Chapter Text
Saying goodbye to the house you grew up in wasn't as easy as one would expect. From your good neighbors to your friends, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth and a pinging in your heart. Having to say goodbye to the small town you were born in was harder, you could barely remember your childhood friends now. Unwillingness to let go of the past has driven you forward, always holding on to what you can till it's no longer there. This moving to another country was so spontaneous that it didn't give you any chance to say goodbye to the one friend you had from the same city as you in person, the one who was partly your guidance into this new world of superheroes and your mentor, Peter Parker. There was no doubt in your heart that nobody at school would notice your sudden disappearance, despite your efforts of making friends there no one was really interested. You couldn't tell if it was because of where you came from, or the accent that came with when you spoke. Despite growing up in New York, the accent from your motherland stuck with you even after moving, and now you're packing your things again. Only this time, you're old enough to do it yourself. As you rampage through your closet for items worth to pack and which to donate, you came across the old jewelry your mother gifted you before she passed. The necklace, silver in its chains and blue stone in the middle of it seemed to call out to you once again, as if reminding you of your mother's death. Her anniversary was due in a few days and you would be in Paris in a new house with your father and his little sick excuse for a wife. When one's own father couldn't pick his own child over some woman just because he needed the feeling of being married again, one tends to bear hatred towards the world for its unfairness. Especially when he cheated on your mother with his now wife before she even passed. With anger crossing through your vines at the memories this necklace brings, you shove it in your pocket to deal with it later. You left it in the closet for a reason, that reason being ignoring every problem there was with your family. Everything else went into the donation box. You had enough clothes, and the ones you couldn't wear anymore were going straight to the orphanage for donation. A knock on your door caught your attention, turning to face your father you couldn't help but frown a little. What could he possibly have to say to you now? "Hey," he starts gently. "I know you're not happy with this arrangement especially since you seemed happier after finding a… friend." Even now, you still haven't told your father exactly what Peter was. It was strange, since technically Peter was an adult you didn't want to tell your father that. He would freak out about how you shouldn't befriend an adult… Peter was only a few years ahead of you though, so you guys still had much in common. Besides, you really didn't need him going after Peter. He was rather well known for hunting down people who owed him money, or just hunting people down in general. Either way, your internship with Spider-Man was strictly a secret. "But there is a bright side to this. A fresh new start, where people won't care about where you came from." A pause to give you a small smile, however upon seeing your raised eyebrows in questioning, he hastily added; "Where we came from." When you didn't give him an answer, his shoulders slumped in defeat, eyebrows quickly turning in on itself. "I don't know what else you want from me. I've done my best to make us comfortable after your mother's death, and what do I get in return? Your teenage phase, when you think you're right all the time and constantly try to fight me about everything!" The sudden outburst didn't surprise you anymore, but that didn't mean you still weren't scared of it. You know whatever he says about you isn't true, but part of you can't help but wonder if it is. Before you have any chance to correct him, to back away, he grips your shoulders to hold you in place. "Do you just love getting under my skin? Like your mother, who just loved to rail me up all the time. Now she's gone, been long gone, and it's like she's living through you. Everyday I see her in you, I can't even look at you even seeing her look of disapproval. Tell me, am I a bad father? Did I not raise you? I gave you everything. If anything, you should repay me for all I've done for you!" His voice raises with every word, anger seeping through his sentences each time he got louder and as seconds passed you could feel his nails digging into your flesh. From what was a peaceful talk of encouragement for moving to another country turned into a hostile interrogation that you know you can't answer, for whatever reason you gave him he would not be satisfied. So you could only stand still while he shouted in your face about how you were ungrateful, a brat, worthless till needed. Honestly the words stung badly, like having a sword pierce through your heart. They replay in your head till it keeps you up all night debating on your worth and existence. "Do you even care about us?" He shook your shoulders, demanding for answers, answers you didn't have. A heavy sigh left his lips, with it, it was as if he was exhaling all his pent up anger with one single breath. He did, because he always took his anger out on you. Maybe he was disappointed with the fact that he only had one son, that his new wife couldn't bear him another. Without another word he left your room, slamming the door behind him to express how fed up he was with you. You wished your mother was still here, she would know how to guide you, her only child. When he was finally gone you let yourself tremble and shake in fear, collapsing in exhaustion with having to deal with your father. Then from inside your pocket you could feel a vibration coming within your phone mid panic, at first you ignored it. Thinking of it as some random app informing you about their promotion. But as it continued to vibrate you considered the possibility of it being an emergency from Peter, so you worked up the energy to check the phone. To your surprise, it was from Peter, but not because of an emergency.
"Hey little spider, you there?"
"Helllooo! Too busy?"
"Come on man, don't leave me hanging…"
"Okay then, reply to me when you can alright? Since I know you're leaving for Paris soon, and it sucks how little time we have left as spiders. Soooo, are you up for a few more swings around the neighborhood? Then we get to say goodbye in person."
You didn't type a response immediately, not sure if he meant tonight or right now. Since you were supposed to fly to Paris tonight, you figured he meant now.
"Meet up at our usual spot in 5?" Your fingertips hover before the send button, rethinking your choices of leaving your room without telling anyone. Sneaking out now would only drive your father further towards insanity, not to mention the fact that you lived 9 floors up the apartment. Sure, it had fire staircases right outside your room so even if you did sneak out your father can only assume you ran down the stairs so you're safe for now. Mind made up and giving yourself a bit of faith in getting back before your father cools off to check on you, you hit send. You were done with packing anyways. Sort of. Most of the things in your room were cleared out.
An instant reply came.
"On my way there!"
You didn't bother to send him another text, just placing your phone down on the table and changing into your suit. Spiderboy's suit was very different from Spider-Man's, for many reasons. One of them being he mainly patrolled during nights, when no eyes could notice him. As for the rest, you just liked having style. Due to your abilities being slightly different than Peter's, it was difficult to say the least getting used to the changes within your body. For example, you seemed to be more spider-like than humans sometimes, which means your senses are heightened abnormally and you got venom running through your vines. Sounds cool when you first heard it, but actually having to control it was harder than it sounds. Another weird thing was how you could turn invisible sometimes, that one was just painfully difficult to learn how to maintain. Being Spiderboy changed you in some ways though, it was more freeing, like gaining wings for the very first time and having no limits to how high you could fly. With the wind singing it's melody to you as you swing from buildings to buildings, you couldn't help but admire the city below you, and how you would miss protecting it, the people in the city and the cheers you would hear sometimes. They helped ground you, remind you that there was a reason to keep going, to use your power for good. As Peter once said, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' You wonder who said this line to Peter, because you just didn't believe he was wise enough to come up with it on his own. Swinging was either too slow or too fast at times depending on how you felt, right now though it felt like time was slipping through your fingers as you neared the rooftop where you usually met up with Spider-Man. Just to show off, you did a few backflips before landing on the roof with your own signature pose and stood up with a smug look on your face. Even if Peter couldn't see it, he knew you long enough to know what expression you were making under the mask based on how the mask followed your movements. You heard him scoff before mumbling "What a poser." and you loved having this banter relationship with him, going back and forth arguing with someone who knew you well enough to know you didn't mean it, someone who wouldn't take their anger out at you. "Come here little bug, enjoy the sunset with me." He pats the spot next to him, face focused on the city below the both of you. "I don't know why you insist on calling me that." You move to the spot beside him quietly, keeping a distance when you sit. This felt different from before somehow, like this internship you had going on with him was coming to an end soon. The thought saddened you, and Peter seemed to notice this because he gently pulled you in closer by placing an arm across your shoulder. "I know. It pains me that I'll have to patrol alone again, without your playful yet somehow hostile attitude keeping the night interesting." Now was your turn to scoff at him, but appreciating his words of comfort anyways. "I don't want to go." You admit silently, barely mumbling the words out, letting the wind cover your voice. But Peter will always catch whatever you say before it's lost forever. "We'll keep in contact, you can always ask for advice no matter what the problem is. Regarding your spider changes, school, life itself. I'm here for you, you know that right?" As you nod at his words you can't help but turn away, partly because you feel embarrassed, another part of you wants to cry. Hearing the words you so desperately wanted to hear from your father fall from Peter's mouth was just surreal, how can Peter act more like a father figure than your actual father is? Peter was more like a big brother to you, but rare moments like this make him look like he's older than he is. "Yeah." Your voice cracks a little and you want to hit yourself for it, you never want to make yourself seem small in front of anyone. Peter shifts, you feel it, and when you turn to face him again you're surprised to see him turned to face you. "Kid, I know heavy things weigh your heart down. I know how hard it is to keep going, but trust me, I'm here for you. I will help carry the burden as long as you allow me." Your eyes couldn't focus on his mask any longer, vision turning blurry as you try to breathe evenly. It doesn't help when he rubs your shoulders gently, comforting you when you didn't even ask for it. Honestly, you need this, you wanted this so badly. A warmth you can lead on.
"How can you be so kind? You barely know me besides the fact that I chased you down demanding you to take me under your wing." A moment of laughter passes between the two of you as one another recalls the memory from their own perspective. "I'll have to remind you that it has been a few months since I trained you, and you're not exactly ready yet to go crime fighting by yourself so I better not see Spiderboy out in Paris fighting crimes by himself." He warned, and you gave him a little shrug that was neither a promise nor going against him. "I have to admit, it wasn't easy at the start of our journey together. You didn't want teamwork, you wanted to handle things yourself by applying the things I told you. Not only that, you were reckless with the power you were given. That's a dangerous trait to have, and I'm glad you changed somewhat now. Only now you're reckless about your own health—" "Oh geez I wonder where I got that trait from…" You mumbled softly under your breath, in reply he cleared his throat for your attention. "Anyway. My point is, I saw your potential and the kind hearted boy you are underneath all that anger. And more importantly, I saw myself in you. Lost and confused, without guidance and proper care for yourself. How could I not take you under my wing, to take care of you? Besides, you helped me keep New York safe from harm when I was busy." He waits for your reaction, and you don't know how to react. Nobody has ever told you something so heartwarming before, so truthful. "It's crazy how you feel like a big brother to me sometimes. I mean, I see you as one. But it's times like this that feels real." You slip your arms around his waist, giving him a tight squeeze as you bury yourself into his chest, breathing in his scent one last time before you have to leave for good. "Thank you, for the lessons you've given. I still want to learn more from you of course, and I'll come back. So this isn't goodbye forever…just see you later. Okay? Don't die on me." He squeezes you back, embracing you and accepting the hug you rarely give. "Of course, who do you think I am?" "A tiny spider that could die at any moment…" He scoffs at your description of him, shoving you playfully off him and pouting. "I see how it is then, go off to Paris and see what kind of bug can fight crimes with you!" You laugh at how even though you weren't going to see him for quite some time he still manages to make you crack a laugh before leaving. "You know, there's Ladybug and Chat noir…they might like a third partner to fight alongside them…" You teased, remembering how Paris has some weird magical shit going on with it. "You wouldn't dare replace me, would you?" "Of course not, I'm just saying, they're my ticket into fighting crimes since you mentioned Spiderboy being not ready for solo runs…" Peter seems to realize his mistake. "Hold on now, I take that back. You're not ready for ANY kind of crime fighting, solo or not. I'm being serious here kid, you need someone to watch your back. I'm sure that Paris's heroes are able to, but are they reliable? Here in New York, you have me to watch your every clock." There goes your dreams about being Spiderboy in Paris. "Okay, I get your point and concern. But isn't it high time you let me spread my wings? Even if you call me 'little bug' I'm not exactly little anymore, am I? Just trust me, I can handle it." At your response, he seems to grow annoyed. Suddenly you didn't like where this was going. What happened to joking around? "Spiderboy, you are not ready. Period." You couldn't believe your ears, were you hearing things? You shot up to your feet so fast you felt blood rushing to your head and you wobbled a little before getting a hold of yourself. "Yeah, you said that once or twice." Anger rushed to every part of you as you spoke calmly, crossing your arms and staring Spider-Man down. "Please, believe me when I say it's for the best. I'm…" You couldn't hear him afterwards, whether it was due to the blood rushing to your ears or the distance ringing in your ears you couldn't tell. But one thing you knew for sure was that it was getting late. Awfully close to when you're supposed to leave for Paris. "So I'm asking for your understanding—" He noticed that you were focused on something else, somewhere else. "Kid?" "I have to go." You turn, jumping off the roof. "Hey! Kid!" Concern dripped from his voice when he shouted after you, but all you could think about was how you needed to get home right away. His footsteps were pacing outside your door.
Swinging back home in a panic was a different kind of feeling, one you didn't particularly enjoy. The wind felt more like it was against you, slowing you down as you tried to speed through buildings. It was a miracle you didn't fall to your death on the way home with the way you were going. When you finally got home, you threw your suit into the backpack and changed clothes so fast it could rival lightning itself. As if on cue, your father knocks on your door. Before you can even say anything he opens it. "You ready?" You hate how casual he gets after an outburst, like he could just erase it. Even more so when you play along. "Yeah." He hums, looks you up and down, and gives you a questioning look. "Why are you sweating all over? How are you even out of breath?" "I worked out." The both of you have a bit of a staring competition before his wife calls out for the both of you. "Boys! It's time to go. We're going to be late at this point." "Of course sweetie! Coming." He pushes past you to grab the last of your boxes and your luggage, as if you couldn't grab them yourself.
A private jet would be comfortable, one might be led to believe. However, it's far from comfortable when you don't have enough space from your parents. Well, you didn't think of his wife as your step-mother in any way, but how else could you describe them? You try to relax listening to music on your headphones, but all you can hear is how Peter's heartbeat quickened when you jumped, how his voice faded as you swung from buildings to buildings. All you feel now is regret, without saying a proper goodbye it feels like you're leaving your old life behind. Maybe you were. A vibration pulled you out of your thoughts of sorrow. The notification was from Peter.
"Kid, are you okay? Look, it's better for me to say this in person but you're probably on a plane right now so…"
You couldn't believe Peter was going for the casual approach after he basically grounded you for action.
"Yeah, I'm on my way to Paris right now. It's a shame we couldn't say much more before it turned into a disagreement about my activities outside of school." You send back a reply instantly without second guessing yourself.
"I know. For once, I'm sorry little bug. You might be right about me letting you spread your wings. You have to understand that you lack the experience to help, and I'm really worried about you. These heroes might be adults who know their work better than you, so they might appreciate you butting in."
"There's no real confirmation of them being adults anyways, how would you know? Pete, I understand that you're worried. I do! I just have so much inside me, and being Spiderboy is the only outlet." After you hit send, Peter doesn't reply immediately, there isn't even a bubble indicating that he's typing. Like he just disappeared. After a while, you send another text.
"Pete? Are you there?"
You frown at your phone, like it was its fault for suddenly losing Peter. Then you noticed how you had no signal and let out a soft chuckle at how you completely forgot about that, it's silly really. After that, you closed your eyes to rest. Paris awaits you and Spiderboy.
Assuming one would move into their new house upon arriving at their destination was not wrong. In your case however, it seems you can never grasp what is going on in your father's head because he decided to have the entire family meet a famous fashion designer which you've never heard of. Bad enough you have no one to speak your mother tongue with here (except for your father of course, but conversations with him were never pleasant) now you have to communicate with them in their tongue. Which, thankfully you took French lessons so you do understand them. Other than that, this day was proving to be a difficult one. Sleeping on a jet was uncomfortable, so now you lack sleep and the discipline to keep your mouth shut when your first thought appears. Worst of all, your phone ran out of battery a few hours ago and you haven't had the chance to charge it. You can imagine the sudden burst of notifications from Peter now when your phone turns back on. So now you were without music, drowning in memories as you stared at the city in the car as it sped past the general area you were in.
Finally, after some time that you couldn't tell because you weren't paying attention you arrived at some fancy looking mansion that you're convinced can house more than 20 people and stopped. This must be that famous designer mansion then. You loathed the rich who were too greedy to give to the poor. If this guy was anything like that, you might consider becoming an anti-hero to break into this guy's home and steal his money so that you can house the homeless— "Are you listening to me?" Oh. Was that a fly speaking to you or have you finally lost your mind to be hearing things… "Son." Nevermind, it was your father calling out to you for attention. You turn to face him, a bit blur about your surroundings. "Uh, yes?" He sighs. "I was saying, he has a son that you can befriend before you start school here. I'm sure he can help show you around the school, maybe even the city." You want to bang your head against the wall if this son of his was a spoiled rich brat who was even more greedy than his dad. "Oh, wow. How great." You can't tell if your monotone response annoyed your father or if he could tell you were being sarcastic. "Either way, I want you on your best behavior okay? I'm here on business." "Like hell you are, why bring us along if you're on business?" As soon as the words left your mouth you regretted it instantly. Your father eyed you in the rearview mirror, ice cold eyes boring into yours. "I meant, of course I'll be on my best behavior." With your palms beginning to sweat, you rub your hands together to get rid of it. "Good." He huffs out, and then the three of you are getting out of the car. This should be interesting.
Introductions were made, and they all flew over your head. You forgot how fast they spoke sometimes so you could barely keep track of their conversation. Between their talks of business, the designer's son came out to greet you. To your surprise, he was genuine with his words and seemed awfully kind. "Nice to meet you, my name is Adrien." When you shook hands, you were careful to control your strength. His hand was so smooth, and you couldn't help but wonder if this guy has ever done a chore in his life. "It's a pleasure." A tall lady seemed to lead the both of you away from the business meeting or talk, whatever it was, to a much nicer room that was fit for your daily conversations with others. "Please remain here until further notice. Adrien shall keep you company while you wait." You give her a hesitant nod after processing her words. What a weird day. "First time in Paris?" Adrien prompted after the both of you made yourselves comfortable. "Yeah. Can't believe I'm going to stay here now." You answered, not wanting to give anymore about yourself than you necessarily have to. "It'll be great. I heard from my father you're also going to the same school as me?" Again, it seems like he really wants to talk to someone his age. Or maybe someone who was in the same boat as him, having such a controlling father. You could tell at first glance that this fashion designer was a strict, cold, distant, harsh and controlling type of father. Almost close to your own, but not quite. "I am. Are you alright with showing me around school?" "Sure am! I'm really excited. It's a little weird, I know. But my friend Marinette, she's really good at introducing people to others more so than me. I can show you around Paris though." With how fast he was speaking you honestly couldn't catch up, so you held out your hand to pause him. "I'm sorry, could you slow down? My French isn't as good." At that, his cheeks seemed to darken a little, you couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or something else. "English then?" He asked, and you were baffled to discover people here knew English as well. "Wait, this whole time you could speak English and didn't start with that?" He gave you a sheepish smile and apologized, for whatever reason, you have no idea. "Don't be sorry, it's my fault for assuming." When you look at Adrien again, clearly this time, you could tell his expression was one of curiosity and shock. His features were clashing in on one another trying to keep a composure. Was it about your accent again? People's first question for you was always where you came from, which you didn't mind if it wasn't hostile. "I think you'll fit in here just fine!" Talk about a sudden change of topic. You stared at him in confusion, waiting for him to elaborate. But he didn't, he just went on to ramble about his friends at school, their plans for summer, what great heroes Ladybug and Chat Noir were. You noticed how he seemed to be more love-struck when talking about Ladybug though. For once, you didn't mind listening. This reminded you of Peter, and you were content with just listening without having to answer.
After hearing about Paris's akumatized villains and how Ladybug and Chat Noir defeat them along with the city's beauty and best place for sunsets, the both of you find yourselves in a peaceful silence. You can tell that Adrien has been waiting for a chance to talk to someone without being interrupted, you didn't need to interrupt, for you need to know as much as you could about Paris and its heroes before you went out as Spiderboy. Just as you were about to ask Adrien if anybody knew about Paris's heroes’ age, the doors opened after what felt like forever. The famous fashion designer stood alongside your father, the four of you stared at one another, waiting for someone to speak up. "Ahem. I'm glad to see the both of you getting along. Gabriel and I had much to discuss, and one of things we agreed on was how you will be Adrien's personal photographer for learning experience. Of course, your job is to take pictures of Adrien's daily life to increase his popularity. It is different from his modeling, and I believe you can do this." Count on your father to always have the first word in anything, you suppose. As you listen to your father's insane arrangement without telling you, you can't help but feel cheated on. Was this the reason you moved here? Is this why he told you to be on your best behavior earlier? The reason he told you about Gabriel's son? Why he wanted you to befriend his son? This was too much to wrap around your head right, especially since you didn't get any sleep since landing. Here you are, just to serve as someone else's photographer. You can't say you hated photographing though, it was one of your passions and you did want to become a photographer one day. Not like this though, it felt like a shortcut. At least Adrien seemed equally shocked as you are. He looked to his father for confirmation, and he nodded. "Okay." It was the only response you could come up without arguing with your father. "Guess we'll be seeing each other more often huh?" Adrien turns to you, his playful tone catching you off guard. Somehow, you were glad he didn't feel frustrated with this arrangement.
Soon enough you were on your way to your new house with gifts from the Agreste household, a welcome to Paris gift they called it. Weirdly, you saw family photos but no sign of Adrien's mother. This was none of your business though, so you didn't say anything. Packing was one thing, unpacking was another. There were so many boxes to go through it felt like you would never get through all this in one day. Not to mention how you had school the very next day. Since your father is too busy with work and your step-mother didn't know how to drive, you would be going to school with Adrien. Something you didn't expect. For now, you settled for charging your phone and crashing on the couch for a quick nap. You never thought you would sleep through the entire day.