Gemini laughed. "Don't tell your family about my... specialness. You'll only lose the memory of that bridge scene."
Ben relaxed. "Expo starts at 4 PM. Where to next? You've got the car all day—I'm following your lead."
Gemini thought for a moment. "Is it far? You need to pick up your family, right?"
Ben calculated. "Almost 2 PM. Expo's close. Even with pickup, we've got an hour."
Gemini didn't know the Muggle world well. Might as well get his family first.
Ben checked his watch. "No problem. Meeting at my nephew's school. Let's go."
Gemini nodded. Ben started the car, heading toward Peter's elementary school. Called May on the way—asked her to get his nephew excused early.
Around 2:30, Ben's car stopped at the school. A red-haired woman stood by the curb, holding hands with a boy in an Iron Man mask.
"May! Peter! Get in!" Ben leaned out the window.
May climbed in, spotted Gemini in back. Looked at Ben questioningly.
"Today's client," Ben explained, driving. "Also going to the expo. With her permission, I picked you up." He gestured at a bag. "Bread from a bakery she recommended. Tried it—really good. You and Peter should have some."
May smiled at Gemini. Introduced little Peter. Peter smiled shyly, playing with his mask. Stayed quiet.
The car rolled smoothly. The Parkers discussed plans with Gemini. She knew nothing about tech expos—told them to take the lead. She'd just watch.
Ben decided to hit a supermarket near the venue. They browsed, bought snacks and drinks. By then, almost time. Didn't bother with the car—walked to the expo from the street.
Venue opened at 4 PM. Huge stadium. Cordoned stage in the center—for tonight's product launch. Perimeter filled with booths. Tech companies from around the world showing off products.
Inside the expo, Peter came alive. Only eight, but he could explain everything in the booths. Made Gemini relax. She followed him around, exclaiming at Muggle technology.
After hours following tireless Peter, May insisted on a break. Found the rest area. Pulled out supermarket snacks for a quick meal. Their tickets included the launch—too far and late to find real dinner. They'd eat after.
After eating and resting, noise came from the stage. Ben stood. "They're checking tickets. Time to go."
They cleaned up, walked toward the stage entrance.
Inside, Natasha groaned internally. She'd spotted Gemini. She was here with Pepper—posing as Pepper's assistant. Needed to get Pepper away first. Otherwise Pepper would greet Gemini. Bad timing for exposure.
Natasha pressed her earpiece. Whispered to Pepper up front. The two smiled, said goodbyes, headed backstage. Perfectly avoided Gemini's entrance.
Gemini looked around, fascinated. Flashing lights. Tech atmosphere. A scene she'd never seen. Incredibly novel. Kept asking eight-year-old Peter questions. Little Peter didn't mind. Patiently explained everything—even things ordinary people took for granted. Never got frustrated with her ignorance.
Ben and May smiled, watching them chatter. Since Peter came to live with them, he'd been shy, withdrawn. Rarely spoke. Too abnormal for a child. But he'd just lost his parents—Ben and May didn't know what to do. Now, seeing him act like a kid? They felt relieved.
Time passed. Venue quieted. Someone appeared on stage, making grandiose claims. Gemini had no interest—just wanted to see what product warranted this production. Peter beside her listened, fascinated. Iron Man mask pushed up on his head.
Just as Gemini got impatient, the product appeared. A row of robots. In the center, one painted in American flag colors. Looked somewhat like the Mark III. Called the War Machine armor.
Gemini narrowed her eyes. Tony's friend?
Before she could think, a gold-red figure dropped from the sky. The venue erupted. Screams everywhere. "Iron Man, I love you!" Even Peter stood on his chair, waving excitedly at the stage.
Gemini's mouth twitched. Too high-profile. At Hogwarts, he'd be Gryffindor. No doubt.
As the venue cheered, accident struck. The robots—including War Machine—attacked Iron Man. Gunfire erupted. The crowd screamed in terror. People fled toward exits. Gemini yanked Peter off his chair. Ben and May held hands, protecting Gemini and Peter in the middle. Four moved toward the exit.
Gemini's wand was already in hand. She looked at Ben's back. This man was decent. Even knowing Gemini had means to keep them safe, he still shielded the kids when danger hit. Gemini found herself distracted. Needed to think of something.
The four stayed together, but couldn't withstand the crowd. Soon Ben and May were separated. Only Gemini remained, one hand gripping Peter, the other holding her wand. Quietly casting spells. Ensuring they wouldn't be trampled. Wouldn't be hit by stray bullets.
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