Hidden in Plain Sight // A Spiderfrost Fanfic

Chapter 56

This update is extremely overdue.

I know it was kind of a dick move to abandon the story for so long, but I would like you all to know that this story is my masterpiece. I would never leave it incomplete.

I've been dealing with a lot of junk lately and combined with tests, I just didn't have time. I hope to never leave it for months ever again, and I sincerely apologize.

This has to be one of my favorite chapters and it's much longer than regular so I hope you enjoy!

Peter's POV

I marched down the empty halls, my angry footsteps echoing against the walls. I was halfway to my locker when the bell rang and the hall was swarmed with people.

I was jostled around as I fought my way through the crowd. I managed to get to my locker without significant damage to my wounds. I grabbed my things, hastily shoving them in my bag before turning on my heel and re-entering the swarm.

This time I wouldn't let people shove me around. I shouldered my way through and exited the building. I knew Loki would be worried but I didn't care. I exposed myself. I had let my guard down.

Negative, harsh feelings boiled in my gut. I had acted weak, stupid. Without making any attempt to quell the thoughts swirling in my head, I started walking back to the tower. I would rather walk through the busy streets of New York than talk to anyone. By the time I had reached the tall building and rode the elevator up to the penthouse, the sun was setting.

Even after time to calm down, my chest was still burning with self-loathing. I figured the first thing I should do is notify the others I had arrived.

"FRIDAY, let the others know that I'm here."

"Certainly, Peter."

I sighed and trudged to my room. I kicked off my shoes and tossed my backpack on the ground. I reached for sweatpants and a sweater from my closet. Paranoia buzzed in the back of my mind. I slammed the bedroom door shut, locking it behind me.

Even though I was positive no one was watching, I couldn't bring myself to take off my shirt. Frustrated tears welled up in my eyes. Why couldn't I do this? It was a simple task, changing my clothes, but my body wouldn't listen.

"Stupid, dumb Parker," I mumbled to myself, my voice cracking. "Can't even change his clothes cause he hates his body."

For a brief moment, my eyes flickered to the dagger that laid on the top of Loki's bookshelf. I cast the thought away immediately. Bruce was doing a checkup later. I slumped to the floor instead, burying my head in my arms. I sat there for several minutes, struggling not to cry as thoughts bounced around my head. A soft knock sounded on the door and I lifted my head.

"Peter, are you in here?" Loki's muffled voice asked.

I didn't reply, his voice was too caring. I heard him ask FRIDAY where I was and to my dismay, they gave away my location. I cursed under my breath.

"Alright, babe, I'm coming in."

My heart jumped to my throat. "No! I'm uh, I'm changing!"

I pushed myself to my feet, diving for the nearby sweater.

He sighed softly. "I've seen your body before. Is this what this is about? I saw your reaction in the locker room."

I fell silent. Dropping my clothes, I sat on the edge of the bed.

"Let him in FRIDAY," I told the AI quietly.

The lock clicked and Loki rushed in. I didn't look at him, fixing my eyes on the floor. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and I flinched, tearing my gaze from the floor to Loki's shocked expression. He withdrew his touch and crouched in front of me.