A/N: Marvel own the marvelous characters. The rest are the result of my overactive imagination.

Trigger warning for violence.

Chapter 8: Trust Me

The room was spinning. Peter wasn't sure if he was on the ceiling or the floor. The idea to break free and attack played out as a better idea in his head. Getting shot a second time was not the plan, and the pain on his right side now seemed to radiate from head to toe.

The burst of strength and rapid movement had not been his friend.

Peter decided the best thing at this point was to lean his head back, close his eyes, and be still. He wasn't really sure if he lost consciousness or not, but he was still very aware of the other men in the room. He was able to catch bits and pieces of their conversation with one another, but he couldn't be sure who was talking.

He heard things like, "Stark better not try anything stupid" and "We'll just shoot him in the head.

"That's not very nice," Peter thought. "Don't shoot Mr. Stark in the head!"

Then he heard, "Stark cares about this stupid kid too much. He'll do whatever we ask of him in order to get him back without a new hole in his head."

"Oh..." Peter thought again. "They want to shoot me in the head... yeah... I guess that makes sense. They might as well finish the job," He thought bitterly.

To say that Peter was disappointed that he couldn't win this fight was a serious understatement. He was beginning to think that he would never to be able to look Mr. Stark in the eyes again... not after a failure like this. He was officially losing hope... in himself.

Peter trusted that Tony would try to help him. The problem was that Peter didn't trust himself to recover from this. He didn't know if Spider-Man would be able to recover from this particular loss.

Peter was so occupied with his thoughts of self-doubt, that he didn't even sense the approach of one of his captors. At least not until he felt the hands.

Peter forced his eyes open to see who was there. Kneeling next to him with his torn jacket and tape was none other than Moe... or what were the names Mr. Stark had said?

Peter watched as the man wadded up some of the cloth and pressed it to the new wound in his leg.

Peter winced as the man began to place the makeshift bandage around his leg. He decided to say something in hopes of distracting himself, "So... which one are you really? Albert or..." Peter scrunched his brows together in order to recall the other name, "...Xander?"

The man gave him a sickening smile, "You can call me Xander, Baby Boy. I won't mind."

Peter clenched his jaw in annoyance as the Xander again used the hated nickname.

Hanes continued, nodding his head toward the man Peter had referred to as Curly, "That's Albert over there. I'm afraid Al seems to have a taste for shooting you, though." Hanes began to secure the fabric around Peter's leg with the tape, letting his hand stray far too high on Peter's inner thigh in the process.

Peter flinched at the touch, "Watch it! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Peter looked at the man in disgust.

The creepy smile on Hanes' face grew wider, "I just want to make you feel better." He brushed his hand along Peter's right thigh, squeezing a little once he reached the inner area.

"Stop it!" Peter yelped, disgusted by the man's attention.

"Knock it off, Xander!" Grey called to him. "I told you to only patch him up! We can't afford any of your nonsense right now. Get the kid ready, so that we can move him! We have a chopper to catch!

Hanes reluctantly moved his hand and finished the bandage on the leg. "You're no fun, Jackson!" Hanes complained. He caught Peter's eye and bent down to whisper in Peter's ear, "Maybe we'll have a little more time on the flight." He winked and then began to turn his attention to the soiled bandage on Peter's shoulder.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Peter groaned out as the man began to peel off the old bandage. "I won't... argh!" He winced as the old bandage was pulled free. Peter didn't finish his sentence, instead he took deep breaths to fight the newest wave of dizziness.

"That could look better," Hanes commented, noticing the irritation and signs of infection starting to show around the wound. Regardless of how it looked, the man continued his inadequate patch job on Peter's shoulder.

Peter took a few more breaths as Hanes worked, and then continued to finish what he was saying earlier, "I'm not going with you! I don't wan... mmfphh!"

A piece of tape was suddenly pressed down hard over his lips.

"Shhh..." Hanes hushed, looking up and around a little for the hidden camera he now knew to be there. "That's our little secret," he whispered, rubbing his hand along Peter's cheek.

Peter raised his hands, still free from his earlier attempt. "Al!" He called to McMann, "Give me a hand over here!" Peter tried to get the tape off his mouth, but McMann came over and put his foot on Peter's leg wound.

"Hands by your side, asshole!" he scolded, "Let him finish patching you up!"

Peter reluctantly complied, but he shook his head back and forth furiously. "Mmm Mmnnn!" He moaned loudly from behind the tape. "No way!" He thought, "Mr. Stark will never let you take me on that helicopter!"

"All set!" Hanes said. "Let's sit you up again, huh?" Hanes cooed down at Peter.

"Stop touching me!" Peter thought as Hanes pulled him up into a sitting position, preparing to once again secure his hands behind his back. The man had no problem letting his hands roam as he worked. "MMmmpff mm humn mmnfff!" He was thinking, "Get your hands off!"

"Cut the Shit, Xander! Let's just secure his hands and get moving!" McMann said.

Grey was once again wiping blood from his nose, "Use the whole fucking roll of duct tape this time!" He clearly wanted to make sure Peter would not break free again.

Hanes tightly wrapped the tape around Peter's already bruised wrists. He even went as far as the wrap the tape all around Peter's hands, leaving Peter's hands and wrists tightly bound in duct tape.

"That should keep you in line a little longer!" McMann snarled at Peter, Smacking a hand on Peter's right shoulder as he stood back up.

"HMMMMHHGG!" Peter screamed behind the tape. "Not again! Why do they have to do that? It hurts!" Peter thought.

"Watch it!" Hanes said. "That's a fresh bandage!"

"Pfft! A lotta good it'll do him!" McMann commented.

"Enough!" You hear that?" Grey asked.

They all listened as the sound of a chopper could be heard outside.

"Let's move! Get him up!" Grey commanded. "Al... you take hold of the kid's left arm, and keep your gun pointed at his side. Xander... you do the same thing on his right! I'll stay behind him."

Peter groaned loudly as he was pulled to his feet, which were left unbound so that he could walk.

"And kid..." Grey said, getting right in his face and holding up his gun, "... I'm going to have this pointed at your head, so don't get any funny ideas!"

With that, Jackson Grey moved behind him. "Let's head out!" he said, giving Peter a shove.

Peter hated how these guys were all over him. Albert McMann and Xander Hanes were practically carrying him to the back.

Peter's senses were on high alert, and he could feel the hair on his body standing on end. With Jackson Grey's gun poking at the back of his head, Peter was about to face whatever came next. He just hoped Mr. Stark could get him out of this and end the nightmare once and for all.

"Ned!" May said in annoyance. "I told you... I don't really know what the plan is exactly. Tony is... well... he's taking care of it."

"As Iron Man?" Peter's best friend asked. "Why can't he suit up? He needs to get Peter out of there!"

"No, Ned! He can't... just... stop asking, okay?" May pleaded. "Tony is asking us to trust him, so... God help me... I am trusting him with whatever plan he has to get Peter out of this!"

May and Ned made their way over to where Tony was talking to Agent Samuels and Captain Jenkins.

"You're sure it's a good idea to use one of your helicopters, Stark?" Samuels asked.

Captain Jenkins added, "I can have them turn the other chopper back around. These men may not trust one of your helicopters!"

"Trust me... that other chopper won't have what we need," Tony argued. "They won't have any other choice."

Tony looked at his watch, "I need to get up there. The helicopter should be here soon. Rhodes?" Tony called to his friend. "How's it looking inside?"

Tony had left Rhodes to keep an eye on things in the bank while he made the necessary arrangements. "It's not great, Tony," Rhodes scowled, "But...it looks like they're getting him ready to come out. I just wish I could hear better!"

"It is pretty loud out here," May agreed, eyeing the crowd that was still gathered just beyond the police barricade.

The sound of a helicopter was heard approaching. "Here we go," Tony said. "Agent! You keep your people out of sight! Just follow the plan and these guys will be bringing themselves right to you!"

"You better be right about this, Stark!" Samuels called as Tony made his way to the top of the roof.

As Tony left, the others looked up to see the approaching helicopter.

"Please, God!" May prayed aloud, "Please... let this work!"

Tony made his way to the roof and watched as one of his own helicopters landed. He tapped the side of his glasses to talk to his trusty AI, "F.R.I.D.A.Y.? How are we doing? Was everything put inside?"

"Yes, sir." F.R.I.D.A.Y. answered. "A bag with $1 million is placed inside, along with a STARKpad and the account information for the transfer."

"Perfect," He said. "Everything else ready?"

"To your exact specifications." F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied.

Tony went over and peered inside of the waiting helicopter, powering it down with a button on his phone. He checked that the bag was set where they could see and grabbed the STARKpad for himself. No pilot was necessary, of course.

Next Tony walked over to peer down into the alleyway. He was happy that he could not see any of the FBI agents, knowing that they were watching but staying out of sight. What Tony did see were the three robbers down below. They were half dragging and half carrying Peter over towards the fire escape. It was the type of fire escape that had metal stairs going back and forth up to the top.

Tony watched as Grey shoved Peter a little from behind as Hanes and McMann forced Peter to start going up the steps. Grey followed behind, keeping his gun to Peter's head as he looked around for any possible tricks or traps from the FBI or police.

Tony tried to get a good look at Peter. The kid was drenched in sweat and looked awfully pale. Tony could see that he was once again gagged with his hands secured with an unnecessary amount of tape behind his back. "Damn you!" Tony cursed at the men as they forced Peter up and forward.

He reluctantly pulled himself away from the edge and stepped back closer to the helicopter, waiting for them to appear at the top. He just hoped the police and FBI didn't jump the gun or ruin the plan.

Peter was beyond miserable. He was so tired... so dizzy... so lightheaded... and once again feeling nauseous. The forced movement was torture and the climb up to the roof was the worst part.

Albert and Xander were practically carrying him, cursing at him to move his feet so that they wouldn't have to do all the work. For a kid, Peter was heavy... a lot of weight and bulk resulting from his lean and muscular form. The only thing that forced Peter to move his feet was the knowledge that Mr. Stark would be there. "He's going to get me out of this!" Peter told himself. "Aunt May will kill him if he doesn't!"

"Keep moving!" Grey called from the back.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the rooftop. Peter's head was spinning, but he forced himself to keep his eyes open and look for his mentor. He saw him ahead, standing near the helicopter with a STARKpad in his hands.

The robbers stayed close to Peter, keeping their guns aimed at places that were bound to kill him if the triggers were pulled. The three men surveyed the area in front of them.

"Why the fuck is there one of your helicopters here, Stark?!" Grey yelled. "YOU TRYING TO PULL SOMETHING? HUH?" As he screamed the last questions, Peter could feel the muzzle of the gun being jammed hard into the back of his head.

"TAKE IT EASY, GREY!" Tony called back. "YOU asked for a helicopter, and this..." he used a hand to point at it, "... is the best that you can get. Consider it an upgrade. You don't even need a pilot!"

"I can fly a helicopter just fine!" Grey called back.

"And now you don't have to!" Tony called to him. "Your money is inside and this..." he held up the STARKpad, "...has the account that I set up for you. As soon as you let Peter go, I'll finalize the transfer."

"Albert! Go check inside... make sure the money is there and make sure everything looks alright. We don't want any tricks." Grey instructed.

The group of men stepped closer to the chopper with Peter. Once they were only a few steps away, McMann broke away from the group to check out the helicopter.

While McMann checked the inside, Tony again looked at Peter. "Hey... Pete? You alright, kid?"

Peter slowly lifted his head to look at him, his eyes bleary and looking unfocused.

"Shit, kid! What have they done to you?" Tony thought, growing even more angry with these criminals who dared to injure the young Avenger in training. "Just hold on a little longer for me, Pete!" Tony encouraged.

With his right hand holding a gun to Peter's head, Grey used his left hand to clap down on the back of Peter's injured shoulder. The man acted as if he was giving Peter a friendly clap on the back saying, "He's holding up just FINE!"

However, the cruel action caused Peter's knees to buckle as he screamed behind the gag. Hanes had to catch him before he could tumble to the ground.

"You better cut that out, ASSHOLE, or you'll have less money going to your new offshore account!" Tony said, his words dripping with anger.

"It's all there!" McMann called, joining his friends. "Everything looks clear."

Grey nodded, "That's good, Stark. I'm sure Peter is grateful that you could follow instructions."

"Whatever, dumbass," Tony snarled, "Now... walk Peter over to me and I'll start the transfer. You give me Peter and I'll give you this notebook with your account information. We all leave happy!"

"Nuh uh!" Grey said. "You transfer the money NOW..." he said, cocking his gun at Peter's head. "...Transfer that money first or he get's another bullet!"

"Woah! HEY!" Tony protested. "How about this?" he asked, subtly moving a finger over the notepad and firing up the chopper. As it powered up he said, "Your ride is ready to go... take it to Mexico... find transportation to the Cayman Islands... I don't care where you go, but you NEED to release Peter. You hurt him and you go no where!"

"I don't like it!" Hanes said.

"Something's fishy, Jackson!" McMann added.

Grey growled in frustration, "You transfer the damn money, or the kid is coming with us!" Slowly, the group began to back up towards the chopper with Peter.

Peter became frantic. The men were taking him towards the helicopter. He looked at Tony in desperation. His eyes pleading, "Mr. Stark? Don't let them take me! Help! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go! Sir... PLEASE!"

"YOU TAKE HIM AND YOU GET NOTHING!" Tony yelled.

"Seriously, Stark? Did you think we would just hand him back? Like you would really let us leave?!" Grey accused, shaking his head. "No... I think Peter will be our little INSURANCE POLICY! He can't overpower us in this condition, so you can have him back once we're across the border. Once we have all of our money, you can have him back then!"

"This wasn't our deal!" Tony called.

"NOPE!" Grey called back. "It's the new one!"

"Mr. Stark, please... help me! Why are you letting them take me?!" Peter thought, his breathing fast and frantic. The men placed themselves inside the chopper. Hanes and McMann secured Peter between the two of them in the back, while Grey went to the front.

"Mmmmnnphhff!" Peter cried out, desperate for his mentor to hear him and set him free. "This can't be happening! Mr. Stark! I don't wanna leave with them! Please!"

"Holy Shit, Baby Boy!" Hanes declared victoriously, "This is going to work!" He put a hand on Peter's thigh, caressing it.

Peter watched in despair as the helicopter lifted off and Tony just watched them as they entered the air. "I don't understand... why won't he help me?" Peter thought, as tears began to slide down his face. Peter realized that Tony didn't have a reason to fight for him. He was so weak and pathetic. He was letting them take him. "Mr. Stark doesn't want me anymore!" This thought caused Peter to sob, making it hard to catch his breath. He was so overwhelmed. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to Aunt May or my friends!"

The building below grew further away. Peter could see the bank. He never thought he would be sad to see it go, but this reality was so much worse. He was still being held hostage, and no one was helping him!

"Shh..." Hanes said, rubbing his leg before placing his hand on Peter's lower stomach and just above the waistband of his jeans. "Don't worry... I'll take good care of you."

McMann let out a laugh, "Yeah... he'll take care of you alright. Xander loves taking care of kids like you... LOVES it!" he teased. He leaned over and whispered, "And when he's done, we'll probably be in Mexico. And whether we get the rest of our money or not..." He held up his gun, "... I'm going to take care of you by putting a bullet in your head!"

Peter watched as the city was disappearing from view. He let out more choking sobs from behind the gag, "This is all my fault... I should have been stronger!"

Grey laughed, "What a hero you are, Pete! You're going to die nothing but a pathetic loser! You're so broken that Iron Man didn't even care to put up a fight for your sorry ass!"

Peter was so dizzy. He felt like he couldn't even breath. Hanes was feeling him up like a soft pillow. McMann planned to kill him. And Grey was happy to let them do it... all to simply watch him suffer! Peter was ready to give up... let them do whatever they wanted. He had no fight left and he was slipping into the darkness... welcoming the safety of the blackness.

BUT THEN...

"The only sorry asses are you and your friends. Welcome aboard, idiots! You walked right into this one!" Tony's voice filled the inside of the chopper.

The three men were startled, muttering curses. Grey called out, "WHAT THE FU..." but never finished.

3 darts were fired from a compartment that opened up in the front, each one hitting its intended target and rendering him unconscious.

"I'm piloting this thing, Pete! I'm bringing you home!"

Silence

"Peter? Can you make a noise for me? You hear me? You're coming home! I'm turning this thing around!"

More silence.

"PETER?! Hang on! Don't you dare die on me! Just hold on!"

Silence and stillness filled the inside.

"PETER!"

A/N: A day earlier than expected, my friends. What do you think? Tony trapped them on his helicopter, but will Peter survive the trip back down to Tony? If so, will Spider-Man ever be the same?

A/N #2: STARKpad is like an iPad only fancier.

A/N #3: Anyone catch the line by Peter from Infinity War. Sorry... I couldn't resist.

Don't forget to review!

Next chapter could be up by Wednesday... maybe later. Stay tuned!