Hey all! Thank you so much for being patient in waiting for the update, I have the whole story written but it was a rough week and I had a lull in motivation. But I appreciate the kind and concerned messages at the delay 3000

BUT i promise this chapter was worth the wait! Get ready fo of interesting set ups that are gonna get you hyped for the future :)

Also, beware chapter 25...the three update countdown begins. Have fun and stay safe ❤️️ 💛💚💙💜

Happy-Go-Lucky

The both of them head towards a mall in Manhattan, one Peter isn't particularly familiar with, and they chat the whole way there. Peter updates Happy on everything that's been happening with Scorpion and they bounce ideas off each other.

"Wait, I'm confused," Happy cuts in with scrunched up eyebrows. "If this Scorpion guy was working with JJ, then why does he want to kill him? And what did Dr. Stillwell have to do with it?" Peter adjusts his annoying seatbelt and sits up straighter to explain.

"That's the thing! We have no idea. Dr. Stillwell's a normal dude so we have nothing on him and we only know what JJ told us. Well, me. Same thing. So, when I first fought with Scorpion, he said someone ruined his life and that he was gonna kill them. Typical villain stuff. My theory is that JJ is the one Scorpion wants to get back at him because JJ worked with Dr. Stillwell…for some reason, to get Scorpion his powers! …For some reason." Happy glances to him with uncertainty, causing Peter to huff. "Okay, so what I have is a hypothesis, not a theory, but it's better than nothing."

"Alright, I'll give you that," Happy relents. "Does he have a motive besides wanting to kill everyone?" At this, Peter shrugs his shoulders. That's about as far as his hypothesis goes.

"I'm not sure. He doesn't like JJ because he thinks he's turning into a monster and thinks JJ did it. He wants to kill me 'cause I piss him off and scarred up his face or something." His words make Happy hit his breaks a tad too hard at the red light and they jerk forward in their seats.

"He wants to kill you?" Happy repeats in an aghast tone. He fully turns toward Peter with shocked, almost indignant, eyes.

"Well, yeah," Peter calmly responds. "That's kind of the whole villain schtick. Killing heroes is, like, their job. And here I thought you were a hero veteran. The light's green, by the way." He smiles kindly and nods to the streetlight. When Happy starts driving again, he continues his train of thought, his concern masked with apprehension.

"Does your aunt know that?" he questions carefully.

"I think it was pretty clear when she saw him throw me off a roller coaster," Peter points out. "And there's no way I'm keeping May out of anything." He looks at Happy with a painfully obvious "you really think I'd do that again'' face. Happy eyes him skeptically but, when he rethinks it, realizes May would burn the world down if anything happened to Peter. If Scorpion hurts Peter, he'll have a raging May to deal with. So, he nods minutely in agreement.

"Do you have any gift ideas or are we starting from square one?" He gets them on track by changing the subject. Peter can tell Happy probably can't handle the stress of Scorpion all at once, so he thinks about what he's had in mind. Actually, he hasn't really given it much thought. Every time he thinks of something, it comes across as too childish or cheap.

"Well, I, uh," he picks at the seatbelt self-consciously, "I haven't been able to think of anything…" He averts his eyes, looking out the window, and nervously wiggles his toes.

"As long as you don't get Pepper strawberries, you should be fine," Happy reassures to put the kid's mind at ease. Peter looks at him in bewilderment and marginally tilts his head.

"Isn't she allergic to strawberries? Why would I get her those?" Happy appears to be holding back laughter behind a smile, he observes, and nods.

"You'd be surprised," the man says in obvious amusement. Peter side-eyes him and tries to decipher his cryptic words.

"Whoever did that didn't pay very good attention," he feels the need to mention. She makes sure there's no strawberries anywhere. Who could miss that many hints? Wait… Happy snorts when he sees Peter's confused face shift into one of understanding.

"Tony did, didn't he," Peter realizes with resignation. Of course Tony would be the only one oblivious enough to get Pepper strawberries.

"Yep. But she's a more sentimental person. Anything from the heart is good for her. Something thoughtful," Happy expertly offers. "Rhodey is simple. He doesn't like anything extravagant and appreciates anything. Tony is a bit more tricky."

"'Cause his favorite thing is being difficult." Peter nods in affirmation, already seeing that coming. Happy somehow manages to park the car along a crowded sidewalk. Peter looks through the glare across the fogged windshield to see the long line of shops on either side of the street. People bustle in and out of the shops, a dull roar of conversation and honking traffic making their way through the doors. It sure is the definition of holiday hustle, probably because it's Christmas Eve for most.

Somewhat ready to face the outside world, he and Happy begin their journey to find presents for the whole extended family. He tries to drop subtle hints for May's likes and interests as they pop in and out of stores.

"Smile, Happy," he exclaims as he takes a picture of Happy's unamused expression. When he insists they stop into a particularly nerdy looking store, just in case, a shirt catches his eye. "Woah! Look at this one!" He pulls the shirt off the clothing rack and holds it up for Happy to look over. Happy inspects it warily, then looks up at Peter's face shining with pride.

"He's going to disown you if you get him that," he feels the need to mention, knowing that it's meant for Tony. Peter can hardly suppress his grin and contain his snickering.

"Yeah, probably," he easily agrees. Tony will definitely want to burn it but wouldn't dare. "But who's gonna stop me?" His challenge is accompanied by a sly smile, one that Happy knows he couldn't win against. Peter has made up his mind.

"Not me," Happy affirms with a half shrug. Peter excitedly bounces on his toes before continuing their search with determination. "As long as he isn't in the mood for payback," the man mutters, following the human ball of energy. It's more of a joke gift, partly, so Peter still feels like he should give Tony a more thoughtful gift. Is it possible to get gift-buying block? I'm pretty sure that's what I have. However, he does come up with a great gift idea for Pepper in the meantime. He goes between stores at a rapid fire pace, with Happy close behind, and attempts to bring his idea into fruition.

"Do you know what kind of cookies Pepper likes?" he asks as he peruses the various options of holiday cookies.

"Sugar cookies, I think," Happy answers, more uncertain of Peter's seemingly random question than his own response. "Why?" Peter spots a tin of sugar cookies on the top shelf, looks around to make sure no one is paying attention, then gracefully uses his sticky fingers to pull it down.

"If I told you, that would ruin the magic." He flashes Happy an innocent smile, to which Happy rolls his eyes with a chuckle, and moves onto the next item. All for Pepper, he proceeds to get a soft blanket, pine scented candles per Happy's recommendation, hot cocoa, and a notebook. Still without an idea for Tony, he moves onto brainstorming for Rhodey instead. "I don't really know Colonel Rhodes very well. I've talked to him and we get along pretty good, but I don't know what kind of things he likes." He hopes his reasoning makes sense, because he doesn't want to come off as impercipient. Plus they've only met a few times, one of which was in the heat of battle. Happy takes a moment to think, his hands in his pockets to keep them from the crisp air. Luckily, Peter is bundled from head to toe thanks to May's aunt instincts.

"He doesn't talk about details like that much. With him it's mostly work and keeping Tony in line," Happy says truthfully. They walk out of the store back into the frigid air and continue down the sidewalk. "I think he likes Indiana Jones. That's a big 'if,' but he's watched them at the Tower before. That's all I've got." Peter nods thoughtfully, then turns on his heel and starts trekking back to the nerdy store. It's bound to have something Indiana Jones related. I just hope he actually likes Indiana Jones or that's gonna be awkward… His quick, decisive movements practically give Happy whiplash and he tries his best to catch up.

"Some heads up would be nice!" Happy calls after him. After searching the same store he got Tony's shirt from, Peter finds what he hopes to be an acceptable gift and they move on. The two decide that they can wrap presents at the Tower and stick them under their tree, since Peter doesn't have one. Either way, Tony told Happy that he wanted to say hi to the kid. Despite being initially against it, he realizes that the only way to get Tony something he wouldn't get for himself is to make it. Now, he just has to figure out what to make…

"Aw, come on, Happy. We're brainstorming, you gotta help," he all but whines, trying to think of something as well. "You're one of his best friends!"

"Everything he wants, he makes!" Happy rationalizes as they drive towards the Tower. Peter groans because he logically knows Happy is right, but doesn't want it to be true.

"Yeah, but what can I make him that he hasn't already made?" he specifies in the hopes that it'll kick their brains into gear. Neither of them have a clue and he's getting worried. He has until tomorrow to get something made. If he had a relatively simple idea, then he'd be confident he could get it done. But currently he doesn't have any idea, let alone a simple one.

"Beats me. I couldn't tell you half the things he makes." Happy shrugs his shoulders without lifting his hands off the wheel. With a deep sigh, Peter rests his chin in his hand and stares out the window at the flocks of people shopping last minute. The sky hasn't begun to darken, meaning he should have plenty of time before he has to be home. When Happy pulls into the Tower's adjacent parking garage, he shuts off the engine and turns to the kid. "I know Tony might come off as standoffish and self-absorbed," Peter quietly chuckles, eliciting a smile from Happy, "but he can be surprisingly sentimental. Pick something with meaning and I'm sure he'll like it." Peter holds himself a bit better, looking up hopefully.

"You think so? He wouldn't think it's stupid?" he sheepishly verifies.

"Anything that comes from you won't be stupid. Trust me." Happy's words slowly sink in until Peter finds himself feeling more confident in his abilities. If he built a Spider-Man suit out of legwarmers and thrown-out garbage, he can make a present.

"Thanks, Happy." He gratefully returns the smile.

"Not a problem, kid. Let's go in before Tony gets impatient and knocks on the window." Something about Happy's oddly specific wording catches his attention.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," he suggests with a smug grin. The two step out of the car and make sure the gifts can't be seen through the bags or tissue paper.

"You go through a lot with someone like Tony. One of those things just happens to be him accidentally breaking a window by knocking on it with a wrench," Happy relays and rolls his eyes at the memory. He makes sure he has an armload of bags before allowing Peter, who is now laughing, to carry the rest.

"Yeah, that sounds like a Mr. Stark thing to do," the teen agrees without remorse.

He tries to get more embarrassing stories out of Happy as they ride up the elevator to the Penthouse. Tony is most likely in the workshop, so they bide their time to go wrap the presents and stick them under the tree before they're caught. Speaking of the tree, Peter expected it to be…bigger. Not that it isn't a beautiful tree, that Pepper undoubtedly helped decorate, but he anticipated it would be over the top. Extravagant. But in reality, the adorned, tinsel-covered, glittering tree is homey. There are ornaments strewn throughout it, but they look meaningful. They aren't just stereotypical glass ornaments; they're all different shapes and sizes and colors. Overall, it feels more inviting. He takes a picture of the illustrious tree, then gets to work. When they're done wrapping everything, they bring the presents out to the living room and stick them under the tree.

"Look at you two." Peter turns to see Tony walking out of the elevator and wiping his forehead with an oil-stained rag.

"Hey, Mr. Stark!" he gleefully greets and hops up from his crouched position. All the presents are placed neatly around the tree and Happy slumps onto the couch to finally relax. He nods his "hello" and takes a breath.

"You've been busy," Tony observes with a smile. "Find everything on your list?" He casually slings his arm around Peter's shoulders and admires the tree, the lights reflecting in his eyes.

"Mhm! Mostly, but we just wanted to make sure they were here for you guys tomorrow," Peter doesn't hesitate to explain. "And I think May and I are gonna drop off your present tomorrow. But, y'know, we'll be quick 'cause we don't wanna interrupt your Christmas and stuff." He nods repeatedly to ensure that he won't be invading their privacy. It'd be nice to hang out and a dream come true to spend the day with them, yet he doesn't want to overstep any unsaid boundaries. Tony chuckles at the kid's nervousness and pats his shoulder before shoving his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants.

"It's a pretty exclusive club, but I think you have an in," he teases, but Peter is caught off guard.

"Wait, really?" The teen looks up with surprised, hopeful eyes. He and May don't really have anything to do tomorrow, since lighting the hanukkiyah isn't until sunset. Happy watches the oblivious pair and notes how Tony's endearing mannerisms are showing more. The minute kind towards people he cares about.

"Uh huh," Tony confirms, making his way towards the kitchen. After he gets a glass of water and turns around, he's stunned to see a teary-eyed Peter. The tears are visibly being fought off despite the genuine smile on his face. "You alright, kid?" His mentor's concerned question clues him in on the emotions that caught him off guard. He realizes his slightly blurred vision and blinks away the tears.

"Oh! Yeah, yeah, just wasn't expecting that," he answers honestly and laughs breathlessly. Tony raises an eyebrow, hoping that he'll elaborate without needing to be prodded.

"Wanna fill me in, bud?" he offers anyways, setting down his glass. Even though Peter isn't entirely sure why he got so emotional so fast, he puts it into words.

"It's nothing, we just don't usually have people to spend the holidays with. Ned and MJ have their families, so May and I find things to do. But I've always wanted that, that big family feeling." He clears his throat when he notices he's been rambling and shuffles his feet. It feels like it's in his DNA to be awkward, which he definitely didn't receive from the radioactive spider.

"Ah," Tony acknowledges empathetically. He walks around the kitchen island to join them in the open space again, then leans on the wall across from Peter. "The Tower is always open." The goal is to sound lackadaisical, but Peter can tell he's being considerate by the way he maintains eye contact. There's no aversion or changing of the subject. Tony wants him to feel safe and to give the kid a chance at that big family he's always seemed to want. Not that he can relate…

"I'll talk to May but that sounds awesome," Peter gratefully accepts with a wide grin. "Thank you so much, Mr. Stark. That's, that's gonna be great." A whole, entire family. Not that he and May aren't a family, he wouldn't want anyone else, so it'll simply be a nice change of pace to spend the day at the Tower. On a day meant for family. With his mentor Tony Stark. Okay, that's the best thing ever. Man, my life is cool.

"Like I said, anytime," Tony assures wholeheartedly without hesitating. Then, he claps his hands together. "So, any news? Breakthroughs? Queeries? Quandaries? Epiphanies? You seem like you're in higher spirits than you were yesterday." With a laugh, Peter sets his backpack down and pulls out his web-shooters as he does so.

"Is that your new catch phrase now? A string of synonyms for questions and realizations?" As he banters, he snaps on his web-shooters, fires a line of webbing at the ceiling, and hangs on it. Tony sighs and looks him up and down with amusement concealed behind raised eyebrows.

"Is your new thing hanging from my ceiling?" he fires back with a lopsided smile showing through.

"That's not new, I do that all the time. What's wrong? I'm just hangin,' Mr. Stark." Peter smiles innocently as he starts to slowly spin. "But I did talk to JJ this morning!" Tony chuckles at the hanging goofball and crosses his arms.

"Oh joy. Did he play nicely this time?" he questions sarcastically, having an inkling as to what the answer is.

"Eh," Peter fulfills Tony's expectation, but doesn't sound too bothered about it. "He's a lot nicer to Peter Parker, though. He, like, really hates Spidey. Well, me. But not me. You know what I mean. Secret identities are confusing. But that's not the point, the point is that I actually got some info! I think Mr. Jameson made some kind of deal with Dr. Stillwell or worked with him." Happy leans forward, intently listening to the conversation he was told in the car, and Tony raises a curious eyebrow.

"What makes you think that?" Tony prods. Not that he doesn't trust the kid, but they need to cover all their bases and avoid assumptions. They don't want to follow the wrong lead. By this time, Peter's back is toward him due to the spin.

"Because when I asked him why Scorpion was after him, he said it was his mistake. And, and then I thought of how Scorpion said it was Mr. Jameson's fault he was like that! So we know it was Dr. Stillwell's work and if they were working together, then it'd be both of their faults." When his retelling is finished, he's facing Tony again with a proud smile. He can't help it, he just feels so accomplished. It's progress! Tony nods thoughtfully, rubbing his goatee.

"We still don't know for sure. It makes sense, hypothetically, but it's a few logic leapfrogs." Now he's not usually the voice of reason, but this time he has to make an exception.

"I know, but it's the best bet we have." Peter also makes a fair point. They've practically had nothing to go off of since Scorpion decided to show up, so it's either this theory or go back to square one.

"No matter what," Happy chimes in seriously, "he'll probably go after the newspaper guy again." They look to him, Peter nodding in agreement.

"Should I start focusing patrol around the Daily Bugle? Just in case?" Peter offers a possible solution that he was already bouncing around in his head. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when lives are at stake. And, at this point, Jameson and Spider-Man are the most likely targets. Tony doesn't like the idea of Peter hanging around like bait when the kid is already in the danger zone. Still, he knows he can't stop him, but he can help keep him safe.

"Yeah, but leave logs every hour instead of just afterwards. I know you have your Spider Drone-"

"Droney."

"But I'll add some more drones to the mix for surveillance," Tony continues matter-of-factly. He's trying to drive home how serious the situation is, despite knowing that Peter covers his anxieties with humor. "I've been trying to get some type of bioscanner up and running that'll reach deep enough underground to the sewers."

"That's a good idea!" Peter excitedly commends. "He has a completely different biosignature just like I do 'cause of the spider!" He feels like he should've thought of that sooner, but nonetheless he's glad they'll have it relatively soon.

"Any trouble," Tony gets them back on track, "and you call me. No making pacts with Karen, capisce?" Peter nods, then smiles slyly.

"See, if you can call Karen by her name you can call Droney by his." The sass causes Tony to playfully roll his eyes while getting a taste of his own medicine. "It's a team effort."

"I swear you do this to me just for shits-and-giggles." At Tony's terminology, Peter pensively tilts his head with a wide-eyed expression.

"Shiggles?" he proposes, causing Tony to stare at him incredulously. The best thing is getting a rise out of his mentor.

"…Sure, kid," Tony complies anyways.

"You'll fight him sooner or later, so what do we have that will give us an advantage?" Happy inquires, slightly worried. "No offense, kid, but you're zero-to-three." Peter deflates a bit at Happy's accurate score-keeping.

"Okay, yeah, but you didn't have to put it like that," he mumbles with a pout. "So far I've increased the range of my webs, compressed them more so I don't run out as fast, upped the suit's thermoregulation, and the tensile strength is up by about ten percent so far. I'm still working on everything, but it's getting there. I'm still not sure if it'll be enough to hold up against his claws." Tony notices the self-doubt start to set in, so he's quick to nonchalantly shift his mentality.

"Cut yourself some slack," he gently orders with a comforting hand on Peter's shoulder. In spite of Tony's effort, Peter catches onto his attempt at making him feel better, yet silently appreciates it. "Wanna order some pizza and talk it over?" This, however, reminds Peter that he has some things to take care of.

"Oh! I gotta get home before the sun goes down and I gotta do a thing before that thing so I gotta go!" he abruptly explains, words flying out at a million miles an hour. Before Tony can comprehend it, Peter is hopping back to the floor and speeding over to his backpack.

"You need a ride?" Happy checks, but is met by the shake of the teen's head.

"No, thanks! I'll swing back. I have to make a stop on the way and no it's not Scorpion related," Peter reassures and makes sure to wave back at them as he jogs to the stairwell. "I'll see you guys tomorrow!" With that, he starts up the first flight of stairs to get to the roof where he can swing towards his first stop. In the process, he leaves behind two bewildered men.

"That was quite the exit," Happy notes aloud, standing up from the couch. Tony raises his arms slightly with a smug grin.

"What can I say? He takes after me." His ego is practically palpable, but Happy is immune after all these years. For the most part.

"I'm going to pick up Pepper. You coming?" He considers Happy's proposition before remembering that he has something…unpleasant to do. Of his own volition.

"Raincheck, Hap," he promises. Happy shrugs his shoulder lazily, doesn't think anything of it, and heads out as well. Meanwhile, Tony reluctantly pulls the phone out of his pocket, ignoring the knot in his stomach. This isn't about him, it's about the kid. He wants a big family, so this is the closest thing he's got at his disposal.

678-136-7092

Tony: I need your help.

There's a long, agonizing minute where he stares at the new conversation, waiting for a response without so much as blinking. His face is set in stone as his phone buzzes. After that, the responses are immediate.

Steve: How many do you need?

Tony: All of you

Steve: Everyone? What's the emergency? Avengers level threat?

Tony: Tomorrow's Christmas

Steve: I don't follow..

Tony: It's about the kid you saw the night you showed up at the Tower

Tony: He wants a big extravagant holiday with lots of people yadda yadda yadda

Steve: I see

Tony: Well? Can I count on you, Rogers?

Steve: What time do you need us

As Tony has a conversation he never thought he'd initiate, Peter talks to Karen and swings towards Queens with his usual grace. He knows he's heading toward somewhere in Queens, but luckily he has Karen to help with that part.

"His name's Eugene Thompson, he's in my class," he elaborates for her. As Karen combs through Midtown's systems to get the address, she asks for some clarifying details.

"He's the one you saved at the boardwalk?"

"Yep, that's the one," Peter recalls. It's kind of a bittersweet recollection considering the worry and frustration, but he wouldn't want anything to happen to Flash. Regardless of what he's put him through, he needs to help somehow. He's Spider-Man, after all.

"Is this the same person who bullies you at school?" Karen's tone is sweet and even, but Peter knows there's something else behind her words.

"Well, yeah…" he answers carefully. "Why?"

"I don't think I like him very much," Karen informs honestly while displaying Flash's supposed address. Peter can't help but chuckle at her transparency.

"Thanks for your solidarity, Karen. Don't worry, I think I just need to talk to him." However, Karen doesn't seem all that convinced.

"If you need anything, I'll be happy to activate Instant Kill," she hums humorously. Of course she doesn't mean it, but her banter lifts the partly serious mood.

"Yeah, let's put that at the bottom of our list," Peter reasons, then looks over the directions now plugged into his HUD. "Forest Hills? Isn't that where all those fancy houses are? Well, I guess that explains the fancy car he brought to homecoming." Nevertheless, he swings past his own neighborhood, hoping that he'll make it back in time, and swiftly travels to 60 Exeter Street, Forest Hills. When he arrives, he lands in a snow-topped tree in the front yard and takes a minute to observe the three story house. It's a gorgeous one at that, with white-trimmed windows and brick walls. I need to figure out which floor Flash is on and get in without being seen…which isn't as easy with a bright red and blue suit. I'll need to talk to Mr. Stark about that. At least I'm actually warm.

"Would you like me to scan?" Karen queries, almost as if she knows what he's contemplating. He nods in agreement and his HUD is overtaken by a live, three dimensional blueprint of the large house. It zeroes in on a humanoid figure on the second floor who is thankfully in a room towards the back, not facing the street. Hopefully that'll make him less likely to be seen.

"Hey, what time does the sun set?" he double checks in a whisper while jumping from the tree to the back side of the roof. Maybe he should invest in a darker suit to be more stealthy.

"Sunset is at 4:33 pm. You have eighteen minutes," she pleasantly apprises as always. Peter silently crawls down to the middle window and peaks in just enough to remain undetected as well as size up the situation. Flash is standing near the foot of his bed with his phone extended out in front of him.

"Hey, Flash Mob! It's me! Ya boi! No, that's stupid… Yo, Flash Mob! We're here in my bedroom- wait that sounds weird. Should I go outside? Dammit, the lighting isn't good outside." Peter watches him ramble out his video introduction until he can't handle the cringe of it any longer and lightly knocks on the window. Flash jumps then whips around, and Peter can see the freak-out coming from a mile away. His classmate's jaw goes slack before he screams,

"It's you!" Peter winces at the ear-piercing revelation and quickly holds a finger up to his mask-covered mouth, hoping that'll send the message. Flash immediately clamps a hand over his mouth and cautiously looks around. They assume no one heard him when no one checks in on him.

"Karen," Peter whispers, "turn on Interrogation Mode so that he doesn't recognize my voice, please." She instantly complies with a,

"Interrogation Mode Activated," of confirmation. Flash stumbles over to the window, tripping over his own feet in the process, and heaves the window up.

"You're, you're-"

"Spider-Man, yep! That's me!" Peter's enthusiasm contradicts his now deep voice and the two pause, staring at one another.

"…Why does your voice sound like that?" Flash asks with his brow furrowed in confusion. "I remember at the amusement park you didn't sound anything like that." Peter's confidence takes a hit, causing his shoulders to droop. Okay, next upgrade is gonna be for this voice.

"It's a, uh, precaution. Look, I need to talk to you and I'm getting a bad rap for breaking and entering, so could you…" He nods awkwardly, then feels the need to add, "Not that I'm a vampire! But, y'know." He clears his throat and resists the urge to swing away.

"Yes, sir! Of course! Come in!" Flash stiffly steps out of the way, allowing Peter room to enter. "Are you here to give me a talk like Captain America does in detention?" Peter tilts his head and considers the question.

"Kinda?" He stands awkwardly in the spacious room that's at least twice the size of his own room, but tries to appear self-assured by putting his hands on his hips. Then again, he didn't really think about what he'd say ahead of time. "So…"

"Flash!" his classmate eagerly provides. He must've thought I was fishing for his name, Peter realizes, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? What does that saying even mean…sounds like something Tony would say.

"Flash, about-"

"Flash Thompson. It's an honor, sir," Flash continues to clarify with a character-defying smile. It's not his usual smirk, just a genuine smile.

"Uh, you don't have to call me 'sir,' man," Peter laughs nervously and forces himself to not show how out of his depth he is.

"Right! My bad." What's actually weird is that it almost sounds like an apology, which is what Peter thought Flash was incapable of doing.

"It's no problem," he assures, then the room falls into a tense silence. He takes the moment to listen in on the rest of the house, but it seems like there's only one other person home on the main floor. Surprisingly, Flash is the one to break the quiet atmosphere.

"I thought you'd be taller in person." Peter looks back to him, his widened lenses the only giveaway to his insulted expression.

"Hey! I'm average height! That's strike number one dude," he warns halfheartedly with his index finger raised. With a sigh, he sits on Flash's bed and pats the space next to him. Flash darts over and sits with perfect posture, almost like a statue. Peter rests his elbows on his knees and lets his hands hang. "Well," he tries to start off casually, "your friend Peter Parker told me about what happened today and-"

"Parker?" Flash surprisingly interrupts as he turns to face him. "That nerd? One: he's not my friend and two: did he snitch on me?!" Peter didn't expect the outburst, but he keeps calm and explains his rationale.

"Snitch is a strong word, but that's not the point. He told me you might be having a tough time and wanted me to check in on you." However, his honesty only appears to confuse Flash more. Flash narrows his eyes as he processes what his hero says.

"Woah woah woah. Parker wanted you to check on me?" He can barely think past his pure bewilderment, but he still wonders why Peter would care at all. Peter, on the other hand, gauges his reaction then nods.

"And I needed to tell you that Peter's work doesn't affect me." He pauses to make sure his words sink in. When Flash opens his mouth to retaliate, he adds, "Everyone has to make a living, even me. If he needs the money, then I can't fault him for that and I know he isn't the one writing bad things about me, only taking the pictures." Apparently, Flash isn't buying his reasoning.

"Did he brainwash you too?" he demands, looking at Peter with dejection masked by fury. "Did he make you think he's cool or something?" His tone is borderline offended, as if there's no other way for Peter to be accepted by a superhero. Not just that, but that he himself hadn't. Peter can tell how baffled he is.

"No, no, no," he hurriedly defends. Did I just call myself not cool? "He didn't do anything like that. He works for Tony Stark and that's how we met, that's it." He takes a deep breath, putting his scattered thoughts in order, then turns to face Flash decidedly. "Peter told me that you two don't…particularly get along, but he also told me it's because you feel alone and ignored. I want you to know that you're not. And I know that sounds cheesy or overused, but it's true. You have friends who will support you if you look and don't target people to get attention. I can tell you're not a bad person. I'm here if you want to talk about how you're feeling." His goal is to be empathetic and understanding, so he hopes that comes across in his words. Flash lowers his eyes, then his head, and rests his hands in his lap.

"My…" he starts, his voice more defeated than Peter has ever heard, "My parents are never home. They're always off doing some stupid work stuff and business trips. I don't even remember the last time I saw them because they never try to get vacation days or holidays. Don't they know how that feels?" Tears of frustration glisten in his downcast eyes, blurring his vision. "They're not even home for Christmas Eve. It's just me and Gerald, the chauffeur. I don't even know if our housemaid Dana will be here. I'd give up the money, the house, everything if it meant my parents could be here. I don't care about any of it." He angrily wipes his eyes, afraid of showing weakness in front of his hero. Luckily, Peter doesn't see it as such. All he sees is a son neglected by his parents, and he knows what it's like to grow up without them.

"I'm sorry you're going through that," he says in a heartfelt tone. "No one deserves it. I'd try to talk to them if you can. Let them know how them being away so much makes you feel, okay? And friends can help you get through tough times like that. They'll be there for you, man." Unsure if saying much else would be redundant, he holds his fist out to Flash who looks up just enough to see it. Flash glances between the proffered fist and the mask before accepting the fist bump with a slight smile.

"Thanks, Spider-Man." It's nice to this appreciative side of him, but it's tinged with sadness. What Peter wishes most in this moment would be Flash to see the encouraging smile behind his mask. Yet Peter is caught off guard when Karen inserts herself into the conversation.

"You have eight minutes before sunset, Peter, and you need time to swing home," she relays kindly. Peter doesn't hesitate to stand and stretch his arms above his head.

"I got your back," he assures Flash. As he walks backwards, he waves goodbye and then cleanly dives through the open window. With that taken care of and the momentary stress alleviated, he expeditiously swings toward the apartment to meet May.

Once again, thank you for being patient for the late update 3 To make up for it, I'm gonna do an extra update on Wednesday! To get you hyped, the chapter name is "Hold My Capri Sun"

Thank you for reading! ❤️️ 💛💚💙💜

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