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Peter had one job,...turn in his permission slip and avoid suspicion.
Easy. Simple. Routine.
Except, apparently, it wasn’t routine when your permission slip had Tony Stark’s signature on it.
Which was how Peter found himself sitting in Principal Morita’s office, arms crossed, foot tapping aggressively against the floor. His teacher, Mr. Harrington, looked like he was one minor inconvenience away from quitting entirely, while Morita had his arms crossed like Peter was some kind of master criminal trying to weasel his way out of a court case.
“Peter,” Morita started, sliding the paper back toward him like it was radioactive, “What’s this?”
Peter blinked. “It’s a permission slip.”
Mr. Harrington sighed. “It’s a forged permission slip.”
Peter gawked. “Excuse me,...what?!”
Morita tapped the signature. “Tony Stark didn’t sign this.”
Peter dragged his hand down. “Yes, he did.”
“Peter, just because your last name is Stark doesn’t mean that you are related to Tony Stark. Besides Mr. Stark does not have a kid. It would be all over the internet, the news and you don’t dress like a rich kid.” Mr. Harrington stated.
“We called Stark Industries,” Morita continued. “They confirmed Mr. Stark isn’t aware of any student field trip forms requiring his signature.”
Peter froze. “You,...YOU CALLED STARK INDUSTRIES?! Who did you talk to?”
“Well, we could only get through to the front desk.” Mr. Morita answered.
Mr. Harrington sighed for the thousandth time. “Peter, if you needed a signature and couldn’t get your legal guardian to sign, we understand, but forging,...”
“I DIDN’T FORGE IT!” Peter groaned loudly, reaching for his phone in his bag. “This is beyond stupid.” He mumbled, “You know what? Fine. Let’s clear this up right now.”
He pulled up the contact labeled Dad and hit Call. The line rang twice before Tony picked up.
"Hey Pete, aren’t you supposed to be in class?" Tony said, sounding casual. "Don’t tell me you got detention."
Peter exhaled hard. “Worse.”
“…How worse?” Tony said, immediately suspicious.
"They believe I forged your signature," Peter said. "For the Stark Industries field trip.”
Silence.
“WHAT?" Tony exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice. Peter heard a clatter, likely from knocking something over. "Why?"
“Yeah, they called SI because they don’t believe I’m,...” Peter stopped himself before blurting the full truth, “related to you.”
“Well, yeah, I don’t normally sign the slips, but your mom is in Tokyo. I mean why wouldn't I, you’re my kid too”
“I tried telling them,” Peter muttered, rubbing his temple. “They won’t believe me.”
Tony exhaled. “Oh, this is dumb. This is so dumb. I’m coming to the school.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “Wait, wh,...?”
But Tony had already hung up.
“Oh my god,” Peter whispered to himself, head in his hands.
Morita raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “That was a convincing fake phone call.”
“AI has gotten rather impressive these days.” Mr. Harrington commented.
Peter groaned in disbelief. “He’s literally on his way!”
Mr. Harrington sighed. “Peter, lying won’t help,...”
Peter just glared at them, “Wait five minutes, and see if I’m lying.” He challenged them.
Mr. Morita continued to lecture and let Peter know that his punishment for forging his permission slip would be to miss the field trip and to have a week of in-school detention.
Peter just waited in silence only listening for the unmistakable sound of the Iron Man suit approaching. Knowing full well that his father would be that extra an bring the suit to avoid the traffic at this time of day.
Every teacher in the office, and that side of the school probably saw as the iron man suit as it landed in an open parking space. “of course he brought the suit.” Pete mumbled to himself.
A few, minutes later Tony Stark in all his glory strutted into the school finding the principal’s office easily. So,” he started, voice razor-sharp, “who exactly is accusing my kid of forgery?” Tony said taking off his shades and zeroing in on Peter, then flicking his eyes toward Morita and Harrington.
Silence. Utter silence.
Morita blinked. “Your,...?”
Tony scoffed, like this was the dumbest conversation he’d ever had. “Yeah. My kid.” He pointed to Peter. “Peter Benjamin Parker Stark. Same last name, same genius brain, same inability to not get himself into trouble. Ringing any bells?”
Harrington looked physically unable to comprehend the words.
Morita stammered. “Sir, we were under the impression that Peter,...”
Tony tilted his head. “Was what? Illegally using my name? Running some kind of permission slip fraud ring?”
Peter did resisted the urge to bury his face in his hands this time.
Morita cleared his throat. “We, uh. We didn’t realize,...”
“I mean, just because his last name is Stark doesn’t mean…”
“What, that he could be that Stark, be my kid. Well, he has been since the day he was born.”
“We didn’t….”
Tony interrupted, “Well, I trust that his won’t be a problem and he can tour his home, since he lives at the tower?”
Another pause. Then, Morita very carefully slid the permission slip back into the folder with the other permission slips, “No problem, sir.”
Tony smirked. “That’s what I thought.” Tony places his sunglasses back on his head, “Alright, kid. We’re done here. Happy will be here to pick you up in few hours, now back to class.”
Peter didn’t even bother looking back as they stepped out of the office, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Once they were clear, Tony groaned dramatically, tossing an arm around Peter’s shoulders. “Permission slip fraud, Roo? That’s a new one”
Peter groaned. “It wasn’t my fault!”
Tony snorted. “Oh, kid. It never is.”
The morning of the field trip dawned gray and drizzly, Manhattan’s skyline obscured by a curtain of light rain. Peter stood at the curb in front of Midtown High, clutching his backpack, bouncing nervously on his toes. Students gathered in loose clusters, chattering about the day’s excitement. A charter bus idled, splashing puddles on the sidewalk.
Instead of Mr. Harrington’s familiar voice corralling students, a substitute teacher, Ms. Ledbetter, stood by the bus, clipboard in hand. She was new, her hair pulled into a tight bun, her glasses perched precariously on her nose as she scanned the permission slips, clearly trying to match faces to names for the first time.
“Alright, everyone! Please board in an orderly fashion. We’ll be departing for Stark Tower momentarily,” Ms. Ledbetter called, her tone brisk but friendly. She paused as Peter handed her his school id to match it to the permission slip. “Peter…Stark, is it?” she read, glancing up at him with a polite smile, none the wiser to the significance of the permission slip’s signature.
“Uh, yes, ma’am. That’s me,” Peter replied, trying to keep his face neutral and his nerves in check. No one batted an eye at his name. No one whispered or pointed. For the first time, Peter felt almost invisible,...and for today, that suited him just fine.
Peter watched his classmates file onto the bus, some laughing, others glued to their phones. He found a seat near the middle, slipping his backpack onto the empty spot beside him and trying to disappear into the hum of conversation. The windows fogged slightly from the damp air, blurring the cityscape as they pulled away from the curb, the familiar buildings fading into the gray drizzle. With Ms. Ledbetter chatting quietly with a few students in front, Peter allowed himself a tentative breath of relief. For once, it seemed like the day might just be normal, at least for now.
Just as Peter began to relax, he heard Flash’s voice ring out from a few rows behind. “Hey, Stark!” Flash called, loud enough for several heads to turn. “You going to introduce us to your Daddy today? Maybe show us just how the billionaires live.” The words dripped with mockery, and a couple of students giggled
Peter forced a tight smile, ducking his head. “Yeah, maybe I’ll give you a tour of my penthouse,” he muttered, hoping to deflect.
Flash leaned into the aisle, undeterred. “You wish. With the way you dress in those thrift store rages, I doubt Iron Man even knows your name.” Flash smiled his evil grin before adding, “Just because there are a few thousand Starks in New York doesn’t mean that you are related to Tony Stark.”
Peter straightened just enough to glance over his shoulder, a glimmer of mischief sparking in his eyes. “Careful, Flash,” he shot back with a half-smirk, channeling his best Tony Stark. “You keep talking like that, I might have to put your name on my list of charities. You know, outfits for the fashion-impaired.” A few students nearby snorted, and Peter let the moment ride, turning back to his window with a satisfied flick of his eyebrow.
Flash opened his mouth to retort, but Ms. Ledbetter intervened with a sharp, “Alright, let’s keep the banter friendly. We’re all ambassadors for Midtown High today.” Her voice cut cleanly through the chatter, prompting a few sheepish glances and a lull in the teasing. Peter felt a grateful warmth settle in his chest, maybe, just maybe, the day would hold together after all.
As the bus rumbled through the city’s morning traffic, Peter gazed out the window, wondering how the day would unfold with Ms. Ledbetter at the helm. The bus finally pulled up to the gleaming façade of Stark Industries. Everyone shuffled off, depositing backpacks and jackets in a neat line as they approached the check-in desk.
A security officer greeted the group and began handing out temporary visitor badges, scanning the students’ names into a tablet. When it was Peter’s turn, he reached into his back pocket produced his own official Stark Industries security badge, its metallic sheen catching the light. The security guard arched an eyebrow, clearly recognizing Peter and offering a friendly nod.
But before Peter could clip it on, Ms. Ledbetter stepped in, her expression stern. “Nice try, Mr. Stark,” she said, plucking the badge from his hand. “This is metal. See everyone’s badge is plastic. This is obviously fake. I know you have the knowledge to hack into any computer you want, so,” She handed the badge to the guard, “You can confiscate this and give him a regular visitors badge like the rest of us.”
The guard tried to explain, “Ma’am, his badge is legitimate…he’s actually,...”
Ms. Ledbetter cut him off briskly. “Rules are rules.” She handed the badge to security and turned to Peter, “I have three strikes and you are back on the bus rule. This is strike one.”
The guard looked at Peter who gave a sigh and a slight nod. The guard printed Peter a pass and gave it to him. Ms. Ledbetter stepped away, “I’ll give your real badge to Happy.”
“Thanks, Henry.” Peter clipped the visitors badge to his shirt and joined his class.
Flash couldn’t hide his glee, nudging a nearby classmate and whispering, “Strike one, Stark. Guess you’re not as special as you thought.”
Henry raises his voice over the hum of the crowd, calm but firm.
“Attention, Midtown. My name is Henry James. Before this tour begins, you need to understand a few non-negotiable rules.”
He lets his gaze move across the group, measured and deliberate.
“Each of you has been issued a lanyard with a temporary pass. It allows you access for the day, it also allows the building AI to track you at all times. If that lanyard comes off, or if you’re found somewhere you’re not authorized to be, you will be removed immediately. Depending on the situation, you may also be detained.”
He pauses just long enough for it to sink in.
“Cell phones are not to be used on Stark Industries property unless you are explicitly told otherwise. There are signs posted throughout the building, if you are caught filming, photography, or recording of any kind will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
His eyes settle briefly on Flash.
“And one more thing,…Stark Industries has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or harassment of any kind.. If you can’t follow those rules, this tour will end in a way you won’t enjoy.”
A slight tilt of his head.
“Now… any questions?”
None of the students respond, “Good, this is Ms. Monroe your tour guide.” He steps back and allows her to take his place in front of the gaggle of teens.
A tall woman with a sleek navy blazer and a Stark Industries ID lanyard approached the group, her smile both warm and polished. “Welcome to Stark Industries, Midtown High,” she announced, her voice projecting effortlessly over the crowd. “As Mr. James said, I’m Ms. Monroe, and I’ll be your tour guide,...let’s get started, shall we?”
She led them through gleaming hallways lined with blueprints and holographic displays showing off Stark Industries achievements through the years. She pauses at a pair of double doors emblazoned with the Stark Industries Museum.
“Our first stop is the Stark Industries Museum and a video of the founding of Stark Industries and the future of the company. If you could all please have a seat for a short movie.” Ms. Monroe says, gesturing for them to enter.
The class settles into their seats as a forty-five-minute video begins. It opens with Howard Stark and the founding of Stark Industries during World War I, emphasizing its early role in weapons development. It then shifts to Obadiah Stane, whose leadership after Howard and Maria’s deaths leaves a darker legacy over the company.
The final section follows Tony Stark, who returns from Afghanistan, takes back control, and transforms Stark Industries from weapons manufacturing into a company focused on clean energy and medical technology.
The video ends with a personal message from Tony. He speaks more candidly, admitting that growing up in the public eye shaped every part of his life,…sometimes for the better, often not. He explains that when he had a child, he made a different choice. That he used every resource, every connection, and every favor he had to keep them out of the spotlight, giving them something he never truly had: a normal life. He mentions years of conversations between them,…arguments, compromises, and ultimately trust,…until the decision was left entirely in his child’s hands.
“When the time comes,” he says, quieter now, “I’ll step down, and my heir will take their place in this world. Not because I chose it for them,…but because they chose it for themselves.” He pauses, almost reflective. “They’ll step forward on their eighteenth birthday, or later if want. Until then, their name stays mine to protect.” A faint smile crosses his face. “Trust me… the best is yet to come.”
The screen fades black, and the room stays silent for a moment as the students exchange wide-eyed glances, the mystery hanging in the air.
Peter didn’t know his father added that to the normal exhibit where he talked about the founding of SI with his grandfather Howard, the dark period of Obadiah Stane and is father shifting the company from weapons to clean energy and medical research. He was just glad that his name and gender were kept out of the recording. However, now his class was speculating and giving him weird skeptical looks.
Before anyone could ask questions, Ms. Monroe ushered the class forward into the adjoining Avengers Museum, where the tone shifted from corporate history to heroics and world-saving feats,…though the mystery of Stark’s undisclosed heir still lingered, sparking quiet speculation among the students. As they passed through the glass doors, the space buzzed with excitement, and the group quickly spread out, gathering around the gleaming Iron Man display, its red and gold armor suspended under a dramatic spotlight, while others were drawn to the Spider-Man exhibit, captivated by the vibrant suit and interactive screens highlighting his most famous rescues and bits of quirky trivia.
Flash lingered in front of the Spiderman display, his enthusiasm barely contained. “Dude, look at this, Spiderman once stopped a runaway subway with his bare hands!” he exclaimed, pointing out the fun fact to anyone who would listen. “He’s like, the coolest Avenger, no contest.” He grinned, reading each panel with wide-eyed admiration as Peter watched quietly from the edge of the group, trying to blend in as his classmates gushed over Spiderman’s achievements.
“He’s afraid of spiders.” Betty read. “Why would he be afraid of Spiders?”
Peter stepped closer to Betty and pointed to another screen, “It says that he got bit by a radioactive genetically modified spider and that’s how he got his powers. If that happened to me, I’d be scared of spiders after wouldn’t you?”
Flash spoke up, “No way. I’d be invisible now that I’d have spider powers and nothing would scare me.”
MJ snuck up next to Flash, “Your scared of spiders now, I’m surprised you aren’t scared of Spiderman.”
Peter started to ignore them as they bickered and continued to read the screens as they cycled through the facts and battle information about the superhero. He read; out loud “Spiderman made his first appearance in the battle of New York where he aided the police in evacuating civilians and using his webs to help with first aid. After the battle the Avengers were able discover his identity and he started training. Two years later he was welcomed into the Avengers after he prevented the Avengers from fighting in Germany by webbing all of them tightly to each other until they talked about their issues like adults.”
“It’s like I’m the only adult here, and I’m not even sixteen yet.” Spiderman is quoted as saying after the near civil war between the Avengers.” Ned finished reading for Peter.
Peter smiled at the picture remembering that day. He had spent days before creating the strongest webs he could in his dad’s lab and even tested them out on himself. He also created a dissolving agent but refused to use it until everyone started to get along and talk about everything from the accords to the death of his grandparents.
Just as Peter was lost in his thoughts, Ms. Monroe clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention. “Alright, class, let’s keep the tour moving! Up next, we’ll be visiting Stark Industries’ marketing and legal departments, so please form a line and stay together.” The students started to trickle away from the Spiderman exhibit, still buzzing about web fluid and heroics.
As Peter stepped back to join the group, Flash nudged him with his shoulder, hard enough that Peter stumbles and is accidentally pushed against the glass of a nearby Iron Man display. Instantly, piercing alarms blared throughout the museum, startling everyone into a hush. Security guards rushed in, their eyes landing on Peter. But when they recognized him, their stern expressions softened. “It’s alright, folks,” one said, giving Peter a knowing look before resetting the alarm.
Before Peter could relax, Ms. Ledbetter, clipboard in hand and lips pursed, strode over. “Peter Parker, that’s your second strike for the day. Hands off the glass, museum rules apply to everyone,” she announced. “You’ll walk beside me for the rest of the tour.”
Ms. Monroe stepped in, voice gentle, “It was just an accident, Ms. Ledbetter. I’m sure Peter didn’t mean,...”
But Ms. Ledbetter cut her off briskly, “Thank you, Ms. Monroe, but I know how to manage this, troublemaker.” With a sigh, Peter fell in beside Ms. Ledbetter as the tour continued, his classmates glancing back with sympathy and curiosity.
In marketing they meet Joyce Bryce, the head of the department, who greets the class with a warm smile and a firm handshake. She explains that the marketing team is responsible for shaping Stark Industries’, launching new products, and managing all the promotional campaigns that keep Stark’s innovations in the spotlight.
Peter speaks up, “Mrs. Bryce can you show us the new commercial for the new Stark glasses that help the visually impaired?”
Mrs. Bryce is about to say no, but then as one of the few people to know exactly who Peter Stark is, she smiles, “I think we can. It will be a tight fit, but let’s use the conference room at the end of the hall.”
The class shuffles into the room as Mrs. Bryce brings up the commercial on the computer in the room. “You kids will be the first to see this. We,” She looks at Peter, “managed to get one of our lawyers who is blind to show off the glasses. Basically, we just had a camera crew follow him around all day and then we pieced it together into this.” She pressed play.
The commercial starts out with a man in a tailored suit putting on red tinted glasses. The narration starts. “I was blinded in an accident when I was nine years old. I had to relearn everything, but that didn’t stop me from achieving my dream of becoming a lawyer. As technology improves so, does accessibility aids for the disabled. Introducing Stark Eyeglass Aids for the visually challenged.” As the commercial ends the logo for the glasses remains. SEA Glass in blue green letters over Stark Industry’s signature red wave background.
The class claps and cheers, and Peter ducks his head in slight embarrassment even though no one knows that the glasses were his project from start to finish including the commercial. It was his father’s idea for him to see the process from idea to reality. It was a good learning experience, and he couldn’t wait for the market launch next month.
“Those must be hell-a expensive. So much for accessible.” Flash commented.
“Actually,” Mrs. Bryce answered, “They are being launched to medical facilities next month and with a prescription a visually impaired person can receive a pair for free from their insurance or two hundred dollars out of pocket.”
“Thank you Mrs. Bryce.” Ms. Monroe says standing. “It’s time we continue our tour in the legal department where we will meet the star of this commercial Matt Nelson and his husband Foggy Nelson the heads of our legal department.”
The class file out of the room thanking Mrs. Bryce. Peter is one of the last to leave. “Thank you Joyce. I’ll be down after school to sign off on the release.” He tells her not realizing that Ms. Ledbetter is listening at the door.
Ms. Ledbetter grabs Peter’s arm and pulls him towards the elevator. “You are on thin ice Peter.”
Peter sighs and lets him be slightly shoved in the elevator.
The group steps out on the legal floor, greeted by the polished glass doors bearing the names “Nelson & Nelson, Legal Affairs.” Matt Nelson stands just inside, a tall man with close-cropped hair, his red glasses perched confidently on his nose.
Beside him is Foggy, shorter, smiling warmly and waving the class inside. “Welcome, Midtown students! As many of you may know Stark Industries is more then tech. Since the signing of the Accords Stark has employed many divisions of attorneys, lawers and other legal teams from around the world to protect the rights of both the enhanced and the human population of earth. Many of those division are headquartered in this building.” Foggy states as he starts the tour, “If you would all follow me I will take you a a brief show and tell to a few of those departments.”
“First up. This is the Superhero Law Division. These attorneys oversee everything from ‘Hulk smashed my car’ to ‘Spider‑Man accidentally webbed my drone. These are the guys you’d want to make a claim to.”
“Up next is Weapons & Technology Law.” They passed a room filled with holographic blueprints and scrolling code. “This team ensures places with advance tech like, Stark technology, doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. They deal with patents, weapons regulations, and anything involving robots or artificial intelligence. Also, alien technology that is found.”
“Finaly, Corporate Law.” Foggy stops outside a normal looking office, “This is more my speed,” They passed a quieter area where lawyers reviewed thick stacks of contracts. “These are the normal lawyers. Contracts, hiring, leases, all the everyday work that keeps the company running.”
“It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential.” Matt says catching up with them and taking a place next to Foggy, “We also manage compliance with international regulations for enhanced individuals.”
Peter raises his hand, “What about patents?”
Foggy gives Peter a side eye, “Yes, we deal with all the patents like the one the SEA Glass just got approved for this morning.”
Peter couldn’t hold in the smile. This was the last thing he was waiting for, so they could officially launch the SEA Glass next month.
The group moves back to the lobby of the legal department in front of the elevators. Ms. Lebetter takes this opportunity to pull Foggy to the side and pester him about an issue she is having with her landlord.
Peter subtly tries to move away from her but that only puts him in Flash’s vicinity. “So, Stark, how much legal trouble would you be in if I told them that you are slandering Tony Starks name.”
“How am I slandering his name?”
Flash is slightly taken aback by the question, “By claiming to be his son.”
“When have I ever said that? I have only ever said that my name is Peter Stark. You’re the one saying that I’m his son.” Peter states. “If anyone is slandering Tony Stark’s name its you.”
Before Flash could come up with a response Matt Nelson calls the attention of the class. “Before you all leave, is there any questions?”
Two hands shoot up instantly, Foggy takes this opportunity to excuse himself from the teacher and points at the blond girl in the back of the room.
“Do you know who the heir to Stark Industries is?”
“Yes.” Matt answers. “Next question.”
“Do you take interns in your department and what it the process?” MJ asks.
“We don’t normally take high school interns, but SI has a few in other departments.” Foggy answers. “Leave your information with me and I’ll get in touch with you in a few days and we can talk more about it.”
“If we were to have an inter in legal we would have you shadow some of the legal aids to get a feel of the legal side of the department.” Matt offers, “Then we’d see about more.”
MJ nods as she writes out her information on a sheet of notebook paper.
When they leave legal Peter watches as MJ hands the paper to Foggy.
Next on the tour is lunch in the SI cafeteria. The space buzzes with activity, resembling a vibrant mall food court filled with the scents of international cuisine and the chatter of employees on break. Peter, MJ, and Ned find their way through the crowd, picking up trays loaded with pizza, salads, and sandwiches before settling at a corner table. Flash, never one to miss an opportunity, slides into the seat beside them, eager to keep the conversation from the legal department going.
“So, MJ,” Flash starts, leaning forward, “what made you want to intern in legal? You seemed pretty interested back there.”
MJ glances at Peter before replying, “I just think it’s important to know how things work behind the scenes, especially in a place like Stark Industries. Plus, someone’s got to keep you out of trouble.” She winks at Peter.
Ned laughs, taking a big bite of his burger. “Good luck with that. Maybe they’ll let you draft a restraining order for Flash.”
Flash’s eyes narrow at Ned’s remark, a flush creeping into his cheeks. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms with an exaggerated huff. “Real funny, Leeds,” Flash snaps, shooting Ned a glare. “I’m not the one who needs a lawyer around here.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Peter asks.
Flash smiles holding his phone. “Might want to check your insta. Bet I’m going viral right about now.”
MJ lunges for the phone taking it from the bully. She scrolls through the photos. The first one is of Peter looking at the Spiderman display at the museum, next is the permission slip followed by a short video of Flash.
Flash, always eager for attention, decides to broadcast his latest discovery to his followers. He begins recording a video on his phone in the bustling SI cafeteria, where Peter and his friends are enjoying lunch. Flash's voice is loud and animated as he addresses his audience.
"Yo…YO…I’ve got some dope news for you," he announces, panning the camera toward Peter. "Your boy is on a tour of the one and only Stark Industries and this loser," he says, flashing Peter’s face on screen, "has been calling himself Peter Stark since he started school this year. Claiming to be Tony Stark's kid. Lie. Stark has no kids. Doesn’t like them. This loser even went so far as to make himself a fake SI ID card."
The video cuts to an image of Peter awkwardly trying to clip a metal card to his shirt from earlier that morning. Flash sneers, "Loser made it metal. SI uses recycled plastic." He then displays his own visitor badge to the camera. "Security took that fake ass card. Should have kicked him out then.” Next is a picture of Peter in the Avengers museum hands on the glass to the Iron Man display, “Pathetic looser thought he could break the glass. Guess that was they only way he could get to touch an Iron Man suit. And security did nothing.” Flash has pictures of security just watching and turning off the alarms.
“Then I saw his permission slip when we’re watching some lame commercial about some stupid glasses. Dudes, that loser, that poser, actually forged Tony Stark's name. How in the hell didn’t the school catch that?"
Flash finally swings his camera back to Peter and his friends, capturing them mid-meal. "Mr. Stark, if you see this, come show us what your kick-ass legal department can do to this ‘False Stark.’" With that, the video ends, leaving Peter and his friends stunned at Flash’s very public accusation.
MJ stands furious. She’s about to make a scene when Peter gently stands, places his hand on her arm and pulls her back to her seat.
“Flash, you want to see what Stark’s kick-ass lawyers can do, you are about to find out.” Peter stands and walks to the elevator.
Ms. Ledbetter rushes after Peter. “Where do you think you are going?” She grabs him just as Peter reaches the elevator. “I’ve had just about enough of your trouble for one day. This is strike three. You will spend the rest of the day on the bus.”
Peter pushes her hand off of his. “Respectfully Ms. Ledbetter, two things. One I never gave you permission to touch me and you’ve done that twice today and two, I am going to speak with my father.”
Just then the elevator opens and Tony Stark along with Happy, Matt and Foggy Nelson step out. “No need kid, we came to you.”
Peter visually sighs, “Thank you.” He turns and gives his dad a quick hug.
“Long day.” Tony smiles returning the hug, “Go sit with your friends, I’ll deal with this mess.”
Ms. Ledbetter looks stunned but quickly recovers, “Mr. Stark….”
“Yeah, I get that a lot. Which one of these heathens is Flash Thompson.” Tony slides further into the food court right up to a gob smacked Flash. “Take it down.”
“Wha…What?”
“He doesn’t like to repeat himself. Take the video down now.” Foggy states.
Flash fumbles with his phone for a few minutes until he’s able to take the video down. “It’s down.”
“Good. That’s a start, but unfortunately the damage is already done.”
“Damage?”
“Yes, damage to Peter’s reputation. Tony’s reputation. Stark Industries reputation. And that is slander.” Matt answered.
“Also, known as defamation. Not to mention that you posted pictures of SI employees without their permission on SI property which if you read the signs that are posted literally everywhere is illegal, also I know you were told the rules before the tour started.” Foggy informed Flash.
Happy standing behind Flash tells him, “Please stand up, you are being detained until you parents arrive. You will be charged with defamation, and unlawful recording in a business.”
“Hope your parents have kick ass lawyers.” MJ says Flash is led out of the cafeteria.
Tony Stark takes a seat next to Peter then steals a fry off his plate, “So, what’s next on the tour?”
“Go back to work before I call Mom and tell her you’re trying to hijack my tour,” Peter says.
Tony gasps, offended, then sticks his tongue out. “Wow. Disrespected in my own building. I’m surrounded by enemies.” He smooths out his suit like nothing happened and turns to the class. “Alright, everyone,…fun fact, this is the part where things get legally complicated.” He glances at Foggy. “We’re gonna need NDAs. Big ones. Possibly with glitter. To soften the blow.”
Peter groans. “No, we’re not. It’s my choice, remember? That’s what you always say. When I’m old enough, I decide when to tell people.”
Tony’s expression shifts, just slightly. “Yeah,” he says, quieter now. “I do say that.” He studies Peter. “You sure you wanna do this now?”
Peter nods. “I turn eighteen in six months. I don’t want to keep hiding it. Not anymore.”
There’s a pause. Tony exhales slowly, something proud and a little nervous flickering across his face. “…Alright.” He nods once. “Your call.”
He looks to Foggy. “I’ll talk to your mom. Try to make it sound like this was a well-thought-out, mutual decision.”
Foggy smirks. “I’ll handle the legal side.”
Matt’s smile is calm, approving. “Big step, kid… welcome to the world, Peter Stark.”
The room starts to shift again, energy picking back up, but Tony lingers for a second. He reaches out, straightening Peter’s collar like he used to when Peter was younger.
“Gonna be a lot louder out there,” Tony says quietly.
Peter huffs a small laugh. “Yeah. I figured.”
Tony nods, just once. “I’ve got you.”
Peter meets his eyes. “I’ve got you.”
Tony gives his shoulder a quick squeeze before stepping back, the moment passing as quickly as it came.
“Alright,” Tony says, louder now, slipping back into himself. “Show’s over. Back to the regularly scheduled field trip before anyone else decides to reveal a secret identity.”