Chapter 23
Peter squirmed as the cab, driven by a friend of Wade's, Dopinder, bounced down the road. The evidence of thier little encounter earlier was starting to dry. He was going to find a way to kill Wade.
As the merc chatted happily with the cab driver, tried to slow his squirm. He had begun to accept the feeling of dried cum when a warm hand landed on his inner thigh. Slowly, it creeped up further. Peter sent a glare at Wade who promptly ignored him. The hand paused before cupping him with slow strokes.
Yes. Peter was going to kill him.
The agonizingly slow strokes continued until Peter found them parked outside Wade's apartment building.
Giving Dopinder a high-five, Wade pulled Peter out the back of the cab and leading him down the alley.
"Figured you appreciate not having to walk through the lobby." he smirked, pulling his mask up and over his nose.
"Thought that was on of your things? Have me walk around where people can see evidence of you having been here."
"Oh baby boy, I'd love to parade you around so everyone knows you're mine, but you have places to be and I have someone waiting for us."
Peter looked at the merc with a raised eyebrow, only to get a mischievous grin in return before pulling down the ladder to the fire escape.
Narrowing his eyes, Peter scanned the alley before jumping and scurrying up the wall.
"No fair!" Wade yelled, scrambling to catch up.
Peter smirked, swinging himself on to Wade's level and prying up the window.
"Any time now." Peter grinned, watching Wade make his way up.
"Well now, isn't that a sight."
Peter jumped, smacking his head on the window frame and spinning around to find Felicia lounging on the couch.
"Felicia?!"
"Hello Spider." she smirked, a pair of his pants strown across her legs. "Heard you needed a little wardrobe help. Can't go home to May looking like that."
"Oh my god."
"There's my favorite cat burglar!" Wade smiled, falling in through the window. "Thanks for bringing Petey-Pie some new pants kitty cat."
"Oh, you owe me big Spider. May's been a busy little Spider Aunt. She was bringing in groceries when I slipped out. I would have helped, but it would have been a little odd to explain why I was making off with a pair of your pants."
"I'll pay whatever you want kitty cat. It was my fault after all." Wade grinned.
"Oh no," Felicia's smirk widened as she stepped in to Peter's space and ran a finger up and down his chest. "I want something from you."
"Hey!" Wade yelled, pulling Peter to him. "I don't think so! This fine piece of man meat is mine now!"
"But you've had him a while now." Felicia pouted. "I helped you out, so you should share a little."
Peter's face felt like it was on fire.
"No way! You had him longer!"
"I had him first!"
"We're in a relationship! A closed one!"
"Now where's the fun in that?"
"Can I just have my pants?" Peter asked, bringing attention to his predicament.
"Sure you can, if you can catch them." Felicia giggled, jumping back as Peter lunged for her.
"I have to take Barnes to meet May!" he griped, reaching for her again.
"Barnes?" Felicia stopped, tilting her head to the side. "James Buchanan Barnes? Avenger, James Buchanan Barnes?"
"Yes!" Peter replied in exasperation. "He's going to be living with us and keeping an eye on May."
"I want him."
"I'm sorry, what?" Peter blinked.
"I. Want. Him." Felicia declared. "He's a total hottie Parker! I'm coming to dinner."
"How come she gets to go but I don't?" Wade whined, pulling Peter back against him.
"She wasn't invited." Peter huphed.
"I get dinner with Barnes or sex with you Parker, take your pick." she smirked, shaking his pants at him.
"He'll take you to dinner!" Wade shouted, snatching the pants and shoving Peter behind him.
"Aww," Felicia cooed. "You're so cute when you're jealous, but fyi, I don't break up relationships I work hard to create. See you at home, Spider!" she winked, jumping out the window and disappearing.
"Oh, she's good." Wade grinned, removing his mask.
"Did she bring me any boxers?"
"Looks like there's a pair right here, Peter Pumpkin."
"Ok. She's good."
"You know," Wade started, slowly sliding up and pulling Peter flush to him. "We have some time to kill before you have to go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey May, we're here." Peter called, leading Bucky to the kitchen where May was busy cooking.
"Hi honey." she called. "Who did you bring ho-PETER!"
In a whirl, May snatched up an empty frying pan and jumped between Peter and Bucky.
"Run baby!" she screamed. "I'll handle this creep! I'll teach him a thing or two about messing with a Parker!"
"May!" Peter cried, trying to stop her.
"I can take him Peter! Grab Felicia and get out!" May growled, lunging at the former assassin.
Bucky, completely shocked, barely had time to throw up his vibranium arm to block the swing of the pan.
"That arm won't save you forever!"
Felicia starred as she entered the kitchen to see May swinging a frying pan at the former Winter Soldier.
"May!" Peter shouted, grabbing the frying pan from her. "It's ok! I approve of him! He's the one here to help us!"
May shot a wild-eyed look at Peter before throwing a suspicious one to Bucky. The two starred at each other, the atmosphere tense. Finally, May's look relented.
"Ok, I'll play nice...but only because Pete is vouching for you." she made to turn then paused and looked back. "Just know, if you try anything funny with my boy, I will end you. Oh! Felicia, honey, will you help me finish up the food?"
"I thought Matt was coming." Peter hissed.
"I told him I had it under control." Felicia grinned wickedly at Peter before joining May and leaving the two men.
"You sure your Aunt is kind of intense. I thought she knew you had an Avenger moving in?"
"You should see her when she gets on a role about Tony, and I did tell her the Avenger's were helping watch out for her, Harry and MJ. I guess she thought I was joking?" Peter muttered back.
"Well, don't just stand there you two!" May huphed. "Felicia and I cooked, now set the table and sit. I want an explanation for an Avenger being in my home."
Peter jumped to get the things to set the table while motioning for Bucky to go ahead and take a place at the table. The soldier moved stiffly to the table, not wanting to upset Peter's aunt any more than she already was. Peter shot him a nervous, but encouraging, look. There was silence until May and Felicia brought food to the table. Once they were all seated, May broke the silence.
"So, spill spider baby." May said, giving no room for hesitation.
Peter and Bucky shared a look before jumping in to the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, that sounds about right." May sighed. "I would normally apologize for attacking you James-"
"Bucky is fine. It's what all my friends call me."
May paused, eyeing him before continuing.
"I would normally apologize, but I'm riding an adrenaline high right now and feel like I could take on Iron Man himself. I see that look Peter, I did think you were joking. I figured Jess would actually be the one shadowing me."
Bucky grinned at May's confident expression.
"Jess is with me." Felicia answered. "We've been checking out some leads."
"Well, I hope the two of you are being careful."
"Of course, Aunt May." Felicia grinned.
"So," May started, turning back to Bucky and Peter. "You'll be moving in to the spare room and following me during the day. How long will this last?"
"Just until Norma is caught." Peter replied. "Once he's back behind bars, Bucky returns to the tower."
May hummed, studying the two with calculating eyes before nodding.
"I accept this. I accept this as long as Mr. Barnes is the only one that ever shadows me."
Peter and Bucky each raised their eyebrows.
"I'm a pretty perceptive person-"
"Bucky, please."
"I'm a pretty perceptive person Bucky. I can clearly see the trust between the two of you. It's no coincidence you were the one to be put with me. You can move your things in as soon as you're ready."
Bucky nodded with a smile.
While Bucky was occupied with May, Peter and Felicia engaged in silent warfare. Look that said words without speaking past between the two as Felicia shot lecherous thoughts about Bucky in Peter's direction while he vehemently told her no.
Not realizing Bucky and May had stopped talking, the two continued to communicate through looks before May clearing her throat made them jump back to attention.
"I hate when you two do that." May rolled her eyes.
"Sorry, May." the two responded in tandem.
"Right." she nodded. "Now, I refuse to let this food go to waste, so everyone dig in."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So, what's the deal between you and Felicia?" Bucky asked, grabbing his two bags out of his car.
"There's.....um.....we were...involved for a few years."
"Serious dating?"
"Sure...for a very short time. After that it turned strictly more.....physical. We're still close though." Peter smiled.
"I can tell. I guess she's missing you since you hooked up with Wilson. I could practically feel her eyes boring in to me."
"Yeah. I should probably warn you that she's got you in her sights....and Felicia loves a challenge. You're like her perfect target."
Bucky hummed, though Peter wasn't sure what it was meant to convey.
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After getting Bucky settled in, Peter made his way to his room with a yawn. Three times with Wade in one day was catching up to him.
Walking in to his room with a stretch, he jumped when a silky voice spoke.
"Do you think this is to desperate?"
Peter stared as Felicia stood at his mirror, examining herself in skimpy black lingerie. Her full bosom pushed the limits of the bra as a silky sheer fabric hung from it, covering to toned abs. Her pert ass was only partly covered by a pair of lacey panties. Over the tiny panties, a sheer garter belt attached to the thin stockings covering her shapely legs.
"Well?" she asked, drawing Peter out of his staring. "I seem to have caught your attention. I'm not sure Wade would appreciate it." she winked.
"What are you doing?" he hissed, shutting his bedroom door.
"I asked you if this is to desperate." she rolled her eyes. "I think I look pretty hot, but I have an entirely different type of man to seduce this time. I feel like I have to try harder than normal. It excites me."
"He's here to watch over May, not to hook up with you!"
"You planning to go see Wade?"
"No..."
"Then Spider-Man is here to watch over May while I get to know the hunky Avenger across the hall." she winked, shaking her rear in Peter's direction.
"You are not seducing Barnes in this house."
"You're such a buzz kill Parker." Felicia pouted, turning fully back to the mirror. "I look so hot right now. It's a shame to waste it."
"Save it for another time. Seduce all you want after this is over."
"Hmmmm...you might, partially, be on to something Spider. Maybe this is to forward. I think a little teasing will be the better route. It'll make it all the better once we finally get to play."
"I dated you." Peter mumbled in disbelief as Felicia continued to examine herself.
"Black is so my color."
"Am I to assume you're staying over?" he asked, pulling a loose shirt and pair of boxers out his drawers.
"And lose the chance of winter hottie seeing me looking all cute in one of your shirts and pair of boxers if I don't? Never. Give me clothes Parker." Felicia grinned, making grabby hands at his dresser.
"Wouldn't seeing you in my clothes give off the wrong impression?"
"Not if I play my cards right. Your clothes are a little big on me, so they make me look super cute...plus my boobs draw all the attention when I don't wear a bra with them. The shirt hangs off them and moves quite a bit."
"How is that less desperate than the lingerie?"
"Because it's less obvious. It'll look unplanned since it's just me waking up and getting out of bed."
"I can't believe this."
"Neither can I."
The two whipped around to the window as Wade crawled through.
"Here I came over to check on my Petey-Pie and I find a scantily clad seductress in his bedroom."
"Seductress hu?" Felicia grinned. "Then this is definitely the outfit I'm sticking with." she took one last look at herself before snatching the clothes out of Peter's hands and boldly walking out into the hall to go change in the bathroom.
"What happens if Barnes catches her in the hall like that?" Wade asked.
"Then the whole teasing act she was planning goes out the window and she flat out seduces him right here in May's house."
"If the cat get's busy, so do we." Wade smirked, pulling Peter flush against him. "Now, how about you give me a little strip show while you change into your own sleepwear. I wouldn't be opposed to something close to her little number." he wiggled his eye brows under his mask.
"I didn't run into Bucky in the hall. So you're out of luck merc. Now get out so we can sleep."
"She gets to sleep over too? How is that fair?" Wade pouted, looking between Peter and Felicia.
"I've been sleeping over for years."
"Are you not wearing a bra under there? Are you about to get in my Baby Boy's bed, braless?"
"Two things," Felicia huphed, crossing her arms. "First, I always sleep braless. Whether it's here or my apartment, I don't cage these babies for bed. Second, I told you my boobs draw attention in your shirts Spider."
"You have no shame." Peter glared.
"Oh like he cares about my boobs. He took brief notice and has been staring at your ass ever since."
"He is right here. Plus, she's not wrong. If it wasn't for the fact she was about to crawl into your bed and press them all up against you, I could care less."
"Aww, is the big bad mercenary worried about us doing a little bit of cuddling?" Felicia grinned sliding up to Peter and pressing her chest against him.
"I thought we were friends!" Wade whined, pulling Peter away from her.
"We are." Felicia smirked, climbing in to bed and patting the spot next to her. "But I'm tired and need my sexy bed buddy to join me."
"What happened to your crusade to land Barnes?"
"Clearly that's not happening tonight Wilson, so turn my spider loose."
"You better not get frisky under there." Wade warned, narrowing his eyes.
"Me?" Felicia gasped. "I feel attacked."
"It's fine Wade." Peter sighed, turning and looking up at the man's mask. "Nothing's going to happen aside from her giving me a totally inappropriate rundown of how she's going to make sure she get the chance to get intimate with Barnes."
Wade paused, thinking for a minute before looking over at the innocently smiling blonde.
"I guess I can allow this," Wade nodded. "As long as we get to try something new in the bedroom Petey-Pie."
Peter's face went red as Wade lifted his mask to his mouth, his smirk suggestive.
"Ooohh! Agree to it Pete, I can even give you some ideas!" Felicia encouraged.
"There's the kitty cat I love." Wade grinned at her over Peter's head.
"I..I..."
"I'm ready to sleep, Parker."
"I..I.."
"Any time now."
"O-ok." Peter finally manage to get out.
"Oh, I'm gonna show you things you've never seen Baby Boy."
"I don't know. This cat always had a few tricks up her sleeve." Felicia winked.
Wade chuckled before turning back to Peter, who swallowed hard before Wade pulled him in for a deep kiss.
"Let's see some tongue." Felicia tossed out. "Give me a show."
Peter gasped as Wade bit his bottom lip then slipped inside his open mouth. The two stayed locked until they ran out of breath and pulled apart. Peter gazed up his boyfriend with glazed eyes.
"That's a look I've love to see on you all the time." Wade grinned before pulling his mask back down. "I'll leave you to your sleep. Goodnight Peter Pumpkin."
Wade reached around, grabbing and squeezing on of Peter's ass cheeks before leaving out the window with a "Night kitty cat!".
"Well now," Felicia chuckled as Peter slipped under the covers. "That was something."
"Shut up and go to sleep." Peter grumbled, rolling on to his side and throwing the blanket over his head.
"Aww! So cute!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Woah, what happened to you, Tiger?" Mary Jane asked, looking Peter over as he entered Harry's office.
"I just spent breakfast watching Felicia Hardy make James Barnes rethink some life choices."
MJ giggled as Peter fell on to the couch.
"Well, if she's after Barnes, then who is this mystery person you're seeing?"
"I-uh-where's Harry?"
"No way." Mary Jane huphed, shaking her head. "You don't worry about where he's at when I'm asking you an important question Mr. Parker. Fess up. Who is it?"
"I don't think you'd believe me if I told you." Peter sighed.
"Hmmm....so it's someone in Spider-Man's field." she furrowed her brows, running through names in her mind. "Jessica Jones? No. You'd flirt but not date. Danny Rand? No. To much of a public figure for you. Luke Cage? No. Word is he's got the hots for Jones."
Peter blinked at her.
"Wait. What makes you think Luke Cage has the hots for Jessica Jones?"
"I work around a bunch of women who have nothing better to do then gossip. A lot of them like to frequent Luke's bar. They talk about seeing her there and how Luke always shows her special attention."
"Their friends!"
"You can not be that dense Peter." MJ frowned. "Moving on though....PETER PARKER!"
"What?" Peter jumped at her yell.
"Are you seeing Tony Stark's kid? The one Harry told me about?"
"Jesus no!" Peter shouted.
"Are you sure? Harry told me he seems pretty taken with you."
"That's crazy. He's just to caught up in that hero lifestyle. He wants to be a protector of the innocent."
"You really are that dense, aren't you Tiger?"
"I am not dense. Harley is not interested in me that way and he's not who I'm seeing."
"Well then, who else has Spider-Man been seen wi-" MJ froze, a mischievous smirk adorning her face as though she knew something more than she was about to let slip. "Spider-Man is knocking boots with Deadpool!"
"Wow Pete, living on the edge these days."
The two looked at the door as Harry strolled in, his smirk matching Mary Jane's.
"I had heard the famous Merc with A Mouth had been changing tactics. Guess we know why."
"I hate both of you."
"So, what's he like? From what I've seen he's pretty buff." MJ grinned.
"Didn't know what was your speed Pete. I would have worked out all those years ago." Harry joined her.
"This is not happening."
"Inquiring minds want to know, Tiger."
"Well you can both inquire your minds on some damn where else." Peter pouted, folding his arms across his chest.
The couple laughed as Harry walked over to his desk.
"Oh, and Peter." Mary Jane whispered into his ear. "Maybe you and your man should be careful about where you get up to illicit actives in the parking garage. You're lucky I'm the only one scanning the security footage lately. I got quite the show."
There was the extra thing she knew, and Peter wanted to die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking up at the opening in Norman's lab, Peter debated on climbing in. He hadn't told anyone about it, and given recent events, maybe he should wait till someone was with him. Maybe he could get Wade to come with him while one of the other Avengers watched Harry and MJ. The ping from his phone drew away his attention. Pulling it out and checking, Felicia's name appeared on screen.
"What does she want now. I'm not helping her get in Bucky's pants." he grumbled, opening up the message.
/check out the news/
Frowning, Peter clicked the link she sent to see a live feed from SI's conference hall. Tony stood at the podium, his signature paparazzi grin in place.
"I know you're probably all wondering what big Avengers announcement I've called you in for."
A loud rumble rose up from the group of reporters.
"I promise it'll be worth your while to be here today. As you know, the Avengers are closer than we've ever been and have are always looking towards the future. Protecting the future is our ultimate goal. It's what we fight for every time a threat to our world emerges. However, we are still humans and that makes up susceptible to many things. One of those things, is age. We won't always be in the physical shape to protect the people of Earth. Understanding this is an important part of why we're all here. The future of the Avengers is bright, despite my disheartening opening. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to officially introduce you to part of the future of the Avengers, Harley Keener, better known as Iron Lad!"
Peter watched as a pink cheeked Harley joined Tony on stage to flashing lights and shouted questions. Tony threw his arm around Harley's shoulder, anchoring him in the chaos.
Holding up his hand, the crowd quieted as Tony led Harley to the podium microphone.
"We'll take a few questions now."
"Will you be joining the Avengers on future missions or will there be a wait to see you in action?" A reporter in a green jacket yelled.
"No, I'm officially part of the team and will be working with them from here on out." Harley answered
"Will you be replacing Iron Man?" another reporter.
"No one can replace Iron Man."
Peter watched as the questions continued and Harley's nervousness started to disappear. He was definitely channeling some Tony Stark confidence.
"I think that's enough questions for Mr. Keener." Tony smiled at Harley, patting his shoulder. "I still have another announcement."
The crowd went quiet as Harley stepped back and Tony took full control of the podium. A sinking feeling started in Peter's stomach as Tony looked out with an excited glint in his eye.
"While he couldn't be here today since he's on an assignment, I have the distinct pleasure of announcing that New York's own favorite vigilante, Spider-Man, has also taken up a spot on the Avengers' roster!"
Peter dropped his phone as the crowd burst into another uproar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You were great out there kid!" Tony smiled at Harley as they left the reporters behind. "Loved the confidence you picked up. Reporters are like sharks and fear is blood in the water."
"Thanks Tony. You think they took the news that well?" Harley fidgeted with his fingers.
"Kid, once they see you in action it's only going to prove the confidence we had in you in there was right. Everyone loves good Avengers gossip. You'll be all over the papers tomorrow."
Harley grinned. Maybe Peter would see it.
"Tony Stark." A dangerously cool voice spoke from behind them.
Harley and Tony turned to see an eerily composed Pepper Potts.
"If I could have a word with you." she said, motioning the billionaire to follow.
Tony shot Harley a pleading look.
"Now." Pepper ordered.
Sighing in defeat, Tony patted Harley shoulder one more time before following Pepper to, what would mostly likely be, his death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So, Pep!" Tony started cheerfully. "How about Harley? I thought he did great up the-"
"Spider-Man, Tony." Pepper cut him off with a glare. "That was a press conference to introduce Harley as a new Avenger, not to announce Harley and Spider-Man! How do you think Peter is going to take this?"
"I didn't lie." Tony replied. "Spider-Man is an Avenger."
"You have got to be kidding me!" Pepper fumed, throwing her hands up. "Do you really think Peter is going to stay on the team after Norman is put away? This was always going to be a temporary thing. If Norman didn't pose a threat to his family and friends, he wouldn't have joined at all!"
Tony watched while Pepper paced. If that was all she knew about Peter's choice to join the Avengers, then that's all Tony would let her know. No reason to bring up Oscorp. Not that it mattered anymore. Oscorp wasn't even a minor problem given the new developments. At this point, Peter would probably have shown up anyway.
"Look, Pep." Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Pete's on the team. If Norman takes flight as the Goblin again, people are going to see Spider-Man and the Avengers together. Better to go ahead and have the news out there now."
"I don't think Peter wanted any one to know."
"Trust me Pep, I have this under control."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter was panicking. What was Tony thinking? He hadn't wanted anyone outside of his close circle knowing he was involved with the Avengers! That was supposed to be his secret! Norman wasn't supposed to know they were involved!
Closing the hatch, Peter dashed to the elevator to get back to Harry's office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Matt." Foggy said, opening his friend's office door.
"What's wrong?" Matt asked, picking up his increased heart rate.
"You're not going to like this."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jessica's fingers fell slack as the bottle slipped out her hand and shattered on the floor of Luke's bar. The two stared up at the tv before the new flash ended.
"What the-"
"Fuck."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danny pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed out the live feed on his computer.
"This is why you don't involve Tony Stark, Parker."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May burst out the front doors of the hospital and stomped to her car. Her breathing was ragged as she got in and slammed the door shut, waiting for her passenger. No need for him to hide now.
After a few minutes, Bucky slipped in on the passenger's side.
"I can not believe this. No, you know what, I can believe it!" she fumed.
Bucky sighed and ran a hand down his face.
"I can promise you May, this was not in the plan."
"No. This is all Tony Stark." she growled, throwing the car in reverse and squealing tires out the parking lot. Bucky grabbed ahold of the dashboard as May slid out into traffic. "I suggest you hang on tight soldier. I'm about to show you how a real New Yorker drives."
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"Peter!" Mary Jane exclaimed as he burst into the office. "What the hell is going on? We just saw Tony Stark announce at a press conference you had joined the Avengers!"
"It wasn't supposed to be like this!" Peter exclaimed, running his hand through his hair and pacing. "It was only going to be temporary until we caught Norman! Once he was behind bars and all of Oscorps things returned and taken care of, there wasn't going to be anymore Spider-Man and the Avengers!"
"Why would Oscorp be an issue with you and the Avengers?" Harry asked, furrowing his brows. "Is there something you're not telling me Pete?"
"I-"
"Just tell him Stark basically blackmailed you to join by threatening to pull out of Oscorp's partnership."
The three jumped as Wade's muffled voice came through the closed window.
"Christ!" Harry yelled, running and opening his window so the merc could climb in. "How the hell did you even get up here?"
"Skills and an amazing drive to protect my Baby Boy!" Wade replied, jumping up and wrapping himself around Peter.
"If there wasn't so much other shit to unpack right now, I'd say that was cute." MJ smiled, then frowned. "Peter, why would Tony Stark blackmail you to join the Avengers?"
Peter sighed and rubbed his face.
"Eight years ago Spider-Man got involved in Avengers' business."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You could have just told me Pete." Harry shook his head. "Yeah, SI is a big partner for us, but I'd never ask something like that from you."
"Well, at the time I didn't know you knew. I just wanted to help. Honeslty Har, I'd do it again if it helped you. I can't handle Tony in exchange for helping you." Peter smiled at his friend.
"Well, I can always cut ties with SI."
"No!" Peter shouted. "No. This isn't even about me. After Tony made the offer, I was furious. He backed me in to a corner using our friendship. Looking back though, Tony never would have back out. He just had to make me think he would. He likes you Harry. He wouldn't want anything bad to happen if he could help it. No, this is between me and him. He made a desperate move."
"Still," MJ frowned.
"It's fine. Keep the partnership Harry. Me, Peter Parker, I'm telling you not to worry about it. "
"I can't believe you're defending him." Wade pouted, pulling Peter into his lap from where he was standing.
"I can't either." Peter sighed. "I know I shouldn't, but I am. I understand why he did it. I don't appreciate it, but I understand it."
The room's other three occupants starred at him.
"Just forget about it." Peter pleaded. "It's fine, I promise."
"I don't think I'd call this 'fine', Pete." Harry raised an eyebrow. "In fact, I'd say this is the opposite."
"Just, trust me, please."
"Alright, Tiger." MJ caved, placing her hand on Harry's arm. "We'll leave it to you."
"Thanks." Peter smiled.
"I still think you should kick his ass." Wade grunted, tightening his hold.
Peter made to respond when his phone started blaring. Ping after ping rang out as Peter scrambled to pull out his phone.
"Shit!"
"What's wrong?" Wade asked, peering at his phone.
"Apparently every one I know saw the press conference. Everyone wants to chat."
"Do you think May saw?" Harry wondered.
"If Bucky's text that he's gonna die before May gets him to the tower is any indication, then yes, she knows. Come on Wade, we gotta go save Bucky."
"Just Bucky?"
"Tony's on his own."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After ensuring Natasha and Clint, who were on night time watch of Harry and MJ, were able to take over for Wade, the two made thier way to the tower.
"Matt?" Peter asked, answering his phone. "I'm guessing you heard the news?"
"Where's May?"
"Um...on her way to the tower with Barnes."
"I'm assuming you're on your way as well?"
"Yeah. I'm with Wade and heading there now." Peter nodded to no one.
"I'll meet you there." Matt replied before hanging up.
Peter groaned and leaned his head back against the cab's seat. Apparently Dopinder really was Wade's permanent driver.
"Ohh, Devil Dad and Spider Aunt teaming up to take down the Iron Dildo? That sounds epic!" Wade cheered, clapping his hands together.
"This is going to be terrible."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You're going to get me in that building and to Tony Stark right now!" May ordered, poking Bucky in the chest. "I tried the front desk and that obnoxious secretary told me he was unavailable to talk to the public."
"You couldn't possibly have thought that would work." Bucky raised an eyebrow.
"It was worth a shot. Bastard probably saw me walk in on some security camera and said not to let me past the front desk."
Bucky sighed and led her towards the back of the building.
"Come on. We'll use the private entrance."
"Well now Mr. Barnes," May grinned. "You're quickly worming your way into my favorites list."
"I'm honored."
"You should be."
Bucky shook his head with a smile as he led May into the tower.
"Come on, the elevator is this way. Hey FRIDAY?"
"Yes Jack Frost?"
"I hate you Tony." Bucky growled. "Can you take us to the floor Tony's on?"
"Do you take responsibility for your guest?"
"Yeah, she's got reason to be here."
"Very well. Please enter the elevator and I will take you to Boss's floor."
"Who is that?" May asked, following Bucky into the lift.
"That's FRIDAY. She's Tony's AI."
"Peter should make one. I know he could." May stated, a proud smile on her face.
"Arriving at the Penthouse. Boss is in the living area with Captain, Ms. Potts and Mr. Keener."
"Thanks FRIDAY." Bucky said, stepping out into the Penthouse foyer and taking a deep breath before being shoved aside as May stormed off further into the home.
"Anthony Edward Stark!" she fumed, stomping into clear view of the room's surprised occupants. "You better start talking or my fists are gonna do some walking."
Steve spit out the water he had just taken a sip of as Tony back up, holding his hands up in front of him.
"Now May, let's talk about this rationally. There's a reason for what I did."
"Oh really now? I'd love to hear it. I bet it's a doozy."
Harley stared wide-eyed at the furious woman before her. Had Tony called her May, as in May Parker? Why was she talking like she knew Tony personally?
"It was with the best intentions to announce Spider-Man joining the team. Norman's not stupid, he would have caught on to us tailing you and the mini Osborns. My goal was to draw him out. Force his hand."
"You mean make him go after Pe-"
"Make him slip up!" Tony cut her off, looking at Harley out the corner of his eye.
May noticed where his eyes flickered and reassessed her words.
"You're just making Spider-Man a bigger target." she growled.
"Ma'am," Steve jumped in. "I can assure you, we're all going to be watching Spider-Man's back. He's our teammate now and we take care of our own."
May stared, sizing up the Captain America before judging him against Bucky.
"If I can take him," she threw her thumb in the former assassin's direction. "I can take you too Mr. America. However, this is between me and that idiot."
"May!"
Everyone turned as Peter ran into the room.
"It's fine Peter. Just having a little chat about Spider-Man."
"She's threatening me!" Tony cried.
"You deserve it!" May shouted back.
"What I wouldn't do for some popcorn right now." Wade's smile stretching his mask as he strolled in to the room.
"What's he doing here?" Harley growled.
"Well, I heard my Spidey had an interesting announcement made about him today."
"Then why don't you go and find him."
"And leave Petey-Pie here? Spidey would never forgive me!" Wade grinned, rolling his mask up over his nose.
Harley winced at the scars littering the man's chin.
May looked over at the red and black clad mercenary.
"Hmm, you're Wade then?" she asked, studying him closely.
"The one and only!"
May nodded in acceptance before turning back to the billionaire.
"I just can't even think straight I'm so mad!"
"Let's take a deep breath, May." a calm voice spoke.
"FRIDAY! What happened to security measures?" Tony growled, eyeing the devil themed vigilante.
"I believe you and I already had a little talk about Spider-Man. I made myself very clear how I felt." the corner's of Matt's mouth were pulled down.
"And I made a strategic move!" Tony defended. "Norman has to make a move now. He knows we're involved. He'll want to try and keep things in his corner and when he moves, we'll be ready!"
"You can't know that Tony." Peter replied, voice even and serious. "You can't know that Norman won't fly out of his hole and terrorize the city as the Green Goblin."
"That's what I'm trying to tell you. The last time Spider-Man fought Green and Ugly, he was solo. He has the entire Avengers team behind him, as well as his little vigilante crew." Tony threw in the last part begrudgingly. "Look, as soon as Norman appears, we'll nail him. With that many people on watch, he's not getting anywhere fast or far."
Peter sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"This can't backfire Tony. I can't afford for it to."
"Don't worry kid," Tony smiled. "I don't plan for it to."
Harley stood silently next to Pepper, watching everything play out before him. For once, he actually felt for Spider-Man. Maybe Tony had went to far by purposefully antagonizing Norman Osborn. Still, it seemed obvious everyone in the room knew something he didn't. Looking at everyone's faces, he stopped at Steve's. Well, as least one other person seemed to be missing something. He obviously knew more than Harley, but there was at least one thing he didn't.
Turning back to Tony, Harley's eyes drifted between him and Peter. He narrowed his eyes as he watched them. Tony's first meeting with Peter had definitely not been when Harley had brought him to SI after the Oscorp break-in. No, they were acting way to familiar for that. The only answer was that Tony and Peter had met through Spider-Man.
"Wait," Harley frowned. "Who's watching Harry and his fiancé if the red menace is here?"
"Oh, my good buddy Clint and his red-headed bombshell of a partner." Wade replied cheerfully. "I had to bring Peter Precious to the tower to defend Spidey's honor!"
A sly smirk spread across the merc's face as he slid up behind Peter and pressed his chest to the man's back, draping his arms over his shoulders.
Tony and Harley glared, while Steve looked mildly confused and amused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Norman frowned as he turned off the TV. He hadn't figured Peter would ever approach the Avengers for help. It didn't take a genius to piece together that Spider-Man didn't have the best relationship with the hero team. Still, Stark's press conference hadn't been an announcement so much as it was a challenge. He was calling Norman out. He was using Peter as bait.
Norman sneered.
No wonder Peter didn't want anything to do with Stark. Who would want to deal with someone so willing to put them in danger?
Standing up, Norman made his way over to his old glider. It hadn't been easy having it acquired from the evidence locker it had been hidden in. It had taken some work, but here it was. He ran his fingers over the cool surface. A few minor repairs and she would be ready for flight.
Norman stopped.
No. Jumping back into the suit was exactly what Stark wanted him to do. That had been the whole point of his little show. He was prepared for a public appearance by the Green Goblin. No. Getting to Peter would require more stealth than his counterpart could offer. No, he would have to be far more clever than before.