By the time Monday rolled around, Peter was fully healed and the entire situation felt more like a twisted dream than anything else. He had spent the rest of Friday drifting in and out of sleep as his body fought to heal the injuries that he had suffered. It wasn't uncommon for him to go into a twilight-zone state when his body had been put through the wringer, his accelerated healing took up a lot of his energy.
The Avengers kept him company and made sure that he was never alone, but Peter didn't know if that was for their sake or if they were doing it for him. Peter knew he scared them a great deal and he felt guilty for causing such a fuss. Tony had been the only one who didn't make an appearance until Peter woke up Saturday morning completely healed. Peter tried to give his mentor the benefit of the doubt, but he was pretty pissed at Tony. Once upon a time Peter looked up to Tony as a mentor and then the billionaire grew to become a father figure to him. Except it's becoming clearer each day that Peter's feelings were one-sided because the whole situation with Tony was just too confusing for Peter to care about.
So, when Bruce gave him the all clear, he decided it was probably better for him to go back to Queens for the rest of the weekend. Tony had pitched a fit, saying it was better for him to stay here because he had just gotten seriously injured a few days prior.
"Come on, kid, be smart about this," Tony insisted.
"I'm just going home," Peter returned, not unkindly but he was getting annoyed. "May's probably worried sick enough as it is."
"She's working, I don't like the idea of you being there alone."
"How many times do I have to tell you that I am okay?" Peter crossed his arms. "You heard Dr. Banner, I'm fully healed."
"Why are you being so stubborn about this?" Tony exclaimed.
"Why are you being so insistent about me staying where I obviously don't want to be?" Peter shot back.
Looking back at it, Peter admitted that it had been a little too harsh. He knew Tony's guilt complex, even if his judgement was skewed. However, Peter just wanted to get out of the compound and away from a reminder that what he wanted would never be his to have. Eventually, Tony relented with the condition that Happy was the one to drive him home. Peter readily agreed, relieved that he didn't have to put up more of a fight. He'd apologize for being a dick one day, but that day wasn't then.
By the time that Peter walked into the empty apartment on Saturday, it had reached well past noon. Alex and George were gone, just as planned and Peter didn't fully know if that was a blessing or curse. This past week and a half had been a huge stepping stone for Peter and his extended family, and he had gotten so used to having a constant presence by his side. Alex had been amazing, never once pushing him to talk about something he didn't want to talk about. In addition, whenever the older teen saw Peter lost in his thoughts, he'd come sit beside him and make up the most ridiculous story that he knew would make Peter genuinely laugh.
In this case, however, the fact that the apartment was empty was a blessing. Alex had called Peter numerous times on Friday morning, leaving voicemails and text messages, asking where he was and if he was alright. Eventually May had told him that he had urgent matters regarding the Stark Internship and Alex had just texted him one last time to say that he hoped everything was alright and he was thinking of him. Peter felt awful for making Alex worry about him, he felt like he didn't fully deserve the concern that was thrown his way. Of course, he would never admit that aloud because he knew Alex would tell May and May would skin him alive for being so naive.
When May got home that night, she hugged him tight for a good five minutes and Peter clung back, feeling safe in the arms of his aunt. Of course, his aunt had given him a lecture, and when asked what had happened, Peter stuck with his story of not remembering because he had hit his head. May had bought it easily and Peter was shocked at that, he didn't think he could get away with lying to his aunt. It just reinforced the reality of how bad his injuries had been. May was a nurse, she knew what head injuries could do and the aftermath they could bring. May had given him one last hug and just told him that she was just glad he was okay.
Peter didn't go out patrolling that night, and it wasn't until Sunday that he realized he didn't even have his suit. He had left the Stark suit at the compound and he winced at the thought of what it must've looked like if he had gotten off so badly.
Just another thing that's broken, Peter had mused to himself. Add it to the stack of things that never seem to want to go away.
He tried calling Tony about it once, but when it went straight to voicemail, Peter left it alone and wondered if he truly expected anything else.
"You've been ghosting me."
Peter jumped out of his skin at the noise of his friend's voice behind him. He spun around, and his shoulders relaxed at the raven haired boy behind him.
"Jesus Christ, Ned," Peter exclaimed, keeping his voice low.
Ned raised an eyebrow at that, "Someone's extra jumpy today."
"Someone just snuck up and scared me, I think I'm entitled to be a little jumpy," Peter turned around and grabbed his Anatomy textbook before closing his locker.
"And grumpy too," Ned added. "Are you ready for lunch?"
Peter placed his textbook in his backpack before flinging it back over his shoulder. "Yeah, let's go."
They started off toward the cafeteria, the silence between them eerie, but Peter was in a bitter mood and he was afraid of coming off abrasive.
"You didn't answer my accusation," Ned began nonchalantly.
Peter frowned, "What?"
"Are you ghosting me? Have I been ghosted?" Ned asked.
"Why did you think I was ghosting you?" Peter was confused.
"Well, I tried calling you Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but you kept going to voicemail," Ned shrugged. "Did something happen?"
Peter winced, guilt once again creeping through his veins. He's been feeling guilty a lot lately. "I didn't mean to ghost you, dude. I got a little preoccupied." The two of them walked into the cafeteria and made their way to their usual table that was secluded in the corner.
Ned's eyes brightened as he sat down, "Did you go on a mission with the Avengers? Did you get kidnapped? Was it cool?"
Peter felt a small smile tug at his lips. "Did you just ask if I liked being kidnapped?"
"So you did get kidnapped!" Ned asserted.
"Keep your voice down," Peter reminded him kindly. "I didn't get kidnapped, Ned, and no there wasn't a mission."
"Then what happened that made you miss school? Harry was breathing down my back while you were gone. Never seen a dude so insistent about you skipping school like a rebel."
Peter glanced both ways out of habit before lowering his voice. "I got a little banged up when I went out patrolling Thursday."
All the amusement left Ned's face and he grew serious. "What happened? Are you fully healed?"
"I'm fine now, it just took a few days," Peter admitted.
"Days? How bad was it?"
Peter didn't look at him and instead went to pull out his lunch bag. "It was bad. I, uh, broke four ribs, had a bad concussion and punctured a lung."
Ned paled at that, "Pete..."
"I know, I know, but I'm okay," Peter hastily reassured him, trying to soothe his friend's distress.
"What happened?" Ned repeated urgently.
"I don't know?" Peter even sounded unsure himself. "I mean I was talking to Clint and Bucky on the phone and like my sixth sense just split my head in half. Before I knew what was happening I got flung into a wall and plummeted ten stories."
"You got thrown off the roof of a building?" Ned's eyes widened fearfully. "What the hell, Peter?"
"I know," Peter shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I managed to get to the compound before I passed out, the next thing I knew I woke up in the Medbay."
"You had to swing to the compound? Where was Tony?" Ned looked confused.
Peter scoffed at that, "Apparently too busy with a 'family' weekend to bother picking up the phone." Peter knew that wasn't fair, it wasn't Tony's fault that he didn't know about his AI not working to alert FRIDAY. However, it was easier to be mad at Tony for being so oblivious when compared to his pre-snap self.
"And you don't remember anything?" Ned asked.
"I don't think so, but like I had this dream while I was at the compound, one that seemed a little too vivid to be just a mere nightmare."
"You think you did remember something," Ned clarified.
"Maybe, but I don't even know what to think about it," Peter shrugged.
"But..."
Ned was interrupted by Harry coming up to the table with a cupcake and a card, a big smile on his face.
"Look who it is," Harry greeted cheerfully. "Alex told me you were sick so I got you something, Pete." He placed the card and cupcake down on the table in front of Peter.
Peter looked at the card that read "GET WELL SOON" in giant bold letters. "What is this?"
Ned snickered at that, "That's golden."
"It's a get well soon card and cupcake!" Harry beamed, sitting down next to Peter. "I thought you got rebellious and just skipped but Ned insisted that it's out of your character to willingly skip school. So I figured what better way to cheer up my best friend?"
Ned laughed at Peter's dumbstruck face, and Peter shot him a wounded look.
"Wow, Harry, thanks," Peter told him genuinely.
"So what was it? I want all the details," Harry insisted.
"What the hell are you two up to?" Peter looked between his two friends. "Because this drama seeking Harry Osborn is not the real one."
Harry sighed, "Way to go, Ned, the laughing gave it away."
Ned sobered up, but he still had an amused tone. "I couldn't help it! His face was just too much."
Then it dawned on Peter, "You were going to prank me, weren't you?"
"Well, seeing how you ghosted the two of us, what kind of friends would we be if we didn't get you back?" Harry smirked.
"I didn't mean to ghost anyone," Peter exclaimed.
"Give it a rest, Pete," Ned shook his head. "Just accept your face."
"How on Earth were you even going to prank me with a stupid cupcake?" Peter wondered.
"Like this," Harry took Peter's plastic spoon, shoveled off the frosting, put it on his hand and then smeared it across his cheek.
"What the hell?" Peter cringed, trying to back away. "Harry!"
"Aw man, I was hoping you'd go for the nose," Ned sounded disappointed.
"What?" Peter yelped. "You little son of a..." Peter scooped the frosting off his cheek and smeared it across Harry's cheek, who was laughing good-naturedly.
"You two are the worst," Peter was chuckling against his will, feeling a small weight lift off his shoulders.
"But you love us anyway," Ned handed him a napkin and Peter accepted it.
"Just admit it," Harry smiled dopily at that.
"Fine," Peter wiped the frosting off his cheek. "But be warned, I will get you both back for this."
"Challenge accepted, as long as you two don't set an oven on fire or something," Ned had a devious glint in his eyes.
Peter's mouth dropped open before looking at Harry, "You told him that?"
"I'm surprised you didn't," Harry said.
"Why didn't you?" Ned sounded offended. "That story is way too comedic to be kept in the dark."
"Because it was embarrassing," Peter admitted. "That was the first time I saw Ben question his life decisions."
"Ben tried to lecture Peter, but he was laughing too hard so he waited for May to do it," Harry supplied.
"And May still roasts me about it to this day," Peter noted.
Peter was jolted from the conversation when he heard his phone buzz. Looking down, he saw it was a text from Tony.
Come over after school? Want to talk about upgrades for your suit.
Peter felt a small spark of irritation wash over him at the text. Sure, Tony wanted him to come over to talk to him about his spider suit, not because he wanted to actually spend time with him. However, if they were upgrading his suit and Tony was willing to let him help, then maybe it wasn't a bad idea after all.
Sure! Can Happy drive me?
He's already planning on it.
How did you know I was going to say yes? That's awfully intuitive.
You question my pride, kid. I'm not telling any secrets.
When the dismissal bell rang to signify the end of the school day, Peter all but bolted out of the door. He might've been annoyed at Tony, but Peter couldn't wait to see Happy. Unlike Tony, Happy Hogan had kept in touch with Peter throughout the past couple of months, making sure that he had been settling in okay. Before the snap, Peter wouldn't have guessed that Tony Stark's head of security had a soft side, but Peter had a feeling that Happy didn't fully realize what he had until he lost it. Peter always knew that Happy Hogan had a grudging respect towards him, even if Peter did find ways to drive him up the wall.
Exiting the building, Peter paused at the bottom of the steps and scanned the parking lot below. As soon as he saw the black limo, his eyes brightened and he made his way towards the vehicle. When Peter approached the car, Happy stepped out, a small smile on his face.
"Happy!" Peter greeted him cheerfully.
"I heard I was to deliver a kid to the compound?" Happy leaned his arm against the open door.
A reluctant kid who really doesn't want to go, Peter mused to himself, but shook off the negative thoughts. "Guess that would be me, huh?"
Happy just shook his head fondly, "Get in the car, Pete."
A few minutes later, Happy pulled away from the curve and began the forty five minute drive to the compound.
"You'll never believe what we did in anatomy today," Peter began. "So, we had to begin dissecting a brain because we were learning about the nerves and the senses. Well, they preserve the brain in fluid, and some of the fluid gets trapped inside of the brain. Ned went to cut open the brain and fluid just kind of exploded all over his lab coat!"
"They're having you dissect brains?" Happy wrinkled his nose in disgust. "That seems rather barbaric."
"They're not human brains, Happy," Peter rolled his eyes.
"And that's supposed to make it better?" Happy raised an eyebrow at that. "Weren't you going off on a tangent the other day about how animals aren't represented enough in their individual rights?"
"But they don't take the brains from animals that are healthy, usually they're donated to science after they pass," Peter crossed his arms.
Happy snorted at that, "I hate to tell you, Pete, but whoever told you that is a downright liar."
Peter paled at that, "What?"
"Come on, kid, I know you're smarter than that," Happy jested.
"Well there goes that good mood," Peter pouted.
"Come on, cheer up, kid," Happy sounded a little guilty.
"Nope, you ruined my scientific discovery and I don't appreciate it."
"But you're going to have some lab time with Tony," Happy offered. "I know how much you miss that."
Peter grew silent for a moment, a pit of dread forming in his stomach. "Did May set you up to this?"
It was Happy's turn to pause, a sheepish look coming across his face. "Not necessarily.
"And here I thought you were genuinely trying to spend some time with me."
Happy gave him a leveled stare in the rearview mirror. "That's not fair and you know it."
Peter deflated at the hurt in the older man's voice. A wave of shame washed over him, "You're right. I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."
Happy was quiet for another minute before saying, "We're worried about you."
"What's there to be worried about?" Peter shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Happy sighed, "Look, kid, I know things have been different since you came back. I know how much changed while you were gone, and I can't even begin to imagine how overwhelming that must be. Tony's been busy and he's also an oblivious idiot, but I promise you that he cares about you all the same."
"Can we not talk about this?" Peter asked.
Happy studied him for another minute before his expression softened. "Sure, Pete. Just... you're going to have to talk about it sooner or later."
"I prefer the later option," Peter muttered under his breath, but he had a feeling Happy knew exactly what he said.
The rest of the ride passed in silence and when Happy parked outside the entrance of the compound, Peter said a goodbye before bolting out of the confined space, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. Making his way upstairs, Peter leaned against the elevator wall and took a few deep breaths.
He felt like a dick for acting the way he did towards Happy. Peter admitted that he was way too harsh towards someone who genuinely was concerned for his well being. It was just hard to think about the way things used to be and what suddenly wasn't there anymore. It was easier to pretend than it was to confront the source of his problems.
This past week and a half was a positive step in the right direction. Peter hadn't had a nightmare since the last time he spent the weekend at the compound, he was getting close to Alex and George, things with Ned were mending and Harry was back in Queens. The only thing that still seemed out of place was Tony, but Peter was slowly coming to terms knowing that there was a major possibility that things would eventually fizzle out between the two of them.
You can lie to yourself all you want, Peter, but you know that hurts more than you're willing to admit, Peter mused sadly, closing his eyes against the wave of sadness. It's going to get easier, it already is by a small margin... When will it get easier to be happy without feeling the entire world is waiting for you to crumble to ash?
Peter was jolted out of his thoughts when the elevator opened and he stepped out into the common room. Walking over to the kitchen, Peter set his backpack down on the island countertop. Opening his snack cabinet, a note fell from the top shelf and onto the floor. Frowning, Peter bent over to pick it up.
Hey, Pete, saw you were getting low on your high-protein bars. I had Bruce make you a new batch, let us know when you're low next time. - Steve.
Peter felt a small bittersweet smile form on his face. It was ironic how Captain America was becoming more of the mother-hen nowadays instead of pre-snap Tony.
"Thanks, Cap," Peter said quietly before grabbing a bar and closing the cabinet. With his snack in hand, Peter climbed onto Tony's lab elevator and took it two floors down to the workshop.
When Peter emerged onto the floor, it was to the sight of Tony bent over his workbench, a screwdriver hanging from his mouth as he tinkered with something on the surface in front of him.
"Tony?" Peter greeted, announcing his presence.
"Hey, kid," Tony replied between the screwdriver, his tone full of concentration.
Peter put his backpack down and walked over to the older man. "What are you working on?"
Tony took the screwdriver out of his mouth and began tightening something on the device in front of him. "It's your new cover for your freaky new webs."
Peter's eyes widened in genuine curiosity. "What?"
"Well, I told you it was a temporary fix, didn't I?" Tony turned his head for a second to raise an eyebrow in Peter's direction.
"It's only been a week," Peter conceded.
"You doubt my skills?" Tony shook his head. "Come on, Pete, give me a little more credit than that."
"You've just been a little busy," Peter shrugged. "Besides, the nanites have been working just fine."
"True, but that only solves the minor issue of its appearance, I figured with these you can switch over from synthetic webbing to organic webbing."
Peter looked hesitant at that, "One more way to make me a freak of nature."
Tony paused at that comment, "What?"
Peter jolted at that. Had he really said that out loud? "Nothing, it's stupid."
Tony looked like he wanted to argue, but he let it go as he finished one last thing before putting his tools down. "Alright, let's see if this works."
Peter deactivated the nanites on his wrists, the particles peeling away to form a clear bracelet on both of his arms. Once the bracelets were taken off, Peter accepted the new gadgets from Tony and slipped them on. Immediately the nanites bled into his skin, hiding the white patches on the insides of his wrists.
"How do these feel lighter than the last?" Peter was in awe.
Tony shrugged, "It's nothing, I just messed with the number of layers. Go ahead and try it out."
Peter stepped back and aimed his left wrist at the wall. Instinctively he felt himself shoot out a web and it hit true to the center of the wall.
"That's freaky," Tony shivered in disgust. "Sorry, kid, but it's just a factual statement."
"It's not entirely pleasant either," Peter admitted. "I might not understand the mechanics of this, but it's like a snake is slithering through my body."
Tony wrinkled his nose in disgust, "Gee, thanks for the visual that I never want to hear or see again."
Peter rolled his eyes good-naturedly at the jibe. "So you said something about suit upgrades?"
"Yes!" Tony's tired eyes sparked a little in excitement. "I saw that you left your suit here on Saturday and I went ahead and made some repairs. The only thing I haven't had a chance to do yet is your AI. Figured we could do it together, let you learn the ropes from the best person ever."
Peter felt genuine excitement wash over him at the prospect of working on KAREN. "Wait, seriously?"
Tony shrugged, "A rambling kid like yourself must get lonely out on patrols."
Peter paused at that, "Clint mentioned I called Bucky cause I was bored."
"Clowns? Really?" Tony seemed unimpressed. "That's the most irrational thing to be afraid of."
"It's the most rational fear out there!" Peter disagreed. "Clowns can kill."
"Highly unlikely," Tony looked far too amused. "I almost bought you circus tickets just to spite you, but then Pepper glared daggers at me until I promised I wouldn't."
"You know, just for that, Pepper is my favorite now," Peter pulled up a stool to sit beside Tony.
"Speaking of Pepper..." Tony began.
Peter paled at that, "She's not pregnant again, is she?"
Tony let out a surprised noise, "What? Oh god, no, thank the universe. Morgan's awesome, but I don't know if I can deal with the grey hairs of another kid."
Peter felt a knife pierce his heart at that comment, but let it go. Not now, Pete. "What about her, then? Is she okay?"
Tony waved the question off nonchalantly, "Pepper's fine. We were just talking and we wanted to invite you over to the lake house for the weekend. She really wants to meet the kid that proved I had a heart."
Peter blushed at the comment, but suddenly wanted to be anywhere else but there. "I don't know, Mr. Stark, I really don't want to intrude."
"That's why it's called an invitation, kid," Tony turned towards him with a questioning glance.
Peter thought he would be ecstatic at such a proposition, but a pit of dread in his stomach made him nauseous to the core. "I can't next weekend anyway, May's home and I promised I'd spend the weekend with her."
"Oh," Tony's face went blank. "That's funny because I cleared it with your aunt, who said she was working back-to-back shifts."
Shit, Peter cursed mentally. "Oh."
A hurt look crossed Tony's face. "Do you not want to come over?"
Peter's heart broke further at that. "It's not that... I'm scared of Morgan."
"You're scared of a five year old?" Tony was incredulous. "Why?"
She's a reminder of what I can never have.
"What if she doesn't like me?" Peter was proud of that excuse.
Tony snorted in amusement. "Trust me kid, the only thing that Morgan hates is anyone messing with her teddy bears."
"Can I... Can I just think about it?" Peter asked quietly, letting a little bit of vulnerability slip into his tone.
Tony paused and studied him before he caved, "Yeah, kid, you don't have to decide now."
Peter was about to express his gratitude when the alarm bell went off, causing Peter to flinch at the sudden onslaught on his senses.
"Shit," Tony cursed.
"Tony, we need you up here," Steve's voice echoed over FRIDAY's speakers. "We've got androids further upstate."
"Great, just in time for afternoon tea," Tony was already standing up.
Peter got up and went to follow him, but Tony turned around and stopped him. "You are not coming."
Peter's jaw dropped in disbelief. "What?"
"You are staying here, kid," Tony repeated.
"But I can help," Peter protested.
"Not this time you can't," Tony asserted.
Peter felt his fists clench in frustration. "You're side lining me, even after everything I've done..."
"Don't start with me, Pete, you just got majorly injured three days ago ," Tony told him sternly.
"You heard Dr. Banner, I'm fully healed!"
"You got attacked by something, kid. If you can't remember that or who it was, the last thing I need is to babysit your ass."
Peter visibly flinched at those hurtful words, but he felt himself dig his feet in deeper. "I can look after myself just fine! I can't just stay here when I can help do something."
"And I can't focus on a battle if I know you're gonna find some way to be self-sacrificing! You are going to stay here where I know you'll be safe," Tony ordered. "I'm not asking here, Peter."
"I'll sneak on the jet, I swear I will," Peter threatened.
"Will you stop being so childish?" Tony exclaimed. "Even if you came with us, you haven't trained in a team environment. I can't trust that you'll be safe if you... Just this once, kid, I'm asking nicely."
Peter saw something rare in Tony's eyes that made his resolve reluctantly waver. It was a spark of fear at the thought of Peter getting injured in a battle that he wasn't prepared for.
"Fine," Peter relented, "But you're going to have to stop treating me like a kid."
"You're sixteen, Pete, you're still a kid," Tony said before he walked out of the lab, leaving Peter to seethe at being left behind and also leaving him feeling embarrassed for being scolded to bluntly.
Was it good? Was it bad? Feel free to let me know!