Chapter 43: Jay Jonah Jackass

"Jade, don't move, I'm almost done."

I groan.

"I was hoping you'd be out longer." I tilt my head up seeing Bruce stitching my stomach, it clean of blood now. I lay my head back down and look to my right. Steve stands, holding my hand and watching Bruce work. As I look at him I can practically feel the worry radiating off of him. His brow is blotted with sweat and I almost feel bad for making him to anxious and stressed. My throat feels like a desert, so I squeeze his hand. He looks back at me and smiles. I return a weak one and close my eyes, but I'm not like that for long. I hear the doors glide open.

"Jade." I turn my head and see Peter, freshly showered and out of his suit. I try clearing my throat, but my voice still comes out as a croak.

"Hey."

"Is she okay?" He asks stepping next to Steve.

"She'll be fine." I hear a small clatter as Bruce says that. "Jade, would you like to sit up?" I nod and begin to prop myself up, but feel arms all around me, helping me. I wince as I swing my legs off the table, my left arm holding my stomach. I don't look at Steve or Peter as I hop off the table. They both react, ready to catch me if I fall, but I straighten my back, showing them I don't need their help. Before I can get anywhere, Bruce is right by my side, wrapping gauze around my torso, making sure my newly stitched wound is protected.

"Bruce, how do you recommend I wrap this so I can shower?" Bruce walks across the room and hands me a rectangular box.

"Plastic wrap?" Peter asks.

"Alright, thank you." I say placing my hand on Bruce's shoulders. I would've hugged him but, kinda shirtless.

"Before you go," Bruce says handing me a glass of water. "Drink." I nod gratefully to him, gulping down the water. I hand him back the cup and walk out of the room. As I wait for the elevator doors to close, I'm surprised Peter or Steve didn't pursue after me. Although I'm glad they didn't. I'm way too tired to hold a conversation. The elevator closes and as it moves up, I begin wrapping my stomach. I make sure there are a good amount of layers of plastic wrap despite how odd it feels. I rip it and pat the end down making sure everything is secure. When I look back up, the doors open to a pop-tart wielding Thor. I try to fight the blush creeping onto my cheeks as I step out.

"Ah Jade! Are you well?" He asks, cheery as ever.

"Um, yup! Bruce says I'll be better in no time." I say awkwardly. I step to the side of him and out of the elevator as he continues to smile. We don't say anything else, just kinda stand there until I clear my throat and turn down the hallway. As I reach my door, Tony walks out of his. He doesn't say anything, doesn't even make eye contact with me. Is it because I got in the way of his repulsor blast? I watch him go down the hall, but decide not to worry over it until I'm clean, and uh, have a shirt on. I walk into my room and see my bloody and torn, brand new shirt. I pick it up and sigh. There goes my new uniform.

"Oh I don't know, I'm sure if you ask nicely and bat those eyelashes, Tony will be more than happy to give you another one." I turn to see Clint

standing in the doorway. I give a weak smile looking back at the shirt, Clint walking in.

"I doubt that, I think I upset him." I admit.

"Don't know why you would. What you did today was outstanding." Clint replies.

"So I'm not a total failure as a hero?"

"Hardly, exact opposite even. If Tony wants to have a hissy fit, let him. You were incredible today Jade." I look up at Clint as he stands in front of me. "How's your stomach?"

"Oh, fine. Yeah, Bruce patched me up and now I'm just headed to shower." I answer, patting the plastic wrap.

"Oh thank God, I didn't want to say anything, but you stink."

"I think you did want to say something." I laugh.

"Maybe." He laughs along with me. "Well I'll let you get to it. You did great today kid." He says, patting my shoulder and walking out. I smile as he closes the door and leaves me. I kick off my boots and take off my arm bands before walking into the bathroom. The bloody washcloth still laying in the sink. I sigh and finish stripping, stepping into the shower and washing the dirt and grime away. I contemplate staying in here for hours. Feel the water run down my body and warm me. But then I feel the gauze slip and become heavy. Yup, okay, time to get out. I step out of the shower, the water turning off and grab the towel. I dry my hair before wrapping the towel around myself and walking to the closet. Not gonna lie, was half expecting Steve to be out here, but I walk out to an empty room. I go to my closet and put on a long sleeve shirt with lace detailing in the shoulders and a pair of black skinny jeans. I also grab a pair of long socks, but leave my boots off as I leave my room.

"Jarvis, is Bruce still in his lab?" I ask upon entering the elevator.

"Yes Jade." The elevator shifts up and I exit once it opens.

"Jade is something wrong?" Bruce asks when he sees me. It seems I interrupted something between Bruce and Peter, who is still here. From the look on Bruce's face I can tell he's glad I came in and put an abrupt end to their conversation.

"Well, no not really, I just wanted to see if this needed replaced." I say lifting up my shirt. With barely a glance, he turns and grabs a pair of scissors and a new roll of gauze. I take a step closer to him and he carefully cuts through the wrap. I can feel Peter watching as I help Bruce wrap the new roll around myself. I don't blame him, it'll leave a gnarly scar.

"Alright, that should be fine. Just take it easy for the time being." Bruce says tying the gauze.

"Okie dokie, thank you" I say with a smile. Bruce returns one and I turn around seeing Peter. He offers a smile and I return one as we both exit and head towards the elevator.

"How do you feel?" He asks.

"Alright, I guess. Better than I thought, but right now I just want to sit with something warm to eat." I say.

"That's good, how does Aunt May's famous meatloaf sound?"

"Awful. What about her pork stew?" I ask.

He laughs, throwing his head back like a kid, and says, "How did you know she made that today?"

I laugh with him as the elevator doors open and say, "I didn't!"

"Well then, would you care to join us for dinner?"

"Of course! Can I?" I say excitedly. We stand in front of the kitchen.

"Yes Jade, I just invited you." Peter says smiling. I roll my eyes and try to shove him, but he grabs my wrists and pulls me closer. "Come on, why don't you go put shoes on and fix all this." He says picking stands of my damp hair and playing with it.

"Okay." I say turning and pulling one of his arms around my shoulders. We walk down the hall to my room and Peter takes a seat on the sofa while I grab my boots.

"Oh, you won't be needing those." Peter says.

"I know, but they're still boots." I respond, sitting down on my bed, slipping them on and tying them. I stand and walk to the bathroom and look under the sink, finding a blow dryer. After about a minute, my hair is dry, but I'm not satisfied with it so I throw on a black beanie. I also add a minimal makeup before walking out.

"Ready?" Peter asks standing. I make sure I have my phone and nod. He joins me as I walk out of my room, but before I can walk to the elevator Peter says, "Wait." I turn to see him looking for something. "Can you help me find my jacket?" He asks looking around the couches.

"Yeah, where did you last see it?" I ask walking over to him.

"I know I left it down here, maybe outside?" He says.

"Okay well you check the kitchen, I'll check the balcony." I walk out and begin looking. After a couple minutes and I don't find anything, I shout, "Peter, I'm not seeing it out-" Before I finish my sentence, I'm pushed over the balcony railing. I can't even scream, I'm so shocked. I grab my head and turn over, squeezing my eyes shut. I try to think of how to turn my boots on, but I don't think they work without my helmet.

Welp, I guess this is how it ends. Pushed over the balcony of Avengers tower by... Wait... Who the FUCK DID THIS?!??!! Right as I try to open my eyes I feel a tug on my stomach and I'm rushing through the air... sideways? I open my eyes barely enough to see Peter pulling me towards him while swinging to another building. When I collide with Peter I close my eyes again and wrap myself around him, too petrified to look around. I feel the air around me still and Peter's other arm wraps around me. He adjusts me on his body, but I don't let go.

"Have we stopped? Are we on solid ground?" I ask keeping my eyes squeezed shut and my hold on Peter.

"Yes." I open my eye slowly and look around.

"Peter Parker, we are on top of the Parkcorp building!!" I scream.

He starts laughing as I continue to look out at the city view.

"Yes, someone pushing me over the balcony is sooo laughab-" I cut myself off as Peter's laughter only increases. "You jackass! You pushed me!" I say shoving him and lean away from him, but there's not much foot space, so I keep my legs wrapped around his torso and his hold on me never falters. He leans back pretending to lose his balance, and unfortunately my nerves get the best of me as I pull him back to me. I feel his smirk and hot breath against my neck as I look out behind him.

"Thanks for the laugh, but it's time to go." He says getting ready to jump.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa Peter!" I say. He looks at me, the way he's holding me making me eye level with him.

"What, you don't trust me?" He smiles.

"I trust you plenty." I say. And I do. I'd trust Peter with my life. Kind of am right now, but... he's the one in control here. I'm completely vulnerable.

"Well then," He says removing his hands from my waist, trusting that I'll hold myself up, and puts his hood up. "Hold on." He jumps off of the building, one arm wrapped around me, the other shooting webs at buildings. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, squeezing him as tight as possible. I feel a drop in my stomach and will myself to peek over Peter's shoulder. We're free falling and I grip Peter's hoodie even tighter until he catches us with another web, causing me to gasp. I feel him chuckle as we swing again. "Just look, I promise, it's not that bad." He whispers in my ear. I swallow and nod before opening my eyes and looking out at New York. I gasp again, but this time at the sight. It's incredible. All the people, cars and buildings, not to mention how Peter is able to navigate us, swinging from skyscraper to skyscraper. I look at Peter, smiles growing on both of our faces. "Are you ready?" He asks.

"For what?" I reply, so he answers by doing. He swings us up, higher than all the building and we free fall again.

"Whoo!" Peter hollers letting go of the web. The feeling of euphoria he must feel all the time rushes through me. I laugh and let out a holler of my own as we pick up speed, but Peter catches us. I slip slightly, but Peter has an iron grip on me. After a couple more swings, he lowers us to a dumpster in an ally. He manages to knock over a few trash cans, but we're on the ground. I still hold onto him, but unwrap my legs from him and look up at him.

"Peter, that was insane. How do you even do that?" I ask amazed. He pulls up his sleeve and shows me a small device attached to some kind of bracelet.

"I made it." He says simply, before taking both off and putting them in his pockets.

"This magnificent brain of yours, Peter Parker," I says, standing on my toes slightly and pushing his hood down. "Ceases to amaze me." His grin grows into an adorable, uncontrollable one as he wraps an arm around me and leads me out of the ally. We walk down the street and are soon in front of Peter's house. We walk up the porch and he opens the glass door.

"Aunt May!" He shouts upon entering.

"Kitchen Peter! Come help me with the potatoes." Peter takes off his hoodie and walks to the kitchen as I follow.

"Aunt May, I hope it's okay that I brought a guest." Peter says as he rolls up his sleeves and washes his hands.

"Of course," May begins, but as she turns and sees me, she stops. "Jade?" She asks. I smile and nod as she dries her hands on her apron. She opens her arms and smiles. I walk to her and return her hug as she says, "It's so good to see you again! What on earth have you been up to?" We pull apart and I look to Peter.

"Traveling." Peter says.

"Yeah, kinda lost connection with a lot of people." I continue. It's not a total lie...

"Well it's good to have you back then. I love what you've done with your hair." May says patting me on the shoulders and turning back to a pot on the stove.

"Thank you." I say as I walk to the sink and wash my hands too. I walk over to Peter who's already begun peeling and tossing them in a pot of water.

"Oh Jade please, you're a guest." May says.

"It's no trouble." I respond picking up a knife and helping Peter peel.

After about 60 more minutes in the kitchen, May finally sits us down, food on our plates. We all join hands as May says a short prayer.

"Dear Lord, thank you for this wonderful meal, the safety of our loved ones and for Jade's safe travels and return home." As May continues, I kind of tune her out. I respect whatever a person wants to believe in, but as for me... I've seen too much, been through too much to believe in a God. Maybe some form of higher power, but no God would sit by through war and genocide, or whatever HYDRA is doing. I was born in a church and raised Roman Catholic, but you tell me. If you were to be a slave and then forced assassin, would you still believe God cared about you?

Peter opens his eyes and raises his head just before May finishes. He catches my eye and glances at May before winking. I roll my eyes, smiling as May releases our hands and unfolds her napkin. I do the same and take one savory bite before devouring the entire meal. *** After we've all eaten and cleaned the kitchen we all sit in the living room, the news on in the background.

"So Jade, where were you traveling?" May asks.

"Oh, um quite a lot of places, but France, England, Germany sometime in Ireland and then around Asia, in Russia, Turkey and Bangladesh." I say.

"My, that is a lot. Must have been quite the adventure." May says. Before anyone continues, something on the news catches May's attention. She grabs the remote and turns up the volume.

"The Avengers today took down another group of foes attempting to terrorize Times Square." Jay Jonah Jamerson says. Attempting? I'd say they succeeded in terrorizing Times Square. "I don't know why they'd use the help of the wall crawling menace, Spider Man," I see Peter roll his eyes, "but they also seem to have enlisted the help of someone new." A clip of me fighting the Trapster pops up on screen. "This new so-called hero may seem helpful, but if you ask me, she looks like the previous villain, Viper." Yeah well no one asked you Jay Jonah Jackass.

"Did you say something Jade?" May asks. I quickly clear my throat, trying to put off what I only, thank God, mumbled.

"Nope, was just clearing my throat."

"Oh well I'll just go get you some water." May says getting up. Not even a second passes after May leaves that Peter breaks out in laughter.

"Jay Jonah Jackass?" He asks still laughing.

"What? Whose he to say that I'm a villain? And villain? Really? Criminal, sure, but no villain." I say folding my arms.

"Hey it's a part of the job. You think I enjoy being the wall crawling menace of New York?" Peter asks taking a breath.

"No, but you're actually a good person, Jamerson's just an idiot." I can see Peter ready to retaliate, but he stops himself as May walks back in.

"Oh Jade how I've missed your unique input." She says handing me a glass of water. I smile at her as she continues. "And while I think Mr. Jamerson's ideas are often ridiculous, I have to agree with him about this new character." She gesture to the tv as more footage of me plays. "She rubs me the wrong way." I'm at a loss for words. I mean, I wasn't expecting everyone to welcome me with open arms, but May loves an underdog. Her nephew is Peter after all.

"Maybe, but look what she did today." Peter says. I look at him and he offers me a warm smile. "She took down the Frightful Four like a pro and if it weren't for her, that fight might have gone on much longer. Seems pretty intuitive to me." I look at Peter and want to throw my arms around him in a hug, but I know it will seem out of place to May.

"Oh Peter," May says shaking her head. I take a sip of water as my mouth dries, May's opinion suddenly seeming like the most important thing in the world. "I'm sure if you didn't read so many of those comic books that you'd have a different opinion."

"Maybe you need to start reading them to see the other side of things." Peter retaliates.

"All I'm saying is that she seems like trouble. Those Avengers better keep an eye on her." May says.

Oh, they have.

"What Jade?"

"Erm, I'm assuming they have. Cause you're right. She is trouble. And I sure wouldn't trust her to protect the city." I stutter and stumble out over my slip up.

"See Peter, I'm sure that's what all the rational people think." May says smiling and winking at me. I set down my water, returning the smile, but on the inside I feel like I'm going to explode. Everything was so much easier as a criminal! People hated me because I did bad things, which I knew, but I helped save Times Square and defeat the Frightful Four and they still hate me.

"Oh, would you look at that. Sorry May, but Jade and I have plans with some other friends." Peter says standing up and pecking her on the cheek. He walks back past the couch and takes me by the hand and grabbing his jacket too.

"Thank you for dinner." I say looking at my shoes as Peter pulls me along.

"Of course, anytime!" May shouts at us as we exit the front door. We walk down the street a little, still holding hands, but Peter waits until there's a good distance between us and the house to talk.

"Are you okay?" He asks spinning me to face him his hands on my shoulders.

"What?"

"Jade, I need to know if you are okay and if I need to tell you how intelligent and brave and caring and determined you are." I roll my eyes and scoff at Peter, removing his hands from my shoulders and continue walking. "Jade..." He persists following after me. "Come on, you are! You're amazing and what you did today is envious and people are only going to be acting sourly because they don't know you and-"

"Peter, stop." I cut him off. "Look you can say what you want, but I'm not always the sunshine and butterflies you think I am. Sometimes I'm blisters and bruises and that can affect the people I'm with and I'm sorry." I say sternly, turning back around and continue walking. I hear him sigh as he catches up to me.

"Where are you going?"

"Back to the tower." I say without looking at him.

"But it's like an hour away."

"I'll catch a subway." I reply.

"Jade." He whines.

"Peter." I mock. I get to the subway stairs and jump down them, Peter clambering after me.

"I'll go with you." He says.

"No Peter, it's fine." I deadpan.

"But-"

"No Peter. Really, I'm fine."

"Jade, I'm not leaving you so you can sulk off and be angry." Peter says grabbing my hand and stopping me.

"I'm not angry Peter. Look if I'm not back at the tower in 20 minutes, then you can run around looking for me." I say. I push him off me and walk to the gate, with no one looking and jump over it right as the metro shows up. I walk into the crowd, Peter not able to catch up with me and grab one of the poles once I'm on the train. The doors close and the whole thing shifts and lurches with a start, pulling off.

*Peter's POV*

I hear the train leave and people slowly start to dissipate, but I still stand in the middle of the square. What is Jade talking about? She's clearly upset, so why would she leave me out of it and push me away? And what's with all that talk about blisters and bruises? Jade is of course, sunshine and butterflies and she only gives physical blisters and bruises. She's acting like she's a mistake and everything we've been doing so far is too. I hear another train coming in so I put my hood up and jump back up the stairs and out to the street. I walk to another ally and shoot a web up and begin my trek back to the tower.

After about 15 minutes of me sitting on top of the building across from the tower and starring down at the subway entrance, I finally see Jade. She crosses the street and walks towards the tower, so I swing over to the balcony. I land and walk in, pushing down my hood and putting my hands in my pockets.

"Where's Jade?" Steve asks upon my entering.

"She's on her way." I say flopping on the couch next to Clint. "Oh and she's kind of in a funk, so... be prepared for the cold shoulder."

"Why, what happened?" Clint asks.

"Well we went to my aunt's house and had dinner, but then we sat down and started watching the news and, in the words of Jade, Jay Jonah Jackass, didn't make a very good report." I explain.

"You mean this one?" Clint asks turning up the volume on the tv. Jamerson is back on screen, but it looks to be the same report, just with more footage and pictures from today.

"It appears this new Viper was giving some of the orders today. Even instructing Captain America and Iron Man, why? Who knows? I'd say those two are plenty capable of leading their own team. The Avengers don't need some wannabe superhero going in and ruining the order of things. Now to Mary Jane on the scene." Jamerson says.

"Yep." I say in a sigh. As the cameras change, Tony walks into the room.

"Jarvis, where's Jade?" He asks.

"In the elevator, sir."

"Hey Tony," Clint says standing up and walking over to him. "Whatever you need to talk to her about, it can wait. She's not..." Clint tries to explain, but stops as the elevator doors open, revealing Jade. She looks up and sees Steve, Natasha, Bruce and Thor in the kitchen, Clint and Tony standing in the walk way, and me on the couch. I see her inhale as she exits and tries to go to her room, but Tony stops her. And from Clint trying to stop Tony, I'm guessing he has nothing good to say.

I stand up as Tony begins talking. "We need to talk about today."

"What about today?" Jade asks, stopping and crossing her arms. I want to intervene, because I can tell Jade is going to get defensive, and we've all seen how that can turn out.

"What you did today was completely wrong."

"Excuse me?" Jade says glaring at Tony.

"You're the new kid here. Learn your ranks. You aren't the one to give orders, especially without telling us or when they're that dangerous. Because of you, Steve, Clint, Peter, Thor and myself could have been seriously injured." Tony says sternly. I look to Jade and can practically see the fire in her eyes.

"Because of me, you and Thor fucking about with the Wizard and Thundra was put to an end sooner, finishing that pointless conflict. And what do you care how dangerous my plan was? I'm the only one that got hurt." Jade says, pulling up her shirt slightly, revealing her bandages.

"Exactly, because of your reckless actions, you got hurt."

"I don't know what you saw, but I'm injured because I was trying to free myself from that gunk the Trapster uses."

"Fine then, you still had Clint use the Klaw to send soundwaves towards you and Steve."

"If you hadn't noticed, his vibranium deflects it. I wouldn't have done something like that without thinking it through."

"Even so, you still put all of our lives in danger and-"

"You're God damn superheroes! You signed up for the danger part!" Jade yells getting more frustrated.

"You put our lives in danger and expected that we trust you." Tony says, the veins in his arms and neck pulsing. Jade's eyes widen and she takes a step back, her tightened fists loosening. She seems to realize she's faltered and immediately goes back to her previous demeanor.

"I trusted you." Tony automatically softens at her words, but Jade stays stern. When Tony doesn't say anything, Jade finishes. "You're definition of caring about someone is a whole hell of a lot different than mine." Jade walks away with that and several seconds later, her door slams. I look down the hall and decide whether I should go after her, but I've learned, when Jade's mad it's better to leave her alone. Instead I decide to go after Tony.

"What the hell was that?" I say angrily stepping up to Tony, Clint and Steve doing so as well. Tony seems out of it for a split second, but shakes his head and looks at me.

"What do you mean?" He asks walking over to the bar. "She caused a problem and I was addressing it." He says nonchalantly, pouring himself as glass of scotch.

"Problem? The only thing Jade did was save out asses." I say, following him.

"She saved us? Yeah okay kid, what she did was reckless and could have killed us." Tony says. Before I can respond, Clint steps in.

"Did you not hear a single thing she just said? She thought it through, and besides, she's the only one who was hurt and it-"

"That's why I'm so angry!" Tony shouts. "She got herself hurt and that girl has already seen and been through too much Hell for one person."

I take a step back. Tony's right. But Jade's so good at hiding it, is she really upset with how this mission turned out?

"Haven't we all?" I snap my head up to look at Steve. He's taking steps out of the kitchen and to the bar. "We've all had our own strife, which is why we do this. We can handle it. And so can Jade." I look at Steve as he stands next to Tony. He's right too... They're both right, but what do I do about Jade? How do I talk to her about this?

"Yeah Spangles, we have, but Jade-"

"But nothing about Jade." Steve cuts off Tony. "We know her story, and she knows all of ours, but do you see her sympathizing us? The lease we can do is return the favor."

"Steve, I wasn't sympathizing her, I was telling her what she did wrong, so she can be better next time." Tony says, slightly calmer.

"What she did wasn't wrong, unorthodox yes, but she did save us." Steve replies.

"Wrong, unorthodox, whatever you want to call it, it still needed to be addressed." Tony says facing the bar again and taking another sip from his drink. I take a deep breath and sit down at the bar. I think I should give Jade some time, and then go talk to her about all that went on out here. My thinking is interrupted as Clint let's out a huff and walks over to the couch.

"You think maybe next time we could not kick her while she's down and wait till after Jamerson is done trashing her?" He says frustrated. I turn and see the news is still on.

"What?" Tony says walking to the tv. Clint pick up the remote and turns up the volume.

"It seems that I'm not the only one who thinks Viper is a menace." Jamerson says and then it cuts to a group of people talking about how bad Jade is.

"Hey I'm the menace, jackass!" I say angrily. This entire thing has made people upset and I hate it. It's all just so stupid. And if Jamerson is gonna call anyone a menace, it better be me, not my sweet Jade.

Clint throws the remote back onto the couch and walks down the hallway when Tony doesn't say anything. I watch as he knocks on Jade's door.

A/N: Hey there! So, I know it's been a while and I'm not gonna spit out some spiel about school or anything like that, just know that I'm sorry for taking so long with updates lately. Hopefully, since I'm on Thanksgiving break, I'll be able to get another chapter up this week. Hopefully. And believe me, I have a Thanksgiving chapter coming up and I'm so displeased with myself that I haven't written it in time, because right now, in the story, it's late September. Anyway, if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, have a good upcoming Thursday! And for my fellow Americans, WHO'S READY FOR TURKEY?!?! Seriously, Thursday could not come sooner. And then, WHO'S READY FOR CHRISTMAS??!?!? Again, if you don't celebrate it... um have a good December? But really, I've been refusing to partake in singing Christmas carols or anything involving Christmas (except the fundraising and charity stuff through my school) until I have my turkey. But enough of my life, back to Jade's.

So what'd y'all think of this chapter? Jade and May finally reunited, with a somewhat awkward outcome, Peter took Jade out, and Tony kind of... Well I don't know, tell me what you think! 

Anyway, again I will try to get another chapter up, Clint talking to Jade, should be exciting, this week. It won't be the longest, more of a filler, but it'll be something. Yeah, love you guys for sticking with me! Super thankful for all of you! Really, I am!! 

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