Survivor

30. Love

"...And more Loved than you know."

The Avengers, including Peter and Ned, were gathered in the computers lab, staring at each other. Ned was still looking around like an anxious hamster, squealing slightly every few seconds. Finally, Peter managed to gather his thoughts enough to speak.

"So... why are you guys still here?" He asked. "You do realise I have to go back to class - and that you can't come." Ned looked heartbroken at the realization.

"You still haven't given us a tour of your school!" Clint complained, and Peter sighed. "I can't show the Avengers around my school! You do realize you are in full costume? Except Mr. Stark, but I'm pretty sure he has his suit on call."

"You know me so well." Tony chuckled, flashing his watch. "We just wanted to make sure you were safe what with all that's happened recently." Natasha admitted, and Ned looked at Peter uncertainly. Peter smiled sheepishly at his friend and the Avengers. "Thanks, but you'll see me tomorrow. It's not that big of a deal." he explained, and Cap nodded.

"You're right. And we are sorry for bothering you." Peter immediately regretted sending them away. "You aren't bothering me!" He called anxiously, jumping to his feet. He opened his mouth to speak again, when the bell went off, echoing through the lab. Peter, unprepared and nerves causing his senses to heighten, hissed in pain and fell back into his seat.

"Peter!" Tony cried, rushing to his side. "I'm fine!" Peter insisted immediately. "I just... wasn't ready." He stood shakily, Tony's hand never leaving his shoulder. "Prepared for what?" Scott asked, he had been chatting with Ned in the corner. "The bell." Peter told them, as if it were obvious. They shared confused looks, so he continued. "You know, super senses and all, loud sounds, strong smells, bright lights and the such can really bother me. But usually I can brace myself." Natasha nodded slowly. "Sounds like hyperesthesia." She looked at him sympathetically. "Bruce had it too. It can be really painful." Peter flushed when everyone turned to look at him in concern and he cleared his throat. "It's not that bad for me." He lied, but they'd all seen what that bell had done.

Speaking of bell...

"Oh my spades, we're late for class!" Peter yelped, launching forward and grabbing Ned. "I'll see you guys later, we have to go!" He called, dragging Ned with him. "Bye, Avengers!" Ned called as they left.

oOo

The rest of the day was blissfully uneventful. That was, until the Avengers had to show up again. It started with a text, as per usual.

Tony: "Hey, kid, I'll be driving you home today."

Peter blinked at the message as he paused at his locker. Tony must've meant Happy, he decided, shrugging. Then, he walked out into the courtyard and saw the swimming mass of kids that would've usually all went home by now for summer vacation. Instead, they swarmed something on the street. And Peter had a sinking feeling he knew what it was.

"Hah, guess someone here knows the Avengers!" Flash announced from the field. "But I'm the one who talked to them today! They know my name!" He bragged, and Peter rolled his eyes as he walked by. Of course they would twist it into...

"Peter!" He heard Tony's voice and froze. Mr. Stark himself was pushing through the crowd of teenagers and finally broke out the other side, straightening his suit. "There you are, we've been waiting for ages!" He said with a smile. "We?" Peter hissed, and Peter shrugged. "Everyone wanted to come, but you understand they are supposed to be fugitives so its just Vision, Rhodey and I." He explained. Peter hadn't seen much of Rhodey since the fight at the airport, so he wondered how he was and exactly who he was.

"Wow, uh, thanks!" Peter coughed, blushing as Tony hooked an arm around his shoulders. The school was virtually silent in shock as Peter walked to the limo, Tony freaking Stark guiding him along. He made sure to stop when he passed Ned and give him a fistbump. Tony followed suit with a handshake. "See you over the summer, Ned." Peter told him. "You can come visit me at my internship." He snickered, and Ned grinned. Then they got in the car, to find Happy and Rhodey laughing.

"Man, I wish I could've done that in high school." Happy laughed, pulling out into the street. "Thanks, Mr. Stark, that was really cool." Peter admitted, and Rhodey leaned over to ruffle Peter's hair. He seemed in a much better mood than when Peter had last seen him, even smiling at the younger hero.

"You know, I was not happy when I found out how old you are." He told Peter suddenly. "But after this week I understand Tony's reasoning. You were going to be a hero no matter if someone helped you or not." Peter smiled proudly, and shrugged. "It started as a way to thank my uncle and then I just couldn't stop."

"Your uncle?" Vision inquired. Peter nodded slowly. "Him and my Aunt May raised me after my parents died." He explained, and Tony's face grew darker as he remembered the story May had told him. "He was still alive when I was bitten by the radioactive spider and started experimenting with my abilities but... he... I guess he knew or... anyways, he tried to make me see I should use my powers for good. And when I ignored him..." Peter faltered, breath hitching. "H-he paid the price." He dropped his head slightly, and Tony squeezed his shoulders.

After a few beats, Tony started talking about something dumb that happened at last weeks press conference and Peter let himself slip back into the easy banter. They took Peter straight home, and Tony even walked him to the apartment. They paused at the door while Peter fished for the key.

"Here's a secret, Peter." Tony said suddenly, hand on Peter's wrist. "I didn't pick you up from school just to help boost your popularity. The real reason is actually more selfish. I wanted to make sure you got home without spiderman-ing on us. I wanted to make sure you were safe." He took a breath, looking Peter in the eye. "Promise me you won't go out on patrol tonight." Peter looked down, before meeting Tony's eyes again.

"I promise." Peter said after a beat. "As long as you keep an extra eye out around here." He added, and Tony nodded. "Sam's got you covered. Reluctantly, but he'll manage." He smirked, and Peter smiled. He turned back to his door, and walked into his apartment.

"Hey, Aunt May, I'm home!" He called, and May rushed out with bags in hand. "Oh Peter! There you are!" She cried, hugging him after dropping her bags. "I'm so sorry I know we promised to go to dinner together tonight but my flight was moved and I have to go!" She apologized, releasing him to pick up her bags and rush out the door. "I left some lasagna for you just reheat it in the microwave!" She explained. "K, love you May, have fun!"

"Oh, I love you to! Have a great summer, sweety!" May ran back to kiss his cheek before running to catch her cab. Peter locked the door behind her, and rolled his shoulders. No patrol, Ned had homework and MJ was... mia, like usual. What to do?

Peter walked to his room and opened the door.

"Peter Benjamin Parker. I have been waiting for you." The figure sitting at his desk announced, sending Peter's spidey senses whirring. How had they not gone off earlier? The figure stood, and stepped into the light revealing a long red cape over a blue suit.

"I am Doctor Strange, and I am here to protect you."

Well this was bound to be an interesting summer.

AND BAM!!!
THAT IS THE END BABES!!!

What do you think of that cliffhanger? MOOHOOHAWHAWHAW!!!

K, so I will be doing a sequel, and next chapter will just be an A/N with the info on name and date published and stoof.

What do you guys think? Doctor Strange was the mystery rescuer! Are any of you surprised? Happy...? I know I am! Loki, Doctor Strange and Loki and my three favorite characters so... yeah. I had to include them all in one book, duh.

~ Meow