A year to Remember. Part 2, the Internship

Hoods and Masks

Mr Morita smiles at her, "it was our pleasure, and I'm sure our students will love this opportunity". Mr Morita steps aside, guiding the couple towards the school's door. "We've set up the Gym for your announcement", He adds as he leads them into the school.

Students all turn, gasp, and split within the hall, opening the way for the 3 adults to walk through as they all gape in awe. Tony and Pepper both chuckle swiftly at the immediate reaction following along. The Billionaire subtle scanning of all the teens not unnoticed by Pep.

A minute of walking and searching later, Tony spots someone that looks familiar. Slim, nerdy looking kid. Brown curls just poking out through the Midtown hoodie, face reminiscent of the security footage. "That kid, that's gotta be", Tony thinks as he gives the kid a closer look, fully turning to face him, analytical eyes.

Immediately, Tony notices the kid stiffen, paling slightly. "Is he- is he scared?". This thought strikes Tony as he turns away, the kid's reaction resonating as odd. The rest of the walk Tony spends deep in his mind. "Was that the kid? He looked like the kid, but was he scared? He paled, he stiffened, I swear he was scared. Was he scared of me? Why?", That final question stumping his genius.

After arriving backstage at the Gym, Morita heading on stage to oversee the arrival of the final kids and quiet them down to start, Tony asks for a second opinion. "Pep, I think I saw the kid", he whispers.

"You mean the one in the hoodie you turned to?", she turns, cheekily looking at him. "How did you-?", Tony stares at Pepper shocked at her prescience.

She smirks, "because I saw you scanning the students. I know you Tony. I knew you wouldn't be able to not take this chance". Tony rolls his eyes, loving of his very attentive wife while still very concerned by her omniscience. "So, was he?".

"I don't know Tony, didn't see his face only his hoodie", She half lies, she isn't sure if that's Peter but she's definitely not telling him. "And even if it was I couldn't tell you". He scoffs frustrated, it's true that's what they agreed but it doesn't make it any less annoying. "I know Pep, but he looked scared, of me".

Pepper crooks her head, "They're a teenager Tony, you're Tony Stark. I'm sure they were just surprised to see you walk in front of them like everyone else we passed." She smiles looking up to him, "Besides, you turned and stared at him. That's scared interns and grown businessmen Tony, it'd be weird if he wasn't scared". He chuckles, forcefully, at her comment. "Yeah, you're right", he concedes, a few light footsteps turning their attention at the door.

Three kids walk through, among them a short kid and an intimidating girl, but the one that caught both billionaire's attention was the third one. Standing between the other 2 was the kid in the hoodie. Both Boys give them quick smiles. Tony notices how the short phillipino kid gave a bright and excited smile while the Kid in the hoodie's is weaker, more strained.

The Billionaire and the CEO wave at the kids as they shuffle up towards the bleachers, restarting their conversation. "That's the kid. I swear he looked scared Pep".

"You don't know that Tony", she repeats herself, this time quite certain that it's Peter. "He could just be a big fan. Like I said, you intimidate even heartless businessmen. One shy teenager? Maybe he was just scared to embarrass himself in front of you", she reasons. "Yeah, maybe", Tony closes the conversation, not convinced but not really able to fight Pepper, specially not with the assembly starting there and then.

Morita does the traditional school introduction, quickly mentioning the special guests for the day before he passes it on to them. The room breaking out into loud cheering as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts walk to the Dias, the latter taking over once the applause dies down.

"Hello Midtown, as you probably already know I am Pepper Potts, CEO of stark industries", She points to Tony, whom is scanning the bleachers again. "And this is Tony Stark, the owner of S.I.", The man gives the crowd his paparazzi smile as the students cheer.

A little breakdown of S.I. and providing of context on the internship programs she runs right into her point. "Usually we only offer internships to postgraduate or high achieving undergraduate students. However, having observed Midtown's academic high standards and success — as seen in its robotics, biochemistry and decathlon competitions — we've decided to make an exception".

The room catches her point quickly, falling quiet enough to hear a pin drop, yet the tension and anticipation almost deafening to all. "We're opening the opportunity to Midtown students for a summer internship. It will last for the duration of the summer and depending on your quality of work can count for school credit."

Pepper can see the bleachers almost shake as she speaks, student gossiping breaking out as she pauses for a second, letting them release some of their tension. Meanwhile, she took the opportunity to look at Peter, barely getting a glimpse as students stood and shook.

"Applicability is based on your school record and results which your principal can provide for us, as well as a version of our entrance exam designed by the very own Tony Stark!", She gives him the Dias, letting him cover what he knows best.

Pulling his persona, he takes over the assembly, using this as an opportunity to more openly scan and address the crowd. "It's a 3 hour long test, designed to gauge if your understanding of robotics, physics, biochemistry and computer programming is enough for our labs. One final optional extended question at the end for anyone who wants to attempt it.

Your position — if you get one — will be defined by your grades and results on my test. If you are accepted either Pepper or I will contact you-" Tony could hear the room gasp at this statement, him carrying on as if it didn't happen- "with your schedule and division." He closes, pausing as he spots the kid in the hoodie, sat at the back, once again pale. Tony gives his paparazzi smile to the crowd still staring at the kid, before being forced to move on.

"Any Questions?".

Pepper and Tony answer a barrage of questions from the overwhelmed teenagers; Asking about the Avengers, working with Tony, the divisions of Stark Industries, etc. Him growing more and more suspicious at the kid's lack thereof. It was 30 minutes later before Morita signalled to Pepper that their time was running out, her smiling back at the principal before saying, "final question", as she points at Abe.

"If we get an internship, what will our hours be?".

Pepper smiles, happy to see a pragmatic question and a question without thinly veiled sexism. "It's 3 days a week, which depend on your division, 9 to 4 with a designated lunch break. They last until your last week of summer". Abe nods at Pepper, thankfully, her smiling in reply before Morita takes over, thanking the Billionaire and the CEO as they make their way offstage and out the door.

"This will work right?", Tony asks Pep, his facade faded and anxieties over the kid back. "You made the test Tony, you know him best, what do you think?". Tony exhales, "when will we get the results?".

"Mr Morita said he'd get it done by the weekend, I'm guessing they're doing the test later today so he can send us the applicants tonight".

"Tonight". Tony sighs, subtle excitement and worry clear to Pepper, who walks besides him as they return to their Limo, and tower.