Sometimes, Peter has to be reminded that not being okay...is okay.

Thank you for those who reviewed! I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this fic :)

Peter couldn't focus in Photography. He didn't even notice, but it started raining and so they couldn't go outside and take some pictures.

It was fitting though.

The boy was glum, sad and so, so down. The gloomy skies matching his own personality as of right now. MJ tried to reassure that everything was okay and that Mister Stark was getting to the bottom of this, but despite that, Peter felt like the world was against him.

MJ and Peter were in the corner of the classroom, while the rest of the students were chatting and enjoying their free time.

"We don't even have our gym clothes," Peter said quietly, burying his head in the crook of his arms.

"You didn't put them in your locker?" MJ asked, brows furrowing.

Peter grunted unhappily. "I didn't have time to put them in before, because I was gonna be late."

MJ sighed and patted his back in comfort. She wasn't very good at being a supporter. If anything, she was the opposite and suffered alone. Just like Peter and Ned. Maybe that's why they were able to relate.

"You'll be okay. Don't know when. Don't know how. Don't know where, but just know that you have me and Ned," she said softly. After that, she retracted her hand and resumed back to reading a random book she took from the teacher who suggested it.

He had good friends, no doubt. But even with their encouraging comments and their support for the glasses...he still felt upset by it. Peter sighed and went back to burying his nose in the crook of his arms as he wishes his Uncle Ben was here.

He'd know what to do. How to have courage. That everything was going to be okay.

But...it didn't feel okay.

"Well...at least you're not alone in this, Pete," Ned murmured as they ran an extra 10 laps for not wearing the appropriate clothing to class. This day seemed to have cursed Peter or something.

Peter puffed out his red cheeks as he blew a breath.

He was tired. He wanted to cry, and he just wanted to bury in a small hole and just...rest.

"Faster Parker and Leeds!" Wilson shouted. Peter glanced at Flash who had a sadistic smirk and arms crossed as if he ruled the world. MJ looked at them with disinterest, but Peter could tell that her eyes were telling a different story.

Once they were done with their laps, they collapsed on the floor, panting and breathing heavily.

"Take this as a lesson, students," Wilson said gruffly, pointing at the two tired students.

Flash stifled his laughs and everyone else looked down at them with pity. Peter groaned and covered his eyes with his arm, not wanting to be the center of attention. This is what hell felt...this is it.

Wilson rolled his eyes and blew his whistle, making Peter and Ned wince at the sound.

"Get up, we're going to do more warm-ups."

Peter sat up and winced at his back protesting in return. He got up, much to his body's dismay and helped Ned up afterwards. They walked to their corner, but more trouble was on their way when Flash and his group of friends walked towards the boys with smug looks on their faces and arms crossed to their chest. "Aww, come on Penis Parker, you can't be that pathetic."

"Shut up," Ned growled, holding his arm.

Flash smirked and shrugged. "Who's gonna do anything about it, hmm?"

Peter opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Who was?

"That's what I thought." Flash rolled his eyes and turned away. "Not even able to talk back. Gee, you really are nothing."

He and his group walked away while snickering and Peter looked stricken as if he was impaled right through the chest. It shouldn't have hurt, but damn...he felt it.

A hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed gently. "Don't listen to him, he's just an ass," Ned murmured.

"Right..." Peter looked away, fists clenched tightly. He'd taken off his band aid wraps after finishing Photography. His hands shown marks of cuts, and were on the mend. But, it did no good after he punctured his cuts again.

Just like his mind did. Puncture after puncture...it never seemed to heal.

"Good luck, dude. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" Ned smiled reassuringly. Peter nodded absentmindedly and sighed. "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Don't worry, loser," was all MJ said before walking out to her brother's car. Ned gave one last smile before heading out to the subway. Peter sighed and turned around, trudging to Mister Stark's classroom.

When he arrived, he was met with Mister Stark leaning on the teacher's desk, eye brow raised up and arms crossed over his chest. Oh boy.

"I was expecting you, Mister Parker," he said, unfolding his arms and gesturing his hand to an unoccupied student's desk. Peter sat slowly into the chair and shifted uncomfortably as he watched the teacher glare at him with an unreadable expression.

"What do you want?" Peter finally said.

Tony sighed and rubbed his the bridge of his nose. "Why didn't you tell anyone you were being bullied?"

Peter stayed silent.

The teacher looked at him. "That's what teachers are for, y'know?"

"I know," Peter whispered.

"Then why?" Tony pried. "Why didn't you tell anyone? This is serious, Peter! You could've gotten hurt!" He exclaimed

"I'm fine," he snapped. "I was able to handle it."

"Wrong." Tony frowned. "You had a panic attack and lets not to mention you gave yourself some self-inflicting cuts on accident."

Peter remained silent as he bowed his head. He heard some shuffling and when he looked up, Mister Stark's face was close to his own face, as if they were dueling on who can keep their gaze on without blinking.

The more Peter stared, the more he could see added features to Mister Stark. The teacher had some bags under his eyes, along with some wrinkles as well. Tears were on verge to fall as he bit his lip.

Peter looked down again from Tony's gaze and brought a hand to his mouth, trying to cover up his unexpected sobs as it tore his throat.

"I'm sorry," Peter rasped out.

A gentle hand met Peter's shuddering shoulders and he froze. Peter looked up from looking at the ground and saw Tony standing beside him and a hand squeezing reassuringly.

"You didn't do anything, Peter," Tony murmured. He could feel the tension in the boy's shoulders that held boulders of school, stress, bullying and just in general...life. It tore his heart to see any of his students battling their own demons.

"Its okay not to be okay, alright?"

That's when Peter broke. He hunched his trembling shoulders and head hung low as he spoke sobs of 'I'm sorry's' and incoherent sayings that Tony thought he was pouring everything out. It hurt. Not for himself though. Tony was unsure, but he did it anyways as he knelt down in front of the crying student and wrapped his arms around the boy.

He felt Peter freeze, hearing a intake of breath, but eventually, he felt arms around his own body and then a head being buried into his shoulder. Peter resumed back to crying. Tony never really hugged any of his students. Its not like they don't deserve it...it was just odd for him to show any type of affection.

Especially when there are people who make wrong assumptions when its comes to male teachers.

Tony shook his thoughts away and rubbed his hand up and down the boy's back. The man winced when he felt his spine under the apparently, thin layer of skin protecting the student's spine. Has the kid been eating correctly?

Non the less, he continued to do the motion until Peter stopped and backed away from their embrace.

Peter rubbed his puffy, red eyes and took a shuddering breath. "Thanks...for y'know...letting me cry," Peter mumbled.

Tony gave a small smile. "Everyone has to cry sometime. And you were overdue, my dear student."

Peter gave a watery chuckle and Tony mentally fist bumped himself.

"I guess..." Peter hugged himself. "I didn't want anyone to feel like I'm needy or something. Like being a burden," he admitted. Tony felt his heart shatter a bit, because the kid was too young to feel that.

"You're not a burden, Peter. So many people love you and enjoy your company," Tony stated gently.

"I'm scared..." Peter whispered.

"Of what?" Tony asked, face softening.

"Of change," was all he answered. Tony had to admit that high school is definitely where the students find their own paths of lives. Opinions and changing everything during this time. To determine their own life.

"Things change, kiddo," Tony murmured sadly, but he perked his head up with an encouraging smile. "but it turns out to be the best change of all."

Peter hummed sadly.

"I know you're getting glasses," the teacher confessed, earning a surprise look from the kid. "And I know that's why were in a sour mood today. Not excited, huh?"

"Its change," Peter huffed.

"Its a good change," Tony firmly said. "because it determines who is actually your true friends. Who will accept your change no matter what."

"I'm not prepared," Peter laughed unsteadily.

"Well, you're not the only one to have glasses either." Tony said as he walked over to his teacher's desk and opened up his drawer, revealing his old glasses. He held it up and placed it on his face.

He didn't need them, but it still felt weird to have them on again.

Tony looked at Peter quirked his eye brows up. "Do I look weird?"

Peter shook his head quickly. "No sir!"

"Then, why should you think that you might look weird if a old man like me doesn't look weird in these glasses?" Tony asked, smiling when Peter snorted, but shrugged as an answer.

"See? I look pretty hot if I do say so myself," Tony said proudly.

Peter bit his lip, trying to hide his smile.

"If it makes you feel better," Tony turned around to face his student. "I'll wear mine so you won't be alone."

Peter looked shocked, but he seemed hesitant as he stared at his teacher who had the most understanding, but kind eyes he has ever seen from a teacher.

But before Peter could answer himself, Tony shrugged and wriggled his brows. "I think I'll wear them anyways," he smiled.

The kid laughed and Tony melted in relief. His student was laughing, so it means that he was getting better...right?

When Peter was done from his laughing fits, he looked at the clock and frowned at the time. He got up, jolting Tony suddenly.

"I... um...should get going." Peter pointed at the clock sheepishly.

"Right," Tony slapped his hand onto his head. "Get some rest, kid."

Peter walked to the door, until he turned around to face Mister Stark. His cheeks were still red, and his eyes had yet to return to normal, but a smile formed on his lips and it was enough for Tony to think that Peter felt somewhat better.

"Thanks for cheering me up. My Aunt has glasses and she tries to reassure me, but I guess I needed other people to reassure me as well."

Tony quirked his lips into a soft smile and nodded. "Any time, kid. You know, I'm always available if you need to vent or talk. Whatever kids say these days."

The boy hummed quietly and swiftly left.

Tony put his old glasses down and sighed, sitting down in his teacher's chair. It always confused Tony whenever he sees other children struggling. So many of them. They don't deserve it...no one should.

He had a struggling life. Battling alcohol addiction, and other jazz that tore up his life, but then he got up and succeeded. Tony just hoped that other kids don't have to go through too much pain to succeed.

But, hey...its life.

After Peter released himself from his overdue crying session, he got better after the days. It improved when Mister Stark gotten his and his friends backpacks back, but couldn't get Flash in too much trouble. Only a few days of detention.

Hopefully, the other teachers took Mister Stark's advice of separating them from Flash and his group.

Peter was getting better, but then it plummeted when his glasses arrived.

Great.

When he placed the newly arrived glasses on, May gushed and took a hold of his cheeks, squeezing them slightly.

"You're so handsome!" She exclaimed, milking in her nephew's accessory.

"Do I look...weird?" He asked, cheeks red and a bit unconscious as he looked himself in the mirror. His wild curls to eyes and nose adorning his glasses.

"Always trust your Aunt, sweety," May said, kissing his cheek.

"I don't know-"

"Shush, you look very nice," she stated firmly.

Peter gave a defeated sigh. "Okay..."

The next day, Peter entered the school with his hood up and head down. When he arrived in Mister Stark's classroom, he still remained the same posture as he sat down. Mister Stark looked at him with a questionable look, but didn't say anything.

Though, Tony already knew what was going and was waiting for the best execution to pop out the subject.

Luckily, Michelle strolled in and saw Peter.

"Hey, loser," she greeted, getting a grumble from Peter.

MJ raised a brow and lifted the hoodie off his head, peeking as close as possible. Then she saw the shiny new temples, connecting to the frame of the glasses.

"Peter, look up..." MJ murmured sternly. Peter huffed and looked up with an indignant look.

MJ stared and Peter swore that her cheeks turned a bit red, because she looked away and sat down behind him. "You look good, Peter," was all she said.

"Do I?" Peter said annoyingly, crossing his arms to his chest as he pouted a bit.

"I think you look dashing," A voice called after him. Peter turned around and a small smile graced his lips as he saw Mister Stark wearing some glasses as well.

MJ smirked at Peter.

"Wouldn't let you go alone, buddy and besides, we have loads of teens who have glasses as well." Mister Stark smiled at the boy.

Peter formed his smile. Maybe having glasses wouldn't be so bad after all? Yeah, maybe there would be people who think its nerdy, but its for the best anyways. When Flash entered the classroom, Peter started panicking, but to his surprise, Flash completely ignored him and sat down with a loud huff of annoyance.

The student looked at Mister Stark, but all he did was wink at him and resume to looking at today's lesson.

"Dude," Ned exclaimed. "Some girls are looking at you."

They were in their usual cafeteria table and talked over some stuff. Just normal boring stuff, except that he had glasses and apparently some girls were staring at them. Was it odd? He didn't know.

"Probably looking for someone?" Peter asked.

Ned rolled his eyes and leaned closer to his friend. "They're totally hitting on you. You know that, right?"

"Do I?" Peter mused, tapping his chin while he was thinking and then shook his head as a final answer. "No. I highly doubt it. Maybe they think they think I'm new?"

"Come on, man! Look at them," Ned said, pointing at them. Peter looked behind his shoulder and saw a few girls watching their every move with glossy eyes. Peter quickly turned away and laughed nervously.

"I think you're pretty lucky," Ned complimented, earning a light punch from Peter.

A moment later, MJ slammed her books on the cafeteria table and sat down gracefully, before eyeing them suspiciously. "Did you guys get picked on Flash yet?"

Now that she mentioned Flash, the boys couldn't think of Flash making fun of him today, despite Peter getting new glasses.

"No, but I don't wanna jinx it," Peter joked.

"Me either, but I'd still be on the precaution side," Ned replied. MJ shrugged and opened her book up and started reading. "By the way, two girls are glaring at you like a parrot," she said.

"I know. Ned told me before," Peter sighed.

"You want me to get rid of them?" MJ asked.

"How would you do that-"

Without even letting him finish, MJ leaned forward and kissed his cheek before taking a hold of his hand, intertwining their fingers together and curling it around his fingers. Peter blinked, but he absentmindedly curled around her own fingers.

"Like that," she nonchalantly said before resuming back to reading her book, but never let go of their conjoined fingers. Peter coughed, trying to cover up his heated cheeks. He looked over at Ned who was quietly making fish lips and pointing at them.

When he craned his neck to glance at the girls who were staring at him, Peter saw them staring down in dismay. So maybe they were checking him out...

The boy shrugged and saw Ned mouth him.

'Told you so.'

Peter rolled his eyes, but a grin crept onto his lips without thinking. From then on until Lunch was done, MJ and Peter held hands while they did their own things. Meanwhile, Tony Stark smirked from afar, arms crossed to his chest, as he watched his three intelligent students talk amongst themselves.

Nothing going on with us, Tony scoffed as he thought. Yeah, right.

Tony watched the day go fast.

When school was finished, Tony saw Peter in high spirits. He knew that Peter felt better about the whole endeavor. Sure, it still didn't change the fact that he can't see without them, or people still making fun of him for wearing glasses.

But seeing other teenagers with glasses made Peter realize that it was okay to be different.

Besides, he was a geek at heart and his friends couldn't agree anymore.

A lot of students were surprised that Tony had glasses as well, but it brought out students who have glasses uprise with pride.

The day was over and after explaining other teachers to keep Peter, Ned and MJ away from Flash, they reluctantly agreed and kept an eye on them. All except Wilson, who cared no shits about it.

And that pissed off Tony.

He wasn't exactly on good terms with Wilson, but it wasn't about Wilson or himself. It was about the students safety, making sure that they feel safe. Unfortunately, some teachers think other wise.

Tony started packing up when Principle Morita knocked on the door. Jerking his head up, he gave a small smile and nodded his head for permission to come in.

Principle Morita returned the gesture and walked in.

"What can I do for you, boss?" Tony asked, leaning his hip against the teachers desk. "Am In trouble?"

Morita smiled and shook his head. "No, but I do have news."

"News you say?" Tony mused, rubbing his goatee. "Good or bad?"

"That depends." Morita shrugged and took out a piece of paper from his pocket. "Remember the science convention for the science fair winners?"

Tony nodded, raising his brow. "Yeah, 1st place went to Blakelynn Shelton, 2nd went to Peter Parker and 3rd for Tessa Band," He answered. His heart swelled when he mentioned Peter winning 2nd place for science fair. The kid was glowing when he walked to the stage and took the red ribbon.

"Yes, well, they were supposed to go to a convention. While their parents were supposed to take them, Mrs. Lennox was to take Peter Parker, but she has jury duty that weekend and couldn't come. I don't want Peter to miss this opportunity. So, if he agrees, would you might want to accompany him?" Morita asked.

Tony blinked and thought. Spend time with a kid whom he's seemingly attached?

The man smiled, collecting his excitement. "I'd love too. I'll send the kid an email about it."

"Thank you so much, Tony," Morita replied, relieved.

"No problem, boss. I gotta get going. My fiancee just landed and I plan to give her a nice dinner out," Tony said, resuming back to his packing.

Morita chuckled. "Of course. Tell Pepper I said hi," he said, while treading back to the halls.

"Hmm, I didn't know that," Peter mumbled, looking at his email.

"What is it, honey?" May peeked over his shoulder as Peter re-read the email from Mister Stark. His hand supported his head, as his elbow held his whole weight. May skimmed through some lines.

"Well, Mrs. Lennox was gonna chaperone me with the science convention next weekend, but I got an email from Mister Stark saying he'll be the one to chaperone me, if he wants me too," Peter answered, shutting his laptop.

"Are you okay with that?" May questioned.

"No, no! Its fine, I was just curious why Mister Stark, a math teacher, volunteered to chaperone me to the science convention."

"Science has math in it," May said as she shrugged.

"Guess so," Peter muttered, returning to open back his laptop.

"Are you gonna agree?" May asked, ruffling the top of Peter's fluffy curls. Peter nodded. "Why not? 'S gonna be an adventure either way," he mused.

Hey guys. My family's cat has been put down due to his old age about two weeks ago. I already mentioned this on my other fics: It wasn't supposed to be you . He has kidney disease and its only gotten worse and we think its best to put him down to make it painless. Kidney disease isn't painful, but theres a bunch of other problems that concerned us, like not eating at all. He's only skin and bones and he keeps limping. He's struggling to eat with not having all his teeth and it just aches to see him like this. We've done everything to get him to this point, but the time has come.

I'm so sorry that it took so long to upload, but now I'm back and i'll try to upload every Friday. There are gonna be Friday's where I won't upload, simply because I was busy that week and I had no time to upload or I'm dead and I'm in writer's block. Depends! Thanks for your patience and I'll see you guys soon.

Please review and let me know how I did :) If you see any mistakes, let me know as well.

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