The Spider and The Flame (Peter Parker)

Part 2- Recruitment

Three Weeks Earlier

"Clean up after yourself, Ashton" My step-father groans, shoving my school project towards me at the table. I pick up my pencils and papers, quietly cleaning up the small mess I've made. I've found it much easier in the past to do as my step-dad says rather than fight him. He and I both have scars to prove that.

He lifts his filthy muddy boots onto the table, all over my project and the tablecloth. Anger begins the boil within me and I quickly leave the room, dropping everything from my hands onto the floor.

"Hey! Pick this shit up!" My step-dad yells, but I don't turn around. I run into my room, open my window and climb out onto the fire escape. I climb step by step to the highest point I can, and, making sure no one is watching, I levitate onto the roof.

Twirling a small fire ball in between my fingers, I look out at the city view around me. New Haven isn't a huge city, but it's always been home to me. The sun is beginning to set over New Haven Harbour, the light of the sun dancing across the gentle waves. I sit on the edge of the roof, legs hanging over the side towards the sea.

"It's a pretty view" A voice echoes from behind, startling me. I turn quickly to see none other than Captain America standing on my apartment roof. He approaches me and sits down, legs over the edge as I am. "Nothing compared to Berlin, though. I'm Steve."

"C-Captain America? I-I don't believ- Berlin?" I mumble, eyes widening. He makes me feel uncomfortable, yet also safe. It's a strange feeling. "You're Captain America, leader of the Avengers."

Steve shrugs, "the avengers are falling apart, Ashton. I need your help." He turns to me, a serious look in his eyes.

"It's Ash," I sigh, "wait- wait wait wait. YOU need MY help? What could you possibly need from me?"

"I've seen what you can do, the miracles you've made happen, and we need a piece of it." Steve smiles, putting a hand on my back, "you're special, kid. Being stuck here isn't pushing you to your full potential. I want you to come with me, I want you to train and fight along side me for the greater good of this world."

Processing the information Steve is giving me, I knit my eyebrows together. There's nothing I want in this world more than to get out of Connecticut. "W-What do you want me to do?"

"Train with Clint for a few weeks, then meet up with me in Berlin. I'll need you out there when the time comes." He smiles, standing up. He jumps down onto the fire escape. "It's now or never, kid."

Without hesitation, I follow him down the fire escape. I don't bother to grab anything from my apartment. It's not like anyone will notice or care that I'm gone anyways.