A/N- Updates are changing to twice a month. The middle of the month and the end :D
-Third Person P.O.V-
*Location- Midtown Tech High School*
Peters' eyes wandered around the crowded lunch hall, his mind pulling him back to this morning when his uncle had already left for school and his aunt was angry. He hadn't done anything to warrant the anger that was shown towards him, but Peter was used to it by now.
His ribs ached with a fierce anger that he couldn't quiet tame. May had punched and kicked him enough to leave him black and blue, and making it hard for him to muster the strength to get to school.
Whenever he was in a position like that, he couldn't help but hope and pray that his uncle would come through the door and stop May from doing it. But he knows it won't happen, May always knows when Ben is going to be there or not.
"You okay dude?" Ned asks from beside Peter, looking at him in concern seeing as he had spaced out for a while.
Peter blinks back into reality, the memories of earlier floating away from him while turning his attention back to his best friend.
"Yeah, sorry, I was just thinking," Peter replies, a small, nonchalant shrug accompanying the statement. It pulled on his ribs and bruised back and he held back a grunt of pain, masking it with a smile at his best friend.
He would never tell Ned what was happening at home, he couldn't do that to his best friend. May would also kill him if she ever found out that he had told someone what was happening. He can still remember her telling him, with every punch and kick, that if he told anyone she wouldn't hesitate in putting a bullet through his skull.
Part of Peter didn't believe that she would back then, he didn't think his aunt, who had once truly loved and cared for him would ever do something like that. But with the years passing- five to be exact- Peter knew she wasn't lying.
"Have you seen Flash today?" Ned asked, catching Peters wondering attention once again.
Peter lets out a small breath, his eyes scanning around them again before replying. "No, not yet. And I honestly don't want to. I got away from him yesterday and you know how he gets," Peter sighed, his hand playing with his sleeve as a nervous habit he has always had.
Ned sends him a sympathetic smile as he pulled out his lunch, Peter followed swiftly, although you wouldn't really call his apple a lunch. It's all he could scrounge before he left, knowing May won't let him take anything else and having no strength to go to Delmar's for his free sandwich he normally got. It didn't matter anyway, he was sure later on he would eat dinner as Ben would be there too.
Secretly, he though Mr Delmar knew what was happening to Peter. Whenever Peter would go in there, Mr Delmar would give him his favourite sandwich- number 5, squished real flat- and say 'on the house kid, for my favourite customer.'
When Peter had asked about it, Mr Delmar had replied saying how he always had spare and didn't want it to go to waste. And that he wanted to keep Peter liking his sandwiches and not someone else's. Peter would have argued and tried to pay, but he knew there was no point, he didn't have any money either, and he was normally starving by the time lunch rolled around and he hadn't eaten breakfast.
"No Delmar's today?" Ned quips, side eyeing the measly apple that was in Peters hand.
Lightly, Peter shakes his head, "nah. Wasn't feeling all that well this morning and didn't really have time. I'm not really hungry either, so it doesn't matter," Peter replied, hating having to lie- well, at least for the most part. He supposes he really wasn't feeling very well after being kicked in the gut many times.
Ned takes a moment before nodding, seeming to buy the story and begin to unwrap his own sandwich and taking a bite out of it.
Sometimes Peter can't help but get jealous of his best friend, his parents were so kind and caring, and as far as Peter could tell they never did anything to Ned like his aunt does to him. But it's different, Ned doesn't deserve it, but Peter feels he does. He was the reason his parents died, May had told him enough time that it was his fault for him to ultimately believe it, and after all, he had his Uncle Ben there.
It didn't matter.
He deserved it.
-
The bell rang, signalling the end of lunch and both boys stood from their table. They had been talking about anything and everything, ranging from LEGO's, to the avengers and what had happened.
Rumours were spreading like wildfire after the explosion at the UN, supposedly it had been the Winter Soldier who had done it. And though everyone had believed it, Peter couldn't help but think it might not have been, although he was probably wrong.
Then there was the rumours of the fight within the avengers, they had been seen in an airport in Germany, saying how it was Captain America leading one side and Iron man leading the other. After that, it's a bit of a mess of rumours.
Some say that was it and it was over, some say they all killed each other- which is bull that Peter won't even think of believing- some say they fixed it all up and live happily ever after, and some say there was a fight between The Winter Soldier, Captain America, and Iron man.
Peter isn't really sure on any of it, but what he does know is that it all sounds rather dangerous and something Peter doesn't really want to add to the list of things he needs to think about.
"I'll see you tomorrow Peter," Ned calls out, going off in the other direction where his class is.
Peter waves a small hand, trying in vain to not jostle his side more then necessary, "bye Ned," Peter replies, just about heard over the loud shouts of the halls.
It's safe to say Peter has never liked the loud and busy halls, all the shouting makes him flinch back, worried maybe, just maybe his aunt is there, shouting at him and growing closer and closer, ready to strike him down and- stop.
That wasn't the only bad thing about the busy halls though, whenever someone would push past him and hit one of his many wounds he would feel the pain slice through him and make him internally wince, but he always had to keep it a secret. He couldn't let people know he was always in pain after all.
Then there was Flash, he and his gang would always be in the halls, lurking in the shadows, ready to pull him away and beat him up for just- for just being him. But Peter was getting used to it, after all, it happened at home as well, so surely there must be something wrong with him. May always did tell him that as well, so maybe she wasn't lying after all.
He kept his eyes scanning the halls as he made his way to class, he wanted nothing more then to have a day where Flash wouldn't do anything to him. And yes, yesterday Flash didn't do anything to him, but he could always hope that today he wouldn't do anything to him either. After all, he was really sore for the beating he got this morning from May.
He continued on his way to his class, it was math, thankfully he had already had his science classes earlier in the day. Don't get him wrong, he loves science a lot, but Flash is in that class and he could feel his eyes burning holes in his head from where he sat. He was able to get away from him before Flash could do anything which he was happy about.
A sigh of relief fell from his lips as he made it into his class with no incident, he moved silently to the back of the class, his eyes cast down as he fiddled with the ends of his sleeves. One more lesson, then he can go.
-
*Location- Rouge hideout*
Bucky sighed for the hundredth time that hour as he sat against one of the cold walls of the abandoned warehouse. His eyes travelling from person to person, making sure to lookout for any kind of danger.
He could faintly here Scott and Clint talking about their children, saying how they wish they could go see them and spend some time with them. Bucky pushed down the guilt he was feeling with a small shake of his head, he was going to fix this; he just wasn't sure when or how.
Natasha and Wanda were sat off to the side, talking to one and another with small smiles on their faces. The two of them, Bucky had noticed, had become closer in their stay here. It had been a couple weeks of them staying here and they were still all trying to get used to it. But Bucky was grateful that they seemed to be adapting at least a little to it all, he really didn't want this to happen because of what he had done.
Sam was sat off to the side on his own, the falcon pack in front of him as he fiddled with the wiring within it. Redwing was also laying beside him, and Bucky secretly wanted to smash the small little bot, it really did bother him.
"You okay Buck?" Steve asks, coming and sitting beside him.
Bucky turns his attention from what's around him to Steve while nodding. "Yeah, just thinking," he replies with a small, forced smile.
Steve sighed lightly, placing a warm, grounding hand on Buckys shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself for all of this Bucky, it's not your fault this has all happened. It's mine, if I- if I had agreed to sign the accords, none of that would have happened. And the fight- the fight with Tony should've never happened, so don't blame yourself for it," Steve spoke, his voice quiet but unwavering.
Bucky lightly shook his head while carefully shoving Steve a little, "it's both our faults punk," Bucky replied.
"Whatever Jerk," Steve snorted, although Bucky could tell he was just trying to change the subject.
His mind wandered to the place he had found the other week when he went out, they were hesitant at first to let him leave, but Bucky knew how to stick to the shadows and not be seen. He had found another abandoned building while he was out, it was smaller then the warehouse, more like an old shop of some sort. He claimed it slightly as his own, thinking of it as his own little escape and where he could stay for as long as he wanted with no interruptions.
Bucky stood, catching the attention of Steve, he sent him a raised eyebrow in question.
"I'm going out for a bit," Bucky voiced, making Steve smile knowingly.
"Let me guess, the secret place you don't let anyone go to but you?" He asked, a knowing tell in his voice.
Bucky rolled his eyes but nodded, "yeah, you got that right. I'll see you later."
"Don't get caught," Steve called out, watching as Bucky left, falling into the shadows.
Bucky waves away his concern, although he isn't even sure Steve can see him as he continues on his way to his own hideout. His instincts were telling him something was going to happen, he just wasn't sure if it would be good or bad.
Shaking his head he continued on pushing away the part of him saying something was going to happen. Who knows, it could be good.
-
*Location- Midtown Tech High School*
Peter stood as soon as the bell rung through the school, signalling the end of the day. His heart was beating quicker with every step he took, and all he wanted was to fast forward time and let him be at Delmar's.
Hungry was an understatement for him right now.
Peter kept his eyes open and alert as he looks around the crowded halls as they all head out of school, he really, really didn't want to see Flash. He picked up the pace, heading towards the exit, slotting into the crowd like a ghost.
He held back many groans of pain as he was pushed and shoved like many others. A bubble of hope was building up within him with every step that he grew closer to the outside world where he would be free from the fear of being hurt and on edge.
He always stayed out as long as he could after school, normally he just wandered about, and if it was raining or cold, he would spend the time at Delmar's and normally help Mr Delmar and get some money for it.
As long as he was away from his aunt it didn't matter. His uncle worked most afternoons through to the early hours of the morning, so he never saw he much anymore.
His feet hit the cold concrete and he let out a breath of relief, no Flash in sight.
Until he clashed until something, sending him falling to the floor with a crash. His eyes quickly looked up, ignoring the flaring pain flowing through his back and ribs as he looked at what, or more so who he walked into.
Flash was stood over him, his eyes burning with rage as he looked at Peter sprawled on the floor. A sneer sat on his face as he glared down at Peter.
"Well, well, well, looks like you're just begging for a beating aren't you Penis," Flash voices, amusement lacing his voice as his friends around him all laugh and nod.
Peter swallows thickly, shaking his head rapidly as he pulled himself onto his feet as quick as he could. He really, really hoped that he wouldn't see Flash today, it's just Parker luck that not only does he see Flash, but he runs into him as well. He looked around quickly, wanting a quick escape as soon as he could get one.
"I-I'm sorry, please not- not today," Peter stuttered, taking a shaking step back as he clutched the straps of his bag, trying to push down the pain that was radiating through his body.
Flash scoffs while moving closer to Peter, "oh no Penis. You don't get away that easily, not after you, ran into me. You got the day off yesterday, but not today."
Peter can feel his hands tremble as he slowly began to back away, "please- please no," Peter mumbles, wanting them all to just leave him alone.
Flash was about to retort, but he didn't have the time to as Peter took off, swerving around the group of bullies and running as quick as he could away. He could hear the shouts and clatter of feet behind him, signalling they're following him, but he didn't dare look back.
His feet pumped under him, his breaths coming in short pants as he tried to keep going. He wasn't the fittest person alive and running on a single apple, with your ribs probably bruised, maybe even broken, it was hard for him to keep going.
Street after street he ran, shouts of protest coming from people he slipped around and nearly ran into, he tried to call out and apology but it came out as a short gasp as he tried to keep on moving. Midtown was nowhere near him now, but he didn't dare stop in fear of them catching him.
After a few more minutes of running, he could no longer hear anyone running after him, or the sounds of the insults being shouted at him. He slowed down to a quick walk and looked behind him, no longer seeing Flash or his gang.
He looked around where he was and noticed he was fairly close to Delmar's, maybe a fifteen minute walk to there. He hadn't been around here much as it was mostly desolate buildings and maybe even a little sketchy people around in the shadows, although he didn't let it bother him all that much, after all, a lot of people in suit and work clothes were milling about, talking away on their phones quickly.
Peter took in a shuddering breath as he calm to a halt, leaning against a wall and placing his hands on his knees to help him breath more. God he hated running.
He made sure to keep his gaze on the surrounding areas, making sure to watch out in case the bully and his gang all came back. Once his breath was back he removed his hands from his knees, placing one on his stomach where the ache was slowly growing.
Why did it always have to be him who got into these kinds of situations, people really did love hurting Peter. But he wasn't angry really, because is it was Flash hurting Peter, then he wouldn't be hurting anyone else, would he.
After taking another moment to compose himself and wipe the thoughts from his brain he began to walk towards Delmar's.
He walked a hundred or so meters before hands were on his arms and bag, pulling him into a dark alley. He gasped in shock as he was pushed roughly to the floor, his gaze snapping up and making his breath shudder in his lungs.
Flash and his friends were stood there, small beads of sweat gathered on their brows as they glared down at Peter.
"You really thought you could get away from us that easy did you Penis," Flash spits, his fists clenching beside him.
Peter shook his head, tears gathering in the corner of his eyes in fear. "Please Flash, just- just leave me alone," Peter pleaded, wishing his voice didn't waver and crack in fear.
Flash scoffs and shakes his head, "oh believe me Penis, you've made it a whole lot worse for running." He turns his gaze to all of his friends, a glint of malice and anger radiating in his eyes, "you know what to do boys."
Peter knew what was going to happen, he curled up on himself, his arms reaching to protect his face and his legs curling to rest against his stomach, although he knew it wouldn't do all that much.
He felt a kick against his side and that was the start of it, kicks and punches started to rain down upon him, one after the other. He could feel his defences falter as kicks and punches started to hit his face and his stomach.
Peter could feel the blood dripping down his face, collecting on the cold concrete floor below him. Insults were spat at him with so much hate and venom that he started to wonder just what he had done so wrong.
Silent tears fall down his face as his eyes shut tightly, trying to block out the pain that was overpowering him and shooting through his entire body.
A kick got through his arms and hit his face, a resounding crack echoing through the silent alley way, the only sounds are the grunts and insults being thrown at him. His breathing's shaking with ever painful intake of breath he took in.
He could feel his mind pulling him down as more and more pain begun to haze his mind. Maybe fate will be on his side and allow him to pass out, and maybe, if he's lucky, he won't wake back up. Don't get him wrong, he doesn't want to die per se, but he does want the pain to be over with; maybe then he could see his parents again and get his family back.
With his mind almost pulling him away, he almost missed the deep, authoritative voice that echoed through the alleyway.
"I suggest you stop hurting him and pick on someone your own size."
That's the last thing he hears before everything fades to darkness.
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A/N- :0
3.4k words
- M xx