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Peter has always had an up and down relationship with food but, he's never considered it to be anything serious.
He didn't have a lot of money growing up but uncle Ben and aunt May would provide for him best they could always making sure there was food for him sure he occasionally skipped meals but what teenager doesn't do that. Things started getting tough when he moved out be could barley keep a stable job whilst doing spider-man and school he also had to pay rent on top of that so it was difficult for him to manage everything and feed himself. He did eventually become financially stable but he never got back into eating regularly unbeknown to him it had become more of a coping mechanism rather than a way to save money. A way to cope with the emotional damage spider-man has brought him and the additional stress from everyday life he couldn't save everyone but eating is something he had control over it made him feel good to have something he could manage.
Besides he was getting older his metabolism was slowing lord knows the press notices they always have he's learnt to deal with it but it if he keeps in shape they can't attack him for his body as much.
"His stuff makes you look a little bloated you know just... a little chunky"
He shouldn't care. But he does.
However Peter would never let his eating habits influence his younger brothers. He still couldn't believe it, two versions of himself although they felt more like his siblings. Peter had a new found responsibility to make sure they were happy and looked after they'd both been through so much especially Peter 1 god he was only 18. Living in Peter 1's universe meant that both Peter 2 and 3 had to get jobs to help Peter 1 pay rent and afford food another reason for Peter 2 to eat less he had to make sure there was always enough for Peter 1 and 3 to eat they both had several good years left ahead of them they needed the strength way more than he did. It was fine that way Peter 1 was able to get by and luckily Peter 2 had plenty of experience in having to starve himself to make cheap meals last a long time but it was becoming obvious that Peter 3 was onto him.
Peter 3 had noticed that it had started small mostly at meal times Peter 2 would cook and give plenty of food to 3 and 1 but Peter 3 would frown noticing his brother wouldn't sit down and eat.
"Thanks 2" Peter 1 smiled as he started eating his bowl of mac and cheese
"You're welcome" The oldest Peter smiled
"Hey aren't you gonna join us? there's loads left" Peter 3 asked
"No this can be frozen and saved for another day" Peter 2 said
"But you have to eat dinner"
"I had a big lunch I'm not that hungry I'll fix something for myself later"
Peter 3 doesn't see him eat later in fact they were all together when they ate lunch that day and he doesn't remember seeing him eat much their either, but he doesn't call him out on it maybe he's just not feeling well. Accept it didn't stop it went on like that for a week. Peter 2 would get up early to cook breakfast for 3 and 1 but would quickly leave for work as soon as they got up he'd return cook them dinner but give some half-assed excuse as to why he wouldn't eat. Most days when they couldn't meet up at the apartment for lunch Peter 2 would leave some cash behind for 1 and 3 to buy lunch with but it left Peter 3 wondering if he had enough money to buy lunch for himself. At lunch time one Wednesday Peter 3 headed over to a convenience store and bought two sandwiches one for himself and one for Peter 2 he wasn't gonna have time to catch him at work since 2 was a photographer that would take photos all over New York but if Peter 3 can see him eat when they got home it would give him some peace of mind. He got home at 3:30 to see Peter 2 in the sitting room putting together the photos he'd taken for his job.
"Hey man, how was your day?" Peter 3 asked
"It was good, how was yours?"
"It was fine business was a little slow but it usually is in the middle of the week" Peter 3 worked in a shop that sold or refurbished skateboards and bikes.
"I'm sure it'll get better soon" Peter 2 said
"Yeah thanks man... Um I bought you a sandwich in my lunch break" 3 said holding it out for Peter 2
"Oh uh... Pete that's nice of you but I left that money for you to get lunch" Two frowned
"Yeah and I did I had the same sandwich and I had enough money to buy a second one for you"
"I ate lunch"
"Did you really?"
"Yeah... where's this coming from?"
Peter 3 sighed and sat down next to his brother.
"It's just I don't see you eating that often. Like last week you didn't eat dinner because you said you had a big lunch but we were all together at lunch that day and you barley ate anything, you keep making excuses like that and I don't see you eat breakfast in the mornings, you also leave money for Peter one and I to buy lunch most days do you even have any money for your self?"
Peter 2 looked down and fiddled with his hands he wasn't good at lying to his brothers it was difficult considering they were different versions of him of course they can tell when he's lying.
"Okay I didn't eat lunch" Peter 2 mumbled
"Why? you know we need to eat more than the average person"
"I really wasn't hungry and you and Peter one need it more an-"
"Oh come on don't give me the self-sacrificial bullshit I know you're looking out for us and it's one of the many reasons why I love you but one and I can handle ourselves please don't deprive yourself of food for our sake"
"Alright I'm sorry I worried you"
"It's okay" Peter 3 said he set the sandwich down in front of Peter 2 "Eat your sandwich and we won't have to tell Peter 1 about this" He smiled and left the room.
When Peter 3 left Peter 2 looked down at the food in front of him he opened the packet and took the sandwich slowly taking a small bite it felt like swallowing a rock it sat heavy in his stomach tears burned in Peter's eyes he felt bad betraying Peter 3's trust but he couldn't bring himself to eat more he breathed heavily putting the sandwich back in it's packet and putting in his photography bag he could throw it out in the dumpster behind their building later.
Peter 1 came home shortly after bursting in happily rambling on about his day. Peter 3 came back into the room joining his brothers the three of them really appreciated moments like these were they could just talk it was comforting.
"Well I better start dinner" Peter 2 announced after a while.
As the man stood up a wave of dizziness over came him making his vision blur Peter stumbled almost hitting the small coffee table in the centre of the room. He felt one of his brothers grab his arm.
"Woah are you alright?" Peter 1 asked
"Yeah I... I just got up too fast I'm fine" Peter 2 assured ignoring the pounding in his head.
"I can cook if you want maybe you should sit down drink some water" Peter 3 suggested
"No I'm good really besides we all know I'm the only one out of the three of us that can even remotely cook."
Peter 2 slowly moved to the kitchen putting his hands on the counter breathing deeply and trying to stop his head from spinning.
Come on spider-man
Peter got to work making grilled chicken and potato salad which he knew his brothers always enjoyed when he was finished he dished up the food he didn't want to eat any but with Peter 3 on his case he had to make it look like he was eating so he put a small amount on his own plate then called the other two spider-men to come and eat. The three settled down at the table Peter 1 and 3 digging into their meals chatting about everything and nothing, Peter 2 attempted a few bites but still felt nauseous and undeserving with every mouthful he spread the food out on his plate in a lame attempt to make it look like he was eating. Peter 3 noticed and frowned maybe this is worse than he originally thought.
"Two are you okay?" Peter 1 asked
"I'm fine Pete why?"
"You just haven't eaten much and you got dizzy earlier are you sick or something?"
"No I'm not sick just not much of an appetite... but I'm good really" Peter 2 reassured
"But-"
Peter 1 was cut off by the radio. They had bought the radio a while ago to listen out for local crime on a bigger scale they can help out with there seemed to be something big going on.
"There has been a traffic accident on 5th Avenue as a truck has crashed through the busy shopping streets, 3 armed individuals have jumped out of the truck and have started attacking pedestrians and robbing stores the cops are struggling to get the situation under control we will keep you updated as the situation develops"
"Oh man that's not good I think it's my turn I better suit up" Peter 2 announced standing up.
As he stood up he felt the same feeling of vertigo and a sharp pain in his head Peter 3 immediately stood up to steady his brother.
"Maybe you should let me take this battle you haven't even finished eating"
"I can go I'm fine" Peter 2 slurred
"No you're not this is the second time today it's dangerous for you to go out as spider-man like this"
"Three you're being dramatic everybody gets a little dizzy sometimes"
"How about we all go?" Peter 1 suggests "The situation sounds too big for just one of us anyways Peter two can do something small like evacuate people"
Peter 2 looks to Peter 3 hopeful he sighs and reluctantly agrees.
"Fine but you're on ground control only"
***
The scene was a lot worse than they anticipated. As the three brothers swung in and perched on a near by building they could see people running all over the place, gunshots were being fired as the criminals ran in and out of stores, there were drivers stuck in their cars injured from the truck crash.
"Okay one you try to get these people out of their cars and to safety first, two you try to disperse the crowd I'll handle these guys" Peter 3 instructed
"Got it call if you need help" Peter 1 replied
The three spider-men shot their webs swinging towards the scene Peter 3 heading towards two of the robbers effortlessly taking them down whilst Peter 1 ran damage control helping people out of their cars towards near by paramedics. Peter 2 went towards the people trying to escape.
"Hey everybody everything's gonna be okay follow me we'll go to a safer place"
Peter 2 led the people the opposite way where there were taxis lining up to help take people home.
"Bobby? Bobby?! Spider-Man my son I can't find my son" A man tugged on his arm desperately trying to get his attention. Peter 2 stumbled backwards his head getting woozy he shook it off trying to focus on the task at hand.
"Okay don't worry we'll find him"
Peter browsed the crowd to see if there were any lost kids wandering around. As he searched, his head got dizzier, his surroundings becoming fuzzy, his senses felt all off. He breathed heavily trying (and failing) to focus.
"Spider-man he's there!"
Peter 2 whipped his head to see a boy distressed looking around frantically he also saw one of three criminals advancing closer to him. Peter 2 dashed towards him stepping in front of the child trying to shoot his webs but nothing comes out.
"No... No, no, no please not now"
As the robber advanced closer Peter 2 threw a punch making the man fall backwards he scooped up the kid in his arms trying not to let his knees buckle and ran towards the boy's father. Peter's senses were clearly messed up because he failed to sense the gun being aimed at him when he turned his back.
"Spider-man watch out!" Someone yelled
Peter looked over his shoulder and ducked shielding the young boy from the gunshots Peter 1 luckily came to his aid and took out the robber with ease webbing him up once Peter 2 was sure it was safe he got up and returned the boy to his father.
"Oh my god Bobby" The man kissed his son's forehead "Thank you so much"
"It's fine" Peter 2 slurred.
He felt sick he could hardly register Peter 1 next to him who was desperately trying to get his brother to respond to him.
"Two that was a really close call, are you okay? please say something"
Peter 1 watched in horror as his older brother fell backwards he would've hit the ground if Peter 1 hadn't stopped him from doing so he cradled his brother in his arms protectively.
"Two? Two?! oh god... Three, Three help!" Peter 1 called out.
Peter three's enhanced hearing picked up on his little brothers yelling and he ran over.
"What happened, is he injured?"
"No he was just saving a little boy he almost got shot it's weird he didn't sense the gun... but I took out the criminal and went over to check he was okay and he just collapsed" Peter 1 said
"Alright you need to take him back to the apartment get him out of the suit I got the other two guys but I'll just make sure the cops can handle things better now" Peter 3 said
"Okay" Peter 1 muttered. Peter 3 didn't need spider sense to tell his little bro was scared.
"Hey he'll be fine as soon as you get him home"
Peter 1 nodded and gathered a still unconscious Peter 2 in his arms the best he could and swung off into the distance. Getting into the apartment with Peter 2 being dead weight in his arms should've been difficult but it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be Peter 2 was scarily light. Peter 1 thanked whoever that the window to their small apartment was open and he climbed in with Peter 2 hanging over his shoulder and gently set him down on the couch, he removed the mans mask a little taken aback at how pale his skin was in contrast to the bags under his eyes Peter 1 went on to remove his suit and was too stunned to do anything else for a moment. Peter 2 was... thin very thin he could make out his rib cage there was discolouration in places and old scars and bruises that should've gone away ages ago because of their advanced healing. Peter 1 swallowed trying to hold back the tears in his eyes Peter 2 was in such a bad way and he'd let him go out as spider-man like this? He quickly went to gather some clothes and dressed his big brother and decided to pick him up and move him to the bed taking his middle back thing into consideration he tucked him in planting a kiss on his head like he does whenever Peter 1 has nightmares. He heard Peter 3 come through the window and ran to tell him what he'd seen.
"Three your back"
"Yeah the police can deal with it now... what's wrong?" He asked noticing this brothers distress
"It's two I undressed him and put him in different clothes but... God three he isn't healthy, he's so skinny I could see this rib cage and he's all pale, there are bruises on him maybe his healing factor isn't working I'm scared I think he's really unwell"
Peter three brought his hands to his face in thought trying to make sense of the situation. He knew Peter 2 had, had some problems with eating but he didn't know it was this bad. Peter 1 and 3 couldn't help him alone they needed someone else to help them someone that could help their brother and help them understand.
"I don't think Peter 2 has been eating" Peter 3 confessed "I didn't say anything because you're already dealing with a lot but I've noticed him skipping meals or eating way too little and I confronted him and he just said he was doing it to save food and money but I think maybe he has a real problem" Peter 3 rambled nervously
"You should've told me I would never have suggested he goes out as spider-man if I knew, I know you guys are trying to make my life easier but I'm not a little kid if there's something wrong with our brother you need to tell me so we can figure it out together"
"You're right I'm sorry but right now I think we're out of our depth... I'm gonna call someone"
"Who? if we call an ambulance we'll risk revealing our identities"
"No someone who already knows" Peter 3 said picking up a small device they made that allows them to communicate with other universes.
"Hello... Otto can you hear me?" Peter 3 asked
"Yes! Hello Peter what can I do for you?" The man cheerfully asked
"Can you come to Peter one's universe like... now? It's Peter 2 he's sick and we need your help"
"What's wrong with him?" Otto asked concerned for his spider-man
"We'll explain everything when you get here just please hurry" Peter 3 begged.
"I'm coming my boy don't worry" Otto assured then the line went dead.
"Otto's on his way"
***
Peter 1 sat with Peter 2 in the bedroom keeping an eye on him as Peter 3 straightened the apartment a little before Otto showed up. As he was doing so he knocked over Peter 2's bag he uses for work he saw the sandwich he gave Peter 2 earlier in its packet with only one bite taken out of it. Oh two he thought to himself he shook his head putting the sandwich away soon hearing a knock on the door he ran to answer and when he opened the door Otto was there in his black trench coat, tinted green glasses and a soft smile on his face.
"Peter 3, are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine Otto come in"
The man entered with his tentacles whirring at the sight of Peter 3 making the man smile a little.
"What's going on with Peter two?"
"He hasn't been eating much at all recently or maybe I only just noticed it recently and its been going on for some time... He fainted whilst we were out saving some people on 5th Avenue Peter one said he looks thin and he's pale with bruises on his body, he also lied to me saying he's eaten when he hasn't I don't know why he's being so self destructive one and I are so worried" Peter 3 explained tearing up.
"It's gonna be okay son we'll get to the bottom of this and figure out how to help him is he still unconscious?"
"last time I checked yeah"
"May I see him?"
Peter 3 nodded leading Otto to the bedroom where Peter 1 still sat stroking his older brother's hair who was still unresponsive.
"Hi Otto" Peter 1 said
"Hello Peter I understand you're very worried about my Peter but I'm here to help" He smiled
Otto looked down at the man gosh he looked worse than he expected he put a hand against his forehead he was a little cold and also listened too his slightly ragged breathing which further confirmed Otto's suspicions as to what might be wrong with him.
"So w-what do you think? I know you're not that kind of doctor but..." Peter 3 asked
"Well based on what you've told me and the fact that his temperature is a little low Peter might have some sort of eating disorder"
"What?!"
"It's just the first thing that came to mind, has he fainted more than once?" Otto asked
"Well no but he's had a few dizzy spells" Peter 1 said
"I see well with his symptoms and the unusual behaviours of avoiding food and lying about eating it seems like the logical explanation anorexia is the most likely assumption but we can only be sure once he sees a specialist... I know you boys won't like the idea but I think Peter two needs to go to a hospital"
"It's too risky we can't-" Peter 1 started
"Not as risky as leaving him like this" Peter 3 said cutting him off "Petey I think Otto's right he needs a doctor and probably a therapist"
"How about this" Otto started "We see if we can wake him up and we talk to him first then we get him too eat something if he manages too eat we won't go to a hospital but he will have to come home to my universe as soon as he's strong enough to do so he can see my family doctor so you boys don't have to worry about any medical bills"
"Are you sure?" Peter 3 asked
"Of course you three are practically my family I'd do anything for you boys"
"Thank you Otto" Peter 1 smiled
***
Peter 2 slowly became conscious again feeling a dull nagging pain in his head and limbs even though he felt like he'd been asleep for ages he was still exhausted. He felt a weight on chest and he peeled his eyes open to see Peter 1 laying on him he wasn't sleeping but he was clearly lost deep in thought. Peter 2 tried to move but he groaned as he felt himself get light headed Peter 1 suddenly sat up at the sound.
"Hey oh god you're awake... don't move, how do you feel?"
"Like shit... what happened?"
"You fainted in the middle of 5th Avenue"
"Oh... Oh no those robbers is everything okay-"
"It's all fine Peter 3 and I managed to stop them"
"Okay that's good"
Peter 3 entered the room seeing his brother awake.
"You're up finally" He said coldly
"Yeah... I'm sorry-"
"For what exactly? For lying to me? For risking your life? Risking the lives of those people? You knew you were unfit to go out as spider-man but you did it anyways and you collapsed, you're senses were off you could've gotten those people or that little boy killed" Peter 3 said raising his voice.
Peter 2's head throbbed even more at the shouting he covered his ears squeezing his eyes shut.
"Peter three now is not the time I'm sure he knows what he did was wrong but he needs our help, remember?" Peter 1 said whilst comforting Peter 2
"Right, right I'm sorry" Peter 3 said taking a breath and sitting on the bed next to Peter 2 "I was just so scared two you look awful we had to call Otto and-"
"Otto's here?!" Peter 2 asked
"Yes because we didn't know what to do he wanted to admit you into a hospital at first, he also thinks you have an eating disorder."
Peter 2 didn't know how to respond. Surely not that... His eating habits weren't the healthiest but he didn't think...
"Two I know it's a lot to take in but I think Otto might be right I did a little research and you do have most of the symptoms you need a diagnosis to be sure but once we know for sure we'll be able to help you" Peter 1 said softly
Peter 2 digested these words he hated feeling so vulnerable he's supposed to be the oldest instead he's acted so irresponsible and endangered himself and others tears quickly came flooding out of his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I-I'm so sorry I didn't mean to stress you guys out or hurt anyone... I've always been this way with eating and it's gotten worse without me realising a-and I'm supposed to be the big brother that doesn't have these kinds of problems but here I am I'm so weak I can't even sit up... I'm so sorry"
Peter 2 sobbed bringing a hand up to wipe his tears Peter 3 gently lifted him so he could sit up and secured an arm around Peter 2's shoulders and brought him to his chest slowly rocking him and patting his back with the other arm Peter one combed his fingers through his hair whispering sweet reassurances.
"It's okay let it out we're here for you, we love you so much, you're gonna help we'll make sure you get better"
Peter 2's sobs died down to quiet sniffles but Peter 3 never ceased his rocking and Peter 1 continued stroking his hair. Otto appeared at the doorway warmth spreading in his chest at the domestic site.
"Hello boys, Hi Peter two"
"Hey Otto" Peter 2 said his voice a little raw
"I've been told you're not feeling very well"
"Yeah... one and three told me what you said"
"Ah yes I know it seems a little extreme but I think we need to strongly consider the possibility"
Peter 2 just nodded he also took note of what looked like a bowl of soup in Otto's hands.
"Your brothers and I came to a compromise we won't take you too hospital if you can make an attempt to start eating regularly again starting with a little soup something easy and once you build some strength back up you'll come home to our universe and you'll see my doctor about getting an official diagnosis. Does that sound fair?"
"Okay... but I don't know how much I'll be able to..."
"Just give it a try we'll be here the whole time" Peter 3 said
Peter 2 grimaced at the thought of eating but he still nodded shifting in Peter 3's arms he was helped to sit up with some pillows behind him Peter 1 took his hand squeezing it as Otto set the soup down in his lap. Peter 2 took the spoon and put a little bit of the liquid on shakily bringing it to his mouth he took his first sip which went down as bad as Peter 2 had expected but everyone was watching him now he couldn't disappoint them. He took a few more spoonfuls but his brain screamed at him to stop every time he did by the 6th mouthful he felt his stomach roll threatening to bring it back up the soup wasn't even half gone but Peter 2 just couldn't take anymore.
"I c-can't eat anymore I'm sorry" He muttered
"Please Peter try a little more you were doing so well" Otto encouraged
"I-I think I'm gonna be sick" Peter 2 whined tears stinging his eyes
"Oh crap um...we have a bucket somewhere, hold on" Peter 3 said running out to look for it.
Otto removed the bowl from Peter 2's lap setting it on the ground. Peter 1 drew soft circles on Peter 2's back
"Peter listen to me okay lock your hands behind your head and put your elbows on your knees" Otto instructed. Peter 2 did as he was told. "Good now take slow deep breaths okay you're just feeling nauseous it'll pass"
Peter 2 did so desperately hoping the feeling would go away as saliva kept building in his mouth and tears poured down his cheeks. Peter 3 came back with a small bucket putting in front of his older brother Peter 2 took it he gagged a couple times and spat out the excess saliva and Otto warned him not to force it so he waited for something to come up but nothing did thankfully.
"Do you think you're ready to try again?" Otto asked cautiously. Peter 2 nodded
"That's it my boy you're so brave here" Otto handed him the left over soup
Peter 2 stirred the contents and slowly took another mouthful but it only made him cry further he hated this it was so embarrassing but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was undeserving of the soup or that he was going to quickly gain weight and would show when he puts on his suit and people from the press would notice an-
"Hey shh it's alright you can take it slow there's no rush" Peter 3 said comforting him
"Peter whatever your brain is telling you right now I promise it's not true" Otto said rubbing Peter 2's knee
"But what if it is!?" Peter 2 cried "I don't deserve to eat so much and I shouldn't anyways because my metabolism is slowing down I'll gain weight and the press will see it when I put on my suit and they'll write about it an-"
"Two you are healthy you're getting older and you're body is adapting that's a not bad thing and you should not care what the press has to say about you" Peter 3 reassured "Food is fuel we need it for healing and for our metabolism everyone deserves to eat especially you"
"Okay" Peter 2 sighed
Peter 2 went on to eat a little more he didn't finish all of it but he ate enough to satisfy Otto. They continued that way Peter 2 eating 3 light meals a day in portions he could handle he struggled a lot but he never ate alone someone was always there to encourage him 3 days later when he was up and walking around Peter 2 and Otto returned back to their universe for a few days so Peter 2 could go and see Otto's doctor 1 and 3 really wanted to come along but Peter 2 insisted they stay and carry on as normal and that he'd be back soon.
***
Peter 2 tapped his knee nervously outside the doctor's office waiting to be called in he had Otto with him but it didn't make him any less antsy he felt Otto take his hand to stop him from tapping.
"Try to relax my dear boy this is a good thing you've recognised you have a problem and now you're getting help and I'll be there for every second of the appointment don't be frightened"
Peter nodded taking a deep breath trying to think of other things Peter 1 would be in lecture right now and Peter 3 would be taking a short break from his shift he hoped they were managing okay without him.
"Peter Parker?"
A short woman with dark hair called out his name with a smile and ushered him to follow her.
"That's your doctor are you ready?" Otto asked
"Yeah I think so"
The duo followed the doctor into her room and sat down.
"Good morning Otto, it's nice to meet you Peter my name is Dr. Metcalf what seems to be the problem?"
Peter looked at her unsteadily not quiet sure where to start.
"I-I'm having trouble... eating"
"Alright can you go into more detail about why that might be?" She asked patiently
"I just feel like I don't deserve food and I don't want to e-eat too much I'm scared of gaining weight and I guess I've always had that mindset but it's recently gotten worse"
"Worse how?"
"I've been having dizzy spells a lot of headaches I fainted a few days ago and I just feel really weak and tired"
"I see" Dr. Metcalf typed what Peter said into her computer "Peter I want to do a standard check up and then weigh you do you mind sitting on the examination table"
Peter looked over nervously she was going see his scars and bruises and how skinny he had become-
"Otto can leave the room if it would make you more comfortable" Dr. Metcalf offered
"N-no I'll be fine" Peter breathed
Peter sat on the examination table and Dr. Metcalf came over with some equipment they did standard things like checking his blood pressure, temperature, height and his heart beat
"Alright Peter can you lift up your shirt for me?" She asked
With shaking hands Peter raised the hem of his shirt showing his stomach he couldn't look at her face as she poked and prodded in places and scanned his bruises, he felt so embarrassed about his body come on she's a doctor you can't be the worst thing she's seen this week he tried to remind himself. Soon she let him lower the shirt.
"Well done I just need you to step on the scales right there for me" She smiled
Peter slowly went over to them removing his shoes and stepping on he didn't want to look but he couldn't help himself.
He was down to 110 pounds
"Thank you Mr. Parker you can sit down now"
He sat next to Otto tears coming to his eyes at the realisation of how badly he'd screwed up.
"Okay from the symptoms you've been having and the physical examination I've done I can say you currently have a BMI of 17.23 and you weigh 110 pounds which for a male of your height and age it means you are significantly underweight and I do believe you're suffering from anorexia nervosa or more commonly just anorexia. I'm going to refer you to a dietician who will give you the appropriate meal plan that will help you get to a healthy weight and I will also give you the name and numbers of some psychiatrists and support groups for people with eating disorders. You can make another appointment at the reception with me for 2 months time, just see how you're getting on please come back and see me if you have any questions or if any symptoms worsen."
Peter had kind of tuned her out after getting the diagnosis letting the news sink in. Dr. Metcalf handed him some flyers and a list of phone numbers.
"I suggest you call as soon as possible" Dr. Metcalf advised
"Thank you so much for seeing him we appreciate it" Otto said
"Of course get well soon Mr. Parker"
"Yeah thanks" Peter said weakly
Otto watched with worry as the younger man got up and walked out of the office still walking a little slow because of his illness he clearly in shock.
"Um... Otto?" Dr. Metcalf tapped his shoulder
"Yes?"
"Here's a flyer for family members of people with eating disorders it has some advice on how to support and some helplines in there. Just be mindful that sometimes one eating disorder can develop into another for example people with anorexia most commonly develop bulimia afterwards I'm not saying that it will happen to Peter it's just something to be aware of."
"Thank you Dr. Metcalf truly I'm grateful"
***
After the appointment Otto and Peter arrived back in Otto's home. Peter hadn't said anything since the doctor's clearly wanting to be left alone but Otto had a duty to look after him.
"It's almost lunch time Peter what would like to eat?"
"I don't want to eat" Peter mumbled
"I know dear boy... I'll give you half an hour to collect yourself but you will need to eat something" Otto said softly as he turned to give Peter some space
"Otto"
The man looked up to see Peter looking at him with tears in his big blue eyes and instantly went to pull him into a hug.
"I've really messed up this is all my stupid fault-"
"Hey now none of that... Peter you have a mental illness it is no fault of your own all you can do now is let people help you get better it's no use blaming yourself" Otto said "Would you like to back to your brothers?"
"Not yet I should probably call these people first" Peter said looking at the list of specialist doctors
"Very well would you like me to stay?"
"I think I can manage"
"Well you know where to find me"
Peter made the calls and got an appointment with the dietician and chose a psychiatrist to start seeing he wasn't quite ready for a support group but maybe he'd get there eventually. Otto came back in and made lunch for the two of them Peter still didn't finish all the food in fact he didn't eat much at all, it had been a pretty overwhelming day and it was only half done but thankfully Otto understood and just made Peter promise he'd eat a snack later. Shortly after Peter figured it was time to go see his brothers he went into Peter 1's universe and opened the apartment door to an empty room. It was still early they would be in an hour or so.
Peter 3 opened his door and got the surprise of his life to see Peter 2 sitting on the couch the man stood up and Peter 3 didn't waste anytime in running over and wrapping him in a hug.
"Hey I've missed you so much" Peter 3 said
"I've missed you more" Peter 2 said squeezing him "How have you been is everything alright"
"Ah we're all good here man we've just been worrying about you how was your appointment?"
"Oh yeah the doctor said I have anorexia I've made an appointment with a psychiatrist and a dietician to help plan meals"
"That's good, this is a really big step I'm so proud of you" Peter 3 said pulling him into another hug.
"Thanks" Peter 2 smiled. There was a sudden rattle at the door as Peter 1 pushed it open.
"Hey three I got out of class early today and you'll never guess-... Holy shit two you're back?!"
Peter 2 and 3 let out a chuckle at the youngest reaction Peter 1 instantly dropped his things and joined the pair in their hug wrapping his arms around Peter 2's waist. Peter 2 hugged his little brothers back. Even though recovery was going to be difficult and long he was happy he had the best family to help him through it.
***
Peter 2 was getting better slowly but steadily. The dietician he met was friendly and very attentive to Peter 2's needs, helped him find foods he likes and foods he's not comfortable with eating. His psychiatrist calls them "fear foods" and that with some practice he'll be able to eat them normally again. His psychiatrist Nick was a kind and soft spoken man a very good listener too he told him all about his fears, his guilt around his uncle and Harry (well as much as he could without revealing his identity) they also worked through his body image issues, Nick thinks Peter 2 starves himself to cope and he's helped him find better ways to manage his guilt and stress Peter 2 has recently been able to get back into art making little origami pieces and drawings of his surroundings he really enjoys it. The biggest source of support has come from his family his brothers have been there at every meal they even learnt to cook just for him Peter 2 is often in the kitchen anyways since it makes him feel better to know what ingredients are going into his food but it's been a big help, if they can't be there Otto is making sure his meal plans are followed sometimes coming with him to sessions with Nick, However this improvement did not mean Peter 2 didn't have bad days because he definitely did the first few days into following his meal plan was tough it took time getting used too and most meals often ended in tears but he powered through it, he also had days were he felt so shitty about himself he couldn't even face getting out of bed sometimes he'd get stressed or upset and revert back to his old eating habits but Otto and his brothers never let him fall too deep encouraging him to eat smaller meals at least even though he wanted to yell and cry when they forced him eat he knew they were doing it because they loved him and it helped in the long term anyways.
Today was an important day he had gone back to see Dr. Metcalf so she could give him another check up to see his progress, Otto and his brothers had come along this time for support. Peter 2 had been doing a lot better but he was still very nervous.
"Peter Parker?" Dr. Metcalf called out
"You guys can wait here" Peter 2 told them
"Are you sure?" Peter 3 asked
"Yeah hopefully I won't be long"
Peter 2 turned but he felt a pair of arms wrap around his midsection.
"Good luck" Peter 1 said softly
"Thanks one" Peter 2 said ruffling his hair
Peter 2 followed Dr. Metcalf into her room.
Otto, Peter 3 and Peter 1 waited anxiously Peter 2 had been doing so well they really hoped he was back to a normal weight, but no matter what the outcome the three of them couldn't be prouder of him yes there was a lot tears and yelling, days were it seemed like Peter 2 didn't even want to get better but he still put in so much effort and he was looking so much better his bruises have faded and his powers are getting stronger again even if he wasn't quiet there yet they would still be happy. 20 minutes passed and then Peter 3's phone went off.
"Two just texted he said his appointments finished and he's outside the clinic"
The three men wasted no time in getting up and leaving to see Peter 2 standing outside the door facing away from them.
"Peter are you alright?" Otto asked laying a cautious hand on his shoulder.
"Y-yeah I just... I needed a minute"
Peter 2 turned to face them and from the redness in his eyes and tear tracks on his cheeks it was clear he had been crying. Their hearts broke at the sight
"What did the doctor say?" Peter one asked nervously
"I-I'm not underweight anymore" He stuttered breaking out into a smile.
Peter one gasped happily instantly going to hug him Peter 3 joined the hug blinking the tears out of his eyes Otto smiled proudly letting the three brothers hug first before he could go in for his own hug.
"I'm so proud of you man I knew you could do it" Peter 3 said once they all parted
"Thanks, Dr. Metcalf did say I still have to work at it a bit more so I can be at a healthy weight because I'm only just over the line between 'underweight' and 'average weight' but she said if I carry on what I'm doing and I should be there by the next appointment" He grinned
"And you will get there my dear boy" Otto said softly
"We'll be there to help through all of it" Peter one reassured
"T-thanks guys I know I haven't been the easiest to deal with but-" Peter 2 started
"Hey you're our brother we're not 'dealing with you' we are helping you because you have a mental illness and you need it and we'll keep doing it until you're sick to death of us" Peter 3 joked "Now lets get home and you can choose what we make for dinner and we'll eat and curl up and watch a movie"
"I'd like that" Peter 2 smiled.