Welcome home

Peter sit at the last desk and trying to keep up with the teacher's notes. It's a cloudy Monday outside. It seemed that Mondays were always so tense, gloomy, showing with all their appearance that this day would be difficult. But the weather was the least of Peter Parker's problems right now. Most of the cuts on the hands received two days ago had healed poorly, and they were clearly visible even with the naked eye. What can he say about Tony Stark, who notices literally everything. Well, of course, except for «completely understandable» hints from Pepper and all the paperwork. In general, neither one nor the other concerns Parker, and therefore he is in danger, to put it mildly. That is why the teenager is now wearing a sweatshirt two sizes too big, and his face is covered with a black mask. Because, due to unlucky fate, there ended up being one of the biggest bruises that completely refused to heal. What a failure! And by the way, he should go to Stark today. He will have to melt irrevocably and pretend that everything is fine. Crap! Yes, perhaps the next few days will be a test of strength. The bell from class pulled him out of his mental disappointments. It turned out that the teacher had already given homework a long time ago, and everyone except him got ready, and immediately jumped out of the office when the bell rang. Ned also went ahead to the dining room. When Peter packed his backpack and headed towards the exit, the physics teacher called him over. Matching to every possible stereotype about teachers, she lowered her glasses onto her nose and looked at Parker from under her brows. – Mr. Parker, I don’t like that in my lesson you do something else besides mastering such complex material, – she said with a disgusting voice. The physics teacher was the same type of teacher who believed that their subject was the most important and only that should be taught. Peter exhaled and apologized several times, promising that this would not happen again. As a result, he slipped out of the stuffy room only after ten minutes, damn ten minutes. Words cannot describe how hungry he was, but now he have to do it in a hurry. The cramped classroom was pressing on him, it seemed impossible to breathe in it, the teacher completely refused to ventilate the classroom, and therefore Peter began to feel dizzy and it became more difficult to concentrate. Or maybe it’s not in the classroom after all... He didn’t want to escalate himself, so the teenager quickly walked to the floor below, to the dining room. Ned had already taken two trays of food and was devouring his portion. As soon as Parker sat down at the table, several glances immediately aimed at him. Searching for the reason for such a sharp interest, Peter saw Flash's smug look. It's clear. He again lied to his group, who looked more like one big tail trailing behind the «owner» than like friends. But, as usual, they believed. Such rumors don't last longer than a couple of days, so there's nothing to worry about. Peter returned to his meal, not forgetting to discuss everything with Ned. However, the rest of the day passed almost without incident. Except for another attempt by Flash to do something with his backpack, but Parker noticed it in time and the offender, dissatisfied with the mistake, limited himself to only a couple of insults addressed to him, like «Penis Parker,» until the teacher returned Spanish. The last lesson was P.E. No matter how Ned tried to persuade him, Peter chose to pass lesson. Because of the bruises, he could barely walk, and what to say about running in volleyball. No, thanks, He'll pass. Fortunately, nothing was broken, only bruises, but, apparently, serious ones. – The main thing is that Stark not to notice, – he answered his friend, standing near the locker room and holding his backpack. After grumbling a little, his friend finally agreed to cover him. Well, at least one good news for today. Surprisingly, picking up the jacket from the locker room was not a problem; dexterity helped a lot. While the cloakroom attendant went away, apparently. Peter climbed over the partition, behind which the most hated school employee usually stood. Hated, by the way, because she loved to throw a couple of unpleasant words towards the large queue after the end of lessons, and they most often ended in four classes at the same time. So yes, he was very lucky. In the end, Peter simply swapped his number and a windbreaker and ran out of the school. It was gradually starting to get colder outside, but he still took his windbreaker recklessly. And in the end he carried it in his hands all the time. However, it never hurts to play it safe. The plan was to run home, leave the school backpack there and confidently head to Stark Tower. And if the first point was not a problem, from the word at all, if only because his father is at work until seven today, and he will finish at half past two in the afternoon. He hesitated, perhaps, only at the exit. He spent a long time deciding whether to finally take this windbreaker or not. After thinking for a couple of minutes, he decided that he could do without her. It’s not cold now, so why should it become cold later? The teenager jumped out of the house a little later than two o'clock. Inserted headphones into his ears and tightly covering his face with a mask, he quickly walked to the bus stop. It should be noted that Happy usually takes him, but today he specifically asked not to do this. And the metro station closest to it was closed for some technical reasons, like the lighting there burned out or something like that. It was clear that the walk to another station would be even longer. It turns out that the best option is a bus, since traveling for almost an hour in a closed space alone with Happy is not the best idea. He now needs to hide most of his body as carefully as possible. And in the car, plus wearing a mask, it will be stuffy, so the decision disappears almost instantly. Peter went to the bus stop and open the website on his phone. It was necessary to look up the number of a suitable bus and at the same time how long to go. The number turned out to be two hundred and five, but the drive is almost two and a half hours. The teenager sighed in disappointment. Well, why is there such a huge time difference? Or rather, one and a half damn hours. The only joy was the fact that bus should arrive in a few minutes. After making sure his headphones were plugged in, Peter put his favorite song on repeat and lost himself in thought for the last few hours. As soon as guy got off at the bus stop, he immediately regretted that he had gone at all. Out of habit, he raised his head and with his eyes found the floor with Stark’s workshop, which, by the way, was almost on the last floor. Let's be honest, music has the ability to drag you in, and against the backdrop of a good song, all worries recede almost into the background. But now Parker felt the scale of the problem in all its glory. It is virtually impossible to spend several hours with Tony Stark and not expose Peter's injuries, whatever they may be, from bruises and cuts to the previously mentioned bruises. Unless, of course, Tony decides to go blind, at least for today. In general, yes. It will be fun. Collected his thoughts as much as possible, Peter, trying not to limp on his right leg, headed towards the main entrance. Quickly greeted the girl at the reception, he headed to the elevator. To go up from the first floor, you need to show a pass, then Friday automatically selects the floors to which you have access. Stark had no such need. Here even a fool can understand that the AI will recognize him immediately and won’t ask any questions. Well, unless you don't know which floor to go to. But Peter suffered for a long time at first, every now and then leaving somewhere or losing his pass, please note, of the highest level. Tony, apparently, was also partially fed up with this, since each time he had to arrange for a new pass. And so the man, making life easier for both himself and Parker, simply entered it into the Friday database. Now she recognized the teenager and, as it turned out, also warned Tony about his arrival. Peter, out of habit, raised his head, each time innocently hoping to find where the AI’s microphone was located. Well, just interesting, what he can do. – Friday, where is Mister Stark? – he called, not forgetting to vigilantly run his eyes along the ceiling and the joints of the walls. – The ninety-fifth floor, – (which also served as the main floor of Stark’s workshop). Friday said briefly and elevator immediately went upstairs without a command. No, don’t think about it, there are buttons in the elevator and they are even used from time to time, but who needs them, however, when there is artificial intelligence, to which you tell the floor number, and it will immediately go to it. Well, except for the new ones who came to work at Stark Industries and don't yet know about the heights of artificial intelligence. Yes, lifting the elevator is the heights of artificial intelligence. Peter chuckled softly. If he would say that in front of Stark, he would definitely have received a slap on the head. Still, imbued with the previous pleasant atmosphere, he smiled. But the good mood disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared a minute earlier. Damn it, he’s already feels hot, and Parker was afraid to even guess what would happen next. There was a loud click, signaling the arrival at the needed floor, and the door opened. After checking that the mask was tight enough, Peter, still filled with uncertainty, carefully stepped inside. Just at that moment, Tony came out from behind the wall with another cup of caffeine right behind Peter, causing him to instantly jump in surprise. – Hello, – Were the fans chasing you? – Stark asked, looking Peter up and down. “I can give you a couple of lessons on how to avoid a collision.” Parker immediately blushed. Mentally saying thank you to all the gods that he still has a mask on now. No, don’t think about it, he tried to cover up the bruises on his face with foundation, but it turned out badly. They are too big and brightguy hesitated and than greeted. – Ah... – he had to come up with an excuse in a rush, and of course, instead of saying something normal, he said the most idiotic thing of all. – I'm sick and coughing. Peter unconsciously pulled his sleeves as low as possible, trying with all his might not to look Stark in the eyes. He lying horribly. So much so that he even understood it himself. But right now he needs to use all his pathetic skills. – And came to infect me? Well, thanks, – Tony chuckled and then frowned. – You know, when I said «I’m waiting for you dead or alive,» it was a joke. Are you sure you're okay? – I'm almost recovered. This is just in case. – he didn’t think about it at all. Super! Now he looks like an even bigger idiot, a couple more times like this and he will definitely be fired to hell. – Okay, I'm not a mesophobe. The main thing is, don’t tell Pepper, – he waved his hand, inviting him into the workshop. — We will finalize the suit. To be honest, I didn’t touch it, but I bought new parts, and along the way I almost hit some teenager with car. Can you imagine? – Oh, really? — Stark changed the topic as quickly as usual. And this is the first time Peter was incredibly happy about it. When the meaning of what was said finally dawned on him, the guy breathed out a sigh of relief. Okay, at least not loudly. Thanks the gods Tony didn't recognize him. He escaped in time, and then suddenly became horrified. He's wearing the same sweatshirt now as he was then. Now he was praying that Tony wouldn't think it was him. Well, on the other hand, there are few similar sweatshirts in the world. He knows how to remain silent, but if a mentor, God forbid, asks directly, he definitely won’t be able to lie. – He’s lucky, – he muttered, and when he received a surprised look from Tony, he immediately caught himself. – I mean, he is lucky he wasn't hit. – he corrected himself.– Yes, but I’m much luckier. I don't really want to be responsible for the death of a teenager. By the way, won't you be hot in this fur coat? — Stark himself is wearing only a white T-shirt, and he couldn’t imagine how the guy could withstand this heat. – No. I'm fine – Peter shrugged, heading towards the drawings. Already approaching the table, he almost made a grave mistake. Out of habit, he almost rolled up his sleeves. At the last moment, catching himself doing this, he pulled his hand back. Tony closely watched his every action and, of course, this small gesture did not escape him. There’s something the guy isn’t telling him, and he’ll certainly find out what it is. While Peter was busy, he quietly pressed a button on the computer, ordering Friday to raise the temperature in the workshop. Parker noticed quite quickly that the temperature began to rise. He would even say: rapidly quickly. How hot it was before cannot be compared to what it is now. No, he won't live to see the end of the day like that. – Mr. Stark, – he called. — Can you turn down the temperature a little? – he asked. God, how he want him to agree. Otherwise, Peter really will soon becomes stewed meat here. – Take off your sweatshirt and it won’t be hot. Peter swallowed. Damn, damn, damn. Everything but this. Taking off his sweatshirt is definitely not an option. He has a shirt there, but the way his hands themselves look leaves much to be desired. A little more and he will crash straight to the floor, unconscious. He urgently needs to get some air. Peter didn’t even want to think about what opinion Stark would have of him. Obviously, «there’s no way better.» – I’ll be back in five minutes, – he warned, heading towards the elevator and trying not to start running. He urgently needs to go to the roof. Stark frowned. This was not at all what he wanted to achieve from the teenager. He just thought that, unable to bear the heat, Peter would take off his sweatshirt and Tony would make sure that he is okay. Or, on the contrary, he will understand the reason why his soul was so uneasy. It was clearly not his plan to cause Peter to suffocate. Still trying to walk as quickly as possible, Peter jumped into the elevator. – Friday, to the roof! – he commanded and, as soon as the doors closed, he pulled off the sweatshirt to get at least a little of the coveted coolness. He still didn’t dare take off his mask. However, the cameras and sensors located throughout the tower have not gone away. And Tony could connect to any of them. Although, of course, it would be stupid to assume such a thing, the man most likely just considers him strange, and nothing more. How Parker frantically waited for the glass doors to open, he literally counted every second. Crap. He had never felt so bad, simply because of the stuffiness and heat. It seemed that in just a little while he would fall unconscious on the floor. But the elevator finally stopped, and Peter flew out onto the roof with lightning speed, breathing in autumn air. The guy leaned on the barrier, which stood only on that part of the roof that was closer to the door. The rest of the area, as everyone knows, was occupied by the landing area, and of course there was no fence there. Resting against the metal railing with both hands, Peter could not stand it and nevertheless pulled the mask down to his chin. The wind that rose at the height ruffled his hair, flying under his sweatshirt. It was very refreshing, and Peter took a deep breath. But he immediately started coughing, but that’s not the point. He could not even imagine that Tony would begin to raise the already high temperature in the workshop. Even if he wasn't wearing a sweatshirt, Peter would have been ready to douse himself with ice water. What can he say about a warm sweatshirt? Having refreshed himself a little, the brain apparently decided to finish off its own fortune with an uninvited thought: «Apparently, the billionaire did this to force Peter to show his hands.» The guy immediately discarded the idiotic thought. How could Tony know? And even if he knew, would he really care?! Of course not. Peter ran his fingers through his hair, pulling it tightly, that much so that it became quite painful. He does this often and, depending on the situation, increases the strength. That's the way he decided to get rid of uninvited thoughts and reproach for wrong actions. It’s high time to understand that only he will solve his problems. Everyone only cares about how to save their own skin, and not bother with an abnormal teenager. At the same second, as if in confirmation, an SMS rang on the phone. Peter pulled his phone out of his pocket and, without unlocking it, read the first lines. The sender was indicated there. Clearly, bills are due again. Which is to be expected. Even life tells him: «You’re finished, Parker.» If he doesn't pay, he’ll be disconnected in a couple of days, and relying on his father is like playing the lottery. Peter shoved the phone back into his pocket. Damn it, where did he screw up so much in his past life, was he a serial killer or something. The guy pulled the collar of his hoodie, freeing his throat a little, and the relief was truly significant. Say what you want, but Parker had already sworn to himself, as he had done several times that day, that he would buy that damn turtleneck. He even already knows which store he can get it at cheaper, since they also have discounts all month long. The guy finally let his hair go. Now he just need to wait for his salary. Otherwise, a couple more such antics, and he will either be kicked out of work like a stray dog, or Stark will see the bruises and send him to a mental hospital. Peter grimaced. Okay, the comparison, like both options, to put it mildly, is not that good, but the essence is the same. He urgently needs a turtleneck, at least for such occasions. Moreover, who knows how long it will take for it all to heal, or at least when it will be possible to cover it up with something. Gradually coming to his senses, Peter took one last breath of fresh air for the next painfully long hours and, pulling his mask back, headed for the elevator. It is hidden inside the building. Behind the mirrored walls there was something like a waiting room. Peter didn't really look into why it is needed, so he headed straight to the elevator. Having already gone inside and mentally prepared himself, he asked Friday: – What time is it? – How he wanted to hear that it is already seven. But, alas, his prayers were not heard. – It’s half past five, Mr. Parker, – the AI responded almost immediately. The teenager exhaled. Another two and a half hours of torment and he will be free. His father seemed to say the same thing when, in rare moments, when he was sober, he told him how hard it is to work and what a scum their boss was. But, surprisingly, when Parker returned to the workshop, the unbearable heat had gone, replaced by a comfortable temperature. By «comfortable» he meant one that was even lower than the original one. Having difficulty not revealing his own surprise, the guy tried to pull himself together and, awkwardly thanking Tony, returned to the table. While Peter was in the elevator, Tony ordered Friday to scan him and identify the damage. As it turned out, there are many of them. So much, as if the guy was held hostage and could barely get out. But why didn’t he say everything right away? Is he afraid? Does he really think Tony can blame him? The guy urgently needs medical help, that's a fact. And instead of heading straight to the hospital, he came to work, and before that he was also at school. One thing is clear, for some reason the guy doesn’t want anyone to know about this, and diligently pretends that everything is fine. This is bad. Tony cannot say directly that he knows about everything, but he will try to help as best he can. – Aren't you hot? I can turn the temperature lower if you want. – No, everything is fine, – Peter muttered awkwardly and returned to the drawings he had left earlier. All this time they lay meekly on the table, waiting for adjustments. However, the remaining several hours passed relatively calmly. Peter almost fell out of the world when Tony announced that he would make a costume for Spider-Man, which Peter himself actually nicknamed himself. Parker was so stunned by the news that he didn’t even ask «why?» — the brain didn’t guess. Only later, having at least digested what he heard a little, Peter realized that if Stark made the suit, he would definitely meet Spider-Man. And most likely he will keep the young superhero near him. That was another problem. Why are there so many of them lately? Although there was still something good: hearing that the suit was still only in Stark’s head, Peter noticeably relaxed. This means that the guy still has plenty of time. Only after this was Parker able to return to work. In passing, he took a couple of documents to Pepper's office, who, in turn, gave the guy a smile. He helped with small details of the new brand, and even, lo and behold, he did the physics together with Stark. Yes, he never thought that he would ever do homework with Tony Stark himself. If someone had told him something like that two months ago, Peter would have seriously thought that the man have mental problems. He could not even imagine that life could deviate so much from the intended path. And not from one. Peter had a lot of options for how to continue living, but in the end he turned to something completely different. However, what can he say, Peter certainly wasn’t complaining. Even though work sometimes interfered with his studies, it made Parker’s life a lot easier. Seven o'clock in the evening flew by unnoticed. Peter's alarm went off, and with it the guy remembered about the mountain of homework. No, he definitely won’t be able to stay late today. And despite the lower temperature, he still managed to shed twelve sweats. If nothing else, in general, having swept the notebooks into his backpack, Peter threw it over his shoulder and headed towards the elevator. But when he was about to say goodbye and leave, Tony, apparently, decided to finish off Parker with a question: – Listen, do you have any enemies at school? Well, or maybe someone who wishes you bad things? – Peter went cold. It was idiotic to assume that Stark would not pay attention to strange behavior. In the end, Peter convinced himself that the billionaire was only asking this out of politeness. – No, – Peter ran his hands through his hair, pulling it tightly out of habit. White lies. That's what everyone say, it seems. In general, Peter really had no enemies. No more than ill-wishers, and he communicated with the class rather neutrally-negatively than vice versa. They didn’t like Peter, it’s true, but only one person tried to call him names and annoy him in every possible way, Flash, the rest only whispered. Although, in truth, all of the above did not apply to only two people: Ned, his best friend, and MJ. The girl, in turn, quite often fought back against this same Flash and tried with all her might to force Parker to do the same. But all her attempts have so far been unsuccessful. Having received an affirmative nod from Stark, Peter quickly said goodbye and jumped into the opened elevator. Every bit of remaining positivity remained in Stark's workshop. The doors closed, cutting him off from any peace. Peter leaned on the half-glass wall. Damn, why is everything so complicated? Why can’t he wake up in the morning, and all the bruises and cuts will miraculously just heal, as if nothing had happened at all, – he thought. Everything would have become much simpler, maybe he would have been able to sleep at least for one night, not being pursued on his heels by another nightmare. The teenager turned his gaze to the glass wall to his left. Both walls that led to the street were tinted glass only on the outside. So, Peter, plunged into a surging disappointment, looked at the flashing cars and floors of high-rise buildings opposite. From time to time it even seemed to him that he saw people. Here is a girl sitting on the windowsill with a cup of steaming tea and leafing through the pages of a book, slightly battered by the street wind. Perhaps some tearful novel, or maybe blood-chilling horror. Parker turned his gaze back to the floor. If he thinks sensibly, then he now has two options: either quit before it’s too late and be remembered at least as “a good intern who for some reason decided to quit,” or spend every weekday like on thorns. Being in silent fear that sooner or later Tony will see what freak he is, and that he cannot even stand up for himself. Or he will think that Peter is trying to force pity on him. In other words, to part with a desperate dream, which for a long time remained just a dream, or to fall below the plinth in the eyes of an idol and fly out in disgrace. Just wonderful, the same as dying and dying later, but with suffering. Life undoubtedly chose Parker as a favorite from birth – a favorite for bullying. Friday announced about him arriving on the first floor, dashing all Peter's hopes of falling through the ground, and the doors slid open. A dozen eyes immediately stared at him. Where do so many people come from at the end of the working day? Although, what difference does it make to him, it is unlikely that he will appear here again now. Trying not to look too washed out, Peter confidently walked towards the exit, maneuvering between people rushing home. He also wants to go home. He just wants to do his damn homework and go to sleep. It is advisable not to wake up at all in the morning. Only after leaving the towering tower, already behind him, the guy notice that he was still holding his fingers in his hair with force pulling it. He carefully unhooked his fingers, but a sharp pain still pierced his head. It seems like he went a little overboard. Trying to distract himself from depressing thoughts, the teenager plugged in his headphones, turning up the volume almost to maximum. Having walked a little forward, he noticed a bus standing at the intersection and quickly rushed to the nearest stop. The thoughts in his head changed as quickly as the people around him. How long to wait for the next bus or is it better to go to the metro? Should Spider-Man go out on patrol today or not? Is it better to quit or is it better to wait and enjoy his last days in a comfortable environment? Peter didn’t dare take off his mask, afraid to meet the sidelong glances of passers-by or simply didn’t want to imagine what he looked like. By the time he finally got home, Parker felt so empty that he walked past his favorite sandwich stand, neglecting his already not very filling dinner. Now a piece of it won’t even get down his throat by force. Quickening his pace, Peter climbed the stone steps stained with tobacco and street dirt and, holding his breath, turned the keys in the front door. It obediently clicked and, with the already familiar creak of dilapidated hinges, let the guy in. Trying not to make any noise, Peter carefully looked around, and, well, at least he was lucky with something today. His father is sleeping right on the sofa in the living room, snoring loudly, the TV is showing some news program, and Peter didn’t dare turn it off. He never know, it will be better to do it later. Peter did his homework quickly, without even noticing how he finished. With his thoughts wandering far from terms and formulas, Peter, without really delving into the tasks and copying rather automatically, did only half, he would rather copy the rest. He also fell asleep with an empty head, filled only with awakened hunger. But there was nothing to eat, since all the shops in the area were closed. He didn’t want to think about how bad everything was. It’s better not to think at all then. So, covering his ears with a pillow, Peter, without changing his clothes, curled up under the blanket, falling into the devouring abyss. Just not nightmares – he thought, and fell into another night of torment. After Peter left, Stark stood leaning on the door frame for a few more minutes, thinking about what he had learned about his intern only today. Who is this bastard that dared to hurt him?! Now he is ready to tear it to shreds. And why doesn't Peter talk about this? It was clear that the guy was exhausted both mentally and physically. And he really needs support. What is his father thinking? How could he let this happen to his only son? Of course, Tony didn't know much about the Parker family. For example, the fact that he has no brothers or sisters, and his mother left for another world when he was a child. Stark really wanted to help him. But how to do this if Peter flatly refuses to talk about what happened? His head ached from the stream of thoughts, and the businessman rubbed his temple. Yes, what he is certainly not good at is raising children. Adolescence, rebellion, showdowns in the backyard... He already experienced all this in his youth. So let these memories remain there.