A/N: On time, as promised!

So, what's going down in this chapter? Well, Adelaide gives Ned like about 20 heart attacks and that's pretty much all that happens lol. This isn't an action-packed chapter, but still very necessary to the plot unwinding. There's a little bit of our favorite billionaire and red-head (Pepper, not Natasha).

For those of you who have seen the notice already, the chapters that I've edited are 16 and 17, mainly just a couple of scenes, but nothing too drastic. If guys spot anyplace else that I missed, let me know and I'll fix it right up, but I'm pretty sure I got all of the scenes. So if you wanna go back and check out the changes, that'd be great. *thumbs up* But if you don't feel like it, that's perfectly fine too. I'm gonna try to keep the notice up all the way until next week when I publish the next chapter so hopefully everyone has a chance to see it and understand it. The last thing I want is confusion so please, please let me know if you have any questions.

Alright so after this chapter, Adelaide and Ned are gonna start working like a real team and then some other stuff I don't know yet. I will point out that currently it's November in the chapter and Peter gets bitten by a spider on December 1st...Gosh! I'm so excitedddd! I know we haven't seen a lot of him lately, but that's gonna change reaaal soon. ;)

————————————————————-—————

She's terrifying.

And you call her Nat?"
————————————————————-—————

"452," Ned answered confidently.

Mr. Hans smiled at him, something he hardly ever did. He had definitely never smiled at Adelaide. Then again, she was a horrible student so she couldn't really complain.

"Excellent Mr. Leeds, excellent!" he said, turning around to write the answer on the board. He circled it exaggeratedly. This man was too obsessed with math. He had crossed a line. In fact, he was so far away from the line, the line was a dot to him. (A/N: Please tell me you get this reference)

"He loves you," she mumbled. Ned rolled his eyes.

"So are we really arguing about this again?" he asked, tapping his pencil against his desk. Adelaide frowned, annoyed by the sound.

"He loves you," she repeated mockingly.

"He does not love me."

"Shh," Michelle said, glaring at them as if they were actually distracting her from the lesson. Hell, she wasn't even listening. Adelaide could clearly see the white earbuds in her ears. And the novel inside her textbook. How she passed any of her classes, Adelaide had no idea.

"You know you have to have a B in this class to be able to go to the field trip?" Ned asked, whispering now. Mr. Hans had informed them about an upcoming field trip next month to some museum to see radioactive spiders. He stressed that every student had to have at least B in every class to be able to go. He had looked at Adelaide while saying it.

"So I can see spiders? I think I'll pass," she said, leaning back in her seat.

"But they're not just spiders! They're enhanced! The best of their kind!" he exclaimed.

"But they're still spiders, so not very interesting."

Suddenly, the bell rang, dismissing the class. Adelaide quickly packed her backpack and they both hurried outside. As usual, the two met up with Peter in the hallway outside their class before heading down to the gym together. Peter grinned at her and she raised an eyebrow.

"No 'Mr. Hans did this today' story?" he said, nudging her with his elbow as they walked down the hall to gym. She frowned.

"First of all, I do not sound like that and second, it's the same thing as every day before today. He loves Ned."

Ned frowned, annoyed.

"Adelaide said the enhanced spiders were lame," Ned accused. Peter's eyes grew wide.

"Lame? Lame? Adelaide, those spiders are like the all in one. They have everything. I've read so much about them online, I can't wait to see them in real life," Peter said, nerding out for a moment. Adelaide rolled her eyes.

"Fine, fine," she said, accepting defeat, "I'll bring my grade up by next month to go, but you're gonna have to help me." She pokes his arm and he grinned, pushing his glasses up.

"Deal," he said, pushing open the gym doors. These two dorks somehow always talked her into the weirdest situations. Like, radioactive spiders? Sure, it was cool but they were still icky, crawly spiders nonetheless. As Peter went inside the locker room, Adelaide held Ned back, grabbing his arm.

"Have you found anything yet?" she whispered and Ned immediately understood what his friend was talking about.

"I haven't looked yet, but I know where we can find all the information we need," he said, grinning proudly.

"And where's that?" she asked, not entirely convinced.

"You'll see," he said.

"Ned, you gotta start telling me what you're up to, it might not —"

"Yo, Adelaide," Flash said, making her straighten up and attempt to drop any suspicious expression on her face. The last thing she needed was for Flash to find out.

"Catch!" he said, throwing a volleyball at her. She threw it back without missing a beat, hitting his toe.

"We'll talk about it later," she whispered to Ned before running to the girls' locker room. Nowhere was safe, where could they possibly talk about something as secretive and important as this?

Suddenly, the perfect location struck her.

—————

"Sentence structure is key to communicating the..."

Adelaide tuned her out, as usual. She suddenly realized why all her teachers thought she was a terrible student. Not caring any more or less, she glanced at Ned who was sitting to her right. She had to find a way to tell him the location without Peter finding out or he would get suspicious. She couldn't text him because the English teacher had a strict no-phone-in-class policy. And if she tried to whisper it, who know who was eavesdropping?

Looking around for an idea, her eyes landed on the notebook sitting in front of her. She glanced at Ned and then at Mrs. London who was turned around, writing something on the board. She seized the opportunity and ripped a sheet of paper from her notebook, scribbling down her note and folding it up before discreetly passing it to Ned. He was confused for a moment before he caught on and grabbed the note from her hand, hiding it in his first.

Glancing at her, he opened the note under his desk, his eyes running over it.

I have the perfect place for us to meet.

He glanced at Mrs. London before pulling out his pencil and scribbling on the note. Folding it up again, he passed it to Adelaide who took it under her desk. From the corner of her eye, she saw Peter looking at her and she pretended the note was a part of the assignment until he looked away.

She opened the note.

Where?

Quickly, she pulled out her pen and wrote down the answer, glancing at Mrs. London again. Her back was still turned. Hiding the note in her fist, handed it to Ned. Just as he was about to open it, Mrs. London turned around to face the class.

"Any questions about that?" she asked. No one raised their hand and so she nodded. "Good. Now let's move on to cause and effect..."

As soon as she turned around, Ned opened up the note, his eyes moving from left to right. Adelaide bit her lip nervously, hoping he wouldn't freak —

"The Stark Tower!" he exclaimed aloud, causing everyone to turn and look at him. Mrs. London looked particularly annoyed and Adelaide winced.

She was going to see the note, she was going to see the note, she was going to see the note.

"Excuse me, Ned?" she said, raising an eyebrow. Ned's eyes grew wide and he glanced at Adelaide, panicked.

"Um, sorry...I was just...uh...making a list of my favorite places," he said and Adelaide rolled her eyes, refraining herself from face palming. If she was a bad liar, then he was the worst. Peter looked at her, confused and Adelaide shrugged, pretending she had no idea what was going on. Peter chuckled, shaking his head.

"Next time, do it in your head. I can't have people interrupting my classroom," she said with a sigh as she turned around. "Now where was I? Right, cause and effect. So..."

The note came back to her and she glanced around before opening it up.

Are you crazy?

She grinned, writing back and passing it to him.

I just might be.

—————

Adelaide was anxiously waiting for Happy to come back with Ned. It was driving her crazy. She might actually get to discover something about her parents. She cursed at herself for not thinking of looking in HYDRA's database sooner. The idea was brilliant.

"You okay, Adelaide?" Pepper asked, coming into the kitchen. Adelaide turned around as the woman was opening up the fridge. "Do I need to ask Happy to bring chocolates on his way back?"

Adelaide grinned sheepishly.

"For me? Thanks, Pep." Pepper rolled her eyes, smiling as she closed the fridge, standing up. She pulled out a chair and took a seat next to the teenager, watching her curiously. Adelaide tilted her head to the side.

"What is it?" Pepper asked, a small smile on her face.

"What? There's nothing."

"You seem happier than usual," the woman noted. Adelaide raised her eyebrows.

"I'm just...having a nice day." Adelaide didn't want to tell her or Tony what they were up to because she knew they'd freak out and then try to take control over the situation themselves. But she wanted to find out on her own. And if she did learn anything, she didn't want to be stopped from finding out more, no matter how dangerous it would get. And she had a sinking feeling that it would.

Pepper grinned.

"I don't think so," she said.

"Well," she said, getting off the high chair, "Whatever it is, I'm glad that you're happy. You haven't been the same since..."

Adelaide dropped her smile, knowing exactly what she was talking about. She couldn't think about that right now. That genie was out of the bottle. The woman ruffled Adelaide's hair, knowing she was bothered by the action. Adelaide frowned, hurrying to put it back into place.

"So are really not going to tell me what it is?" Pepper asked, a cup of coffee somehow in her hand now. Adelaide pretended to think about it.

"No," she answered.

Suddenly, FRIDAY's voice came from the overhead speakers.

"Adelaide, Ned Leeds has arrived in the lobby, here to see you. Should I send him up?"

Adelaide jumped off of her high chair, shaking her head.

"No, I'll go get him myself."

"Alright."

Pepper raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were smitten with Peter."

"I am not smitten with anyone, for your information. Ned and I are just working on a project for class. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go get him before he passes out in the lobby from excitement or freaks Happy out."

Pepper laughed, sipping her coffee.

"Have fun," The woman said as she got into the elevator. Adelaide shook her head as she pressed the lobby button on the elevator. Smitten for Peter. Like that could ever happen. A few moments later, the elevator opened up, revealing a very happy Ned sitting in the lobby along with a not so happy Happy. Adelaide grinned, stepping out of the elevator. It felt a bit strange to see Ned here, in this setting.

"Hey, Ned."

"Adelaide!" He bounced up, looking almost relieved to see a familiar face.

"This friend of yours — what's your name again, kid?" Happy piped up.

"N-Ned, sir."

"Yeah, Ned. Too excited. How can you possibly ask that many questions in two minutes?" Happy said. Adelaide laughed as Ned turned red, still grinning.

"I figured he'd do that."

"Anyway, I have to head out. See you around, kid. Bye Adelaide," he said, walking away.

"Do I really get to see Tony Stark's penthouse?!" Ned asked as soon as Happy was gone.

"Well, I wasn't exactly planning on discussing everything in the elevator," she retorted but Ned didn't seem bothered. He was going to the Tony Stark's penthouse! This was the best day of his life. Never once did he think he would actually get to step foot in the Stark Tower, yet here he was, about to go into his penthouse! It was so crazy, he was barely processing it all.

Suddenly, Ned heard a voice that made him lose his balance.

"Hey, Adie," Tony said, approaching the two. Ned turned around slowly. Lo and behold, the actual Tony freaking Stark! In the flesh! Ned went slightly dizzy. He pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming and after feeling the pain that shot up his arm, it was definitely certain that he was very much not dreaming. This was really happening. He was meeting Tony Stark. The Tony Stark. Iron Man. It took him every nerve in his body to keep himself from jumping up and down like a toddler on Christmas morning.

"Hey, kid," Tony said, standing next to them. Ned was shaking from excitement. Tony Stark just talked to him! Ned would definitely not mind if he died right about now. He'd done everything he'd wanted in his life. Tony looked at the teenager curiously when he didn't respond. He glanced at Adelaide and then leaned down, whispering in her ear.

"Is he okay?" he asked.

"Yes," Adelaide whispered back, slightly annoyed. Tony straightened up, clearing his throat.

"Right, okay. Well, Adie's told me all about you. All of the bad things, of course." Ned was paralyzed. Adie? Tony Stark; genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist had a nickname for his best friend? Ned couldn't believe his ears. Adelaide sighed.

"Tony, what do you want?" she asked.

"What?" he said, offended, "I can't have a friendly conversation with my pal..."

"N-Ned, sir," the teenager finally said, finding his voice.

"Right. Ned. And please, don't call me sir. I prefer King of the World or Mr. Genius. You know, something subtle." Adelaide rubbed her face.

"Tony, what are you doing here?" she asked him.

"I'm going out," he answered and Adelaide raised an eyebrow. Ned watched the two banter with wide eyes. It was surreal.

"Out where?" she asked.

"What are you, a cop?" Tony said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Adelaide narrowed her eyes at him.

"You're going to get Pepper a new vase, aren't you?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. Tony watched her, almost glaring.

"Have you considered becoming a cop? It's a very suitable profession," he rambled, avoiding the topic. Adelaide crossed her arms, staring him down until he broke. The billionaire sighed.

"Yeah," he sighed, "I'm going to get Pepper a new vase. She's mad at you, you know." Adelaide uncrossed her arms, dropping them to her side. The two had almost forgotten that Ned was there, too busy bantering. Although, Ned was completely fine with watching them.

"What? Why? What did I do?" she asked.

"You broke her vase," he said like it was obvious. He turned away, facing Ned, "Well, it was good to see you..."

"Uh, N-Ned," the teenager stuttered.

"Right. Well, I'm off to get a new vase to replace the one that you broke," the billionaire said, pointing at Adelaide and walking towards the door. Adelaide glared at him.

"Tony!"

"Good talk!" he said over his shoulder before walking out of the building. Adelaide rolled her eyes, annoyed. She knew very well that Tony had broken the vase. He had knocked it over while experimenting with his Iron Man suit arm. Sighing, she turned to Ned.

"Come on, let's go," she said, heading toward the elevator.

"Mr. Stark calls you Adie?" he asked, dazed.

"Yeah," she said, pressing the button on the elevator and the doors closed soon after, "He thinks Adelaide takes too long."

"Woah..." Ned said to himself, almost in a trance. This was unbelievable. He never knew his best friend was so close to Mr. Stark.

"So," she said, tucking her brown hair behind her ears, "You told me to leave the file hunt up to you."

"Y-Yeah," Ned said, bringing himself back to reality, "I have an idea that might work." Adelaide nodded.

They couldn't talk too much in the elevator. She knew there were cameras in here so it wasn't safe. For the rest of the way up, they were silent, anxiously waiting. Adelaide had a million questions and her heart was beating in anticipation. What seemed like an hour later, the elevator doors finally opened, revealing the penthouse. Adelaide heard Ned gasp behind her as she stepped out of the elevator.

"This is where you live?!" he asked, eyes roaming around the room, "Holy crap."

"Yeah, it takes some getting used to. But come on, we have to go," she said heading towards her room. Ned had forgotten how to walk and he barely followed after his best friend. Just as she was about to twist the door handle on the door to her room, Pepper shouted her name.

"Adelaide!"

"I'm in my room!" she shouted back, pushing open the door. Ned stood there for a second, confused before Adelaide pulled him inside. Pepper appeared at the door, glancing at Ned whose eyes were transfixed on the woman. That was Pepper Potts. Standing in front of him. He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. Or maybe Adelaide was playing tricks on him.

"Hi, you must be Ned," Pepper said, smiling as she held her hand out. Ned blinked back blankly until he pulled himself together and held out his hand to shake. Holy crap! He was shaking Pepper Potts' hand. This was the best day of his life! He realized that he was still shaking her hand and he dropped it, feeling his face heat up.

Pepper glanced at Adelaide who immediately put her hands up in surrender.

"I did not break your vase, I swear," the teenager said and the woman laughed.

"I know, don't worry about it. Anyway, Ned, you're welcome to stay for dinner if you want. Happy can drop you home afterwards."

"D-Dinner? Um, s-sorry, but my mom wants me home early," he managed to say. Dinner with Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. How did this day actually keep getting better?

"Of course," Pepper said, understandingly, "Well, I'll leave you two to your work. It was nice to meet you, Ned."

He felt himself going red as a tomato.

"Y-You too, Ms. Potts."

"Call me Pepper," she said with a kind smile before turning away and heading down the hall. Ned tried breathing exercises.

"H-Hey Adelaide?"

"Yeah?" she said, her eyes on the computer screen.

"Who was that woman you brought to Coach Ross' funeral?" he asked, not sure if he was prepared to hear the answer. Adelaide grinned, turning around in her chair.

"Guess."

Ned's mouth fell open.

"No way!" he said and Adelaide chuckled.

"Come on," she said, turning around, "Show me those files."

Somehow, Ned managed to open up his laptop and login. Adelaide sat down beside him, watching in curiosity.

"Do you remember, earlier this year in January when Black Widow and Captain America released those HYDRA and SHIELD files to the world?" Ned asked, typing something in the computer. He opened up a terminal, typing some incoherent words into the blinking cursor.

"Yeah, I remember Nat telling me something about that," she mumbled and Ned looked at her.

"Natasha." He blinked at her blankly.

"Black Widow," she said.

"You call Black Widow, Nat?" he asked in disbelief. Adelaide shrugged.

"Yeah, why?"

"She's an assassin. She's terrifying. And you call her Nat?" Adelaide rolled her eyes.

"She's not that scary once you get to know her," Adelaide defended, but Ned didn't look convinced. "Just get