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Peter spent the following week being the best he could be. He spent time with May, helping around the apartment and being the best nephew he could. The guilt from the last incident still rested on his shoulders. It was nice and May accepted the help but she could tell that Peter was feeling down. Something had happened, not just from losing the stark internship. But he wouldn't tell her. So she called Ned.
"For fucks sake Peter" Ned exploded one day. They were in Peter's bedroom having just completed the Lego Death Star. Peter had spent the whole time sighing and Ned just couldn't take it anymore. "What is wrong? You've been sighing for the past week. This can't just be losing the suit. You don't need the suit to be Spider-Man man".
"I know", Peter sighed yet again and Ned felt like banging his head against the bed. It was silent for a moment, both boys not knowing what to say.
"Is this something to do with Emil?" Ned asked hesitantly.
Peter exploded, all the pent up feelings coming out all at once. "We had an argument. He wasn't who I thought he would be. And I reacted badly. I made him cry Ned and I don't know how to apologise for it", he buried his head into his hands and huffed in frustration.
"So, who is he?" Ned questioned slowly. "If he's not the person you thought he is then who is he?"
Peter took a deep breath. Would it be right to tell Ned? But this was Ned and he wouldn't tell anyone. "He's Boo. He's that annoying assassin that I told you about", Peter admitted.
"Wait, you're telling me that Emil, flower crown bright social gay Emil is that emo teleporting assassin Boo?" Ned repeated in disbelief.
"Yes!" Peter yelled. He bounced up from his seat on the floor and paced the room.
"So?" Ned's question made Peter stop. He looked at his friend in shock.
"What do you mean so? He's an assassin, he's killed people and committed crimes. Hell, he fought against me. I can't believe that I almost fell for him".
"Does it really matter? Before you found out that he and Emil were the same person you didn't care. Yeah, he tried to harm you but maybe you should try and see this from his point of view", Ned argued. Peter wondered when his friend had gotten so wise. "He's been trained since birth by the bad guys. But he still helped you. He still put his trust in you and you made him cry". Peter winced at the memory of Emil's tear stained face. "You are my friend Peter but you need to get your head out of your self righteous heroic arse and remember that even ex villains need saving".
It was harsh but Ned was right. Peter collapsed back into a sitting position on the floor. "When did you grow up?" He asked accusingly.
Ned shrugged. "Since I wanted to become your guy in the chair. Come on Peter, every hero needs a guy in the chair".
Peter chuckled and shook his head. "I don't need a guy in the chair. But you're right. I need to apologise to Emil".
The next day Peter was just returning to physics after a toilet break when he bumped into Liz and Emil. The two of them were cleaning the trophy cabinet where the decathlon trophy was being displayed. Peter froze mid-step as his eyes connected with Emil's. Emil promptly adverted his eyes back to the cabinet.
"Oh hey Peter", Liz greeted cheerfully, not missing the awkward tension between the two boys.
"Um hi Liz, Emil", Peter smiled nervously. He bit his tongue for a minute, unsure what to say. His gaze roamed the empty corridor and landed on the homecoming banner. "Um I just wanted if Emil wanted to come to homecoming with me?" He choked out in a moment of courage.
Emil looked up in surprise and a blush spread across his cheeks. "Um, er," he stuttered. He bit his lip before finally meeting Peter's gaze. His blue eyes were apologetic. "Sorry but I've already agreed to go with Liz as friends". Peter felt a wave of disappointment hit him.
"But you can come too", Liz interjected. She elbowed Emil in the chest and smiled at Peter warmly. "Since we are just going as friends then it would be fine for you to come. Here, have my phone number". She produced a pen from the pocket of her dress and wrote the digits down on Peter's arm. "We are meeting at my house. Text me or Emil and we will give you the details".
Peter smiled, his hope rising. "Yeah. Thank you I'll see you then". Then he left back to class, a infectious grin barely contained as it spread across his face.
"Why did you invite him?" Emil hissed as he and Liz watched Peter return to class.
"Because he wanted to invite you to homecoming", Liz pointed out as she began to pack up the cleaning equipment.
"But he probably hates me", Emil whined.
Liz smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop with your self pity", she scolded. "Peter is obviously trying to make amends. So an hour before he arrives at mine, turn up so I can make you look fabulous. No arguments".
Emil sighed but allowed a small smile to spread across his lips. Peter had actually asked him to homecoming. He felt giddy.
Liz smiled at her friend's expression. Damn did she ship them. Those boys were so adorable around each other.
