Chapter 163: Bullied REVAMPED
(I got stuck again trying to write the same idea that was supposed to be the last chapter. So I decided to revamp another one of my old chapters, but I'm adding in some other things. More angst mwhaha. This may end up being a series of sorts, what do you guys think?)
Anyway, on with the story.
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Peter thought his high school days would be a breeze, he would make some friends, join some clubs, and just enjoy the next four years of his life. Unfortunately, nothing was like the movies, he blamed the High School Musical films for those expectations. The reason for his high expectations came crashing down when he met a kid named Flash.
His name isn't really Flash, but that's what he's called by everyone, he made Peter's life an absolute misery. They were both on the same level, both being freshman, but because Peter comes from a poor background and everyone practically knows about him living with his aunt and Uncle. That makes him an easy target, throughout his second year of being a freshman, Flash continued to harass and torment Peter.
Ned, Peter's best friend, hated seeing his friend be the punching bag to protect him. But Peter would alway tell him he was okay with it being him, as long as Ned was fine, Peter would gladly bite that bullet. But that hero complex would cause a major loss in his life, Peter got into an argument with his Uncle Ben.
Peter being the teenager he wanted some freedom, so he decided to rebel, in doing so, he and Ben took a drive downtown to the local bottega. Peter and Ben sat in the car, when Ben turned to him, "Y'know kiddo, May and I only want what's best for you. My old man used to say: 'With great power, comes great responsibility' I'm passing that onto you, because there's going to be a time in your life where you have to choose what kind of man you want to be."
Peter nodded along, "I mean it Peter, growing up in this world, you can't let your anger get the best of you. I know what you're thinking, as I already went through it too. If you continue this act, that chip will be knocked off your shoulder faster than you could even get a single word out of your mouth."
Peter took it seriously, Ben smiled and then exited the car, going into the corner store. What would happen in the next few minutes would change Peter's life completely. Gunshots were heard, and a faceless guy ran out of the doors, Peter's breath hitched, unable to even comprehend what just happened. He thrusted the car door open as he saw Ben stagger out holding his chest.
He fell to the ground and his blood began to pool under him, Peter saw the bullet wound. He called out for someone for help, to call the police, anyone to help him and Ben. Tears fell from Peter's eyes and he was begging his uncle to stay awake, but it was too late. Ben had passed before paramedics arrived, everything from then on only got worse for the young boy.
A few months after Ben's passing Peter still felt guilty, angry, sad, everything that came with the grieving period. Peter felt it a thousand times more, Ned had accompanied him through the halls to his locker and put his books away, and was getting ready to go to their next class. And if by some famous Parker luck, Flash showed up and started his usual tormenting. "Hey Puny." He greeted.
Peter got straight to the point, rolling his eyes as he asked, "What do you want, Flash?"
"Just came here to tell you something." Flash said smugly.
Peter scoffed, "What?"
Flash then pushed Peter onto the ground and Peter winced in pain. Before Ned could interfere, Flash proceeded to kick him in the stomach and a crowd formed around them. Taking their phones out and pressing the record button, Ned tried getting Flash to stop, but got elbowed in his face.
"You seem to have some bad karma Parker. Your parents went on that plane to get away from you and died as a result." Flash laughed, taking satisfaction in Peter's physical and mental pain.
"I bet your uncle hated taking care of a useless, scrawny, little boy. That robber did everyone a favor." Flash's words made Peter seethe with anger, he had all that bottled up inside him, who was this kid to tell him this? Peter stood up and finally decided enough was enough.
"You don't know me Flash, you're just some sad rich kid whose parents don't pay attention to. you don't get to insult my family, so shut up." Peter's words felt like venom, he wanted to knock Flash off of his high horse.
"That's laughable Parker, your parents and uncle hated you so much they all died. You're just some loser with no friends." Peter clenched his jaw and fists, he no longer wanted to control his anger. Flash didn't need to be hurt by words, if he couldn't keep his hands to himself, why should Peter?
What's with the double standard? Peter was done taking the higher ground, he was sick of being the morally good guy, so he did what he's thought about time and time again, he pulled back his fist, and let it collide with Flash's cheek, blood came out of his nose.
A teacher saw what just took place and broke up the fight. Peter got sent to the office, he knew he was in trouble but he didn't care he was so exhausted at this point. Principal Morita of course called Peter's second contact as May wasn't available, soon Tony and Natasha showed up, Peter sat in front of Principal Morita the entire time. Tony looked at the other adult and then back at the kid. "Peter?"
"I'm sorry Mr. Stark." Peter mumbled as he refused to look anyone in the eye. Tony sat down next in the chair next to Peter, he began asking questions. "Kid, what happened?"
Peter stayed silent, then Principal Morita spoke, "Thank you for coming Mr. Stark."
Tony turned to the man, "What happened?" He asked.
"Well, Mr. Parker got into an altercation with another student who's in the nurse's office, along with his friend Ned. I'm going to suspend Peter for a week."
Neither Tony nor Natasha believed the principal, he had to be joking, "Wait, let Peter tell us what happened." Tony said.
Of course Natasha wasn't having any of it, "There's always two sides of a story." She added.
Peter wiped his eyes slightly and inhaled a shaky breath. "Peter, could you tell us what happened?" Principal Morita asked.
"I was walking with Ned to my locker to put my books away and go to our other class. Flash came up to us and pushed me to the ground and started kicking."
"He told me it's my fault my parents, and uncle are dead and they didn't love me. I got so angry that I punched him in the face." Peter replied with tears streaming down his face.
Tony was beyond angry, in fact, he was enraged on Peter's behalf. "That is absolutely absurd and extremely disrespectful." Natasha wrapped her arms around Peter in a hug. He leaned into her shoulder and quietly sobbed. Tony turned to the teen and in the best tone he could muster, trying to push his anger away.
"Bud, how long has this kid been bullying you?" At first Peter was hesitant to answer, but did as Tony persisted.
Peter sighed, "Since freshman year." He admitted.
"That's two years. That boy needs to be punished." Tony said enraged.
Principal Morita nodded, "I will give Mr. Thompson serious consequences, but Peter you will be suspended for two days. You will also still be able to go on the field trip."
"I understand sir." Even if Peter didn't agree with his punishment, he did feel like arguing.
Tony was still angry but wanted to get the kid out of this place. "Peter, let's go."
The whole car ride consisted of silence. Peter didn't want to talk to anyone, admittedly he was still too upset too. Tony, Natasha, and Peter got back to the Compound, and the Avengers were there waiting for them. Before Tony left they had heard about Peter getting into a fight but didn't know the whole story.
The two adults and Peter walked out of the elevator. Meanwhile the team stood up wanting to know what happened. "Hey Peter what happened?" Steve asked, concern etched all of their faces.
"This kid at my school started picking on me while I was getting ready to go to my other classes with Ned. He stopped me at my locker and pushed me and started kicking me. He told me it was my fault my parents and uncle died saying they didn't love me anymore."
Peter wiped a tear from his cheek, "They were all I had left, without them I'm all alone."
Each and every one of them knew how badly Ben's death affected Peter. To this day months later, he still blames himself, or runs the situation over and over again until that's all he thinks about. From the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes back to sleep, May couldn't afford therapy so Tony offered to pay. Peter has sessions two times a week for two hours, it helped tremendously, but there were times where he'd set himself back.
"Kiddo you're not alone, you have us." Tony reminded him.
Natasha agreed, "Peter, we all love you."
"Why didn't you stand up for yourself before today?" Bucky asked, while crossing his arms.
"You could've used your powers." Sam added.
"I know, but I don't like hurting innocent people. Flash may be a bully, but he's still an innocent person at the end of the day."
Tony put his hand on Peter's shoulder while shaking his head. "Buddy, you're too good for your own good."
"I have to be able to look out for the little guy." Peter replied, everyone sighed at Peter's antics and pulled him in for a group hug. That was definitely something he needed right now, "I love you guys." Peter told them as he was being crushed.
"We love you too Peter." They said in unison.
"G... Guys can't breathe." Peter admitted breathlessly. They all spouted out apologies and pulled away, meanwhile Bruce went towards the elevator, worried about the extent of Peter's injuries. "Okay Peter, let's check out your injuries." Bruce told him.
Peter agreed and went with Bruce to the med bay to check out how bad his bruises were, after they left Tony turned to Natasha and said; "He's too pure."
"He's мой маленький паук ." Natasha replied, everyone knew what that meant now, and only Natasha was allowed to call him that. It was their secret way of communicating, and it was just a cute nickname.
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The End of Chapter 163
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