Chapter Text
Peter was alone. That wasn’t very surprising given his current circumstances, nonetheless, he was alone. Tired couldn’t even begin to describe his mental state and the fact that he was without a home was even worse.
A few months had gone by since that horrid spell with Dr. Strange, gone without a trace. As it turns out, Peter should consider himself lucky. With “The Blip”, as it was now appropriately dubbed by the populace, a man (boy) showing up from nowhere with not even his own name to his name wasn’t as unlikely as expected. People popped up from left, right and centre demanding to be simply given their old life back. The government had made these “homes” for those needing a little extra help to get back on their feet.
Ridiculous. Utter nonsense. If the government actually wanted to help they would have actually found the families of the blipped and gotten them off the streets already. The shelters and homes were abundant but that didn’t mean they were good. The “helpers” abused their authority there and treated the people like dog shit on their shoes. Peter remembers an encounter he observed while he was assigned to stay in one of the homes.
A little old Dominican lady, crying out for her family, asking where they might possibly be. Peter tried to console her before the Helper arrived but it was no use. They grabbed her and took her out where they beat her half to death to shut her up. The screams. They were what really stuck with Peter. She was gone by morning. So was Peter. Peter knew he couldn’t help her, he couldn’t help anyone anymore. Just like he couldn't save May.
May, his aunt May. What a beautiful, splendid kind woman. She didn’t deserve her fate, but he did. Peter deserved everything that had happened to him. He was a pathetic, good-for-nothing, worthless little brat—
“Hey,”
Peter looked up, was that Mr. Murdock, his ‘really good lawyer’? There was no way he remembered Peter, right? No, he couldn’t, no one could, not even if they were some crime-fighting, blind, pro-bono lawyer.
“Hey, umm kid… You alright? My colleague over there,” He pointed in the general direction of another man in a suit - pink shirt, longish hair that met his shoulder - the man waved, Peter waved back, unsure. “He said you looked a little lost and sent me over to investigate.”
“Oh. I’m fine.. Sir, nothing to worry about here” Why did he say that? Now it's obvious that he is not okay.
“Hm… sorry I’m not really that good with faces,” a small chuckle left his mouth. “I can’t help but believe that I know you from somewhere. Do I? Know you, I mean”.
Well shit. This was just fucking perfect. Of course Mr. Murdock had to recognise him of all people. Someone from his old life he had somewhat of a relationship with. Albeit small and probably insignificant, since the two had only shared around three whole sentences outside the huge identity reveal, legal ordeal thing.
Peter now thought that too much time had passed since Mr. Murdock had asked him a question, who was standing rather awkwardly in front of him, he quickly gave a response.
“Oh, haha yeah I uh.. I get that a lot. I have one of those faces- or voices for that matter, apparently.” He laughed uncomfortably again. Was it ableist to say that? Oh jeez it probably was, he should apologise to him, what the fuck was wrong with him? As if the man in front of him could read his thoughts, he responded in a calm manner.
“Don’t panic kid, you don't have to change your speech around me, I get the idea. It’s better for me and the person I'm talking to. if we just stick to what we know. But seriously, I have this feeling that I know you,” he paused for a moment “plus my friend Foggy - Franklin Nelson - over there keeps insisting that you look like a bundle of twigs. He’s a good man really, like a teddy bear, not to mention his family owns one of the best Delis in all of New York.”
“How can I believe you, sir? I mean, I don’t think you’re here to kidnap me or anything but I’ve only just met you and I don’t think it's very wise to be simply going along with the first man who entices me with food.” Good, that was good Peter, don’t let him get too close.
“Smart kid, here's my business card anyway. If you ever need anything, kid, anything at all, call and don’t hesitate. It may seem hard right now, but there are people out there who want to do good and help.”
Peter hesitantly takes the card, he thanks Mr. Murdock with his kindness and promises to call. Lier. He thanks him again for good measure. Adding that he knows that there are people out there willing to help him. Lier. Peter walks away.
“He’s not going to call is he?”
“No, but I still hope,”
“We should run after him, Matt! That poor boy is skin and bone. I bet you he’s homeless”
“I’ll tell you what, Foggs, I’ll start patrol a little earlier tonight, I’ll widen it. So we know he's not actually living on the streets. From there we can help him somehow.”
The two men wander back to their firm. They settle on Thai for lunch.