Chapter 7
Peter paled as he walked into his aunt's hospital room. It could have been so much worse the doctors had said. As it stood, May had made it out with some scratches, a broken leg, broken arm and a slight concussion. They were going to keep her another night for observation and then release her.
Pulling the only chair in the room up the bed, Peter sunk down in to it and took May's hand in his. Silent tears slid down his cheeks in both relief and fear. He could have lost her. No more breakfast meals together. No more 'I know more than you think' looks over the rim of her favorite coffee cup. No more love and support from the only living relative he had left.
It didn't matter how old he was, Peter cried at the thought of being an orphan.
A hand slid up his back and on to his shoulder.
"She looks peaceful despite it all." Felicia gave him a small smile. "I'm glad she's alright."
"I don't know what I'd do without her." Peter replied.
Felicia didn't respond. Slowly, she rubbed circles on his back in a comforting manner. The two stayed silent, just listening to the sound of May breathing.
They stayed until the nurse came in to tell them visiting hours were over, but as family Peter could stay overnight if he wanted.
"No, he does not." A weak voice spoke.
The three occupants of the room turned to see May smiling from the bed.
"He does not need to stay over night. I'm a big girl. I can certainly stay by myself."
Peter felt hot tears slide down his face as he rushed to his aunt's side, taking her uninjured hand in his.
"Aunt May! I'm so glad you're ok!"
"Of course I'm ok." she rolled her eyes. "You're not getting rid of me that easy Peter Parker. I have many more years of being the perfect aunt left to do. I'm a ray of sunshine."
Peter laughed loudly as a smug look crossed his aunt's face.
"That you are Aunt May. That you are."
"I'll give you a few more minutes since she's awake, but I'll need you to decide if you're staying or not, Mr. Parker."
Peter thanked the nurse, who smiled and walked out.
"Felicia, honey, please tell my anxiety ridden nephew to go home and let me rest. I've had a very eventful day." May sighed.
"You heard her Parker, and she's the boss."
"Not when she's unable to get out of bed she's not." Peter grumbled.
"Well, if you're going to stay-" May grinned. "then I guess we can discuss this man Wade you're seeing. Tell me about him. Does he treat you well?"
"Well, if we're gonna go we should go ahead! You do need your rest Aunt May and I don't want to be a bad nephew by keeping you from it!" Peter tried to act calm as she started pushing Felicia towards the door.
"I'm going to hand you over to the police, I swear." He threatened lowly.
"You're not off the hook Peter. I shouldn't have had to hear about this from Felicia."
"Y-yeah Aunt May. We'll talk once you're back home." he said as he fully shoved a cackling Felicia out into the hall. "I love you Aunt May! I'll be back in the morning."
"I love you too Peter." She gave a self-satisfied smile before laying back and making herself comfortable.
Once out in the hall, Peter turned and glared at the still laughing blonde beside him.
"I can't believe you told May about Wade! How could you do this to me? Now she wants to have a conversation I'm NOT going to have."
"Oh Peter. She's your aunt! She knew about me as soon as we started dating. She even knows about my, other job. She knows about your other job. She knows all about Matt. Of course she should know about Wade." Felicia rolled her eyes as she walked toward the exit.
"No. No she shouldn't. There's nothing to know about him." Peter huphed.
"Oh, maybe not to start with, but there definitely is now. Come on, you're perfect aunt is ok and I'm hungry. Let's go get some food. I'd say we'd sneak her some back in but other than Spider-Man making a delivery, I don't think we'll be allowed in."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pepper Potts took pride in herself for her ability to ultimately handle Tony Stark. She could generally wrangle him in and get him to do what he needed to. She fixed the broken Avengers for God’s sake! Yes, Pepper Potts was a strong woman not easily shaken.
Peter Parker was going to send her over the edge.
Looking at her laptop blankly, she read the polite, but firm, email declining the SI Internship offer. Rubbing her temples, she took a deep breath. Maybe she should have a drink before she went to Tony, or maybe she could just send Steve. Let Steve handle it. It would be so easy to throw it off on Steve, but the poor man wouldn’t have a clue what he was walking in to and Pepper couldn’t do that to him. No, she and Tony were about to have a long conversation.
Grumbling to herself, Pepper printed out Peter’s email and made her way to Tony’s lab. Her frustration grew with each step at the thought of what she was about to deal with.
Entering the lab, Pepper made her way to the back where Tony usually hid when he wanted privacy. Coming around the corner, she froze.
There, bent over his desk, pants around his ankles and drooling around the fingers in his mouth was Tony Stark with Steve Rogers pounding into him from behind.
“You really should listen when I tell you to get some sleep Tony. You’re supposed to be a genius and yet here we are because you didn’t listen.” Steve grunted, giving a hard trust in to Tony’s ass. “Now I’m forced to discipline you.
Pepper turned around and walked away as Steve landed a loud smack on Tony’s ass. The last thing she heard as she left was Tony begging for it harder.
“Pepper, honey, that is exactly why we need to start making Tony come to us when we need to talk.” Pepper grumbled to herself as she took the elevator back to her office floor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour later found Tony Stark desperately trying not to squirm as she sat down across from Pepper in her office. Steve had definitely shown him the error of his ways for not listening. His ass was still red but you wouldn’t find him complaining.
“So, Pep, what did you need to see my handsome face for?” He grinned.
“I have something I think you’ll want to see personally.” Pepper replied, sliding a manila folder across the desk.
“This folder seems pretty light to call a meeting for.” Tony raised as eye, opening the folder.
Pepper took a sip of her coffee as she watched Tony’s face.
“HE WHAT?!” Tony yelled, jumping up, thoughts about his tender backside gone. “What is this?”
“It called a rejection letter Tony. I know you can’t believe it, but they do exist.”
“How can he just turn this down?! He’s about to graduate and needs a REAL job! He’s currently delivering pizza or taking pictures for that stupid newspaper! This is a perfect opportunity for him! He NEEDS this!”
Pepper raised her eyebrow and sipped her coffee as she watched Tony flail around her office, ranting about Peter’s rejection and future. Pepper let him go a few minutes before sighing and speaking up.
“Tony,” she rubbed her temples. “How are you so sure he doesn’t have another offer? I won’t disagree with you that working her would be a good opportunity for Peter, but we’re not the only company out there.”
“But we’re the best! That kid doesn’t know what he’s doing! I can’t accept this Pep. Look at his life currently. He’s hanging around that devil from Hell’s Kitchen, a thief and don’t even get me started on that maniac Deadpool! He’s not in a right headspace. Nope. Not accepting this.”
“Then what do you plan to do exactly?” Pepper asked, a bad feeling rising in her.
“I’m going to go talk to him. It’s long overdue.”
The two starred at each other as Tony’s face hardened in determination.
“Tony, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“You’re right.”
Pepper’s eyebrows shot to her hairline.
“Wha-“
“It’s a PERFECT idea!” Tony grinned proudly. “It’ll show how serious I am about the offer and how serious I am about us reconnecting and moving on. Once that’s out the way, I’ll need to schedule a press conference to publicly announce Spider-Man joining The Avengers.”
Pepper watched Tony flail around her office again. A headache was steadily growing but she couldn’t be bothered with it.
Pepper Potts was a reasonable, put together individual and her brain was shutting down.
“Great talk Pep!” Tony smiled. “I’ve gotta go prep for a very important meeting. Keep up the good work!”
The click of the door shutting fired back up Pepper’s brain. If she had been a responsible person, she would have ran after Tony and demanded he reconsider his plan. However, Pepper wasn’t in the mood to be responsible for Tony Stark right now. Picking up her phone, she called her fallback plan.
“Steve? Hey. Tony’s about to do something stupid and he won’t listen to me. Think you can step in for me? Thanks Steve. Talk to you later.”
Pepper put her phone back on the desktop and drank the last of her coffee. As she went back to her normal paperwork, she couldn’t find it in herself to care that Tony wouldn’t be able to sit for the next few days.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter frowned as he cleaned the kitchen. He wanted everything spotless when he brought May home. After the relief that she was ok had settled, a more guilty thought took root. How were they gonna pay the medical bills and regular bills? While the head nurse in ER had been quick to approach Peter about May’s job security before leaving, both knew she’d be out for a while. Graduation was closing in and he wouldn’t start working with Harry till after that. He knew Harry would find a way to get him on before that, but he didn’t want to put him in that position. He was already taking a risk by hiring a friend right out of college. Peter felt sure Harry’s board probably wasn’t real keen on the idea.
“We’ll get it taken care of Pete.”
Peter turned as Matt walked into the kitchen, Felicia trailing behind.
“I called him once you started your manic cleaning.”
He smiled at the two as they sat down at the kitchen table.
“You two want something to drink?”
“Just come sit down Peter.” Matt replies, motioning to the empty chair in front of him. It never failed to amaze him how the blind lawyer/vigilante was able to do the things he did.
“You know, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation if you’d just talk to your rich, mercenary boyfriend.” Felicia said, examining her nails with a bored expression.
“Why couldn’t I be deaf?”
“He’s NOT my boyfriend!”
Felicia looked between Matt and Peter before rolling her eyes and returned to looking bored.
“Daddy Devil having a hard time with Baby Spider not telling him about his blossoming new love?”
“No. I don’t want to know about Peter’s love life. It’s bad enough with you two. You both seem to forget my sense of smell is extremely strong. I can literally smell sex on you. Stop hooking up before being around me.”
Peter’s felt his face burn while Felicia looked like she had just received a Christmas gift.
“Well I’m definitely filing that bit of information away for later.” The blonde smirked. “That said though, all the more reason to know about Peter and his future lover, because it won’t be me he’ll be smelling like.”
“I’m going to throw up.” Matt groaned, placing his face in his hands.
“Don’t worry Matt, that’s not going to happen.” Peter said, trying to assure his mentor.
“Oh it’s SO happening.” Felicia smiled matter of factly.
“I’m just going to go. You two can sit here and bicker about Peter’s whatever deal with Deadpool. I only wanted to tell you I’m here if you need help Peter. Don’t turn it away because you don’t want to ask. I’m sure Harry wouldn’t like you doing that either.”
With that, Matt quickly got up and left the two at the table.
“Well,” Felicia started. “That was fun.”
Peter glared at her.
“Why do you keep telling people Wade is my boyfriend?”
“I know I said I could be patient, but I lied. I want to see you in a relationship now. I love you Spider, and I love our friends with benefits status, but you need something more concrete. You’re a committed relationship kind of guy whether you think it or not. You’ve just settled yourself recently. I’m not complaining by any means, but we both know we’re happy the way we are. We’re never getting back into an actual relationship with family goals. A REAL relationship opportunity though, has been thrown in your lap and you’re not doing anything with it!”
Peter stared down at the table. Wade had been flirting with him since they first met a few years ago. Always a comment about his ass or his skills or his sense of humor. While he had grown on Peter over the time, he hadn’t realized just how much until the slightly larger man had held him down underneath him and made his feelings clear. Then Felicia just had to go and make him think harder by painting a very vivid picture for him. Could he really have romantic feelings towards DEADPOOL?
“Why are we talking about this? I’ve got to finish cleaning the house then figure out what I’m gonna do about the bills!” Peter shot up from his seat. Before he could move however, Felicia dove across the table, knocking him to the floor and sitting on his chest.
“We’re talking about it because the house is clean and the bills for this month are paid! Now, unless you’re going to throw me off, you’re going to lay here and talk to me.” She glares at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
The two engaged in a glaring match as neither wanted to be the one to buckle first. Finally, Peter caved.
“Fine! He’s not...he’s not bad. I mean, I know he has an insecurity with relationships because of his skin, but I’ve seen the lower half of his face. It’s not as bad as he makes it out to be.”
“Wow. What a cute but utterly boring bit of information. I’ve seen the bottom half of his face too and you’re right, it’s not as bad as he thinks it is. That’s not what I want though! I wanna know what went through that cute little spider brain on the roof that night.”
Peter’s face tinted pink as a predatory smile crossed Felicia’s face.
“I detect Mr. Parker may have enjoyed it more than he wants to admit. I’m going to add size kink to your submission kink. It’s very cute on you Peter. I want to know more.”
“There’s nothing else to tell!”
“You’re lying!”
“I am not!”
“Yes you are!”
“No I’m not!”
“Yes you are and I’ll beat the information out of your lying ass if-“
“It kind of turned me on!” Peter screamed.
Silence filled the kitchen as Peter’s eyes widened and Felicia practically vibrated in excitement. Neither spoke, both taking in the magnitude of Peter’s admission.
“I’m feeling more emotions then I think I can handle.” Felicia squeaked.
“I want to die.” Peter cried.
“You’re such a drama queen.”
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you are but I’m to proud of you to hold it against you right now. Come on, we have to go get May in a few hours so let’s go get some sleep.” Felicia grinned, moving to help him off the floor.
“I want to hate you but I’m just to tired to care now.” Peter sighed, pulling her towards his room. “I’ll give you some clothes to wear.”
Taking the small bundle, Felicia stepped into the bathroom to change. She loved wearing Peter's clothes. They were so soft!
Stepping back into his bedroom, she slid under the covers and took a deep breath. The Parker home had always had a special smell about it. It wasn't anything in particular, it was just comforting and safe. A home that had seen so much love. She watched as Peter walked back into the room yawning. He stretched, muscles flexing before throwing on a shirt.
"Let's try this again." Felicia smiled, lifting the covers for him to get in.
Peter chuckled as he crawled in next to her, shifting to accommodate her snuggling in to him.
"Goodnight Spider."
"Goodnight Kitten."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tony shifted, trying to get comfortable on the soft pillow. His night's sleep had managed to somewhat ease his second punishment of the day, but there was still a pleasant burn to his backside. He had a feeling Pepper was to blame for his night. After he had walked into his penthouse, Steve had thrown him over his shoulder and took him to the bedroom. He could admit he was not expecting Steve to strip him naked, throw him over his knees and spank him till his cheeks glowed. It was humiliating and extremely arousing. Tony would die though before admitting to anyone Steve Rogers instilled a spanking kink in him.
"Sleep well?" Steve smiled innocently as he slid a plate of food across the counter.
"No thanks to you." Tony huphed, refusing to give in to Steve's bait.
"I shouldn't have received a call from Pepper then. Besides, I didn't hear you complaining to what came after."
"You just like seeing me helpless."
"Tony, I don't have to spank you to have you helpless beneath me." Steve grinned. "Now eat up, I'm gonna go jump in the shower."
Steve smiled and kissed Tony's cheek as he walked off towards the bedroom. Finishing off the breakfast, Tony dropped his plate in the sink.
"Boss."
"Yeah FRI?"
"I am alerting you to a hit on the Parker name."
Tony's head shot up. He had programed FRIDAY to report to him if anything ever came up about Peter or May in the news.
"Tell me."
"Apparently Mrs. Parker was involved in an automobile accident last evening after leaving her shift as the hospital. Another driver ran a light and hit her. She is fine with a few injuries."
Tony leaned back against the counter. May was the only family Peter had left, so he could only imagine how the kid felt. He knew he should feel guilty for what he was thinking, but he couldn't stop. There was no way Peter could afford the medical bills and the household bills on his own. May wouldn't be able to go back to work until her injuries healed. This was exactly why Peter should have accepted his offer! If he had just accepted, money wouldn't be a concern! With that said though, Tony could pay the bills no problem. Perhaps, since Pepper didn't seem to want him to reach out to Peter directly, he could do it indirectly.
"FRIDAY. I want you to cover all medical charges for May Parker. Also, any other bills under her name or Peter Parker for the next six months."
"Very well Boss."
He knew six months worth of paid bills was pushing his luck as the Parker's didn't like asking anyone for financial help. Surely Peter would want to see him and would realize how serious Tony was about being apart of his life again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'll be so glad to go home and sleep in my bed." May sighed. "Do you know how many times they came in and woke me up? To many!"
Peter chuckled as his aunt complained about how she should have a least been given special treatment to sleep! She worked in ER for crying out loud! He rolled her out to where Felicia had pulled the car around.
"Ready to go home hot momma?" Felicia grinned, stepping out of the driver's seat and looking at May over the roof.
"I was just telling Peter exactly how ready I am to go home." May returned the grin.
Peter didn't think he'd ever handle the trouble Felicia and his aunt were. He stopped her chair and lifted her into the front seat.
"Are you comfortable Aunt May?"
"As comfortable as I can be honey. Let's get out of here."
Peter shook his head with a smile and rolled the wheelchair back in the door. He was glad May was able to come home. It was a relief to know she would be ok. As he slipped into the backseat of Felicia's car, he couldn't stop his worry as to how they would be able to pay for everything.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This pisses me off."
Matt watched as Jessica stormed about her office. They had agreed to meet again to go over what had happened at the docks, as Jessica was to angry when he had first stopped by. Things didn't seem to have changed.
"I don't know Jess. I don't think you were wrong. The whole thing feels wrong."
"I don't like being fooled Murdock." the detective sneered and no one. "I also agree that I didn't get false information. I did me research. There's no way the NYPD went as in-depth as me."
"Sounds like you don't think it was a setup."
"No, I think it was. I think it was a set-up for you and Parker."
Matt raised an eyebrow as Jessica sat down at her desk and looked at him.
"The NYPD would love to get their hands on the two of you. If someone was planning something at the docks and managed to catch wind of me snooping around, they could have tipped of the police in an effort to get Daredevil and Spider-Man out of the way. Well, at least temporarily."
Matt frowned as he considered her words. If that was the case, it was very clever. Change the date of whatever you had planned, but use the original date to catch your foes.
"I dread the fact I'm considering reaching out for other help."
"I hope you're not implying who I think you are."
"I'm not proud of it Jess. However, I can admit the man has connections and can get things done. It wouldn't hurt to see what he can come up with."
"I can't believe you're actually gonna ask Deadpool for help. Parker's gonna love it." Jessica grinned mischievously.
"I really don't want to hear about Peter and Deadpool in the same sentence. I've had my fill of hearing about whatever it is going on between the two of them." Matt pinched the bridge of his nose.
"If they're not already hitting the sheets Matt, it's coming. Deadpool's been after Peter since they met."
"Why do you people feel the need to tell me these things?"
"You're such a dad."