Chapter 14
4 Months After Return
Sweat poured down Payton's face as she took another step, gripping tightly onto the parallel bars. Ignoring the tremors in her legs. This would be her second try without the braces.
"You're doing great." Bucky encouraged from the sidelines. "Just a few more steps."
"You're almost there." Rhodey said from the other side.
A sarcastic remark was on the tip of her tongue that she couldn't get out. Her every thought focused on keeping herself up. She looked up to the end of the bar. Five steps away. She could handle five steps. Payton took a deep breath, moving another step- Only for her legs to give out.
With a yelp Payton grabbed onto the right bar as her knees hit the ground. She panted heavily, closing her eyes as she leaned her head forward. She had almost been there. Why couldn't she complete these last five steps?
"You good?" Rhodey asked as they walked closer.
"I'm fine." Payton leaned back, away from the bars to sit down. She took a couple more deep breathes. "I'm fine."
She blinked up to Rhodey and Bucky.
"You did great," Rhodey encouraged. "This is the farthest you've gotten."
"And your strength is returning." Bucky noted as he tapped the bar she was holding on to. "Look."
Still panting, Payton looked over to the bar to see it was bent into an almost V shape, so low it almost touched the floor. There were also hand shaped dents on other side of the dip.
"Cool." Payton smiled, pride unfurling in her chest. She hadn't been able to do anything like that since her Snap.
"I'll tell Tony to buy some more." Rhodey said as Bucky brought the wheelchair closer.
"Ooh." They looked over to see Harley walk in. "What'd y'all break?"
"Nothing." Payton instinctively said.
Harley looked over at the bent bar. "I see that." He looked back to her. "Anyways Pepper said to go shower. We have guests coming over."
"Guests?" Rhodey questioned as Bucky helped her into the chair. "Who's coming over?"
"Some SI guy." Harley boredly said as they exited the room.
"A business owner." Payton corrected. "SI was in the process of buying out Oscorp when Norman Osborn and his son returned. And now he's refusing to go through with the sell. And I had told Pep I'd take a greater interest in the company so I get to go with her to try to get his men to agree to the buy out."
*******
Payton quickly made her way down the hall. She was already running late, and had almost forgotten her black binder.
She had put on a pair of black slacks, a black blazer over a red tank top, and she had slid the leg braces on underneath her slacks. Shuri had also supplied her with a simple black cane. On the stick were intricate carvings of spiders, panthers, and hawks. The handle was smooth with an easy grip. It did make walking easier.
She entered the conference room, "Hello. I'm sorry I'm late."
"There you are." Pepper greeted as they all stood. "I was just about to ask FRIDAY for you."
Payton sheepishly smiled before turning to the two men, as she held out a hand. "Hi, it's nice to meet y'all."
"The pleasures all mine." The older man said taking it. A slight shiver ran up her arm. He was wearing a black business suit with a green tie. He had greying brown hair and piercing green eyes. He looked over her left side. "Is that a Vibranium arm?"
Payton looked down at her appendage, realizing she hadn't activated the camouflage feature. "Oh, yeah." She rubbed the back of her neck. "It was a gift from Okoye, a Wakandan general and Princess Shuri."
"I heard about your accident." The younger man, also in a suit said, spoke softly. "I'm sorry to hear what happened."
"Thank you, but it wasn't that bad." Payton assured bringing her hand down.
They came up with The Accident story a few weeks after The Return. She, Flash and Harley would've been out of country working on a project for Stark Industries. They would've gotten in a car accident caused by the Return resulting in Payton's injuries. However, Flash and Harley were miraculously spared any serious injuries.
The younger man opened his mouth only for the older to speak up first.
"How do you know a Wakandan General?"
"Stark Industries have been doing several projects with them in the past five years." Pepper explained in her business voice. "Okoye and Payton have developed a working relationship of sorts. She's even given us some Vibranium to study."
"And how did you persuade her to give it?" He asked skeptically. "The Wakandans are very protective of their metal."
"She gave it to us because she trusted us." Payton replied. "And even then it was only 10 grams. But we're not here to talk about the Vibranium."
"Right," The man stood taller. "And when will Stark be joining us?"
"He's not coming." Pepper explained.
"What?"
"I am the CEO, not Tony. I run the business side. That's what we're here to talk about."
"That's ridiculous." He exclaimed as the younger man released a small breath, letting his head hang low. "I wanted to speak with Stark."
"Well I can arrange a time for you two to meet," Pepper offered. Payton noticed she left out the part where Tony does what he wants and may skip the meeting anyways. "After we finish our meeting here."
"That's also ridiculous." The older man said. "Oscorp has been in the Osborn name for decades. Why would we hand it over?"
"Over the last seven years Oscorp has been losing value." Pepper explained shortly as Payton opened her binder to her notes. "Stark Industries can provide resources and funding to bring it's value back up. In doing so we could provide more medical breakthroughs through Oscorp's genetic research."
"I'm not giving it away so easily." He said turning towards the door.
"I understand how important Oscorp is to you." Payton spoke up. "My parents used to work at Oscorp. They used to bring me to their labs so I can see their work. It's what inspired me to get into science."
"Used to? Why'd they leave then? Why are you with Stark Industries then?"
"They died." Payton said shortly. "Plane crash." She explained as he turned back towards her. "And Tony Stark approached me when I was 14 for an internship. And it evolved into a job, and then a family. I wouldn't be who I am without both Oscorp and Stark Industries. Maybe something more could come out from such a merger."
"You're Mary's daughter." He said slowly, his face softening slightly. "Aren't you?"
Payton blinked, her jaw dropping slightly. "I...I- Yes. Mary and Richard Parker were my parents."
"I remember them. They were good people who didn't deserve what happened to them." His face hardened again. "You make a good argument. But the answer's still no." Without waiting he walked out.
Pepper sighed sitting down, and placing her face in her hand. "Well that could've gone better."
"This guy wasn't going to agree to anything we've said." Payton noted walking over to Pepper. "The only way Oscorp would join us may be if we out buy them."
"Yeah probably." Payton tensed slightly before looking towards the younger man. "I'm sorry about him. He's a bit... Intense."
"Really? Hadn't noticed." Payton sarcastically said. "How do you work with him?"
"If you think working with him is hard imagine living with him." The young man rolled his blue eyes.
"Is he your father?"
"Yep." He held a hand out to her. "Harry Osborn."
She took it with a small smile, a warm feeling travelling through her. "Payton Parker."
"I wouldn't mind working with Stark Industries." Harry said. "Let me talk to the board and I'll see what we can do."
"You'd go behind your father's back that easily?" Pepper asked a little skeptically.
"He's..." Harry took a deep breath. "He doesn't have the company's best interest in mind anymore. I'm trying to do what's best for the company."
"Why don't you try that." Pepper said with a soft smiled as she walked towards him. "You go to the board, let us know what they say, and then we'll see where we go from there. Does that sound alright?"
"Of course Miss Potts." Harry said with a wide smile. "I won't let you down."
She smiled.
He turned to her then. "It was nice meeting you."
"Nice to meet you too." Payton smiled as Harry walked out. "He seems nice."
"What does your Spidey sense say about him?"
"Norman?" Payton asked. It felt something. But could it just be her Spidey Sense recognizing him from when she was little.
"Harry."
"I like him." Payton said sitting down. "What are you thinking?"
"I don't trust either of them."
"Pepper-"
"I may not have Spidey Sense but I still have my own intuition. And I don't trust them."
"How about I keep an eye on Harry?" Payton offered.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, he seems nice."
"Please just be careful."
"I'm always careful." Payton smiled.
"Payton!" They looked over as Harley and Sam burst into the room. Both heavily breathing as if they had ran there. "It's Cassie."
*******
Natasha helped the Barton's carry boxes into the spacious apartment.
"This should be the last of it." Natasha noted putting the box down on one of the smaller piles.
"Thanks again Nat." Laura said as she pulled plates out of a box by the counter. "You've been a huge help."
"I'm kinda surprised I'm the only one you called over to help." Nat carefully pointed out.
"Well I thought about inviting Payton over but she's still recovering."
"She's actually in pretty good condition." Natasha assured. "But I was referring to Steve or Sam. Maybe even Wanda."
"Wanda told me she was with that Strange guy." Laura said.
"Really?" Natasha tilted her head. "She told me she was going on a road trip."
Note to self: Call Wanda ASAP.
"That's just what she told me." Laura tiredly said as a crash sounded from where the bedrooms were.
"That was Nate's fault!" Cooper yelled.
"No it wasn't!"
"Boys!" Laura yelled out before sighing.
"You want me to check on them?"
"No I got them." Laura said walking down the hall.
"I know your there." Natasha said once Laura was out of ear shot.
"How do you do that?" Lila said standing from where she was hiding behind the couch.
"That's my secret, ptenets." Nat smiled. "Why were you hiding?"
"Cause I don't want Mom to know what I'm about to say."
That's never a good sign. "No."
"You don't even know what I'm going to ask."
"You don't want your Mom to know, it's already a bad idea."
"It's a great idea." Lila walked closer. "Look, I want to be an Avenger."
"That's a definite no." Natasha said shortly. "You're not joining the Avengers."
"Give me one good reason why."
"You're too young, you're not trained, you're inexperienced and your Mom will kill you if you join it."
"First," Lila shot back. "I said name one. Second, Payton was younger than me when she started. So age shouldn't mean anything. Third, I am trained. Dad said I was just as good as he was at my age." Lila sighed. "Please Auntie Nat. I need to do this. For Dad."
"Lila," Natasha gently put a hand on her shoulder. "I understand. Clint was my best friend. and I miss him everyday. But my answer's still no."
Lila glared up to her as she pushed Nat's hand off. "So anything for Payton, but not for me." Without waiting Lila stalked away.
"Alright." Laura was saying as she walked their way, holding a small basket with balls. "Both boys are grounded and-" She cut off as Lila stalked past her, Laura having just moved out of the way in time. "Hey what's wrong?"
"Absolutely nothing!" Lila snarled not looking back. A minute later her door slammed shut.
Laura blinked looking at Natasha. "What just happened?"
If she told Laura she could stop Lila, but she would also be betraying Lila's trust. "Girl talk. What happened with the boys?"
"Depends on who you believe." Laura tiredly sighed looking down at the counter as if wishing a beer bottle would appear in front of her. "How am I supposed to do this without Clint?"
Natasha looked at the counter. If Clint were here they'd be at the farm. He'd be playing catch with the boys or archery with Lila. Maybe even grilling a meal. But Payton would be gone. Payton already hated herself for letting Clint go, she could only imagine what Clint would be feeling if he'd been the one to live and she didn't.
"Maybe you should talk to Pepper." Natasha suggested.
"Maybe." Laura mused.
"Laura." Natasha said gently. "You can't take this all on your own. You know we're all here to help you. Me, Wanda, Payton, the other Avengers. You just have to ask and we'll be there."
"Wade left me a duffel bag of money." Laura finally said. "And chimichangas."
"He what? When?"
"After the funeral. I didn't see him, but when I turned around the bag was there."
"What did you do with money?"
"It's in my closet. I don't know what to do with it."
"Why not use it for the kids? A college fund? Maye just keep it in savings?"
"I know it's just with how much Clint said to stay away from Wade it feels wrong."
"Wade is a nut case yes. But he did like Clint. He wouldn't do anything to hurt you or the kids."
"Nat just promise me you'll always be there for them."
"You don't even have to ask."
"Can you set up a meeting with me and Pepper? Maybe a playdate with the kids?"
"I'm sure they'd both love that." Nat smiled.
*******
Payton ran down the hall, ignoring the ache in her legs.
Please let her be ok. She silently prayed. Please let her be ok.
"Hi," She said, sliding to a stop in front of the receptionist desk. "I'm looking for my friend. Cassie Lang."
"I'm sorry it's family only."
"She is family." Payton looked over to see Maggie walking over. Payton walked over embracing the older woman in a hug.
"How is she? What happened?"
"I don't know." Maggie said as they separated, guiding her to the waiting room. "Scott just called me and said there was an accident with one of Hank's experiments. I never should've let her be around that."
"It's not your fault." Payton assured as they entered a waiting room. She looked over the room to see Scott sitting in a chair, his elbows on his knees and his head bent. Hope sat next to him rubbing his back. Janet on his other side. Jim sat a few seats down, his arms crossed as he looked at seemingly nothing. Hank was on the other side of the room, looking at some papers spread out on the table, his hands in his hair. "But how'd you know I was here?"
"Pepper called and told me you were on your way." Maggie explained. "I really do appreciate you coming."
"Of course I came." Payton said. "Cassie's my friend." She looked over to Scott. "How's he doing?"
"Not well." Maggie admitted. "He hasn't moved from that position in hours."
"Hi." Janet said as she walked over.
"Hey." Payton greeted as Maggie walked over to Jim. "Do you know what happened?"
"We've been gone for five years." Janet said. "Almost all the buildings and equipment we had are gone. Bill and Ava were able to save some of the equipment. But we haven't exactly found a good work spot."
"Why didn't y'all come back to the compound?" Payton asked. "Tony said y'all were more than welcome to-"
Hank let out a humorless laugh. "I am not letting a Stark-"
"Are you really letting your hatred for a dead man get in the way of safe science?" Payton incredulously asked the older man as she turned to him.
"Howard Stark-"
"Is dead." Payton spat as she walked towards him. "And Tony has spent years trying to separate himself from Howard's legacy, but you're letting your bitterness get in the way of working with him. Of working in a building owned by him. One that Tony barely goes to."
"Well when you put it like that-"
"Understand that if Cassie suffers because of this, I will personally buy Pym Technologies, sue you, not Janet or Hope just you, for every cent you own, cease every bit of research, and keep it from you. Then use your technology to control fire ants to constantly bite you."
"Are you suggesting Stark Industries could ever buy out Pym Technologies?"
"Dad!" Hope chided as Jim spoke "That's what you took from her rant?"
Payton smirked. "Stark Industries could've bought it out ten times over if they wanted to."
"No." Hank looked over to Janet who nodded sadly. "No." He said much more softer.
"Now." Payton looked back to Hank. "What happened?"
"I don't know." Hank looked over his papers.
"You don't know?"
"I don't know." Hank looked over to her. "All I know is I stepped away for five minutes, and then something blew up. I was out of the blast zone, but Cassie was pined under some rubble. I don't know what went wrong."
Payton sighed, sitting on a nearby chair. "You need to get over what happened with you and Howard. It's hurting the people around you. Surely you must see that."
"How could I trust a Stark?"
"Don't think about it as trusting a Stark." Payton suggested. "Think of it as reaching out to a fellow scientist. Look if it makes you uncomfortable I can convince Tony not to personally work on any of your experiments."
Hank sighed. "I can't believe I'm actually considering this."
"How'd you do that?" Janet asked after a minute.
"Magic?" Payton shrugged. She looked over to Scott who was looking up at her. A hard look in them. "You alright?"
Scott pulled a notebook out of Hope's purse, flipping it to a seemingly random page. "Can you explain this?"
Payton looked at the page to see it was a drawing of a purple suit similar to Scott's and Hope's. The helmet had skinnier antannae, the Pym Tech symbol on the front of the outfit, buttons on the wrist. Notes were surrounding about color, equipment needed, and functions. All around were other notes reading 'Talk to Payton'.
"Oh..." Payton said slowly as the others looked to her. "...She went with purple."
"You were making a super suit for my daughter?!" Scott demanded.
"How long have you been doing this?" Maggie asked. "Why would you do that?"
"Cassie came to me last year asking to help her make a suit like y'all's." Payton explained. "I told her I would on the condition that she trained with Natasha."
"She told me y'all were teaching her self defense." Maggie said softly. "You should've told me the second she came to you."
"Y'all do realize I was 14 when I first started going out as Spider Girl, right?" Payton reminded them. "Cassie is older than I was, and she already has ten times more training then I did before I started. Look, I care about Cassie like a little sister. I wouldn't have let her out until I thought she was ready."
"But would you have told us?" Scott asked harshly.
"I would let Cassie tell you on her time."
"She's a kid you can't leave those kinds of decisions to her."
"I was a kid, and I ended up fine."
"You're missing an arm!" Hope smacked the back of his head.
"And because of me half the population was able to come back." Payton reminded. "In this line of work age means nothing. And I promise with or without my help she would try to become a hero. This became cemented in her being the second you put on the Ant Man suit."
The room was silent for a minute.
"You still should've told us." Jim pointed out.
*******
A few hours later, Cassie was finally awake. Payton stayed quiet as she let the family go in first.
"You know you're absolutely right." Hope spoke from a few seats down. Hank and Janet were a couple more seats down.
"What?"
"About Cassie." Hope clarified. "I wanted to put on a suit of my own the second I was old enough to understand what Mom and Dad were really doing."
"Do you think I should've told Maggie and Jim?"
"That I don't know." Hope admitted. "Mom and Dad always knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. And Scott knew Cassie wanted to do this too. I think he's still just hooked on the idea of her being a little girl. So of course he's freaked out about the idea of her doing this."
"Of course." Payton agreed. "But it's still her choice."
Hope smiled. "You'll understand when you're older."
"Payton." She looked over to Jim. "Cassie wants to talk to you."
"Coming." Payton slowly walked over, following him to Cassie's room. Outside the room, Maggie and Scott were talking to a doctor. She decided to let them talk before going into Cassie's room. She was looking at the notebook. Payton knocked getting her attention. "Hey."
"Hey," Cassie greeted back. "Were they mad?"
"A little." Payton admitted. "But they'll get over it. In the meantime you'll probably be grounded for life."
"Sounds about right." Cassie smiled tiredly. "Do you know what happened?"
"Not yet. Hank's trying to figure it out."
"I don't even know..." Cassie trailed off. "I was just sitting there when suddenly it was bright and loud... And then I'm waking up here."
"We'll figure it out." Payton promised. "You don't need to worry about it."
"I'm going to be bored out of my mind until Mom and Dad let me out of the house again."
"If they're anything like May, Pepper and Tony probably."
"Can you still help me make my own ant suit?"
Payton laughed. "Ant suit? Does that mean you still haven't come up with your superhero name yet?"
"What's wrong with Ant Girl?"
"It sounds kinda basic."
Cassie gave her an incredulous look. "This coming from Spider Girl?"
Payton laughed. "Ok. First, the Daily Bugle named me before I could decide on one. Second, I would've named myself something cooler like Human Spider, Silk, Arachne. Maybe Spider Woman but not Girl."
"Why not?"
"Spider Woman would've sounded more badass."
Cassie laughed. "Maybe that's why Jan chose to go by 'The Wasp' then."
"Even you have to admit Wasp is more badass than Ant Man."