wore a hot pink question mark sweater with dark grey denim jeans and pink black shoes.
"I was thinking that May 4 should be a holiday called 'A-Day'."Riley declared with a hint of excitement.
Gwen smirked and raised an eyebrow at her best friend's declaration.
"A-Day?"Gwen said.
"A-Day."Riley agreed with a nod."To celebrate the five of the founding members of the Avengers — Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and the Hulk that came together to save the world from a dangerous enemy."
"When you say a dangerous enemy you basically mean a misunderstood guy with daddy issues?"Gwen assumed.
"Yes."Riley chuckled."What do you think?"
"Sounds good."Gwen agreed."If the President of the United States approved and is actually a big fan of the Avengers that is."
The bell rang as Riley and Gwen made their way to their History Class.
"I am pretty sure he is deep down."Riley remarked.
Riley and Gwen to take their seats as the other students joined the class including Peter, Ned, Sally and Flash.
"Okay, everyone."Mrs Lopez declared with a smile."I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. But with the holidays over, I hope you all prepared for today's assignment."
This caused Flash and two of his football minions, Kenny Kong and Hobie Brown to groan in disapproval.
"Mrs Lopez, it doesn't seem the jerk-tourage are too thrilled with your upcoming assignment."Gwen informed with a smirk.
Mrs Lopez frowned at Gwen.
"Thank you, Gwendolyne."Mrs Lopez responded before going back on her lesson before showing."The 1960s. Influential musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez Playing guitars and singing like prophets."
Riley listened carefully to her history teacher, completely unaware that Peter was finishing a sketch of her in his notebook.
"The 1960s was a decade when hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans gave new life to the nation's democratic ideals. African Americans used sit-ins, freedom rides and protest marches to fight segregation, poverty, and unemployment."Mrs Lopez exclaimed."Every decision you make every day, every time you decide to turn left instead of right, you make history and you affect someone else's. And if you refuse to learn that, I guarantee you, you guys will not become the best person you can be. Because history is all about missed opportunities."
Suddenly, a knock was heard before Tristan walked into the classroom.
"Sorry for interrupting your class, Mrs Lopez."Tristan apologised.
Riley turned to the sideways as she looked at Gwen.
"Subway boy."Riley murmured excitedly.
Gwen's eyes widen as she turned her head to see that it was indeed Tristan standing there.
"I'm Tristan Scott Proctor from Shelbyville, Indiana."Tristan declared.
Tristan handed Mrs Lopez a note.
"Oh."Mrs Lopez said."New Student, Mr. Proctor?"
Tristan nodded his head.
"Yes, ma'am."Tristan answered.
"Great. You're just in time for today's assignment."Mrs Lopez exclaimed."Have a seat."
Tristan nodded again and walked to seat behind Riiley and across from Gwen.
He noticed her immediately and gave her smile to which she gave an awkward wave.
Peter noticed the action and turned to secretly glare at Tristan.
Tristan faced forward, only to see Riley's head turned and facing him in fascination.
"Okay, so we..."Mrs Lopez started.
Mrs Lopez saw Riley's head turned and cleared her throat.
"Miss Stark."Mrs Lopez responded sternly.
Riley looked back at Mrs Lopez and gave her an apologetic smile.
"So, I'd like you guys to open your books to page 24."Mrs Lopez stated."Now, I'd like you to turn to page 1. Now I'd like you to read from page 1 to 24."
Everyone groaned in dismay except for Riley, Gwen, Peter, Ned and Tristan.
"Oh, too bad on you."Mrs Lopez said in disapproval."Okay, so for tonight's assignment, I'd like you to write me a three page essay on anything. Anything at all, that you guys believe in so strongly, you fight for it."
Riley raised her hand to Mrs Lopez.
"Does it include also the 1960s, Mrs Lopez?"Riley asked.
"Yes, Riley. Even the 1960s."Mrs Lopez stated and looked at her other students."Assignment is due in next Monday. But be sure to use your time wisely."
Riley smiled in approval while Sally gave the brunette an irritated glare.
Soon after, it was time for the lunch break in Midtown West Middle School.
Peter, Ned, Riley and Gwen stood in line in the cafeteria as they were getting food.
Riley absolutely loved lunch because of the cafeteria ladies, especially Lunch Lady Geralyn.
The Stark heiress respected the lunch ladies for working so hard to prepare lunch for over a thousand kids everyday.
Riley held out her tray for the mashed potatoes and received a decent amount of it.
"Hello, Geralyn."Riley greeted with a bright smile."How are you today?"
Geralyn smiled at Riley and Gwen.
"I'm fine, Riley."Geralyn answered."Thanks for asking."
Riley and Gwen flipped their hair (excluding Geralyn).
"Stop it."Riley, Gwen and Geralyn answered in unison.
Riley and Gwen giggled as they walked over to the table where Peter and Ned were sitting.
Tristan arrived to the cafeteria causing the students to look at him.
Mostly, the girls from the cheerleading squad.
"So that's the new kid?"
"He's kind of cute."
Tristan ignored the whispers that were going around him as he lined up to get himself lunch.
Once he got his lunch tray, he had no idea where to sit and the table where Gwen was caught his eye.
Tristan made his way to the table where Peter, Ned, Riley and Gwen.
"Hi."Tristan greeted with a smile."Mind if I sit here?"
"Sure."Gwen insisted.
Tristan sat next to Gwen, making Riley smile lovingly at him.
"By the way, these guys next to us Peter Parker and Ned Leeds."Gwen added.
Ned gave Tristan a small wave while Peter gave the new kid a fake smile.
"So Tristan, tell us."Riley insisted."What's it like living in Shelbyville?"
"Shelbyville is a great little big town."Tristan exclaimed."You can find anything and everything you need in town."
Peter jabbed his fork onto his broccoli.
"So what brings you to NYC?"Peter questioned.
"My folks decided to move here to give me and my younger sister Kimberly a fresh start."Tristan exclaimed."They heard New York is a city filled with more excitement and opportunity than Shelbyville."
"That's true."Ned agreed with a nod.
Riley became curious upon having had read about an important figure in history that was from Shelbyville.
"Say wasn't Captain America's best friend, James 'Bucky' Barnes born in Shelbyville too?"Riley asked.
An anxious smile appeared on Tristan's face.
"Y-Yeah."Tristan agreed."That's right."
Sally suddenly went over to Tristan and put her arm around his shoulder.
"Go on, Tristan."Sally teased."Don't need to hide and be a shy teddy bear because you're related to a celebrity."
Gwen scoffed at Sally.
"Just what are you talking about, barrette brain?"Gwen retorted.
Sally glared at Gwen.
"For your and the Geek Squad's information, Warren, Tristan's grandmother is Lady Rebecca P. Barnes Proctor."Sally declared sternly."He is Bucky Barnes' great-nephew."
This caused all the students in the cafeteria including Peter, Ned, Riley and Gwen to become surprised.
"HUH?!"
Tristan covered his face in dismay.
"Thank you for giving that declaration, Sally."Tristan muttered.
Sally gave Tristan a small kiss on the cheek, making Riley jealous.
"You're welcome."Sally thanked before gesturing to Peter, Ned, Riley and Gwen."Do not hang out with these losers. They're, like, so nowhere."
Riley gave Sally an annoyed expression.
"What's that, Sally?"Riley scowled.
"Just explaining something to the new boy."Sally complemented with a smirk."He's way too cool to hang out with you dorks. Toodles."
Sally then walked away from Tristan, Gwen, Riley, Peter and Ned.
"Us, losers?"Gwen muttered, not believing the snobby cheerleader's declaration."That's a good one."
Riley glanced at Tristan.
"So you're related to the famous Bucky Barnes?"Riley remarked."Captain America's best friend and the guy that helped the Howling Commandos fight off the Nazi and HYDRA?"
Tristan sighed as he removed his hand from his face.
"Yes. I am."Tristan complemented."But I didn't want to reveal that piece of information on school grounds because I was hounded by my classmates in my old school due to that. Even in the toilet."
"Eesh."Ned mumbled.
"Still that must be unique being related to an amazing superhero sidekick."Gwen praised with a smirk and touched Tristan's arm."You must get training to become a fierce combatant."
Riley went to sit in Tristan's right side and touched his arm as well.
"Whoa."Riley praised in awe."It seems that you do."
Tristan blushed and looked down at Riley's declaration.
"Well…uh…"Tristan started.
Peter, secretly jealous over Riley's attention on Tristan, suddenly spoke up.
"Well, if you're related to a famous celebrity, you should sit with the stars of the school, Tristan."Peter insisted.
Tristan raised his eyebrow.
"The stars?"Tristan said in confusion.
"Flash Thompson. Sally Avril. Rand Robertson. Glory Grant. Liz Allan."Gwen complemented with a frown."They're popular. Riley should be with them as well since she's the daughter of Tony Stark aka Iron Man. But fame at school doesn't mean that much to her."
Riley grinned. "That's true."
"Ah, the in-crowd."Tristan chuckled and then shook his head."No offence, but I actually want to sit with you guys. You seem pretty cool to me."
"Then welcome aboard."Ned praised."We're glad to have you with us."
"Yep."Peter mumbled.
"If Riley and Gwen didn't come to you and Parker, you two would still be invisible."
Tristan, Gwen, Riley, Peter and Ned all turned their heads to see MJ a couple of inches away from their table and eating her lunch on her own.
"MJ, if you're lonely, you don't have to sit by yourself."Riley reminded.
"Thanks for the invite, but I rather be on my own, Riley."MJ stated casually.
Riley simply shrugged at Peter and Ned while Gwen glanced at Tristan.
"That's Michelle Jones-Watson or MJ as she likes to be called."Gwen exclaimed quietly."She's one of the kids that is less open to those around her."
Tristan nodded. "Right."
Riley then gave Tristan a bright smile.
"Say Tristan, if you ever have trouble with homework you can come to my house to study."Riley insisted."The Avengers Tower is where I live in."
Gwen gave Tristan a tap on the shoulder, earning his attention.
"You can also come to my place."Gwen encouraged smugly."Just be careful not to break anything or say a swear word. My dad is a police member in the NYPD and my older brother Paul has a pet tarantula."
Tristan gave Riley and Gwen a bewilderment smile, surprised how welcoming the two girls were to him even if they only just met him.
"Both of them sounds nice."Tristan chuckled.
As Riley and Gwen's attention were on Tristan, Ned quietly yet carefully spoke to Peter.
"You've got some competition."Ned whispered.
Peter frowned and slurped on his apple juice box.
"I know."Peter muttered.