Thursday morning. Peter checked his phone before heading to school. Coach Wilson had texted the roster. Peter's name was on it. Varsity basketball team. First sophomore to make varsity in four years.
He got ready for school. Put on jeans and a fitted t-shirt that actually showed his improved physique. Aunt May had taken him shopping over the weekend. Updated his entire wardrobe. Nothing flashy. Just clothes that fit properly and looked intentionally chosen.
The Parker family was moving into the new house this weekend. Boxes were already packed. The place on Maple Street was perfect. Three bedrooms. Quiet neighborhood. Good security. Uncle Ben still grumbled about it being "too nice" but even he admitted it was better than their current situation.
Aunt May was fully recovered now. She spent her days planning the new house's decoration. Gardening. Reading. She'd decided not to go back to work. Instead, she was talking about volunteering at a community center. Helping other families who needed support.
Peter drove to school in the used car Uncle Ben had helped him buy. Nothing fancy. A reliable sedan that got him from point A to point B. He could have bought something much nicer. But that would draw attention he didn't want.
When he pulled into the school parking lot, he noticed a crowd forming near the main entrance. Students pointing at something. Talking excitedly.
Peter parked and walked over. Pushed through the crowd politely.
A black luxury car was parked at the curb. Not just any luxury car. A Rolls-Royce. With the Oscorp logo discreetly displayed on the door.
Norman Osborn stood beside it. Wearing an expensive suit. Talking to Principal Morita. When Norman saw Peter approaching, his entire demeanor changed. Became warmer. More inviting.
"Ah, Peter! Perfect timing." Norman dismissed the principal with a gesture and walked toward Peter. "I was hoping to catch you before classes started."
"Mr. Osborn," Peter said politely but without warmth.
"Norman, please. I've told you to call me Norman." He gestured back toward the car. "I wanted to discuss something important. Do you have a few minutes?"
"I have class in ten minutes."
"This won't take long. Promise." Norman's smile was practiced. Perfect. Completely fake. "I've been following your recent successes. The patents. The Stark Industries consultation. Very impressive for someone your age."
"Thank you."
"But you could do so much more with the right resources. Stark Industries is fine for some things. But Oscorp is leading the world in genetic research. Bioengineering. The kind of cutting-edge science that will define the next century."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested in genetic research right now."
Norman's smile tightened slightly. "Peter, I've asked you three times now. I'm trying to be patient because you're Harry's friend. But my patience has limits."
The threat was subtle but clear. Peter's enhanced hearing caught the edge in Norman's voice. The barely-controlled anger.
"I understand," Peter said calmly. "But my answer remains the same. I'm not interested in working at Oscorp."
Norman's expression darkened. He opened his mouth to respond.
Then his eyes fixed on something behind Peter. His face went through a rapid series of changes. Surprise. Frustration. Forced politeness.
Peter turned.
Another car had pulled up. Much flashier than Norman's Rolls-Royce. A custom Audi R8. Bright red. The kind of car that announced its owner before they even stepped out.
Tony Stark emerged from the driver's seat. Sunglasses on. Casual but expensive clothes.
That signature confident swagger.
"Parker!" Tony called out. "There you are. Been looking all over for you."
The crowd of students reacted immediately. Phones came out. Photos being taken. Tony Stark at their school was major news.
Tony walked up to Peter, completely ignoring Norman. "We need to talk. Got a new project proposal. Requires your input. Time-sensitive."
"I have school," Peter said.
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