Title: Protector
Author: Stormy1x2
Word Count: 650
Time Frame: Season 1, Episode 6 – the missing scene of how Danny was reunited with Ava and Peter, just before they meet with Coulson outside.
Protector
Danny's head was still hurting when footsteps echoed down the science corridor of the school. He could look up, but that required moving and besides, he could sense no malicious intent. Also, the red boots with webbed stitching overlaying them was kind of a dead giveaway.
"You okay?" Spider-Man crouched down to Danny's level where he sat, back pressed against a row of battered lockers.
Danny nodded slightly. "It was most disconcerting fighting myself," he confessed, gazing at the floor. "And... rather painful as well."
The Spider chuckled but it was a warm sound, and not one of mockery. "At least you got Harry and Flash out," Peter said, pulling his mask off. "Superhero 101."
Danny blinked and belatedly noticed the other teen had his backpack with him. "Costume change?" he asked.
Peter nodded, unzipping the bag and pulling his clothes out. He stuffed his boots, gloves and mask into the inner pouch Danny knew he saved specifically for that purpose, and pulled out his beat up sneakers. He slid into his jeans and yanked his t-shirt over top. The arms of his costume, he carefully folded up so they were hidden by the sleeves. Within less than a minute, Peter Parker stood where Spider-Man had been. He extended his hand to Danny again. "C'mon, Danny," he said in a coaxing tone. "Let's go let the nice SHIELD medics take a look at your poor, bruised, head."
Danny grinned, and accepted the pull up. "Thank you."
"What are friends for?" Peter asked rhetorically, and wrapped an arm around Danny's shoulders. "I guess if people like the Taskmaster are gonna confuse me with anyone else, you're a decent choice. I mean, he thought I was Flash Thompson. Seriously – Flash Thompson!" He shuddered theatrically, and Danny couldn't help but laugh.
"At least your secret remains safe," he pointed out. "Taskmaster didn't even consider you. Your acting was very convincing."
Peter nodded. "That's why I do it," he said. There was a pause, and then he spoke a little softer, not looking Danny in the eye. "S'why I do a lot of things... like letting certain blond-haired thugs get away with locker knocker time."
Danny snapped his head to the side, staring at Peter in astonishment. "Peter-"
"I know you don't like watching me get stuffed into a locker, or be humiliated in front of the school by him," Peter mumbled, his face red. "Believe me, I don't like it either. But Peter Parker can't be known as a fighter. I'd rather have him known as a wimp, the kid who runs away, the kid with the 'wimpy arms'," he said, mimicking Sam from the other day on the roof of Oscorpe. "Because that protects my identity and that protects them. All of them. I have lots of enemies, Danny. Not even Flash Thompson deserves to be targeted by the baddies we face." They walked silently for a moment, Danny absorbing this new side of his team leader that he had been sure existed in the briefs, but up until now, had never really seen proof of in person. Danny stopped, and Peter followed suit a step later, looking back in confusion. "Danny?"
"You're a good person, Peter Parker," Danny said quietly, giving him a small but sincere smile. "I believe this is something you should be told more often than you are."
Peter flushed red with embarrassment. "Danny..."
"And so if Flash is going to persist in having his locker knocker time, well, at least you have a team of friends here that can protect 'puny Parker' from him." Danny grinned, and started walking again. "Let's go, Peter. Coulson and Ava are waiting for us."
"Coulson, I can handle," Peter said, apparently happy to change topics. "It's Ava I'm scared of."
Danny winked. "Me too."
Laughter filled the hallway.
End
Anyone else see that adorable little smile Danny was giving Peter during Ava's admission that his sneakiness was as effective as her training? Adorable. ADORABLE.