Not a Hero

(9) Feel My Wrath and Extreme Self-Doubt

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Okay, maybe Star Wars wasn't so bad. Granted, I didn't understand most of what was happening, but Peter was happily explaining it to me, despite my obvious confusion.

Peter landed next to me after a long and tiring patrol. We'd been patrolling for a few hours already, finally taking a break. "So uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come over this weekend and watch a movie?"

"Okay, sure." I turned to stand near the edge of the roof. I leaned over the half-wall, resting my arm on the rim.

"Cool, I figured we could watch Star Wars, maybe? Since you said you'd never seen it." Peter suggested, shuffling over to me.

"As long as you don't mind explaining some stuff to me." I joked while messing with my mask. Peter opened his mouth to say something before a scream cut him off.

"I've got it!" He called out, swinging away.

Peter and I were sat on his couch, watching the movies. Though I was sure Peter had seen the movies countless times, it was oddly entertaining to watch him lean forward at the action scenes or mouth along to certain lines he had memorized over the years.

His face was lit with the vibrant colors from the TV, showcasing his delight. Part of me softened while watching Peter. It was odd to think that he could lift a semi-truck, and here he was explaining to me what the Force was.

I think I spent more time watching his reactions to the movie than the movie itself. Though it was alright, I genuinely didn't understand why Peter loved it so much. I heard a door open behind me followed by the clicking sound of shoes.

"Peter! I'm back. Is that Ned with you?" A female voice called out.

Peter's face immediately flushed red with blush. He shot up from the couch, nearly tripping over himself, with me following soon after. "No, Aunt May!"

A woman with long brown hair came into view. She was dressed in a light brown sweater with black jeans, seemingly just coming from her job. "Oh, who's this?"

Before Peter could stumble over his words, I decided to introduce myself. "Hello, I'm Vivian. I'm a friend of Peter's."

"Yeah! From the-uh, Stark Internship." Peter lied quickly, hoping his aunt wouldn't ask too many questions.

"Oh, well it's nice to meet you. Are you staying for dinner?" She asked while setting her bag down.

I checked the time on my phone, wincing at the missed texts from Stark. "I'd love to, but it's getting late and I should head home."

~ ~ ~

Dusk settled over the horizon, blanketing the city in starlight. The cool evening air nipped at my neck as I pulled my cardigan closer. Peter insisted on walking me to the subway, seeing as how I didn't know how to use the subway, and I left my suit at home. I texted Stark back, telling him I was on my way. As I hit send, something caught my attention.

I lightly tapped Peter on his arm, signaling for him to stop moving. My ears listened for anything out of place. I faintly heard the sound of hushed voices, telling each other to hurry. Peter seemed to understand, moving towards the noise.

We both softly ran to the building, stopping just across the street, noting it as some sort of lab. People dressed in yellow hazmat-like suits flooded the building, trashing the place in a wild search.

I looked at Peter with a worried look, silently asking if he had any ideas. Neither of us had our suits on us, but we had to do something. I bit my bottom lip in thought, tempted to just say screw it.