"So tell me Peter, how'd it feel meeting the Tony Stark?"

Peter sighed at the question. He'd hoped to put aside the uncomfortable memory of seeing his childhood heroes fighting each other (one side with his help) from his brain for the foreseeable future, but he'd known that the girl next to him would be too excited at what she assumed happened over the weekend to notice his slightly sullen mood. Well, too excited to notice it immediately.

"That's what I'd like to know, Gwen."

The girl in question frowned at this, "Didn't you meet him on Saturday for that internship? You know, the one Ms Hernandez wouldn't shut up all week about all week?" She added the last part with a smile.

Peter blushed at the memory of his favorite teacher gushing about his academic achievement, but quickly became morose at the reminder of it being fake.

She frowned at her friend's somber expression. "Hey, you okay?"

Peter blew air out of his mouth and leaned against his locker, turning his head to face his friend. "I blew it Gwen, I was late for the interview. I'm not gonna intern at Stark Industries."

"Of all the times to be late! Dammit Pete!"

"I know, I know."

Gwen sighed. Deciding to take a different approach. "I just don't understand Peter. What's with you? You're almost always late for important stuff, sometimes you outright blow things off, and you're always secretive about why. You know you trust me with anything, right? I'm your friend, Pete. You can talk to me about stuff."

Peter felt guilty at her words. "I know I can trust you Gwen, you're one of my closest friends."

"So tell me then," Gwen moved to put her hand on Peter's shoulder. "What's going on with you?"

Peter, not for the first time, felt torn between opening up to his close friend and maintaining his hard fought secret. Like he said, he did trust Gwen, but he also knew the value of keeping a secret, especially one of the magnitude of his. The less people knew his dual identity, the better. It's safer if you don't know, Gwen. He just wished his secret didn't put such a strain on his personal life. So instead of opening up, like he'd love to, he just brushed it off.

"It's no biggie, Gwen. Really, don't worry about it."

Gwen frowned at this. "I care about you, Peter. I'm always gonna worry about the stuff that bothers you."

Simultaneous feelings of warmth at his friend's concern and guilt at being the instigator of said concern welled up in the young genius' mind. He shrugged his shoulders, trying to casually play it off.

Realizing she wasn't going to get any answers, Gwen gave him a sad look. However, she didn't pursue his previous line of questioning. Instead, she changed topics. "Anyways, don't forget about the practice for the state decathlon. You already missed the last two meetings and Michelle's pissed off at you about it."

Peter internally groaned. He forgot about that afternoon's meeting, and as much as he wanted to be there (the decathlon would be a great look on his college applications, plus all his friends were there and he didn't want to let them down), he needed to go out on patrol later today. He'd hacked the local police scanner frequency, and discovered there was a stakeout taking place for suspected kidnappers who'd been taking young children under the age of 13 and he wanted to make sure everything went smoothly.

Gwen, noticing her friend's uneasy expression, simply shook her head, a look of disappointment crossing her features. "At least remember we're supposed to meet to plan for Ned's surprise birthday party this Friday."

Peter enthusiastically nodded at this. "I'll definitely be there."

Gwen smiled. "I hope so. Also, we're still on for study later tonight right?" He stared at her in curiosity.

Gwen frowned. "You did remember about our plans, right Peter?"

Peter did his best to avoid looking guilty. "O-Of course! Haha, just slipped my mind for a bit there. But I totally remember. You and me. Studying. Together. Tonight. Yep."

Peter resisted the urge to slam his head on his locker as Gwen looked hurt at him forgetting about their plans. Next to Ned, she was his closest friend and ever since he started moonlighting as a vigilante he'd not spent as much time with her as he used to. He didn't want her to think he was blowing her off because he didn't care, but he was running out of excuses (not that they were ever good excuses) for constantly being unavailable to hang out. He mentally cursed his double life for the umpteenth time. He hoped the 'nerd herd' (clever nickname for the science club coined by some football players, note the sarcasm) wouldn't be too upset at his assumed flaking, but he wasn't going to hold his breath. He'd missed some important meetings with them by using the excuse of preparations for his Stark Industries interview but Stark had told him it would be suspicious if almost immediately after he's seen with Spider-Man he hires a high school student (something that had never happened in the company's history before especially with Tony who was notorious for not having any personal interns) and because he was a minor, Stark was trying to avoid him having to sign the Accords until he turned 18. Plus, as Gwen said, he'd missed a couple of meetings for their team. He groaned at the thought of dealing with an irate Michelle. This was definitely not his week. He stayed in his awkward position with his head resting on his locker, ignoring the occasional bump he got from a passing student, wondering why his life had to be so complicated.

I bet Tony Stark never has to go through the crap I do.

Then again, Stark is a 'genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist' as he so eloquently puts it. He probably just pays people to deal with his personal problems if he has any.

"Yo Parker!"

As if his day wasn't bad enough.

He remained in his slumped position, not moving an inch. He'd read somewhere that certain predators ignored potential prey that was stationery. It shouldn't work on a normal human, but Flash Thompson's IQ shouldn't be high enough to register this.

"Parker!"

"Just ignore him Peter. He's not worth it." Gwen muttered to him.

Please just leave me alone. Just for today.

But of course, the universe cared not for his wishes as his spider-sense started tingling mildly and he soon after felt a large hand come down hard on his shoulder. He didn't need to look up to confirm who it was, knowing the voice of his tormentor like the back of his hand. From the corner of his eyes he could see a few of Flash's pals; Randy Robertson, Kenneth 'Kenny' Kong & Tiny McKeever. Of all the football players, Randy was probably the easiest to get along with. By nature he was easy going, and though he was usually with the crowd that gave Peter hell, he never participated and would occasionally talk to him like a normal person. Kong, on the other hand was Flash Thompson's even dumber right hand man. On his own he wasn't so bad to deal with, but pair him with Flash and they were an unbearable duo to deal with. Tiny (ironically named as such seeing as he was 5'11 despite only being fifteen) was just a less obnoxious Flash, although that wasn't exactly a difficult standard to beat.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Midtown High's only professional wallflower!" Ah, there it is. Flash's idiotic nickname for Peter. "Word on the street is you fucked up your interview. Ha! How the hell d'you screw that up?"

How the hell did he know about that?

"Dammit Parker, you've gotta be a special kind of worthless to screw up the only thing you're good for. Wonder how dear Aunt May took it? Can't wait to see you get laid into today. I got sick of hearing all about how 'it's so amazing what Peter is doing' blah blah blah. Nice to see ya get knocked down a peg."

Peter's ears burned red as Flash and his lackeys guffawed at his taunts. Even though he was Spider-Man, he vowed to never misuse his powers to unnecessary hurt people. So even if he wished could knock Flash off his pedestal, but he was just Peter Parker here. Not anyone special. So he just endured the taunts until Flash got bored with him and moved on.

"Just leave him alone Flash. God, do you have to be so obnoxious."

"Your words don't bother me cause I don't know what they mean." Peter resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "What's the matter Parker, nothing to say? Gonna let your girlfriend defend you!" Flash put his arm around his neck in a faux friendly move, ignoring the undignified 'I'm not his girlfriend!' that came from Gwen. "I'm sure you must have another one of your great excuses for this one. What is it this time? Gotta fix those computers at the Bugle? Study for one of those tests you missed?"

"Heh, leave him alone Flash, you're gonna make him cry." Kong sain in between snorts. He couldn't even say he was looking forward to the reprieve class would normally provide as his first period was AP Chemistry with Ms Hernandez. No way she was gonna be happy with him like she normally was. Peter's day was just a downhill spiral at this point.

He heard the sound of heels and giggling, and turned his head to see three of the cheerleaders looking their way. There was Sally Avril, the pretty but highly stuck up blond who for some reason hated Peter with a passion. Liz Allan, the hispanic beauty Peter had known since kindergarten, and would always give Peter amused smirks every now and then that implied she knew something about him he didn't. And then in the middle, was MJ

Mary Jane Watson, aka the love of Peter's life (that might be a little dramatic, but whatever). The beautiful redhead who lived next door to Peter. She was as popular as she was beautiful, and unlike the others in that clique she was actually nice to everyone she encountered in the school.

Peter had been introduced to her when she just moved to their neighborhood a couple of years prior, her aunt and his being best friends, and he had been smitten ever since.

"So after all that hype you didn't get into Stark Industries? Guess brainy Parker isn't so brainy." Ah Sally. Good old horrible Sally.

Flash snorted. "Total loser."

"Knock it off, Flash." Peter blinked stupidly at the angelic voice of Mary Jane speaking in his defense. "So Peter didn't get the job, big deal. Don't need to rub it in. At least he's actually good enough to be considered."

Not really, Peter thought sadly. It was just a cover for Spider-Man. I'm not nearly smart enough for Stark Industries.

Flash seemed unimpressed with Mary Jane, but let Peter go to his relief. "Whatever Red." He rolled his eyes. "We gotta go for class anyways. One more late slip and we get detention. Coach will kill us if we miss practice."

Flash and his goons bounded off, laughing at something Flash said. Sally eyed Peter with an unimpressed look, then flipped her hair at him and called a 'later girl's to Liz and MJ.

MJ looked at him with concern. "You okay there, Tiger?"

Peter gave her a fake grin. "Sticks and stones, MJ. I'm ok."

Liz snorted. "Of course you're OK, you've got your defense squad with you." She grinned as both Peter and Gwen blushed, while MJ rolled her eyes. "Anyways," she drew out the word. "I gotta get to class too. See you at lunch MJ."

"Later Liz." MJ returned. Liz then waved at Gwen and gave Peter a knowing grin. "Have fun, Petey." Peter felt like he was missing something, but chose to ignore it and gave her a lazy wave. MJ then gave him he full attention.

"You sure you're OK?"

"Don't worry MJ. I'm good."

"If you say so." She seemed unconvinced but let it go. "Guess I'll see you around then, Tiger." She gave him a wink then sauntered off while Peter blushed and watched her retreating form longingly. He was so enchanted he even missed the look of jealousy and sadness that briefly crossed Gwen's features. "Hey Peter."

"Yeah?" He responded half-heartedly, still watching MJ.

"I think we should probably get to class too before we're late." Peter blinked as if just realizing the time. "Right."

The two then walked off to their AP Chemistry class, their minds on their respective object of admiration.

"May, I'm home!"

Peter walked into the small Queens apartment to the smell of homemade pizza in the oven. He smiled at this, May was making his favorite food for dinner. He shrugged off his backpack and walked into the kitchen where May was holding an oven pan filled with a scrumptious smelling homemade cheese pizzeria. She looked up and grinned at him.

"Heya kid. Didn't hear you coming in."

"Hi May."

"So, how was school today?"

Peter shrugged lazily. "Ok I guess, nothing special."

She eyed him suspiciously. "No one gave you any grief about you missing out on the grant?"

Peter leaned on the counter, trying his best to appear nonchalant. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Don't worry bout it."

She sighed. "If you say so. Set the table, would ya?"

Peter acquiesced and went to get the plates, trying not to feel guilty. He and May weren't that close compared to him and Ben. She was his relative only by marriage. Considering she and Ben, his dad's younger brother, got married only a couple of years ago they didn't have much time to bond between her busy job as a nurse and his various academics. However, since Ben's death she had been trying to simultaneously fill Ben's place in his life and form a new bond with him of their own. Unfortunately, Peter still found it difficult to talk with her beyond easy, shallow small talk and witty banter because he still felt immense guilt whenever he looked at her. There she was, a budding young doctor married to a young electrical engineer. They were building careers, getting ready to move out of their overpriced Queens apartment and get their own house in the suburbs an eventually have kids of their own. Only for Ben's orphaned nephew to move into their apartment and throw off their plans and interrupt their newlywed bliss. Then, said nephew's stupid selfishness goes and gets her husband killed (not that she knew that) and not only does she lose the love of her life, but she has to drop out of medical school and lose her dream career to become a nurse just to take care of him. He basically ruined her life, and here she was trying to reach out to him to make sure he was okay.

It made him sick.

Dinner was nice and simple, filled with small talk about school and work respectively. Peter helped her with the dishes, and they settled down to watch some dumb comedy on cable. Eventually, he decided to call it a night. He bidded May goodnight, and turned to go upstairs. However, just before he walked away, May called out to him.

"Listen Peter," She began, fidgeting a little. "I know the past six months haven't been the easiest for you. Ever since Ben-" she paused at his wince, but after a beat soldiered on. "Ever since, things have been difficult. I know. And I know I can never replace what you and Ben have. Had." She corrected herself with a sad smile. "But I do care about you Peter, alot. If you ever need anything, just know I'm always here for you. You don't need to go through this alone."

May, like Pete felt he own brand of guilt that manifested whenever she looked at the other member of the household. Peter was such a nice young boy who'd already been through so much in his life. He lost his parents, and was constantly bullied even though he always tried to hide it. She knew how close he and Ben had been, especially after his parents' death. She was never the paternal type, and had struggled to bond with the boy the way his uncle did. Which is why, after that night's argument between the two she guilted Ben into going to search for him instead of calling him herself. And because of that, Peter had lost his last remaining relative and was left with her. Now, she was determined to never let him feel alone in this world and tried constantly to reach out to him. Unfortunately, she was yet to figure out how. She hoped that, with a more direct approach, he might be a bit more willing to open up to her.

Peter swallowed the lump in his throat and forced a smile on his face, although he failed to look he in the eye. "Thanks May. Really, I appreciate it. Goodnight."

He didn't need to look at her to know she was sporting a sad look on her face. He turned and walked up the stairs, his enhanced hearing allowing him to hear the small 'goodnight' whispered back.

A/N: So after the positive comments (and some hilarious PMs), I've decided to make this a full length story. Gonna expand on the premise I proposed, and hopefully make it a good enough character study ideological debate. I always thought that the ideological aspects of the Accords could have been better explored in Civil War, and possibly in Homecoming, and I want to expand on the benefits and drawbacks of each one while using Peter being the audience surrogate who navigates through each path. I'm gonna include other Marvel heroes like the Defenders, X-Men and the F4 to see how other groups are affected by the Accords.

Another thing I wished was expanded on more was the perils of a double life for a high school superhero. I'm gonna try to write a proper character piece for Peter and all the problems he'll experience in high school (crushes, friends, tests, popularity etc) and the emotional and financial effects of Ben's death on May and Peter. I'm gonna focus alot on their relationship, but I'm putting a slightly different spin on it inspired by the younger version in the MCU, which hopefully you guys will enjoy. As usual, let me know if you guys like this, dislike it or want to see anything going forward.