Asking Tony for a suit, Ajax was out of her mind. This was nuts and Tony knew it. Asking for a suit...that meant doing good. That meant picking a side. Good or evil. This meant Tony had to trust her to keep her powers under control, do the training, help others. He wasn't so sure she was ready. She was just arguing with Peter and now she's not. One minute Ajax is a hot head and the next she's calm and fine. She's not someone who needs a suit with the capabilities to harm other people more than she already can on her own. But, Ajax needs a suit.

"Absolutely not." Tony shakes his head, arms crossed.

"Tony, please just-"

"No." He shakes his head firmly. "No, you don't get to have a suit because you're reckless. You can't control your temper and having a suit is a privilege. What makes you think you should have this?"

"Harry is gonna kill Peter." Ajax rushes her words.

"How do you know?" Tony quirks one of his brows.

"I just do. I don't know. I..." Ajax watches Tony shift in his seat, his annoyance and impatience evident. "You know the emotional bullshit I have to deal with? He caught me in the hall, like when I first started hanging out with Peter. Tony, I've never felt sudden anger like that and Peter, well, you know him. A dork, lame, really twitchy, but kind. So what the hell could he have done to this dude to piss him off?"

"So, you did some research I presume?" Tony nods, gesturing for Ajax to continue.

"Yeah, and you know what's weird?" Ajax's eyes move to the floor as she sucks on her teeth and looks back to Tony. "There's not much. I mean, there's some but for someone who's, ya know, him, there should be more. Yeah, I didn't really know who he was but I was too focused on Peter to give a shit about anyone else. Anyway, he's the son of Norman Osborn, regardless, there should be something. But, there's like...nothing. And so I started digging into his dad's death, ya know? A hunch and curiosity." Tony nods, following along with Ajax's rapid speaking. "Nothing."

"There has to be something, Antifreeze. Get to the point."

Ajax scoffs. "Yeah, okay so there is but it's some bullshit that Harry found his dad or whatever. You know Norman was actually pretty healthy according to his medical records."

Tony cuts Ajax off with a deep sigh. "You did not get into his medical records."

Ajax shrugs one shoulder. "We'll say I didn't for the sake of this argument. They really should secure that shit more. Maybe hire you. Anyway," Tony scowls but allows Ajax to continue. "He happened to die the exact same night that whole shit in the city went down, ya know, with the Green Goblin dude or whatever the hell you and Peter were calling him, the one you let Peter fight on his own, and that was also the same day officer Stacy was killed."

"Your theory is that Peter killed Norman in a fight...which lead to the death of officer Stacy and Harry has since figured this out and is out for revenge?" Tony's voice is unconvinced.

"I know, it sounds insane and maybe I am. Maybe I've lost my damn mind but tony, what if I'm right?" Ajax's voice is pleading and etched with worry, something Tony has never heard from her before.

"You really believe this?"

"When that bus nearly came through the window and Harry pulled me to the floor, I'm telling you, I have never felt so much agonizing anger in someone. I mean, hell, I'm pissed a good portion of the time but..." Ajax pauses and shakes her head. "I don't think I've ever been that pissed."

"Alright," Tony nods and uncrosses his arms. "What's your plan?"

"Uh, I, uh, you're not gonna like it." Ajax winces with her words.

"Christ, what are you doing?"

"Making him tell Gwen he can't be her friend. If you wanna hurt someone, you after someone you love. I think Harry thinks Peter and me had a thing. He asked about why I wasn't sitting with them. If he thinks it's really Peter and Gwen, he'll go after Gwen. Ya know, life for a life deal."

Tony stares at her, his tongue moving over his teeth as he's gathering exactly what her plan is. "You're not doing this."

"I already told Peter and you can help by making me a suit so I'm ready when some shit goes down or you can sit back and watch this blow up. A few things will happen if you do. I'll die, Peter will die, or we'll both die. I don't trust Harry. I'm not stupid. I'm playing this card, I'm playing this like I hate Peter and using his feelings towards me to make Harry think I'm the person of interest. And we both know I am damn good at it. Make me a suit because I'm gonna do it anyway."

"You can't save everyone, Jax." Tony says, his voice stern and eyes cold.

"Yeah, but I can try." Ajax fights back.

The very corners of Tony's mouth tilt upwards. "Get over here. I've already got your suit drawn up."

"What?" Ajax yells. "This was a test?!"

"Of course it was. Keep up, kid." Tony moves over to his own bench telling Friday to pull up the blueprints.

"Unbelievable." Ajax looks to the ceiling as she follows Tony. "How long have you had this planned?"

Tony looks over the blueprints in the form of a blue hologram. "The day your dad got killed." Tony answers shortly.

"Your job, huh?" Ajax asks.

Tony looks down to Ajax with sad eyes but brushes it off. "Told him I'd look after you and your mom if things ever went south. He knew you'd take after him and now we're here. But, you better not-"

"Only for good and probably only this. I just..I need to protect Peter." Ajax looks over the hologram.

Tony smirks and nudges her. "You like him, huh?"

"We're not talking boys, Asshat." Ajax chuckles.

"So you do like the spiderling." Tony jokes, rotating the hologram.

"If I say yes, will you drop it and tell me what your plan is?"

"For now." Tony smirks down at her before moving his stare back to the hologram. "It'll be different from Parker's." Tony states before he goes explaining bits.

Tony goes to explain the different abilities her suit will have but keeps some of it a secret. Ajax pesters him for more answers but her eyes are bright and excited to actually see the suit come to life. No matter how angry she got, she was always destined to follow in her dad's footsteps. She always loved knowing about her dad's own suit and the iron suits. When Tony offered to allow her to help with the Spider-Man suit, Ajax had to fight every ounce of her being not to jump with pure joy. There was something about Tony's suit that made her heart sing almost as much as her art did. Now, she'd be able to have one herself and it'd be well worth the wait.

Ajax and Tony spent the rest of the day in the lab. He showed her how he started assembling the suits and Ajax watched, not having any quips or complaints. It was something that didn't happen and the both of them enjoyed it. They enjoyed each other's company. Tony having Ajax work beside him was like having her dad beside him again. Sure, Rhodey and Happy and Pepper were his ride or dies but Ajax's dad was not far behind. They were close for years and Ajax is a nice reminder. Ajax was simply happy to be there and be learning from him. She was happy to get her hands dirty with something that wasn't out to destroy something or because she'd lost her temper or pushing people away. Ajax was just happy to be there.

The day came to an end as the night rolled in and Pepper was demanding the pair get some food and try and sleep seeing as they'd not taken a break all day. FRIDAY ratting the two fo them out. They did as Pepper asked, Tony mostly because he hates seeing Pepper upset with him and his pouting face wasn't exactly working. Ajax just listened because the last thing she wanted was to risk the progress she made. So, Ajax heads to bed and sleeps as soundly as she can, the thoughts of Peter and her plan needing to work, racing through her mind.

The next morning comes around and FRIDAY is setting out an alarm to wake Ajax up.

"What?" She groans. "I'm on break and it's Sunday."

"Miss Stacy is here to see." FRIDAY says.

"Gwen?" Ajax mumbles.

"Yes, miss."

"I'm coming." Ajax murmurs as she pushes her blankets from her, grabbing her phone from the charger and a hoodie from the back of her door.

She walks out of her room and to one of the living room areas for guests. FRIDAY had said Rhodey had Gwen wait there for her. Ajax's gut twisted with impending doom. She knew whatever Gwen was here about would not be good. Not to mention, she was still exhausted from spending a lot of the night in the lab and tossing and turning the rest of the night. The last thing she wanted to do was listen to Gwen relay whatever Peter made up or tried to make up.

"Uh...hey?" Ajax quirks a brow as she gains Gwen's attention, Gwen sitting on the couch with her back to Ajax.

"Hey? That's what you have to say?" Gwen stands abruptly as she faces Ajax.

"Good morning?" Ajax rephrase.

"What's wrong with you?" Gwen yells.

"I just woke up...I could probably go for a coffee if I'm being-"

"Peter told me he's Spider-Man? He's responsible for my dad's death and you knew the entire time?" Gwen's voice is holding pain and anger.

"Yeah..." Ajax nods. "Yeah, I knew that."

"Why didn't you tell me? We're friends!" Gwen's voice cracks just barely enough for Ajax to notice.

"Wasn't my place." Ajax says.

"All you do is hide secrets! Like this!" Gwen gestures her hands about and around. "Tony Stark? You kept this a secret! You just keep everything to yourself and the one thing maybe you should have told and you didn't? Why not?"

"It's not my place to tell you that shit. That's Peter's." Ajax defends.

"Bullshit!" Gwen screams as she walks up to Ajax. "He...he knew about my dad! That's my dad and I think you of all people should know how it feels!"

"Excuse you?" Ajax narrows her eyes at the blonde.

"You lost both of your parents. How do you think it would feel if it were at the hands of someone you care about?"

Ajax gives Gwen a dry laugh as she can feel herself losing control of her anger. "Go home. You know nothing about my fucking family and their deaths. You think you do but you don't. You have no idea what's going on here so get the fuck out of my damn face."

"What're you gonna do about it?" Gwen challenges. "You don't get to get away with this and neither does Peter. The two of you have some nerve."

"Yeah, maybe this is why Peter is cutting ties. He knew you'd freak out. What? You're too high up your fucking throne you can't hear your best friend out? Yeah, maybe that's why I knew and you didn't. I listen to what he's got to say. What do you have?" Ajax looks Gwen up and down just as Gwen's hand connects with the side of Ajax's face.

"Woah, okay. You need to leave, right now." Rhodey barges in, witnessing the scene.

"I was already leaving." Gwen says, pushing past Ajax. "Congrats, Ajax, you and Peter are dead to me." Gwen says as she exits the room and heads the front doors of the tower.

Rhodey places a hand on Ajax's shoulder as she rubs the side of her face. "Hey, are you okay? What was that about?"

"I deserved that." Ajax nods. "It's a long story Tony will happily retell later. I'm going to like, get ready for the day I guess."

Rhodey's brows raise dramatically. "What the hell?"

"Maybe gets some ice. That fucking hurt, man." Ajax shakes her head and starts off to exit the living room.

"Jax!" Rhodey calls after her. She turns around and his arms are gestured out by his sides.

"I've got a plan. It's fine."

"Your plan was to get smacked?"

"Well, no but it worked I guess so whatever." Ajax shrugs. "Tony here?"

"He's in the lab." Rhodey says, confusion still etched across his entire face.

Ajax leaves to her room to get ready for her day but while she was grabbing clothes, a text from Harry came through. She read it over and while it was freezing, he wanted to see her and sit by the lake at one of the local parks. Ajax sighed, knowing she had to go. She sent a quick text to agree before hopping in the shower. When she was done, she made a few pieces of toast and ate them quickly before heading down to the lab, finding Tony hard at work.

"Stork." Ajax says gaining his attention.

"Jax." He says, his eyes plastered to a piece of tech he was working on.

"Gotta meet Harry, you gonna have Happy babysit?"

"If you're thinking he's going to be some crazy villain coming to kill Parker, no why would I do that?" Tony looks up to her with the sarcastic phrase.

"Yeah, figured that much."

"Coffee shop?"

"Nah, wants to meet at the lake?"

"It's thirty degrees outside."

"I think this confirms my other theory that he's lost his damn mind."

"Not the only one." Tony quips. "Rhodey said you got smacked?"

"Oh yeah," Ajax nods and shrugs. "It's fine. As I said, he's gonna go after someone Peter gives a shit about. Part of that was making Gwen hate him and hey, if she hates me, I don't have to be in the middle of it but in my defense, she did bring up my parents so. All's fair." Tony watches her, hating the energy Ajax was projecting. "I deserved it."

"Rhodey said you said that."

"I did." Ajax said, emphasizing her words. "What I said was wrong but I said it to piss her off. I didn't think she was gonna hit me but whatever. She'll thank me when she lives if I'm right."

Tony can't help but chuckle. "And if you're wrong?"

"I look stupid and I hide out here for the rest of eternity but if I'm right, cool."

"When do you need Happy to drive you?"

"As soon as he's ready."

"I'll let him know, get your things. You have an hour."

"I hope it won't be an hour. I don't intend to stand outside and it's supposed to snow." Ajax rolls her eyes before turning on her heels.

"Watch yourself." Tony warns.

"I got it." Ajax looks over her shoulder with her words.

Ajax leaves the lab and heads back to her room to grab her heavy coat and other winter wear. She was sure Harry was out of his mind to want to talk in the cold but she wasn't going to protest. She wanted to try and get information out of him. That was her entire plan so Happy took her to the park a few blocks over and when they got there, just like with the coffee shop, Harry was already waiting on the bench by the lake. Ajax's stomach turned with the sight of him. Happy says he'll stay close, probably due to the dread that was evident on Ajax's face but she just nods and heads towards him.

"You know it's literally freezing right?" Ajax quips as she approaches the charming boy.

"Yeah," Harry chuckles, moving over for Ajax to have a seat. "But, isn't the lake peaceful with the weather?"

"Suppose so." Ajax says.

Harry looks over his shoulder and sees Happy, watching them. "What's with your babysitter by the way? Didn't get a chance to ask last time."

"Tony makes him watch me to be safe. Pretty annoying if I'm being honest." Ajax rolls her shoul, not looking to Happy.

"So, rumors are true then, you live with Tony Stark?"

"Yeah," Ajax chuckles bitterly.

"Well, if you're living with him, wouldn't that mean you know the other Avengers?" Harry asks, his voice remaining casual as he looks over Ajax's face.

"Did you invite me here to talk about Tony Stark and the Avengers or?" Ajax jokes but there's warning in her voice.

"No, I guess I didn't." Harry looks down, Ajax noticing the red of his nose and internally questioning how long he's actually been here. "You said you didn't like Spider-Man."

"Right." Ajax nods but pulls out her phone. "Sorry, just a text, go on." Ajax lies, pretending to scan over a message before shoving her phone back in her pocket.

"Not important?"

"Just Parker. Kind of a bother if you ask me." Ajax lies, finding an excuse to bring Peter's name up to gauge Harry's reaction.

"You really aren't fond of him either, are you?"

"No, he's got quite the crush on me though. It's kind of annoying. He has this internship with Tony so I have to see him all the time." Ajax rambles, using the bits of her that were still annoyed with Peter to fuel her words.

"In that case, would you like to help me with something? And in exchange," Harry pauses, that charming smile cursing his face. "We'll be hanging out more and that Parker will leave you alone."

Ajax's blood ran cold with Harry's words. She's right. She knows she's right. It's in his blue eyes and the horrible smile. He's going to get revenge for his dad's death. That's all it has to be but if she can help with whatever he wants her to do, maybe she can sabotage whatever it is.

"What'd you have in mind?"

Harry leans in closer, his arm draping around the bench behind Ajax. "Want to help me take down Spider-Man?" He whispers in Ajax's ear and she has to bite her tongue to not squirm away.

"What do you mean?" Ajax asks, her voice steady.

"You have the same look in your eyes. You want revenge, don't you? He did something to you, too. There's a darkness within you and I have to say, it's a good look." Harry continues his whispers, his voice sinister while she just nods. "Could be fun to work together. If you're with Stark, you've got to know the tech.

"Yeah, yeah." Ajax nods and turns to smile at him.

Harry's hand moves to Ajax's shoulder and gives it a squeeze, Ajax's throat starting to close in response. "What do you say?"

Ajax is silent for a few seconds, contemplating if this was the right decision. Was he using her for her brain? His guess that she does know some of the tech Tony has? Is he using her because of Peter's feelings? He has to be using her.

No one is this charming with someone with someone they're genuinely interested in. If someone is too smooth, their intentions aren't good. People with genuine interest should be nervous. Harry is the opposite. He's confident and using his charm to try and manipulate Aajx to go with him. It's a good thing ajax is one step ahead and saw it coming.

"Sure." She smiles sweetly.

"Perfect." There's a sinister tint in the charming smile and the hairs on the back of Ajax's neck stand up but she pushes her thoughts aside to continue the conversation.

Harry decided to pick up with something else but Ajax only participated enough to keep up. Her mind was focused on what Harry could use her help for and if this was all really the right idea. And maybe what if Peter wouldn't be okay after this? What if all of this was for nothing? Ajax doesn't do this. She doesn't stick her nose in other people's business. She doesn't do any of this but she's doing it for Peter.

Ajax and Harry continue their conversation until Happy walks up and whispers that the hour was up. Ajax frowned at Harry and apologized before getting up. Harry offered a hug and trying to play along with his game, Ajax agreed but the second the hug took place, she felt like her body was on fire. He was fine. Emotionally but Ajax wasn't. She wasn't okay with people just touching her, she's just sucking it up for appearances and hugging Harry might just be her last straw.

Panic is streaming her veins even though there wasn't any skin to skin contact. This is just sealing the deal she has with Harry. She's only been in one other life-threatening situation before and it ended with her dad dead. It ended with her nearly losing her powers and getting stuck with feeling emotions from others with a single touch. Harry is dangerous. He's scary. Ajax is fully terrified of him and she has to pretend to be perfectly fine. She needs to hold a confident face in front of him and Happy and Tony and Pepper, Rhodey. Everyone. Besides one person.

The second Harry let go, Ajax was quick to say goodbye and follow Happy back to the car, shivers running down her spine.

"Hey, Jax, you alright?" Happy asks as he helps her in the car.

"Touching thing. People think it's so okay just because...yeah. Happy. I'm fine." Ajax brushes it off. "Can I see your phone?" Ajax asks once Happy is seated.

"What for?"

"I...I need to text someone and I don't want it on my phone." Ajax's eyes are panicked with the question and her mouth is in a soft frown.

"Yeah, just make it quick, alright?" Happy says softly, knowing Harry triggered something.

Ajax takes the phone from Happy and scans the phone for a familiar name and sent a quick text for him to cover later that night. She'd be sure to leave her tower window open and make sure Tony and FRIDAY were made aware so he wouldn't be in trouble or whatever he'd be worried about.

Ajax remains quiet the rest of the way to the tower and the rest of the day. Tony tried talking to her but she remained silent. She shrugged with everything he said but the only part of it that really bothered him was the look on her face. It's the same sad look he saw the day before. Her face is covered in worry. Her hands are shaking just enough to be noticeable. Tony knew she wasn't being quiet to be disrespectful or defiant this time. She was just shutting down.

It wasn't until the night rolled around and Ajax was laid in bed, staring at her blank ceiling that she'd start talking again, her fingers tapping anxiously over the top of one of her hands. There was a tap on her window that brought her attention to the real world rather than from the back of her head. She walks over and opens the window, allowing Peter to climb inside.

"Why would you tell me that?" Ajax asks bluntly.

"W-what?" Peter asks, his brows pulled together.

"Why would you tell that you can't get me out of your head? And why do you have to be so you? Why?"

Peter's jaw hangs open just enough as he tries to figure out what Ajax could be going on about this time. "I...I don't know what you're talking about."

"You said you can't get me out of your head and I can't get you of mine and you're you and I hate you for it because Harry hugged me today and I wanted to scream and cry and have an utter break down because you're the only person, outside of these adults I've grown up with, that can hug me and everything is okay. So, I hate you."

"You hate me?" Peter asks, his heartbreak in his broken voice. "I can't help that. Why would you hug him? You said yourself something wasn't right and now this is my fault? I did what you said and I broke Gwen's heart." Peter says and Ajax wants to break with his words because she knows the last he ever wanted to was hurt anyone, especially Gwen.

"I-I...I like...." Ajax tries to find the words. "I like you...a lot... like so much that I'm questioning everything because I don't believe in this stuff. I don't risk my life for other people but I promise, what I'm doing, it's for you and then you can go and you be with Gwen, Peter. Okay? I just needed to tell you and I'm so sorry for hurting you and lying to you and I should have just told you but I thought it was better not to and now I'm not sure and I'm rambling and it's because I like you so fucking much it hurts. And I'm not sure what Harry is gonna do but he's gonna-it's gonna be bad and I need to tell you this now because people die and then they don't come back so I have to tell you that I really fucking like you and I can't see you hurt and Peter, I am so sorry, I'm a mess and I don't know how not to be and-"

Peter's hands rush to Ajax's cheeks, his mouth coming dangerously close to hers, cutting her rambling off. But, he just stops. He stops and his warm breath hits her lips and she can't breathe, she can't think. Nothing. Peter's mind is going a mile minute. This is risky. This isn't Spider-Man risky but Peter Parker risky. He doesn't make the first move. But Ajax is laying this all on the table and all Peter has wanted to do for months is be this close, connect his lips with hers and just be close and maybe this is wrong but maybe it's not. Maybe it's not because she has tears brimming in her eyes and her affection for him and fear for his life is radiating from her like a heavy perfume. So, maybe this is the perfect time to shut everything off for at least a few minutes, to live the moment of the bliss, just for a little bit.

"Hi..." Peter says and his chest raises.

"Hi." Ajax says, her eyes locked with his before his eyes move to her lips.

"C-can I kiss you?" Peter asks, his breath shallow, as his thumb rubs a stray tear away.

"Uh-huh." Ajax answers, words caught in her throat.

Peter's lips brush against hers, hesitance in every movement, leaving Ajax longing for the final moment. Her heart is racing but she can't seem to notice it, not with the slow pace Peter was taking. It was as if he were waiting for to her freak out and back away but she doesn't, there's one last brush of their lips, their noses just barely touching before Peter's lips fully connect with Ajax's.

It's soft and tastes of cherry. Peter's lips covered in chapstick thanks to the cold weather. But, it's warm. It's warm in the best way, just like his hugs. Peter's kiss is soft and safe and perfect. There's no need, or urgency. Just sweetness and relief as if it were something that two of them had been longing for their entire lives. It was like their entire friendship and miscommunication was leading up to this exact moment.  

Peter, Peter is lost in the moment. He was head over heels for her even though she screwed him over but he knew she liked him. He always knew and this was just the confirmation he needed. She's admitting that she's willing to risk her life for him and he can't let her do that. His heart is fluttering and it just wants burst from his chest and engulf hers.

All Ajax can feel is electricity running through her veins and the absolute adornment Peter is feeling for her. There's so much emotion and none of it is bad. No anger, bitterness, harshness. It's just adornment and safety.

Peter, he's a safe haven.

"I-I'm sorry." Peter says in a whisper as he pulls away. "I-should go."

Ajax grips his hoodie, keeping his footing in place. "Stay."