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Peter would say that he has a pretty abnormal life. He goes to school and gets his normal exceptionally high grades before going back to the Avengers Tower. He has been living there for the past few months after May passed away in a car accident.
He also has a pretty good internship at Stark Industries as well as Spidermanning by night.
However the school doesn’t know about most of this. He knows he gave in the correct paperwork to prove his Internship with the school but they believed Flash when he claimed it a forgery and decided that it was not real.
He has been trying hard to hide this from Mr Stark because he knows he would storm down to the school himself to get them sorted out when he knows that when Highschool is done he will never have to deal with Flash or the teachers again.
He knows why the teachers don’t believe him but he would never admit it because honestly it would make him want to cry in a corner on the ceiling.
However, one day he accidentally heard the principle and Mr Harrington’s conversations due to his enhanced hearing. They are trying to get a couple of interviews at Stark Industries.
Peter is not surprised at the development because it is a STEM school and a trip to Stark Industries would be a strike of gold for the students.
He knows that he would get far less out of the trip because he is there most days however he could just skip the trip and work more on his internship and his projects. Some of which he is very excited on like the advanced prosthetics.
He then makes a mental note to ask Tony about getting it secured for the school when get’s home.
School was not too bad. He got to partner with Ned in English and Flash only shoved him into a locker today.
When the final bell of the day rung Happy was waiting around the corner for him as usual.
The car ride was quieter than normal because Peter was wondering how he could best convince Tony to let Midtown tour the building.
When he got back he immediately ran upstairs to find Tony.
“Mr Stark.” Peter says timidly when he finds Tony in his lab.
“How many times you can call me Tony.” Tony says with a small smile.
“Ok Mr Stark.” Peter says causing himself to snort. “I was wondering if I could ask for a favour.”
Tony immediately turned all the way around to hear what Peter is saying. Peter never really asks for anything. Tony is always having to do detective work in order to find out what is going on with Peter so he knows he wanted and could give it to him. He is genuinely surprised when Peter is asking for something from him.
He then makes a hand motion telling him to spill.
“I overheard my principle and science teacher talking today as I was walking past the office. They were drafting an email requesting that a couple of the classes have guided tours around stark industries. Being honest I don’t know which ones but is it alright if you accept their proposal. I know it’s a large ask but you miss all shots you don’t take.” Peter says quietly as it nervous his adoptive father will start shouting at him.
Tony then sits in silence and thinks. He knows that Peter is asking with the intent at never telling the students that he is the one that made the trip happen. Because being honest Tony has had his suspicions over this school for a while now. He suspects that the school doesn’t believe in the internship because he has never heard from the school for progress reports on their students progress. And honestly at this point it is wishful thinking from Peters part to think all those bruises are just from patrol. He would have immediately turned them down until the matter could be properly dealt with. However, Peter was asking for it. He wanted the best for the school that if Tony was right was doing nothing but drag him down. He is frantically trying to find a way to encourage Peter asking him for things but improving things for him at the school in the long run. When he thinks he found the perfect solution.
“Being honest kiddo I don’t know.” Tony says. “What would you get from the trip?”
“I was thinking if it was my class I wouldn’t go. I couldn’t work on more of my projects in the labs up here so I wouldn’t get in the way.” Peter says with a very rehearsed sounding answer.
This is what he thought. Peter would deflect all of the attention from himself and get past the field trip that he had secured for the school.
“That would be very unfair for you.” Tony says. “So I propose a deal.”
Peter raises one eyebrow in suspicion and nerves.
“When they email I will offer the whole school a tour. If you attend your tour.” Tony says.
Peter genuinely takes some time to think through the offer. He knows this trip will be beneficial for the entire school and everyone will loose their minds. However, he would need to attend the trip and that poses more risks than he wants to deal with. Such as Tony finding out about Flash, the teachers not believing his Internship is real and Tony making this rule just to embarrass him. But he knows what the better choice is.
“Ok Fine.” Peter says with a huff before jokingly shaking hands with Tony.
“Thank you for asking me for something.” Tony says ruffling Peter’s hair. “Can we make this more of a trend please.”
Peter rolls his eyes in joke before turning back to do his homework.
Tony smiles brighter he knows just what to do to make the school believe Peter and weed out who hurt him. Now to wait for the Field Trip request.
When it did come in he agreed for the whole school and not the classes requested by the school. However, he left off who exactly got them this trip in the first place.
The next day at school all the teachers seemed very giddy for some strange reason none of the students bar one could comprehend.
When they were calling into assembly they all found out why.
Principle Morita then turned and addressed the whole school, “Today I have called you all in here with some very exciting news. Last night we contacted Stark Industries to give a couple of our classes tours. However they instead said that all the classes could go.”
There was a lot more noise than a few seconds earlier as students began excitedly talk to each other about the idea of all going to Stark Industries and the wonders they would see there.
Ned and MJ however turn to Peter with looks of confusion. They’ve met Tony and know he is not this generous to people he doesn’t know. Unless someone he cares about asked for it.
“The dates of your trip will be given to your homeroom teachers and the permission slips will be given to you at today for parents and guardians to sign. I hope everybody takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity for learning at one of the best research facilities in the United States.” He says.
The excited nattering continued all the way back to the relevant classrooms.
Mr Harrington pulled Peter aside and said quietly and sadly to him. “The Principle has requested you in his office during homeroom alright.”
Peter then nods showing he heard before leaving sounding confused.
Only MJ saw Mr Harrington shake his head as they walked away.
When the bell rang to signal the start of homeroom Peter went straight to the Principles office hoping Mr Stark mentioned nothing in the email to say that he was the one that asked for the trip.
When he is told to enter the room he sees Morita looking sad and stern in his desk before gesturing for Peter to sit in the chair.
“I just wanted to talk to you because I’m concerned about one thing from you.” Principle Morita. “I don’t want you to show up the school and make us look silly with this lie you are telling everyone.”
Peter than pales. He didn’t imagine that theses teachers believed he was lying this much.
“I’m not lying.” Peter says.
“Enough Parker.” Morita says hitting his hand over the desk. “I have heard from a reliable source within the school that there is no chance this Internship is real. So either you admit it is a lie for attention or you are no longer welcome on the tour.”
Peter then looks at the man horror struck. He knew the teacher wanted to stay on the Thompson’s good side but this is taking it too far. He knows he should say it is fake and take whatever punishment he gets for the sake of everyone else’s trips but he doesn’t want to. He’s worked hard at his job and he’ll be damned if he let’s Flash ruin that for him.
“I’m not sure who your reliable source within the school is considering I don’t recognise anyone in the school from work but my Internship is real.” Peter says hoping to put a dent in this belief that he is a liar.
“Well Mr Parker I gave you a chance. I didn’t want to have to deal with this but you are not welcomed on the trip next week. Get back to homeroom.” Principle Morita says turning away from Peter.
Peter then rushes out the classroom trying to blink away his tears.
He cannot believe that Flash has trashed his reputation so much that even the teachers think the worst of him. And Peter doesn’t understand why Flash hates him so much.
When he gets back to homeroom he sees that everyone has their permission forms with them and they are talking excitedly about the trip. He is trying not to stare forlornly at the sheet that is there for him.
Mr Harrington then shouts “Mr Parker, you forgot your permission slip.”
When Peter goes to tell him what happened the teacher then puts the slip in his hand before muttering a quiet “see me after class” to the student.
After the bell Peter stays behind in his seat as Mr Harrington stops Ned and MJ leaving as well.
The teacher then sits on the table in front of him and takes the form from Peter’s hand.
“I know what the meeting was about.” The teacher starts as Ned and MJ listen eagerly. “I was told to not even print a form for you.”
The two in the back gasp.
“Being honest I know all of the teachers believe Eugene is the best thing every but we both know why that is. They have threatened my job if I try to speak out to him and a few other key students. I also believe you completely about the internship. I know if anyone in the school could get one it would be you. But Eugene’s applications failed so they decided that yours must have to. I wish I could change this for you because even though you work there a tour is a very different thing. And others have far worse track histories than you. So I didn’t want to single you out in front of them. I’ll be leading your groups trip so I’ll let them think you are ill just don’t go to school that day. I promise that I will get someone to ask Tony if he knows you in front of the other teachers and then see who is right. I wish more of the staff believed you but unfortunately it is just me. So let your friends comfort you and be there for you. And just know if you ever need anything or just a break then please let me know.” Mr Harrington says.
“Wait they banned you from the trip.” Ned says outraged.
Peter then silently nods.
“That’s ridiculous. Are you the only one banned?” He then asks and the teacher in the room nods in response to the friends who look disgusted.
“Honestly you think if Flash said the sky was magenta they would agree with him and change the curriculum for him. They don’t want you showing him up.” MJ says. “Considering you are likely the one that secured the trip in the first place.”
Ned and Mr Harrington look between the two in shock.
“You got the trip for everyone.” The teacher says to Peter who nods minutely knowing that cat is out of the bag.
“I knew it.” MJ says a mix of triumphant and sad. “They kicked you off the trip you got them not that is just sad on the school. They should have known it was not like Tony to do something like this without someone he likes asking for it first.”
“Then this trip is going to be a greater kick up the backside for everyone than they thought.” The teacher says to the student.
As they are all leaving the school the three friends are talking. “I can skip if you want and we can build the new Lego set I got.” Ned says.
“Please don’t miss the trip for me.” Peter says. “I just got to find a way to tell Mr Stark without him cancelling the trips. He only agreed to them if I went and now I can’t. I think I’ll tell him after school the day before my classes. Some of them would have already gone maybe that would work.”
As Peter goes to car with Happy Ned and MJ turn to each other.
“They do something like this and he is trying to find a way to save everyone else’s trips.” Ned says incredulous.
“Do you have Stark’s phone number?” MJ says.
“Yeah. He gave it to me so I could tell him if Peter was going to do something stupid.” Ned replies.
“Give it to me.” MJ says. “You would be too nervous to tell him the whole truth.”
(The next day)
Tony knew that the school was no good but the phone call from Peter’s friend MJ was enlightening. He knew that Peter was hiding something yesterday but couldn’t claw it out of him. Now before he meets with the Principle of the school there is someone that he wants to meet with first.#
When he gets to the reception they immediately let him in when he says he is to discuss the tours that are meant to start the next Monday.
He immediately walks to the room that Ned and MJ gave him and found who he was looking for.
Inside the staffroom alone was Roger Harrington marking some books in his PPA time.
“Mr Harrington I just wanted a word from you. Miss Jones and Mr Leeds contacted me last night with some concerns over the school. I wanted to speak to a member of staff first and they said that you would be the most reliable source for all of it. I will keep you and the two students who alerted me anonymous but I need to hear everything from your point of view.” Tony says quietly to the teacher who’s confused grimace turns to a wide smile.
(One hour later)
Immediately after the conversation Tony is pissed. He heard more than he ever needed to and he honestly wants to punch some people. However instead he went to Principle Morita’s office and ask if they call a whole school assembly because he has news about the trips that should be heard by everyone at once. They are scheduled for after lunch so he sits in his car for a few hours getting a burger for lunch and trying not to loose his temper when he walks in the hall.
(In the hall)
All the students have been gathered for a surprise assembly which gets them annoyed until they hear it is about extra information for the trips to Stark Industries which brings the energy up in the room immediately.
Morita is unsure what is going to happen with the assembly as Stark has asked he be the one to deliver the news and is getting nervous if there are date changes because they booked all the coaches already. Only three people in the hall seem to know that this is going to be beautiful.
When Tony walks in the room there is this awestruck silence in the room that follows. The students just stare at (for what is many of the.) idol. When he walks to the front and in front of the microphone he then starts talking in an annoyed tone which puts some of the room on edge.
“I didn’t want to have to do this you know. But there are some announcements that I have to make. When the email came through I was not planning to accept due to some doubts I had over this school. However my personal intern Peter Parker saw the email.” Tony starts.
Many shocked faces turn to Peter as Principle Morita looks horrified. Flash is looking furious in the corner.
“He then asked me if I could allow for the field trips to happen. Because I’m trying to get him to ask me for things I said that all the classes could come. I didn’t make the trips happen Peter did.”
People then turn happily to Peter and start thanking him before Tony held up his hand.
“However last night I received a phone call from a couple concerned students. Apparently the school doesn’t believe his internship is real.” Tony says sounding more and more annoyed. “I know what happened and your Principle Morita claimed they had a reliable source that claimed he had the Internship that he overheard Peter talking to a friend quietly about and then told the school that it was fake isn’t that right Mr Eugene ‘Flash’ Thompson.”
People then look to Flash who had completely paled.
“I was aware of you before I met Peter.” Flash looks smug before Tony adds. “Because my staff were considering blacklisting you from applying for Internships again because you applied and failed 7 times.”
Flash then looks less smug as some of the teachers look at him horrified.
“I’m aware that your parents are the current top donators to Midtown and that they donate some of the highest amount this school has ever seen. I’ve checked the donation records. I’m also aware that you are failing most of your classes and that you get away with bullying in front of the teachers because their jobs are threatened if they in anyway jeopardise the pay check that the school will get from your parents. That’s why your internship applications have failed because you have no STEM talent. I also checked your private social media. The chat made it very clear why you hate Peter so much. He has amazing grades because he is an actual genius and he got the internship of your dreams, which you knew was true because your mother saw him when trying to get a trade deal out of Pepper. He also seemed to be friends with Spiderman. He had everything you wanted so you decided to destroy him.”
Flash then sinks in his seat. His dirty laundry being aired for everyone to see.
“So you forged the internship papers and handed them in before Peter could because you heard him tell Ned about it while we were organising the paperwork and told them that the Internship was fake when they asked because who would the school believe. The rich bully who’s parents donate large amounts of money to the school, or the actual genius student that is here only because of his brain and scholarship money. Yeah I know that the school treats all scholarship students terribly because they can’t financially contribute to the school and they are always actually intelligent and outshine the rich students which could jeopardise the money. So they punish the scholarship students who report the bullying saying they riled the students up until they beat them to a pulp. The detention and report records show this perfectly.”
Most of the teachers are sweating at this point.
“I didn’t want to air the dirty laundry like this. I wanted the tours to be the chance to prove Peter right because after all I took legal guardianship over him and I want him to succeed.”
When they hear that Peter is in more of a stunned silence than he was before. He told them about the adoption but also that his internship is real, exposed all the problems with the school and tore his bully to shreds. Ned and MJ are clinging to him in support because they suspect they know what is coming.
“I know for a lot of you this isn’t your fault. I know you just want to learn and the teachers want to teach. I didn’t even want to name names. But the bullying has gone too far and I have to make a point. I didn’t want to bring Peter into it but I have no choice now. Mostly because I have forgotten one important piece of information from the story.” Tony says solemnly.
People in the hall lean forwards hoping it is more gossip they can talk about later.
“When Peter asked for the trips to happen I made him a deal. The kid was planning on spending the day of his tour off and working in his lab because he has seen the building many times because he works there.” Tony says. “So the deal was that I would invite the whole school for a tour. If Peter attended his.”
People in the hall gasp in surprise as Mr Harrington looks unbelievably smug and Mr Morita looks like he is about to pee himself in fright. Peter also looks like he wants to jump up at his guardian and shut him up.
“You are all wondering why I am mentioning this. As I mentioned before your very own Principle Morita banned Peter from the trip yesterday. Yes Peter I know you were trying to hide something from me last night so I found out what.”
The students in the hall that put the pieces together then gasp in horror and some even burst into tears.
“I don’t like letting you all down like this but I agreed you all could go if Peter would. Your very own Principle made it impossible for Peter to hold up his end of the bargain so I’m not holding up mine.”
Tony takes a deep breath and says.
“All the field trips to Stark Industries for next week are now cancelled.”
The students then start to either shout in outrage, gasp, cry or start asking Peter to try and fix this if they are close enough to him.
“I hope that you all forgive me for this but I can’t go back on my word. I also hope that none of you blame Peter for this. He was so happy the next day leaving for school knowing the opportunity he gave you all and I know that he wasn’t planning to say a word because he wanted to hide in the area not open for visitor access. I also know he is going to be shouting at me for this. But it is not his fault and he went as far as trying to hide the fact that the Principle banned him so at least some of you got the chance because he was one of the last ones due for the tour. I ask that you blame the people at fault who I have surely made it clear who they are. And thank you to the students that brought this to my attention and the staff member that I spoke to that helped me get all the information. Peter you are also coming straight home with me I’ve signed you out but we need to have a long and very difficult talk.”
Tony then leaves waiting for the class to leave.
Principle Morita is still just silently standing. He was blamed for Stark pulling all the Internships. How was he supposed to know about that deal. Parker was going to be in so much trouble on Monday.
It didn’t seem to hit Flash how ruined he was by that. He knew his dirty laundry was aired but he thought it would take no time to get his reputation back and he could destroy Parker more than he ever has before.
What neither of them knew what that Tony had already filed lawsuits against the pair.
Morita for the destruction of official paperwork, slander and abuse of power.
Flash for assault, forging official paperwork and bullying.
Peter is also horrified. He knew Tony would be pissed but he didn’t imagine this. Hearing the other students heartbreak he knew that he probably should have said it was fake to avoid all this mess.
Mr Harrington was the only teacher that seemed able to speak so he stepped forward.
“I know that must have been hard to hear but I hope that many of you take this as a lesson that so many needed to learn. Get the facts before you make assumptions over people. I know that it must be hard to have the trips all cancelled and parents will be notified. Go back to homeroom I think for now.”
As everyone starts to solemnly file out Peter stays off to the side so he can think and find Mr Stark in peace.
When the hall is empty Mr Harrington walks over to Peter.
“You talked to him didn’t you.” Peter says.
“I didn’t tell him you were banned. But I told him everything I knew.” Mr Harrington admits. “These are young minds and I was sick of money causing students to suffer.”
“Why stand up for me like that?” Peter asks.
*Talk of suicide starts here*
“Last year a scholarship student committed suicide due to bullying she was experiencing at the school. Her bully was one of the richer students so she was punished instead. It woke me up to the problems inside the school especially when we were told to lie about why she died to protect the student that bullied her to death’s reputation because the school threatened to pull donations if the student body found out about the police investigation.” Mr Harrington says in a sad tone.
“I thought she did it because her grades were slipping too much so she didn’t get into the college she wanted.” Peter says in shock knowing who he is talking about.
“That’s what we were told to tell you. The bully went to jail for a year and we were told to tell you he went on foreign exchange.” Mr Harrington says. “I was seeing how bad it was getting for you. I was terrified you would end up just like her. So when given the opportunity I told him everything.”
*Talk of Suicide ends here*
“What happens how?” Peter asks in a small voice.
“I doubt when this reaches the board of governors that Morita will stay long even if it is just to save face. And when this gets out the donations to the school from the Thompson’s will be done. I feel bad for Eugene in a way he needed guidance and is only a child but this will be the rudest awakening of his life and I hope he learns from it. Because I don’t see him lasting at this school with the eyes now on the grades that he needed to stay at the school.” Mr Harrington says. “For you I think you need to talk to Stark and be open and honest. You may get some of the backlash but I’m sure I can convince at least a majority of the teachers to help you and Stark is going to be giving out lawsuits to those that attempt to hurt you.”
“Thank you Mr Harrington.” Peter says in tears.
“It’s alright Mr Parker.” The teacher says smiling. “I should get going. I don’t want the upset teenagers alone for too long to destroy my classroom. And I think you need to go have that conversation.”
“Bye Mr Harrington.” Peter says.
“Bye.” The teacher says leaving the hall.
Peter then leaves and finds Tony at the end of the hall.
Tony wraps Peter up in a hug.
In the car Peter shouts at his father figure angry. “Why did you do that? You could have been quiet about it and given no reason why do all that?”
“Because nothing would be done about the wider problem. I care about you Underoos. No matter how many grey hairs you cause me. If I can solve the wider issue and make life better for you then I will. I wanted to pull you out the school when Ted and your scary friend told me. But they talked me down. Every single person in that school has a lesson to learn and this might be it. I’ve already reported everything to the board of governors and legal papers have been served. These people will learn one important thing. Never mess with Tony Stark.”
Peter then blushes and cries into Tony’s shirt.
“I just didn’t want to upset you. I could handle Flash. Better me than someone who couldn’t.” Peter says.
After hearing that Tony pulls over before gently turning Peter’s face to look him directly in the eyes.
“You are easily one of the kindest people I have ever met. Having these powers or ‘being able to handle it’ doesn’t mean that you should let people walk over you. You need to look out for yourself and what broke my heart the most was you willing to get yourself hurt and made out to look like a liar to give people that have only hurt you the opportunity of a lifetime. You are amazing and you are worth more than the majority of the people inside that school. I don’t want to see you say that again. Someone messes with you please tell me before that friend of yours does because she scares me. Reminds me a little too much of Pepper in a way that I don’t like.” Tony says trying to bring up the mood.
“Yeah she’s awesome.” Peter says with a fond smile.
“Ok.” Tony says. “I think tonight we need Ice Cream, Star Wars and Take Away Pizza.”
“Stark Raving Hazelnuts?” Peter asks.
“Always.” Tony says with a small smile as they drive back to the tower.