A/N: Hello everybody! This is my first Spider-Man fanfic, so please go easy on me. It's a Peter Parker/OC and is set in TASM universe. If those categories aren't your type, then I suggest you not to read this. Please review as it would tell me if I should continue the story or not. I am already focused on my Walking Dead fanfic, so I might go on with this story if I receive positive feedback.
Enough of my rambling and I hope you enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Marvel Studios nor do I own Spider-Man and its franchise.
Clarity
Chapter 1
If you lived in New York, then you have surely heard of Spider-Man; the heroic masked man in blue and red tights. And if you know people in this busy city, then you definitely heard of the many irritating versions of how Spider-Man has saved them from their 'perilous' death.
Well, this is my story.
~o~0~o~
Night was slowly creeping like a blanket, a cool breeze coming in as I cuddled in my black sweater; searching for warmth. Although I've been born and raised in New York for seventeen years, I can't help but marvel at the bright, beautiful lights and skyscrapers. The rushing feeling that pumps in your veins when you walk in the crowded streets around a sea of people is exhilarating. You feel alive, and no other city can make you feel that way.
I was listening to music, the white earbuds blasting my ears as it blocked the menacing sounds and roars of taxis, buses, and cars. I was walking home, late from track practice. My mom sent me a text a few minutes ago to help her with dinner. Apparently, my relatives all the way from California were visiting and we had to be top-notch and flawless to them. So to arrive quicker, I took the shortcut - which was a dark alleyway - instead of the safe yet crowded streets of the city. Besides, I've passed through the alleyway millions of times before so I would be all right.
But I still couldn't prevent my escalating breaths and my heartbeat increasing rapidly as it hammered against my chest. I glanced to my left to see some people in hoods selling "the stuff". They couldn't care less about me, yet a guy with a scruffy beard and sandy hair eyed my purse. As in, the fake pink Coach purse I got in Chinatown. Making it obvious, he left his pack and started following me, right behind my heels. I hugged my purse closer to my chest as I quickened my pace; my neon purple sneakers blazing a bright neon trail against the rubble. Cool sweat began forming on my forehead and taking a shaky breath that burned as it pooled in my lungs, I broke out into a full-out run. The music that I was listening to was now a blurred sound; the cool wind stinging my rosy cheeks and strands of my long dark brown hair whipping around me. Just a few more blocks...
Suddenly, a great force collapses on me as I fell face first onto the cracked pavement, my iPod and headphones skidding across the floor. I instinctively placed my hand to my face as crimson blood began trickling down my nose; crap. I felt dizzy, my head pounding while my ears were ringing. Someone began dragging me by my feet and a groan escaped from my parted lips.
My eyes began to droop heavily before getting slammed against the brick wall, catching a glimpse of the sandy-haired man. His breaths were short and heavy—like a dog panting and the only scent I took in was the pungent smell of alcohol; it was so strong that I choked on it. He snatched my purse and rummaged through it. "Don't you have any money?" he scoffed before trashing it on the ground, the materials scattered amongst the now empty alleyway.
No, I don't. Just a couple of bucks and ten dollar gift card to Starbucks, I mentally replied. Isn't that enough for you?!
His stubby hands travelled down to the pocket of my jeans and I tried escaping though that proved to be a futile attempt. My screams were muffled as he wiped some of the blood off my face and clamped his hand over my mouth. I squirmed under his green cat-like eyes; they looked greedy. Hungry and vicious. He licked his cracked lips and bile rose to my throat as I heard his next words. "Not much cash, but your body'll do."
My head stopped spinning and I snapped back into reality. With narrowed, angry eyes I kicked his crotch and bit his index finger as he doubled over in pain. I then spit on him, his face stained with my blood and saliva. As I ran, I tripped on my shoe-laces and fell down. Again. I scoffed inwardly but it came out as a groan. Typical.
The thug grabbed my ankles and I tried kicking, but reached to no avail. He turned me around and laid on top of me, roughly cupping my blood face. A sick smile crept across his lips. "Feisty. I dig that."
"Rot in hell," I spat, but of course it came out as a feeble whisper. The man chuckled dryly, a mischievous glint in his piercing eyes. I was on the verge of tears but blinked them away rapidly to prevent them from falling.
"Please," I whimpered, not caring that I was begging for him to spare me of the evil and sick plans he had for me. When it always came down to the last minutes of your life, you would always beg to be able to breathe and live another day. "Stop."
The man shook his head as his lips roughly collided with mine. My shrieks, my desperate pleas for help, my cries, go unnoticed. I can't even push him off of me; he's too heavy. And I'm too weak. Then all I see is red. Red, red, red.
I'm gonna die, I thought. This is it.
Miraculously, all the weight is lifted off of my shoulders and I exhale; not even realizing that I was holding my breath. My vision began clearing and I saw a person in a red and blue suit punch the thug. The thug landed on his bottom before scurrying away from me; from him. His eyes possessed so much fear that the devilish look he had earlier before was long gone.
"Is that any way to treat a lady?" said the man in blue and red spandex, his voice booming my ears. "No wonder why you're single!" he exclaimed, his tone possessing a type of amusement and cockiness I least expect in a hero. I noticed a spider etched on the back of the suit. My eyes widened at this discovery...no way...
The thug got up from his feeble position, his body shaking tremulously. Slowly, he got out a pistol from his dirty beige trench coat and aimed it at the spandex man. This only made the masked man guffaw as he shot webs from his wrist as it cocooned the gun. He effortlessly threw it at the thug's face with great force as the pistol then skidded on the ground. The sandy-haired man fell to his knees before slumping against the brick wall; appearing knocked out. The webs coming out of the masked man's wrist confirmed my assumption; he was Spider-Man.
I blinked owlishly at my rescuer as he approached me. "You okay?" he asked softly, his cocky demeanor dispelled quickly. "I won't hurt you."
Was I seeing things? "You didn't kill the guy did you?"
I mentally face palmed myself for asking such a bold and stupid question. Of course he didn't murder the thug! screamed my mind.
This only made Spider-Man chuckle. "He's out cold, that's all. You okay?" he repeated, concern lacing his voice.
Sighing, I crawled my way to my purse and found that the handles were ripped apart. I grabbed my phone, which had a huge crack in the middle of the screen. I checked it to see there were hundreds of texts and missed calls from mom. Another sigh as I put the phone in the back pocket of my jeans. I wiped some dried blood off my face with the sleeve of my sweater and did my best not to hiss at the pain of the new purple bruise that was swelling my right cheek. Not very attractive then again why do I want to be in front of a masked man? Blasted hormones.
Anyway, referring to Spider-Man's question earlier before, I felt like crap. Worthless, stupid, trash, the list can go on. But my answer simply was:
"Never been better." Spider-Man extended his arm out to me and I grabbed his gloved hand, feeling the tight material of spandex envelope my small hand. Surprisingly, it felt safe to be in the sturdy but gentle grip of his. He swiftly hoisted me up as I released from his grasp. But his glassy yellow eye were still fixated on my hazel ones and it took all of my courage to not waver from his rather intimidating gaze.
"You really should get that nose checked."
"Thanks for the info, Captain Obvious," I said with an eye roll.
He shook his head and gasped dramatically as he feigned hurt. I swear, I could imagine the smirk plastered underneath that mask. "I thought I was Spider-Man!"
A small smile curled onto my lips although it came out as more of a grimace. "I thought so, too. Thanks Spidey."
He shrugged at the famous nickname New York called him, and I took notice of the many intricate webs designed onto his suit. The webs got closer as he approached me, our bodies inches apart. I had to look up to see his covered face instead of his muscled chest. "Do you want me to take you to a hospital? Or a trip home?"
I froze at the thought and I stared at the masked person. The idea of flying through the city with a hero who has his muscly arms wrapped around you was enticing. Again, blame my over-active teenage hormones.
For some reason, I then thought about the man who was hidden under that suit. The savior who helped the innocent human beings although he was possibly one himself; a normal person. He probably had a family, friends, work. A girlfriend.
A faint noise coming from my phone interrupts the awkward silence. I took it out from my jeans and frowned at who it is, feeling a crease appear between my eyebrows and on my forehead. Mother. I probably worried her to death, and that's the least I want to do to her. What would she think of my injuries? I better come up with a good excuse. I met his eyes again before shaking my head. "That might not be the best choice right now."
Spider-Man nodded but looked a bit taken aback; I was probably one of the first people who declined his offer. "I um...understand, um, what's your name?"
I bit my lip and hesitated. "Um..." Should I reveal my info to him, even though it's merely just a name?
"Your first name is Um?" teased my rescuer, playfully tilting his head to the left.
"No, it's my last." I smirked as he chuckled quietly at how quick I had gotten his little game. I started heading to the streets that headed home. With my back still turned to him, a small grin ghosted on my face as I said, "But really, the name's Alex. And thanks."
"Any time." I bit the inside of my cheek as I nervously made a decision. Although I was very late for dinner with the family, I wanted to see my 'rescuer' one last time. Just incase I never run into him again. Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned around, expecting the guy in blue and red tights.
But he was gone.
~o~0~o~
Burger King or McDonalds?, read the note as I shook my head at my best friend, Joshua; his blue orbs beaming its usual cheerfulness, though his long shoulder-lengthed blond hair obscured most of his eyes. We were just passing notes during AP Chemistry since we were bored to death. The lesson today consisted of reviews of covalent bonds for our midterms in two weeks from now. I ran a hand through my ponytail as I thought about the note for a moment. Only Joshua would think of such a question. But he wasn't your normal boy who played football and manly sports. Let's just say he was more interested in men than women.
Coming up with a satisfied answer, I scribbled it on the crumbled piece of loose-leaf paper.
Wendy's.
When I passed the note back to him - who was to the left of me - he read it and rolled his eyes before raising a questioning eyebrow at me.
"What?" I whispered, a smirk plastered on my face. "I like the cashier there in 5th Ave. He's kinda cute."
Joshua giggled rather loudly at this and I joined in. It certainly wasn't the best choice as Mr. White, our chemistry teacher, whipped his head to the direction of the laughter; to us. Looking irritated, he ran a hand through his bald head and took off his round glasses before sighing. Putting them back on he stared right at us, his beady eyes sending icy daggers at Joshua and me. "Something funny Mr. Logan and Ms. Winston?"
Joshua ears went slightly pink as I shifted my gaze to the ground, taking a sudden interest in my battered converse. I hoped my long hair covered my face, which was bright red against my olive skin.
"Well?" he pressed, his polished black leather shoes tapping impatiently against the linoleum floor.
I cleared my dry throat before looking up at him and mumbled, "No sir."
His pointy, elfish ears inclined slightly to me as he approached our desk, which was right in the front of the classroom. "What was that?"
"She said no, Mr. White," defended Joshua as I sent a grateful, small grin towards him. Mr. White angrily huffed at this, glared disapprovingly at us, and strolled off to the front of the chalkboard before clearing his throat.
"As I was saying until interrupted by two pupils,"—he glanced at Joshua and me—"you all have a project to do and is due a week before midterms. The project will be 50% percent of your grade. You and a partner must construct a model of any atom and write a five page essay about its chemical properties, bonding, and so on. Quite easy, no? This project is a giveaway. Any questions?"
An Asian girl with short black hair, Emily I think, raised her hand immediately. "Can we choose our partners?" Everyone backed up on this and I glanced at Joshua; he was always my partner. Joshua smiled at me after nodding a yes. Mr. White noticed this and shook his head.
"No, I have assigned you with the person you will be working with." I frowned at this and bit back a groan while everyone else did the same. He went over to his small desk and grabbed his clipboard, which said every student's name. Then, he monotonously announced who would be with who as I felt my eyes droop with boredom. My thoughts surprisingly wandered to Spider-Man, who had rescued me over a week ago.
Subconsciously, I faintly touched my nose. Luckily, it wasn't broken and the only injuries were a bloody nose, some scratches and cuts, plus a small bruised cheek. The bruise was now gone, but it sure frightened my mother and relatives. I came up with the worst lie in history; I fell down the stairs. Somehow they believed me, but my mother still held her suspicions and skepticism about my story. I don't blame her.
Joshua ended up being assigned to Richard, a rather idiotic jock who was miraculously in this class. Fortunately, my best friend had a crush on Richard so he was content with what he had. I, on the other hand, was miserable. I had no other friends in this class and would be paired up with some stranger.
"Ms. Winston, your partner is Mr. Parker, who is in the back of the class. I'd be grateful to have such a brilliant person to work with." The teacher gave me a smug smile and I inhaled a deep breath; to calm myself down and prevent myself from slapping that smirk off his face. Instead, I sent a sickly-sweet smile at him.
"Why thank you Mr. White!" I exclaimed in an overly bright tone, clapping my hands happily in emphasis. "You are the best!" Not wanting to see his expression, I grabbed my sky blue tote bag which had my school supplies and trudged my way to the back of the white-walled classroom, looking at the only guy who had an empty seat next to him. This must be Peter. I've seen him before, but I never really met him. If I was right, he was a photographer and a friend of Flash. Remember, Midtown Science is quite a big school. Sighing, I slowly approached him.
"You Peter Piper?" I asked, extending a hand towards him. He shook it before chuckling, his chocolate brown eyes locking with mine. His mousy hair was disheveled and stuck out in many places, but he looked like those cute-nerdy type of guys.
"Parker," he corrected before opening the red chair for me. I raised an eyebrow at his kind manners but said nothing as I plopped right next to him. Well, isn't he a gentleman, I commented in my head while smiling at him.
"Right, sorry. I'm Alessandra but I go by Alex." I tilted my head slightly to the right and looked at him curiously. "Can I call you Pete?"
He shrugged and gave me a crooked smile—a smile that suited his personality. "I don't mind."
I nodded enthusiastically and raised my arms animatedly, recieving another laugh from him. "Okay then, Pete! Let's work on our stupid project! First things first, I have track practice everyday after school and it takes about one or two hours. So we can work on this during lunch or after five."
Peter nodded as his face looked pensive. "So, how about we work today at lunch? And maybe the atom we can do is Lithium or something simple like that. I'm quite busy myself."
"Sounds like a plan." We both exchanged small smiles and I continued, "You'll find me at lunch sitting in the middle table. If you can't find that, I'm sure I'll see you."
The bell then rang loudly as everyone got up and slammed their chairs against the desks, the pegs scratching the floors. Peter looked at me while putting on his backpack and adjusting his beige jacket. He sent me a small wave before leaving out the door. "See you then."
"Course," I muttered, although he probably didn't hear me. My next class was Spanish - a subject and language I sucked miserably at - and if I was late, Señora Rojas would kill me with another detention slip. Walking by Mr. White, who was sitting in his desk and writing a new lesson plan, I waved and said, "See you tomorrow Mr. White."
He sighed exasperatedly and looked up from from his writing to stare at me with his tired, small eyes. He lifted his glasses higher so it wasn't hanging from the point of his big nose. "Same to you, Ms. Winston. Now please get to your next class."
I did so, but even his depressing tone didn't tarnish my happiness. In a long time, I was actually leaving Chemistry with a big smile on my face.
A/N: What do you think? :3 Please review and let me know! Your reviews decide the fate of this story!