Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
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-Ethan-
The sterile, metallic chill of the SHIELD facility finally recedes as we step out into the bright New York sunlight. A sleek, black limousine idles at the curb, its tinted windows promising an escape from prying eyes. Happy Hogan, ever the stoic chauffeur, holds the rear door open for us.
"Thanks for the save, Mr. Stark," I say, sliding into the plush leather seat next to Gwen. Peter squeezes in beside me, still looking a little shell-shocked. Gatomon and BlackGatomon settle onto my lap, purring contentedly, while Renamon perches gracefully on the edge of the seat, her icy blue eyes scanning the street. I sent Tony a text before we even left SHIELD. I wasn't sure if he'd respond, but I'm definitely glad he did.
Tony Stark, looking as sharp as ever in a casual but expensive-looking suit, slides in opposite us, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Don't mention it, kid. Though I must say, you really know how to inconvenience a guy. I had a date lined up, you know. Had to cancel for a 'sudden emergency involving government facilities and cartoon cats'."
I chuckle, the tension from the interrogation room finally starting to ebb away. "Sorry about that," I say, then lean closer, lowering my voice. "But I know about the palladium poisoning. If you need help with the arc reactor, I might be able to point you in the right direction."
Tony's eyebrows shoot up, his sarcastic demeanor momentarily replaced by genuine surprise. He studies me for a long moment, his gaze sharp and assessing. Then, he gives a slow, almost imperceptible nod. "Intriguing. Very intriguing."
The polished interior of the limo hums with a quiet luxury I'm still not entirely used to. Peter, ever the science nerd, is practically vibrating with excitement next to me, his eyes wide as he takes in the opulence. Gwen, usually so composed, has a soft, star-struck look on her face as she glances at Tony.
"So, uh, Ethan," Peter begins, his voice a little too loud, "how exactly do you know Tony Stark? And more importantly, how do you know him well enough for him to show up and bail us out of a SHIELD interrogation?"
Gwen nods, her gaze flicking between Peter and me. "Yeah, Ethan, you never mentioned you knew Mr. Stark. It's just… wow."
I offer a sheepish grin, running a hand through my hair. "Oh, yeah, that. I, uh, I kinda forgot to mention it. It's a long story." I decide to play it cool. "Tony, this is Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy. Guys, this is Tony Stark. You know, the genius inventor, billionaire, philanthropist, and apparently, my emergency ride service."
Tony turns his attention to them, his signature smirk returning. "The brightest minds in Midtown High, I presume? It's a pleasure to meet you both. Though I have to say, you've got some pretty interesting friends." He gives me a pointed look.
Peter practically melts. "Mr. Stark! It's an honor! I've… I've read all about your work. Your arc reactor technology is revolutionary." His voice cracks slightly.
Gwen, meanwhile, manages a polite, "It's wonderful to meet you, Mr. Stark. Your contributions to… well, everything, are truly inspiring." She subtly nudges Peter, who's about to launch into a full-blown technical breakdown of the arc reactor.
Tony just laughs, a rich, booming sound that fills the car. "Well, well. Seems I've stumbled upon quite the fan club. Don't worry, kids, I don't bite. Much." He winks, and I can see Peter practically glowing. Gwen, though more reserved, looks equally thrilled.
"Alright, everyone," Tony says, glancing at his watch. "It's getting pretty late, and I don't think any of you have had a proper meal or a decent night's sleep in days. So, I took the liberty of booking us rooms at one of my establishments. The Starlight Grand."
Peter and Gwen exchange wide-eyed glances. The Starlight Grand? That place is legendary, practically dripping with wealth.
"Whoa, Mr. Stark, that's… that's really generous, but you don't have to," Peter stammers, looking genuinely uncomfortable.
"Yeah, seriously," Gwen chimes in, her voice a little shaky. "We can just crash at Ethan's place. It's… cozy."
Tony waves a dismissive hand. "Nonsense. I insist. Besides, my legal team practically gave me a lecture about 'responsible adult supervision.' And frankly, after the whole 'cartoon cats saving the day' fiasco, I think we all deserve a little pampering." He grins at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Happy's got the check-in handled. Don't worry about a thing. It's all on me."
Happy nods from the driver's seat, a small, almost imperceptible smile on his face.
The hotel lobby is something else. Marble floors gleam under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, and the air is thick with the scent of expensive perfume and old money. It's a stark contrast to my grimy apartment and the worn-out furniture in the Digi-Home. Peter looks like he's about to faint, his gaze darting everywhere, while Gwen just stares, her mouth slightly agape.
Happy leads us through the hushed lobby to the front desk, where a very polished concierge greets us with a practiced smile. He barely glances at Tony before handing over a handful of key cards.
"Mr. Stark, your penthouse suite is ready," the concierge says smoothly. "And for your guests, we have arranged two adjoining suites on the floor below. All equipped with the finest amenities, of course."
Peter and Gwen are practically speechless as Happy escorts them to their rooms. I get my own suite, too, which is honestly overkill, but I'm not about to complain.
I step into my suite at the Starlight Grand, the plush carpet sinking under my feet. The room is huge, way bigger than my apartment, with a king-sized bed that looks like a cloud and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a killer view of the city skyline.
"Whoa," Gatomon breathes, popping out of my Digivice, her eyes wide. "This is… soft!" She leaps onto the bed, bouncing a few times before burying herself in the pillows. "It's like sleeping on a giant, fluffy cloud!"
BlackGatomon emerges next, a smug grin on her face. "Hmph. Took you long enough to get us somewhere decent. This place is almost as good as I am." She hops onto the bed, circling a few times before flopping down with a dramatic sigh. "Though, I must admit, this bed is surprisingly comfortable. Beats that lumpy mattress back at your… charming abode."
I toss my jacket onto a nearby armchair, the leather cool against my fingertips. "Glad you approve," I say, flopping onto the bed next to them. The sheets are impossibly smooth, a stark contrast to the rough denim I'm used to. "Tony Stark really knows how to live, huh?"
BlackGatomon snorts, batting at a dangling thread on the comforter. "He knows how to spend money, that's for sure. Look at this view!" She gestures with a clawed paw towards the window, where the city lights twinkle like scattered diamonds. "Not bad for a temporary hideout."
Gatomon nudges my hand with her head. "It's amazing, Ethan! So much better than the alleyways. And look at this bathroom!" She hops off the bed and trots towards the adjoining door, peeking inside. "It has a separate shower and a bathtub! I could get used to this."
I grin, letting myself sink into the mattress. For the first time in what feels like forever, I can actually relax. The mission is done, the bad guys are dealt with, and for now, at least, we're safe. It's a good feeling.
***
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