Chapter Text
“Parker, I'm sorry."
Peter stopped mid bite into his breakfast sandwich, raising a brow at the older man.
Jameson rubbed the back of his head. He wasn't used to apologizing because he was right most of the time and well...he felt like he made a horrible mistake.
“Look... I'm not good with the whole...apologizing scematic. You are a good kid, with a good heart and bright future. Like when your photos sucked at first, they eventually got better...with time...everything gets better..."
Great, he's rambling. Jameson, you are one smart cookie.
Jameson couldn’t say what he wanted to say. He can be blunt and honest, but straight up saying how he feels in terms of guilt and worry was out of his league. Maybe he feels 100 percent responsible why Peter had multiple bandages on his face and blood stains on his white t shirt, he feels responsible as to why they were eating at a lowbrow breakfast diner because that was the closest place the tow truck could take them to.
Maybe he’s responsible that Peter still had shaky hands and tremors every time he took a breath.
"It's okay, Jameson. Really!” Peter tried to assure him,”I should apologize to you about it but you won't let me-
"I won’t. Kid, look, that crash wasn't your fault, alright?” Jameson made sure his tone was soft so he could get through the kid gently. “If anything, you saved both our behinds and another person who wouldn't have been so lucky." Jameson stared at the cuts Peter had.
"I'm sorry I pushed you too hard, alright? I just, wanted to make sure you were ready for your test right away. If you weren't comfortable with the freeway, we should have waited." He tried to focus on himself talking but the clinking of plates, waitresses and guests filled his head with useless noise. It was all too loud. He hoped his apology was decent at most.
Peter chewed his lower lip. His body looked less tired and pale now. Jameson figured Pete might still feel a bit weary around Jameson, but the kid has too good of a heart to keep any type of grudge. "It's okay sir. I'm just really glad you're okay."
There was silence for a bit.
"Pete, umm," he had to bring it up somehow, he knew that Parker’s freak out reaction was genuine but, he’s remembering snip bits of what Peter saying before Jameson woke up from his knock out session. For sure there was a lot more than met the eye when it came to Peter.
“About what happened in the car…before the ambulances came and stuff…do you need to…talk about it?”
oh yeah, that came out smoother and composed.
Peter looked down at his shoes. If anything it looked like Peter looked embarrassed for the panic attack, which was, understandable. But that made Jonah’s heart quench a bit. The kid shouldn’t have to feel like that.
"No, no it's fine. I was just remembering..a lot of things.” Peter mumbled out quietly. “I’m sorry for that by the way JJ-“
Jameson held up a hand to cut Peter off. “If you’re trying to apologize to me about having a reasonable reaction I will fire you, kid.”
Peter laughed as soon as he heard the playful tone. “Okay okay, I won’t. But I really don’t want to talk about it right now though? ” He asked meekly.
Poor kid. Jameson smiled sadly, “Alright, sport. Maybe another time.”
More silence.
”So umm… JJ… I know this might be too early but…what about the lessons? I don’t know if you still want to work with me-
Jameson didn’t even have to think. "If you still wanna keep driving with me, we can. If you want to find another teacher, that's okay too." He shrugged, trying to ignore the hurt of Peter maybe deciding to get another teacher..understandably… “There’s no guarantee that I won’t push you a bit but, I promise I wouldn’t push you that hard anymore Peter.”
More silence from the boy. Did Jameson just screw that up to-
"If it's okay, I want to continue them with you.Just...maybe not right now? I'm still a bit shaken up and-“
"Why do you want to continue with me?" Jameson found himself blurting out, cheeks heated a bit by how confused he sounded. "Sorry-
"No, it's okay." Peter cleared his throat before looking at Jameson with sincerity.
"Jameson, you've really helped me, no doubt. I know sometimes you can be...brash. Maybe too loud- maybe a little bit too touchy-“
"I asked for an answer, not a biography, kid." Jameson tried to fight his smile and tried to glare at him but he couldn't when Peter looked slightly offended that he interrupted his speech. Jameson couldn’t even fight the amusement in his voice. “Ok, ok sorry, just don’t give me that look! Continue.”
Peter chuckled. “JJ, the fact that you were willing to teach me and even though I was kinda difficult...I'm...not a lot of people want to give me a chance." Jameson saw the flick of insecurity go through the young man's face but then looked proudly right at Jameson.
"But you always gave me a chance. When we started out...my pictures weren't that good yet you decided to keep me as a freelancer! I wouldn't have been where I am if you never gave me that shot…so thank you. I will always be grateful for that. Seriously, JJ.”
Peter gave such a happy carefree grin that Jameson felt his heart bloom with warmth.
Ok, ok, as cheesy as the speech sounded…
He had no witty comebacks for this one.
***
3 months later
"Mr. Jameson I feel like I'm gonna be sick."
"I should have known not to feed you any sweets before driving. Never doing that again."
"No no! You know why sir!" Jameson grabbed Peter by the shoulders and gave him a strong side hug as they got out of the car and walked along the sidewalk. "Eating donuts has nothing to do with that."
Jameson tapped his chin. “Hmm. I was talking about coffee. I'm never buying you another frappe again. Remember 2 weeks ago? Maybe next time kid, let a man know when you’re lactose intolerant. I was pretty sure you were about to have an accident in my car-
“JJ! Not cool!” Peter hissed as Jonah laughed loudly. "I thought you were supposed to be boosting my confidence, sir. This sounds like the opposite!"
Jameson sighed fondly and ruffled the kid’s hair. He knew the banter was helping Peter calm down, there was only about a few minutes until Peter would be taking his first driving test that's he's been practicing for after the whole crash incident. The kid is definitely nervous.
Jameson felt the small tremors that went through Peter's body and frowned at look of self doubt Peter wore.
"Hey," he flicked the young man’s forehead fondly. "You work for the Daily Bugle, which means we never quit and we run head on into the story.” Jameson made a grand gesture with his hands.
“This story's headline, Peter Parker, gets his drivers license." He boomed loudly, Peter’s cheeks beating up with the praise and a shy smile appearing. Jameson internally cheered.
"Thank you JJ. I think I'm ready."
"Then good thing you are!" A formal dressing looking lady came out with a clipboard and shook their hands. "I'll be your instructor today. Please go sit in the drivers seat and we'll start the beginning of the test!"
Peter trailed after her, not before giving a shy 2 thumbs up to Jameson. Jameson mimicked the gesture and gave him a proud smile.
Well, the moment Peter’s been training for!
***
1 hour later
As soon as Jameson saw the arrival of his car, he quickly stood up and waited for Peter and the instructor to part ways. Jameson was just as anxious to see what happened!
"Kid! Hey, hey! How'd it go?" Jameson walked over as soon as the teacher suspiciously speed walked inside without giving Jameson a suspicious glance. He saw Peter looking down at his shoes. “Pete? Did you get a good-?”
Peter hanged his head low and shook it.
Damn it. Poor kid, he really wanted to pass on his first try.
Jameson let out a very instinctive coo without his knowledge and pulled Peter into a very, very tight hug.
"Oh kid it will be okay. Those people don’t know what the hell their talking about. We’ll make sure you pass the next one,we’ll keep working on it. Okay? It’s okay,” He started patting Peter’s back. “There there there,”
Peter muffled a response against Jameson’s shoulder. At first Jameson thought Peter was crying so he immediately pulled him in tighter.
Peter’s muffling grew louder and sounded a bit irritated.
”What?”
He immediately pulled away to see Peter catching his breath and wearing the most shit eating grin he’s ever seen. There were in fact, no tears or signs of sadness anywhere. Just… mischief.
“JJ, you didn’t let me finish,” Peter dramatically waved his paper, “I was gonna say I didn’t get a good score but,” he immediately turned the paper around, “I got an excellent score! I only got 3 marks taken off! Only 3! I passed! I finally passed! Woohee!” He bounced in excitement.
Jameson never wanted to strangle and praise Peter more than ever now. “Oh you little brat! You made me feel pity for you!” He tried to sound angry but he couldn’t fight the laugh that came after it. “Oh what the hell, I’m so proud of you kid! I knew you could do it!” He ruffled Peter’s already messy hair and gave him a firm hug.
"And I have you to thank you for helping and supporting me,” Peter smiled before pulling away from the hug. “Seriously, JJ. I-…I couldn’t have done this without your help.” Peter’s smile suddenly faltered.
“It’s stupid…I umm- I wish Uncle Ben could know that I finally did it.”
Jameson smiled sadly as he felt his heart slightly tug. “Oh, kid. It’s not stupid. He would be so proud of you. I bet where ever he is he knows.”
“You think so?”
It was asked so quietly too, so small. Jameson’s breath hitched, hearing that adolescent tone that reminded him that Peter was still super young and has already gone through so much in his life. That his innocent small question deserved an answer beyond Jameson’s knowledge or of any kind.
“I’m sure he is, kiddo. I’m sure he is.” Jameson gently led Peter to the car, “Now come on promoted photographer, let’s go celebrate.”
Jameson has never felt so relieved to see a faint smile appear on Peter’s face again.
***
“That little brat had me bamboozled for a couple seconds, psh. I knew he passed!”
Betty rolled her eyes fondly, ignoring the slight white lies her boss told. "I remember I said the same thing to my mom when I passed my drivers test. She's never looked so relieved."Betty laughed as she drank some of her punch, observing the small party Jameson threw for Peter.
Was she surprised? No, she was not. All after the crash incident that occurred a couple months ago( best believe she gave an earful to Jameson, Robbie joining that train of chastising JJ. Even Hoffman, ooh, you did not want to hear what he had to say!) they made sure that Peter and Jonah would stay safe during their driving sessions. Whether that be checking up on them more than other times or even supplying lunch!
Well, back to the subject though. Betty always knew Jameson had a soft spot for Peter. Heck, the whole office did! It was just, for Jameson though, they found that man being more lightened up when the kid was around. Betty also noticed how less shy Peter has been and more confident.
They were both good to each other.
“Say, what do ya think? Hmm?” Hoffman strode in with a pizza in his hands, using it to point to his head. “Party hat? My idea. I picked stripes, thought it would be perfect for this occasion JJ. It’s the new fad!”
Jameson rolled his eyes fondly. Ok, ok, he was fairly in a good mood, sue him! He could really shoo Hoffman away because of his corny speech another day, today was an exception.
”Looks good, Ted.” Jameson grunted softly.
Robbie then strolled in, wearing a hat similar to Hoffman’s. Robbie was carrying a plate of goods. “You know I don't remember the last time I've had pizza, it's like a special privilege for me now." Robbie looked around the seemingly Peter less room. “Where's the star of the show?"
“Hi,” Peter stepped out of Jameson’s office, seemingly coincidentally. Peter was currently chowing on a piece of cake quite happily. His cheeks looked rather similar of a chipmunk. “JJ, this tafes good. Howd you know I wuvfd van’ewa?”
This sparked 3 booming laughs and one slightly amused shaking head. Also, one proud looking Peter. Who’s to say the kid didn’t like attention when it was good?
“You know even by disbelief I actually retain information from what people tell me. You don’t think I don’t remember all those rants you so graciously gave me about why vanilla is superior than chocolate?” Jameson raised a brow.
“M’ points a’ trwoo dough,”
“Don't chew with your mouth full. You might choke and cough up a lung.”
“Soffy JJ.” Peter swallowed his piece as he offered a shy smile. “Anyways, I really wanted to thank you guys for…this.” He gestured to the party. “A couple months ago let alone a year ago I couldn’t imagine myself having a driver’s license or having support. It really means a lot, honest.”
“Aw, Pete!” Betty cried out as she pulled in him for a hug, Hoffman joining in for a hug. “Of course we would support you. We’re here for you Pete,” Hoffman and Robbie nodded in agreement.
“We were thinking about breaking open some champagne since it’s a Thursday, I mean, technically almost the weekend,” Hoffman winked, “Wanna stay with us Peter-
“Cant, he has early classes tomorrow,” Jameson dismissed Peter’s invite.
This earned 3 raised eyebrow looks from his co-workers and a shrugging Peter.
“Oh…yeah. Classes. Gotta get home early and get my sleep!” He was actually thinking of a late-night patrol since thugs particularly liked Thursday nights. He started to walk out, “Bye everybody- thanks for the party-
He was pulled back not even a second later and his face was met with a…napkin?
“Jeez kid you eat like your life depends on it. You were about to leave the Bugle lookin like you ate a smurf. Hold still,”
Jameson gently and quickly wiped the smeared frosting off the young man’s face, resulting in him receiving an angry pout.
“Do not give me that look, Parker. I'm not letting my employee, let alone my promoted photographer look like he was just leaving daycare. Oh stop the pouting, what are you, 5? I need fully functional people working here Parker.” Jameson asked with fondness sprinkled in his voice along with stern.
“Well, I think the same rule should reply to elders.” Peter muttered and laughed when Jameson ruffled his hair.
"Watch it, that’s half of the staff you’re yappin about," Jameson smacked his shoulder as he shoved the leftovers Betty brought over in that time in Peter’s arms, "Go on home, tyke. You better get plenty of sleep and make sure to bring me more pictures of that wall crawling loser! Got it?”
“Got it.” Peter waved happily as he tried to stifle a laugh, oblivious to the fond looks he was receiving “Bye everyone, thanks for the awesome party!”
As soon as he left, Jameson was met with 3 fond and amused looks.
“Were you guys blessed by the smiling fairy? Why do you guys look so chipper?” He narrowed his eyes.
“Oh, I hope you caught that on video. He so looked like a mother hen,” Hoffman cooed as Betty snorted. “That honestly made my day. And I thought the striped hats were the highlight!”
Jameson growled, “There better not be anything in video form. I don’t even know why you would record me!”
“Oh, I’m still recording,” Betty giggled as she put a peace sign in front of the camera. “This is precious memorabilia, Jameson!” She and Hoffman started laughing hard when Jameson started chasing them. They quickly ran into his office and took refuge there.
”Ugh, it really is like I’m running a daycare here.” Jameson grunted outside the locked door.“Thursday’s are just like that I assume.”
He turned to look at Robbie who’s been awfully quiet. “Well, got anything to say? You still have that chipper smile for God knows what reason.”
Robbie decided to keep his mouth shut about Jameson’s very paternal instinct of cleaning Pete’s face, the fact that Jameson threw a party for the kid, and even sent him home to make sure he got plenty of sleep for classes tomorrow.
Yup, Jameson was definitely showing his inner softie and mother hen side.
But, did Robbie want to keep his job? Yes.
So instead, he put a firm hand down on Jameson’s shoulder and looked at him with every ounce of sincerity he could give him without bursting out laughing.
“Welcome to fatherhood, Jameson. It’s a boy!”