The Arachnoids [A Starker Rock Band AU]

3: World Tour Wishes

The show is on fire. Not literally, of course, but Peter can't stop smiling and jumping around the stage. The audience is super enthusiastic and responsive, much better than most of the crowds they played for so far. It's the blessing and the curse of being an opening band when people don't know your songs yet. It's a great shot at promoting your music, but sometimes it results in an audience that sells you off as background music while they keep chatting to their friends. Peter doesn't blame them, before he was in a band himself, he did the same thing.

Not this crowd. Some of the teens squeezed together in the front even wear some of their merch. Peter is 99% sure that all of this is a dream. That he'll wake up any second now and sigh when reality comes crashes down on him. But then, he also knows that all of this is in fact very much a real thing and it has his mind blown.

"This is our last song for tonight," MJ breathes into her mic. She gracefully accepts one of the other roadies handing her her bass guitar for the final piece of their set. Quickly, she puts the strap over her head. "But that doesn't mean the party is over! Who... Is ready for The Avengers?!"
The crowd cheers and whistles and it's a sign for MJ to continue while the energy is at its high. She nods, Ned brings his drum sticks together four times to count down to the beginning of the song. Peter's fingers easily travel their way across his guitar and he stalks over to Ned, playing towards him. Ned laughs and adds a little more energy and the crowd breaks into yet another wave of cheers.
"We were The Arachnoids, you've been amazing for us. Thank you so much and enjoy the rest of the show!"

-

The second they set foot backstage, the three of them break into a series of squeals and a very uncoordinated, jumpy group hug.
"Holy fuck, that was-" Peter rushes out and shakes his head in disbelief. MJ squeezes both boys into her sides and chuckles, just as amazed as the others.
"This, this is what I want for the rest of my life," Ned states and Peter bumps into him a little more.
"Yes, please, I don't want this to ever end."
"Crazy, it was absolutely-"

MJ never gets to finish her sentence when suddenly there's a scoff coming up from behind them. Peter turns around.
"So," none other than Tony Stark mumbles as he stares them up and down. "I didn't know you'd be this young. You legally drinking yet?" Peter frowns, unsure what to respond.
"We're young enough to not crash after one shot, unlike you," MJ retorts. Tony huffs dismissively and shakes his head.
"You must be... Venus."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Mmmh," is all the famous guitarist responds. He sniffs and looks around, clearly trying to find something he can use as an excuse to get away from them. Peter feels his heart sink. During the show, he'd somehow forgotten about the mood-killing presence that was Tony, and now it hits him right in the face.

"Alright, we'll get going. Wouldn't want to mess up your precious extra time to set up the stage." The man raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that. He laughs.
"Go on then, little spiders," he sneers at the boys. "Follow your Queen."

MJ keeps her head up proudly when she walks past him. Peter and Ned quickly follow. Peter can hear how Tony diverts his attention to someone else and he lets out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
"Fucker," MJ mutters under her breath. "God, I didn't know I could hate someone this bad. Seriously, what's his issue?" She takes off her bass and sighs, carefully placing it in the designated standard. Peter does the same with his guitar.

"I should go help the roadies with my drum kit" Ned whispers apologetically. "I'll meet you back here to watch the show?"
"Yeah!" Peter confirms. He feels a tad bit conflicted about having to watch The Avengers now. He still likes the music, obviously. He should just enjoy it as much as he can "I saw a bottle of champagne in the trailer by the way. We should celebrate after their set ends!"
"Oh my god yes," Ned piques up with newfound interest. "Well, they better hurry up then!"
"Ha, gotta wait till midnight, honey," MJ teases and she waves as Ned walks over to the stage again to help with the drum kit. Peter finds the cases of his guitar and MJ's bass, and together they put them in there.