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Chapter Two

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"Spider-Menace! Governments around the world launched investigations into the murderer known as Spider-Man, aka, Peter Parker, aka, the web-headed war criminal, who for years has been terrorizing the decent citizens of New York. Well now, this city and the world see him for what he truly is. Murderer! New details from last week's devastating attack in London have emerged. For more, we go now to Joint Intelligence Headquarters who released a statement just a short while ago that the deadly drones used in the London attack, were designed by Stark Industries.

"The hero known as Riptide gave a statement soon after this reveal defending Spider-Man, but the question still remains: was Riptide doing this of their own free will? Some studies show that Spider-Man may have mind control spider powers! Has one of the few true heroes left fallen under his spell? More on this story after the break."

Turning off the TV, you scowled. J. Jonah Jameson twisted facts and fiction to fit his own narrative. The only constant was his hatred for Peter and his love for you- which was terribly confusing because you and Peter had been partners for years and one of you wouldn't act without the other. All of your friends said it was a good thing you weren't being dragged through the mud because your hero work wasn't being interfered with like Peter's was, but you couldn't help but feel guilty. You shouldn't have been left out of something that both of you were a part of.

Harry was the most insistent that you remain positive about the situation. He dismissed what Beck did as an attempt to push you and Peter apart, and said that the news wanted to keep the public calm with the idea of one of their heroes remaining all-around good. They were logical arguments just... not right. You hadn't looked into whether or not he had something to do with Beck - and now the news agencies - yet, you were scared of what you could find.

"This sucks," you groaned, throwing the remote to the side and dropping your head into your hands. Your mom reached over and wrapped an arm around your shoulders.

"I know, honey, but this will all blow over eventually. We've been talking to our lawyer and he says that making another statement in a week or so would be helpful, maybe you can start writing something up?"

You nodded, at least then you could feel useful.

BANG BANG BANG

" Federal agents! Open up!"

Your heart stopped, "My uniforms aren't hidden."

"Go, hurry," your dad pulled you off the couch and pushed you in the direction of your room.

Sprinting to your room, you grabbed your original uniform from when you first came to New York - kept for sentimental value as you'd grown slightly and gained muscle tone so it didn't fit anymore - and the uniform Tony gave you right before the Snap. Your nanotech suit was currently on your wrist since you thankfully charged it this morning. Shoving both of your suits into your charging station, you unplugged it from the wall. There were voices in the apartment. The agents were inside.

Glancing around, your eyes landed on the window. Rushing over, you pulled it open and dropped the charging station. When it was a few floors down you pulled water from the air and wrapped the station in it, pressing it against the building wall and freezing a thick layer of ice over it. It wouldn't hold forever, but hopefully, it would hold for as long as you were with the agent - because you knew they'd be taking you in for an interrogation.

Plastering a confused look on your face, you stepped out of your room and walked toward all the noise.

"What's going on?" You asked, feigning confusion.

"(Y/n) (L/n) you're under arrest for aiding and abetting Peter Parker in his illegal vigilantism," one of the agents stated formally, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"

You felt nauseous but did your best to remain calm. You and Peter were not illegal vigilantes, and you were well versed in legal matters thanks to the X-Men and their problems with the government, "Yes, I do."

"With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?"

"My parents are allowed to come with me because I'm underage," you crossed your arms, thanking gods you didn't believe in that you were de-aged after the second Snap, "And I want them with me."

The agent frowned, but nodded, "Lucas and Clara (L/n), you are permitted to join this interrogation on behalf of your child. (Y/n) (L/n), if you come peacefully I will not cuff you, do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Can you produce a warrant to prove that you have the right to search our home?" Your dad asked, more serious than you'd ever seen him before, and the agents scattered around the apartment froze.

"We do not have a warrant for this specific residence, no," the agent arresting you grit out.

"Do you have probable cause that will allow you to search our home other than my child's association with Peter Parker?"

The agent scowled and waved their hand. The other DoDC agents were quick to leave your apartment- one of which came out of your room - and you sighed in relief. Your dad huffed and nodded, satisfied. Now you just had to hope all the ice around your nano charging point didn't melt before you got back.

You were guided into a large van along with your parents. The arresting agent remained in the back with you, probably so you couldn't conspire. Your mom immediately got on the phone and began speaking to someone - the family lawyer, she said, when the DoDC agent attempted to confiscate her phone.

When you got to the DoDC NYC headquarters, you were greeted by Ned, MJ, and May in the clearly temporary waiting room you were corralled into.

"What's going on?" Ned asked.

"Don't say anything without a lawyer," you ordered Ned sternly. May and MJ you had no doubts already knew this, "Or a guardian present at least. They're going to try to corner all of us. Riptide and Peter aren't illegal heroes because they're on the Avengers roster, don't forget that."

Several agents came in and guided all of you away from each other. As you were being brought to interrogation rooms, all of you spied Peter in a glass one.

"Peter!" You, MJ, and May called out.

"Don't say anything without a lawyer!"

"Remember you aren't illegal!" You added.

You were guided into an interrogation room with additional seating for your parents in the back. They were trying to lessen their influence and it was laughable.

"My name is Agent Cleary, nice to meet you," the man who was just interrogating Peter stepped inside and introduced himself. It seemed he was leading this investigation, "You're a smart kid for bringing your parents with you, seems you know how all of this works."

"I watch a lot of true crime documentaries," you shrugged, "My lawyer has been contacted and is one his way, I'd like to be told exactly what charges you're holding me on and what you're going to charge me with."

Agent Cleary chuckled, and opened the manila folder in front of him, "Let's see... aiding and abetting a criminal-"

"How is Peter a criminal?" You interrupted to ask.

Agent Cleary looked at you like you were stupid, "For several years he's been operating as an illegal vigilante-"

"Federal and state vigilante laws were adjusted after the Avengers first appeared. If a hero is recognized by a government-approved team then they are legally allowed to operate at full capacity until a felony charge is committed. Additionally, Ned, MJ, and I are remote Gold Level interns of Stark Industries, meaning we have clearance to assist superheroes. I assumed as a member of the government you would know that."

Talking to Pepper about making all of you workers for Stark Industries high enough to have that clearance was a genius idea on your part. You had hoped nothing like this would ever happen, but you had to be safe.

"Spider-Man and Riptide did not sign the Accords."

"The Accords were voided after the Snap, as it brought to light the many issues within them. The UN is currently revising them with Colonel James Rhodes, Bucky Barnes, and Sam Wilson advising them. Speaking of which, where is Riptide? Couldn't track them down and arrest them on fake charges too?"

"Riptide's identity remains unknown," was all Agent Cleary said on that. You knew it frustrated him and you resisted the urge to smirk.

"I interned under Tony Stark, and I know for a fact each and every one of those drones have surveillance. Have you checked that? Is there any proof aside from a video from a former Stark Industries employee pretending to be a hero proving that Peter killed 'Mysterio'?"

"This is an ongoing investigation and I'm not at liberty to share any details," oh Agent Cleary was pissed now. He was running this investigation to gain reputation and make a name for himself, and he was clearly doing it all wrong if they hadn't figured any of this out yet, "How do you know so much? You're a teenager who's only dating a hero."

"I make it my business to know everything I can about what Peter does to help him."

"Do you think Riptide does the same thing?"

He was trying to make you upset about Peter supposedly cheating on you - with yourself. Feigning anger, you crossed your arms and looked away.

"I'm not speaking to you until my lawyer arrives."

"No need. I've gotten everything I needed," Agent Cleary stood and left without another word.

Another agent guided your family back to that waiting room from before. Ned was there speaking to his mom, who was nodding along to whatever another agent was saying. Then the agent left, and Ned stopped by you.

"They aren't charging me with anything, you were right about all this not being illegal. MJ already left with her dad. I'll talk to you later, my mom wants to get out of here," Ned said quickly, before following after his mom as she rushed out.

"Excuse me," a male voice spoke from the hall leading out of the headquarters. He had deep red glasses on, and a cane in his hand. A blind lawyer, interesting. If he worked for your parents then he must have been good, "Clara, Lucas, I'm sorry it took me so long to get here."

"No worries, Matt. This is (Y/n), who we needed you to represent, though that doesn't seem necessary anymore. (Y/n) seems to know the law as well as you."

Matt chuckled, then looked to the doorway where Peter and May stepped through - both of them flustered.

"That was terrible," Peter complained, making a beeline for you, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I don't think they're going to keep any of the charges," you assured.

"May this is our lawyer, Matt Murdock," your dad introduced the two, "Matt, would you be willing to represent them until we know whether or not they're gonna be charged? We'll pay."

"Oh you don't have to do that," May shook her head.

Your mom took May's hands in her own, "You give so much to other people, let us do this for you, okay? Matt is a good friend and an even better lawyer."

Matt tilted his head, and you wondered for a moment if he'd heard something strange, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid I won't be able to meet with you today. However, I should be able to first thing tomorrow morning."

"That's totally fine, I think all of this," May gestured to the waiting room, "Has been enough for today. Thank you for helping us."

Matt exchanged pleasant goodbyes with your parents before heading out. You wondered where he was going. Something about him seemed off but in a good way. It was hard to explain, you just knew there was more there.

"Well, I think it's time we all head home. We'll join that meeting tomorrow, May," your dad patted May on the shoulder before putting a hand on yours. Peter, still by your side, and May walked out with all of you.

"They tried to make me mad about you cheating on me, so they clearly don't know my identity," you whispered to Peter with an eye roll, "They're all idiots honestly. They arrested you despite being an Avenger and didn't even check the footage on the drones."

Peter nodded, though he seemed a little lost. Being an Avenger had always been a foreign concept to him. He sighed and grabbed your hand, giving it a light squeeze, "I just want this all to be over."

"I know, and it will be eventually. We've survived worse than this, and we'll do it together, okay?" You waited outside as all of your parents/guardians hailed cabs to take home, "I love you, and I'll see you tomorrow at that meeting."

You spent the rest of the night holed away in the apartment with your family since it was nearly impossible to leave without being recognized. Jess had recently hired private security because of all the press that was gathered around the front - it was rather convenient for them that you and Peter lived so close together.

All of you tried to go about your nights normally, having dinner together and watching a show that wasn't the news. It was a noble attempt, but it was impossible to forget that you had been arrested earlier because of everything that was going on with Peter.

As you were settling in to go to bed you received a text from Pepper.

GodHerself: I'm giving the two of you a warning now. The DoDC got a warrant to look into Stark Industries. Everything that the two of you used including the glasses are legally yours and there's not much they can do according to our lawyers. It seems like they're just trying to ruffle our feathers

MyBugBoy: I'm sorry you and Morgan got dragged into this Pepper

Yeah, the two of you should just work on being happy and running Stark Industries. You shouldn't have to deal with all this

GodHerself: None of this is your fault. I'm okay and so is Morgan. All she's concerned about is when she's going to see you next (which I hope is soon). The company is okay, I'm not going to let anything happen to it before you two and Harley hash it out and figure out what departments you want to run.

Love you Pep

MyBugBoy: You're my favorite person

GodHerself: I know. I love you guys too. Let me know if you need anything aside from PR help.

The next morning you and your parents woke up bright and early to meet Matt at Peter and May's place. Getting over there was an absolute nightmare, as the press hounded the three of you the entire way and tried to follow you to Peter's apartment, though the police posted around the building were quick to put a stop to that.

May greeted you at the door with a tired smile, "Hi, Matt is already here working with us. Happy's here too. Thank you for coming, and for introducing him to me."

"Of course, May, you're a close friend," your mom assured, following after May as she walked to the kitchen where Peter, Matt, and Happy were seated.

"Hi," you kissed Peter on the cheek and stood next to him. There weren't enough chairs for all of you, so you would make do, "How's it going?"

"Mr. Murdock says that I'm protected under the Hero Clause just like you said, and he's on the phone right now about the other charges." The murder charges.

"Stark Industries was caught in the web of the Spider-Man/Mysterio controversy today when federal agents opened an investigation into missing Stark technology. The agents wanna know exactly what was taken..."

They flashed a picture of Happy on the screen, with long hair and a small smile. Happy winced as soon as he saw it.

"At least they used a good picture."

"That's great. Thank you," Matt set down his phone, "Well, I have some good news, Peter. I don't believe any of the charges against you are gonna stick."

"Wait, seriously?"

"Oh, I knew it."

"Oh, my God, Mr. Murdock. Thank you."

"As always Matt, you never disappoint," your dad grinned.

Matt smiled and humbly accepted the praise all of you were showering over him, "However, Mister Hogan?"

"Yes?"

"The feds are actively investigating the missing technology. Despite the statement Ms. Potts gave them in your defense, they wish to have all technology accounted for. If you were involved, I might secure a lawyer."

What tech would Happy take from Stark Industries that wasn't expressly given to him? Tony left him a lot and Pepper gave him even more.

"I need a lawyer because I'm un- I'm under inves- I thought, you said, there's no charge. I could say under advisement of counsel, I refuse to answer the question respectfully because I- the answer could incriminate me."

"Happy," May put a hand on his arm, "Calm down. Let's hear what he has to say. Matt?"

"You're gonna need a really good lawyer, at least for the time being before this settles," Matt advised honestly, "Peter, you may have dodged your legal troubles, but things will get much worse. There is still the court of public opinion. Riptide defending you is helping, but those who hate you don't trust them entirely because they haven't revealed their identity. However, New York is protective of her heroes and you're one of them. It's going to be okay."

Hearing that from someone outside of your immediate friends/family took a weight off your shoulders you didn't know was there. Matt wouldn't lie to you, whether it was bad news or not. He truly believed things would get better.

The window shattered. An object flew in, right at Peter. You held your hand out to push it out of the way with a burst of water. Peter held his hand up to catch it. Matt caught it. All of you stared in shocked disbelief.

"How did you just do that?"

"I'm a really good lawyer."

"The best of the best," your dad said it like it was some inside joke, and for all you knew it was.

Later you would be texting MJ about this to see what she had to say. Give her an hour and she could find anyone's darkest secrets. If there was something more to Matt like you thought there was, she'd figure it out.

"We're gonna need a safer place to live."

You shook your head when Peter and May looked your way, "Our apartment doesn't have room for all of us, not now at least. We could talk to Jess about moving to a bigger one but it'll take time."

Happy then spoke up, "I have room."

That was going to be awkward for everyone involved. Oh god, you were going to be involved.