Safe and Sound

Chapter 24

“Wade, what’s going on?” Nat asks. But it’s not through the phone now. I hear the beep as she hangs up, then she’s standing beside us. “Peter are you okay? ‘Know what? Don’t answer that. Can you swing?” she asks.

“Y-yeah.” I sniff. It’s okay. I’m okay. I’m out of there, I’m not going back. I can’t. I’ll find something. Hunt down another job, rent an apartment somewhere… that’ll be hard to do at seventeen though. I’m okay though, he didn’t do anything. I’ll heal and get a job and be okay.

This is fine. I’m fine. I’ll work it out. I’ll figure something out. I have all summer to do it now. I’ll be okay. Progress. Making progress. I won’t have to go back there, I’m sure of that at least. I’m out of there now, one way or another. That’s progress… I manage to calm my breathing. I’m okay now. It’s okay.

“Okay, if you can, that would be the fastest way back to the tower. It’ll be more inconspicuous than having a black car stop and pick us up right now.” she says softly.

“Okay… yeah, okay. How will you get back?” I ask.

“I’ll follow through the alleys or something. That’s how I got here.” she shrugs.

“There’s b-bad people in the-these alleys.” I whisper.

“I’ll be okay, thank you though. Don’t get too far ahead though, please? It would make me feel better.” she says. I slip my shirt off, and my mask on.

“Here, let me help.” Wade offers his arm, helping to pull me up, then slipping it around my waist to help me keep balance. “I’ll get your bag.” he offers. I just nod.

“Thank you for coming.” I whisper. “I’m sorry I bothered you.”

“No, not at all!” Natasha exclaims, “You are not a bother! I’m glad you called.”

“What did I tell you? I told you you could stay with me but you didn’t listen.” I can hear the eye roll under Wade’s mask.

“Is that the new suit?” I ask. I can’t help feeling excited, seeing him wear it.

“Sure is! I love it! I like that the vest crosses around me, it makes me feel more secure. Kinda like a hug.” he sounds so excited… I can’t help smiling. I’m glad he likes it. I’m glad I could help.

“Alright, we’d better get back. Steve and Bruce said they were making a big breakfast when I left, we have guests coming today, and you need to eat.” Natasha sighs. Wade helps me to the edge of the building.

“I can just… patrol or something… I don’t wanna intrude.” I whisper.

“Patrol my ass. I don’t know what that man just did but you’re coming back with us and eating something. And we need to talk to Tony about getting you a room set up and all that, because you’re not going back.” she almost seems to be scolding me?

“Come on Spidey, let’s go.” Wade coos. I just nod, launching myself off the building.

I swing ahead and land, waiting as Nat darts through the alleys and Deadpool throws himself from roof to roof after me. Everything hurts… my bandages, still loose, are rubbing painfully against my wounds.

As we near the tower, Nat tells me the windows are open and I can just swing in there to avoid confrontation with anyone entering or leaving the building. I nod and she and Wade rush inside to the elevator as I swing around the building trying to find which window she was talking about. I see a row of open windows.

Inside, sitting on the couches, I see a few familiar faces, and two which I don’t recognize. Just then the elevator opens and Nat and Wade walk out, Wade no longer wearing his mask. I land on the side of the building and crawl through the window. My foot catches on the window sill, though, and I trip. Falling to the floor with a groan.

“Peter!” Wade rushes to my side.

“Holy… kid why did you come through the window?” Mr. Rogers asks.

*Avoiding people.* I sign. He just nods as Wade helps me to my feet and over to the couch where Dr. Banner stands, grabbing his bag, which he seems to have had at the ready.

“Hey kid.” Mr. Stark hands me a pen and pad. I keep my head down, trying to avoid eye contact with… anyone. But especially the stranger sitting beside Thor on the opposite couch. “Where’s your crutch?” he asks.

“My Aunt’s boyfriend tried to molest me so I whacked him with it and ran. Didn’t have the chance to grab it.” I write.

“Jesus kid, do you need some water? Food? A therapist?” Mr. Stark asks. I just shrug. Probably.