Iron Legacy

Larb

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After Ned had left and Peter got dressed again, May took the boys to Prachya Thai which wasn't far from the Parker residence. Aunt May had apologised multiple times for burning the meatloaf she had made for dinner, but Peter had whispered in Elijah's ear that that was actually a good thing.

Now, they were seated at a small table at Prachya Thai, the fragrant aroma of fresh food wafting through the air as May sat opposite Peter and Elijah, trying to make conversation. Elijah sat calmly, looking unbothered, while Peter was still fidgeting slightly, trying to recover from the chaos of the day.

May was talking animatedly as they began their meal. "So, Elijah," she started. "Why start public high school now?" She gave a soft chuckle, but her eyes darted between Elijah and Peter, clearly trying to piece things together.

Peter squirmed a bit in his seat, clearly still processing everything, but Elijah just smiled politely, unfazed as always.

"Yeah, it's kind of a long story," Elijah said, his voice calm and even. "My dad kept me out of the spotlight for a long time, mostly for safety reasons. But I guess... you know, I'm making my debut now, I guess I just missed the having friends part." He shrugged casually, as if it were no big deal that he was the son of one of the most famous men on the planet.

May raised an eyebrow. "So, the Stark Internship—what's that all about, then?"

Peter, realizing he could cover this part, jumped in, grateful for a moment of normalcy. "Uh, yeah, the Stark Internship. You know, it's... a lot of stuff, mostly tech-related. Super advanced things like engineering, coding, a little robotics." He gestured between himself and Elijah. "We both kind of do that. It's how I've been keeping busy."

May frowned slightly, still not entirely convinced. "But Tony Stark—he's got you two doing all this? Doesn't it seem a bit... intense for high schoolers?"

Elijah, sensing May's scepticism, leaned forward slightly. "Well, Mrs. Parker, the way my dad sees it, we're getting real-world experience. I know it seems like a lot, but it's all really controlled. Plus," he smirked slightly, "Peter's actually really good at his internship. My dad says so all the time."

Peter's face turned red, he knew Tony had not said this as he hadn't spoken to him since he and Happy dropped him off home, these were Elijah's words. "Yeah, I mean, it's... a lot of responsibility, but I can handle it. I've got it under control. Right, Elijah?" He looked to Elijah for support.

Elijah nodded, still calm and collected. "Totally. And my dad has a lot of faith in Peter. He wouldn't have him do anything that's too dangerous."

May gave Peter a long, searching look, but before she could say anything more, the waiter returned with their food.

"Larb?" the waiter asked with a wide grin as he set the plates down in front of them.

May looked up, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, larb. Thank you." The waiter left their table and May turned back to Peter who was just looking at his food playing with it a little. "Thought you loved larb. It's too larby? Not larby enough? How many times do I have to say 'larb' before you talk to me?"

Elijah chuckled softly at her joke, but Peter just poked at his food, clearly distracted by everything that had happened earlier. "I'm just stressed, May. The internship, and I'm tired. A lot of work." He glanced over at Elijah, who shot him a knowing look but said nothing.

May sighed. "The Stark Internship," she muttered under her breath. "I have to tell you, no offence Elijah," "Non taken." Elijah jumped in shortly putting his hands up. "But I'm not a fan of Tony Stark. Distracted all the time... he's got you in your head." May finished.