A/N

My first fic for this fandom. Please review and point out any mistakes I made. I tend to overlook stupid mistakes even after re-reading over and over because I know what it supposed to say and my brain just thinks that IS what it says).

I am assuming they were at the end of their freshmen year or beginning of their sophomore year when the series started. Just pretend with me :)

Also, I do my of my writing on my phone- please let me know if I miss any silly grammar/formatting issues.

The smell of the tricarrier's infirmary always lingered in Peter's nose. It was a mix of disinfectant and failure. He supposed it was the failure that stuck with him the longest after a visit; even a short one like today. Fortunately, he was the only one on the team with a major injury after their run-in with Beetle.

The automatic doors closed behind him as he left the infirmary. Danny was waiting for him and gave Peter a small smile. He had been discharged twenty minutes before Peter with only minor burns and cuts.

Peter smiled back, "Thank you for waiting".

"No problem my friend. I hope all is well."

Peter held up his bandaged left arm. "I have a 'get out of training' pass. At least I'll live." He laughed at Danny's expression and cut him off, "It is just a small fracture. I'll be healed up in a week...two tops." Injuries were part of the job. Over the years he had perfected the whole making excuses thing. This time he was going to tell MJ and Aunt May he got his wrist stuck in a drain while trying to get his phone out. Yep, totally believable.

He followed Danny down the hall as he filled Peter in on what the others where up to. Ava and Luke were training together, but he had not seen Sam since they returned from the mission. At the mention of Sam's name Peter snorted. It was, after all, his fault he almost lost an arm. Okay, exaggeration, but still!

Danny gave Peter a knowing look. "You should talk to him. As...team leader you are responsible for keeping us apprised of our strengths and limitations. Sam's actions today could have caused much more damage."

Peter blinked at Danny's straightforwardness and lack of hidden meanings...and the fact he was parroting exactly what Peter was thinking- just minus the name calling. He opened his mouth to tell Danny just that, but his friend put up a hand to silence him. Peter frowned, but nodded for his friend to continue.

Danny frowned. "You are his leader, yes, but you are also his friend. It would be wise to avoid making the same mistake as last time Sam made an error. I would advise you to give your emotions a rest and discus this matter when you can be objective. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

Peter grumbled, "You were doing so well at making sense, then you go all fortune cookie on me." He sighed. Danny had a point, yelling at Bucket Brains would not fix anything, and would only grow the rift he was desperately trying to close. He frowned again, now his inner dialogue was talking in riddles like Danny.

The monk watched the expressions on his friend's face with interest. "Perhaps you could do with a good vent? You have not been quite yourself the last few weeks." He motioned to the door to his room.

Peter blinked, he hadn't been paying attention to where they were walking. "You planned this, didn't you?"

Danny just grinned and opened his door. Peter followed him in and was happy to realize the incense smell was almost not noticeable. They settled in on his small couch and began to talk about the mission. Danny filled Peter in on the bits he had missed and Peter did the same for Danny. It had became a bit of a ritual for them; after a difficult mission they would talk about what worked, what didn't, and find ways to improve the team. Over the years they had worked together they created several new strategies just by analyzing their own failures. Usually it was just the two of them. Ava was too busy with school to spend time on planing. Her and Luke would rather just train using the new strategies than come up with them. Peter never invited Sam, it was often an error on Sam's end that caused the meeting anyway.

Sam. Peter grinned. He would have complained about how it was too much work to strategize in their hypothetical situations anyway. Thinking about making Sam sit through a brainstorming session was tempting, he always looked cute when he was bored. Sam would puff out his cheeks, or nibble is bottom lip, or even-

"Peter, are you listening?"

Peter could feel his neck turn red at being caught spacing. "Sorry." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Just thinking…"

"You have been doing a lot of that lately. Are you sure everything is alright?" Danny was genuinely concerned. Peter could see it all over his face. Danny was never one to hide behind a mask when it came to his friends.

It made what Peter had to say even more difficult. He had truly come to care for his teammates. Even Nova. Especially Nova. They still bickered, but Peter didn't put the venom into it he once did. Eventually Nova backed off as well and they started to consider each other friends- not that they would admit that out loud. Over the last three years they all became close. It was hard not to; they had to trust each other on the field, and who else could they vent to about hero related stuff?

They had each other, their small team. Peter didn't want to lose it. He signed as Danny patiently waited for him to gather his thoughts. All good things must end eventually.

They had to grow up.

"Danny I," Peter shook his head. How could he even begin? "I was accepted to a few colleges and I'm debating which to go to." There, he said it. The fact college would most likely mean moving away from New York didn't need to be said out loud.

Danny smiled, "Yes, I imagine you are not alone in that. Ava mentioned debating about schools as well."

"Yes, well. If I choose my top pick...I'll be moving quite a bit away...and anyway we slice it, the team isn't going to continue."

Danny smiled, "We should probably have a team meeting. Discussing our future plans as individuals will show us a path to our team's future. We should not fear holding back, preparing for the inevitable will make it that much easier to accept."

"And what about you?"

"I suspect I will follow Ava to whichever city she decides on. There is no reason for me to remain here, and I do not wish to return to K'un Lun without her by my side."

Peter laughed, "Leave it to you two to follow each other to the ends of the world and back." He was glad, they were a good together. Something mundane should not tear them apart. They had been dating for almost a year at that point, and Peter envied them. Until recently he had never really thought about relationships or dating, being a hero always came first.

Danny stared Peter in the eye, "Relationships are about two individuals who maintain their own lives and create another one together. Do not let your own inhibitions keep you from happiness."

Peter looked away, could Danny know about his feelings for Sam? "I don't know what you're babbling about fortune cookie breath."

"Peter, we only have a few months left of high school. A few months before we may part ways. You will regret the 'what if' more than if you are rejected." Danny waited until Peter looked at him again before continuing. "Because, 'what if' Sam feels the same about you?"

With a sigh Peter dropped his head. Leave it to Danny to figure it out. "How long have you known?"

"Longer than you have."

Peter groaned. He didn't need to look up to know Danny had a smug expression plastered across his face.

"Do you know if he feels the same?" He was unsure how deep his feelings for Sam ran, but he was still curious. It had only been a few months since he admitted to himself he was physically attracted to Sam. He wouldn't allow himself to hope his interest was returned, and did his best to ignore it. But he suddenly felt like he may have a chance, and he could always move a few states away if it turned ugly.

"I am unsure. Once I noticed your attraction to Sam -I think it was sometime last summer- I tried to get a read on him as well...for science." Hey, that was Peter's line! "But the last six months or so Sam has been distant. I can not read him from behind his helmet, and he does not spend much time with us anymore."

"So, it's not just me he has been avoiding?"

"No. Perhaps you can ask him about it when you talk to him about today's mission?"

Peter nodded, "Yea, I'll talk to him after school tomorrow. That should give both of us time to cool off." Despite his attraction to Nova he knew he would yell at him if they tried to talk now. He cared about Sam, but they were barely even friends.

They stayed on Danny's couch talking and bouncing from topic to topic. They stayed away from the heavy topics and focused on lighter subjects - like what their senior prank should be. Surprisingly, Danny was genuinely excited about pulling the prank and had some good ideas.

Peter lost track of time until his phone beeped with a text message.

[7:02pm] Aunt May: Will you be home for dinner?

CRAP. "Well, I should be going…"

"Indeed."

"I'll talk to the team about having a team meeting. I'll let you know when". With that he waved and let himself out of Danny's room. He pulled his phone out as he walked down the corridor and began to type a response to Aunt May.

[7:10pm] Peter: I'll grab something on my way home, late study with Ava and MJ. Don't wait up.

He intended to ask Fury for a shuttle down, no way he could drive his cycle one handed. Then Nova caught his eye and he had second thoughts. Maybe he could guilt the bucket head into carrying him off the tricarrier? The thought of being held and carried by Sam caused him to forget why talking to the other hero was not a good idea at that moment.

He sauntered up behind the other teen. Sam was leaning on a railing and watching the clouds from the windows. In the reflection he saw Sam's eyes move to his own and the shorter teen tensed. Oh, right, talking right now would not be good.

Peter took a step back and started to walk off to find Fury instead. He made it two steps before his path was cut off by Sam. The shorter teen's expression was blank. Sam was sizing up Peter, searching his face for something. Whatever it was, he must not have found it because he glared at Peter.

Sam's tone was low and harsh, "So, I'm not even worth the time to yell at now?"

What?! Before Peter could respond Sam continued.

"I know you think I'm a fuck up, but you could at least pretend I'm not."

Peter sighed, "Sam." He put his good hand on Sam's shoulder, but it was shrugged off. "Sam, I don't want to talk about it now. I was going to grab you after school tomorrow, I think we both need time to cool off."

Sam crossed his arms. "Fine." He turned and started walking away.

Peter grinned. "Wait!"

Sam stopped and looked over his shoulder. "What?"

Peter raised his left arm, showing Sam the bandage. "Mind giving me a lift home?"

Sam blinked and his face went blank again. Since when had he became good at hiding his emotions? "Sure," He sighed.

Peter gave himself a mental high-five.

After Sam retrieved his helmet they walked to the carrier deck in full costume. He had been carried by Nova before. But that was before he realized he was attracted to the other hero. The web-slinger was so very glad his mask hid his face because he was certainly blushing- and they were still just standing side-by-side. Nova gave him no warning and scooped him up in one fluid motion. Peter may have screamed, and he definitely threw his arms around Nova's neck for support. It was totally for support and no other reason.

"Uh, dammit webs, let go." Peter reluctantly removed his arms and tried not to focus on how close Nova's face was to his. The trip was too short. He set Peter down a few blocks from Aunt May's house. "Geez web head, you should lay off the pizza…"

Their normal banter was a good sign, but Peter shook his head and didn't take the bait. On the short flight there he decided to take Danny's advice. He was going to confess to Sam, and he would just live with the embarrassment if he was rejected. First, he needed them to be on good terms, picking a fight would not get him there.

"Listen, Nova…" Crap. He couldn't confess now...he needed a plan, needed to prepare what he wanted to say. That was totally the reason, he wasn't chickening out.

"Don't Spider-man. Just, don't".

"Don't what?" He frowned behind his mask, could Nova know?

"Don't pretend like everything is okay. I Fucked up. I fucked up bad this time and you almost…" He trailed off and looked up at the stars that were starting to shine.

Peter sighed. So much for having this talk tomorrow. "I'm fine. No major damage, everyone lived, Beetle was caught." He put his hand on Sam's shoulder and this time it wasn't shrugged off. "You made a mistake, it happens. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and move on." He smiled, although Nova could not see it. He was proud of himself, he was able to keep his temper in check.

"Maybe I could learn if you would let me join in on your mission dissections. You think I don't know about them? Or that I'm the only one that has never been invited?" He held up a hand as Peter began to talk. "I know, I know: I suck, I'm hopeless, and I'm not worth your time. Well, maybe I wanted to be part of the team too! Maybe I'm sick of not having any input on the team!"

Peter could feel his temper rising. "Why would you think those things, Nova? You are a valuable member of the team. I didn't invite you because I thought you would hate it."

"No, you didn't invite me because I'm the one who always fucks up the missions. You're talking about MY fuck ups and never wanted me there. Then you're free to make fun of me and call me-"

Peter shoved him. Hard. "Enough." Nova staggered back. "Nova, none of that is true. Just ask Danny! This is why I wanted to talk tomorrow. We are both too tired from today to be objective with this conversation. But if you want to have it now then FINE." He sat down and motioned for Sam to join him.

He drew in a shaky breath to calm himself. What was it Danny said? Team leader and friend? "Sam, you are important to this team. Not just on missions, but as a friend. As my friend. I want to make the most of what time we have left, and I don't want to spend it fighting or ignoring each other." He paused, giving Sam time to talk if he wanted. "I don't think you are a fuck up. Why would you think that?"

"You were hurt because of me…"

"True. But how many times have you saved my life?"

Sam squirmed. "Fine, you made your point. I'd rather have you yelling at me."

Peter smiled, but Sam couldn't see it. "I will. Tomorrow. Right now, we need some space. Video games at my place after school? Aunt May is leaving in the morning and won't be back till Sunday." Peter held his breath while he waited for Sam to answer.

"Fiiiine."

"Its a date!" Whoops.

Sam stared at him for a moment then snorted. "Gross dude"

Spider-man cringed behind his mask. Guess he knew where they stood on the whole possible romance thing. He had no reason to even think Sam was even into guys, let alone him.

They said their farewells and Peter went home. He stared at his ceiling for hours, thinking. For the last few months he had laid on his bed like this. At first he had a hard time coming to terms with his attraction towards Sam. He had never really dated before, but he just assumed he was straight. At first he was distraught, how would he tell Aunt May? But then he realized she wouldn't care at all. Then it had been 'why Sam?'. Of all the guys he knew...He had never felt the need to reach out and hold Harry the way he wanted to hold Sam.

Being close to MJ or Harry never sent shivers down his spine and to his toes.

For Peter it was gradual. He would find himself leaning too close to Sam, or he would be unable to think clearly when Sam would smile -a real smile- because of something Peter did. He could not figure out why he caught himself staring at Sam from across the room, or why he felt lonely when Sam wouldn't be able to hang out.

It was late one night after patrol when he finally put it together. Nova had rushed into a fight headstrong and just barely made it out alive. For a brief moment Peter panicked and felt his heart ache in a way he had not experienced since his Uncle Ben's death. But Nova survived, without so much as a scratch. And he was cocky. Peter was relieved, and also very angry. After their debriefing he corned Nova and yelled at him for rushing in alone. He was ashamed at the names he called Sam, but he was angry, and hurt, and confused. He wanted to hold Sam to be sure he was still there. But instead he yelled. Not the stern 'I'm your team leader and I'm disappointed' yelling he had perfected over the years. No, he poured all his hurt and rage into tearing Nova down.

Nova had just stood there nodding every so often, and said, "I understand," when Peter was done. And Peter felt awful, but his conflicting emotions kept him from doing what he knew he should.

It had taken Sam over a week to talk to him after that. Peter let him have his distance, he needed it too. The confusion surrounding his attraction to his teammate clouded him for several days. It was the Friday after the incident when Peter realized Sam didn't come over for their weekly game night. After another week they were almost back to normal, except Nova still never came over for their game night. He made up excuses whenever Peter invited him over; and although Peter saw right through them he didn't push the issue.

As he laid in bed he replayed the conversation he just had with Nova. Tomorrow would be the first time they hung out since Peter realized his attraction and subsequently yelled at him. He supposed he should apologize for his harsh words from a few months before. He was ashamed of what he remembered saying. And in his anger he couldn't even remember most of what he had said; but he could tell he hurt Nova deeply.

If Sam's reaction to his joke - totally not a Freudian slip- about tomorrow being a date was anything to go on...his chances of getting Sam were slim. But did he 'want' Sam? He could now openly admit to himself that the other teen was good looking. He had filled out since they first met, but he was still very slim. It was with great glee that Peter realized Sam was still a few inches shorter. Recently he also started to notice how pretty his eyes were, and if he closed his own eyes he could see them. Peter often caught himself appreciating how his costume clung to his form. He wanted to hold him, to kiss him to...do other things with him, which was all new to him.

But did he want to date Sam? He wasn't sure he was confident enough to ask for a casual night or two- mostly because he wouldn't trust himself to let it end at that- but that didn't mean he wanted to BE with Sam romantically.

Okay, he did. He would space out in class and think of taking Sam on a real date. Being with Sam was something he could envision working long term, and it scared the crap out of Peter. Between school and being Spider-man, he never had time to date. Keeping his secret identity, well, secret, just compounded the reasons he hadn't dated anyone. He was a walking complication.

Peter drifted off to sleep with thoughts of Sam swimming through his head.

He didn't notice he forgot to get dinner.

Thank you for reading!