Mom Says Hello

Chapter Two

Annabeth's PoV

Mr. Stark looks much different than when he was in the papers. He looked...younger in person. And he definitely acts different, much cockier than the one Mom knew. After being woken up by being knocked off the couch as the plane landed, Mr. Stark had come in to lead me towards 'the tower'. This tower that they had been describing does not disappoint. As we stood in the elevator they tried to explain how much time had passed since I was frozen in the pods. 57 years I'd been asleep. I couldn't believe it, I'm still the same young me after all. But, there's no time to think about this as the elevator doors slide open. Mr. Stark strides out of the elevator with a confident step, Steve following with an eye roll. My eyes dart around the pristine walls of the hallway we have entered, some of the walls made of crystal clear glass. Through one of the glass walls, I can see a short blonde man fighting a tall auburn-haired girl with powers that seem almost like my own. Perhaps she could help me get rid of mine. The powers they gave me have to be evil coming from them, so it's better to get rid of them as soon as possible. I turn to ask Mr. Stark what all of this is, but I am rudely interrupted by a boy around my age.

"You left me!" The boy yells, pulling off the odd red mask he is wearing to reveal the sweet face underneath. "You said I could help with this one, you know I can!"

"Too dangerous," Mr. Stark replies smoothly, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "We didn't know if another Bucky would pop up."

"Too dangerous? I'm not four, Mr. Stark!" The boy throws his arms in the air in protest.

"Course not Peter," Mr. Stark smirks, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder. "Now, if you wouldn't mind making a good first impression on the new girl."

It's at this point that Peter sees me standing quietly next to Mr. Stark, quite startled by the whole encounter. His mouth hangs open just a tad, and no words escape his mouth.

"Hot." He stutters, his eyes widening as the world leaves his lips. "HEY! Hey. I meant hey. Hi."

"Hello," I smile, extremely amused by this new boy. "Annabeth Carter."

I extend my hand for him to shake, giving him a moment to gather his thoughts before he takes my hand.

"Peter Parker, nice to meet you." He tries to replace his first impression with this one, and I can't help but give in.

A grin stays firmly planted on my lips as our hands drop back to our sides, "You as well."

"Oh, boy." Mr. Stark pinches the bridge of his nose for a moment before returning to the conversation at hand. "Peter, why don't you take her to her room. Less work for me anyway."

"Sure!" Peter exclaims, quickly lowering his voice after the sudden excitement. "I mean, yeah. Whatever."

"Across from Cap's room." Mr. Stark calls back, already halfway back to the elevator along with the rest of the people from the plane.

"Sure thing, Mr. Stark!" Peter replies, turning back to me. "Um. Follow me."

He begins to walk down the long hallway, trying without success to make small talk. His attempts are nothing less than charming, but I can't help but feel bad for the poor boy. He's trying so hard.

"So, what is this place?" I cut right to the point, glancing over at him as we walk side by side.

"Stark Tower," Peter replies with a heart-melting smile. "Er, I guess Avengers tower now."

"Avengers?" My eyebrow raises in question, my confusion clearly written all over my face.

"Yeah, you haven't heard of them?" I shake my head and he continues. "The defenders of the earth? The team of superheroes?"