toxin | parker | book two

CHAPTER TWO

[EXTENDED HANDS]

•

After he changed into training clothes, Peter went to Steve's door and knocked on it twice. "Steve? Can I talk to you?"

"Of course, come in."

Peter twisted the handle and entered the room. Steve was sitting at the foot of his bed, pulling his shoes on. His hair was wet and Peter concluded Steve had just finished showering. That made sense: it'd probably been a long day in the field.

"Have a seat," Steve said, motioning to the desk chair. The desk was utterly empty, since whatever paperwork Steve did was done at SHIELD or in Tony's office.

Peter pulled the desk chair so it was a comfortable distance and angle from Steve and sat.

"Do you know about Mari?" Peter asked.

"I do. It's good news."

"Yeah, but... I don't know."

"You're a smart kid. I don't believe you." Steve crossed his arms and waited patiently.

Peter leaned his elbows onto his knees. "I really thought she was dead. I felt the body go limp. I mourned for her. I hated myself, and you, for letting her die," Peter admitted. "And now she's here and alive and the knots in my chest are back."

"It wasn't her. No matter how much we all thought it, it was all the twin and Louis and his father."

"I know, but she could have called. She could have found us. She could have come back to the tower. We were here."

"She didn't for a reason. She wanted to protect us. We'll find out why she had to, I promise."

"I need... I need a foundation, Steve. I feel like the rug was pulled out from under me and there's a void and I'm falling..." Peter sat up. "I need stability. I need a friend."

"We're friends, Peter. Always will be. And we'll set a foundation. Okay?"

"Okay. Thank you."

"Of course. My door's always open. If you need anything, don't hesitate. Got it?" Steve asked gently. Peter nodded and dismissed himself.

•

Natasha walked Mari to Natasha's room and let her in. Mari looked at the white walls, each decorated simply, but effectively. One had a calendar, another had a hanging mirror and framed photographs of places and people.

Natasha pulled out towels and clothes from a drawer.

"So that's where the clothes came from," Mari said simply. "Thank you."

"Of course." Natasha handed her the neat stack. Then she looked Mari in the eyes. "I think you really hurt Peter, Mari. I think you should talk to him."

"I tried to."

"And?"

"And he hates me. I should've called, I should've told him, I should've been honest. I know that. He's so torn up about it... He still won't forgive me."