Marvel Short Stories

Chapter 3: Study Partners

Otto walks into the secret lair. Not his secret lair, of course, none of the buffoons he calls minions — despite how many times they ask him not to — are allowed in there.

One such buffoon, Toomes, is perched on the back of a chair like the bird he technically isn't. His long neck is craned to look over the shoulder of Spider— no, wait, his mask is off —Parker, who is very much not restrained and is scowling at a stack of papers on the table he's seated at, either oblivious to or ignoring Otto's presence.

Otto gives a long-suffering sigh, made rattling by his respirators. "What are you doing?" He never hates his disability quite so much as when he wants to rub the bridge of his nose in annoyance and can't.

"He has a math test tomorrow, Doc," Toomes says, as if that at all explains anything (it does), looking up at Otto innocently. "He said he'd help me with my chem studies if I helped out."

"You're doing fine with your chemistry, it's genetic theory you need to work on," Otto growls. Then, realizing he's focused on completely the wrong thing, adds, "He is a prisoner, not a study partner! Tie him back up and go find O'Hirn if you really need the extra help."

Both teenagers groan in unison, Parker's head flopping dramatically on the metal surface in front of him. A brief worry about brain injury flits through Otto's mind, chased quickly away by thoughts of spider powers and enemy.

"Come on, Ock, you know the Rhino serum's not going to wear off for another few days," Parker pleads, peaking up at him through disheveled bangs. "No offense to Aleksi, really, he was a great classmate (ish, sorta, bit of a jerk actually). But–"

"He's dumber than a bag of rocks on that stuff." Toomes finishes flatly, his body shifting to slightly more bird-like in annoyance. He squaws irritably. "I'd rather ask the Octobots to help me."

"Ask whoever, so long as it isn't him," Otto orders, pointing a claw at Parker. "And get his mask back on! Who knows when SHIELD's going to bust in to try to save him?"

"Yes, Doc." Toomes sighs, while Parker stuffs his homework into his backpack. "Sorry, Spidey."

"I already know most this stuff anyways." Parker shrugs, gesturing vaguely to his bag before tugging his mask on. "I really got to get my college applications sorted out, highschool is so boring!"

Toomes snorts, pausing briefly in re-tying Spiderman to the chair. "Tell me about it. Dropping out was the best decision I ever made, even with the Doc's unfairly complicated tests."

"My tests are designed perfectly for your education level, if you find them overly difficult that is on your lack of commitment to study," Otto protests. Then, realizing he's focusing on the wrong thing again, makes himself busy setting up the machine needed for the Sinister Six's latest brilliant plan (absolutely sure to work this time! Really!).

He decides to ignore the teenagers gossiping what-they-think-is-quietly behind him.