Interviews

Peter accidentally got mistaken for a model and got interviewed by the best reporter in the business.
Or: How the internet discovered and fell in love with Tony Stark's personal intern and oblivious bean, Peter Parker

Notes:

you wont believe how many tabs i have open for suits
its like 2AM in the PH and im so tired so ill proofread this tomorrow. lol im pressing post before i change my mind

(See the end of the work for more notes and other works inspired by this one.)

Work Text:

Tony Stark hated social gatherings with a passion.

Because he grew up as the son of the Howard and Maria Stark, attending social gatherings had been part of his routine. It became a painful reminder of his past. As such, he despised having to go and attend these gatherings, especially if he was alone.

( Just smile, wave and shake hands, Tony.

Don’t ever let on that there are problems in our family.

Don’t show weakness.

Starks are men of iron.

This is important for your future.)

Pepper, of course, knew this deeply. She was, after all, his secretary for a long time before they started dating. She saw Tony on news articles and interviews as she grew up. She saw him chug alcohol and snort drugs like it was his calling. She saw him drown himself in alcohol and drugs to forget.

Of course, she also saw Tony pick himself up. She saw him slowly cut down and quit drugs. She saw him diligently distracting himself with building technology for the company when he had a sudden urge to drink. She saw him treat and love Peter like his son. She saw him become better.

That's why, when she left the meeting, she felt uneasy. The board of directors wanted Tony to attend a runway show to improve the public's opinion on him. The civil war wasn't that far back and they took a vacation recently, allowing Peter to pick up where they left off, after all.

Peter did such a remarkable job in handling SI's affairs, allowing SI's stocks to reach an all-time high, that the board wanted to capitalize on their current popularity by making Tony attend a social gathering one of these days.

Pepper, of course, tried to persuade them not to but the board was adamant. Plus, they raised a few valid points during the meeting.

Aside from capitalizing on SI's current popularity, it was a good opportunity to introduce Peter to the press without the added pressure of acting as an important figure of Stark Industries. The board was, surprisingly, very supportive of their decision to make Peter the heir to Stark Industries and the Avengers. Thus, they wanted Peter to experience what would be a common thing in his future job as well as subtly introduce him to the world.

Personally, Pepper was thankful for their suggestion of bringing Peter. With Tony's bad childhood, he associated the press and social gatherings like this one to be a reminder of his past. Especially now, where the civil war was still a little fresh in everyone's minds, Tony would need support when attending it and considering Pepper had a bit too much on her plate as SI's CEO, Peter was a good alternative.

Their lives had changed drastically in the past few months, which Pepper was immensely grateful for. The Avengers had always acted like leeches to Tony in the past, acting as if he was their own personal wallet. As such, there was probably no one happier than Pepper that Tony decided to cut off the Avengers and Fury for good.

Plus, now, she was living with Happy, Peter and May, who were absolute godsends. Pepper treated May as if she was her own sister and Peter, her son.

When Happy and May started dating and moved into the tower, they became a little makeshift family, complete with movie nights and family dinners. That, coupled with the New Avengers who were significantly more reliable than the Rogues, meant that they had never been as happy or as content as this.

"You know that I don’t like attending runway shows, Pep. I can't even tell the difference between Navy Blue and Royal Blue! I'll be bored to death!"

Sighing, Pepper cards her hand through his hair. "I know, Tones, but the board was insisting on it. You haven’t appeared publicly since before that whole fiasco with Rogers."

Placing his head on her shoulder, Tony snakes his hand around her waist. Softly, he asks, "Do you think I should go?"

Continuing to play with his hair, Pepper takes a moment to collect her thoughts. It's not like it was a bad idea. "I think you should, Tony. The board says that we should capitalize on SI's recent popularity. Plus, it gives you a chance to show Peter what to do in these things. You of all people know that things like these are something that he needs to know how to do."

Hugging his fiance contently, Tony mentally agreed. They both knew that being CEO meant more than running the company and Tony wanted Peter to be prepared for anything.

Resigned to his fate, Tony says, "Fine. But, I don’t think Peter is ready to go public with identity as our heir."

"You can take him as your intern! That way, no one would question his presence when asked and Peter could learn from you. Plus, you've been wanting to buy him a proper suit, haven't you?"

Oh, right! Tony has been wanting to buy Peter proper clothes. Watching him wear cheesy science pun t-shirts and calling it 'fashion' was getting on his nerves. Peter never allowed him to buy expensive clothes, though. So, Tony resigned himself to buying slightly less cringy shirts, instead.

However, if he brought him to the runway show, then Tony had a proper reason to spoil the kid and he'd have someone to be with. It’s a total win-win!

Deciding to bring him, Tony agreed. "Fine, but you’re the one telling May."

Smirking into her fiance's shoulder, she says, "I already did."

"Why do I have to get a custom suit, exactly?"

"I told you! We have a thing we gotta attend. You need a suit for that, capische?"

"and I said that I can just use my homecoming suit!"

"That loose, ill-fitting thing? Yeah, no. My kid has to have the best suit there, otherwise what's the point?"

"Hey! That was a nice suit!"

"and I'm not saying it isn't! I'm saying that its too loose for you, Pete! Come on, do it for SI. What would they say if the heir of SI looked like he was swimming in his suit, huh?"

"But, I'm going as your intern, aren't I?"

"Well, yeah, but what happens when we announce that you are, in fact, the heir to SI? They're gonna look you up and lo and behold! They find a picture of Peter Parker swimming in his suit? Yeah, no. Plu- oh! We're here!"

Climbing out of the car, Peter eyes the store warily. The store in front of him didn’t look as luxurious as he expected. "Are you sure we’re in the right place, dad?"

Walking beside Peter, Tony smiled. "Don't judge the book by its cover, Pete. This is my personal seamstress' place. Not too well-known but does good work."

"I got to know the owner when I was just starting out as CEO. Didn't want to associate myself with my father's anything, tailor included, so I looked around and Rhodey's mom told me about her . She's good, kid. One of the best in the biz."

Opening the door, Tony continues, "I don't know why she hasn't made it big yet. Anywa-"

"You know that I don't like all that fame bullshit, Tony." The curtain by the back pulls back, revealing a lady.

Turning to the new voice, Peter sees a short woman that vaguely resembles Edna Mode from the Incredibles.

Peter loved her already.

"All that ass-kissing makes me want to puke. Bah! As long as I got good business, why need fame, yeah?" Patting Peter's hand, she says, "You must be Tony's topolino! Good, good. I've been waiting to make you your own suit!"

Lightly smacking Tony, she says, "You should have brought him earlier, Tony. You always come here a few days before your event. Bah! Always procrastinating! It's not good for your skin. You'll be old and wrinkly and what would that do to Pepper, huh?"

Scoffing, Tony replied. "What do you mean old and wrinkly? I'll have you know that I'm looking as handsome as the day I first walked in."

"Oh, Tony, no. You looked absolutely wasted. Like a dying rat when you came in. You couldn't possible get lower than that. Of course, you look better."

Seeing Tony's offended look, she started scurrying around the place. "What do you need, Tony. Formal?"

"Yes, formal. We're attending a runway show in a week. Think you can make it by then?"

"Darling, who do you think I am? Some common lady? Bah! I'll have it done by next week Wednesday. We can make additional changes as needed so that it'll be ready for your Sunday thing."

Getting a stool, she readies her notebook. Clicking her pen wildly, she asks "So, what are we thinking? American or British?"

"Definitely British."

"So, James Bond?"

"No, I was thinking more Kingsman."

"Ah, slim fit, wide peak lapels?"

"Yep."

Standing awkwardly, Peter watches the two converse as if he was watching an interesting tennis match. Taking her measuring tape, she starts listing his measurements. "Oh, he's got the right body type for the slim fit! Ok, ok. Do you want peak labels, honey?"

Looking wide-eyed, Peter turned to Tony for help. "Uh…"

Laughing softly, Tony decides to save the kid. "Yeah, he doesn't know a thing about suits. It’s a semi-formal thing so I think wide peak labels would be fine. More masculine if you know what I mean?"

"Ok, ok. He has a muscular everything so I'll make sure the suit will make the ladies go mmm", wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, "if you know what I mean."

Finished with her measurements, she steps off the stool and moves around the room, taking a few things. "Since we’re talking Kingsman, I'll get you a white oxford twill, double cuffs and some subtle cutaway collars, yes? I've got silk ties and studs here somewhere… ah ha!"

Returning to Peter's side, she says. "Ok, honey, you're all set. Just get yourself a silk tie and pocket squares - straight fold, alright? Trust me on that one - hm… what do you feel about earrings, darlin'?"

"Uh… I've worn some?"

"Okay, okay. How about some ruby earrings? The burgundy would bring out your eyes. Actually, why don't we make your studs burgundy, too? Yes, yes… that will do."

Shoving the various accessories into his hands, Peter could only agree helplessly. "You're the boss, ma'am."

At this, she perks up. "Tony, your kid is so much nicer than you ever were! Oh, I've got you all set up, honey. You come pick it up on Wednesday, okay? I'll give you the corporate discount."

Trying to dissuade her, Tony starts. "Oh, we could pay for th-"

Waving her hand, she says, "Nonsense, nonsense. It's your kid's first time here! And he's a sweetheart. Think of it as my welcome present, ok?"

Shooing them out, she says, "Now, I know for a fact that Pepper is expecting you for lunch. Shoo, shoo! I've got work to do!"

Leading Peter out the door, Tony thanks her while Peter chimes in with a "Thank you, maam!"

"Come back again, dear! I'll see you around!"

Walking away from the store, Peter asks Tony, making him choke on air. "Doesn't she sorta… look like… Edna Mode?"

Arriving at the event, Peter tugs at his suit. "Peter, it looks fine! Stop messing with it, kid."

"I know it does. I'm just not used to wearing a suit, ok?"

"alright, we're here, kid. Leave it. All you gotta do is follow my lead, alright?"

Breathing in nervously, Peter says, "Got it. Let’s do this."

Stepping out of the car, Tony and Peter were suddenly bombarded by noise and flashing lights. Luckily, they properly anticipated this and made Peter custom contact lenses and ear buds so that he wouldn't have a sensory overload.

Whispering to Peter, Tony says, "You know the details, right Pete?"

"Yep. We're excited to see what Oscarn has come up with. I am your intern. Yes, I am in high school. Don't do anything that you would do and anything that you wouldn't do. Fine gray area and all."

"Good, good, kid."

Walking along the carpet, Peter couldn't help but marvel at everything. There was a lot of well-known celebrities and models standing around giving interviews and everything about the decoration and design screamed luxury.

Composing himself, Peter turned to Tony to ask a … wait. Where's Tony?

Starting to panic, Peter looks around and… spots Tony talking to a reporter. Oh, well. Peter guessed that he should have expected that. Instead, he decided to walk along the carpet.

"Excuse me, sir? Can I ask a couple questions?"

Turning to the person who asked the question, Peter found that it was Georgio Hill, one of the most well-respected reporters in the business. He was familiar with him because May has been obsessed with his videos lately, much to Happy's dismay.

"Uh… are you talking about me?"

"Yes, yes."

Georgio was, in fact, talking to Peter. See, out of most of the people he has seen walk down the carpet tonight, there was probably no one as handsome as this man. He was wearing an elegant suit that gave him a sophisticated air and fit his body nicely with his hair tied up, showing off his earrings. As such, he automatically assumed that Peter was one of the models walking down the runway tonight and planned to get an interview early. Even if he wasn't, an interview with a handsome young man would still go viral. It was a win-win!

Peter, however, was thinking of something very different. See, he's never been to one of these events before. As such, Peter assumed that it was customary to give an interview when arriving to one of these events. That would, after all, explain why Tony was currently giving an interview.

"Oh, of course!" Smiling brightly at the camera, Peter asked. "What did you want to ask?"

Momentarily blinded, Georgio looked at his list of questions. Most didn't apply too much to the young man in front of him. Thus, he decided to wing it instead. "What's your name, sir?"

"Oh! I'm Peter Parker!"

Peter Parker? He's never heard of him before. Cocking his head to the side, Georgio asked, "How were you invited to this event, Mr. Parker?"

Oh, this one was easy. Relaxing, Peter replied. "I'm actually here together with Mr. Stark! I'm his personal intern!"

Getting into the groove, the interviewer continued to ask questions. Luckily, Peter was fresh off his job as CEO so he was quite knowledgeable on anything SI-related. He was actually starting to like answering the questions since they focused on his job at Stark Industries and with Mr. Stark.

(Obviously, Peter may or may not have gushed about Mr. Stark for a good ten minutes.

It didn't melt the hearts of the surrounding reporters.

Nuh-uh.)

Peter was absently checking his watch after answering Georgio's questions when he suddenly jolted. "I'm sorry, did you just ask me about how I got my modelling gig?"

Modelling gig?

What.

What?!

"…yes? You are, after all, here as a model, right? You look absolutely dashing tonight! Did you get this gig by working with Tony Stark?"

Speechless, Peter opened and closed his mouth. Did this guy… think he was a model?! "I'm sorry, I think you've got it wrong, sir. I'm… not… a model… I'm here to watch the show with my mentor."

"O-oh! Well, I hope you enjoy yourself there, Mr. Parker!"

"Yes, uh… I think it should start soon so… I'm just… going to go… yeah. Thank you, Mr. Hill! My aunt absolutely loves your interviews!"

Settling into the seat at the back row, Peter covered his face with his hands and groaned softly. Did they not interview everyone that came? Oh, lord. Tony would never let him live this down. Seriously?! One of the best reporters in the business thought he was a model? How?!

(Though Peter didn't notice because he didn’t bother to look into the mirror when he changed, he looked stunning tonight. Coupled with his waves tied with an elastic, his ruby earrings and extremely form-fitting suit with burgundy highlights that perfectly complimented his muscular physique, Peter was the star of the carpet.

Many big names in the industry couldn't keep their eyes off of him, especially the fashion designers. Unknown to Peter, Tony was repeatedly approached by reporters, artists and designers asking about Peter.

Tony could only smile wryly and reply with a vague answer.)

Spotting Peter looking as red as his earrings, Tony sat beside him. "Kid, I don’t know what you did but there were so many people asking me about you. What did you do?" Looking around, he continued, "Also, why are you sitting on the back row?"

Looking away, embarrassed, Peter mumbled into his hands that were still covering part of his face. "Imayormaynothaveaccidentallygivenaninterview."

"What. Kid, you gotta speak louder. Even the ants can’t hear you."

Speaking clearer, Peter hesitated. "I… may … or may not… have accidentally given an interview…"

Doing a double take, Tony turned to Peter. "Sorry, you what?!"

"I don’t know! I thought everyone who got here had to give an interview so when that reporter that aunt May liked asked for an interview I said yes! I talked about SI for a bit and I honestly thought that was going to be it but then he asked what order of appearance I would have tonight! Like I was a model?! Keysmash."

"Peter did you just say keysmash?!"

Groaning into his hands again, Peter continued. "He thought I was a model, Tony! A model! I got so embarrassed I basically ran away."

Starting to get why Peter was hiding at the very back of the venue, Tony started to laugh out loud. Only Peter! He was never going to live this down. Oh! Wait, until he told May!

"This isn’t funny, Tony! What am I gonna do?!"

Still laughing hysterically, Tony wheezed out, "Just… enjoy the show, kid! You might get interviewed on the way out again. You know your best angle?"

",,,"

"Oh, you'll never live this down. This is going to be saved onto my tablet. Remind me to tell FRIDAY to add this moment to my deathbed collection! I'll go out smiling! Oh, wait until I tell May and Happy!"

Sulking, Peter replied, "Just pay attention to the show, Tony."

That night, Georgio Hill, the most awarded reporter in the business, uploaded an article that started trending.

Meet Peter Parker, Tony Stark's Personal Intern!

We interviewed Peter Parker, Tony Stark's only and personal intern who is still in high school!

It started with the video of Peter Parker being interviewed by Georgio Hill, followed by a separate video of Peter ranting about the awesomeness of Tony Stark. By morning, the internet had already fallen in love with the loveable bean, Peter Parker.

jones @jjjjjonas•2h

Yo is it just me or is tony stark's intern kinda… hot… #PeterParker #HotIntern

Rice @cattoooo • 2h

Replying to @jjjjjonas

Yo that suit?! My gooood kill me now #PeterParker #HotIntern

Stressed student @death • 1h

Yo is it just me or is tony stark weirdly protective of his lil intern? Hes like talking vaguely n everything #irondad #PeterParker

Shuri @PrincessOfWakanda (verified) • 1h

Lmaooo only peter @pparker could trend for looking hot in a suit #PeterParker #HotIntern

Led Needs @GuyInTheChair • 1h

Lol @pparker you seeing this?

Pepper potts is my god @ppottsfan • 1h

Guys can anyone tell me who peter parker is? Idgi #PeterParker

Stella @stellaman • 1h

Replying to @ppottsfan

He's @IronMan 's personal intern! Apparently, he's in HS rn and Tony's apparently pretty protective of him! You could find more info at this link. #PeterParker #HotIntern #irondad

BLM!! @ironmanfan • 30m

Yo @pparker looks like a literal model and his face when he got asked if he was a model at 15:31 is priceless lmaooo #PeterParker #HotIntern

Oscarn @Oscarn_Fashion (verified)• 30m

Absolutely enjoyed having @pparker and @IronMan at our show last night! Here's our favorite pictures from the opening show!

[attached: 4 photos]

Tony Stark @IronMan (verified) • 30m

SI will be holding a press conference on my intern Peter Parker later today! Don't miss it!

Pepper Potts @SI_CEO (verified) • 28m

Peter is indeed Tony's personal intern. Please, stop harassing Peter Parker about our internship program. Stark Industries is more than willing to take you to court.

Stark Industries @SI_Official (verified) • 25m

Stark Industries will be holding a press conference about @pparker later today at 1 P.M. EST! Don't miss it!

[attached: link]

Step on me Peter Parker !! @crisscross • 30m

Yo @pparker in THAT suit !! Skin? Clear. Crops? Watered. Tests? Aced. #PeterParker #HotIntern

Buzzfeed @Buzzfeed_Official (verified) • 5m

@IronMan personally held a conference about @pparker and here's all you need to know about it! Link

User1216 @ksjdfhshf •5m

Guys @IronMan and @SI_CEO are so protective over @pparker … anyone getting mom and dad vibes? #ironfam

MJ @michelle_jones •4m

How did parker not notice that the reporter thought he was a model…? #PeterParker #HotIntern

Cindy @cindymoon •4m

Replying to @michelle_jones

I know right! His face at 15:31 lmaooo looks absolutely horrified. Peter you oblivious bean @pparker #PeterParker

Flash @flashthomp •3m

Replying to @michelle_jones

Lol parker ur dumb haha get a life #PeterParker

Abeeeee @_abe_•2m

Replying to @michelle_jones & @flashthomp

Lol flash youre reaching #PeterParker

Bet @betty_brant •3m

Replying to @michelle_jones & @flashthomp

Flash why cant you just lay off of @pparker #PeterParker

Cindy @cindymoon •3m

Replying to @michelle_jones & @flashthomp

Flash stop being an asshole challenge #PeterParker

Peter Parker's BICEPS @pparkerfan •3m

YO! That suit was absolutely GLORIOUS yall see how peter got flustered at 16:01 ?? Uh step on me, baby #hotintern #PeterParker

Tony Stark @IronMan (verified) • 2m

Replying to @pparkerfan

Please stop thirsting over my kid.

Plurple @plurple •2m

@pparker I would literally take a bullet for you ilysm #PeterParker

Tony Stark @IronMan (verified)•2m

Replying to @plurple

Lol I would take a hundred bullets for pete youre not special #ironfam #PeterParker

Rhodey @col_rhodes (verified)•2m