Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel or any of its characters
Hi guys. I'm so sorry this is taking so long. I promise I will be finishing this story (it is 35 chapters, all planned out), it's just been hard for me to find the motivation. I've missed writing this, though. But here it is! The next chapter!
The headlines were splashed across every news platform by seven am the next morning.
Tony Stark's Secret Son?
Is Parenthood Worth the Publicity?
Peter Parker: The Next CEO of Stark Industries?
Who is Peter Parker?
Peter suddenly understood what Tony was so afraid of. It's not as if he didn't get it, because he's not dumb, but he didn't fully think it through. He was prepared for the threats that came along with being associated with a powerful man. He knew he would be forced to go to galas and parties and charity events. He thought he was even prepared for paparazzi. But now, Happy has to escort him everywhere, everyone knows his name, and everyone is analyzing every detail of his life. It's infuriating.
One of the worst parts is that he doesn't even know how he'll get to be Spider-Man with everyone paying this close of attention to him. Tony has noticed that too and asked that he stay close to the ground, just for the time being. He loves Tony, so everything about this is worth it to him. He doesn't mean to sound ungrateful. But the attention is a lot.
He's… adjusting.
While the media seemed to love the kid, Tony got a lot of negative attention. There were lots of accusations about him using the kid for good press, which he and the kid both knew weren't true, but it still hurt to hear. He expected them to say things like this, so he tried to mentally prepare himself, yet when the time came he still found it such an insult to his character that he couldn't move past it, even though he gave them no reason to think he was any different.
The Avengers have been helping. Rhodey obviously stepped in to help, being Tony's best friend.
Interviewer: Today we are here with Mr. James Rhodes, also known as the War Machine. What do you think of Peter Parker?
Rhodes: I think he's a really great kid. I think this has been really beneficial to both him and Tony.
Interviewer: How has this impacted the Avengers as a team?
Rhodes: It hasn't really. The team loves him and the all coexist at Stark Tower. When we have to go on missions, he waits patiently at home and doesn't get in the way. If anything, he helps the team because he's a good motivation to wrap things up as seamlessly and quickly as possible.
Steve also really helped them too though.
Reporter: Why do you think Mr. Stark has really become the legal guardian of Mr. Parker?
Rogers: Well, he told you already. The kid lost his previous guardian and Tony stepped in.
Reporter: And you believe that statement?
Rogers: I do.
Reporter: Do you think Mr. Stark is in any position to be taking care of a kid?
Rogers: Absolutely. I know it's hard to believe – hell, it's hard for me to believe – but once you've seen him interact with Peter you realize that everything is going great for the both of them.
Even though everything seemed smoothly after the press conference for the most part, there were destined to be issues. Especially once the paparazzi discovered more about Peter's life. Such as where he went to school.
A few days after the press conference, Peter is heading into school after going out to buy lunch with Ned like normal, when a bright flash of a camera goes off in his face. Then two. Then dozens. This isn't new to him, he had been dealing with this with Tony, but it's a lot scarier when he doesn't have his guardian by his side to help him through it. The lights and sound also catch him off guard. The yelling and lights combine to make his head throb and his eyes hurt and his ears pound and he's trying to push his way through, but he can't.
"Mr. Parker, what are the Avengers really like?" One calls out.
"Are you really from the background you claim?" Another asks.
"What happened to your aunt?" The third questions from behind him.
He feels like crying. Ned's separated from him and hopefully okay. He just wants to go into school and continue his day. He knows he's not supposed to leave for lunch like this, but he wanted a sandwich from just across the street and he forgot to pack his lunch and the school lunch was mixed salads and he thought it would be fine. He should've listened to Tony.
"Hey, everyone, shut up!" A voice yells from somewhere in front of him.
The reporters seemed so stunned that they quiet down to listen to the voice.
"Isn't it illegal for you to be on school property? This is an invasion of privacy of a minor and trespassing so if you don't want Tony Stark's fancy lawyers targeting each and every one of you, I'd scram."
That seems to do the trick and they all disperse, muttering to themselves. Peter sinks to his knees in relief, his eyes closed tightly shut and his hands wrapped around himself. His head is pounding, and he can barely open his eyes without feeling a wave of nausea.
He feels a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Parker. Are you okay?"
He opens his eyes and sees Flash above him, looking concerned.
"I- uh. Yeah." Peter stutters, surprised.
"Is there anyone you want me to call? Leeds went inside to get help but I'm sure he'll be back in a minute."
"No, I'm okay. Thanks, though. Seriously."
He stumbled his way inside and headed straight to the bathroom. He sunk onto the cool tiles and leaned his head back against the bricks, trying to soothe his headache. He considered calling Tony, but he's already missed so much school that he figured even if he ends up only going to one more class period today it would be worth it. An hour must've passed before someone finally came in. He started to get up before he saw who it was.
"What are you doing in here?" Flash asked him, walking over.
"Just a bit of sensory overload." Peter said, trying not to wince.
"Oh, sorry." He lowered his voice and sat in front of him.
"Why did you come help me today?" Peter asked, not able to contain his curiosity.
Flash looked at the floor. "I… felt bad."
"Really? Why?"
"I'm kinda the reason for all of this. And you ended up having it a lot worse than I thought. I figured 'he lives with Tony Stark and the Avengers now, how much better than that does it get?' But then I heard about your aunt, and then the paparazzi, and everything and I guess I just thought… you don't deserve that."
"Thank you, Flash." Peter sighed and picked at the hem of his sweatshirt. "And for the record, I am really sorry about what happened with your dad."
"Me too. But he was a shitbag and deserved what was coming for him." Without waiting for a response, he boosted himself off the floor and headed to the door. "Do you want me to tell Mr. Harrington you'll be late to chemistry?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Don't think any of this means I won't keep trying for your spot on the decathlon team."
"I wouldn't expect anything less." Flash grinned before disappearing through the door.
Peter felt better after another thirty minutes sitting in the bathroom. So basically, he went to last period and then to his locker to pack up for the day. He explained to Ned what happened with the paparazzi as he put things into his bag. Flash passed them, but didn't say anything, catching Ned's attention.
"Wow, Flash just left you alone for like the first time ever!" Ned gasped.
"Yeah we kinda talked things out. And he helped me earlier." Peter shrugged.
"What? Flash?"
"Yeah."
"No way. I refuse to believe it. He's always been an asshole and he'll always be an asshole." He crossed his arms defiantly.
"Ned. Seriously. We're good now and he helped me out so be nice." Peter gave him a small smile to let him know that everything is okay.
"Ugh. Fine."
He heads outside and sees Tony waiting for him right in front. He sighs before sliding into the passenger's seat.
He isn't even inside for a second before Tony turns to him to say, "Peter! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"What happened?" He asks, pulling out of the school parking lot.
"Ned and I just went across the street for a sandwich and when I got back to school, they were all there waiting for me."
"You know you're not supposed to leave without Happy or someone else from the security detail." He frowns, gripping the wheel.
"I know but it was just across the street, so I thought I'd be fine! Don't worry though, I learned my lesson."
He sniffs and checks his mirror. "Good. I'm glad you learned it with the paparazzi and not a kidnapper."
"I'm Spider-Man, I can fight off a kidnapper." Peter frowns.
He chuckles darkly. "Okay wow there are so many things you're wrong about. One, you might not be able to, even with your spider powers if they catch you by surprise. Two, you don't want to reveal your identity because that could be even more dangerous. Three, we don't want to have to deal with kidnappers in the first place, so don't get cocky!"
The fear evident in Tony's voice makes Peter falter. Instead of arguing, he cedes and says, "You're right. I'm sorry."
"I just-" he falters, rubs his face, and turns to look at Peter. Only then can the kid see just how tired he looks. "quit scaring me, alright? My old heart can't take it."
"Okay."
He turns back to face the road. "So, what ended up happening?"
"Flash came out and got them all to go away."
"Flash? Like, the one who caused all this drama?"
"No, there's another Flash." Peter tells him sarcastically.
"I'm just checking!"
"But yeah, it was him. And we had a nice long chat after, and he apologized and is going to be nicer."
"That's really good, I guess? But are you sure you're ready to forgive him and move past this?"
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"Alright then." Tony says simply, knowing that Peter always believes the best in people.
The next day, everything was pretty much normal. Happy walked Peter all the way up to the front doors of school and other than some whispers and stares, no one bothered him. Well, except for his new weird truce with Flash. That was definitely not normal.
At lunch, Flash came up to their lunch table, much to the trio's surprise. "Do you mind if I sit with you guys?"
"Yes." Ned said.
Peter elbowed him in the side. "No. Go ahead."
"Are you sure? Because I can go if you want." Flash looked nervous, which was shocking to Peter.
"No, we're glad you're here." Peter smiled at him.
"We are?"
He turned to his best friend and frowned. "Ned."
"Yes! We are." Ned revised, with a big grin.
"Okay cool." He took a seat across from Peter and next to MJ.
"Why aren't you sitting over there with your friends?" Ned asked. After getting looks from all of them, he raised his hands in defense. "It's a genuine question."
"It's okay. They're just annoying and I'm bored of them." Flash shrugged and started to eat lunch with them.
"Cute." MJ snorted.
"Whatever." He looked at all of them before cautiously asking, "So, do you guys have fun plans after school or something?"
"I'm going to my grandma's for dinner." Ned answered.
MJ, not looking up from her book said, "Babysitting my siblings."
"I think I'm just going home, what about you?" Peter asked.
"My mom works late so I'll probably just be working on my science project."
"Oh, I'm working on mine too! If you want, you can probably come to the penthouse with me and we can work on ours together in the lab."
"What?" Ned almost dropped his sandwich.
"You're inviting me over?" Flash seemed just as surprised.
"Yeah sure, why not?"
"I guess if it's okay, I can go."
"Great! Let me text Tony and make sure it's okay."
Peter: Hey, am I allowed to have someone over after school?
Tony: Yeah sure
Tony: Who is it?
Peter: Flash?
Tony: What? Why? Since when?
Peter: His moms working late, and we know his dad's in jail, and he is just planning to work on his science project so I told him we could work on them together and use the lab
Tony: I guess that's fine
Tony: But I'm not totally happy with it
Tony: And you need supervision in the lab
Peter: Fine with me, thanks!
"He said it's cool!"
"Okay… thank you."
"You're welcome."
Flash left school with Peter at the end of the day and they both got in the backseat of Happy's car. Happy looked very confused and shot Peter a look, but he waved the older man off.
"So does your mom work late a lot?" Peter asks, starting a conversation.
"Yeah, she's a lawyer, so it's inevitable."
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Do you get to see Mr. Stark a lot or is he pretty busy?"
"He can get pretty busy sometimes, but he mostly works in the tower so he's nearby if I need anything."
"Oh. That's nice." Flash looked down, and Peter could see the veiled hurt in his eyes.
"Yeah." Peter changed the subject to something Flash might appreciate a little more. "You might be able to meet some of the Avengers!"
His whole face brightened. "No way! Seriously?"
"Yeah."
"Is there any chance I'll get to meet Tony Stark?" Flash asked shyly.
Peter had an incredulous look on his face. "You actually want to meet him?"
"Well… yeah. He's been one of my idols since I was a kid."
"Dude. He's working in the lab with us." Peter told him with a grin.
"No way!"
"He'll also probably help you with your project if you ask." He tossed out casually.
"I might die of excitement." He looked at Peter and his smile fell ever so slightly. "I'm sorry I bullied you all of these years."
"I know. And I forgive you." Peter shrugged.
"Just like that? No heartfelt explanation or anything?"
"Nope."
They pulled into the garage and climbed out of the car. Flash walked ahead of them and Happy sidled up next to Peter.
"I hope you know what you're doing." He whispered.
Peter laughed and shrugged it off. "I do! You heard him, Happy. He's sincere."
They climbed into the elevator and rode it all the way to the top floor. When they got out, Flash's jaw dropped.
"Welcome to the penthouse." Peter told him walking out.
"Wow."
"Yeah, I still get amazed every time I walk in too."
He opened his mouth to say something when Tony walked out of the hallway and into the kitchen.
"Hey, kid, welcome home. Flash, right?" Tony told him with his signature grin.
"…yeah." Flash seemed starstruck.
"Nice to meet you officially. Do you want to just meet me downstairs in the lab?"
"Yeah sure." They dropped their non-project-related stuff on the couch before heading back into the elevator to go a few floors below.
"I can't believe this is happening." Flash whispered, partially to himself and partially to Peter.
"I know."
They got settled in and began to work. A few minutes later, as promised, Tony showed up and began to work on some of his Stark Industries projects as well.
After an hour or so, a few sparks shot of Flash's circuit board, and he sighed, frustrated. "Ugh! I can't get this to work."
Tony, overhearing this, asked, "Do you want me to take a look?"
"Yeah, if you're okay with that." Flash stuttered, not really meeting his eyes.
"Yeah, totally." Tony walked over and looked at the board for a second, before pointing to a small wire. "Oh, simple fix. You just wired this into the wrong row."
"Awesome, thank you."
"No problem."
The older man walked back over to his workstation for a little bit, before asking, "Are you staying for dinner? I think Steve is making spaghetti."
"A… family dinner… with the Avengers?" Flash seemed unable to process this.
"Yep. We'd be happy to have you."
He suddenly remembered who he was and leaned against the table cooly, saying "Uh, yeah. I'm cool with that."
"Great. I'll let them know."
Not even a half an hour later, they found themselves all sitting at a table, picking at their food.
"So… you're Flash." Steve tells him, trying to start a conversation to break the awkward silence.
"You've heard of me?" Flash seemed surprised.
"Unfortunately." Natasha said and Clint snorted.
"Stop it." Peter frowned at them.
Flash picked at his food. "You don't have to mediate everything, Parker. I deserve it."
This seemed to make the Avengers more aware, so they dropped it. Instead they began to laugh and joke as usual, even bringing Flash into the conversation at some points.
After they finished and the dishes were done, Flash turned to Peter. "Thanks for dinner. I should probably get going."
They walked over to the couch so Flash could get hi stuff and then over to the elevator. "Yeah. Well, you can stop by anytime!"
"Thanks." He smiled before heading downstairs.
"So, are you guys like best friends now?" Tony asked from his spot at the table.
Peter rolled his eyes before sitting next to him. "No, of course not. He probably still won't talk to me that much. But he's had a tough life so I figured I could help him out a little."
Tony smiled and ruffled his hair. "You're a good kid."
I read this other story where Flash stopped bullying Peter and they had a cautious friendship and I really liked that and wanted to incorporate it into this one. :)