Peter & Bucky Are Pals

Chapter 2

The Five Times Peter Got Help With Schoolwork and The One Time It Was Done For Him

Peter flopped from his desk chair onto the floor, burying his face in a dirty shirt before realizing how disgusting it smelled and rolling away from it.

"You appear to be in mild distress, Mr. Parker. Should I call Mr. Stark?"

Peter flailed. "No! No, I'm fine. Thanks though, JARVIS."

"Is it accurate to presume that the primary stressor is your history test tomorrow?"

Peter lifted his head and looked suspiciously at the ceiling. "How did you know?"

"Contrived from your emotional state, I have calculated that the chance of your test being tomorrow is high, and that it is exceptionally likely your test is for your history class, based on the available content."

"... Available content?"

"The papers on your desk cover material on the second World War, Mr. Parker."

Peter sighed. "I'm screwed. I can't remember any of the dates or the names of the battles or the leaders and there's too many countries... I should've paid attention in class, but I was tired... I didn't get enough sleep. What even is sleep? I should be fine. I just have to remember stuff. Why are there so many countries in the war?"

"It is a World War, sir."

Peter buried his face in his arms. "Urgh."

"Peter?"

Peter sat bolt upright to find Steve in his doorway. "H- Wh- What're you doing here?"

"JARVIS said you needed help," Steve said, looking a mix of worried and bemused. "Are you okay? Why are you on the floor?"

"Are you kidding me? Not cool, JARVIS! I'm fine!" Peter crossed his arms indignantly.

"There is a high probability that my actions will lead to an improved outcome, based on Mr. Rogers's knowledge of World War II and your unwillingness to ask for help," JARVIS told him. Peter watched as Steve ambled over to his desk, scanning through the papers. Peter's eye twitched a little, and he glared at the ceiling.

"I can help with this stuff. What are you having trouble with?" Steve asked, stepping forward and offering Peter a hand. Peter chewed on his lip before ceding with an exhale and letting Steve help him up.

"I get the basics, I just can't keep track of the dates. And who started what, where, and why."

"Alright," Steve said. "Is memorizing things usually difficult for you?"

"No!" said Peter, slightly frustrated. "It just won't stick. I don't know why."

Steve put a hand to Peter's forehead, and Peter jumped.

"What're you doing?"

"Making sure you're not sick," Steve said lightly. "That can make memorization difficult."

"I'm not sick." Peter sounded a bit defensive. He stepped forward and started shuffling through his papers.

"Have you slept enough?"