A Soul's Past and Future

A Soul's Present

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. Everything in here belongs to Marvel. Any OC added will be made known that they are mine. Other than that it belongs to Marvel.

Chapter 57: A Soul's Present

Peter walked into the med bay before stopping in his tracks. It was a little after two in the morning and he had just got back from a patrol. A mugger had sliced his arm deeper than he initially thought. Peter assumed that he could just walk into the med bay to stitch it up himself but what he wasn't expecting was to see Bruce there, facing away from the door at one of the counters. Peter debated on whether or not to sneak out before he was spotted but Bruce turned around and smiled at him.

"Peter, come sit down." Bruce said, gesturing to the bed closest to him.

Peter hesitated before walking over. "What are you doing up so late?" Peter asked as he sat on the bed.

"I was actually in the lab, but FRIDAY informed me that you were back and headed to the med bay," Bruce answered as he walked over to inspect Peter's wound. "Thought I'd come and see if you were okay."

"You didn't need to."

"I know, but I wanted to. Besides, it eases mine and the big guy's mind when I make sure the team isn't hurt. It's important to us."

Peter didn't add anything to that as he let Bruce stitch up his arm. The team. The implications that came with that is still something Peter was wrapping his head around. It's a subtle reminder but it was something Peter had starting to notice.

Bruce finished the stitch and started to clean up, "There you go. A little rest and you'll be good tomorrow."

"Thanks Doctor Banner," Peter said. He got up and hesitated to leave. He was still kind of high on adrenaline and the thought of laying still felt more daunting than anything else.

Bruce turned and noticed him still there. He smiled, "you're free to join me back in the lab. Maybe you can help me with a problem I got stuck on." Bruce jokingly added, "knowing you, it shouldn't take too long."

Peter looked at Bruce's welcoming smile and gave a tentative smile back, "alright."

~~~~

Peter sat on his couch and looked out the window, observing the busy night below. New York City isn't called the city that never sleeps for nothing. Peter took a breath and let out a heavy sigh. He heard footsteps coming towards him and he turned to see Thor walking in. Peter's eyes followed as Thor took a seat next to him.

"I don't believe we had a proper talk after all this," Thor said.

Peter shrugged, "I mean, a lot has happened. And there isn't much to say."

"No, but I do want to say thank you."

"I don't see why you would thank me. It feels like all I've done was bring more trouble." Peter said.

Thor placed a hand on his shoulder, "You've brought more than that Young Parker. You helped bring smiles on others faces and a youthful energy that was needed. And more importantly, you helped bring families back together."

Peter looked down, brought families back together but lost his own. Thor gave his shoulder a squeeze and, as if reading his mind, he added, "You even got yourself a place here with the team."

"Yeah?" Many of the others had said this before but something in the way Thor had said it seemed pure. Innocent. Like he believed this was whole heartedly true.

"Of course! And while we're at it, you are welcome in New Asgard." Thor said.

Peter looked at him, bewildered. "Really?"