Work Text:
Peter sat on his chair, fixated on the screen. His fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure of what to type.
It was about 3 hours after he got to the Avengers Tower after school. He was supposed to be here for lab day, but Mr. Stark had to fly out last minute for an important meeting. Since May had a shift, he was crashing here. Thankfully, he had his own room.
As soon as he set his backpack down, and got off a long call with Ned and MJ, he turned on his PC and booted up Steam. Looking for a game, he skimmed until his eyes landed upon Kind Words. A game where you read about the hardships strangers go through and send king messages back to them. Peter has sent messages of his own as well, detailing what he went through as a vigilante and sometimes with Skip. Thankfully, the game keeps things anonymous so he doesn't have to worry about his identity.
When Peter opened the game, he was met with replies to a message he sent out. It was one to everyone telling people to smile more and that their smile is beautiful. He was happy people were getting his message. Peter read each reply, sending stickers to each person. When Peter was done, he opened the requests and went through the ones he could help with, giving advice to the strangers he could.
Peter had been at it for a couple of minutes and heard his stomach rumble. He looked at the clock, seeing it strike 7. It was basically dinner. He paused the game and got up to go the living room. He was on the Avenger´s floor which he shared with Tony, Pepper, and Morgan. As he walked out of his room, he saw that the Avengers were all huddled around the TV. Pepper was cuddled up with Morgan on their lap as Mr. Stark was still at his meeting. Sam was on a beanbag next to Clint and Bruce. Steve was on the other side of the couch with Natasha on the arm rest. Bucky was on the arm chair. They all turned as he walked into the kitchen, giving him a smile.
¨What are you guys watching?¨ Peter asked.
¨How to Train Your Dragon. Its child appropriate for Morgan,¨ Natasha smiled.
¨Do you want to join us?¨
Peter shook his head at Steve. ¨Thanks, but I have something to do. Ill come back later when dinner is ready.¨
He grabbed a bag of chips from the pantry and walked back to his room,unpausing the game. Peter looked through requests, seeing if there was anything new. As he passed each request, Peter landed on one that startled him. Peter was honestly unsure how to go about this, being the first time he ever came across this message.
It was a suicide note. The stranger said that it would be their last note and that they are already gone. Peter could feel tears well up in his eyes. Peter felt all it of it come back to him. He has tried to talk down many people from suicide as Spider-man, and as the vigilante he can handle it. But he was Peter Parker right now. He could do anything when he was Spider-man, but he wasn't right now.
Peter, you seem to be in distress. Would you like me to inform Mr. Stark?
Peter heaved. ¨N-No Fri. Thanks. Im okay.¨
Of course, Peter. Let me know if you need anything.
Peter gathered himself and stared at the message. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, wondering if he should still write something. On the off chance the person is still alive, which is very unlikely, he could try to sooth them. But should he? He doesn´t know this persons life story. It feels selfish to try and stop someone from ending their pain. But at the same time, is that the right thing to do?
Peter took a deep breath
and began to type.
Dear whomever
I know that this letter likely won´t reach you, as you have stated that you will be ending your life after you finish your request. In case you have not, I would like to say something, though I don´t think I can change your mind. I don´t know your life story or what you have been through. I don´t know what its like to be you, but I understand what its like to be alone. To feel unwanted. In case your still here, you are amazing. You are a lovely, beautiful person. You said that no one cares, but I do. I hope your okay, and in case your not, I wish all the best in the afterlife.
Sincerely,
Spider-Man.
Peter wiped a tear from his eyes. He looked at the clock and it struck 9. He opened up his phone, and texted his friends.
In the group chat
We will rule the world one day
Peter: Are you guys busy?
Ned: Sorta. Is everything okay Peter?
MJ: And don´t lie to us Nerd.
Peter Bit his lip. Peter: Im good. Sorry for bothering you.
He put the phone down and looked back at the screen.
¨Peter! Dinner!,¨ he heard Steve call.
Peter sent the message and gently closed the app. He grabbed a stuffed bear, which he got from the Stark Expo years ago, off his bed. It was his comfort item. Everyone would know something was wrong, but he needed this.
Peter stumbled out of his room and into the dining area. The whole team, including Mr. Stark, were sitting at the table. As soon as he entered, the team turned their attention. Tony´s eyes furrowed as he landed on the bear. Peter sat down, avoiding everyone´s eyes.
¨Is everything okay, Peter?¨ Pepper asked.
He didn't look up but nodded.
¨Dont lie. Somethings wrong.¨
Peter didn't acknowledge that. Just grabbed a piece of chicken and mashed potatoes. He ate slowly, suddenly loosing his appetite.
Tony cleared his throat. ¨Peter. You know you can talk to us right? Whats on your mind?¨
Peter finally looked up, meeting everyone's worried gaze. He felt his eyes well up again. Morgan frowned.
¨Mrs. Friday?¨ she asked.
Yes, Mini Stark?
¨Is Petey okay?¨
Im am sorry, but I can not tell without permission. Please ask Peter.
Peter sighed. ¨I-its okay F-Fri. You can tell them.¨
As you wish Peter. She brought up Peter´s vitals. Peter has experienced an increased heart rate at 7:15 PM today. I conclude it was due to a message Peter received. I have looked through the database, and found the message. She pulled it up and the team gasped. The suicide note appeared on the screen as Peter began sobbing. After receiving this message, Peter sent this note. She pulled up Peter´s response, as if comparing them side by side. Sam covered Morgan´s eyes. Tony was up immediately and to Peter.
Tony held him as he sobbed, still holding his Iron-man themed bear. Natasha had tears in her eyes as Bruce and Bucky shared a knowing look. The food long forgotten, the team went to the living room. They sat around, comforting Peter as he cried.
¨I-im s-s-s-sorry.¨ he sobbed.
Tony rubbed his back as Pepper scratched his hair. ¨Its not your fault Peter. It never was.¨
Peter was starting to calm down and Clint layed a blanket over the boy. Bruce sighed before turning to Peter.
¨i-I know what that is like, Peter.¨
Peter startled, not knowing what he was talking about. Sensing his confusion, Bruce continued.
¨When I first started as Hulk, I tried to shoot myself. H-Hulk..He uh...Spit the bullet out.¨
The avengers knew the story, sadly hearing it on Shields ship.
¨You dont have to share Bruce,¨ Peter said through Hiccups.
¨Its okay Peter,¨ Bucky started. ¨We all have our experiences.¨ I have mine with Hydra.¨
¨I have mine with the red room.¨
¨I have mine during the war.¨
¨The point is,¨ Tony interrupted. ¨Is that we all have experience with what you are going through. We understand.¨
Peter had given him a small smile and snuggled into the blanket. He saw Scott and Clint share an evil smile. He frowned.
¨What time is it?¨ Scott asked innocently with a devious smile.
¨ITS SPIDER ROLL TIME!¨
Clint got up and ran to Peter. The Spider giggled as Clint lifted him up. Steve grabbed the blanket, laying it on the floor, and put Peter on it it. Everyone chanted.
¨ONE! TWO! THREE!¨ and they rolled Peter up.
He was now snug as a bug. Morgan came running in, wanting to be a roll too. They did the same thing to Morgan and put he right next to Peter, the siblings snuggling up.
¨Petey! Im a taco!¨
Peter laughed.
Natasha turned to Peter, a knowing look in her eyes. Damn spies. ¨Are you okay Peter?¨
But Peter just smiled. A genuine smile. He won´t forget this experience ever. But he has peoples support, which he knows many arent that lucky. He was happy.
¨Yeah...Im okay.¨
¨They turned on one of Peter´s favorite comfort movies, AKA Suzume.
The group watched Peter carefully, but the boy was smiling.
Maybe things would be okay after-all.
AUTHORS NOTE
Please read
Hello everyone!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this. Im going to explain why I wrote this.
First a disclaimer: The second part did not happen to me. I thought that since this was still an Irondad fic, this is what would happen.
A few months ago, I found a game called Kind Words on Steam. You open requests and send people kind messages and advice. In return, they send you stickers and vice versa. I have sent out a few requests myself. A few weeks ago, after I had taken a break from the game (In other words I forgot about it), I opened the app and started skimming requests. I usually go through them, but only if I can help. If I don´t know what to say or don´t have good advice, I don´t say anything. I came across a suicide note, which is my first time. I don´t know what to do in this type of situation, so i typed out the note you saw. It was not an exact replica as I don´t really remember what I typed, but it was close enough. I have no idea who the stranger was as the game leaves people anonymous. I always leave my username at the end of my messages though. Anyways, it has been on my mind recently. I figured the way to cope was to type out this fic as someone to relate to. Peter.
I want my fics to be a safe space for everyone. If you need to talk to someone, I am here. But please, if you need more professional help that I cannot provide, please seek so. I am not a licensed therapist, but I might be able to understand. Never force yourself to talk. Take your time. Healing isn't linear. Please take care of yourself. I hope you enjoyed reading the fic.
With all the love in the world!
Sincerely,
ItsOrea