Lost in Translation

A Secret Too Delicious To Not Share

Peter wasn't sure where to go. He briefly contemplated calling Fury, the only other person in the world who knew who the teen really was, but he shook the thought out of his head. Why would he go back to the man who'd lied to him for years?

No, he couldn't go to SHIELD. Instead, Peter took a familiar path through the city, looking for the row of town-homes Ned lived on. His feet had a mind of their own as they took him right to the door, knocking lightly on the hard wooden door.

"Peter," Mrs. Leeds greeted, opening the door. "I didn't know you were coming by tonight. It's a school night."

"Hi, Mrs. Leeds." Peter shifted his weight from foot to foot, tears pricking at his eyes again. "I, uh... I need a place to stay for a bit? If that's okay. I can always go somewhere else, but I didn't know where to go and I can't go back to the apartment and-"

The older woman cut the boy off with a quick hug. "Of course, honey. You're always welcome here."

Peter followed the woman inside the house, taking note of Mr. Leeds, Ned, and Miranda, Ned's little sister, at the dining table. He kicked of his shoes by the door and set his bag by the stairs as he came into the kitchen.

"Hey, Leeds clan."

They all chorused hello back, Mr. Leeds sending a sideways glance at his wife.

"Peter, make yourself a plate."

The teen busied himself with food while the family had a quick conversation in hushed tones, unaware that Peter could hear every word.

"Why is he here? It's a Tuesday."

"He said he couldn't go back home, something happened with May. He's staying here for now."

"Doesn't he have anywhere else to go?"

Peter's ears burned with blush when he heard that. It was no secret that he was an orphan- that he only had May, but hearing it out loud like that always made him uncomfortable. Now that he knew he wasn't even an orphan, now that he knew he was just some kid Fury found, he felt even worse.

"Hush! He's welcome here as long as he needs. We're not going to turn out a 15 year old!"

Peter turned, his plate piled with food. He smiled at the small family as he made his way towards the table.

"Thanks for letting me stay," he murmured, keeping his eyes fixed on his food. "I just didn't know who else to call."

Ned smiled reassuringly. "Anytime, man."

Dinner was uneventful after that. Everyone ate quickly, and Ned and Peter helped clean up the dishes, of course. When everyone was done, and the dishes had been put in the dish washer, Ned and Peter had raced upstairs to Ned's room. Peter liked being with Ned, especially because he got to be himself. No snarky agent attitude, no adrenaline rush, no pretending, just Peter. Peter, who loved Legos and could eat a whole pizza in under an hour.  Peter, who did a spot on Jar Jar Binks impression. Peter, who loved people way too hard, despite all the times they let him down.

Ned pulled out his Lego sets, passing Peter the instructions as he started sorting pieces. After a few minutes, he cleared his throat and looked up at his friend.

"Want to tell me what's going on with May?"

Peter sighed. He knew that he could trust Ned with anything, even something like this. Something convoluted and strange and life-shattering.

"Ho scoperto di essere adottato," he said quietly. Ned rolled his eyes.

"English, please."

"I found out I'm adopted," Peter repeated, flipping through the Lego book. "We're starting with 2 of the 6-by-6 lego flats, then we need a couple 2-by-3's."