"they can really be themselves"
Peter took a deep breath as the school bus pulled up to Avengers Tower. He was not looking forward to today's field trip. The last time he had tried to enter the tower with his class, security hadn't understood what a service dog was and had tried to turn him away until Mr. Stark intervened. He just hoped today would go smoother.
Wanda Maximoff, Peter's best friend who was also his classmate thanks to Mr. Stark's tinkering, gave his hand a supportive squeeze. "It'll be okay, Peter. Just stay positive."
Peter gave her a small smile. He knew she was right, but it was hard to stay positive when Flash Thompson was determined to 'expose' him and Wanda. Ever since finding out they were interning at Stark Industries and knew the Avengers personally, Flash had made it his mission to try and prove they were both liars. Which was pretty ironic considering Peter was actually Spider-Man and Wanda was actually Scarlet Witch. But of course Flash didn't know that.
As they stepped off the bus, Peter kept close to Wanda while cradling his service dog close. MJ and Ned flanked them on either side, ready to run interference if Flash or any of his cronies tried to start something.
"Well, well, well, looks like we're finally going to find out if Penis Parker and Weirdo Maximoff actually know Tony Stark," Flash said loudly as they approached the lobby. "Or if it's all been a big pathetic lie for attention."
Wanda rolled her eyes. "Give it a rest, Flash."
"Yeah, I mean, we've told you a million times we really do intern here and know the Avengers," added Ned. "Do you seriously think they'd let us come here if that wasn't true?"
Flash just scoffed. "Whatever. You're all gonna be exposed as the losers you are soon enough."
Peter sighed, tuning out Flash's taunts as they reached the security desk. Here we go again, he thought. But to his surprise, the guard took one look at his service dog and waved him through with a friendly "Welcome back, Mr. Parker, Miss Maximoff."
Peter blinked in surprise. Huh, looked like Mr. Stark had gotten the security briefed after all. That was one hurdle down at least. Now to just survive the rest of the day...
As the class gathered in the lobby, an impeccably dressed strawberry blonde woman approached them - Pepper Potts. "Welcome Midtown High students to Avengers Tower!" she greeted warmly. "My name is Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Industries. We're very excited to have you tour our facilities today."
The students murmured excitedly. An actual Avengers tour guided by Pepper herself! This was so cool! Well, all except Flash anyway, who still looked suspicious.
"To start off, I thought I'd introduce you to some special friends of ours," Pepper continued, as the elevator dinged behind her. "I'm sure you'll recognize..."
"PETEY!" A booming voice interrupted as Thor himself strode out of the elevator, cape fluttering behind him. He made a beeline for Peter and swept him up into a massive bear hug.
"Thor!" Peter wheezed. "Crushing me!"
"Apologies!" Thor laughed, setting Peter down gently. He ruffled Peter's hair affectionately. "I was merely excited to see you, young one! It has been too long since your last visit."
The class stared in shock. Peter...knew Thor? And Thor had called him Petey? No way!
Whispers broke out amongst the students and even Flash seemed stunned into silence.
Pepper cleared her throat, trying to regain control of the situation. "Yes, well, Peter and Wanda here are personal acquaintances of the team."
Wanda smiled and waved from next to Peter. "Hi Thor!"
"Lady Wanda!" Thor exclaimed happily, sweeping her into a gentle hug next. "How fare thee? Keeping this one out of trouble?" He jerked a thumb at Peter in amusement.
"Doing my best," Wanda laughed. "But you know Peter."
Thor chuckled fondly. "That I do."
The class just continued to stare in stunned disbelief. Okay, so maybe Penis Parker did somehow know Thor. Weird.
Before anymore could be said, the elevator opened again and out strolled Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, and Steve Rogers.
"Hey kiddos!" Clint greeted. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Clint! Tasha! Bucky!" Peter and Wanda hurried over to greet the new arrivals.
"Peter, маленький паук," Natasha said affectionately in Russian, pulling him in for a hug and kissing the top of his head. (Little Spider)
"Hi Mama Spider," Peter replied in kind, hugging her back tightly.
The class' jaws dropped even further. Did Peter just call Black Widow Mama Spider?!!
Natasha next turned to Wanda, hugging her close. "Wanda, моя маленькая ведьма. How are you?" (My little witch)
"I'm good, Nat," Wanda replied happily, returning the hug. Having Natasha in her life was like having the mother she never got to have growing up.
Next Bucky approached and ruffled Peter's hair. "Punk. You staying out of trouble?"
"Never," Peter grinned cheekily up at him.
Bucky just snorted fondly before pulling Wanda in for a quick one-armed hug. "Heya Doll."
"Hi Bucky," Wanda replied warmly. She and Peter really did love all the Avengers like family.
Sam swept in next to bump fists with Peter. "Spider-boy! What's up?"
Peter rolled his eyes good naturedly at the nickname. "Not much, Birdbrain."
Finally, Steve approached with a bright smile, clapping a hand on Peter's shoulder. "Son, great to see you. Been staying in shape?"
"You know it, Pops," Peter nodded.
Steve turned to Wanda next, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Wanda, you taking care of this knucklehead?"
"It's a full time job, but I manage," Wanda joked, making Steve laugh.
Peter's classmates couldn't believe their eyes. Penis Parker and Weirdo Maximoff were on nickname basis with Captain America and he called Peter son? This was insane! Maybe they really did know the Avengers after all...
Ned leaned over to whisper to MJ. "Peter and Wanda look so happy. I've never seen them like this at school."
MJ nodded knowingly. "That's because here with the team, they can really be themselves. It's the only place outside of patrolling where they don't have to hide anything."
Ned smiled softly at that. He was glad Peter and Wanda had this place and these people that made them so happy and comfortable. They deserved it after all they did for the world as Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch.
Flash however was not nearly as touched. If anything, he seemed more suspicious than ever. But before he could voice it, Pepper took charge again.
"Alright, let's begin the tour, shall we?" she said smoothly, leading them towards the labs.
As the morning passed, the class was able to meet and get autographs from more Avengers like Bruce Banner, Vision, Rhodey, Carol Danvers, Hope Pym and Scott Lang. They toured through R&D labs and the Avengers museum. Peter and Wanda got to eagerly show off their own labs and projects they were working on, demonstrating they really were telling the truth about interning here.
While Flash remained suspiciously silent, the rest of the class was having the time of their lives. Ned was freaking out witnessing all the cool tech, despite having been to the Tower multiple times himself with Peter and MJ. He still geeked out seeing everything. MJ enjoyed getting to sketch portraits of the various heroes and tech.
Eventually, lunch time rolled around. As the group headed down to the cafeteria, Flash finally approached Peter.
"So turns out you and Maximoff weren't lying for once, Penis," he sneered. "But I'm still not done with you."
Peter sighed. "Just leave us alone, Flash."
Flash's eyes narrowed before zeroing in on Peter's service dog, Maisie. An evil glint entered his eyes. "You know what? I think I'll take this." He suddenly reached down and snatched Maisie's leash right out of Peter's hand.
"Hey, give her back!" Peter protested, reaching for his dog who was now whimpering in Flash's grip. But without Maisie's grounding presence, Peter could already feel his PTSD and anxiety starting to spiral along with the racing of his heart. His POTS was flaring up too making him dizzy.
Wanda quickly moved to intervene, her hands flaring red. "Flash let go of Maisie now!"
But before Wanda could use her powers, a loud roar pierced the air. Everyone turned to see Bruce Banner looking very large, very green and very angry.
"HULK SMASH BULLY!" Hulk bellowed, storming towards Flash.
Flash let out a very unmanly shriek and immediately released Maisie, who went running back to Peter. "I didn't do anything!"
But Hulk wasn't having it. He towered over Flash angrily. "Puny boy hurt Peter and Wanda! Hulk protect them!"
Flash looked about ready to pass out in fear. For all his big talk, he was powerless in face of the angry green giant.
"Whoa whoa big guy, let's calm down! The kid's not worth it," Peter said quickly, laying a hand on Hulk's large arm. "I'm okay, see?"
Hulk glanced down, features softening slightly at the sight of Peter safe with his dog again. "Puny boy not hurt Peter and Wanda again?"
"He better not if he knows what's good for him," Wanda said darkly, sparing a glare for Flash who quailed under her gaze.
"Hulk calm now," Hulk huffed before turning back to Peter. "Peter okay?" he asked gently, patting Peter's head with one large finger.
Peter smiled reassuringly. "I'm okay, big guy. Thank you."
That seemed to satisfy Hulk, who gave one more warning snort in Flash's direction before transforming back into Bruce.
"That was awesome!" Ned exclaimed, breaking the stunned silence that had fallen over the class. Everyone else was still in shock over witnessing the Hulk's protective display for Peter and Wanda.
"What...what did we just see?" Mr. Harrington finally managed to ask faintly.
Bruce winced apologetically. "Ah sorry about that. Hulk is very protective of Peter and Wanda. He thinks of them like family."
MJ quirked a brow. "So he hulks out on anyone who messes with them?"
"Basically," Bruce said, scratching his neck. "He has a bit of a soft spot for those two."
Peter shuffled bashfully while Wanda just looked amused.
Flash continued to gape in dismay. Okay, note to self - do NOT piss off the Hulk where Parker and Maximoff are concerned. Message received.
Just then, Natasha came stalking onto the scene, looking livid. "What's this I hear about someone bothering мои паучки?" (My little spiders)
Peter winced while Wanda quickly moved to placate the dangerous ex-assassin. "It's fine, Nat. Just a little misunderstanding. Right, Flash?" She arched a brow at him.
"Y-yes, ma'am! Just a misunderstanding," Flash squeaked.
Natasha narrowed her eyes. "See that it stays that way." Her tone left no room for argument.
She then turned to Peter and cupped his face in her hands. "You good, маленький паук?" (Little spider)
Peter leaned into her touch. "I'm good now, Mama Spider. Thanks."
Wanda came over too for a quick hug. Natasha wrapped an arm around both their shoulders and pressed a kiss to each of their heads.
Flash gulped and quickly looked away. Lesson doubly learned - do NOT cross Black Widow when it comes to her spider kids.
Thankfully lunch passed without further incident. Though the Avengers did insist Peter and Wanda eat with them in the private dining room rather than the cafeteria with their class. Not that either of them were complaining.
Once lunch ended, Pepper led them to the Avengers museum to finish off the tour. The students all marvelled at the different exhibits and even got to try out some interactive displays.
Peter and Wanda had fun reminiscing over different artifacts from past missions and battles. Though they had to be careful not to give away too much about their secret identities.
At one point, Clint sidled up next to the group. "Ah man, remember this one?" He pointed to a blown out chunk of armor. "Big fight down in Florida, that piece got ruptured saving civilians. Had to do an emergency patch job in the field. Good times." He elbowed Peter with a grin.
Peter laughed while quickly shushing him. "Dude, secret identity," he whispered.
Clint's eyes widened. "Oh right, whoops. Forget you guys heard that," he said to the class before wandering off again.
The students exchanged confused glances. Parker knew about fixing Avenger armor during battles? What did that mean?
Wanda just face-palmed. "Nice going, Hawkeye."
Finally, the end of the day arrived. The students were waiting by the buses while Mr. Harrington finished up some paperwork with security.
"Well, I gotta admit, you and Maximoff were actually telling the truth all this time," Flash said begrudgingly to Peter. "I, uh, guess I should lay off you two a bit?" He posed it as more of a question, still looking mildly traumatized by his near Hulk and Black Widow encounters.
Peter exchanged a surprised look with Wanda. "Oh, uh...thanks Flash," he said cautiously.
Just then, Natasha strolled up. "Peter, Wanda, Ned, MJ - you're all staying here. I already cleared it with your teacher."
The four teens perked up excitedly. "Really?" Peter asked.
Natasha's lips quirked fondly. "Of course, мои паучки. What, did you think I was letting you go back to school just to turn around and come back here afterwards? Nonsense."
They all cheered while Flash looked bitterly disappointed again. Of course Parker and his nerd crew would get to stay with the Avengers. Ugh.
As the buses pulled away, Ned was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is the best day ever! We get to stay at Avengers Tower. I still can't believe you guys live here part time," he said to Peter and Wanda.
Wanda laughed. "Believe me, it was surreal at first for us too. But the team really does feel like family now."
"Yeah, I finally feel like I have a real home here," Peter said softly, glancing around.
Natasha wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his temple. "This will always be your home, мой маленький паук. All of you," she added, looking to Wanda, Ned and MJ meaningfully.
Peter smiled at his family, heart full. "Thanks, Mom."