Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It all started in chemistry class. 

Which, Peter had to say, was absurd. He loved chemistry! It was simply unfair that the worst news of his life had to come then. 

He had been sitting at his desk, barely awake. The only thing keeping him up had been the anticipation for this class, and now he was struggling to keep his eyes open. Whoever said being spiderman and patrolling at night was easy was a liar. He was just glad that this was his last class on Friday, and then he could go home and have a well deserved rest.

Either way, he was about to fall face first on his desk when he heard excited gasps and chatter all around him. Maybe something had exploded? That would be fun. 

He looked up, a little drowsily, and glanced around the classroom. Their teacher, Mr Harrington, was standing at the front of the class holding a stack of pink slips of paper. Slips of paper Peter recognised as field trip permission slips.

Ned was bouncing up and down in his seat next to him, an action Peter would have mirrored if he wasn’t still so tired. He loved field trips. Even if half the time they were interrupted by superhero stuff, the ones that worked out were awesome. 

“Dude!” Ned turned to him excitedly. “Where do you think we’re going?”

“MoMA?” Peter suggested hopefully. His last trip had been interrupted so he never had been to the museum. 

“Alright everyone, I’m sure you’ll be excited to learn this year’s location, drumroll please…” Mr Harrington picked up a whiteboard marker as the students dutifully drummed their hands on their desks. 

He scribbled two words on the whiteboard, and Peter held his breath in anticipation. Where were they going? Why did Mr Harrington have to write so slow? And why had Peter chosen the desk in just the right spot where he couldn’t see what he was writing?? 

Mr Harrington finally moved away from the board and the class erupted into excited cheering. Peter felt the breath he had been holding rush out in a deflated huff, as if he had just been punched in the gut. 

Flash cackled from a few desks over and yelled “I hope you’re ready to be outed as a liar, Parker!” 

Peter stared dejectedly at his desk, silently accepting the pink permission slip that was handed him. All his excitement had been drained out of him and replaced by a thick sinking dread. 

Because written up on the whiteboard, in blue scrawled letters were the words 'Stark Tower'. 

Peter was trying to forget about the field trip. Why did it have to be at his home? Why not Flash’s? Okay yeah so maybe he was being unreasonable, he did live at the Avengers Tower, but... it's still his house!

He moped into the common room, expecting it to be empty, when he came across literally every Avenger (minus Thor, obviously). He tried to backtrack, but Natasha was too fast.

“Hi Маленький паук! How was school?” Nat definitely knew Peter was not pleased at the questioning, but the little smirk on her face told everyone that she knew it was not a normal day.

“There’s a field trip. To here,” Peter started, before abruptly pausing and snapping his head towards the one, the only, Tony Stark. “You did this, didn’t you.” It was definitely not a question, the smirk on Tony’s face answered it anyways. 

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. You have no proof, Spider-boy,”

The other Avengers were all looking at the ‘standoff’ with amusement clearly displayed on their faces. Well, everyone but Steve.

“Why is it a bad thing that your classmates will tour the tower? I mean, it’s not like they'll be coming up here or anything,” Steve questioned, genuinely sounding confused.

“Because, Steve, because~.”

“Teenagers these days” Tony muttered under his breath, but of course Peter heard. 

“I heard that, Mr Stark.”

Peter stalked to a bar stool after he had unconsciously sat down on the only unoccupied couch. He wanted to grab at least one of Bucky’s cookies before they were wolfed down by Steve and Tony at a speed that shouldn't be possible.

Surprisingly, Bucky followed silently behind the teenager, probably wanting some peace from the chaos that was everyone else. Once Peter realised who was behind him (His Spidey Sense was useful, but sometimes he wished it could be a little more specific about what exactly it was warning him about), he ushered a quick greeting, as did Bucky, before they both went to sit in their own thoughts. 

They stayed like this for a while, Peter munching on whatever snacks he found in a house full of adult children, when Bucky started, “Hey, kid?”

Peter was only slightly startled out of his thoughts when he replied, “Yeah?” 

“It’ll be fine.” Bucky said it with such a finality that Peter actually believed it.

No other words were said, other than a curt nod and a genuine smile, which was reciprocated.

Peter spent the rest of the day until dinner doing his homework. He would have been in the lab, but he was in active denial of Tony’s existence, so he had to make do. Also, he may have been just… a little… tired. Peter was out until 3am patrolling the night before, and he may have gotten Ned to hack the suit. Again. 

Once dinner rolled around, Peter was well and truly tired , like, drop his head into his plate full of food (not actually, he would rather satiate his metabolism than sleep. Who needs sleep anyways? Not him).

He sat in his usual spot next to Natasha; he never questioned it when she invited him to sit next to her one day, and it was a bit too late now. Not that he minded.

Tony the man who funds this building had ordered 16 pizzas, no pineapples allowed. Peter, Steve, and Tony, another man… okay fine, Mr Stark , each grabbed some first, and the meal went on in relatively general conversation. 

When the conversation had lulled and the food was well and truly gone, Peter was abruptly reminded of his awry sleep schedule when his eyes began to droop. God, it’s not even eight yet. Someone, Natasha , began rubbing circles on his back before switching to his scalp. 

“Someone’s tired,” Bruce said accusationally, “What did I say about you getting enough sleep, Peter?”

In lieu of a response, Peter just humphed, before leaning back into Natasha. 

“What'd'ya say we call it a night?” Steve and Tony both said variations of at the same time, before Natasha aided Peter to Steve. Some unanimous decision had been made without Peter’s knowledge, and he was lifted up into someone's arms, footsteps trailing behind. 

“Hey kiddo. How about we get a round six hours of sleep from now on, huh? I’m already giving you two hours off,” Tony’s voice echoed through the room in a light tone, before Peter nodded his head and closed his eyes. 

He faintly heard a door close, but he was already drifting off to sleep.

Peter couldn’t breathe. He was standing in a void, surrounded by familiar faces. Tony. Ned. MJ. Mr Harrington. Flash. All blending together in one mass of features, All speaking in one cacophony of voices. 

“Betrayer!!” They screamed. “Liar!! Fake!!” 

MJ’s face pushed to the front right through Ned’s, turning into a horrific blend of both their visages. “How could you?” it cried, its voice flickering between the two as if it couldn’t decide which would be more painful to hear. Peter felt a part of him, deep in his gut, twist.

Their faces melted into Flash’s familiar sneer like hot wax dripping off a burning candle. “You’re so useless. Lying to everyone.Who do you think you are?” 

Flash’s glare dripped away from his face to reveal Tony. Somehow his disapproving gaze was worse than any look Flash could ever give him. “You’re no hero.” Tony sneered, and that twisting part inside him snapped.

Suddenly he was falling, falling through the remains of a building that seemed oh so familiar but foreign all at once. 

‘The Tower’ He belatedly realised, ‘I’m falling through the tower. ’

He couldn’t see the city outside the tower. The mirrored glass was inside out, meaning Peter had a perfect view from all angles of the burning corpse hurtling down the inside of the tower.

Wait. 

That was him. He was looking at himself. He stared, transfixed as he watched his own body burn and shrivel, the flesh burning away and blood boiling into steam until there was nothing left but a falling cluster of bones. 

And then the birds came. 

Thousands upon thousands of blackbirds and ravens swooped down, plucking at the bones and snatching them up into their beaks when they could. When they couldn’t, their talons left deep gauges in the cartilage that fractured into tiny cracks along the rest of the bones. 

It wasn’t until his bones were nothing but a falling cloud of dust that he realised every single bird had been muttering in Ned’s voice, had MJ’s eyes, and the scratches carved into his skeleton were spelling out every time he had failed in thick, deep cuts. 

He wanted to go home. 

Peter woke up with a gasp, before he frantically looked around him. 

“Peter, as per the ‘Bed Bugs Bit’ protocol, I have alerted Mr Stark,” Friday’s robotic but somehow still sympathetic voice went unnoticed by Peter, who still didn’t seem to know where he was. 

His breath had sped up even faster since he had abruptly woken up, and tears leaked down his face. 

“Pete,” Tony’s concerned voice made Peter flinch violently, his eyes going unfocused. 

“Mr Stark…” Peter tried, but his voice was strained.

God why can’t I breathe where am I where’s Mr Stark why is it so dark?

Tony, unable to just watch, inched closer to Peter and placed his hand into Peter’s hair, hoping it wouldn't exacerbate the… situation… Fortunately, Peter minutely relaxed, so Tony started to talk about his day non stop to Peter, after all, he was one for talking his head off.

The quiet conversation went on, and eventually Peter had calmed down, and leaned into Tony’s side.

“Spider-boy. Come on.” Tony said definitively, sensing that he was not going to get Peter to go back to sleep right now. “Movie night, Fri,”

“I have alerted all awake residents. Which is all of them.” If an AI had emotions, she would certainly sound disapproving. 

Peter and Tony stalked into the living room, looking around to see Natasha, Bruce, Steve, Bucky, and Clint sitting on the various couches, the archer perched on the edge of one (That, Peter thought does not look comfortable. (We need to get Clint a cat tree. A Clint tree. Then he could climb around and sit on all the ledges he wanted). Peter went to sit, but Bucky threw a blanket at him and dragged him to a beanbag on the floor.

“Nope. No brooding all on your lonesome on the couch. Plus, I want sleepy Peter. It's my turn,” Bucky said definitively.

He wouldn't personally call it brooding, but he didn't voice that thought.

Various groans were heard, but eventually they all settled eventually, and Tony said, “Friday, turn on Back to The Future,” 

“Tony~,” Clint complained, “I hate this movie,”

“Too bad, I like it, and I called the movie night so I get to pick,” Tony said

Steve and Natasha shared a look of amusement before the opening scene began. Peter curled into Bucky’s side, all the ‘teenager’ seeping out of him. Bucky’s hand went to twist his hair in little spirals. 

Peter made a happy humm before resting his head even further into the soldier, who let his lips upturn into a smile. 

Clint and Tony were in a heated battle, throwing popcorn at each other with alarming accuracy. They were trying to be quiet because of the youngest in the room, but it didn't matter in the end, because Peter was fast asleep and the movie had only just begun.

Natasha looked at Peter fondly, everyone else made various ‘aww’s’ at the teen and the soldier. Bucky just rolled his eyes and looked back at the TV.

Peter stayed fast asleep all through the movie, so Bucky slowly moved him into his arms to carry him, “Hey, I’m going to take Pete to bed, goodnight. The rest of you. Go. To. Bed.” Bucky spoke with finality and everyone slowly stood up to retire for the night. 

Bucky carried Peter bridal-style to his bedroom (red and blue-themed because Tony was a pushover), pulling back the covers. Peter barely even stirred as Bucky placed him down, his soft brown eyes never making an appearance. 

“Goodnight, kid,” Bucky said gently. Peter didn't open his eyes, but he let a smile slip onto his façade, drifting off to sleep once more. He was still worried about the field trip, but, hey, it wasn't going to be the end of the world. It was only one day…

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.

Chapter Text

Now, when the surprise had been announced, Peter hadn’t been expecting something that was actually good. Of course not. His Parker luck™ wouldn’t allow that. 

But this? This was very, very bad. 

In front of him stood Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Bucky. Or to his class, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the ex-Winter Soldier (Now White Wolf). 

“Hey kids.” Natasha tilted her head, appraising the group of teenagers in front of her. “Any of you want to try sparring with an avenger?” 

The class broke out in excited squeals and chattering. Of course everyone wanted to spar with the avengers. Who wouldn’t?

“Dude!” Ned shook Peter’s arm excitedly. “We can fight the Avengers ?!” 

Steve stepped forward, flashing his signature smile. Peter could see his eyes searching the crowd as he spoke the five exact words that Peter hoped he wouldn’t have to hear.

“First, we’ll need a volunteer.” 

Peter tried to duck behind Ned and MJ, knowing that this was the perfect opportunity for his family to call on him. Ned and MJ gave him a lighthearted glare (with MJ’s, it was hard to tell), but it proved to be fruitless when everything came back into focus, thanks to Captain America’s booming voice.

“Peter!” Peter winced as he looked up, “How about it, you against me?”

It was clearly not a question, but Peter still put on his best glare at his uncle, who shot a sly look right back at him,well hidden behind his facade. 

“Sure.” Peter said flatly, a hint of agitation laced into his voice.

Despite his unwillingness, he stepped forward and onto the mats. Steve gave him a genuine smile, seeming a bit like an apology, as he told the class the rules (Peter, of course, already knew them).

“So, while Pete here already knew the rules,” Peter shifted uncomfortably as he carried on, “I think that it’s important for the viewers to know as well. It prevents… false claims , let’s say.” A very obvious glare was sent to Clint and Tony, who made indistinguishable noises of disagreement. 

“Carrying on! The winner must pin down their opponent for 5 seconds, and pretty much anything is allowed within reason, for example: you can knock someone out, just don't try to break a bone,”

The class nervously chuckled, but Peter could tell Captain America was being very serious.

“Without further ado…” He looked to Peter, who muttered something, before taking off his hoodie, leaving him in his too small science pun T-shirt (Tony was already ordering new ones, but May had gotten  it for him a couple Christmases ago and he was attached). 

Various gasps and sounds of awe sounded from the other end of the room, and Peter flushed a bright red. He had forgotten that his class had only ever seen him in baggy hoodies and sweaters.

“Penis Parker isn’t scrawny?” Flash started in a sound of disgust but trailed off at the end.

The whole class was practically drooling over Peter, which had Bucky smirking, in part because it was amusing, and in part because he wanted to give in to his homicidal urges. Okay, probably not...

Steve knowingly smiled before encouraging Peter to get into position. Surprising his class but not Captain America, Peter threw the first hook which Steve anticipated and ducked to the left, dodging the powerful swing.

Steve swung a punch which Peter easily manoeuvred around, but a sweep of the leg made him stumble slightly.

Captain America then pinned Peter’s arms, but for barely a second because Peter had already flipped and grabbed one of Steve's forearms, just like Natasha had shown him when they had first started training together. 

He pulled the Captain’s arm up to his shoulder and somehow (Spidey powers, but they didn’t need to know that) rolled Steve onto his side, rendering him stuck.

Despite Steve’s strength, Peter held him for a solid 6 seconds before he let Steve go, a look of triumph plastering his face.

His class cheered, and even Natasha had a proud smirk on her face, and clapped along with everyone else (she may have seemed cold, but once you knew her she was anything but).

Peter was abruptly brought back to reality by Steve's-shoulder-pat™, and he turned to see his whole class staring at him in shock. He frantically turned to face Steve, who did not pick up on Peter’s panic. 

Instead, Tony’s voice sounded in the echo-y room, and all heads turned to the door.

“Great job Petey-Pie! It’s about time someone beat the fossil.” 

“I didn’t beat you though? Besides, Dad, don’t act like you haven’t seen me do this 5 times over, like, yesterday,” Peter rolled his eyes as he responded absentmindedly.

“Peter.” Tony replied, partially in disbelief, the rest purely in acceptance. And probably a little bit in offence at the jeb at his age, especially in front of… his class. Peter spun towards the gaggle of students so fast he could have given himself whiplash.

The entire class stared silently at him, almost every jaw on the floor and every pair of eyes wide as saucers. (Even Ned, which Peter found hilarious because he had known all of this already.)

When his slight panic from before rose up to the surface, he just… walked over to his dad. (dad? Was Tony his dad?) Part of him was screaming about his class watching, but he didn’t care. He just wanted a hug.

Tony, instead of fussing about, pulled Peter into his arms, gently running his fingers through Peter’s hair and tuning out the background noise. Steve would have it sorted (correction, Pepper would have it sorted, Steve would be the distraction).

Peter let himself be held. This was stupid, to some part of him (okay, a big part of him) but this day had been hard. And this new development certainly didn't help his thoughts –at all– so the other part of him just let his family deal with the world for him.

In the background, Steve and Natasha herded Peter’s class out, claiming something about free Stark phones courtesy of Stark Industries which had them all rushing to the gift shop (Ned and MJ argued,  wanting to stay behind, but Tony waved them out when they looked towards him).

They just stood there for a moment. Peter buried himself in Tony’s –In his dad’s– arms and Tony hugged him back. 

“Sorry for causing a scene.” He mumbled into his dad’s chest. 

“You’ve got nothing to apologise for, kid.” Tony ruffled his hair. “You did good.” 

They separated from the hug, and Tony smiled at him. “Besides, it’s a field trip. Give me one time you’ve ever had a normal field trip.”

Peter laughed softly, a small smile forming on his face. He really couldn’t argue with that. 

“Let’s go up to the living room. We can watch Star Wars.” Peter felt happiness bloom in his chest. Tony wasn’t a fan of Star Wars, so the offer to watch it with was something he would treasure whenever it came. 

Peter had arrived on the common floor faster than he thought possible, but then again, Tony Stark was his sort-of dad. What wasn't possible?

He escaped whatever slightly peaceful haze he had been put in when Tony nudged him forwards to the couch where the other Avengers had all piled up. Clint had an angry look on his face, which Peter chose to ignore because he was still slightly wound up from the day’s events and didn’t have the energy to listen to anyone complain about watching Star Wars.

As he drifted closer to the too-soft couches, he noticed everyone else’s expressions sporting a similar look to Clint’s, and this time, he couldn't ignore it.

“Uh… guys? Why are we all mad? I mean, I should be mad, but that's because I actually had a bad day,” Peter paused, “Wait! Was there an alien attack that I didn't know about or something? Or do you all seriously hate Star Wars that much?”

His face must have looked genuinely concerned, as Steve put him out of his alarmed misery. 

“No, nothing like that, Queens, don’t worry.” He seemed to take a second to think through his next words carefully. “Can I ask you something?”

“I mean, yeah…?” Peter replied hesitantly

“Why didn't you tell us that flash kid was bullying you?”

Peter’s face went bright red, and he was about to respond with some bullshit excuse when Clint interrupted, “Um, are we all just going to forget about the fact that his teacher accused him of lying?”

“Clint– Guys! It's really fine!” Peter nervously went on, “Mr Harrington was right to question me, it’s a crazy story– Flash really doesn't bother me… I mean, not usually, anyways, and it’s not like this is some new thing…”

Peter trailed off when he suddenly realised he had said way, way too much. The Avengers all looked somewhat murderous. Except Steve. He just looked like he wanted to severely injure someone. Steve would never murder someone. Bucky however–

“One, we gave you paperwork, it’s registered in the school’s databases, and two, what do you mean not a new thing? ” Tony looked downright furious. 

“Alright.” Clint stood up, dusting his hands together. “I think we all know what we have to do.” 

“You mean we all know what we have to do after we watch Star Wars.” Tony raised an eyebrow at Clint. 

“Yes, we have to do that, but I was thinking of a different thing.” Cint walked over to the basket next to the couch where they kept a pile of extra fluffy blankets for movie nights. “We need to make a burrito.” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “A Pete-o Burrito.” 

Peter’s eyes widened, and he feigned horror. “You’ll never take me alive!” He cried, and went to dramatically leap off the couch, only to be caught by Steve and  quickly rolled up in a pile of blankets.

“Honestly though, Pete. We do need to talk about how you’re getting bullied. Why didn’t you tell us? Why didn’t you tell your teacher ?” 

Peter looked away, burying himself further into the blankets. “If he didn’t pick on me it would be someone else who couldn’t take it. I heal faster.” 

“That doesn’t mean that it’s okay, паук . You need to tell people about these things or they’ll never stop.” 

They sat in silence, Peter trying his hardest to avoid the worried gazes of his family, of his dad. 

“Alright! Movie time!” Clint threw a pillow at Tony’s head, which he swatted away with a disgruntled scoff. 

“Don’t you throw pillows at me, Bird-man. I own this building! They’re my pillows!” 

“Oh yeah? I’d–” 

“Just start the movie!” Bucky grabbed the pillow and settled himself next to Peter on the couch.

Peter was only slightly guilty about the whole, ‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Flash and Mr Harrington and it won't happen again’ thing, so he let Tony turn on Star Wars: Return of the Sith while he curled into Bucky’s side, much to his surprise.

Peter felt Bucky’s fingers gently carding through his hair. He knew what he was doing, he knew that if the others had eyes, the dark bruises under his eyes was all the evidence required. He didn't have the energy to swat away the gentle comforting gesture, so he just closed his eyes and let himself drift. 

“Fri, be a darling and take a picture for me, will ya’?” Tony said in his usual nonchalant tone, Bucky’s glare was sharp enough to slice through vibranium and Peter was sure he would have been mirroring the expression if he wasn’t too sleepy to focus his face into a glare.

“Already done, Sir,” Friday’s voice whispered. 

Natasha looked fondly at the pair, before diverting her attention back to the screen, actually enjoying the movie. 

Clint, on the other hand, was on the edge of his seat, anticipating… something.

Nothing was actually coming, but apparently ‘he just knows’. He did not, in fact, know. Peter, who had seen the movie hundreds of times, knew there wasn’t a big event until half an hour from where they were. 

Peter began to stir only 20 minutes later, undoubtedly having a nightmare. Everyone turned their heads towards him and Bucky, unsure of what to do, but apparently their input was not required. Bucky went back to stroking his hair and speaking softly into his ear, reassuring him, most likely. 

Almost instantly, Peter’s muscles relaxed, and he went still once more. 

The movie kept going, but it had begun to get late, and Steve said that someone should probably carry Pete to bed before everyone falls asleep and everyone ended up with back pain from sleeping on the couch (Looking at you, Tony), so Bucky stood up and lifted the boy into his arms. 

Tony trailed behind as the rest of the Avengers retired to their rooms for the night, following Bucky to Peter’s room, which was next to his own. obviously. 

Peter’s room had already been set to the perfect temperature, thanks to the ‘Sleepy Spider Protocol’, so Tony pulled back the covers and let him place Peter into bed. He didn’t look like he would wake up anytime soon, so the adults left his room with soft smiles on their faces.

Chapter Text

“Could Roger Harrington please escort Eugene Thompson and Peter Parker to the principal's office?” 

Peter felt his heart sink. He had worried this might happen, even with the NDAs the school had signed. Someone would think that he had done something wrong, and he would have to leave midtown and move to Alaska. Alaska could probably use a Spider-Man. 

It had been two days since the field trip, and Peter had been holding out hope that nothing bad would happen. He should have known his Parker luck wouldn’t let that slide.

He stood up to walk to the door, and because he just couldn't get enough of Peter's suffering, Flash stuck out a leg to trip him. Peter sensed it way before it actually came, and simply stepped over the offending appendage. Hey, he thought. If I'm going to be expelled, I might as well take advantage of my spider powers. 

He tried not to think about the possibility that this could be the last time he ever got the chance to use them at Midtown High.  

Mr Harrington was waiting for them in the hall. 

“Now I don't know what's going on here, but I suspect it's related to the field trip, so I expect no funny business from you two, or there will be consequences!”

They walked to the principal's office in silence. 

All the while, thoughts whirled around Peter's head. If they expelled him, maybe he could take Ned and MJ with him! No, that would be mean. No reason for them to take the hit for his mistakes. 

Flash glared smugly at Peter the entire way there, and Peter could just about hear Flash’s voice in his head saying “Everyone can see it’s your fault. Good luck getting out of this one.” Peter understood. It was his fault.

They stopped outside the principal's office, and Mr Harrington turned to them. 

“Remember you two, I expect you to be on your best behaviour. Especially you, Mr Parker.” Flash smirked triumphantly at Peter. 

Peter stared sullenly at the ground as Me Harrington knocked on the door.  

“Come in!” Peter heard principal Morita's voice through the door.

Mr Harrington opened the door, and gasped. 

All seven of the Avengers were crammed inside Mr Morita's office, with the two chairs directly in front of the desk left open, presumably for Peter and Flash.

“Take a seat.” Principal Morita was, true to his usual demeanour, keeping it together remarkably well. Mr Harrington, on the other hand…

“You– you– you’re the Avengers!” Mr Harrington was gaping like a fish at the group. Funnily enough, he had seen them on the field trip too, but maybe there was just something more surprising about seeing them in the principal’s office. 

Peter slowly lowered himself into one of the chairs, Flash doing the same. Somehow he managed to look smug and starstruck at the same time. 

“Is this about what happened on the field trip?” 

“Yes–” Mr Morita began, but Flash cut him off. 

“I get it! You’re here because Parker lied! I knew he had to have faked all that stuff on the field trip!” 

It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. 

“What did you say?” Tony’s tone was sharp and dangerous. 

“I…” Flash started to repeat his statement, but Tony’s glare caused him to trail off. 

“The reason we came here is for Peter, yeah. But not because he lied. Peter is one of the most honest and trustworthy people I know. The fact that you would accuse him of lying is–” 

“Tony.” Natasha gave him a look and he sighed. 

“Principal Morita, if you could play the video?” 

The principal turned his computer around to face the group, and clicked a couple of keys. 

A video began to play, and Peter recognised himself on the screen. 

“Admiring the exhibit, Parker? Typical. You would be jealous, considering you’ll never even get close to working here.”

“Flash…”

“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.” 

“Shut up, Flash.” 

“You know I’m right, Parker! No one could ever love you, least of all the Avengers!”

The scene changed, this time to the elevator. 

“Yep! I’m getting hired at Stark Industries! My parents probably set this up for me. Because I’m actually worth having around.” 

Mr Morita pressed pause. The room was deathly silent. 

“So.” Steve began. “You decided to bully Peter.” 

“Sir, I am so sorry I didn’t catch this–” Mr Harrington started, but Clint cut him off. 

“You’re not innocent either, teacher-man!” Clint pointed dramatically at Mr Harrington. “I saw you telling Peter that you thought he was a liar too” 

“Wh– We sent in paperwork!” Tony looked at them exasperatedly. “Did you think that Peter could just forge all that paperwork?” 

“Well…” Natasha looked away. 

“Well what?” Tony stared at Natasha. “Peter, what is she implying?” 

“She just gives me forgery classes sometimes, it’s not a big deal!” Peter looked away, fidgeting with his hands. “I don’t actually forge anything… usually…”

“That’s… That’s besides the point. The point is, you two mistreated my son.” 

Flash and Mr Harrington gulped. 

Peter, Natasha, Steve, Tony, and Bruce walked back to Happy, who was waiting in Tony's least-flashy Audi (which was actually quite flashy compared to the little yellow car next to it that was practically falling apart). Everyone except Peter, who looked somewhat embarrassed, had a look of triumph on their faces.

Thankfully, no one noticed the missing Bucky, who had split off once they left the office.

Bucky walked proudly through the corridors, following Flash. People were gasping as he walked past, obviously noticing ‘Captain America’s best friend’ (and occasionally boyfriend). Bucky told himself they definitely didn’t recognise him from the less-than ideal… press. 

Ignoring his thoughts, he focused back on his target. Flash somehow still looked smug, despite the recent events. Bucky walked right behind him and grabbed his school bag with one hand.

“Hey!” Flash turned around and abruptly trailed off.

“Hey… I have nothing against Parker anymore I promise,” Flash tried, but Bucky wasn’t listening to his meaningless, albeit still poor, attempt at an apology.

“If you ever— and I mean ever— hurt Peter again, I know where to find you, and I will hurt you in ways you can’t even imagine.”

To Bucky, it was obvious that it was a -mostly- empty threat, but not to Flash. He ducked his head and let out a panicked string of apologies. 

Bucky didn’t stay to hear the rest. He walked to the nearest exit, keeping up his confident façade… right up until he saw Steve leaning against a wall, watching Bucky.

“Steve. What are you doing here?” Steve smirked in response.

“You saw that, didn't you?” Steve nodded, but looked indifferent.

“I thought you'd be freaking out, Stevie. I just threatened— a child.”

“Yes… but he deserved it,”

“Steve!”

“You’re the one who did it, you meathead!” 

“Meathead? We’re not five years old Mr Good-and-Righteous!”

Steve rolled his eyes and Bucky just stared at him blankly.

The lighthearted argument ended there, and they walked back to the others, where they were all waiting with slightly confused looks on their faces. Peter looked mortified.

Mortified? Bucky thought. Oh. He has enhanced hearing. He heard all of that.  

Bucky coughed awkwardly and looked away. 

The drive back to the tower was filled with very awkward small talk. Peter could not believe that a group of spies, soldiers , and two…nerds?… were unable to make an interesting conversation. 

Despite the sub-par nature of the conversation, Peter was distracted from the day. The ghost of a smile on Natasha’s face showed that that was their plan all along, but Peter couldn’t bring himself to care.

He rested his head against the window and felt his eyes droop closed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to him. 

Peter felt someone’s hand begin to card through his hair. He tensed noticeably, and the hand froze, but he relaxed soon enough and it continued. 

Steve, probably. 

Peter knew that Tony would be cooing and aww-ing (and probably taking photos that Peter would have to delete later) at the sight, Bucky probably reminiscing his times doing this to Steve, and Bruce wondering whether Peter was okay, but instead of worrying, he let himself doze. 

Eventually, he broke out of his calm haze when the car pulled to a stop and he was coaxed out of the seat. He refused to be carried, despite everyone's cooing, and they finally reached the common floor, where they promptly collapsed onto the couches.

Well… everyone but Steve. He grabbed a copy of The Hobbit and threw it at Bucky.

Tony had an amused expression on his face, and Bruce looked mildly offended for the book’s sake. They shouldn't be thrown so needlessly.

“Wow. So polite.” Bucky looked at Steve, his expression deadpan.

“Just read the book, Bucky Beans.” Steve’s words were muffled by the couch he was currently face planting on. 

Bucky raised an eyebrow. 

“Please.” Steve added. 

Bucky felt the sincerity in Steve’s plea, and began to read, nervously glancing around the room.

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…”

The rest of the Avengers smirked, trying but failing to hide the fact that they were enjoying Bucky’s soft voice.

Peter started to drift off, and no one moved a muscle. Nothing mattered, at that moment. They were all together.