Peter didn’t like field trips. To zoos, or to theme parks, or science labs, something always went wrong.
When he went to the zoo, he tripped over a baby’s (unoccupied) pram and ended up inches away from falling into the lion’s pit. Ned saved him last minute, to which he hasn’t stopped boasting about, by grabbing him by the foot and holding him. Peter felt a bit like a dangling piece of bait as multiple people rushed over and hoisted him away from the den. He can still remember the anger in those lion’s eyes. Well, it was probably just hunger.
In the theme park he managed to get stuck on the tallest roller coaster. He had taken the single rider’s queue so he could get on it faster, with Ned behind him. Ned hadn’t managed to get a seat on this ride, and Peter told him he’d wait up. Turns out Ned was the one who had to wait. For three hours. Since Peter, and many others, were stuck so high up it felt like they were amongst the Greek Gods in Olympus. He was the only one from his school on this ride, so even though they were supposed to leave early Peter held them up. It was good for the kids that wanted to go on more rides, not so much for the teachers who really wanted to be home.
Plus, he was sat next to a mother and their crying kid. He felt like he had a headache for a week after.
His first ever field trip in Midtown was to a lab. That was the day that changed his life forever, by turning it upside completely in a second. He went to the bathroom and was forgotten by his class who had moved on without him. Trying to find out where they had gone, Peter made a wrong left and found himself in a test room that had lots of signs saying stuff like ‘classified’. Look, Peter was a naturally curious person. He had to go in.
That decision meant he was bitten by a radioactive spider. Given powers that felt too amazing to be real, Peter eventually became the hero/vigilante (depending on who you spoke to) known as Spider-Man.
What a ride.
So when they announce that the next field trip will be happening next week, Peter thinks ‘what the hell can go wrong this time’. He knows it won’t top the whole ‘superpowers’ thing, or so he hopes, but he could already feel the nerves. He gulps, taking the letter as Ned passes it to him, and reads it with shaking hands as he finds out where they’ll be going.
He reads the first line and suddenly all the fears go and he’s too excited to care.
They’re going to Stark Industries.
Home of his literal hero, Tony Stark, and many, many, cool things. How his school bagged there for a trip, he didn’t know. Would the Avengers come? He’s met them before, sure, as Spider-Man but it was different to face them as Peter Parker. There’s no mask. Nothing to keep them from knowing he’s just a fifteen-year-old boy trying to live up to their name.
With the mask he can pretend he’s not melting with nerves. When it’s on he can be their equal. He’s not just a kid, he’s Spider-Man and they respect him and even follow his advice when the time calls for it. He works alongside Iron Man, impresses him as much as he can. But it’s behind the mask. Tony, as much as he asks, won’t ever know it’s him.
But eye to eye? Peter wonders if he’d be able to handle it. He’d crack under the pressure.
That’s assuming Tony will actually be there.
Peter looks to Ned, who’s seconds away from hyperventilating, and grins. They’re both as excited as each other, to imagine what it would be like to be in the same room as their heroes- the same place where they worked. But, even without all of that, the work done in Stark Industries is exactly the type of place he’s dreamt about working in since he knew what science was. It was perfect.
Surely Peter couldn’t do anything to mess this up.
The day came around quickly. Peter dressed up a bit that morning, sprayed more cologne than usual, and got a look of suspicion from May which he easily shrugged off. He gave her a kiss on the cheek before running out of their front door, almost forgetting his bag and permission slip in the process. Running back, May was already waiting with it in her hand with a knowing smirk on her face.
“Larb you, May!” he grinned, before taking it off her and rushing off again. So fast he doesn’t hear her reply.
The entire bus was excited, even Flash who didn’t even say anything to him as he walked past. Peter felt the energy from everyone. Much different to the journeys on the way to the zoo and the theme park. They were a bunch of nerds, so it made sense they were more excited for science than rollercoasters.
When they got there, Peter looked up at the building and his jaw dropped. If you told him this was heaven, he’d believe you. Pearly white gates and all. It was huge. It must be over one hundred floors, at least, with something interesting in each one. It was a dream; one dream he wouldn’t wake from this time.
To make the day even better, Tony Stark was stood outside the main door talking to Pepper Potts.
Peter could’ve fainted.
He walked behind Ned, almost shyly, as they approached Tony and Pepper. As soon as Tony saw them his body language changed. It’s like he had a switch, a way to distinguish his public and individual persona. He was engaging, charismatic, funny, but- in Peter’s opinion- he really didn’t want to be here. He could see it in his face.. he looked nervous.
After a brief security talk, Tony told them to make a line and passed a visitors’ badge to each kid when it was their turn. He took a bit of time to speak to them all and take photos when they asked. The only person who didn’t get one so far was MJ. She was different, and pretty, Peter liked that (not that he’d be following in her footsteps. He wanted a photo).
Peter was last, just after Ned. Ned managed to embarrass himself in front of Tony, but he didn’t seem to take much notice. He just laughed, took a few photos on Ned’s phone of them both and then gave him his pass.
It was then Peter’s turn.
“Hey, kid,” Tony said, clearly tired of speaking to kids but still making sure to give him a smile. He appreciated it. “What’s your name?”
“Peter Parker, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Peter replied quickly.
Polite. May told him it was always important to make a good first impression.
Tony looked at him weirdly. Peter suddenly felt the nerves again under his stare. Tony was so powerful that even a slight change in face made you feel like you’ve done something wrong, like you’re next on his list to be obliterated by one of his (very cool) gauntlets. “Have we met before?” he asked.
Peter’s eyes widened. If anyone could catch on to his identity, it would be Tony. Tony knew everything. From molecular science, to how to control a crowd. But how on earth did he know something was up already? “No! No- never. I’ve never met you. Or anyone. No, I mean, I’ve met people before just not- the Avengers. I don’t even know who they are,” Peter rambled. He shook his head, trying to stop his own mouth from saying anything more stupid. It didn’t work. “No, no- I do know them. Just- just not personally, you know? Never, ever….” He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he tried to make himself look confident.
A smirk appeared on Tony’s mouth. Good thing he was amused, because Peter wanted to dig a hole and then subsequently hide inside it for the rest of his life like a meerkat. Or if the ground could swallow him whole so he didn’t go through digging it himself, that would be great. He knew his cheeks were red because he felt the heat radiating off his face.
“Are you sure we haven’t met? Your voice sounds familiar.”
“I do a radio show,” Peter blurted out. Which was a complete lie. He’s not sure why he says it, but he does and it’s too late to take it back. A radio show? Why was that his first excuse. He smiled at Tony, trying to make up a fake radio programme in his head in case Tony started to ask questions.
“A radio show, huh? What’s it called?”
God. That was the simplest question he could’ve asked, but Peter didn’t even think of that. He was too busy trying to remember the names of popular microphones in case Tony asked him which one was his favourite to use. He needed to think of a name and quickly, otherwise he’d look like the weirdest person Tony had ever met.
“…”
“Kid? You’ve spaced out a little.”
“It’s called ‘A galaxy far, far, away’,” he said quickly, drawing inspiration from both Star Wars and the word ‘spaced’ that Tony just said. He hoped it wasn’t too obvious that was made up. “I- uh- talk about Star Wars theories. Sometimes I talk about scientific breakthroughs, so maybe you’ve come across it once or twice. Except you probably haven’t as you don’t have time to listen to random radio stations, because you’re way too busy saving the world and working… on stuff,” he continued. He struggled to keep eye contact with Tony, flickering between him and his classmates who were waiting for the tour to continue. They all looked on enviously, as Peter realised Tony and him had been talking for a while. “I probably just have a generic voice.”
Tony chuckled, grabbing the last visitors pass and sliding it into Peter’s hand. He didn’t say anything but stared at Peter like he was a puzzle he had to work out. Tony already had it in his head that he recognised Peter, so there was no way he was getting around that. Tony was stubborn, he knew that from their joint missions. He’s not sure why he’s so surprised that he’s the same outside of the suit.
“Okay, Peter Parker. Are you looking forward to the tour?”
“Yes, sir,” Peter nodded. “I have been looking forward to nothing else lately.”
Tony laughed once more, shaking his head in amusement. He noticed Peter opening his camera app on his phone, so took it in his hand and snapped multiple selfies. More than he did for anyone else. He passed the phone back over. Quickly swiping over the photos, Peter turned more into a tomato than before. He looked in awe of Tony in the photos, as well as so embarrassed it looked like he had just run multiple marathons his face was that red.
“Come on then, kid. Let’s get it started. Everyone seems to be getting a bit impatient over there.”
Peter nodded, holding onto his pass so tight that he’s surprised his hand didn’t turn blue. He flinched, slightly, as Tony put his hand on his shoulder and directed him towards the group. Tony kept his hand there until they arrived, before walking up to the front and leaving him to dwell over what the hell just happened. Tony kept looking over at him, like he knew, as he spoke. Peter tried his best to stay calm, but it was hard.
He should’ve known this field trip would turn weird.
Luckily for Peter, the tour was so amazing that it was easy to forget he was under Tony’s burning gaze. The possibilities of things he could make in the lab was overwhelming, with tech that he thought the world was years away from developing. He could only imagine the stuff he could add to the Spider-Man suit here. It was never-ending.
They saw the first protype of the Iron Man suit, Cap’s first shield, and there was even a section on… him?
When Peter first walked into the ‘museum’, his eyes immediately went over to the Spider-Man section. He walked over, Ned trailing behind him, and looked over it with wide eyes. Tony had created a protype of what he thought the webbing was and how it worked- and he had gotten it wrong. If he used that he’d end up squashed on the floor before he could help anyone. There were also loads of photos of him out in the field and a whole paragraph on how heroic he is, and how they have no idea who’s under the mask.
It felt egotistical to read it.
“Isn’t it so crazy that even the Avengers don’t know who Spider-Man is?” Ned asked, unaware that his best friend was the hero he was talking about. “I bet he’s some awesome multi-millionaire that only comes outside to save people.”
Peter laughed, “You think so?”
“Yeah? What do you think?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Peter shrugged. “You’re probably right.”
Tony walked over as Ned left him to read the Captain America section. He stood there, inches away from Peter, as he watched him look at the exhibit. Peter knew he was there. He knew since Tony was metres away, his footsteps calling him out. He listened to Tony’s soft breathing, trying to understand why he was there. What was trying to find out? A part of Peter just wished he’d say something already, so he didn’t have to play guessing games in his mind.
“You really have no idea who he is?” Peter asked, glancing up at Tony as he turned away from the exhibit.
Tony jumped, unaware that Peter realised he was there. He quickly recovered, but Peter saw it. “No,” he said. “Spider-Man’s a real… mystery.”
“That he is, Mr Stark,” Peter replied, shrugging. He crossed his arms and could feel his pulse as it sped up. He hadn’t had much to eat that morning, so he felt lightheaded. Or maybe that was just a tension headache from this back and forth. “Cool, though.”
“What do you think of this design? You’re from a genius school, tell me what you’d change,” Tony said, turning his attention back to the exhibit.
“It wouldn’t work,” Peter said. “No offence, sir,” he quickly added, as not to hurt Tony’s feelings. He’s sure it didn’t, but he had to make sure, nonetheless. “But it’s off. You’ve not got enough of each substance. It wouldn’t be able to support a human weight. Spider-Man would sling his web, and then, bang, he’d be dead…. Sorry that was dramatic. But yeah. It’s wrong. It needs to hold some tension as well as having stretch- similar to a real Spider’s silk- but obviously his has to be a lot stronger. Normal spider silk would be useless, as I think everyone knows.”
Tony smirked. He didn’t look offended. In fact, he looked… happy? Pleased to be corrected. It’s like what Peter just said was his final clue. “And how do you know so much about the process, Peter Parker?”
“…We spoke about it on ‘far, far, away,” my radio show?”
“I thought your show was called ‘A galaxy far, far, away’. By the way, I looked it up. Weirdly, it doesn’t seem to exist,” Tony said. He looked at Peter, who was getting more and more nervous as their conversation drawled on. Tony knew, it was obvious in the way he looked at Peter. Was he going to force him to quit? To announce his identity to the world? Why wouldn’t he just say it? “What’s the deal with that?”
“…It’s in early development, not been released publicly yet…”
“But you said I might’ve come across ‘once or twice’?” Tony said.
“Yeah, you might’ve hacked my server or something, you never know.”
“Kid,” Tony said, his voice lowering as he looked around. “I’d like to speak to you after the tour, if that’s okay.”
“It’s not- I-,”
“It’s not? Really?”
“My teachers won’t let me stay after the tour… how would I get back? I’d be stranded. My aunt would think I died, and then she’d freak out and that would freak me out and when I freak out it all goes weird and it takes me days to recover and I really don’t have the time for this- and-,”
Tony put his hand on Peter’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Peter. I’ve already sorted it with your teachers. I’m offering you a very cool internship position. Haven’t you heard?” he asked, gesturing over to his teachers who looked over and them both and beamed. They put their thumbs at Peter, “Plus, I’ll take you home afterwards. You won’t be stranded. So, is it okay now?”
Peter couldn’t think of another excuse. “…It’s… fine.”
“Lovely, see you after.”
Peter could’ve thrown up.
Stupid field trips. He hated them. He really thought this one would go without a hitch, but now his identity might be revealed, and his one outlet (apart from school) is going to be stripped from him. He’ll lose respect from the Avengers, because now Spider-Man will be just a kid to them. He won’t be powerful, but a liability which they feel like they need to babysit.
He wasn’t happy.
The rest of the tour was a blur because all Peter could focus on was his upcoming doom. When it was over, his ‘internship’ was announced to the class. Everyone cheered for him, par Flash who looked incredibly angry in the back, as they got on the coach and told him ‘Good luck’. The good luck wishes were more needed than they could ever realise.
As the coach pulled away, Peter felt small. He looked around and wondered if he could make a break for it. Although, that really would look suspicious. Too suspicious. He might as well be screaming ‘I am Spider-Man, come and catch me’. So, he did decide that staying and signing over his rights would be the best option.
“Let’s go upstairs, Peter,” Tony said, a smile on his evil face. Peter didn’t like this, not one bit, but he followed anyway. They walked side by side up to a lift, which then transported them into the Avengers common room. Nobody was there, which was a relief, but it didn’t help quell his nerves one bit. “Sit there, I’ll go get some water.”
“Cool, cool, cool… cool,” Peter muttered to himself as he sat down on the sofa.
He looked around and took in the scenery. Everything was expensive. Plush rugs and blankets, as well as a TV that looked like it was from outer space. The windows were huge, allowing for a lovely view of the area. Peter wondered if he’d be able to crawl out of the window and down the building without causing a scene. He doubts it.
“So, Peter,” Tony said, placing down two glasses of water on the coffee table, as he sat opposite of Him. “Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”
“No.”
“No? Are you sure?”
“No, no- I mean yes, yes, I’m sure. There’s nothing I’d like to tell you.”
“Nothing at all?”
“…I don’t know why you won’t just say it, Mr Stark. I- If we both know, why are you trying so hard for me to tell you. Just get it over with.”
“I get it’s an important thing, but I’m nervous here too, kid, and I don’t know how to talk about it without messing up,” Tony said, “I’ve been waiting to meet you for a while and I just wanted to make sure we are the same page-,”
Huh?
Tony was nervous too? Peter was now more confused than ever. He looked up at Tony and sure enough, his hands were shaking, and he looked terrified of this conversation. What the hell was happening? Why was Tony so scared of Peter being Spider-Man?
Tony stopped. “You looked confused.”
“Yeah, I’m confused. I don’t know if we are on the same page here.”
Tony raised an eyebrow. “What do you think I’m talking about?”
“…What do you think I’m talking about?”
Tony looked out of his depth, for the first time ever Peter saw him look vulnerable. He didn’t have control of the situation; he didn’t know what was going on. In this light, it made him look less like his idol and more like a normal man. It made Peter feel weirdly more comfortable, even if he still felt like his nerves would eat him alive.
“…We could say it at the same time?” Peter offered. Tony only nodded in response.
Peter decided it would be best if he did a countdown.
3…
2...
1…
At the same time they said, “You’re my son,” and “I’m Spider-Man.”
Which was then followed by an in synch, simultaneous, gasp and then ‘What?!” Both of them beyond words in shock, not knowing what the hell to do with his latest information, they stared each other with wide eyes.
Peter’s head was scrambled. He was not Tony’s son. No way. He couldn’t be. Plus, he had just revealed his identity for no reason. He should’ve said nothing at all. Now Tony’s looking at him like he could die at any second. And he’s looking at him like May would, like how a guardian or a parent would. Maybe he’s not lying then. Maybe it’s true. Is he really Peter Stark?
He had to take a sip of that water now.
Tony continued to gape at him.
“…Um, so- I was totally kidding, dad. I meant to say that yes, I am your son, and I always knew that and I was totally planning on bringing that up today,” Peter said, as an attempt to potentially get out of the identity reveal thing. But Tony wasn’t that dumb. “Fine! I had no idea! You’re my dad?! How’s that possible?”
“When a man and woman love each other very much, Peter. Or in mine and your mother’s case- think the other is extremely attractive- one thing leads to-,”
“Gross, ew no,” Peter interrupted. “I don’t want to hear that.”
“How is you being Spider-Man possible?!” Tony countered.
“Radioactive spider,” Peter shrugged. “But please don’t make me tell anyone! Nobody knows, and I want to keep it that way!”
“…Of course, my son. My son had to be the one who got bit by a radioactive spider. My son has creepy spider powers…”
“They’re not creepy!”
“They so are, kid,” Tony said. He sighed. He took Peter’s hand, which Peter let him. He checked his skin for bruises and cuts and found… many. He looked worried, like Peter was a fragile doll he didn’t want to harm. He looked at him, cupping his free hand around his jaw. “You’ve got my mum’s eyes, you know?”
“I-I do?”
“Yeah,” Tony nodded. “I’ve known about you for about a month now. I was looking through some old stuff that Obi got rid of, and I found your mom’s emails to me before you were born. There were others of you, photos of when you were young, but they stopped when you were about four. I looked it up and saw that her plane went down. I’m sorry, kid, if I knew- I would’ve been there for you. I would’ve raised you. I would’ve been your dad. Maybe then I could’ve protected you from things… like radioactive spiders.”
Peter looked to the floor, remembering the last words his mother said to him. She simply said ‘I love you, and I’ll see you when we get back. Be good for Uncle Ben, okay?’. And he was. He was so good, up until the point he realised she was never coming back.
How different would his life been if Tony had him? If he got to be his dad…? He didn’t know how to feel.
“I don’t expect you to fully accept this for a while, Pete. I just- I wanted you to know. I saw videos of you on your school’s website. You’re so clever, and as soon as I heard you, and saw who you’d grown up to be, I knew you were mine. I called up your school, arranged this tour, and I- I saw you and this unconditional love hit me. You’re my son,” Tony said. He sighed, “I won’t make you do anything about Spider-Man. All I’m going to do is upgrade those pyjamas and make sure you’re protected.”
“They’re not pyjamas,” Peter pouted. He leant into Tony’s touch, into his dad’s hand, and he felt peaceful. He felt like this was right. “Are you really my dad?” he said, softly. Wondering what if this was all a lie? He felt tears building in his eyes. He never thought he’d have another father figure after already losing two.
“Yeah,” Tony said, “I can show you the DNA and-,”
“No, no- I believe you,” Peter said, looking up. His eyes were now full of tears, “I’m just scared that I’ll lose you.”
“Peter, now that I’ve got you… I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered.
Peter prayed that he was right. He couldn’t wait to see how they’d interact, how his life would change with Tony by his side. But for now he just let Tony told him.
Peter realised that day… maybe some field trips were okay (even if it was the craziest one so far).