Peter tries to breathe as quietly and calmly as he can in order to prevent Mason from entering his room. He doesn't need to give that man any reason to shout at him. It seems that ever since he moved into the apartment with Peter and May he's changed from the cool guy trying to win his approval to an ill-tempered man that can't seem to stand Peter's presence half the time. Several times he's thought of talking to May but each time she sees her two boys sitting together for dinner she can't help but look happier than Peter has seen her in years. "I can do this. Only a few more hours until May gets home," Peter reminds himself just before the door slams open. "What are you in here doing?" "N-nothing. I... I was just... Well," Peter stumbles over his words in his nervousness. "Stop with the stuttering!" Mason roars advancing towards Peter only to grab him by the arm and start shaking the slight boy. "You know how I hate the stuttering. You're 15 for Christ's sake. Act like it!" "I know. I'm sorry." "Good I'm not trying to be mean but you should know better than to do things to purposely annoy me. Here," he shoves a few pieces of candy into the boy's hand before dropping him back onto the bed. "That should hold you over until your aunt comes home and I finish dinner." Without another look, he turns and stalks back out the door to do whatever he was before. Peter carefully lifts the sleeve of his shirt up to see the start of another bruise. It was as if the man had no idea how strong he was sometimes. Peter knows he should be more careful around him and this is all his fault for making him upset again. He won't make this mistake again. At least he hopes.

His life is what he's grown to know as the personification of hell. A fifteen-year-old boy trapped within his home, becoming a prisoner of his own home. All because one selfish idiot decides to act up and get the young small teen into trouble. Or, in other words, likes to torment up to the point Peter thinks he's in trouble. Since Mason has moved in, Peter has become more and more miserable. He used to be so happy and chirpy, and now he's become a stuttering, withdrawn shaken up mess. The feeling of walking on eggshells in his own home had him living on the edge. Not at all helping his anxiety and nerves that would make him become the stuttering mess he is usually. Always feeling like a deer caught in headlights. Looking so innocent and thinking your in trouble, when in reality you did nothing wrong. Whereas Peter, he constantly thinks on that thought. Believing that he's done something wrong to deserve all of this. Who knows, but the young lad had a feeling it is to do with what's coming up in the next few weeks. Peter is dreading it.

And by "it" he means that announcement to see which of his classmates qualifies for the newest position at Stark industries. The school was picked for having the best and brightest minds of the generation and the entire student population got an application to be Tony Stark's personal assistant, a position that hadn't even existed a few months ago. It will be a huge honor to hold the title and the winner will only be spending every other week at school. The other weeks will be spent with Mr. Stark and learning directly from him. Peter knows that it's a stretch to imagine himself in the position while there are tons of other kids that are more intelligent than he is. Although he can't help but allow May to get his hopes up about the internship. It isn't until late at night after May falls asleep that Mason comes into Peter's Room and tells him how he shouldn't get too hopeful because of how whining he can get. Even if he is proved to be smart that doesn't mean Mr. Stark will tolerate his presence for a very long time. Peter tries to stomp down his initial panic at the number of people in the hallway when he finally arrives at school. This fear of large crowds and overall anxiety has only developed recently so he tries to act as normally as to not worry the few friends he's managed to make. "Hey Penis," a hand slams his locker close a fraction of a second after he moved his own. just what I need this morning, he thinks to himself. "Have you heard the news?" Flash asks only to waves away his nonexistent answer. "What am I talking about of course you haven't. The principal has been calling a few students to the office for the next step of the application. But of course, you're not down there seeing as you're too poor and stupid to even be considered, I bet they burned your papers before even sending it to waste Tony's time." Peter wants to point out that Flash isn't down in the principal's office either but holds his tongue as the bully continues to run his mouth. "In fact, I'm on my way down there now. I better hurry so that they don't waste any more time. Everyone knows that I'm getting that internship with how much money my parents contribute to the school and they have stocks in Stark Industries." Peter knows that he should just let it go and move on with his life but he can't help open his mouth to dig himself a deeper hole. "So you're only getting the internship because of mommy and daddy's money? Gee Flash I'm sure Mr. Stark is looking or at least a little talent. And if now then a little personality couldn't hurt." A few students snigger having heard both sides of the conversation. "That not what I... I meant... Listen, Penis," "I am listening you're just not saying anything," Before Peter could flinch away from the impending fist a hand clamps down on his arm and quickly walks him down the hall towards his first class. He has to swallow his wince of pain and instead tries to focus on his best friend's voice.
"Haha, Peter. Always joking and being so funny." He speaks again but this time quieter. "You don't need to antagonize Flash like that. Need I remind you all the times he's beat the both of us up. Or how about all the times he's shoved you in a locker." "Oh come on Ned. He totally walked into it," Peter tries to defend himself but Ned only shakes his head. "The teacher's been looking for you anyway. Says he has something important to tell you." When the two walk into the classroom the whole room turns to them as the teacher cuts off her conversation with another student. "Peter they need you to report to the principal's office immediately. Take all of your belongings."

The shaggy brown-haired boy can't help but wring his fingers in nervousness. Ever since the day of filling out the application, Peter held hope that he would be chosen but never truly expected it. now the truth is staring him in the face or more like the door of the principal's office is right in front of him. He's debating whether to knock or not when it swings open to reveal the nice secretary that's always sitting there.

"Peter!" She greets kindly. " You're just in time Mr. Thompson is finishing up and you're next."

"Finished?" he asks confused while following behind the woman into the office. "I thought he just got here. How is he done so soon?"

"Mr. Stark doesn't seem to be talking to anybody for very long." That causes Peter to pause.

"Mr. Stark is here?"

"Why yes. He's the one that wanted to meet with all of the finalists. Don't worry Peter. Out of all the people that have crossed these halls, I believe you are the most deserving of this opportunity. Now go in there and knock him dead," she smiles just as the door opens and Flashes stalks out with a shit-eating grin plastered on his face which only grows cockier when he spots Peter.

"You should just go back to class, Penis. There is no way Tony will pick someone as pathetic as you."

"Now I wouldn't say something like that," the three people in the waiting room snaps their head towards the door to see nonother than Tony Stark with his arms crossed, casually leaning against the door frame. "In fact, if I remember correctly Peter here. Is that correct?" he looks to Peter who can only nod at his childhood hero standing up for him against FLash of all people, "got a higher score on my written exam that you all had to take. I can't say much until after our private interview but I can assure you that I don't want to bully on my team."

Flash stands with his mouth hanging open as Tony politely invites Peter inside before closing the door with a little more force than necessary.

"I'm sorry," is the first thing Peter can think of to say after a few tense, silent seconds. "Flash is just... I can be a little..." he tries to explain but the older man cuts him off by an unbecoming snort.

"I just watched that little Punk insult you and you wanna make excuses and apologize?"

"Flash isn't a bad guy. I've been told I can be a little annoying," Peter ducks his head in shame, but this time Tony chuckles kindly.

"Yeah? Well, that makes two of us Kiddo. Tell me a little more about yourself."

"Um well," Peter laughs nervously. "I live with my aunt and her boyfriend since the death of my parents when I was little and my uncle passed a few years back. I really like all types of science," Peter isn't entirely sure what all to say so kind of tapers off at the end.

"All types of science huh. Well, have you heard of Dr. Banner's new theory?"

"A revision on his earlier gamma researched? Of course, I've read every article he's published so far," Peter immediately starts to animatedly talk just from one subject to the new without much thought or direction. Tony keeps up with the conversation perfectly and the two continue to talk until the lunch bell rings out and Peter realizes the time.

"I'm sorry for taking up so much time. I'm sure there are other kids you want to meet."

"Actually you're the last one, but I should be going to finalize a few things. It was nice meeting you, Peter. Oh one more thing," he stops the teen from getting up to leave. "I just wanna let you know that you don't have to worry about your classification test coming up. That's why I'm doing it now so no one thinks that the results will impact my choice."

Peter smiles, "That's fine Mr. Stark I'll see you later?"

"I'll be in touch."

"I'll be in touch"

Those very words kept repeating themselves over and over in the young fifteen-year-old head.

Playing over and over on repeat as if the needle on a record player had gotten stuck.

The brown-haired boy sat at the dinner table with his phone facing screen up.

Aunt May and Mason sat opposite him as if he is being interrogated at a police station; the phone is the recorder.

Although, knowing Mason and what he's like. It might as well be an interrogation.

Especially with the glare that he is receiving right now from the man.

It made him want to wet himself on the spot.

Not like that hadn't happened before.

The supposed 'family' of three has been sat at the table for an hour, it reaching 4:56 pm.

All waiting in anticipation for the hopeful call that would tell the words of Peter's future.

May is just as excited for her nephew as Peter is himself.

Mason, yeah he's a different kind of story.

Silence is all that is happening right now. No words being muttered or slurps from the cups of tea/coffee that sat on the table.

Going cold.

They needed this call. If it gets too late, they know Peter obviously isn't the one to be the chosen one.

It is reaching the halfway point, the usual time of may getting dinner prepped and cooking.

But right now, this call is more important.

At 5:36 pm, the call came.

The call they had been waiting for, or hopefully the one they have been waiting for as the number came up ad unknown.

"put it on speaker" Mason gruffed, arms folded. Eyes piercing into Peters.

Peter of course obliging to the command, feeling very intimidated.

Clicking the speaker logo on his phone, making it go red to signal it's on speaker, Peter cleared his throat nervously.

"H-hello - ow"

Peter looked up at Mason, who raised an eyebrow at him strongly getting his words across in a silent gesture.

Peter knew the look, but you'd be nervous too if your idol rings you up. Or anyone for that matter.

"no stuttering"

There would have been an insult at the end, but May is present and Mason didn't want to be figured out about the abuse he sets on the boy.

"go on sweetie, say hello again. They might not have heard you" May whispered hopefully low enough that the caller didn't hear. Peter sat up straight and fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

"Hello?" he didn't stutter this time. Nearly but he stopped himself

"Evening" oh gosh it's his voice, he's directly talking to him over the phone. Wait till he tells Ned, he won't believe it.

"Evening Mr Star-"

"Please kid, call me Tony. I hope I haven't interrupted at an inconvenient time"

Peter shook his head, but the realized quickly that he couldn't be seen through the phone. "no si-Tony. Er, what or um why have you called me?" God he's a mess. Masons going to beat him later for his muddled up words.

Seriously, he sucked at phone calls.

The low amused voice let out a chuckle. "really kid? After today you have no clue why I've rung you? Well, I guess school can be stressful for a smart intelligent boy like yourself, however, I can now tell you, that you'll be working at Stark industries with the one and only" the voice of the billionaire cheerfully stated.

Peter became speechless, May is nearly in tears and Mason, well Mason is just as enthusiastic about the news.

Of course, that's just a sarcastically stated fact of stating that he isn't at all thrilled of the idea.

"You'll be starting in a weeks time, can't wait to see you then, Pete. I have to go now, go and celebrate and enjoy your evening"

"Thank you Tony, and erm yeah see you then"

With an awkward farewell to end the call, Peter looked up finally to see the adults' reaction.

"oh Peter, so proud of you! Well done. For this, I'll go order your favorite take out place. I'll be back" May stood up and kissed Peter's head, giddily walking out of the room to order food.

It's a celebration, they can afford it.

Now it just left Mason and a vulnerable looking Peter.

"We need to talk"

Those stern set words made the young boy gulp. He didn't like the way they were spoken so dangerously.

He could tell he is in for a grilling. Maybe another bruise to add to his collection.

Much to Peter's disappointment and fear, the moment his door was closed off from the world Mason grabbed the boy by both his arms and hoist him up to look him dead in the eye.

"I don't know what you did to trick Mr. Stark into giving you the internship but you had better keep it up and not dissatisfy your aunt. She's worked too hard over the years to support you for you to become a disappointment. Am I understood?"

"Yessir," Peter answers shamefully. He knows that he got the internship fair and square but a small part of him believes the cruel words of others and thinks that someone a lot more deserving should get it.

"Good now we're going to go in there and I don't want to hear a word of our little discussion. Do you understand me?"

For the rest of the night, Peter basks in his aunt's praises and affection trying to ignore the slowly creeping dread that threatens to ruin what should be the happiest day of his life.

A few days later the panic seems to have grown as Peter waits with his aunt to be called to the back of the clinic.

It's Classification Day and he is not happy about it. There are two Classification days each year and depending on when your birthday falls you must report to the nearest clinic where the proper official is located to be given your classification. Ned has a late birthday so he went last year and kept reassuring Peter that there's absolutely nothing to worry about. All that will happen if I ask you a few questions take a little blood and you're good to go. Of course easy for him to say send all Ned's family consists mainly of Neutrals with a few caregivers sprinkled here and there. Peter, on the other hand, has no idea what he should be since the last thing anyone wants to talk about is a dead person's classification.

"There's no need to be nervous, Sweetie. I love you no matter what class you fall under," May comforts her nephew. She knows exactly what class he will get but can only hope that it helps with his nervousness.

"I love you too, May," Peter states leaning into her comforting warmth.

"Parker!" a nurse calls. The pair get up and follow her into a room before she asks Peter to strip down to his underwear.

"Would you be more comfortable if I waited outside?" May questions when she notices the bright red blush across Peter's face ears and some of his chest.

"Please stay," is all Peter can manage to say before a testing official comes in wearing a bright smile.

"Hello, Peter and how are we doing today?" Blushing, Peter only shugs, looking everywhere but at the new woman. "Are we a bit shy today? That's okay. I'm not a big fan of strangers either, but we're just going to do a quick physical not unlike what is needed for school. And then I'll ask a few questions." She does exactly that, starting with checking his eyes and ears and finishing up with an exam of his privates. Every little touch causes him to shy away and he constantly looks towards his aunt when she tells him to move a certain way.

"We're almost done, little guy. Just a few questions and maybe a little game before you go," she smiles kindly before going over to the table and grabbing a deck of cards. "Have you ever played would you rather?" At Peter's nod, she continues. "Just to go over the rules you can't think too hard about the choices and always go with your first instinct."

"Okay. Let's start." He just wants to get this over with and go back home to spend May's day off of work together.

The first set of cards is of two people kisses and two people hugging. Peter chooses the hugging one and starts to explain but the doctor quickly cuts him off. She states that he doesn't have to justify his answer to anyone and to keep going. The smaller the deck became the harder the choices were. At one point she put out and teddy bear and a race car which peter chooses the bear but then she pulls out a picture of a crib and toddler bed. Peter has no idea why he has to choose between the two but shyly points at the crib. Something is telling him that that's the correct answer. After a few more difficult decisions she finally pulls out the last of the cards. A bottle and a sippy cup. Peter chooses the bottle and internally rejoices that this is just about over.

"I'll be just a minute to calculate the results." When she enters the room again she immediately starts speaking, "Well, the results are in and it seems we have a beautiful Little in our presence."

Peter's. World. Shatters.