A/N: (In case you're wondering… A.F.N.S.M = A friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.)

SO… My head's been busy today, which is always a sure sign that SOMETHING is forming. And THIS, is it. (chuckles) Yup, another mini-collection.

DISCLAIMER: Let's put it this way… If I DID own something, certain things of 'IW' would've gone differently… BUUUUUT, all I've got is a constantly grown collection of movies and fan-products.

WARNINGS: Some language… Adult themes… Descriptions of injury… Feels…?

Awkay, before I chicken out… LET'S GO! I RELLY hope that you'll enjoy this mini-ride.

The Hazardous Life of Peter Parker (aka A.F.N.S.M)

Heroes

Tony Stark was already Peter Parker's hero when he was a little boy. So when Peter got the chance to visit the Stark Expo he was more excited than ever in his life. He doubted he'd ever see anything as cool in his life. The toy Iron Man helmet and glove he got became his greatest treasures immediately.

Peter didn't mean to wander off all by himself, he honestly didn't. He'd been raised to be smarter than that. But it didn't long before the spectacle's magic got a hold of him and he forgot all the rules he'd sworn up and down on just before arriving to the event.

Peter enjoyed it all from the bottom of his young, innocent and enthusiastic heart. So much, in fact, that it took him dangerously long to realize that things were going seriously, gloriously wrong. To a child the first explosions seemed like a part of the event. Until more and more of those took place. Then people started running and screaming.

It was a miracle that Peter didn't get trampled as a stampede of hysterical adults started rushing away. None of them paid any attention to the child who was obviously in a horrible amount of danger. No one took the time to drag him to safety while everywhere around him people were getting hurt and pieces of a building were falling down.

Behind his mask Peter was terrified out of his mind. Especially when one particular drone appeared and targeted him. He would've never admitted it to anyone but he wanted to cry, because it was the scariest situation he'd ever faced. Instead, in that horrifying, dangerous moment he decided that he'd be as fearless as the Iron Man. He decided that he'd do what little he could to keep everyone safe. Even if his suit was just a toy one. He'd seen the drones attacking far too many people already. And if no one else was going to try to stop it… Then he'd have to. Someone had to do something.

Peter's heart hammered so hard that it was difficult for him to hear anything else while the child lifted his gloved hand in defiance.

Peter was a little too young to fully realize just how close to losing his life he came that day. To understand that in a matter of seconds he might've been shot to death. Because his toy-glove didn't actually have anything but a light to fight the drone with. Then, so unexpectedly that Peter jumped backwards, a shot came from behind him. Saving him in what was highly likely the last possible moment.

Peter's eyes widened to a ridiculous extend behind the mask when he stared at the Iron Man. "Nice work, kid", the man complimented. Then flew away, the child's mesmerized gaze following him until he disappeared entirely.

Quite soon familiar, safe arms wrapped around Peter, pulling him to a protective hug. The child was vaguely aware of the scolding he received over wandering away on his own and being told to never do such a thing again. He even had enough presence of a mind to mumble an apology he actually meant. Because he didn't mean to worry anyone.

"Oh honey…" The embrace became tighter in the safety of a car. "I… I saw you…" The gulped down sob made the boy feel a lot worse. "What… What were you thinking? That drone… It could've…"

Peter shuddered. "I'm sorry." Which he still was, for causing worry. But only for that. "I just… I had to fight. Because… No one else did, before the Iron Man came." He still couldn't believe that he actually got to see his hero.

A kiss to his hair followed a heavy sigh. "Peter… You may be the bravest person I've ever met. But you're not a superhero. You're a kid, my kid. The most important thing I have in this world. So don't ever scare me like that again."

Peter nodded. But he couldn't make himself voice any empty promises. Instead he clutched the glove tighter to his chest. His eyes hardened from determination under the mask he'd refused to take off.

Peter Parker could've died that day. But he didn't. Because there were actual superheroes protecting New York. People who weren't scared and didn't run away from danger. And in the covers of the helmet, Peter vowed silently that one day he'd be just like Tony Stark.

TBC

A/N: Oh, Pete… (sighs) You already ARE a hero. (Honestly, guys? I think he was a hero from the day he was born.)

SOOOOO… Whadda ya think? Would you like to read some more tales of this variety? Or is this something that should be snapped away entirely? (Sorry, sorry, sorry – TOO SOON…!) PLEASE, do let me know! I'd LOVE to hear from you! (In case you're wondering… The future chapters would vary A LOT when it comes to length.)

In any case, THANK YOU so much for reading! Who knows. Maybe I'll see you again later.

Take care, of yourselves and especially all the Peter Parkers out there!