Maya Stark

Chapter 115: Please, don't hate me

Nightmares plague my mind. So, did I get sleep? Yes. Was it refreshing? No. Happy shook me awake saying we were almost there. I sat there my knee bouncing and then we started to land.

'He's going to be on edge,' I say, standing. 'He just got his mind messed with by drones and betrayed by me. He's not going to be very trusting. Answer anything, he says and don't make any sudden movements.'

'You seem to know what those drones do to somebody,' Happy mumbled. He also seemed nervous.

'I'm going to stay in here,' I said, ignoring his comment. 'I don't want him to freak out and think this isn't real. So, gain his trust and maybe mention I'm here before he comes on board.'

'How bad do you think he's going to react about you?'

I take a shaky breath and sit back down. I look at my hands and spin my ring around my finger. I didn't know how he would react. And I didn't know how much I could handle. There were so many factors. To many. This could go how I expect, worse, or better. There was no telling with Peter. He'd been through a lot. There was no telling how his mind would take any of this. He's probably blaming himself for giving away the glasses and not noticing something was off with me. Because that's who he is.

'Maya?' Happy said.

I look up realizing I hadn't said anything yet. 'I don't know.' My voice was quiet, and my brain struggled to comprehend the fact I couldn't race out of the jet and go give him a hug. 'I think this is a bad idea.'

'You two work better as a team,' Happy said. 'Always have. Even when you guys didn't even get along. I mean you hated him but had amazing team work on top of a plane. You have nothing to worry about, kid. Peter will move past this. It's in his nature. You're like... Pepper and Tony.'

I roll my eyes. 'Why does everybody keep saying that?'

'Because your stubborn and he's patient,' Happy said. 'Now, I'm gonna go out there. You stay here and mentally prepare yourself.'

I nod as we finish landing. I grip the edge of the couch hard as I wait in silence for Peter and Happy to come. My leg bounced anxiously and by the time I finally heard movement my lip was completely chewed through. I knew Peter had to be arguing with Happy about me being here. When I finally saw Happy, he gave me a sympathetic look, one I never thought I'd get from Happy Hogan, and then Peter came into view. He kept his gaze on the floor and I should have figured he wouldn't look at me.

He didn't look to beat up. I let out a breath. He seemed okay physically. But that didn't mean anything. He sat down quietly and Happy sat behind him with a first aid kit. The silence in the air was thick. I could feel the tension and it just kept spiking my nerves. I wanted to say something but what could I say? Hey, sorry I helped you get hit by a train? No. I don't think so. So, I sit there and Happy stitches him up. He winces a lot and I hate myself a little more every time. He wasn't supposed to get hurt.

'Okay...' Happy said. 'Hold still. There we go.'

Peter flinches. 'Ouch.'

'I thought you had super strength.'

'Still hurts,' Peter said. He flinches again. 'Happy, come on.'

'Alright,' Happy said. 'Relax. Just a few more... there we go.'

Peter flinches more this time and slams his fist on the table. 'Oh, my god, Happy!' I flinch.

'Relax!' Happy said.

Peter jumps up. 'Don't tell me to relax! How can I relax when I've messed up so bad? I trusted Beck. Right? I thought he was my friend, so I gave him the only thing that Mr. Stark left behind for me and now he's going to kill my friends and half of Europe, so please do not tell me to relax! And you!' he finally turns to me, and I keep my eyes on the floor. I didn't want to see the look on his face. 'I... You said you were getting better. I thought... Why? Why did you have to work with him? What could he have possibly...?'