Starks Apprentice

Part 2 chapter 5

To finally get back in the flow of things, was admittedly quite nice, albite trying to help Peter study was a task I hadn't exactly enjoyed, but it didn't stop me offering up my flat for study sessions during the winter months. Although, I can't say how much studying actually got done.

"there's no way you're not getting Valedictorian" Peter pointed his chopsticks at Mj, his mouth half full of Chinese "you're the smartest person in our year"

"he's right, I'd bet my diploma on it" I couldn't help but chuckle at that, stabbing my noodles in amusement.

"Plus," Peter swallowed "who else would they even chose?" all eyes turned to him, and I covered my mouth to conceal the laughter that bubbled up at the sight of his wide eyes. "Me?"

"Obviously. It's hardly going to be Flash"

"But it could be" Peter countered Ned.

"When does this all get decided again?" I asked, "tomorrow?"

"don't remind us" they all emitted a groan and I laughed.

"Surely it can't be that bad? This is all for a speech for the graduation, right?"

"It's more than a speech" Mj exaggerated, "its life or death. To be or not to be"

"That is the question" I finished, and we grinned in union.

"Yay for Shakespeare" Peter said as he nudged Ned, both of them sticking up their noses up at us.

"Just because we're cultured, unlike some" I was hit in the head by something small and stifled laughter met my ears as we watched a pea roll across the floor.

"Alright that's it" I picked up my plant spray bottle and aimed it Peter's way spraying it at him as he rolled over the back of the sofa away from me.

"You should fill it with peppermint oil, spiders hate peppermint" Mj pointed out, and Peter shot her an appalled look from his seat on the ceiling.

"don't tell her that!" he cried, looking at Ned for help who merely shrugged with a smile. The sound of a phone ringing brought our collective attention to Ned who hurriedly began to talk to his grandmother on the phone in what I think was Spanish.

Soundlessly, Peter dropped down from the ceiling, stealing one of the chicken balls from my plate to which I rose an eyebrow as he grinned.

"Sorry guys I'm gonna have to go" Ned began to collect his plates, but I was quick to reassure him that I'd do it when I got back.

"Yeah me too, thanks for letting us hang out at yours Al"

"You guys are welcome anytime" I reminded as we all put out shoes on, "and don't stress about the speech stuff, no matter what happens, you're all graduating."

"We'll see" Ned looked pointedly at Mj who slapped his arm, rolling her eyes.

"And now we welcome our valedictorian, Michelle Jones" I whooped as MJ made her way on stage, May getting out her camera to take pictures along with Tony. Proud parents.

I would put a perfect replication of what she said but I wouldn't do her justice, and I did end up crying near the end so most of the words got a little muddled. We all watched them collect their diplomas with pride oozing from us, and I didn't think the smile on Peter's face could get any wider as he spotted his family in the crowd, all of us beaming. We got through all the formalities and the hat throwing before we were able to go stand up and celebrate with the now graduates.

"There he is" May brought Peter into a tight hug, both of them a little teary eyed as he patted her back comfortingly. "I'm so proud of you" he chuckled.

"Thanks May, I'm just glad it's all over now"

"Wait until you start at MIT" I flicked Tony's shoulder; he didn't need to stress about that today.

"you'll do great, kid" Bucky patted his shoulder and Sam did the same, mimicking Bucky playfully. He was soon showered in praises, face very quickly turning red as he ducked his head.

"I was only joking earlier; you've done a great job, kid." Tony went for a pat on the shoulder, but Peter bought him into a hug, and I couldn't help but let out an aww, snapping a pic.

"Thank you, Tony"

"That feels weird, but I'll allow it" chuckled rang around and Ned and Mj joined in with their families, the three of them showing off their diplomas to each other with excitement and I couldn't be happier for them. All that hard work and stress had really paid off and now they could relax.

"Hey congrats guys, Mj your speech was literally sick" I praised, and she thanked me "here you are, schooch together" I encouraged, pointing my camera at them. "Say cheese!"

"Cheese!" they chimed, smiles wide as captured the memory

"Lovely" we chatted for a few minutes, and they just relished in the feeling of accomplishment.

We ended up getting lunch together, everyone sitting across a few tables as we chatted and celebrated. It was really nice and I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time, despite a couple of paparazzi and people taking pictures of the team.

After everyone dispersed, I headed back to my flat, feeling oddly optimistic for a change. What a great day.

My phone started buzzing just as I pulled my keys out, seeing a voice message from Peter. I had a feeling he had found his surprise. I quickly got inside, locking up and flopping onto the sofa, playing the message with my lip caught between my teeth.

"Are you crazy?! You got me the Millennium falcon Lego set?! This is - insane!" I listened as he gushed over his new toy and I was so glad he liked it, I thought it was only right as Ned had the Lego death star, Peter had to have the Falcon.

A: Glad you like it lovey xx don't build it all at once lmao xx love you

P: THIS IS LITERALLY INSANE!!!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH AAAAHHHH!! WAIT UNTIL I TELL NED

He facetimed me bouncing about his room, and I could only watch with a smile as he rambled on to me about how crazy today had been, glad he had a good time.

A couple weeks passed, and Peter was having second thoughts about MIT. He wasn't sure if he wanted to do four more years on stuff he already knew or just focus more on being an avenger. I was happy to support whatever he decided to do, but couldn't help but push him towards MIT slightly, the years of people telling me to stay in school for as long as I could nagging at the back of my brain.