Author's Note: Hello there, my readers! First of all, I want to apologize for this update taking so long. You can blame my life. Second of all, I also want to thank you guys for all the reviews, follows, and favorites. All of you are absolutely breathtaking. Now… let's talk about the voting results. Keep in mind, this story is also on AO3, so I'm combining those votes along with the votes on here. It was just about as chaotic as I expected it to be, lol.

Peter/Jean: 15 Votes

Peter/Emma: 14 Votes

Peter/Kitty: 11 Votes

Peter/Storm: 9 Votes

Peter/Rogue: 9 Votes

Peter/X-23: 7 Votes

Peter/Wanda: 5 Votes

Peter/Psylocke: 3 Votes

Peter/Jubilee: 1 Vote

Peter/Domino: 1 Vote

Peter/Firestar: 1 Vote

Peter/Dazzler: 1 Vote

Personally, I gave Domino, Dazzler, and Firestar a vote, because I think they originally had none, lol. But on a more serious note, these are the results AS OF RIGHT NOW. If you're reading this, but you haven't voted yet on who you would like to see Peter be shipped with… let's just say now would be the time to let your opinion be heard. I do not know when I'm going to finalize the votes, but I do wanna make sure everyone gets some extra time to vote. Also, I do feel like I have to say this. While shipping will be an important part in this story, it won't be the only part. There will obviously be an actual plot, and in the end, I hope you guys stay here for that. Shipping is fun, no doubt about it, but the idea I have for the plot should be a fun ride.

Anyway, I'm talking too much. Before you guys vote, let's get started, shall we?

Broken Hearts

Intro Music: Spectacular Spider-Man Theme Song

Chapter 2: Interactions

RING!

BGM: The Smiths – There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

The bell's sharp ring reverberated through the halls of Midtown High, signaling the end of literature class. Students shuffled from their desks, their conversations blending into the hum of a bustling corridor. Peter Parker lingered at his seat, his gaze flitting toward Rogue and Scott. The two were deep in conversation, their laughter mingling with the ambient noise.

Peter tugged at his backpack strap, hesitating. The idea of joining them hovered at the edge of his mind like a specter.

"Just say hi, Parker," he muttered under his breath. The words, though simple, seemed insurmountable. His feet remained rooted to the floor.

Across the room, Rogue tilted her head back, laughing at something Scott had said. Her laugh was warm, disarming. Peter's stomach twisted, his confidence eroding with every second he stood there. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head at his own reluctance.

"Next time," he promised himself as he slipped into the hallway.

BGM: Beastie Boys – Sabotage

Peter barely took three steps into the crowded corridor when a gruff voice rang out behind him.

"HEY, NEW KID!"

Before he could turn, a hand snagged the collar of his shirt and yanked him back. The suddenness of it left him off-balance, and he stumbled slightly, his wide eyes locking onto the smirking face of Flash Thompson.

Flash's entourage flanked him like a pack of jackals, their collective presence radiating dominance: Liz Allan, poised with her arms crossed; Randy Robertson, ever the silent observer; Kenny Kong, snickering under his breath; and Sally Avril, twirling her hair with a look of detached amusement.

Peter blinked in disbelief. "Flash?"

The two had once shared bike rides and Saturday morning cartoons, but those memories were distant now, like faded photographs tucked into a forgotten album. This Flash was unrecognizable. He's now a swaggering king of the hallways, but at what cost?

Flash squinted at him, realization dawning like an unpleasant surprise. "Peter Parker?" His tone was incredulous, the grip on Peter's collar loosening for a moment before tightening again. "You're the new kid everyone's talking about?"

Peter frowned. "I didn't know I was a topic of conversation."

"You are now," Flash snapped. His scowl deepened, and his voice dropped to a growl. "What's the deal with you and Jean?"

Peter's confusion was immediate and genuine. "Jean? What about her?"

"Don't play dumb," Flash said, his fingers bunching the fabric of Peter's shirt. "She's my girlfriend, and I've heard people talking about you hanging around her."

Well, it's safe to say that Peter was shocked to hear this. His eyes would immediately widen. "Wait, what? I barely know Jean!" Peter protested.

Liz's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "Flash, you seriously know this guy?"

Flash hesitated before nodding grudgingly. "Yeah, we… used to hang out. A long time ago."

The admission brought murmurs from the group, their interest now piqued. Peter's mind raced, struggling to reconcile the brash, hostile Flash with the boy he'd once called a friend. But before he could dwell on it, a new voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Leave him alone, Thompson."

The hallway seemed to still as all eyes turned toward the source. Emma Frost approached with deliberate steps, her heels clicking against the linoleum. Platinum blonde hair framed her striking face, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Flash with icy precision.

Flash scoffed but didn't release Peter. "What's it to you, Frost?"

Emma's lips curled into a cold smile. "What's it to me? Seeing you play tough guy with someone who clearly doesn't deserve it. Honestly, it's pathetic, even for you."

Flash's bravado faltered under her glare, his grip loosening. "Stay out of this, Emma. It's none of your business."

Emma stepped closer, her tone dripping with disdain. Seeing Peter get bullied only reminded Emma of her own childhood, where she once was a victim of bullying as well. This is something that she absolutely won't stand for. "Make it my business, and you'll regret it."

The tension thickened, and for a moment, Peter thought Flash might retaliate. But the challenge in Emma's gaze was unrelenting, and Flash's shoulders dropped in defeat.

"Whatever," Flash muttered, shoving Peter back. "You're lucky, Parker. But stay away from Jean. Consider this your only warning."

With that, Flash turned on his heel, his entourage following in his wake. Liz cast a lingering, somewhat sympathetic glance at Peter before disappearing down the hall.

BGM: David Bowie – Heroes (Instrumental)

Peter exhaled, realizing only then how tense he'd been. He sank to the floor due to Flash's shove. Seeing this sight, Emma's usual frosty demeanor melted, as a small sigh escaped her lips. She would then come closer to Peter and extend her hand.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer now.

Peter nodded, accepting her help as she pulled him to his feet. "Yeah, thanks to you. That was… unexpected."

Emma gave a small, enigmatic smile. "Don't mention it. Guys like Flash used to make my life hell, so I guess you could say I have a soft spot for underdogs."

Peter tried to focus on her words, but he couldn't help noticing how effortlessly stunning she was. His thoughts scrambled as he struggled to find something to say. "Uh, I'm Peter. Peter Parker."

"Emma," she replied, pausing for a moment while having a confident look. "Emma Frost." she added, slightly turning to walk away, but not before saying this. "See you around, darling." This was her goodbye to Peter, and as such, she officially walked away, disappearing into the crowd of students.

Peter stood there for a moment, the weight of the encounter sinking in. He had always felt like an outsider, but Emma's words had cracked something open in him… a strange mixture of gratitude and curiosity.

Midtown High Cafeteria

BGM: Persona 3 Reload - Want To Be Close

By the time lunch rolled around, Peter Parker was more than ready for a break. The day had been a whirlwind of introductions, awkward moments, and dodging Flash Thompson's radar after their earlier encounter. He had managed to survive the morning by mostly keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. Now, as the bell rang for lunch, he made his way through the crowded halls, trying not to let the nerves get the best of him. The cafeteria was buzzing with noise, a constant hum of voices and laughter.

Peter clutched his brown paper bag, the comforting smell of Aunt May's homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich faintly wafting through it. He could almost taste the familiar sweetness, a small comfort amidst the unfamiliar chaos of his new school. But as he entered the cafeteria, he quickly realized one stark truth: as the new kid, he had no one to sit with.

The tables were packed. Groups of students were deep in conversation, their voices rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The jocks were animated, loudly recounting the morning's scrimmage, their boisterous laughter filling the air. The artists sat together, sketching in their notebooks, occasionally breaking into fits of laughter. The rest of the cafeteria was divided into smaller cliques, each group so comfortable in their own bubble that Peter felt like an outsider simply for existing in the same space.

His eyes darted across the room, desperately searching for an unoccupied spot, somewhere he wouldn't feel like a social exile. Finally, his gaze landed on a table near the corner, nestled between two walls. It was empty. Peter let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful for the small victory. He made his way over and slid into the cold bench, carefully unwrapping his sandwich. He took a bite, chewing slowly, but the sound of laughter and chatter around him seemed louder than ever. The isolation settled in, a gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Looks like you're on your own, Parker." Peter told himself, his tone carrying some sadness.

As he chewed, a burst of bubbly laughter from a nearby table caught his attention. He glanced up to see Kitty Pryde, laughing with a small group of students: Jean, Scott, Rogue, Kurt Wagner, and Ororo Munroe. The group was relaxed, exchanging jokes and stories, each person bringing something different to the dynamic. They seemed to have their own little world, one Peter couldn't quite step into. He felt a pang of envy as he watched them, wondering if he'd ever belong.

"Hey, guys," Kitty said with a grin, leaning slightly toward the group as she pointed subtly in Peter's direction. "Check out the new kid. He's kinda cute, right?"

Ororo tilted her head, showing slight curiosity. "I've never seen him before," she stated.

Jean glanced over her shoulder, her brow furrowing in thought. "Oh, Peter? I had first period with him," she said, her voice a little softer. "He seems nice, but... it's his first day. It can't be easy sitting by himself."

Scott adjusted his ruby-tinted glasses and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I had him in second period. He seems cool enough."

Rogue, who was sitting next to him, added thoughtfully, "He don't talk much, but I get the feelin' he's got a good heart."

Kurt, ever the optimist, leaned forward. "Vell, why don't ve invite him to sit vith us? No one should eat alone."

Jean hesitated for a moment, her eyes drifting back to Peter, who was still sitting at the corner table, looking like he was trying his best to blend into the surroundings. She could almost feel his loneliness from here. With a soft sigh, she made up her mind. "You're right," she said, her voice firm. "Let's invite him over."

Kitty's face lit up with a grin. "Awesome! Let's make his day."

Before the group could act on their plan, Peter was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by a voice that was far more familiar than he expected.

"Yo, Pete!" Miles appeared, dropping down across from him with a wide grin. His tray of food made a soft clattering sound as he set it down. "Man, I was hoping we'd share the same lunch period."

Peter blinked in surprise. "Miles? Uh, hey. I wasn't expecting... anyone," he said, trying not to sound too startled.

Miles chuckled. "C'mon, dude. What kinda friend would I be if I let you eat by yourself on your first day?" He gave Peter a playful nudge with his elbow.

Peter's posture relaxed as he smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Friend, huh?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "I guess that makes you my first one here."

"First of many," Miles said confidently, flashing a grin. "Midtown's not so bad once you get the hang of it."

Peter folded his arms and leaned back in his seat, feeling a little more at ease now. "Yeah, it's not so bad when you're not getting bullied," he pointed out, a teasing edge to his voice. "When you were telling me about all the popular girls in school, you should've mentioned that Flash and Jean were dating."

Miles winced, his hand scratching the back of his head. "My bad, my bad! I was so caught up in explaining the whole Midtown vibe, I kinda forgot about that part." He grinned sheepishly before taking a bite of his burger. "But hey, you survived, right?"

Peter rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips, betraying his amusement. "Barely. I only survived because someone protected me," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Miles raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with genuine curiosity. "Oh? Someone protected you, huh?" he said. "And who was this brave person?"

Peter hesitated, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. He thought about the incident with Flash and Emma Frost's unexpected intervention. He wasn't sure if he should talk about it, especially not with someone like Miles, who was bound to get curious. But after a moment, he sighed and gave in. "Her name's Emma," he said quietly, eyes flicking toward the table where the group of students had been talking.

Miles blinked, taken aback. "Wait, Emma?" he repeated, incredulously. "Emma Frost?" He leaned back in his seat, eyes wide. "Okay, I wasn't expecting that. She's usually so cold to everybody."

Peter shrugged, an awkward smile crossing his face. "Well... she wasn't cold to me," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Miles couldn't suppress a smirk, his tone turning playful. "Guess that means you're special, huh?"

Peter rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the smile that was tugging at his lips. "Oh, shut up," he muttered, but the warmth in his chest grew a little.

Miles grinned, ready to tease Peter further, but the moment was interrupted when the group of mutants made their way over to their table. The air seemed to shift as Jean, Scott, Rogue, Ororo, Kurt, and Kitty approached. Jean led the way, her smile warm and inviting.

"Mind if we join you?" Jean asked, her tone casual but friendly.

Peter glanced up, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially not from a group like theirs. "Uh, sure," he replied, motioning to the open seats.

The group settled in around the table, their energy filling the space. Jean, Scott, and Rogue greeted Peter warmly, their familiarity with him from earlier in the day evident. Peter returned their greetings, though his mind couldn't help but replay Flash's words. He stole a glance at Jean, her calm demeanor putting him slightly at ease, but the warning still lingered like a shadow.

Miles, ever the smooth talker, chimed in with his own greeting to the group, which they returned with equal enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Peter's attention shifted to the three faces he hadn't interacted with yet: Ororo, her presence regal and composed; Kurt, whose smile was kind and inviting even in his human guise; and Kitty, whose playful energy was impossible to ignore.

"Hi, I'm Peter," he said, extending a hand politely toward each of them in turn.

Ororo accepted it with a graceful nod. "Ororo Munroe. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Kurt's handshake was firm yet gentle. "Kurt Wagner." he replied, his smile widening.

Finally, Kitty reached out, her touch lingering just a second longer than necessary. "I'm Kitty," she said, her voice lilting slightly. "Nice to meet you, Peter." She slid into the seat right next to him, her closeness sending a ripple of nervous energy through him.

Peter's gaze flickered toward Kitty for a moment, and though her smile was friendly, there was an undeniable warmth behind it. He felt his cheeks heat up slightly but quickly masked it with a polite smile. Even so, his mind refused to quiet; Flash's warning seemed to echo louder in his thoughts now.

Noticing his unease, Jean leaned in slightly. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice carrying genuine concern as her eyes searched his face.

Peter startled slightly, realizing he'd been silent for too long. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine," he said quickly, offering her a reassuring smile. "Just… a lot to take in on the first day."

Jean studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "If you say so."

Miles, watching the exchange, opted to keep quiet. He knew about the earlier confrontation with Flash, but figured it wasn't his place to bring it up.

As the group settled into casual conversation, Kitty decided to break the ice. "So, Peter," she began with an inquisitive tone, "what high school did you go to before Midtown?"

Peter glanced up, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise at the question. "Oh, I went to Horizon High," he replied simply.

A collective pause fell over the table. Miles' eyebrows shot up, and the group exchanged surprised glances. "Wait, the Horizon High?" Jean asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "As in the school for geniuses?"

Peter nodded slowly, feeling the weight of their curiosity settling on him. "Yeah, that's the one."

"Whoa, no way!" Kitty exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "Horizon High doesn't just accept anyone. You've gotta be brilliant to even get in!"

Rogue, sitting across from Peter, gave him a curious look. "So how'd you end up here? I mean, Midtown's fine and all, but it's no Horizon High. If it's too personal, you don't have to answer."

Peter hesitated for a moment, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. "No, it's okay," he said, his voice steady but subdued. "The tuition at Horizon High is... expensive. Things have been tight at home lately, so transferring here made more sense." He scratched the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable discussing it.

Ororo's gentle voice broke the silence. "There's no shame in that, Peter. Life throws challenges at all of us, and it's how you rise above them that matters."

Kitty nodded vigorously. "Yeah, seriously! The fact that you got into Horizon at all says a ton about how smart you are."

Peter's embarrassed smile turned more genuine as he looked around the table. "Thanks. That means a lot."

Scott, ever the optimist, leaned back with a thoughtful expression. "Well, the upside to all this is that we got to meet each other. And hey, I'd say that's a pretty solid silver lining."

Jean smiled at Scott's words, her agreement evident in the warmth of her gaze. Kurt chimed in with a broad grin, his accent adding a musical quality to his words. "Ja, ve are glad to have you here, Peter."

Peter looked at each of them, his smile widening. "Yeah, I guess you're right. This is turning out better than I expected."

The group laughed, the conversation flowing easily as they continued to exchange stories and learn more about Peter. As the lunch period wore on, the initial awkwardness faded, replaced by a growing camaraderie. Peter found himself relaxing, his initial nerves melting away under the warmth of the group's acceptance.

RING!

After the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Peter, Miles, Jean, Scott, Rogue, Ororo, Kitty, and Kurt exchanged their goodbyes, promising to meet up later. As Peter made his way toward his next class, he felt a growing sense of ease, even amidst the whirlwind of the day's events. But that momentary calm was interrupted by the sharp sound of an unfamiliar voice trying to get his attention.

"Hey, newbie!"

BGM: Persona 3 Reload - This Mysterious Feeling

Peter sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. It was becoming a recurring theme—being the center of someone's attention, usually for the wrong reasons. He turned around, his curiosity piqued but his patience thinning, and was met by a group of students he hadn't seen before. Leading them was a sharp-eyed boy with a cocky grin and silvery-white hair. Beside him stood a young woman with piercing eyes and a poised demeanor, her crimson scarf fluttering slightly in the hallway's draft. Flanking them were three others: a stocky boy with a bored expression, another whose stance oozed aggression, and a wiry figure bouncing on his heels with nervous energy.

"Uh, who are you guys?" Peter asked, his tone wary.

The silver-haired boy smirked. "Pietro Maximoff," he said, extending a hand in a gesture that was almost mocking. "And this is my sister, Wanda." He gestured casually to the poised girl, who gave Peter a brief, unreadable glance before looking away.

Peter hesitated before shaking Pietro's hand. "Peter Parker."

"We know," Pietro replied, his grin widening. "And these are our friends—Lance, Fred, and Toad." He motioned to the others, who each nodded or sneered in acknowledgment.

Peter didn't need his Spider-Sense to tell him something was off. The group radiated a sense of unease, like a storm cloud ready to burst. But Peter kept his expression neutral. "So... what do you want?"

"To help," Toad said smoothly, though his tone carried a hint of mockery. "See, we've noticed you hanging out with some people who, let's just say, aren't the best influences."

Peter frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Toad means those losers you were sitting with at lunch," Fred interjected, his voice low and gravelly. "They're bad news."

Peter crossed his arms, his confusion giving way to irritation. "Funny. They've been nothing but nice to me."

"Of course they have," Lance said, stepping forward with a smirk. "They're good at pretending. But trust me, Parker, they'll drag you down. Especially Kitty. She's-"

"Okay, stop," Peter interrupted, raising a hand. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience nearing its limit. "Let me guess. You've got a problem with her because she turned you down or something? And now you're here to warn me off?"

Lance's smirk faltered, a flicker of anger crossing his face. "That's not-"

"Save it," Peter said firmly, lowering his hand to glare at the group. "I'll decide who I spend time with, thanks."

Pietro chuckled, the sound light but tinged with menace. "Suit yourself, Parker. But don't say we didn't warn you."

The group began to walk away, their collective energy still dark and imposing. But as they turned a corner, Wanda glanced back at Peter. Her expression was softer, almost apologetic, a stark contrast to the hostility of her companions. Peter met her gaze, and for a brief moment, it felt like there was a silent understanding between them. But before he could say anything, she disappeared around the corner with the others.

Peter exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Man, what is it with this school?" he muttered to himself before heading to his next class, his thoughts spinning.

BGM: Foreigner - Head Games

The faint hum of a buzzing streetlight flickered outside Logan's dilapidated apartment. Inside, the room smelled of stale alcohol and old leather. Empty bottles were scattered across the floor, catching the dim glow of a weathered lamp. Logan, barefoot and shirtless, pulled a leather jacket over his scarred shoulders. He grabbed his motorcycle keys from a cluttered table, the metallic clink echoing in the stillness. His boots crunched against broken glass as he stepped out the door.

The night greeted him with a cool breeze and an expanse of darkened sky speckled with faint stars. Clouds loomed, heavy and foreboding, mirroring the storm inside him. Logan descended the creaky steps to where his bike awaited—a black, beaten machine as rugged and battered as its owner. Swinging a leg over, he settled into the seat, turning the key and bringing the engine to life with a guttural roar.

Without hesitation, he pulled out onto the street, twisting the throttle hard. The bike shot forward, weaving through sluggish cars that seemed to crawl beneath the dim glow of streetlights. The city blurred into a streak of neon signs and indistinct faces.

As the wind whipped past him, the memories began, causing him to close his eyes.

But he closed his eyes for a moment too long.

When he opened them, headlights loomed directly in front of him. He swerved, narrowly avoiding a collision with a car that blared its horn in protest. The bike skidded slightly as he regained control, his chest heaving.

Cursing under his breath, he pulled off the road and parked outside a vacant office building. The bike's engine died, leaving the sound of crickets and distant city noise to fill the silence. Logan dismounted, leaning against a cold brick wall. He dragged a hand down his face and took a deep breath, trying to push the ghosts back where they belonged.

"Logan."

The voice was soft yet commanding, carrying an unmistakable kindness. Logan froze. He recognized it instantly.

Turning, he found Professor Charles Xavier seated in his wheelchair, illuminated by a streetlamp's glow. The sight was both surprising and oddly comforting.

"Charles," Logan muttered, his voice rough. "What are you doing here?"

Xavier's expression was calm, but his eyes bore into Logan with a mix of compassion and resolve. "I've come to bring you back."

Logan shook his head, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Not happening, Chuck. I'm not your problem anymore."

"You've never been a problem, Logan," Xavier replied gently. "You're family. And families don't leave each other behind."

Logan snorted, kicking a loose rock on the ground. "It's better this way. I screw things up. Always have, always will. It's safer for everyone if I'm out here... alone."

Xavier's voice softened further. "This isn't about safety. It's about Laura."

At her name, Logan stiffened, his gaze hardening.

"We'll find her, Logan," Xavier said, leaning forward slightly in his chair. "But we can't do it without you. You're not to blame for her disappearance. You've done everything you could for her, more than anyone else ever has. But now, we must do this together."

Logan's jaw clenched as he stared at the ground. His mind raced, torn between the walls he'd built around himself and the pull of the one person who could break through them.

Xavier waited, his presence a quiet reassurance.

Finally, Logan looked up, his expression weary but resolute. "Alright, Charles. You win."

A faint smile crossed Xavier's lips. "I didn't win, Logan. We all did."

Logan mounted his bike once more, nodding toward the Professor. The dark night felt a little lighter as the two headed toward the one place Logan swore he'd never return.

Home.

END OF CHAPTER 2: INTERACTIONS

BGM: X-Men: Evolution - End Credits

Peter: Midtown is the epitome of chaos.

Miles: That's every school, bro.

Jean: He might have a point there, to be honest.

Scott: Aren't we supposed to be explaining the next chapter?

Kitty: Crap, you're right!

Kurt: Oh brother…

Rogue: Y'all need to get it together.

Storm: Let's keep a level head, everyone.

Author's Note: Alrighty, guys. There goes chapter 2! This was pretty fun to make. Now, for the people who haven't voted yet, you are free to vote, lol. Also, to all my readers, let me know what you think of the actual story so far. I can confirm that there's a Persona influence in this story, if you guys haven't noticed, haha. There's also some Karate Kid and Cobra Kai stuff in there too, especially with that last scene with Logan. But anyway, I do have other fanfics you guys can check out. Distorted Justice is my Spider-Man/Justice League crossover fic, and Two Occasions is my Spider-Man/Fantastic Four crossover fic. Check them out whenever you get the chance. But before you do that, as for this story, if you enjoyed what you read, then make sure to give it a FOLLOW AND A FAVORITE! Don't forget to READ AND REVIEW! See ya guys next time. Peace!