When Izzy woke up again, she felt a weight in her hand, like someone holding it. She cracked an eye open, smiling a little when spotted a familiar brunette-haired boy sitting in a chair by her bed. His head was laid on the edge of her bed, clearly asleep. He looked like he'd been sleeping in the uncomfortable chair for a while. She couldn't see what his face looked like, but she knew it was him.

"Peter?" Her voice was weak and hoarse, her throat still dry. She clears her throat a bit and tries again. "Pete?" This time, her voice was a little louder and clearer, causing him to stir. His grip on her hand tightens a bit, and he groaned a bit. She couldn't help but smile. "Hey, Pete." Her voice was gentle, and she slowly ran her free hand through his hair, trying to wake him up more. She felt bad for waking him up, but she had to make sure he was okay.

Peter slowly opens his eyes, his expression groggy. He lifts his head and blinks a few times, trying to clear his vision. "Izzy?" His voice was thick with sleep, and he sounded exhausted. He sits up, rubbing his eyes, and looks at her. His face is streaked with dried tears, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy. His face brightens a bit as his eyes meet hers. "You're awake." His hand squeezes hers gently, his voice filled with relief. "Thank God. I was worried."

Izzy gave him a small smile, her eyes slowly taking in his appearance. He looked tired and a little bruised, but otherwise okay. "You look like s***."

"You don't look much better." Peter joked, managing a smile. His eyes were filled with worry and guilt. He'd been a wreck ever since they left the beach, his guilt and worry for Izzy almost overwhelming. He'd been at her bedside as much as possible, only leaving when her brothers or the doctor or nurses forced him to. He was finally able to visit her after he had rested himself, and he was glad she was awake.  

"Yeah, I feel like s***." Izzy mutters, trying to sit up. She groans in pain, feeling dizzy and nauseous at the movement. Peter sat up, moving to help her sit up easily, making sure the pillow is propped behind her head. "Thanks." She then used some of her powers to zap him lightly, making him feel like he got a little shock.

"Hey!" Peter whines, rubbing the spot she shocked. He looks at her with surprise and confusion. "What was that for?"

"For leaving me behind, dummy." Izzy scolds him. "Seriously, Parker, I was worried sick." She gives him a weak, teasing glare, though her eyes betray the concern she felt. Her tone is a mix of annoyance and relief. "You really scared me."

"I know, I'm sorry." Peter apologizes, his eyes downcast. "I just...I was fine. I'm fine. You were my top priority. I didn't want you to get hurt more than you already were." He sighs and rubs the back of his neck, looking back at her. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just...I had to get you somewhere safe. You needed more help than I did." His eyes are filled with guilt and remorse, his voice wavering slightly. "I'm sorry."

Izzy sighs, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. She was upset with him, but she understood why he did what he did. "I get it. I do. I just...I was scared. You should've stayed with me. You always push yourself too hard." Her voice is soft, her eyes shining with emotion. "I'm just glad you're okay." Her hand squeezes his again, and he returns the gesture, his fingers interlacing with hers. "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

Peter gives her a small smile, shaking his head. "No, it's okay. I deserved it. I shouldn't have left you alone. And I should have at least messaged you, I just figured you'd be resting and I didn't want to bother you with my worries."

Izzy nods, her expression softening. "I understand. It's just...Hard not knowing where you are or if you're okay." She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself despite the lingering pain. "But I'm really glad you're here now."

Peter looks at her with a mixture of relief and affection. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. I'm here for you, no matter what." He gently strokes her hand with his thumb, trying to offer as much comfort as he can. "You mean a lot to me, Izzy."

Izzy gives him a tired but genuine smile. "You mean a lot to me too, Pete. It's good to see you're okay. I was a little worried when I woke up and didn't see you."

Peter's expression shifts to relief. "I'm really glad you're awake. I was starting to worry about you too." He manages a small, shaky laugh, his relief evident. "You scared me." He leans in and gently hugs her, his arms wrapping around her gently. He buries his face in her shoulder, his voice muffled against her shirt. "I'm really glad you're okay."

Izzy closes her eyes and hugs him back, savoring the warmth and comfort of his embrace. "Me too, Pete. Me too."

They stay like that for a few moments, neither wanting to let go. Eventually, Peter pulls away, his expression sheepish. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get so emotional. I've just been really worried about you."

"It's okay." Izzy reassures him, her tone gentle. "You've been through a lot, too. It's okay to be emotional. I was scared for you, too." Izzy pauses for a moment, considering her next words carefully. "So, um, how much trouble are we in?"

"With your uncle?" He asks, raising his eyebrows. When she nods, he sighs. "Okay, so, while you were unconscious after I brought you here, your uncle wanted me to see him-"

Izzy grimaces. "He didn't scold or yell at you did he?"

"Actually, quite the opposite. He offered me to officially be a part of the team." He confesses. "Offered a new suit. Even a room at the new compound upstate."

"Seriously?" She gasps, her eyes widening. "Pete, that's great!" Her face brightens as she grins. "Congrats, Pete! That's, like, a big deal. It means he really trusts you."

"Yeah, but..." Peter's smile falters, and he sighs. "I turned him down."

Izzy blinks, confused. "Wait, what? Why?"

Peter sighs and rubs the back of his neck, not meeting her gaze. "I don't know. I guess I just...I'm not ready. I'm not sure I'm ready to join a team, you know? I like the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Just wanna be on the ground awhile longer. Besides, someone's gotta keep an eye on you. Keep you out of trouble." He added the last part jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

Izzy scoffs, rolling her eyes playfully. "Hey, I can take care of myself. But seriously, Pete, if you're not ready, you're not ready. You don't have to rush into anything. I'm impressed you declined an offer like that from my uncle. Not everyone can say no to him. Kinda wish I was there to see his reaction." She admits with a small chuckle, looking amused as she pictured her uncle's reaction to Peter declining his offer. "Was he mad?"

"He seemed more surprised than mad, honestly." Peter admits, remembering the way Mr. Stark had reacted to his answer. "And, um, he actually asked about you."

"He did?" Izzy's voice is a mixture of curiosity and surprise. "What did he ask?"

Peter smiles a little, recalling their conversation. "He asked how you were doing. Wanted to know if you were okay. He said he would stop by later."

"Really?" Izzy raised her eyebrows, surprise and concern coloring her features. "That's...That's weird."

"Why?" Peter tilts his head slightly, looking at her curiously. "He's your uncle. It's normal for him to want to check on you."

"Well, yeah, but me and my brothers are used to him being distant all the time. Or when he says something he will do and he forgets to do it or something else comes up and he doesn't show..." Izzy trails off, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and sadness. She lowers her gaze, her fingers absently tracing the edge of the blanket covering her. "I guess it's just weird."

Peter watches her, his heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. He reaches out, placing his hand over hers. "Hey, I get it. But maybe this is his way of trying to change, of being there for you in a way he hasn't before."

Izzy nods slowly, though the skepticism remains in her eyes. "Maybe. I just...don't want to get my hopes up, you know? It's easier to expect the usual than to hope for something different."

Peter squeezes her hand gently. "I understand. But even if he does let you down, you know I'm here for you. And your brothers too. You don't have to go through this alone."

She looks up at him, her expression softening. "I know. And I really appreciate that, Pete. You've been here for me through all of this, and it means a lot."

Peter gives her a reassuring smile. "Always, Izzy. You're stuck with me."

Izzy laughs lightly, the sound easing some of the tension between them. "Good. I wouldn't have it any other way."

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the day's events slowly lifting. Izzy's thoughts drift back to her uncle, and she wonders if maybe, just maybe, things could be different this time. But for now, she pushes those thoughts aside, focusing on the one person who has always been there for her.

"Thanks, Pete," She says softly, leaning her head back against the pillow. "For everything."

Peter smiles warmly, leaning back in his chair. "Anytime, Izzy. We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

Izzy returns the smile and nods, squeezing his hand that was intertwined with hers. "We do. But next time, let's try to avoid any near-death experiences, okay?"

"Okay," Peter replies, his voice filled with sincerity. "No more near-death experiences."

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of recent events hanging over them but the comfort of each other's presence providing solace. Izzy closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. "So, what happens now?"

"Well, first, you need to heal," Peter says, his tone firm but gentle. "No superhero-ing until you're back to full strength."

Izzy nods, opening her eyes and giving him a mock salute. "Yes, sir."

Peter shakes his head, unable to suppress a grin. "Smarta**." He stands, releasing her hand. "I should get going, though. I told your brothers I'd let them know when you woke up."

Izzy groans. "Do you have to? They'll probably give me a whole lecture about responsibility or whatever. With you here, I thought they might ease up."

"I can stick around if you want," Peter offers. "Maybe they won't lecture so much or at all with me here." He knew that was highly unlikely, but he'd do anything for his best friend.

Izzy shakes her head. "Nah, it's okay. I know you're supposed to be resting too. I'll be fine. Thanks, Pete."

"Alright, but I'll be back soon," Peter promises, leaning over to kiss her forehead and earning a fond smile from her. "Don't miss me too much."

"I'll try not to," Izzy says with a playful smirk. "Same goes to you then, Parker."

"I'll try." Peter chuckled and gave her one last smile before turning and leaving the room.

Izzy watches him go, a mixture of affection and concern swirling inside her. She knows he's capable, but she still worries about him. After everything they've been through, it's only natural. She sighs, leaning back against the pillow and closing her eyes, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. She's been through a lot, physically and emotionally, and she's eager to rest.

Just as she's drifting off, the door to her room opens, and two familiar voices fill the air. She keeps her eyes closed, hoping they'll leave her alone. No such luck.

"Izzy? You up? Peter said you're awake." Her oldest brother's voice breaks the silence.

Izzy groans, reluctantly opening her eyes. She turns her head towards her brothers and sees them standing by her bedside, their expressions a mix of worry and relief. She gives them a tired smile, trying to muster some energy. "Hey, guys."

They return the smile, the tension and concern in their features lessening. "Hey, sis. How are you feeling?" Zander asked softly.

"A little better now after getting some rest," Izzy replies, her voice hoarse. She clears her throat, wincing slightly at the pain. "Still pretty sore and tired, though."

Zander nods, his expression sympathetic. "Yeah, no kidding. You gave us quite the scare, Izzy."

"Sorry," Izzy mutters, lowering her gaze. "Didn't mean to worry you."

"We know," Callum replies, his tone gentle. "But, like it or not, we're your big brothers, and we're going to worry about you. That's just part of the job description."

Izzy rolls her eyes, smiling a little despite herself. "Yeah, yeah, I know." She looks back up at them, grimacing. "You're not gonna yell at me or lecture me, are you? Because I'm really not in the mood for that right now."

Zander sighs, shaking his head. "No, we're not. You've been through enough. Though you probably deserve a good scolding for taking on the Vulture without backup and nearly getting yourself killed."

"It was a last-minute decision," Izzy admits, her tone sheepish. "I'm sorry. I just...I wanted to help Peter, I knew I couldn't let him do that on his own."

"We know, Izzy. And we're proud of you. But we're also worried. You're not invincible, and you can't keep pushing yourself so hard." Callum says gently, his expression softening as he looks at his sister. "We just want you to be careful. We can't lose you."

Izzy's heart warms at their concern, even if she finds it a bit overbearing. "I know, and I'm sorry for making you worry. But I promise I'll be more careful next time. I just...I can't sit back and do nothing when people I care about are in danger."

Zander sighs, running a hand through his hair. "We get that, Izzy. And we're not asking you to stop being who you are. We just want you to think things through a bit more, okay? Be more careful. You're our baby sister, and we don't want to see you get hurt."

"I'll try," Izzy says, offering a small smile. "I love you guys."

"We love you too." Callum replied, leaning down and hugging her gently. Izzy pulled Zander into the hug as well, the three siblings sharing a moment of comfort and support.

They break apart after a few moments, the weight of the day's events lifting slightly. Zander gives her a teasing smirk, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, you and Parker, huh?"

Izzy groans, rolling her eyes. "It's not like that."

"Really? 'Cause from what we saw, it looked like it was pretty much like that." Callum chimes in, amusement evident in his tone. "Plus if it's not like that then why are you blushing so hard right now?"

"I am not." Izzy argued, trying to will the flush from her cheeks.

"Sure you're not," Zander teases, giving her a knowing look. "You like him."

"He's my best friend. Of course I like him." Izzy replied, crossing her arms and trying to ignore butterflies that formed in her stomach at the mention of Peter.

"Uh-huh, sure," Callum says, smirking at her. "But you're not fooling us. You two have some serious chemistry."

Izzy groans again, this time with a mix of frustration and amusement. "Seriously, guys, can we not do this right now? I'm still recovering and not in the mood for an interrogation."

"Alright, fine. We'll let you rest." Zander concedes, giving her a soft smile. "But we'll talk about this later."

"Or never." Izzy muttered, earning a chuckle from her brothers.

"We love you, Izzy." Zander says, his expression warm and genuine. "We're glad you're okay."

"Yeah, me too," Izzy replies, the exhaustion in her tone evident. "I love you guys too. Now, you guys get some rest too. You look like crap."

Her brothers laugh, their expressions lightening. "You got it, sis." Callum says, patting her arm. "Feel better."

With that, they head for the door, shooting her a playful grin as they go. Izzy shakes her head, her lips curving into a fond smile. She settles back against the pillow, her eyes closing. She's grateful for her brothers and their support, and she knows they're only looking out for her. But she's also grateful for the reprieve, her body and mind exhausted. As she drifts off to sleep, her thoughts linger on her best friend, a mix of affection and worry swirling inside her.

The next morning, she wakes up feeling rested and refreshed, and surprised when she suddenly saw her uncle sitting in a chair by her bed. Tony Stark sat by her bed, scrolling on his phone. "Uncle Tony?" She asked, her voice tinged with surprise. He was actually there, in person.

"Hey kid," He puts his phone away at seeing she was awake. He miles warmly at her. "How are you feeling?"

Izzy blinks in disbelief, her surprise mixing with curiosity. "Uncle Tony? What are you doing here?"

Tony leans forward, his expression softening. "I heard about what happened. Figured I'd drop by and check in on my favorite niece."

"I'm your only niece," Izzy points out, still processing his presence. "And what about work?"

Tony shrugs, the gesture casual but the sincerity in his tone clear. "The work can wait. You're more important."

She stares at him with surprise and disbelief, not used to this level of attention or affection from her uncle. He's usually so distant, so consumed by his work or making excuses not to be around. But now, he's here, and he seems to actually care.

"Are you okay?" Izzy asks, concern in her voice. "You're not acting like yourself."

"I'm fine, kiddo," Tony replies, chuckling. "Just wanted to see how you're doing."

"Oh," Izzy murmurs, the initial shock wearing off. She smiles a little, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest. "Well, um, thanks. That's...That's nice of you. I'm fine, though, just a little sore and tired. I'll be okay."

"That's good to hear," Tony says, relief evident in his tone. "Glad you're on the mend, Izzy. Pepper and I were worried."

Izzy raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Pepper? She's here too?"

"No, no," Tony clarifies, shaking his head. "But she wanted to come, she just couldn't get away from work."

"Oh." Izzy echoed, nodding slowly. Her gaze drifts to her hands, her fingers absently tracing the edges of the blanket. She takes a deep breath, her mind racing with a flurry of thoughts and emotions. It's a lot to process, and she's not sure what to make of it.

"What's wrong, kid?" Tony asks, his expression softening with concern. "Talk to me."

"It's just...it's a lot, Uncle Tony," Izzy admits, her voice quiet. "This is the most time we've spent together in a long time. And you're actually here. Like, actually here, in person. It's weird. In a good way," She adds quickly, seeing the flash of guilt in his eyes. "I'm just not used to it."

Tony nods, understanding and empathy coloring his tone. "I know, Izzy. It's been a long time. And I know I haven't been around as much as I should've been. I'm sorry. I've had a lot on my plate, but that's no excuse. You and your brothers have been through a lot, and I want to be there for you, more than I have been. I want to change that. For real. You guys are family. And I care about you. A lot."

Izzy looks at him, her eyes watering. She's always wanted a close relationship with her uncle, and the thought of him being there for her fills her with a mix of warmth and vulnerability. "Thanks, Uncle Tony," She whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot. We care about you a lot too."

Tony smiles, his gaze softening. "I'm glad, kiddo. I want to do better, for all of you." He stood, walking over to the bed and leaning over to carefully hug her, surprising her more. He's not one for physical affection, he does it, just not quite often and more so with Pepper. But it's comforting and welcome, and she hugged him back, cherishing the rare moment.

"Thanks, Uncle Tony." She whispers, a smile tugging at her lips. "For everything."

"Anytime, kid." Tony murmured, pulling away and ruffling her hair. "You want me to get you anything? I assume you're probably hungry."

"Actually, yeah," Izzy says, the mention of food reminding her of how empty her stomach is. "I'm starving." Her stomach rumbled, agreeing with her statement.

"Alright, I'll go get you something," Tony says, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "Anything in particular you're in the mood for?"

Izzy hums thoughtfully, then her face brightened as an idea came to mind. "How about some pizza? And a milkshake?"

Tony laughs, his expression warm. "Pizza and a milkshake? You got it, kiddo." He turns to leave, pausing at the doorway. He looks back at her, a mixture of pride and affection in his gaze. "I'm glad you're okay, Izzy. You're a tough kid. And a great hero."

Izzy's heart swells, her smile widening. "Thanks, Uncle Tony. I learned from the best."

"D**** right, you did." Tony replied, a smug smirk on his face and with that he left the room.

Izzy watched as Tony left the room, feeling a mix of gratitude and surprise at his unexpected show of support. His presence was a stark contrast to the distant figure she was used to, and it made her feel a bit more hopeful about their relationship. As she settled back against her pillow, she couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in the past few days.

The noise of her brothers' playful teasing and the warmth of Tony's unexpected visit had eased some of the weight she felt on her shoulders. She knew the road to recovery was still ahead, but for the first time in a while, she felt a little lighter.

Moments later, the door opened again, and Tony returned with a box of pizza and a milkshake in hand. He set the food down on the small table beside her bed and grabbed a chair, settling in comfortably.

"Here you go, kiddo," He said, handing her a slice of pizza. "Sorry for the wait. Got caught in a bit of traffic. Hope you like it."

Izzy took a bite of the pizza, her eyes closing in contentment. "This is perfect, Uncle Tony. Thanks." She sighs in happiness, the simple meal somehow making her feel better. "Wow, this is some good pizza." She mumbled, earning an amused chuckle from her uncle. Tony watched as Izzy enjoyed her pizza, his expression soft and fond. It was clear he was glad to see her so relaxed and content after everything she'd been through.

"I'm glad you like it," Tony said, taking a seat beside her. "I figured you'd need something good after everything."

Izzy reaches for the milkshake, smiling at Tony when he handed it to her. She takes a sip of her milkshake and sighs. It tasted so good. "You know me too well, Uncle Tony. This is just what I needed."

They settled into a comfortable silence, the simple act of sharing a meal providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Izzy was glad to have her uncle by her side, his presence grounding her and giving her strength.

"So," Tony begins, breaking the silence. "You and Parker, huh?"

Izzy blinks, startled. "What?"

"Don't play dumb with me, kiddo," Tony replies, a knowing glint in his eyes. "There's definitely something going on between you two."

Izzy feels her cheeks heating up, her mouth suddenly dry. "Did my brothers put you up to this? They already gave me an earful last night."

"No, they didn't. Though, if the opportunity ever comes up, I might just join them," Tony teases, smirking at her. "But seriously, I can tell you like him. And not just as a friend. It's written all over your face."

Izzy groans, rolling her eyes. She was embarrassed but not too bothered by the fact that he noticed, she trusted him and it's not like they'd been trying to hide their feelings. "I'm right, aren't I?" Tony asked, his tone both amused and smug. "You've got a thing for Parker."

"Yeah, I do," Izzy admits, sighing in defeat. There's no point in denying it, her uncle was too perceptive and persistent. "But it's complicated. And I really don't want to talk about it right now. Please?" She pleaded, her face still red while butterflies went wild in her stomach at the mention of Peter.

"Alright, alright, I'll let it go," Tony relents, holding up his hands in surrender. "For now."

Izzy Izzy lets out a sigh of relief, grateful for Tony's willingness to drop the subject. She takes another bite of her pizza, savoring the comfort of the food and the pleasant company.

"Thanks, Uncle Tony," she says, smiling up at him. "I appreciate it. And for the record, I'm glad you're here. It means a lot."

Tony's expression softens, a hint of genuine warmth in his eyes. "You're welcome, kiddo. I'm glad I could be here for you. It's been a while since we had a chance to just talk, and I'm sorry I haven't been around more."

"It's okay," Izzy replies. "I understand you've got a lot going on. I just... I want us to be closer. It's nice to have these moments with you."

Tony nods, his smile sincere. "I want that too. And I'll make more time for it. You and your brothers are important to me, more than I probably show. I'll work on being around more."

Izzy looks at him, a flicker of hope and gratitude in her eyes. "I'd like that."

Tony chuckles softly, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, enough of the serious talk. Let's focus on getting you back on your feet."

Izzy laughs, his tone light and playful. "Deal."

They spend the rest of the afternoon catching up and talking, sharing stories and jokes. The conversation flows easily, and the easy atmosphere makes the time pass quickly. In this moment, there are no expectations or obligations, just the simple joy of spending time together. It's exactly what Izzy needs, and she's grateful to have her uncle by her side. She knows the road to recovery will have its ups and downs, but with the renewed connection to her uncle and the support of those around her, she feels ready to face whatever comes next.

****

Harley came to visit her while she was in the hospital. She felt awful about leaving him behind at the gym without an explanation. But Harley wasn't mad, he was worried and concerned.

"How are you feeling?" Harley asked, sitting down in the chair by her bed.

"Like s***." Izzy answers, letting out a sigh. "Harley, look, I'm so sorry. I know that probably won't make up for me leaving, but..."

"Iz, it's okay." Harley assures her, smiling reassuringly. "I get it, you had to save the day. That's what heroes do, right?"

Izzy froze at that, her eyes widening as she stares at him. "What, uh, what do you mean?"

"Come on, I know you're Elektra." Harley told her.

Izzy's heart skips a beat at Harley's words. She hadn't expected him to figure out her secret, and now she was caught off guard. "You know?" Izzy's voice was barely above a whisper, her mind racing. How much did he know? How had he found out?

Harley nods, his expression calm and understanding. "Yeah, I put two and two together. The way you disappeared and the stories in the news...it wasn't too hard to figure out. And besides, I know you, Iz. You're always looking out for others."

Izzy let out a shaky breath, relieved that he wasn't angry or scared. "You don't hate me? Or think I'm a freak?"

"Hate you?" Harley sounded surprises. "Why would I hate you? You're the coolest girl I know."

"I'm a mutant," Izzy points out. "A freak of nature."

"You're not a freak, Iz." Harley shakes his head. "You're special. You're one of the most amazing people I know." He reaches out and takes her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "And I'm proud of you. I know you're gonna change the world. But, uh," He takes a deep breath, becoming nervous. "So, uh, while I did enjoy going to Homecoming with you for those few moments," He said teasingly, chuckling along with her. "But, uh, I don't like you that way. Honestly, I'm starting to have a crush on Vivian-"

"I knew it!" Izzy exclaims, grinning. "You should ask her out!"

"Do you think she'd say yes?" Harley asks, his expression hopeful. "I thought she was with Zaiden."

"Only to be each other's date for Homecoming. She texted me before, telling me she didn't like him like that." Izzy assures him. "And don't worry, I don't like you romantically either. I would like to just be friends with you, I have a crush on someone else." Hearing those words out of her mouth made her heart skip a beat and realize something. She had a crush on Peter. She had feelings for her best friend, and she had no idea how to handle it.

"Cool." Harley grins. "Friends sounds good."

"Good." Izzy agrees, feeling relieved. "I'm glad we're on the same page."

Harley nods, squeezing her hand gently. "And I'm really glad you're okay. You gave me a scare."

Izzy smiles, her expression apologetic. "Sorry about that. It's just...I had to go. There were lives at stake."

"I know." Harley says, nodding in understanding. "Just be careful, okay? You may be a bada** superhero, but you're still my friend."

"I will." Izzy promises, her smile widening. "And I'll always be your friend, Harley. No matter what."

Harley smiles at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Thanks, Iz. That means a lot."

They shared a quiet moment, basking in the relief of finally clearing the air and having an honest conversation. They both had their secrets, but they were both glad that they could still have each other in their lives. Even if they didn't share romantic feelings, they were happy to have each other as a close friend. And in that moment, it was all they needed.

****

The following weekend, Izzy had finally been released from the hospital. She was eager to get back to her usual routine, though she knew it would take time to fully recover. As she settled back at home, she felt a renewed sense of optimism and determination. The conversations she'd had with Tony and Harley had given her a lot to think about and made her feel more grounded.

Her brothers, ever the jokesters, were relieved to have her home. They welcomed her with their usual playful banter and a homemade "Welcome Home" banner. The house felt different, more like a real home with the added warmth and support from her family. The moments she shared with Tony and Harley had also given her the confidence to address her feelings about Peter. Izzy spent the next few days catching up on schoolwork and spending time with her family and friends. Despite the lingering aches and the occasional reminder of her recent injuries, she felt a sense of normalcy returning. Her interactions with Peter became a bit more meaningful. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about what could potentially unfold between them.

One evening, after a particularly fun day with her brothers a few weeks later, Izzy was getting ready to slip into bed when there was a knock on the window. She smiled at seeing Peter there and she went over to unlock her window and open it.

"Hey, Pete. What's up?" She asked, her expression warm and curious.

Peter gave her a warm smile as he climbed through the window, taking in the cozy, familiar space of her room. "Hey, Izzy. I was just thinking about you and wanted to check in. How are you feeling?"

Izzy grins, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. "Better, thanks. I've been catching up on things and trying to get back to normal. It's been nice to be home and hang out with my brothers."

Peter nods, sitting on the edge of her bed. "That's great to hear. I've missed our hangouts. I've been trying to keep myself busy, but it's just not the same without you around."

Izzy's heart skips a beat at his words. She sat down beside him, trying to keep her nerves in check. "I've missed hanging out with you too. It's weird how much I've come to rely on our time together."

Peter looks at her, his eyes sincere. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about what happened. You really surprised me, Izzy. I always knew you were strong, but seeing you in action like that — it was incredible."

Izzy blushes slightly at the compliment, though she was more focused on the moment. "Thanks, Peter. I guess I just did what I had to do. But I'm glad you were there for me. I mean, you saved my life."

"I'd do it again." Peter replies without hesitation, his gaze filled with warmth and affection. "I'll always have your back, Izzy. No matter what."

"Thank you." Izzy replies, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "I'll always have your back too. No matter what." She reaches for his hand, gently lacing her fingers through his. "We're a team. Always."

Peter's gaze softens as he looks at her, his thumb lightly stroking her hand. "Always."

They stayed like that for a few moments, basking in the comforting silence and the warmth of the moment. Eventually, Izzy broke the silence, a question coming to her mind. "Hey, Pete? Wanna stay and have a movie marathon?" She hoped he'd say yes, knowing that his presence would be a welcome distraction.

Peter's smile widens. "Sure, that sounds great."

Izzy grins, reluctantly pulling her hand away to move to her bed and scooting to the side for Peter after grabbing the remote to her TV. She grabs a blanket and put it on them both as she began scrolling through her list of movies. "Any requests?"

Peter shrugs, settling beside her comfortably. "Whatever you want. I'm just happy to spend time with you."

Izzy's heart swells at his words. She selects a movie and starts the film, letting herself relax against him. "Me too, Pete."

They settled into a comfortable position, their arms pressed against each other. The movie was a romantic comedy, the perfect blend of humor and drama. Izzy snuggled closer to him, enjoying the feeling of his warmth and closeness. The film was entertaining, and she was enjoying herself, but the butterflies in her stomach kept her distracted. His arm wrapped around her shoulders as her head laid on his shoulder. As the movie played, Izzy found herself savoring every moment of their time together. Peter's warmth and the comforting presence of his arm around her made her feel safe and content. The romantic comedy provided a light-hearted backdrop, but it was the quiet, shared moments between them that they cherished most. Because not always would they get moments like this, and they wanted to make the most of it. They both wished they had more opportunities to spend time like this, but for now, they were grateful for whatever they could get. They never knew when the next time they'd be able to have moments like this would be and the next time the world would need Elektra and Spider-Man. So for now, they'd soak up every second of these moments together, holding onto the hope that they could have more of them in the future.

A/N finally done with writing spiderman homecoming yay <3 so excited to write avengers endgame next !!