Chapter Text
"PARKER!!"
"I'm here sir I'm here," Peter came in Jameson's office panting, a worried Betty hovering in the background. "Here are the pictures."
Jameson promptly snatched them out of his hands and went over the pics of Spider-Man. They were marvelous, to say the least. Sometimes he couldn't believe that these were taken by a kid.
"Average," he shrugged, writing a check for Peter. "Giving you 500 for these-
"Thank you so much sir! I really, really appreciate it!" Peter cut him off, Robbie's brows raising in surprise. No one cuts Jameson off mid sentence.
But ever since that Christmas office party schematic, Jameson, dare he say it, has developed a soft spot for the boy. Yeah, Parker was a nerd, an outcast, a rambler, and mostly late when it came to turning in his pictures, but Peter was the most genuine honest people he's ever met. He's been nothing but sweet and kind to everyone whether they respect him or not, just because that's the way he was. He knew he could be a jerk to Parker- Peter on his worst days, but he always received a small smile or youthful nod.
So maybe he'd let the kid off for now.
"I will make sure to get even better pictures," Peter fumbled with his bag, his eyes making eye contact with Betty to cash his check in.
"Bye Mr. Jameson, bye Robbie-
"Hold it," Jameson sharply said, holding his hand out in a stop motion. "Sit down Peter. We need to talk."
Peter physically paled in color. Jameson has never called Peter by his first name in that tone before.
Robbie quickly stood up and led Peter to sit down. "It's alright, Pete. You're not in trouble." He said softly.
Peter nodded hesitantly and sat back down. "Umm, something wrong sir?"
But Jameson couldn't ignore a lingering problem that was preventing Peter from succeeding.
"Look Peter," Jameson sighed, standing up to pace around the room. "Ever since you walked into my office that one awful Monday morning I found out about that awful good for nothing loser Spider-Man, the Bugle has never been the same. That was both one of the best days and worst days of my life."
Robbie had to hold in his laugh at the subtle irritated expression Peter held.
"Look kid," Jameson turned to look at Peter, who instantly changed his expression. "You've been doing great for the past couple years you've been freelancing here. I don't say that a lot, but you've taken some of the best damn photos I have ever seen. You got skill and an eye for detail."
There was silence for a few minutes.
"That was a compliment. A thanks would be nice." Jameson muttered.
Peter instantly felt his neck and cheeks heat up. Whether that be the flattery or his "lack of manners" he couldn't control it. "T-thank you sir. That means a lot to me." He started to play with his shirt to distract himself from the attention.
Jameson felt himself receiving a smug look from Robbie, who didn't expect Jameson to compliment the young man at all. Jameson rolled his eyes and sat back down at his chair.
"But, you could be doing better Parker. You really could be doing better." Jameson grabbed a pencil and pointed gently at Peter. "But I mean etiquette, kid. Many times I've had to wait a week for photos, take a while back to message my emails. You need to learn how to manage your time better. You won't have a proper job when you graduate college with these loose commitments, understand?"
Peter looked rightfully chastised. "Yes sir."
"Good." Jameson stacked some papers and set them down with a smack.
"Cause speaking of commitments, I'm promoting you Mr. Parker! Welcome to a higher salary and better hours!"
Jameson couldn’t even hide the laughter erupting from his throat once he saw Peter’s deer light expression and the gaping fish mouth he had sporting around.
Oh yeah, this wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg of what was in store Peter!