Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Honestly, all things considered, Peter felt that he was actually having a good day for once. The crime rate had been thankfully low this week, he managed to pay his rent on time and he’d even been able to save up some extra money to by an absolutely delicious hot chocolate. Finally after three months of trying to exist when he had no documentation stating the he did. Things were looking up. Parker luck dictates that this means something terrible is coming his way. Which is why he wasn’t too surprised when he’d blacked out and found himself in what appeared to be a theatre of some kind. Surrounded by people he thought he’d never see again, for a multitude of reasons.

“What is going on?” a groan came from his right, looking down he saw Ned Leeds, rubbing his head. Confusion rippled around the room, each echoing their own pain and confusion back. “I feel like I’ve been fucked by a jack hammer” Hawkeye muttered in agreement, his eyes closed shut. Their was a buzzing in Peter’s ears. His eyes rapidly danced around the room trying to take in information while not knowing what to do with it. There were so many people here. Mrs Pots, Ned, MJ, Happy, Captain America, The Winter Solider, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Thor, Loki, Dr Banner, Dr Strange, Nick god damn fury, The Falcon, Colonel Rhodes, Heck even Flash was here. And then… then there was Mr Stark, younger than he’d been when he last saw him. Younger than when he’d died… if Mr Stark was here then… Peter eyes finally fell upon her. Aunt May. He could feel his breathing pick up. This couldn’t be real, the dead were just that dead. And the dead were meant to stay dead. Peter had to wonder if this was a dream? Maybe a nightmare? Or was something else going on, was it another illusion? Was Beck even actually dead? Oh god was Beck here?!

So stuck in his head he completely missed the heated argument that arose around him. “What the hell is going on, Stark did you do this?!” Hawkeye questioned, pointing at the billionaire. “Me? While I’m flattered that you think I’d be able too, why on earth would I want you guys anywhere near me” Tony glared back, his tone slightly mocking. “Stark” Captain America countered, just that one word full of disappointment. “Rogers” Tony spat back. “Holy shit, those are the avengers” Ned whispered staring in slight awe. Flash stood beside him staring in equal surprise “How is that possible? isn’t Iron Man dead?”. Ned nodded “So is captain America though, that’s definitely them”. MJ elbowed the two boys, hissing at them to be quiet. Whatever was going on, going up to someone you don’t know and telling them about their own death seemed like a terrible idea. Especially when those supposed dead people were super heroes who would defiantly take it as a threat. “Tony?” Pepper questioned, staring at her finance with a frown. “He looks younger, like before Morgan younger” Rhodey muttered to her, staring at him best friend confused. The two could hear Dr Strange muttering something about magic and time travel and those god forsaken stones. Eyes alite with determination, Pepper turned to question the man.

“If you would all shut up! The screen is doing something and we might just learn what is going on if you lot stop acting like idiots” Fury called out, dragging the attention to the huge screen. This room really was like theatre. Words started to appear on the screen at a low pace.

Hello. I will inform you why you are here shortly but first you should introduce yourselves and get comfy. You might be here for a while. Say your name and what year you are from. We thank you for your cooperation.

“Oh what the hell? Is it an ai? Are we sure that Stark’s not behind this?” Falcon mumbled. “Why would we need to say the year as well?” Banner mumbled to himself. Eyebrows furrowed in deep consideration. “Hang on! Why can’t we just leave!” Flash interrupted. Eyes now drown to the teenagers. “why are their toddlers in the room with us?” Stark questioned looking almost annoyed at them for being there. “Good question, who are you?” The avengers demanded, staring the group of people they don’t recognise down. Flash started to stutter clearly panicking now that he had all the attention on them. “Are you threatening us? They’re just kids, if you don’t know why you’re here why should we know why we’re here?” May defended them, coming to stand slightly in front of them. Peter could of cried, may was here and alive and… she didn’t know him. She’d waked straight past him with no recognition in her eyes. That hurt. A lot more than he thought it would. Peter thought he’d be used to it by now.  “…may?” Peter heard happy mutter, staring between tony and May like he’d seen a ghost. Which was sort of true. As the tension in the room continued to grow, peter jumped in “We can’t leave, there aren’t any doors or windows, I checked”. Eyes now trained on him, Peter thought it was remarkable that he hadn’t had a break down yet. Before they could question him the tv screen started to beep.

Say your name and what year you are from.

“We should probably listen to it” Black widow pointed out, eyes still locked with peter’s as if challenging him. The groups grumbled but agreed. “Steve Rogers or Captain America, 2016” Captain America introduced, nodding at the guy behind him to go after. “…Bucky, 2016” The winter solider spoke reluctantly. Peter noticed Mr stark clench his hand. “Clint, Hawkeye, 2016” The archer nodded. “Black widow, 2016” Natashia greeted coolly, eyeing everyone as if she could read their minds. “this is ridiculous” Tony muttered. “just do it, tony” captain America spoke, sighing as he said it. “Fine” Tony drawled, a cocky smile gracing his feature. “Tony Stark, You know who I am, 2016” He said, fishing his sunglasses out of his pocket and placing them over his eyes. Peter could pick up pepper’s sharp in take of breath. The introductions continued.

“Dr Bruce Banner and uh.. the hulk, 2016”

“Nick Fury, director of Shield, 2016”

“Thor! 2016”

“…Loki, 2016 as well”

“Why the hell is Loki here?!” “I don’t know!!”

“Sam Wilson aka the flacon, 2016”

“Pepper pots, CEO of Stark industries… 2018” Mrs pots voice lost confidence as she looked away from the group of heroes. “What do you mean 2018?!” Mr stark, stood up straight, eyes roaming her face for any hint of lies “that is not possible”. Instead of Mrs pots replying dr strange cut in. “It is possible but highly irregular, time travel is not something to be messed with”. Nick furry raised an eyebrow at him “And who are you?”. “Doctor Stephen strange, master of the mystic arts” He continued “I am from 2024”.  Sharp intakes of breath. Peter can actual feel the tension in the air, the disbelief, the confusion and the desperation. All of it setting of his Spidey sense, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “… so you’re a wizard” Mr stark finally spoke, trying to appear nonchalant. Dr strange’s mouth ticked down wards “Not a wizard, a master of-“.
“Of the mystic arts so you said” Mr stark cut him off. While the avengers grabbled with the idea of time travel, all Pepper and Rhodey could do was bite their tongues. They wanted desperately to know about the future, did everyone come back? Was Thanos gone? How? When? But Strange was right and knowledge of the future could potentially be incredibly dangerous and until they know why they’re here… they’ll just have to wonder in silence. “Colonel James Rhodes, 2018” Rhodes intruded “lets finish these quickly”.

“… Happy Hogan, head of security, 2024”

“May Parker, Nurse, 2023”

“F-Flash Thomas, Midtown student, 2024”

“Ned Leeds! I also go to Midtown, 2024!, this is so so so cool”

“Michelle Jones, 2024”

Peter blinked, just him left… “Peter-“ He had to stop himself from saying parker. His aunt was right there. Right fucking there and… and he couldn’t tell her. He couldn’t tell anyone. “- 2024”. Natashia cocked her head to the side “Just… peter?”. Her eyes were calculating. Trying to make him squirm. Peter nodded his head “just Peter, that’s everyone right?”. He could feel eyes on him from both sides. “It is…” Mr stark narrowed his eyes at him and Peter quietly pleaded at the man to just move on. To let it go. “… so!” Mr stark clapped his hands together and turned to the screen “Why are we here then?”. Peter breathed a small sigh of relief, maybe god hadn’t abandoned him completely yet.

To watch Spider-man

Never mind God fucking hated him Peter decided. “Spider-man?” Mr stark looked a little startled “Why?”. Peter didn’t want to know. This was so so so fucked. He bloody hated magic, he hated time travel, he hated all of this. “Who is this man of spiders!?” Thor questioned. Even Loki looked curious, which was surprising because he’s seemed bored since he got here. “He’s a vigilante, a new one too, nothing worth watching really” Mr stark crossed his arms. “Is he the one from Germany?” Falcon asked, frowning. “Damn, I hate that guy” he grumbled at Mr Starks nod. “Maybe he becomes something bigger in the future then” Fury pointed “maybe he becomes dangerous and we need this information to stop him?”. To peter’s surprise it was happy who disagreed “The guy gets cats out of trees, he’s hardly dangerous”. Fury rolled his eyes at them “He’s not dangerous yet”.

Before an argument could start, Mj spoke up “Hey tv-thing, whatever, why do we need to watch Spider-man?”

To save Spider-man

“save him?” The group startles. “what do you mean save him? Spider-man is like the coolest hero ever! Why would he need saving?” Flash argued. Most times peter would find this ironic, but deep in his chest his heart gave a lurch. God he’s missed them. All of them. MJ, Ned, even Flash. “…if we watch this, will it tell us who Spider-man is?” Happy questioned, he hadn’t heard from the spider recently and although he wouldn’t admit it, he was getting worried.

Affirmative

“Guess we should take a seat then?” Captain America spoke hesitantly, sitting down on one of the theatre seats near the front. Peter felt a little sick. This was going to be awful, he could tell. “I don’t like this” dr strange pointed out “but we have no choice, just know whoever you are that you are messing with things you don’t understand”. As the people slowly started to spread out and find seats mr stark spoke up “I still don’t know why there are a bunch of children here though”. The teens shrugged. Maybe they were important, somehow. Maybe they knew Spider-man? But who could he be? Was it one of their teachers?! Ned’s thought ran a mile a minuet as theories after theories kept cropping up. MJ dragged him to s seat as he muttered to himself. “You sitting down, kid?” Mr stark asked, peter blinked and suddenly he was the only one still standing.

“Oh dear god, I am so not doing this” peter shook his head “I’ll be in the corner if anyone needs me”. No one replied, and why would they? They didn’t know him, not like they should and not like they used too. This was way too much. He ignored the question stares and the quiet reprimands as he stalked over to a dark corner of the theatre. He sat silently, slumping down as if he could sink into the chair and disappear.

Chapter Text

As the screen brightened up, they were surprised to see that the web swinging vigilante was not shown. Instead the screen displayed, the black widow, Tony Stark and Ross. It wasn’t hard for the genius to figure out that this was during the civil war as people took to calling it. Tony glanced slightly to the left, making eye contact with Natasha who it seemed also recognised this particular conversation. This was when he decided to recruit Spider-man, he’d been watching him for a couple months and decided that he would be the best option. He… the details are little fuzzy on how he recruited him though. Probably stopped him on a patrol or something and asked. “I thought we were going to see spider-man” Flash mumbled, a little disappointed. Tony raised an eyebrow at the kid who flushed, seemed like spider-man has a fan.

Natasha Romanoff: What happens when the shooting starts? What, do you kill Steve Rogers?

Secretary Ross: If we're provoked. Barnes would've been eliminated in Romania if it wasn't for Rogers. There are dead people who would be alive now. Feel free to check my math.

Bucky winced at the words but didn’t say anything as Steve placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault” Steve whispered, as much as bucky wanted to believe him. A part of him couldn’t. he felt a something hit his foot, looking over to see that Wilson had just kicked him. “Don’t be an idiot” The bird themed hero muttered, not making eye contact. Bucky felt himself relax ever so slightly.

Tony Stark: All due respect, you're not going to solve this with boys in bullets, Ross. You gotta let us bring them in.

Secretary Ross: How would that end any differently from the last time?

Tony Stark: Because this time, I won't be wearing loafers and a silk shirt. 72 hours, guaranteed.

Secretary Ross: 36 hours. Barnes. Rogers. Wilson.

Tony Stark: Thank you, sir. [Tony slumps, exhaling.] My left arm is numb, is that normal?

Natasha Romanoff: [She pats him on the shoulder.] You alright?

Tony Stark: Always. [He has a massive black eye and a cut on his brow.] 36 hours, jeez.

Tony’s eye narrowed ever so slightly at his appearance. Ignoring Pepper’s concerned hum, he leant back in his seat. Sunglasses firmly in place. It was.. strange. Seeing himself from an outside perspective like this, at a moment he wasn’t acting for any cameras.

Natasha Romanoff: We're seriously understaffed.

Tony Stark: Oh, yeah. It'd be great if we had a Hulk right about now. Any shot?

Natasha Romanoff: No. You really think he'd be on our side?

Tony Stark: No.

Rogers seemed surprised at his admission. He wasn’t the only one. “Why wouldn’t I be? Actually what exactly is going on with you guys?” Banner asked, eyes flickering between the two groups. Neither Tony nor Steve particularly wanted to talk about it. “The avengers broke up, we spilt, wanted different things in life, went our separate way, you know?” Tony spoke, waving his hand in the air as a dismissal. Banner raised an eyebrow “it seems a bit more complicated than that”. Steve frowned at Tony who just seemed to shrug it off. “I still can’t believe the avengers split up” ned muttered, staring at the screen unblinking. “it was like 8 years ago, get over it, loser” MJ rebutted fondly. Tony gave the teens a side glance, how old were they anyway. If it was eight years ago, then they were like 9 or something when all this went down. Tony could feel a headache coming on.

Natasha Romanoff: I have an idea.

Tony Stark: Me too. Where's yours?

Natasha Romanoff: Downstairs. Where's yours? [Tony smiles slightly.]

[Queens, New York. Peter Parker walks out of an elevator holding a DVD-player and with a backpack on his shoulder. He walks into an apartment where his Aunt May is sitting on the couch with Tony Stark.]

“…What?” the nurse mumbled, somehow sitting up straighter. “you didn’t say you knew her” Clint pointed out, almost accusingly. “I don’t, this… this didn’t happen” Tony shook his head. As they turned to question the woman, she was too busy staring at the teen in the corner. Peter. Tony had honestly forgotten about him. He frowned as he looked between the kid and his on screen counterpart. “Who?” May muttered, looking just as confused as tony felt. So clearly she didn’t remember this either.

Peter Parker: Hey, May.

May Parker: Mmm. Hey. How was school today?

May shook head repeatedly. “no no no, i- I don’t know you” She spoke directly to peter, who was doing a valent job at avoiding everyone’s eyes. Her words caused an almost wounded look to appear “…You wouldn’t”. The room was staring at the two with rapt attention. “What?” her eyes widened before they narrowed dangerously “What is that supposed to mean?”. Peter didn’t answer just looked at the woman sadly. “Who are you?” Happy questioned, his back straight, professional. Tony noted that he was acting like he was on the job… which he supposed he kind of was. Rhodes cleared his throat “so… your saying that neither of you remember meeting this kid, right?”. Nick fury was staring at peter like he was threat. “then… can we even trust the information on the screen? What if it’s all lies?” Ned wondered aloud, getting a sharp look from the mysterious teen. “nothing shown on that screen so far has been a lie” Peter countered. “But I don’t know you” may repeated, she sounded like broken record. The woman kept saying it as if to convince herself more than anything. Tony had a similar nagging feeling in his gut, like the kid wasn’t lying. Even though he had to be, right?

“Any why, exactly should we trust you?” The girl, Michelle, asked  challengingly. Peter half groaned, half sighed in frustration. “I’m not saying you should” peter countered “I’m just saying that even if they don’t remember this, I do”. The group frowned at him. The teen crossed him arms. “how the? How did we forget when you didn’t?” Tony asked, eyes tracking the kids face. He saw his glance for a spilt second at the wizard before a sad amused smile graced his features. “Magic” Peter spoke almost teasingly. He leant back clearly done with the converstion.

Peter Parker: Okay. This crazy car parked outside . . . [Peter sees Tony and his eyes widen.]

Tony Stark: Oh, Mr. Parker.

You could hear a pin drop… Mr Parker. May’s eyes were wide. “There is absolutely no way…” Her voice was low and almost broken “no way that I would forget if-if… me and ben had…”. Tony saw peter glance at her out of the corner of his eyes. “If we had a…” She stopped, breathing shallow seemingly not able to get the words out. I would remember if you were my son, if we were family. The unspoken words seemed to leave the room heavy. Until peters eyes widened and he started shaking his hands in front of him in denial. “No nononono- sorry, I’m- I mean, i-m not uh” The boy trailed off, looking almost nervous or embarrassed? Tony watched may lift her head up to look at him. Confusion, anger, fear swimming in her eyes. “You… you’re my uh aunt” Peter stumbled out. May seemed to calm down but not by much “I can’t be”. Peter’s face scrunched up before it evened out.

Peter Parker: Um . . . [He takes out his earphones.] What--what are you doing . . .? Hey! Uh, I'm--Im--I'm Peter.

The kids stuttering seemed so similar to what just happened in this very room. Tony frowned, wondering what on earth he was doing in this persons house. He’d just been about to recruit spider-man unless… he shot a look at the figure hunched in the corner. No way, right? Is Peter spider-man? Tony frowned to himself, the boy on the video was 5. Okay an exaggeration but he looked honestly like 12 at a push. He remembers being desperate for teammates at the time but… would he really recruit an actual child. Tony grimaced, already knowing the answer.

Tony Stark: Tony.

Peter Parker: What are . . .what are you--what are you--what are you doing here?

Tony Stark: It's about time we met. You've been getting my e-mails, right?

Peter Parker: Yeah. Yeah.

Tony Stark: Right?

Peter Parker: Regarding the . . .

May Parker: You didn't tell me about the grant.

Peter Parker: About the grant.

“He has no clue what you guys are talking about” Michelle pointed out. Tony saw the avengers all frown at the screen, they’d probably figure it out soon. “did she believe that?” The girl turned towards the corner to ask. Peter shrugged at her “It was… convincing?”. Tony blinked slowly in disbelief. Not even that statement was convincing let alone the shit show on the screen.

Tony Stark: The September Foundation.

Peter Parker: Right.

Tony Stark: Yeah. Remember when you applied?

Peter Parker: Yeah.

“Right real convincing” Flash snickered to himself, something about the kid rubbed him the wrong way. Besides the avengers weren’t happy with him anyway. If the cautious glance sent his way meant anything.

Tony Stark: I approved, so now we're in business.

May Parker: You didn't tell me anything. What's up with that? You keeping secrets from me now?

Peter Parker: Why, I just, I just . . . I just know how much you love surprises, so I thought I would let you know . . . wh . . . anyway, what did I apply for?

“oh my god” Tony muttered, face palming literally. If this is what happened then by the gods how did this kid get away with this. The lying was quite frankly pathetic. “…what did you apply for? Were you even trying?” Clint asked amused. “w-well nobody really expects to go home and find the tony stark sitting with your aunt, besides I didn’t start the lie” Peter’s defence was weak at best, even he knew that.

Tony Stark: That's what I'm here to hash out.

Peter Parker: Okay. Hash, hash out, okay.

Tony Stark: It's so hard for me to believe that she's someone's aunt.

May Parker: Yeah, well, we come in all shapes and sizes, you know?

Tony Stark: This walnut date loaf is exceptional.

Peter Parker: Let me just stop you there.

Tony Stark: Yeah?

Peter Parker: Is this grant, like, got money involved or whatever? No?

Tony sent Peter a look over his sunglasses. As he did he heard the teens stifling their laughter. Tony wondered if peter was one of those people in his life that was only after his money. Strange, the kid didn’t seem the type but then again he’s been wrong before. Peter met Tony’s eye with an ease that was so clearly fake. “What? You’re the billionaire, don’t tell me you can’t afford it” Peter shrugged. “Touche, kid” Tony settled back in seat.

Tony Stark: Yeah.

Peter Parker: Yeah?

Tony Stark: It's pretty well funded.

Peter Parker: Wow.

Tony Stark: Look who you're talking to. Can I have 5 minutes with him?

May Parker: Sure.

Peter breathed in deeply. They were going to know soon. They’d find out who he was… in a way. He honestly hated it. He didn’t want to answer any questions. Not now. He couldn’t, would they even believe him? He closed his eyes. Maybe he should just take a nap or something? Ignore them. It wouldn’t matter in the long run anyway, even if they believed him, even if they took everything he said as fact. It wouldn’t be enough. The memories, they were gone. The emotions, the time they spent together, they weren’t going to come back. It wasn’t something that can be fixed just by watching it on a damn tv screen. None of it matters. None of it was going to make it better.