Is Love Enough?

Chapter 12

Peter's head was pounding as his sight cleared, a blurry desk chair turns into a serious looking Steve. His sight focused nowhere, his mind running but all too still for comfort. 

Peter sat up with a groan, gaining his counterpart's attention, "How you feeling?" Steve asked his tone defensive and trying not to make himself sound any more worried than he clearly showed.

"Pretty good, despite the bullet," he huffed.

Steve nodded, the air around them becoming more tense. Peter could tell there was something running through Steve's head, but decided the best thing to do was to wait for him to collect his thoughts. Steve would talk about it when he is ready. Another minute of silence and Steve was up and pacing the floor, getting more anxious the longer he walked.

"Steve-" Peter tried but was cut off, Steve placing his hand up almost like a barrier between the two.

Steve paced more and ran his idle hands through his hair, only to stop with his back to Peter and ask so quietly, "Why?"

Peter's heart broke, his voice sounded so vulnerable, so betrayed. He stared at the now unmoving man, his shoulders tense and ready to run if needed.

"Why do you want to ruin your life like this?"

Peter didn't have an answer, probably not one Steve wanted to hear right now anyway. 

"Steve, I-" Peter sighed, he didn't know what to say.

The other man nodded, like he knew this is how it was going to happen. Like he knew this is where their line ended and walked for the door, stopping, riding the fence between staying and going. Strengthening his resolve, Steve opened the door and said, "I won't tell anyone," and walked down the hall.

The spider sat on his bed for a minute longer, then laid back with a sigh wishing the world could just stop turning for one second.

Minutes later there was a knock on his door, someone telling Peter that breakfast was ready. After that mess with Steve, Peter was feeling conflicted. He was torn between not caring and just walking out without his mask, at this point who was he really protecting? He had no family to speak of and it seems his luck is running out, a falling out with two of his three almost boyfriends. What was there really to care about at this point? No one trusted him not knowing his identity and its not like any of the heroes living in this tower actually care about him. No one has cared about Peter Parker in a long time.

With a heavy sigh, Peter went to his bathroom to check on his bandage and make sure he didn't look like a complete mess and walked out of his room in some sweats and a tank, the bandage slightly visible, his scars on full display. 

Peter walked into the main living area, walking past the living room and the stares to the kitchen where he grabbed a plate and sat down at the island. Natasha was the first to come out of the tense silence and carefully sat next to Peter, "So, Spider-Man, what brought this change of heart?"

Peter didn't even look at her when he said, "Peter Parker, my name by the way"

Nat narrowed her eyes, seeing the obvious deflection and started to grow a little concerned for the vigilante in front of them. Someone so adamant about keeping his identity a secret wouldn't just throw it out like this without a major change in their life. Not to mention his scars, the Red Room wasn't that cruel.

"Well, Peter, want to do some training with me after breakfast?" Nat more demanded then asked, leaving no room for him to say no.

"Sure, I'll meet you there."

Nat looked him over one more time before leaving for the gym.

Peter ate some more of the eggs, but mainly shoved the food around his plate. Next to come talk to Peter were Tony and Bruce, sitting on either side of him. They sat in silence until Peter spoke up, "I get if you don't want anything to do with me, now that you know," his tone bitter and sad.