Behind closed doors

Chapter 18

But yet, here he was, still not trusting people and thinking everyone was against him.

He hated it with a burning passion, but there was nothing he could do to change it when it was all he's known for so long.

Finally, the tower came into view and Peter walked through the revolving doors. He was met with a busy reception, bustling scientists and interns rushing around. Even then, there was still a warmness to the place that felt inviting to anyone who would come in, and it would make anyone feel as though they were welcomed with open arms and a cup of cocoa.

Peter bypassed reception and walked through security, over time, they had become accustomed to who Peter was and normally allowed him to go through without much hassle. Today was no different as Peter shyly waved to the receptionist and walked through the scanner, thanking the guard quietly before walking to the lift.

"Hi FRIDAY," Peter greeted in a slightly cheerful voice. FRIDAY was the only one here that he referred to without a title. Even then, it had taken a long time for him to get used to calling her by just her name.

'Good Afternoon Peter, it's lovely to see you again. Should I inform boss you're here?' FRIDAY replied, sounding just as cheerful.

Peter thought about it for a moment before responding with, "yes please FRI."

'All done, Boss had said he is looking forward to seeing you. Peter, I have also detected you are hurt again, would you like me to tell you the extent and allow boss to know the severity,' FRIDAY spoke up, sounding...worried.

Peter breathed in sharply- a shot of pain making him regret that as soon as he had done it. "No thanks FRIDAY, I don't want him to worry and it's not too bad," Peter reasoned, this was a conversation the pair had every time Peter came to the tower.

'I won't tell him then. But it's rather concerning how you come here injured all the time,' FRIDAY added.

Sighing, Peter looked down, knowing he was about to arrive at the lab. "I'm okay FRI, really, no need to worry."

God, if only that was the truth though. Peter knew he wasn't okay, and there probably was a reason to worry.

The ding echoed around the small room- it was pretty big compared to other lifts- signalling the arrival of Peter. As the doors opened, it revealed the lab and Tony sat inside, his Stark tablet on the table with him hunched over it, working away.

"Hi Mr Stark," Peter called out as he stepped into the lab.

Tony dropped the tablet and span around on his chair, a smile adorning his features as he does so. He jumped from his chair and walked over to Peter. "Peter, I need to talk to you," Tony voiced, sounding upbeat.

Peter could feel his heart drop to the bottom of his chest at all the thoughts that passed through his mind. Of course, on the way here, Peter had known Mr Stark wanted to talk to him about something, but he had never thought about it much.

The what if's swarmed Peters mind, and it was almost as though Tony knew the inner battle Peter was having at that moment.

"Pete, calm down. It's nothing bad," Tony reassured, he would have put his hands on Peters shoulders to ground him a little more, but Tony had learnt over time to not startle Peter with touch as he tended to flinch away and normally close off.

Hearing what Mr Stark said, Peter looked up and nodded, not wanting to talk as he worried he might say something stupid or start panicking again.

"Well, seeing as a lot of time you come here now, you stay till quiet late and tend to miss more time on patrol. I thought, and of course, you can say no, and it's also up to your aunt May-" dread filled Peter instantly, May was- she couldn't be involved with any of this, -"that you could stay here on weekends, so you can spend more time in the labs and such."