Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

'Not bad,' Peter thinks to himself, looking down at his new mask, not much has changed in it, it just is a bit more expressive and flexible so it can actually show Peter's disgusted look whenever Tony calls May Aunt Hottie. Or well when he used to, considering May was dead at a business trip. 

Peter reaches for his coffee, his eyes heavy with sleepiness, but he can't sleep yet, he had to do his homework aswell, then he had to clean his room, shower, do his chores, say goodnight to Mr. Stark, get ready for tomorrow school, wait. School. 'Shit, what day is it? ' It's been so long since he's looked at the time, let alone sleep. 'Its 3AM? Jeez time had passed, IT'S THURSDAY? HOW? ' That certainly woke Peter up, better then any cup of coffee could. Peter racks his brain, wondering how the days have passed so quickly. 'Oh no. Tomorrow is the school field trip. ' Before Peter could even completely process that information the doors slammed open. 

"Underoos, what the fuck are you doing still awake? It's what, " Tony checks his watch "It's 3am kid! Chop chop wrap this up and get to bed! " Tony shoots him a exasperated look with a hint of concern. "Don't want you to be like me okay kid?"

"Sorry Mr. Stark, " Peter mumbles, as he tries to get up his legs shake from the exhaustion and he quickly sits back down. "I don't think I can stand up... " Peter glances ashamed, his eyes staring at the carpet as if it was a hover car. 

Tony sighs, and glances up at the cameras. "Hey FRI? When was the last time Peter slept? "

"About 35 hours ago Boss. " FRIDAY responds, and somehow the AI sounds concerned, or Peter is too tired to register her voice properly, because why would anyone be concerned about him? Hes just Puny Penis Parker after all. 

"35 hours ago? Jesus kid I know I'm your idol but doesn't mean I am a great role model, " Tony chuckles dryly, trying to bring humor to this concerning situation. "How about you skip school tomorrow okay? "

"I have the field trip tomorrow. "

"Then how about you'll be a bit late, sleep in a bit, then once it's about to be their lunch you can go down with them to have your breakfast. "

"Fine, " Peter snaps, a little too harsh then what was intended. 

"Oh god are you entering your bitch teen phase? I'm not ready for that, " Tony smiles softly, worry in his eyes. 

"Language! " A voice calls from the room above. 

"Shut it Capsicle! " Tony yells back. "Damned super hearing. No offense Pete. "

"Whatever. I'm going to bed. Since that's what you so clearly wanted. " Peter drags himself off his chair, pushing his legs with every strength he had. Well I guess he used too much strength seeing as his vision began going black, dots dancing in his eyes, he whimpers and shoots Tony a glance before falling to the floor. 

"Shit Roo are you okay-" a voice trails off before Peter goes unconscious. 

Panic goes through every vein in Tony's body as he sees his kid fall to the floor. 

"FRIDAY, tell Bruce to get to the medbay! " He hollers at the AI. 

A sound echoes through the lab as metal hits the floor, the ceiling vent being shoved down from the ceiling as Clint hops down. 

"The hell just happened? " Clint's voice wavers as he helps Peter into Tony's arms. "One moment you are bantering with Steve and the next Peter is unconscious. "

"He hasn't slept for 35 hours. Passed out before he could even move 3 feet. " Tony starts rushing out the door, Clint following close behind. 

"You and him might as well be biological family instead of adopted, hes just as stubborn as you. "

"Not the time Katniss, even though I do appreciate it. " Tony shoots Clint a glare as they rush into the elevator. 

"Medbay FRI, also make it quick, run a diagnostic on the kid. "

"Peter's heartbeat is steady and it appears his unconsciousness is due to lack of sleep and loss of blood. "

"Loss of blood? Did he get stabbed again and didn't tell us? " Tony's eyes dart around the elevator, his heartbeat speeding up in worry and stress. 

"Peter appears to have several fresh self inflicted lacerations on each thigh and 3 on his right wrist, 5 on his left. "

The air stills. Tony feels unsteady, as if he was going to pass out as well. Clint feels his stomach drop. 

"Tony..? Are you okay? " Clint eyes him, knowing he is as fragile right now as a china doll. 

"Well I guess he really does take after me huh? " Tony tries to humor the room, instead making it more tense with the new information. 

"Wait- " before Clint could continue, the elevator doors open and Bruce rushes in with a stretcher, Tony places him down gently but understanding the lack of time he rushes with placing him. 

"What happened? " Bruce asks as they move quickly, his eyes bouncing between Peter and Tony. 

"FRI says he hadn't slept in 35 hours, uh. And he's lost a lot of blood from... " his voice trails off, his eyes becoming unfocused as he thinks about the seriousness of the situation. 

"Tony." Bruce's voice is firm, trying to get him out of it. 

"Blood loss from self harm. " Tony says, his expression saddened. 

Clint opens the medbay doors and Dr. Cho stands by the hospital bed, ready with a scanner and bandages.

Bruce sighs, "Okay Tony I'm sorry, but you gotta let go of him. "

Tony didn't even realize he was death gripping the kid for his own stress relief and to ensure his kid is in fact still here. 

"Uh yeah. " He lets Pete go, teaching for his own phone to call Pepper to inform her about the situation. 

"Hey Pep. Uh we need to talk about Peter. And can you get down to the medbay? " Tony's voice is filled with concern as he glances between his phone and Peter. 

"Tony. Its 4 in the morning. " Pepper sounds tired and irritated, with good reason of course. 

"Peter passed out. Hes also our little fruit ninja master. "

Silence fills the phone call. 

"WHAT THE F-"

Chapter Text

The lights were far too bright for Peter's comfort, and the blanket felt too itchy, the noise from miles away echoed in his mind, and the taste of morning breath was way to strong for Pete, adding a distateful nausea alongside his already stirring headache from just... existing in general to be honest. 

"Hey Pete. " A gentle but deep voice whispered, attempting to keep the noise down. 

"Jesus..? " Peter accepted his fate, hes dead now. Oh well. 

A loud snort and a booming voice filled the room. "Stark is quite the opposite from Jesus, I should know, I met both hah! "

Stark. Oh. Dad is here. And Thor. Of course the snarkiest and the loudest were here. 'Man I just woke up.'

"Silence brother. The spiderling has just awaken. " A feminine but deep voice responded to Thor. Must be a lady day for Loki then. 

"Exactly. Man of spiders must wake soon for his class trip. "

'Class. Trip. The class trip. THE ACADEMIC DECATHLON TRIP. '

Peter rose so quickly even the two gods and billionaire flinched. 

"Oh no you don't, " Tony rushed to set Peter back onto his bed. "Stay in bed for another 30 minutes at the least, your class has lunch in a hour, you'll be fine. Plus we need to talk kid. "

"Please can we not talk? And I promised MJ that I wouldn't be late! Shes gonna be so mad! " Peter pleaded, desperation in his voice. 

"Nope, zip it kid I don't wanna hear it, no matter how scary your girlfriend is or how much she reminds me of Pep, she can wait. " Tony shook his head, then turned to the gods. "Alright you guys got to wake him up, now remember what I said, no pranks. And for fucks sake keep Clint away from the vents. "

"Nope! " Clint's voice dispensed from the vents. 

The gods left the room reluctantly, both wanting to stay with their favorite avenger. For gods they are a lot like puppies. Peter could never say that to Loki though or Peter would be turned into a puppy just so he could be kicked into the sun. "Nice try puppy! " is what Loki would probably say. 

Once the door was shut and locked Tony took a deep breath. 

"Listen kid uh. Two things, first off, you gotta stop being like me, I mean no matter how absolutely cool I am it doesn't mean you should be skipping sleep so often and doesn't mean you should wait 35 hours until you finally pass out. " Tony paused, allowing himself to find the words for what he was about to say next and for Peter to process. 

"And second off, kid... " Tony's gaze and tone softened, he sat down next to Peter and put a reassuring hand on Peter's knee, as if trying to ground him. 

"You need to know we love you. All of us. Me and Pepper, I mean we adopted you for a reason. And the Avengers. Point break and Reindeer games, Katniss and Nat, Capsicle and Manchurian Candidate,  Pissant and Jolly Green, Honey bear and Little Witch, truly all of us." He smiled at Peter's small giggle at all the ridiculous nicknames. 

"Not only do we love you kid but we also worry. " That certainly made Peter's smile drop. He didn't want them to care or worry, hes already a nuisance he doesn't want them to bother with someone as annoying as Peter. 

"And considering you chop fruits on your body and I can check you out in a store with the makeshift bar codes, you definitely worry us more. " Peter's eyes widened, not only at the fact that Tony knows he cuts himself gives himself what he deserves, but the fact that Tony just said THAT. 

"Excuse me? " Peter was dumbfounded at the odd timing of a insult and a joke, he also felt hurt that Tony just played it off like it wasn't a big deal. 

"Peter. I want you to understand we love you, and because we love you, we want to help you. Please Peter. You are my son and I don't want you to continue to hurt yourself. " Tony took a deep breath, his tone losing all humor it usually has. "When I was younger and my mother died, I went into a dark place. I drowned myself in whatever I could, relationships, alcohol, work, and especially... hurting myself. I did it practically everyday. So often that I passed out from blood lost. Until one day, after I already stopped all my other "coping mechanisms" Pepper found me unconscious, bleeding, and with scars scattered all over my legs, arms, stomach, wrists, shoulders, everywhere. She was horrified and so so scared. " Tony felt his eyes well up with tears at recalling the memory, and glanced at Peter, who was silently crying, avoiding eye contact. 

"So from then on, I vowed to never do it again. Some days were especially hard and I nearly relapsed. And so far its been a bit, and I've been clean. And now I want to help you be clean as well. Okay Peter? Will you let me help you? " He softly grabbed Peter's hands, gently rubbing his thumb in circles like he knew Aunt May used to do for Peter. 

In a raspy voice, his voice cracking slightly due to the lump in his throat, he nodded. "Okay."

Tony pulled him into and hug as he cried softly, Peter sobbing silently into his shoulder, ruining his shirt but Tony didn't mind. All that he cared about in the world was helping Peter. 

"I love you Bambino. "

"I love you too dad. "

Tony pulled away. 

"I-I'm sorry, that-that slipped out. " 

Tony shook his head quickly. "No Peter, you don't know how happy that makes me, " Tony gasped, his voice cracking due to the tears and happiness. 

"Oh." Tony pulled Peter back into a hug. "Okay dad. "

Tony's heart soared. He was so gonna brag to Pep about this.

"Not surprised Pussy Parker didn't show up! " Flash smirked like a child getting more then expected presents on Christmas. 

Unfortunately no one heard Flash so being the obnoxious brat he is, yelled at the bus again. 

"Not surprised Pussy Parker didn't show up! " Flash said, his voice more impatient and loud this time. No reactions again. 

He rolled his eyes, trying to get the reactions he wanted. 

"Not surprised-" Flash was cut off by a loud groan from MJ. 

"Just shut up, we heard you the first time we just chose to ignore it. " MJ rolled her eyes, Ned was surprised that her eyes didn't fall out considering how hard the eye roll was. 

Everyone's conversations continued, all conspiring on where exactly the field trip would be, even though everyone pretty much knew that the field trip would be at Stark Tower considering all the NDAs they had to sign. 

"Peter said that he thinks that the trip would be at Stark Tower! " Ned said enthusiastically. 

MJ nodded, her eyes glued to her book, not really paying Ned any mind. 

"Speaking of Peter, where do you think he is? "

MJ froze. "I thought you knew? " She looked up from her book concerned. 

"Penis finally killed himself? Thank God, maybe now without someone lying about being a intern they will turn their attention to someone more qualified. " Flash chuckled, his eyes staring off as if reminiscing about how cool it would be to work alongside Spider-Man. 

"Shut up Flash, if Peter is dead then we wouldn't win ever again. " Betty chimed in, knowing how screwed they would be without their science nerd. 

"No, we would win twice as much when I replace him!"

"We couldn't win twice as much because we always win without you. " MJ shot back and stared at him. MJ scared everyone so that shut him up as usual. 

"Okay class settle down. " Mr. Harrington sat up from his seat and began to address the students. "If you hadn't put the dots together then the destination we will be going to is... Stark Tower! "

The AcaDec team cheered loudly at the confirmation. It was one thing to suspect where it was, and another to know where the field trip would take place. 

"Now it is a huge privilege to be here at Stark Industries and let alone go on a tour so I expect everyone to be on their best behavior and to respect the rules and employees. If you are not on good behavior that will reflect very badly on the school and you will be beside me for the remainder of the trip or you will be sent to the lobby where you will be picked up. "

"Any questions? " The team was silent but a couple whispers of how cool this was going to be. 

The bus soon arrived at the tower. Everyone rushed out the doors except for MJ and Ned, both still slightly concerned but mainly disappointed for different reasons. Ned couldn't hang out with his best friend at one of the best field trips of all time, and MJ couldn't sketch a overly anxious Peter in her crisis notebook. 

"Welcome to Stark Tower! "

Chapter Text

Immediately cheers emit from the class, Abe bouncing on the heels of his feet, Betty cheerfully waving around her pen in excitement with a notebook in hand, Cindy screaming in excitement as Mr. Harrington tries to quiet the AcaDec team, fearing his reputation being ruined by a bunch of overexcited words while attempting to maintain his own happiness. 

"My name is Laura Lee and I will be your tour guide for today!" She expressed the same excitement as the students, their happiness contagious as her golden cross necklace catches light from the sun through the floor to ceiling windows. 

"Natalie! Can you go get me Midtown's 8am tour badges! " She hollared at the receptionist, eager to make their time. 

Natalie reluctantly grabbed their badges and slowly trotted over, her earbuds being loud enough to be slightly heard by the kids in the front of the line. 

"Don't worry I'll pass them out, " she nodded at Laura Lee. "Alright, Avril Sally? "

Sally quickly reached for her pass, examining it between her fingers. "Shiny! " She smiled

"My pass will be better then everyone's, no need to be happy about your pathetic pass. " Flash sneared. 

"They're all the same. " Natalie gave Flash a sarcastic smile. 

One by one each member came up to receive their badge, as expected they were all the same. 

"Brant, Betty? "

"Brown, Abe? "

"Jones, Michelle? "

"Leeds, Ned? "

After a while - and Flash being called Eugene which resulted in snickers - they all lined up in front of the scanner where FRIDAY's voice called out their levels. 

"Avril, Sally, level 1 Delta. "

As the team went through the scanner confusion was raised at the difference in levels as Laura Lee passed through. 

"Lee, Laura, level 1 Beta. "

"Beta? Whats the difference between Delta and Beta? " Abe raised his hand, although it was useless as he was already asking the question. 

"Yeah why the fuck do you have more power then us? " Flash called out, Mr. Harrington shot him a frustrated glance. 

Laura Lee cleared her throat at his unexpected and disrespectful behavior but kept herself calm before explaining the levels. 

"Well you see there are 9 different levels. There is Delta 1 - tour groups and visitors. Then there's Delta 2 - Press and reporters. Then Delta 3 - Lower level workers and maintenance. Beta 1 - interns, trainees and receptionists. Beta 2 - R&D workers, lab workers, and medical. Beta 3 - high level workers, executives and PR workers. Finally there's Alpha level." She pauses, catching her breath and allowing the kids to process the information. 

"Alpha 1 is the more experienced scientists and experimenists along with the Avengers relatives and visitors. Alpha 2 is the Avengers themselves, " she smiles as the students chatter with each-other excitedly about the mention of the Avengers. 

"Maybe we might see them! "

"I hope we see Captain America. Wow... "

"I want to see Spider-Man! Hes the best Avenger and he asked for my help and used my dads car! "

"Really? "

Laura Lee cleared her throat, practically praying for this 'Flash' kid to respectfully shut up. 

"Anyways. And then there is Alpha 3. That would be Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, and a classified member. " 

"Why are they classified? " Abe called out. MJ rolled her eyes at the stupidity of her classmates. 

"Maybe they are classified for a reason loser. " She said, rolling her eyes again. 

Laura Lee shot MJ a grateful glance before turning back to address the entire team. "Okay, does anyone have any questions? "

Everyone stood still, all eager to move on and hopefully see a Avenger, even MJ seemed happy which says a lot. 

"Okay then follow me! "

The morning went by smoothly - other then the occasional (very often) annoying questions of Flash asking random interns if Peter Parker worked there and it being confirmed many times -  they even got to go to the Avengers museum where every kid lingered around their favorite superhero. 

They even got to have a brief meeting with the one and only Bruce Banner who was pleasantly surprised they didn't put much thought of the Hulk to mind and mainly focused on the scientist himself. 

But now it was lunch and the students were starving. 

"Man I really wish Peter was here right now because then he would know where is the best place to eat! " Ned shuffled forwards awkwardly, his steps hesitant as he didn't know where to go. MJ paid him no mind as her face was still stuck in one of her books which resulted in a groan of frustration from Ned. 

"Mm I'd say the taco place is the best. " A familiar voice said behind them. Ned jumped at the sudden person but quickly turned around as he recognized Peter's voice. 

"Dude don't scare me like that! Also hi! " Ned smiled and both their hands reached out as they did their signature nerd handshake. 

"Where were you? " MJ glared at Peter, worry concealed behind her eyes but Peter noticed considering he hangs out with multiple spies who lie to him about pranks all the time. 

Peter attempted to ignore her concern and her question considering he was not a fan of the whole blood loss thing. I mean seriously how did he pass out from blood loss? He only has... a couple of scars but that's it! Right? 

"I forgot to sleep for 35 hours straight so I passed out and Tony let me sleep in. " He shrugged, avoiding eye contact but I mean technically he wasn't wrong so. 

MJ made a noise between a scoff of disbelief and a groan of disappointment. But Ned wouldn't let MJ bring down the mood so it was up to him to save this situation. 

"Once he didn't sleep for 5 days straight! " Fuck he failed. 

"Ned! " Peter's voice raised five octaves as his mouth hung open, scared of whatever lecture or glare MJ will give him. 

Instead she looked at him in concern. What? 

"Peter." Her voice firm but gentle she turned to him, lowering her book, maybe Tony was right in the fact she's like Pepper. Scary especially when she's kind. 

"Why the hell would you do that? Are you dumb, you can't even take care of yourself you big loser. " Oh thank God MJ is back to normal. That was weird. Did Tony tell her or something? 

Peter's mind raced, slowly zoning out of whatever MJ was saying. What if Tony did tell her. She would be so disgusted. What was wrong with him? 

He didn't even realize when his breathing picked up or when his heart beat sped up at the thought of MJ or Ned finding out about all his disgusting habits. He had so many. Maybe Flash was right. Maybe he should just kill himself. 

Peter didn't realize the doors slammed open and the whole cafeteria silenced, the only thing being heard was Peter's quick and uneasy breaths and the sound of metal shifting with heavy foot falls equally spaced as if trying to stay as silent as possible. 

"Pete." A low but grounding voice whispered loud enough for Peter to hear but not loud enough for him to flinch. A cold piece of metal rested on his shoulder.

Peter looked up, relieved to see Bucky standing in front of him, he almost giggled at the sight of Bucky in pajamas but coughed as the lump in his throat hurt any sound that came out. 

"Breath kid. Happens to the best of us. " Bucky motioned towards the teen with his free arm, attempting to show him that panic attacks were normal. In exaggerated motions Bucky showed him how to properly breath and ground himself.

Slowly, Peter's hyperventilating breaths slowed to normal and he became relaxed, pulling Peter into a hug Bucky whispered into Peter's ear. 

"What happened? " Bucky whispered in Russian.

"Can we talk about this later? Everyone is staring. "

Bucky's pulled away from Peter, his eyes searching him like a broken book, looking for the answers.

"Okay. But once you are done with your field trip come talk to me alright? We care about you okay? And afterwards me and Nat are gonna teach you more Russian since we can't train alright? "

"Sounds good to me, thanks Uncle Bucky. "

Bucky rustled his hair before shooting every student a silencing glare. 

As Bucky walked off every kid immediately ran to bombard Peter with questions. 

"How do you know the Winter Soldier?"

"Your hair just got rustled by an Avenger! "

"Is your internship actually real? "

"How many dicks did you suck off to get them to act like they know you Penis? " Flash yelled louder than everyone else, almost as if he was trying to declare it. 

Laura Lee's head shot over in anger at Flash's remark but she immediately stared in horror at the sight of Peter. 

"Oh uh... hi Mr. Parker. What brings you here? " Laura Lee's voice wavered nervously.

Peter didn't pick up on why she was nervous but he was concerned on how scared she looked. She seemed so cheerful a second ago with the other kids. 

"Oh uh my AcaDec team field trip, " Peter responded hesitantly, still concerned on how fast her heart beat was beating. 

"This is your team? " Her eyes widened further in horror. What was she so nervous about? 

"Uh yes- are you okay do you need water? "

"No! I would not want to bother you Mr. Parker Sir! " Laura Lee stammered over her own words, her heart beating even faster. 

"You don't need to call me Mr. Parker. It's just Peter. And it wouldn't be a bother. " Is this how other people felt with Peter whenever he said he was being a bother? Because now he was really confused. 

The AcaDec team's eyes bounced between the two, equally if not more confused then Peter.

As everyone was distracted Flash seized this as the perfect opportunity to do something about Penis's lying ass. So he dragged Jason alongside him as they look for something to get Peter out of there. 

Flash searched across the cafereria. His eyes landed on the perfect prize. A boiling bowl of soup. Fresh off the stove. 

"Jason, look! " He pointed at the vacant store with the soup. "Lets go get that and 'bump' into Parker with it! Try to burn him a bit! "

"Burn him? Dude isn't that a bit much? " Jason asked, not really wanting to hear Flash's response. 

"Don't be a pussy man, you stand guard I'm going to go get the soup. Stay outside the shop and hollar if someone is coming. " He slapped his phone to Jason's chest as he sprinted to the shop.

"Laura Lee are you sure you are okay? I can go get you water! " Peter was slightly frustrated now, she just kept declining and saying she was fine when she was very clearly not fine. 

"It would be such an inconvenience-" 

Laura Lee was cut off as MJ shoved a cup of water in front of her face. 

"Just take a drink. " MJ rolled her eyes as she returned to her book. 

Even with how much Laura Lee declined the water she seemed overly grateful for the cup. Was she scared of Peter? Did he do something? 'I swear to Thor I just got down here how did I already mess up? ' Peter thought to himself very frustratedly. 

Suddenly his spider senses began screaming at him. Something was going to happen. Everyone seemed safe. But... not everyone was there. 

"Where's Flash? " Peter's voice was cold and demanding. He knew he was up to something. And he was right. 

Peter quickly moved out of the way as Flash tumbled beside him, falling on Laura Lee.

Oh no. 

Laura Lee screamed loudly as the boiling soup landed on her face. She scratched her cheeks trying to move the soup off but it just resulted in burning her fingers. 

Peter rushed to her side, shoving a frozen Flash out of the way. He ripped off his hoodie to tend to her burns, not even realizing his scars were revealed to the team. 

Gasps emitted throughout the AcaDec members as they all tried to help Laura Lee but were caught off guard at the angry red lines that engulfed Peter's wrists. 

Laura Lee continued to scream in pain as Peter gently rubbed the soup off of her pained body. 

"FRIDAY get medical help NOW! " Peter screeched at the cameras, interns from across the cafeteria heard the commotion and screams coming from the group and began rushing to help. 

Soon a stretcher accompanying Bruce Banner took Laura Lee away as her friend Natalie stayed close, concerned and shot disgusted glances in Flash's direction. 

The AcaDec team stayed silent as they glared at Eugene but were also confused as to how the tour would continue. 

That is until Peter got a message from FRIDAY. 

FRIDAY

All interns are busy or absent, it is now your duty to lead the Midtown School Field Trip. 

Peter-man

What why me?? 

FRIDAY

Boss's orders. 

Peter let out a scoff of anger, knowing Tony must've purposefully done this. Still he remembered the look of horror on Laura Lee's face before she began screaming in pain. What happened? 

He took a deep breath to prepare himself for the confused expressions they were about to shoot him and his glorious and super kind nickname of Puny Penis Parker being called after him as he would lead the tour group. 

"So uh, " Peter broke the silence, all eyes turning to stare at him, "Due to some circumstances I am now going to be leading the tour." He immediately began to change his entire demeanor to be the professional Peter Parker-Stark the interns respect. 

"Follow me! "

Chapter Text

"Why the fuck would we follow you Penis considering the nasty slices you give yourself? " Flash crossed his arms and slowly approached Peter. 

"Because I lead this tour group now, and I'd expect you to respect your tour guide or you will remain by my side for the remainder of the tour. " Peter's face was neutral, already so done with this rollercoaster of a day. 

Flash's face drained of color and despite the already confused expressions that lay upon the AcaDec member's faces, they somehow got even more confused. 

Except for Ned and MJ who both seemed proud of their friend finally taking the reins on such a ridiculous never ending banter that passed between Peter and Flash. 

"Come on Eugene you heard him. We should continue the tour. " MJ said smugly, shrugging her arms before returning to her book. 

"Hey Peter? Can we talk for a second? " Mr. Harrington seemed rather uncomfortable and slightly disappointed as he faced away from Peter, motioning his hands to come over. 

Peter walked over, maintaining his professional posture and changed his expression to his patented smile that Pepper taught him for when he was going to go public.

As the two strayed away from the group Mr. Harrington took a deep breath to prepare himself for what he was going to say. "Listen Peter... I understand that a lot of kids your age struggle and try to get popular but it's been years now. Could you please drop the intern act? It's making your classmates uncomfortable. "

Peter's heart sank. Not only did his teacher not believe him after seeing multiple papers of official absences that Tony took him out of class for, but also that he believed Flash's lies that Peter didn't have a internship. Or that Flash was the victim in all the bullying! 'You've got to be kidding me. '

"Mr. Harrington with all due respect, " he paused attempting to not break into a smile as he said his next words. "Shut up. "

Peter turned on his heel, overly satisfied with telling his teacher off, it's not Flash but it'll do for now. 

"Hey now, you take that back, can't become as cocky as Stark now can you kid? " A all righteous but all too familiar voice called out from behind him. 

In a exaggerated groan and grumble Peter turned around to face the symbol of America himself, Steve Rogers. 

Gasps emitted from the AcaDec members as they faced the Captain America. This day couldn't get any better for them, or any worse for Peter. Right? 

"Cap, we are still in the cafeteria and we need to like, go right now or we're gonna be late to our next activity okay? Like very badly we need to go." Peter rolled his eyes as hard as he could and even Flash looked in pure shock at the disrespect - as if Flash was never disrespectful - Peter was giving to Steve goddamn Rogers! 

Steve hesitated, remembering they did not in fact have all the time in the world. Damnit Bucky how could you lie. 

"Mind if I stick around a bit? " 

"No need Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Parker you've been excused from the duty of tour guide as I can now take over. " A girl snuck up behind Peter, somehow under his Spidey radar. Weird. 

"Oh, man okay. " Peter couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed he didn't even have more then a minute to be a tour guide, he needed the practice after all. 

He looked down at her badge. "Nadia Romonek, " it seemed like such a similar name but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Before he could continue to dwell on the name she quickly cut him off his train of thoughts. 

"Mr. Stark wants you in his lab. " She whispered in his ear to keep attention off of him. 

"I guess I'll be on my way then. " Steve turned away and walked out the door. 

"Yeah bye Steve... " Peter's voice trailed off, wondering why in the world Tony might want him. Was he in trouble? Did Tony want to talk to Peter about this morning? Was he finally getting rid of him? What could happen?

"You've got to be kidding me. " Peter's mouth was agape from disbelief due to the ridiculous reason on why Tony wanted him down but also from disbelief on how cool this was going to be. 

"I get to try the Mark 53 thrusters? No way Mr. Stark this is so cool! " Peter nearly screeched from the excitement, the irritation immediately wearing off. 

"Mr. Stark? Roo I thought we just got passed that. I thought I was Jesus now. " Tony rolled his eyes jokingly. "And yes you get to try the thrusters. They are a little different from my other suits since I amped up the power and wanted you to try them just to cheer you up a bit." He softly smiled as Peter was practically bouncing off the walls. 

"This is actually so amazing Mr. Stark like wow this is such a honor! But like what if I die? Like shoot through the ceilings or whatever? What if I mess it up? What if I break the thrusters? Oh God I'm gonna mess up. Mr. Stark I can't do this! Oh no, " Peter began to pace around, soon pacing on the ceiling and walls around him as Tony nearly had a heart attack as his kid hung upside down above him. 

"Pete, get off the ceiling you are giving me gray hairs, and I've messed with thrusters millions of times, you can do it once Peter, you're ready to try them out. " Tony said, helping his kid off the ceiling by gripping his arm even though Peter didn't need the help. It more of reassured Tony then it did Peter. 

"You're right, you're right I'm sorry Mr. Stark that was unnecessary, I mean how hard can it be? "

"Alright DUM-E are you recording Pete? " 

The little bot nodded it's head. 

"Okay then. Peter you ready? "

"Yes Mr. Stark but I'm a little nervous! "

"Thats fine kid, I'm always nervous during my first time testing a suit! "

"Oh okay! Just to clarify though I won't die right?"

"Yes peppermint now shut up!"

"Oh come on Mr. Stark why do you mention my peppermint allergies every day?"

"Because it's a ridiculous side affect the bite gave you now didn't I tell you to shut up?"

"Sorry Mr. Stark! "

Peter prepped himself, standing still as Tony sat nearby with medical tools in case of emergency with U standing beside with a fire extinguisher - not that the bot ever properly used it - and the two males tensed slightly, sweat beads collecting on Peter's forehead. He knew it was probably gonna go well considering its Tony Stark he was talking about but he couldn't help but feel slightly nervous and uneasy. 

"Alright testing in 5,"

"4, "

"3, "

"2, "

"Now! "

The thrusters quickly lifted Peter into the air, speeding higher and higher, Peter's nervousness evaporated quickly at the exciting launch but came back in a matter of seconds as Peter got launched too high.

Way too high. 

"OH NO! " Peter braced himself and covered his face using his forearms that were still bare from today's earlier incident with Laura Lee. 

Quickly Peter's head slammed into the ceiling, slightly cracking the dry wall before quickly crashing down. As Tony saw Peter limp and falling to the floor he lunged forwards onto the ground, his chin getting scraped by the grout in the tiles, his arms flew in front of him to hopefully cushion Peter's fall. 

The two lay on the floor for a solid minute, both breathing heavily and in pain, trying to process what the hell just happened.

"Well at least the cuts on your arms aren't self inflicted ain't that right Pete? " Tony smirked and raised his hand for a high five. 

Peter shot Tony a playful glare but returned the high five, immediately dropping his hands to the ground again, exhausted and his head pounding. 

"Bruce is gonna kill you for this you know that right? He said take it easy. " Peter chuckled at the groan his mentor let out. 

"Oh God I forgot about that ugh. Or maybe I just slept through his words because he is so boring!"

"He is not boring he is a brilliant and cool scientist! " Peter shot up, sitting up now and glaring at Tony who had bruises developing on his arms from Peter's fall.

"What, am I not a brilliant and cool scientist? Wow okay, I see how it is kid. " Tony scoffed playfully and groaned like a old man as he tried to get up to match Peter's position but quickly gave up. 

"Nowhere near as cool. " Peter giggled. God how Tony loved this brat so much, what a dork. Maybe he should take another DNA test, it was honestly uncanny how similar the two were. 

Suddenly Peter shot to his feet. Alarms going off in his mind. 

"Woah Pete what's wrong?"

"Someone's here. "

Tony stilled for a moment but recovered and lifted himself up to his feet. 

"Where? " Tony glanced around the room, where could someone be hiding? 

"Over there. " He pointed to a mirror. 

"Roo, that's just a mirror. "

Peter ignored him as he quickly dashed out the door and into the hall. A high pitched sreech of terror came from around the corner in the direction Peter went off to.

Tony immediately began sprinting his way over to where the source of the sound came from. 

"What are you guys doing here? " Peter yelled as Tony finally caught up. It was just the AcaDec team, the girl Cindy looked horrified, probably the one who screamed out loud. 

The other members were shocked that Peter found them investigating the lab through the two way mirror. Out from the shadows came out the intern from earlier.

"Hey Peter. " Nadia- no, Natasha said, a victorious smirk on her face. She pulled up front Flash by the collar. 

"Finally proved to this brat that you are in fact a worker here. " 

"Seriously Nat? I mean sure he needed to be shown but come on! " Peter walked up to her ear. "He could've found out my identity! " He whispered cautiously. 

"Don't worry, I took care of that by making them sign many other NDAs. Plus now is the last part of the tour. You should come with, it'll be fun Мальчик-паук*." 

Peter looked at her skeptically but as he glanced back at Tony who gave a reassuring smile, he nodded. 

'Where will I be tormented next? ' Peter sighed.

As the group went into the elevators, Peter and Flash lingered behind. Peter's Spidey senses going off but he knew that if he dodged then his identity would just be exposed so he might as well just suck it up for now. 

Flash slammed Peter into the walls not catching the others attentions. "Listen here you fag how the fuck did you manage to get Black Widow and Tony Stark to act like they know you? Did you suck them off? Give them the poor little orphan act? What the fuck did you do? "

"Okay Eugene that's enough. " Mr. Harrington finally overheard the conversation Flash was oh so kindly giving to Peter. 

"Whatever man. Didn't even do shit. " Flash shrugged and shot Peter a angry glance. Man when would this kid finally lay off of Peter's ass? 

Finally after what seemed to be a 80 year elevator ride they arrived to the floor they were needed on. Which was the floor where the Q&A room was. Oh no. 

Natasha began to lead the group to big metal doors that looked pristine and nearly new. Aka the room to Peter's demise. 

"I hope you like superheros kids. " Tony said smugly as he faced the kids. "Welcome to the Q&A room!"

On the stage sat Bruce Banner, Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, James Rhodes, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Thor, Loki, and two reserved seat for Tony and Natasha. 

As the team cheered loudly Peter could only think back to how comfy his room would be right now. 

Chapter Text

Tony and Natasha cheerfully but mysteriously trotted up the stage, the AcaDec team cheering loudly as if there were hundreds of people. 

"I hope Spider-man shows up! God he is so cool!" Peter and Ned exchanged a mischievous glance as Flash's eyes sparkled at the thought of meeting Spider-man. 

"Alright then kids. You all already know who I am." Tony used his patented smirk as the kids erupted in cheers once again. 

"I am Natasha Romanov otherwise known as the Black Widow. "

"Steve Rogers, Captain America. "

"Bucky Barnes, White Wolf. "

"Bruce Banner, the Hulk. "

"It's my turn? Uh- Clint Barton, Hawkeye. "

"The better bird, Sam Wilson the Falcon. " Sam chuckled seeing Clint's playfully angry face. 

"I am Thor! And this is my brother Loki-"

"No need brother, I can introduce myself. I am Loki Odinson."

"James Rhodes. The Iron Patriot. "

"Honey bear everyone knows you as the War Machine, can't just change the name when mine is much better cripple. " 'Oohs' of amusement echoed from the students along with stifled chuckling. 

"Like you didn't have a mental breakdown when I became 'crippled'" Rhodey shot back. 

Tony put his hands up in defense against himself before silencing the room in a loud clap. "Alright! Lets get this Q&A started!"

Everyone's hands shot up, some waving in order to get noticed while Peter sunk even further into his chair. 

"Nevermind then we'll just go around since there's like four of you. "

"Stark you are one of the most brilliant people on Earth and you can't even count properly? "

"I'd rather not count the amount of kids there are here then count my age into the 90s." Tony glanced at Steve before choosing which direction the questions would go around in. 

"State your name and your question for whatever hero you choose kid. " Tony instructed the impatient students. 

"Hi I'm Seymour O'Reilly and my question is for Bruce Banner. Have you ever Hulked out during simple tasks like brushing your teeth. "

"Uh yes many times, once I "hulked out" while brushing my hair and ripped some of it out I had a bald spot. " Bruce stared at his feet, heat creeping up his neck as he recalled the memory. 

"I'm Betty Brant and I have two questions unrelated. First off am I allowed to use some of this for the school paper? "

"Yes."

"Oh okay great! Second off my question is for Mrs. Widow, what could you say as a inspirational quote to young girls? "

Natasha was slightly taken aback by the deeper question but regained her posture and mulled it over for a minute. "Keep your head high and always remember you aren't responsible for anyone else but yourself so don't let others drag you down. "

"I'm Jason Ionello and my question is to Mr. Barton, do you have any silly customized arrows?"

"It's Clint and yes, once I used a confetti arrow with the "Pocketful of Sunshine" on repeat for 30 hours to wake up Peter over there. God it was amazing! " Clint started bursting into even more laughter at Peter's ashamed face who was trying to keep a low profile. 

"Flash Thompson, I'm sure you heard of me-"

"We haven't. " Tony interrupted, keeping a cold look on his face. 

"Oookay then... " Flash awkwardly squirmed in his seat before regaining his confidence. "Does Pen- does Parker really work here? "

Before Tony could respond the doors bursted open before being quickly slammed again, commotion going outside the room. A disheveled Pepper Potts ran towards the class. 

"Where is Peter? Peter?" She yelled, quite distressed. Immediately sensing her urgency, Tony hopped off the stage as Peter sprinted from his seat to catch up with Pep. 

"Okay so there is no time but apparently someone has leaked information to the press that a teen claims to have a internship here and now the press wants answers which just so happens to be on the day of a conference! " Pepper throws up her hands in disbelief. 

"What? Who leaked fake information about my kid? " Tony's furious eyes glance around the room as a not so subtly guilty Flash sinks into his seat. 

"Fuck...okay. Alright Midtown we are changing gears I want you all to head to the back of the room to make space for the reporters. Any information you get here will and cannot be spoken about outside this tour you got that?" Tony pointed a accusatory finger at all the students, his own heart beat picking up in stress. 

"FRI, get Peter a formal suit and get him tidied up." Pepper called out to the cameras in the room. 

"Okay listen to me Pete, I know you are stressing and stuff okay but are you ready to go public? " Tony's eyes darted around Peter's face, searching for the answers in his eyes. 

"Yeah... Yeah I'm ready just a little- or well a lot nervous. " Peter humorlessly chuckled as a assistant passed him a formal suit to get into before the press would enter. 

Peter retreated behind the curtains of the stage, changing into his suit while taking deep breaths. This was it. 

He was going to announce his full name on camera. 

Peter Parker-Stark. Yay I guess. 

"Alright alright everyone settle down Jesus Christ people! " Happy yelled over the bustling crowd. Each trying to shove their way to the front to get their questions answered. 

Happy turned around and motioned for Tony to take the lead on the crowd and to introduce the teenager standing awkwardly behind Natasha.

"Hello everyone, now I'm sure you all have questions about the ongoing accusations about a fake internship teen breaking into the tower. Now I can reassure you there is no fake internship or any trespassing alright? " Tony glanced around the room, murmurs of agreement bouncing along the voices of the crowd. The AcaDec team shoved into a corner with thousands of their own questions and why Peter was standing on stage. 

"But! There is in fact a teen. " Before the crowd can begin screaming again Tony turned to Peter. "Not exactly in the way you think though. Let me introduce you to the future and the heir of Stark Industries, my son Peter Parker-Stark! " Almost immediately cheers and shouts echoed off the walls as Peter began to walk up to the podium, he couldn't help but feel a little satisfied at the gaping mouth of Flash Thompson who went pale. 

"Uh. Hi. " Just by two words Peter was caught off guard by the amount of flashes of cameras blinding him. 

"Turn off your flashes! " Happy's voiced boomed from behind Peter as the crowd began to shuffle around with their cameras. 

"Uh... my name is Peter and uh, " Peter glanced back at Pepper, unsure of what to say but she just gave a reassuring nod. 

"And well, Tony just introduced me so I'm uh, not sure what to say? " Peter chuckled humorlessly, a lump of slight panic beginning to form in his throat as hundreds of eyes curiously inspected him. "Questions? "

Questions began to be shouted at Peter who could barely even hear any voice, on a limb he just randomly chose whoever seemed nicest (not that there were many options of who is nice.) 

"Uh you in the red tuxedo! " Peter yelled over the crowd. 

The man began to scream his question "How has Tony managed to keep you undercover for years?"

"Well I was actually adopted so... uh you in the hat! "

"How old are you? "

Peter turned to Tony, unsure if that was okay to answer but Tony just nodded, his smile unfaltering. 

"I'm 16 at the moment, " as further questions about his age and adoption began to be shouted he added "And Tony adopted me when I was about late 14, so I haven't been uncover for so long. "

After nearly a hour passed of long and boring questions about Peter's life, half of which he couldn't answer or just was disgusted by, the press conference began to slow down, reporters began to get satisfied with the answers they were getting.

Until one particular person caught Peter's eyes. 

He froze, recognizing the person by their slicked blonde hair, and the tidy suit he had on. 

Peter felt his throat close, he felt vulnerable again, his heart pounded against his chest as if he was going into cardiac arrest. It couldn't be. He moved away. How could he be back? 

But the predatory grin that plastered the man's face was all too familiar. 

Sweat beads began to collect on Peter's forehead. His hands shaking nervously as his knees felt like they were going to snap under just a breeze of wind. His heart sank as he finally caught the man's eyes. He didn't want to be here anymore. His breaths were getting more and more uneven and picking up pace as he continued to look into the familiar man's eyes. He knew him too well. Peter's mind felt like it was snapping under the weight of buried memories being taken out from the locked away part of his brain. 

His eyes became blurry as he felt lightheaded, eyes still locked on the man's blue eyes. He felt himself fall slightly forwards, his hands catching himself on the edge of the podium. He didn't care that this was his first introduction anymore. He didn't care that people would think of him as pathetic. That was what the man always thought of Peter anyways. 

Maybe Peter was imagining things. That would explain this. Why would he be back after all these years? He left shortly after May died in that car crash. He left Peter more vulnerable and scared then he had ever been. 

As Peter began to recall the buried memories, he suddenly remembered why exactly he began to hurt himself. Because of him. Because he was a disgusting predator that hurt Peter. Because of him, Peter's mental state had crashed so far down. It was because of his relatives deaths but it was mainly sourced by him. 

By Skip Westcott.

"Hey there Einstein! Missed me? "

Chapter Text

That voice. 

That voice that whispered into his ears about how worthless he was. 

That voice that used Peter's own pain for his pleasure. 

That voice that made Peter cut his skin so the man could use his winces as future pleasure. 

That voice that had touched Peter at only 12 years old. 

The voice that sent Peter over the edge into panic in front of hundreds of cameras. 

Peter felt panic surge through his body, tears welling up in his eyes as he retreated behind the curtains, collapsing onto the nearest wall into sobs, recalling the memories, the voices, the pain, the hands on his body. 

Peter was 16 now. He was raped at 12. Cells took 7 years to regenerate. That means that Peter still wasn't rid of the filthy hands that covered his body 4 years ago.

He felt bile rising to his throat as guttural sobs ripped from his throat. Voices began to speak around him, his cries only getting louder. He knew he wasn't alone, but he felt so scared. So alone. So vulnerable. And that only terrified him more. 

He glanced up, seeing all of the Avengers gathered around him. Fuck. This was so embarrassing, he felt so ashamed remembering this wasn't even his suit. And he just ran out of a press conference, how would the public think of him now? 'A pathetic, worthless, disgusting slut is all you ever will be,'  is what Skip would say right now. 

Maybe Skip was right. 

He truly was pathetic. 

He was crying in front of the goddamn Avengers.

In front of geniuses, gods, spies, and fucking superheroes. And all he was doing was crying because of something that happened four years ago that was Peter's fault. 

"Peter! " Tony shook Peter's shoulders violently, wincing at the huge flinch Peter gave in return. 

"Peter I need you to take a breath okay?" Tony's eyes searched Peter's face, he looked so young and scared. What could have invoked this? 

"Guys back up! " Tony screeched at the Avengers, all of them retreating backwards about 5 feet, all of their eyes locked on Peter in concern, wondering the same thing as Tony. 

"What happened? " Pepper ran in from the curtains, all of the reporters and your groups being evacuated from the conference. 

"I-I don't know. Peter bud I need you to speak to me alright? " Tony's voice softened, trying to relax Peter's tensed shoulders. 

"Breath kid breath. Alright in for one...two...three... hold...out... two... three. " Tony made Peter repeat this breathing exercise until his sobs turned into just small sniffles. 

Peter avoided Tony and Pepper's gazes, ashamed of his previous panic attack. 

"Okay Pete. Can you tell me what happened? "

Peter's eyes shot back up to Tony in fear, he didn't want to tell him at all. But he couldn't just lie considering there were two spies right behind Tony. So he did the next best thing. 

"I d-dont w-want to. " Peter's voice was rough from the sobbing, his words stuttering as he hiccuped and choked on his own tears. 

Tony glanced back at Pepper, needing the help. Peter usually told him everything. What could've been so horrible that not even Peter would want to tell him. 

Well I guess not everything since he apparently used to hurt himself. God Tony should stop joking about that. Yet Tony couldn't help but wonder if this whole thing was connected to Peter's self harm issues. 

"Peter... " Pepper walked towards her kid, he looked so small and scared. Carefully she placed her palm on his check, he leaned into the touch as she wiped away his tears with his thumb. 

Bile reached Peter's throat, he glanced at all the pitiful looks the Avengers gave him, was he truly that pathetic? He felt the need to vomit, gagging silently, swallowing back down the burning liquid that screamed to be released from his throat. 

"No! Don't look at me like that! " Peter shot up, his eyes darting around his room frantically, seeing the Avengers all looking sad and concerned which he mistook for pity. 

"Y-you- I don't need your pity! Every one of you! I don't need any of your pity! Is that what this is Tony? I- what? I cry and now I'm back to being a charity case? Was Flash right? Am I just something to pity? Was Skip right? Am I just a worthless and pathetic and-" Peter realized his rambling. He froze, tears falling freely out of his eyes. His hands shook, terror spread across his face. 

Bucky broke the silence that engulfed the room. "Who is Skip. "

Peter flinched violently at the name, his throat closing as his expression turned blank, like his emotions just turned off. 

Without a word Peter just walked out of the room. No crying, no screaming, no panic, just blankly walked out. 

The silence that remained after Peter walked out was deafening. Nobody moved, the only sounds being heard was the silent cries of Pepper, so terrified for her son. 

But nevertheless Bucky was right. 

Who was Skip? Tony was going to get to the bottom of this. 

Peter sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling on Instagram to see people's thoughts on the new and not improved Stark who just ran out of the conference like a little pussy. 

@capsiclefan6969

        -What do we think about the new Peter kid

Replying to @capsiclefan6969

        @legolasfan11

                     -Not a fan. 

@FlashSpidey

          -I knew Peter before he became a Stark, we were super close. 

Replying to @FlashSpidey

          @Ned!!leeds

                        -You were horrible to him! Stop                                lying!! 

@JJJameson

             -Check out my podcast on why Peter Parker will never be a true Stark!

Replying to @JJJameson

             @MJ420

                          -Who are you again? 

Peter dryly chuckled at the last comment and reply. I guess Jonah would always hate Peter, alter ego or not, and thank God for MJ's snarky replies. 

The press conference ordeal nearly made Peter forget why he even had a panic attack in the first place. 

Turning off his phone, he turned in his bed to stare at the blank wall, it used to be covered in all sorts of posters with his favorite bands and scientists, but he needed to blow off steam and it was better then blowing things up. 

He uncomfortably shuffled in his bed, it was covered in the ripped up posters, his cheek felt something wet on his pillow, knowing it was the tears from his earlier sobbing. 

Suddenly the nauseous feeling returned to his throat. He darted to his restroom, tears falling into the toilet as his lunch came up again. The burning in his throat as the food loosely spilled into the toilet, the pungent smell nearly sending Peter into another wave of vomiting. 

He coughed out the remaining chunks of food, he sat back beside the toilet, reaching up to flush down the liquids. 

This day felt so long. So much happened in just the span of less than 6 hours. He glanced down at his wrists. 

Angry red lines filled his arms, dried up scabs laying on top of the scars. He knew Tony had offered to help him get clean, but it didn't matter now. 

He pitied Peter. 

If that wasn't the worst feeling in the world then he didn't know what else was. 

Other then grief and loss of innocence I guess. 

Peter lifted himself up, shutting the bathroom door, he turned to his drawer, picking up a small box and towel that was covered in dried blood. 

He leaned against his tub as he opened the box, revealing 6 small razors, he picked up the 3rd largest. 

Wrists would be too revealing right now. And Tony knew that Peter had cut his wrists. Peter hated tank tops anyways. 

Slowly, he lifted his sleeve, gliding the razor against his shoulder, small droplets of blood seeped out and dripped over his arm. 

Hissing through his teeth he picked up the bloodied rag, roughly rubbing it against both shoulders to dry up the blood. 

The urge became strong again, he gived up drying the blood, picked up the sharpest razor he had, and pressed it to his skin. 

He couldn't stop. 

He ran the blade over his shoulder, again, and again, and again, and again. 

He chose to focus on one scar now, he sliced it over and over, more blood leaking from the scars. 

He froze. 

There was white. 

He reached the second layer of skin. 

Dropping the blade in a clatter, he kept whispering panicked mumbling under his breath. Terrified as to what he had just done. 

It would heal in about an hour but nevertheless it was terrifying to see. 

But all Peter could do was cry. 

He didn't want to deal with Skip, with his parents deaths, his aunt and uncle, and the pitiful glances the Avengers and Pepper gave him. 

He wanted it all to just stop. 

But he couldn't just stop his life. 

After all, he was just a cowardly slut. 

Just as Skip told him.

Tony's breath hitched, his eyes darted around at the files that FRIDAY had pulled up. He felt so nauseous. 

He thought that maybe Skip was a bully of some sort. And he was. Just not the type he wanted. 

He was a 40 year old man at the time. At the time he raped a 12 year old Peter. 

His kid was raped and he didn't tell him. 

"Nat..? I need you to come see this. " Tony's voice was quiet and hushed, his eyes staring in horror as his hand covered his mouth. 

"Whats wrong? " Nat followed Tony's eye trail, landing on what he was staring so terrified at. 

Skip wasn't a random kid. He was the man that raped Peter. 

Normally Nat could keep a straight face in anything, keep her expression blank and unreadable. But she couldn't this time. Not when she found out her sixteen year old nephew was raped at twelve.

Peter deserved everything in the world. And he instead gets a good old plate of trauma dinner every year. If Nat could take his pain she would without a second of hesitation. 

But slowly as she thought it over she realized, her nephew was raped. And there was no justice served to the rapist. Nothing. Angry began seeping throughout all of her body, feeling immense fury for her kid.

"Alright imposter syndrome chill, I have a plan before you do any shit to the Skip guy alright? " Tony reassured, his own eyes full of concern for Peter. 

Excuse me? Peter was raped at the age of twelve and Tony just asked her to chill? Like it wasn't a big deal? And knowing Stark, his plans tend to go to bullshit unless it requires a near death experience for Tony. This was bullshit. 

"Just trust me alright? " Tony's soft voice, broken and hurt, snapped her out of her fury. 

Tony never let anyone see him hurt or cry. 

Guess it took a angsty teenager to finally knock down his well fortified mental walls, not that she could complain though seeing as Peter had that affect on every Avenger, including Loki. 

Nat took a deep breath, mulling over her decisions before finalizing on trusting Tony. 

"Alright then. Whats the plan? "

"I got it from here, you can just sit back and relax. It's gonna be fine. " 

After a night of restless sleep and his irritated cuts smearing small but unnoticeable blood stains on his mattress, and the smell of vomit slightly lingering in his room, Peter woke up. 

"FRIDAY, day status report. " Peter mumbled from his bed, shoving his face back into his tear stained pillow. 

"It is currently May 6th, Saturday morning, 7:43, with a high of 75˚ and a low of 68˚, the sky is clear with minimal clouds and currently is 73˚ but feels like 76˚"

"Eugh, FRIDAY make it fall again. "

"I am sorry Peter but it appears I cannot do that. " The AI responded in a slightly amused tone. 

"It appears you have 21 lacerations on your left shoulder and 12 on your right shoulder, should I inform Boss? "

Peter shot up from his pillow, immediately all drowsiness gone in less then seconds. "No! "

"Okay Peter. "

Peter took a sigh of relief, Tony couldn't know that Peter had already broken his clean streak in less then 24 hours. That would make Tony see him as even more pathetic then before. 

Despite feeling hungry, Peter lost all of his appetite at the thought of Tony staring at him disgusted. He already remembered the look of pleasure and disgust on Flash's face when he saw his cuts during the incident with Laura Lee yesterday. 

Oh man that was yesterday? Jeez it feels like it's been weeks, time really does pass by slowly when you realize you are on the verge of fucking killing yourself. 

Peter hopped out of his bed and began getting ready, quickly dashing out the door to resume his duties as the future of SI. 

On his StarkPad it informed him that he would take over the responsibilities of showing some new hires around the tower and then have a 3pm meeting with some other guys or something. 

After an elevator ride that seemed to go on forever, Peter finally arrived in the packed lobby. 

Searching for the new recruits that would have Beta 1 badges as they were trainees. Who knows? Maybe one will become the next Avenger. That'd be pretty cool. 

Unfortunately for Peter things turned out to be extremely not cool. 

Peter's heart dropped. Moisture from his mouth disappearing, his hands became clammy, the room began to feel too packed, his tie feeling too tight. 

The room began to tilt. 

Peter felt his heartbeat race and his eyes glazed over as he made eye contact with the person that resulted in all 33 cuts on his shoulders yesterday, his panic attack, and his unpleasant vomiting. 

Why the fuck was Skip Westcott hired. 

In a daze Peter felt his stomach lurch, his feet stumble forwards, and his hands swing in front of himself to catch himself, but it was too late, his hands caught onto the closest person near him. 

"Aww Petey-pie, did you miss me that much you lunge for me? "

Just at the sound of his voice, Peter felt his stomach flip and drop dead, without being able to swallow it back, Peter vomited all over Skip. 

Did the gods really hate Peter that much? 

Chapter Text

MJ listened intently, she and Ned were both so proud of how well Peter was holding up on that stage in front of hundreds of cameras. 

She couldn't help but feel immense satisfaction at the sight of Flash's jaw dropping at the announcement of his name, Peter Parker-Stark. 

After nearly a hour of questions the press began to slowly clear out, yet still loads remaining, she knew the tour was going to end soon seeing that school would end in about 30 minutes. 

Suddenly, as she blankly stared at her book, commotion began rising around her, glancing up she saw Peter's panicked face, tears welling in his eyes as he darted behind the curtain. 

"Peter? " Ned yelled, he began pushing his way towards the front before security guards began emptying the room. 

"Hey woah woah woah! Thats my best friend! Get off of me! " Guards began to shove Ned, gripping him by the arms as he resisted with all his strength. 

MJ's typical bored face faltered, concern flashing over her eyes, her heart began to pound. Pushing through the crowd and slipping her way underneath the security guards arms she made her way in front of the stage. 

"Peter! " She called out, beginning to lift herself to tend to her terrified boyfriend. 

Her heart clenched, hearing his panicked sobs through the curtain. She had to go help him. 

Behind her, Mr. Harrington yanked her wrist back, a red mark already forming by the pressure and strain. 

"Get off! " MJ spat at her teacher, before she could let herself free, security guards grabbed her ankles, lifting her off the stage. 

"No! Let go!" Before she could slap the guards, one of them gripped her wrists, fully restraining her. 

"Peter!" MJ screeched, hoping that maybe her voice would carry out. As she was being thrown back to her class, she saw a empathetic Pepper glance her way before going behind the curtains. 

MJ's mind raced. She had been helping him practice presenting himself in front of the press, she knew he was ready, something like cameras wouldn't throw him off so easily, maybe he might be scared but overall he did so well during presentations. What happened just now? 

As the group was sent to the lobby, Ned and MJ were glued to their phones, spamming Peter messages and asking what had happened. 

Her concern only grew more, he hadn't even seen their messages yet. 

She hoped that this wasn't connected to his trauma or perhaps something he was hiding from them. 

Whatever the case, she'll figure it out, one way or another. 

"Oh my god-" Peter coughed on his own vomit, some splattering on Skip's suit once more. 

"I am so sorry. " He knew he should apologize to Skip's face, but he didn't have the courage to look in his eyes again. Not after what he did. 

Peter felt hundreds of eyes staring at him, his throat clenching as his hands shook, tears began welling up in his eyes. 

"I didn't mean to! I-I don't know why-" Skip raised his hand abruptly, cutting Peter off as he flinched so violently, putting his arms in front of his face to shield himself. 

God Peter must look so pathetic right now. 

Before Peter could prepare himself for what was about to happen, he let out a small yet noticeable sob. 

All of those dramatics for Skip to just rest a hand on his shoulder, like any normal gentleman would. 

"It's okay kid, do you know where the washrooms are? " Peter glanced up at the man's blue eyes, his previous soft smile turning into a predatory grin. 

He felt so scared hearing his voice so innocent and kind, seeing that pedophile's smirk once again nearly threw Peter off the edge. 

"Uh. " He cleared his throat, heat rising to his face as he remembered just where he was and who he was. 

He was Peter Stark. He needed to get a grip on things. 

"Follow me, sir. " Calling Skip sir felt like one of the worst things to ever say. People like Tony and Clint and Bucky deserved the title sir. It wasn't a word for a slut to call his rapist. Sir meant respect. And Skip was one of the least respectful men Peter had ever meant in his life. 

Which says a lot considering he's a fucking super hero. 

As the two seperated from the crowd and group of trainees, Peter felt his heart beat speeding up, his senses picking up on the way Skip's own heart began picking up pace as well. 

He just needed to clean his suit, wash up, and give the new trainees a tour of the building, easy stuff, he did this every Saturday. 

Glancing down at his watch, not much time had passed. It was currently 8:33, thats fine, he had plenty of the day left, he just need to clear his mind, tidy himself up, avoid having another panic attack, stay away from Skip and try not to die by humiliation. Easy as pie.

Suddenly his phone vibrated in his pocket. 

FRIDAY

You are being excused from your morning work, your only responsible for the 3pm meeting. You may rest Peter. 

'Oh you've got to be fucking kidding me' Peter audibly sighed, bringing Skip's attention towards him as they finally entered the restroom. 

"So long time no see huh Einstein? " Skip turned at Peter, a smug grin on his face. 

"Yep." Peter dashed into the stall before Skip could resume conversation, already feeling panic rise in his mind. He ripped toilet paper out of the dispenser, wiping off some vomit chunks, gagging at the smell and texture that seeped through the paper. 

"Where are your manners young man? Running off like that, what would May think of you? "

"Well if she was still alive I wouldn't have met you and wouldn't have bar codes to scan myself out the fucking grocery store now would I Skip? " Peter froze at his own words. 

He couldn't tell whether to start laughing or sobbing at the fact he just snapped at his past foster father, this was turning out to be a terrific day. Totally. 

Skip's shoes stopped in front of Peter's stall, he slammed his fist, the sound echoing off the walls as the stall shook around Peter. 

"What the fuck did you just say to me? " Skip yelled, furious at Peter. 

"I'm sorry. " Peter's voice got small, he felt vulnerable again, trapped in a small stall with no escape. His shoulders began shaking, fear consuming him. 

Hands gripped the stall door, sliding a small screwdriver in between the lock and the door. With careful precision, Skip unlocked the door and entered. 

Peter lifted his legs onto the toilet seat, curling into a ball, avoiding Skip's eye contact as he locked the door. Both trapped inside. 

Peter's senses were screaming in his ear, but he couldn't bring himself to move. 

"Oh Peter. Look at you, so small and scared. How adorable. " Skip rested his palm on Peter's shoulder, using his other hand he lifted Peter's chin. 

"Same doe eyes huh? Never grew out of them I guess. And still a pathetic little slut like you were before. " Skip chuckled to himself, reminiscing on the past memories. 

"Please stop. " Tears began falling out of his eyes, he felt so pathetic, Skip handling him like he was something fragile.

He wanted to get up, he needed to, he could just punch Skip into the wall, get out of there so easily. But he didn't. All of his previous courage that snapped at Skip was gone, he felt like he was 12 again, in that same vulnerable position. 

His wrists leaking with blood, as his lower body ached after being hurt by Skip every day, when his grades had dropped and everyone looked at him differently, he lost so much weight around that time, and according to the doctors, a lot of blood. 

And now here he was, re-experiencing everything once again at sixteen. 

Skip slid his hand onto Peter's chest, rubbing in slow circles as he hummed. Suddenly Peter snapped.

"Get off! " Peter slammed Skip's head into the wall, adrenaline pumped in Peter's veins as he sprinted out of the bathroom, black dots dancing in his vision as he reached the elevator, collapsing onto the wall, hyperventilating as if his lung were clawing at his throat to let in air. 

Tears freely began dripping down his eyes, hands shaking so furiously as he began to scratch at the scabbed scars on his wrists and shoulders. 

Everything was rushing back. 

The grief of his family, the feelings of pleasure mixed with immense pain, the tears, the cuts, the foster care, Skip's smell and home, everything was spinning around Peter. 

Nausea began bubbling up Peter's throat, animalistic sobs tearing their way out of his throat, everything felt so wrong. He didn't feel like he was in his body, trembling so badly that even when he glanced up, everything was blurry from both the tears and the quickened movement. 

As the elevator doors opened to the penthouse, Peter didn't even realize that Bucky and Steve were standing right outside, he shoved past them, running to his room, slamming the door shut as his fingers fumbled with the lock, and collapsing onto his bed. 

Screaming frantically into his pillow, his shoulders shaking violently as his chest racked with sobs, anguish filling his gut, his pillow shortly being soaked with his salty tears. 

Everything felt so wrong. He craved comfort. He wanted Ned, or MJ. He wanted his dad. 

Lifting himself off of his bed, he went to his restroom. Glancing into the mirror, he noticed how miserable he looked, yanking off his vomited stained shirt, he put on a soft blue hoodie that perfectly covered his shoulders, wrists, and thighs. 

He sank against the wall, pulling a razor from his drawer. His hands shook, unsteadily he pulled the razor across his thigh. Sinking into his skin with more pressure as he went on, blood droplets dripping to the floor. 

Hissing through his teeth he began to clean up. Rubbing all of his fresh scars that covered his thighs and arms. Each shuffle hurt his cuts, the soft fabric pulling across his skin, somehow feeling rough on each cut. 

Maybe Skip was right. He was just a pathetic slut. May would be so disappointed in him. He was worthless. Truly just worthless. 

"Hey FRI? What time is it? "

"It is currently 10am mini boss. "

He had been cutting for over an hour? Sheesh, time flies by when you are on the verge of killing yourself I guess. 

What a morning, he hadn't even had breakfast yet and he was already cutting himself. 

'Maybe you could do better without food for once, seeing how big you are, disgusting pig. '

Peter froze at his own thoughts. He wasn't wrong but it still hurt to hear, especially from himself. 

He sighed, lifting his pants up and exiting the bathroom, as he opened his door, he revealed a horrified Steve and Bucky. 

Fuck.

"FRIDAY, give me a summary on what Peter did today so far. "

"So far, Peter had gone downstairs to meet the new hires, met Skip Westcott, and vomited on the man, both had escaped to the restroom, Peter was seen exiting, having a panic attack and rushing to his room where he had gave himself self inflicted scars. "

Tony's heart dropped. He thought Peter would confront the man. God he was so stupid for hiring him. 

Sighing to himself, he came to the decision to just allow Peter to talk to him or Skip on his own terms, he needed the kid to heal with support but also independence, no matter how difficult. 

(Whoever said Tony Stark made good decisions was a liar.) 

"Peter? We heard you... screaming. Are you alright? " Steve put a reassuring hand on Peter's shoulders, but it just sent Peter into a frenzy. Steve was holding him in the same way Skip was earlier. And both the men heard Peter screaming. 

He kept his face numb and blank, unreadable. He shoved his hands into his pockets to hide them shaking and sweating at the new evaluation. 

"Fuck off. " Peter shrugged his hands off his shoulders, walking to the kitchen and sitting on his phone to respond to the hundreds of text messages Ned and MJ sent him.

He couldn't help but feel warmth rise in his chest, seeing the concern that his friends shared with him. But the warmth was quickly shot down. He didn't want them to be scared or concerned for Peter, he wanted them to be distant, so they don't get hurt by him in one way or another. 

"Language." Steve and Bucky followed Peter into the kitchen, Steve couldn't hide his growing worry for Peter but was relieved to see him just staring at his phone, not daring to look up. 

"Whatever man. " Peter scoffed, his attitude returning in a instant. 

"Hey. You do not get to speak to Steve like that. " Anger began swelling in his chest, Peter had no right to snap at his boyfriend, let alone give him attitude. 

Sensing Bucky's rising anger, he softened, his voice quiet, "I-I'm sorry, my day has just been rough so far. "

Steve pulled a bar stool to sit next to Peter, his eyes glancing around Peter's small figure in concern, occasionally darting to Bucky. 

"Do you want to talk about it? " He offered. 

"No I-I, I don't think I can right now. " Peter's voice wavered. 

Suddenly, Bucky gasped, his eyes darting to a blooming red stain on Peter's hoodie, right where his wrist was. 

Steve glanced up in confusion, his eyes following where Bucky's landed, horror settling in his gut. 

Peter looked up at the two men, both frozen in fear, his eyes following theirs, landing on his own hoodie. 

Blood. 

Blood seeped onto his hoodie. 

Standing up so quickly, his head began to reel with nausea, running out the door so fast the door slammed behind him due to the quick breeze Peter created. 

He need a breath of fresh air. 

Dashing out to the balcony, locking it behind him, he lifted his hoodie up, the blood smeared across his wrist. 

His breath quickened. 

He couldn't do this anymore. 

Hold the grief, the trauma, the rape, the cuts, everything about his life. Even his friends and family were so worried for him that he could barely even stay happy without them thinking he was faking it. 

Taking a deep breath he made a decision. 

Sending a quick text to the Avengers and his trio's group chats, not even realizing he was already standing on the edge. 

Peter-man

Im so sorry. Thank you all for everything. 

Peter ripped off his web shooters and tossed his phone to the side. 

He was truly just worthless. He should let the ones that were worth something not bear the burden of caring for Peter. 

Sighing, he glanced down the edge, it looked so peaceful down there, everyone going about their daily lives, all happy with everything they do. 

So peaceful. 

Finally, with his last breath of courage, Peter jumped. 

His hair whipping through the wind, the breeze catching his body in just the most perfect way, the sun was at its highest point now, so perfect, not a cloud in the sky. 

For once in a long time, Peter felt truly happy, closing his eyes, he reflected on his good memories. There weren't many, making every single good one a hundred times better. 

Finally, with one final impact, his world went blank. 

Chapter Text

"Alright kid wake up! " His caretaker popped her gum in his mouth, waking him up with a scare. 

"Five more minutes Jackie... " He mumbled, still half asleep, craving more slumber. 

"Bitch get up! You only have like 10 minutes, someone's here to adopt you. " She slapped his hand softly, making him flinch slightly. 

"Fine." Peter hopped off his bed, turning to his drawers as he began packing what little he had of belongings. 

"Peter, I know you turn fifteen in like a couple weeks so here. " His other caretaker, Shauna, shoved a small cupcake in his hands, smearing some frosting on his hands. 

"Clean that up, make a good impression. " Shauna snapped, all kindness evaporating in seconds. 

What lovely caretakers... so kind. Peter thought to himself, shoving the cupcake in his mouth he began zipping up his luggage. 

As the other two were waking up the remainder of the kids, Peter couldn't help but wonder who exactly would want to adopt him? Especially a teenager that wasn't done with puberty in this economy. 

Maybe another pedo like Skip. Or a lonely mother whose other kids already left. Maybe a kind man that was distant. A previously jailed person that wants someone to help him around a bit? 

The possibilities were endless, until his thoughts were ended. 

"Alright we gotta go Peter! " Jackie hollered from the stairs. 

"Coming! " Peter screamed back, taking a deep breath of anger, he didn't want to be adopted right now. 

Especially since they were probably just going to send him right back to the adoption center. 

Just like Skip. 

"Peter hurry the fuck up!" Shauna screeched at Peter, waking whatever sleepyheads that were still in their beds. 

Despite the often screaming, Peter knew he would miss the two caretakers, especially since at night they were so quiet and kind to Peter, a small smile came to his face, he sighed, grabbing his luggage and making his way to the stairs where Jackie stood. 

"Alrighty then, all ready? "

"Yep."

As the two made their way down the stairs and to the outside of the office Peter began to use his super hearing to his advantage and started tuning into the conversation on the inside of the headmaster's office. 

He recognized that voice. 

Although he couldn't really put his finger on it.

Until it clicked. 

Oh my God. 

Maybe it's a voice soundalike? 

Perhaps a voice actor! 

Yeah! Because why the hell would Tony Stark be at a adoption center? 

The door unlocked, his headmaster's hands were shaking, his face pale as a nervous smile plastered his face. 

"P-Peter, meet your new foster d-dad. This is Tony Stark. " Tony appeared from behind the door, sunglasses covering his eyes. 

Holy shit. 

HOLY SHIT! 

"Tony Stark? " Peter's voice raised about 12 octaves, cracking slightly at the sudden screech. Heat rose to his face as he tried to play it off cool, clearing his throat and began extending his hand forwards for a handshake, instead, he stumbled forwards. Face falling flat onto the ground with a quiet thud. 

'Kill me now. ' Peter thought to himself, considering if he should just web his mouth shut so he would never embarrass himself ever again. 

Tony began to chuckle, then stiffle his laughter, and then began full on cackling, Peter slowly rose up, face red with humiliation and due to slamming into the ground. 

"Oh my- wow- kid just- wow! " Tony continued his laughter, beginning to slow down. 

"You know how to make quite the impression huh kid? " Tony smiled warmly, putting his hand in front of himself as Peter shook his hand violently, stumbling over his own words. 

"Hi wow! Oh my gosh it is so amazing to meet you! I can't believe this! You're Tony Stark! Why are you here at the adoption center? I love your research and the iron man suits! Wait- why do you want to adopt me? This is so cool wow!" Peter continued shaking his hands as his ramble went on and on, the quick shaking making Tony's sunglasses fall to the tip of his nose. 

"Woah kid slow down! " Tony let go of Peter's hand, placing his right hand on Peter's left shoulder. "Listen as much as I would love to hear your rambling I'm on a bit of a time crunch right now so we should get to the car. "

"Oh! Sorry Mr. Stark I didn't even think of that! " Peter chuckled dryly, his eyes darting around as his heartbeat still sped. 

He was in the presence of Tony freaking Stark! And was being adopted by him! How insane is that? 

Peter practically was bouncing his way to the car, excitement and happiness taking over him, the whole walk Peter kept pinching or "accidentally" kicking himself to test if this was a dream. It seemed so unreal! 

Tony chuckled at the overly excited teen, never seeing any teenager so expressional and cheery. 

As they sat down in the back, Peter peered out the window, saying goodbye to his street, hopefully his last goodbye to the adoption center. 

Maybe Parker Luck™ wasn't so bad! Sure it brought him lots of... issues but it also introduced him to his favorite childhood hero! He couldn't wait until he could tell Ned about this! 

"So you excited to meet the Avengers? " Tony pulled his sunglasses off, revealing the dark eye bags that lay underneath his eyes. 

What. 

"Wait... Actually? " Peter screamed in excitement, turning his whole body to face a smug Tony. 

"Yep." He smiled down at Peter. If the kid was so excited to just see Tony in person, imagine how amazed he would be to see all the Avengers in one single place. 

"Bring your suit, I want to first introduce Spiderman and then Peter Parker. "

Oh. 

So that was why he adopted him, his heart fell slightly, yet quickly regaining his posture. He was still meeting the Avengers and was being adopted by the Tony Stark! 

Maybe, just maybe, his life was going to get better. 

"Alright we are here, Stark Tower! "

Tony sat beside Peter's bed, the soft beeping of machines that were hooked up to Peter echoing in the silent room. 

He couldn't bear to look at Peter, his bloodied bandages covering Peter's entire body, casts surrounding his legs and arms, severe concussion, and possible permanent damage to the skin on his wrists, maybe Strange could help him with that but the rest was going to take time by regular medicine. 

The sickening crack of Peter's head hitting the ground repeated in his mind over and over. He was right there and he couldn't save his son. And now he had to suffer the consequences of not taking proper care of him. 

This was all his fault. He hired Skip. He assumed that Peter would confront Skip, he should've known that Peter was nowhere near in the correct mindset to do that. 

And now he was in a medically induced coma. 

All Tony could do was wait. 

Wait for Peter to wake up, wait for Happy to arrest Skip, wait to bring justice for Peter. 

Just wait. 

His eyes were glued to his phone, rereading the message Peter had sent him before he jumped. 

"I'm sorry. "

What did the kid have to be sorry for? He was- no, he is an extraordinary person. 

The kid didn't attempt to commit suicide, he was just sorry that he damaged his web shooters when he tossed them to the side, or that he cracked his phone as he practically threw it across the balcony. 

That was why Peter was sorry.

He was going to be okay. 

He knew that. 

Tony wiped away the tears that began forming in his eyes as Bruce walked into the room. 

"Hey Tony, how are you? "

"I'm fine, how is Peter? " Tony shot up from his chair, worry overtaking him. 

"He's doing better, Happy wanted to let you know that he has a group of experts on the search for Skip. "

"Okay. That-thats good, uh, when do you think Peter will wake up? "

"In the span of a week, us doctors are doing everything we can and it shouldn't be too long until he wakes up considering his healing factor."

Tony felt like he could finally breathe again, a sigh of relief escaping his lips, his heart soared. 

Peter was going to be okay.

Three days past, the group of spies finally had a lead on Skip as Natasha was leading them. 

This guy was good, he covered his tracks, but not well enough. 

The man was currently hiding in Upper Peninsula Michigan, bingo. 

Natasha and the group stayed in a higher building where they peered down on where Skip was currently attaching newspapers to his apartment's window. 

It was like he was begging for attention Natasha thought. Maybe he wasn't as good as she originally thought. 

The man continued to place the newspaper on the windows, his face hidden away slightly as if ashamed of what he did. Too late for that. 

Hours passed, the spies still keeping an eye on Skip, waiting for Happy to give the clear to attack him. 

"Alright. Tony fell asleep next to Peter, you can arrest him now. Make sure to give him hell. "

Natasha hummed her agreement. 

The spies began falling in, entering the apartment complex, each making their way up the stairs with silent footsteps. 

Natasha couldn't help but shake the feeling of something being wrong, yet she continued the plan, Steve had her sign contracts to follow the plan exactly, and improvise only if needed. 

As the spies met up outside his door, one erased all footage of them ever being there. 

"Okay then, lets head in. " She whispered in Russian, not that it would matter considering they would break down the door in a second. 

She kicked the door, furious at the man who had hurt her nephew.

As they entered, the man shot up from his bed, his expression shocked with fear. 

She studied him. Something looked different. 

That wasn't Skip Westcott. 

It was a decoy. 

Suddenly a gunshot rang out from the alley.

Happy burst into the medbay, frantic and hurt. 

"Tony! " He shook him awake. 

"What- What is it!" Tony stood quickly, his chair falling back onto the floor with a loud thud that made the two men flinch. 

"Its- it's Skip! " Tony's heart dropped. This wasn't good. 

"H-he hired a look-a-like as a decoy!" Happy's breathing quickened, his heart racing. 

"What happened? " Tony's eyes darted around Happy's face as if it would hold the answers right there. 

Movement stirred behind the men without them noticing, both too frantic to pay attention to anything but each other. 

"Happy breath. What happened? " Tony placed his hands on Happy's shoulder, grounding him enough to slow down and speak. 

"The spies had payed attention to the decoy, and when they entered "Skip's" apartment, he was gone and then-"

He took a deep breath, preparing himself for what he was going to say next. 

"When the spies were distracted with fake Skip, the real Skip had avoided being jailed by-" He closed his eyes, sighing. 

More movement stirred, a figure lifting themselves to sit up. 

"He avoided being jailed by killing himself in a alley. "

"W-what? " A soft voice called out behind them, voice cracking in pain and fear. 

"Peter! " Tony turned around, his face contorted in horror. 

Peter heard. 

"He-he killed himself? Wait- you know about Skip? " Peter shot out of the bed, the machines being slightly yanked forwards with Peter, who kept his broken leg hovering above the ground. 

"Peter calm down! "

"No! You don't get to tell me to calm down! I- he killed himself! Do you know how many people he raped? So many Tony! Now they are never going to get justice- oh my God oh my God! " Peter began hyperventilating, his hand clutching his chest as tears began freely flowing down his scraped cheeks. 

"It's all my fault! If I just pushed him off he wouldn't- he wouldn't have liked it and continued to hurt people! He hurt so many little kids! I- and now he killed himself before anything! " His voice raised higher, his free yet bandaged hand yanking and ripping his hair out. 

"No Peter it is not your fault! You were only twelve! You didn't know what was happening! "

"No that's the thing I did know what was happening I was just too pussy to-" Peter cut himself off, raising his head as he made anguished eye contact with Tony. 

"How did you know I was twelve? " Tony froze, eyes darting away from Peter with shame. 

"I- your files. "

"You read my files? When? " Peter screamed, anger overwhelming him as his hands shook violently. "Before or after I tried to kill myself? "

Tony's mouth clamped shut, mortified at this whole situation. His voice was quiet and hurt. "Before." He said so silently that most humans wouldn't hear. But an enhanced one would. 

"It was you wasn't it. " Peter's voice went cold, Tony raised his head in confusion. "You hired him didn't you. "

Slowly, Tony nodded, breaths of anger escaping Peter who was livid. 

"You know what? You're right. It wasn't my fault, because you're the one who fucking hired him, the one responsible for my goddamn suicide attempt, and his death! You did this! Why the fuck didn't you talk to me? What the hell is wrong with you? " Peter screamed at Tony, hands clutching his hair so tightly his knuckles went white. 

Anger overtook Peter as Tony ashamedly avoided eye contact. 

"Hey woah that is not fair! It isn't his fault either he was just trying to help! " Happy shot back, walking forwards in front of Peter's face. 

"No, you know what isn't fair Happy? Hmm? You know what isn't fair? Hiring my goddamn rapist to what? What was your plan Tony? Spit it out! " His voice spat venom, cold and loud, his eyes locked on Tony. 

"I wanted you to confront him. "

"Oh! Oh yeah! Because that would work as if I didn't have a fucking panic attack just by hearing the nickname Einstein! Let alone confront him! Great plan! No flaws at all! " Peter screamed at Tony. 

"Fucking look at me! Why won't you look at me..." All of his anger evaporated in a instant, painful sobs escaping his throat. 

Tony's eyes shot up, he ran forwards attempting to comfort his son. 

"Don't fucking touch me! " Peter's hand swatted at Tony, softly slapping his side as Peter buckled over in sobs, landing onto his knees. 

"It hurts. It hurts so much. " Tony couldn't tell if Peter was talking about the mental pain, or his own broken limbs hitting the ground. 

"Get out. Please. " He pleaded, Tony was unsure of what to do as he glanced back at Happy in horror, his heart ached to comfort his own child. 

"I said get out! " Peter screamed, his eyes locking onto Tony's in fury. 

Peter was so furious, hurt, and grieving. Wishing he could just have died. He hated the fact that he was grieving his own rapist. Grieving the loss of his innocence and family. He hated this. Why couldn't he had just died.

He wanted Tony, but Tony was the person that hired Skip in the first place. It was a confusing feeling, wanting the comfort of someone, and to just scream at them. 

Yet no matter what. 

It hurt so much. 

Despite all this, Peter knew deep down, that no matter how much trauma or pain he would carry, he would always just hate himself. 

Chapter Text

Peter felt more and more bored as the days went on. 

So far three days had passed after everything. 

The same schedule repeating each day. 

Wake up, get a check up from Bruce, get Russian tutoring from Nat, have unwanted therapy sessions with Sam, let Loki and Thor play pranks, let Rhodey help him with walking again, get court updates with Happy, play Mariokart with Clint, call Ned and MJ, and kick Tony out of the medbay. 

That was his least favorite part of the day. Tony would walk in, looking heartbroken and tipsy with a possible hangover, and then have to yell at him again and again. 

And again. 

And again. 

And again... 

Man Tony never quit did he? He visited at least three times a day. It felt like hell seeing Tony stumble in, more and more drunk by the hours, he looked wrecked, not his problem though. 

If it wasn't for Tony, Skip would still be here, he would've had the justice served to him. 

At least tomorrow would be the day he would be released from the medbay, much faster than he thought it would take but it wasn't surprising seeing how well his healing factor worked without him forcing himself to throw up or hurt himself. 

He sighed, placing his head onto his pillow to drift into a restless sleep. The corners of his eyes prickling with tears as he regretted his past. It won't matter anymore. Not until next attempt.

He awoke in a dark room, water dripping in from the sides, rubble laying atop of him, heavy and resting across his entire back, rocks stabbing his legs and wrists. His scars reopening, pain shooting throughout his entire body. 

His head pounded as his heart beat against his chest. He was back at homecoming. 

A soft voice called out above him. 

"Peter! Help me please! " It was Aunt May, her voice echoing loudly, strained by pain. Adrenaline rushed through his body. He had to save her. 

Taking a deep breath he began shoving the rubble off of him, rocks broke his skin, blood rushing down his ankles. Wincing in pain he continued lifting. 

"May! " He yelped, stitches on his wrists began being sliced by the edges of the rocks, tears pouring out of his eyes. 

He had to save May. 

With one final push, the rubble tumbled beside him, relief flooding his veins, carefully, he limped to May. 

His heart dropped. 

Skip stood over May, a knife lodged into her throat, as she coughed out blood, her pale skin contrasting her usual tan. 

Lunging forwards, his skin began to rip from his scars, blood flowing out of his body, screams of pain ripping out of his throat. 

He didn't care about the pain. He had to save May. 

He stumbled forwards, palms landing onto sharp rocks, getting lodged into his hands. Blood flowed from all over his body, black dots dancing in his vision. 

He knew he needed help, but May was dying. He couldn't let her die again. 

He extended his hand forwards, reaching for May, his hand being quickly slapped away, he looked up, blood dribbling down his mouth, gasping at the sight of Tony. 

"You always make things worse Peter. Let the professionals handle it. " Tony picked May up, taking her to a ambulance that was parked outside the ruined building. 

May was safe, he didn't care that he was bleeding out, if May was safe everything would be alright. 

Suddenly, pain shot through his ankle, his skin tearing more, anguished screams escaping his mouth, blood pouring out in his tears, Skip's sharp boot landing on the ripped skin. 

Carefully Skip squatted beside Peter, lifting a knife to his leg, slowly peeling back the skin to reveal the sensitive muscle that lay underneath. 

Agony soared through his body, sobs tearing his throat, blood flowing all around Peter, his healing factor began working too quickly, the teared skin began repairing itself in a mutilated way. 

Muscle lay ontop of the inflamed skin, veins separated from the muscles as his bones bent in different ways. 

Skip still tearing his skin off piece by piece. 

The metallic smell of his own blood filling his nostrils, sleet began raining down from the sky, pain shooting through his sensitive body. 

Screams echoed across the street, yet it was as if no one heard them. Nausea bubbling in his throat, his vomit covering his own exposed nerves, his healing factor working too quickly as infection was brought into his body. 

Bile and blood stuck inside his throat, screams ripping from his lungs that felt as if they were being crushed. 

His screams echoing loudly in his ears, coughing up blood with the remaining bit of bile. From afar away he heard a explosion. 

Toomes crashed the plane. Toomes won. 

Peter failed. 

And now he lay in his own bloodied mess. 

Skip chuckled, his maniacal laughter ringing in his ears as Peter continued to scream in anguish and suffering. 

Excruciating pain shooting through his limbs, his skin peeling limply from his body as it worked it's way into his muscles, pus forming in the mixture of body parts. Blood and veins flowing outside of his body, his own vomit mixing into his teared skin. 

Pressure began forming behind his eyes. 

No. He wanted to yell no at his own body. There wasn't anything wrong with his eyes, he was just crying blood from the pain, they weren't broken! There wasn't anything to heal! 

Frantically, Peter began moving his arm to his eyes to stop his healing factor, pain coursed through his body, skin tearing all around his arm at the small movement, screams ripping from his throat once more, his throat raw and dry due to so much screaming and pain. 

The pressure deepened, his eyes slowly shutting. Peter wasn't blinking. Tears flowed down his face, contorted in pure pain, his eyelids clamping shut. Forever. 

His screams echoed louder. Each sense of his increasing immensely by his sight sense being cut off. 

He felt the coldness of his own body begin to form. The only warmth left was the blood that surrounded Peter. 

He wasn't dead. 

He was still screaming.

Tony shot out of bed. Peter's screams echoing down the hall, sobs of pain escaping his throat. 

Across his room Steve and Bucky both ran out of their beds, all three of them sprinting down the hall to reach the medbay.

Tony slammed the door open, Peter's body tossing around in his bed, his sreams filling his ears, he was in so much pain. 

Tears were flowing down his face, anguished screams of horror ripping from his throat, his stitches tearing on the sides as his wrists were flowing with blood. 

Peter's nails were scraping against his wrist, the scars reopening, the blood staining his bed sheets. 

Tony dashed to Peter's side, shaking his shoulders furiously. 

"Peter wake up! Peter! Peter! " His pleading became desperate, he couldn't bear to see his son in such pain. His own breathing quickened, panic flowing through his body. 

Steve ran to the other side of Peter, gripping his wrists and peeling his hand away from scratching his scabs, as Steve moved his hands Peter began scratching Steve's wrists making him wince slightly but he didn't care. His nephew was in so much pain. 

Bucky saw Steve and followed him, yanking and restraining his ankles from kicking Steve or Tony. Concern flooded the two men as they saw Tony keep shaking Peter, who wouldn't wake up. 

"Peter! " Tony slapped Peter's face, abruptly waking him up. 

Peter yanked his hands and ankles away from Steve and Bucky, his eyes staring in horror at Tony. He crawled back into the headrest, as far away from Tony as possible. 

"Peter you were dreaming! Are you okay? " Tony reached his hand forwards, Peter flinched violently, fear consuming his expression entirely as his chest heaved up and down. 

"Peter it's just me! " Tony waved his hands in front, showing he was empty handed. 

"You slapped me. " Peter's voice was soft, cracking slightly from all of his anguished screams. 

"Peter- Peter no it was to wake you up I'm sorry! " Tony pleaded, he wanted Peter back so badly, he hated seeing Peter have such immense fear in him. 

"Get out. " Peter pointed to the door, a sob escaping his throat before he clenched his mouth shut with his hands to silence his heavy breathing. 

"Peter you were screaming! What happened?" 

"You happened! You fucking left me! You left me alone with Skip! " Peter froze, eyes widening in horror, he didn't mean to blurt that out. 

Tony's heart shattered, what had he done? Peter had nightmares about him. 

It suddenly dawned on Tony, he was acting like Howard. What is wrong with him? 

"Please just- just go. " Peter gestured towards the door again, avoiding Tony's eyes. The three men hesitated, all glancing at each other unsure of what to do. 

"Leave! Leave just go now! " Peter waved his hands frantically at the door, motioning for them to get out. 

Bucky waited by the door for the other two to get out, Tony felt as if he was glued to the ground, his legs shaking too violently to get up, with a desperate glance the other two walked over and helped him out of the room. 

As the door locked, Peter collapsed into his pillow, sobbing heavily as his body heaved with nausea, the dream being replayed over and over. The pain felt so real, like he was truly under the rocks again, and as if his skin was truly tearing. 

He wanted the comfort of his dad so badly, yet he still felt immense anger at him. He went out of his way to hire Skip when he knew Peter was in a horrible mental state already. 

And now he was dead. 

And there was nothing Peter could do about it.

Bucky and Steve placed Tony onto the couch, he began bouncing his leg nervously, tears welling up in his eyes as he tried to shield his face from the others.

Without Tony realizing, he began digging his fingernails onto his healed and years old scars, scratching them back and forth as adrenaline pumped through his veins. 

Suddenly, a soft hand seperated his nails from his wrists, he looked up and saw Steve staring back with a warm yet worried expression. 

"I-I fucked up Steve. He fears me, I was in his nightmare and I left him. What if he already feels abandoned and I just fucking left the room? I never should have hired Skip-"

"Tony. Look at me. You didn't know what to do, it's not your fault about what happened, it is all Skip's fault, he is the one that hurt Peter, you were just trying to help. "

Tony shot up from the couch, anger consuming him as his whole body shook by stress and grief. 

"Steve, Peter tried to fucking kill himself! Because he saw Skip! And guess who let Skip inside? Me! You were right Steve, I don't think things through at all, and now it nearly costed me my son! " Tony grabbed a empty bottle, throwing it at the window in anger, his heart pounding far too quickly, pain through his hands as the glass pieces rebounded and pierced the skin on his palms. 

"You're right, you don't think things through, and you can't fix what you did. But you can fix your relationship, in small steps, it will take time, but if you truly love him, then you'll do it. "

Tony hesitated, but he knew Steve was right, he can't take back what he did, but he can help Peter heal. 

He sighed, tears flowing down his eyes as he approached Steve with outstretched hands, as the two walked into an embrace. Tony buried his head in Steve's shoulder, tears and snot soaking the shirt but Steve didn't mind. Tony attempted to pat Steve on the back but instead lodged the glass pieces into his hand deeper, blood dripping onto Steve's shirt. 

"Ow, fuck sorry. " Tony retracted his hand, glancing at Steve with a apologetic expression. 

"I don't mind, lets get you cleaned up. "

"Yeah. Wait where's Bucky? "

Bucky softly knocked on the medbay door, entering in despite the broken protests of Peter. 

"I said don't come in! " Peter screamed, his curls stuck all over the place as if his hand was yanking his hair. 

Bucky's theory was proven to be true as he noticed hair strands stuck in Peter's shaking hand. 

"Peter." Bucky's voice was stern, making Peter freeze in place as he glanced up at the melancholic man. 

"What? " He mumbled, averting his eyes and staring at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the tower. 

Bucky sighed, and then sat down onto the bed, sitting next to Peter but distant so then Peter could take a breath. 

"Listen, I get things are being really shitty right now alright? But you know you can get through this okay, you are-"

"Don't bullshit me Barnes. " Peter shrugged, snapping as he turned away from Bucky. 

"You know what? Fine then. Don't let us help, you clearly don't want us to right? Why should we waste our time? " Bucky stood up, walking towards the door, tossing his hands to the side as Peter stared up, unexpecting the sudden mood change. 

"Wait- no I'm sorry Bucky I shouldn't have snapped- I- please don't go. " Peter pleaded, his hands falling into his lap, sighing as Bucky sat beside Peter, much closer than before. 

He rested his arm around Peter's shoulder, worry taking over his expression. 

"Okay then, what was your dream about? " 

"I- uh. So you know how there was the Vulture incident and such? Did da- did Mr. Stark tell you?"

Bucky nodded as Peter continued. 

"Okay so uh Mr. Stark doesn't know this but during the Vulture thing uh he trapped me... under a building...that collapsed on me. "

Bucky opened his mouth, about to say something but clamped shut with worry as he continued to listen to Pete. 

"And so I was back there, in my dream and- but this time I heard Aunt May... and so I started going over to her but the rocks were practically s-skinning me, so I was bleeding and then... 

"Skip was there. He stabbed May, and then T- Mr. Stark had found and rescued May but he left me... with Skip... and Skip began... skinning me. "

He glanced up at Bucky, who sat still with concern plastered over his face. 

"Jesus Christ kid. Thats one hell of a dream. " He pinched his nose bridge, then turned back to Facebook Peter with a look of determination. 

"Peter, we all used to have nightmares alright? And I've never really been the best at helping those in need, but I do know this, we can help you. We can help you heal, not just physically, but mentally as well, it will take time, but it will also take healthier coping mechanisms. " Bucky softly grabbed Peter's wrists, rubbing his thumb in a soothing circular way. 

"What I like to do, is break apart punching bags with my arm, Steve gets all over my ass about the mess but it's relieving and so goddamn fun. " Peter giggled slightly, wiping his tears with his shoulder as he leaned into Bucky's touch. 

"I'm sorry. "

"You don't have anything to be sorry about, okay? Just try to sleep well alright?... And maybe talk to Tony even though he's a narcissistic asshole. It was about time you saw his annoying person side over his caring side anyways. " Bucky shrugged in a sarcastic way, earning another soft chuckle of Peter. 

"Hey Bucky? "

"Yeah kid? "

"Can- uh- can you sleep beside me tonight? I-I'm sorry that was weird to ask, never mind just- uh ignore that. Sorry. "

"Hey no kid it's alright, it'll piss of Steve and that's what I've been aiming for lately anyways. "

Peter sighed, chuckling slightly at the idea of Steve pouting at the lack of his boyfriend beside him. 

"Alright then Pete, lets get to bed now. "

"Okay seriously where the fuck is Bucky, I have been searching for him for nearly an hour now Tony! And you are on your phone! "

"Well I've been searching for therapists for a hour for Peter and all you care about is the metal prick! Also language! "

"You just called Bucky a prick! You do not get to call him that! "

"Hes in my house I can call him whatever the fuck I want! "

"Language! "

"You little-"

Chapter Text

MJ paced around her room, she hasn't gotten a text from Peter in three days. 

Worry has been consuming her mind ever since his panic attack, was he okay? What happened? Did she do something? Did Ned do something? What happened? 

She was going to kill Peter if he doesn't respond soon, 'I swear to fucking hell what could've happened, why is he ghosting me-'

Peter-man

mj a lot of shit has happened and I need you to come over to the tower tmrw

Crisis chalant

why tmrw??? You have been avoiding me and Ned for so long and now you are saying tmrw? Wtf Peter. 

Peter-man

please just trust me. 

The sudden pleading and desperation in Peter's text snapped MJ out of her anger, he was obviously hiding something but knowing him, it was probably going to be something so severe that he just brushed off. 

She needed answers. 

MJ knew that Peter was probably the most smartest yet most stupid person she ever met. 

He was so smart that even he could compete in intelligence with Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, but he was so incredibly stupid that he would have a bullet shot in his right thigh, and then proceed to do PE class with said bullet wound, and call it a scratch that his nonexistent cat gave him. 

MJ sighed and curled her legs to her chest as she pressed her phone to her ear as it rang. 

"Hi MJ. " Ned said softly, his voice shushed by both the lack of Peter and him being awake later than supposed to. 

"Hi Ned, did you get anything from Peter yet? "

Ned hesitated, yet regained himself after a quick thought to think of what to say to MJ. 

"No I haven't, I think he is uh- having a tough time, but I did get a text from him of 'I'm sorry. '"

"Yeah me too but I heard you hesitate. Whats going on? "

Ned audibly sighed, screw MJ and her amazing sight to people's lies and mistakes. 

"There's something Peter hasn't told you... and he doesn't want me to tell you. " He brushed his palm down his face, nervousness creeping into his mind. He was forced into a dilemma; he could either tell MJ and betray Peter, or not tell MJ, and keep Peter's trust. 

"What hasn't he told me? " Her voice was fierce, cutting through the temporary silence like a knife, Ned panicked and he chose his first option. 

"Peter... has always had bad depression which you know, but with that depression he's had really bad coping mechanisms like... " He paused, bracing himself for his next words, they were stuck as if it was flesh clinging to sandpaper. 

"Like cutting himself. " MJ's heart dropped. 

She knew he was in a bad mental state but cutting himself? 

I guess that explained why he panicked so much when MJ asked if she could inspect his thighs for any cuts or bruises from Spider-manning. Her train of thoughts was forced to an abrupt stop as Ned spoke up again. 

"But I don't think Peter's panic attack was related to that. I think he's hiding something from both of us. "

Dread filled her heart, the world felt as if it was slowing down around her, she never let anything falter her neutral moods yet when it came to Peter, she felt like he was the only person in the world.

He was always caring for her as concern grew within herself every night he went out for patrol. 

She found herself staying up later at night, stalking news stations for updates on Spider-Man's wellbeing. 

Caught herself on calls with Tony on multiple occasions, often asking about Peter's mental health or lecturing Tony about getting better safety settings on Peter's suits. 

She loved Spider-Man, but she adored and admired Peter Parker. 

Her boyfriend that no one would ever hurt. 

And now he was hiding something from both her and Ned.

"Sorry Ned, I'll call you back. " Before Ned could protest, she hung up, dialing the next phone number that could possibly help. 

The phone rang in her palms, anxiety seeping throughout her mind, she was calling a busy man, who knows if he would pick up-

"Hello? "

Peter swung his legs off his bed, Bucky was already gone, probably with Steve again. 

Sunlight shining in his eyes as Bruce walked in the room. 

"Okay Peter, we just need to do one last check up and then you are free to go! " He clasped his hands together as he turned his back to retrieve his medical supplies. 

The stethoscope felt cold on Peter's bare chest, the soft breeze coming in from the open doorway, goosebumps forming on his skin as he shivered. 

"Alrighty then, everything seems good so you're free go to but remember: don't be too active meaning no patrolling for a day, try to relax, and as I believe I remember Bucky saying, use healthier coping mechanisms alright? "

Peter froze, turning to face Bruce, "You heard? "

"Bucky told me about it, he thought it would be important to mention again, and he wasn't wrong. Don't be too hard on yourself alright kid? " Bruce lay a grounding hand on Peter's shoulder, the initial movement making Peter flinch but he quickly leaned into the soft touch. 

"But please Peter, he is right, you've gotta do healthier coping mechanisms, maybe he told you one? "

Oh he told Peter a coping mechanism alright, and Peter knew that it would definitely help.

The sounds of fists hitting the walls echoed through the gym, the moonlight reflecting on Peter's bloodied knuckles. 

Shimmering blood stained the fillings of the punching bag as they slipped with each brutal punch Peter gave it. 

The chain that held the punching bag rattled above, small cracks in the paint above the chain forming with each moment of sudden pressure. 

His lungs screamed for more air, yet he continued to release his anger out. Music blasting in his ears as his knuckles made contact with the object in front of him. 

The punching bag wasn't enough, he began moving his hands, trembling as they hit the walls, weights, metals, and the windows. 

Without realizing it, Peter began slamming his fists into the window, shattering the four inch thick glass in seconds. 

Glass stuck inside his hands, his legs shaking underneath him, wounds began reopening around his fingers, blood splattering the floor below with a soft thud. 

Hair clung to his forehead with sweat, his chest heaving up and down in misery. Yet despite the pain that radiated through his hands, relief flooded through him, his anger being taken out away in just punches. 

He sighed as his eyes searched the gym, he made a mess. 

Spider-Man never made a mess, he always cleaned up after himself, Peter knew that, he knew he should clean up, but he was so exhausted, dropping himself onto the ground as he began picking the glass that lodged into his skin. 

The window was shattered, breeze flowing into the room softly, bricks were slightly chipped, weights and metals dented around the room, shredded punching bags spilled their fluff over the room, mixing with soft bits of red. 

The door crept open, a soft gasp emerging from the onlooker. 

"Underoos? Are you okay? "

Great. There comes back his anger. Peter let out a scoff, it was like Tony didn't know he was the cause of Peter's anger. 

"Yeah. I'm fine. " He responded softly, his voice sounding much different than his thoughts. 

"Peter, you just broke my room you are not fine. "

"I said I'm fine! Lay off of it! " Peter snapped, his head twisting to Tony's furiously. 

Tony smiled softly, concealing his raging concern for the boy, heart clenching as Peter had begun to change so much ever since Skip died.

"Peter, " his voice was firm, a frown appearing over his face, he didn't know how much longer he could keep his patience with his kid. 

"Fuck off. " Peter said, his palms brushing over his bloodied knuckles as he walked out the door, heading to his room. 

Tony stood there, dumbfounded, did his kid just use attitude against him? They grow up so fast but so annoyingly. 

Peter stormed out of the room, his head pounding loudly against his ears. 

Every echo that spanned across 40 miles seemed to scream into Peter's ears. He knew this was a sensory overload but he couldn't care. Anger fueled him, Tony attempts to make jokes at everything. 

As he entered his room he quickly realized he wasn't alone, someone was following him in the shadows closely behind. 

"Tony I know you're there. "

Tony sighed, walking in front of Peter, still with a stern expression on his face. 

"Listen before you tell me how much you hate me-"

"Too late Stark. " Peter spat, venom rolling off his tongue with each word being pronounced. 

"Your girlfriend called. "

Peter froze, he turned around to face Tony slowly as worry flooded his emotions. 

"She wanted to know what happened. " Tony crossed his arms, a slight frown appearing on his face.

"What did you say..? " Peter's behavior softened as his fists began uncurling. 

"Nothing. Couldn't lie to her or tell her the truth, since I know you wouldn't do either, would you? "

Peter's jaw clenched, he knew Tony was right but it still hurt so badly to hear. 

"I'm going to bed. " Peter heard an audible sigh as he exited the room, making a beeline for the elevator.

"Shes going to come over tomorrow! " He called out as Peter retreated behind the elevator doors. 

Tony sat down on the gym's floor as he looked around the mess that Peter made. 

Curiosity seeped into his mind, carefully he stood up and curled his fist as he sent a powerful punch at the punching bag that was marked "Peter's bag, " since Tony created a much more powerful one that could take all of Peter's punches. 

He hissed through his teeth, pain shot through his fist as he retracted it from the unmoving punching bag. 

"How does he do that..? " He whispered to himself, absolutely baffled at his own kid's strength. 

Maybe he should throw the kid in the movie Fight Club, he's already seen the kid talking to himself on many occasions so might as well get his anger out at the same time. 

Peter sat down on his bed, exhaustion already creeping in, he sent MJ a quick text as his body slumped to make him lay down. 

Peter-man

see u tmrw🩷

Carefully he dropped his phone onto his night stand as he put his blankets over his body. 

Slowly he fell into a restless sleep, with flashes of Skip above his body. 

His heart began to pound, he tossed and turned in his bed, distress filling his mind as he continued to see Skip over and over. 

Pain shot through his lower body, feeling so vulnerable again in his rest he yanked all of his blanket on top of himself. 

Whimpers of fear ripped from his throat, his hand reaching for whatever may lay next to him. 

"Hey there Einstein. "

Peter shot out of his bed, his curls sticking in all sorts of directions as panic filled his mind, his spider sense in a soft hum as it detected that no one was dangerous to Peter right now, but himself. 

Peter curled into a ball as he sat down on his bed, his chin resting on his knees while his chest heaved frantically. 

He reached for his phone case, about to peel back the cover so he could reach a small razor but was interrupted as a soft knock hit the door. 

The door opened without Peter's answer, Tony quickly locked the door behind himself. 

Terror creeped into his mind, was Tony going to do the same as Skip? 

He loves Tony, he knew he did, he was exactly like his father, but Skip was at first too. 

His body began shaking as he clenched himself closer to his knees. Eyes following Tony's every move. 

"FRIDAY told me you had a bad dream. " Tony's voice was soft, he put up his hands slightly to show Peter he wasn't trying to do anything as he lay a grounding hand on his shoulder. 

"I- yeah. I did. " His voice was so small, cracking slightly as tears rolled down his face.

"Want to talk about it? " Tony sat down besides Peter, his hand still resting on his shoulder. 

Peter shook his head, his hands trembling on his knees. 

"Okay. Mind if I sleep in your room tonight Roo? I had a bad dream as well. "

Peter glanced up at Tony, eye bags lay underneath his aged eyes, Tony's hands shook lightly, as his knee bounced with anxiety. 

"What was it about? " His eyes searched Tony's face, Tony sighed as he looked down at his laps. 

"You. In my dream you were in danger and I tried to save you but... I failed. "

"Oh."

Peter worked up his own courage. He took a deep breath of preparation and spilled it out. 

"Skip was above me, in my dream. He looked at me like I was something fragile. I hated it. It hurt so much... " Peter's voice trailed off, as he curled himself closer. 

"Oh kid... " Tony stretched his arms out for a hug, waiting for Peter's response. 

Consent. Tony was asking him for consent of a hug. It was a small act of care but it meant the world for Peter, he shoved himself into his father's arms. 

Sobs racked his body as tears dripped onto Tony's shirt. He balled his fists up, wrinkling Tony's shirt in the process. 

"It's okay Roo. I'm here. " Peter felt droplets of tears fall onto his curls, his cheeks resting on Tony's shoulder. 

They sat there, both crying together as they cradled each other's warmth. 

Peter slowly pulled back, wiping the snot away from his nose. 

"I'm sorry. "

"No, don't be sorry, I shouldn't have gone through your files or hired him. I'm sorry kid. "

Peter sniffled, nodding his head lightly as his hands still rested on Tony's knees. 

"Least you don't have to see him ever again am I right? " Peter giggled softly at Tony's remark. Warmth flooded Tony's heart, he loved Peter's small giggles or laughter, it's what made Tony get out of bed every morning.

To care for his son. 

"Well if I kill you right now then I'd go to hell and see him again. " Tony barked out a soft laugh, the two searched each other's eyes softly, the silence being peaceful and calm.

"Thank you dad. "

"I love you Pete. "

"Love you too dad. "

Warmth filled both their chests, each pulling each other back into a hug as soft tears trickled down both their faces. 

The court case would be tough, but now they had each other again. 

And nothing would break that. 

"Oh yeah MJ is coming over tomorrow. "

"Jesus kid you broke the moment. "

"Sorry... " Peter chuckled lightly, seeing the playfully exasperated look on Tony's face. 

The two lay down on Peter's bed, Tony's arm wrapped around Peter's shoulder in a soft hug. 

Slowly the two fell asleep in each other's warmth. 

Tony began snoring loudly, waking Peter up in seconds. 

"Oh you've got to be fucking kidding me. "

Chapter Text

He stared blankly into the mirror, his ruptured skin reflecting as nausea bubbled up his throat. Even with his healing factor, the skin had broke from the fall, as if mocking him, his self inflicted scars still lay above the ruined skin from the fall. 

Ned and MJ would be arriving soon, but how could they look at him when he looked like this? He noticed how his belly rolled over his boxers, his jawline less sharp than it used to be like, the scars scattering all over his body, he sighed as he pulled his hoodie over himself. 

How would he explain all of this to them? 

"Oh yeah, I tried to kill myself when I saw my rapist and the injuries were so bad that even my healing factor won't make them fade, oh and by the way my rapist killed himself to avoid jail and I cut myself because I feel disgusting. "

Great plan Parker! 

Why thank you Peter! Too bad our suicide attempt didn't work like it should've. 

Oh yeah absolutely Parker, maybe then you wouldn't be a disgusting waste of Stark's money! 

"Oh my God I'm going insane. " Peter mumbled to himself, as a soft knock rapped on the door. 

"Peter? Your friends are here! " Pepper's soft voice shouted from behind the door. 

"Okay give me a second! "

"No Peter right now! We're here! " A familiar voice yelled back enthusiastically. 

Ned. 

Crap. 

Peter took a deep breath as he applied a thin layer of foundation that he stole from Tony's drawers (He's an idiot that needs to look good on camera don't judge him. ) 

He pulled on a soft hoodie along with baggy jeans that covered his feet entirely. Hiding the scars on his head as he pulled on a hand-me down cap from Cap himself. 

He took a deep swig of water as if he were a 48 year old aged veteran chugging beer as he pushed open the door. 

"Hey guys. " He practically mumbled, he would've expected a comforting hug from Ned, or maybe a shoulder pat, but what he didn't expect was for MJ to stare at him, her expression blank yet her eyes screaming her worry as she tried to hold back her emotions. 

They stood silent for a minute, exchanging their worried glances, Peter's expression solemn. 

He didn't want them to worry. 

They shouldn't ever worry about someone like him.

"Why didn't you contact us? What happened? " She said in a furious yet low voice, attempting to soothe him as her own mind raced at the possibilities. 

"I- uhh- come in. " He opened his bedroom door slightly more, motioning for the two to enter. 

Ned's face was scrunched up in concern and worry as MJ glanced back with a angered yet worried expression. 

The two walked in, both ignoring the mess considering they wanted answers. 

And fast. 

The three sat down on Peter's bed, the duo watching Peter as he stared forwards at the wall, tears already welling up in his eyes. 

He took a shaky breath, his fingernails pushing into his palms as small beads of blood formed by the pressure. 

"I- I never told you guys but... when I was younger and May... died I went to foster care, which you guys know. But I had a foster father named Skip before I came to Tony. And S-Skip had uh- " He coughed, clearing his throat as tears glided down his cheeks, in a hoarse whisper he said "This is kinda hard to talk about so give me a second. "

He grabbed a water bottle from his nightstand, chugging it down as his friends stared back, patient yet so deeply concerned. 

Peter sat back down onto his bed, his hands clammy as he clenched them together, twisting his thumbs into his fists as his knuckles turned white. 

"Skip had raped me. "

The room froze, horror and hurt overtaking the two, their hearts stopped yet they stayed silent, tears threatening to fall over their eyes. 

"And- and then I moved with Tony, and uh just recently he- Skip had reappeared and got... hired which made me really scared... so I tried to... you know. " His voice trailed off, his eyes staring blankly into his lap, the all too familiar feeling of nausea coming back to his throat. 

Ned wiped his tears away from his sleeve, the two knew how bad his mental health was but this was far too much for someone as kind and caring as Peter Parker. 

MJ's mind lingered on his words, this Skip was hired? Who hired him? 

She repeated her thoughts out loud, "Who hired him? " She demanded. 

Peter stilled, he knew they were going to ask questions but why this one? 

"Let me explain before you get mad, " MJ stared back expectantly as Peter began to explain. "I know you care about me, but I already dealt with it so please don't get mad at him. "

"Tony hired Skip because he wanted me to confront him... but then after I... attempted, Tony realized his mistake and sent out a search party but Skip had successfully... killed himself. "

Ned shot to his feet, running in front of Peter, panic surging through his body. "He killed himself? " He screamed, horror coursing through his body. Peter was his best friend, he didn't deserve any of this. 

"Yes, " Peter said, his voice so small as his eyes stared down at his feet. 

"Oh my God! " Ned shoved himself into his friend's arms, giving him a tight hug but he couldn't help but feel more worry as his arms wrapped around Peter's bony shoulders. 

MJ softly lifted off the hat on Peter's head, he sat frozen as his scars on his forehead from the fall were revealed to the two. 

Ned pulled back, Peter avoided their gazes as he felt disgust flood his mind, he couldn't imagine how disgusted they are right now. They would know what a monster he is. They would see his scars as something so vile that-

A soft pop echoed through the room. 

Peter glanced up, MJ held a blue marker in her hands, uncapping it as she handed one to Ned who stared back, extremely confused, which surprised Peter as neither were staring in disgust. 

In fact, MJ's eyes gazed at his scars, staring at him in awe. 

'How is he so cute? ' She thought to herself. 

Slowly she approached Peter, carefully she wrapped her fingers around his chin, making him face her, her heart wrenched as she saw the tears and fear that lay in her boyfriend's eyes. 

Carefully, she pressed the marker onto one of his scars on his forehead, gliding the marker across as she made a small star on top of the healed scar. 

Peter's heart swelled as she showed him a picture that she took on her phone of his scar. 

Ned finally understood the task, he uncapped his own marker, walking forwards as he softly picked up Peter's left arm, waiting for the okay to lift his sleeve. 

Slowly he nodded, Ned grinned as he pulled up the sleeve, his smile wavered as he saw the amount of scars that covered his skin, yet he moved his purple marker across the broken yet healed skin, making tons of small stars and hearts in tiny patterns, adding the occasional polka dot. 

For the next half hour, the two carefully moved their markers across Peter's skin, creating intricate designs on the scars, Ned's were more messy then MJ's yet they both expressed the same sentiment. 

Neither were scared of Peter.

Peter waved as his friends left the tower, both looking back with different emotions. 

Ned grinned yet had undeniable concern as he walked away from his best friend. 

MJ bore the same neutral expression she always had, but her eyes revealed her true emotion of worry. 

Peter knew they were concerned, but he couldn't help but feel so happy that so many people cared for him. He chuckled as he saw the patterns across his arms. 

He was supposed to shower today, but that could wait until tomorrow. 

'You're disgusting, always neglecting your own needs just so you can cling onto whatever fake love they express to you. Too bad that'll go away once they truly realize how disgusting you are. '

Peter stilled, his own horrible thoughts surprising him but he hid his own sadness as he ran back to the elevator, occasionally waving to interns that smiled at him as he passed. 

As the elevator doors dinged and he stepped out, he was met with Thor and Loki. 

It's been a minute since he's seen them, last he saw them was when he had woken up from blood loss. 

That was quite a day. 

"Before I seem like a prick, what are you today Loki? "

"Woman."

"Ah okay. "

"Man of spiders! " Thor's voice boomed as he ran over to Peter, pulling him into a tight hug. 

"Hi Thor," Peter said meekly, his voice muffled as his face was shoved into Thor's chest in the affectionate hug.  "What brings you here today? "

"Why I must check on how the Avengers are! Obviously they need the strongest Avenger's help if needed! " Thor beamed, Peter chuckled softly at the man's antics, he was like a golden retriever at this point. 

"You know you aren't the strongest Avenger, you were beaten quite easily by Banner on Sakaar. " Loki mused, her eyes darting up and down her brother with disdain. 

"And you were bashed into the ground here on Midgard! " Thor snapped back. 

"On the floor, not the ground, that would be where the grass is. " Loki crossed her arms, her eyebrows furrowing yet amusement glinted in her eyes. 

Thor looked as if he was about to choke his sister but quickly snapped out of it once he noticed Peter was still standing there, stifling his laughter. 

As Thor narrowed his eyes, Peter's laughs were let out in loud cackles as the two siblings stared at him in shock, both seeming to chuckle slightly. 

"Do not laugh at me! " Loki screamed, turning into a spider and jumping onto Peter's shoes. 

Suddenly his laughter stopped, replaced by a high pitched screech as he jumped onto the ceiling, kicking his shoes off in horror. 

Spider-Loki turned back into her normal form, looking extremely pleased with herself. 

Peter began breathing heavily, his hands clutching his chest as if he was gripping a pearl necklace, just as Tony had taught him. 

Suddenly the door opened, Pepper and Tony walking in on the chaotic scene. 

Peter on the ceiling, his mouth agape as if he was just screaming, Loki holding her mouth shut trying not to laugh, and a frozen Thor glancing between the two and his hands prepared if Peter were to fall. 

Which he did. 

Peter jumped down from the ceiling, dashing over to Tony faster than Quicksilver himself. 

"Loki turned into a spider and jumped me! " He screamed, pointing a accusatory finger at Loki who suddenly burst out into laughter. 

"Yes I did. " She seemed extremely proud of herself but her smile faded quickly as Thor slapped the back of her head. 

"Okay kids let's calm down. " Tony pushed his hands up and down, motioning for them to keep the volume low. "Don't wanna wake up bug."

"Bug? Whose bug? " Peter questioned, his head tilting slightly like a confused dog. 

"Petey! " Morgan came rushing through the door, slamming into Peter as she hugged his legs. 

He quickly crouched down, pulling her into a tight hug as he lifted her up onto his shoulders. 

"Hey Morgan! " He spun around in a circle, she giggled loudly which earned a soft yet tired smile from Pepper. 

"Now now Morgan, Peter has had a long day we should let him rest. " Pepper shook her head as she pulled Morgan from Peter's shoulders. 

"But I want to play with Petey! " She whined, crossing her arms. 

"You should listen to your mom kid, last time I didn't listen I had to blow up my suits. " Tony rolled his eyes as Pepper shot a playful glare. 

Morgan's jaw dropped, she quickly hopped down from Pepper's arms and retreated behind Tony. 

"Scary." She whispered (not so quietly.) 

"Scary indeed, " Peter agreed before he turned to face Tony. "I'm going to head to my room, see you in a bit. "

"Alright Roo, also what happened to your arms? " Tony stared at the colorful stars that covered Peter's forearms. 

"MJ's idea. " He shrugged before waving his goodbye and heading to his bedroom. 

As he shut the door he let out a sigh of relief, already exhausted with the day. 

He walked into his closet, mirrors reflecting all over, he felt both pride and disgust in his mind as he stared blankly at his scarred body. 

'Maybe if you didn't eat for three people the scars wouldn't be so stretched. '

He froze. 

As much as he didn't want to admit it, his thoughts were right. 

He ate way too much, even for an enhanced being. 

His scars were properly healed yet they left noticeable marks from both the attempt and the self-inflicted ones. 

They looked repulsive on his pale skin. 

Many people cared about him sure, but it took them months to notice the little things. 

So maybe they won't notice if he didn't eat food anymore. 

Chapter Text

His hand flew up to his hair, gripping it tightly as he clutched his stomach in pain. It felt as if someone was repeatedly stabbing his abdomen, bile rose to his throat as he coughed out the remaining vomit. 

He flushed the toilet before glancing in the mirror, his cheek bones were more prominent, his ribs sticking out as his hips seemed more sharp. 

More nausea came to his throat as he slammed his hand onto his mouth to avoid more throw up. 

Thoughts swirled in his mind as his chest kept heaving, his fingers clenching his lips together to hold back the remaining burning bile in his stomach. 

Peter let out a shaky breath, his fingers twirling through his hair again roughly, hairs being pulled out as light droplets of blood hung onto the follicles. 

Carefully, he turned to the sink, washing down vomit with water as he patted water onto his scalp to wash off the scarlet red blotches that bloomed with each hair being pulled. 

Splashing water onto his face, he pulled on a soft hoodie that covered his scars, ribs, and stomach that poured over his jeans in a disgusting and vile way that sickened him, urging him to grab a blade and stab it over and over into his wrist, watch the blood flow to the ground endlessly over and over and-

"Peter? Are you okay in there? " Pepper knocked softly on the door, worry evident in her tone. 

Okay Peter act dumb. 

"Who is Peter? "

Not that dumb! 

"Peter. " Pepper said, more stern but her concern seeping through her words. 

Alright then, make a distraction or- THAT'S IT! 

"Sorry mom! One second! " Peter pumped his fist into the air at his amazing plan as he heard her breath hitch and her heartbeat slowed down. 

"Mom? " She questioned, her grin almost echoing off her words. 

"Uh- did I say mom? I meant Pepper! " He lied. 

Like he always does. 

He knew it would break her heart if she knew he only called her mom to avoid talking about his eating disorder new diet. 

So he lied. 

Just like Skip taught him to. 

"Too late you can't take that back! FRI? You got that on voice record right? "

"Yes."

Pepper cheerfully laughed, before turning her attention back to Peter. 

"Dinner is in a few minutes! Steve is making food so be ready for whatever he makes. "

"More like whatever monstrosity he tries to

create. " Peter mumbled, attempting to bring humor into his own dark thoughts and was successful as he heard Pepper's mock gasp. 

"Okay Peter, but come down soon okay? " 

"Okay! "

As he heard her footsteps slowly disappearing, he glanced back into the mirror, dark circles forming under his eyes as foundation was smudged on his wrists, covering his fresh scratches. 

He loves Tony truly, but he needed to get better at defense on FRIDAY considering he hacked into her to avoid her telling Tony about any fresh scars that aren't spiderman related. 

Oh well, it worked in his favor so who was he to judge? 

He let out a deep sigh, touching up his makeup to cover each scar, bruise, and dark spot that scattered his skin. 

'That's right, cover everything up, just like how you covered the bullet wounds on Ben. Great idea.'

"Oh shut up. " He mumbled to himself, his own thoughts getting more and more violent every time he did literally anything. 

What an amazing new development.

Forks clicked around the table, the silence loud around the people. Each person sending each other worried glances as they watched Peter. 

His plate moved around to give the illusion of his food being eaten, yet not one bite was taken by Peter. Natasha, Clint, and Bucky all gave each other a knowing glance, as Nat opened her mouth to break the silence, she was interrupted, as usual. 

"Peter you need to eat. " Tony said firmly, gesturing at Peter's plate with his fork. 

"Not hungry. " Peter mumbled, his face resting in hands as he picked his food. 

"Yes you are, you are always hungry kid. " Tony rolled his eyes, the others bouncing their glances between the two, the situation was proving to be concerning yet oh so amusing. 

"Why- because I always eat huh? " Peter snapped, his eyes darting up to glare at Tony as his fork bent slightly by the pressure in his fingers. 

"What- no it's because of your metabolism. " Tony shot back, alarmed at Peter's response. 

"Oh so it's instead because I'm a mutant. " Peter sneered, the rest of the Avengers all becoming much more shocked at the sudden snark coming from Peter. 

"I never said that Peter. " Tony began raising his voice, clearly annoyed by the current event. "You are putting words into my mouth kid. "

"Whatever. I'm just not hungry. " He waved his bent fork, pasta sauce falling onto the table. 

"Yeah okay, when was the last time you ate? " 

"Like- an hour ago? " Peter spat, yet the lie evident in his voice. 

"Sure, FRI? " Tony glanced at the cameras in the corner of the room, panic coursing through Peter's mind. 

Before Peter could stop him, it was too late. 

"About twenty-three hours ago Boss. " FRIDAY's automatic voice responded as concerned as an AI could sound. 

"Twenty-three? Thats nearly a whole day kid! " Tony fumed, Pepper reached for his arm, attempting to calm down her husband. 

"Peter you need to eat. " Natasha chimed in. 

"I already told you: I am not hungry! " Peter barked, his hands clenching the table as the edges splintered into his palms. 

"Daddy? I had a nightmare. " A sleepy Morgan stumbled into the room, everyone around the table eased yet the tension in the air was undeniable. 

"Okay in a sec Morguna, sorry that you didn't hand a good dream kiddo. " Tony softened before shooting a glance at Peter and running over to his kid. 

His only real kid. 

As the two left the room, awkwardness engulfed each person remaining. 

"So you gonna eat or what? " Clint asked, pointing to the untouched plate in front of Peter. 

"Oh my god! " Peter mumbled exasperated as he dragged his hand down his face, his other hand slamming onto the table. 

"I'll take that as a no. " Clint mumbled, a small smile tugging on the edges of his lips. 

Natasha elbowed his side, her worried eyes remaining- no- watching Peter's every move. 

And Peter realized that everyone was staring. 

Suddenly, as if someone had punched his head and gut simultaneously, his body heaved. He ran to the nearest bathroom as sweat collected on his hairline, hands shaking as he fumbled to turn on the much too bright light, his heart pounding against his chest as he gripped the cold ceramic toilet. 

Bile rose to his throat, clawing at his stomach, his hands flying up to his hair as he roughly tugged it, trying to distract himself from the burning sensation in his throat as he hurled into the water. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as sounds from miles away screamed in his ears. 

His whole body shaking as incoherent words were being yelled beside him, attempting to get his attention or help him but he ignored it. 

Everyone was staring at him during dinner as if he was something to investigate. 

Something to view. 

Something to stare at, like he was on display. 

As his left hand ripped his hair out, it falling to the floor like a feather in the wind, his right hand began scratching at his thighs. Scars began reopening at the sudden movement, more desperate yells being screamed into his ears to try to get him to snap out of it. 

Suddenly he was under the rubble again. Rocks stabbing into his skin, air being blocked from his lungs, maniacal laughter echoing in his ears as water flowed below him. 

"-eter! "

Coughs ripping his throat in painful jabs, weight crushing his legs as gravel punctured the skin on his knees, tears dropping into the water surrounding him. The taste of salt and iron mixing together in a nauseating concoction. 

Then as he began pushing the rubble off of him, his surroundings began to change into the streets. 

Blood swirled around his pants as he stared into the blank eyes of May and Ben, soft yet pained smiles looking back at him as their last breaths began to leave. 

"Peter- Breath -lease! "

"May! No please! Please don't leave me! " Wails tore his throat, mixing with the saliva and bile that lingered in his mouth. Overwhelming grief taking over him as sobs racked his shaking body. 

Suddenly a hand shook him violently yet grounded him, and pulled him into his arms, the familiar scent of motor oil and coffee. 

"Shh, it's okay Peter I'm here, you're here, you're okay kid. " Tony consoled Peter, Pepper crouching beside the two as her hands gently carded through Peter's curls. 

"May... " Peter blurted out, his hands gripping onto Tony's shirt tightly. 

Tony hated how light Peter felt on his laps yet he knew he needed to deal with this first. 

Right? 

"Peter, what happened? " He gently pulled Peter away, allowing him more space to breath and think. 

Peter coughed lightly, heat creeping up in his face as he realized how much of a humiliating situation he was in currently. 

"I- uh everyone was staring at me so I panicked. " He mumbled, his hands releasing Tony's shirt and began fumbling with the edges of his hoodie. 

"Yeah no shit you panicked," Tony scoffed, then he softened his voice to just below a whisper, "but I heard you say May."

Peter glanced down at his laps, continuing to fidget with his sleeves as he ashamedly looked anywhere but at Tony. "I just saw her in my flashbacks? Idunnoifthatswhatyheyarecalled." He rambled, his nervousness clear now. 

"Pete slow down. "

"I don't know if thats what they are called but whenever I have a panic attack or whatever I get like- flashbacks. " He gently scooted off onto the tiles of the floor, softly removing Pepper's hand from his hair as he began to feel uncomfortable in the situation he was caught in. 

"Oh. Yeah I got those too. Guess its a never ending cycle for Starks huh? " Tony chuckled softly, his worry still distinct in his eyes. 

Peter hummed a soft agreement before collecting himself and pulling his hoodie down slightly to cover the small droplets of blood that bloomed in his pants when he was gripping his thighs. As a uncomfortable silence took over the three, Pepper began to pitch in. 

"Peter, you know we are always here for you okay? Always. " She smiled reassuringly, placing her palm on his knee yet frowned as he tensed up from her touch. 

"Yeah I know. I uh- I had a long night so I'm gonna go to bed. Night. " Quickly he stood up and rushed out the door, leaving them before they had a chance to respond. 

The two sat there, utterly confused at the abrupt exit yet still overcome with undying worry for the boy. Tony sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he began to speak. "He felt so light Pep. "

Pepper took this into consideration, her mind pondering over the lack of food he has ate lately and the constant dizziness that seemed to linger over him. 

"Tony... " She whispered softly, her hands balling the fabric of her pants that covered her knees. 

"I think Peter has an eating disorder. "

And that was it. 

Tony knew something was happening with Peter. 

But he never wanted to hear it. 

His gut dropped as a loud sigh shook his throat. 

"So what now? "

"I don't know. "

They sat together for what felt like hours, taking in this new information, hurt taking over their feelings as they contemplated their options. 

This was going to agonizing. 

Chapter Text

Peter slung his backpack over his shoulder. His curls sticking to his face with water and soaking his shoulders but he couldn't care, it was a Monday. Who cares about Mondays? 

Anyways he was still pretty shaken by the whole Pepper and Tony finding out about his nightmares and such. He was also going to ignore the fact that thanks to his stupid super hearing, Pepper and Tony suspected a eating disorder. 

This was turning out to be such a great Monday already. Yay. 

He pinched the bridge of his nose before downing a mug full of black coffee, his face scrunching up in disgust at the overpowering bitter taste that came with it's caffeine. 

He snatched his phone from his charger, shooting a quick text to Happy to start getting ready who just responded with a simple thumbs up. 

Rushing out of the kitchen as he dodged any Avengers in the halls that were beginning their morning routines, he finally swerved his way to the elevator. 

As he stepped out of the car, teenagers swarmed him from all sides. Panic struck his heart so quickly as cameras began angling themselves towards him. 

Covering his eyes with his hands he began to stumble to the entrance ignoring all of the questions being hollered at him. 

This was going to be a long day. 

Once he approached the hallway, his teachers were all standing together in a half circle, each with fake smiles plastered on their faces, Mr. Wilson clutching a stack of flash cards as Mr. Harrington extended a hand out to a very confused Peter. 

"Mr. Parker! We just wanted to say how proud we are of you and your successes with Stark Industries! If you ever need anything- anything at all- you can always talk to us! " Mr. Harrington's hand held its place before retreating to his side as Peter stood still, bewilderment still stricken across his entire face mixed with the classic existential dread that came with every Monday. 

"The students created this for you. " Mr. Cobbwell gestured behind him to a small shelf full of pictures of Peter with Mr. Stark and assortments of Stark Industries themed photos. 

"Oh- wow! I mean- wow. " Peter cringed as he awkwardly smiled at the photos that had clipped him in odd expressions. Yikes. He needed a better camera face. 

"Great right? " Mr. Harrington nodded enthusiastically, his eyes searching Peter's face for appreciation which he lacked. 

"Yeah... Uh I'm gonna- class- yeah. " Peter pointed with thumb before rushing off to his locker, shaking his head in disbelief at the whole situation that he realized he was going to have the remainder of the school year. 

People would try to hang out with him, sit with him at lunch- wait no that's a good thing! Now he has an excuse to avoid lunch! Nice- anyways people are gonna be weird now, especially someone like-

"Parker! " An obnoxious voice yelled out from the back of the recording crowd. 

Someone like Flash. 

"Hey Parker, we still up for food after school? " Flash smiled smugly, his hand gripping Peter's shoulder as he caught up to him at his locker. 

"What? I don't even know you. " Peter hid his smirk with his sleeve as he pretended to wipe his nose. 

Maybe this was going to be better than he thought. 

Flash's face dropped, anger flashing (get it?) across his face for a second before he regained his posture and he softly chuckled with another pat that landed on Peter's shoulder. 

"Come on Peter- " - okay that's weird, he never called him by his first name- " -don't play with me, you said we were gonna go to the new skyscraper restaurant that just opened up a block from the tower! Remember? "

"Don't know you. Sorry, " and with that Peter grabbed his books, shrugged Flash's hand off his shoulder and began practically skipping his way to Ned in the crowd. 

"Hey Ned! Want to go to a skyscraper restaurant near the tower this weekend?  " Peter shot a quick smug look at Flash's flabbergasted expression before turning his attention back to Ned who was nodding his head so fast that it seemed his head was about to fall off his shoulders. 

"Is that a real place? " Ned whisper-yelled to Peter as they trotted their way to class. 

"I dunno, " Peter shrugged as he mumbled, yet a smile appeared on his face as he put on his sunglasses that Tony had gave him. 

It was less that the glasses were cool and more that they were Tony's but no one needed to know that.

The second Peter stepped into the lunch room, teenagers swarmed him with phones shoved up his face to the point he could almost smell the batteries in them. He pushed his sunglasses higher up on his nose to avoid the flash lights blaring into his sensitive eyes. 

Like ducklings, they followed him to his lunch table. He mouthed a sorry to MJ who was shielding her art book from the cameras, her glare staring on Peter the whole time he approached their table. 

Simultaneously, as Peter sat down, Flash slammed his tray onto the table along with a few Magazines with the headlines "Stark Industries: A New Genius! "  "The Future Of Stark Industries"  "The boy with an Alter-Ego" More like two alter-egos but whose counting? 

Wow those photos were very flattering of him! He looked really nice in those- wait did they edit him to be seductive? What the-

"Parker! So what sob story did you tell him to adopt you? " Flash chuckled lowly to himself, waving his hands in front of the cameras to direct their attention to him. 

Peter shrugged, he knew that Flash was most absolutely going to bring up May, and that Peter would act like it didn't affect him - even though it did - just like how it went everyday. But this time considering he now apparently had fans (still insane to him) that were recording him, his aunts or uncles would come bursting down that door and chuck Flash across the continent. 

"Or did you suck Stark off to become his personal intern? " Flash crossed his arms smugly. 

Peter scoffed to himself, this was getting old, didn't he already ask that question during the field trip? 

"Quit ignoring me Penis. " Flash attempted to shove Peter who simply leaned backwards to avoid falling off the seat on camera. 

"Or avoiding me! " Flash's frustration began to rise as he stood from his seat and attempted to slap Peter who dodged. 

This was not good. 

Flash was going to try to start a fight. Like always. 

Happy Mondays everyone. 

As Flash began to get more angry, it was obvious he was beginning to get more aggressive. He lunged forwards at Peter, his fist getting caught in Peter's palm as he twisted Flash's arm away from him, a groan of pain emitting from his mouth in the motion. 

"Let go! " Flash spat, attempting to free his hand from Peter's grip. 

Peter tightened his grip and pulled Flash closer, using the skills that Natasha had taught him to full potential. 

"Try to hit me one more time and I will literally get Spider-Man to web you to the walls of SI and I will ensure you can never so much as step foot into any college ever. " Peter whispered before pulling away and walking from the scene, shooting a glance to see the exasperated expression on Flash's face. 

Hm. Speaking of Spider-Man, he needed to patrol again, and considering he didn't want to eat lunch or any meal for that matter he decided to patrol for the remainder of the day and into the early morning of tomorrow. 

As he swung building to building, he occasionally dropped down to check out the newspapers that post offices were selling, many consisting of Peter's face. 

Which was odd but suspected, he knew there was going to be magazines about him but he didn't realize just how many there would be. 

Hell there were more magazines of Peter then of Spider-Man! That was unusual. Still manageable but odd. And hold on- was The Daily Bugle talking about both of him? 

"Spider-Menace strikes again! " showing a picture of Spider-Man swinging across Queens and "The downfall of Stark Industries, the panicked! " showing a picture of Peter running behind the curtains. 

It was expected for people to talk about his... sudden behavior but it still stung nevertheless. Well it was an easy fix I guess, just don't panic on camera then. 

Should be easy right? 

As Peter began wrapping up his patrol as he saw the (lack of, thanks to light pollution) stars began to disappear as the sun slowly began rising. Hours had already passed and he was probably expected back at the tower already. 

He began his trek back to the tower, dipping into a alley to change back into his civilian clothes before heading his way to the subway. He checked his watch as he fixed his collar. 

4AM.

Wait. 

He had another press conference at 5AM.

Oh no. 

His eyes widened with horror as he took into a sprint, speeding his way towards the nearest subway station as the minutes ticked by. 

To his luck as he arrived the train began moving, the doors slamming in his face pathetically, he threw his hands up in exasperation. He waited for the train to move down the tracks slightly before he pounced onto the top of the metal, ducking his head down to avoid his head getting hit or people to notice him. 

Finally as the train arrived it was already 4:30AM, the walk from here was about 20 minutes so that would give him roughly 10 minutes to get ready for the conference. It was an amazing Monday and turning out to be a spectacular Tuesday. 

What a great week so far. 

As he shoved his way through the crowds at a surprisingly quick pace for a seemingly normal teenager, he called Pepper to inform her of why he was absent. 

"I'm so s'rry it just pas'ed my- sorry ex'use me! It pas'ed my mind and I w'nted to p'rol- move! 'ut I went t'o long 'orry! Fucking move I'm on a timeline Jesus Christ! Ugh... Sorr' 'bo't that, New Y'rkers. " Peter rambled, his voice being cut off occasionally as his phone moved in his hands during his run. 

"It's fine just hurry your way here! " Pepper declared before promptly hanging up. 

Peter swered his way through the crowds, desperation taking over him as he jaywalked on a few red lights but had ran so fast no one even noticed the disturbance. 

Coffee splashed onto his shirt as he bumped into workers who shot him glares before their expressions turned shocked as they realized who he was. The smell of coffee mixing with his sweat and blood from patrol wasn't a particularly great stench that radiated off of a billionaire's son yet it was what it was. 

His curls stuck to his forehead as sweat clung to his shirt and pants, coffee splashes littering his previously white shirt with brown spots as he continued his rush. With just his Parker Luck™, a small sprinkle of rain began pattering down, adding rain to the mix of the smells that clung on Peter. 

Finally, as the tower showed in his sight, he checked his watch 4:55AM.

What the fuck? 

When had the time passed? 

Panic surged through his body as he began an even faster sprint towards the crowd that circled the entrance of Stark Industries, a podium at the door where Peter was supposed to be but obviously wasn't. As Peter concentrated his gaze he saw an impatient Tony waiting beside the podium, his foot tapping the floor as he kept glancing at his watch. 

He took a deep breath as he approached the crowd who noticed him, each turning their cameras to face him with disapproving glares at his appearance. 

Crap. How was he supposed to explain this? It's not like he could just go like "Oh yeah so I was out being Spider-Man and took patrol a bit too long and now that's why I'm late. "

... 

Well.

As Peter walked across the red carpet leading to the podium, he took a deep breath and shot a reassuring smile at Tony. 

He had the protection now. And was already famous. Secrets are hard to keep. 

Wait what is this conference even about? 

He trotted up the stage and whispered in Tony's ear, "What is this about? "

"We were gonna announce the new Starkphone with your help but someone was late and we needed to keep the crowd so we already announced it. You gotta think of something kid. " Tony shot a frustrated glance at Peter. 

He mulled over his options for a second as the crowd stared expectantly at Peter. He took a deep breath to collect himself. 

"You're all probably wondering why I look so... off. " He gestured to his appearance as the crowd mumbled their agreements along with soft spoken insults and backhanded compliments. 

"Well it's because I was hanging out at a- a... uh. " He glanced at Tony for help who just signaled to hurry up. 

Alright then. If Tony wanted him to give an answer, he would. 

"It's because I'm Spider-Man. "

Chapter Text

"FRIDAY, track social media and delete all personal information about Pete please. " Tony pinched his nose, Peter sitting in front of him with a bashful expression as he slowly wheeled and spun away. 

"Kid get your ass back here. " Tony snapped his fingers, pointing where he wanted Peter to sit. Peter sighed before wheeling his way back. 

"What's up Mr. Stark? " Peter smiled lopsidedly, his fingers fumbling with the edges of the chair. 

"And now we're back to Mr. Stark. Great. This is turning out to be a fantastic morning huh? " Tony sneered sarcastically, leaning back on the counter behind him. 

"Sorry. " Peter mumbled, loud enough for Tony to hear but quiet enough for his shame to show. 

"Pretty sure I gave you the instructions to stay in that little gray area, " he made a small circle with his hands before continuing. "Don't do what I would do and don't do what I wouldn't do. Which involves spilling your identity. "

"You're one to talk. " Peter grumbled, his hands clutching the seat more tightly as his frustration grew. 

Tony sighed, it was a Tuesday for Christ's sake, and Peter still had to go to school at 8AM! So much for with great power comes great responsibility. 

'Responsibility my ass. ' Tony chuckled at his own thoughts, Peter glancing up in slight confusion, tilting his head in a way a small puppy would at the sight of treats. 

"Anyways, ignoring that Stark Snark you just gave me Mr. Responsibility, whatever happened to keeping you identity secret to allow your family and friends to be safe? " Tony asked, genuinely confused as his eyes searched Peter's face. 

"I know I can protect them now, I used to doubt myself but now with everything we have with the tech to avoid people leaking personal information, I can just tell people my identity so I don't have to hide it. I mean what's the worst that could happen? A terrorist bombs my home? " Peter smirked as Tony rolled his eyes. 

Tony seemed to consider this for a moment before shaking his head. "Alright fine, but you gotta be careful kid okay? Now skedaddle there young buck. Get your ass to school." Tony rolled his ankles as Peter cheerfully - and nervously - dashed out as fast as possible, hating the idea of school yet anything must be better than staying at the tower right now. 

"Language! " A familiar voice called from the floor above. 

"Fuck off Rogers! "

"Hey! Don't talk to Steve like that! "

"Shut it Bucky! "

"All of you boys better quiet down now or I will murder you in your sleep. "

Tony shuddered at Natasha's threat yet couldn't help but feel amused at the silence that followed. 

"Peter has just arrived at school. " FRIDAY'S voice called, shaking Tony out of his thoughts. Right. Peter and Spidey stuff. 

Deal with that now. 

Great. 

His heart pounded against his chest, the sweater he had changed into after a brief shower was proving to be a horrible idea. Chugging a drink of water as he glanced at social media, anything about him as Spider-Man only being vague thanks to FRIDAY. 

Yet despite all efforts to keeping personal information about him circling online, it was almost as if intentional that Flash's videos about him remained untouched. Curiously, he clicked on a video. 

"Whats up Flash Mob, it's your boy Flash, here to talk about my homie Peter Parker. For a little background info, we've been friends since kindergarten and I know the dude's favs like the back of my hand so lemme tell you some fun facts in a Q&A. His favorite flavor of anything is mint, just like mine, he loves dogs more then cats because they match his personality, and he's a little on the dumb side but hey! He's getting there. Leave more comments and questions down below!"

Ah, so that's why it's still up. Because it's utter bullshit. 

First off he was allergic to mint thanks to the spider bite, he learned that the hard way when Pepper tried to block out any spiders from coming into the kitchen using mint leaves but instead blocked out Peter. That was a fun rash. 

Second off, he saved cats every day! Wasn't it obvious he preferred cats? Not to mention, when he was younger, Flash had forced his poodle to chase him around! That was absolutely terrifying especially after you read how aggressive poodles can get the night prior. 

And don't even let him get started with the whole 'He's dumb, '  he worked his ass off to get the Midtown Scholarship just so May wouldn't pay! What is this, Earth-8311? 

Hah! Imagine there was a multiverse, that would be ridiculous! And scary, would change a lot of what they knew about the initial singularity, and it would be a eternal inflation system! Insane. 

Anyways. 

He still had school to worry about, stress was beginning to ride on his nerves at the thought of everyone's attention being on him. Again. 

"Alright kid, get out. " Happy grumbled, clearly in a foul mood as Peter was late to the car this morning. Nevertheless Peter still waved cheerfully as he took in a shaky breath, stumbling out of the car as flashes of light began to train onto him. 

As he covered his eyes with his arms, he heard a car door behind him slamming as Happy began to steer him through the crowd, barking orders for the teens to turn off their phones. Slowly as the flashlights began turning off, Peter started his trek to his locker, pointedly avoiding everyone's gaze. 

Ned caught up to Peter, breathless as he had pushed passed the crowd. He slammed his hand onto Peter, attempting to catch his breath as Peter violently flinched at the sudden grasp of his palm. 

"Dude! Don't scare me like that! " Peter whispered, his eyes darting around the staring crowd. 

"Thought that- Spidey sense- Spider-Man! Spidey reveal- what? " Ned gasped on his own words, stealing Peter's water bottle and unscrewing the cap as he began to chug. After a quick refresh, panic returned to his face once his breath was caught. "You revealed Spider-Man! Does this mean you're famous? "

Peter resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead motioning to the audience that stood behind them. 

"Woah. Does this mean I'm famous? " Ned mumbled in awe, his eyes star struck as he stared up at Peter. 

"Yes loser, you're famous. Somehow. " A bored voice called through the crowd, approaching with her book of crisis in hand, her frizzy curls being slightly attracted to the metal lockers that stood beside her. 

"I'm sorry guys, I should've waited for you guys to give the yes to revealing this all, it was irresponsible of me and I shouldn't have done it. I'm really sorry-" His apologetic ramble being interrupted as Ned scoffed loudly. 

Peter blinked at Ned who looked exasperated, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. 

"Are you kidding? This is amazing! Now you can walk on the ceilings during school! How fun would that be! " Ned smiled, as MJ shrugged, seemingly not minding the new condition she was thrown into. 

"Mr. Parker, please do not walk onto the ceilings, and may I have a word? " Principal Morita emerged from the crowd, pushing past the wave of students that followed Peter's every move. "Everyone get to class! " The principal's voice boomed over the whispers that bounced around the hallway. 

As the crowd began to dissipate, the principal approached Peter, a stern look in his eyes. 

"Peter, please don't do anything... spidery in school, and please be safe out there understood?" He patted his shoulder softly as Peter forced himself not to flinch at the touch. 

"Uh yeah! I mean I always try to be careful but thank you. " Peter avoided eye contact with the intimidating man. 

Which was ironic considering he dealt with much bigger men that had held knives against his throat every night. Peter shrugged the man's touch off his shoulder as he shuffled his items in his arms, nodding his byes to his friends as he took off to class.

His eyes darted around the meals being served, each look at the food bringing in nausea, a distateful sense of bile rising to his throat giving him a unsettling shudder. 

Carefully, he picked the smallest portion of tenders. Glancing around his shoulders to ensure no one would see him placing one onto another tray of food. 

Avoiding his eyes setting on the greasy food, he stared at the ceiling, allowing his sixth sense to steer him through the crowd. As his classmates moved around him in a wave, he began moving his way to MJ, discreetly tossing his tray into the trashcan. 

Sitting down next to Ned, he felt his spider sense buzz as a plastic tray was thrown at his head, quickly catching it with a confused stare as he made eye contact with Flash.

"How the hell are you Spider-Man?" Flash screeched, slamming down his hands on the table as he sat across Peter as people's phones started training on the two. 

"Spider bite, also by the way I am allergic to mint so I don't know what you were talking about man." Peter sneered, crossing his arms, appalled at Flash's false claims. 

"Whatever. Why did you never fight back? " Flash scowled. 

"I fight bad guys every night, not insecure teens. " Peter shrugged, earning a small snicker from MJ from where she sat. 

"Hey wait where's your lunch? " Ned chimed in. 

Peter froze, quickly covering it up with a fake cough. "Didn't have the money. "

"Please. Your father is a multi-billionare, of course you have the money. " MJ snorted as Peter softly chuckled. 

"Uh hello, are we not gonna talk about how Penis called me a insecure teen? "

"No, because you are and anyways, Peter go get lunch. " MJ ordered, a stern look on her face when suddenly, Peter's phone rang.

An unknown number appearing on his screen as his hand flew to pick it up. "Hello? "

"Hi this is Nexus Broadcasting, we're trying to call Peter Parker? "

"Yes this is he. "

"My name is Callie Rosenhayn, we at Nexus broadcasting are attempting to do a story of Spider-Mans life as a hero and all of your difficulties, would that he possible? "

With a quick glance at MJ and her concerned glare, he made his decision. 

"Yeah, how about now? "

After nearly four press conferences in one day, Peter was getting ready to prepare for another, opening his mouth for FRIDAY to schedule another meeting. 

"Peter, what are you doing kid? " Tony turned in his chair, spinning around swiftly as his glare deepened towards Peter. 

"Getting another conference, why? " Peter shrugged, turning to face the cameras again. "FRI, can you please get some reporters around to-"

"Nope. Not happening. What's going on Pete? " Tony yanked his sunglasses off his face, leaning on the armrest. 

"Nothing..? " Peter glanced, confused, his brows furrowing at the sudden investigation. "Just trying to let people know that they aren't alone. "

"Cut the bullshit Peter. " Peter spun around, shock forming on his face as his jaw clenched shut. "You barely eat anymore, don't think I haven't noticed the baggier clothes you wear and the food you push around your plate and that goddamn dinner we have! "

His heart dropped, his eyes falling to the floor as his face burned in shame, hands climbing up to his hair and yanking slightly, subtly. Words stuck in his mouth, throat bobbing as saliva pooled around his tongue. 

How could he explain this, that he was a disgusting monster that ate too much, worked too little, and barely helped anyone or anything ever. 

How May would hate him if she saw how ungrateful he was now. 

He opened his mouth, shutting it as fast as he opened it. Mouth gaping before closing it again, repeating for what seemed like hours, Tony's impatience for an answer growing with each passing second. 

"I... I'm so-" The door slammed open, cutting his words off as Pepper stumbled in, her formal wear disheveled as eye bags sunk under her eyes, Peter could hear her heart pounding as she attempted to catch her breath. 

"TV! Turn on the TV FRI! " She stammered as the TV clicked on, volume blasting around the room, echoing around each corner, far too loud for his senses yet it allowed him to focus on now, not the conversation from before. 

"-attempted suicide only days ago! Is this really the boy we want to protect us? Stark can take down as many videos as possible but the truth is out!" He paused, letting the words sink in, a tatic that Pepper's lawyers often did to allow any statements to sound more dangerous then truly is. "How do we know he won't kill himself as someone is being hurt, raped, or killed? Peter Parker aka the Spider-Menace, the boy who would give up others lives for his own benefit!" He screamed at the camera, rage seeming to stir in his mind before continuing.

"J. Jonah Jameson, the Daily Bugle! How do we know he won't kill himself during a world ending event? "

Oh.

Oh no. 

Chapter Text

"Is it true you attempted to kill yourself? "

"Show us your scars, pretty! "

"Retarded cut-up ! "

"Be careful Stark, or he'll start carving again! "

"Attention seeker! "

What the fuck? 

Peter hung his head low, making his way through the crowd as Happy clenched his shoulder harder. The feeling reassuring but painful as Happy's nails dug deeper with each insult tossed at Peter. Shame breaking through his expression as he opened the door to his own home, still being bombarded with questions. 

Happy hissed for others to move, people wrapping around them as their cameras were trained on their faces. Shoulders knocking into Peter's arms, elbows jabbing into his ribs as people attempted to get his attention. 

Eyes staring blankly ahead, head leaning down, his legs dragged him to the elevator, zoning out of the world until his hearing caught onto words being hollered from the outside. 

"Attempt again! "

Angry, loud, and hurtful words echoed in his head, tears welling up as he faced away from Happy who stared with concern. Whispers escaping his hearing as Happy tried to console him. 

His hand reached up, gripping the hair tightly as streaks tore from his scalp, blood staining his fingers before he shoved his hand into the pocket, hiding the evidence before Happy could see. 

"Hey! " Happy snapped his fingers in front of Peter. Worry plastered on his face, failing to maintain a composed expression. "You with me kid? "

Peter hummed softly, eyes staying on the floor, staring as if it were the most important thing in the world. A sigh emitted from the bigger man next to him, loosing the tension in his shoulders. 

"Uh Happy? " Peter glanced up before turning his eyes back to the floor. 

"Whats up kid? "

"Can you do me a favor please? "

"Sure."

"Can you get me a hat from downstairs? "

Confusion turned the gears in Happy's head before he shrugged a soft yes. Peter sighed, grateful for the lack of questioning. 

How would he even feel if he knew Peter was ripping his hair out as a coping mechanism. 

At least Peter knew how he himself felt. 

Pathetic. 

Tony huffed, turning to Pepper with his arms crossed as she held back tears. His heart pounded fast and loudly, gulping down water to slow it down as he walked to his wife. 

He cupped her face, wiping the tears away with an embrace, the two stood there silently, the horror of it all catching up to the married couple. 

"Okay. Okay. " Tony pulled back slowly, his eyes determined as he stared back at Pepper, his fingers tangled in her hair. "Peter is stopping by his room to get his backpack then go to school, do we have a plan? "

Pepper hummed softly, shaking her head before abruptly stopping. "I have an idea. How about you go to his school, pick him up early and I'll be researching some therapists with Sam? He was a military trauma counselor before so he probably has connections. And hire a psychiatrist to diagnose him for- to diagnose him. "

"Yeah, that- that sounds good yeah. " 

The two stood still for a moment before collapsing onto the couch behind them as dread and sadness coursed through the two.

"He's just a kid. His whole family died and he was raped Pep. I don't- I don't know what to do. " He leaned forwards, putting his face into his palms with a sigh. 

She hummed in response, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, softly using her other hand to grab Tony's shoulder. "That's why we are here. To help him even if it seems impossible alright? We're his family and we're going to support him, he'll be okay Tony. "

"But what if he won't be? " He blinked the tears that began to prickle at the corner of his eyes away, turning his face away from Pepper. 

"We'll still be there for him. " 

"What if he won't be there? " The tears that threatened to spill began dripping down his cheeks as he turned to face Pepper, dark circles forming under both their eyes as pain cracked in each word that was said out loud. 

Silence filled the room, hurt engulfing the two as they sunk back into the couch, both shaking their heads softly as tears filled their eyes. 

Their son might die. 

'And it'll be my fault. ' Tony thought.

Suddenly a crash came from the bathroom, Tony rushed up from the couch, sprinting towards the restroom and slamming open the door. 

On the floor, Peter sat there, a razor in hand yet no sign of blood anywhere. Tears were dripping down his face as his mouth was pressed in a thin line. 

"Peter? " Tony gasped, rushing forwards and tossing the razor aside, pulling Peter into a hug. 

"I-I'm sorry. I d-didn't do anything. " Peter's lip trembled as gasps mixed with sobs interrupted each word that poured through his mouth. Snot dribbled down his face as tears soaked Tony's shirt. 

Pepper crashed the door open, collapsing onto the ground next to the two, her eyes darting to the shining razor across the room. 

"Oh Peter... " she hummed softly, hugging Peter aswell. 

The three sat together, tears falling into each other's laps as Peter gasped for breath between sobs. 

"I see him... every night. " Peter sniffled as he craned his neck towards the ground. The lack of light highlighting the dark circles that seemed to be unnoticeable until now. 

"I can't sleep. " Peter looked up at the two as they exchanged hurt glances. "I can't eat. "

"You're going to be okay Peter. " Pepper sighed, clutching his hand tighter. 

Peter shook his head softly before darting out of the room, ripping his hand away from Pepper. The two sat, shocked as Peter ripped open a window and began swinging. 

"What- wait! " Tony rushed to his feet, nanotechnology forming the Iron Man suit around him as he flew before abruptly stopping to go back to Pepper, once he got her in his arms, he realized that he had lost Peter. 

"FRIDAY, get the tracker on, now."

Walking into the school with dread on his mind, he caught up to Ned and MJ, patting Ned's shoulder to show him that he's here. 

"Not late for once? Congratulations Parker. " MJ hummed sarcastically, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. 

Ned chuckled in response before pulling Peter forwards, closer to the two then behind them. They walked towards Peter's locker before hearing a loud voice calling from behind. 

"Hey Spidey! You gonna swing from a building and let go of the web or what? " Flash chirped, jumping from the gathering crowd and bringing the attention towards himself. 

"Shut up Eugene. " MJ rolled her eyes, anger seeping through her monotone voice. 

Ned crossed his arms and subtly putting himself in front of Peter in a protective manner. Peter scoffed at Flash's intentions. 

"What? Just asking what we all want to know, right? " Flash gestured to the crowd for them to agree, only getting soft murmurs of agreement. 

"Don't you wanna know how Jameson found out about that anyways? " 

Peter looked up from his shoes, the words clicking into his mind like a puzzle, Ned shuffled a bit, glancing in between the two. 

"What did you do? " Peter muttered, his words sharp as he stared ahead at Flash. 

"You're not the only one with connections Stark." Flash snapped with venom pouring at each word spat out, shrugging as if it was obvious. 

"And you know, it is interesting about why you attempted anyways, isn't it? " Flash's words cut through the whispers of the crowd, attention being immediately snapped towards him. 

"Stop. " Peter barked, taking a step forwards as his eyes grew with horror, each pair of eyes seeming to bore into him harder with each movement. 

"I bet you liked it anyways, faggot. " Flash rocked on his heels, a smug grin appearing on his face with each syllable being pronounced. 

"Flash. " Ned snapped, glancing back at Peter with a grounding look, setting his hand on Peter's shoulder to hold him steady as Peter's knuckles began to turn white. 

"Say one more word. " MJ threatened, shooting a warning look towards the recording crowd. 

"You must've loved his hands on your dick anyways. What was his name again? Oh yeah, Skip." Flash chuckled, crossing his arms at the anger forming on Peter's face. 

Something in Peter snapped, anger surging him towards as he lunged at the teenager, the world blurring around him as tears fell onto Flash's bruising face with each punch. 

His fist flying forwards at Flash's face, over and over. Cold adrenaline flowing through his veins as blood pounded loudly in his ears, faintly hearing Flash's cries for help and Ned's pleads to stop. He shrugged whoever's arm off his shoulder that threatened to pull him back. 

Suddenly, a loud crack snapped him out of his rageful trance. Blood began pouring down Flash's nose, his hands shaking as he pulled away from Peter. 

"What the fuck is wrong with you? " Flash screeched, leaning on the wall to help himself stand. 

Horror ran through Peter's body at the realization of what he just did. Disgust mixing in with the fading anger of his emotions. Nausea bubbled up at the sight of Flash's blood smeared on his fists, his stomach surging as he coughed out bile. 

"Peter! Peter- " Tony's voice echoed behind him, being abruptly cut off at the sight of everything in the school. "What did you do? "