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averagewriter-inthedark · 2 years

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Welcome To Avengers Campus | Post No Way Home AU P.3 (Final)

Set after the events of SMNWH (contains spoilers)

Read Parts 1 & 2 | My Marvel masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Jacqueline Elizabeth Stark (OC), Tom!Peter Parker (platonic/*adopted son type relationship*), Andrew!Peter Parker (platonic), Tobey!Peter Parker (platonic), Tony Stark (platonic/nephew), Steve Rogers (platonic/best friend), Bucky Barnes (platonic/best friend), Howard Stark (platonic/brother), Natasha Romanoff (platonic/best friend). Wanda Maximoff (Platonic/mother—daughter like/sister relationship)

Stephen Strange (romantic pairing)—I think I’m gonna pair Jackie w/ Strange in this because I have another story idea with an OC that I think Bucky would be the better pairing for. For this, Bucky and Jackie are best friends.

Content warnings: references to Earth-616, mentions of violence and death. Profanity. Slight cannon divergence (Tony & Nat are alive /the Peters are trapped), Steve slander (sorry) | female oc | This is kinda long just warning you.

Premise: The Eagle is known for getting down to business, and a couple of alternate versions of her friendly neighborhood Spider-Man are no exception. After a tension filled introduction, Jackie Stark gets them situated in the new compound dubbed ‘Avengers Campus’ while her trusty master of Mystic Arts figures out how to get them home. Might as well make them feel at home, right? It was going to be a long road ahead of them.

Note: I plan to maybe make a full series following the timeline of the MCU where I will go full in depth with Jackies history with the Avengers. This is an alternate universe miniseries where the Tobey & Andrew’s peters get stuck in the MCU world. Make sure you read the other two parts to follow along and understand the significance Jackie has to Tom!Peter.

—————————

Jackie Stark had the feeling there would be chaos dealing with three Peter Parkers. She already had headaches every now and then dealing with teenager she was accustomed with.

It was a average day at Avengers Campus with people in suits and lab coats on every corner. Jackie led the group consisting of the three Peters, Happy, Ned, and Mj out of her office after the introduction to show them around the compound. They piled into the elevator with Jackie pressing the bottom level.

“This building houses mainly offices where our meetings take place. It’s also where the team goes through when they want to change their status from active to inactive and vice versa,” Jackie explained, seeing how many of them were looking at the land from the windows of the glass elevator. “Banner has his lab on the fifth floor, as does Dr. Cho—I can take you by later today, but Banner is currently off site at the moment so I won’t have you roam around in there. Tony has his own lab that takes up the whole eighth floor. The tenth is strictly mine—with my office and lab side by side. You only saw the office part.”

“Can we see your lab?” Peter (3) asked with intrigue.

Jackie thought for a moment, before giving a nod. “I’ll take you guys there tomorrow at some point. After I finish up with Bucky and Sam.” The man was happy with that, already looking forward to seeing what magic lied within the lab.

He was a man of science after all so it’s no wonder that excited him.

A *ding* sounded, indicating they had reached the first floor. Jackie was the first to step out, hands in the pockets of her dress pants and head high. The group noticed how everyone who passed them had nodded to the woman, which she would respond in the same manner. “Good morning, Director Stark.” “Morning Dr. Molina.”

“Director Stark, Agent Ross from the CIA wants to know if you have an available moment to speak later today?” “Patch him to Tina and have her see if I have any openings either tonight or tomorrow—I’m a little occupied right now.”

“Director Stark, Sargent Barns and Captain Wilson have just informed intel they’ve completed their mission in Vienna and will be arriving back to the compound first thing tomorrow morning.” “Wonderful. Have Mr. Smith set up a meeting for debriefing and make sure all reports have been final.” “Right away, ma’am.”

There were more of these intersections as the group wandered through the halls and lobby until they were exiting the facility. Peter (1) had glanced at the monitor board with the Avengers and noticed his status was now labeled ‘inactive’ with his name in red. A pout had filled his face, although he wiped it away when he noticed Jackie caught him.

Her expression was enough to tell him, ‘we’ll discuss more later. For now, you’re under suspension.’ It didn’t stop the slight defeat he was feeling, although it was deserved for what he did. Peter ignored the sympathetic looks he was getting from his friends and even the other Peters.

The automatic doors opened, and Jackie tapped a few buttons on the tech watch she was wearing. Everyone—besides Happy—were quite stunned when the latest edition of a white Audi SUV strolled up to the roundabout and stopped right in front of the curb. Jackie said nothing, instead going to the drivers seat while Happy went to the passenger.

“Well, get in,” she raised her brow at the group, “We don’t have all day.”

In a rush, they all piled into the back with the two older Peters taking the far back and the teenagers in the middle row. After everyone was settled Jackie put the car in drive. The five were all looking at the scenery through the windows, watching cars pass by and quinjets land on the airstrip.

“Over here is the training facility,” Jackie pointed to a smaller building than the one they were just at. There was a group of people in formation doing laps around a small track beside it. The building was three stories compared to ten. “Air firing range is located on the third floor—a large gym takes up the second. Locker room is on the first and washroom. Behind is an obstacle course that new recruits are required to pass in a certain time limit.”

The passed the building but there was another similar sized one just up ahead on the opposite side. The only difference is this building had a large barbed wire fence surrounding it and there was a gate by the entrance. “This is where we house certain objects,” Jackie didn’t go into too much detail. “It’s strictly confidential and only certain members with clearance are allowed in.”

No one said anything as they passed the building. The drive came to and end about five minutes later when they reached another gated area that only had a few cars in its lot. It was a tall building with roughly nine floors and like the main facility this had the fancy ‘A’ painted on it’s side.

They guessed this was the east wing apartment complex for the Avengers. Jackie rolled up to the gate with her window down, where the armed agent standing in the cubicle just gave her a nod while saying, “Hello, Director Stark.” Jackie nodded back replying, “Morning Adams, just giving a tour to our guests.”

Adams looked through the window to see the packed car and waved a hand to let them pass, “Come on through.” Jackie gave a two finger salute, pushing back on the gas to send the car forward. They maneuvered through the lot, until Jackie pulled into a spot in the corner marked, ‘Director J. Stark,’ with her Eagle symbol below her name.

“Damn that’s cool,” Peter 3 mumbled under his breath, not realizing Jackie had heightened hearing and heard the man. There was a smirk on her face while putting the car in park.

“Alright gang, let me show you around to your quarters for the time being,” she announced, opening the drivers door and stepping out. They all followed, closing the doors behind them and Jackie locks it with the tap of her watch. She once again leads them in the front, letting the automatic doors open. “The only person here right now is Wanda—although Sam and Bucky will be arriving and will possibly stay a night or two.”

“So the Avengers don’t live here?” Peter 2 asks curiously.

Jackie shakes her head, “No they don’t. This was built similar to how it was when we had Avengers Tower in New York. Each floor has two or three large apartments that are spacious enough for the team. I’m the only one who has a permanent room since I’m on site the most. Everyone has their own residence elsewhere for when they are inactive—like Tony has the lake house where he lives with Pepper and Morgan, then T’Challa and Shuri stay in their home country of Wakanda. Really the team will stay whenever they are in between missions—Sam and Bucky will more than likely be back on the field in a few days so their rooms will be set up.”

They pass through the main lobby where Jackie points out the entrance to the pool located on the back side of the building, and the gym housed on the opposite end of the lobby. “First second has a lounge and library if you find yourself in need of a chill space to hang out.” There was a reception desk in the center and Jackie went behind it. She pressed a few buttons and scrimmaged around until there were four key cards in her hand.

“I’ll take you guys up to where you’re staying—maybe see if Wanda is here so you can meet her.”

“How is Wanda?” Peter (1) had a concerned look when asking the question. It had been a long time since he’s seen Wanda—the last time being at the final battle against Thanos. Although he wasn’t too in detail with the events that took place in Westview, judging by the conversation he overheard Jackie have with Ross indicated things weren’t too good for the Sokovian woman.

Jackie gave a small sigh, gesturing to the elevator for them to follow. “Better. She’s been doing much better being here—and maybe having you guys here will increase that because there hasn’t been anyone else staying for awhile. Well except for me,” she mumbled under breath, pressing the elevator to the ninth floor. “—Ross has been on my ass about everything. He doesn’t approve of her being out in the public even though he no longer has authority when it comes to the Avengers.”

“Why is that?” Peter 3 suddenly asked.

“After what happened with Thanos, the U.N realized their mistake with overseeing enhanced individuals. Ross wanted Rhodey to arrest the team members who were on the run at the time knowing there was a intergalactic threat on his way—and having the Avengers together would be the only way to stop him.” Jackies tone implied she was still at a cross with Ross for everything that happened. None of them blamed her.

“Anyway, when the world went to shit for five years and the population was restored the U.N knew it was time for a change. The Accords were useless—causing more problems than solutions and after weeks of deliberation they approved of my offer of having the Avengers an independent agency once again. I thought they’d make Fury director again, but they felt only someone with experience and was a enhanced being should be in charge. That’s how I took over.”

Mj gave her a smile, “And it was the right choice. The Avengers wouldn’t have happened had you and Erskine not created the super soldier serum.” The others voiced agreement making Jackie give a humbled shrug, though they could see the smile peeking in the corner of her lips.

“I’m just doing my best,” she chuckled. “And what I felt was best for Wanda was to have her comfortable in a place with her family. It’s been months now since what happened in Westview. Unfortunately everyone who’s been active has been unable to stay long and I’ve been so busy I feel she’s been left on her own. I’m hoping Clint and Nat will finish up the situation in New York so they can come visit.”

There was a *ding* and the elevator doors opened. Jackie exited first like usual and they all walked down to the middle of the corridor. There was one door on each side of the hall, although one had a plague which they assumed was Jackies apartment. At the end of the hall there was a corner turning into another hall so they wondered if there were another room located there.

Their questions were answered when Jackie pointed to the room with the plaque, “There’s my residence—if you need anything then feel free to stop by if I’m there. My A.I system here is I.S.S.A.C—,” Jackie couldn’t see because their back was toward them, but many were frowning at the name—remembering it was the name of her late son. “—I.S.S.A.C will let you know if I’m home if you ask. Also if there’s anything you’re in need of like food or necessities then tell I.S.S.A.C and he’ll make the order for reception to gather. He’s pretty much the one to go to while you’re staying here and is always available.”

“You have two A.I systems?” Ned wondered aloud, “That’s so cool.”

“Yup,” Jackie said with a pop on the ‘p’. “H.O.W.I.E is my originally system I designed when I first awoke. I developed I.S.S.A.C when we built this compound—reserving him for the team. He stands for ‘Intelligent Security System—Artificial Child.’”

Well that certainly pulled at their heart strings.

The Director changes the subject, pointing to the end of the hallway, “Wandas room is down that corner—we’ll see if she’s home in a little bit. I have the upper floors usually reserved—especially this one, for the ladies of the team then the lower levels for the guys. You boys will be located on the fifth floor since Bucky and Sam have the fourth. Mj,” the teens head perks up at the sound of her name to see Jackie looking directly at her. “—you’ll be here.”

Jackie takes the top key card in her hand and waves it front of the sensor. The red light turns green followed by a *buzz* sound and Jackie pushes the door open before stepping to the side. She gestures for them to enter first and she follows them behind. Everyone’s eyes went around the apartment in awe.

It was very spacious with white painted walls with dark wood detailing the floors. Beautiful hanging light fixtures were scattered on the ceiling and the living space had large glass walls overlooking the compound. East wing was located about seven minutes from the main facility, but it was still visible in the distance. It may have been a quicker drive, but Jackie wasn’t speeding so they were unable to tell.

The kitchen was right when you first walked in—located on the right with light marble countertops and steel appliances. There was a coffee maker and toaster along with several utensils and cooking supplies. The counter had a bar top with stools on the opposite side and a railing dividing it from the living room which was lower than the kitchen.

“Laundry room is through this door,” Jackie pointed to the door just to the left of where they kitchen was. “Let me show you the bedroom,” she walked into the living room, stepping down on the small steps from the kitchen—telling the others to watch their step, and turned to the left where a small hallway was.

They followed her to a room that was plain save for a few pictures of Upstate New York and the old Avengers Tower building. This room also had a window from ceiling to floor which had the rest of the compound visible to their eyes. The bed was mounted on the side, as was a large flat screen tv.

There was even a couch in the corner with a coffee table. A dresser was below the T.V and the group could see two doors on opposite ends of the room.

Jackie stepped in, waving a hand in front of her. “This is the bedroom, obviously. We keep east wing all the way out here so the sounds of planes and quinjets aren’t too loud for you guys. Plus this building is fully soundproof.” Jackie then points to the doors. “Bathroom is there. Everything you’ll need for the night is already stocked and you’ve got a walk in closet. I had reception make sure to get some clothes for all of you in your rooms. And don’t worry about paying for anything,” the director said in a serious tone, “Everything is on me.”

There were several voices of protest, especially from the Peters. “You don’t have to do that Ms. Stark—.” “Yeah t-that’s too much to ask.” “Jackie you can’t possibly—.”

“Enough,” they all went silent when she snapped her fingers. “You two—,” she pointed first at the older Peters, “are not from this world, so I doubt your credit cards would even work here if you have them.”

She had a point with that—smirking when their shoulders deflated.

Peter 1 was next, “You are without a home—and are my responsibility so I don’t want to hear anything from you.” Then Ned and Mj, “You two don’t have to worry about funds, okay? You’re my guests for however long—and you’re high schoolers getting ready for college.” Lastly Jackie looked at Happy, “And Happy you know you’re family. And you’re also without a home so stay as long as you need.”

The Director gave a playful roll of her eyes before ending it with, “I have more money than that guy who created—what was it? Microsoft? Yeah him. Point is, take advantage of it—you’re not hurting my bank account and this is the Avengers payroll you’re living off of.”

They left it at that, knowing there was no further part in arguing. When the Jackie Stark is telling you to do as you please—well you have no choice really.

“Anyway now that’s settled,” Jackie pushes aside so she could exit the room, “Let’s see if Wanda is in and then I’ll take you down to where you boys will be staying. It will look mostly similar to this, just the design might be a little different with each apartment.” She gave Mj the key card, instructing her to keep it in a safe place, so Mj tucked it in the plastic covering behind her visitors pass she was wearing around her neck.

Happy closed the door of the apartment behind him with a *click* while Jackie led the group down the corridor. They turned the corner and approached the dark colored door at the end.

Jackie lifted her fist, knocking a few times before calling out, “Wanda? Are you home—it’s Jackie and I have some people I’d like to introduce you to.” There was silence at first, before they could hear footsteps approaching.

A second later the door was opened, revealing the beautiful red headed Wanda Maximoff with a cup of tea in her hand. She was visibly surpsised to see them, but the group was met with a kind smile nonetheless—her eyes trailing over them before landing on Jackie. “Well hello,” they could hear the accent in her voice, “I wasn’t expecting any visitors today. Please come in.”

Wanda stepped to the side, opening the door of her apartment to let them all in. Jackie entered first and went straight to the living room so the others followed—each giving Wanda a smile as they passed her. Once everyone was in, Wanda closed the door and took a spot next to Jackie. The director was now able to get a good look at the woman—noticing she was in wearing a plain white t-shirt with a blue cardigan and jeans with hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Her eyes still looked tired, but not as sad as they had been months prior when she first arrived. Jackie smiled at her before lifting her hand out, “Wanda you remember Peter and Happy?”

“Yes,” she waved her free hand at the two. “It’s nice to see you both again.”

“Likewise, Wanda,” Happy nodded his head. Peter agreed, offering a small smile.

“These are Peters best friends from school,” Jackie points to the teenagers next to Peter, “Ned and Mj.” The teens gave a shy wave—still a little shock to be standing in the presence of the enhanced avenger.

“Hi.” “Hello.” They both say.

Wanda smiles at them, “Hello, nice to meet you two.”

Jackie then clears her throat, her hand moving to where the other Peters stood. “This is where things are probably going to get confusing,” she gave a small laugh, noticing how Wanda looked confused by the comment. “—but these two are also Peter Parker.”

The shock was visible on the redhead, her eyes flickering back and forth between the Peter she knew and the others. “I-I don’t understand,” she’s looked at Jackie for answers. “What do you mean they are Peter Parker? Y-you’re saying they are him?” Her finger points at the teenager who’s face was already turning red.

He knew this was going to be a common occurrence until Strange was able to get the two home.

“Yes,” Jackie leaned against the railing of the small staircase leading to the kitchen before explaining. “You saw all that shit on the news about what was happening in New York?” Wanda nodded. “—well our little spider friend was at the center of that.” That made Peter (1) blush even more.

Wanda mouth formed an ‘o’, “Is that why Strange wasn’t answering you?” There was a knowing look on Wandas face the others couldn’t decipher.

“Yeah,” Jackie made a disgruntled sigh, “Basically Peter asked Strange if he could cast a spell where the world would forget he was Spider-Man, because of what happened with Beck,” Jackie made sure to add so Wanda could get the picture, “spell went sideways as you can guess—instead people from within the multiverse who knew Peter Parker was Spider-Man were pulled here. And these two dudes—,” Jackie gestured her head to the two men, “—are Peter Parker who are Spider-Man in their universe.”

“I see,” Wanda said with intrigued eyes, “How come they’re still here though? I thought Strange was able to send everyone back.”

“He was able to reverse the effects of the original spell—and make things how they were before. Somehow though there was a flux in the system because these two were unable to be sent back. Strange doesn’t know what went wrong so he needs time to figure out.”

Jackie went silent when Wanda chuckled. Everyone looked confused when she gave Jackie a cheeky look while sipping her tea, “I know he’s in trouble whenever you call him Strange. Haven’t heard you call him that since before you two—.”

“Let’s not go there, Wanda,” Jackie cut her off, trying to avoid the blush rising to her cheeks. Wanda just shook her head, still chuckling. “But yes, I’m not too happy with him at the moment—but then again he was trapped,” her eyes went to young Peter, a slight glare in them, “in the mirror dimension so I shouldn’t be too harsh on him.”

Before Peter (1) or anyone could question on the matter what Wanda was talking about, her phone buzzed interrupting the conversation. Wanda picked up the phone to see what it was about and noticed Clint had gotten back to her about their conversation that morning. It made Wanda feel relief.

“That’s Clint,” she turned to Jackie, “He and I were talking earlier and it looks like him and Nat might be finishing up just in time for Christmas. Which he invited me to join him and his family for—is that okay?” Jackie could here the hesitance in Wandas voice. With everything going on and dealing with the aftermath of Westview, Jackie had encouraged Wanda to remain at the compound for her safety while she handles Ross.

One little holiday shouldn’t be trouble. And the director was more than happy to give her that.

Jackie smiled, seeing the hope in Wandas eyes when she nodded. “That’s completely fine with me. Go have fun and just let me know whenever you’ll be leaving and returning—Ross is still on my ass, but I told him earlier to go screw himself so hopefully soon you’ll be able to go live your life the way you want it. I don’t want you here forever, Wanda, you deserve to be free.”

Her words brought comfort and gratitude to Wanda. It had been a year full of hell and although Wanda had come to enjoy her time at Avengers campus, she was ready to get back in the field and use her powers for good.

She wanted to be the Avenger she knew she could be.

And with both Clint and Jackie there to support guide her, the Scarlet Witch felt she would reach her best and brightest potential. All there was needed was a little time and patience.

“I do like it here,” Wanda told her, glancing around the nice apartment she hand decorated to suit her personality, “It’s been a huge comfort—has felt like home while I’m here. It does get lonely during the day since you’re so busy and everyone is coming and going. But I’m grateful for everything you’ve given me, Jackie. I can never thank you enough for all that you’ve done to help me.”

“I’d do it again, Wanda. You know that,” the super soldier gently gave her a pat on the shoulder.

They talked for a few more minutes before Jackie motioned for the group to let Wanda get back to her day. Happy escorted them out the door and before leaving, Jackie gave her a hug while saying, “Join us for dinner tonight, alright?”

“Will Strange be there,” Wanda wiggled her eyebrows, causing Jackie to roll her eyes.

“I don’t know. I’ll give him a call, but when he gets focused on something it’s like everything else is nonexistent to him,” Jackie let out a small laugh, “I don’t know how the hell he and I have managed to work this long.”

“You know enemies to lovers is the best book troupe so I’m not surprised.”

“Dear God—you know how I am with that reference.” Wanda just laughed at Jackies cringe, even though the director knew the redhead was right. When you think of Doctor Strange and Jackie Stark together, you think of a them getting along like a house on fire.

But somehow something bloomed between them in the weeks after Thanos. Although they still get on each others nerves here and there.

Wanda followed Jackie to the door, saying one last goodbye before closing it and the director took them all to the fifth level where the Peters and Ned would be staying. Their rooms were directly across from each other so they went to the one where Peter 2 & 3 would stay first—Jackie given them each a key card.

Peter 1 and Ned received their cards after they saw their room. Both of apartments for the guys were doubled with a private bed and bathroom on opposite sides of the place to give them privacy. It was similar to the one Mj was staying in, just slightly bigger since it was meant for two people per room.

Lastly they went to the third floor where Happy was to be housed until he could get himself a new residence. He had the corner apartment of the floor and was directly above the lounge so if he took the stairs that were just down the hall he would easily enter it.

As they made their way down to the lobby Jackie said to them, “When y’all want to or are needed to go to the other buildings make sure to tell I.S.S.A.C. He’ll send a car down and a driver will take you there, just make sure you have your passes. Tina informed you all that you can’t go into certain places without clearance—but if you’re with me then you’ll have access.”

They exited the east wing building, Jackie tapping on her watch to start her car. “Where are we going now, Director Stark?” Ned asked as they approached the car.

She replied as they piled in. “We’ll go to the training facility so you guys can look around before we go back to the main building on the west side of campus. Then I’ll show you my lab—maybe Tonys and Banners, then we’ll see what time it is before we can all have dinner and let you all get settled for the night.”

It took a few hours for them to get through everything Jackie mentioned. They started in the training facility since it was the closest and spent about an hour going through the floors and areas. The three Peters ended up having a race through the obstacle course after Peter 3 challenged the other two.

Peter 2 came out on top—although they were very close together.

Jackie showed off her shooting ability. It was quite impressive to the group seeing she never missed a target. After finishing up with one last look at the track, they headed back to the main building. It was clearer than it was in the morning. Employees were finishing up for the day and taking their leave.

The first stop was the fifth floor. Banners lab was located there and Jackie had them walk through the hallways where they could see into the lab through it’s glass covered surroundings. It was very spacious and on the opposite side was another which was Dr. Cho’s. “If Banner is here while you all are then maybe he’ll let you have a better look. Tonys though I’ll let you roam a bit—just don’t touch anything.”

In Tonys lab the group was in awe. Happy stayed beside Jackie since he had been in there before and the two talked a bit while the others maneuvered around. They were careful not to touch or run into anything. Dum-E had reacted when they got close—which made everyone save for Peter 1 to jump back at the machine.

“Hey, Dum-E!” It made a sound like it was happy at the greeting, swinging it’s one arm side to side.

Tonys lab was on the eight floor and they were going by the levels while touring so on the ninth they saw mostly offices and lounges. There were still some people there so Jackie had some tell the group about their job and what they did. It was cool to see how natural Jackie was when it came to being an agency director. She was very hands on and welcoming with the agents and staff. They noticed how easily it was for them to approach her—unlike most bosses who their employees are too intimidated to approach.

Don’t get them wrong, Jackie Stark was very intimidating. Her glare could cut through vibranium and she wasn’t afraid to voice her thoughts.

But Jackie made people feel at ease. Yes she had laid into Peter 1 earlier in the day, but she had every reason to. Then once she had finished the matter at hand she was comforting. It’s what made her a great leader.

It’s what made her an Avenger.

“Well the last thing you all have to see is my lab,” she beamed when they finished up the ninth floor. “Then we can see what to do from there.”

Excitement filled Peter 3. He had been looking forward to see her lab since the minute she mentioned it. The only other thing he wished to see other than that was Jackie flying with her wings.

Yeah, he was becoming a fanboy.

They entered the elevator once more and waited only a few seconds before they reached the tenth floor. There was only one corridor leading to Jackies office, so it was safe for them to assume they had to go through the room to get to the lab. Jackie hit the code to her office door, it opening with a *buzz* and they walked straight down the middle past the stair class where the glass compartment was.

There was a small kitchenette in the back with also a mini bar, but what caught their eye was another golden door similar to the office door. “I like to keep things hidden from prying eyes,” Jackie winked, her fingers tapping on a keypad mounted to the wall. She entered another four-digit code waiting for it to *buzz* and the door slide open revealing the very large and heavily equipped lab.

The bright LED lights flickered on causing a very luminescent glow to fill the space. It looked a little empty in some areas, but mostly because it would be where H.O.W.I.E would showcase projections. It made the science nerd in the Peters to jump out—eyes in absolute awe. They thought the office was a sight for sore eyes—well Jackies lab may have taken the cake on this one.

The group scattered, except Happy who took a seat on one of the couches while Jackie stood over the railing overlooking the lower deck. She had a smile on her face while watching the teenagers and alternate Peters admire the tech and equipment like children in candy stores.

“Wait so Tony created a whole new element when he made his arc reactor?”

“Yeah—otherwise he would’ve died because the original one was poisoning him.”

“That’s cool as fuck.”

“Language, Peter.”

“You think if I ask Jackie to let me fly her wings she would?”

“Ned, you’re still learning how to close portals. I think flying should wait a bit.”

Jackie was in fits of silent giggles hearing them talk. The enhanced hearing was both a blessing and a curse at times. Her phone beeped moments later capturing her attention. When she turned on the screen, a new message from Strange was there reading, ‘Are you in your office?’

Smirking because she knew it what it meant, Jackie replied, ‘My lab.’

A second later there was a bright orange portal glowing next to her before Stranges figure emerged. The man looked exhausted, which only made Jackie feel a little sympathy—but at the same time she felt it was fitting given he had gotten himself in the mess after all.

“Rough day, magic man?”

Strange turned to face her, a sigh falling from his lips as the portal closed behind him. His hair was greasy and bags were under his eyes. Not too mention he was in need of a shave. “I’m not getting anywhere with getting them home,” he gestured to the Peters who were too occupied with watching footage from H.O.W.I.E.’s projection to notice Strange was there. “I need Wong—but he’s busy with those rings. Maybe Wanda could lend me a hand if I talk to her.”

“Well she is here, you know,” Jackie put her phone back in her pocket. She stepped closer to Strange, having one hand on the railing while the other was on her hip. “Leave it to her to fix your mess, huh?”

Strange could tell she was teasing him, but at the same time there was a hint of disappointment given the situation as a whole. He never told her when Peter first came to him and did the original spell. When the villains from other worlds started to show up he kept it again from Jackie.

The reason was because he was aware of all the stuff she was dealing with and didn’t need her occupied with something else. Stephen thought he could handle it, but then Peter trapped him in the mirror dimension and he was hanging over the Grand Canyon for nearly a day. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t almost shit his pants when he saw nearly thirty missed calls from Jackie Stark.

He wished more than ever he had the time stone after that.

“I’m sorry, Jackie,” Stephen said with a genuine apologetic tone. “I should’ve told you when Peter first showed up to me and I did the spell. I should have definitely told you then when the those guys showed up. I-I just thought it would be better for you not to be involved—you had so much going on here and with Secretary Ross, I didn’t want you stressed about anything else.”

Jackie stayed silent, which made him a little anxious but it was filled with relief when she softly smiled. Raising her head she left a small kiss to Stephens cheek. When she pulled away, she gave him a knowing look, “You better make it up to me, Strange.” That made his heart skip a beat, as did the smirk Jackie was giving him.

The sorcerer knew he was in trouble when she called him by his last name.

“I will,” he replied, leaning down to press his lips to her soft ones. An action that resulted in multiple gasps to fill the room and they pulled away quickly.

They snapped their heads to the lower level of the lab where the group had migrated toward, but were still able to see them. All eyes were on the couple—mostly surprised to see what they’d just witnessed. But no one was more shocked than the young Peter Parker.

His jaw was nearly on the floor. “You two are together?!” He screeched, dread filling him. It was his fault Strange was in the mirror dimension, and suddenly he realized why Jackie had been so angry when she mentioned it earlier. Then Wandas words echoed in his head and it all made sense. “When did this happen?! And Stephen why didn’t you tell me?”

Both Jackie and Stephen were slightly flustered, but Jackie was the first to brush it off. She looked at the man beside her, biting her lip while she let out a nervous chuckle “Umm, six months—i think?”

“Seems about right,” the doctor confirmed, scratching his beard.

“We’ve wanted to keep it under under wraps,” Jackie explained to the group, “The public doesn’t know—which we want to keep that way, but the other Avengers who’ve been here recently know. Happy and Tony do—which you two need to seriously get over the feud you have.” Jackie brings a hand to her temple, rubbing slightly, “God, one large ego is enough, but to have both of you in the same room is mentally draining.”

Stephen scoffs, “The day him and I are able to have a civilized conversation is the day the universe will finally at peace.” Jackie then changes her expression, involving her batting her eyelashes as she steps closer with a small pout.

“You won’t even try for me?”

She knew what she was doing. The man was weak in the knees whenever she looked at him like that. “Ugh,” he sighed, “Fine. I will try—for you. But if he continues then—.”

“I get it—it’s a lost cause.”

Peter (1) just shook his head, in disbelief by it all. The boy glances to the floor, bringing a hand to his forehead, “Oh my God—I-I fought Jackie Starks boyfriend. And I won.”

The director could not stop the laugh from escaping at Stephens offended look. It was enough to bring a tear to her eye. “Ooo—,” she wiped the tear, ignoring Stephens glare, “Oh, I’m sorry honey but that was too funny.”

“It wasn’t for me,” he mumbled, but his glare goes away when she gives him another kiss.

“I’ll make it up to you,” she whispered against his lips, followed by a wink. Stephen felt his heart skip again—gulping by the look Jackie’s eye. Luckily no one heard or saw the display, otherwise Stephen would’ve been red as as tomato.

The sun was starting to set on the horizon. Jackie checked her watch to see it was nearing six o’clock so it was a good time for them to wrap up their night. She instructed H.O.W.I.E to have Wanda sent over to the main compound and order some pizza for them all before calling for the group to head back into her office.

When Wanda and the pizza arrived, they all settled around the lounge area of the office. Jackie and Stephen took a seat on one of the couches while the Wanda conversed with Happy and Peter 2 at the kitchen countertop. The teens and Peter 3 had all sat at one of the high top tables talking amongst each other.

It was an overall pleasant mood to end the day. Jackie nursed a glass of champagne while Stephen had brandy. Her head was laid against his shoulder while his arm was around her and draped on the back of the couch. It was a nice feeling—and both finally felt some sense of relaxation.

“We’ll get though this, magic man,” Jackie leaned into him, smiling when he let his finger brush through one of her curls. “You always find a way—and you have Wanda here to help. We can maybe call Wong tomorrow and see if he can put his ring business on hold for a bit.”

Stephen kissed her temple, “I know. We just need time, but it will work out in the end.” His eyes trailed over to the remaining visitors from other worlds, shaking his head slightly at the reality of the last few days. “It’s going to be so weird having them here for the time being. One Spider-Man is one thing, but three?” His tone had Jackie laugh, making the sorcerer beam down at her. They shared one last sweet kiss before Jackie snuggled into his arms.

“Welcome to Avengers Campus, babe. You know there’s never a dull moment in this place.”

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