Peter lay starfished across the bed, glaring at the ceiling. He did not want to go to this new fancy-shmancy school, with its fancy-shmancy uniforms and fancy-shmancy classrooms and fancy-shmancy people. Nuh-uh, no way. Never in a bajillion years. And yet here he was, procrastinating his first day at Corwest Private School.

Corwest was known for absolutely everything. Academics, music, sports, everything. The only school that topped it in something was Midtown School of Science and Technology, smashing the school out of the decathlon nationals. The school was prestigious, full of well-off students, both parents working and earning a butt-ton of money. Peter only got in because of a scholarship.

His phone buzzed and he groaned, dragging himself off the bed. It was Tony, reminding him that he was going to be dropped off in an hour. Peter sighed and slumped to his chair, pulling the uniform off the back. He felt stiff in the pressed white shirt, fastened with a navy, periwinkle and silver tie that matched the black dress pants and navy blazer. He missed the old, soft mustard yellow blazers and warm, fleece-lined sweaters at Midtown.

Peter trudged out to the kitchen, flopping at the bench. Pepper smiled warmly and handed him a stack of pancakes and an apple. "Eat up," she said with a smile, "You don't want to be hungry for your first day of school."

Peter hummed, causing Pepper to raise an eyebrow.

"What's up?"

"I'm worried I won't fit in. The kids there all have so much money and I... I don't. And I won't know anyone! What if they're all stuck up or they all hate me?"

Pepper gave him a kiss on the forehead, her motherly instincts kicking in. "No one will hate you. And you're going to fit in fine. I bet a lot of the kids there won't have the same Stark watch as you," she said.

Peter let out a small chuckle. "That's 'cause it hasn't come out yet."

"Exactly." The woman dusted her hands on the tea towel and straightened her blazer. "I'm off to work. Don't forget lunch and have a good day! Love you!"

"Love you too!" With that, Pepper was out the door and Peter was left to finish getting ready.

By the time all of his new books were packed, Tony was raring to go, basically bouncing down the stairs to the sleek Audi. Peter eyed it warily. "Really?" He asked.

Tony frowned, studying the car. "You're right, we're going in the Rolls Royce."

Peter spluttered out a protest, but Tony shushed him. "You're going to a school full of kids who probably have three of these cars. Probably even a Ferrari. Shush and get in before you arrive late."

Peter had no choice but to give in. "Fine," he sighed, slamming the door shut. Tony smirked slightly, turning the engine on.

"You gonna have fun?" He asked as they were speeding down the road.

Peter shrugged.

"Hey."

The kid looked up, unconsciously picking at the edges of his blazer. "Yeah?"

"You're gonna be fine. You're the smartest kid I know, you're kind, you're caring and you're a good kid. You're gonna fit right in."

Peter nodded, inhaling deeply. "I'm gonna be fine," he echoed.

Tony pulled up to the school and put the car in park. "Here you go! Have a good day!"

Peter hopped out, swinging his bag over his shoulder. "Bye Dad!" His face went red and he turned around, leaving Tony to laugh silently at his son's face. He walked up the stairs. His chest started to hurt and he stopped, staring at the doors. I can do this. I got this. I'm fine. Peter shook himself, running a hand over his gelled hair. "I got this." The  he opened the door and walked in.

The first step was to find the principal's office. The problem was: where was it. He looked down the hallways, trying not to attract the attention of all of the kids. Chatter ricocheted off the walls, bouncing around and filling the air. Someone laughed, someone else was trying to come up with an excuse, another one squealed with delight. Friends were reuniting after the Christmas holidays, talking excitedly about their gifts.

"Hey."

Peter jumped, spinning around st the sound of the voice. A girl his age smiled, giving him an awkward wave. "Hi, sorry about scaring you, it happens to me all the time..." she trailed off, clearly kicking herself mentally for being so awkward. "Um... You're new here, right?"

Peter nodded, trying not to drop his gaze.

She smiled shyly. It was clear to Peter that she wasn't the most sociable person, but she still seemed nice. "The principal's office is down on your left, around the corner. Enjoy your stay."

"Thanks. I-I'll try." Now it was Peter's turn to mentally kick himself. Curse his stutter. The girl didn't seem to notice. She gave him one more smile then disappeared down the hall, her curly hair lost in the sea of students. Peter sighed and marched down to the office, knocking on the door. A lady opened it, giving the boy a welcoming smile.

"Welcome! You must be Peter, right?" He nodded and followed her inside. "Principal Jackson is right this way." She opened a door, letting the principal know that his student was here.

Peter walked in, taking the seat in front of the mahogany desk. On the wall were perpetual trophies, all relating to sports and academics. A Rubix cube sat on the desk beside the computer, neatly solved.

"Welcome Peter, to Corwest Private!" Mr Jackson shook Peter's hand then sat down. "You excited to start?"

"Uh, yeah." Peter gave the man a small smile, trying to hide his nervousness.

Mr Jackson turned to the computer. "So, you attended Midtown Tech? You guys smashed us last decathlon competition. First in nationals, wow. Now, your track record..."

Peter gulped. His track record was horrible. From missing detentions to getting detentions to skipping important events to forgetting homework to not even showing up a school some days, leaving early...

The principal saw this too. "You've skipped a few detentions?"

Peter nodded sheepishly. "I... wasn't in a good headspace then, so... but it's all good now. I'll try not to get detentions."

"That's what I like to hear. Just double checking your info and making sure it's right... legal guardian?"

"Normally it's my aunt, but she's in the military as a nurse, so I'm staying with a family friend."

"The Starks?" Mr Jackson laughed as Peter's eyes widened. "Don't worry, no one really knows. My goodness you're lucky." He clicked out of the tab and turned back to Peter. "Here is your timetable, I think you'll find some kids that you like here. I hope you enjoy it."

"I will, thank you sir."

"My pleasure, Mr Parker." The principal opened the door for Peter, giving him one last smile.

Peter returned the gesture. "Please, it's Peter. Mr Parker was my dad." With that, he walked out of the office and went to find his locker. It was odd, walking down the school halls and not having to worry about Flash. In a new place, he didn't have to he weak, or so shy. He could walk a little straighter, run a little faster, laugh a little louder and not have someone watching him every second. Peter felt free, and he walked on with a smile. Today might be a good day.