Chapter 4
The next few hours passed too quickly for Peter’s liking. He felt on top of the world, flying through the projects he had been given. He finished all the work Nancy had given him and decided to wander around for a bit before lunch. He helped a few other interns, pointing out solutions and hoping he didn’t sound too obnoxious.
Peter suddenly realized he desperately needed to use the bathroom, and it occurred to him that he had no idea where it was. Not wanting to bother anyone else, he looked towards the ceiling and dubiously asked FRIDAY where he could find a bathroom. “If you’ll just step into the elevator, Peter, I can find you the closest restroom.”
Trusting the AI not to get him lost, he got into the elevator and waited as it brought him to what he assumed would be the next floor up. He started to panic when the elevator didn't stop, the numbers ticking all the way up to the 90s before slowing down. He slowly stepped out onto the 95th floor, completely sure he was not where he was supposed to be. At this point, he needed the bathroom too badly to question it. He found the bathroom at the end of the hall and finally used it. As he was stepping out, he smacked into someone’s chest at a rather alarming speed.
Tony Stark himself was standing there with coffee all over what looked like a very expensive suit. Peter stood there, jaw dropped and a flush rising to his face.No, no, no, this wasn’t happening.
“And just what the hell are you doing on my personal floor there, intern?” Tony sounded more amused than annoyed, which shook Peter out of his trance. “Oh my gosh, Mr. Stark. The Mr. Stark, Iron Man, I am so so sorry, I had to use the bathroom and FRIDAY took me all the way up here and I really really had to go so I was just gonna sneak out after I used it but-”
Tony took pity on the kid, shushing him before he embarrassed himself anymore. It was one suit out of thousands, no one was going to miss it. And this kid was obviously freaking out and, while it was amusing, not worth it if he had to deal with a panic attack from a random teenage intern.
“Relax, kid, it’s not the end of the world. I’m just wondering how and why you’re on my personal floor. This is definitely not the bathroom that most interns use. But you said FRI brought you up here, so I guess you’re not snooping around. I’ll have to see why she decided to bring you up here. What’s your name? I don’t want to keep calling you ‘the kid’ in my head.”
Peter was dumbfounded. He was having a normal conversation with THE TONY STARK. Ok, he had to keep it together. “Um, it’s Peter. Peter Parker, sir.”
“Parker..why does that sound familiar? Are you from that STEM school? I looked over your project and resume to make the final decision about who got the internship, you know. I was quite impressed with you. Top of your class, Decathlon team, 4.3 GPA. And of course, an interest in biochemistry. Well anyway, why don’t you get back to whatever entry-level project they have you wasting your time on?”
“Well, sir, I actually finished all of those already. I’ve kind of been walking around and helping some other people with their projects. I didn’t really know what else I was supposed to be doing.” Peter said sheepishly. He lifted his hand to rub the back of his neck, exposing his arm. Tony zeroed in on what looked like a cut from a knife and immediately took a step forward.
“Hey Peter, that doesn’t look so good. We have a MedBay in the tower, let’s go get that looked at.”
Peter was confused until he remembered the stab wound from earlier this morning. He knew he should get it checked out if he had the opportunity, and his healing factor was working so slowly that he wasn’t worried about anyone noticing it closing up faster than it should be.
“Only if you’re sure. That would be great, Mr. Stark.” He was pretty sure this was a dream. He was going to use the same MedBay that the Avengers used after missions! Ned was gonna freak.
“I’m sure, kid. Follow me, let’s get that cleaned up.” Tony said confidently. He started towards the MedBay and motioned for Peter to follow. Once they arrived, Tony called a nurse over to start cleaning and dressing the wound.
“So, you gonna tell me what happened here? That looks like someone nicked you with a pretty big knife.” Tony said, almost concerned. Peter was so bad at lying on the spot. Why didn’t he think of a story on the way there?
“Uhh..I got mugged. Yeah, mugged. I walk to school sometimes and this guy came outta nowhere. He freaked and swung the knife after I told him I didn’t have any cash on me.” Peter hoped that sounded convincing enough.
Tony looked at him skeptically but didn’t question the story. He was starting to like this kid. Peter was like a breath of fresh air. Obviously, he was smart, polite, respectful, and funny in a weird kind of way. Tony was finding himself drawn to this kid.
“Alright kid, looks like they finished wrapping up that cut. I’m sure someone will find something for you to do down on the intern floor.”
Peter was sad their time was coming to an end. They walked out of the med bay, Peter thanking Tony profusely for getting him medical care. Sadly, they bid their goodbyes, and Peter figured that would be the last time he ever spoke to Tony Stark.
Meanwhile, in his personal lab, Tony couldn’t get Peter out of his head. “FRIDAY, pull up everything you have on Peter Parker.”