*Location- Rouge hideout*

-Third Person P.O.V-

Bucky was sat with the others as they all spoke, although he remained silent as he continued to think about Peter. He hadn't seen him now in two weeks and he was becoming increasingly more worried, he knew the kid was probably fine, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something just wasn't right.

So far their search for Spider-Man had been unsuccessful and Bucky was grateful for that, he really wasn't sure what he would do if they found Peter. Peter- well Spider-Man in this case- was doing well at keeping people off his tracks and hiding, it was bothering the others but it was making Bucky grateful.

"Buck, what do you think?" Steve asks, snapping Bucky from his thoughts and making him look at the blonde soldier. Bucky could clearly see the worry in his eyes and couldn't help but feel bad for causing it, he knew how stressed Steve and everyone was with the accords and with him acting worried probably wasn't happening.

Bucky cleared his throat and nodded, not really knowing what they were on about but not wanting to ask, he's pretty sure it has something to do with finding Spider-Man again though.

The others give him odd looks, as though sensing something was bothering him but not bothering to ask him about it. Not that it bothered him of course, there was no way he was just going to tell them the truth. There's no way they would expect him to go, 'oh yeah, it's just the person we're going after is actually someone I know, and look at as a little brother, but it doesn't matter carry on.'

No one made a comment though and they all continued to talk about how to get to Spider-Man. Bucky just wanted the conversation to be over now, so he could leave and go to the other hideout, he still held hope that Peter would go there and they would be able to talk.

He was really starting to miss his illegitimate little brother.

-

*Location- Midtown Tech High School*

-Third Person P.O.V-

To say Peter wanted to see Bucky would be an understatement. For the past week he had been trying to get there, but every time he would begin to make his way there, he would hear someone who needed help and no matter what, he couldn't ignore that.

May had been getting bad again, every morning, without fail she would hit, taunt and hurt him in some way. He knew no matter what he did he couldn't get away from it or fight back. He could take it now though because he could heal quicker. May seemed to have caught onto this- not that he was Spider-Man of course, that would end very badly. But she could see he healed a lot quicker than he used to be able to, she never once questioned it and instead used it to his advantage, hits to the face were a lot more common and the brutality had grown ten-fold.

It all made Peter want to give up sometimes, he knew though that he had to keep going, if not for his own sake but for the people around him. His Uncle would want him to keep going, and he knew Ned would be sad if he were to up and leave as well. Bucky, well Bucky might be sad, but Peter wouldn't be shocked if he hated him now. After all, he hadn't seen him in so long and didn't give him a reason. Peter really does miss him though and he can't wait to go and see him again, he just hopes Bucky will forgive him.

Currently, he was sat in his last class of the day. His face and stomach were still throbbing from this mornings beating, and he knew once this class was over there would be more pain. Flash had came up to him earlier this morning promising it and he knew there was no way he could get away from him.

He focused back into what his teacher was droning on about and internally rolled his eyes, it was AP science, and it was meant to be hard, but he found it easy considering he had learnt all this when he was twelve.

Peter watched silently as the time ticked by, every passing second inching him closer to the beating he knows he'll receive. Peter decided, as he sat there that he would go see Bucky tonight, even if it took him a while if he heard someone needing help. He'll stay with Bucky for a while, try to explain how sorry he was for not going to see him, then after, he can go patrolling.

With that thought set in mind he glanced back at the clock and was a little grateful to see he only had two minutes before he could leave.

As soon as he heard the sound of the bell ring he threw all his belongings in his bag before swinging it over his shoulder and walking out the door. He made sure to listen for any sounds of Flash coming his way and kept his head down.

He and Ned didn't have the same last class, and the pair had already said goodbye to each other from their last interaction of the day so he didn't have to worry about walking all over the school to try and find Ned to say bye to him.

Peter had just made it out of the school grounds when his sensitive hearing picked something up. 'Penis Parker is there, let's go,' he heard Flash say from somewhere around him.

He knew no matter what he did, he wouldn't be able to get away, so instead, he carried on with how he was going, residing himself to the fait of what was about to happen. With every step they took closer to him he heard them, the thoughts in the back of his mind were telling him to run and hide, but he didn't listen to it, knowing if he were to run now, it would be worse tomorrow.

Taking a deep breath he calmed himself down as they grew unbearably close. He knew now would be a good time to acknowledge their presence and it would be about the time he would realise they were behind him if he didn't have the powers.

Turning he stopped, making eye contact with Flash and swallowing down his fear. Dang, even with these powers he felt useless against people he shouldn't feel threatened by anymore. He was still scared of Flash and his friends, and he was still definitely scared of May. Even though he healed quicker, that didn't mean he didn't have to deal with the pain of getting them.

"Please leave me alone Flash," Peter pleaded, knowing it would still fall on deaf ears and Flash wouldn't leave him.

And that was exactly what happened, Flash snorted while shaking his head. "You really need to learn don't you Penis. No matter how much you beg or plead, I will always be there to remind you of your place."

At the end of his statement, he threw his fist straight into Peter's face, making him stumble back as an audible crack echoed around them. That seemed to be enough of an indication to the others as they all began to attack Peter.

Peter felt himself be dragged into some back alley before being thrown to the ground. Kicks and punches rained down on him and in that moment, he had never felt more like his old self since he had been bitten. He felt as though there was nothing he could do even if he wanted to.

In the back of his mind, Peter wished someone else was Spider-Man, because then it would mean, maybe- just maybe, he would be saved right now by him. But instead, it was Spider-Man being beat up. Peter knew if he were Spider-Man right now, he would easily be able to stop him, but right now, he was Peter, and while being Peter, he didn't feel close to being able to stop this like Spider-Man would be able to.

Peter curled into himself to try and stop the kicks and punches getting to anything to important, although he severely doubted that it mattered all that much anymore. He knew it wouldn't stop for a while, so he allowed his mind to wander far away, making the pain as distant as possible without falling unconscious.

In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but hate himself for always seeming to go and see Bucky when he was hurt. He never meant to go there when he was hurt, it was just how it always seemed to be, but that didn't stop him from panicking slightly. Peter really didn't want Bucky to think he was using him just because of that; because he really wasn't. He just knew he needed to make it up to Bucky and show him that he did mean a lot more to him than just that, Bucky was like a brother to Peter- even if Peter wouldn't admit that, at least not right now.

After these thoughts dissipated, he finally realised that the attack had stopped and he distantly heard footsteps echoing down the alley, the retreat of footsteps becoming a near silent echo before he cracked his eyes open. The alley way was now empty and Peter allowed a small sigh to fall from his lips, however, he quickly stopped as pain shot through his chest.

It was then that he took note of the pain he was in and decided he should try to see the damage left behind. Wincing, he lifted his arms and carefully touched his ribs, he knew by just one touch that more than two of them were cracked, maybe even broken. There were small cuts and bruises littering his arms and he knew his legs wouldn't look any different, lifting his shirt ever so carefully he was able to take in the full extent of the injury as he was met with only black and blue skin.

He then pulled out his old, cracked phone- which he had brought with his own money after saving for a very, very long time, he opened up the camera and flinched when he saw the black eye already forming around his eye, the blood falling from his crooked nose and the blood falling from the obvious split in his lip.

The smallest of sighs slipped through his lips, knowing this was made so much worse from the beating he had got this morning. Peter also knew this would more than likely become a reoccurring thing as May seemed to love hitting him and beating him, and Flash was close behind; it was now nearly daily that he would receive two beatings in one day. It was also only Monday, so he knew he needed to make himself ready for the long week of beatings ahead of him.

Peter slipped his phone back into his pocket and allowed a steady breath to release from his lungs before he pulled himself onto his feet. As soon as he was stood up he had to hold the wall as dark spots raced across his vision and the world spun rapidly around him. His legs shook under him and in the back of his mind he feared his legs may give out from under him, Peter didn't allow that to stop him as he stayed standing and tried to steady himself.

"This is gonna take a while," Peter mumbled to himself before taking a step towards the road, his hand still leaning heavily against the wall in case he falls.

*Location- Bucky's hideout*

-Third Person P.O.V-

Bucky sat in his usual seat, book in hand; although that didn't mean he was actually reading it. His eyes were settled in the seat Peter used to reside in and he couldn't help but allow the bad thoughts to take over for a moment.

He really missed Peter and worried for him.

They might have only known each other for a few weeks, but that didn't mean Bucky didn't take an instant liking to the kid. Something about Peter reminded Bucky greatly of Steve when he was younger, like he needed someone in his life that was actually on his side. And if Bucky could be that person for Peter, then he would. Because even if Bucky was helping Peter, he was also helping Bucky.

Bucky finally found someone else he could talk to. Someone who wasn't biased and would take his side no matter what. Peter was someone who had his own opinion and could see things from both sides. Bucky needed this greatly in his life. Sure, he loved talking to Steve, but he would always agree with him and make sure he was always on Bucky's side. While Peter, he was able to see it from both views and say something that wasn't coming from one side.

And, well, Bucky really felt like Peter was a brother to him. He's said it before, and he'll say it again, but something about Peter made Bucky feel protective over him, as though Peter needed him in his life.

Before he could think any further, he heard a clang come from the door and snapped his head to where the sound came from. He listened carefully and could hear uneven breaths and a fast heartbeat, he knew it was probably Peter, and by the sounds of it, as though he was hurt as well. With this in mind, he threw his book down on the table and got up quickly, walking over to the door and opening it.

He was met with a sight he wished he didn't have to see again- although in the back of his mind, he somehow knew this was something that would become almost regular for the pair of them.

Peter was stood there, one hand clutching the wall to keep himself upright, while the other was wrapped protectively around his stomach, indicating he was more than likely hurt. Blood was still falling from his obviously broken nose and his lip was split open. Bruises seemed to cover every inch of the kids body, and Bucky felt his heart plummet at the sight. Who the Hell could do this to a kid.

"Peter," Bucky whispered in shock before stepping forward and carefully clutching his arm.

Peter leaned heavily into Bucky, allowing his eyes to flutter shut momentarily before they opened again and he looked at Bucky with a guilty look. "M'sorry for not being here Bucky," Peter whispered, trying desperately to hold back the tears. He was Spider-Man for Gods sake.

But the pain and mental exhaustion was catching up, and guilt was swarming him as a tear fell from his eyes.

Bucky knew straight away that Peter probably felt guilty and shook his head quickly, "it's okay Pete, I promise. Let's get you sorted first," Bucky spoke, before carefully moving Peter further into the room and onto the sofa.

Peter sniffed slightly, pain shooting through his nose and making him wince. He brought a shaky hand to his eyes and whipped away his tears before looking over to Bucky who was wordlessly grabbing the first aid kit.

Bucky settled in front of Peter and begun to get to work on patching him up before speaking. "So what happened Pete, who did this to you?" Bucky spoke softly, but Peter could hear the anger in the words.

Even though Peter trusted Bucky more than he trusted anyone- aside from Ned of course- it couldn't stop him from flinching slightly at the tone of voice, fearing partially that the anger was toward him. Neither of the pair commented on it though, although Bucky made sure to keep his hands and light as possible and sent Peter a small, reassuring smile.

"Just- just bullies," Peter whispered, his eyes falling down to the ground. He really hated lying.

Bucky knew within an instant that wasn't all, but he didn't ask for more, knowing if Peter wanted to talk about it to him, he would.

"Do you want me to do something about it?" Bucky asked, he knew deep down it would be a bad idea. He would more than likely be seen by someone and that would end with Ross finding him, but he knew if it meant they would stop hurting Peter, than he knew he wouldn't care.

Peter smiled at that, knowing however that Bucky was being serious about it. He shook his head lightly, a small smile on his face as he did so (even if it did hurt him a little), and replied, "I would take that offer, but it probably wouldn't end very well."

Bucky hummed in agreement, but that didn't mean he really didn't want to beat the shit out of whoever it was that was hurting his little brother.

The pair stayed silent as Bucky continued to patch up Peter. Once he was finished he placed the first aid kit away and sat down beside Peter.

"Bucky, I- I'm really sorry I haven't been around. I really wanted to come back, but I've- I've been really busy," Peter spoke softly, his eyes casting down in guilt.

Bucky smiled softly, shocking himself slightly at how human he truly felt in this moment. It felt like he had never been with HYDRA and everything was okay. He had never felt like this with Steve once he came back, like there still wasn't a part of Bucky that remembered everything to do with HYDRA and how unhuman he had felt with them. But now, he- he felt more human than ever.

"Being Spider-Man," Bucky said, there was no judgement in his voice, in fact, Peter thought he heard, pride? In his voice.

Peter looked up in shock. I mean sure, he thought Bucky might know he was Spider-Man, after all he had been the one to help Peter, but that didn't mean it still didn't shock Peter.

"Y-Yeah, how did you know?" Peter mumbled, tilting his head slightly in question.

Bucky smiled and spoke, "well it was obvious for me, you had come back with those powers, and I had mentioned becoming a hero. And then only a couple days later, there's a new hero in town. I'm proud of you though, you've helped a lot of people already."

Peter froze, hearing those words come from Bucky. He looked up and saw the sincerity in Buckys eyes and felt as though he could cry again. Although this time with happiness. No one had said they were proud of Peter since his Uncle, and to hear it from Bucky, someone he sees as a brother means a lot more to him than he thought it ever would.

He smiled brightly instead and felt himself lighten a little at those words. "Thank you. I- I'm still sorry though. I had planned to come and show you the suit the first night I made it, but someone was calling for help and I couldn't leave them. Then it just kept happening, and I never had time to come and see you," Peter spoke, still wanting to explain himself.

Bucky nods in understanding before replying, "it's okay Peter. I know you're doing your best. But how about we come up with a time you come here, it can't be that good for you to be out so long every day."

Peter pondered over the answer, before nodding in agreement. He really did miss spending time with Bucky, and if this also gave him a bit of time off, he'll take it.

"How about, you come here after school, and stay until seven. That way you can have some time to relax, and I can make sure you eat before you go out and fight crime. Then, on weekends, you can come at, let's say 10, then leave whenever?" Bucky replies, although he phrases it as a question, allowing Peter to change it if he wanted.

Peter thought over it for a moment before nodding, if he were to start patrol later it would also mean he wouldn't have to go home sooner because he was too tired. He also really didn't want to let Bucky down and just wanted to spend sometime with him.

"I can do that. But I- I'm still really sorry," Peter replied, feeling guilt cloud his mind once more.

Bucky shakes his head lightly, a smile painted on his face knowing Peter will be around more now. "It's okay Peter, I understand, really."

Peter smiled at Bucky and felt himself relax more, this was good. This was- this was really good.