Chapter Text
Peter Parker hopped out of the unnecessarily expensive car he had been picked up in, grabbing his backpack right before the door closed on it. “Thanks, Happy! See you Monday!” The driver/head of security of Stark Industries rolled his eyes, smiling. Though he acted like he didn’t, the man cherished the time he had with Stark’s protégée. At this point he felt like a member of their family (even ignoring the fact that he had accidentally referred to Tony Stark as “dad” on more than one occasion).
Even though Peter had been an intern and Mr. Stark’s friend for a while now, it still felt weird going through any kind of private entrance, the boy reflected. For some reason, instead of letting him out in front of the lobby door of Stark Tower today, Happy had pulled into the private parking garage. Looking back, that should have been his first indication that something was hinky. Knowing Happy, the man surely had some logic behind the switch.
Despite the change from routine, Peter didn’t notice anything too different as he walked to the elevator, too immersed in his plans for that weekend.
“Hello, Peter.” FRIDAY’s voice greeted him. “How was your AP World test?”
Peter sighed. “It was fine Fri, but you know me. I’m much more of a science and math guy. To Mr. Stark, please?”
The AI seemed to hum in agreement (if that was even possible), and the elevator shot up to what Peter assumed was Mr. Stark’s lab. Hence his surprise when the elevator stopped a few floors sooner than expected.
“The Avengers’ common room? Do we have guests, FRIDAY?” The AI was suspiciously silent. Taking that as his queue to leave, Peter stepped into the open-concept style living space. Once again, he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but he could hear Mr. Stark’s voice coming from what he guessed was the corner that was farthest away from him, speaking uncharacteristically softly.
Holding his backpack straps close to his chest, Peter made his way over, only to stop and gape in awe. Sitting on the floor, in front of the L-shaped sectional was Bruce Banner. THE ACTUAL Bruce Banner!
AP World test forgotten, Peter dropped his backpack on the floor and rushed over to his mentor, who had turned around when he heard the familiar THUD of a too-heavy school bag. While Tony welcomed him with soft eyes, beckoning him over, Peter didn’t fail to notice the anxiety in Dr. Banner’s eyes.
“Oh my god. You’re-”
“Yes”, the tired-looking man sighed. “I’m the Hulk. And no, I cannot do it on command.”
“Oh! I mean, that’s cool and all, but I was actually really excited to meet you Dr. Banner. Your work in Gamma radiation is legendary! We have your picture on the wall in my science classroom! I’ve read all of your papers, I’m a huge fan!” Peter stopped abruptly. It looked to Tony that he had just realized the amount of fan-boying he had spewed out. His suspicions were proven correct by the presence of a familiar blush creeping its way up Peter’s neck.
Bruce looked surprised, looking to Peter and back to Tony, as if trying to figure out the two’s relation. “Tony… I know I was gone for two years, but is there something I’m missing here? Who is this kid? No offense.”
Peter grinned. “None taken! I’m Peter and-” Tony cut him off.
“He’s my intern, Brucie Bear. You know, after you and I created our murder child and prodigal son, I didn’t expect you to disappear on me. Life as a single parent to a sentient robot is hard, and I needed some extra help.” Tony grinned.
At the mention of Vision Bruce’s head shot up from where it had been resting on his knees. “Tony! It’s not like I knew what was going to happen! I never meant to leave you!” He wailed. His friend’s concerned expression brought him back to himself quickly, but Peter could see he was still pretty shaken from whatever had happened.
Sensing a hard subject, Peter switched topics quickly, earning a small smile from the scientist. “Well, I’m not so much of an intern in your traditional ‘go grab the boss coffee’ kind of way. We mostly work on science stuff together, and is technically one of my emergency contacts/guardians, but I think that’s more of a threat than anything else. He’s all talk, ya know?”
Bruce smiled. He did know. However, something in the incredulous look Tony gave the kid gave Bruce pause in confirming his words, releasing a small chuckle instead.
“I’ll have you know young man that Pep and I are prepared with legally binding documents to prove you wrong,” Tong said, puffing out his chest. Usually this is when most people (Bruce included) would get intimidated and subsequently drop the topic, but Peter merely rolled his eyes and began to sit up a little.
“MR. STARK! You don’t have to get all macho man, I believe you.” He turned to the scientist, who was still sitting on the floor. “Dr. Banner, I hope you’ll stay this weekend! I-I mean, I don’t know your schedule or anything, but, uh, I- I’ll be around.” Bruce smiled. Peter was growing on him, and was clearly picking up behaviors from his mentor. Either that, or it could just be his general scatterbrained-ness that was common in teens.
The boy stood up, looking sheepishly over at the backpack he had dropped as he first came in. “I better drop that off in my room…”
“Alright Pete, you can go,” Tony relented. Peter scrambled up (probably before he could change his mind and decide to embarrass the kid more. Bruce had been on both sides of Tony’s lectures, and they were never fun.)
The teenager vaulted over the back of the couch (why didn’t he just walk around?) and made a mad dash down the hall that led to their bedrooms. He saw his friend turn to him, a small smile decorating his face.
“He’s sure something,” Bruce ventured. “Would have never pegged you for a father-type after Howard, but it suits you.”
Tony’s eyes widened, and Bruce got nervous, stumbling over words as he tried to backtrack. “I- I mean like I believe he works with you and, all – WAIT is that how you met? OH MY GOD TONY – does Pepper know?!?” He stopped as his friend burst out in laugher.
“Bruce! Did you really think-? Never mind, don’t answer that. I can’t believe you!” Tony howled with laughter, pretending to wipe tears from his face.
“So… he’s not your son then?”
The man smiled. “No, I don’t think I could ever father someone as pure as Peter. He’s too good for me, but he’s stuck around for some reason. Kid’s seen some stuff and just has his aunt left, so he stays with me on weekends. She gets some extra me-time or hours in the hospital, and I get to spend time with the kid.” Tony shrugged. “It’s really a win-win situation.”
Bruce smiled. A lot had changed in two years, but he was happy for Tony. He finally seemed happy, more at peace. It was nice.