Peter sat in the small coffee shop three blocks from Stark Tower.
The place was quiet. Only a few other customers scattered around at various tables. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air.
His phone buzzed on the table in front of him. He picked it up and checked the screen. Another email from Tony Stark.
Peter opened it and read the message.
"Your theoretical framework on arc reactor miniaturization is wrong—but brilliantly wrong. Coffee? I'm buying. —TS"
Peter smiled slightly. A small expression that didn't quite reach his eyes but showed his amusement.
Two years of email exchanges with one of the most famous inventors in the world. Two years of debates about physics and quantum mechanics. Two years of arguments about energy efficiency and power output ratios.
And through all of it, Tony Stark had treated him like an intellectual equal. Not some kid to pat on the head and dismiss. Not some high school student to humor with simple explanations.
An actual peer whose opinions and calculations mattered.
'Finally meeting in person,' Peter thought as he set his phone down. 'This should be interesting.'
He'd kept his identity hidden at first. Started with anonymous emails to Stark Industries about their arc reactor design flaws.
Technical critiques sent through encrypted channels. Detailed mathematical proofs showing where their assumptions broke down at smaller scales.
Tony had responded personally. Not through an assistant or secretary. The man himself had written back. Intrigued by someone who could actually spot the flaws in his work. Challenged by the precise nature of the criticisms.
For the past two years, they'd been going back and forth like this. Pure theory. Pure science. No corporate politics or ego games.
Just two minds testing each other. Pushing boundaries. Exploring possibilities.
Well. Mostly no ego. Tony was still Tony Stark after all. The man had a reputation for arrogance that was well-earned.
The coffee shop door opened with a small chime. Peter looked up from his coffee cup. Tony Stark walked in wearing expensive sunglasses despite being indoors.
His suit probably cost more than most people's cars. That signature confident walk carried him through the door like he owned the place.
Tony scanned the room with quick efficiency. His eyes moved across the scattered customers.
Then they landed on Peter sitting alone at a corner table.
Tony stopped walking. Just stood there in the doorway. Stared at Peter with an expression that was hard to read behind those sunglasses.
Then he walked over slowly. Each step measured. Like he was approaching something unexpected and potentially dangerous.
"You're kidding me," Tony said when he reached the table. He didn't ask permission. Just pulled out the chair across from Peter and sat down. "You're fifteen."
"Sixteen in two months," Peter replied calmly. His voice didn't waver. Didn't show any nervousness at meeting one of his idols face to face. He picked up his coffee cup and took a slow sip. "Does my age change the math?"
Tony laughed. The sound was sharp and genuine. Not mocking. Actually amused.
"No. No it doesn't." He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. Studied Peter like he was a puzzle that didn't quite make sense.
"Two years. Two whole years you've been telling me I'm wrong about quantum tunneling effects. Pointing out flaws in my energy transfer calculations. And you're in high school."
"Your calculations assumed standard temperature gradients," Peter said. He set his coffee cup down and met Tony's gaze evenly.
"But you weren't accounting for the magnetic field interference at the quantum level. The math falls apart completely when you try to scale the reactor down to practical sizes."
"I know that NOW," Tony said. He raised his hand to flag down a passing waiter.
"Because you spent three very detailed emails explaining exactly why I'm an idiot."
"I never said you were an idiot," Peter pointed out.
"You implied it. Heavily." Tony grinned behind his sunglasses. "I like you, kid. You don't kiss my ass like everyone else does."
Peter shrugged. A casual gesture that showed complete comfort with the situation. "Why would I? You're wrong about the miniaturization approach. Being nice about it doesn't change the underlying physics."
Tony's grin widened. He ordered coffee from the waiter who had appeared at their table. Then turned his attention back to Peter.
"See? This is exactly what I mean. Everyone at Stark Industries either agrees with everything I say or they're too scared to argue. You just call me wrong and move on like it's nothing."
"You are wrong," Peter said simply. His tone was matter-of-fact. Not arrogant or confrontational. Just stating an observable fact.
"The energy loss at that scale would be catastrophic. You'd need a completely different containment approach. Probably something involving exotic materials that don't exist in current production."
"Which you outlined in your last email," Tony said.
"Which you dismissed as impractical," Peter countered.
"Because the materials don't exist yet," Tony said. He leaned forward slightly. "Your theoretical framework requires substances we can't manufacture."
"They will exist," Peter said. He met Tony's hidden eyes without flinching. "Give it three years. Maybe four at most. Material science is advancing faster than most people realize."
Tony studied him. Really looked at him this time. Peter could feel the intensity of that gaze even through the sunglasses. Peter didn't flinch away.
Didn't look down or show any sign of discomfort. Just waited calmly for Tony to finish his assessment.
"You're different," Tony said finally. His voice had changed. Become more serious.
"Not just smart. Different from other smart kids I've met. You talk like someone who's seen things. Done things. Like you have experience beyond your years. But you're fifteen."
"Sixteen in two months," Peter repeated. A small smile touched his lips.
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