No, you're not imagining things. I am putting up a mid-week update. Story V finally seems to be falling into some kind of rhythm, I'm on Chapter Eleven, and I'm in a phase of the plot now which should be easier to write. I thought I would reward my progress with an update. This is a fun one, and it's followed by one which is even more fun as the heroes are celebrating the success of the press conference and there's a drinking contest. That'll be up Saturday.

Thank you Rjcarreno77 for pre-reading.

Chapter Five

The Benatar touched down beside the Quinjet, and Peter jumped out of his seat. "That was way more comfortable than the last spaceship I was on," he said cheerfully.

"As you have said," Gamora said impatiently, though there were small smile lines around her eyes.

"Well, it was! Seriously. We just landed. Last time we crashed!"

Quill snorted. "Which is one of the reasons I'm not teaching you to pilot this thing, Spider-Kid, no matter how many times you ask."

Peter fixed pleading eyes on him. "I'm a really fast learner, and I'd be careful."

"Why would you even want to learn?" Gamora asked. "You can fly."

"Yeah, but this is a spaceship! How cool would it be to be able to fly one?"

The various people around him shrugged their shoulders as if they had no concept of what he was talking about, like piloting a spaceship was just part of their lives they didn't think about.

Peter wondered if other people saw the same indifference in him when it came to flying. Maybe some of the novelty of that had worn off now, but he still enjoyed it. Being able to actually zoom through space under your own steam was awesome. Besides, you never knew what you were going to see in space. A floating Asgardian god was just one of the things he'd stumbled across.

"Okay, guys," Quill said, getting to his feet. "We're all here for the same crappy reason. We've got to stand up in front of Terra's dumb politicians and press and answer some questions, then we can get the hell out of here."

Rocket held up a finger. "After I…"

Quill rolled his eyes. "After you and Thor have your drinking contest and you've been to the store. I know, Rocket, I remember; I was just hoping you'd have moved on from the idea already."

"Never!" Rocket said emphatically. "This is going to be great."

Mantis clasped her hands anxiously in her lap. "I don't think I want to be here. Terra does not seem a friendly place to me."

"No!" Peter said quickly. "They'll be cool, Mantis, really. You're here as a hero. Sure, they might stare a little, but that's just ignorance. If anyone annoys you, remember you are part of the reason they're still alive to be annoying."

Mantis beamed at him. "You're very kind, Spider-Child."

Peter grinned. "Coming from you, that's a pretty big compliment. You're really kind, too."

Mantis's antennae glowed with her happiness.

"I am not concerned," Drax said. "They can stare at me all they like. I know they are inferior beings.

"I am Groot."

Peter laughed. "Exactly, Groot. Though you might want to keep it to a small glare instead of actually impaling the people that stare. Sure, the press are vultures, but they're my vultures, so I'm kinda stuck on the side of protecting them."

"Are we done with the pep talks?" Gamora asked, looking out of the windshield. "The metal man is pacing out there."

Peter looked out of the windshield and saw that Tony was walking up and down in his suit, the only part of him uncovered his face. His brows were a tight line. Rhodey was watching him, dressed in his own suit, a small smile quirking his lips.

It was strange to Peter to see them like this, dressed for battle again. For the longest time, their superhero alter-egos were the lesser part of them; they had just become his family. Now he was reminded of who and what they were.

"Come on, then," he said, calling his hands. "Let's go."

Quill lowered the ramp, and Peter put on his mask, needing to be careful now in case the press and politicians had already assembled, then led them off.

Tony met him with a hand on his shoulder and said, "What took you so long?"

"We stopped for nachos and rib-eyes smoothies," Peter said innocently.

Tony's eyebrows flew up. "Peter! Seriously? You knew what we—"

Peter held up a hand and grinned. "I'm kidding. It was just a little harder than I expected to persuade them to come. The Guardians aren't really interested in serving the American government. Luckily, I had leverage."

"Yeah, being the one that saved the universe counts as leverage," Rhodey said, coming to them and clapping Peter on the back.

"Like that'd make a difference to the Guardians," Peter said, rolling his eyes. "I had to get Rocket and Groot on my side by promising them that they could party with Thor. He's arrived, right?"

"He got here an hour ago," Rhodey said. "And he's eager to speak to you."

Peter felt a prickle of unease. He knew Thor didn't want him dead anymore, the aborted hug had put a nix on that idea, but still… He had wanted him dead, and it wasn't like Peter had any kind of relationship with him. The only interaction they'd had was sharing a battlefield and delivering his formerly-evil brother back to him. Peter figured he'd see how Thor reacted this time before lowering his guard.

The rest of the Guardians came down the ramp, Mantis greeting Tony with an eager, "Hello again, Metal Man!" and Drax crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at Rhodey and saying, "I like your metal costume better."

Rhodey snorted. "Me too."

"Rhodey, this is Drax, Mantis, Star-Lord, Groot, and Gamora," Peter said.

"I am Groot."

Rhodey's eyebrow rose, and he glanced between Peter and Groot. "Uh… yeah, he told us. It's nice to meet you, Groot."

Peter laughed. "He said he prefers your suit, too. He thinks Tony's is too flashy."

Tony glowered, "Flashy, maybe, but since I designed them both, I get the credit. Now, come on, kid; it's time to line up for the big walk. The vultures have descended, and Ellis is ready with his shiny medals for us."

"We get medals?" Rocket asked, a flicker of interest in his eyes. "They worth much?"

"About thirty-dollars," Tony said with a shrug. "They're just brass-alloy."

"Thirty-dollars!" Rocket shouted. "That wouldn't buy a decent bottle of tequila and a bag of chips."

"It's not about the money," Rhodey said. "It's the honor of receiving it that matters."

Tony shrugged his shoulders and said, "He's an Air Force man, Build-a-Bear; don't expect sense from him. I'll fix you up with a case of tequila before you leave to make up for it."

Rocket held out a small hand for Tony to shake—which he did with a bemused smile—and said, "Sounds like a deal."

Natasha approached them and greeted Gamora, who gave her a smile and enquired after her time after returning.

Tony gave Gamora a pointed look and said, "She's the other one you brought back?"

Peter nodded. "Yep, Gamora. She's also Soul, in a way. I mean, Kid-Gamora is Soul—or looks like her at least. She's great."

Quill quirked an eyebrow at him. "You talking about my girl, Spider-Kid?"

"Yep," Peter chirped.

"Call me your girl one more time, and I'll break your nose," Gamora said, turning from Natasha to Quill with a hard look that made him grin and wrap an arm around her shoulders, which she did not shrug off.

"You done a voice check, Pete?" Tony asked.

Peter rolled his eyes, instructed Karen to engage incognito mode, and then said, "Yes, Tony, but I still think it'd be cooler if you gave me a British accent," in the modified voice.

"And I still think that's one of your dumber ideas," Tony said.

Peter shrugged. "I might have to do it myself."

"Come on, kid," Tony laughed, grabbing his arm and towing him away. "Everyone else is waiting inside to be called out. I've been over the rules with everyone already, and I'm guessing you did with your in-flight buddies. No mentioning you and the Stones, Peter Parker's name is off-limits, no one knows you snapped, and—"

"It's okay, Tony," Peter said quickly. "They all know what they can and can't say. Relax."

Peter wasn't worried anyone was going to out him. If he was worried, he would never have agreed to go get them for the press conference at all. He thought they were doing the right thing. This was their way of initiating change. Besides, Spider-Man was the least interesting part of this whole thing, so questions about him would be minimal.

He might be part of the next generation that had Fury excited, but as far as the rest of the country knew, he was just a vigilante that swung around Queens and got caught up in the battle. Ellis knew the truth, but he wasn't going to make the same mistake as Ross by trying to use Peter. It was better for him and his presidency if the truth stayed buried.

They walked into the compound where a large group were gathered. Peter saw T'Challa, Okoye, and Shuri talking to Bucky and Steve; Carol was with Pepper—who was wearing the Rescue armor; Doctor Strange, Wong, Sam, Vision, and Wanda were together; and Thor was talking with Valkyrie, Bruce, Scott, and Hope.

When he entered, Thor's eyes found him, and he rushed at Peter with his arms outstretched. Peter didn't push him away this time—knowing there were masses of press close and the windows were large—so he was enveloped in a hug that would have broken the bones of a normal human and lifted a clear three feet off the floor.

"Peter Parker!" Thor roared.

"Spider-Man!" Tony snapped.

"Yes, yes, Spider-Man," Thor agreed, dropping Peter, who staggered back a step. "I am sorry for my slip. You must withhold your identity, I know. I am just so glad to speak to you again. I wish to apologize for my previous behavior. I was wrong in what I said, which I understand you heard. I will never be able to repay the debt I owe you, not just for the universe but for my brother's safety."

"Thor!" Steve snapped, cutting a hand across this throat. "People might be listening."

"I know," Thor said. "I am merely giving thanks to Spider-Man for his great deeds."

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose and moaned, "We're so screwed."

Peter ran a hand through his hair and said, "Yeah, uh, thanks, Thor. How's Loki doing?"

"He is well," Thor said, spreading his arms expansively. "I believe he has recovered from his experiences in space."

"Great," Peter said. "If you'll just excuse me…" He darted away to where Clint was standing with Natasha, Gamora, and Quill, leaving Thor free to greet Rocket and Groot.

"Okay, people," Fury shouted, coming into the room and clapping his hands. "You all know what you've got to do."

"You probably need to remind us, Fury," Clint said. "You and Tony have only gone over the dos and don'ts ten times now."

Fury scowled. "The press get one question each, and they get to pick who they talk to. Stark is probably going to get a lot of questions as he is the one that saved the world, remember."

Tony grimaced and turned away; Pepper went to his side and kissed his cheek. Peter knew Tony wasn't comfortable with this part of it as he was the one that was going to get the toughest questions about something he didn't do. Strange had described how it should have happened, though, and they were going to say he had Peter's injuries to follow the part of the story in which Tony would actually have died.

"Banner is going to get a lot, too," Fury went on. "People are going to want to know about the snap that brought everyone back. You good with that Banner?"

Bruce shrugged. "Sure. Not a lot to say about it apart from the fact it hurt like hell."

"Still, make it sound good," Fury said. "Okay, get your asses out there. Stark, you're up front."

Tony shot a look at Fury through narrowed eyes and then headed across the room to the door, which led them to the compound's rear lawn where the stage had been erected for the ceremony and briefing. The compound had an auditorium for press briefings, but the stage was not big enough for all the heroes to be on at once.

Peter stepped between Groot and Mantis, bringing up the rear, and they all filed outside, up the stairs onto the stage, and lined up in three rows of elevated plinths so they could be seen by the many cameras that were trained on them. In front of them were the seated representatives of government and the UN that were gathered for the event, and the reporters were behind them.

Fury took his place at the end of the row, and a woman introduced Ellis to speak.

"Members of the press, thank you for coming," Ellis began. "We are here today to honor the people that fought for and saved the world. I would like to draw attention first to the fact that these people are not all Americans; in fact, they are not even all human."

"They're staring at me," Mantis whispered nervously.

"I am Groot."

Peter bit his lip to hide a smile. "Remember what I said, they're only here because of you. And yeah, Groot, I hear imagining them naked can help, too, but since the President of the United States is one of them, I'm not going to attempt it."

Drax laughed loudly, hands on his stomach. "He is old and wrinkly. I imagine his body is quite repulsive.

Peter bit his lip harder and stared out at the mass of faces in front of him. He felt anxious under the sun's glare and in the many cameras' lenses, and he wished he could just swing away from this. It was what they needed to do, though. This was going to be their way of helping people. Besides, MJ was undoubtedly watching this on the news right now, and she would kick his ass if he took off.

Ellis' dull speech came to an end, and then they were called up one by one to receive their medals and to shake the President's hand. Tony went first, followed by Steve, Bruce, Rhodey, and Natasha. Peter was among the last, following Mantis, who Ellis accidentally pricked with the pin.

He made an apology, and Mantis said, "It's okay. I saved your life," before shaking his hand. As their skin touched, her antennae glowed, and she said, voice lowered, "You are very stressed. I can help."

"No, it's okay, Mantis," Peter said quickly, moving closer. "No need for that."

He wasn't sure exactly what would happen if Mantis 'helped' Ellis, but he figured it was better not to find out in front of various representatives of the government, United Nations, and press.

Mantis looked disappointed but moved on, and Peter took her place. Ellis stared into the eyes of his mask as he spoke his thanks for Peter's contribution. He looked wary, though, and Peter wondered if he was imagining the rainbow eyes behind the mask, trying to feel the power Peter possessed. Peter kept his face serene, though it could not be seen, and then nodded and moved on when he was done.

He figured it should feel different to have just been given a Medal of Honor by the President, but it felt oddly anticlimactic. It was the kind of thing he would once have wanted, enjoyed, Ben would have loved it, and Peter would tell him next time he visited, but he figured the Stones blew anything else he could get from earth honors out of the water.

Groot was next, and Peter saw Ellis raise the medal and then struggle to decide what to do since he couldn't pin it to his chest. Tony, Rhodey, and Pepper had just been handed their medals, but Groot had kept his hands at his sides, blinking slowly at The President.

Peter saw their predicament and hovered on the edges of going to help, but Groot snatched it out of Ellis' hand and moved on, leaving Ellis blushing slightly behind them.

When he reached Peter's side, he said, "I am Groot," and Peter choked a laugh.

"Yeah, I get that it wasn't his finest moment, but he's not an asshole," he said. "He's just not used to dealing with… you know… trees."

"I am Groot."

"Oops, my bad. He's not used to dealing with flora colossus," Peter corrected.

When the last of the medals were handed out, and Ellis had finished his second speech, he invited the press to ask their questions.

Predictably, Tony and Bruce took the first few, asked about their snaps, how it had felt, what they had thought when doing it, if they had any doubts.

"Doubts?" Tony asked when he was asked. "No. I did what any one of us on the battlefield would have done. I snapped, yeah, but I was not the only hero that day. Every single person up here that fought with me are heroes as it was a joint effort. I could never have done it if not for them. I am just the one that saw the chance and took it."

Peter gave a small nod. He felt the exact same way. Everything that followed him putting on the gauntlet and snapping made him look like a hero, like he was really something special, be he was not a hero then. He'd been terrified on that battlefield, cowering in a trench before Carol came along. The snap had been instinct, a single action. Tony was the one that had been destined to do it, and he would have been a real hero as he would have left people behind. Peter was just a scared kid that took a chance that paid off.

A blonde-haired woman took her place at the microphone and said, "Mr. Stark, Christine Everhart, WHiH World News."

"I remember, Ms. Everhart," Tony said, jaw tight, "What is your question?"

"The Titan Thanos and his army have been defeated, and Former President Ross and his co-conspirators are dead or locked away, but what guarantee can you give us that earth will not suffer a similar attack again."

Tony's eyes tightened, and he said, "I can't make any guarantees. What I can tell you is that if a threat comes, we're ready for it. The people up here with me have already saved the world once, and they will do it again." His eyes darted to Peter and then forward again. "There are protectors in place, and there always will be."

"How can you know that?" she asked. "You're an aging superhero, Mr. Stark. Who will step in when you're gone."

"The next generation will," Tony said. "And the ones that follow him."

"Who is the next generation?" she asked.

"One question per person, Ms. Everhart," Ellis interrupted.

Fury got to his feet. "Actually, Mr. President, that's a valid question. The next generation is up here." He came to Peter, grabbed his arm, and towed him to the center of the stage. Planting his hand on Peter's shoulder, grip tight, he said, "Spider-Man is the first of that new generation. I can guarantee he will be protecting the earth for as long as it's needed."

Peter scowled under the mask and tugged free of Fury's grip. He raised a hand and gave a small nod.

A man got to his feet and pushed his way to the microphone, a man Peter recognized at once, even before he said, "J. Jonah Jameson. Daily Bugle."

"I know who you are, Mr. Jameson," Peter said a little grudgingly. Jameson had made a point of trying to destroy Peter's reputation through his newspaper. "What is your question?"

"Well, Spider-Man, I would like to know how you think the public can trust you with our safety when your vigilante menace antics have been known for years. Also, where have you been for months? If you're so devoted to Queens, why had no one seen you until a week ago?"

Peter crossed his arms over his chest and said, "You can't have it both ways, Mr. Jameson. I'm either a menace or someone you want in Queens."

Jameson flushed but fixed his eyes on Peter and waited for an answer.

"I can answer this," Tony said, stepping to Peter's side. "Spider-Man has not been in Queens because he was injured in the Battle of Earth and has been recovering since then. The moment he was given a clean bill of health, he went back to Queens to resume his superhero actions for the community. As for how you can trust him, you can listen to me." He glared at Jameson with hatred and went on. "I didn't want Spider-Man to be part of the fight against Thanos the first time. I wanted him to stick to the streets of Queens, where he was safe. He came anyway; he stowed away on a ship into outer space when Doctor Strange and I were trapped there. He fought Thanos with us, and he would have helped us win if not for … circumstances."

There was a soft curse from behind them that Peter recognized as coming from Quill.

Tony raised his voice. "Then, moments after being brought back to life, he joined us on the battlefield and played a pivotal role in defeating Thanos. You can trust him because he is a hero in the truest form of the word, and he is strong. Believe me, you would be in good hands if Spider-Man was the only hero left on earth."

Peter's cheeks heated, and he was glad no one could see. The obvious admiration in Tony's voice, his pride and affection, touched him. He was a little worried by how much Tony had said, though. These people thought of him—if they thought of him at all—as the guy that swung around Queens, stopping muggings and rescuing cats from trees. His biggest success—stopping Toomes—was not widely known. Tony was expecting them to put a lot of faith in his opinion.

Jameson looked as though he wanted to ask something else, but he was shoved aside by a tall man who asked, "How old are you, Spider-Man?"

"I'm twenty-one," Peter lied, glad that the voice manipulation Tony had added to this suit backed up what he was saying. Of course, anyone that he'd ever spoken to as Spider-Man before was going to know that wasn't his real voice, but that wasn't a huge problem. Maybe they'd just think he was trying to maintain his privacy.

Jameson was moved along, and a woman came to ask Natasha about her mysterious resurrection, as well as Vision's. Peter moved back to his place with Groot and Mantis.

"When Tony snapped to destroy Thanos and his army, our deaths were reversed as they had been linked to the Stones," Natasha explained. "It was unexpected, but we're not questioning it."

A mousy haired woman with a notepad in her hand stepped up and said, "I am one of the Returned, and I have no memory of those five lost years, wherever I was. No one else I have asked has any recollection of that time either. As your death was different, do you remember where you were and what happened to you?"

Peter remembered Natasha's personal place on the Soul Plane, the peaceful family dinner he'd interrupted, and he understood the emotion in her voice as she answered.

"Where I was and what happened to me there is personal, but I can promise you there is something good waiting for you; no one needs to fear what follows death."

Vision nodded, and Wanda leaned a little closer to him.

The next question was for Pepper, "How did you come to be on the battlefield," and her answer was given with a smug smile. "When you have a husband that creates a suit of armor for you as a gift, and a threat comes, you don't hesitate before going to fight when you have a little girl at home to protect."

Peter's eyes found Morgan, who was standing with Happy at the edge of the rows of chairs, and he was not surprised to see that she looked bored, swinging Happy's hand in hers and shuffling her feet. She was too young to know what her parents had risked for her, but one day she would understand, and Peter knew she would be proud of them.

A few more questions were asked, none of them particularly difficult to answer by Steve, Sam, and Rhodey of whom they were asked, and then there was an uncomfortable one.

"I would like to ask the Winter Soldier what role he played in the battle and how he came to be there?"

Bucky's hands fisted, but his voice was even when he answered. "My name is James Barnes—Sergeant Barnes if you want to give me a title. I am not now nor will ever again be The Winter Soldier." He paused a moment, seemed to calm a little, then went on, "I was at the Battle of Wakanda because I heard there was trouble and went there to fight. I owed the people of Wakanda as they were the ones that removed the programming that was responsible for my crimes as the Winter Soldier. I was at the Battle of Earth as I was one of the snapped, and I was brought to the battle among many others there by Doctor Strange's Masters of the Mystic Arts."

"On the topic of Sergeant Barnes," Ellis said, stepping forwards. "It is with the full support of the United Nations that I can announce he has been pardoned for the crimes of the Winter Soldier. They were all the result of torturous programming by Hydra. Sergeant Barnes is a true American hero, and we owe him the same debt we all owe every hero up here."

Peter turned to Bucky and saw the small smile playing around his lips. Steve wasn't hiding his pleasure. He was smiling smugly, his eyes shining. Under his mask, Peter was beaming, too. Bucky was a hero, and it was time that was recognized.

"I have a question for the… bug lady," a man asked.

Mantis flinched, and Peter squeezed her hand.

"Her name is Mantis," Quill growled. "It's not hard to say."

"In fact," Tony added stiffly, "it is in the literature you were given when you arrived.

"Mantis," the woman went on pointedly. "What role do you play in the battle? What specific powers do you have?"

"I am an empath," she said quietly. "I… uh…"

"She helps people," Peter said loudly, giving her hand another squeeze. "Mantis is one of the Guardians of the Galaxy. She and her team—her family—travel and help people across the galaxy. She was pivotal in our attack on Thanos on planet Titan. If we had won, it would have been largely down to her."

"Thank you, Spider-Child," she whispered.

"Why didn't you beat Thanos?" the woman asked. "If you were so strong, and you had Spider-Man, who is apparently powerful enough to protect us all, why did you lose?"

Quill stepped forwards, eyes blazing, but Tony spoke up. "We didn't win because we were fighting a Titan with incredible power and the additional help of four of the Infinity Stones at the time. We lost because he was too damn strong and powerful." He crossed his arms over his chest. "You think you could have done better?"

"No," she murmured.

"Look," Quill said, stepping forward and speaking over Tony's protests. "We lost because I screwed up. I'd just found out Thanos had killed my girl, and I lost my shit and got in the way. If you want to blame someone for what happened after, blame me."

"Or me," Thor said, stepping forwards. "I had the chance to kill Thanos before he snapped, but I failed. I did not go for the head. The suffering of the universe that follows is my crime."

"Okay, I think we should wrap up here," Ellis said.

"No!" Thor roared, spreading his arms. "Ask your questions, cast your accusations. I am here to hear it."

Peter pushed to the front of the stage, abandoning all caution and calm, feeling a need to defend Thor. He could feel the Stones rousing in his mind, Power whispering encouragement and Mind warnings, but he only listened to himself.

"There were mistakes made," he said loudly. "Maybe we could have stopped it before he snapped. Hell, I'd rather not have lost five years, too, and not come back to find someone I loved had died while I was gone. We didn't stop it. It happened. But it was fixed! Doctor Banner went through hell to bring everyone back, me included, and then Tony Stark risked his life to save everyone who came back and those who remained. You want to attack us for not being good enough, fine, but stop a minute and think that every single one of you are here to blame us now because we fought for you. You weren't there; we were." He crossed his arms over his heaving chest, hands fisted. "We won!"

"Okay, Spider-Man," Ellis said, stepping up beside him. "I think we can all agree there is no need for blame. You are all heroes, and we are in your debt. I think we have time for one last question."

He looked around the crowd and called on a man, seemingly at random. Peter knew there was nothing random about it, though, when the man asked his question. "We know your administration has been fighting to improve the situation for those that have suffered since the Blip, Mr. President, and I was wondering what plans you are putting into action."

Ellis smiled smugly and said, "I'm glad you asked, as the people up here with me are all a part of that. With the full support of the assembled American heroes here, I have today signed three executive orders that will provide funding for housing for those in need, create employment opportunities for the unemployed, and maintain…"

Peter walked to Tony's side and said, "You in on this, or do we need to speak up?"

Tony snorted. "No worries, Spider-Man; this was all discussed before you got here. It's not enough, not by half, but it's a good first step, and Ellis is ready to do more. Your girl MJ will be proud. Steve and Rhodey have got to do some press in exchange, encourage and support the American people, but the rest of us should be clear."

Peter blinked. "They've got to do more press? Even after all this?"

Tony nudged his shoulder with a fist. "Welcome to the bureaucratic side of the superhero life, kid. You're gonna hate it."

Peter looked out at the assembled press who were drinking in Ellis' words, and he thought that he probably would hate it. Still, if changes were being made already thanks to this publicity, it was worth it the hassle.

So… Spider-Man is (kinda) in the public eye at last and getting recognition. This might be something I pursue in the sixth and final story, I'm not sure yet, but I am happy with what happened in this one, though I apologize once again for Drax. Unless you've written him, you can't imagine how damn hard his voice is to capture.

Until next time…

Clowns or Midgets xxx