I don't own anything except any original character and/or any original plot

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Chapter Twenty-Two: Summers

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"Okay, okay, internship open at- oh nevermind that's Oscorp. I know the company is corrupt, but maybe you could take the internship anyways and fix the company from the inside."

"Yeah, because an intern in the newest division would make such a difference," I huffed in frustration. Ever since telling Harry that there were complicated reasons I couldn't take the internship, I had been searching for another one with minimal results, "Maybe when Harry takes over, but until then..."

"That's fine," my dad assured cooly, "We'' find something, don't worry."

Happy's outside. Get in the car if you want to go to college ;)

My brows furrowed in confusion at Tony's random text. "Stark just texted me saying Happy's outside. I'll be back later."

"Tomorrow's your last day of school, be back on time."

"You got it, Mom."

Slipping on my shoes and purse I went to the lobby. There, Jess was- as always- on her phone, giggling stupidly. She was talking to Via, who was apparently the best thing to ever happen to her. Jess had nothing negative to say about her, so I had no qualms with it.

"Where you going?" Jess glanced up from her phone.

"The Avengers compound, I think. I'm not sure yet."

"Well, don't fight anyone and have fun then."

"We'll see how things play out. Bye Jess!"

I spotted Happy waiting for her outside of his car. He spotted me immediately, relieved I got outside so fast.

"You get that promotion yet?" I questioned as Happy opened the passenger side door for me.

"Head of security," Happy confirmed.

"Good for you. You're climbing the ladder."

The car ride consisted of Happy and me fighting for radio rights, me texting the group chat about what was going on, and Happy and I exchanging ideas for Tony and Pepper's wedding as if we would be making the final decisions.

When Happy pulled up the compound was bustling as always. He parked, turning off the car.

"Tony's waiting for you inside. I have some work to do so I won't be there with you."

Nodding silently, I walked into the facility. There, Tony popped out of a room and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, immediately steering me through the facility.

"Misty told me about you needing an internship. Pushing aside the offense that you didn't immediately come to me, I found you one. I don't have any available spots, but there's someone who does," with a grand gesture, Tony pushed open the door of a meeting room, "Meet King T'Challa of Wakanda."

"Hi," I waved lamely, struck dumb with shock, "I'm not fancy enough for this. Should I bow?"

"You don't need to bow," T'Challa chuckled, waving his hand dismissively, "Pleasure to meet you, now that we are not on opposite sides."

"Yes, it's an honor. But I don't understand what this has to do with an internship."

"My sister, Shuri, has decided to pursue a PhD for marine biology and, um..."

"Oceanography."

"Yes. Thank you Okoye. She requested an assistant in the lab. Someone her age who could keep up with her work and research. That is when Mr. Stark contacted me."

"Would I have to move to Wakanda?" I asked in worry. Dropping me entire life to move to a foreign country? Not possible, even if Wakanda seemed extraordinary.

"Our ships travel to and from New York in an hour. I would request you stay in Wakanda for the summer to learn our culture, however. You may bring friends, if you wish, ut they must respect my country."

"Yes of course! This is- this is wow. Thank you so much for the opportunity Your Majesty. When do I have to be ready to leave?"

"The day after tomorrow. Be here and be ready."

I nodded, a cheshire esque grin on my face.. Okoye spoke to T'Challa briefly in Wakandan.

"Kumkani wam, umama wakho ucela ukubuya kwakho."

T'Challa nodded, mumbling something back before he turned to me again, "I will see you in two days (Y/n)."

T'Challa and Okoye moved past me and Tony in a hurry. When they were out of sight I turned to Tony, mouth agape.

"How did you manage that Stark? He's a king. You got me an internship with the princess!"

"I know, I'm amazing," Tony smirked, swiping imaginary dust off his shoulders, "I would say you owe me one, but you've probably saved Peter more times than I can count. All I ask is that you keep looking out for him. He's a good kid."

"I was planning on doing that anyways, don't worry Stark."

"Good. Let me text Happy so he can get the car ready. He's going crazy with Pepper's and my wedding. Security and all that. Anyways, go home and pack. I'll see you in two days."

"Yeah, yeah. You aren't as bad as I thought you were, Stark. Even if you did try to lock up Wanda for something she couldn't control."

Before Tony could argue I left the room. I wasn't going to give him the chance to fight back, he would lose to a fifteen year old and his pride couldn't handle that. Outside, Happy was just turning the key in the ignition when I got out.

"Did you say yes?" He asked me, as excited as I was.

"I'm going to Wakanda!"

"I'm going to have to drive you back up here. Whatever friends you're going to bring, make sure they don't scream in the car.

"Don't worry, I'm sure whoever comes will be just fine," I said as I crafted a text for the group chat.

Anyone interested in going to Wakanda for the summer? I just got an internship. Pick up on Saturday

Can't, my aunt is getting married and I'm a bridesmaid so I'm out

We're going to Hawaii, I'm out

With everything going on with my dad I want to stay and make sure he's okay

I checked with Aunt May and she said it would be a good learning experience

"Looks like you're only driving Peter anyways," I sighed, turning my phone off, "All of my other friends actually have lives."

Happy snorted and I realized how offensive that sounded, "Not like that! I meant that they're busy! Peter has a life, obviously!"

"Yeah, sure kid. Just remember that that's your boyfriend you're insulting."

I flushed, turning to look out the window. Peter being her boyfriend seemed surreal, but it was really happening. It had happened.

Another car ride with Happy led to us discussing Steve and his team. Happy reported that there were a few sightings here or there, but that Tony never reported the to the UN or went after them. Happy saw all, and he knew Tony still had a soft spot for his old friends.

"Alright kid, I'll be here at noon on Saturday to bring you back up to the compound," Happy stopped at the curb of my building.

"I'll see you then Happy."

I walked into the building. Jess' shift was over so it was another secretary I didn't know as well. I took the elevator up to my floor and was bombarded by my parents shooting questions at me.

"Guys, guys, I'm not getting arrested or anything don't worry," my parents visibly relaxed, "But I think you're gonna miss me because I'm going to Wakanda for the summer."

"What?" my parents yelled in unison, "This is news to us!"

"I know! I promise I'm not on drugs. Tony called up T'Challa and apparently he was looking for an assistant for his sister. He wants me to learn their culture over the summer before I officially start and is letting me bring friends. Peter is the only one who can go, though."

"Well, honey, that's great," my mom hugged me, "Good thing too because we didn't find any internships for you. We'll miss you, and support you, but miss you more."

"When do you leave?"

"Saturday," I headed towards my room before stopping, "Wait, what if Green Goblin attacks New York? What am I going to do when Peter and I are in Africa?"

"We'll call Charles and see if they can keep tabs on the city while you're gone," Dad assured, already pulling out his phone, "You just worry about your last day of school and graduating."

"Thank you! You're the best!"

I sprinted to my room and pulled out my biggest suitcases. I shoved everything I could into them. All the clothes I thought I would need, bathroom items I wouldn't need for the next two days, books and keepsakes. Electronics and chargers would be packed the night before since I would be using them before then.

I set my bags in the corner of my room, laying on my bed. The talk with T'Challa and Okoye on top of the drive there and the drive bag took up most of the night. It was already 9:30.

Setting out my outfit for the next day I showered after that. When I was finished I crawled into bed and told Peter to meet me at my apartment 11:30 on Saturday so we could be in the same place when Happy picked us up.

As I fell asleep, with a smile on my face, I couldn't be more thankful for my AI. She was the one who told Tony about my predicament afterall.

The Next Day- 2:41 PM

"Goodbye seniors. As the clock turns, it's officially summer!"

Everyone in the classroom cheered, racing out the door to get home. I was caught in the middle of the stampede and had to jump to find MJ, and the only reason I found her was because she was so tall.

"MJ!"

MJ turned around, grabbing my arm and dragging me into a side hall so we could talk in peace.

"I just wanted to say bye when I got caught in the crowd," I explained.

"Yo, Parker, Osborn, Leeds!"

Ned, Peter, and Harry - who were all walking and talking together- turned their heads when MJ called. They pushed their way through the crowd and joined us.

"You have to promise to skype and call and text," I hugged each person except for Peter since he was coming with me, "And stay alive guys, for a little while at least."

"Hamildrop!" Everyone shouted in unison. I couldn't help but laugh. Our group melded so well together it was unbelievable.

"Alright, I love you all, and if we get back from Wakanda before the summer is over we need to hang out. Bye!"

I grabbed Peter's hand and pulled him into the crowd flowing out of the school. To anyone else we would seem like a young couple in love, although we hadn't said ti to each other yet. It was too early, too soon to tell how the other would react to those important words.

"I'll see you tomorrow Bug-Boy, be on time or I'm leaving you in America," I joke as we approached my building.

"See you tomorrow Blue," Peter gave my hand one last squeeze before letting go.

"Oh, look out, junior in the house!" Jess announced as I entered. It was more embarrassing than usual because there was another tenant in the lobby with us.

"Haha, very funny," I chuckled awkwardly, approaching the desk so we could talk quietly, "What about you? Next year is your last year in college, isn't it?"

"Yep, then I'll be off in the world," Jess leaned forward, "Although, I'm not supposed to tell anyone this but the director of the building talked to me. He's retiring and he wanted to promote someone who worked well with the people who lived here. Thanks to the security tapes of me talking with you, your friends, and your parents, he thinks I'd be a good fit. So thanks half-pint."

"So you're gonna work here forever?" I asked excitedly.

"Until I decide to retire too, yeah. I thought I'd find some genetics work on the side to my major to good use. All I need's a recommendation from some of the people that live here. I was wondering if you could be one of them."

"Yeah, of course! I'll send it over since I'm leaving for the summer. But, you'll run the building after you finish college?"

"Yep," Jess leaned back in her seat, "I'm sure these good looks played some part in getting me the job, and the rest was pure brains and good charm."

I chuckled sarcastically, rolling my eyes at her overconfidence. Walking to the elevator I pressed my floor button and tapped my foot as the machine rose. When I entered my parents were in front of me cheering with a bowl of ice cream.

"You survived the school year!"

"And tomorrow you're leaving us for two months," my dad rushed forward and clung onto me.

"Dad, come on. It's not like I'm leaving forever. We can still talk all the time, and Kurt can teleport you over if you're really missing me."

Dad nodded, wiping his eyes. My mom handed him a bowl of ice cream and he immediately cheered up, shoving a spoonful of the treaty into his mouth. The few seconds of silence was interrupted by my dad crying out and clutching his head.

"Brain freeze!"

"Freeze your brain," I sang mockingly, "Swim in the ice get lost in the pain-"

"I'll lose you," my dad ran towards me, making me shriek, "Come here, I'll shove your head in the freezer see what you think about that."

"You'll never catch me villain," I leapt over the couch, narrowly avoiding the coffee table.

"Children!" My mother reprimanded, smacking my dad on the head, "We rented the new Kingsman movie and we're going to watch it together."

"Yuss," I jumped onto the couch, sticking my tongue out at my dad.

My mom and dad sat down, my mom giving me my bowl again. Turning on the movie, all of us settled down and enjoyed our last night together before the summer started. Leaning back, I took another bite of my ice cream. Looking at each of my parents, my dad engaged and my mom nearly falling asleep, I couldn't think of a better way to spend our last night together.

The Next Day- 11:20

"Okay you're entirely packed?"

"Yes."

"You have your computer?"

"Yes."

"Chargers?"

"Yes."

"Sunscreen, because I know how hot Wakanda can get and I don't know what they'll have there or how much you'll be outside-"

"Dad I'm fine," I laughed. Traditionally, it should have been my mom fretting over me. But we were never ones to fit the societal norm, "Peter's fine too, right Peter?"

"Y-Yeah. Thank you for being concerned though, Mr. (L/n)."

"You can call me Lucas, Peter," Peter coughed when my dad slapped his shoulder, "Now, since we have the time, I want to go over the ground rules if you're going to date my daughter. Number one is that you gotta understand that she's her own person, being her boyfriend doesn't mean that she's your property, and she isn't mine either so-"

"Oh would you look at that, Happy's here!" I wasn't sure if the buzzing of my phone was actually Happy or not, but I wasn't going to wait to find out, "We gotta go. I love you, I'll talk to you later I promise."

"Goodbye, we love you," my parents gave me a hug, "You too Peter. Just remember to treat her right in Wakanda."

"I will."

Peter and I said goodbye to Jess as we were leaving, wishing her luck with her possible new job. Seeing Happy just outside, I knew the text I got was actually from him. I hadn't even checked in the elevator. We put our bags in the trunk and sped off to the compound.

The ride was quieter than it had been when it was just me and Happy. Peter was more of a peacekeeper than we thought, making sure we never got too heated with each other in our mock arguments. When we arrived at the Avengers Compound, Happy wishes us luck and pointed out the ship on one of the landing pads.

"There they are!" Tony greeted us loudly when we were approaching the quinjet, "You two got everything you need?"

We nodded in response.

"Good. Have fun, relax, learn some Wakandan culture. And if you see Cap kick his ass for me."

T'Challa cleared his throat, walking up behind Tony.

"Right, I'll see you two later, then," Tony said his goodbyes.

"Mr- Mr Stark, can I-"

Tony sighed and nodded, opening his arms to give Peter a hug. It was short and slightly awkward, but heartwarming all the same. When they pulled apart, Tony sent me a weary look.

"Don't expect me to give you one."

"I'd break your nose if you did," I grinned before picking up my bag and walking towards the ship."

"You picked a great one there," Tony told Peter.

"I know."

"Only one friend then. A lover perhaps," Okoye smirked from the cockpit when we walked on.

"Okoye," T'Challa warned, though there was no true authority behind it, only humor.

"I'm sorry, my king," Okoye showed no signs of remorse, "They remind me of me and my love when we were young."

"Yes, love is exceptional."

My brows raised. The two greatest warriors in Wakanda, one being the king, were so... conversational.

Within the next hour we were in Wakanda. The ship passed through the illusion shield and gave birth to a hidden world. Peter and I ran to the windows, marvelling at the gorgeous sight in front of us.

Wakanda had only recently been revealed to the world as a country more advanced than any other. Even then, the only information the public was given was that they'd been protecting their culture until that point. They were ready to send assistance, letting the world in was still a big no.

"Welcome to Wakanda."