A year to Remember. Part 3, The Conclusion

First Day Back

Inside Peter's room, May's slowly trying to shake him awake, whispering into his ear. "Sweetie, wake up". She gets nothing but dejected groans and mumbles as Peter tosses and turns in his blankets. "Pete, you gotta wake up".

No avail, he just flips over, nuzzling into his pillow. "Don wunnah", he mumbles, muffled by his pillow. May was trying to ease him into it, but if he's not gonna get up on his own she'll need to drop the nuclear bomb on him. "Peter, you're gonna be late for school".

First he humphs, twisting once more in bed, but May knows it's coming. In a few seconds her message hits and blankets fly as Peter jumps from the bed, rushing to the bathroom yelling about how he's late". May stifles a laugh as he rushes, taking a minute long shower and dressing just as quickly, grabbing the nearest pair of jeans, nearest science pun shirt and midtown jumper.

May was already by the kitchen, having pre-prepared breakfast knowing this was gonna happen, all that was left was serving it. "Peter, breakfast first. With your metabolism you're sitting down and eating it with me". He looks panicked at her, capitulating and stuffing down his eggs and toast. "Slow down sweetie, I got an errant to run so I can drop you off".

He slows, swallowing down the mouthful he had before thanking her and continuing at a much healthier pace. "Excited for your first day back?", he's a lot more deflated at her question than she expected, but it's still school so no surprise. "Come on, you're a junior now and you got your internship Fridays. That's something to look forward to".

Taking his last bite he smiles at her argument, "yeah, I guess you're right". He picks up his bag, May getting her purse and keys, both heading up to midtown, through a small 10 minute drive. May stopping right outside of his school, "good luck sweetie, I'll see you back home", the exchange a hug where May sneaks a kiss before he jumps out. Peter walks right into school, while May drives off towards a certain tower.

Midtown is just as Peter remembered, halls just too thin to hold the hordes of students, lockers packing the sides. The pale artificial white lights raining from above, the brightly coloured blue and yellow walls the only source of life for the students. Unlike before Peter seems to be getting more attention than before, it still only amounts to passing glares and second's long gossiping but it sure beats the 'not knowing he existed' from last year.

Ned and MJ had agreed to meet at his locker, so that's where to go. There, a reminder that the more things change the more they stay the same: Trash Fhomsom, pissed. "Parker!", he growls seeing Peter walking up to his own locker forcing a smile, "Hey Flash".

The irked teen only hardening his glare on Peter. "What do you want flash?", Wrong thing to ask. He stalks closer, towering over Peter, "thought you needed to be reminded of who you are". He grabs Peter's shoulder and slams his back into the lockers. "You're nothing Parker, don't you forget that. You don't deserved to be loved and one day the rest of your nerd squad will realise that", he started a bit stronger than usual, Peter thought.

Four months ago that might have gotten to Peter, indeed only having Ned, MJ and May. Now after figuring out who the chat was, having his internship and growing close to all the Avengers and his college friends... not a chance. Trash lost all of his power over Peter by now, but even then Pete knows it's best to let him talk himself out.

In the commotion Trash had also grabbed Peter's hand and tightened his grip, digging his nails in and bruising it. "You're a pathetic useless f-". His harassment is cut short by a loud growled shout echoing in the hallway. "Flash!".

Both turn behind them, a seething MJ stalking to the pair. Trash trembles, letting go. By then MJ was a few feet from the pair Ned shuffling behind the confrontation mostly, MJ still staring daggers into him. "You're just jealous we got the internship and you didn't", Ned points out making Trash's rage bubble out.