Chapter Text
MJ or Ned.
I considered my options. I was closer to MJ, and would like to talk to her again. It seems like it’s been forever since we had a one on one conversation. With the Peters in the room though, it wouldn’t be much of a one on one.
Ned was the more seriously injured and still in the hospital. The logical thing would be to check in with him first. I really wanted to know how he was doing and if he’s ok.
Of course if I choose one or the other, I risk offending the person I didn’t call first. Or at least I’ll feel guilty about choosing one over the other.
Another factor to consider would be who is most likely to be available. Ned could have a family member visiting him, while MJ might be around her family at home.
My stomach dropped and my eyes widened. Speaking of families. Our families all talk. They grew even closer once their children started being targeted. There is a very low chance that Ned or MJ’s parents haven’t reached out to mine. It’s possible that Ned and MJ could have let slip what happened to me. Either way, my parents would have called to tell me what happened and to reassure themselves that I was safe at the cabin.
“My parents.” I breathed.
“Oh, of course!” My Peter’s eyes widened with realization. He was all but face palming. “Of course you should call them first! They’ll want to know that you’ve woken up!”
“How do they know?” I winced at the potentially worrying answer.
“I called them at the hospital while I was waiting on Ned and MJ.” My Peter examined my face closely to see my response. “I’m sorry, but I had to.”
“No, no, it’s ok!” I was quick to assure him. “They absolutely would have hated me and you if they didn’t find out until afterwards.”
“I think they do kind of hate me still.” My Peter looked at his feet. “They weren’t too thrilled when I told them that you’d secretly been in town for a couple days.”
“I bet.” Grimacing, I imagined my parents faces when they heard. “What did you tell them?”
“The basics. That Ned portaled you to the city. That the Peters are here. They knew about the villains from the news, but I told them where they came from. I told them about the apartment. I also told them about that night and how due to unforeseen circumstances you ended up at the fight and were dropped.” Peter kept his gaze directed at his feet as the words spilled out in rapid fire.
I paused for a moment as my mind tried to make sense of his jumbled words.
“Wow.” I sighed. “Unforeseen circumstances, I’m sure they loved that.”
“Yeah, no.” My Peter’s voice cracked. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they banned you from seeing me as well.”
“We won’t allow that to happen.” Taller Peter spoke up with a hard voice.
“I appreciate that but,” I started.
“No, I don’t think you understand.” Older Peter interrupted. “We can’t let them banish Peter from you, because you must stay here with us.”
“That’s very nice and all,” I turned towards the older Peter, confused by his ultimatum style wording, “but if my parents want me home and away from Peter, I’m not really up for the fight, at least not today.”
“Y/n.” My Peter snapped, his sharp way of saying my name caused everyone to stop for a moment and look at him. He continued at a softer, but strained volume. “This isn’t about our feelings or anything like that. This is about your safety.”
“When we rescued you, it clearly indicated to the villains that you are our weakness. You’re the one to target to get at all of us. We left MJ and Ned defenseless while all three of us dove to rescue you. We dropped everything else and let them win, all because of you.” Older Peter’s shoulders fell, crushed by a heavy weight. “In saving you, we painted a massive target on your chest.”
“If we let you go home, you’ll be vulnerable and easy pickings for the villains.” Taller Peter summarized, the finality of his words informing me that the subject was not up for debate.
“Oh.” I’d never felt more like Rapunzel than at this moment. Up until the fall I’d been free to go home, free to go to the cabin. I simply chose to stay with the Peters out of curiosity, concern, and sympathy.
Now I was a prisoner. Albeit a nicely treated and deeply cared for prisoner, but a prisoner none the less. If I genuinely wanted to leave, I doubt that I would be successful. I wouldn’t put it past any of them to lock me in the apartment and turn into prison wardens. If it kept me safe and alive, there isn’t a line they wouldn’t cross.
Of course I understood, but that didn’t stop the anxiety from rising in me. The pounding of my heart filtered away all other background noise. It all got very real very fast. The level of danger that I was in was overwhelming.
“Breathe.” My Peter grabbed my hand and rubbed it between his own. “I know it seems like a lot, but you’re safe with us. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know. I know. I just,” I didn’t know how to finish that sentence.
“We’re here for you, and we’ll be right beside you when you make the call.” Older Peter gently filled the silence I’d created.
“We’ve already spoke to your parents. They know who we are, and we’ve given them regular updates on your status.” Taller Peter leaned forward, like he couldn’t stand being so far away while I was in distress.
“Have they come to visit me?” My breathing getting a little more stable.
“No.” Taller Peter answered quickly.
“Why not?” Scenarios started racing through my head, each worse that the last.
“The less people who know the location of the apartment, the better.” Taller Peter shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
“That can’t be the real reason.” I frowned at the taller Peter, trying to determine why he was lying to me. “Swinging through the streets isn’t exactly stealthy. Do you really think the villains wouldn’t be able to find the apartment if they wanted to? From the sound of it, they’re evil, not stupid.”
“It’s easier to keep you here if your parents aren’t able to physically come to the apartment.” Older Peter tried to speak factually, but he couldn’t hide how much he hated to say the words. “They could try to take you home, and it wouldn’t end well. It’s better if all they can do is talk.”
“At least you’re honest with me.” In the corner of my vision, the taller Peter grimaced with guilt. I tried not to focus on the fact that my parents were being kept from me so they couldn’t attempt a rescue. “So basically my parents know I was hurt, they know I lied to them, and they know that they can’t see me.”
“It might not be the most pleasant conversation, but it is necessary.” My Peter sounded like he was dreading this conversation as much or more than I was.
“I guess,” I took a few deep breaths to steady myself, “we’d better get it over with.”
The Peters all nodded in agreement while my Peter dialed up my parents landline. They were a bit old fashioned when it came to technology, but I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to see their expressions on a video call.
My Peter handed the phone to me as it began ringing. I put the call on speakerphone because I wanted back up if necessary.
The ringing stopped.
“Peter?!” My Mom’s panicked voice filtered over the phone. “What’s wrong? We weren’t expecting another check in until this evening!”
“Hi Mom.” My voice cracked. I didn’t realize how much I missed her until this moment.
“Baby! My baby! You’re ok!” My Mom laughed in relief as she shouted my Dad’s name on the other end.
“What’s going on?” My Dad frantically joined the call.
“Hi Dad.” I sounded even weaker, but it couldn’t be helped.
“You’re awake!” My Dad shouted. Instinctively I pulled the phone away from me. “I thought I was going to have to track Peter down and drag you to a hospital myself.”
“Sir, she would have been in great danger at a hospital.” Older Peter asserted in a professional tone.
“Oh.” My Dad’s disappointment was crystal clear. “They’re on the call too, are they.”
“Hello.”
“Hi!”
The taller Peter and my Peter both greeted my parents in an obviously fake cheerful tone.
“Honey, not now.” I could imagine my Mom lightly swatting my Dad’s arm as she scolded him. “Y/n’s awake and alright. That’s all that matters at the moment.”
“Are you alright?” My Dad confirmed.
“Yeah, I am.” I nodded before remembering he couldn’t see me. “I’m a bit tired and weak after sleeping for so long, and my ankle hurts, but all things considered I’m just fine.”
“All things considered.” My Dad grumbled, and too late the alarm bells started going off in my head. “All things considered when you almost died, right? When Peter almost killed you?”
All the Peters stiffened, because although my Dad was probably referring to my best friend, his statement applied to all.
“He didn’t almost kill me!” I shot back before any of the Peters could make the situation worse. “He did everything he could to keep me safe! The plan went sideways and it had absolutely nothing to do with Peter!”
“If he’d done everything he could to keep you safe, then you wouldn’t even be in New York right now.” My Dad growled in a tone I’d never heard him use before.
My Mom snapped my Dad’s full name.
No one spoke. The Peters all looked wildly uncomfortable but they all silently told me that if I wanted them to, they’d speak up.
“Y/n, I’m just glad that you’re ok, and that’s all that matters. We will definitely have this discussion at a later date, because while I understand that you’re 18 now and we can’t track your every move, I don’t think it’s an unreasonable expectation for you to tell us what city or area you’re in at the very least.” My Mom’s words betrayed her internal battle between her relief and distress.
“I know, Mom, I know. I’m sorry.” I sighed. I didn’t know what was worse. My Dad’s anger or my Mom’s disappointment.
“You’re safe, and right now that’s enough for me.” My Mom paused. “Now that you’re awake, when are you coming home?”
There it was. The question I’ve been dreading for the entire conversation. Panic seeped in through my pores. It must have reflected into my eyes, because although the Peters had been considerate enough to stay silent, they all leapt into action.
Unfortunately in their haste to come to my rescue, their words were all so loud and mangled, I couldn’t make out a single sentence. In another situation I might have cracked a smile, but the weight of my panic drug down my lips. The Peters reached a silent agreement.
“I’m sorry, but Y/n can’t come home yet.” My Peter said on my behalf.
“What?!” Both my parents cried out in the same disbelief.
“She’d be in danger at home. Without us here to protect her, it would only be a matter of time before she’s taken or hurt.” My Peter tried to reason.
“Now listen here Parker.” My Dad snapped. “Y/n is safest at home with her family. Not wherever the hell you’re keeping her.”
A part of me wanted to interrupt and say that this isn’t what he thinks, that Peter isn’t keeping me here. I couldn’t even open my mouth because that’s exactly what’s happening.
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Taller Peter struggled to keep his tone even. “If Y/n goes home, we’d essentially be signing a death warrant. It might be hers, it might be yours, it might be your next door neighbour’s. But these men after her, they have no problem with killing and they don’t care about bystanders or who might get in their way. If Y/n goes home, she’d both be in danger and be a danger to you.”
Hearing the words didn’t make me feel any better about the situation. They actually made me want to hide under a blanket even more.
“She’s not your daughter, you don’t know what’s best for her!” My Dad shouted his venom coated words.
“Respectfully sir.” Older Peter raised his voice and didn’t sound as respectful as he’d probably intended. “I’ve got plenty of experience in matters like this. I’ve been Spiderman for nearly two decades. I know what it is to fight and win and to fight and lose. I know how to protect people and save them. I have experience with keeping them alive. I also know what it is to love your daughter, and I know what it is to lose her. Believe me when I say that all of us here would rather die than let anything happen to her.”
The older Peter’s words grew thick as he spoke. When he finished, everyone was silent. The weight was immense. Even my parents were moved into silence. A beat passed without anyone speaking, then another, and another. On my end we were all waiting for one of my parents to speak first.
“Y/n, may I please talk to you alone?” My Mom’s voice was thick with emotion, affected by the older Peter’s speech.
“Yeah. Sure.” I looked towards the Peters. They all stood up without a word, only some nods, and they all filed into the bedroom.
The door clicked shut, and though I knew they could probably hear me with or without the door closed, I appreciated the courtesy.
“They’re gone Mom.” I turned off speakerphone and brought the device up to my ear. “Is Dad still there?”
“No, it’s just us girls. He’s gone to take a breather.” My Mom said lightly, skipping over the fact that she’d most likely sent him out of the room.
“Ok.” I extended the word, waiting for her to say whatever it was she wanted to say.
“How are you doing, really.” My Mom asked again.
“It’s been a rough couple days, but I’m really ok. The Peters are supportive and I wouldn’t want anyone else with me through this.” I didn’t mention all the relationship drama or the fights between the Peters because she didn’t need to know and it would only worry her more.
“Be honest with me.” My Mom lowered her voice and spoke in the serious tone she rarely used. “Are you really ok there? I gather it’s a messy situation, and the Peters seem very strong willed. I know they’ve vowed to keep you safe, but are you safe from them? You know next to nothing about these other Peters. Are you genuinely comfortable with them? Are they keeping you against your will or are you free to leave? Say the words I’m fine Mom if you need help.”
My Mom’s concern touched me. I really appreciated her sentiment, but how could I tell my mom that I was comfortable with the Peters but I wasn’t actually free to leave. I didn’t know if they were keeping me against my will or not.
I haven’t had the time to process this yet. I don’t know how I feel about being kept here, a prisoner in this safe house, locked in a gilded cage.
When the Peters were trying to convince my parents why I must stay, they were also convincing me. I don’t know if I completely agree with them. It’s hard to argue with their logic though, and right now I don’t know if I even want to try.
They love me, and I love them. Even when they fought amongst themselves, I knew that I was never in any true danger from them. Their fault was loving me too much, which wasn’t the worst problem to have in this world.
“I’m genuinely alright here. Thank you for checking in, but I do agree with them.” I spoke softly so that my Mom would know that my words were for her, and not something I was saying for the benefit of the Peters. “You weren’t there, Mom. When the lizard guy saw me, he had such an intense hatred of me. He wanted to kill me for something my counterpart did. Even if it was just him, I wouldn’t feel safe at home. But there are five of them out there, and they all know that if they want to get to all three Peters, I’m the one to go after. Please don’t try and convince me to come home. I’m scared that I’ll give in to you, I’ll be found, and that I’ll be forced to watch them kill you as they take me. So please don’t ask me to come home, because I think I’d be weak enough to say yes, and my weakness would mean your death.”
“Ok.” My Mom’s breath caught. “Ok. I won’t ask. I just wanted to make sure that you’re safe with the Peters.”
“I am.”
“When this is all over, how about the two of us go back to the cabin, and we can have a stay-cation. Movie marathon, ice cream, you name it. I’ll be here for you when this is all over and it’s time for you to recover from this.” My Mom sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
“That sounds great.” My throat had a lump in it. Imagining an after was hard when I was just focused on surviving the here and now. “Look Mom, I’d love to stay and chat, but I need to call MJ and Ned and let them know that I’m awake.”
“Oh, of course you must!” My Mom said far too quickly. “Call them! Call them! Thank you for letting us know that you’re ok first.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, and honey?” My Mom added. “Keep in touch? Let us know how you’re doing? And remember the door is always open to you.”
“I will. Thanks. I love you.” My words grew thick.
“I love you too.” My Mom was definitely crying.
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
I ended the call and set the phone down.
That was worse than I’d anticipated, but at least I wasn’t keeping this massive secret from my parents anymore.
The bedroom door opened and the Peters filed out. From their individual expressions they’d heard every word of the conversation.
“I’m sorry.” Older Peter sank down into the recliner beside me.
His apology covered a great deal. Apologizing for the situation I found myself in, for the villains, the fear and anxiety, the fall, but most of all for keeping me here and the fact that I flat out lied about it to my parents.