Reunion
The next day was actually pretty boring. Pepper sent the intern files up, but Tony honestly forgot about them, much more eager to see Peter.
He knew Ben and Peter wouldn't be back the next day, but he was still hopeful. He worked tirelessly on a spidey suit that would be protective, flexible, and perfect for his kid. His little spider kid.
And after three days, Tony basically forgot about the interns until he needed to meet them to arrange schedules.
He temporarily pushed aside his want to see Peter to get work done. He needed the company stable if he was ever going to hand it over to Peter.
Okay, maybe getting ahead of himself.
Peter was definitely a genius. No doubt in his mind about that, but he might not have been into the type of science that Stark Industries worked with.
He could hope.
For the first part of his day, Tony would get interns in his office, and he'd grave their file and go through it with them, talk about what they hoped to accomplish, and set up hours for them. For younger interns who still had school, their parents/guardians came with them to make the whole thing easier.
He had gotten used to those eager faces, ready to join with some of the brightest minds in the world. And he always enjoyed seeing that incentive sparkle in their eyes. Most of his interns applied for full time jobs after their internships ended, and they all usually got it. There was a reason they got the intern position.
As he was thumbing through the recent new hires, he reached an unmarked folder that Pepper merely labeled as "kid genius."
Well, apparently kid genius was the next intern he was supposed to talk to. He had been pretty amused by the applicant that he felt a little guilty he let the prospect of seeing Peter again cloud giving the kid's file a proper look.
He'd have to wait until they reviewed it, because he knew they'd be there any second. He was actually pretty excited at the prospect of some super genius working for him. Maybe if they were close to Peter's age, he'd be able to become friend with Peter. He already planned on bringing in Harley to help Peter out. They'd be good company.
He heard the door open, and immediately, he froze. Shocked.
A teenage boy walked in, with this little curls in his messy brown hair, a nerdy shirt with some stupid science pun, wearing an old worn hoodie that he recognized from Richard's closet. And then there was this kid's eyes, which he remembered when Peter was born.
Peter Parker, his son, was there.
And he grew up well. And the smile that took over his face proved to Tony that he was loved. Just like the patches sewn into his jeans that were big on him, held up by a belt that looked worn, that Tony could swear was probably his uncles. And he could tell that Peter loved those clothes.
Ben was besides him, ushering him in, and Tony quickly collected himself, gesturing to the chairs. Peter practically tripped over himself to get to a chair, causing a bubble of laughter to escape Ben. "He's not going to vanish kiddo. No need to rush."
"B-but it's Tony Stark!"
The sheer joy in those words was enough to melt every wall Tony had ever built. And quickly, Tony pulled the file closer to him, flipping it open.
Peter Fucking Parker.
The kid genius who Pepper praised, who she herself said could surpass Tony. The kid who thought of Tony as his scientific hero, who was into the research that Stark Industries did. Who built a stark phone out of old parts.
That was his kid.
"It's an honor to meet you Mr. Stark!" Peter sputtered out, picking at his jacket sleeves.
"You as well. Pepper said you were a genius who could surpass me," He informed, a rather large grin worming it's way to his lips.
"She did?" Ben asked.
Tony nodded in assurance. "We always want to hire the best of the best. So we do it knowing nothing but their strengths, accomplishments and weaknesses. In fact, I didn't even know this file was about you until I flipped it open just now. I'm pretty impressed. And rather amused that you said 'Oscorp sucks' in your resume."
Ben laughed as red grew in Peter's cheeks. He obviously did not intend for his snide remark about Oscorp to end up in his actual resume.
"Pepper and I were actually pretty amused by it. You were her favorite applicant."
Peter look down at his hands, nervously asking, "and you?"
"I'm impressed. You're an interesting kid. Even more so that you did all this while fighting crime on your pajamas."
Peter's form stilled. "I-Uh-"
"Relax. Your uncle and aunt figured it out. They asked me to train you. I'm just impressed that I didn't realize that this genius kid that was applying was also Spider-Man."
"Train me?"
"And get you an actual suit. I already designed a few prototypes already, that way, you don't die trying to be a hero." Tony paused, grinning wider. "Basically, if you're going to be a hero, we'll train you so that you're less likely to get hurt."
Ben added onto it, "you're going to save people, with or without help. I'd rather you get training and only get a few scrapes then risk you dying because you being a hero terrifies me."
Peter clung to every word his uncle said, and there was not a doubt in Tony's mind that Richard and Mary made the right choice. Tony couldn't provide Peter with the childhood he needed. He could admit that. Now that he was here, now rooted in Peter's life as a mentor, he'd do his best to make sure Peter would be alright.
For Mary. For Richard. For Peter.
"I'm sure the other Avengers will love you. And I know this science kid that would probably be ecstatic to work with you. Though, be warned, last time he visited he blew my lab."
Ben snickered. "What?"
"He is a menace, but a genius. One who saved my life a few years back. He's fifteen, so next time he visits, you could work together on something. I'm sure you both will completely destroy my lab. Countless times."
"I wouldn't dream of it Mr. Stark."
"Give it a month. It really is a pleasure to meet you kid."
Peter flushed happily. His hero was noticing him.
If only he knew.
"You're actually the last interview for the day too. Want to meet the avengers?" Tony asked, his voice light and inviting. "I'm sure they'd love to meet you."
Peter looked over to Ben, who nodded curtly, content at Peter's joy. "Yes, yes, yes!" Peter blurted loudly.
Tony chuckled, pushing up from his desk. "Then follow me. They should be doing their weekly Mario Kart tournament. So be prepared for some of them to be swearing as they lose to Natasha for the millionth time."
Peter laughed a bit. “Really?”
“Yeah. It’s entertaining.”
Tony started to walk, glancing behind him to make sure Peter and Ben were following. As they made their way to the elevator, FRIDAY chirped to life.
“Shall I alert the Avengers of our guests?” She questioned. Her voice starling the two others.
“Sure. Don’t think they’ll notice until we’re there.” And he knew he was right. They all got oddly invested in Mario Kart. Only Bruce would really notice since he took the time to read during Mario Kart days.
“Understood. I’d like to take the time to remind you that Keener is planning a visit for summer, and you should put your flammable on a high shelf. Ask Steve for help.”
Tony was genuinely offended by his AI calling him short. Like… rude.
Ben found it hilarious, stifling his laughter with a cough, that Tony knew was laughter. “Not a word.”
“Mr. Stark, I think your AI called you short.”
“Not a word,” he repeated again, glaring at the two. But they burst into laughter. But Tony couldn’t be mad. Ben’s laughter sounded just like Richard’s, and he hadn’t heard Peter laugh in twelve years. So maybe they were laughing at how small he was, but if it brought out their happiness, Tony couldn’t care less. “Have your laughs, but I will get my revenge.”
“Uh huh? How exactly do you plan on doing that?” Ben questioned, quirking a brow.
Tony flustered, not really sure if he could or should threaten the guardian of his kid. And his silence made them laugh more. “I’ll figure it out,” he grumbled as the doors to the living area opened.
Peter and Ben immediately saw that Tony wasn’t joking, the Avengers were playing Mario Kart. They were all wearing loungewear, sweatpants, baggy hoodies, leggings, all that fun stuff. Only people not there was Clint. He went back home every other week to see his family. And Bucky was still in Wakanda.
At the current moment, Steve, Natasha, Sam and Thor were playing. Steve sported a large bandaid on his forehead, and was wearing the loosest fitting Tank top Tony had ever seen on a man. Only reason Tony brought it up is because it covered none of Steve. Like, what was the point. Everyone else was sensible while his whole as tits were out.
Bruce noticed the group rather quickly, spotting Peter and quickly realizing it had to be Spider-Man. He was surged up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket as he watch, so he stood up, blanket still around him as he walked over.
“Friday said you were bringing guests. Pleasure to meet you,” Bruce greeted kindly. “I’m Bruce Banner.”
“I know!” Peter blurted. “You and Mr. Stark are my scientific heroes! I’ve read all your academic papers Dr. Banner!”
The eagerness took Bruce aback a bit, not used to… that, but it was rather sweet that this kid showed an interest in his work. “Really?”
And Peter nodded eagerly. “My name is Peter! Peter Parker!”
“And you’re Spider-Man? Fascinating.” Bruce admired aloud. “How old are you again?”
“Fourteen?”
Bruce nodded, looking up at Ben and Tony. “I have a feeling if I ask, the answer will be yes. Is he a genius?”
“Yes?” Both adults answered.
“I’m stealing him.”
Peter lit up and happily followed Bruce to the couch, where the scientist pulled four a journal of unpublished academic papers. Peter eagerly started reading them as Bruce continued to watch Mario Kart.
“How long do you think he’ll sit there before they notice him?” Ben asked curiously.
“An hour at least. While Peter is reading, let me get you a Coffee.”
“I appreciate it. If they act like Dr. Banner did, I imagine Peter will fit in pretty well around here.”
Yeah, he would. As they walked to the kitchen, Tony glanced at the living room, where Peter blended right in. It looked so natural, seeing him besides the others. “He’s a good kid. It’s only natural.”
Ben’s smile could light up the room.
Tony caught himself in that thought. He wasn’t… no. He was just happy to have someone to share Peter’s life with. And He’d definitely be happy around May as well. He couldn’t wait to meet her.
“Thank you.” Both of the men had said it, for different reasons, but either way, they meant it. Peter would be safe this way. Happy. And they could make sure of it.
“You should come over for dinner. Tonight.”
“What?”