Peter told himself he was going to try. Promised to himself and May.

And he was.

But it was so much harder in reality. The fog of six am had made the thought easy. Reality, as in regular waking hours, made the thought and execution that much more difficult.

Midtown, especially the hour relocated to physical education, was a harsh reminder that things weren't going to be so easy. He and Ned were lagging behind their designated jogging group. It was only a warm-up but their jog barely counted as a fast walk if their teacher's expression was anything to go by. Both of them were struggling and out of breath. Both distracted it seemed as well. Ned's expression was still open but he'd been quiet so far.

Peter wondered how Mr. Stark was really doing. After everything in Germany had spread across the internet like wildfire, the man had all but disappeared from the public eye. The trials were ongoing. Most of the Avengers attendance was not released but the speculation was out of control. Besides the one Mr. Stark had gone to before, Peter had barely heard or seen him since.

The few times the media, and in extension Peter, had caught a glimpse of the fast-becoming recluse, the man had had his shields up. The dark bags sunk deep under his eyes that not even his oversized glasses could hide them. Lines marred his face and stubble grew across his jaw. The headlines always were cringeworthy but especially after that.

Peter stuffed his hand into his pocket and felt the papers in there. Another night with little sleep come and gone. The second piece of paper pressed next to Ben's as a reminder this was worth it. He kept both there, secure and within reach as a reminder of the promise.

He had a plan. More accurately, Peter had the beginnings of one. With his promise to May in mind alongside Ben's words, he knew this mission (he called it that only mentally because it sounded cooler than it was) would need careful planning and determination.

Ned huffs next time him and for what feels like the first time in forever, Peter truly looks at his friend. The way he's keeping up their pace, slow as it may be. How Ned's smile comes across his face periodically, like he's practicing the expression.

There's a pang in his chest. He's always so focused on himself and all the worries rushing around inside his brain that other things, a lot of things he tells himself, take the back seat. Ned walks around like he holds the sun in his pocket. All warm and open to everyone he meets. Ned gives himself freely to those around him. Patient with Mike's antics, supportive of Flash's friendship, and gentle acceptance with Peter.

When they first met, Peter had to look away from it. The newness of a friendship offered without strings. He was sure they were lurking somewhere along with an ulterior motive but Ned persisted. Spent hours with him just being himself, helping Peter see that it was okay to open himself up. Now, it was hard for Peter to look away. Can't remember all the times they'd spent together without a smile.

It's amazing how subtle the change in him is because of their friendship and in extension the friendships he has with everyone else. Ned was the first; made the rest possible. Peter knows almost without doubt that if he hadn't walked in on Ned in that empty classroom, he would still be wandering around the school looking for a place to rest. Looking for a place to belong.

Peter shoulders up to his friend and handed him a water bottle.

"You're a lifesaver, dude." Ned said. Peter couldn't help the heat rise to his cheeks and was grateful when their teacher whistled to signify the end of the warmup. They both end up clutching their knees, panting in ugly, short breaths.

Some people walked by rolling their eyes at them but all Peter could do was smile. Ned stood first. Peter had this urge to reach out and hug his friend. He wanted to show Ned how grateful he was but something stops him. Instead he reaches out and nudges his shoulder.

"Thanks." He said in a quiet mumble. Peter's not sure if Ned realized what he's talking about. Peter's not really sure if he knows exactly what too.

Ned stared at him, with a slightly gaping mouth. Worry niggled in his stomach until Ned smiles. Peter shouldn't have been worried. Ned knows him and when his friend nudged his shoulder right back, Peter couldn't help but smile in return.

So much has changed in the past year. Peter knows more was going to change as well but standing there sweating and smiling together was enough for the moment. He patted the papers in his pocket before the whistle sounded again and they took off running.

Peter watched as Flash, seemingly unware, leaned his body on the table while he bickered with Julia. While starting off low, their voices now carried over their booth and the surrounding booths at the Thai restaurant they were currently eating at. Peter felt the flush rise onto his cheeks and neck but instead of running from it, he allowed it to flourish there. It was nice to be embarrassed by your friends.

Ned shot an arm across between the two to shush them.

"Ned, you have to agree with me, right?" Flash said batting his eyes to the other boy.

Ned hesitated. His right eyebrow twitched at the pause and a grin stole over Peter's face. He knew what that expression meant.

"Well, I'd have to say in regards to the stability ration, Julia's hypothesis sounds more…"

He stopped at the fire in Flash's eyes. "But, yours could be right too." Ned laughed and rubbed a hand to the back of his neck. They continued to talk for a bit until the food came and silence descended while they ate. He cleared his throat and they turned to face him, Flash not pausing in his rapid chewing.

"What's up, Peter?"

"Here's the thing. I got a call and they sounded really serious and I need to do something but I'm not sure what to do or what the right thing is. Then I wasn't sure if I should do it alone but you all are my friends." He paused but couldn't bring himself to look up. "So, I debated and argued with myself over what would be best, be safest, and I'm still not sure but the thought of doing it all alone, well, I just couldn't do that again and now we're here and I'm running out breath… and I'll stop now."

Ned's neck swiveled at an odd angle to watch him from the seat to Peter's left before moving back to look at Julia and Flash. He quickly swiveled back around to stare at Peter some more. No one else moved as they tried to translate what just spewed out of his mouth. Ned gets there first. His hand rested heavily and warm against Peter's shoulder.

"I got about 33% of that, but let's try it again for those in the back." Peter thought his cheeks might be permanently hot. He shifted in his seat and began telling them everything.

"Right. I got a call…"

Peter tells them everything of the first plan for now. There's a second one but that one he keeps to himself. "But why did Friday call again?" Julia asked.

This part of the conversation was going to be tricky. Peter would never lie, but he also didn't want to outright reveal how vague Friday was on the phone. Their refusal to say anything specific was frustrating but led Peter to some concerning conclusions. He also didn't want to bring up the raw emotion in their voice either. It felt too personal; too soon to talk about yet. So, he decided to tell them about plan A.

"You know I was working on this side project with Mr. Stark. I think they wanted me to come and help again."

"I dunno, Peter. Sounds like Mr. Stark could just be using you as free labor." Flash said. Ned and Julia were silent.

Peter swallowed. He had to word this right. There had to be some intrigue to it. Give everyone a bit of what they wanted. Peter shifted again and clasped his hands together until the skin of his knuckles was taut. This was something he was less reluctant to do but Peter figured it might be the only way to get his friends on board with this. He knew they were still frustrated, and scared, about the situation at Oscorp. He also knew that they all talked about The Weaver and ways of fighting back.

He'd thought about it all night and this just sort of fit in. His curiosity only added fuel to his friends ever crazy plans of pulling a fast one on Norman Osborn. It was dangerous, there was never any thought otherwise in his mind but Peter couldn't help but think of anywhere to find intel, Stark Towers could be the best place. The gilded windows and sentinel stance in the city would protect them, he was sure.

"Look, I know it's weird but it could be a way in. You know to find out more about Oscorp." He mouthed the last word.

"That a boy." Flash said with a smirk. "We'll corrupt you yet."

Julia laughed. "He may be the one corrupting us if I'm interpreting everything right."

Peter turned over to Ned who had been too quiet through the whole explanation. He could see Ned tense under his eyes. "Oh, um, yeah. I see." But glazed eyes spoke otherwise.

"Ned?"

"I - This could be dangerous Peter. You know all of us want to get to the bottom of everything but this could be too much. You have to be safe."

Peter's heart clenched. Ned sniffed. He grabbed his water and took a huge sip. Peter fought the urge to hug him again. Ned was here still, after everything. Of his own volition. He'd always been with Peter.

"We will. I want you in my corner, Ned. Someone confident and collected who can work behind the scenes." It's a small moment, just filled with the chatter of the restaurant but Ned thinks it over in a serious matter.

"As long as we get help if we need it. I'll do whatever to help." And Peter's fit to burst. Ned's okay with it and it's one less worry.

"You're the best, Ned." Peter said with a small smile.

"How could I say no to being your guy in the chair? When my best friend says he's going to infiltrate Stark Industries you don't say no!"

After throwing the end of his egg roll at Julia for laughing at them the quartet began planning.

Peter was prone on his bed, head tucked into corner of his pillow. To the right of his left hand lay his phone and the journal usually kept between bed and wall was on the other side of it. Both tempting and taunting him.

His stomach ached.

Peter told himself that everything was going okay. Flash, Julia and Ned were helping. Their plans, at least the ideas of how to hack a tech genius were coming along. They all felt confident and while he was in their company, Peter had felt that same rush of confidence run through him.

Now it was late and he was alone. There was too much at stake. To many unknowns to the situation to warrant further involvement.

And he didn't know if he could do it.

Didn't even know what it was.

Peter knew in his gut that Mr. Stark needed help. With a clarity he rarely had, Peter could see the trajectory of the man and didn't like what the data was saying. Why else would Friday call with such a poor excuse after such a final tone Mr. Stark's voice all those months ago? Why else would they ask Peter for help?

Mr. Stark looked after him for all those months. In that time, and far too long Peter thought, he came to the realization that changed everything. This man wasn't just Iron Man or Tony Stark. He wasn't just a billionaire, tech genius like he told people. Mr. Stark was just a person, like Peter, and May, and Ned.

He tried to reach out to Peter in his own way. It wasn't his fault Peter hadn't received it, hadn't been ready for any help at the time. The effort hadn't been to waste. It still meant something because now he understood that it might be his time to do what he could.

Given, Peter was a teenager both shy and awkward above all else and he really didn't know the first thing about life, but Peter was going to try. It was his turn to offer help. He almost hoped it wasn't needed and that he was wrong about Mr. Stark being in trouble. Then he thought about all the late dinners and care Mr. Stark gave and let a tiny bit of hope that Peter could do something burn. He sighed and after running a finger down the notebook, picked up his phone.

The number from last week was highlighted in red.

Time for plan B. Peter's own private plan.

"Friday?"

"Hello, Peter. How are you today?"

"I'll do it, Friday, but I'm going to need a few things first."

The long awaited reunion is upon us! Thanks everyone for sticking with the story.