Chapter Text
“Are you sure you got everything?” Pepper asked as Peter slung his bag over his shoulder.
He’d double and triple checked. He had his phone and his watch. If anything went wrong, he could call. His suit was tucked at the bottom of his bag, just in case. His shoes were tied and on the right feet. Even though he hadn’t slept much the night before, he felt ready.
He was finally going back to school.
The memories of his time with Hydra were still fresh, but he had been coping okay, and Tony had made sure everyone involved had spoken to a therapist, even Tony himself. It had helped immensely, and Peter continued to see one. Bucky did, too. Things were starting to smooth out, something Peter was grateful for, and once Tony and Bucky had a chance to talk, they had started to bond over science and robots, a topic that interested them both. Bucky insisted that Tony needed to build a flying car, as he was promised one at the expo before he shipped out. Tony laughed, but the glint in his eye said that maybe he really would be making that happen.
“I’ve got everything, and I promise to call if anything happens.”
Pepper smiled. “Oh, wait. I want a picture!”
Peter’s cheeks pinked and ducked his head. “That’s such a mom thing to do.”
“Well, since that’s what I am, I guess I get to do it, then.”
She took his picture and then ushered him out the door. He’d offered to swing to school, but Pepper and Tony had insisted Happy drive him.
Pepper followed him to the garage. Tony was already there talking to Happy. They stopped talking when he and Pepper approached, turning to face them.
“Hey, kid, you ready for your big day?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, I think I am.”
What he didn’t say was that he was nervous. Going back to school meant seeing friends that he had ghosted. They didn’t know his story and the things he’d been through. And then there was Ned, his best friend. Peter didn’t know what he’d do if Ned didn’t want to be friends anymore.
Swallowing his nerves, he let Tony guide him into the backseat as he slid in after him. Happy got in the driver’s seat, and Pepper waved as they made their way out of the garage.
Peter watched out the window as they drove. Tony stayed quiet beside him. His injuries were all healed, but their ghosts still haunted him. He rubbed at his leg where the worst of the damage had been. His mind started to wander, and he began to work his jaw.
A warm, calloused hand touched him, and he glanced down. Tony pulled Peter’s hand away from his leg, rubbing his thumb over his fingers.
“You sure you’re ready for this? We can wait.”
Peter shook his head. “I need to do this.”
Tony squeezed his hand, and they rode in silence the rest of the way. When they got to the school, Peter forced a smile, saying goodbye to Tony and Happy. He climbed from the car and faced the entrance to Midtown. He had dreamed of coming back here, and now it was finally happening. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and then made his way inside, passing students as he went.
The crowds in the hall were overwhelming. He felt like he was drowning, and there was no lifeline to pull him to safety. He started to question his choice and considered pulling out his phone to call Tony. His gaze roamed the sea of faces until his eyes locked on a familiar one. It was Ned. Peter’s heart hammered in his chest and a lump formed in his throat. He almost turned and ran, unsure what to say, when Ned looked at him. His once friend’s eyes widened a fraction and he blinked, then a warm smile spread across his face. Peter stood frozen as Ned shouldered his way to Peter.
Ned stood in front of him, a goofy smile on his face that made Peter’s lips twitch up.
“So, Star Wars, am I right?” Ned broke the tension.
Peter laughed. “Yeah, I’ve got some new Lego sets if you’re interested.”
Ned’s smile widened. He nodded his head a few times. “Right on, man. I’m definitely interested.”
Then Ned’s hand moved, and Peter’s followed. Even though it had nearly a year, he could never forget their handshake. By the time they got to the end, they were both laughing.
“It’s good to see you again, Peter.”
Peter sucked in a breath. “It’s really good to see you, too. You’re not gonna believe the things that have happened this year.”