🕸 mcu/nikke || ❝ i'll be your hero and win it, when the lights go out. ❞

[withresponsibility]

Oh--here, I got it.

[ Peter Parker reaches around his companion and opens the door to the restaurant for her. Probably better to say that he's her companion? He offered to walk her home. Again. It's sort of a routine at this rate? Nah, it might be too soon to say that. It's only been a few weeks.

Part of him is so glad that Tony didn't hear him say "You know, New York is sort of dangerous at night. You might need an extra hand if something goes up."

Smooth, Peter. Totally smooth.

He shuts his eyes and cringes inwardly once his friend walks ahead of him into the Denny's.

Gwen Stacy.

He bumped into her (literally) at Stark Industries over the summer. He was visiting Pepper, making sure there wasn't anything he'd need to take to Tony before his adopted father and mother made their way back up north. Avengers Compound could handle a decent amount of his injuries and recovery--minus what he'd need for surgeries and skin graphs. Honestly? He's surprised his adopted mother even signed off on the idea of him moving back to the Compound. Maybe even she got tired of his constant complaining about hospital food and rooms. Not that Peter can even really imagine her being annoyed at anything.

Anyways! The point being. He met Gwen. They talked more and more whenever he would stop into Stark Industries.

"Hey, how are you doing? Oh, yeah, I work for Stark Industries too! Technically. First person that got the September Foundation grant. What do I do? Oh, uh... research and development. Chemistry. Engineering. Someone's gotta figure out some of the stuff for Avengers, right?"

Except nowhere near that smooth or confident.

Peter isn't even sure why she agreed to have him walk her home all these times. Hopefully it's because she likes him and not because she thinks he's hilariously stupid or something.

Oh, God. She totally thinks he's stupidly hilarious.

The subway lines are down temporarily, so he suggested they grab something to eat in the meantime. Denny's was nearby and that sounded great. Not as great as Ariel Stark's cooking, but, close enough. It gives him that homey sort of food vibe that he has missed since his Aunt passed. There's something different between her and Ariel's cooking, but, he figures that's because Ariel cooks for Iron Man and not just an average middle class home.

They're seated and he sits across from her in the booth. A dumb smile on his face that he quickly tries to make look cooler. Or something. Gwen is so out of his league. She's intelligent, a valedictorian (actually, he's pretty sure she's the one that gave the speech at graduation?), and comes from a different class than him. Not that it really matters given who his adopted parents are, but there's a difference between some crazy fish dish and homemade meatloaf. Not to mention she got her job and grant on her own merit instead of being handed to it by Tony Stark himself (though, he's pretty sure Tony would insist he earned it).

An awkward clear of his throat as he looks over the menu. ]

Your parents aren't going to mind if you're home late--right? I mean, we're both adults and all, but, my Aunt? She'd text me every time I was out past dark. [ Peter smiles a bit to himself. Now it's just Tony texting him to see if he's still out being Web Head or not. Sometimes Ariel. ] Anyways, uh, get whatever you want. Dinner's on me.

[ It's not like it's super expensive, so it won't cut into his budget too much. Budget when he's adopted by Tony Stark, right? Yeah. Surprisingly, he doesn't consider Tony's money his own. He makes what he does off the YouTube gig still and then selling photographs to the Daily Bugle. Tony's resources are a sort of last resort.

Or unless he needs it for Spider-Man. ]

Comments

[withresponsibility]

Y-yeah. Sort of. I'm still trying to figure it all out.

[ Being adopted by the Starks. Remembering he has lost two sets of parents. The fact he's a superhero trying to pay his bills (Tony's money isn't his money). Hell, being dead for five years, and then not being dead. Trying to reconcile the fact that his best friend hates his alter ego and blames him for everything...

Yeah. He's still trying to figure it out. Even if that's not what she meant. ]

I always tried to keep my head down. Just... thought it would be easier for my aunt and uncle, before... [ A sigh and he shrugs. He has to keep those around him safe. ] I mean, maybe I would have gotten first... but, second isn't so bad. Especially when I couldn't apply myself entirely like you did. You've earned it, Gwen

[ Peter glances up from Tony's message. Part of him wants to tell her. Just, to have someone nearby that knows. The Starks might be back in town for now. They probably won't be able to stay long anyways. Not with how Tony's condition is anyways. He glances down at the message about dinner at home and bringing back something to drink. His fingers tap the back of his phone a few times. ]

My uh, adopted parents, are back in town. Looks like Mom is making dinner... and they want me to pick some stuff up. It's probably not as good as a sparkler Sunday, but, do you... I mean, it was just an idea. You probably aren't interested in meeting them anyways.

[hidingplacecliche]

[ Gwen shifts in her seat, glancing around at the other diners before focusing back on Peter. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks a little pink. ]

That's the secret, isn't it? Making it look like you know what you're doing, that you got it all figured out, when inside, you just want to scream into a pillow. Or maybe it's only me who feels like that.

[ When he mentions keeping his head down and second place, she leans a little closer, her smile softening. ] You know people think things just come naturally to you, right? Like all the studying and cramming and pulling all-nighters just to get good grades... It just looks like it's easy for you, but hey, what do I know? You've earned your spot too.

[ Her eyes widen slightly in curiosity when he brings up his adoptive parents. ] Your parents are back in town? Darn, no more house parties for you. [ But she's grinning and she chuckles a bit. ] That's great, though. You're probably glad to see them again. Maybe. Unless they're the annoying hovering kind of parents who want to watch you do your homework.

[ She bites her lip for a moment, glancing down at the table, then back at him. ] Wow, you're really inviting me over for dinner and to meet your parents? I mean, yeah, I’d like to meet them, if you want me to be there. I wouldn’t want to intrude or anything.

THE MUSES DEMANDED CHRISTMAS FEELS... so adjusted month timing

[withresponsibility]

[ Peter's eyebrows raise further before looking down at nothing in particular. Fingers tap the back of his phone and he can feel his foot starting to bounce his knee. Yeah. Making it look like he knows what he's doing. He's decent at it, at least? Hopefully most of all to his adopted parents. He doesn't want them worrying anymore than they have the last five years. Sure, he's only seventeen, but it feels like he should be older. That their is some expectation the world has for him because he's been dead the last five years. ]

Yeah. Yeah, you nailed it right on the head. Maybe not screaming into a pillow, but, uh, something like it.

[ Another nod. Somehow, it feels like Gwen is reading him as if he's an open book. She's probably just talking about herself and he's probably looking too hard for someone to understand. Not just understand, but want to understand. Someone that isn't going to go off the rails and blame him for everything wrong in their life--even if a good chunk of that might be his fault.

Sure, MJ and Harry are still his friends. They're just distant. MJ is dating Harry and Harry hates him--well, Spider-Man. Harry may hate him a little for being adopted by the Starks, so, everything is way more complicated than he wants it to be.

He... just really wants someone he can sit down with and just talk with. He'd like it to be Gwen. Hell, he wants it to be her. He wants to hold her hand too; ask her out on a date. He's just.... everything else is complicated and she probably doesn't want complicated. ]

We both have. You're just more deserving. [ An agreement, but, he still admires her. Maybe he got the easy way in being a superhero or something.

Another look down at his phone. ] It's what, November? I really haven't seen them since after graduation. They--my dad--he's in bad shape. Medical stuff because of... work? So, they've been out of town handling everything with ... that. He didn't want to be in the hospital anymore. So, out patient care in a big facility sort of thing. I guess they wanted a breather and be back home for awhile?

[ Peter is pretty sure Ariel sees the Hamptoms house as "home." Which would really mean they just want to see him. He hopes so anyways. ]

Y-Yeah! If that's okay? I don't mind. I, uh, really don't bring people by to meet them. [ He scratches the back of his ear. ] My best friend from school hates my dad... and our mutual friend growing up dates him. So, I'm not going to put her in the middle of all that. Not anymore than she probably already is. So, we'll come by Denny's another time?

[ He sends a quick text back: On the way.

There is a smirk because he imagines the Starks are expecting him to swing into the window. Well, surprise for them. He'll be needing to use the front door.

Peter stands and helps Gwen up from the booth and holds the doors open. He apologizes to the staff and then leads the way. A stop at the corner convenience store and then it's off to the condo that he's been using as his own place since the Starks left for the Avengers Compound.

It's probably a fancier building than Gwen would expect. Which is why his nerves are wracking him the entire time in the elevator up. He gives her a smile he hopes doesn't betray his feelings--but Peter Parker has never been one for that. ]

It's just down the hall. [ A gesture with one hand as he adjusts the messenger bag around his shoulder. His hand brushes up against hers and an apologetic look is given. ] Sorry.

[ The other hand raises to the handle of the front door. A click later for the security read scan and he opens the door to a surprisingly spacious hallway. Peter steps in, holding the door open for Gwen. He then shuffles off his bag and coat, holding his hands out to help her out of hers. ]

Welcome home, Mr. Parker. I see you've brought company.

JARVIS, guess they're really here. [ Peter mumbles softly, and nods up to the ceiling. ] Dad's got a homemade AI assistant. Gwen, JARVIS. JAR--

[ The thing about his Spider Sense is that it doesn't go off if he doesn't see someone as a threat. So, he's entirely blind sided by the sudden force hitting him and arms wrapping around him. He even lets out a surprised yelp, but knows who it is instantly. ]

"Peter! Welcome home!"

[ Peter freezes and immediately meets Gwen's eyes. One Ariel Stark--who he's sure she'll know--is the one who has hugged him behind. So much for easing her into it. ]

Uh...

[hidingplacecliche]

[ She listens as Peter talks about his parents, her expression softening slightly, because she can tell he worries about them. Whatever happened to his dad, it sounds like it must have been really bad, and she can only guess at how stressful that's been for all of them. ] I really don't blame him for wanting to get out of the hospital. No one wants to ever be stuck in one, and- well, I'm guessing he was there for a long time. I'm glad he gets to go home, Peter.

Yeah, it's okay! [ She looks at him like she wants to ask why he doesn't bring people to meet them, but then he answers it with the next sentence. ] Yikes, that sounds awkward, but I definitely want to meet them. They sound really great, and you haven't even said that much about them yet. Minus, you know, the bits and pieces that slip out sometimes. It's enough to make a girl curious. [ It's supposed to be a light joke, because mainly, she just wants to see Peter smile. He doesn't do that enough, in her opinion. ]

Denny's is great, but meeting your parents is even better. 100%.

[ They get to their destination and everything seems to happen in a blink of an eye. Gwen blinks at the sudden flurry, the tight hug, the way Peter goes completely still under Ariel's greeting. She lets a small, incredulous laugh escape, shaking her head. ]

Well... [ She says, stepping closer and lightly bumping his shoulder. ] That's one way to announce yourself. I see why you didn't warn me; you wanted me to be surprised. Well, I'm surprised, in a great way.

[ She offers a warm smile at Ariel, including Peter in it too. ] You've got quite the welcome committee here, huh? Not that I mind. Just, wow. Didn't expect to see you be crushed into a hug the second we set foot inside.

I like that you've got people who care this much. Even if it's... intense.

[ Then, suddenly, Gwen hears the sound of a chuckle coming from somewhere in the room. She looks around, and then she spots a man sitting up in an armchair, and... And he looks like he's been through hell. That must be Peter's dad. Man, what happened to him? Wait a second...

Too late, Gwen realizes her mouth has dropped open. ]

No way. That's- that's your dad? And that's your mom?

[ Tony grins at her, and it's a little lopsided, but he thinks that his grins at least look a little more normal, even if they'll never be what they used to be. ]

Hi. Surprise?

[ Gwen smiles at Tony, but she's clearly taken by surprise. Then she turns slightly to Peter. ] So, uh, I had guesses, of course, but- you didn't say the Starks were your parents.

[withresponsibility]

[ Well, a few weeks is definitely too long for Tony Stark's time frame of "in the hospital." Which is probably a time frame fast tracked compared to the rest of the world. Not because Iron Man has special powers. Peter figures it's because the man doesn't do anything slower than 200 miles per hour mentally--unless it's his family.

That's something he would have explained to Gwen if things had gone at the pace he expected. Meaning he had hoped to ease her into the fact his adopted father is not only Iron Man, but technically her boss's boss's boss (maybe more bosses?). Except, his adopted mother has made a b-line for him in a hug, JARVIS has already spoken up, and his senses can hear his adopted father shifting in a chair in the living room. All this before he can even really process it all at once.

Which means Peter Parker is just standing there looking godsmacked.

At least now a lot of holes in his story probably make sense?

His brain basically reboots the moment Gwen touches his shoulder. Almost like a jolt to his stupid brain 'Hey, the girl you like is getting familiar with you... in front of your parents.' ]

Uh, well...

[ Very astute, Spider-Man.

Ariel looks between all the parties in the room quickly. In her usual overly sweet nature, she seems to come to the rescue. Thank God for Ariel Stark. ] "Ooh! Sorry to be so sudden, Peter."

[ Okay, brain fully rebooted. Kind of. At least enough to register Ariel squeezes his shoulders and moves to stand behind the chair Tony is sitting in. Her hands rest on his shoulders and a wide and welcoming smile dawns her face. She has a sweater that seems to glitter like mermaid scales in the light with leggings on. ]

Y-yeah, you know, most people don't do the whole "My adopted parents are Iron Man and his wife" really well. [ He clears his throat a little. A hand raises to Gwen's arm so he can guide her a bit more into the living room and not just standing in the hallway entrance. ] So, uh, Gwen. This is Mom and Dad. Mom, Dad, this is Gwen Stacy.

[ And he gestures at the ceiling. ] And, this is JARVIS. JARVIS, Gwen.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Stacy.

[ Ariel beams and squeezes Tony's shoulders excitedly. ] "It's nice to meet you, Gwen! You can call me Ariel, if it's easier!"

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony looks up from his chair the moment Peter stammers in that usual nervous fashion of his, when he's really, really nervous about something.

He'd already heard the hallway chaos, and yeah, he was telling himself that maybe he shouldn't try to test Gwen's tolerance for trolling, but he really wanted to try it a little. At least he'd already decided not to stand up too fast and give everyone in the room a heart attack.

But then... Peter introduces them like he’s trying to detonate from social embarrassment alone. ]

Okay, hold up, before anyone panics or starts a riot of any flavor, yes, I'm Tony Stark, yes, that’s my wife, yes, the ceiling talks, and no, we don't bite. Usually.

[ He gives Gwen an assessing look, trying to size her up. ]

Gwen Stacy. Good. Now I can stop pretending I didn't already look up all of your science fair projects. And yes, I mean all. Impressive stuff, by the way. Bonus points for not laughing when Peter short-circuited in the doorway.

[ Ariel's excited squeeze to his shoulders makes one corner of his mouth flick upward. He reaches up and taps her hand lightly in acknowledgment before focusing back on Gwen. ]

Well, welcome, Gwen. Any friend of Peter's is as good as family until proven otherwise. House rule that I totally didn't just make up. [ Too much pressure? Maybe. He kind of wants to see how she does with pressure. ]

And for the record? He might have made it sound like you were eight feet tall with laser eyes. That would've been impressive, by the way.

[ He gestures toward the living room with an easy sweep of his hand. ] So, come on in, make yourself comfortable, sit wherever you want.

[ By the time Tony finishes speaking, Gwen has just two things to say: ] You actually looked up my science fair projects? All of them? Even the ones from when we were just kids licking glue? Also, eight feet tall? Really? I'm ten feet tall, thank you very much.

[ And she proceeds to make herself look as tall as she can, which actually isn't as tall as she would like. ]

[withresponsibility]

[ In his defense? Tony Stark is controversial on a good day. The public opinion has more or less swung back around since the Blip. There are still tons of issues such as housing, money, jobs, everything having to reabsorb people that had been processed as dead for five years. The Avengers are seen positive again.

Unless you're Harry Osborn and every conversation since sophomore year has boiled down to how everything is Spider-Man and the Avengers fault.

And in some cases? That isn't wrong?

Which is why he's standing there with his mind going 300 miles an hour in four different directions. Gwen and how she will react. His parents and how they'll react. Should he tell her he's Spider-Man? How he really likes Gwen and is afraid this is going to push her away like it did Harry (and therefore MJ). ]

It's not really the ceiling?

Mr. Parker is correct. The speakers used in communication are all over the condo. The ceiling is simply where it seems natural for one to look.

[ Peter then fixes Tony a look. ] Wait, you looked her up? And her science fair projects?

[ Sure, he may have mentioned a friend from work that was at Stark Industries. He may have even mentioned that he thought Gwen was in a league of her own and way above him. That probably explains the ten foot tall comment. His eyes squeeze shut as he tilts his head back.

"As good as family until proven otherwise."

Well, Harry is definitely off the list after the display made at graduation when it came to Tony and Ariel being his adopted parents.

He sighs. ] The subways are down, so we stopped in at Denny's before you texted. We got here as soon as we could.

[ Ariel, who has remained her usual quiet when she is first introduced to someone new, speaks up: ] "Did you two already eat? I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner!"

No, it's okay, Mom. We hadn't even decided on dinner yet. So, no problem.

[ Ariel looks at Gwen again and gives a bright smile. She squeezes Tony's shoulders again. Peter's brought home a friend! A girl! Not only that, but they're going to be able to spend the holidays together. They won't need to bring Peter to the Compound! ]

"Gwen! Did you want to join us for dinner? I can easily add to it! Tony's favorite is cheeseburgers, so I was going to grill some!" [ She pauses. ] "Or, I could make a seafood dish!"

[ Peter glances at Gwen and leans in. ] Mom is really good at anything grilled. It's kind of her speciality?

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony leans back slightly in his chair, taking in the scene in front of him: Gwen and Peter both glancing between everyone, Ariel smiling warmly at both of them. The faint smell of grilled food still lingers from the pair's brief Denny's stop, but the energy here is surprisingly calm, almost domestic, a sharp contrast to the chaos he’s used to. In a lot of ways, he's still adjusting to this kind of domesticity and finding out that he really likes it.

He smirks, a little tired but teasing nonetheless. ] Alright, first thing: yeah, Gwen, I looked you up. Sorry. But your science fair projects? Impressive. Honestly, if I was a judge, I'd be wowed. And Ariel's cooking is legendary. Grills like she’s got some kind of secret superpower. And Peter, all I'm gonna say for now is big points for bringing a friend home to visit. [ He nods at Peter, as if to say "better keep this one around, I can tell she's a keeper."

Then he nods at Gwen too, as if to agree with Peter's statement about Ariel's cooking. ]

Cheeseburgers, seafood, whatever she feels like putting on the grill... It'll be the best thing you've ever eaten, guaranteed. If not, well, I'll eat my hat. But trust me on this: food therapy is mandatory, especially with all this holiday chaos.

Also, icebreaker question time: movies... As in, what do you like? Action, comedy, horror, something that makes you cry and regret it later? You know, the important stuff. Just trying to plan for theoretical post-dinner entertainment here that may or may not happen.

[ He figures Gwen may not want to hang out with them after dinner, but he can still put the question out there and take notes for the future, because he's all but convinced that Gwen's the one for Peter, and therefore, she needs to come back for more visits. ]

[withresponsibility]

[ Ariel doesn't pull attention to herself. Instead, she simply rubs Tony's shoulders as if she has picked up on a slight discomfort. She knows he isn't much of a "family man", but she also knows Tony loves Peter. He went to the ends of the universe to bring him back. ]

Well... I mean. [ Peter awkwardly stuffs his hands into his pockets as if that will explain everything. ] Harry doesn't like you, and MJ doesn't need to be in the middle of it more than she already has been. You know? We don't need more arguments when you're... recovering still.

[ He glances at Gwen. Everyone knows Tony Stark is Iron Man. Everyone knows he has been out of the public eye since everyone came back from the Snap. Now, she'll know why. Sure, Tony looks miles better than when Peter last saw him. There are still some bandages though. Some burns can be seen.

The real view of what it's like to be a superhero. ]

You don't wear hats. [ Peter gives Tony a playful look. ] I've never seen you wear one?

[ Peter feels his eyes widen again as he looks between Tony and Gwen again. The movie question? He hasn't even asked Gwen out properly--like for real. He can't bring himself to draw her further into everything their family is and turns around. Her Dad is in the NYPD. Having a boyfriend that is a superhero on top of that? She doesn't even know that he's Spider-Man!

Ariel quietly slips away into the kitchen. Peter watches her from the corner of his eye. ]

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony shifts slightly in his chair, careful not to aggravate anything and then accidentally draw attention back to him. For someone who likes making scenes, right now, he doesn't want to be the focus. ]

Alright, okay, first of all, I get it. Harry, MJ, the whole minefield. You don’t have to sell me on that one. [ He does feel bad about how things turned out with Harry and MJ. He knows how he'd feel if he had a falling out with Rhodey and Happy and anyone else who puts up with him. ]

Trust me, high school’s already a hostile environment. Toss friend drama on top and it’s basically a sanctioned war zone.

[ He leans back a little, trying to make himself more comfortable, and gives Peter a faint, playful grin. ] Yeah, hats aren’t really my thing. When you’ve got hair like this, covering it up feels insulting. [ Maybe his hair isn't as spiked up as it used to be, because he finds it a little more of a challenge these days, but he thinks he does okay.

Then he looks over at Gwen. ] So, no formal invite, no embossed card, but how do you feel about a Christmas movie night? Your pick, Gwen. I promise I’ll keep the commentary to a tasteful minimum. Emphasis on minimum, not none, because it's me we're talking about, which you'll figure out if you actually agree.

You’re not booked tonight, right? [ He expects some surprise from Peter, since this wasn't discussed at all, but he's just kind of winging it now. ]

[withresponsibility]

[ A nod, he's glad high school is behind him. The issues wirh Harry won't disappear just because they graduated. He wishes they would, but, those problems go deep.

Deeper than Harry really knows.

It's not just that Harry thinks Spider-Man put his father in coma. It's that Spider-Man only exists because of Oscorp. Oscorp is only in the industrial weapons scene because Stark Industries changed direction. The whole thing is a complicated web (ha ha) that he hasn't really started to untangle. Maybe he'll try tackling that now that the Starks are back home.

Peter lets out a snort of a laugh at the hair comment. Yeah, Tony's hair usually looks great. Not even that bad considering the healed burns at the side of his face. Ones he is trying not to draw attention to anymore than they're obvious.

He looks at Gwen with wide eyes. ] O-or, we could do movies another night. Just dinner is fine if you want to stay for it. [ A hand lifts and gestures between the three of them. ] Go ahead and take a seat. I'll grab us something to drink while we wait on dinner.

[ Peter slips quickly into the kitchen, pausing only a brief second to note the small pile of containers near the entrance of the room. Eyebrows lift before he enters the kitchen. A very modern design, fitting Tony Stark, even if it looks odd to see a very non modern looking Ariel Stark already getting to work. She's pulled out ground beef, eggs, seasonings, and the table top grill. Peter tries to take a step towards the fridge, but Ariel points to the small tray that she's already gotten drinks ready on. Soda for him, sparkling water for Gwen (he presumes) and then... he really isn't sure what the third one is, but he's pretty sure it's for Tony. ]

"I learned how to host years ago because of your Dad." [ Ariel smiles at him before looking down at the bowl she is starting to mix everything in. ] "It won't take long! Uhm... I'm sorry, Peter--for interrupting your dinner with Gwen. So, I'll make sure to be fast."

Mom, it's okay, you--[ Peter stops and looks her over again. His eyebrows knit together. ] Is everything okay?

"Huh huh! I..." [ Ariel pauses and gives a brief shy expression. ] "I just need to learn more about Gwen. What she likes, what she doesn't like! And, your Dad hasn't seen anyone outside of the team for a few months. It's good for him to talk to someone new."

[ Peter once again realizes he doesn't really know much about his adopted mother. He can tell she seems almost uncharacteristicly shy. Maybe even a little worried and afraid of doing the wrong thing and upsetting Gwen? It's hard for him to really figure out. So, instead, he reaches for a small bowl. He easily cracks the eggs for her and puts them in it. Ariel pauses and smiles widely at him before nodding her head enthusiastically to take the drinks.

He steps back out a few minutes later with the tray and drinks on it. It finds a home on the coffee table. He hands Gwen the sparkling water, the whatever-it-is to Tony, then takes his drink. An awkward seat next to Gwen (but not too close), as he just listens into the conversation to get up to speed. ]

[doesntpaint]

[ Tony leans back just slightly in the chair, taking the drink Peter handed him and letting a small, wry smile slip onto his face. ] Okay, first off, sparkling water? Really? [ He's 100% joking. He wouldn't say no to a strong drink every now and then but he usually saves that for parties or galas, and this might be a party, but it's not like that. This is a family gathering and he's decided it would be weird to indulge that much at a family party. Maybe he has grown up.

What he's not saying is that he can detect something else in the sparkling water, something a little bit stronger, but it's just a dash that Ariel slipped in.

His attention shifts back to Gwen, studying her with his usual mix of curiosity and humor. ] So, you and Peter navigated high school together. Well, "together", however that looked like for both of you, but anyone who can survive high school these days has to be incredibly patient, incredibly brave, or secretly indestructible. How far off am I?

[ Gwen lets out a small laugh, shoulders easing slightly. ] A little of all three, maybe. But honestly? Peter’s not as chaotic as he thinks he is.

[ Tony snorts by way of response. ] See, you saying that just means that you're resilient. A roll with the punches type. That's good. And speaking of good, it’s good to have new faces around. Normal conversations. Stuff that doesn’t involve aliens, mad scientists, or New York being on fire.

[ Tony leans back again, content to just relax and wait, although part of him feels like he should be in the kitchen too trying to help. Although given how his attempts at preparing food usually take three or more hours, he figures Ariel would just shoo him right back out again. ] Alright. We wait for dinner. We don’t rush Ariel. And we pretend for just a bit that this is what life looks like when nothing is actively exploding.

[ To him, it says a lot that Gwen's not running for the hills, even when he makes comments that might raise an eyebrow with anyone else. He wonders if she's just that adventurous or if she's just that hard to scare. Not that he wants to scare her off. ]

[withresponsibility]

Hey, Mom made it. Take it up to her. [ Which is a clear flag of I don't know, don't shoot the messenger. ] I imagine the doctors said you're on a special diet or something.

[ Actually, he hasn't even checked in with Dr. Strange. He might not even be the main doctor for Tony anymore now that he has moved to the Compound. ]

You look better though.

[ A nervous but ultimately shy glance is sent to Gwen beside him. Yeah, they went to the same school together. She was the valedictorian of his class. He doubts she ever noticed or saw him though. Especially given that if things had gone as planned? He should of graduated five years ago. The quick glance to his father-mentore shows that he hasn't brought that topic up yet.

Though, Gwen probably figured that part out already. She's smart. Really smart. ]

My life is chaotic. Really chaotic. [ Peter defends himself and gestures to Tony. ] My adopted Dad is Iron Man! I... you know, make stuff for Spider-Man. How is that not chaotic?

[ Aha, see. Explosions. ] There's lots of explosions in the lab. Small ones, but, y'know, explosions. Usually because Dad is trying to make something new and doesn't listen to JARVIS' safety precautions.

Mr. Stark rarelt listens to cautions unless Siren is involved. [ JARVIS speaks up.

Peter then gestures over his shoulder while looking at Gwen. ] That's, uh, Mom's superhero name? Even though she really doesn't go out in the field a lot.

[ Or ever. Peter isn't sure he can recall seeing Ariel out in action with his own eyes. There is the footage from Sokovia, but, that was eight years ago. ]

She and her sister. Cinderella.

[ Yes, his technically aunt is named after a fairytale too. He wonders what Gwen will think of that. ]