Summary: When Peter was 9-years-old he became friends with a monster. He's sixteen when it returns. OR, the various times Skip Westcott haunts Peter Parker's life.

AN: This is based off a comic that was issued in the 80's to spread awareness on child sexual abuse. In the comics, the only reason Peter tells his aunt and uncle what's happening is because they sit him down and ask him why he's being weird. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I feel that, without that prompting, it's very possible he would have never told anyone. In this universe, his aunt and uncle never ask him what's wrong. I will be using my own experiences and emotional reactions to help but I'm going to try to keep Peter as close to the MCU Peter as possible with the added problems that come when one's dealing with a childhood rapist. I only say this because fics that deal with this topic often characterize those who've dealt with sexual abuse incorrectly or unrealistically. That isn't to say there aren't tons of incredibly well done fics dealing with this issue, but I'm using my emotional journey to aid in writing the behavior of Peter throughout this fic because if I had these responses it is likely that he may have similar ones too.

So, please, please, please, know that if it seems unrealistic to you and your only knowledge of this issue is from the internet and not firsthand experience do not tell me that what I'm writing is wrong or idealistic. Not every person experiencing abuse turns into a broken shell, and often the repression of childhood abuse leads to certain issues with touch and strangers and random triggers, but does not necessarily lead to a dramatic manifestation of depression or psychosis.

I'm not saying that I will be incredible at representing this issue as even experience of an issue does not make one a good writer of that issue. I just don't want anyone to think I'm being stereotypical or even idealistic, though if it comes across that way I apologize!

A.K.A, your seemingly Average Joe could totally have had a traumatic childhood. People deal with shit differently and can often force themselves to acclimate socially so as to avoid drawing light to their past traumas.

Also, I've always believed that Peter would not be one to take abuse (aka, the abusive boyfriend trope would not work except in extreme circumstances) but, this does not mean he won't be able to be manipulated by a past abuser. For example, if I were to come into my past abuser I would most likely freeze but I, a survivor of sexual abuse, have also been approached in abusive ways and was always able to stand up for myself because I am older and not facing the perpetrator of my past trauma.

There's a difference when it comes to dealing with past abusers for literally everyone. I don't expect anyone could come in contact with their childhood rapist and stand up for themselves like they might with literally anyone else. (Not that people can't stand up to their past abusers, but that it would be different than facing new perpetrators who haven't contributed to a major trauma yet.

BLANKET WARNINGS: This fic will deal with past and present sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and curse words.

Any new warnings will posted at the top of the chapter they pertain to as they pop up. The abuse will be described but not detailed so it will be non-graphic and NOT FOR SMUT.

Not kink-shaming or anything, but this is CHILD sexual abuse that I'm dealing with, soooo...

UPDATES: My updates will usually be once every two or less unless I have a health complication. I am struggling with a lot of health problems right now and will always try to get my chapters out in under three weeks at the latest.

Starlight peeks through clouds and we call it the sun

What is so different about this brighter being besides closeness?

What is there in a touch of heat that makes it burn?

The first time he finds a friend that appreciates him, he's nine years old.

Skip finds Peter in the back of a library with his nose stuck in a book. An older boy with silver hair, he smiles in greeting. He's got a strong jaw to match his muscular shoulders and his large frame oozes confidence. His eyes are friendly and his smile wide, yet his varsity letter jacket reveals he's a high school athlete. This sets Peter on edge at first because, well, jocks were usually the people who pushed him into lockers and called him names, not send him friendly smiles in a library.

But the other boy doesn't seem to care about his obvious nerd-status or his slight frame and oversized, cheap clothing. Not even his general (self-proclaimed) weirdness sets the older boy off and, instead of making fun of him, he waves a hand in greeting.

"Say, haven't I seen you around here before? You're the kid whose nose is always buried in a textbook!" Peter stiffens minutely, waiting for the teasing to begin, but the boy continues, cheerily, "my name's Steven Westcott, but you can call me Skip."

His eyebrows must reach the top of his forehead they're so high in surprise. The other boy, Skip, chuckles a little and Peter blushes and reaches for the proffered hand.

"U-um, hi Skip," he says, hesitantly, and the boy laughs once more, landing a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Well, what about you?" he looks at Peter expectantly, and Peter, still stuck in shock, doesn't register the question.

"What about me?" Peter replies confusedly, eyebrows coming back to furrow his forehead.

"Your name, Einstein!"

"O-oh," Peter's face turns as red as a stoplight from embarrassment, "I'm Peter, Peter Parker."

"That's a cool name, like a Superhero," he compliments and Peter smiles shyly because nobody ever likes his name (it's so simple and plain).

Skip sits down and asks about his book which just so happens to be the chemistry textbook for his sophomore class. By the end of their conversation, Peter's rambled more about chemistry than he ever has before, and Skip doesn't seem to mind. Instead, he compliments Peter profusely for his smarts and asks if they could hang out again.

Peter smiles and nods, happy for the appreciation.

And if Peter wasn't so confused and pleasantly astonished at the turn of events, he might have seen the glint of sinister intent in Skip's eyes or the way his smile was more like a leer. But Peter Parker is 9 and innocent and oh so desperate for a friend, so it's no surprise that he couldn't figure it out.

It doesn't mean he doesn't still blame himself for what happened even after all these years.

(When Peter was 9-years-old he became friends with a monster.)