Sorry, didn't mean to text you.

Chapter 8

Peter POV

I've had the job at Delmar's for about two weeks now. I mean it's cool and all, but now I have no free time and even less sleep than before, which I thought was impossible. I just feel bad because some days I have to cut my S.I. days short for work. I haven't told anyone there of my new job. I don't want them to think I need charity, but I do need the money from working. 

Today I walked out of the elevator like usual. I was headed to the kitchen for a snack when my spider-sense tingled, and it tingled HARD. Someone was standing behind me. This wasn't the first time I had caught one of the Avengers trying to scare me, so I turned around with my guard completely down, ready to be meek, scare-able Peter Parker, but standing there was a man I had never met or, frankly, seen before. 

The strange man had gray hair and a mustache. He had a suit on and serious eyes. He was giving me a death glare or maybe that was just his face. Regardless, the man meant business.

"I am General Ross. Who are you?" My entire body went stiff and I felt myself ready for a fight. I had heard Mr. Stark complaining about him before. My face drained of color and I couldn't figure out how to speak. Through it all, Ross' face became even harsher, even more judgemental than before, only worsening my fear. Thinking back on it, I would pay so much money to watch this interaction and see my face. 

"I-I-I'm..." Good lord, Parker, stutter a little more why don't you? I was cut off by Steve and Bucky walking in together. If I'd had the time, I would have teased them about being such a cute couple, but it didn't feel like the right moment.  I needed to be worried about General Ross. They looked over to where we were standing and their faces lost all signs of happiness. The once welcoming faced grew hard and nearly unrecognizable. Steve and Bucky walked over and stood on either side of me. I felt very short between them, but I'd rather feel short than exposed. 

"Ross. What are you doing here?" I nearly flinched at the tone Steve took with Ross, so I couldn't blame the guy when he seemed to shrivel in on himself. It didn't take him long to regain his composure, but it took long enough that everyone was aware of the powershift in the room. 

"I'm looking for a kid, Peter Parker. His friend said he comes here after school. Now I didn't believe him, but why not drop by to say hello anyway?" I felt like I was going to pass out, but I kept my composure, besides my ever paling face, and found the strength to respond. 

"Why are you looking for him?" They all look down at me, stupid fucking genetics. I never knew my parents, but if I ever got the chance to meet them, I might curse them out for making me short. DO you know how hard it is to be an intimidating vigilante when you're 5'8" and all the bad guys are like 8'5"?

"Oh! I didn't know you could speak boy. It's a bit above your paygrade, but I'll let you in on a little secret, he's Spider-Man." The words left Ross' mouth and my mind shut down. In the distance, I could hear Bucky and Steve laughing, but me and the General never lost eye contact. He knows it's me, I can see it in his eyes.

Then the strangest thing happened, I heard a click. My Spider-Sense didn't go off, but my body tensed anyway. Ross had pressed a button, but I didn--- now is when my Spider-Sense went off. It was coming from everywhere at once. Danger was everywhere and I couldn't find it. Imagine a siren screaming in your ear that there was a problem, but neglecting to tell you what. I was nearly in tears. My body was aching with the promise of a threat, but what? Where? 

Ross watched with amusement, Steve watched with concern, and Bucky watched with fascinated curiosity. I could hear them trying to get my attention, but nothing was as important as locating the threat to Avenger's Tower. I can feel the magnitude of the situation in my bones. 

Pain. 

One second I was looking for danger, the next I was on the floor screaming in pain. It hurts my ears. So loud. What is it? Make it stop. So Loud. Crying. I think? Think? Can't think. Too Loud. Floor cold. So Tired. So Loud. Can't Think. Can't STOP. Too Loud.

Black.