Ultimate Schedule

Chapter Seven, Test

"Peter are you sure you're okay?" Asked Harry as he waved a hand in front of Peter's face. Harry waited a moment for Peter to respond.

Peter shook his head out of his revere as he turned to his friend. Glancing at the clock, he let out a sigh of relief. Class started in ten minutes. Harry would have plenty of time. Peter yawned in exhaustion as he turned to Harry.

"Sorry Harry," He said apologetically as he got his notebook out. He couldn't tell Harry what he had really done last night. Although he could tell him part of what he had done," I studied a lot last night."

Harry nodded as he picked his backpack up off the floor. Peter figured Harry wouldn't believe him if he told Harry about the S.H.I.E.L.D training. Besides, he had studied last night. So he hadn't told an entire lie.

"That's all right, Pete," Harry said as he stopped halfway to the door. He crossed his arms, moving to either side as people entered. He gave a small smile," I'm pretty sure most people are just as zombified as you. I know Zara was when she came to tutor me last night."

At that moment, he left. Peter considered what he said as Zara entered. She seemed just as tired as he was, if not even more so. Peter was thankful when the class bell rang. He hoped that Harry had made it to his first hour on time. If not, he would hear an earful from MJ about it later.

As the day dragged on, Peter's thoughts ran wild about who Heat Strike could be. He had his suspicions, but he wasn't entirely sure. He needed proof but wasn't certain how to get it. He waited for her in the detention room with his arms behind his head. Leaning back in his chair, a smug grin on his face.

At that moment, Zara Taylor managed to open the door. She looked as if she were about to scream, then thought better of it. Clamping her mouth shut, she grit her teeth at Peter. Peter's smirk didn't falter as she closed the door.

"So let me guess," Peter said as she went to sit down next to him. She seemed to be angry at him. Maybe it was because he had surprised her. Nevertheless, Peter pursued her anyway;" you're the famous Heat Strike?"

Zara sighed in defeat," Guilty as charged if you must know. Honestly, Peter, I thought you would've figured it out by now." She tossed her curly hair behind her as she turned to face him.

Peter shrugged nonchalantly as Sam sat next to her. He wore a smug grin," Yeah Parker, how did you not figure it out by now?"

He went to wrap his arm around her, only to have it squeezed. He screamed in pain as Zara twisted it. She maneuvered it towards him and then pushed it against Sam's chest. With a grin she moved herself on the other side of Peter. Peter had to admit, that was impressive. Especially for a girl.

"I wouldn't try that again if I were you," Zara said in a voice that displayed how powerful she truly was. Sam was rubbing his arm just as everyone else entered the room. She batted her eyelashes," My father's a retired Marine and Infantry Lieutenant."

She gave him a cool, ruthless smile as Principal Coulson walked in. Then, her smile turned friendly and she looked away. Coulson didn't say much as he pulled the red lever. There wasn't much to say. Everyone was here and nothing else mattered. Peter thought about the situation that had happened between Sam and Zara.

He was thankful for his mask once they reached the Helicarrier. He wouldn't want anyone else to know how he felt. His expression was a mixture of confusion and humor. He listened as Fury gave instructions for today's spar. Apparently, today and tomorrow were a test.

The group had to choose a partner, who they would spar with. Tomorrow, they would choose a different partner. Somebody they hadn't sparred with before. Then, Coulson and Fury would talk about who the leader would be. Fury claimed the exercise was because they hadn't chosen a real leader amongst themselves. Peter wondered why they even bothered.

"I call Zara," Sam said and he grabbed Zara's arm. The pyrokinetic didn't protest as he dragged her to a corner of the room. He looked around at everyone else in shock. He shrugged, as if it were no big deal," What? You gotta be faster than that if you want a good partner."

Peter doubted that he had chosen her because she was a good partner. However, he didn't pursue the conversation. He was slightly surprised when he saw Iron Fist walk up to him. The monk bowed and Peter bowed back.

"You may make the first move," Iron Fist said as the two opponents moved a safe distance apart. Peter wondered how Ava was going to manage with Luke. Still, Peter needed to focus on Iron Fist. He was a fair opponent, Peter couldn't argue with that," Or I can."

Peter shook his head out of his revere and nodded towards Iron Fist," Let's see what you got then." He beckoned Iron Fist with a hand. The monk grunted, charging towards Peter.

Instantly, Peter felt a tingling and he dodged Iron Fist's punch. Before Iron Fist could make another move, Peter swung a round house kick. Iron Fist dodged it, and the battle was on.

Peter dodged a karate kick from Iron Fist. Peter sent a flying arachnid disk at Iron Fist. The disk cut the surface of his shoulder, and a thin red line appeared. Iron Fist put a finger tip to the surface of the cut. Once he saw the blood, he charged at Peter once again. This time, with his hand glowing yellow.

Peter dodged another attack, and hoped that the rest of the battle didn't go like this. He issued an attack of his own, a sideways kick of his own. Then he went in for close combat.

Several minutes into sparring and Peter was ready to give up. He knew that Fury would probably lecture him for a good half hour, but he didn't care. For the most part, he ached. So far, it was looking like a stalemate between him and Iron Fist. Even though Iron Fist was more injured that Peter.

He was just about to give up when Fury called it over the PA system. Peter hunched over, letting out a sigh of relief. He and Iron Fist were still breathing heavily when they got back to school. He ran to the cafeteria, grateful to be out of Fury's lab.

As he sat down, he kept his eye out for Flash Thompson. He had overheard the jock talking about messing with him. If Peter recalled, Flash hadn't messed with him since sometime last week. That was when Zara had stuck up for him. Funny, whenever Zara was around Flash didn't seem to be anywhere in sight. Peter would have to remember that the next time the blond came around.

He also knew that he had to practice for Friday's match. The team was supposed to be tough. Not to mention, Peter wanted to look good. Not just for the team, but to himself. He was a varsity player now, and he had to play like one.

Even though he had never played for the junior varsity, he felt like he should do better. Better than his last match. Better than he would if he were playing for the junior varsity. He tried to recall who the varsity team was playing. He turned to the captain, Zara Taylor. She seemed a bit on edge, but Peter didn't know why. Maybe Sam had said something to her while they were sparring. He hadn't really paid attention to their conversation, just his own battle.

"So Zara, who are we versing on Friday again?" He asked while popping a fry into his mouth.

The look she gave him almost made him jump back. Zara's eyes were cold and seemed to express weakness. Peter didn't think Zara had it in her to express such an emotion. She had always seemed tough, like a soldier. Then again, Peter remembered what occupation her father had held.

Zara sighed in defeat and took a long swig of milk. When she spoke, she seemed distant," The Brooklyn Badgers. They're the most educated school in Brooklyn and they have five substitutes. Their numbers don't even begin to compare with their smarts."

Just as Peter was about to respond, Zara turned to Harry and MJ. The two were in mid conversation so Peter decided not to bother them. He knew that he should be keeping an eye out for Flash. Even if Zara was around. He also decided to practice, go through the facts he did know and didn't know. It was time to begin training.

The rest of the day dragged on what felt like slowly and painfully. Peter was appreciative when last hour came. Last hour meant he got to go home. However, the truth hit him almost as soon as he walked through the door. Last hour, history, there was a test.

Peter didn't know how he could forget the test. He had studied an hour and a half for this test. He let out a strained sigh. Opening his notebook, he watched as everyone else partnered up. Fortunately, at that moment, Zara entered the room. She seemed to be there whenever he needed her.

She seemed to be more than pyrokinetic, because she sat down next to him. Peter turned to her, his notebook halfway open. She didn't seem to notice he was there until he tapped her on the shoulder. She didn't seem as jumpy when he talked to her this time. In fact, she seemed calm.

"Hey Zara, since everyone's partnered up, would you like to be my partner?" Peter asked as she bent over to get her needed materials. It took a while to her to respond.

"Sure, why not?" She responded with an air of lightness. It was as if the conversation at lunch had never happened. Peter wondered who or what had made her forget it. He didn't press it, at least not now.

A few minutes later the teacher came to pass out tests. Everyone put their things away, and it was a cacophony of sounds. Binders being dropped on the ground, pencils being sharpened, and most of all whispers being shared. There were a few people without writing utensils that either borrowed from a friend or stole one from the teacher.

As soon as they were allowed to, Peter began. He made sure to check and recheck every question. He knew he would finish before the others. Most of the time, he did. Nevertheless, he still checked his answers. Once he was done, he turned it in and went to sit back down. He noticed that Zara was also finished, and decided to learn more about her.

She was reading, her body relaxed and her eyes heavily engaged. Peter wondered when she'd ever see his note. That was, until she passed it back to him. He normally didn't pass notes, but this was an exception. Opening the note, he read her response.

Quickly, he took his pen and scrawled another question. The note passed between the two for several more minutes until the tests were finished. Peter hid the note in the back pocket of his pants. He let out a sigh of relief when the teacher told them he would be grading the test in class.

Eventually, everyone erupted into talking. Peter decided to keep the note in case he ever needed it. He knew that he might as well follow the crowd. For once, it seemed all right to do so. He decided to continue his conversation with Zara.

Putting down her book, she stretched her arms," That was a long test, wasn't it? So how do you think you did?" She asked, leaning on the metal arm of the chair.

Peter shrugged as he turned towards her. Hopefully, no one mistook them for a couple. Most likely, they wouldn't. Especially since Zara was already going out with Harry. Plus, the word would have already spread throughout the school by now. It wouldn't surprise Peter if it had.

After a while, Peter shook his head," Actually, I was a little nervous. Some of those Maginot Line question made me a little nervous. I don't think I'll get any of them correct."

Zara flashed him a confident grin, as if she knew something he didn't. Considering her nature, she probably did," I don't know about that. You seemed to do fine when I quizzed you. You'll do fine. Just believe in yourself."

Peter shrugged as the teacher began to pass the tests back out. The sounds of groans and curse words accompanied it. With those sounds, there were also many yeses and celebratory dances. Peter felt him move to the edge of his seat as the teacher handed him his test, and Zara hers.

Slowly, he moved his hand towards the piece of paper. Flipping it over, he didn't look at the grade. At least, not at first. His eyes made their way to the upper right hand corner of the page. It was an A.

He turned to Zara to see what she got, and instantly looked away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her dancing in place. He smiled, a small smile, just for her. Turning back to his own paper, he went to see what questions he had missed. It paid to be smart.

Just as Aunt May turned on her dish washer, she felt a strong force squeeze her from behind. She turned to see Peter, a smile on his face. She smiled as well, the hum of the dish washer in the background. Wrapping her arms around him, she made her way to the living room.

"Hello Peter," She said as the two sat down. Peter grabbed his backpack. May ruffled his hair playfully," How was your day at school today?"

Quickly, he pulled out a piece of paper. A test, from the looks of it. Her eyes searched over the test. A larger smile lit up her face when she saw the grade in the top right hand corner. She ruffled Peter's hair again, and pecked him on the top of the head.

"Good job, Peter," She said as she handed him back the test. He seemed triumphant. May could guess this much," I know Uncle Ben would be proud."

Peter nodded," Thanks Aunt May. I know he would too. By the way, I'm officially on the varsity Quiz bowl team. They have a match this Friday at three o' clock and it's an hour long."

May followed Peter into the kitchen as he grabbed a muffin. Taking a bit out of it, May leaned in the doorway. She nodded," That's great, Peter. I'll make sure I go."

She didn't follow him as he trotted upstairs. May smiled to herself as she sat down and picked up the remote. Her favorite show was almost on. She didn't want to miss it. Leaning back on the couch, she felt like she had finally done something right. She knew Ben would be proud of not only Peter, but May too.

Upstairs, Peter felt his phone vibrate. He took it out of his pocket as he tossed his backpack on the ground. The picture was of Harry, and he opened up his phone. It was a text message.

Peter

Throwing a party Friday. Check my Facebook page for details. Gotta go! Some of us have to study for our As you know!

Harry

Peter fired up his laptop as he took out his science notebook. Quickly, he finished taking notes. As soon as his computer was on, he began to type. His fingers flew across the keyboard with ease, not letting up once. As soon as he found Harry's page, he grinned to himself.

He logged off Facebook, and went back to his backpack. He knew he didn't have much homework. Yet he knew he had training, plus patrol. Just because he had passed this test, didn't mean there wouldn't be more. He knew that what Aunt May had said was correct. Uncle Ben would be proud.

A few minutes later, Aunt May called up for dinner. He set aside his homework and went down. He inhaled the air as he clambered down stairs. Aunt May must've been in a really good mood. She rarely made Stromboli. Even when she did, it was usually a good day.

Peter sat down with Aunt May, feeling good about the rest of this week. He took a Stromboli, and a large sip of water. Not even the upcoming Quiz bowl match could bring him down. The Brooklyn Badgers wouldn't get to him. Not now, not ever.

He had almost forgotten about the party as well. Clearing his throat to speak, he looked at Aunt May. His aunt folded her hands in front of her. She was listening," So Harry posted on Facebook that he was holding a party after the Quiz bowl match. Is it all right if I go?"

Aunt May nodded as she grabbed another Stromboli. She must've been starving. Peter grabbed another one himself," Of course, Peter. You know I trust you with Harry. Just as long as you're back by eleven."

Peter nodded as he continued eating. He couldn't help but still feel proud. He knew the week was far from over. However, he still couldn't help it. For desert, Aunt May made chocolate chip cookies. Peter's favorite. Aunt May must've been in a good mood.

After he had put his dishes away he pecked Aunt May on the cheek. Racing upstairs, he almost didn't miss her smile. Almost. It had been a while since she had genuinely smiled like that. Peter hoped to bring it out more often. He also hoped to finish his homework before training and patrol.

Almost as soon as he finished his homework, he put his mask on. He almost flinched when he heard a knock on his door. Fortunately it was closed. He made sure to keep the window closed as long as someone was there. He figured it was Aunt May. The voice on the other side of the door confirmed it.

"Hey Peter, when you're done in there want to watch something together? I figured we could watch what you want tonight." This made Peter smile and he leaned against the door.

Hopping into his costume he said," Sure. I'm halfway done anyway. I'll meet you down there at nine."

"All right." Said May and that was the last he heard from her. He listened to the sound of the creaking of the steps as she left. Letting out a sigh of relief, he finished dressing. When he left, he made sure to leave his window open a crack. He still recalled the last time he had left it closed and still regretted it.

Swinging from house to house, he thought about what tonight's training would be about. He figured it would correlate with the test. What about the test, was still a mystery. He watched as the Helicarrier closed in on the city. He knew it wouldn't land unless it needed to. Peter knew how to get there without it landing. He had done it too many times before.

The doors seemed to open for him. He wandered his way around the Helicarrier. His mind seemed to be elsewhere. Elsewhere, being the Quiz bowl match. Last week when he had gone to practice, the other team members had seemed frightened at the sound of the Brooklyn Badgers.

He would show them. He would show his team that they would win. All he had to do was work his butt off. He ended all other thoughts except for his training as he entered the simulation chamber. He noticed that Coulson attended which meant that they were going to be covering something new.

Peter tried to act nonchalant as he greeted his teammates. Almost everyone seemed to be present. He noticed that some of his party were chatting with Coulson. It was casual, which meant it was something about school. Peter didn't know of any other reason his party and Coulson would chat outside of school.

A few seconds later the rest of the team joined them. Everyone was quieted and the attention was turned to Coulson. A smirk spread across his face, his hands behind his back. He seemed to be enjoying this. Then again, he always enjoyed training the team.

"Thank you everyone for attending," He said," tonight's training secession will be spent helping you use S.H.I.E.L.D's special toys. Not just your suits, but other personalized weapons as well. We won't get to all of them tonight, but we will cover the more important ones. Any questions?"

Seeing none, he went on. Peter could see where this was going. It wasn't that he didn't like it. It was that he thought it could've happened before now. Way before now. Nevertheless, he kept his thoughts to himself.

Numerous hours later, Peter made his way down to his living room. He had finished Coulson's special training secession long ago. In fact, he had just completed the rest of his homework. He saw Aunt May waiting for him and fortunately, she didn't press any questions.

May clicked on the Tv and Peter plopped down next to her. It felt good to be home. To be sitting next to Aunt May watching television. Even as thunder and lightning marred the sky. Water droplets the size of molecules made a pitter patter on the roof.

He leaned against Aunt May as the show began. The storm outside raged on, but Peter didn't care. This was his time, finally. Time that he spent with Aunt May. Time that he enjoyed, cherished. He knew he only had so much of it left.

After the show was over, he bounded off the couch. As he went to his room, he noticed his aunt following him. He stopped halfway, turning to her. She seemed as if she were going to say something.

"Uh Aunt May, were you going to say something?" He asked, wondering if his thought was accurate.

She nodded," I did, actually. Peter," She said, her eyes almost pleading. Peter wondered what she wanted him to know," I really am proud of you. I want you to always know that. However, I don't want you to spend all of your time studying. I want you to have fun. That's why I asked MJ to bring you to the extracurricular sign-ups. If you need me, you know where to find me."

Without another word, she went into the other room. Peter nodded, taking it all in. After a while, he turned back to go to his room. May watched him as he went a small smile on her face. Pushing herself off of the wall, she quickly followed him. Shutting off the lights as she did, she made sure to be quiet as she went.

In Peter's room, Peter made sure to suit up. Once again, he had to patrol the city. He didn't really have to; it was more of an obligation. He knew Aunt May didn't check his room until after his patrol. Unfortunately, he had to patrol in the rain. The rain itself wasn't that bad. It was the results of it that appeared in his costume.

He opened his window, thinking about what Aunt May had told him. He wondered what was going through her mind. After a few moments, he shook his head and left. He figured whatever it was, had been inspired by Peter's news. What news, he wasn't entirely sure.

An hour and a half later May left her room to check on Peter. She knew she didn't need to, but felt it only right. Peter had gone through a stressful time with his extracurriculars. Last week was the first week he had gotten any real rest. As she made her way to his room, she heard the closing of his window.

Quietly, she knocked on his door. Not hearing anything, she lightly pushed it open. She didn't turn the light on, mainly because she figured Peter was asleep. She pushed it all the way open. Peter's window was closed, and Peter was in bed asleep. Walking further into the room, she lightly kissed his forehead and left.

Me: So I know I haven't posted in a while, and I apologize. However, my computer died on me. Don't worry, I'm using my mom's laptop.

School does start for me tomorrow (or Tuesday, depending on when I get this posted), but that doesn't mean I won't post at all. It just means that I won't post as often.

I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed! They mean a lot to me! For those of you who haven't already, please tell me what you think of my Oc Zara in your next review.

Disclaimer-I own nothing except my own Oc's so please ask before you use them!