"So, Mr. Parker - you seem to have an impressive resumé! I thought it was a stretch that you worked at Stark Industries, but I called them up and they said you were in the system, have a clean record. And you couldn't have hacked Stark Industries, could you? Must have been one heck of an internship," the interviewer lowered her glasses. Peter had been nervous about adding Stark Industries to the list, but knowing that Pepper knew who he was he felt a little bit at ease.
"I do have to say, I have many other candidates who could help me on this research project. Many of them are also way more experienced, but I feel inclined, and... you seem to be a good kid. Why should I pick you?"
Was a good kid someone who nearly killed a person from the multiverse? Nearly endangered the entire universe just to help someone? a voice crept in. He tried to push the intrusive thought away.
"My aunt was a social worker, ma'am. And she told me it was always good to start small," Peter swallowed the lump in his throat. "And I don't think you want to waste your students' talents on washing lab equipment."
"You're right," the woman nodded. "Besides, it won't be far-fetched to assume that you will move up the ranks here at Oscorp."
Oscorp. It hadn't existed until now, but they had been the ones to purchase the old Avengers tower. It was a weird feeling to be in this building knowing that it used to be a headquarters for the Avengers.
"I'm assuming," the lady continued. "That you will be finished your GED soon?"
"I'm taking the test before Christmas," Peter stated. He was well-prepared, all things considered. He had thought it would be troublesome, but he had spent the last years working with highly theoretical modules. Learning, Peter found, was easy when you didn't have to deal with the social aspects of it all.
He had the job to clean lab equipment. It was small but was enough to cover the necessities.
Peter knew it wasn't going to be enough. Life was mean - for all he knew, he was going to need 500$ in cash to pay something. What if he was a paycheck away from being evicted?
Maybe he could do some freelance work, but as what? A photographer? He had tried to take good photos of himself back when he was uploading his own videos to YouTube. It didn't go well. Now, he was a little bit fond of photographs.
Peter walked to the donut shop, a little spring to his step. At the register, as always, was MJ.
"You seem cheery, Peter Parker," MJ seemed surprised. "What, did you get a job?"
"I did, in fact," Peter was cheery. "What puts you in a good mood?"
"Track was canceled today. I hate track."
"Well, we can agree on that. I'll have the usual if you will allow me to sit down here."
"We have some 'stale'" MJ put air quotes around the words. - "donuts in the back. I'll get you some - the boss isn't here."
When she left to get the donut, Ned's voice rang in his head. Ask her out to Rogers the Musical , Ned had said. It wouldn't hurt, would it? It didn't have to be a date date. It could be a friend date with just the two of them, even though he has never hung out with this MJ alone before.
He sent a text to Ned which Ned then promptly answered:
Peter: Alright. I'll ask.
Ned: YAY! Show's on Friday :D
Peter took a deep breath. MJ returned from the back room with an entire box of stale donuts that from what Peter knew, still tasted good.
The diner was empty which meant that they were both able to chat. MJ talked about how before she became friends with Ned, she used to sit around and read books, drawing people. And then she remembered that they had both become friends during prom.
YOU ARE READING
Lost Stars - A Post No Way Home Story
FanfictionPeter Parker had a tough choice to make. Weeks ago, he promised MJ and Ned that he would find them and explain everything again. Now, he wasn't so sure. He had to figure himself out first, but with a series of crimes that will make him dip his toes...
