I don't own anything except any original character and/or any original plot.

🕷

Chapter 2: Hey May

🕷

A/n: SPOILERS FOR THE FIRS TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES OF ENDGAME. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. Updates will become less frequent (Still on the weekends) I just got really excited and wanted to upload again, lol. ALSO! Let me know what you like better, switching between Peter and (Y/n) a few times, or would you rather it be half and half?

Peter

Tony and Nebula were playing paper football.

Peter supposed it was their way of coping with everything, that and a way to deal with the boredom and threat of death looming over the trio. Twenty-one days had passed since The Snap. Since the universes populations had been cut in half, since (Y/n)...

"That was terrible. Now you have a chance to win."

Nebula flicked the paper football towards Tony, successfully aiming it through his fingers. Tony pulled back, defeated.

"You've won. Congratulations," Tony held out his hand, which Nebula hesitantly shook, "Fair game, good sport."

Nebula wasn't that bad. Once you got past the murder, and scowls, and natural instinct to kill, she was... nice? She helped Peter cope with The Snap more than he thought possible. Her outlook on life was morbid, but honest. Peter needed that more than blind optimism.

"Have fun?"

"It was fun."

"Alright then. Peter, you up for a game?" Tony turned to Peter, making him divert his gaze from the scratch in the table he'd been glaring at.

"Huh? Oh, no thanks Mr. Stark, I'm good."

"Alright kid. If that's the case then I'll be up front, let me know if you need anything." Tony swerved in his chair and took the ladder to the top deck.

"I'll be in Gamora's room," Nebula left as well. She was usually in Gamora's room, piecing together the life that Nebula missed out on as a sister or friend.

That left Peter alone with his thoughts, which was never a good thing. With his fear of falling into the pits of despair he held in his mind, he pulled his mask on to talk to Karen. Aside from Nebula and Tony, Karen was the other major player in Peter's health. She was an AI trained in therapeutic methods since Tony suffered so badly from being Iron Man.

"Hey Karen," Peter greeted, leaning back in his seat,

"Hello Peter, how are you today?"

"Not great, but still alive," Peter chuckled, though it wasn't a joke, "Mr. Stark has been making videos for Ms. Potts back on Earth. I don't think he wants me to know because it means things aren't looking good for us, but I do."

"Would you like to make a video yourself?"

Peter contemplated the option and didn't see any harm in it. (Y/n) did it, and he had watched her video at least once a day while stranded in space. He knew it by heart, not only the words but every expression she made, every crinkle between her brows or twitch of her lips. It was all he had left of her. He didn't have anything of hers from Earth, and they weren't going to make it back.

"Recording now."

"Hey May, or whoever is watching this. (Y/n)'s parents? Ned, MJ, Harry? Captain America? Who knows. I'm not too sure what to talk about here. Um... We lost. I'm sorry to whoever's watching this. I just became an Avenger, and I failed. Not only that, but I was dying and (Y/n) saved me... I loved her. If it is her parents watching this, I want you guys to know that. I loved her more than anything and if she asked me, I would have stopped being Spider-Man to make a steady life without hesitation. She died a hero. I'm sorry I couldn't do the same.

"Things aren't looking good here. The food and water ran out four days ago. Tony and Nebula gave the last of it to me. I tried to convince them to have it, but they wouldn't give up. The air is getting thin, so oxygen will run out soon, and that'll be it. I hope I was a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, with Riptide by my side... That's it I guess. Tell my friends and family I loved them. Bye."

"Recording ended. Do you feel better?"

"More or less," Peter twiddled his thumbs, "What do I do know?"

"While I don't have any games on my system, I do have your past suit recordings. The Baby Monitor Protocol has never been turned off, and because of that you have hours of footage."

"Are you serious?" Peter shot up, excitement over taking his malnourished exhaustion, "Play it! Anything with (Y/n), May, or my friends."

"Let me pull it up."

And so Peter watched. He watched hours of a time when he was happy, taking advantage of a short amount of time he wasn't aware of. Watching himself and (Y/n) develop as heroes was the best part, seeing the times his suit caught with his friends was up there as well. He hoped they were alive, or at the very least weren't scared.

"Watcha doing, kid?" Tony asked Peter, climbing down the ladder in front of him.

"Watching old footage from my suit. I forgot that Karen has a shared database with my old one."

"Any embarrassing stories from it?"

Peter thought of pretending to be Thor, "Nope, not really."

"I don't believe you for a second," Tony chuckled, trailing off before he could continue. He was falling asleep, ready to drift off for good, "I love you kid."

"Mr. Stark?" The videos were making Peter sleepy. Soothing music was playing now. When did he start playing that?

"It's assisting you in falling asleep. I will always do what's best for you Peter."

"Thanks Karen," Peter slumped down, noticing Nebula adjusting Tony in his seat, sighing. When did she come back? He was so tired he couldn't even sense someone approach.

Cold, Peter was cold, his whole body freezing to the touch. Lack of oxygen, right? That could cause your skin to cool? Peter couldn't think about that, it took too much to think. Peter closed his eyes, the sound of (Y/n)'s laughter and the music blending together into one melody, stripping away his fear of drifting off for the last time.

Thump thun!

Peter's shot up like a rocket. That sound came from outside the ship. Was something attacking them? Nebula was on it, climbing up to the cockpit to check the scanners. Tony opened his eyes blearily, groaning tiredly.

"We'll figure this out Mr. Stark," Peter climbed up the ladder after Nebula.

"Is a Tony Stark and Peter Parker on that ship?" A female voice broke through the com, "I've been sent by Steve Rogers to retrieve them. It was damn hard finding you guys I'll tell you that."

Nebula took the mic off the wall, finger hovering over the button. Before she pressed it, she looked to Peter.

"Do you know who Steve Rogers is?"

"Yes! He's Captain America, if he sent her then she's a good guy."

Nebula nodded, "Tony Stark and Peter Parker are on this ship. Oxygen runs out in hours, food ran out days ago. If you're going to assist us we need it now."

"I can get you to Earth in an hour, sit back and try to relax. You're gonna be alright."

The ship jerked forward and moved. This powerful woman was moving the Benatar in space, without another ship. In other words, she was moving it herself. Peter was astounded at the notion, excited to meet this new hero. Excitement, he hadn't felt that in a while.

He was going home.

(Y/n)

"(Y/n), I need you to do something for me."

"Of course Father, anything," I straightened my posture, holding back an excited grin. A mission, he was giving me a mission, another chance to get out of The Garden besides market days.

"A rebellion has formed on the planet Drall in the city Caprica. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem and I would allow it to die out, but they're tracking energy pulses. They're tech may soon have the ability to trace it to us."

I nodded, lifting myself to my toes, "I understand, don't worry Father."

Turning to my room I rushed off to change, but Father called me back before I could leave.

"Please pick up some medical supplies while you're there as well."

"Are you injured?"

Thanos looked at the glowing stones on his hand, "I will be. I must dispose of them. The Avengers will seek me out sooner rather than later. These can't exist when they do."

"I can deal with them now Father. I can go to Terran and take care of them, so they won't bother us again," I offered. If I went to Terra, I could search for more clues to my past, my parents, that boy Peter.

"No. That is one fight you would not win. Stick with the mission I gave you. We will move on from there. Trust me, daughter. Have I ever failed you?"

"No Father. I will handle the situation on Caprica and return with supplies to assist you."

Rushing from the room I ran into my room and pushed open my closet. In the back was a uniform. It was the one I used for all of my missions. Father got it from a contact, the mask meant to protect my identity. I'd had it as long as I could remember. Which was... Three weeks ago.

Shaking off the thought I changed, shifting to get comfortable in the tight fabric. I stopped in the bathroom to fill up my stores, making sure I had everything I'd need before I left.

"One more thing, daughter," Father stopped me once again, on the porch this time, "I'm proud of you. I've enjoyed this time."

"Thank you Father," I stumbled when he pulled me into a hug with his good hand, "I'll continue to make you proud."

"I know you will." the Mind Stone glowed, causing a headache to form behind my eyes. I winced, pinching the bridge of my nose.

My cuffs shifted against my wrists, rubbing the skin. My uniform, I'd had it since I was young. Father got it for me as a birthday present. I used it to assist him in balancing the universe. I would make him proud, and return home so we could continue life as it always was, minus my sisters betraying us and having to stay on a ship to control an empire.

"Do well, daughter."

Nodding, I rushed off to the ship parked behind the house. I stepped in, loading the coordinates for Caprica. Leaning back, I pushed it into jump speed and braced myself for a short but bumpy flight.

Landing half an hour later, I double checked my water stores and docked my ship at the nearest parking area, a supermarket. Stepping off, I peeled my mask off. No one would talk to me if I looked scary and intimidating in a mask. But being a sixteen-year-old Terran would open them up.

"Excuse me," I approached the nearest bystander, "My name is (Y/n). I'm looking for the rebellion."

The person bristled, shifting nervously, "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. You must have the wrong planet, there's no rebellion here."

Narrowing my eyes, I leaned in, lowering my voice. People always need some reassurance of value. I was useless until I had something they wanted. The human nature being selfish would overwhelm caution, "I used to work for Thanos. I have a lot of information that could help. I heard this is where to go."

The citizen hesitated, scarlet skin wrinkling between their brows. They were thinking, which was a good sign. Finally, they motioned for me to follow after them. I smirked, too easy. Father would be proud to see how early I returned home.

They lead me across the city to a small building, marked with different symbols in their native language. I didn't understand them, but they likely were slogans of the rebellion, branding their building as the correct one to go to.

The woman I spoke to held up a ring on her hand to the guards at the doors. They nodded and allowed her in. I trailed close behind her, not encountering any resistance.

"I have a Terran here, says she worked for Thanos. She has valuable information," the woman said in a hushed tone to a broad-shouldered man. The man looked me over and motioned for me to follow him.

"Boss, we got some valuable information about Thanos."

Darkness enveloped the back room. Drallians were experts at seeing in the dark, explaining the atmosphere.

"What have you come to share with us?"

I feigned nervousness, looking at the guard behind us. The leader waved her hand, and he left.

"What are you trying to do here," I asked innocently, observing my surroundings.

"Track down Thanos," the leader stated simply. I smirked. So much misplaced optimism in their future and abilities.

"And when you find him?"

"Make him reverse the snap. If he can't we kill him." My breath hitched at the notion, "Now, what information do you have?"

"He knows about your little rebellion. He's sent his best to take you all out. You've gotten too close."

The leader turned around to face her window, turning her back on me. Rookie move. "That's deeply disturbing. We'll have to heighten security before they arrive."

I pulled on my mask, releasing my water stores, "Too late."

Before the leader could react, I froze her up to her mouth so she couldn't scream. Humming to myself, I walked around her desk.

"Drallians are made for heat, you don't do well in the cold. So we'll have to see how long it takes for hypothermia to set in. I won't be here to see it, but you'll suffer with your other rebellion members. Unity in death, right?"

Spinning around on my heels I waltzed out of the office. Passing by most of the rebellion members, the broad-shouldered guard stopped me.

"Why the mask?"

I titled my head, remaining silent. Instead, I spread my arms out. Water in the air, in the ground, the amount didn't matter; it was all the same medium. Father drilled that into me during early training, and I was thankful he did.

The ground shook, ice climbed up the walls and people rapidly, freezing everything. I stood my ground as nothing was left untouched. Even if they survived, all of their equipment would be trashed.

Stepping around the guard I walked outside. The guards at the door grabbed my arms. Frowning, I waved my hands. They flew backwards, ice taking them over as well.

Another thing Father taught me, blood was another medium. There was no such thing as playing dirty when it was for the right cause. I was simply using all the tools at my disposal.

Still, my gut clenched when I used that ability. But trying to think about why it upset me caused a headache to form. So I kept walking towards the supermarket.

It was very similar to the marketplace, I noted, when I stepped inside. They labeled the sections, making it easy to track down the medical supplies I needed for Father.

Bandages, burn cream, and an enhanced healing salve. I stockpiled the items, credits not a worry in my mind. This was my father's wellbeing on the line.

"Hope you found everything okay," the cashier looked over my items, "One hundred credits."

I pulled the chips from my pocket and handed them over. Bagging my items I asked-

"Is there a place I can refuel my ship?"

"We have a station behind us."

"Thanks."

I hurried out the store, climbing onto my ship to move it to the refuel station and refuel.

"I'll be home soon Father, don't worry."

Peter

The Benatar landing at the Avengers compound was smoother than Peter could have hoped for. Nebula slung Tony's arm around her shoulder and helped him towards the exit, pressing the opening button in the process.

Those two went down first, Tony sharing a tearful reunion with Pepper, and Nebula meeting with a Racoon? He'd need an explanation for that later.

"Peter, holy shit, Peter," May body slammed Peter with the strength of a quarterback. Peter grunted, pain spreading through his bruised everything. Most of his minor injuries healed on the ship, but there were still a few in the middle of the process, "You scared the shit out of me. Ned told me you went to space, and I didn't believe it until I saw the news and then there was The Snap and you still weren't back and-"

"I'm alive May," Peter hugged his aunt bag with equal strength, shedding tears on her jacket without restraint, "I'm sorry. I had to help Mr. Stark. We tried so hard."

"Oh honey, I know you did," May brushed the hair out of Peter's face, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Peter's eyes landed on two approaching figures, they were running towards the ship, late to the greeting party. It was strange, seeing two normal civilians around people like Captain America and Black Widow, the same could be said with May.

"Where's (Y/n)?" Her mom stared at the open ship entrance, eyes shining, "She's just on the ship, right? Gathering her things? Or waiting to surprise us?"

Peter pulled away from May, approaching (Y/n)'s parents. Whether it was a positive or negative that they survived while their daughter didn't, it was up to Peter to break the news to them. Tony was in no state to do so. Peter probably wasn't either, but he had to rip the bandaid off.

(Y/n)'s dad placed a shaking hand on Peter's shoulder, the fear transferring, "Peter, where is our daughter?"

"I'm so sorry-" Lucas broke off into a sob before Peter could finish, knowing the end of that statement. Clara closed her eyes, pulling her husband close, "She died saving my life. I couldn't do anything to save her, but she saved me."

"The Snap didn't kill her?" Clara wondered, more composed in her grief than Lucas. She was on the verge of breaking down, and Peter wished she would instead of holding it back.

"It did. Sort of. I was being killed by the snap, but she used her powers to trade places with me. When I realized what she was doing, it was too late."

"I didn't say I love you when she left for school, I made a joke about her skipping the field trip and watched her go," Lucas blubbered, his sadness crippling. Peter held back his own sobs. These were her parents, he couldn't lose himself in front of them.

"She gave up her life to save you?" the dam broke behind Clara's eyes, "Of course she died being a hero."

"I'm so sorry. Please, yell at me, hit me, anything you do I deserve," Peter all but begged the parents, desperate to receive some form of punishment to appease the guilt eating him alive. It was his fault. His fault. His fault. His fault. It was a mantra flashing in front of his eyes in a never-ending taunt.

"Be mad at you?" Lucas regained some of his composure, pulling Peter in close and squeezing him tightly, "You idiot, how did you manage to get my daughter? It was her choice to save you. We lost our only child, the most important thing in our lives, but it was her choice."

"How could we always say that we never owned her, that no one could own her, and push the blame on someone else for her using her free will?" Clara continued, a sob followed by a smile, "You being here is like having a piece of her with us."

"You two are too nice," Peter broke down, throwing his arms around the pair. Those parents, who had every reason to hate his guts, were putting aside their grief after just receiving the news their daughter died, to comfort Peter, "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything. We were supposed to be heroes together forever, be together forever. Instead, we're left with this."

May came up behind the three, hugging them from behind. Peter knew Jess would be there if she could, but she wasn't which led to one conclusion. Ned, MJ, and Harry weren't there either. So many lost.

Still, among the grief of the Avengers, the confusion of Cap and Black Widow, and the pity from Captain Marvel, the (L/n) family and Parker family came together to grieve (Y/n).

(Y/n)

After refuelling I set the Garden's coordinates and left the atmosphere. Tracking the jump points, I prepped the ship, ready to jump-

Fwoom!

I shrieked in pain as a surge of energy hit my body. Falling out of my chair, my knees slammed into the deck, most likely bruising them.

"Shit!"

Everything hurt. My mind tearing itself in two. Slamming my head to the floor was nothing compared to this.

"The neck where your adam's apple would be if you were a man. It's called Stomach Nine. Twist hard enough and they'll be out like a light."

Who taught me that? It didn't matter. If it got rid of the torment, I'd do it. Reaching for my neck, I found the pressure point. Pinching and twisting. I was out.

"I would like to offer you a place on a team of mutants that does hero work. The X-Men."

"The X-Men?" I asked. A bald man in a wheelchair was in front of me, leading me to a door with X's on the doorways.

"A team of exceptional mutants that work to stop organizations that wish to harm or kill our kind. All the team are staff, and adults, but an exception can be made for you."

New memory.

"Look kid," Tony Stark, famous in space and on Earth, sighed, "You aren't technically a criminal, I can't do anything to you since you weren't asked to sign the accords. But you're in the wrong."

I clenched my fist, freezing the water around Tony, "You were one of my heroes Mr. Stark, I hope we can meet again under better circumstances."

New memory.

"Why do you sit with us then?" That recurring boy, Peter asked a girl I was sitting next to in a school cafeteria.

"Because I don't have any friends," The girl looked up from her book at me, "Because I have one friend."

Friends. So I was friends with this girl? Her only friend at that. Peter held up his hands. I slid down the table and sat next to another boy, and cross from Peter.

"I'm (Y/n)," I greeted the other boy with a smile.

"I'm Ned, and this is Peter."

New memory.

"Peter," a handsome boy approached the group from my last memory, "I hope you remember me."

"Yeah! It's great to see you again Harry," Peter greeted Harry excitedly, "This is Ned, MJ, and (Y/n)."

All of us smiled. I waved. Harry met my eyes.

"Nice to meet you all."

New memory.

"So... What are we going to do now?"

I reached forward and pulled down Peter's, Spider-Man's, mask.

"We're gonna finish what we started yesterday."

I tilted my head and kissed him. Even there, I could feel his lips against mine, and a great relief on my chest. It wasn't perfect, but my body and heart were singing joyously. When we pulled apart, we were grinning.

"I should um, I should go, my parents are waiting."

Parents? So I still had parents that recently? What? A year or two at most ago? I seemed so close to them.

One more.

Peter and I were dancing on the rooftop, a Terran song playing in the background. I felt his shoulders rise as he took in a breath. My gaze shifted to his face, he was nervous. Was this the moment he betrayed me and turned me into the Avengers? Is this the moment I needed to confirm what Father had been telling me?

"I love you," he whispered, almost inaudibly.

"I know," I mumbled into his shirt. What? He wasn't turning me in? He was telling me he loved me? "Bug-Boy we've said I love you plenty of times before, you don't have to be nervous to say it to me."

We had said it before. What was so special about this time? My subconscious was screaming. What the hell was going on?

"This time is different," Peter pulled back and pressed his forehead against mine, "Because I don't think I'll ever love anyone like I love you. I know that now."

"Shit," I whispered. He was dead serious.  He really loved me. "I love you too Peter."

My eyes snapped pen. Pushing myself up I checked the time. I'd been out for nearly a day. I was hungry, and had to use the bathroom, but I was alive- the pain had stopped.

Setting my ship up for the jumps again, my mind replayed those various memories. So many, so much to handle, and each one was more Earth shattering than the last.

Earth was more important than Father let on.