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Chapter Text

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon, and Peter was about to spend it with his best friend before going out patrolling. Fridays, no matter how beautiful, are usually his busiest nights fighting crime. Not that Peter is complaining. He'd take fighting petty thieves over aliens any day. Peter reached his apartment, and dropped his backpack at the entrance as he made his way inside. He had about forty-five minutes until Ned would be at their shared apartment. 

Peter barely made it a few feet from the door when someone knocked at his the door. When Peter opened the door, right there before him stood one of the two people he’d least expected. 

“W-what are you doing here?” Peter looked at Peter-3 with wide eyes and disbelief. “How are you here?”

The other man just offered a toothy smile, “Surpriiiiiise!”

“I-I don’t understand… OH SHIT- Did the universe crack open? I swear it wasn’t me this time!” Peter pulled Peter-3 into his apartment and slammed the door shut. “Did you do it?”

“I didn’t crack open the universe... At least I don’t think it did…” Peter-3 stroked his chin. 

“That’s totally not helping my stress levels, dude!”

“Your tone isn’t helping my hearing either, little me,” Peter-3 flopped himself onto the ugly purple sofa Peter bought because it was basically 95% off. MJ is convinced it’s filled with diseases and refuses to sit on it when she visits. Not that Peter could blame her. 

“One, don’t call me that.” Peter sat on the chair that faced him. “Two, are you going to explain how you are here?”

“Okay, okay,” Peter-3 sat up right. “So, after I last saw you, I reappeared back home. You following along?”

“Uh huh,” the younger Peter nodded along.

“Listen up, because this is when it gets complicated,” The inter-dimensional Peter leans in with seriousness. 

“I’m listening.”

“I got back to Queens, my Queens, reached to open my apartment door. Then, I just reappeared here!” Peter-3 threw his hands up. “Ta-da!”

“No, no, not ta-da, dude,” Peter shook his head. “Totally not that.” 

“You really need to learn how to treat your house guests, Peter-1,” Other Peter huffed. “Oh! Since We’re only two Peters, can I be promoted to Peter-2?” 

“No, because you’re not staying long enough for there to be confusion.”

“Are we going to see the wizard?” Peter-3 jumped up in excitement. 

“Yeh, dude, we gotta fix this! My life was just getting better,” Peter sighed as he went to his room to change into his Spidey suit. Peter-3 gleefully followed. 

“You don’t wear your suit under your clothes?” Peter tugged on his collar to reveal a peak at the suit beneath his clothing. “It saves so much time.”

“No? That’s so uncomfortable. I got used to my nano-tech suit, but it needs repairs.”

“Yeah, half of my money goes to baby powder because of the chaffing.”

“Ew! Gross, man.”

“Yeah,” Peter-3 sighed with a small nod. “Gross,”

“Peter!” Ned’s voice rang out through the apartment. “You didn’t answer your phone, so I took liberties on choosing what we’re having for lunch. Oh, and MJ is gonna be here in a few.”

“Cool, thanks, Ned!” Peter called out. “Quick, out the window.”

“There’s food? I’m starving, little me. Can we stay until after?”

“Who’s that?” Ned asked aloud. “Did you invite someone over?”

“Uh no. Not really,” Peter answered in a panic. 

“Then who…?” Ned’s voice trailed off at the sight of Peter-3. “HUH?”

“Hi,” Peter-3 offered a lazy two finger wave. 

Ned rushed to the window and looked at the sky. “Is the world breaking again? Can it wait until after my mid-term on Tuesday?”

“The world isn’t breaking… That we know of,” Peter looked at Peter-3, who was too distracted eyeing the bag of Pad Thai on the coffee table. “I’m gonna fix this—“

”Fix what?” Now, it was MJ who was strolling through the door. Her attention was glued into Peter-3. “You…” 

“Before you ask, the universe isn’t breaking.” He held his hands up in surrender. 

“I, uh, never got to really thank for saving me,” Michelle said as awkwardly as anti social person could muster. “So, thanks.” 

“Don’t mention it, MJ.” His crooked grin only grew. "So, can I have some?"

"Some?" She raised her brow in question.

"Food," He looked back over to the Pad Thai. "I'm really hungry, and if I don't eat soon my stomach will eat itself."

"Yeah, I always buy extra because our Peter eats way too much," Ned laughed, gesturing for Peter-3 to follow him. 

"No, we have to go see Doctor Strange." Peter crossed his arms. "We're sending you back."

"Little Pete," Peter-3 said, mouth full of his Shrimp Pad Thai. "I haven't eaten in forever. I didn't even get sleep since you last saw me."

"It's been three months, dude!" Ned shouted. 

"More like thirty minutes," Peter-3 took another bite. "Not that I'm complaining. I'm happy to be back."

"What about your universe?" MJ asked skeptically. "Wouldn't they need you?"

"They don't need me anymore," 

"I'm sure that's not true," Peter assured the older man. "You save people! The more reason to send you back. Doctor Strange-"

"The man was at the Grand Canyon when we needed him. Do you think he can help?" Peter-3 looked perplexed. 

"It was more complicated than that, and yes I do." 

"Why? Because he was in your band? The Avengers, was it?"

"No, we weren't a band. We -"

"You were in a band with the Avengers?" Ned nudged Peter. "How come you never told me."

"Because there is no band, man." Peter sighed. 

"There was totally a band," MJ smirked. "Peter played the triangle."

"I did not!" 

"So there was a band!" Peter-3 said excitedly. "Can I join?" 

"Am I the only one worried about him being here?" Peter looked between his friends. 

"You shouldn't worry, I'm telling you. There's no where else I'd rather be," Peter-3 smiled.

"You aren't telling us something," MJ faced him. "What happened when you got home?"

"I told you I was there for three minutes-"

"That's a lie," MJ cut him off. "You have the same tell as my Peter. Your voice goes up. Gets very pitchy." 

"No, it doesn't!" Both Peters countered, their voices getting higher. 

"See?" She sighed. "So, tell us." 

"Ugh, fine!" Peter-3 groaned and threw himself back onto the purple couch. "I was there for more than three minutes. Just about three days.” 

"Why'd you lie about the time, dude?" Peter furrowed his brows with deep confusion. 

"Because I don't want to talk about it. " Peter-3 dropped his gaze onto the floor. 

“You can tell us,” Peter’s voice softened at the sight of him  

“I was home, but not really. For a second I was transported to someplace else, but everything was the same. Except for the fact that everything that was mine was gone. My apartment, my bike, even my favorite bodega, even my job was given to someone else. Which was frustrating because I just got dental insurance working for the Science department at NYU.” 

“Peter, focus,” MJ pinched the bridge of her nose. "Are you sure you weren't sent to another universe by mistake?"

"It was mine," Peter-3 shook his head. 

"Okay, that still doesn't explain how you got here." Ned pointed out. 

"It was my third day trying to piece everything together," Peter-3 continued. "I made my way to Brooklyn, because I was swinging all New York to see what else was different, then I saw another Spider-Man. I swung up to him, and he groaned 'not again.' before I could ask him what he meant I was here. In your world again."

"At my apartment door?" Peter raised a brow.

"No, I lied about that too. I was in your world for about three months building up the courage to seek you out."

"Why seek me out now?"

"I got lonely, okay?" Peter-3 pouted. "It sucks belonging no where."

"You were here for three months and nothing happened? Doctor Strange didn't pick up on it?" 

Peter-3 only shrugged. "Maybe he's not that good of a wizard."

"Peter," MJ turned to her boyfriend. "He was here and nothing happened. Let's keep him."

"Keep him? He's like forty, not a stray puppy."

"Hey! I'm offended." Peter-3 huffed. “I’m not forty.” 

"Peter, he saved my life." MJ looked to Peter-3. "Let us keep him."

"Again, I'm not a puppy." 

Peter looked to the older Peter. He needed help. Peter wanted to help him, and MJ brought up a solid point; nothing happened in three months since he showed up. He did save MJ’s life.

”Alright,” he said. “But we need an adult and I think I know the right one to help us.” 

“Who?” Peter-3, Ned, and MJ asked in unison. 

“A really good lawyer.” 

Chapter Text

Peter blinked. Then blinked again. Did he hear these kids right? "A lawyer?"

Peter-1 nodded. "Yeah, he helped during all my legal stuff after Mysterio."

"That's great, Little Pete, but how can he help?" Peter raised questioned. He knew lawyers. He had a few acquaintances with them himself, which all happened to be after a family member had passed. First his parents, Richard and Mary Parker, when he was too young to understand what they were saying but old enough to know his parents weren't coming back. The second time was after his uncle Ben's murder. Peter blamed himself for that, for everything. He saw the lawyers like sharks circling around his Aunt May day in and out. Most days he didn't want to go to school so he wouldn't leave her alone with them. Many years after that, just three years ago to be exact, his Aunt May died. It had happened naturally, with Peter by her side, but that doesn't mean it hurt any less. Peter knew to expect the lawyers to knock on his door and they did. So, yeah, his experiences with lawyers weren't great. 

“He believed me when no one else would,” Peter-1 said, his shoulder slumping slightly. “I think we should try at least. Aaaaand I kinda included him in Mr. Strange’s spell when he made everyone else forget I was Spider-Man.” 

“He’ll believe I’m from another universe?”

“The world cracked open last time, plus we had multiple alien attacks, and not to mention when half the world got dusted for five years in The Blip.” MJ shrugged nonchalantly. 

“Alien attacks? The Blip?” His eyes widened. “What?”

“We’ll tell you more about it sometime,” Ned patted him on the shoulder. “If you’re going to be a part of this world now, you have to know about all the major events.”

“Where is this lawyer that we’re going to?”

“Hell’s Kitchen.” Peter-1 perked up. 

"In my universe, or at least, what used to be mu universe Hell's Kitchen was a crime infested city..."

"Yeah, it's pretty much the same here," MJ nodded. "It's kinda a hellhole."

"Hence the name," Ned added. 

"Great, maybe I could fight some criminals when we're down there!"

"Wouldn't that be confusing to the civilians?" Peter-1 asked. "Two of us being there?"

"I'll fight as Spider-Man, and you can just be a civilian." 

"No way."

"Yes way."

"No, dude."

"I've been Spider-Man longer,"

"Well, I fought more aliens." Peter-1 reminded him smugly. 

"Low blow."

"Why don't you just rebrand?" MJ suggested. "Like thematically.

"Yeah!" Ned agreed. "Spider-Monkey is still up for grabs."

"We'll talk rebrand later." The Peter of this universe cut in. "If we want to catch Mr. Murdock at this office, we should leave now."

Just like that they were off to Hell's Kitchen. Both of the swinging through across state lines from Massachusetts to New York. From what would've been a three hour drive became a thirty minutes trip. They both landed in an alley,

“Say, he does believe you. What happens then?” Peter asked.

“He’ll do his lawyer-y stuff and get you started on your new life here.” The younger Spider-Man answered simply. “Trust me, it’ll all work out.”

Oh, to be that young and optimistic… “Alrighty, lead the way."

Peter followed him around the corner and down the block right up to a really tall impressive building. Too impressive for the likes of Hell’s Kitchen. 

He let out a low whistle, “This looks fancy,”

Peter-1 looked up at him, “Aren’t all lawyers fancy?”

“Not the ones normal people can afford,” Peter took in a deep breath and made his way into the building. He never made his way to law firm, never really needed to when the sharks always found themselves at his front door. He wasn’t afraid or nervous… He was uncomfortable and for a twenty-nine year old man with heightened anxiety that isn’t ideal.

”Okay, before we walk in, let us cover some rules?” Peter-1 said as they stepped off the elevator. 

“Rules?” Peter groaned in response. “C’mon, I can be an adult.” 

“I do all the talking and you don’t say anything too crazy.” 

“Fine. Fine. You do all the talking.”

”Good,” the younger man nodded and stepped the office. They were greeted by someone who looked about Peter-1’s age. 

“Welcome to Nelson, Murdock, and Page. Do you have an appointment?” She greeted. 

“No, but I’m an already existing client for Mr. Murdock, and it’s kinda urgent,” 

“You still need an appointment,” the girl looked bored. 

“Can you just tell him-“

“I’m just an intern who answers the phones, okay?” She sighed. “There isn’t much I can do. Come back later maybe? Make sure it’s by appointment.” 

“Alright, cool, we’ll come back later-“ 

“No, we’re not,” Peter-3 stopped Peter-1 from walking out. “We’re staying right here. I know you’re an intern, probably studying at NYU, you’re entire future is riding on these last two semesters. But as a person who went through all of that already, earned my PhD in Chemical Biology. I interned under the best. Do you know what was the most valuable thing I took away from that?” 

The girl shook her head. “No.” 

”I’ll tell you,” Peter stood taller. “It wasn’t the hands on experience, the opportunities it gave me, or the name I was making for myself. It was the social networking. “It doesn’t kill to be kind because you have no idea who you’re talking to and how they can aid your success.” 

“I-I’ll tell Mr. Murdock you’re here, Mister..?”

”It’s Dr. Parker,”

”Of course, Dr. Parker.” 

“Thank you…” Peter squinted and read her name tag. “….Kelly Marshall.” 

“Dude! That was awesome! You sounded like a real adult!” Peter-1 grinned when they were out of earshot. 

“I am a real adult,” Peter sighed. “That was no big deal, Peter. The age of being afraid of girls is long past me.” 

“I’m not afraid of girls!”

Peter just gave him a doubtful look. 

“It’s not my fault they’re scary, okay?” 

“He’ll see you now, Dr. Parker,” Kelly announced to them. 

“Lead the way, Little Pete,” 

Mr. Murdock’s office was exactly as Peter would picture any lawyer’s office. It was bright even though all the blinds were closed, there were near stacks of documents on his desk, and there was a…. Cane? Peter’s eyes turned their attention to Murdock who was standing tall sporting circular red shades. He was built with broad shoulders, stood slightly shorter than Peter, and was very very attractive. 

“You didn’t say he was hot,” Peter whispered into Peter-1’s ear. “I would’ve been less reluctant from the beginning.” 

"I didn't think that was important..."

"Of course it's important, Little Pete!" Peter through his hands up with exaggerated exasperation. "Are you even me?"

“Thank you for the compliment, but flattery will get you nowhere,” Mr. Murdock flashed him a charming smile and Peter felt his face heat up. Was he that loud? 

“Objection! My best friend is a big fat liar and loves compliments,” A blond man said, joining them. 

“Hi, Mr. Nelson,” Peter-1 waved cheerfully. “How’s Marci?” 

“As gorgeous and intelligent as ever,” 

“How can I help you Peter?” Mr. Murdock asked. 

“It’s about you know what,” Peter answered him. 

“Foggy, can you-“

”Yup, got it.” Mr. Nelson nodded. “Client attorney privileges. Matt, text me what you want for lunch. I’m heading out,” 

“Thanks, Fog,” Matt called after him. 

“Mr. Murdock,” Peter-1 started as soon as they were alone. “This is gonna sound a little crazy, but you need to hear me out.” 

“After what we’ve been through, Peter, call me Matt.” Murdock took a seat behind his desk. “Now, tell me, what’s so crazy?” 

Chapter Text

“Now, tell me, what’s so crazy?” Matt leaned back in his office chair. He waited patiently for Peter and the stranger, Dr. Parker he referred to himself as, to start talking. 

“Do you remember about that time everybody knew I was Spider-Man and wanted me in jail?” 

Matt cleared his throat, “Are you sure you want to talk about this in front of someone else?”

“He isn’t someone else.” Peter said simply. 

“What?” Matt wanted to mask his confusion, but there was no fighting it. Matt heard a low sound of amusement from the other man.

“We’ll get to that, I promise.” Peter urged. “Now, do you remember?”

“Yes, Peter, I remember,” Matt replied. “You made sure of it that I did,”

Matt doesn’t think he could ever forget having that conversation. Peter had showed up one morning and explained how the world no longer knows that he’s Spider-Man because of a spell someone had made. It was bizarre but knowing Peter he didn’t need his heightened senses to know he was telling the truth. That was Peter Parker’s life, something Matt could relate to, having the impossible turn possible. Also, because of course a wizard came along and undid all the mess that had unfolded because of Mysterio. Peter also mentioned that he included Matt along with two of his friends into Spider-Man’s inner circle of trustees. 

Matt knew better than to envy the kid because; envy is one of the seven deadly sins and it’s incredibly stupid. However, truthfully if he was being honest, to have someone correct your wrongs so easily could come in handy. Maybe Matt should “go mainstream” as Foggy loved to call it, make those necessary connections. A downside to that, you need to trust others to create connections, and Matt can’t easily trust himself much less anyone else who aren’t his friends. That’s another point where he and Peter differ; Peter’s immense trust in everyone, especially him, was admirable but it’s also a mistake waiting to reveal itself. 

“Uh, yeah, that’s true.” Peter said sheepishly, then shifted his weight in his seat. “I never gave you the full scope of what happened because I didn’t think it would matter…. But now, Mr. Mur- Matt, I kinda wish I did.”

“Now’s a great time to start, Peter,” Matt could practically feel the nerves coming from the young man.

“So, Mysterio happened right?”

Matt nodded, signaling him to continue. 

“Then everyone knew I was Spider-Man, and it was ruining my friends’ lives. It made mine difficult too, but this isn’t about me. So, I went to Doctor Strange and asked him to make people forget I was Spider-Man. The first time, the second time happens a lot later. But then, I kinda messed up his spell.” Peter took a deep breath. “So, Mr. Strange shut down that spell immediately and told me I could just talk to the colleges to convince them to reconsider MJ and Ned’s application. I didn’t know that, so I found out from Flash, who already got into MIT, that the admission lady was going to the airport. You following along?”

“Surprisingly, yes.” 

“Okay, I get to the highway and find the admission lady and before I can say what I really want to say there’s an attack on the highway. It’s this dude with four metal arms! Anyway, we fight and everything. He pulls off my mask and says you’re not Peter.” Peter took a deep breath. “I’m like yeah dude I am. Then Mr. Strange shows up and transports us to his wizard basement and tells me before he shut down the spell some villains with vendettas against Spider-Man slipped through. But not me Spider-Man, other ones! That’s where Peter, this guy comes in, he’s another Spider-Man, we called him Peter-3 to avoid confusion, from another universe. There was another one too, Peter-2. I was Peter-1.”

Matt didn’t hear a single indication in Peter’s chest that showed him to be lying. Weirder things have happened, but goddamn this was already so weird.

Language Matthew, Father Lantom’s voice sounded in his head.

Sorry, Father. 

“Still waiting on my promotion to be Peter-2.” Peter, an older Peter, from the sound of his voice. 

“Still not gonna happen.” Teen Peter huffed. 

“Why not? You’re not being very friendly, Mr. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.” 

“Let’s get back on track, shall we?” Matt tapped his finger on his desk to grab their attention. 

“Sorry.” Peter, the younger Peter, continued. “So, we teamed up and helped the bad guys get better. Like there was this talking lizard!”

“Dr. Curtis Connors.” Older Peter supplied. “He’s from my universe.”

“This electricity absorbing guy. Electro, he called himself.”

“Maxwell Dillon. He’s from mine, too.” Older Peter said. “Fell into a pool of electric eels. That’ll do it to you, you know.” 

Matt pinched the bridge of his nose. Lord help him. “Can we move on?”

“Sorry, again, then Strange returned from the Grand Canyon, it’s a long story but I totally beat him that fight and closed up the sky because it was falling apart. That’s when he did the forget spell the second time and it worked. I thought everything was okay. Three months passed and Peter showed up at my apartment. He has been here for three months, and Mr. Strange hasn’t detected him, so we want to help him build a new life here.” 

“Woohoo!” Older Peter applauded. “Encore, Little Pete, tell it again. Except mention all the parts that I was in.”

“Let’s not retell it.” Matt really didn’t want to sit through that again. He’d jump out the window not caring who would see him. “Now that I’m so caught up. How can I help you both?”

“That’s it?” Older Peter asked, hesitating slightly. “You believe us? Like that?”

“Stranger things have happened between this and the missing five years, it doesn’t sound unbelievable.” 

“I told you he’d understand. Impossible things happen all the time here.” 

Matt had his fair share of weird things. First Fisk, then Elektra and Frank Castle’s whole ordeal, The Hand, Elektra again, Midland Circle, Benjamin Poindexter, Fisk again….   

“What you guys need to do is stop saying that. What does that even mean?” The man was suddenly on edge. “I need answers. I like knowing answers to things. It keeps me calm and I’m trying so hard to stay calm. I keep hearing about alien invasions, space fights, and The Bleep. All I have are more and more questions!”

“Blip.” Younger Peter corrected. Matt wanted to scold him but the other Peter continued. 

“The Blip,” he corrected himself. Matt could tell his hands were shaking. “Not to mention I’m like three years into the future. I’m from 2021. I was still living through a pandemic. Were you guys even hit with a pandemic?” 

“Half of the world wasn’t here during 2021, so I don’t know.” Peter unnecessarily replied. 

“I just… I just… I just don’t know anything anymore.” Matt heard his pulse escalating. “I was okay with hearing about alien invasions before b-b-because I didn’t think I’d stay. Now it’s real. It’s all real.” 

His breathing patterns sped up. It was like his heart and his lungs were having a race on who should give out first. 

“Karen!” Matt called out. “Karen!” 

“Is he okay?” Peter stepped away from the man beside him. 

Matt heard Karen near. “Is everything okay- Oh my God!”

“He’s having a panic attack.” Matt informed her. 

“Okay, what’s his name?”

“Peter.” They both replied. 

“Peter? Peter, can you hear me?” Karen asked calmly as she knelt beside him. “Nod your head if you do.”

From the sound of Karen and young Peter’s matching relieved sighs, Matt assumed he nodded. 

“I want us to do some breathing exercises, okay?” Karen told him. Would you like to hold my hands or something else to ground you? My hands? Okay, now match my breathing. In hold one two three. Out hold one two three.”

Karen continued with her breathing exercises until Peter’s body began to become his again. 

Peter sat back with a groan, “Can we all agree to pretend that never happened?”

“Sure, dude,” Peter patted him on the shoulder. “But, uh, do you always get panic attacks?”

”They’re not as frequent as..” Peter stopped himself. “They’re not frequent. No. But they happen. So let’s all forget that happened.” 

“Forget what happened?” Karen joked. 

”It’ll be like I never saw a thing,” Matt felt his way around his desk. 

“A blind joke? Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Murdock?” Peter asked, highly amused. “Or do you flirt with every helpless soul entering your office?”

“Only the ones who smell like Shrimp Pad Thai.” Matt shot back, refusing not to have the last word.

“Marriage proposal when? I’m not getting any younger, counselor.” Peter practically purred. Matt was taken aback at his forwardness.

Karen choked on her drink, and Matt could hear young Peter’s smile stretch across his face. 

“You really don’t hold back on what you want to say, do you Peter?” Karen laughed. 
 
“No, because where’s the fun in that?”

Foggy chose that moment to join them. “Matt, you didn’t text me, so I chose Chinese for you…. Did I miss something?”

“Only the best love story unfold before our very eyes, Mr. Nelson.” Their Peter snickered. 

“Okay, someone explain.” Foggy demanded. "I refuse to be left out."

Chapter Text

The office was quiet. A little too quiet. Peter looked to Peter-1, then Matt, Karen, finally his eyes landed on Foggy. The other lawyer’s eyes were untrusting. No, that wasn’t true at all Peter decided. His eyes were seeking truth as if they were used to search for it amongst mountains of lies. Peter couldn’t be the one responsible for friendships to break because the universe decided he should reappear. 

“Well?” the blond lawyer raised his brow. “This silence is not helping your case.”

Peter-1 looked over at him with panicked eyes. “Uhh…”

Peter silently cursed himself and this situation. Karen was now looking at them with the same question in her eyes. They’re being backed into a corner.

“Fog,” Matt spoke up. “Can we talk later?” 

“Why is there a child and a lanky man here? Don’t say seeking counsel either, I’m not an idiot. Matt, did you father a child and now are finding out about him? That’s the only explanation I’ll accept. When did you even have him, he’s like half your age!”

“He’s not my kid, Fog,” Matt was quick to assure. 

“But you do have a kid?”

“Foggy, there is no kid.” Matt exhaled. “I don’t have a son, and before you say it, I don’t have a daughter either.” 

“Okay, then, why are they here?” Karen now voiced her suspicion. “Kelly told me they didn’t have an appointment.”

Damn you, Kelly Marshall. Peter internally cursed. That girl was out to get them. 

“We’re, uh, close friends?” Peter-1 shrugged.

“Matt only has two friends and we’re standing in this room.” Foggy scoffed.

It looked like Matt wanted to argue but decided otherwise. “I’m not going to argue with that,” 

Attractive and smart, Peter’s traitor brain mused. Just your type. 

“Okay. Okay. I’ll fill you two in.” Peter had a plan, and he hoped Peter-1 won’t hate him too much for it. He wrapped an arm around Foggy’s shoulders and walked him deeper into the office next to Karen after shutting the door. "But you have to pinky swear not to tell a soul or I’ll be really upset.”

He held out his pinkies in front of them for a few moments until they reluctantly wrapped their own around his. From the corner of his eye, he could see Peter-1 having a mixed reaction between holding in his laughter and trying his best not walk over to punch him in the face. 

“This has to be the weirdest thing I’ve done all week.” Foggy commented.

“I’ll have to agree,” Karen was at least amused. “It’s weirdly intimate,” 

“Pinky promises are legally binding. Keep that in mind.” Peter said when they pulled away. “I’ve come on important business …... as Spider-Man…. to discuss with Matt. So, don’t be super pissed at him that he didn’t want to tell you. He was just looking out for me. Secret identity and all.” 

Peter-1 looked at him with wide eyes. “What-“

“Not now,” he placed his hands over his mouth. “The adults are talking.”

“Y-you’re saying you’re Spider-Man?” Mr. Nelson looked at him with disbelief. “The actual Spider-Man?

“Yeah, that’s what I just said.” Peter retorted. “You don’t believe me? What’s with people not believing me when I tell them?"

“You look a lot shorter on TV,” 

Peter-1 makes an offended sound from underneath his hold. 

“I come out to you as Spider-Man, and this is the response I get?” Peter crossed his arms. “A comment about my height?”

“You make a habit of telling people you’re Spider-Man?” Karen fixed him with a look.

“Yeah, actually, I do.” He replied. “Keeping secrets are kind of too hard for me.”

“Thank you for trusting us, but you’re hardly the first vigilante we’ve represented.” Karen assured him. “Your secret is safe with us.”

“Other vigilantes? Oh yeah, right. Riiiight. I know that.” Peter covered up his confusion with overconfidence. “They referred me even.”

“Did that vigilante happen to be Daredevil?” Karen asks with a raised brow. 

“Yeah, sure, let’s go with that.” Peter nodded a little too quickly. “Daredevil rated you guys five stars on Yelp.”

“Really?” Foggy looked over to Matt, who facepalmed. “Interesting.”

”So, it’s that kind of business,” Karen’s eyes gleamed mischievously. There was something unspoken happened right now, and Peter had no idea what it was. 

“Yes and no,” Matt answered. “Let’s not say something that we’ll regret later?” 

“Like what?” Peter-1 asked after successfully freeing himself. 

“This is grown up business,” Peter hushed him, and received an eye roll as a response. “Like what? I shared a secret; I think it’s more than fair you go next.” 

“There’s no secret,” Matt forced a very fake smile. A smile Peter was used to seeing amongst his former co-workers that read Don’t ask any more questions or I’ll kick your ass. 

Peter knew a lot about body language. Matt’s current body language was screaming that there was in fact a secret, and Matt didn’t want it getting out. Peter’s mind jumped to many conclusions to what a lawyer’s secret could be and none of them were good. Corruption was the overall arching theme in all of this thoughts, and Peter really wanted to believe otherwise. 

“You’re not a very good liar, Mr. Murdock,” 

A new kind of tension was occupying the air, and Peter would be a liar if he said he didn’t find it entertaining. If there was a secret, he was going to figure it out. Especially if that secret is harming others. Lawyers, a lot like supervillains, are tricky business. Peter vows he’ll figure it out.
 
“Matt, can I talk to you outside the office please?” Foggy made his way to the door. “Karen, can you join us?”

Both Peters watched as the three shuffled out the office and shut the door behind them. As soon as they were alone, Peter-1 punched Peter-3 in the arm.

“Dude, you told them you were Spider-Man? Why?”

“One, I am Spider-Man, and two I didn’t see another way out of that situation.”

“What if they tell?”

“I’d hate for them to get disbarred, but it is what it is,” 

“I really appreciate you taking the heat on this one, man, but I think you just made things more difficult for your situation.”

“I can handle difficult situations,” Peter assured the younger him. “You just need to worry about not sleeping through your morning alarm and graduate MIT. Which I know you will.”

“Thanks, Peter,” Peter-1 smiled up at him. “What do you think they’re talking about?”

“Probably talking about how a blind lawyer got caught up with Spider-Man, and who are these other vigilantes?”

“I only met Daredevil and Luke Cage,” Peter-1 told him. “Daredevil protects Hell’s Kitchen and Mr. Cage is in Harlem,”

“There’s someone called Daredevil?” Peter laughed with pure delight. “Badass.”

“The locals call him The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen,” Peter shrugged. “He’s Daredevil to everyone else,”

“Cool, cool, cool.” He nodded along. “Are there any other vigilantes I should know of?”

“The Iron Fist aka Danny Rand and Jessica Jones. She’s not really a vigilante, she’s a PI with super strength, but helps them anyway.”

“This universe is insane,” The older Peter breathed out. “What do you think they’re talking about?”

”Definitely about how you made them pinky promise to keep your secret,”

“They better not be conspiring to break it.” 

The trio rejoined the two, something about their demeanors changed into something more relaxed. Foggy was first to break the silence.

"Okay, Matt caught us up," he said. 

"He did?" Peter cleared his throat. "I mean I'm glad you're all caught up to speed to.... my..... situation."

"Dude, stop talking," Peter-1 hissed into his ear. "You look so suspicious."

"Yep," Matt sighed, and if Petter didn't know better he'd say Matt was glaring at him through his red shades. "How you'll be staying at mine until we can rightfully figure out your situation."

Peter didn't know staying at Matt's place was going to be a thing that happened today, but then again, he's in another universe so.... He can't work with being placed with him, that'll work very well with keeping an eye on him in case he really is a corrupt lawyer. Why do the hot ones always have to be evil?

"Thank you, Mr. Murdock, I knew you'd be able to help." Peter-1 grinned. "I really owe you one."

"Matt, you never really explained the kid." Karen pointed out.

"Oh, don't mind him," Peter-3 said dismissively. "He's my.... assistant."

"You have an assistant?" 

"You're telling me you think vigilantes do everything on their own?" Peter shook his head. "They only want you to think that."

"I wonder if Daredevil has an assistant," Foggy wondered aloud. 

"Oh, the time!" the younger Peter turned to the other. "I'll check on you whenever I can. Don't do anything dumb. Don't do anything period."

"Okay, dad,"

Younger Peter was off. Peter looked at the three with a mischievous gleam in his eye. Foggy was the only one who tensed up under his gaze. Karen challenged him with her own and Matt, well, he's blind but looked annoyed nonetheless. 

"We're going to be best friends."

"I'm sure of it, Peter," Matt grabbed his cane. "I think it's time we head out."

"Call me Ben," Peter needed to go by a different name. He needed to avoid confusion between him and Peter-1 and attach Spider-Man's name to something else in case a situation arises and Peter will be safe. 

Matt and Peter walked about three blocks until they reached Matt's apartment complex. Despite the very New York appearance of the outside of the building, his apartment was spacious. It was dark, but spacious. 

"The lights are to your right," Matt told him as he moved further into his place. 

Peter flipped them on, "I dig the vibe,"

"Thanks.... I guess. You can take the bed, and I’ll take the couch.” Matt told him. 

“No.” Peter refused. “I’ll take the couch. Don’t fight me on this one. I can be stubborn.”

“You underestimate me, Ben.”

"I barely sleep anyway," Peter confessed. "It'll be a waste anyway."

Matt smiled politely, and Peter's heart decided it wanted to go for a midnight run in his chest. Matt could be a bad guy, so why is he allowing himself to be charmed by him? 

Attractive people are the worst.

But you liiiiiike him, his traitor brain sang. Matt and Peter sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g.

"Shut up," Peter hissed.

"What was that?" Matt asked, suddenly standing in front of him a pillow and blanket in his hands. 

"Talking to myself, sorry." 

"Goodnight, Ben."

"Nighty night, Matt,"

Peter laid on the couch for hours. He didn't know for how long or what time it currently was. He wasn't tired. He never is, but usually patrolling or his work keep him company. Now, he has neither. He used to always complain how his life, his old life, wasn't much of a life. He was wrong. He took his freedom of being himself for granted and now he wishes he could get a fracture of what he used to have. Maybe he can if he can make a deal with Peter-1. They could a hundred percent taking turns being Spider-Man. Maybe he'll take night and Peter-1 can do the day? Or every other day? Spilt the week days in half?

No, the week has an odd number of days that can't work-

“Matt, are you dead? Say yes if you are.” a woman’s voice sounded as her fist slammed on the front door, interrupting his thoughts. “If not, you better open the door before I break it down.”

Peter groaned from his place on the couch. Who the hell was that? Was she an ex-girlfriend or current girlfriend? Either way, she didn’t sound pleased. He paused to consider his next move… Peter decided. He’s going to open the door. There were no clocks around and couldn’t tell what time it was, was it even an appropriate time for visitors? Maybe she needed help. 

Peter made his way to the door and before he could open it, Matt was beside him. “Where did you come from?” 

“My bedroom,” 

“Don’t get cute with me, counselor-“ 

“I hear your voice!” The woman’s pounding continued. "I'll count to three. One... Two..." 

”Don’t break my door, Jessica, or you’re replacing it,” Matt finally revealed who she was; a thin white woman with dark hair and even darker eyelashes. 

So this must be Jessica Jones… What is she doing here?

“Send the bill to Danny,” She sneered. Her eyes met with Peter’s, “Who’s the guy?” 

 “He’s no one.” Matt replied as the same time as Peter smiled, “I’m Ben,” 

“Well, Ben, you should leave.” Jessica pushed past them. “Matt, Luke is waiting outside. Let's go.” 

Peter's brain was working a million miles per minute. Luke must be Luke Cage, the one Peter mentioned. Jessica did mention a Danny so that could be Danny Rand. That's three fourths of the vigilantes. The only one missing is Daredevil. 

“You couldn’t call?” 

“You think I didn’t? Answer your phone, asshole,” Jessica pulled a flask from her leather jacket and took a swing. "I don't have all night, c'mon."

Matt turned to Peter, "Stay here. Don't follow me. Stay."

"It won't be following if I just go with you," Peter answered simply. "I can help."

"Ben," Matt warned. “You don’t need the extra attention. I can handle this."

Peter is starting to think Matt's secret has less to do with corruption and more to do with associating himself with these vigilantes. But Karen told him they represented vigilantes publicly, so why the secrecy? She even asked if Daredevil was the one to refer him.

Daredevil is also the only one who's name you don't know...

"You know I can help." Peter whined. "I won't wear the suit. I'll fly under the radar."

"What is this guy talking about?" the woman looked between them. "Oh no, he's another freak isn't he? Do you seek us out, Matt, or does your God really hate you?"

"Freak? Lady, I'm no lawyer," Peter scoffed. 

”Jessica now's not the time-“

"You're telling me. Let's go."

"Matt." Peter tried. 

"Dude, you're so clingy," Jessica rolled her eyes. "Sorry about this, but you're holding us back."

Before Peter could ask what she meant, his Spidey-sense went off. Before he knew it her fist was flying toward him. He held his hand out and stopped her midway.

"What the hell?" she attempted to pull her hand back but Peter won't let go. "Let go."

"Not until you apologize,"

"Matt, tell your pet to let go of my hand before I crush his skull!"

"Ben, drop her hand," Matt placed a hand on his chest. "Drop it."

Begrudgingly, he did. "Don't try that again, sweetheart."

"What did you just call me?" Her next attack happened shortly after her shout. It was another punch which he quickly dodged by sticking higher up to Matt's wall. 

"Jessica!" 

"Where did you find this jerk!" She sneered up at him. He stuck his tongue out at her.

"Okay, I had enough of this," She jumped up, grabbed him by the ankle, and slammed him onto the floor. "Welcome to Hell's Kitchen, punk,"

Peter was too stunned by what just happened to dodge the third punch. Promptly knocking him out cold. 

Chapter Text

“He’s waking up….” A new voice said a little too loudly and much more closely to his face. 

“Great, because I wasn’t done with him….” Peter could hear a woman, Jessica he recognized, from somewhere to his right.

“I think he’s had enough….” That was Matt. 

“Let’s give him some space….” A warm deep voice supplied. 

Peter’s eyes blinked up at the four people crowding over his body. He recognized Matt and Jessica, but the other two were complete strangers. He tried to get up, only for him to get dizzy and lay back down again. “My head…” 

“Getting punched in the face two times will do that to you,” the blond man said. Peter recognized him as the loud voice from moments prior. 

“It was three times,” the other man said, Mr. Smooth voice. “You weren’t here for the first one, Danny.”

Blond man is Danny, so the Black man must be Luke Cage, Peter pieced together. 

“Actually, it was four,” Jessica down some alcohol that was peacefully sitting on Matt’s countertop. 

“Let’s not make it five,” Matt sighed. 

“My heeeeeeeaaaad,” Peter repeated with a drawn-out groan. “What do you mean four times? I only remember getting punched once.”

”Every time you almost regained consciousness; Jess knocked you out again.” Matt informed him. “Sorry, there was no stopping her.” 

“No, I deserved it.” Peter craned his neck to look over at Jessica, who seemed to be in a constant state of Pissed Off™. He didn’t mean to offend her, and May always told him someone was going to eventually catch up with his quick tongue. She’d be happy to know she was right. She was always right. “Sorry, I called you sweetheart,” 

“Don’t try that shit again.” Jessica fixed him with a look. “Or I’ll have you hooked on life support.”

Peter tried to get up a second time, pushing through the familiar ache of a concussion. He knows he shouldn’t be moving, but when did he ever do anything that was good for him. “Aye Aye, Cap’n.”

Luke extended his hand and helped him up. Now that Peter was sitting on the couch, he could get a good read of them. Luke appeared to be the most concerned while the looking the most inconvenienced, Jessica was scrolling through her phone with furrowed brows clearly wanting to be anywhere but here, Danny was staring at him as if he were waiting for Peter to show signs of being a threat, and Matt has on a different pair of sweats than he had on earlier… He also had a bruise forming on his cheek. 

Where did that come from?

“How much time did I miss?” He asked no one in particular. 

“Two hours.” Matt extended him a glass of water. 

“Thanks, man,” Peter accepted it but didn’t take a drink. Something about this was putting him on edge. “Why are you all here? Is it to fight? My calendar is fully booked at the moment.”

All but Matt shifted their weight. Something was off, and it wasn’t his paranoia. He examined them all once again. This time they seemed to challenge his gaze, somehow, even Matt. Peter needed answers, whatever it is that caused them to be here was going to eat at him until he found out. 

“Are you guys going to say what you want to say or you’re going to just stare at me?” Peter felt his anger start to simmer beneath the surface. He can no longer differentiate between his anxiety or his spider-sense anymore. Hasn’t been able to for a really long time. He hoped this isn’t one of those moments where’d he’d need to figure it out. 

“Do you remember what happened when I punched you the first time?” Jessica questioned him abruptly.  

“No? I wouldn’t be looking so lost and confused if I did.” 

“Well, I do,” Jessica got to her feet. “So, let me help jog your memory—"

“Jessica, he’s disoriented.” Matt interjected. “Not now,” 

“No, now. Right now is a perfect time. After I punched you, you got right back up and lost your fucking shit.” She paused before continuing. “You were out of control. If Luke wasn’t outside shit would’ve got way worse.”

“You’re really strong for someone so skinny,” Luke crossed his arms over his chest. “Experiments?” 

“What?” Peter asked him, still trying to process what the PI was telling him. 

“Were experimented on?” He elaborated.

“No, it was…. Uh, I was bitten.” 

“By what? A squirrel with rabies?” Jessica shot at him. “Danny had to use his magical fist to force you off the walls.”

“Fist? What are you talking about?”

The blond man made a fist and it started to glow. “I am the Immortal Iron Fist,”

“What the actual Hell? How is that possible? Are you an alien?” Peter’s body was in full alert now. “Is that just light or does it also 

“I’m not an alien-“

“Could’ve fooled me.” Jessica huffed, and Luke shook his head. 

“ I trained in K'un Lun,” Danny continued, ignoring Jessica. “I fought a dragon-“

“No one cares, Danny,” Jessica ran a hand over her face. “We have Mr. Rabid Squirrel over here to deal with.” 

“Deal with?” He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. Why did you have to punch me?” 

“Don’t push this all on me!” Jessica pointed at him. “You are freakishly strong. You were jumping from wall to wall like a damn psychotic rodent.”

“Y-you shouldn’t have punched me.” He looked over to Matt and his bruised face. Peter now knew that it was from. He a punched the guy who was kind enough to house him. Matt was already caught up with four vigilantes he doesn’t need a fifth. His breath hitched in his throat, and he felt a panic attack start to rise in his chest. “I did that, didn’t I?”

“This isn’t my first time getting punched.” Matt shrugged. “I need you to take deep breaths.”

“I-I don’t remember any of that,” Peter didn’t want to believe a word they were saying. But he knew who he was. Who he allowed himself to become these past ten years since Gwen’s…. death. He’s allowed himself to become dangerous, and for the longest time he welcomed his darkness. He wore it as armor. But losing time? That…. That was new and it terrified him. 

“It happened, Ben,” Matt said again. “It happened and it’s over. I need you to take deep breaths. Breathe with me.”

Peter mirrored Matt’s breathing. In, out, in, out, in, and out…. He didn’t understand what was happening to him. He knew he gets panic attacks; he also knew his anger basically controls him, and he now knew Matt smelled good. Well, Peter assumed he did. But it’s good to have an answer. Without thinking, he pressed his fingertips to Matt’s cheek. “I’m sorry. I would never intentionally hurt you. Or anyone.”

“I believe you. How are you feeling?”

“I’m…. I’m uh…..”

He’s so close to my face. Damn you, attractive man!

Focus, Peter. His now suddenly logical brain shouted at him. You lost time. What could have caused that?

I don’t know…. Peter hated the uncertainty in his own voice.

Get answers. Don’t put this off. It could be major. Strained the voice in his head, it didn’t belong to him but he knew it well. 

Major? Don’t manifest that, c’mon. It could be a one-time thing. Why can’t it be a one-time thing? He wanted to hear the voice again. 

It could…. Or it couldn’t. Gwen’s voice replied. It was Gwen’s voice. 

Gwen? Is that you?

I can’t be her, Peter. Not Gwen replied. She’s gone. I’m just the memory of her. 

We’ll pretend that makes sense.

Nothing makes sense, Bug Boy. Just get some answers. 

Okay. I’ll investigate it without the others breathing down my neck. 

Just be safe. 

Gwen?

Yeah, Pete?

I miss you.

“….Ben? Hello? Are you with us?” Danny’s voice brought him back to reality. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” He looked over at them and shot them an easy smile. “Everyone for dropping whatever happened and never mentioning it again say I.”

“I,” Jessica let out a breath. “Holy shit this was a waste of my time.”

“I” Luke followed.

‘….I,” Matt reluctantly said after Jessica nudged him. 

“I don’t think we should just forget this,” Danny faced the others. “Don’t you guys care?”

“As long as it doesn’t happen again, I don’t care.” Jessica made her way to Matt’s fridge. “Matt, is it anti-Catholic to have some decent food in here?”

“You did punch him first….” Luke smirked at her irritated expression. “Just sayin’, Jess,”

“No, no, no,” Peter shook his head. “We’re not talking about this. We all collectively agreed forget.”

“But-“

“No, buts, Danny Boy. No words. Nothing.” Peter made a zipping motion over his mouth and sprung up to his feet, ignoring the lingering pain. “But let’s circle back to what you said about a dragon. Did you really fight one? How’d that go?”

“It all started when my parents’ plane crash…” 

The others let out an exhausted groan. 

“Danny, if you’re going to make me sit through your autobiography, can you at least order me some take out?”

“No one’s making you stay, Jessica,” Matt pointed out. “You’re free to go.”

“Danny just order us some damn food so I can sleep with something other than alcohol in my system,” The PI got comfortable. 

“Maybe after Danny’s miles long story, Ben can tell us about himself.” Luke joined Jessica. “I have my own questions that need answering.”

Chapter Text

Matt didn’t have to wonder what was going on inside Peter’s head as Danny was giving him the run down on everything that ever happened from the moment his parents’ plane crashed in the mountains to what he ate for dinner last night because he kept the questions and commentary coming. He has never met a person who refused to keep a thought trapped inside their head. Even Foggy had his limits. 
 
“You punched a dragon in the heart?” He said around a mouth full of pizza. 
 
“I had to,” Danny replied. “In order to become the Immortal Iron Fist.”
 
“Let’s hope PETA doesn’t find out about that or else you’ll see #DannyRandIsOverParty trending on Twitter.” Peter laughed. “Hate to see it happen.”
 
“He’s a billionaire,” Jessica supplied. “They’ll cancel him for just existing.” 
 
“You’re loaded?” Peter toned was disappointed. “I can’t believe it. I really liked you.”
 
“My money does not define me.” 
 
Peter burst out laughing, “That’s so rich of you, Mr. Iron Finger.”
 
“It’s Iron Fist, and what’s so funny?” Danny was clearly offended. “It’s the truth, my money is just a part of my family name.”
 
“Rich people never get it,” Peter sighed. “Money does define you. That’s what money does.”
 
”Gotta agree with Ben here,” Luke spoke up. “Money talks and a lot of people want to hear what it has to say.” 
 
“I’m above materialistic items,” Danny remarked. 
 
“I’m not,” Peter scoffed. “Minimalism is a rich person's privilege. I’m poor and I like having things that make me happy. Have you ever spent way too much on a Lego set? I recommend it. Especially with the guilt that hits you a few hours after the high wears off.” 
 
“Minimalism isn’t rich privilege-“ 
 
“Shut up Danny you literally live in Colleen’s dojo,” Matt could hear the roll of Jessica’s eyes. She continued, “If you hate your money so much, give it away to the needy.” 
 
“Ooh! Ooh! Me! I’m poor and needy!” Peter said enthusiastically. “I’m an orphan, too. Extra points, you won’t get canceled for sure.” 
 
“You’re not the only orphan in this group,” Matt shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Jessica and I beat you there.” 

“Wow, who knew having dead parents would make us so compatible, counselor?”

This man is going to be the death of me… 
 
“I think we should give Danny a break,” Luke’s voice was leveled. “Besides, we still have no damn where this white boy came from or what he is.” 
 
“I’m Ben and I’m from Earth.” 
 
“If you were actually from earth you wouldn’t have to mention that you were,” Jessica said in faux seriousness. “That’s literally human 101.”
 
“How would you know, Miss super strength?” 
 
“You have super strength too, asshole,” 
 
“Touché. Touché.” 
 
“So, where did you come from?” Luke finally managed to ask his question. 
 
Matt didn’t know Peter well enough to guess what he will say next. Matt is starting to believe that Peter himself doesn’t even know what he’ll say next until he’s halfway saying it. So, Matt braced himself for the worst.
 
“I’m from Queens…” 
 
Matt let out a breath, That wasn’t so bad. 
 
“Okay, Ben from  Queens.” Jessica either believed him or wanted to keep Luke’s interrogation going. “What was this raccoon that bit you from space?” 
 
“It wasn’t a raccoon,” Peter scoffed. “It was a… It just wasn't a raccoon."
 
"Then what was it? A possum? A rat?" Jessica pressed on. 
 
“It wasn’t a rodent. I. Am. Not. A. Rodent.” Peter let out a frustrated sigh. “It was a bug.”

“A maggot?” Jessica huffed with amusement.

“A flea?” Danny joined in the joke.

“Roach maybe?” Luke didn’t bother stifling his laughter.

“No.” Peter huffed. “Damn, you guys are a bunch of bullies. At least Matt is nice.”

“He’s the worst of us all,” Jessica retorted. “What ‘cool guy’ facade he's got going on is fake.”

“I like bad boys.” He replied without missing a beat. Matt hated the way he felt his face heat up at that. He was a grown adult, not a boy with a school crush. 

Peter was beyond something else. He always had a reply, more along the lines of snarky comment, ready to go the moment his mouth opened. Something new for Matt to get accustomed to, but he’s not complaining. 
 
"Then what was it?" It was Danny's turn to join the interrogation team. "You attacked us. We have the right to know who we are dealing with."
 
Matt wanted to butt in, take the heat off Peter's back. However, he can't say as much as Matt Murdock. He couldn't bring too much attention to his true role in all of this especially since Peter is in the dark about Daredevil. Matt intends on keeping it that way if he could manage. Matt knew the risks of keeping his secret, and he is aware Peter could pretty much handle himself in the face of danger. But that doesn't mean he should. In this universe, Peter shouldn't be dragged into the dangers of Hell's Kitchen. This is a chance for him to start new. Maybe Peter will be much more successful than Matt was in that regard. 
 
"That's totally fair," Peter reasoned. "I did sort of unwillingly attack you because I was provoked-"
 
"What did I say about putting the blame on me?" She threatened.
 
"What did I say about bringing that up again? Why can't we all live in denial? Why does there always have to be a conversation?" Peter tried to no avail.
 
"Not knowing what to anticipate can really screw us over." Jessica was running low on whatever patience left she had stored for the week. Matt could hear it in her voice. 
 
Some part of Matt understood Peter's feelings towards all of this. Wanting to be left alone, wanting no one to ask questions you are too afraid to ask yourself let alone answer, and wanting to keep up this image of "being okay" even though the only person you're fooling is yourself. But then again, Matt is from this universe where alien invasions are a common occurrence. It makes sense why the others are on edge. Matt himself is on edge about the whole ordeal, but there wasn't time for him to process it all. Both Peters needed his protection, and he will never turn away anyone seeking help from Matt or Daredevil. 
 
“I’m the universe’s favorite punching bag.” Peter’s tired voice slipped through his masked cheery tone. “I just want a normal life.” 

Whoever coined the phrase ‘The silence was deafening’ probably shared Matt’s heightened senses. He could hear the wheels Turning in everyone’s head as they tried to make a decision whether or not they believed Peter. 

“We’ve all been there,” Luke was the first to speak. “Against all odds we found each other.” 

“And I’m so grateful for that because you can take me in now. Hey, I wanted to ask, are all super powered people gorgeous or did I get lucky?” 

“We’re the brawn,” Luke laughed. “If you want to see beauty, wait til you meet Misty, Claire, and Colleen.” 

“I’m an equal opportune lover.” Peter replied simply. “I bet you’re a beautiful group of super people.”

“Now that we established that Ben isn’t a threat to New York, can you leave so I can get at least one hour of sleep before I have to get to work?” Matt led them to his door. The sooner they left the better for whatever mental health Matt has left. “I’ll check the docks tonight. I can handle this part on my own.”

“You’re gonna take your new raccoon friend?” 

“No, Jessica, I’m not.” With a final nudge they were out the door.

“Call us if you need back up.”

“Will do, Luke,” Matt nodded once. 

Matt hoped Peter had decent sleep in the three hours he stayed up staring at the ceiling. He had so much he needed to tend to; the growing Super Drug cartel, his separate patrolling, upcoming court dates, and this multiverse whatever the hell. But the one thing his mind keeps circling back to his Peter. His very leading comments, his loud boyish laugh, and his scent which was extremely welcoming to the senses. He smelled of fabric softener and strawberry candy. 

Matt isn’t sure when he fell asleep, but he woke up to his alarm going off. He stepped out of bed and made his way to the shower. The thoughts of Peter haunted him there too. He needed to do something about them, they’re going to be a distraction. As Matt stepped out, he sensed Peter a few away from him. He smelled like Matt’s shampoo. 

“Morning, sunshiiiiine!” Peter greeted him. “I was wondering when you’ll wake up. I hope you don’t mind I took a shower. Cleaned up after myself and all. Just woke up early and had nothing to do.” 

“It’s fine, Ben.” 

“We’re alone. You can call me Peter.” 

“Okay, Peter.” Matt nodded. “Well, I have to go to work. Stay here and stay out of trouble.” 

“Matt, you can’t leave me here!” Peter pleaded. “Take me with you. I’ll behave.” 

“I don’t know—“

“I won’t bother anyone.” Peter continued. “Your apartment is very nice don’t get me wrong, and you don’t want me to get bored and start snooping around.” 

“Are you threatening me, Parker?” 

“No. Nononono. Nothing like that. I’m just being honest.” 

Matt knew he should take him to work to avoid Peter finding something he shouldn’t.  But he was looking forward to being away from him for a few hours to clear his head. Taking him was the lesser of two evils. “Get ready. We’re leaving in five.”

Matt typically walks from place to place alone, and never really needed someone to talk to while doing so. But Peter made mindless chatter seem so natural. He didn’t find it annoying at all which surprised him the most. Hearing about his universe and comparing it to his own was fascinating.

“I’m telling you, Matt, this guy was the worst. How he was elected into office is beyond me. I really lived through the darkest timeline.” Peter went on. “But we did get Taylor Swift.”

“She’s here too.”

“OH THANK GOD!” 
 
They made their way up to the office. Miss Marshall’s scent, expensive unfamiliar perfume, filled the air. Then there was Foggy’s steady heartbeat. Karen still hasn’t arrived. 

“Matt, finally, you’re here….. And you brought Ben.”

“Hey, Mr. Nelson,”

“Hey, help yourself to some bagels I left in the break room.” Matt was pulled aside by Foggy, “Hey there, Matty. Wanna have a check in?” 

“What for?” 

“What for? Oh, I don’t know… Let’s ask that black eye you’re not even bothering to cover up.” His best friend scolded. “I thought you weren’t going out on any of your midnight jogs.” 

“I didn’t plan on going out for one, but Jessica showed up around 3am and invited me to tag along.” 

“You’re an adult and make your own choices, but Matt showing up to work with a black eye when we have court dates isn’t a good look for anyone.” 

Foggy was right. If Matt had a dollar for every time he had thought that he’d have enough to build another orphanage. “I know Fog, I’ll be more careful.” 

Matt’s face still felt sore. It wasn’t everyday someone with super strength punches him in the face despite all of Jessica’s threats. 

“Sooooo,” Foggy’s stressed demeanor melted away. “How’d you feel about Ben?” 

“How do I what now? Fog, we’re adults not teenagers—“

“I call bullshit in the court, your honor!” His friend cackled. “He flirted with you nonstop yesterday and you even flirted back. I think you two will be cute together.” 

“As long as you think we’ll be cute together,” Matt  couldn’t help but shoot back. 

“Don’t be a smartass. He seems like a good guy.” 

“You don’t think associating with Spider-Man is dangerous? Thought you’d be more protective of your blind friend.” 

“Pffft, you’re more than capable. It’s him who needs to watch himself around you.” Foggy nudged him excitedly. “Want me to play wingman?” 

“No, please no.” 

“It’ll be like our college days again.” 

“Fog, not here or now.” Matt really didn’t need Peter picking up on this conversation. 

“Later, then.”

“Nope.” Matt said as he escaped to his office. “Never.”