Throwing Caution to the Wind

Chapter 5

Monday came. And with Monday, came school. His thigh still wasn't healed. Even though he had made sure to properly clean it and bandage it, it felt almost worse than it had the night before. To top it all off, he had a massive headache.

Still, he dragged himself out of bed, knowing the sooner he started the day, the sooner it would finish.

He spend the morning trying to move around as little as possible and favouring his right leg. The left one screamed bloody murder any time it was used exclusive for more than a few seconds. He might have found that worrying if he knew how a bullet wound normally healed. Trouble is, this was only his second bullet wound. And it was the first time the bullet hadn't made an exit.

When the time got closer to the time he normally left he knew that he would probably need to slower and take quick breaks along the way. So, cutting breakfast and a few other non-essential things from his usual morning rush, he managed to leave 20 minutes earlier than normal. Thankfully he managed to get to the Subway on time, but just barley.

When he got to school, Ned was waiting for him. When he saw Peter limping towards the school, his face took on a look of concern.

"You shouldn't be here" he said

"I cleaned it, it didn't hit the bone, it's all good"

Ned looked at him like he didn't quite believe him but eventually let it go.

When he got to first period he was ready to sit in a chair for an hour, but unfortunately for him, that wish didn't come true.

As soon as he sat it the back of the class his dreams were dashed. Not by his leg though.

No, the P.A systems ruined that one

"Peter Parker to the principles office please, Peter Parker to the principles office please"

The enitre class looked back at him.

With a sigh, he picked up his bag and trudged toward the office.

*******

When he got there, the secretary just directed him to principal Morita's door.

When he walked in, he saw someone's already in one of the visitors chairs. He had short brown hair, medium built and looked to be in his 30's. Something about him looked familiar, but Peter couldn't figure out where he would have seen him before.

"Peter," principles Morita said gesture for him to sit down beside him, which he did immediately, "there's someone I would like you to meet."

"I'm Dr. Edward Boonton, head of R&D at Stark Industries" said the man holding out his hand.

That's where he was from, Dr. Boonton had been on the news last week for creating and donating a robotic arm to be used in people getting certain types of surgeries. The arms design was sleek and could be very delicately moved around, fingers and all.

"Peter Parker, I'm honoured sir"

"Now Peter, Dr Boonton here has an exciting proposition for you" said principal Morita.

"A few months ago, he came here wondering if there were any students who would be interested in becoming an apprentice of sorts. His idea was that one lucky student would arrive at the tower every Friday instead of going to school and just follow him around doing whatever he happened to be doing that day. Trouble is, this school is filled with kids who would jump at this chance, we needed a true way to see what student would fit the role best.

"So," Dr Boonton started, "I asked every teacher here at Midtown to write a letter of recommendation and from there, I would pick the best one. However you, Peter, threw a wrench in my plans"

Peter felt his stomach drop, he thought back to the past few months, where had he messed up, what mistakes had he made. But before he could work himself into a French, Dr Boonton had more to add.

"I got 5 letters recommending you. So I realized I couldn't pick my favorite is the teachers had a collective favorite." He said with a smile on his face.

Peter couldn't believe it, 5 teachers had recommended him. What an honour.

********

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. He kept taking out the information package that Dr Boonton had given him before leaving. It explained the days (every Friday for 14 weeks), what Peter could expect (attending and participating in design meetings, helping Dr Boonton with minimal paper work, and developing and creating designs from blue print to prototype and more), and how this would impact his schooling (it wouldn't, homework would be given to him the Thursday before and projects would be handed in electronically or be given in on  Thursdays instead of Friday where necessary).

And when he felt the wind coming through the fabric of his suit that evening, it was just that much sweeter.

*********

May was ecstatic when she found out. They played the official Parker Hype Song™ (Something Big by Shawn Mendes) and dances around the living room. May also went to pick up a small chocolate cake from the bakery down the street in celebration.

It wasn't until late that night that Peter realized that he would be in close proximity to the Avengers. Not only that, but in constant range of Friday, Mr Starks AI.

"Problems for another tomorrow," he thought, "I probably won't even ever see them"

Of only Peter knew just how wrong he was.