Keep Being Evasive - Flash/Peter prompt
Summary: Peter starts showing up in school with bruises, which, in turn, just seems to drive Flash mad.
...He suspects abuse. Apparently, he's unaware with Peter's role as Spiderman.
Prompt: When quiet, geeky Peter Parker suddenly starts showing up at school covered in bruises/limping/flinching when people get too close/etc., most of the other kids assume Peter is just getting into fights.
Flash, however... he thinks Peter is in an abusive relationship and for whatever reason refuses to leave the guy that's hurting him. Having grown up in a similar situation (and god, but his big sister was so much happier after leaving that scumbag) Flash starts trying to talk to and befriend Peter, subtly (if awkwardly) ask if he needs help, slipping domestic abuse pamphlets into the other teen's locker, keeping an eye out for whomever the mystery guy might be, etc.
Pairing: Flash/Peter
Rating: PG-13
Warning: mentions of abusive relationships; misconception of a real abusive situation
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. Hehe, of course not. Although Andrew Garfield as Spidey is sexy as hell.
Flash is the last to know.
In normal circumstances, he really wouldn't be. In fact, he shouldn't be - shouldn't have missed the signs, shouldn't have turned a blind eye. But the fact of the matter is that he did do just that, he turned a blind eye, so therefore he is the last to know that Parker has suddenly begun to bear a strange amount of bruises.
To care would be completely out of context, completely out of the way he should be approaching it. In fact, he shouldn't be approaching it at all. This was Parker. The same nerdy, smart-ass of a kid, that seemed to be more bizarre than the dorks in room 3B talking about Pokemon and Baku-whatever that shit was. Flash knows that Parker was - and always will be weird. Yet, even that knowledge could not stray away the uneasiness that seemed to tighten in his chest when he heard.
One way or another, Flash still found himself watching Parker frequently. No matter what he seemed to portray, Parker definitely wasn't as inconspicuous as he tried to put out. It has become a consistent pattern over the last few weeks and Flash notices it. The small, careful flinches whenever human contact is reached, he sees it. The way Parker seems to recoil and quail away from such touches. He looks even more uncomfortable than he usually does, like just the thought of being in his own skin sends him into a state of panic.
He can't- or rather, he won't touch anyone. Parker can't even be in the same vicinity of another person without flinching and scampering away.
Yet, it has been going on for weeks. Apparently, from the rumors, Parker has been in fights. Gang fights, creating a ruckus with anyone that starts trouble because didn't you see Johnny's black eye? Yeah, that was from Parker. But it really isn't, Flash knows that. In fact, he could bet his money on it. Parker's a geek, so all the rumors? It's obviously a ruse to evoke a laugh because there's no way Parker could ever begin something like that. He's too - something. There's no word to explain it. Awkward just doesn't cut it. The description is more than that.
So yeah, Flash is the last to know. But he's the first to make the right conclusion because Parker hasn't been getting into fights.
He's in an abusive relationship.
Flash isn't overreacting, or jumping to far-fetched conclusions either because it's true. It's not just the signs - not just the frightened jolts and the quietness. Parker has just been - off. He would never admit it publicly, but Flash does watch him on occasion. Parker isn't just not talking - he's not even talking to Gwen. It's obvious he has something for her - or at least he did up until a couple weeks ago. He sees her try, countless times for a conversation, but Parker just seems to keep a safe distance between them, not once meeting her gaze.
No, Flash doesn't think Parker is in an abusive relationship. He knows Parker is being abused, and for some strange reason, knowing that fact, bothers him to the core.
~~~>>>>>>>>>>......................
It's on a Thursday morning when Flash finds himself getting involved unintentionally. There are probably another ten minutes before the bell should ring to signal for them all to head to class. Flash is leaning against a random locker, clutching the one backpack strap thrown over his shoulder with Mack, Wess, and Remy laughing and crowding around him. They are in the middle of some joke about Mrs. Leplier in Room 3B when he saunters by walking almost against the lockers.
Without missing a beat, Flash's eyes are on him, on freakin' Peter Parker, trailing his pathway. His hood is up, acting almost like a safeguard to block everything, and from the uncovered side, Flash can just barely see the sharp edge of Parker's thick rimmed glasses. Flash watches as Parker adjusts his hands in his sweatshirt pocket and pushes his glasses up further, therefore disappearing behind the jacket. He's no more awkward than he usually is, nothing out of the normal. That's exactly what he thought before some kid playfully shoves his friend and manages to slam Parker into the lockers in the process. They don't even stop to apologize (which isn't much of a surprise). The two walk on, slugging each other in the shoulder, laughing and messing around. Parker, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be fairing as well.
He is jolting repeatedly, every so often looking around like a scared caged dog, wincing as he does so. It's so subtle that Flash hardly catches it, but he does. He sees Parker's hand snake under his shirt and freeze somewhere around his mid-torso. What is he doing? Flash thinks in slight disbelief. Yet, his eyes aren't drawn away and he continues to look. There's a pause and suddenly, Parker flinches and begins to tremble. The grip on his shirt is released and the hand underneath escapes out, but Parker still looks pale, still seems frightened about something. He adjusts his glasses, once - twice more and gazes around frantically, obviously checking for any onlookers. Flushing, Flash drops his gaze and pretends to be more focused on his friends than he actually is, although in truth his attention has been taken by Parker himself.
He only waits a second though, before his gaze is drawn back upward and he's staring at him again. Parker's back is turned this time, apparently fiddling with his locker. Flash finds himself staring a bit too hard, eyes trailing up and down Parker's figure, looking far too closely to be deemed normal. What the hell are you doing, Flash? He hears himself think. But even that doesn't stop him from staring - or from doing what he's about to do next.
He's swearing, damning himself to hell before he finds himself walking past his friends and across the hall to where Parker stands with his back facing him.
He clears his throat awkwardly and adjusts his bag before saying, "Yo, Parker."
Peter looks more than startled to spin around and discover it's him. Trust Flash to know how baffled he is of himself to go this far. What is so important about knowing anyway? Why does he feel the need to help Parker? The same Parker that seems to love prod him, to embarrass him (because he still isn't over that basketball stunt. What the fuck had Parker been on?). Yet, here he is, shifting from one foot to another, feeling mortified with himself for talking to the nerd.
Peter isn't saying a word, not a single sound has been uttered from his lips. Instead, he's just blinking at him looking nothing less than suspicious and slightly stunned, as if it's such a surprise that Flash, himself would even speak to him. Well - maybe he did have good reason to be surprised.
It's only two moments more before Parker blinks and huffs out with annoyance, "Please - not today, Flash. Not in the mood." With that, he manages to turn back around to fiddle inside his locker for god-knows-what. He's obviously being evasive, Flash thinks. Parker is trying to avoid confrontation, but even Flash knows things only get worse if the matter isn't talked about. His sister had done the same, and god had she been so much happier after leaving that self-righteous scumbag. Flash had never liked him away.
Suddenly, Flash feels a burst of irritation - irritation for Peter freakin-elusive Parker trying to act as if nothing is wrong. He didn't understand the cruel severity of something like this - something like physical abuse. Flash tries to help - and what does Parker say? 'Not today, Flash. Not in the mood?" No, Flash isn't going to be ignored.
At some point a growl escapes his mouth and he's grabbing Parker by the collar, slamming him hard up against the lockers, creating a loud 'CLANG!' that resonates across the hall, and he does it just because. Parker just doesn't understand.
The anger, however, seems to evaporate once he hears Parker release a stifled whine of pain. It may be stifled, but Flash still hears it.
"What is wrong with you?" Flash hisses, face close and in an uncomfortable amount of personal space.
Parker gawks, sputters, and nearly exclaims in hysterics. "What's wrong with me?! W-what the hell's wrong with you?!"
And it's only then when Flash realizes it, really sees why Peter is so startled. Flash is obviously scaring him, reminding him of whoever is hurting him. He's the abuser now.. His chest suddenly feels tight and he's filled with conviction. He should have known - shouldn't have been so hasty.
The bell rings from afar and the hallways slowly start to unravel and move in different directions. He's still in a daze when he slowly releases Parker's sweatshirt and backs away carefully. It seems Parker can't get away fast enough, scampering away from him, with eyes not once leaving his. Parker walks away, but that doesn't stop him from looking back twice more, Flash meeting his eyes every single time.
Everything inside him is screaming to follow after Parker, to not give this up, to find a way to separate Parker from whoever is harming him.
And that is exactly what Flash is planning on doing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>>...................
Initially, Flash's plan is to talk to Parker, get some answers. A thought even crosses his mind to force it out of him if he won't talk to him, but that's before he realizes the error of his ways and has to remind himself that he doesn't want to frighten the boy again. He's already afraid of Flash enough as it is. But even knowing that doesn't take away the fact that Flash feels inclined to help Parker recognize the folly of his relationship.
Laying on his bed, throwing the small tennis ball against the beige wall in his room, just being left alone with the silence makes Flash feel even the more anxious because, what if it's Parker who's being abused right now? Does he even know that he's making an even bigger mistake dating that douchebag? Well, assuming that it's a man he's dating. It would be a little weird if it were a woman, Flash can't help but think, and to be honest, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Parker is in fact dating another dude. But honestly, what could he see in a dick like that? He must be really messed up in the head - and that's when Flash halts his movements and curses himself again, mentally shaming himself because would he say that kind of thing to his sister? She wasn't messed up, just a bit confused. He realizes he should never have thought that kind of thing about Parker, even in his head.
God, it feels weird thinking about Parker in this way. He doesn't care about the dweeb, but hell, this "abuse thing" is messing with his head big time. He can't let it go, can't get it out of his head. Every time he tries, all he sees is Parker's limping figure and frightened, shaking eyes.
He's haunting him, and Flash can't leave it alone.
Not now. Not ever.
...................................
It's on Monday that Flash actually cracks. It's lunchtime and Flash is sitting alongside his friends, tossing a basketball around and somewhere there's a girl on his arm and she smells wonderful. He can't exactly remember her name, Genevieve or Jenna, something, he can't pick it out of his brain. She's laughing at one of his jokes. They're all laughing, until Flash notices a commotion rousing in the left wing of the cafeteria.
And of course Parker is in the middle of it.
He's going to look away, he tells himself to, but even still, he does not do it. Flash's eyes remain on the disturbance, unable to avert his gaze from the strange dude crowding around Parker's space. It is nothing along the lines of friendly. He's obviously nothing higher than a sophomore, and yet, the kid still taunts Parker, follows him in an mocking step. The girl beside Flash is pulling on his arm, trying to draw his attention, but he brushes her off. She says something underneath her breath, but Flash doesn't catch it, neither does he care because the kid is shoving Parker now. Peter doesn't even react, he mumbles something, tosses his head a little to the left and tries to side-step the kid, but the boy is in his face now, hissing something.
His friend beside him, Remy snaps in front of his face and laughs, saying something like, 'Flash, man, what're you lookin' at, dude?", but Flash doesn't respond. Instead, he's suddenly standing and grabbing his tray, sauntering towards the trash bin in a manner that's trying to look inconspicuous.
Nothing's going wrong, not really anyway. The kid is obviously just trying to provoke Parker, and in normal cases, Flash would be worried. Actually, he should feel concerned right now, especially regarding Parker's situation. But all the punk is doing is mocking him, trying to get in his face. Peter's not responding though, and Flash wants to throttle himself for acting like such a pussy, getting worried for nothing.
He's really losing his game. At least that's what he thinks, before he hears a loud 'BANG!' and Parker is on the floor and the kid is jerking his foot back to kick him in the gut. Parker manages to deflect it, much to Flash's surprise, and slam a lunch tray into the boy's face (which is a bit weird, Flash thinks, because the tray was halfway across the room). Before Flash can even register what he's doing, he's running across the cafeteria, tripping over the wheels on the tables and scampering over the the sophomore.
In one swift motion, he grabs the kid by the shirt and slams him up against the wall, fuming all the while. When the rush of adrenaline fades, he recognizes the kid as one of the boys from his basketball team. Wittman has always been too cocky.
"What the hell, man!"
"Leave, Parker, alone." Flash hisses into his ear, so low only the two of them would be able to hear. Pushing the kid's back into the wall one more time, he loosens his grip and backs away. "I mean it, Wittman. If I even hear that you're bothering him again, I'll kick your ass."
For a while, the two just stare at each other and Flash is aware of Parker's presence, but he's more focused on Wittman, obviously debating whether to say something smart or brush it off. Flash hopes he doesn't say anything else, doesn't push it because the cafeteria is silent now, and everyone is watching. How long they've been watching, Flash doesn't know.
Wittman smirks and wipes his mouth dramatically before saying, "Protecting the nerd, huh, Flash? Is there something you want to tell us?"
Flash can feel his palms start to sweat and a heated flush start to build on his face. He wants to freak, but he can't risk it, not now anyway. So instead, he keeps his expression placid and replies, "Yeah, I do. You're off the team, Wittman."
The sophomore looks nothing less of shocked. But slowly that shock morphs into embarrassment, which morphs into anger.
"For this dweeb?! Fuck you, Flash." He spits out, before glaring at both him and Parker. He then runs out of the cafeteria, leaving the entire room in an uncomfortable silence.
It's only then that the full severity of what he just did slaps him in the face. Hard.
Parker's staring at him, hands frozen in mid-air, just looking with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. His mouth his parted slightly and his eyes are wide. Neither of them move, or speak. The silence is blaring in his ears and the suspicion, the shock from the gazes around him are just boring into his back. There's nothing left to do, nothing but go back to his seat and hide. So that's exactly what he does, except for the latter part of the equation. Without once looking at Parker -because those shocked eyes are far too much to handle-, Flash makes his way to the table and sits down.
He can feel his friends staring at him, but that doesn't matter much to him because he's already freaking out, because he doesn't know what else to do, because he feels like such an idiot.
And because what the hell did he just do?
~~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>........................
Flash is still buzzed about what happened on Monday when he accompanies his sister to her therapy session. Well maybe he doesn't exactly accompany her, but he drives her there at least. He doesn't know why he volunteered to bring her when, originally, his mother's supposed to drive her. But Flash still volunteers, and he still finds himself strolling behind her to the building and into the waiting room.
When her name gets called, she smiles at him and asks again if he wants to join the session. For a moment, Flash almost goes, and then a flush of embarrassment sparks inside of him and he's declining because it would just be far too awkward if he attended something like that. Sure, he may be "kind-of-not-admittedly" concerned about Parker, but that doesn't mean that he's going to sacrifice his status to join some 'Comfort Recovery Tea Party' (no offense to his sister).
This is exactly what Flash thinks, as he makes his way towards the door and reaches for the handle. Consequently, his eyes wander to the left, falling on the small wooden stand covered with different color coded pamphlets. His gaze, almost intentionally, scours for a particular one and just like that one certain pamphlet is sitting patiently to the left side reading, 'Domestic Abuse' in big cursive letters. There are others that he grabs like: 'Know Your Rights: Abuse Victims' and then there's, 'You Can Walk Away: A Guide to Escaping Domestic Violence. Flash even grabs the one in orange that reads, 'This Is Your Life' just for reassurance. He grabs a couple others just for a bit of variety and hugs them secretively to his chest. With close to ten pamphlets in his hands, Flash makes another move to the door. But again, he doesn't leave - because there's a sign that reads, 'Make An Appointment Today: Free Trail'
Flash knows he's going to regret this later, but that still doesn't stop him from marching up to the front desk and asking warily, 'Can I make an appointment please?'
The woman replies' name?' with a kind smile, and Flash has to force himself to look her straight in the eyes without a hint of indifference as he replies, 'Peter Parker."
The next day Flash comes to school earlier than usual just so no one can notice him slipping the ten pamphlets into Parker's locker. When the bell rings at promptly 7:00, he waits with his usual crowd of people swarming around the trophy case, which only happens to be about six meters away from Parker's locker. At exactly 7:17, Parker makes his appearance. As usual and not much to Flash's surprise, the nerd is ducking away from everyone. But today is different because, judging from Peter's careful steps, he's walking with a limp today. A sudden surge of desperation floods inside of him at that moment and Flash wants to go the boy. But that's before he catches himself again and realizes that he's acting like a wuss. If Parker doesn't matter -which he really doesn't- Flash shouldn't go up to him, not now anyway.
So instead he just watches, gazes diligently and with extreme intrigue, as Parker rolls in his combination and pops open his locker. Almost immediately, all of the pamphlets come spilling out and Parker, of course being Parker, tries to catch them in his hands before they fall. Oddly enough, he manages to save all of them, every single damn pamphlet. Flash figures that Peter really must be on some kind of drug to suddenly have great reflexes. But the thought manages to drift away when he sees Parker picking them all up and flipping them into readable positions. And now he's reading them and with each passing second, Flash sees Parker's frown grow deeper and deeper.
He looks up and scours around, eyes flickering past every face while he adjusts his glasses. But Flash is already looking away. He pretends to be talking with his friends, but that only lasts a moment before he's looking back up just in time to see, in stilled horror, as Parker crumples up the pamphlets and stalks down the hall muttering, as he walks past him, 'The hell?'
Once again, Flash wonders what the hell did he do? Or better yet, what had he done wrong?
But it is no matter. He just needs to try harder.
~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>>..................
Flash has concluded that Parker is a slippery thing. It seems with each passing moment, each common occurrence that Flash even gives a thought to approach the nerd, Parker is disregarding his attempts and retreating away from him. It doesn't seem to be getting through to him that Flash is trying to -even as indirectly as it might be- help.
But apparently, his type of 'help' isn't working at all. Parker still doesn't acknowledge his presence (but then again, that may be because Flash's attempts are in discretion, which isn't too great either), and Flash is getting desperate. This sick, misgiving, unbearable desperation to be near Parker at all times, to help him in anyway that he can. To protect him.
Really? Flash thinks disbelievingly to himself. Protect that nerd? But just thinking so in his head doesn't take the feeling away. He still feels obligated to ensure Parker's safety. To at least warn him of the dangers with such a relationship. He wants to protect him, and Flash hates it and weirdly enough, prides himself on that factor. It's all confusing and peculiar, but Flash doesn't think much of it anymore because none of it is going to stop himself from trying to help the nerd. None of it even crosses his mind again as he finds himself ringing the outside doorbell - of Parker's home.
There's a clicking of heels and the door spreads open, revealing a middle-aged woman smiling at him kindly. She asks if she can do anything for him, and he replies, 'Yeah- uh, yes, is Par- I mean, Peter home?" and Flash can feel a flush start to rise on his cheeks because why the hell is he being so damn polite? It's weird because he doesn't know how. It's something so uncommonly, unfamiliar to him, that Flash feels more awkward than ever just standing there blushing. But it doesn't seem to matter because in a quick moment, the woman is calling 'Peter, there's someone at the door for you.' She's beckoning him inside and Flash can't even find it in himself to say no.
So he steps into the foyer, to the left and inside the living room. He's really rethinking coming here. His palms are drenching in sweat and dammit, his mouth feels so fucking dry it literally feels like he just came out of a fucking desert. It's exactly this that crosses his mind when a 'clomp, clomp, clomping' sound echoes off of the wooden stairs and suddenly, Parker is standing before him, mouth opening and closing, and Flash really can't tell what emotion is going through the dweeb's head.
Silence.
He has never felt this embarrassed in his life. Never felt this awkward, and yet it's Parker that is doing it to him. It's this nerd. Just perfect.
"What are you doing here, Flash?" He can hear Parker ask the question, but it doesn't really seem to come to him that the nerd has even spoken before several seconds have passed.
He's far too focused on the large, obviously fresh bruise stretched brightly across Parker's neck to care. If he looks closely, Flash can recognize a hand print, but that's only if he's squinting. He's unsure if it is his imagination, or if it truly is real. There are cuts there too, on his cheeks, and Parker's hair is a mess, standing on end in every different direction. It's nothing of the unusual -his hair, that is- yet, the discombobulated hair just adds to the menacing lump growing in the jock's throat.
Yet, somehow, he manages to ask, 'What happened to your face?' completely disregarding Parker's previous question.
Parker's face brightens, even as he frowns and awkwardly scratches the hairs on the nape of his neck, adjusting his glasses just a moment after. He replies defensively, 'What do you care?'
And for some reason that angers him. Angers him to the very core, like hot lava forming and bubbling, building for the perfect, precise moment to just spew over. And it does just that -spew, that is- to where, Flash has managed to grab Parker by the collar and pin him against a nearby wall.
Both of their chests are rising and falling. Parker looks like he's twitching, like he can't retain himself, even at that moment to hide the pain. Flash noticed it from the beginning though. Still notices it....
"I do care, Peter!" Flash admits blindly and angrily, tightening his grip on the nerd- Peter's shirt. And damn, he realizes, he just called Parker by his name. He just- he's so fucked. Slowly the anger resides and his grip loosens as he steps away, 'I care a lot actually."
Parker looks disbelieving and suspicious, almost bitter (and is that a hint of fear? Can't be, can it?), as he replies, 'Why do you? Why are you even here, Flash?! Why are you even speaking to me? You never do. Not that I care because I don't, b-but......just why?!"
Flash should think before he says it, but he doesn't, and that's why he exclaims back, 'Because you matter to me!'
They are both gaping, wide-eyed, open-mouthed, just staring at each in bafflement because really, 'what the hell just happened?'
Flash stammers and flushes, adding, "Shit, that's not what I meant. What I mean to say is - w-what's happening to you matters to me."
And for some reason, that doesn't sound right either. Apparently, it doesn't to Peter either because he's no longer gaping, just staring at Flash like he's just grown two heads.
'Are you high?' Peter asks, looking wide and suspicious.
Flash nearly sputters. Nearly. "What the fuck?! I'm not high! I've never even - well, maybe once - or more like twice, but that was at Cara's party and everybody...."
It's only when Parker rolls his eyes that Flash actually realizes that he's getting off topic and losing his focus because god, he's so damn embarrassed.
"Look," Flash finalizes in a more commanding tone. "The point is, I care alright? And I know what's going on."
Parker's mouth twitches and he shifts uncomfortably before saying, "What's going on?"
Flash's eyes narrow. "You know... You know that I know."
"W-what?" Parker nearly exclaims, for some reason, confused.
Suddenly, Flash's fingers are grabbing onto Peter's sweatshirt and he's breathing heavily, gaze flickering around everywhere on Parker's face. The soft, almost genuinely untainted innocence in his eyes. That innocence - it's everywhere. With Parker's lips slightly parted, Flash finds himself staring. Why though? Fuck, why? This is Parker, freaking nerdy Peter Parker. And yet, knowing all of this just causes him to step closer. His heart is racing and there's no real reason why. He can just hear himself swearing in his head before he forces the words out before he can regret them.
"You don't have to take it, Pete." And why the hell did he just create a nickname? But it's disregarded, once a blush starts form on his cheeks as he continues on. "I know - I-I mean, I've always known that you were-are a strong person. Like, you take people's shit, and even though you look fucking pathetic, and I mean- really really pathetic, but you still do it - it's still..... It's nice, I guess. You're loyal and you're kinda brave I think. So, you don't have to do this, you don't have to.... W-what in trying to say is - well, y-you're just worth more than that, alright, Pete? You are, and yet, you're putting your life - your safety on the line for what? For loyalty? Because of some idiot that doesn't even care about you? Fuck that, Peter. You need to stop caring so much about others and think of yourself for once!"
It's only when he finishes that Flash actually realizes that he's been yelling. Well at least - the last part, which isn't so good either. His face is practically on fire, but it seems Peter's is as well because he keeps looking away awkwardly, brushing his face very so often, and for some reason, that evokes a puff of pride in his chest.
It gives him confidence. Enough confidence to grab Peter's chin and direct it towards him, pressing closer into his atmosphere all at once. Opaque shadows are stretching across the hardwood floors and Flash can feel the sun disappearing behind the windowsill. He hasn't realized how late it has gotten.
"If you ever need anything, anything at all, just stop by, call me, whatever. Just don't..." And Flash can't find it in himself to finish that sentence because 'don't what?' Don't go back to that douche? Don't hurt yourself even more? Just don't, what? Flash really doesn't know.
But what he does know is that at that moment, he feels extremely uncomfortable and out of place, like an outcast. So he steps away, leaving Parker red faced and gaping. And why does he feel the intense feeling to move close again? To feel the powerful, intrigue of Peter again. It's foreign and it makes him feel weird, really weird inside. Lingering one last look, Flash rushes out of the home and runs out into the street because nothing is really making any sense anymore.
~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>.............
The time has shifted far past midnight by the time Flash forces himself to get up and do something, instead of just sitting placid and stagnant on his bed. He should be out. It doesn't matter what, Flash just knows that he should be doing something, anything other than this. He's not used to it. He's really not familiar with being alone, not being the center of attention. He can't remember when the last time was when he'd just been alone with the silence. He really doesn't like it, not one bit because silence leads to thinking, and thought leads to concern, and concern leads to Peter fucking Parker, and Flash just can't think about him right now.
He can't do it anymore.
He's done frying his entire brain just thinking about Peter (and yes, he just said his name instead of 'Parker'.) because it's literally eating him alive from the inside out. All Flash can think about anymore is 'where is he?" and 'Is he alright?" and the worst, 'What if he shows up with even more bruises?' and 'What if he doesn't show up at all?" So, Flash can't take it anymore. He's never felt this - just this way about anyone, whatever "this" is. He really doesn't even know himself anymore. Peter is a nerd, a socially awkward butterfly that can't even make up a whole sentence without stuttering. He's strange, and completely unlike anyone else Flash has ever met, because instead of reacting, Peter just ignores it. He doesn't retaliate and he won't even commit fully to revenge. Sure, Flash has seen the flare of it in his eyes when he's punches the lights out of the nerd, but Parker never quenches that hunger. He squashes it, like a bug, and moves on.
So yeah, he's pretty fucking weird. And Flash - he hates it. He hates that he cares, hates that he wants to keep the dweeb safe, hates that he's growing - feelings (and ugh, did he just say that?). Everything is just so - WEIRD, and for a moment, Flash wonders if this is how Peter feels all the time. Is everything so uncomfortable for him too? Flash can't help but think.
Before a pang of conviction can even flood him, there is a tapping on the window and Flash finds himself stumbling across the room, all the while wondering how he's the only one home because that never happens.
Another thing that never happens, is Flash pushing aside the curtains and opening the window to see a bleeding and scarfully bruised Peter Parker practically leaning all of his weight against the archway with eyes barely open.
In a rush, Flash is grabbing him with one hand around his waist and another over his shoulder and pulling his limp body inside the bedroom. There are questions flowing out of his mouth like, 'Peter, Pete - are you awake?' and 'Where are you hurt?' and then there's the all too common, 'How the hell did you get up to my window?' But the nerd isn't even making a response, and as Flash lays him down on the bed he realizes that he really doesn't care because he's far too focused on the state Peter is in to care about anything else.
Flash honestly doesn't even know where to start. There's cuts all over Peter's face, covered with dirt and small specks of pebbles, entwining the blood and mess together. They aren't deep, except for one that is disappearing beneath Parker's shirt and curving upwards over his neck and vanishing somewhere underneath his tee. He really wants to look at it - examine it- but, he's already fuming. Infuriating rage is bubbling inside his chest because what the fuck is Peter doing here looking like this? What had the douche been angry about this time? Why the hell won't Parker just leave the little shit? And as all of these questions are swirling around his head, it's taking all of Flash's will and practicality to remind him that Parker is still hurt, so he can't exactly force the boy to spew out who did this to him and bash the guy. So instead, he presses the emotions down and sits on the bed where Peter is laying with his eyes closed.
His breathing is stuttered and hesitant, like he really doesn't want to inhale the oxygen, but he does anyway, and the tremors just worsen. Oddly enough, Peter is cradling his left wrist to his abdomen. Flash can see -even around the fucking bruises, and yeah, he's still pissed- a deep circular indent in the skin, as if something was attached to his wrist.
"Pete." But there's no response and a rush of panic fills Flash, to the point where he's reaching out and grasping Peter's shoulders, shaking him in a frenzy. "Peter, you need to stay with me, okay? Pete, answer me!"
Peter grumbles, but his eyes remain closed, and his eyelashes flutter as he replies quiet and husky, "Hurts - really hurts."
And there goes that god damn anger again where Flash just wants to hit something - punch someone, but the only person who is present is Peter, and god - he wouldn't hurt him. He won't ever hurt him again.
In a rush, he's on his feet and reaching into his pocket for his cell phone. "I'm calling 911" He says, pressing the device to his ear.
But the first ring doesn't even make it through before Flash finds himself pinned up against the wall and - what the hell? - Parker has his fingers fisted into his shirt, keeping him still and trapped, all the while staring at him with a wild intensity. He looks insane, feral, as if he's lost himself completely into something mysterious and different. This isn't Peter Parker, Flash thinks because it really isn't. Peter isn't this tough, isn't this - confident? But maybe, just maybe, Flash doesn't know Parker as well as he thinks. But hell, whether he knows him or not doesn't matter because Peter Parker doesn't throw people and pin them against a fucking wall! Flash does that - so, who the fuck is this guy?
"Please," Parker begs and his voice cracks horribly because it's raspy and almost inaudible. Even though it looks like just talking hurts him, Peter just repeats, "Please - just don't....p-please.. You can't."
And suddenly Flash doesn't know what to do with all these emotions. The feeling to hurt something, to damage anything available is almost unbearable. He needs it - he's never felt a want so unbearable as this and he just - can't take it anymore. He can feel himself breathing hard and small sounds are escaping his mouth that sound desperate.
He doesn't think it through (like he does with everything), doesn't even question it when he surges forward and suddenly, he's capturing Peter's lips between his and it's full of desperation, something turbulent and blistering hot. And god - that's Peter's mouth. /That/ is.Peter's.mouth. It's so warm and comforting, slow and cautious, and yet, all at once, just as franticly anxious as Flash's is. His hands are carefully cradling Parker's neck and he's pulling him flushing against his body, unconsciously rutting against him all at once. It's creating a sweet friction that's building an infuriating heat practically seducing his body for more. Fuck, does Flash want more - he really does.
And all at once, he's grabbing Pete everywhere, anywhere he can get ahold of him, enticing his mouth to stay connected with his because he doesn't know. Doesn't know if Peter is going to go back with that shitbag, or if he's going to continue being in relationships like this, or if - if even by a slim chance, that he will realize (and Flash knows he's going to regret even thinking this later) that he's great. He's weird, but to stay with someone like that, someone so emotionally fucked to even abuse another is - Flash, thinks, stupid - but, brave and loyal.
Peter's tongue is just brushing the roof of his mouth when Flash, embarrassingly reluctant, pulls away. They are both panting, chests falling and rising violently. And Flash is looking at him, really /looking/ and for some reason, everything just seems...different.
"Don't - just, please don't do it." Flash says between breaths, emitting sorrow while he does it. "Don't go back to him, Pete."
Suddenly, Peter's wonderstruck expression falls and he's frowning. "Go back to who?"
Why he's still playing dumb and being so freakin' evasive, Flash doesn't know. But he's tired of playing this game. He's tired of waiting for Peter to come to his senses, and it shows as he replies with a heavy sigh and a low voice, "Listen Pete, I know, alright? I know that you're - that you're being abused-"
Peter sputters and laughs, looking incredulous. "What?!"
"-and I understand that you love the guy - alright no, I don't understand how you can love someone like that. But damn, Pete, look at yourself."
"Flash," Peter interjects and he seems humored, amused by something, and that irritates him. Annoys the hell out of Flash because why isn't he taking this seriously? "You've really - /really/ got it wrong."
But Flash isn't hearing him. He doesn't want to, because all of this has going to stop now. This whole - cat and mouse chase. He's grabbing Parker's shoulders suddenly, holding the thin arms tightly as he says, "No, you've got it wrong. This is all wrong, Pete! Why are you hurting yourself like this? I really don't understand how you can-"
"Flash, I'm not being abused."
Flash leans closer, as he yells, "Yeah, Peter, you are. If you weren't then - then....where are the bruises coming from?"
Peter blinks. "I'm trying out for the football team."
Now, that - /that/ is enough to make Flash laugh, and he does - laugh that is- uncontrollably. The lie is so unbelievable, it's impossible, and it is. Because Peter- and football? That only makes him laugh even harder.
"That's funny, Parker." Flash finally replies, standing up straight and wiping his eyes of the wetness that had somehow formed while he was chuckling. It really is funny, and there is that bubble of laughter that is still threatening to erupt again because - football? Sure, that basketball stunt was something - and a bit fishy - but Parker can't - he'd never survive football.
Peter just crosses his arms and looks extremely uncomfortable. There's several times he tries to speak, but Flash only interrupts by resuming and laughing harder. By the fifth attempt, Peter huffs and limps horribly away, grabbing his backpack (and when the hell had that gotten here?) and snatching something out of it. He hands it to Flash who, with blurry eyes and still giggling, holds it in front of him, eyes flickering back and forth reading. It only takes a minute for his grin to fall.
"That's my exercise regiment." Peter explains running a hand through his hair, and immediately he hisses when he realizes that he just used the sprained one. "As hard to believe as it sounds, I'm really doing it. All this - is just the aftermath of my hard work, I guess."
Flash frowns and his eyes scan over Parker's twisted body just to ask, 'But what about today?"
He looks uncomfortable, as he crosses his arms and looks away, for some reason, embarrassed. "S-school is still the same Flash, you of all people should know that."
"So it was guys at the school that did this to you?" Flash asks, still disbelieving and half-angry.
Peter laughs half-heartedly, almost weak. "Yeah - Rookie Initiation, remember?"
And Flash does - remember, that is. It's almost a tradition. There's always one kid, one measly kid that is picked out from the rest, like a sacrifice, to take the initiation of the team's choice. It would be Parker, Flash can't help but think. But how could they -? He knows some of the guys on the football team. They're fairly cool. But - he did the same, messed with Peter. They did no different.
Suddenly, he feels guilty and very - /very/ idiotic. Like, how in the hell had he jumped to the conclusions that Parker was being abused? He must be really fucked up - or paranoid.
Nervously, he laughs and scratches the back of his hair. "Oh." He says, not knowing what else to spit out.
Peter-/Parker/ -oh what the hell- Pete, laughs and smiles brightly. "It's fine. I'm just going to quit and stuff, so - don't worry about it. But you can't tell anyone. I-I mean it, Flash. Don't mention this to anyone. It's just the usual, so let's just move past it, alright?"
Flash nods, although as sheepishly as sheepish can get, and he's still refusing to meet Parker's eyes because fuck, he really can't believe he just-
"I'm gonna go, kay?" Peter says with something too close to comfort. He just got beaten up and is he usually this happy afterwards? Well, Flash wouldn't know. "But I guess I'll see you - sometime."
And now, Peter is moving towards the window and Flash feels more stupider than ever. Everything's changed now. Parker isn't - well, he's still a nerd- but things aren't the same anymore. And he still has those fucking /feelings/.... So it's that last minute thought that sends him stomping forward, grabbing Peter's arm and pulling him into another pressed and desperate kiss. Their lips move slowly together, more awkward this time, but - nice.
Peter smiles when they break apart and then he's climbing out the window and he's gone. For a while, Flash just stands there and sighs over and over again, swearing more under his breath. About thirty minutes have passed before his eyes are widening and he's hurrying to the window, looking out of it suspiciously because how in the hell could Parker have left from this high up? And wait - If it's 2 am, how had the football team been able to-?
Flash groans. Shit.
Elsewhere, Peter has readjusted his web-shooters and he's slinging throughout the city, disappearing into the shadows and feeling more comfortable above ground than on it; all the while thinking that he's glad he kept that football "Just In Case You're Planning On Trying Out" flier in his backpack instead of throwing it away, or really - Flash may have discovered the real reason for the bruises.
For some reason, that makes him laugh.
Football - as if.