So sorry that it's been months since I've updated, but here it is! It's the last chapter! I hope you all enjoyed reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now that this story is done, I'll be moving onto another one! Who knows what it will be? Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Sorry it's short!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Peter slumped his way through the halls, trying his best to take his sweet time so that he doesn't have to return to his English class. Not that he didn't enjoy it (which he didn't), it's just that he has a lot on his mind and can't seem to focus. Peter's solution to this problem was to take a moment to clear his head, collect his thoughts. However, every time he tried to do this, yesterday's memory keeps playing back in his head, refusing to leave him alone.
Flashback
"You know," Robin said. "When Canary said that we needed to report what happened, she meant you as well."
"I figured you could do that for me. I have some homework to do," Spiderman said.
Robin chuckled. "Well none of us were here in the beginning. We need to know how this started."
"It started because of me. And that's why I can't go with you."
Robin knitted his eyebrows together, confused. "I don't understand…"
"This attack…" Spiderman started with a sigh, "didn't happen because Goblin wanted something that the city had or had an evil mastermind plan to rule the world today. It was because of me. He destroyed half the city just to get on my nerves. Now civilians are hurt, so are Miss Martian and Kid Flash and it's all my fault!"
"Nothing is ever your fault," Robin lectured. "Not when dealing with something like this."
"But he went all psycho-crazy because of me and-"
"And that isn't your fault!" Robin raved. "It all comes with a job. You protected this city from villains before. Goblin is threatened by you. That is why he is doing this."
"But he's putting other people at risk."
Robin put a hand on his shoulder and looked Spiderman in the eye. "This happens to Batman and I all the time. Joker constantly is hurting people and destroying the city just to piss us off. Sure our city is devastated by it, but they don't blame us. Do you know why?"
"Because you guys are scary bats?"
"No! Well, yes- but not the point here! They don't blame us because if not for us they'd be dead. Not to brag or anything, but if we hadn't stopped the Joker the first time he struck or anyone even before him, then there wouldn't be a Gotham City left to protect."
"I still don't see how this is any better," Peter confessed.
Robin gave a quirky smirk. "Nobody died today. I call that a good day."
End of Flashback
Peter sighed in defeat. He knew Robin meant well, but the guilt still remained. Just another reason to stop being Spiderman; no one gets hurt because of him. Considering today was Halloween, this made Peter feel particularly uneasy that Green Goblin would show up again. He shook his head.
"You have to think positive thoughts Petey," he told himself.
He smiled. Yeah. Halloween would be fun this year.
Halloween was not fun this year. As Robin would say, it was a disaster - heavy on the 'dis'. To start things off, Harry didn't even show up. Peter was concerned considering that Harry hasn't really been acting like himself lately. He's been distancing himself, and it was hard for Peter and Gwen not to notice.
Then of course, Goblin had to show up. Just one normal night where he doesn't have to put the costume on is all he asks for.
The worst news came after the fight. Goblin had smashed his glider and limped off. Spiderman of course followed him and ended up at Harry's house. Not to say that he wasn't surprised, but like he said to Canary, he knew it was Norman.
He was wrong.
Harry was the last person he suspected to be Green Goblin, yet at the same time it all fit together to the point where he wasn't even surprised. Especially when Norman found the Gobulin Green vial next to Harry. It all made sense and all the pieces fit together. Peter still didn't want to believe it though. Not only did he fail at being a hero, but a friend as well.
Peter didn't mean to spill all of this to Black Canary, but she was easy to talk to. Probably because she was one of the only ones she could talk to about things like this.
"Everything just went so wrong so quickly," Peter finished.
"It does seem to happen that way, doesn't it?" Black Canary agreed
"I just… I just hoped that I could be there for him. Harry and Gwen… they're always there for me. I know I'm not always there for them, but I would hope that Harry would talk to me if something was bothering him. I still don't understand why he did it. I don't understand why he didn't let me help."
"Some people like to think that they don't need help," Black Canary told him. "They like to think that they can fix it themselves. It could be because they are very independent individuals that believe that they don't require an assistance or that they've always been dependent and this was their way of proving to others that they can accomplish something on their own."
Peter played with his thumbs as he looked at the ground, deep in thought. "I don't know if I can be a good friend and be Spiderman at the same time."
Canary nodded in understanding. "It is difficult finding the time."
"I think I should only stick to one."
"That decision is entirely on your own. Just know that you are needed; as Spiderman and Peter Parker."
Peter smiled and looked up at his mentor. "I know," he replied. "Harry is going away for a while to get help."
"I know. I think it'll be good for him."
"It will," Peter replied confidently. "And my burden just lightened. Harry doesn't need me right now. He has people that know what they're doing helping him. While he's away, I'll have more time to practice being Spiderman and Peter Parker. I'll be ready when he needs me again."
She couldn't keep the smile off her face. "Spoken like a true hero."
Peter Parker just finished changing, which meant that he was now Spiderman. He walked into the training room, ready to tell the Team the big news. "Hey there he is!" Rob smiled
"Yeah it's not like we haven't been waiting for you or anything," Wally rolled his eyes playfully.
"By all means, start training without me. I don't mind going home without being sore." Peter smiled
"You wouldn't be so sore if I hadn't kicked your butt so many times," Artemis teased.
Spiderman put his hand on his heart. "I think that's the kindest thing you've ever said to me!"
"Are we celebrating? Celebrating means food!" Wally exclaimed
"You just ate," Connor pointed out.
"So….?"
"Get your head out of your stomach for once," Artemis shot.
"Sure just as soon as you get yours out of you're a-"
"That's enough kid," Kauldar cut him off. "We have training to do."
Behind their leader's back, Wally stuck his tongue out at Artemis. "You aren't doing any training today. You have a mission." Batman ordered
"When did he get- oh never mind," Peter said, defeated.
"Who is it?" Robin asked
"The Joker and Doc Oc have resurfaced. They're in Gotham."
"It's time to finally end this," Spiderman said.
Batman nodded and proceeded, "I'll be coming along."
Everyone looked at each other, shocked. Well, all except Robin. Robin smiled and clarified. "We need parental supervision since the Joker will be there."
"No arguments there," Wally said. "I for one, have no problem with Bats here helping out with the clown."
"Is that all?" Kauldar asked, prepared to board the Bioship when Batman gives them the go.
"Spiderman," Batman said, looking at Peter.
Son of a bat. How did he know?
All eyes were on him now. "Is now really the best time?" Peter asked
"You have time on the Bioship. I don't see any better time to do it," Batman said as he strode off.
"Well we can't wait to hear what you have to say!" Miss Martian bubbled as she fly her way over to the Bioship.
"Yeah," Superboy said with a harsher tone, "can't wait."
Once aboard the Bioship, they sat in silence until Miss Martian asked what it was that Peter needed to tell them. He took a deep breath and started. "You guys have all been so nice to me. You all taught me new things, different things. You've made me a better hero, but…"
"Oh my god," Wally gasped. "Are you breaking up with us?"
"Astonishing how you can make such a serious conversation sound so idiotic. I think that's your true power Kid Mouth," Artemis sneered.
"Shut up Blondie."
"Anyway," Peter continued," I would just like to say thank you – to all of you! I'm grateful to have met you all. And to answer KF's question, yes. I'm pulling my position from the team."
"While I respect your decision, I can't help but wonder why," Aqualad spoke.
"It has nothing to do with you guys, I swear!" Peter voiced quickly. "I just have obligations elsewhere. I need to be there in New York in case anything bad happens, and I promised myself, my friends, and my aunt that I would be around more often. I love helping out with you guys and branching out, but I'm needed elsewhere."
The Team couldn't say anything against it. It was the right thing to do, and they would've made the same decision. Robin was the first to speak. "Convenient timing, Spidey. The JL just finished your zeta-tube."
"Whoops."
"You'll still visit us, right?" Miss Martian asked
"Of course," Peter smiled. "And I expect you to do the same. All of you. Even you little miss sunshine."
"Only Wally has the right to call me that," Artemis said.
"Aww," Wally said in response. "She actually does like me."
"Not a chance," Artemis smiled.
"Please you love me," Wally declared. "Just give it time."
"You're not worth my time," she fired back.
Wally winced. "Ouch. The words of love hurt."
Peter interjected, "I expect an update when these two finally start dating."
"You'll be waiting forever," Artemis said.
"Forever and a day," Superboy added.
Peter smiled. "I'm really going to miss all of you."
"Hey you might need help from time to time. And so might we." Robin told him
"You guys always need help," Spiderman joked. "There isn't a mission where one thing doesn't go BOOM!"
"We're working on it," Superboy said.
Peter took one last look at all the heroes around him before turning his chair to look forward towards Gotham City. The Team would be alright and so will he. He's turning over a new leaf. He's going to be better. A better Spiderman and a better Peter Parker. He enjoyed being a part of the team while it lasted, but it's not where he needs to be right now.
"You know," Wally said to Peter, and only to Peter. "You're still a member of this team, whether you quit or not."
"Are you guys that hard to shake off?" He joked
"You can't get rid of us," Wally agreed. "But you made an impact on this team. And for that, we'll always be there for you. Anything you need; hero-wise or civilian. You're not alone."
"You know you aren't either, right?" Peter countered
Wally smiled, "I always knew that. That's what gets me through the day. Knowing that there is someone who cares is what makes it all better. Sometimes all the help you need from your friends is just knowing that you have them."
"You talking from experience?" Peter asked although he already knew the answer
"Don't play dumb, I know you know," Wally chided. "But yes I am."
"Good. It's nice to see that you're alright."
"Oh I'm not alright. Far from it actually," Wally admitted.
Peter's eyes widened in horror while Wally laughed. "But don't worry," Wally added, "I will be. Having the team and my aunt and uncle, I know I will be. Just like I know that you're going to be a great hero and friend. You won't be at first, but you will be in time. And your friend Harry will be as good as new before you know it! Just give it time."
"All good things come to those who wait, huh?" Peter summarized
Wally shook his head. "Nah man," he corrected. "All good things come to those who fight for it. And you, my friend, are one hell of a fighter."
"Wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
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