A year to Remember. Part 2, the Internship

Hoods and Masks

"O-ok, yes, please". Ned and MJ both nod as we stand and head to the assembly, the halls almost empty as all the students funnel into the gym, trying to seat as close as possible.

"Just play it cool loser, we'll be fine", MJ nudges me, squeezing my hand reassuringly as we make it through the Gym's side door. Walking in we're faced with Mr Stark and Ms Potts waiting on the side of the stage. I give a weak smile as he gives us a quick, passing wave, while we make our way up the bleachers.

-

"You sure about this Pepper?", Tony asks anxiously from their limousine on their way to Midtown. "I'm sure Tony", Pepper replies before giggling. Tony gives her a questioning look. "It's nothing Tony, just remembering last night....".

"Ok Tony", Pepper walks into the Avenger's kitchen. Rhodey, Bruce and Nat sitting by the kitchen's island as the billionaire gets himself another cup of coffee. "I've set up the internship competition and called the School, they set up an assembly tomorrow so we can announce it".

Tony takes a sip from his freshly brewed coffee, "that's great Pep", he smiles, his way to hide the little trembling of his stomach. Pepper smiles back at the man, "All we're missing now is an adjusted internship admissions test". Tony lifts an eyebrow, "These are still high schoolers Tony, besides, we're going to need a shortened test because our usual one lasts all day. Can't really cut into a full school day".

He takes another sip, nonchalantly sitting on the island, "So, when will that be ready?". Pepper gives Tony a raised brow and sly smirk, "You know the kid and the test best Tony, if anyone is making the adjusted test it's you".

He doesn't look pleased, slouching over his warm cup. Pepper however can play him like a fiddle. "You don't need to make it now Tony, we can always push the competition and internship back".

Takes a second for him to realise her point, and realise he does. He shoots from his chair and races to the Lab, faster he gets it done, faster the kid's internship starts. All 4 adults left look at where Tony just disappeared amused. "I think that's the fastest I've seen him run to do work", Rhodey comments, getting a chuckle out of Pepper and Bruce. "Me too", the former adds.

FRIDAY however, kills them all. "That is the fastest Boss has ever run to do work".

"Can you blame me Pep, I want to make sure the Kid is ok, I want to meet him, in the least creepy way possible", he chuckles, rubbing the back of his head, resting his forehead on Happy's seat's headrest. "Me too Tony, and it'll be fine", she tries and reassures Tony's remnant fears, "you put questions in the test you know he can answer, didn't you?".

He smirks, "They're standard college level questions, if he just so happened to know them good for him". She scoffs shaking her head lovingly at her fiancée. "So it'll be fine. You know he can handle the test, so he'll definitely get the internship".

Their conversation comes to a sudden end as Happy parks their Limo outside Midtown High, "Come on Tony, let's meet the kid".

The second the car arrived, student gossiping broke loose, only intensifying as they got out. Tony and Pepper discerning only a few phrases at a time often marked with "OMG's" followed by either of their names. The school's principal meeting them by the door. "Mr Stark, Ms Potts, it's an honour to have you at our school", Mr Morita welcomes them, as submissive as possible or so Tony would think.

"Thank you for having us Principal Morita, and for agreeing to our offer". Pepper shakes his hand, her usual politeness shining as Tony scans the students gathered by the door, looking for a certain face.