Electric Storm

Chapter 29: Glowy Thing

'Thanks for not selling me out last night.' I tell Parker on the way to school. 'And I'm sorry I called my dad.'

'It's ok. I know what you risked to be there last night. I didn't want to ruin that.' He smiles in understanding. 'Besides, I could have drowned if you hadn't.'

'Well, we can add that to the list of  things we have in common.' I shudder. 

Parker stops in his tracks. 'When did you nearly drown?' 

'Malibu when my house exploded, Washington when the carrier exploded, and Sokovia when the city exploded, except I didn't land in the water that time.' I try to laugh but my thoughts move internally. 'Ever since I received my powers, I've hated water. It fizzles out my lightning.'

Parker stares at me in shock. 'You know, I didn't realise how little I knew about your life as an Avenger until yesterday with Ned. You've never told me any of this before.'

'Yeah, well, like I said, it's not all fun and games.' I mumble. 'It's been hard Parker. I've risked my life numerous times, been through some pretty traumatic stuff...' I take a breath. I've spent years of my life waiting for danger, waiting for death. I'll tell him one day, but now's not the time, so I smile instead. 'Still, last night was fun and, this might sound controversial because you nearly died, but I think it went well.'

'You really mean that?' 

'Yeah, I do. We've discovered the weapons and they can be brought down now. We did our jobs.' I smile but a deep realisation causes it to disappear. 'But it can't become a habit for me. You do know I don't enjoy lying to my dad, right?'

'But you're so good at it.' Parker teases.

My gaze shifts. 'I'm not exactly proud of it.'

'You're right, I'm sorry.' Parker apologies, looking down. 'Did you, em, go back to party?' 

'No, I didn't. You?'

'No... I saw you dancing... and drinking.' He says carefully.  

'I know.' I reply.

'Why? I thought you'd stopped.'

'Hard day. Felt easy to resume to an old habit.' I shrug, trying to pretend it doesn't matter, but it does. 

Parker stops walking, instead turning to look at me kindly. 'Katy, are you ok?'

The deepness in his eyes makes me want to tell the truth. Not many people can do that to me. 'I wasn't, but I am now. And not because of the party, but because I finally got to do something that wasn't the accords or school. It was me, and you. And it was nice.'

Parker smiles at that.

'Parker, why did you want to show off Spiderman?' I ask softly. 

His eyes fall. 'I didn't really want to show off Spiderman, he's not a party trick, but Flash was saying all those things and for just once, I didn't want to be a loser.' 

Any judgment I had melts away. I knew he was good. 

'You're not a loser Parker. Nobody who actually cares about you thinks that.' I squeeze his hand, but instantly retreat when I remember my place. 'Did you talk to Liz?'

'Didn't really get the chance.'  

'I'm sorry.' I look away before I see his disappointment more. 

As we enter the school building, Parker nudges me. 

'I have something to show you.' He whispers. 'Meet me in the tech lab.'