Chapter 167: Arc Six. Chapter One Hundred Sixty-Four. Shooter Drill

As the strange group sat at lunch, Agent Rumlow had a smirk on his face. The training had gone exactly as he’d expected and he was looking forward to rubbing it in Cap's face later.

“You know, you guys need to relax, I mean, there's no active shooter drills outside the range, you really thought I’d fire?” and both Peter and Flash sat at opposite ends of the table, trying to ignore him,

Brock, smiled and shook his head as he took a mouthful of soup, “then I guess that's the next lesson then, target identification and appraisal.”

Nat smirked and shook her head, “it’s their first day Brock, give them a break. Well, it’s Peters first day, who knows what you've been doing with Flash if he’s that jumpy.” and Peter sat up,

“Wait, what?” and Nat raised her eyebrows,

“You didn't know?” and Peter looked confused and shook his head,

“Flash has been a trainee agent since, well, since John.”

It clicked, and a series of complicated emotions crossed Peter's face, Disbelief, that Shield would hire just a jackass. Anger, that the reason Flash came to visit wasn't to help, it was to spy, and finally dismissal. He had been an agent for almost as long, so who cared, and Peter shrugged “meh,” was all he said and took a bite of his sandwich.

“What I don't get, is why recruit that asshole at all?” Flash said, talking with a mouthful of his own sandwich, “he’s a killer, and you all know it.” and Steve and Brock looked at each other,

“I read the report on John, watched the footage, and it was accidental. The rest are all overblown police reports from criminals who aren’t exactly the best eyewitnesses. There is no proof that Peter is as much of a danger as everyone makes out. Listening to new reports without checking your own sources, or simply making assumptions is negligent on the agents part Flash, you should do better. Just like you, Peter will get a chance to prove he’s Shield material, and just like you, he will be given the support he needs. ” Steve explained. 

Even he had doubts about Peter when he read his file but after watching him fight Tony Stark he knew that would have been a lot messier if Venom tried harder, and he was purposefully avoiding civilian casualties. On that day, only one person was hurt, and they had fallen in a panic to avoid a repulsor blast.

“What Cap said,” Rumlow added, “but he ain’t Avenger material if that's what you worried about. Sword is more a backup team, just in case, you know,” and he waved his spoon around and drew it across his neck. Flash already knew that in fact, the other name for the team was the Misfits, a group of mutants, freaks, and killers. Only Natasha had volunteered to work with them and had been gladly handed the assignment by her peers, fearing they would be forced to join.

Steve raised an eyebrow, “We’re not here to judge, whatever checkered past you might have had Peter, it doesn't matter now, You're one of us and no matter what, we take care of our own.”

Peter smiled, “thanks Cap” and Steve nodded at him,

“Which is why you’ll be helping Flash pass his GED.” and Peter almost choked on his sandwich, and shook his head,

“Flash failed his exams, and we need Agents that can think as well as act. I’m told not only will you pass your physical test with flying colours but that you a genius as well,” and Steve frowned, “well, Flash needs help, and you’re done with your exams, so help,” and Peter scowled,

“But-” and Steve shook his head

“No buts, extra credit on your own evaluation, plus it’ll be a huge favour to me,”

Peter swore internally, help fucking Flash Thompson? but as he caught Nat’s eye he gave the nicest and probably fake-looking smile he could. “I’d be happy to, so uh, Flash, what did you fail?” and as Flash took a final bite of his sandwich,

“Evwyfing,” he said with a full mouth, and Peter rubbed his forehead with his fingers.

“So math, English, and science? What else does he need to pass his GED?”

“Nothing, he aced the physical stuff just, uh,” Steve looked over at Brock,

“Yeah yeah, he’s an idiot, I know,“ Peter said sharply and as the table looked at him “What, he is,” and even Wanda shook her head,

“That is not nice Peter, you should be helpful,” but surprisingly it was Flash that spoke up,

“Nah, I am, but uh, this is why I don't like you, Parker. Yeah I was an ass in school but right now, thinking you’re better than everyone, you’re the ass.” and Flash grabbed his tray and headed over to the exit, dropping the dirty plate and tray in the pile and walking off.

“You need to check that attitude son. It doesn't matter what he did in the past, he’s here for a reason and you need to respect that, same as you are.” Steve lifted his own tray and head out. “Hey Flash, wait up,” and Peter watched them leave, Rumlow smiling as he shook his head, dipping his spoon into the last of his soup,

“Don't worry kid, big guys, lots of testosterone, not too many brains in this part of campus. He’ll either get over it or he won’t. Soft agents don't last long and if you can rile him, well,“ and as Rumlow cast his gaze over Peter he could feel the mans derision, “he won't be here long,” he smiled as he lifted his tray and walked off, dropping the spoon and plate into the dirty dished with a clatter.

Peter looked at the last of his own lunch and shook his head.

“What was that about?” Wanda asked him and Peter held out his hand, taking it he motioned to Laura who tilted her head to one side but did the same,

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Peter showed them the worst of it, the broken pride, the taunting, the isolation, the fear and the anguish that Flash had just so casually brushed off. Whatever Flash felt Peter had done never warranted his treatment, and whatever Webb showed Flash to elicit his guilt had obviously worn off, and now Flash was back to being his normal self.

“I understand, but your Captain is right, you should be the bigger man Peter, you are more than that, “ and Laura nodded, 

“Not you anymore, plus, can always stab him lots,” and Peter laughed and grasped their hands, 

“Thanks guys.” and as Wanda blushed and quickly pulled her hand away, Laura did the reverse and rubbed her cheek in the back of his hand.

“So, going to be a problem?” Nat asked and Peter shook his head,

“No, I’ll behave, and make sure he passes. It’s not like he can hate any more,” and as he gave Nat a serious look, “or hurt me,” she shook her head,

“We all have to keep our egos in check when working in a team,“ Nat leaned forwards and whispered in his ear, “do that and tonight, I’ll reward you,” and Peter snorted and grinned,

“Isn’t that every night?” and Natasha patted him on the shoulder,

“See, ego, which is why the others agreed. Remember your jar?” and Peter nodded confused, “well, Shield academy is now your jar. Do good, get results and learn to behave or else. There are now five of us waiting for you at home.” and while a smile and a smirk of superiority at having trumped the young man, Nat lifted her own tray and bussed it while Peter sat dumbfounded.

They had ganged up on him, and as he shook his head, Wanda and Laura looked at him,

“I am, uh, confused?” Wanda asked but Peter shook his head,

“Don’t worry, just being reminded not to get too cocky.” Peter grabbed his own tray and looked over at the pair, nodded and the trio left the cafeteria.

Peter, Wanda and Laura all approached the training area where Rumlow and Flash seemed to be talking in hushed tones, Steve was with Natasha and they were going over the contents of a clipboard, deciding to clear the air, Peter approached Cap first, and then he would have a talk with Flash.

Steve raised an eyebrow as Peter came over, “help you cadet?” and Peter cleared his throat, 

“Sure, stop trying to get me and Flash to make up, it won't happen and you’ll lose what little respect I have for you,“ and Peter heard Natasha mutter, 

“oh shit,” under her breath

“Excuse me? You know that I personally took Flash under my wing, supervised his training, offered advice and counselling when he lost his father. Personally gave him leave to deal with the monster causing that and then sponsored him for the Avengers program, and you disagree with my choice?”

Peter stood his ground, “that's all very impressive, Captain, and?”

Natasha coughed and Steve swung the clipboard under his arm, “and? Is that the discipline kids have these days? Your file, while impressive, isn't a great read. Hospitalising muggers and petty crooks isn't something to be proud of. I know that being bonded to one of those aliens increases aggression and makes you a little unstable but here, you need to learn to work in a team.” and unable to stop himself, Peter laughed.

“Something funny?” Steve handed the clipboard over to Natasha who took a step back,

“Work as a team? Don't get me wrong, I can do that, I have done that, but when you come in on day one and find your ‘team’,“ Peter using air quotes over the word, ”has been branded the misfits as your all different. Finding out that someone ‘who read my file’ is asking me to help the one person I hate more than anyone. Yeah, that's funny. Flash is a rich spoilt asshole, who used his dad’s money and position to do shit all in school except make my life, and the life of his girlfriend, hell for five years. He didn't fail cause he’s a moron, he failed as he expected dad to buy his scholarship and when got his legs cut off it all went to shit. Do I find that funny? Yeah, I do.”

As Flash heard Peters complain he stepped forwards but Rumlow put a hand on his chest and shook his head, “wait,” he said with a small grin and a nod, and Flash stepped back, gritting his teeth.

“You walked in, read two files and decided the best way to resolve our little conflict was to push us together? That tells me that you didn’t actually read my file. If you had, if you’d read Flash’s we wouldn’t be talking right now. I’d be in another part of the building, and Flash, well, I really don’t care what Flash would be doing.”

Steven stared at the young man, even without training he could feel the resentment and indignation pouring from him. He was angry, and ready for a fight, Did I make a mistake? he wondered as he saw Flash staring at him the same way.

“So, you do disagree with my assessment. Look, son, you're 19. I was that age too, you think you know everything, as I did, and you’re wrong like I was. We gave Flash a second chance, just like the one you're getting now. The situation with Sword is something that just happens, you have a team with Natasha, and yes you're all different but that doesn’t mean worse. Flash proved he’s Avengers material, and I'm sure that given time you can do the same, as long as you keep your nose clean and stop with your more dubious activities. Helping Flash goes to prove that, helping Flash shows that you can be better. You should see this as an opportunity to prove that you’re not the villain everyone makes you out to be, that you’re a hero, just like I am, and Natasha, and like Flash is trying to be.”

Peter stood staring at Steve for a moment, a small look of disbelief at the naivety of the man in front of him. Clenching his jaw and swallowing his anger,

“Flash, you’ll be studying math on Monday, five till seven and then homework to be done for Wednesday, when it’ll be English with homework for Friday when it’ll be science and guess what, homework for Monday. It’ll need to be here or your place though,“ and looking Steve in the eye, “as MJ, you know, the girl you forced into a relationship, might actually kill you if she sees you again,” and turning he walked off, muttering, “sick of this bullshit already.”

Steve looked over at Natasha, who clapped him on the shoulder, “Yeah, I think you’ve got homework as well Cap. Peter and Flash shouldn't even be in the same building, let alone training together. This isn't the ‘40s. Kids have killed themselves, and others, over bullying, Flash is lucky Peter just threw him off a roof.” and as she nodded to Laura and Wanda the trio left to find Peter, and to begin what would hopefully be the rest of a much quieter day.

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