The unwanted Daughter [reader x Peter Parker]

Chapter 6 - Unwanted help

You've gained a new routine after a few weeks of being at the compound. It's just like you thought it would be; you don't see and speak to anyone except for Mr. Hogan, you go to the gym, you have breakfast and dinner alone, you don't do your homework.

You still have to see Parker every day in school, since he says that he's your friend now. You never denied it, and it's not like he's dangerous. Deep down - although you'd never admit it - you like having a friend, and you're starting to enjoy Parker's presence.

It's another boring day at school, and you don't bother with paying attention. You sit there and wait until the last period ends.

In your head you start to think about what will happen after school. Ms. Potts has informed you that Barnes said he would visit. She doesn't know the reason, probably assumes that he just wants to make sure that you're okay, and you don't deny her assumptions either. You're kind of excited to meet Barnes again, but you don't let it show.

"Y/N?" Your teacher, Mrs. Smith, calls out, and you focus back on the lesson.

You shockingly notice that everyone has already left except for Parker and Ned.

"Yeah?" You ask nonchalantly while putting your notepad and some pens back in your bag.

"I've noticed that you're hanging behind in literally every subject and that you don't do anything in my lessons. I assume that your behaviour isn't different in any of your other lessons. Peter is so kind as to offer you some help in catching up." She explains, her tone has an annoyed etch to it.

You look towards Parker with an angry expression and he looks honestly sorry.

"I hope your behaviour changes soon enough, Y/N, or you'll not only be failing this class." With that Mrs. Smith leaves the classroom and you look after her with a despising look on your face.

You make your way out of the classroom in quick strides, Parker and Ned follow you.

"We could meet up tomorrow after school, or maybe even today if you want to." Parker says, making you glare at him.

"Or I could give you my number and you can text me when you're free." He says slowly, cautiously after seeing your look.

You nod, not sure what a 'number' or even 'texting' is supposed to be, but you guess that it's a better option than having Parker talk to you.

He gives you a piece of paper with some numbers written on it. You look at it for about three seconds, before you just leave without another word. You'd honestly rather die than spend time with Parker after school, doing some unnecessary revisions.

Back at the compound you head to the gym as always to release some pent-up stress and anger.

How dare Parker to just suggest something like helping you catch up without asking you himself if it's alright first?

How dare he just interfere in your life?

You lose track of time, focusing on punching the sandbag in front of you. You're so focused that you terribly flinch with your whole body when someone starts to talk.

"I was waiting."

It's Barnes - of course it is. You notice that he has cut his hair, and is not wearing the uniform from last time. Looking at him a bit more intently, you notice a scratch on his forehead.

"Fuck off." You snap at him, putting a hand over your chest to calm yourself down.

"What's gotten you so...," he gestures your body up and down, obviously referring to your mood.

"None of your goddamn business."

Instead of putting on a fight like you expected him to, he just shrugs. "Fair enough."

It catches you off-guard, making the anger slightly go away.

He holds up a tiny plastic bag that contains all of the stuff from HYDRA. "Just put it on the bench and leave me alone."

He does put the bag on the bench, but he doesn't leave you. You roll your eyes when he sits down on it and you go back to punching the sandbag.

"You know, I've had my doubts about you being Stark's daughter, but you're both clearly very stubborn." Barnes says, and you feel as if you are back at school, listening to Parkers blabbering. It makes you punch the sandbag harder.

"Whatever." You bite out.

It's silent for a while and you hope that Barnes will finally leave you alone.

"You need to improve your technique." He says out of nowhere.

It makes you stop seconds before another punch would've hit the bag. "What?"

Barnes stands up and walks over to you. He stands in front of the sandbag and holds his arms before his body.

"You need to make sure to always cover your face and to stay in motion. It'll be harder for the enemy to hit you like that."

He punches the bag with his human-arm next and lands a really strong punch.

"It mostly doesn't matter how hard you hit them, it depends on where you do. Focus on their throat, their chest, and stomach. Don't forget the crotch area - even if it's a woman, it'll definitely hurt them."

You listen intently, and watch how he moves his arms and legs. You've actually never quite thought about what Barnes does as a - job? But it's clear that he fights a lot, and has many different techniques. You could actually learn something from him - not like at school.

"Thanks." You say, even meaning it.

Barnes just nods as if to say 'you're welcome' and finally moves back a bit.

"We can maybe train a bit more next time I'm here." He doesn't say it too friendly, keeping his threatening undertone, but it makes your chest feel warm - finally something you can look forward to.

You nod as an answer and you like that there isn't the need for words to understand each other - a nod is simply quicker, and it's not as if they'd care for any formalities.

He then makes his way out of the gym, but before he can actually leave you call after him.

Barnes looks at you expectantly, and it's clear that he just wants to go now. Although you have the feeling that he doesn't mind staying too much either.

"What is a number?" You ask.

It's later in the evening and you're laying in your bed, having your new phone in your hand.

Barnes has explained it to you shortly, said that everyone has one, and told you that you should go and ask Ms. Potts - he actually told you to go to Stark, but first of all that's not something you'd want to do, and secondly it's not like you're allowed to just talk to him.

After you told her that you'd need it because it would look weird if you're the only one who hasn't got a phone, she sent Mr. Hogan on his way to buy you an 'iPhone'.

She actually helped you to set it up, and explained a bit more, before she hurriedly left you alone again.

You love how uncomfortable she is in your presence.

Now, you have the 'Telephone' app open on your 'iPhone', and Parker's number lies next to your left arm. You hesitate before saving the number, and decide to text him a simple 'hello.'. After that you put your phone aside and fall quickly asleep.