Chapter Text
Peter didn’t remember passing out, but he woke up in the medical wing of the building, Helen Cho was standing over him. Before he recalled the previous events, he couldn’t help but think, Dammit? Again? Then he remembered crashing into Stark Tower, selfishly, Pepper walking in, and a wave of guilt crashed into him.
I keep giving her reasons to dislike me.
But then, he remembered the look on her face before Bruce came- she didn’t look angry. She looked worried and confused. He didn’t understand why- she barely knew him. They only knew each other at work only- and Pepper didn’t even like him there .
Helen Cho finally spoke, “You gave everyone quite the scare.” she stated. “Again.”
Peter groaned when she said again . It sucks that shit like this has become a normal thing, yet, there they were. He muttered a thank you to Helen, as she checked his vitals. He didn’t even pay close enough attention to notice that Helen left the room to get the others, until May, Pepper and Bruce came in.
May was first, running in, lightly wrapping her arms around him, before pulling back, glaring at him. “Peter Benjamin Parker, stop scaring me like this!”
Peter winced a little, but nodded at his aunt. Fair enough.
Bruce spoke to Dr. Cho, who explained to him what needed to be done. Peter’s eyes then traveled to Pepper, who smiled at him gently.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Peter.”
Peter was as well.
***
After a few hours, Dr. Cho went home and Bruce left to start on other work he had neglected. This left Peter, May and Pepper alone in the room together. May and Pepper made conversation a little bit, but Peter didn’t really listen in, until May got up.
“I’m going to get something to eat. Do either of you want anything?” May asked, as she got up.
Pepper shook her head.
“No thanks, May.” Peter answered.
With that, May left the room, leaving Peter and Pepper sitting awkwardly in the room together. For a moment, neither of them spoke to each other- what were they supposed to say?
Nevertheless, Peter spoke first.
“Look, Ms. Potts… I’m sorry for wasting your time with this.”
Pepper’s eyes widened, “Peter you could have died. Saving you wasn’t a waste of time!”
Peter looked down. “I know… it’s just… I know you dislike me and all.”
Pepper pursed her lips, before saying softly, “I never said I disliked you.”
Peter shook his head, “You didn’t have to.”
Pepper felt her heart fall.
“I don’t dislike you, Peter-“
“I understand, I’m messy, disorganized, lose track of time easily, and I make stupid decisions on the daily-“ Peter listed off.
Like Tony.
“You’re also very bright for your age, can figure out problems some of our older interns can’t and you’re probably one of the most open minded and selfless people I’ve met.” Pepper finished.
Peter and Pepper stayed silent, as Peter let her words seep into his brain.
“I’m sorry if I made you feel that way, though.” Pepper told him. “I just didn’t understand… but now I do.”
“It’s fine-“
“No it’s not Peter! I shouldn’t have judged you the way that I had, and I apologize.” Pepper told him.
Peter sighed, “If you want, I could resign my-“
“No.”
“But I can be frustrating-“
“I said no.”
“I-“
Pepper glared, “Peter, what did I just say?”
“Sorry.”
The door then opened, and walking in was Aunt May and…. Tony?
May carried a sandwich and a glass of lemonade, while Tony looked like he just got there. He looked exhausted, wearing a black tuxedo and tie, and he was holding a suitcase. He looked at Peter through his tinted glasses, but gave a small, tired smile, as he took them off.
“Mr. Stark!”
Tony gave the young boy a warm embrace and looked at Peter, as his eyes narrowed sternly. “Never do that again, you hear me?”
Peter nodded, knowing full well that this wasn’t going to be the last time.
***
Pepper gave Peter the next few days of work off, thinking he’d need it after getting stabbed. Peter tried to tell her he didn’t, but Pepper kept insisting to the point May told him to stay home.
When he did eventually come in, Pepper greeted him with a smile, something she rarely did before. When Peter submitted his card, Pepper called out.
“Actually, Peter? Can you work in here today?”