Actions

Work Header

Trapped

Summary:

“Okay, kid. Are you safe?”

Peter tried to take stock of his own body. His right arm was pinned under him, his left arm was pinned under a rock. Or a lot of it. He could wiggle his right leg a little, and his left leg… oh. Right. The pain.

A gasp escaped him. “I’m… not great.” He confessed.

He felt something strange on his right arm. It was wet and moist. He could hear Tony yelling over the comms, barking out orders and pleas but Peter was distracted. What was that sensation on his arm?

“Oh, blood!” He said to himself as he realized what it was. “That’s probably not good.” He reasoned. Thinking was kind of hard for him at the moment.

“Blood? Kid, we’re on our way.” Clint called out over the comms.

Or Peter ends up in an accident underground, and while he waits to be rescued he has a conversation with someone important to help him through it.

Notes:

Just a short lil one-shot I got inspired to write and it was rattling around my head. Nothing fancy but I hope you enjoy it!

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Peter was kind of starting to hate robots. Sure they were fun to build, and take apart, and they were super useful in the lab. But he was really starting to get tired of fighting armies of robots in the street. There were always just so many of them. Plus they had this super annoying tendency to explode. Which was just messy. So messy.

So that was how he busied his thoughts as he smashed his way through another wave of enemies next to Natasha. They had been tasked with evacuating the areas since others like Tony and Thor were a bit better at dealing with their metal foes. Sure, Peter could literally punch through them without much issue, it didn’t change that fact that one at a time was inefficient.

“How many of these are there?” Peter whined as he smashed another one with a somewhat satisfying crunch.

“Too damn many.” Natasha grumbled out as she dodged a swipe from another one, before she jabbed her tonfa into the neck of one and shocked it until it collapsed.

“Any idea where they’re coming from?” Peter called out over the comms, hoping for any sort of good news.

“No idea, Spidey.” Wanda offered.

“There doesn’t seem to be a point. They pop up randomly in the city.” Clint added.

“It’s like they’re just appearing at the same time all over the place. “ Steve reasoned.

“Well I’m pretty sure they aren’t teleporting, which means there’s got to be some place they’re coming from. I haven’t been able to track back the signal yet.” Came Tony’s growled out response.

“There’s nothing these places have in common.” Sam added, the sound of wind rushing past his comms making it a bit harder to hear.

Then something clicked in Peter’s mind. “I have an idea, Nat can you handle this?”

Nat shot him a glance as she ripped another robot’s head off. “Yeah, but what’s your idea?”

“Don’t worry about it yet, I don’t wanna distract you if I’m wrong. I’m going to test it out real quick.” He said as he swung off.

“Kid, don’t do something stupid on your own-” Tony was cut off as Peter left the communications. He needed to hear properly for this idea.

Making it down a few streets he managed to find what he was looking for. Dashing down the subway entrance, it was a bit odd to see it completely devoid of people. It might be dumb, but the only place that connected the entire city was the underground. Sure enough as he crawled along the roof of one of the tunnels he heard the faint clicking of metal in the distance. Speeding up, he eventually managed to find what looked like the source. There was a man in an almost comical looking mad scientist get-up that was typing away at a computer while a few robots stood around him as guards. A train had stopped in its tracks, and all the people were trapped inside while the bots stood at the edges and kept vigil over them to prevent them from moving.

Hostages. Great. Just what he needed.

“Karen, turn back on comms.” He whispered quietly.

“Peter! Where the hell have you been?” Tony snapped out, making Peter wince.

“I found the leader.” He offered, hoping that would reduce the later lecture.

“That’s good, where?” Steve offered, taking the middleman approach and cutting off whatever tirade Tony had been about to launch into.

“In the subways. Some guy is controlling them. He has a train hostage.”

“Of course, the subway.” Tony groaned out. “Okay we’re on our way.”

“I got it. Just clean up the ones above.” Peter said, knowing that if the guy got spooked, things could go south for the hostages.

“No way kid, hopefully we can shut them all down from there.”

“Which I can do! But if you don’t stop the bots, they can wreak havoc before then.” Peter said as he crawled along the ceiling towards the back of the train.

“Peter, wait for backup. We can spare someone.” Natasha warned.

“No time. I think we’re somewhere near 8th, I’m gonna send the passengers out through the nearby service tunnel, so get ready for them.”

Peter dropped off the ceiling, smashing the one guard on the back of the bus.

Immediately Peter heard the man turn around and start barking orders. Not wasting any time, Peter flipped over the cart, smiling slightly at the cheers from the passengers when they saw him, as he quickly disabled the robots nearest the train car with two electric webs.

“Spider-man! How are you enjoying my mole-bots?”

“Moles!” Peter said, clapping a fist into his other palm. “Jesus, thank you. We’ve been arguing about what animal they were supposed to be and we thought Clint was right with otters.” Peter said happily. “God, that would have bugged me for weeks.”

The man let out an indignant shriek. “They’re moles! Not those filthy water dogs.”

“Hear that, Clint? You upset him with your guess.”

“Whatever, otters are cuter.” Clint replied, unbothered.

“I agree.” Wanda added thoughtfully.

“Peter, careful.” Steve urged. “Stay focused. We’re trying to wrap up.”

Peter managed to make quick work of the rest of the robots and it turned out the scientist wasn’t much of a fighter. Dodging a few sloppy punches, he managed to web one of the man’s hands to the computer, then the other one to a wall. “Stay right there, okay? I think some friends might like to talk to you.” Peter offered as he wandered over to the train, ripping open the doors with a bit of his strength and letting the people pool out of it, cheering for him and starting to pile out.

“Okay, we’re going to make it down that tunnel, which leads to a ladder that can get you guys topside, alright?”

“Not so fast, Spider-man.” The man said, laughing dramatically.

Groaning, Peter rolled his eyes. “I should have knocked you out.” Peter started to move over to do just that when the man called out. “Mole-bots! Time to make a new tunnel!”

Just then some of the mole-bots started to flash, the ones that hadn’t been truly smashed or fried. Flashing was not good.

“What did you do?” Peter shouted, grabbing the collar of the man.

“My last resort!” He responded with manic laughter as Peter punched the guy squarely in the jaw, knocking him out cold. He freed him from the wall and webbed his hands and feet together.

“Guys, he did some sort of voice command. Some of them are starting to flash red.” Peter warned.

“Same up here!” Sam echoed.

“Shit! I think they’re gonna blow!” Tony warned as his scans were completed.

It felt like Peter’s stomach filled with rocks. He turned to the civilians, glad the mask hid his fear. “Okay, quick you need to get out of here.”

Peter could hear the beeping speed up as the people started to scramble towards the exit. Looking back Peter saw one of the beeping bots was too close to the exit, and a few more robots were running down the tunnel towards them.

Sprinting over, he managed to grab the closet bot and throw it farther down the tunnel towards one of the ones running at them. As they collided Peter’s spidey sense exploded in his head. It was like a wave of flood had overtaken his entire body a second before a long chain of explosions seemed to echo from everywhere around them. The bots running down the tunnel had exploded, sending cracks shooting up the walls. The sheer force of the blast had knocked Peter off his feet, sending him back against the train with a sickening crunch as the metal was dented inwards. A woman was screaming, a kid was crying and Peter’s ears were fucking ringing.

Getting to his feet, he felt the ground starting to rumble and shake. That… probably wasn’t good.

“...eport… Spider-man! REPORT!” Tony’s voice finally cut through the ringing and screaming.

“Everything went boom. Civilians are fine but- oh shit!” Peter saw the cracks had reached the roof, and a large section of it had started slipping. Shooting a bunch of web to one side of it, he jumped up to the other, digging his feet into the stone and using all of the stickiness he could as he braced his hands and back against the roof and pushed. “Civilians will be heading up to the street from a service tunnel, please get them out of here.” He said into the comms.

“We’ll get them, what about you?” Steve replied, worry lacing his tone.

“Kinda getting held up.” Peter internally smirked at his stupid joke.

“We’ll come get you!” Steve said but Peter shook his head despite the comms not having visual.

“Get them to safety, I’ll be fine.” He snapped.

Another sigh escaped the comms. “Fine! But be safe, Peter.” Steve relented. “We’ll get you as soon as we can.”

With a groan, from either the stone or him, he wasn’t quite sure, it slowly stopped slipping.

Everyone is screaming and panicking as bits of rock and dust start raining down from the ceiling. That wasn’t great, and the screaming was really annoying his already over-tuned ears. “Guys. I really need you all to do me a favor and shut up and get out of the tunnel.”

The roof slips again and Peter digs his feet into the stone a little. “Come on, Spider-man.” He groans to himself and shoves the stone a little bit higher.

“We won’t leave you!” A well-intentioned woman who he absolutely despises at this moment says.

“Yes… the fuck… you will. Don’t tell Cap I said that.” He groans out. He frantically looks to anyone who seems to be the calmest and level-headed. “Get out of here, so I can put down the roof please? It’s just down the tunnel and up the ladder. Mr. Stark will get you anything you need or want just… Get. OUT. Take Doctor Asshole too.” He groans, ignoring the feeling in his spine that he was pretty sure wasn’t healthy.

Eventually a woman seemed to get his desperation and started to herd the rest of them out and up the tunnel.

She paused after they had gotten the last kid into the tunnel and she looked back. “Are you okay?”

Peter forced a nod. “Just peachy.”

She gave him a determined look that reminded him enough of MJ that it made his heart ache. At least she was safe. “New York will be waiting for you topside, so don’t keep us waiting, okay?”

“Of course, Ma’am. Now go!” Peter said, slipping an inch down the pillar. She gave him one last look before she sprinted down the tunnel.

Peter’s muscles burned, he wasn’t even sure he was holding up the roof as much as the fact his body felt like it was locked in this position at this point.

“Spider-man, report! We’re seeing the civilians. Where are you?” Steve ordered.

“I’m under… shit… I can’t…” Peter felt his feet slipping as the last bits of his strength were starting to fail him.

“Peter!” Came Wanda’s concerned voice as Peter saw the cracks on the opposite end of the hall grow before connecting. A second before it happened Peter knew exactly what would happen. The entire tunnel was coming down. He looked towards the exit but he knew he couldn’t get an angle to get out of there before everything fell.

Desperate he webbed towards the train and pulled himself towards it as hard as he could.

In the same moment a lot of sensations happened to Peter. He felt the metal of the train car denting as his body collided with it. He felt the rumble in the ground as the roof of the subway collapsed and piles of rock started to rain down. He heard the sickening crunch as the train car started to buckle under the weight. He heard a scream, oh wait, his own scream, as something unbearably heavy crushed his leg. He heard the desperate cries from his team over the comms. Finally he saw the light of the escape tunnel vanish under rubble.

Peter wasn’t quite sure when he lost consciousness but he woke up with a start, gasping for breath. Everything was dark, so dark.

“Peter! For the love of God, say something.” Tony’s voice cut through the comms.

“Mr. Stark.” Was all Peter could manage.

“Christ, Kid. You’re alive. Where are you?” Tony’s voice echoed through his head.

“It’s dark. Mr. Stark. I don’t know.” He groaned. “My head hurts.”

“Okay, kid. Are you safe?”

Peter tried to take stock of his own body. His right arm was pinned under him, his left arm was pinned under a rock. Or a lot of it. He could wiggle his right leg a little, and his left leg… oh. Right. The pain.

A gasp escaped him. “I’m… not great.” He confessed.

He felt something strange on his right arm. It was wet and moist. He could hear Tony yelling over the comms, barking out orders and pleas but Peter was distracted. What was that sensation on his arm?

“Oh, blood!” He said to himself as he realized what it was. “That’s probably not good.” He reasoned. Thinking was kind of hard for him at the moment.

“Blood? Kid, we’re on our way.” Clint called out over the comms.

“Find him, Friday!” Tony yelled out.

“‘M tired…” Peter mumbled, lowering his head. “Can you find me if I sleep?”

“Kid! You need to stay awake.” Tony ordered. “Stay on the line.”

Peter groaned. “You suck…”

A watery laugh came from the other end of the line. “Tell me about it.”

Suddenly Peter began to feel very uncomfortable. Memories flashing through his head. The vulture. The building. Except he couldn’t lift this much. There was too much. He tried and his leg burned even more despite his belief that would have been impossible. Apparently he screamed in pain, he didn’t notice until the others on the line started freaking out more.

“I’m fine.” He reassured them. “My leg just isn’t… really happy right now.”

“We found you. We’re trying to get to you but there’s a lot in the way kid.”

“It’s so dark. I’m… I’m scared.” Peter confessed, Karen starting to warn him about his heart rate.

“I know, but you need to calm down. Take deep breaths.” Natasha tried to reason with him.

“I-I can’t. I’m gonna die here.” Peter tried to move only to scream again in pain. He felt trapped. Scared. Suffocated. He wasn’t getting out this time. There wasn’t any help. Not even any water. Just suffocating darkness.

“Tell… Tell MJ I love her. Please.” Peter choked out between sobs.

“No kid, you’re gonna tell her yourself.” Tony tried, sounding more and more frantic.

“Peter, call MJ.” Nat cut in. “Tony, make Karen call MJ. Trust me.”

“Nat! What I don-”

“Tony!”

Peter heard Tony sigh and a second later the comms went off and he heard a phone ringing.

“Hello?”

“MJ…” Peter’s voice was strained. Her voice felt like a flood of cool water through his system, and it doused the pain ever so slightly.

“Peter! What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

A shaky gasp of pain escaped him. “N-not really. I’m trapped. They’re trying to save me but it’s so dark. MJ… I’m scared.” The words rushed out of him before he could summon the willpower to lie to her that he was fine.

He heard her take a shaky breath. “You’re going to be fine, Tiger. Okay? It’s just you and me now. Everything will be okay.” Her words were steady and calm. Peter naturally started to believe her.

“O-okay. It’s so heavy…”

“That’s fine, Peter. You’re strong. You’re going to be okay, then we’re going to steal one of Tony’s theaters in the tower, and we’ll get thai food, and we’ll cuddle up and watch a movie even though we’re just going to end up making out.” MJ promised and Peter laughed.

“That… that sounds good.” A heavy wheeze escaped him. “I want that.”

“So do I, Tiger. We’ll have it tonight. But first… what is the rarest noble gas on the planet?”

Peter let out a weak laugh. “MJ, I’m kind of tra-”

“Don’t think about that, Peter. Answer me, okay? What is the rarest noble gas?”

Peter rested his head as he thought back to their study sessions. “Krypton.”

“Good! It seems you do more than just stare at me during study sessions.” She teased, and another small laugh escaped Peter. He was vaguely aware of the sound of shifting rock somewhere above him but before he could dwell on it MJ asked him another question.

For the next few minutes Peter was distracted by MJ asking him questions, gently ignoring the gasps of pain whenever something shifted.

“I’m getting tired Em.” He confessed, his eyes sliding shut.

“Hey! No! Peter, you gotta stay with me, okay?” MJ’s voice started to get more frantic.

“...so tired, Em. I need to sleep.”

“Peter Benjamin Parker! You are not allowed to sleep right now. So help me, Peter. Answer me!” She snapped.

Peter groaned, shifting his head. “MJ.” He answered. Above him he could hear the sound of rubble starting to shift closer to him. The metal of the train car groaned in protest. “I can hear them…” He muttered, mostly deliriously.

“That’s good, Tiger. That means they’re almost there. What are you going to tell them?” MJ asked, trying to coax more words out of him.

“Idunno” He slurred out.

“Focus, Peter! You need to get Tony to give us a theater, right?”

“Right… you’re always right.” Peter mumbled out.

“That’s right, Tiger. Right now, I’m right that you need to stay awake so they can find you easier. I’m going to be heading over to the tower so I can meet you there.”

“Sounds good…” He mumbled, barely awake at this point.

“It’s quiet out here alone.” MJ said after a moment, and Peter felt a stirring in the back of his mind. Slowly embers of consciousness began to pick back up.

“Alone? MJ it’s not safe yet.” He warned, just a little more alert.

“Worried about me, Tiger? I’m safe as long as I’m talking to you though, I can tell you if anything happens. So you can save me, right hero? So you can’t fall asleep on me.”

Peter groaned, picking his head off the ground slightly. “MJ, it’s dangerous. We don’t know if any bots are still out there.”

“I don’t see anything, Peter. I’m sure it’s fine. Your voice makes me feel safe anyway.”

“You’re crazy.” He mumbled, but still moderately alert.

“Yeah, but so are you.” She teased and a smirk crept on Peter’s face despite his exhaustion.

The rocks above him shifted, and whatever was crushing his left leg shifted more and a violent scream tore from Peter’s throat.

“Peter! Peter, are you okay?” MJ’s voice tore through the phone.

“Rock smashed my leg more.” He confessed, missing the choked sob from the other end of the line because of the pain. “At least I’m awake now.” He muttered.

He heard frantic shouting from above him. He guessed his shout had also done a good job alerting the Avengers to exactly where he was.

“Are you safe MJ?” He asked, desperate to not think about his leg.

“I am, Peter. I’m safe. I’m almost at the tower, okay? I’ll see you when they bring you here.”

“I might not be all dressed up for you.” He confessed, earning a watery laugh from her.

“That’s fine, I’m kinda in sweats and your hoodie as well so neither of us will be attending any galas any time soon.

“You’re always pretty enough to be at a gala.” He murmured.

“You’re sweet when you’re in trouble.” MJ countered and Peter laughed at her dark humor.

Peter could see a red mist begin to surround the rocks around him. “MJ, I need to hang up now. They found me and I’m going to be saying some not so pretty words when they move me, okay? I love you so much. I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you, Peter. Don’t keep me waiting, Tiger.”

Peter smiled into his mask as the call disconnected.

He connected back to the comms. “Come here often?” He choked out.

“Kid! We’re here. We almost have you.” Tony said.

“Are you ready, Peter?” Wanda asked, her voice a bit strained from effort.

“Aye aye, captain. Speaking of which, sorry Steve for what I might say. My leg kinda got real comfy with some of these rocks.”

“I think you’re allowed to say whatever you need to, kid.” Steve offered.

The glow increased as suddenly all the rocks that had been trapping him slowly started to lift off of him. They raised up, and Peter couldn’t even raise a hand to show where he was, he was too busy screaming bloody murder as the moving rock jostled his leg he didn’t dare look out knowing he would probably just throw up in his mask. There was another rumble on the ground as the rocks were set aside and Tony and Wanda landed next to him.

Wanda gasped in horror as she saw whatever state his arm and leg had been left in .

“That bad, huh?” Peter asked, tilting his head slightly to look at her. “I guess I can get out of gym class for a while at least.”

“Yeah kid, I think you might need to put your marathon dreams on hold for a little.” Tony said dryly. “I got you.”

“Don’t move him!” Natasha’s voice cut in as she hopped down into the hole. “We need to be careful with his leg and arm.”

She expanded the collapsable stretcher next to him. “Wanda, can you move him?”

Wanda still had a hand covering her mouth in horror as she stared at her broken friend’s body. “I can, stand back.” Peter felt the red mist encompass him like a gentle hug as he was lifted off the ground. He gasped in pain as he was jostled, but for the most part his body was unmoved as it floated, braced carefully by her magic.

They carefully moved the arm that had been trapped under him to his side as he was laid on the stretcher. Peter stared off to the side, feeling a drowsiness overcoming him. “I’m tired…” He muttered, head lolling to the side.

Wanda walked over, grabbing his hand. “Just a little longer.”

Peter pouted at her under his mask. “MJ wants to watch a movie when she gets there. I need to nap first.”

“I’m sure she’ll let you nap on her lap.” Wanda promised. Peter’s masked eyes stared into hers, and he wasn’t even aware of the fact she was flying both of them up towards the quinjet that had landed. When the stretcher touched down safely inside of it, the doors closed as everyone piled in and Peter’s mask was gently pulled off his head. Immediately he felt something prick his arm as the familiar warm face of Cho was smiling at him.

“Can I sleep now?” Peter slurred, really getting tired of people telling him to stay awake. “MJ is waiting…”

Helen nodded. “You can sleep. We’ll make you all dolled up for your girlfriend.”

“Good.” Peter mumbled, already succumbing to the anesthesia.

XxXxXxXxX

MJ was already pacing back and forth in the hallway of the medbay. Friday had led her there when she stepped in the elevator, promising Peter was on the way. But he wasn’t here yet and MJ was starting to lose her cool. It had taken all her strength to stay composed on the line. She was terrified out of her mind, but she knew he needed her to be strong at that moment.

But she couldn’t rest until she had him safe in her arms. Her stupid heroic boyfriend. She had seen the news about the collapse of the subway tunnel, and a part of MJ knew she’d never be able to ride the trains again without thinking of him, down there trapped and alone. It hurt her chest just thinking about it.

The doors in the end of the hallway blew open, and MJ was practically sprinting towards them. The first person she saw though was Nat. As she approached, MJ was pulled into a tight hug by her, which surprised MJ but she also collapsed into it, not knowing how much she needed one.

“Is he okay?” Her voice cracked.

“He’s safe.” Nat answered, deflecting slightly. “He’s in Cho’s hands now. He’ll be good as new in no time.” She offered.

MJ heard more people enter and moved to step away, but Nat’s arms became a cage, holding her close and blocking her vision.

“Stop! Let me…”

“No.” Nat shushed her gently. “You don’t need to see this.”

MJ continued to struggle, but she knew he didn’t have a chance of escaping Nat’s hold. The doors closed behind them and Nat stepped away. Her arms were spread slightly as if she was waiting for MJ to hit her. Part of MJ wanted to, but she knew Nat was just looking out for her. She just weakly reached out and punched Nat’s shoulder lightly.

Nat just smiled at her. “I’m sorry.”

MJ shook her head, crossing her arms to regain her composure. “No you aren’t.”

“I’m not.” Nat admitted with the slightest sharp grin. “Peter would kill me if I let you see him like that. But he’ll be fine. His healing is already kicking in.” Nat explained as she moved over to one of the chairs in the hallway and collapsed into it.

MJ slowly moved over and sat next to her. Glancing over the assassin, she frowned. “Are you okay? Do you need treatment? I shouldn’t have hit you…”

Nat shrugged. “I got treated in the jet. Just some minor bumps and bruises. Besides, you didn’t hit me. We both know you can hit harder than that.”

MJ returned her smile and looked out towards the doors they had carried Peter through. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments.

“I’m sorry.” Nat said, still staring ahead.

“...not your fault. I’m sure he did something stupidly heroic on his own.” MJ offered.

“That’s not what I mean. I’m the one that had him call you. He was starting to have a panic attack.” Nat said, a softness to her tone MJ wasn’t used to. “He loves you like no one else, we needed him calm until we could get to him.” Nat took another sharp breath in. “I know that couldn’t have been easy to hear.

MJ reached over, squeezing Natasha’s hand. “Thank you for getting him to call me. That’s what I’m here for.” She said gently. “Keeping my genius idiot of a boyfriend thinking straight.”

Nat glanced over at her, and showed her a rare unbridled smile that caught MJ off guard. She couldn’t help but smile in return.

As they waited, the time passed mostly in silence, with the occasional small talk between them. May had been informed, but also told his injuries weren’t life threatening and that Happy would pick her up after her shift. It had taken some convincing from MJ, but she agreed to stay knowing Peter didn’t want her missing work for him. MJ promised to scold him for her.

When Cho finally emerged, she had a tired but relieved smile. “You can see him, but he’s still super groggy. Also, you’ll want his right hand.” She offered.
MJ nodded, rushing past her into the room as she saw him.

He was leaning back on the bed, eyes fluttering open a bit. His left arm and left leg were both wrapped up in casts. MJ quickly moved to his right side, taking his hand gingerly and holding it. She kissed his knuckles. “Tiger, are you there?”

Peter slowly opened his hazel eyes at her, and a lopsided tired grin crept on his face. “MJ!” He slurred out.

A tiny smile crept on her face. “Are you on meds?”

“I’m fucking flying high!” He confirmed with a slight giggle. Then his entire expression crumpled into a frown. “Don’t tell Steve.”

MJ laughed and rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. “Promise. I’m glad you’re okay.” She offered, leaning over to kiss his forehead.

“I’m glad you’re pretty.” He offered. “You’re like super pretty.” MJ rolled her eyes as his brow scrunched up. “You kissed me. You’re super pretty but my girlfriend will kick your ass if you kiss me. She’s smart and pretty and strong and cool and smart and pretty…” He trailed off. “I don’t want her to hurt you. She’s super nice but kinda scary and I’m glad she likes me because I don’t think I could beat her if she was a villain.” Peter confessed in a loud whisper.

Nat had been watching them from the doorway with an amused smile on her face.

“Peter, that is your girlfriend.” She offered, continuing to record on her phone.

Peter’s eyes went comically wide, staring at MJ who was desperately trying not to laugh at him too hard.

“But you’re too pretty for me. How did I get you?” He asked before he turned to look at Nat. “How did I end up dating her?” he asked in another loud whisper as if he was trying to ask the secret.

“You’re very pretty yourself.” MJ offered barely able to keep her laughter down to snickers. “And there is more to a person than how pretty they are. You’re also my smart, brilliant hero.” She offered.

Peter looked back at her, tears welling up in the corner of his eyes and MJ felt her heart clench at the sight. She knew he was just high out of mind, but there was a vulnerability there that MJ was pretty sure had echoes in his sober mind.

“I’ve always wanted to be your hero.” He mutters completely sincerely in that still too-loud whisper.

“Well good job then, Tiger.” She said, squeezing his hand gently. She reached up to card her hand through his hair and he leaned into the touch, and she could see him slowly losing the fight to stay awake.

“You can sleep, it’s been a long day, huh?”

Peter tried to shake his head. “No. We have a movie date.” He spat out defiantly, despite his body already settling deeper into the pillows.

MJ couldn’t help the smile on her face. “We’ll have it after.”

“Good.” he muttered, before she saw him fall blissfully back into sleep. MJ leaned her head down, resting it against his arm and let out a deep sigh, able to finally breathe normally now that he was safe in her arms.

A few days later they made good on their promise once he was allowed to leave the medbay.

They sat, both bundled up in a swatch of blankets in the large theater in the tower. Peter had offered to let her pick the first movie as thanks as they cuddled up. A wide array of snacks was distributed around them as the movie played. Peter had his arm around her as she snuggled up as close as she could into him. Her head resting on her chest let her hear his steady heartbeat when she focused on it. He was safe, and in this moment everything felt perfect to MJ. Her golden retriever boyfriend of a hero was safe in her arms.

Looking down at his girlfriend in his arms, Peter knew that everything was worth it. As long as he was able to keep coming home to her, he’d hold up whatever he needed to because MJ gave him all the strength he would ever need. His hero was at his side, supporting him and saving him as she always did.

Notes:

Thank you for reading! :D