🕸 mcu/nikke || ❝ there goes my hero, watch him as he goes. ❞

[withresponsibility]

[ YOU CAN'T STOP ME FROM REWRITING POOR PETER'S STORY PAST THIS I'M SORRRYYYYY

Peter Parker exhales as he closes the bedroom door.

Tony Stark. THE Tony Stark. Iron Man.

Sitting in his living room--well, now his bedroom--talking about some grant he's never heard about.

His mind is moving at like three hundred miles an hour as he's trying to wrack his memory. He definitely hasn't applied for a grant or scholarship or anything. Did Stark Industries even offer one of those? Sure, Oscorp does, but he can't recall if Stark Industries ever did. At least to someone his age. Maybe more of high school?

Why the hell would Tony Stark even be interested in him?

Unless... no, it couldn't be. No way.

The Tony Stark would have way better things to hack his YouTube account.

Right? Yeah. Definitely.

Deep breath.

Okay. He's taken on some thugs and gang stuff. He's stopped some cars from crashing into busses. Saved some cats from trees. Aced his algebra test (not that it was hard). So, talking to Tony Stark should be way easier. No where near as scary or intimidating.

Minus the whole fact that he's looked up to the hero since he was nine. That was definitely a long time ago for him. Totally. ]

Look, Mr. Stark. [ His New York accent sticks out just a bit as he awkwardly crosses his arms and turns back to look at Tony. ] I'm sorry you came out all the way to Queens? But, I definitely did not apply for your grant. Someone must of did it as a prank under my name or... something.

[ If things were better between Harry and his dad? Peter would of even joked that Harry would of done it. Not that Tony would know who Harry Osborn is or even care. Peter still isn't even sure why the billionaire philanthropist made the personal trip to the Parker's apartment to even ask him about it. He could of sent an e-mail or a letter or a intern or... someone?

How does he break the news to his aunt? She looked so excited that he had been accepted. Honestly? He would of been excited too if it wasn't a lie. He can't even pretend to lie to her about the grant. He lies enough about where his bruises and injuries come from. He can't break her heart by letting her think he actually got a grant. ]

Sorry. [ A little awkward, a little accepting that he's probably pissed off the man he looks up to as a hero. His arms crossed more as he looks away. ] Maybe I can pay for your gas or something.

Comments

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony looks like he wants to grin, half out of reflex and half defensively without even really knowing why he's feeling defensive. If it was something he invented, sure, he'd demand royalties. But Ariel's bubble creations are personal, meant for them, not necessarily for the general public. Maybe that's it; maybe he's feeling a little protective. ]

Royalties? If I made a cent off novelty bubble mattresses, yeah, I could make a quick buck, but... That would just feel wrong, like I desecrated something sacred, and believe it or not, that's the last thing I'd ever do.

But hey, getting back to talking about you, don't sell yourself short. You think I built all this because I like chandeliers and overpriced plumbing? I built it because people like you matter, despite what certain people might assume about me and my thoughts towards said people. You being here isn't some kind of a pity invite. It’s because you're exactly the kind of person I want in the room. Maybe I'm not putting you on the front lines just yet, but neither am I putting you on the bleachers for the entire season. You want to know the terrifying secret about the Avengers? Half of us improvise, most of us screw up, and then we get back up again. You already fit the job description.

[ He leans back, absently smoothing a hand over Ariel's hair where she's tucked into him, and shoots her a quick look. ]

And in case you’re still not sure this is real... How's this for real? Real is messy. Real is showing up nervous in a hoodie and still taking the leap. Real is letting people see you even when you feel like you don't measure up. Still working on that one, by the way. But yeah, welcome. Consider this your unofficial, very messy, vaguely dangerous introduction.

[withresponsibility]

[ Peter glances over at Ariel when Tony strikes down the idea of royalties and merchandise for the bubbles she can make. She smiles slightly, almost shyly, before looking to the side with a mixture of gratefulness and also... Peter would call it adoration? He knows the two have been together about two years. Well, probably longer than two years. It what just been about that long since they made the public announcement. Still, he's sort of surprised to see Ariel react like she can't believe shes sitting next to Tony Stark. ]

H-how... I mean, do the rest of the Avenegrs even want a kid walking around near the team?

[ Ariel's eyes dart back to Peter at the innocent question. Her hand quickly wraps around Tony's, squeezing it tightly. Ultron had just been defeated a matter of weeks ago... and she knows that the rest of the team still holds a resentment about the fact Tony had kept the experiments away from them. Captain Rogers in particular. She can imagine what bringing Peter on board so young might mean to the rest of the team--especially if Tony hadn't brought it up to the others.

Even then? She'll stand at his side and back him up.

Her head leans into the hand at the back of her head. ]

...t-thanks. Really. It, well, it means a lot. [ He just obviously is expecting the metaphoric other shoe to drop. ] Then, well, what do we do outside the tour? What's next?

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony glances down at Ariel just as Peter does the same, glancing at her, and he can't help but grin a bit. It's almost like "who's on first?" with each of them looking at each other for different reasons. But he's quick to add something that's supposed to be halfway reassuring for both of them. Kind of. ] Hey, it's fine. You don't have to look at me like I just grew a second head or something.

[ But then he looks at Peter, arching an eyebrow, as he thinks about how to respond. ] Who? Oh, the rest of the Avengers? [ He knows he's 100% playing dumb. ] Oh, they definitely have opinions. Rogers especially; he's got a thing for rules and order. Adding a kid into the mix? Let's just say he might have a word or two to say. But here's the thing: I made the call, which means you’re in. Full access. Bubble backup included, of course. See, he calls the shots about some things, but you were on my radar first, and that means I brought you in. Not that it matters. [ And not that Tony's petty enough to rub that in Steve's face or something. ]

But yeah, outside the tour... Well, you're probably hungry, right? So first, getting a bite, then we figure out the rest. Lessons in Stark survival, moral support from Queen Bubble here, and maybe some actual fun. Oh, and since I mentioned Stark survival, here's your first piece of advice. You're young, talented, and apparently fearless. Being fearless is great, but it's kind of on me to keep you alive while you learn. [ There's advice in there somewhere, probably. ] Just don't go throwing yourself off every building you see just because you can or because your suit might take the brunt of it. [ He makes a note to himself to tell Peter about the other thing he has spinning in the back of his mind. But he doesn't want to dump too much on him all at once, believe it or not. ]

So, after all that, you in? Because once this starts, there’s no un-Starking it. [ He makes a mental note to see about trademarking that, or getting it put into the dictionary. ]

[withresponsibility]

[ Ariel simply gives a small smile and ducks her head, signalling for Tony to focus on Peter. After all, the young super hero is the main star right now. A possible up and coming member of the Avengers. Someone that might be able to help mend the rifts after Ultron. ]

W-well, I mean, he's Captain America. Right? He is all about the country and laws that uphold it. [ He'd rub his hands together and cross them if he still didn't have the bubble that shouldn't even be holding a form in his hands. ] "Bubble backup"?

[ Ariel glances up at Peter and gives him a smile. His eyebrows raise. O-oh. Tony means that Ariel will be willing to help him? Does she give additional support to the team? Other than being Tony's fiance... really, no one really knows much about her. Given how Tony seems so protective over the bubbles? Peter thinks he can understand why. ]

I wouldn't say fearless. Not really. I just know how to push past the fear when you need to do something. I.... let it and something else get in the way once. I'm not doing it again. [ Despite his young age? There is an older sense of determination. A promise he made to himself despite the fact he's not even fifteen. Something that aged him. ] But, uh, if you're looking for food? There's a good pizza joint near by. I mean, it's nothing like my aunt's cooking, but it's local. Wouldn't take us long to get there and back to the tour.

And, uh, well, my suit doesn't really take the brunt of much of anything. It's usually me. [ He smiles. ] Got it. No un-Starking it.

[doesntpaint]

Yeah, Captain America, big damn hero, represents the country. Uh-huh. [ Tony doesn't roll his eyes, but he looks like he really wants to. ] Yeah, bubble backup. She's not here just because she looks good, you know, and her bubbles definitely aren't just for show.

[ He can see that the wheels are turning in Peter's mind, and he spots the moment that it all clicks for him. ] We're still figuring out where she fits in with everything, but trust me on this: multi-purpose bubbles.

[ He nods as if that somehow explains everything, and then he goes on: ]

One could argue that that is a form of fearlessness, kid. Most people just freeze when they get scared, you know? You already figured out how to work around that, which means you get props. [ He even holds out a fist for Peter to bump, if he's so inclined. ] Pizza joint, huh? [ He glances at Mermaid. ] You feel like going out for a bit? [ He figures he should at least ask, if she wants to go along with them. ]

Okay, first thing: tweak the suit to add more protection. You gotta take care of you, after all. [ He wasn't even aware of being a little nervous that Peter might turn him down, because, well, he doesn't do nerves. At least, that's what he tells himself. But for some reason, even if he hasn't voiced it yet, it's really important to him to have Peter on board. If he did refuse, of course Tony would get over it. He's not going to resort to underhanded tactics to get him on the team. ]

All right, that's the best news I've heard all day. [ And Tony doesn't even bother hiding his grin. ]

[withresponsibility]

[ Peter raises his eyebrows slightly, but doesn't say anything. He thought the Avengers were a tight knit group of friends. Maybe not? He's quickly figuring out the public perception of Tony Stark isn't quite reality. Especially with his fiancée.

He looks back at Ariel who smiles widely, holding her bubble to her, and oddly looks like someone old and wise and yet young. It's a weird juxtaposition that Peter isn't quiet sure how to reconcile. ]

Got it. Multipurpose bubbles. [ He doesn't reallt get it, but, he's sure Tony knows what he's talking about. ] It's sort of lower class... so I don't know if it's your sort of thing?

[ Ariel looks between the two with a smile. She quickly stands. ] "Tony's favorite is cheeseburgers, so it should be fine! I'll meet you in the living room if that's okay?"

[ Peter nods and looks up at the ceiling. No looking at his mentor's fiancée in a weird way. He hears Ariel laugh and kiss Tony's cheek before quickly leaving the pool. He glances at the doors when they shut before looking back at Tony. He slides his hands into his pockets. ]

Yeah, uh, I can come up with some ideas for the suit. Y'know, find some things that could be better and more helpful. Sure. [ He crosses his arms and exhales. There are a ton of ideas he had if he had more money. Resources. But, that's Tony's money and resources. Not his. ] So... do I like check-in with progress reports or come by for reviews or...?

[doesntpaint]

[ They are when they need to work together, and they aren't when they disagree. And lately there's been more disagreeing than there has been working together. Does Tony like it? Not particularly. Does he know how to fix it? Not at all. Maybe it's not technically fair that he places a good portion of the blame for all of this with Steve, but what it all boils down to is that he and Steve have differing opinions and that, among other things, is what drew the line. The Accords didn't really make things better either.

Talk about a divided house... ]

What, a guy like me can't enjoy a good old fashioned American hamburger sometimes? I'll have you know: best thing in the world, after cheeseburgers? A peanut butter sandwich. [ Never mind that he hasn't actually had one in a long time, mainly because he doesn't really stop to eat when he's stressed working on stuff. ] But yeah, what she said: cheeseburgers. And yep, see you in a bit, hon.

Great. Cool. Perfect. [ Tony's nodding a little more emphatically than is necessary but inventing things and building things has always gotten him excited. ] Hmm, progress reports work, but I'm gonna want to see how you're coming along. I'm guessing traveling is a no-go for you, so we're gonna have to figure something out there. [ He waves a hand idly like him traveling to check in with Peter is inconsequential. ]

So, before we get into all the details: what's an idea you've had?

[withresponsibility]

No! No, God, no, I just meant... don't really rich people eat really rich food?

[ Clearly, as a middle class young teenager, he knows these things.

Ariel pauses in the doorway and glances at the two before slipping out.

He actually has more than a few ideas for his suit already. More in the realm of 'If I had infinite money I would do this!' A few ideas from just what he's learned doing what he does.

Still, a part of him feels like he shouldn't put the ideas forward. It's not his money. It's Mr. Stark's. He hasn't done anything to earn or make it.

He follows after Tony as they make their way from the pool room. ]

Uh, I mean, it--it depends? I could probably bus fair to the Tower. Aunt May would understand since there's the whole scholarship thing. [ Which is like the perfect cover. ] Or, I mean, I could text you? Or JARVIS? Or... however it works with the Tower?

An idea for what? The suit? Webslingers? The webbing? Or, uh, something else?

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony glances at Peter with a faint smirk, sliding easily into a comfortable slouched position as they walk. ] Rich food? Kid, most of the time it’s just really good takeout. Money doesn’t automatically make you a gourmet chef. And between you and me, all those fancy five or ten course dinners? They're all right. Okay, so sometimes I like caviar, but most of the time, a good old fashioned greasy burger is good enough for me.

And don’t worry about asking permission every time. You’ve got ideas? I want to hear them. Webs, suits, gadgets, whatever you’ve got rattling around in that genius brain of yours. My money? My tech? You can play with it. Just don’t blow anything up without me. Can't let you have all the fun.

So yeah, text me or JARVIS, since you're probably not going to be in the area much. No time's a bad time. Okay, so maybe I won't respond within seconds, but seriously, text whenever you want.

[ He pauses, studying Peter’s hesitant posture. ] Don’t worry about earning it or whatever. You’re smart, you’ve got the drive, and if you want to tinker, I’ve got the resources. Just don’t get too attached to my coffee; your aunt might have my head for that one.