Changes

Chapter Four

Peter didn't sleep well that night, despite the pills he took to help.

He kept dreaming of May and how she would wake him up in the morning and practically drag him out of bed for school. She would always make sure he was well-fed, often presenting him with a breakfast feast of bacon, eggs and French toast.

He remembered that she would never let him have coffee, even though she drank about 3 cups a day. "It's not healthy for a growing boy." She would say.

She would always have the news on in the morning, seeing what was going on in their busy city. She would leave for work shortly before Peter left to catch the bus. She would always ensure he had all his necessary school supplies before heading out the door.

She was always so loving, and maternal despite not being a mother in the biological sense. Yet, she had raised Peter as if he were her own son.

Peter felt a tear slip down his cheek as the memories racked his brain. He wiped it away quickly and turned over to look at the clock.

The glowing red numbers read 5:02 am.

He used to wake up around this time for school. The bus always arrived early to avoid the heavy rush-hour traffic. But he wasn't going to school today, despite the fact it was a Monday.

No, Tony had made it clear that he can go back to school when he feels ready, and frankly Peter just didn't feel ready yet. The funeral had only been yesterday... and that was when he had his first panic attack.

Peter cringed at the thought and buried his head in his pillow. I can't believe I had a panic attack in front of Tony Stark...

Not wanting to dwell on his thoughts any more, Peter quickly threw the blankets off and rolled out of bed. He tiptoed out of the room, not wanting to wake anyone.

He made his way to the kitchen, seeking food for his increasingly gnawing hunger. The lights were on, but set to dim as he entered the large room. He strolled over to the fridge, studying the contents inside.

For a billionaire's kitchen, the fridge was oddly empty.

Yogurt, orange juice, ketchup, a carton of milk, strawberries and a salad with Wanda's name taped to it on a sticky note were the only items inside.

Peter shrugged and settled on one of the vanilla yogurts for breakfast.

He grabbed a spoon and sat at the table in the middle of the room, eating slowly and quietly.

"You're up early."

He nearly dropped his yogurt and spun around to see where the new voice had come from. Steve Rogers entered the kitchen, wearing a tracksuit and smiling brightly.

"I couldn't sleep." Peter said.

"Ah. Neither could I. So I decided to go for a run. Came here to grab some water." He responded while grabbing a glass and filling it up at the sink.

"Isn't it kind of cold out?" Peter asked.

The Captain shook his head. "I didn't go outside. We have a track in the gym."

"The gym? There's a gym in here?"

Steve nodded. "There's a pool too."

"No way!" Peter exclaimed.

"I guess you haven't been given the official tour yet, huh?"

Peter shook his head.

"Well, I'm not doing anything right now... How about I show you around?"