~~~~~~
Peter watched silently to Johnny's continuous protest and cursing, refusing to be held down by four soldiers as the fifth reached for their pocket to take out a chunk of a black collar.
He watched solemnly, losing weight to raise his body that the soldiers had to stand him up while ignoring the blood-stained on the spider's shoulder. He just lost the energy to move an ounce of his body and was unable to properly comprehend what the soldiers were talking amongst themselves that weren't death threats towards the pair and accusing them of being mutants. Peter only had the movements to control his facial expressions, forming a clenched frown as he bit his lip from listening to the soldier's disgusting insults. Then he remembered how cameras were pointed at them, they were broadcasted LIVE on the TV, being looked down upon by everyone in the city and from his team. Fury isn't here to help him, his team isn't here and didn't bother to try and help him and Johnny.
The mere thought of the team watching and sitting calmly on the couch acting like they're watching an action film makes his blood boil. But that anger rose down when he realized that there's a high chance that Aunt May and MJ could be watching, even if Aunt May is hopping in joy for seeing Spider-Man being taken away or not, he couldn't bare to imagine how she'll act when her nephew doesn't end up going back home for days. The stress and worry might end up getting her sick or injured if he was away, including MJ. She already has to handle her dad and Harry getting locked up and will crush her when her best friend gets taken away too without any access to seeing him. Same with Danny. Whether he was watching back calmly with the team or rushing his way to his location, he wouldn't want to hurt him any longer by just willingly getting taken away after the time they had together even if most of it was just arguments between the two.
Peter really wanted to see them.
"These damn mutants man...How did our work shift from being in the military to capturing mutants?"
The soldier complained as he held Peter up as the other held another black collar, one similar to what is intended to place around Johnny. The collar has a bar where the batteries and wires were placed, looking exactly like a dog collar.
Being dragged and treated like an animal with that collar was enough to make Peter want to punch their heads off. Everything around him was humiliating and being shown on the TV screen, he truly wants to break the screen in half. His body was pulled forward as his breath ran short when the black collar was fully covering his neck to resist any proper head movements.
Electric pain had surfaced up his body that he fell to his knees with an incredible amount of burns around his neck making his throat hoarse and unable to let a proper sound and word. He couldn't move properly other than twitch. The gunshot wound in his arm was burning ten times worse than the other times he's been shot. He lost full feeling in his arms and legs. They were unable to move without making him groan and hiss in pain from the slightest twitch in his body. Each burning cough would sting his throat under his mask and whimper when he noticed the sudden change, his body was heavier than before, and he kept taking shallow and husky deep breaths. The crowd continued to murmur and a few started to yell at the soldiers but stayed abruptly quiet after the soldiers made their weapons known when they would turn back.
Peter was grabbed under his arms as he sobbed, trying to pull himself but without struggle, the soldiers yanked him forward to head to their helicopter. Johnny watched in utter silence from listening to his friend's twisted eerie screams while Peter was getting dragged down the road.
Johnny: Stop! LET GO OF HIM!
His head was pulled back by the black collar causing him to gasp for air, he kept trying to break free before Peter had his wrists in stone-like handcuffs that weighed his arms down, the weight of the handcuffs causing the gunshot wound on his shoulder to feel as if it was spreading open.
Then Johnny took in a deep breath as he kept moving his head from the collar fully tightening him. Then his eyes turned white with small flames leaving the corner of his eyes as his attention was kept on the soldiers holding him down. His body had let out steam that covered the solder's goggles but remained their grip over his body. Heavy steam had exited from the gaps between his teeth before his mouth opened and flames had rushed out, covering the soldier's heads and their clothing getting caught on fire. The foam on his body had rubbed off by the soldiers rubbing themselves against him against the ground. Johnny stood back up with his face red, the flames rising higher and higher as he approached the soldiers gripping Peter as horrid screams kept filling their ears from the soldiers on fire.
Peter sucked in a breath before swinging his arms up, the stone handcuffs meeting contact with one of the soldiers chin and making him fall back instantly. He swung his arms back across the last soldier's head, which knocked him down. Peter kept taking shallow breaths before tumbling over to Johnny's arms when he ran towards him, the flames gone as he hugged Peter and looked at him with concern.
Peter: nng...get the stuff off me and let's go already before more comes back...
Johnny gave him a small reassuring smile before his arms dug behind Peter's knees and the other arm against his back. He held him in a warm embrace as Peter laid his head against his chest, Johnny stared at the sight of the frail spider, covered in blood and light as a feather. He began to wonder how Peter is still moving despite getting blown to crisp the night before and getting shot while falling from such a high height. Even went as if to approach him for protection while in his transformed form, he thought that he would surely stay away from him to not get any more life-threatening injuries than he already has but he still went after him.
Although his body was hot in general from the constant heat running in his veins and blood, his chest was burning more in particular as he looks down at Peter.
"The hell am I doing? This idiot..."
He told himself in a whisper as he rocked Peter back and forth like a baby, giggling to himself from the sight before getting a small and light punch against his chest by Peter. The smoke left his head when he noticed that the other was wide awake. He could feel the piercing glare Peter was giving him from under the mask.
Peter: What are you doing? We haven't left yet?
More steam had shot out of his head as he loudly answered, his words clashing against each other in his panicked answer.
Johnny: S-s-sorry Pete! We'll go we'll go!
He soared into the sky as quick as lightning and headed towards the direction of the torched restaurant as helicopters were following from a distance.
~~~~~~~~
Sam laid back on the couch with his head faced up to the ceiling, his wrist raised in front of his face, staring at Nick Fury on the small screen on his communicator.
Sam: Sorry Fury, he left a while ago. You knew how he was going to act when the idiot showed himself on TV
He looks over to Luke who stood nearby him, still watching the TV screen of the cameras losing sight of Peter and Johnny. Luke folded his arm across his chest with a tightened expression, turning back to Sam when Fury spoke.
"Ignore them for now. Coulson and I will figure out a plan to take care of Peter with his sudden involvement with Storm and the FBI. Just stay down and try to contact Rand and if he doesn't call back within ten calls, then look for him"
Sam opened his mouth to ask a question but Fury hung up before he could let his words out. Sam dropped his arms down with an exhausting sigh with a groan.
Sam: Should we have gone with them? I'm starting to feel bad for lying to Fury about something like this...
Luke: Are you now regretting not wanting to leave with Danny to look for Peter?
Sam abruptly sat up in offense to Luke's sour tone. Turning red when recalling the events of the past 20 minutes.
It wasn't till the TV had the footage of Peter falling out of Johnny's arms and Johnny diving for him. The air around Danny was tense when Sam looks over anxiously for his reaction. Both Luke and Sam could see Danny trembling when Peter landed on a pile of snow with stained blood under his unmoving body.
"Fuck..."
They both heard what sounded like a whimpering dog from Danny, they looked at each other with astonishment in their eyes when hearing such a word come out of the other's mouth.
Danny's heartbeat was loud to the point of shaking the entire room as he bit his nail, staring at the TV to Johnny landing on the ground right after and uncontrollably calling for the spider. Luke grabs his shoulder which made the other jump and distracted him from biting his finger off.
Luke: Danny, he'll be fine...Calm down first by taking deep breaths
He reassured in the calmest and most reassuring voice he can form, expecting Danny to nod and follow his advice but instead, he was met with confusion. Danny's brows were then knitted, and swatted Luke's hand away. He didn't want to listen to anyone for the moment, not Luke, Sam, or even Ava if she comes down to see the commotion. Both teens can see Danny's irritation, wanting no reassurance from any of them. They could only look at each other awkwardly before turning back to the TV screen of Johnny and Peter becoming pinned down by the heavily clothed soldiers.
Danny was losing his absolute shit when seeing the way his boyfriend was being treated on TV, his mistreatment was being shown on the broadcast for hundreds of people to see. A 'beep' had sounded off from Sam's communicator that he had to step further away hoping that it was either Jessica to seek out answers but instead, he received a message from Fury. It states: Stay out of view from the cameras. Keep Daniel detained until I follow back with a message with a plan.
Sam had tapped his fingers on the tiny screen to respond but froze when the room shifted from the sound of Peter's screeching scream coming from the TV. His piercing scream was followed by a sob as he was grabbed by the collar around his neck and dragged forward. Luke snapped his head to Danny, full of worry if Danny was going to faint by the sound of Peter's unearthly scream.
He saw Danny covering his ears, his head tilted down with upper eyelids pulled up, his eyes were slowly becoming dry and red was formed. Luke placed his arm around Danny and turned his body away from the TV, slowly taking him away to the staircase as Sam remained still in the same spot.
Sam refused to look up to the TV. It took him a few minutes to compose himself from his uncontrollable shaking as the spider's screams faded out. His breathing went heavy as he continues to look down at the communicator, realizing that he hasn't sent Fury a response.
Sam flopped back on the couch with his legs spread, looking down from the TV to stare at the watch. He wondered, did Fury intend this to happen? If he didn't, then he should've appeared on the TV, or did he not want to be seen? The FBI is after Johnny for that explosion he made last night, so why are they getting Peter too? Isn't it well known that Spider-Man is with SHIELD?
Shouldn't Fury do something by now?
Should I ask Fury about this?
A ton of questions were filling Sam's head, the heel of his foot tapping against the floor as he thought, feeling that time was running out when the screen showed Peter being dragged and pushed to the helicopter belonging to the soldiers. Wincing in pain as he was dragged from his bloodied arm. He couldn't wait for Fury to make a plan if it meant helping him by the time his legs are broken by being in custody. Sam could just zoom in there to grab Peter in less than a minute and escape from the FBI's view in a second. He could do it in a snap.
Sam rose from the couch to storm his way up the staircase but paused when he heard the distressed voice of Luke who was at the top of the staircase on the second floor, comforting Danny.
"-so that's the plan?"
A silence followed between the pair. Luke had his arms crossed and looked down at Danny like a mother scolding her son with his brows furrowed. He gave out a heavy sigh as he sternly asked again.
Luke: What makes you think that you know where they are? They could be anywhere in the city from the angle given on the TV. Plus, Fury wouldn't let you go since it'll cause more trouble-
Danny: Trouble?
He repeated. His face was knitted when looking up to Luke, raising his brows slightly as his eyes widened. He asked again with his voice raised as his fists clenched.
Danny: Is that how Fury would see it or you?
Luke: Fury! Why do you think we haven't heard anything from him? If he doesn't want to be involved then we shouldn't either
Danny: So what?! Peter is my boyfriend!
Luke: And he's surrounded by FBI agents! What would happen if you get captured as well?
Danny: I...I wouldn't care. As long as I'm with Peter...
His eyes were downward as he answered. Luke stared with hood eyes at his answer, it wasn't surprising that he would say that but surely, he thought that Danny would have a better answer than giving his life up for someone he dated for two weeks.
Luke: You're kidding
Danny shook his head from the disbelief in Luke's voice. Luke just had the urge to loudly sigh and rub in between his eyebrows.
Luke: Let's say that you do get captured and with...Peter
Danny looks up from the sudden pause that Luke formed. He was confused about the pause but remained listening, interested in what his friend would say.
Luke: How would you be able to escape? For all we know, you all might be taken to the Raft which is difficult to escape from. We won't have contact with each other and who wonders how long you'll stay there unless Fury decides to get you out with permission from the government
"Uhm"
Luke turns back to the younger teen's voice who stood behind him, Danny turns his head slightly to the side to see Sam standing sheepishly.
Sam: Peter and Johnny...escaped from custody. They're being chased so...
Luke gave a sour look that Sam could only reply with a shrug. He walks up beside Luke as he spoke, sounding a bit awkward.
Sam: Fury wants you to stay here so you wouldn't be looked into by the FBI if you're near Peter since he's an accomplice to Johnny's trouble...which is why-
Luke: You should stay
Both Danny and Sam look up to Luke from his interruption.
Sam: Luke-
Luke: What Sam just said is the exact reason why you should stay here, away from the FBI
Danny: But Peter is-
Luke: I know but think about yourself for once. If you're arrested by the FBI then they would know your identity, they'll ransack this house and your company, they'll bring up your parents' deaths again, Ward and Joy will be interrogated, and you'll be locked up with uptight security. It might look easy to break out of prison from my experience but how do you plan to break out of a prison surrounded by water? Are you that willing to let others handle your damage for a kid like Peter?
Danny clicked his tongue as he turns away in defeat. He was right anyway. Should he have to decide between his personal life and Peter? If everything goes wrong then both of their lives go to shit and if everything goes right to saving Peter then...wouldn't it be worth trying anyway?
Sam: The FBI is only going after Johnny. He's the one who started this, not Peter. He was just a small setback who was caught on his wildfire...that's what the FBI thinks
Luke: Sam please...don't let this issue end badly with Danny getting tangled in their goose chase...it's not worth it
Sam: But is it worth having our leader be taken away? Imagine how Aunt May will feel with Peter gone! This is Danny's chance to get him back before regretting it later!
Luke: Danny will only get hurt over something that Fury can handle himself!
Sam: Then where is he?! I didn't see him on the news, he didn't tell me anything. He didn't do anything for Ava...she's the opposite of Peter so why would he help him in this situation if he didn't help her?!
Danny: Stop fighting! Just...stop...
Luke: Danny-
*he reached his hand out to Danny's shoulder when seeing Danny trembling, his hand froze in midair when Danny avoids it*
Danny: I'm going to save Peter, whether you want me to or not...He's my boyfriend and I should try anything to get him back and help him
Luke: The FBI will still be looking for him even if he comes back, what happens if he's found and taken away by them?
Danny: If things go that far then I'll lend him, Hogarth
Luke: They'll be trailing you too. Is it worth the risk?
Sam: Damn, again with that?
Danny: I don't care about the FBI going after me...I'll handle it after I bring Peter back
A silence was exchanged between Luke and Danny. Sam had bit the inside of his lip in anticipation when Luke huffed and moved away from the door to Peter's room. Seeing it as a silent agreement, Danny dashed past him to step inside the room. Sam peaked inside the room past Luke and quickly saw Danny stripping and throwing on his suit.
Luke looks down at Sam when noticing he wasn't looking away. He turns his body to block Sam's view of seeing Danny change and glared at him.
Luke: Why are you looking at him so intensely?
Sam: Danny...really likes Peter, doesn't he?
Luke: You barely realized that?
Sam hummed as a response and stood against the wall beside him, crossing his arms as he looks up at Luke with a small grin.
Sam: How do you think Peter will act when he sees Danny? I just know he would get pissed when he sees him
Luke:...why even ask that question if you already know the answer
Sam: You let Danny go anyway. Why? *he changed the topic*
He tilts his head to the side for an answer, but Luke just stays silent when Danny stepped out of the room wearing his costume with a white ribbon tied around his hip and a coat folded around his arm with a bag of clothes and a mask in the other hand. Sam looks down at the bag and up at the white ribbon around Danny's waist while Danny closed the door behind him.
Luke: Are you ready to leave?
Danny gave a quick nod. Then his eyes trail over to Sam who stood lazily against the wall, he stumbled when Danny spoke in his direction.
Danny: You won't come?
Sam: Oh-uhm...
He abruptly stood up straight and waved his hands with an awkward smile.
Sam: It's fine it's fine. I can drop you off if you want and I can leave afterward so I can cover for you. It's a problem between you and Peter and I don't want to be involved with the FBI
Danny and Luke exchanged glances before looking back to Sam, both of them thinking, "But aren't you already involved anyway?"
Danny grabs Sam's hands and lowered them with a small smile, Sam froze when Danny began to speak.
Danny: Thank you, Sam. Take care of Ava for me okay?
Sam was rendered speechless. Danny freed his hands and walks down the staircase with Luke following him after, then lastly, Sam run after them and stood at the bottom of the staircase.
Luke: How are you planning on finding him first before the FBI?
Danny: I'll take a quick stop at the train and handle it from there
Luke rubbed his eyes with a sigh and directly spoke to Sam with a small turn in his direction as Danny opens the door.
Luke: Get your helmet
Sam rushes back up the stairs again with heavy breathing as Luke follows Danny out the door.
Luke: Danny waits up. How do you expect to?!
"Yo!" Luke's face sinks when Jessica stood at the end of the pathway, her hands in her pockets of her usual leather jacket, a grey scarf wrapped around her neck with a white bandaid over her left eyebrow and scars and cuts on her cheek.
Luke: Jessica! How did you end up-
Luke quickly walks in her direction as he reaches his hand out to her to pat her shoulder but Jessica dodges.
Jessica: Money bags, are you going to see Peter?
Luke stood defeated as he lowered his arm down, crossed his arms after, and stood beside Danny who didn't hesitate to answer.
Danny: I am. Are you going too?
Jessica: Fuck yeah I am. I'm not grounded unlike the ice cube so I have an idea where they're heading, probably at the restaurant we fought in
She ruffles through her hair with a groan, she caught sight of Luke and Danny looking through her with puzzlement.
Jessica: What? Don't you know what we were doing?
Then a moment of realization hit her that she closed her mouth and grabs Danny's wrist and drags him down the road.
Jessica: Nevermind. I'll fill you in while I take us there-
Luke: Hey wait! What about Fury? Does he know about what you and Peter did?
Jessica gave him a cold look, shaking her head, wanting to ask more but instead grips Danny's wrist and pulls him towards her body.
Jessica: I'll bring the webhead back and come up with a plan of what to say to Fury...and how to handle the bonfire...we'll be back Luke
Danny yelped from the sudden flight by Jessica before he could wave and say his goodbyes to Luke, who stood with his hand in midair wanting to wave Danny back. He watched as the two flew closer to the city, standing still from when Sam appeared over his shoulder with his helmet in his hands.
Sam: Aw- they left?
Luke: It's a good thing too. I need you here to talk to Fury and help me watch over Ava...don't forget that we have an unwell patient alone in her room
Sam pouts with a harsh "fine" before walking back into the house, Luke following him after with a final look over to the pair who were now a pair of dots to him from a distance. Holding his breath until he enters the house and closes the door behind him, he and Sam wait for Fury to call.
~~~~~~~
Johnny's flame started to go out as his feet were an inch off the ground, entering the burned-down restaurant that had ash and sparks of dust and wood flying around him and Peter. The spider was held in his arms and breathing slowly, each large step Johnny made over broken tiles and furniture would cause Peter to wince in pain, Johnny having to stop occasionally to soothe him and cradle him closer to his chest. Johnny looks around the restaurant, looking for an empty room with the least amount of damage until he stumbled across a widely broken door with untouched damage inside. But before he could take a step inside the doorframe, Peter began to wriggle and moan, trying to push himself up by placing his hand on Johnny's shoulder to lift his other arm.
Johnny: Whoa wait-! Stay still before you bleed some more!
*he lightly hopped Peter into his arms to make him lose balance to avoid either of them falling but Peter remained persistent and kept his fingers gripped on his shoulder*
Spider-Man: Let me down...now!
Johnny: No way Petey, not unless I take that collar off of you first-
He was interrupted by the sudden low creaking from the other room that Peter had responded with his web-shooting out and entering the darkroom, a light 'fuck' following after it with the more creaking following after. Peter flopped back against Johnny's arms with his dominant arm fluttering down with a low groan. Johnny couldn't help but be amazed at Peter. Even in a weak condition, he's stubborn to stay still as if he had nine lives left.
Spider-Man: Hey. Done staring? Let me down first
Johnny: NO! Let me carry you for a while later
Peter curved his brows to the sudden persistence Johnny was letting off. Sure he was injured but doesn't his arms feel numb and tired for carrying him for so long? Usually, he would complain about this...
Johnny slowly creeps up in the direction of the assumed intruder with his hair turning bright with red flames to catch a proper glance at the intruder. Peter's face dropped when seeing the same kid who guided him to this restaurant last night and now cheekily giving a small wave in his direction using his free hand with a grin. This act along made Johnny fuming from the suspicious get-up from the kid of his large hoodie and large backpack with a white mouth mask that covered half of his lower face.
Johnny: Who the hell are you? *the kid merely ignored him with his eyes rolling over to Peter's direction, his eyes scanning him up and down*
Carlos: Is he the partner that you were talking about yesterday? You look...chummy together
Johnny: Listen you little-!
Spider-Man: Why are you here? I thought you would stay away from this place after last night
Carlos: I thought the same about you and yet, here you are *he answered with a snarky remark with a light shrug of his shoulders, his grin departing when Johnny decided to speak in between the conversation*
Johnny: Who the hell are you? And why are you here?
Carlos: Geez...you even ask the same questions together. Let me free and I'll answer what you want to know
Peter: Those webs will dissolve in 2 hours so let's make the most of our time answering those questions we just asked you
Carlos rolled his eyes and rested his back against the wall behind him, while his webbed hand was raised.
Carlos: Fine~ I'm Carl- *he was interrupted by the crashing sounds coming from the entrance, Carlos flung his head back with his eyes rolled into his head while Peter and Johnny turn their direction to the sounds, staying quiet and unmoving as they further listen to any sounds*
"Was this place burned before or after you broke in here last night?"
The questionable tone was strikingly familiar to Peter, causing him to further perk his ear up and move in Johnny's arms.
"...after. The hot-head was the cause of it though" *Johnny had let an unexplained noise out of his mouth when hearing his nickname being called from the familiar snarky girl*
The conversation between the other two had stopped, slow creaks leaning towards them along with the crackling sound of a fist forming. Peter's heart was racing with his breathing becoming heavy, ignoring the outsider when faintly called out his boyfriend's name.
Spider-Man: Danny...
*Carlos tilted his head to the side in the hope to hear the spider's voice louder. Peter pushes Johnny and kept kicking his feet in hope of Johnny placing him down, causing Johnny to trip over his feet while struggling to hold Peter firmly*
Johnny: You little- stop moving-!
*he fell back to the ashy floor with Peter now sitting on his lower stomach, a small chuckle escaped Carlos's mouth*
"They're not very quiet...right money bags?"
Spider-Man: Fist! Hey! *he turned his body around and planted his hands down to raise himself, but they shook and wobbled down like thin sticks and dropped his chest down against the ground*
Johnny grabs hold of Peter's arm to refrain him from moving but Peter persistently pushed him off and attempted to crawl into the frame, using his hands to pull himself forward with his crippled legs supporting him. Carlos lets out a long feeble whistle when watching Peter crawl away, Johnny snapped his head in his direction with a fiery glare which instantly made Carlos glue his mouth shut.
Danny and Jessica pause when a ghastly gloved hand stepped into the light, their fingers digging into the black dust floor. The webbing design on the gloves and rough rasping had brought Danny running towards Peter as the glow in his hands disappeared.
Iron Fist: Peter!
His knees dragged onto the floor when kneeling to Peter's body, pulling the spider onto his lap and cupping his cheek with a slow thumb movement near his ear. Taking in tremoring breaths when Peter had further rubbed his cheek against Danny's hand, nuzzling into the warm embrace to calm his trembling body. A light beep and red light flickered in the collar that had caught both Danny's and Jessica's attention, she leaned over Danny's shoulder to see clearer and whispered in disbelief.
Jessica: What the hell is that?
"A collar. If you saw the show on TV then you would know why he has that on"
A snarky response was made in the shadows. Jessica clicks her tongue as she leaned back up straight and faces her attention into the shadows, catching sight of the hot-head's white fiery eyes staring back at them. Johnny stood up and stepped into the light and glanced down at Peter, being met with Danny's enraged glare, his brows forming under the mask.
Johnny: So the boyfriend appears! A bit late for your appearance, no?
Danny's veins were about to pop from the other's mocking tone. Did he even understand the amount of impact it would affect him once Fury finds out? How close he and Jessica were to being caught by the search party of helicopters? If they were to go after them with cameras around then they would be faced as a target, possibly in a worse state than they were now.
Iron Fist: Well forgive me for trying to stay low from helicopters and soldiers that you summoned
He calmly snaps back which just sparked a fuse from Johnny. His eyelids twitched as he questioned in a menacing tone. Jessica would look back between the two blonds who were now starting to bicker.
Johnny: You're saying that I summoned them? How so?
Jessica: Johnny, stop...
She placed her hand on Johnny's chest to push him back from taking a defensible step forward to the ill spider that Danny held currently in his arms.
Iron Fist: That explosion you formed was too significant for the entire army to ignore, especially coming from you...I knew you were reckless when Peter first introduced me to you but...I didn't expect you to be this imprudent
Danny slid his hand down Peter's cheekbone with his tips faintly feeling the metal collar holding the spider's neck captive. Trying to overcome the frustrating urge to pull Peter closer to avoid any pain from the collar that might give Peter but his irritation has shifted over to Johnny who had refused to keep quiet.
Johnny: I'm the idiot? I did whatever it took to protect him! I made myself a bigger threat to the public just for trying to protect Peter!
Iron Fist: It must've been so stressful having to ruin your reputation then
Johnny: Peter is more important to me than my reputation!
Iron Fist: If he was more important then why did you involve him?!
Johnny: I didn't assume that things would get this far! I told him to leave! I told them all to leave! But you know how he's a stick in the ass and refuses to back away from this! Yell at your boyfriend instead of yelling at me!
Danny's fists were glowing and ready with smoke leaving Johnny's head.
Iron Fist: You-!
Jessica: Stop fighting! Is fighting all that's important right now?!
A few seconds passed of silence between Danny and Johnny, the glow and smoke fading away. Jessica gave a rough sigh before turning back to Johnny and keeping a deep and firm tone.
Jessica: Johnny, do you know what these collars do?
Johnny bit the inside of his mouth as he glances down at Peter, watching as the collar kept faintly beeping and silently counting Peter's slow breaths before answering.
Johnny: Those collars are made by the government when powered people go to the Raft. They were meant mainly for me in case I go rogue with my powers...like last night
*he mumbled the last part, glancing down and away from Peter*
Danny avoided looking up at Johnny, wanting to avoid seeing his moping face and just staring down at Peter in his arms. Pulling him closer and turning his head to see the collar clearer as Jessica kept questioning the brood blond.
Jessica: What do you mean that these collars were made for you? Did they take a tube of your blood or something to make these?
A hefty silence formed by Johnny. Moving his brows and looking up at the ceiling as if he was thinking, until, dejected he shrugs his shoulders.
Johnny: I think so. Sue and Reed have been working with the government and FBI after we got our powers...so it's no doubt that Reed was instructed to get some samples from us about our powers. But either way, those collars were made for me, and for me only...so...
Jessica: So if the collars were made for you only, how did it affect the webhead?
Danny pauses as he listens. Breathing abnormally from Johnny's heavy response to her question.
Johnny: My guess is SHIELD, and Fury...You know that Peter has a rocky relationship with him
Iron Fist: That's not true. Fury wouldn't go as far as to forcibly take him into custody and place this collar around his neck...he wouldn't work alongside the FBI and government either...
Johnny huffed out a forced chuckle of disbelief at his response as he crosses his arms.
Johnny: Fury's a spy, remember? It won't be shocking to find out that he created that collar, sent his agents dressed as soldiers, and planned to take Peter back to SHIELD
Iron Fist: Then how would he get Peter's blood?! He wouldn't be able to get any from him given how much Peter distrusts him
Johnny: He spent time in the infirmary at SHIELD, right? And don't forget about Venom...a product made from Peter's DNA
Iron Fist: Fury isn't crazy enough to use Venom on Peter...he wouldn't go that far
*he barked back, Johnny replied with a huff until a sharp attention-calling whistle was sounded from the darkness*
Jessica pushed Johnny back with her hand to avoid any more possible breaking out between the two blondes. With the tip of her foot sucked into the dark and eyes knitting together when catching contact with Carlos, his face smug as he greeted her.
Carlos: Jessica...how's it been?
Jessica: It's been shit
The flamethrower hovered his chin over her shoulder in a questionable exclaim to the sudden meeting between her and Carlos. Without thinking he grabs Jessica's arm and pulled her arm back as he questioned how they knew one another with a hiss, his glare kept glued onto Carlos's playful grin. Jessica responded by pulling her arm free from Johnny's grip and placing her hands inside the pockets of her sweater.
Jessica: We go to school together...in Midtown
Carlos: Went! I dropped out remember?
Carlos corrected with his free arm rising to attract further attention. A wide smile was cutting half his face Jessica couldn't help but turn her back to face him with her head tilted down.
Jessica: He was a friend of my dead boyfriend's friend and a Midtown dropout...so I wonder why a dropout from Queens would be here in a destroyed building in the main city
She loudly spoke which was followed by a small laugh from Carlos, his face still bright when he rubs his chin with his fingers as if he was thinking and looking up to the ceiling.
Carlos: Jessica~, what's with that tone? I came because I was worried about Spidey
Jessica turns her head to the side when her eyes catch Carlos wearing a flat expression, the corner of his lips curved up.
Jessica: Is that the truth?
A long pause was exchanged between the two until a bloodcurdling shriek from Peter. Johnny turns to the side and sees Peter's body twitching and throwing his head back, his body aggressively swaying side by side on Danny's lap. Iron Fist's fingers were twitching as he hovered them over the collar and sat as still as a boulder, his breathing cutting short as Peter screams onto his lap with smoke exiting the collar. Johnny drops down beside Peter and grabs Peter over his side instead while Jessica silently watches from afar when Johnny starts to aggressively question Danny.
Johnny: What the fuck did you do?
Iron Fist: N-nothing! I just wanted to see the collar more closely...! But then the collar just... started hurting him...
Johnny withdrew another question that doesn't end with him slightly hurting Peter in the process of his dispute with Danny. Peter gasped as he was slowly trying to get some air back, his foot twitching slightly but not as extreme as what they have just witnessed less than a minute ago. His fingers slowly crawled over to Danny who was only a few inches away from him, the tip of his fingers touching Danny's leg which he quickly reached out to grab, cupping both of his hands around Peter's.
Spider-Man: Stop...fighting...Just get this off...please
He mumbled. Danny hurriedly shook his head in agreement as his hands holding Peter's were glowing a faint yellow.
Iron-Fist: I'll try not to cause you any more pain love so...just be patient for a short while, okay?
Johnny stopped Danny when he had risen his glowing hand over the collar, Danny froze his hand midair with a deep sigh at the sudden act from Johnny.
Johnny: Not yet. If the collar took away his powers then his healing factor would come back, he can't start healing if the bullet is still in his arm or he'll get an infection
Spider-Man: Dammit...we don't have time Johnny...
He forces his body to sit up with his fingers digging into Danny's leg to support himself but moaned when he stops and starts panting heavily. The broken ribs that Hammerhead had given him have started to start acting up, hurting more heavily than before he had his powers. The firm legs and arms from Johnny and Danny holding him have made his pride go away with the feeling as if he shrunk somehow...feeling and looking fragile in their eyes. He just had to get back up like he always had. He stood up just fine the night before with his entire body broken to bits that Jessica had to chase after him but now, he just looked pitiful and shameful by this cursed collar. If Johnny's speculation was correct, then Fury would've taken some part in making this collar for him, if not then who else would have the resources to pause his powers with some sort of DNA from him?
Danny had his arms reaching out to Peter when he stopped in an attempt to grab him if he fell back but Johnny had beat him to it with his hand behind Peter's back, using his hand as a rest for Peter to lay his back on.
Johnny: Peter listens to me. If we don't remove the bullet then it'll be hard for you to move your arm around, do you want a bullet inside your arm for the rest of your life? It won't be comfortable with the number of injuries that guy had given you
Spider-Man: We don't have time...we need to get that box Bobby hid and get out of here before we're caught
Stubbornly, he pushes himself further up with force with his hand planted flatly on the ground, then stops with a gasp with a sharp soreness on the left side of his chest. The longer his mask remains on, the further difficulty he's having to let single breathing in that he rushes to remove it but any kind of movement would bring pain to his chest. Danny rushes to assist Peter by removing his mask up to his nose and saw drool leaving Peter's lips with his cheeks and lips white. With a rough forceful cough, blood had spilled out onto the ground and dripped down his chin with heavy and rapid breathing.
Iron Fist: Spider! *he took Peter back into his arms and slowly laid the spider backward with his arm supporting his back. Johnny sat empty as he watches Danny wipe Peter's blood off his lip and chin with his hands. An uncomfortable feeling of a knot forming in his ribs when seeing Peter form a creaking smile*
Spider-Man: I'm fine...I'm fine...
Johnny admired his stubbornness before but now he just sees Peter as an idiot and the biggest liar he ever met. Possibly the biggest dumbass he ever met. How can Peter still try to brush his wounds off and keep moving? Even though he'll just get worse later on? Does he ever stop being reckless from being wrapped in bandages every week? It's just disgusting. How can he just be so calm about it? Does he not have any guilt or remorse for how it must feel to Danny, his team, to Johnny? Along with hiding all this from his aunt who is clueless about the shitty obstacles Peter walks and completes into.
He locks eyes with Jessica who tilts her head to the side, signaling him to follow her. He stood up and gives the couple a look before following Jessica.
Iron Fist: Spider, listen to me. We can't move with you injured like this...I wouldn't want you to slow us down and have me visit you in jail
With his cheek playfully pinched by Danny's bloodied fingers, Peter lets out a tight quiet laugh with a small cough following after.
Spider-Man: You'll still date me even behind bars, I'm just that irresistible in your eyes
Iron Fist: Shut up *he chuckled and heated from the strained grin Peter was forming but his grin softened into a smile when hearing his boyfriend's bubbly chuckle. It weirdly never stops giving him a rush of slight fuzz even at his lowest state*
Iron Fist: From your position, I don't get how you're still talking *his hand that was positioned behind Peter's back, had crawled up to the back of Peter's head with a hint of warmness emitting from his hand that dug into Peter's mask*
Spider-Man: You know that I have a big mouth, did you forget? *his head was slowly falling back but forced his head back forward by Danny's warm hand, with his smile falling drowsy with Danny's somber smile*
Iron Fist: I didn't, I like listening to you talk with your 'big mouth'...the only thing I don't like about you is the need to keep hurting yourself...do you enjoy getting hurt this way?
Peter's lips trembled before snorting out a small dry and awkward laugh, the awkward response caused Danny to even huff out a small laugh alongside him. Peter's words started to get slurred as the hand holding his head was glowing, causing his eyelids to fight to flutter open to keep from closing and losing strength in his fingers.
Spider-Man: I just...wanna protect...you...
Silence fell upon the two. The yellow glow from Danny's hand faded away as he slid his hand back down to the spider's back. Pulling him up and placing his body on a metal table with burn marks on the corners and ash in the middle of the room.
Peter laid unmovingly. Danny moved closer to listen to his light snores and wiped away the blood staining Peter's pale cheek. A heavy weight of guilt burned his chest when seeing his restful sleeping face. Up until now, he never had to use his power or hands-on with Peter unless given permission. Knowing his personality, he'll wake up with a lecture prepared to tell Danny and not talk to him for an hour or two.
"Are you feeling bad Fist?"
Johnny stood with his arms crossed beside Danny, looking down at Peter before meeting eyes with Danny. He formed a disturbing noise when seeing him and stepped to the side, away from Johnny.
Johnny: Hey. Don't act like I'm some sort of illness by distancing yourself from me. I just came to check up on Peter after you...knocked him out-
Iron Fist: Are you removing the bullet from his arm?
Johnny: I'm not. I don't know this stuff like my sister but Jessie says that her friend might help
Danny looks back to see Carlos being freed from Peter's webbing with Jessica's help. Noticing Danny's gaze, Carlos gave a small wave before turning back to Jessica.
Iron Fist: Why is he here? Does Peter know him?
Danny turns his head over to Johnny again for an answer but Johnny simply shrugged.
Johnny: I don't know either man. He says that he helped him last night but he hasn't told me anything else...
Iron Fist: You weren't with him last night?
Johnny: He stepped out before last night happened. So we didn't bring him...we bumped into each other when me and the other two were leaving the restaurant...I don't know much of his side of the story so it's better that you ask him about it. Truth is, we were shocked to see him there especially since you came back from your little vacation I assumed he'll spend his entire hours with you
Johnny's skin exposed goosebumps from Danny's intense staring and silence, looking a bit intimidating.
Iron Fist: I'm sorry for acting rudely to you earlier...Jessica told me everything that happened last night on the way here...so I believe you when saying that you didn't expect Peter to show up. When he wakes up I'll scold him for you
Johnny exhaled a small laugh at the offer and bumped Danny's shoulder with his hand, bringing Danny a small smile.
Johnny: Such a caring boyfriend, aren't you? *he teased with a wide and smug grin. Danny gave a small nod before his smile faded away when Jessica stepped in*
Jessica: Carlos's ready to start the removal so we should get into places. You'll keep Spidey sleeping, won't you Fist?
Danny gave a late nod to her question. Carlos stepped into the frame wearing blue latex gloves with his bag dropping onto the metal table beside Peter's body.
Carlos: This will be over in a few minutes as long as he doesn't wake up...is this the only bullet that was shot into his body?
He reaches down for a pair of tweezers inside of his backpack, looking over to Johnny for an answer as he rummages for it.
Johnny: Just this one, thankfully...
Iron Fist: Shouldn't a professional remove the bullet instead? I just don't think it's healthy for him for doing this in a burnt building with hidden drugs...
Carlos: I'm a bit of a professional as well. Some of my mates would address me as their nurse by treating their bullets and stab wounds
Danny creased his brows, knitting them together in disbelief until Jessica came into Carlos's defense.
Jessica: Don't worry too much Fist. What this kid said was the truth. I watched him perform a bullet removal thousands of times already so he knows what he's doing
Iron Fist: I still don't feel comfortable in the environment we're-
Johnny: Just start the process. The longer it takes to remove it the closer we are to losing Spidey. We need to do our part without complaining
*he hissed. Looks over at Danny who looks away with a small huff as he walks in the direction of Peter's head. Placing his fingers down to his temples with a glow emitting from his fingers that dug into the Spider's mask, giving Carlos a slight nod of permission*
Carlos: We'll be busy here. So you two stay away to give me space to focus
Jessica grabs Johnny's shoulder to push him back from disrupting Carlos's instructions. Johnny shivered when Carlos bent down with tweezers in hand, opening Peter's wound and digging the tweezers inside.
Jessica: He'll be fine hothead...we should find the box Bobby hid and get the hell out of here
Johnny gave a short reply but kept his attention to Peter's operation table after Jessica left his side into the next room. Watched Peter's foot twitch and groan in his sleep with Danny facing down with a vacant expression, his lips twitching as the glow from his fingers got brighter that causing Peter's foot to stop twitching and stay quiet. It wasn't long before Peter was treated for the wounds by Johnny and Hammerhead, and now a bullet is being taken out of his body...because of Johnny. He couldn't protect him from a bullet, couldn't protect him from having a shocking collar around his neck, and now the FBI is after them because of him...The heavy weight of guilt made Johnny question himself, how can I protect him?
Carlos: Done. It should be good to remove the collar and wake him up
He placed the tweezers and red-covered bullet on the metal table as Danny removed his fingers from Peter's temples. Lighting his hand and grabbing the collar from under Peter's chin and melting it when meeting contact, heavy amounts of high electric bolts flew around his hand that shocked Peter awake with a screech with his back arching up and hands swaying in an attempt to hold onto something. It alarmed both Johnny and Jessica to run in their direction as Danny removes the sparking collar, noticing the SHIELD logo printed inside.
His face twisted in disgust when seeing it and looked over to Peter who was now sitting up and gasping with drool leaving his mouth. Johnny stood beside Peter with his hand supporting his back, and his other hand caressing his cheek as he wiped his drool with his thumb.
A tight knot formed inside his stomach that was too heavy to ignore from the events presented to him. Turns out SHIELD is somehow involved in trying to take Peter away by posing as military guards and Johnny was acting inappropriately to an injured person...completely forgetting the fact that Danny was standing in front of him with his eyes glaring down at him. It was clear that Johnny and Peter have a close relationship, maybe even closer than Danny and Peter, he fears...But do friends go as far as to wipe the other's drool?
A noticeable burn mark caused by the collar revealing itself from Peter's neck had caught both Danny's and Johnny's attention.
Johnny: Holy shit- how's your neck Spidey? Can you speak-? *he reaches his hand to pull the collar of Peter's costume down to reveal his neck but Danny stopped him by gripping his wrist*
Iron Fist: Aren't you supposed to help Jessica?
Johnny: But Spidey is-
Iron Fist: You worry about finding the box, I worry about treating his wounds
A wave of heavy silence crashed between the two blondes until Peter rashly spoke, his throat hoarse.
Spider-Man: Just listen to Fist for once...don't argue anymore
Peter coughed with a hiss to ignore Johnny's defeated expression then followed after a frown and grumbling back to where Jessica was and searched around the room at fast speed. From what Carlos has heard, the Human Torch was an obnoxious and hot-headed person who stirs trouble for the pure fun of it with no sense of responsibility and respect towards others. He couldn't help but grin at Johnny obediently walking away without a word to spew out to Spider-Man, for someone being well-known for talking back to others and being disrespectful, it was weird to see the Human Torch act this way. Carlos couldn't help but feel embarrassed for him. It was utterly obvious that Spider-Man and the Human Torch have a close relationship at first glance, it's probably of how they feel comfortable around each other from the many leaked videos and photos of the two being together from a year ago before there was a quiet break between them until recently. Their relationship was...interesting in Carlos's eyes. Witnessing Iron Fist's mood, he could tell that he's interested in it too...probably even more than him.
To avoid a possible glare and warning from Danny, Carlos happily walked away with his belongings to annoy Jessica and ignore the pink atmosphere between Danny and Peter.
Seeing that they were alone, Danny slowly laid Peter down and positioned his hands over Peter's chest, forcing himself to stay silent to avoid commenting on how Peter's eyes were glued to him, waiting for the other to speak. Both were annoyed by the silent treatment the other was giving until they spoke, talking and cutting over the other's words that just further made the mood between them awkward, and returned to silence. Peter bit the inside of his mouth as he decided to look up to the ceiling to avoid making Danny feel pressured. His head was filled with questions but shivered when feeling a sudden lightness and warm heat in his chest, Danny noticed the small jump Peter made when his hands started to glow and he couldn't help but form a small smile on his reaction.
Iron Fist: Did that scare you?
Peter blinked at the question. Trying to think of a response and it's the possible direction the conversation might lead, did Danny ask that in response to making him go unconscious? Danny called his name again and Peter anxiously answered back a response.
Spider-Man: No- uh yes- I-uh maybe...it felt a bit weird from how light my body was. Kind of like when someone is sleeping and suddenly feels like their body is falling down a hole, a bit like that
Danny chuckled at the response which made Peter feel somewhat at ease when listening to Danny speak, unbothered.
Iron Fist: The healing ability is a bit new to me as well since I didn't witness some...extensive damage before so this is a...astonishing chance to test my ability after my return from K'un L'un...
Danny was not happy about this. Lying about seeing this as a great opportunity to better his new talent was one of the biggest lies that ever came out of Danny's mouth as of late. It was almost suffocating to have to witness Danny's fake enthusiasm just to avoid another scolding. Most likely he was tired. Tired of repeating his worries and listening to Peter's excuses every time he sees a battle scar on his body with little intent on protecting himself and getting rest. Peter wouldn't blame him for being tired, maybe even annoyed. It's pointless to talk to someone who would just repeat the same mistake over and over again. In those cases, the other party would just give up. Give up the entire relationship, give up their thoughts about the other person, give up their trust, give up their affection. Peter didn't mind. He didn't mind Danny or anyone being tired and regretting ever being involved with him for being unwilling to change as a person.
Iron Fist: Peter, are you alright? You're quiet
There's a high chance that the situation would end up worse than last night that would resort to his and his loved ones' safety. Tombstone isn't one to allow last night's incident to be swept under the rug, he has sources, if Peter is not careful then Aunt May's life would be on the line...including the team and Danny despite being powered. That being said, Peter would end up going home in more severe bones than last night. Meaning more scolds from Danny and gain thoughts of regretting their relationship. He probably already regrets it but won't show it...either way, Danny is a bit predictable in his eyes when it comes to what he's thinking and feeling. So he can't be wrong about that theory...hopefully.
Iron Fist: Peter Parker
Peter jumped and blinked back to current reality, his mouth feeling dry that he couldn't form a quick response without it sounding gibberish and embarrassing. He realized that Danny was done with his healing procedure and was currently helping him sit up by resting his hand behind his back, his ear twitched when Danny firmly spoke into his ear.
Iron Fist: Do you want to talk to Johnny to feel more comfortable?
Spider-Man: What?
He moves away to look him in the eyes. Puzzled by what the other meant.
Iron Fist: You're...not comfortable with me aren't you? After using my abilities on you without your consent it must've switched your view of how you see me...I don't blame you of course
Hah. There was a sense of relief that Danny had brought that issue up first...despite not thinking that way at all about him.
Iron Fist: It's fine if you're not comfortable yet with me given that we've only been together for a few weeks...we don't know much about each other aside from our current problems. It's been awkward since I arrived from K'un L'un so...maybe...we should-
Spider-Man: Danny. I don't feel that way about you at all. It was a bit surprising that you had that ability to knock someone out in the first place but...I guess I saw it coming given how I didn't fight back. And as you said, we haven't gone far with our relationship so it's normal to feel a bit awkward at most times, but we'll improve later on, won't we?
Peter puckered up a comforting smile with his trembling hand patting Danny's head and sliding down to feel a smooth chunk of his hair. Holding his trembling smile up when Danny leans his head against his hand with his noticeable skin turning red, sinking into his hand and rubbing it for comfort.
Peter's mouth just moved on its own when noticing the direction the conversation was taking. It would've been best if he let Danny continue talking to know what he was going to say, to wonder if his theory of Danny doubting the relationship was correct or wrong. As selfish and contradicting as Peter feels, he didn't have the willpower to wish his theory was right. Danny is a sympathetic and righteous person. If he wanted to break up with Peter then he wouldn't argue with him since Danny knows what's best between the two...but is it so wrong for Peter to not want their time together to end so shortly no matter how right or wrong he is? Given the time limit they have together, it's only fair for Peter to feel like he should keep quiet and stay with him longer right?
Spider-Man: After we're done with this case, how about we go out for a day and relax?
Iron Fist: On a date?
Danny perks up. His face instantly lit up to the question and earned a deeper smile from Peter. How could he have had thoughts of doubting Danny when he acts so excitedly over a date between the two of them?
Spider-Man: We can have a date after. I meant a day out between us, Jessica, Bobby, and Johnny
Danny frowns after listening to the last name. It was a bit obvious that Danny and Johnny don't have a good or bad relationship with each other. Which is odd in Peter's eyes. Johnny talks well with Bobby and the team, even MJ. So why doesn't he act the same way with Danny? Is he just acting the bigger man around Danny because he's in a relationship with Peter? It would make sense considering that he and Johnny haven't spoken to each other for some months after their falling out.
Looking hesitant, Danny gave a small nod with a droopy-like smile.
Spider-Man: That's good...you can choose the location for us to eat once we get out
Johnny: Peter...
Peter turns around to see Johnny standing a few feet away from him, his hands held at his sides with his face cold, and somewhat determined. Danny stood up straight and held Peter's hand, raising it to his lips as he softly spoke.
Iron Fist: I'll be with Jessica. Just call me if the other person is annoying you
Johnny: I'm right here Iron Clad
He laughed at the sudden bubbly change of atmosphere as he watches Danny walk around him and approach Jessica who was looking through cabinets and shelves. Peter looks back to Johnny and folded his leg up, his arms folded over the knee.
Spider-Man: You and Danny should get to know each other. He's an open person once you get to know him
A second of silence passed until Johnny spoke of another topic. The lighthearted mood faded away along with the topic.
Johnny: What will you do now? Do you have a plan this time?
Ah. A plan. Right. Peter's been so focused on everything else aside from the plan of getting back at Tombstone. But where can he start? Tombstone doesn't have a hideout anymore. He has a new bodyguard so it'll be hard trying to get through to him...Although Tombstone is nowhere in sight, he has somewhat of a lead in bringing Tombstone out. Gideon Mace.
Spider-Man: Tombstone is a powerful man aside from his powers, he has connections to places that we don't know about. So it'll be hard to find him in a new warehouse after we wrecked two of his safehouses...I have a lead that might help us drive Tombstone out but we still have to do a bit more digging
Johnny: What's the lead that you found?
Spider-Man: Gideon Mace. From the intel that I got last night with the help of our uninvited guest, Tombstone and Gideon Mace were in contact and their men were ordered to carry on Mace's orders
Johnny: So you think that you can draw Tombstone out with Gideon Mace, but would Tombstone care about him?
Spider-Man: That...would be a problem
Think back, Parker. If Gideon Mace and Tombstone are merely accomplices then they wouldn't confide in one another...suddenly, a memory was brought back from what he heard from Tombstone and Hammer's head. "...the boss wants him alive" "I don't know why the boss wants someone like you alive...you're useless". Someone wants him alive...their boss, who is possibly more dangerous than Tombstone, wants him alive. But why?
Spider-Man: Actually, looking back...Tombstone and Hammerhead didn't kill me
Johnny: If they did then I would've blown their shit up
Spider-Man: Think about it, Johnny. Why did they keep me alive? One more impact against my chest was enough to kill me and give them a win, but they didn't. Why is that?
Johnny: They must've thought we were heading your way and took off
Spider-Man: I wish that was the case but they left sooner before you all arrived. After all, I did learn some of their secrets. I learned that Rand and Ava are involved, it should've been enough reason to kill me but they didn't. They were commanded to keep me alive
Johnny: Commanded? By who? They can't be working under the same ass boss
Peter huffed a grin as he moves his body, his legs hanging off the side of the table with his feet swaying back and forth.
Spider-Man: What matters is that there's a low chance that they'll kill me no matter how much I disturb them
Johnny: That's not something to be pleased about Peter! Even if they won't kill you if you show your face again, what's stopping them from harming you?
Peter stared coldly at Johnny who was now rubbing the top bridge of his nose.
Johnny: Don't do anything reckless Peter. I can already tell that you have a crazy idea set in your head that might end up in you harming yourself...just tell Fury about this instead and let him handle it. Don't look at me like that Peter...just think about it. Do you think either Rand or Ava would be happy for you to involve yourself with Tombstone again?
Spider-Man: I just want this to end...don't you?
Johnny: Yes..god yes Peter. Of course, I want it to end and witness Tombstone locked behind bars...but I rather see him free if it means you being unharmed
Spider-Man: I won't be harmed, Johnny...Not with you beside me and being the torch I know and love...in a friend's type sort of way
Peter shrugged after he spoke, avoiding Johnny's gaze who had his mouth open and hesitant on answering, his next few words being ignored as Peter's head started to buzz, then heard a light beeping from behind.
Johnny: Peter...I-
Spider-Man: Get down!
A light flashed behind him as his arms reached to grab Johnny, his arms around his neck as Peter dragged him down to the floor. Luckily the metal counter was covering them from the mini-explosion it gave out. For some reason, Peter was under Johnny, Johnny was hovering his body over him and using his body to cover any flying debris and ash. He witnessed Danny approaching him as he called his name but was pulled back by Jessica. Pulling him away to the back exit with Carlos with the burned box in her other hand. Green smoke was filling the room that making it difficult for either of them to see and breathe but Peter kept his eyes on the open exit.
"Keep your weapons raised. Search around for any signs of the Human Torch"
Right. How did he forget? Johnny was on the run. Johnny was going to be taken away. He'll be away from Johnny again...and it wasn't even that long that they got back together. His thoughts of breaking up were only directed towards Danny, not Johnny. Aside from Danny, Johnny was the only person he could trust.
The thick smoke was an advantage for Peter and Johnny to escape. He grabs Johnny's hand, jerking him awake from his daydream and bravely running into the green smoke. Their dark shadows brought attention to the soldiers who raised their weapons and aimed in their direction. Their bullets would melt away when being close to Johnny's flaming skin. Peter watched Johnny use himself as a shield to block the bullets from getting close to him.
Johnny: Leave Spider! I'll take care of this...
No. No no no they can't end like this. They just got back together. They just began to talk again and trust one another again. Why did it have to end so soon because of a forest fire? It was Tombstone. He's the one who started all of this...Johnny doesn't know any better. He just wanted to help. He always wanted to help.
Ignoring Johnny's command, he ran past him and sways inside the smoke. Appearing and disappearing into the smoke for the soldiers to carelessly shoot anywhere if they saw a glance of Peter. Peter kicked them in the face and swung his fists as blood flew put from the soldiers' noses and soaked through his gloves. Johnny could only stand and watch Peter move fluidly in the smoke. Then witnessing a glowing light move through the smoke. The bright light met contact with the faces of soldiers and cleared the smoke. Danny stood over unconscious bodies of soldiers and their broken weapons with his hand lighting into a yellow glow, then fading away when Peter skipped over to him.
Watched the couple start to bicker and battle each other for the other to grab his hand while the other kept avoiding it. From the amount of time Johnny knew Peter, he learned how lonely and troubled he was. Since they broke up, Peter has constantly been on Johnny's mind. Looking around daily for him in the city and left his voicemails filled until Peter switched to a new phone. He wrote a list of questions of what to say to Peter when they saw each other, most of them regarding his health, such as, are you eating well? Did you meet any new friends? Is your aunt treating you well? Did you miss me?
It wasn't long after that Peter was shown with a group of teenagers and working with SHIELD. His behavior with them looked similar to how they were together...his team dynamic was almost similar to Sue and Reed. It looked as if Peter was trying to forget him by replacing him...but he understood him. Johnny didn't try to involve himself anymore. It was enough to see Peter safe and well and surrounded with better company than someone like him. What happened last night was proof of that. He almost killed him. He scared him. He saw the lowest of him by calling him a coward. Forced himself to have the same intimate relationship they had together by lying about Sue kicking him out as an excuse to be around him.
All Johnny did was hurt him. He never understood why he felt a sense of annoyance with Danny other than being Peter's boyfriend. Someone who he feels safer than Johnny. Someone more stronger and responsible than Johnny. Knowing that someone like Danny was around Peter who cares for him...he felt relief and...envy.
Spider-Man: Johnny! I and Danny talked, and we decided to stick up for you! We can talk this out with the general to keep you out of the RAFT, Danny suggests that we borrow his lawyer and have her take over your case into protecting you
Johnny just wanted time to stop. He wanted to rip his ears out from listening to Peter's ramble about an impossible scenario that he'll be free after what happened today. Why is he so determined for his idea to work? It's ridiculous. After everything that happened between them, why is Peter so determined to keep him around? All he does is fuck things up. What good deed did he do to deserve Peter? Why is he so unwilling to leave him? And why is it giving Johnny hope to walk out of this fine?
Peter was pulled into Johnny's arms. The tight hold made Peter cut off his explanation and stutter while patting Johnny's back.
Spider-Man: H-hey! I get that you're grateful for the idea but you should've chosen a better timing for this. Let's leave first and find a place to talk about this in detail
Johnny: Peter...stop...
Spider-Man: what?
Johnny held him closer to the point of suffocating him. Trembling onto his body with his words coming out cracked and choked.
Johnny: Stop it please...just let me do this for once...let me protect you for once
Spider-Man: Hey hey, I don't understand. What do you mean by that?
Peter grabs Johnny's shoulders and pushes him back. Greeting with Johnny's red eyes and tears falling down his cheeks, the tears soon drying up from his ability. Johnny didn't give a response and could only give him a small smile.
Spider-Man: J-johnny. Don't say stuff like that. It sounds like you're planning on...
Johnny: I'm turning myself in...it's the only thing I can do for you...
Peter was at a loss. His hands holding Johnny were shaking, trembling alongside his quivering voice who tried to sound clueless with the words burning through his throat.
Spider-Man: That's...that's not...you can't just do that...let's talk about it first...
Johnny: I decided Peter. I'm turning myself in...if I keep being with you then they'll take you too...they'll know your identity and check your background and interrogate your aunt...
Spider-Man: This...that's...not your choice to make Johnny...You can't decide that without asking me!
Iron Fist: Peter please-
Spider-Man: We just got back together! And you're giving our relationship up for this? Do...do you even care about how I would feel about this? I...I just want us to stay together like before...don't you want that too Johnny?
Johnny stood still as he watched tears soak his mask. He moved his mask up for the tears to roam freely and place his hand on his head, patting him with a forced and unbelievable comforting dry smile.
Johnny: I do Peter. It's because that I care that I want to protect you...all I've been was just an annoyance to you. I failed to protect you from Tombstone more than once and couldn't save you from Goblin and the mutant from before...J-just...let me do this for you...let me protect you
Peter fell to the ground with sobs clogging his throat. Wiping his eyes with his gloves left a few rough scratches on his cheeks that might burn later. The sound of boots and wheels moving from the front of the restaurant was filling the void of sobs Peter was forming, Johnny was close to letting his heart jump out when picturing himself standing in front of soldiers, pinning him down and taking him into custody, away from Sue and his dad, away from Peter again. If this was going to be their last breakup then it should end on a better note than last time.
Johnny knelt and grabs Peter's wet face, his cheeks red and puffy when seeing his face. Protecting him? Johnny was doing this to protect him? What a lame excuse...he was a coward. Peter wasn't a coward. Johnny was.
Spider-Man: You're a liar...you said that I was a coward but you were just talking about yourself...What type of person would do this other than a coward?
Johnny snorted out a laugh. The last laugh Peter will hear from Johnny until they meet again. Peter was right. Johnny truly did feel like a coward...
Johnny: I love ya, you destructive dummy...
"Human Torch! We have you surrounded! Come out with your flames off!"
Peter couldn't move. His legs were acting as if they were glued to the ground when Johnny wrapped his arms around his neck. His nose dug into Peter's neck as he mumbled under his ear.
Johnny: I meant what I said earlier Spidey...if I find out you have a broken leg I'll break out to find you...got it?
Peter just pulled him closer as his tears dug into Johnny's suit, shaking for a tighter grip for Johnny to not push him away and leave. His strength went out from his uncontrollable cries Johnny slipped out of Peter's arms and stood up.
Johnny: You better protect him properly Rand. If I come out and find that Peter got hurt I'll burn your scalp off
Danny didn't give much a response other than a small nod. His attention focused down on Peter instead but looking back when Johnny got further away. Witnessing him not giving Peter the last glance despite Peter standing up and reaching out to him.
Spider-Man: Johnny! Johnny!! Johnny please-! Let go!
Johnny listens to the pleads Peter gave for his return while Danny grabbed him back. His arms wrapped around Peter's stomach to stop him from moving and walking away to the back exit.
Johnny stood in the public eyes of the soldiers with guns aimed in his direction. Falling onto his knees with his hands up as the sounds of Peter's cries haven't faded away from his ears. He was crowded and pinned onto the ground with the thick gap of the collar covering his neck. The weight of his powers leaving couldn't match the weight of guilt he felt for causing Peter to cry. Their second breakup ended the same way as their first breakup.
It ended with one of them leaving the other.
Johnny won't regret this. If giving up his freedom means protecting Peter then he wouldn't regret it. Not in the slightest.
That's all that matters.