We both slowly entered the rest of the way into the room, nervously continuing to share glances as we joined MJ, Ned, and Rose. I noticed Flash watching us and forced a neutral expression on my face, subtly gesturing to Peter to do the same. But he was an oblivious fool sometimes, so I had to hiss his name under my breath, followed by a "Flash is watching," before his face smoothed out.

Clint, ever so observant, of course made the point of acting nonchalant pointless. Spotting Peter he strode over with a loud, "Ah, Pete, there you are. The teacher was trying to convince me you weren't in this class, but considering I stole a copy of your schedule, I knew that wasn't right."

Peter paled a bit, and I didn't blame him. How would we explain this one away? I mean, the school trip had pretty much solidified his internship, but it didn't give a reason for an Avenger to be stopping by our gym class.

Faced with no choice but to interact, Peter forced a tight smile, gritting out, "What are you doing here, Clint?"

"I was bored. Figured I would come see what your school was like. And since it's last period, I may as well stick around. Give you and your friends," His gaze flicked meaningfully toward me, "a ride home after."

Something was up. Dad wanted me driven home. But why not just send us a text, and meet us outside? Why interrupt our class?

This day was so bizarre.

Thankfully, Coach Wilson chose that moment to call the class to order, forcing Clint to at least watch from the sidelines since he couldn't get him to leave. The rest of the period went by relatively normally, splitting into groups to practice basketball drills. Coach chose the groups, so I ended up away from all my friends. Oh well, couldn't expect to always be put together, besides, at least I wasn't with Flash, and it made it easier to avoid questions for my strange behaviour.

After class, when I checked my phone in the locker room while getting changed, I at least got my answers about Clint's strange appearance. I had a text from my dad.

Not sure if you'll see this in time, but Nat's picked up on some chatter about an attack on Midtown this period, so Clint is coming to keep an eye out and to get you home safe.

Even better, there was a follow-up text.

Threat's been neutralized. See you later, Pumpkin

I exhaled a deep breath. Well, at least that had been resolved peacefully. Throwing my phone in my bag and shoving my normal shoes back on, I headed out to the hall where the others were already waiting.

Clint was leaning against the wall, Peter hunched next to him likely trying to be invisible. From the daggers Flash sent as he walked past, it wasn't working. I just barely held back a grimace as Flash noticed me and winked, before walking off with his goons.

Doing my best not to give off any warning signs to the trained spy or my super-sensed friend, I joined the group, standing next to Rose as I addressed Clint, "Thanks for the offer to get me home, but I have a thing, so I can make my own way."

Clint shook his head, answering in a low voice, "No way, it's not safe."

I pulled my phone back out and waved it towards him, "Well, the all-clear's been called, so nothing to worry about."

Clicking on the time, I muffled a small curse, "And I'm going to be late if I don't leave now. So, I'll see you all later!"

I darted off, confident that Clint couldn't chase after me because it would raise too much attention, and hoping the others wouldn't think it was necessary.

But of course, Peter was often nervous about people's safety, and I heard him calling after me. Ducking into a stairwell, I rushed up the steps and onto the next floor, hoping the flood of students currently in the hall would keep me hidden enough.

Turning down another hall, I entered another stairwell, taking it up to the third floor. It was instantly quieter, as this floor had no lockers so the moment class was over all of the students rushed down to the lower levels to get their stuff.

It was 2:59 now, so I made my way over to the water fountain, leaning against the wall across from it to wait for Flash.

I didn't have to wait long, as a moment later I heard a stairwell door open and close, steps sounded on the tile, and Flash came into view.

A self-satisfied smirk spread across his face, "Lookie, lookie who showed up. Surprised you didn't bring any friends with you."

I shrugged, "Figured we could discuss the tutoring thing without the crowds, and why would I deprive any of them of an Avenger escort home?"

His nose scrunched in disgust at the mention of tutoring, a look that melted into a glower at the reference to Clint.

"Ah yes, precious Parker, isn't he just ohsolucky."

I shrugged, not sure how to respond to that.

Flash sneered at me, "Then again, he's not the only lucky one, is he?"

I forced myself to keep my breathing even, crossing my arms in front of me and raising my eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

"This."

He handed me one of those large legal envelopes, and I opened it up, hoping he couldn't tell my heart was pounding wondering what would be inside.