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THE night wasn't wasted by sleeping. Tony Stark rested in his lab, fixing his damaged gear. But however much he tried to push away the thought of Peter Parker, it only came plunging back. He ran his fingers through his rumpled hair, the bags under his eyes only growing larger.
"Friday," He called, summoning the user interface. As a brilliant idea burst into his head, a small smile crept onto his lips. He knew he would see Peter Parker soon. "Contact Midtown High School. They're going on a field trip."
a few weeks later
Peter Parker pulled over the hood of his pale blue jacket, hoping to hide the bruises forming on his forehead. Flash Thompson proceeded to push around Peter despite the meeting with Tony Stark just a couple days ago. Peter plugged in his earbuds, drowning out the bombastic noises of fellow classmates. The sights outside blurred as a result of the speed of the school bus. The thought of seeing Mr. Stark so soon seemed irregular: too planned. He shoved the concept away as the bus sloped into the large driveway of the Tower.
The tour of the Tower was simply a bore to Peter Parker. He lingered at the back of the crowd, music tramped in his ears. The class was led down to a large, closed room. But suddenly, the doors flew open and none other than Tony Stark appeared. He was dressed in an ostentatious suit with a dark red tie. Peter's mouth sagged open at the sight of him. His heart dropped. What on Earth?
"Welcome Midtown High, I hope you are enjoying your tour." Mr. Stark ran his hands over his suit, flattening the faint creases. He scanned around for Peter Parker without seeming too obvious. He was surprised to discover him at the very back with his hood draped over his features. Tony gritted his teeth in irritation, he was focused on winning Parker over. "As you may know already, many wish to work here but only a few are admitted. Do you know why?" When the class remained silent, Tony found the perfect opening. "Peter Parker?"
His name sounded throughout the room. When all of his classmates glanced back, Peter pulled the earbuds from his ears, the music swiftly ceasing. With a flick of his hand over his head, Mr. Stark signaled for Peter to take down his hood.
Peter cursed internally while sweeping his hood off his head. Everyone's gaze was bound on him. As his bruises were exposed, a few gasps saturated the vacancy. His eyes slumped onto his feet in embarrassment. "I don't know, Mr. Stark," Peter mumbled, fiddling with the strings of his headphones.
The silence was bone-chilling. Tony couldn't believe the state of Peter Parker. Was that bully still shoving him around? He felt the impulse to run his fist into that boy's head. Fury uncoiled from his professional stance. But he couldn't buckle or his reputation would fall.
Peter's professor then held up his watch to the light, squinting as he fought for the time. "Ah, I think it's time we head back." He smiled, "Thanks for the wonderful tour. The students really enjoyed it." Tony only had seconds to think, the students were already striding for the door. He clenched his knuckles, a quick and risky plan spurting in his head.
Peter hanging low to the back once again felt a firm hand grasp his shoulder. He was stringently forced to stay, regarding Tony at his side. His class sauntered through the doors, not noticing Peter wasn't following.
Tony grinned at his plan's success. He now had Peter by his side. All alone. "Come with me."
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