Chapter Text
Peter stared at the paper that Ned had just dropped in front of him. He never expected to feel impending doom at a field trip. But, then again, it somehow never occurred to him that his class would go on a field trip to the place he works, hell, the place he lives sometimes.
“Dude, before you freak out, just think about it for a second.”
Peter looked up at Ned, dread pathetically shining in his eyes. “Think about what? This is going to go horribly! So many things can go wrong! The class could find out that I work there and live there! Not to mention Tony would love to embarrass me!” Peter hissed back, panic growing in his voice as he glanced around to make sure no one was listening. He had managed to keep this part of his life secret, explaining his absences from clubs with mention of an internship but avoiding specifics. He knew no one would believe him if he told the truth, this way was just easier.
Ned grimaced at that point. “I mean, yeah, you’re right. But hey! Maybe he won’t even know about it! Just don’t tell him and he won’t be able to embarrass you, I doubt he’d come down to meet a random high school class so you should be fine.” he pointed out, ever the optimist (especially when it came to Avengers related issues).
Peter started to nod, letting himself breath as he realized Ned had a point. Tony actually really didn’t have to know, he was never on top of paperwork and events, Pepper always dealing with it, so the probability of him noticing was fairly low.
“Yeah, actually, you may-” he stopped talking as he felt a tingle at his neck, forcing himself not to turn as Flash walked up and shoved his shoulder, trying – and failing, though it didn’t seem to influence his arrogant swagger – to knock Peter out of his chair.
“Hey Parker. You ready to see Stark tower for the first and last time?”
“What are you talking about, Flash?” Peter asked, already tired of his presence.
“Well, everyone knows that SI has the best job opportunities. Not that you’ll ever find out just how good they are. You’ll never get hired there. They’ll probably take one look at you and throw you out of the building.”
“Yeah, right.” He said, rolling his eyes.
“Just you wait, I’ll end up working there and running the place before you know it, Penis. I’ll make sure you never get hired.” Flash spat out.
Peter just sighed. “Sure, Flash. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Flash just sneered back at the boy, obviously irritated to not be getting a reaction out of him.
“Whatever, Penis. I’ll make sure you get kicked out next week. Enjoy your time before getting blacklisted.”
Peter just watched Flash leave with a small smile. He was never very creative with his insults, but these especially were just ridiculous given Peter’s current situation, being practically the tower child. Part of him was tempted to turn the tables and get Flash kicked out (it would take a five second conversation with Tony, or even Happy if he didn’t want to tell Tony) but he figured that may be too much. He was supposed to be the bigger person, after all.
“Okay fine,” he sighed, turning to Ned. “I guess it’ll be okay. It may be entertaining to watch Flash try to get me kicked out. Though if I get a single whiff of plans from Tony or any of the others to embarrass me or blow my cover I’m climbing to the top of the tower and jumping off.”
Ned ignored the last comment and shook Peter by his shoulders “Yes yes yes! It’ll be great! And if he takes it too far we’ll have protection a few floors above! Plus it’ll be so cool to see everything again!”
Peter couldn’t help but smile. Regardless of how many times he invited Ned over, he was always still thrilled to see everything and all of the Avengers, still spluttering out excited ramblings even though they knew him by name.
Maybe this field trip wouldn’t be so bad. That would go against all the luck he ever had in his life, but hey, maybe it’s time for a change. He ignored the slight sinking feeling that it wouldn’t be, forcing himself to focus on his friend’s chattering.
*****
“Hey, May? I have a paper for you to sign.” Peter called as he threw his backpack onto the couch and flopped down next to it.
May walked over, holding out her hand for the paper. “What’s it for?”
“Oh, just… a field trip. To a science museum.” he stammered, setting it on the table instead of in her hand to hide the destination with his palm as he handed her the pen.
“Oh, nice! Do you know which one?”
Peter wracked his brain for which one would be most appropriate for a STEM high school to go to, given their record of insanely cool field trips (one of which resulting in arachnid powers).
“Uh…”
“Oh we can just look,” May suggested, trying to pull the paper out from Peter’s hand. Peter panicked and it was suddenly stuck to his sweaty palms.
“Oh, whoops?” he said, smiling up at her sheepishly.
At that, May put her hand on her hips, looking down at him with a stern stare. “Peter? Where are you going?”
“Nowhere?”
“Peter.” The stare was turning into a glare.
He sighed, knowing he dug himself into a hole. “Fine. We’re going to the tower,” he groaned, releasing the paper. “Please don’t tell Tony. He’s gonna embarrass me. And I really don’t need people knowing I work and live there sometimes. I already seem weird enough” he groaned, head in his hands.
May chuckled. “Would it really be such a bad thing for them to know how smart you are? And how you have a group of superheroes ready to kill or at least threaten for you? Maybe threaten a certain annoying teenager who may also be on the trip?” May raised an eyebrow at him, a mischievous grin spreading over her face.
Peter’s eyes grew wide in horror. “No, May. Please, it’s fine. That really would not be helpful.” May studied his face for a moment and let it go, signing the paper. He almost sighed in relief, but May whispered “We’ll see” and Peter’s heart dropped. Yeah, his Parker luck was not going to end with this trip.