55 Backpacks

1 - Stark Industries

Peter chokes on his drink. "What?" He manages to wheeze between coughs while Tony laughs.

~~~

"Mr Parker, it's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too, Mr Stark."

Peter shakes the older man's hand ignoring how his heart flutters at the thought of just being near Tony Stark, let alone shake hands with him. The guy's an Avenger and owns one of the world's most famous companies, not to forget all the other stuff he has done.

"You've got a firm grip," Tony says, sounding a bit impressed.

Peter laughs nerously. "I'm told that a lot."

"Oh, I'm sure." He chuckles.

They sit down in the booth and ordre lunch. Peter wills his right leg to stop bouncing like it is under the table. He smiles nervously hoping he won't notice how his while body seems to just radiate nervous energy.

"I'm glad you called," Tony says. "I'm sorry about how your last job ended though. It seems like it's been a rough year here."

Peter looks down at his fiddeling hands. "Yeah..." He mumbles quietly.

"really do wish I could've helped." Tony says. He looks solemn now. He looks like he feels guilty. A flash of somwthing sad in his eyes.

The waiter that took their oders place their meals in front of them. Tony takes off his signature glasses and puts them on the table. He clears his throat.

"As you've probably heard, the Avengers have moved upstate," He says. Peter nods. "So I'm re-locating Stark Industries to Avengers Tower."

Peter raises a brow. "Really?" He asks to which Tony nods.

"Yeah, we think it's a good idea to be in New York," He says. Peter listens intently. "And to keep Oscorp in check," He chuckles.

Peter snorts. Of course. But on the other hand, Norman has been on top for too long. Even with all that happened. Otto was right; he always bounces back.

"You've been there, right?" He asks, brows furrowed. "I noticed your backpack is gone."

Peter chokes on his drink. "What?" He manages to wheeze between coughs while Tony laughs.

"You okay there, buddy?"

"How do you know?"

Tony almost scoffs at that. "I have my ways," He replies.

He gives Peter some time to collect himself and his thoughts. Giving him some time to calm himself down from the moment of panic he had.

"Look, Peter. You're obviously smart. Just by looking at the stuff you've made" He says. "Which is why I want you working with me."

Peter gasps, resulting in another small coughing fit. "Wait, really?" He asks in disbelief. He can't help but grin widely at that. "I'd love to!"

Tony chuckles. "Great! I'll see you soon then?"

"Yes, absolu--"

Peter's phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes it out and finds a text from MJ asking if he's done soon. He smiles.

He stands up. "I should get going," He says sheepishly. "My girlfriend is asking for me."

Tony stands up as well, putting on his glasses agin. "Girlfriend, eh?"

"Uh, yeah. Mary Jane Watson, she's a reporter at the Daily Bugle." Peter explains.

Tony's eyes light up behind his glasses. "Ah, yes. I've read her articles," He says. "She's very talented." He adds.