Chapter 7 - Big Smile

You looked at everyone sitting at the tables in the facility and they appeared so happy. This, this is what Tony didn't understand. Most of these people have only a few dollars in their pocket but their happiness radiates wealth that he could only dream of. You smiled at a few gentleman playing chess when you walked passed them with Peter. You proceeded to follow him into a back room where there was a beautiful woman stirring a pot of marinara sauce. "Hey May." Peter acknowledged her and allowed you to step into view. "Who's this?" She asked

"Actually, I didn't catch her name." Peter turned to you. 

"I'm Y/N." You extended your hand to May. "I was hoping I may be able to help." 

She smiled widely, "Of course, there is always work to do around here." She held the spoon she was using to Peter and stepped away from the sauce as he took over stirring. "I just need to go an quick interview." She took off her apron, "To make sure you aren't a serial killer." She gestured to the table by you.

You both sat down, "So Y/N, what do you do?" 

"I used to be one of two directors at Stark industries for the Eco Innovations Department." You looked almost ashamed, "However, now I am unemployed."

"Is that because of Tony being missing?" She reached out for your hand, it was a kind gesture but you didn't take hers. 

"No, sorry." She pulled her hands away. "Tony and I had different view points on what success meant to us. I don't find monetary enjoyment. I find enjoyment in life, in helping others." 

 She smiled so wide you could see all her white teeth showing, "Well you are at just the right place then. When can you start?" 

"Now that I am jobless, I am free right now."

"Perfect." You both stood up from the table and she began showing you around the facility.

______________________________________________________________________________

It was now 7:00pm and you and a gentleman named Todd just finished up an intense game of Go Fish. "Alright Todd, that is the third time you won against me." You flashed him a serious look. "How are you cheating?" You both began to laugh when May walked over. "I hate to tell you this, but it is time to close up shop for the night." She patted you on the shoulder and walked away.

"Until next time." You started to pick up the cards and looked at him. "Did you get everything you needed for tonight?" He nodded and showed you the rolled up sleeping bag in one hand and a folded up tent in another. He stood up and headed toward the door, "Thank you Y/N, life can really bring you down but when you have a laugh like we did today, it reminds you that it's worth living for." Then he pushed the door open and walked outside. A tear was in your eye when you stood up and met May who finished locking the back door with Peter. 

"You really impressed me today." You both made your way to the entrance and you flipped the light switch off. Once outside she turned to lock the front door but you noticed Peter looked uneasy. "Hey, Peter? Are you ok?" 

May looked around her shoulder and also chimed in, "Yeah, you look like something is bothering you." 

"I.. Ahh. I.. I." He was fidgeting. "I just forgot to ask if I could hang out with Ned tonight, that's all."

You didn't know him well enough to say anything but he was still fidgeting. 

"Of course, just make sure you are back at a reasonable time tomorrow." 

"Thanks May," and he ran around the corner.

"Does he typically act like that?" You asked her, "I hope that didn't come across as rude, I am sorry I know we just met."

"Not at all. He has been a bit more manic lately but the boy lost his parents. Who wouldn't be?" 

A taxi pulled up to the curb to get you, "I hope too see you real soon." May chimed in as you stepped into the cab.

"Of course! Thanks again." You shut the door and headed to your apartment complex. 

______________________________________________________________________________

When you undid the locks and looked around your apartment you felt so grateful for everything that you had. You knew turning down Stark's offer was the right choice. You changed into your pajamas and grabbed a pop tart for dinner. When you sat on your couch and turned on your TV you were stunned to see what was on the news. 

Just blocks from FEAST there was an armed robbery. Although, it's not uncommon as it should be, what was strange about the case was law enforcement said the burglars were wrapped up in a web like substances. Each one screaming in the background about a man who looked like spider.  That he was swinging from webs and his strength could only be described as unmatched. "Eh, probably just drugs." You then realized and shut the TV off for the night and headed to bed. 

Then at 2:00am more news came in through an alert on your phone, Tony Stark was found and is arriving back in New York City tomorrow. You stared at the news alert and were happy to hear he would be returning but for some reason you felt you needed to see him. You and Tony were never that close and you tried to force the idea out of your head. He was your boss, an awful one at that, and you were someone who he may have already forgotten about.