scared and afraid
It's... quiet.
Too quiet.
He's in control of most of the noise, the only other noise being the electrical buzzing from the door and what he thinks is a keypad, but for all he knows about electronics could be a camera.
Whoever did this probably knew that the silence made him antsy, because who would take the time to make sure someone with enhanced senses couldn't hear you?
(Probably a lot of people, but Matt was just a little pissy at the moment.)
The only heartbeat is his own, which is terrifying. It feels like the apocolapse hit, or something.
And then there's a click, and a cackle that sends shivers down his spine.
Jess tracks down Peter not too far from the city limit, and to her surprise, the kid raised his fists at her.
It had been a year since the kid had joined their folds. Eventually he'd explained that he's got a danger sense, but he feels safe enough around them that he doesn't detect them unless they're planning on a jumpscare.
But that kid, even in a mask, looks so scared and afraid.
"Long walk," Jessica notes. "None of us have out liscense."
"It's not safe," Peter shoots back. "The shit I heard when I got back it- it wasn't good. Mr. Stark's planning something and it has to do with rounding up every enhanced individual he can find not registered with the accords. I'm going back to the compound on foot. I'll text you guys once I figure out what's going on, but all I know is that it's not safe. And until my mind registers that not everyone is a threat, which knowing me will take a while, it's better if I go off the grid."
"Kid," Jessica finally interrupts. "Whatever the hell is going on, I'm sure it can't be much worse than half the damned city turning to ash."
Peter takes in a shaky breath. "That's just it," he states. "That wasn't going to happen. We were in the clear, and then Stark turned on us. Convinced himself that murdering half of all life could stop poverty or some shit."
Jesus.
The vigilantes of NYC (or Defenders, to some idiot children), as they were known, were a mostly anti-Avengers bunch. Didn't trust them to save the city because of how much arguing seemed to happen there behind the scenes. But this... this was...
Half of all life, the kid had said.
This was a whole new level of crazy, and definitely above her paygrade.
But then again, Malcom was fucking dead because of him, and as much as Jess pretended to hate the guy, that was fucking personal.
"Don't hesitate to contact me," her mind makes her mouth say, because what is she supposed to do with this scared, probably alone (knowing his luck), teenage boy?
"I already do, so no promises."