Work Text:
Notes: They are 27.
Eugene Thompson.
Fash internally scold as his real name. He alway hates it, especially when he has to put it on any type of paperwork or have it said out loud by someone else. It's not like he got made fun of, or bullied because of it. No.
He hates the name because of the memories of his dad getting drunk and beating him up while shouting his name over and over again. Or when the senior Thompson repeats his name in the attempt to scare while Flash hides in his closet. The only reason Flash hasn't legally got risk of his name is it is the only thing tied him with his mom. At least that was what he was told.
“Rosie loves it. She named you after her great grandfather. A noisy man, but he has a good heart.”
Flash is not sure whether or not to believe his dad. Sure, he was on his dead bed, sure he got cancer. But it doesn't make Flash automatically forgive him, maybe he should but his trauma decided otherwise.
Flash absentmindedly filled out his rental agreement while giving his past trauma a visit. Flash makes the wise decision to sign up for the army after graduating college, with 2 years of training and 3 years of active duty, Flash would say he is doing pretty alright. Well, at least it was, until a mission went wrong and Flash lost his left leg. He got dismissed as an injured soldier in combat. The military agreed to pay for his hospital stay and treatment, for his leg and therapy of course. During 5 years of serving in the army, Flash saved up quite a bit of money, he hoped it was enough to keep him alive for the next 6 months, in New York. That is also why he tried to cut costs on everything he could.
Right now, he is living in a sketchy hotel in Queens that costs $11 a night, $77 a week and $130 a month. But Flash knows that he has to find somewhere else to live that is safer and cheap enough, because have he ever mentioned that the hotel was sketchy? Because it is. And he doesn't want to wake up in the next morning and find that some of his organs are missing. If he wakes up at all.
Talk about sketchy, this rent offer is also, well, sketchy. (He should think of better vocabulary, he has been repeating the word sketchy for like 5 times now) Flash came across this offer surprisingly though newspaper, god he feels old, who read newspaper in 2022. Anyway, the house was in upstate New York, offered a one bedroom with an attached bathroom, the kitchen and living room are free to use, and he only had to pay rent which is $500 A MONTH. Which is the biggest red flag ever because with that offer there is no way it is that cheap. Which is why he was hesitant for a while, but other offers were way too expensive and when Flash witnessed 2 people exchange some subtain in the hallway of his hotel. He called the shot.
Flash call the phone number provided in the newspaper, and apparently he was the only one that dumb enough to actually call. No, it is not a scam, the offer was real, but the woman on the other line said that because it sounds too sketchy that is why nobody believes it. Flash talks with her for a bit, and they make an appointment for an interview, which is very questionable. Do we even need an interview to rent a room?
And that leads him to the present, they meet in a coffee shop, talk for a bit and then the lady -Olivia- ask him some genetic question like name, jobs, etc. then give him the rent agreement. Which he already finished filling out, and now she was giving him an NDA!!!!!!! Which is the biggest red flag he has ever seen.
“What is this?” Flash asks, making sure Olivia sees his frown.
Olivia looked up from whatever she was doing and gave him an apologetic smile, at least she knew it was weird to sign an NDA for renting a room. “I apologize, I know it was very suspicious to offer an NDA for a rent agreement but the house owner is a scientist and he wants to make sure that his soon to be housemate doesn't leak his research to the opposite competitor.”
That doesn't make sense, Flash scolds, Who just leaves their research in the living room?
“Our genius likes to bring his work home and leave it around the house, more common than you think.” Great! A stupid genius! Oliver adds “You don't have to sign the paper right now, of course. Our menace is not back until tomorrow.” Menace?? Flash scolds again, still reading the NDA, whatever face he makes must be funny cause he hears Oliver giggle “It was an inside joke, sorry.” Yeah, right! Because it is very funny.
“Anyway, he will be back tomorrow. You can keep the paper, feel free to review it with a lawyer if you want, we can give you a tour tomorrow and if you like it, you can move in at any time you want.”
Flash internally thanks her for that, cause he doesn't want to lose any of his organs or being experimented on. They agree to meet at 1PM at the coffee shop again, and she will drive him to the scientific house. Flash now makes a note to buy her something as a thank you gift, because moving around with crutches is not doing very well for his back.
***
Flash spent 4 hours in his hotel room reading the NDA over and over again, just to make sure there no hole or any hidden suspicious offer, and well it isn't. Yeah, he is not the smartest person ever but he is pretty good at literature. He signed the NDA in advance before he showed up to the coffee, gave it to Olive and now they are standing in front of a porch while Oliver is calling someone, fuming.
Granted, she did ring the doorbell for like 5 times already but no one seemed to answer. She excused herself while furiously tapping on her phone. On his way here, he had a pretty good glance around the neighborhood, and he noticed right away that it was a hundred times better than Flash's previous hotel. The area was filled with comfortable and application looking houses, there is a park and convenient store nearby, most of the houses have their own garage and mailbox, and pretty-ecstatic looking bush and tree just a few additional sprinkled on top. Also, there is a nice old woman baking cookies and smiling at him across the street. This neighborhood just ticks off every box about a good area to live in.
He hears Oliver say something about blasting then hangs up the phone, at that moment the house seems to vibrate like there is a concert band inside the house, and a loud thug like something has fallen off. Obviously knowing what is happening, a smug look appears on Oliver's face when she rings the doorbell again, Flash makes a note for himself to not pissed her off in the future. Soon enough, Flash starts to hear footsteps getting closer and the door bush opens.
And standing there was Peter Parker.
Well, it all makes sense now. Scientist! Parker was smart, and had a pretty much an obsession with chemistry and biology. Weird nicknames and lack of time is probably a habit from his high school years. Parker alway late to class and no nickname can be worse compared to whatever Flash calls him in their highschool years.
And then the realization hit him like a truck.
This is Peter Parker.
This is the person he has been bullied and made his school life a living hell during his first 3 years of highschool, they kinda be friends in the second semester of senior years but it doesn't make Flash feel any better.
Guess I lost my opportunity to live in this neighborhood now. Flash thinks as Parker squints his eyes at him and Oliver. Well, it was focused on Oliver first but then moved to him after Parker offered her a tire ‘hi’. Flash tries to smile but he remembers Captain Sheridan once said his smile looked like he was ready to strangle whoever stood in his way so Flash decided to go against it.
“Flah??” Parker mumer, one hand shot up to cover his eyes from the sunlights.
“Hey! Parker.” Flash wave his hand and then immediately feel stupid.
“W-Wha you doing here?”Now Parker is roughly assaulting his face with his hands, looking slightly more focused.
Before Flash even answers, Oliver cut in.
“I guess you both know each other but aren't you going to invite us inside, Peter? My legs are dying!!!”
Parker chuckled weakly “Sorry, O! Come in guys.”
Then he moved out of the way and went inside.
“Make yourself at home, I just need a cup of coffee and I'm all set.” He said as he disappeared from the corner “Do you guys need anything? Water? Coffee?”
“Water is fine!” Flash manages to yell out his answer while struggling to take his shoe off and putting on the softed cute white rabbit with a heart slipper.
“Do you want to look around?” Oliver asks, then points at the kitchen behind her “because the little genius over there needs his daily caffein, and it's gonna take a while.”
Flash of course couldn't say no to that. Because, whatever scientist jobs Parker is doing right now definitely pay a fortune judging by the interior design of the living room. The area feels like fall with its warm hues, painted a neutral white with warm yellow light, giving it a cozy feel. There is a medium sized leather couch, and above it, is an iron rod frame filled with books, some trophies, and a few pictures. On the side of the leather couch is a dark wooden end table containing photos of Parker family probably, Flash assumed, a scented candle, and a flower shaped lamp. Two windows that bring light to the room have baby blue colored curtains on each side. The light from the windows feels as if the sun is standing right outside. Across from the couch is a wooden coffee table, and on the wall opposite to it is a large 65’inches flatscreen TV with a DVD and projector underneath. On the end table is another lamp, a wooden bowl for keys, a fabric flower arrangement, and other rod iron décor. Above the end table is an antique looking mirror, which reflects the sunlight from the windows beautifully.
Flash breath in the coffee smell that started to spill through the kitchen, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking view of the place. Oliver must understand what he is thinking cause she just smiles at him then motions Flash to follow her.
Parker house is insanely big for someone who lives alone. The place has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen and a basement. They start at the second floor, Oliver brings him to his purposely bedroom first (if Parker wants him to live there), which is across Parker bedroom. The place looks great with a bed in the middle of the room, covered with gray bed sheets, a desk, chair, wardrobe, with completed interior design, and it was double the size of his hotel room. Flash still can't believe that the rent for this place wasn't $1000 a month or more, and he is glad that the offer is too suspicious for everyone that gave him this opportunity. Flash also learns that May-Parker's aunt- seems to travel around the world that why one of the rooms is empty and the other is for his friends when they decide to crash.
After a look around, Oliver took him to Parker labs, which is the basement, and Holy Shit! Parker labs look like it was something out of a science futurist movie, there is a big spare room made out of glass in the middle, test tube, lab coat, safety gloves were scattered in one of the tables beside the glass room. Some equipment, machines and tubes that Flash has no idea what it is for but very impressive with it. Flash hoped one day Parker would let him explore the place, not just standing from the entrance.
Flash hears Oliver snorted beside him. “Impressive right?” she asks with a wide grind. “You wont feel that way after a million time he rants about it and the ‘science’ he does in here.” She emphasizes the word ‘science’, while shaking her head.
Flash arches his eyebrow. “I thought you scientists like to talk about science?”
Oliver snorted again, this louder “Do I look like a scientist to you?” she asked.
True to that, Oliver looks like she belongs in a business meeting, or a CEO chair rather than a scientist.
“Nah, you look like a business person.” Flash voices his thoughts out loud.
Oliver nods her head in approval. Then a loud clad seemed to interrupt whatever she was about to say. Breathing out “We should go up, in case he broke something?”
***
And no, Parker does not break anything, well anything but himself. The first sight is that great Flash and Oliver is Parker lay on the cold wooden floor with one hand holding up the coffee mug like he wanted to save it with his life.
After a lot of scolding from Oliver, they all settle down in the living room again. Parker now looks more awake and energetic than he was before, with his glasses on, looking ‘professional’. Flash was surprised since Parker hasn't kicked him out yet. He repeated the offer to Flash: everythings here is free to use, just pay rent every month and it's good. And set up some boundaries like: no invading personal space, clean up after themself, don't wander into the labs by himself, etc.
“I just wanna make sure no one dies in my labs.” Parker jokes, but Flash senses some warning behind it. He nods. And they pretty much all set, Parker said he can move in as soon as today if he wants to and offer to help. Flash feels like he is already taking so much advantage of Parker so he kindly declines. Parker looks like he wanna say something but then is against it, then Oliver walks in.
“Sorry guys, but I have to go now! There was a meeting that happened in 30 mins and I was able to make it on time if someone is not running late!!!” The last part was directed to Parker, he looked guilty.
“Sorry…”
“You should, but i forgave you if you drive Eugeneto pick up his stuff.” she pointed at him.
“No! No! I can take the subway or something. Don't wanna bother.” Flash word dies down under her glare.
“Nonsense!! He has a day off today.” Point at Parker “And I'm not gonna let you move a dozen across a city when Mr. Professor right here has a car!” Flash doesn't really get her point but he knows she just wants to make it easy for him, Flash appreciated it.
***
The ride with Parker is interesting. Flash can't stretch enough of how he appreciates Parker's kindness, they were very awkward at the beginning but then quickly settled into small chatter, updating on each other's life. Flash told Parker about his time in the military and Parker told him about his life after highschool. Flash learns that after highschool, Parker went to Columbia for Biological and physical science, managed to get his PhD with half of the class he took online, only presented for labs and testing. Parker also brushes over the hardship he faced after college, but quickly manages to have a job as a pay intern at Oscorp then manage to become head of science in 3 years.
And Flash is glad to hear that. He is glad that Parker managed to get his life together because Flash knows that Parker deserts it. Flash alway knew that his act of bullying during their highschool year is an act of jealousy. Flash alway assumed that Parker had a perfect life at home, while Flash getting beat around by his dad. Jealous of Parker because he alway has the highest grade in school while Flash is struggling to not fail his test. Jealous of Parker luck in friends while all peoples Flash hang out with alway want something from him, whether it power or highschool status. But after the incident of Parker uncle getting shot, Flash realized that maybe a lot of things just look appealing from the outside. For once, Flash learns that Parker's parents have died when he was 8 years old, and starts living with his aunt and uncle since then. Parker's family never had a lot of money, he was in a scholarship program almost his entire life,with small sobbing sounds in the wash room or his lack of attentiveness making Flash hate him less, and then Gwen.
Flash does believe that Gwen is the best thing that happened to Parker after his uncle passed away, that is why when he hears about Gwen, he just can't bring himself to hate Parker anymore. How can he hate Parker after what he went through? Flash believes Parker desert to have a better life and rightfully so.
“We’re here!” Parker smiles, looking over. Flash realized he was zone out again, he has been doing that alot lately.
“Thanks, Parker!”
“Peter!”
“Huh?” Flash looks up seeing Parker smiling at him.
“You know you can call me Peter right?”P̶a̶r̶k̶e̶r̶ Peter now has a smug look that mirrors Olive earlier.
“Umm…..Thanks, Peter?” Flash saw P̶a̶r̶k̶e̶r̶ smile widened, and his stomach did the butterfly thing again.
“No problem. Do you want me up there too? I can help you carry stuff, it's not like I think you cant but i just want you to know i can help.” He added, awarkly.
“I'm fine, Peter! I have been living by myself for a while now, I can manage.” Flash chuckle. That is not a lie but he alway appreciated help, but he just doesn't want Peter to pity him anymore than he is. And he was glad that Peter seemed understood.
“Ok.” Flash smiles at the childishness in Peter's voice. “I’ll wait inside then.”
Flash doesn't really like the idea of it. He already acts protective despite the fact they are basically strangers until an hour or so ago, but he didn't want Peter to think of him like a freak so he gave Peter a warning.
“Yeah, just be careful, people around here are kinda shady tho.” Peter giggles again as his choice of work so Flash counts it as a win.
“Gee! So protective.”
Flash joke “Not protective, I just think you can't move anything with those noodle arms you have.”
Peter makes a strange noise while clutching at his heart, mock offended “Im hurt!! I'm very hurt!!! The betrayal!!!!”
Flash laughs louder, patting Peter back, guiding him inside.
Flash tries to pack as quickly as he can, feeling unsafe to leave Peter alone in the main hall. But he was met with the sigh of Peter laughing with Fleur- the owner of this hotel- in Italian. Then Flash saw Fleur reach his hand over the counter top trying to pinch Peter's face, while muttering something in Italian. On their way back, Flash chuckled.
“That's pretty impressive.”
“What?”
“Whatever you did back at the main hall. I never saw him look anything less than murderous, and i believe he threatening to kill the person live across my room multiple time with a gun.”
“Aw~Don't say that~he's just lonely.”
“Sure~whatever you said~” Flash copied Peter's voice which made him giggle again and Flash felt like there was a butterflied cave in his stomach. He felt all happy and goo-ey. Maybe this is a good start. Flash thinks, looking forward to the future for once.
_________________
Living with Peter Parker is something else.
For one, the man can't cook for himself. (Flash is not sure about his choice of the word ‘man’ since Peter still has that baby face that hasn't changed even a slightest after highschool.) Flash comes to this horror realization 2 days after moving in. The only thing Peter manages to make that is edible is coffee and that is also debatable.
(“No, Peter! Coffee mix Red Bull, Cheetos, and Monster are not edible!!”
“IT IS!!”)
It was a little strange the first few weeks of living together. Peter is actually never there, Flash alway feels like he is the only one living there which is strange. Peter has a very busy schedule, he has his Oscorp job on during day time and he works in his labs after he steps foot inside the house. That is why Flash takes the responsibility as chef of the house. Actually, he feels guilty if he hasn't actually done something, while he is looking for a job, he also tries to make the grocery become his responsibility too. But he has been failing so far, it's like Peter can read minds, whenever the food in the fridge was running low, and he makes a mental note to go grocery shopping then magically the fridge is restocked overnight. That is the battle that Flash is still fighting.
Flash time in the army has taught him many things, and his culinary skill is part of it. Granted, it's nothing fancy or pretty looking but it tastes decent and edible (looking at you, Peter!!) Now Flash has a kitchen to himself. He wants to learn how to make more and different varieties of food, especially when Peter puts something that tastes good or he has never tried before in his mouth, making an enjoyable sound with his eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.
Flash also learns a little about Peter's eating habit. One, Peter cant eat spicy food. There this one time he was making Pad Thai, and he only added enough pepper for a little tingle in his tongue. It was okay at first but after 3 bites, Peter's whole body was heating up and he was begging for milk (it sounds kinda wrong in his head) and it was better only after Peter had smallow a whole jug of milk and a spoonful of ice cream.
Second, Peter hates cold drinks. Peter prefers every drink he has warm, from coffee to chocolate to latte to tea. There this one time Peter has told Flash that if lemonade tastes good if warm he would warm it up before he drinks too. And that made Flash give Peter a stink eye for the rest of the day. It also gave Flash the idea to include some kind of soup in every meal they have together.
Third, Peter has a sweet tooth. A very very sweet tooth. Flash once witnessed Peter inhale a 3 layer 14’in strawberry cake that Oliver bought for him as a snack. So yeah, Peter has an insanely sweet tooth. And sadly, it is something Flash can't make. Flash never baked in his life so his first attempt of making chocolate chip cookies, it turned out spicy (????) for some reason. And after a few more attempts Flash finally admits to himself that he doesn't have baking talent, and it is a waste of food and money so he stops but it still hurts. (Don't shame him, he just wants to make Peter happy ok.)
Flash also picks up some of Peter's personal habits, because he is a̶ ̶s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶e̶r̶ very observant.
First, Peter is probably the nicest human being that Flash has ever met. Peter is smart and awkward at first but after you know him, he quickly turns to this smart mouth snarky and science nerdy that everyone loves. Peter also loves to help everyone whenever he can. He help some kids who live near them with their homeworks, help moving boxes for a couple that just move in, join a knitting party with Mr. Warrant, helps Ms. Sandra baked apple pie. And Flash just can't help falling in love, and yes, he is an adult he can deal with his own feelings. (At least that what be believe)
Second, Peter has an insane sleep schedule. Flash can wander in the kitchen at 3 AM in the morning and finds Peter still widely awake, having his coffee. Or he comes home at 4 PM after a scavenger hunt for a job outside and finds Peter still deeply asleep.
And lastly, Spider-Man. Actually, the kind heart who loves to help and the insane sleep schedule make sense now. (Thinking of it, how Peter still manage to work in labs, work at Oscorp, Spider-Man-ing and still have time for Peter Parker is insane) How Flash found out that Peter is Spider-Man is not an accident, Peter just wandered in the kitchen wearing a full Spider-Man costume and sat down like it was just another Saturday. Flash thought it was a cosplay costume at first then Peter start to FUCKING WALK ON THE CEILING and also gave him a heart attack. Finding out Peter is Spider-Man is shocking enough but then the gesture of Peter revealing his identity to Flash because Peter trusts him, makes Flash cry from the inside.
In Flash's conclusion, Peter is an all-round-perfect-person. Is that a little too much? No it is not! Because of Peter Parker, that title is perfect for him.
Living with Peter Parker is a blessing.
Flash hasn't felt this happy since his 6 years old birthday.
He is still looking for a job, his leg still acting up from time to time and his crush on Peter hasn't led him to nowhere, but he is happy. Nothing can be better than this.
Until one day, Flash opened the door and was greeted with a sight of a teenage kid who looked around 14-15 years old with curly brown mop and big brown doe eyes.
The kids greeted him with an awkward smile, a little wave and asked.
“D-Does Peter Parker live here?”
___________________________
Peter is screwed.
He knows that, thank you very much, no need to remind him so shut up brain.
All Peter remember is working with Mr. Stark in his labs, then Ms. Pott (or is that Potts-Stark now?) barge into the room and pulling Mr. Stark away because apparently he was hiding from the board director meeting that NEEDED him to be there while shooting him and apologetic look.
Mr. Stark tells him to work on his suit while he is away and promises to ‘show him something cool’ when he gets back. But after 30 minutes alone, he had already fixed the problem with his suite, finished his homework, so he was bored. And Peter curies get the best of him.
You see, Peter experiences a lot of weird things happen to him. Get bit by a spider, stop crime, meet Mr. Stark, fight the Avenger, fight this man with big win, become Mr. Stark intern, fight a purple alien titan, got blip away for 5 years, come back, fight the purple alien titan again, see Mr. Stark almost die, Mr. Stark lives, becomes Morgan's older brother, and apparently now he is an heir to Stark Industry.
Yeah, he can deal with weird things.
That is why when Mr. Stark told him about the time travel machines, he was intrigued.
So his dumbass brain made the decision to just take a look at the time travel machine after being bored for 30 mins. At first, true to his word, Peter only looks, trying to figure out what is the function of each button but then, a blue button has caught his attention.
He concluded that the bar is for suggested timeline, the map is for suggestive landing place, graphs show change of success, which switch turns what on, which button will shut it down, he basically almost figures out how the machine works just by looking at it and having it not on.
And then he saw the blue button, he had been staring at it for 5 minutes now and he had no idea what it was for.
“FRIDAY?”
“Yes, Peter? How may I assist you?”
“Do you know what this button is for?” Peter is nervous now. He was just curious at first, but the more he stared at it, the more his spider tingle screamed at him to push it. Not in a dangerous way, but like if you don't, you will regret sort of.
“I apologize, Peter. But boss added that button a few weeks prior and informed me not to tell anyone about its purpose.” Come the female Irish voice again.
“O-Okay!” That is not helping at all, but maybe this is what Mr. Stark wants to show him today. He can wait.
“FRIDAY?” before she even replied, he added again. “Do you think Mr. Stark is gonna be mad if I push it?”
There was a short silence, then she replied.
“Based on my calculation, two scenarios will occur, nothing bad or something bad will happen. If nothing happens, then there will be no need to inform the boss about it so he will not get mad. But if the case falls in the second option, there will be a 100% boss getting mad and very pissed off.” Maybe Peter starts to imagine things but FRIDAY sounds very smug, can you even hear emotion?
When Peter is about to give up, his spider tingle tingle at him again. Like it was telling you're gonna miss it.
Finally Peter gave in, he pushed the button. Of course nothing happened, the power is not even on, how can something happen. Then, he was covered in white bright light and when Peter came back to his consciousness, he was standing under the Manhattan Bridge.
Gladly, he was in his civilian clothing. Gladly, he has his Iron Spider suit with him. But NOT gladly, is the date he sees in the newspaper.
August 21, 2022.
Peter kinda freak out at that. Because just this morning, his calendar was saying May 7, 2025, so he time travel, great! At first he thought that he could come to the Avenger tower, explain things to Mr. Stark about the future. But then he realized, this is not New York. Well, not his New York. Putting his suit on under his civilian clothing, Peter began walking from the bridge to the Avenger Compound instead of swinging because he doesn't want to cause confusion, because it is 2022 and he belongs to the group of peoples that have been blip away.
But what shocked him the most is there was nothing, no nig tower with letter A on it, just a building construction. And Peter knows that is not what happened. He knows that the tower has been sold. Yes! But Mr. Stark bought it back before the buyer had a chance to do anything with it.
Very confusing, he stops one lady that seems like she is not in a rush.
“Miss!! Hi, sorry for bothering me!” The lady is slightly annoyed but she stops, so Peter counts it as a win “Do you know what happened to the Avenger building?”
“What building?” The lady is now frowning at him, Peter chuck nervously.
“T-The A-Avenger Compound? You know? Earth Mightiest Heroes? T-They live here.”
That lady is now looking at him like he was crazy, Peter added.
“Y-You Know? T-Tony S-Stark? Iron Man? C-Captain America?” The last part came out like a squeak, Peter's cheek got redder as her brown seemed to knit together in confusion.
“I have no idea who you are talking about.” She claimed, and now Peter began to panic. Seemed like so because the lady looked very sympathetic to him, she reached her hand inside her purse, pulled out a 50 dollar bill, told him to go home then leave.
Peter almost had a full blown panic attack, then KAREN in his suit spoke up, guiding him through the breathing exercises. After coming down from the atack, Peter now looks around again and notices a different
New York is much fuller. He has watched some clips of the city after the blip and it definitely looks less full than this, and the people seem to not know about the blip. This is definitely not New York. Peter thinks then he asks, looking at his phone.
Breathe in, breathe out.
“Hey KAREN. Are you there?”
“Yes, Peter. I see you are in a tight situation, would you like me to do something?”
Breathe in, breathe out.
“Can you get access to the internet?” The best way to get information is online, he knows that.
KAREN went silent for a while, too long, and it made Peter nervous.
Breathe in, breathe out.
“Its seems like my Stark network has been disconnected, right now i'm running on batteries and backup files that Mr. Stark and you have installed. It may take me a while, 24 minutes to be exact but I can, would you like me to do so?”
“Yes KAREN, please do so.” KAREN’s reply is a blessing, at least now he is calming down.
Looking down at the 50 dollars that the lady has given him, Peter would thank her if he had a chance to meet her again.
_______________
Peter used $5 dollard to take the subway to Queens and $10 to buy 3 cheese burgers to fill up a portion of his stomach. On his way to Queens, KAREN informs him that she has access to the internet, but it was outdated and she is disgusted by it. Peter laughs, but can't get back to her yet since the train is full with people. Peter has to agree to KAREN comment, everything looks outdated, he saw a few pedestrians use flip phones, but most use something that looks alot like iphones. Everyone technology on this train screams 2014 rather than 2022 to Peter, and that thought is scary enough.
Peter is kinda scare to pull out his phone because his phone is a customized Stark phone that made by Mr. Stark himself. It looks like a regular clear plastic but if he presses the power button, then it becomes a glass screen with a slight holographic pop. It was indestructible, untraceable, fireproof, super-strength proof, Hulk proof, and poison (???) proof. KAREN also installed on his phone incase of him indange then she will send him his spider suit to protect him. The point he tries to make here is he dont want to cause any unwanted attention because of his phone, or he is just being too worried since this is New York after all.
Arriving at Queens, Peter was greeted with a mustache man screaming about Spider-Man is a menace to society? J. Jonah Jameson. That's what the man said his name was. But at least he gave Peter some very useful information: Spider-Man existed in this world!!! Peter has some idea about what has happened to him: multiverse theory. A hypothetical group of multiple universes.
Peter is gonna bounce off the wall if he hasn't experienced many emotions in the past hour: confused, scared, worried, shy, frustrated, sad, embarrassed, disappointed, tired, panicked, calm, excited, and curious.
That was a roller coaster of emotion! Peter thinks to himself, having no idea what to do next.
I can ask this world Spider-Man for help! His brain supplied an answer.
But what if he saw me as a threat? Peter shot it down.
Can’t be. We’re Spider-Man, we're cool. Thank you brain and ego, you’re not helping.
Tired of talking to himself, Peter decided against the idea of meeting this world Spider-Man. His tingle has been very silent the whole time, so maybe that is not a bad idea, maybe he should find a bit more information before they meet.
What if this world Spider-Man is not Peter Parker? Is every Peter Parker gonna become Spider-Man?
Now he is worried, thank again brian.
But Peter has to find a place with electricity, and maybe a screwdriver, maybe some wire to charge his phone with. He remembers KAREN said that she is running on batteries so if his phone died, KAREN may die with it, and Peter does not want it to happen.
Using the remaining money, Peter manages to find a small hotel in a very… questionable area, but it was cheap, only $11 dollar a night. And Peter doesn't intend to stay here for long. Peter learns that the only worker, also an owner here, Mr. Fleur was a very kind man. Mr. Fleur lets Peter borrow his clothes to change out while he waits for his normal clothes to be washed. He also lets Peter borrow his screwdriver if he agrees to fix the light in the storage room. Of course Peter agreed to it.
After fixing the light, saying goodnight to Mr. Fleur, Peter flopped down into the bed of his hotel room. He lay there for a few seconds then used the screw driver and some tech he found in the dumpster to make an impromptu phone charger. Not the best quality, but it was the best he could do. Say a quick good night to KAREN, Peter drifts off into the dream land. I'm gonna be so pissed about this!
_________________________
So Peter Parker does exist in this world.
He looked nothing like Peter himself.
And he was 27.
Peter was terrified and excited at the sametime. This universe Peter was older so Peter assumed he would be more mature, and more experienced, Peter hoped. Peter found this information at a local library computer, he was lounging around until he found a computer that the user forgot to log out of, he waited around long enough to make sure they were not coming back.
Peter tries to search for SI, Tony Stark, Steve Roger, Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America first. Even KAREN already told him that there does not exist in this world, it doesn't stop him from hoping. The result was misspelling of what he searched for or alternation of it, but he hasn't seen any familiar face he knows. Then he searches for Spider-Man. The result pops up was something else!
Lizard Attack: Spider-Man Involvement!!!
Murderer! Spider-Man And The Death Of Captain Stacy!!!
Thief! Spider-Man Shows His True Color!!
Reward For Proof!!!
Who Is Spider-Man??
Most of the articles come from a newspaper called The Daily Bugle run by the JJJ man. Read almost every single article (what! Ned is not the only one that is obsessed with Spider-Man!!) Peter sniggers to himself, the last public article about Spider-Man was last night stopping a robbery in Manhattan, then he searches for Peter Parker next.
There were not as many results as when he searched for Spider-Man, but based on a few articles that pop up he quickly created an image for this universe Peter. Head scientist at Oscorp, best friend with the CEO Harry Osborn, invented a cure for Dr. Connor, a new and improved bleed kit, Spider-Man photographer.
Which almost made Peter choke on his own spit, he definitely gonna read this article later after he found out if this world Peter is Spider-Man or not.
He connects KAREN to the local library. Let her cover his tracks, while he hack into the surveillance cameras, especially in Queens and Manhattan. He may not be as good as Ned but he knows enough to hack into a very outdated (KAREN word not his) tech world. Even with KAREN covering his tracks, Peter wants to make sure he does not leave any trait or any mark that other people can track back. ‘Ned gonna be so proud!!!’ Peter grinned.
After 15 minutes or so, Peter now has access to all surveillance cameras across Manhattan and Queens. Making sure no one is paying attention to him, Peter glances through all the surveillance from yesterday, trying to find the red and blue figure. Of Course he can't find anything, well anything that ties Spider-Man to Peter Parker. So he looked further, Peter was so in love. This Spider-Man is Amazing!!! He was strong, fast, smart mouthed, and definitely knew what he was doing. This Spider-Man knew how to cover up his identity and Peter thought maybe he could teach him a few tricks. And that suit is definitely amazing, Peter feels super lame now. He loves his suit but maybe he should fix the spider logo in his chest. On his way through May 8th survellain, Peter caught it. On 10th Ave in Queens, one camera caught the red and blue figure entering a second floor window of a house. Feeling giggly, Peter remembers the address then searches up that same address, and ofcourse Peter Parker is the owner of that house.
So I’m still Spider-Man, even in a different universe!!
Feeling extremely happy, Peter wrote down the address of the place, so he decided to give them a visit tomorrow. Then he goes through all the footage available around the area of that place, deleting all footage that can prove that Spider-Man is Peter Parker. Having a little time to himself, he and KAREN have created a software that can automatically delete Spider-Man figures if any camera around that area has caught it. Then he let Karen delete all his search history, then come back and read the article.
Apparently, the other Peter used to work at Daily Bugle under JJJ man, selling pictures of Spider-Man, and Peter is thrilling. He can't stop the giggly feeling he is experiencing right now, other Peter is smart about this, but also not very smart about this. For one, the other Peter, with this kind of job can control every picture the public have of him (it kinda feels like Only Fans-ish), also the context of each picture. But then he shouldn't sell it to the JJJ man. Ms. Potts (Potts-Stark?) have taught him a little about PR, and selling pictures to someone known for slandering Spider-Man names aint good rep, for both Spider-Man and Peter Parker. But now he is an Oscorp scientist so the Oscorp PR team should already handle it.
Checking his phone, 5:47, it started to get dark outside at 5: 47. Debating whether he should give other Peter a visit today or not, he decided to go against it and head back to the hotel.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Holy shit, I just stalked myself online!!
_____________________________
Peter is nervous now.
After return his room and said goodbye to Mr. Fluer, Peter walks to the address he found yesterday, but then the excitement quickly dies down when he stands at the front door, debates whether or not he should ring the doorbell.
He been standing here for abruptly 5 minutes already, and he can't. His brain keeps suggesting horrible scenarios that would end up him getting kicked out or killed and Peter does not appreciate it.
What if this Spider-Man is a real spider and eats you alive to gain power???
That was very helpful, brain. You can shut up now!
What if he doesn't believe you and calls the cops??
Thank you brain, please shut up!
What if he wants to experience you?
Just, shut up!
Peter stood there for another 5 mins and the lady sitting in the rocking chair across the street started to look at him weird now, so he gave in and rang the doorbell. His enhanced hearing picks up a small snuffling sound, then foot step approach, and then the door opens.
Whoever opens that door, definitely not Peter Parker!!!!
The man was tall, buff, blond with a clean buzz cut. The man wears gray sweatpants, with a matching shirt and an olive green hoodie, and the man has definitely served in the army or at least some combat training. Based on his stand and posture, the way he stands even with crutches remains Peter of u̶n̶c̶l̶e̶ Colonel Rhodey.
Peter awarkly scratched his neck, not sure where to put his hand, he gave the man a small wave, then smiled shyly.
“D-Does Peter Parker live here?”
Gosh!!! It feels so weird saying your name in third person!!
___________________________________
Flash stares down at the kid. The kid was nervous to say the least, he kept bouncing back and forth on his feet, hand fiddling with a weird metal stick. He was wearing an oversized beige hoodie over his blue flannel shirt with black jeans and a white sneaker.
He looks like a nerd. Flash thinks.
After the kid asks for Peter, he ducks his head and silently stares at the ground like Peter is gonna appear out of it. Flash raises one eyebrow.
“And who are you?”
The kid made a weird noise in the back of his throat.
“I-I… m-my name….P-P…” the kid was shuttling, then he took a deep breath, and looked up with the biggest puppy dog eye ever. Flash feels the need to pinch that cheek so bad.
“I-I can't tell you yet, I-I'm not sure your Peter has told you about it yet.” My Peter? Flash tried very hard to fight back a blush, but the ideal of Peter becoming his was very promising. Pulling out his phone, Flash shot Peter a quick test.
Flash: Someone here looking for u?
The reply came quickly.
Peter: Who
Flash: idk
Flash:some kid.
Peter: eh, I don't remember having any meetings today.
Peter: im at the check out, be home in 10m
Flash: K
Flash put his phone away, looking at the kid again, the kid still looked at him with that hopeful doe brown puppy eye. Flash sigh, wave at the kid
“Come inside, you dont wanna stand here all day.”
****
The kid stepped foot in the house with a very aw look in his eye, observing around. While the kid was looking around, Flash was looking at the kid. Based on a bit of clue he has, Flash can connect some dots together. The kid dont know Peter, or at least they never met. He definitely never came to this house, and he was a trained soldier.
The last thought gave Flash a chilled down his spine. The kid definitely will train and definitely want to hide that fact. As the kid steps foot inside the house, he definitely alway stands behind or somewhere close to an exit if he has to be in front of Flash, he alway makes sure there is enough distance between him and Flash. Alway looking for an exit. His shoulder alway slouch down, making his features seem harmless but his arms are tense and ready to defend himself. And last, the kid is hiding something in his sleeve, based on the fact he was trying so hard not to constantly tug it.
“You want something to drink?”
The kid looks up from the family photo of May and Peter, shyly smiles at him.
“T-Thank you, mister. W-water is fine.”
Very polite, you don't see that in teenagers these days. Flash chuckle. God he sounds so old.
“None of that mister thing kid, you just added 20 years into my age.” The kid blushed again, embarrassed. “You can call me Flash.”
The kid's head shot up so fast that Flash was scared that he would snap his neck accidently and his eye looks like it's gonna bug out of his brain, it's kinda creepy.
“F-Flash Thompson? THE Flash Thompson???” The kids know his last name for some reason, he now repeats it with so much enthusiasm that made Flash nervous now.
“Just Flash kid, how do you know my last name?” Flash asks.
The kid was looking at him with awe and wonder, trying to stutter out an answer. At the exact time, the sound of the lock door opens and Peter appears. And he just stared at their guess, and the kid also went silent.
After what feels like forever, Peter and the kid just stare at each other. Then, they move.
It happened so fast, Peter and the kid both shot webs (?) at each other, then they both grab that string of webs and spin in the air, while the kid on the other hand shoots out another string of webs, restraining Peter's left hand which is still holding groceries. Apparently now the kid had an upper hand, he shot out more webs and glued Peter down to the wall near behind. Still hasn't recovered from shock, Peter just remains glue in the wall, the kid lets out a screech.
“THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!”
____________________________
The man was kind enough to let Peter inside after texting someone, he was grateful. After sliding into the cutest fluffiest kitty head slipper ever, Peter takes a look around the house. The place was extremely cozy, it reminded Peter of his apartment he shared with Aunt May. When the man went into the kitchen, offering a drink, Peter was looking at the photo on the wall. Of course he recognizes no one, except Peter of this universe. But if he had to guess, he would say the older lady with black long hair would be Aunt May in what looks like a graduation photo. There is also this beautiful blond lady, someone who looks suspiciously like Bully Maguire, and other people that look very nice too.
Finding out that the man was Eugene ‘Flash’ Thompson was shocking and surprising. They may be housemates, or even friends. Peter and Flash's relationship in his world was frenemy at most, they hated each other but that was it. He was in awe because how can this tall, buff, strong man remind him nothing about his world Flash.
Then his spider tingle starts to ping in the back of his neck, Peter looks at the front door while he hears the door open and then this universe Peter steps in. And they were staring at each other, then his spider tingle screamed at him. Peter made sure not to use too much strength to hurt but to retrain and obviously the other Peter thought that too. He let Peter restrain his left hand, didn't even bother to break free while still fighting with the other hand, Peter took that advantage to webs him on to the wall.
Still shocked and excited, Peter screeches and knows that he will be embarrassed later, but he has to let his excitement out.
“THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!”
________________________________
It was very weird for Peter in the last 2 days, his spider sense kept screaming at him, not in a dangerous way but like a curious way. At first it was trying to direct him to where Manhattan is when he is at work. Then after 2 hours or so, it starts to point in the direction of Brooklyn then Queen. Because of the workload he has been building up, Peter can't really go out and patrol right then and there but he made a mental note to check it out when he comes back doing Spider-Man-ing.
The next day, his spider sense kept telling him to check out McDonald (?) then the library in Forest Hills, and it remained pointing at the library until 5PM, then back to Queens again. But Peter was exhausted, so he went home, enjoyed the meal Flash made (he was a blessing), flirted with Flash, finished the remaining work then went to bed.
The next day was his off day, so Peter allowed himself to sleep until 11 AM. Flash said that he was gonna cook some chicken alfredo, and the name made Peter mouth watered. Then they come to the horror that they have run out of chicken and a few ingredients to make the sauce, and whoever Oliver hired to deliver their groceries was running late today. Peter took the trip to the convenient store nearby, at the check out he received a text from Flash saying someone was looking for him? Peter ran through all the people that can show up at his house and he honestly has know idea. And everyone at work knew today was his day off so they tried their best not to interrupt.
Sending Flash a short text, Peter tries to get home as fast as he can. The closer he gets to his house, the more his spider senses acting up, the same ping that has been bothering him for the last 2 days returns again. So whoever or whatever his spider senses what to check out is definitely, currently in his house.It was not dangerous, his spider sense told him that. Peter was nervous and a little bit excited at the same time. Stepping inside his house, if Peter spider senses has a physical figure at this moment, then that figure will be an enthusiastic toddler who keeps bouncing up and down, excited to see their favorite cousin or something.
When he stepped inside the house, he saw a kid with bouncy brown hair and big doe eyes stare at him, while Flash was in the kitchen. Peter and the kid stare at each other, what happens after is a blur. Peter's spider sense physically restrains him from fighting with the kid, and Peter is sure this is not supposed to happen. Peter stares down at his web hand in shock, the web is almost identical to him, and he believes hidden under the kid sleeve is his web shooter. The kid is also Spider-Man, which shocks the heck out of Peter. Because, LOOK AT THAT BABY FACE!!!! THE KID LOOK 12!!!
The kid's mouth was open, cheeks flush with embarrassment and excitement. Screeching.
“THAT WAS SO AWESOME!!!!!”
This is gonna be fun!
___________________________
Time seemed to be frozen after the kid screeched, Flash gave Peter a look from the kitchen entrance, but Peter was staring at the kid. The kid now flooded with embarrassment and hid his face in his hands, while Peter looked fond and smug. Peter coughs awkwardly still webs on to the wall, catching the kid's attention, Peter nods at the webs and raises his eyebrow.
“Aren't you gonna let me go? Or are we gonna talk like this?”
“Ohmygodimsosorrypleaseforgavemeiwillletyoudown”
Peter was laughing now, “Breath, kids.”
The kid nods, then he presses a button on his wrist, when a small bottle appears. The kid uses the bottle to spray on the webbing, then the webs dissolve in the matter of seconds. Peter gets down from the wall after all the webs have dissolved, bend down to grab the groceries bag, then snuggle on the kids side.
“Let's sit down, shall we? Then we can probably introduce this time.” Then lead his way into the kitchen with the kid trailing behind.
***
“So…..Let's start at the beginning.” Peter started after they had all settled at the sofa. The kid looked like he just ate 12 spoonfuls of sugar, eyes widened with wonder and cheek cherry red.
“I’m Spider-Man!” Peter points a finger at himself, then points at the kid “You’re also Spider-Man!” The kid nods uncontrollably, Flash settling his shock aside, worrying the kid's head might fall off.
Nodding, Peter asks “You got bitten 2 days ago?” Now the kid shakes his head, opens his mouth about to say something but Peter interrupts “You got ‘here’ 2 days ago!” Flash doesn't know what that means but he decided to let Peter handle this situation. The kid nodded again, a little calmer this time.
Peter was silent for a little, then his eyes widened, he now had a matching awe look with the kid in his eye. “You come from an alternate universe!!!” Flash's eyes widened in surprise as Peter continued “Your name is Peter Parker!!”
Can't control his antics anymore the kid reaches over, holding Peter hand in his own, shaking it with excitement
“OHMYGOD!!! Howdidyoudothis??? Itisawsome!!!!” Peter snorts while the kid continues rambling
“ohmygod, ohmygod! That was so cool!!! How did you do it??? I don't know if spiders have telepathic abilities! Can you teach me that?? Oh my god, Ned is gonna freak out!!”
Peter raises one hand up, stopping the kid from rambling, looking satisfied. “One, logic. Two, no, spiders don't have telepathic ability. Three, logic. Four, who is Ned?”
The kid stops and frowns at the question “You don't know Ned? Isn't he like….your best friend? Bff? Guys in the chair?” Peter shakes his head, the kid continues “But you do have Flash Thompson?” Flash cock his head, hearing his name get mentioned, he still tries to sort out the alternate universe things.
“I assume you know another me?” Flash jokes that explain why the kid is so surprised when he meets them.
“Yeah!!” The kid claims, while pulling out a glass screen “We in the AcaDec Team together, look!!”
He then taps something on the screen, and a blue hologram picture appears, floating. Flash opened his eyes in awe, and so did Peter. The hologram appears to be a picture taken on some sort of trip, 10 teenagers and 1 adult assumed to be the teacher, all wearing a muster yellow jacket and standing in front of a school bus, holding a banner that said ‘Go Midtown High’. Then the kid pointed at the kid with black hair standing beside the blond girl “This is Flash!!”
Before Flash has a chance to say anything, Peter bursts out laughing. Weezing.
“Hahahahahahaahah!” then take a look at the hologram, and laugh even harder. Flash chuckle, looking at his alternate self, yeah no. That kid looks like someone Flash bullied in his high school years. The kid looks confused for a second, then he looks at Flash, then at Peter who is still laughing, realizes that he is laughing about.
“Yeah, he’s not….” Then point at Flash “like that. Like, at all.” That made Peter weezing louder, clutching his stomach like he was in pain, he probably was, karma.
Flash cut in, seeing the kid pouted. “And who the rest?”
The kid's face lit up again, pointing at the Asian girl with black hair.
“This is Cindy, she is very good at social science and speech.”
Then point at the girl with curly black hair “This is Sally, she is good with literature and economics.”
Then the African boy “This’s Abe, economics, culture and history are his forte.”
Then at an Asian boy “This is Tiny, no it’s his real name, he is awesome at robotics, we besties when I'm not blowing up his project by accident.”
Then at a nerdy boy with glasses. “This is Charles, he is good with anything science related except biology.”
Then a blond girl with a headband “ Her name is Betty, she likes to be the head of Midtown new.”
Then at a chubby flippine boy “And he is Ned, my best man. He teaches me how to hack things, and is also good at robotics, math, and tech. He's awesome!”
Flash smiles at the kid enthusiasm, the kid then points at the girl who had her head in a book (Of Human Bondage?) “This is MJ, she is scary, she is the leader of the team, and she is evil.” Flash chuckled at that “And this is me and Flash, we share the same interest in the science of biology and physics.”
“So I'm a nerd?” Flash snorts, the kid thinks for a bit then shrugs.
“I don't know! Maybe? He's like a cool nerd tho. He is on the swimming and tennis team, it’s great.”
Flash hums as a reply, now interested in the device that the kid uses, so do Peter. “Is this a projector?” He asks, poking at the hologram.
“Ummmm, No actually. That is my phone.”
“How?” Peter is now asking the question.
“It was this holographic projector that Mr. Beck and Mr. Stark has developed realistic surroundings for psychotherapy but it was too big, and I really want it in my phone cause it looks so cool. I add some parts here and there, then add a few codes with Ned's help, KAREN can you put up the blueprint?” The kid calls out a few names that Flash did not recognize, and then the phone answers back.
“Of course Peter!” Then the picture of the kid team got put away and a blueprint of the projector put up. The kid started to explain where he changed the part or where he added a new code, while Peter was listening and nodding along. It was a very cute sight to witness. Flash decided to give the two nerds some time to freak out about the sciency, it has passed noon and they haven't eaten anything yet.
After 15 minutes or so, the two Peter appear, lured in by the smell of food. Hand deep in his work, Flash calls out.
“Peter, can you give me the salt?”
“Which Peter?” The Two Peters answer, while pointing at each other.
“M-my Peter.” Flash cheek slightly pink when he said that but he justified his own action.
His Peter grabs the salt and passes it to him, the kid mumble.
“We should think of some nicknames, this will get confused later.”
“Great ideal, kid! What’d you have in mind?” Peter grinds, each out a hand ruffling the kid's hair.
Annoyed, the kid tries (and fails) to fix his hair, grumbling. “Not a kid, I'm 18. How about you keep the name since it's your universe, I'll think of somethings.”
“How about Pete?” Peter grinds, the kid looks disgusted “No I hear that alot from Mr. Stark already.”
“We talk about whoever that is later! How about bambino, you look like a baby.” grumpy, the kid shook his head “No. Mr. Stark also uses that alot.”
“Hmm” Nodding his head, Peter hums, a hand on his chin. “How about Petey? That or Pete, or choice kid.” The kid makes a face “Guess I’ll go with Petey.” Then turn to Flash “Do you need any help? I'm very good at stirring pasta.”
***
So the kid (Petey) was a blessing in the kitchen, unlike someone he knew of. Petey was helping Flash with their lunches while Peter kept throwing questions at the kids left and right, but they managed to get it done before anyone passed out in hunger. They were sitting at the dining table, then Petey spoke up, directing the question to Peter.
“You didn't tell me how you knew I wasn't here 2 days ago?”
Peter put his fork on the napkin, seeming to think for an answer.
“Well, when I was at Oscorp lab, my spider-sense was screaming at me, tell me to check out Manhattan. I assumed that was where you were at first?” Petey nods, Peter continues. “Then my spider-sense start to scream at me, not in a dangerous kind, like it was saying ‘check it out, there someone I want you to see!’” Peter thinks for a bit then continues. “Then spider sense keeps humming at different times throughout the day, I actually already made plans to check it out when I went out for patrol today. But then Flash texted me and then the more I got closer to my house, where the supposed guess it, the louder spider sensed hum.”
“That explains it!” Petey nodded again. “But how do you know about my name?”
Peter chuckled. “Well the place that my spider sense told me to check out also included a public library. I assumed that you were looking for Spider-Man help but you did not come to me as Spider-Man but Peter Parker. I came to the conclusion that you were searching for Peter Parker first, where I live, then I assumed you hacked into the surveillance camera for some evidence linking me and Spider-Man then decided to come!” Throwing both Flash and Petey a cocky grin, Peter wiggle his eyebrow. “Am I right?!”
The kid bounced up and down in his seat. “That Is Sooo Cool!!”
Flash and Peter both grin at the kid antics. Then Petey added.
“My spider-sense is also the reason why I'm here!! I was checking out the time travel machine that Mr. Stark made it, but he was not there.” Flash eye widen in shock for the hundred times today as the mention of time travel. But the kid continued, “So I'm just looking at the machine right? But then my senses start to scream at me to push the button, i know i shoundt but my sense never does anything like that before, it mostly just tells me to dodge in danger but never like this. So I push the button and then I'm here!!” Petey breath out, apparently out of breath.
“Who is Mr. Stark?”
“What years are you from?”
Flash and Peter both ask at the same time, looking at each other, Flash motions Peter to speak first.
“I assumed you must come from a future timeline jugging by your tech and a time travel machine? If I have to guess, is it 2050? 2060?”
Petey shakes his head, shoving another spoonful of chicken in his mouth.
“Is it 2024 actually.”
“No way!!”
“You're lying!”
Appearing to be having fun, Petey shakes his head.
“Nope!!”
“How??” Peter asks with wonder, “They are only 2 years ahead of our timeline. How can that be possible?”
Petey now grinding from ear to ear.
“Not to brag or anything. But it is all due to Mr. Stark, he is the greatest mind of our time!! He created the most advanced tech of the whole world, he created the suite, the tech, clean energy, and he also invented time travel.”
“Wow!!” Flash needs some time to put all this information together, he asks. “So who is this Mr. Stark guys?”
Petey chuckled. “I keep forgetting that you don't have the Avengers in your world?”
Peter spoke up. “Avengers? Is that a band?” Then look at Petey. “You're in a band?”
Petey looks offended, glares at Peter. Flash has to force back a laugh, the kid looks like an angry puppy, and Peter must think so too. Petey buffing his chest up.
“No!! The Avengers are Earth Mightiest Heroes!! They are a group of people with special abilities. There are 6 original members but I think that is triple in size now. Mr. Stark is the leader, or co-leader along with Captain America.” The name seems a bit ridiculous to Flash but he keeps his thoughts to himself. “Mr. Stark is Iron Man, there is also Hawkeye, Black Window, Thor, Hulk. They are the OG 6.” Take a deep breath, the kid continues. “Mr. Stark is Tony Stark: Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist. He was making money by selling weapons before he got kidnapped by his own weapon, and had to put an arc reactor in his chest to keep him alive. He then makes the Iron Man suit to escape and become a superhero.”
Nodding along with the kid, Peter asks.
“Then how do you know him then?”
The kid was a little embarrassed, scratching the back of his neck.
“You may not like this but Mr. Stark recruited me to fight with him.”
“He did WHAT?” the kid whined.
“So Captain America and Mr. Stark had this argument about a public Accord and then instead of talking things out like adults did, they went to war. Mr. Stark made me a new suit in an attempt to let me fight for him so I did. But we are all good now. He created the time travel machine to bring me back, and he let me work with him in the labs.” Petey added after seeing the angry look on Peter 's face.
“Ugh, maybe I need to talk to him if we do have a chance to meet.” Peter meets Petey nervously look, the ad. “Can't let anyone hurt my baby brother!!” Petey's face now cherry red in embarrassment, but nodded along. Flash said warringly.
“What do you mean ‘bring back’? What happened?” Seeing the kid hesitated, Flash quickly added. “It Okay if you don't wanna talk about it!!” Petey seems to think for a little bit, then shakes his head.
“It's fine, I can talk about it. My therapist said it would be better if I talk about it!” They are all silent waiting for the kid to speak, Petey thinks for a moment. “Umm, there is this mad titan from space, he believes that the only way to bring balance to a planet is to randomly kill half of the population to bring balance on to the other half.”
“That bullshit!” Flash claimed, Petey nodded.
“Yeah! He found the quickest way to do it is to collect all 6 of the Infinity Stones. That led him to Earth, Dr. Strange, he’s a wizard, was in possession of the time stone, and Thanos wanted the stone. Mr. Stark flies out of space trying to save him, and I tag along.” Petey took another deep breath. “We were fighting him, at that time he already had 4 stones, and the Dr. Strange gave up the Time Stones to save us. And then after that, Thanos went to Earth to retract the Mind Stones, and I assumed he won the war.” The kid chuckled sadly. “He snapped his finger, and that was it, half of the universe turned to dust, I was one of them.”
Peter places a hand on the kid's shoulder, rubbing it in comfort. Petey continues. “Then 5 years later, Mr. Stark created a time travel machine, stole the stone from a different timeline, and snapped everyone back to life, then we fought Thanos again, but this time, we won.” Petey smiled, “Mr. Stark almost dies, but he manages to live and now he has adopted me.”
Flash blink, “What?”
“So now you are a billionaire?”
Whatever face they make, Peter laughs. “No, at least not yet. The paperwork is still in process.”
“Does that mean you are the heir to a billion-dollar company?” Peter asks, fake fainting. “Should I kidnap you and ask your dad for ransom?”
“No!” Petey squeak, Flash chuckle, play along. “It's actually a good ideal.” Petey shot him a betrayal look, Peter stood up, walked toward the kid. “Should we start our plan now?” and jump at the kid. Petey managed to let out a loud squeeze before getting tackled.
Flash chuckle, the kid has gone through a lot in his life, a little of fun wouldn't hurt.
***
Peter was washing the dish, Flash and Petey were talking silently in the living room. Flash put on some news on the TV for background noises. Can't hold back his curiosity anymore, Flash asks. “Do you have your suit with you?”
“Yes!” Petey answered, “I have my Iron Spider suit but not the normal one, I use the other one to patrol rather than the Iron Spider. Do you wanna see it?”
“Yes!!”
“No!!” Peter called out from the kitchen, “Please wait for me, I wanna see it too.” Peter whined, still washing the dish. Flash and Petey laugh at his antics, but agree to wait for him. Still curious, Flash starts to ask the kid some questions about his school, his ‘nerd team’. Petey happily answers along with some questions Peter threw at him from the kitchen.
“Ok! I'm done! Let me see, let me see!” Peter claimed, bouncing like a toddler. “Do you need to use the bathroom?” he asks Petey, the kid chuckles nervously but shakes his head. Petey then takes off his sweater, and then taps a rhythmic pattern on his chest. Then a mini robot flooded out of his chest, covering every inches of his skin, minus his head. Unlike Peter's spider suit with the main color scheme of red and blue, the kid suit is considered red and black with a gold outline. Flash whistle while Peter exclaims in shock.
“Is that Nano tech?”
“Yeah, Mr. Stark invented it.” Petey chuckled nervously. “He also added an AI to my suite. KAREN said hi.”
“Hello Peter and company!” the suit spoke, Peter and Flash started at the sound. “Peter! Since I connected to the suit, there seem to be a message for you from Mr. Stark. Sent 57 minutes ago, would you want me to play the message?”
Petey's eyes widened. “Yes, Please KAREN!” Then a male voice speak up.
‘First of all, kid, you're grounded!’ Petey eyes widened, Flash can hear some snickering in the background of the recording. `With the wizard's help, I can pinpoint where you are from the other universe, but you haven't put on the suit, so I can't contact you yet. May is pretty pissed too, so you deal with that when you get back. What else, what else. Oh! I already installed a program into KAREN so you can send me a message whenever you want. Put on the suit, find somewhere safe, I assumed safe, you've been in that house for 2 houses already.’ Peter raises his eyebrow as his house is mentioned. ‘Send me back a message so I can bring you home.’ End of recording, Petey let out a loud exaded sigh.
“I'm screwed.”
Peter laughs again, along with Flash. Wrap his arm around the kid's shoulder, Peter said.
“Guess this is the time to say goodbye huh?” He hugged the kid tightly. “I'm not lying about the little brother thing, I alway wanted a brother.” Peter looked down, smile widened when the kid hugged him back.
“I am grateful to know there is someone like me out there, it has filled the void in my chest. I'm grateful that you have your super heroes teammates look out for you.” He then looks at Flash, there is something in Peter's eye that Flash can't pinpoint.
“I was truly happy every moment you are here, even if you haven't done anything, you teach me to move on.” He looked down at the kid again. “You may not know this but after one of the incidents involving Spider-Man, I put the mask aside and considered quitting, multiple times. I’ll stop pulling my punches, make people's affair for me.” His voice wavering. “I think I should start over again. You know, becoming…”
“The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man?” Petey fills in, Peter smiles again.
“Yeah…That!” Tears building up in his eye, Peter let go of the kid, chuckling. “Well, you should send back a message. Don't let your dad waiting.”
Petey nods. “KAREN, Send Mr. Stark's message said I'm ready!”
“Message sent.” Right after the robot voice, a sparkling yellow circle appears. On the other side is a green man and an old man with a goatee, missing an arm. The kid hesitated, before he stepped inside the circle, Petey turned back and ran full force into Peter's arm.
“I'm gonna keep in contact, I will find a way for it to work, maybe a multidimensional phone or something, but I promise to keep contact with you. You're not alone, Ok?”
Peter nods, reaches his hand up to pinch the kid's cheeks.
“I know, thank you Petey!”
“Peter!!” The man on the other end said hurryingly. “Are you there? I can't see well from this end, if you are there, comeon. The portal cant open much longer!!”
“Well, don't keep your dad waiting any longer!” Peter chuckled. “Tell him I said hi!”
The kid nods, then steps into the portal. The portal closed and he was gone.