Chapter Text
Peter yelped as he was thrown abruptly off of the couch. He blinked the sleep out of his eyes, trying to figure out why he was awake and why he was on the floor.
He had fallen asleep during movie night after he had a nightmare because he was worried about the field trip… The field trip!
He jumped up, his spider powers kicking in accidentally due to his sleep-addled brain and panic.
“Woah, kid!” He looked up (down?) from his new position on the ceiling to see Tony holding the blanket he was just wrapped up in. “Calm down! Why the rush?”
“Field trip!” Peter yelled, sprinting across the ceiling and leaping across onto the opposite wall where his backpack was, snagging a bagel off the counter as he did so.
“Where’s my hoodie?!” He screeched, flipping off the wall and down onto the couch, frantically pulling back the cushions to find his elusive midtown high hoodie.
“Kid…” Tony laughed. “Remind me again where your field trip is?”
“Stark tower, why?”
“And remind me where we are right now?”
“Stark tower wh…” Peter’s face blanked in realisation. “Oh. But I can’t just miss the bus and then be here when they arrive! That’s weird!”
“I thought you’d say that.” Tony shook his head. “Which is why Happy’s driving you. Take your time, he can get you to school in half the time.”
“Oh. Oh, okay.” Peter breathed a sigh of relief and lay his head back down on the couch. At least now he could afford to slow down a little.
His ‘slow down time’ was interrupted when he was hit in the face with a bundle of fabric. He spluttered and pushed it off of him, but after closer examination realised it was, in fact, his missing hoodie.
He sat up just in time to see Nat wave and disappear around the corner. “Have fun on your field trip маленький паук!”
Peter gave the empty doorway where he had just been a look of exasperation. He might as well have been a character in the office. (He had actually gone through a phase of looking at the “camera” whenever someone had said something stupid. That, for some reason, hadn’t gone over well with his English teacher. But what was he supposed to do when she had started talking about correct essay structure?)
He trudged over to the elevator, his dread for the field trip coming back full force. He scuffed his feet as he walked over to the car and slid into the backseat, staring out the window as they drove.
“You okay? You look down. Normally, I can’t take you anywhere without you trying to talk my ear off,” Peter blinked. He was sitting in the car, and Happy was looking back at him in the rearview mirror expectantly.
He sighed. “Yeah I guess I’m just not excited for the field trip."
“Normally when you get the jitters you talk even more than usual. You sure that’s everything?” Happy furrowed his brow. Peter smiled at him halfheartedly and nodded.
In truth, the nightmare was still kind of getting to him a bit. Most of it had been forgotten, but he couldn’t stop hearing the words ‘you don’t belong’ echoing in his mind. Because…
Maybe he didn’t belong.
“Yeah, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” Peter said with an air of cheerfulness that he didn’t really feel.
Happy definitely didn't believe him, but didn’t mention it again, instead filling the silence with small talk.
Eventually they arrived, and Peter silently got out of the car. “Bye, Happy. See you tomorrow.”
“Actually, you won’t,” Peter gave the head of security a puzzled look. “You’ll see me today, at the tower. See you ‘round, kid.” Before Peter could start questioning him, Happy leaned back and closed the door, speeding off around the corner.
Peter sighed, and started to walk the rest of the way to his school, dragging his feet as he went.
When he arrived, the bus was (unfortunately for him) still outside the school. His class was gathered outside of it, chatting and yelling and doing all the things over-excited teenagers to do.
“Peter!” Ned waved his hands above his head in an ecstatic flail, looking not unlike one of those inflatable tube people that were sometimes set up outside of stores.
MJ, standing behind Ned, gave Peter a nod and a wave before going back to her book. That was a good sign. Normally she greeted him with a backhanded compliment or didn’t say hello at all. (Peter had long since realised that this was just MJ’s way of saying that she acknowledged your presence, and he was past feeling awkward about it.)
His good mood upon seeing his friends was immediately stolen by a yell of “Parker! You ready to admit you’re a liar?”
He gave Flash his best ‘shut up’ look, but the effect was dampened by how worried he was, instead coming off as a pained grimace. The fact that he couldn’t stop thinking about the nightmare wasn't exactly helping either.
“Mr Parker!” And now the teacher was calling on him. At least it’s just Mr Harrington , he told himself. He’s not that bad.
Mr Parker, I'd like to talk to you about your… internship.” Peter felt a sinking pool of dread in the pit of his stomach.
“Peter, I want to ask you to please not lie to the other students about this kind of thing, especially not today. I know it can feel nice to get attention but it won’t lead anywhere good,” Mr Harrington looked at him with… was that disappointment in his eyes? “Please don’t bring it up on the trip.”
I’m not lying! Peter wanted to scream.
But instead he just looked to the ground, blinked back the tears that were forming in his eyes and mumbled a quiet “Yes sir.”
“Thank you Peter,” Mr Harrington smiled. “And don’t go disappearing like you have on the rest of our field trips!”
As the class boarded the bus, excited chatter filling the space, Peter could only hear one word circling around in his head.
Liar.
The bus pulled up to the tower, and as soon as it stopped moving a gaggle of schoolchildren practically broke down the doors to get outside.
“Now, everyone!” Mr Harrington called, waving his hands and desperately trying to get the class’s attention. “Stay with the group, don’t run off!” He shot Peter a look with that last sentence.
The class quieted down slightly, and eventually managed to get into a somewhat orderly line. Well, more like a squiggle. Everyone was fidgeting and trying to drink in as much as they could, and as such the line was more of a worm.
They filed through the large doors (automatic, of course), oohing and ahhing at the streamlined decoration of the tower lobby.
There was a receptionist’s desk at the front where Mr Harrington was currently checking them in, and a line of scanners not unlike the kind you might see at an airport, security standing on either side.
Peter knew what was next. Now, he would usually avoid this, because well, duh, he lived here, but today was an exception. Just as the thought came, FRIDAY made the dreaded announcement.
“Welcome Midtown,” The AI startled everyone but Peter, MJ, and Ned, and she continued with far too much enthusiasm, “Please collect your ID badges from Stacy, the intern for the day. I will then scan you all as you walk through the door,”
Everyone made indistinguishable noises of excitement, rushing up to a slightly overwhelmed Stacy (It was her first tour. Of course it had to be Tony Stark’s son’s school) .
“Ha, now we’ll all know the truth, Parker,” Peter pleaded that FRIDAY wasn’t paying attention to Flash’s comment. Or comments, shall he say. It certainly wouldn't be the last of the day.
“Shut up Flash,” MJ said, only a slight twinge of irritation lacing her voice.
Peter only ducked his head and pulled out his badge from his bag. The only reason he even had a badge was because of Happy’s insistence about it being “for security reasons”.
All badges looked the same, the only distinguishing factor was the thin band of colour that went horizontally across the top, you know, minimalism and all. Peter's was gold.
Why did it have to be gold?
He was pulled out of his thoughts when Ned nudged his arm, and he looked up to see that everyone had begun to line up. Ned and MJ both held their passes, both badges showing off a pale blue line.
Flash, (of course) had to walk through first and, to Peter’s horror, his badge details were read aloud by a too-smug-sounding FRIDAY.
“Thompson, Eugene. Grey pass for Midtown School of Science and Technology,”
Peter frantically looked to MJ begging for help, to which she was not going to offer. “Absolutely not, Peter. I’m not bailing you out, and don’t you dare run.”
As if… Peter thought, somewhat hesitantly. Instead of answering, he just rolled his eyes and joined the queue. As FRIDAY’s robotic voice droned on, Ned’s turn came.
“Leeds, Ned. Blue pass for Midtown School of Science and Technology,”
Ned beamed, while Flash’s face dropped, but he had no time to make a comment because Peter hurried through before MJ, not wanting to be last.
“Parker, Peter. Welcome back. I must say, I did not expect you here so early. Gold pass for Petey Pie,” Friday said with amusement laced into her tone.
What. Did. You. Do. Stark.
Peter’s face flushed with embarrassment, dashing to Ned’s side, as MJ’s badge was read out, mostly identical to Ned’s.
“Peter. Come here I would like a word.” Mr Harrigton called Peter over after everyone had walked through, and were being occupied by Stacy’s instructions.
Oh really? Because I wouldn’t. Peter did not say that, and instead silently shuffled his way to his teacher.
“Peter, I was willing to let your lies slide as long as you kept it subtle, but this? This is worse,” Mr Harrigton reprimanded.
He obviously didn't notice or forgot about Ned and MJ’s passes, the shock factor of Peter’s overshadowing that thought.
“Mr Harrigton,” Peter started, slightly shocked, “I’m not lying, I promise!” Peter’s heart rate sped up as he anxiously swayed on his feet, waiting for his teacher’s answer.
“I will have a word with Miss Stacy…” Mr Harrigton concluded and ushered Peter back to his class just in time for questions.
“Will we meet the Avengers?” Abe asked excitedly.
“Most likely, no. Sorry kids,” Stacy replied with a chuckle.
“Excuse me, but what do the badge colours mean? I think there may have been a mistake,” Flash had a smug look of triumph on his face when he asked the question, but Stacy answered honestly.
“Great question! The first level we have is for people like you,” She addressed Flash, “Grey. It allows you to have one time access to the tower and to go anywhere your guide, me, for example, goes. Or just anyone with my clearance, orange, or above.
Then there's blue, which is for friends of people with some of the upper level badges who can be trusted to not do anything stupid.
Next is orange, for interns like myself and other staff who need access to the first few floors. Red is after that, and is for the LDs, lab directors, and anyone who is the head of a department.
Green is for some of the higher ups who have any form of say in Avenger’s business, and gold is for the Avenger’s themselves, as well as family members and one other kid.”
Flash opened his mouth, but he was once again interrupted. Gasps and wide eyes all turned to look at none other than Clint Barton, “Peter! What are you doing here? Aren't you meant to be at school?”
Clint knew Peter had a field trip. Peter knew that Clint knew. Peter knew Clint was doing this on purpose. Peter did not appreciate this. At all.
“I’m on a field trip. Oh wait. You already knew that.” Peter snarked, completely forgetting that his whole class was watching the interaction.
Peter walked over to his (uncle?) and Peter poked him in the arm, giving him an annoyed teenager™ look.
“Leave,” He whined, his face holding an exasperated look.
“Peter. Be respectful!” Mr Harrington chastised, obviously oblivious to the situation.
“Sir,” I live with this child like… most of the time, he wanted to say, but instead continued, “Don’t worry sir, I just need to borrow him for a second!” Clint said far too cheerfully, a triumphant smirk poorly hidden on his face.
“What do you want, Clint?” Peter questioned. (He didn’t pout, It was a disgruntled glare).
“You’re good kid, just called you over here because FRIDAY said you were ‘showing signs of distress’ and your father insisted someone come and check on you,”
“I’m fine,” Peter rolled his eyes just a little too high to be convincing, “Just a little nervous for no reason ,”
“Mkay Pete… Just yell for FRI if you want to make a run for it.” Clint began to walk away. “I’ll be watching you from the vents too, call if you need me!”
“I won’t!” Peter called back as he began walking back to his class. His class! Oh My God. Peter blushed all the way to the tips of his ears and walked sheepishly to the group of over excited teens he called his class.
Clint, the not so emotionally-oblivious wet napkin, unlike his teammates, knew something was up. But, oh well. It was only a couple hours until the end of the day.
The class was still sending Peter… looks… when Stacy announced their first stop, only minimal ‘shushing’ was required. Maybe the ‘teacher glare’ Mr Harrington sent also helped.
“Okay Midtown! I’m sure seeing an Avenger was very exciting,” Peter internally smirked at that, “but we do need to get going if we’re going to be on time to the museum!”
Technically Peter knew that this was meant to be all about scienc-y stuff, but… the museum is far cooler when you have pretty much 24/7 access to a state of the art science lab and Tony Stark himself.
They all piled into the elevator, thankfully not freefalling this time, and went up to floor 30 something, Peter couldn’t see the button behind all the heads. Eventually, the elevator made a chime to signal their arrival, (s ince when did it do that?)
All the students excitedly tumbled out of the elevator, ( seriously, how did that thing survive?) and into the open plan museum. Peter was actually excited, because he’d only seen pictures of this place, he never really felt the need to go when he watched movies with the figureheads.
Ned, MJ, and Peter walked over to the exhibit at the opposite end of the somewhat dark room, allowing for the lighting to be just right over the glass cases. It just happened to be Black Widow’s case.
Peter didn’t see his family as their hero personas. They were his family, they helped him with his homework and tucked him into bed, so he didn’t care if Ned thought that it was ridiculous that he didn’t like it when he called Steve Captain America and so on and so forth but that was just him.
Natasha’s first Avengers uniform was hanging in the centre of the large display case, with a few of her retired daggers laid out below, screwed in place. The little ‘fun’ fact written on the bottom was, “The Black Widow has a knife display of very much usable knives in her bedroom. The Winter Soldier gifted the display to her, much to Captain America’s ( Bucky’s boyfriend’s , Peter’s mind supplied) dismay.”
Peter laughed before walking towards the exhibit in the corner. Now, he should have seen who’s it was first, but he wasn't really paying attention during the 10 steps it took to get there.
When he looked at it, he had to do a double take.
It was Spiderman’s exhibit. It was his exhibit.
While he knew he would probably have an exhibit, it didn't register to him that he actually did. Well of course he did, but…
They care? his mind ever so helpfully filled in the thought. They actually care about me?
“Do you like it?” He heard a whisper from the vents.
“Yeah. Yeah, I do.” He whispered back, even though Clint probably couldn’t hear him. He could read lips.
Peter softly smiled And looked at the contents of the display case. Right front and centre was his simply awful first… disguise. He flushed with embarrassment. Suddenly, he felt a shiver go through him, and his hairs stood on end.
Wha—
Ned grabbed Peter’s shoulders, while MJ smirked.
“You’re literally… who you are. Us being able to sneak up on you does not give me faith in your overall safety.” MJ quipped, looking Peter up and down, “Why do you look like that?”
“Yeah Peter, you look like you've just been attacked by an alien army?! Sorry, sorry… too soon?” Ned sounded sheepish.
“Just a bit, Ned, maybe in… actually how about let's not,” Peter replied, not unkindly. It was definitely too soon. His mind began to wander, before MJ brought him back to his senses by dragging him to the next display right across from his own. The Winter Soldier, or as he was now known, The White Wolf.
He pushed aside his not so delightful thoughts, staring at the display. (Which was cooler than Captain America’s, in his humble opinion)
A Howling Commandos replica army uniform adorned the centre, just as all the others, with a few mementos (probably replicas) scattered around. They were more personal than some of the others, like clearly worn photos, and a really old stopwatch.
The sign below the display read, “He’s not as cold as the stories. Let's just say there have been multiple movie nights. You should hear him singing Let It Go, from Frozen.” Tony definitely wrote that.
Peter was hurried along by a surprisingly-clingy Ned, travelling next to Iron Man’s display. It was by far the most… lavish , with his mark whatever suit (He kept making upgrades so often that Peter had stopped trying to keep track of which model it was) on a massive podium, with lots (and lots, and lots) of pictures of ‘child prodigy, Tony Stark’. Peter hmphed. He wasn't that smart.
His placard did not say anything other than, “I am Iron Man. I made this thing.”
Just as Peter was walking to the next one, Flash strode up to Peter, a grin, somehow, still plastered onto his way too punchable fucking face.
“Admiring the exhibit, Parker? Typical. You would be jealous, considering you’ll never even get close to working here.”
“Flash…” Peter shot him a glare, but he didn’t seem discouraged. If anything, he seemed more annoying than usual.
“As if you’d ever be able to work here. You wouldn’t even get within a mile of the Avengers before they kicked you out.”
Some part of Peter’s heart crumpled like a crushed paper aeroplane.
They wouldn’t kick me out… right?
“Shut up, Flash.” He turned and walked away, towards the Falcon exhibit.
“You know I’m right, Parker! No one could ever love you, least of all the Avengers!”
Peter took another breath and squeezed his eyes shut. They care about me. They do.
He glanced over at Mr Harrington, who seemed engrossed in reading one of the many placards around the room.
“Everyone!” He heard Stacy shouting from the doorway. “There’s been a change of plans. Your next stop is the cafeteria, where we’ll get lunch, and then we’re heading up the tower for a surprise.”
Peter, Ned, and MJ filed behind the rest of the class, heading towards the cafeteria which, unlike the school cafeteria, was airy and bright, the room decorated with many plants and windows to make it feel less closed off.
Once they reached the cafeteria, Peter went to grab a pizza, while Ned and MJ booked it for the sandwich stall (Peter wouldn't betray Mr Delmar like that. There was no competing with his sandwiches)
Once the three were back and seated on one of the tables by the window, they talked about what the surprise would be. Actually, it was more Ned and MJ, Peter was becoming more and more of a nervous wreck by the second. He was not excited for the ‘surprise’.
Peter was trying to focus on the conversation (and for once enjoy an actual meal) when Mr Harrington walked over to their table and sent Peter a look.
“Mr Parker, I need to have a talk to you,”
Peter knew this would happen. He did not want it to. Wordlessly, he stood up and walked behind Mr Harrington to the opposite end of the cafeteria.
“I am very disappointed by your behaviour today, Mr Parker,” The teacher spoke sternly to Peter’s wavering but otherwise blank face, “Your attitude with Mr Barton was unacceptable, and your constant uninterest in the trip has led me to exempt you from our next field trip.”
“I’m really sorry Mr Harrington sir—” Peter began.
“I don’t want to hear it Mr Parker, I will speak to you again once we have arrived back at school,” Mr Harrington gave him a sad look. “I expect better from you, Mr Parker.”
With no further words spoken, Peter hurried back to Ned and MJ, questioning looks adorning their faces.
He just wanted to get this stupid field trip over with.
“Alright everyone!” Stacy’s voice echoed through the cafeteria. “Midtown high, if you’d all come with me to the elevator?”
Ned ran over to Peter, practically dragging him. “What do you think the surprise is? Do you think we’ll meet the Avengers? Do you think we’ll get to take pictures with them?”
“I don’t know, Ned. Besides, you’ve met them before,” Peter walked into the elevator, cramming himself in with the rest of his class.
“Yeah, but this—” Ned was interrupted by Flash loudly proclaiming that he knew what the surprise was.
“Really?” The sarcasm was absolutely gushing from MJ’s voice.
“Yep! I’m getting hired at Stark Industries! My parents probably set this up for me.” Flash gloated, giving Peter an especially smug look. “Because I’m actually worth having around.”
As if to punctuate the end of his sentence, the doors of the elevator slid open, revealing just how and why Peter was absolutely doomed.