AN: Sorry for the lame ending last chapter, I got mini writers block, but if I stop writing, then I know I won't ever start it again.

Disclaimer: I wish…

Chapter 5: Peter and the Press

Peter paces. He reassures himself that he can handle this, but it isn't very reassuring. He looks up as Tony clears his throat.

"We're on in five minutes. Let's get moving Avengers!" Peter stands up numbly, pretending that this is just a run-of-the-mill press conference for the Avengers, instead of being exclusively to cover his unmasking. Although, it's not like he's any of the other Avengers. He's the one who's supposed to be less important. Peter hasn't saved the world nearly as many times as his teammates, although even before he joined the Avengers, he was always willing to help. Why did they have to have a press conference? Was it that important? Peter flinches in surprise as the host says something.

"So, Mr. Parker, you seem to have handled this 'unmasking' incident rather well."

"I adapted. It's easier than denial." Chuckles from the canned audience, event thought that wasn't a quip.

"How does it feel to have such extraordinary powers at such a young age?"

"Ask any teenage superhuman."

"Do you ever feel angered by the fact that the city you risk your life to protect, seems to mark you a menace to society?"

"Win some, you lose some. Right?" Peter reminds himself to laugh and smile.

"Were your parents surprised by the fact that you are the Spider-Man?"

"Not going there. Too personal."

"Were your parents heroes?"

"Didn't your parents ever teach you it's impolite to pry into other people's personal business?" Peter quips.

"Is it hard being a hero?" Peter gave the reporter an incredulous look.

"Really? You're asking me that?" Grinning at the camera, Peter backs away, growing weary of the bright lights.

SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN

Flopping onto his bed, Peter reflects that skipping out on the rest of a school day wasn't the wisest decision, but then again, it's nice to be in the quietness of his room.

"Hey Parker." Peter responds with a lazy wave.

"Why did the three of you decide that my room is where we always have to meet up?" Peter asks his three best (superhero) friends.

"To annoy you." Johnny replies.

"Ditto that Storm. Writer says hi."

"You are very vierd, even by our standards Vade."

"Wade, Furry. With a W."

"Nobody cares Deadpool." Peter deadpans.

"Oookay. So, if the media dubs us a superhero team, we need a name. I say Team Human Torch is awesome."

"Team Deadpool!"

"They are idiots Peter."

"We hang out with them."

" Touché."

"The Teen Marvels. That way no one argues about top billing." Considering the reluctant nods, Peter decides to feel smug. He bounds to the ceiling. Kurt quickly follows suit. Both teens immediately relax, despite the unusual position.

"Hey, Wade? We might be 'idiots' but at least we don't give people the creeps."

"Too true, my friend."

"Why would either Kurt or I give people the creeps?" Peter demands icily.

"Both of you stick to walls- which is mega creepy. Kurt, no offense, but you look scary to most humans. Peter, you're part spider. Both of you can sneak up on people really well, and the glow-in-the-dark eyes don't help. Especially yours Peter. Blood red eyes will scare anybody."

"For your information, my eyes are brown."

"Not in the dark they aren't."

"Hey! I'll have you know that if my eyes were red when it's dark, people would have noticed."

"Umm, it only happens when you utilize your spider vision, which isn't often."

"Idiot!" Peter webs up Johnny's mouth, much to the pyro's discomfort.

"Technically, this isn't cannon. It's fan fiction, so there's no telling what might happen,"

Wade remarks cheerfully, causing everybody to inch away from him and wonder why they hang out with the mercenary.

"Wade, don't freak us out." Peter grumbles.

"So we're all freaks then!" The four boys fall silent for a second, and then burst into hysterics. After all, they all happen to be glass half full kind of people (even if some of them have low self-esteem.)

"We are all insane, and I have to go to my internship." Peter says. About half a second passes before Peter realizes what he just said. "Crud! My internship! The Connors are going to kill me!" The other three teenagers decide to wave good-bye and exit the room as fast as possible.

SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN-SPIDER-MAN

Peter ducks into the lab. Doctor Connors and Doctor Connors just nod at him gratefully, Debra creates an excuse to leave the room, and Miles Warren is looking at him like he's some sort of specimen. Which quickly got uncomfortable. Peter tries to concentrate on his work, but being stared at made it really hard.

"Am I correct in assuming that you received powers from one of the genetically engineered spiders we breed here?" Peter froze at the question.

"Wh-Why would you say that?" Peter stammers.

"You did get bit by one, didn't you? What's strange is that the last person to get bit by one of the super spiders died. What makes you different?"

"Umm, I have no idea." Peter shivers as his spider sense goes off. Peter cocks his head-almost imperceptibly- in the direction where it is strongest. Miles happens to be standing there holding a syringe.

"Mr. Parker, do you mind? I'll destroy it immediately afterwards, if you wish, you can even watch."

"Destroy what? The sample or the results? And what do you even want with my blood?" Peter demands. The scientist laughs icily.

"I was asked to analyze it by the police." Peter winces. The results will most likely be in the news the next day, but Peter won't be able to refuse without making the cops suspicious. Miles could be lying, but his spider sense doesn't indicate that. Slowly, with trepidation, Peter hold out his arm to the scientist. He squeezes his eyes shut, not out of fear of the needle, but of all the craziness that will probably ensue. The needle enters his flesh, and Peter flinches at the cool metal.

AN: Read and review please! After all, how else can I improve? No unnecessary flames, but constructive criticism welcome. I hope I didn't make anyone OOC, and please tell me if they are!