CEO??

Chapter 8

"I can't believe you stole Tony Stark's motorcycle," Flash said as we reentered the common room, our stomachs full of gelato and a cup in my hand for Darren.

"Borrowed," I corrected.

"Same thing!"

"Nope. Now, come on. Let's go to bed. I've got to see if Darren is still up. I need to talk with him about the shadowing thing."

"It's 11:48, Parker," Flash said. "He's, like, twelve."

I grinned. "I'll bet 10 bucks that he is awake right now," I wagered.

He frowned and shook his head. "No deal. I've never seen you lose a bet."

I shrugged and we walked down to my room. I opened the door to find Darren awake, typing away on his laptop. I smirked at Flash, who huffed and went to his own room.

"Whatcha doin'?" I asked, closing the door behind me.

He jumped and whirled around, slamming his computer shut. "Oh, Peter, hi."

"Hey. Wanna tell me why you're up at midnight typing on your laptop?"

He blushed and twiddled his thumbs, avoiding my gaze. "Well, I was just, uh, writing."

I smiled. "Awesome! Are you cool with telling me what you're writing about?"

He shook his head.

"Okay," I said with a shrug, handing him his gelato. "How about we figure out this shadow thing, yeah?"

He nodded excitedly, his face lighting up. "Yes, please!"

"Okay, great! When are you free?"

"Whenever you are! My mom already said she'd call me out from school for as long as needed." He was bouncing in his seat, his normal awkward self nowhere to be found.

I liked this version of him. "Well, I've got a pretty good week coming up. It starts tomorrow. What do you say?"

He tilted his head, eyes wide. "A week?"

I shrugged. "Why not? I've got the time and you seem to be really interested. Besides," I winked, "your presence might piss off the board members even more. They don't like seeing a teen running the company."

He laughed quietly. "I'd love that. I can be here as long as you want. Although, I don't think my mom would like me missing so much school."

I hummed. "How about this, I'll have Pep call the school tomorrow and get all your work for the next week. Then, while I'm working in the shop, or in your free time, you can work on it. That way you won't fall behind. And, if you need help, you've got a building full of smart people to ask."

His eyes were as wide as saucers as he nodded vigorously. "Let me call my mom!" he said, scrambling for his phone.

"Whoa, slow down there, Kid. You should wait until morning," I said with a chuckle.

He shook his head. "She works the night shift at the hospital, so she won't be awake in the morning. She should be on break right now though."

I nodded. "Alright, let's call her then."

He put the phone on speaker and a tired female voice answered. "Darren? You're supposed to be sleeping right now."

"I'm afraid that's my fault, Mrs. Brady. I believe Darren called you about shadowing me for a period of time?" I said professionally, smiling at the boy.

"Oh, right," she said. "He did say something about being given permission to shadow an important person from Stark Industries. Who are you?"

"I am the CEO, ma'am."

"Oh!" she exclaimed, suddenly sounding more awake. "I see. What are you calling about so late at night?"

"I would like to extend the period of time during which your son will be shadowing me. I am able to make arrangements with the school to get his work and will be responsible for making sure he completes it. I will also be responsible for his safety and well-being," I said. I could see Darren crossing his fingers, a hopeful smile adorning his face.

"Okay, is there anything else?"

"Yes, ma'am. If you agree, Darren will be given a room here at the tower and will be allowed to spend the night. I have scheduled it for this week, but Darren will be welcome at any time, I am sure."

"That is fine. It's better than him being alone all night while I work. Is there any paperwork I will have to sign?"

"Yes, there are a few legal forms, as well as a nondisclosure agreement, that you will have to sign. I will send someone with the forms. He will explain what each form is and what you are agreeing to by signing. I understand that you must be very tired and I do not wish to make any more trouble for you. I will do everything I can to make this process as easy and seamless as possible," I said.

"Alright. Darren, sweetie?" she said.

"Yeah, Mom?"

"Your father would be so proud of you," she said proudly. "Just like I am."

I saw his eyes fill with tears as he responded, "Thanks, Mom. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Hun."

They hung up and I looked at Darren with a small smile. "I think that went well, don't you?"

He laughed. "Thank you, Peter. Or, would you rather me call you Pyotr or Mr. Parker or Mr. Barnes or Mr. Romanov while I shadow you?"

"When with other people, Mr. Parker will probably be best for professionalism's sake, but when it's just us and the people you've met today, Peter or Pyotr will be fine," I answered easily. "Now, let's get some sleep, yeah? I don't think we want to be tired tomorrow."

He nodded and plopped down on his bed, falling asleep quickly.

I sighed. I wasn't about to sleep any time soon. I pulled out my StarkPad and began work. I got together the paperwork for Darren's mother, assigning the task to one of the younger interns. They didn't get to do much, despite their competency because most legal work was done with the lawyers that Pepper knew and trusted. I planned on changing that.

When I was done, I went on patrol for a few hours before climbing back in through the window and passing out on my bed. 

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Thoughts?