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.
"So? School can wait. This is more important." Tony finally acknowledged Norman's presence. "Osborn. Didn't expect to see you here. Business or pleasure?"
"I was speaking with Peter about an opportunity," Norman said stiffly.
"Really? What kind of opportunity?" Tony's tone was casual but his eyes were sharp behind the sunglasses.
"A private conversation," Norman said.
"Ah. Private. I get it." Tony turned to Peter.
"Has he given you the Oscorp recruitment pitch yet? Fourth time? Fifth?"
"Fourth," Peter confirmed.
Tony grinned. "Persistent guy, our Norman. Doesn't take no for an answer very well." He put a hand on Peter's shoulder. "Come on, kid. We're leaving. Got actual work to do."
"Tony, I really do have class—"
"And I really don't care. Whatever they're teaching you here, I can teach you better. Let's go."
Norman stepped forward. "Peter is a student here. He has obligations. You can't just pull him out of school."
"Watch me," Tony said cheerfully. "Also, Peter's working as my consultant. Which means when I need him, he comes. That was in the contract. Pretty sure we had lawyers and everything."
Peter was torn between amusement and exasperation. Two billionaires arguing over him like he was a particularly valuable chess piece.
"I'll catch up with my classes later," Peter said to Norman. "Sorry, Mr. Osborn."
Norman's jaw clenched. His hands tightened into fists at his sides. "This is the fourth time you've declined my offer, Peter. I won't be asking again."
"I understand," Peter said.
"Do you? Because I'm not sure you appreciate the implications of repeatedly insulting someone like me."
Tony's demeanor changed. The playfulness dropped away. His voice went cold. "Did you just threaten a sixteen-year-old kid, Osborn?"
"I'm stating facts," Norman said. "Peter is making choices. Choices have consequences."
"Yeah, and threatening minors has consequences too. Legal ones. Want me to call my lawyers? They're really good. Really expensive. Really motivated to protect people I work with."
Norman and Tony stared at each other. The tension was thick enough to cut. Students had gone silent. Watching the confrontation.
Harry Osborn's voice cut through the moment. "Dad. We should go."
Harry had pushed through the crowd. He looked embarrassed and worried in equal measure. "You're going to be late for your meeting. We should leave."
Norman broke eye contact with Tony. Looked at his son. Some of the anger drained from his expression.
"You're right." Norman straightened his suit jacket. "Peter, we'll talk again soon. Whether you like it or not."
He walked back to the Rolls-Royce. Harry followed, giving Peter an apologetic look before getting in the car.
The vehicle pulled away smoothly. Disappeared into traffic.
Tony watched it go. Then turned to Peter with a grin. "So. That was fun. Want to grab breakfast? I'm buying."
"You just caused a huge scene at my school," Peter said.
"You're welcome. Saved you from creepy Osborn's recruitment pitch number four. I expect gratitude."
"I don't need saving."
"Everyone needs saving sometimes, kid. Even genius teenagers." Tony gestured toward his car. "Come on. Pancakes. My treat. We'll talk about the actual project I want your help with."
Peter glanced back at the school. Students were still staring. Phones still out. This was going to be all over social media within the hour.
MJ was in the crowd. Her reporter instincts clearly activated. She'd witnessed everything.
Gwen looked concerned. Her mind probably working through what had just happened.
Felicia looked amused. Like she'd just watched an entertaining show.
Peter made a decision. "Fine. Breakfast. But I'm driving myself. I'll follow you."
"Your funeral. Try to keep up." Tony headed for his Audi.
Peter walked back to his sedan. Students parted for him. Whispers following his movement.
"Did Tony Stark just take Peter Parker out of school?"
"Is Norman Osborn really mad at him?"
"Parker knows Tony Stark personally?"
Peter ignored them all. Got in his car. Started the engine.
His phone buzzed. Text from Uncle Ben.
"Someone just posted a video of you with Tony Stark and Norman Osborn at school. Want to explain what's going on?"
Peter sighed. He'd explain later. Right now, he had a breakfast meeting with Iron Man.
He pulled out of the parking lot. Tony's red Audi was already speeding down the street. Peter followed at a more reasonable pace.
Behind him, Midtown High was in chaos. The quiet genius Peter Parker had just become the most talked-about student in school.
And the day had barely started.
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