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New York’s night was clear for the first time in weeks. In the past on these kinds of nights, you and Peter would have sat on the rooftop and dreamed about a bright future.
But those days were long gone, and instead you had chosen a side that set you as an enemy to the so called heroes.
Another injury, another night sitting on Peter’s bed, having your arm bandaged by him. Him being silent, seemingly deep in thought, tugging the bandage just a little firmer than necessary.
You knew the words behind the silence. And it infuriated you — even after all these years, Peter still couldn’t see what you saw. Families driving themselves into eternal debt when they’d try to save their loved ones, failing and having to pay anyway.
Deep down, you knew it was silly, wishful thinking. Loki was the god of deception, lying, mischief — why would be suddenly care about humans being treated well? But his promises were still far better than what Avengers seemingly fought for, making sure USA’s government stays as it is. Which, to you, seemed like protecting the rich, the medicines so many would never be able to afford — so many families being broken by greed. If there was even a fraction of truth to what Loki promised you in return of your help, it was immensely better than what Avengers offered.
And once again, Peter tried to reason with you as soon as he finished patching you up. “Mr. Stark would help if—”
You huffed. “Well, he wasn’t there for us when my parents got the diagnosis and were denied treatment, was he? As long as the rich aren’t pushed into it, helping and funding the healthcare for the poor to made mandatory for everyone who’d have the money to buy entire hospitals, nothing will change in a way that matters.”
He fell silent on that, but you knew it wasn’t because he agreed. Or he did agree, but not in the extent you did. He didn’t know how it was like, losing your loved ones in a way that would have been preventable but nobody helped because only the rich deserved treatment. What a country, the true American Dream.
You lowered your eyes onto your lap, clasping your hands in front of you. “I know it’s probable Loki isn’t doing it because he believes in it. He does it because he knows that as long as he has me in his team, he has a chance of winning. He won’t betray me.”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe you actually believe that.”
You clenched and unclenched your hand, still keeping your head down. “It’s all I have.”
Peter inhaled, standing up. “I wish I could be there for you with this, but I can’t. Not unless you choose justice again.”
You stared at him for a moment, before you sighed and shook your head, turning towards the window. “Yeah. I know you’d rather be Tony Stark’s pet than actually stand for what’s right — support me.”
Peter blinked, standing up abruptly. “That’s not—”
You lifted your hand. “Save it. I’m no longer that sunflower you once knew. I have to do whatever is necessary to ensure rich will never again rule the world, even if it’s foolish.”
Peter froze at that, watching as you slipped out of the window and jumped away. He bowed his head as soon as you disappeared from view, his first thought calling Mr. Stark and beg him to understand and make a counter deal so you’d be convinced to switch sides. But he remembered what he had said earlier when Peter confessed you knew each other and he doesn’t want to fight you. Sometimes you have to forget your feelings if the other is beyond saving. The risk he would suggest plotting against you to capture you was there, you were a serious advantage for Loki after all, and he’d do anything to keep you in his ranks.
Peter would do anything for you too, but honestly, after seeing everything you were willing to do to achieve your goals… he didn’t know if he would be able to drag you back to the good side.