Spider-Man Gwen: Separation Anxiety Story 1 of 4 Spiderman Goes To London

Introduction

Separation Anxiety is a series of alternate tales concerning Peter and Gwen one where she's dead one where she never died and two where she comes back from the dead; none of these stories are connected to one another other than the general theme enjoy.

The following story mostly covers the territory from Amazing Spider-Man #87-#122. Naturally it will veer of at two points at ASM #95 and #121-122 and will cover what may have happened in the epic confrontation between Peter and Norman if it had occurred somewhat differently.

A Missed Opportunity

Peter Parker was attending the funeral of George Stacy the man had died just a few days earlier a hero saving a little boy from some falling rubble. Spider-Man reached him his last words were

"Peter take care of Gwen. She loves you—so very much."

As he died Peter responded "Rest easy sir I'll love Gwen and cherish her for as long as I live! But what if she ever learns that you died because of me?"

Gwen was heartbroken and mad, though it was Doctor Octopus that had caused the rubble to fall she still largely blamed Spider-Man it was just like Betty just what he needed another girlfriend who hated his alter ego. If the circumstances hadn't been so tragic he would've found George's knowledge slightly amusing he had always been so careful around him.

Just a week before Ock appeared he had been quite sick and had temporarily lost his powers as a result. it seemed as if the radiation in his blood was dropping and he couldn't think straight. He tried to swing towards Connor's lab to take some test even if it meant revealing his identity to him but he found that he could hardly manage to web swing. When he arrived at Conner's lab it was empty, he was in Florida. As he left Conner's lab Peter thought.

"If my powers are fading will I stand a better chance with Gwen? I just remembered this is the night of her surprise birthday party and I haven't bought a gift! Iv been so wrapped in my own problems that I forgot the most important thing I had to do!"

Peter gazed at a jewelry store tempted he broke in with the last of his strength and reached for some pearls. He nearly left the store before he changed his mind.

"I can't let my whole web swinging career end with being a crook iv got to put them back!"

After returning the pearls Peter went out the window and fell to the ground.

"I always wondered when I'd ever give up my secret identity. Now fate has made that decision for me. Disappointed or relieved I still have to do something about Gwen!"

At the party Peter's absence was not unnoticed by anyone Gwen was quite bummed Mary Jane tried to cheer her up.

"Get with it Gwen he's always late it's not worth getting all uptight about."

"I can't help it Mary Jane! Iv had the feeling for days that there's something wrong with Peter."

After a few minutes Gwen finally joined in at the party and just as the party was finishing up and most of the guest had already left the door opened.

"Look in the doorway" George Stacy said.

"Peter!" Gwen said

"In his hand what's he holding?" Harry said

Peter stood before them in his regular clothes with his mask in his hand.

"I had to tell you—can't keep it a secret anymore Spider-Man is finished! His career is over! I'm the only one who could know that because I'm Spider-Man!"

MJ Harry George and Gwen were all quite shocked Gwen herself was particularly distraught Peter left before she could say anything and George suggested he had the flu. After he left Harry told them of a story he had heard when Peter "pretended" to be Spider-Man in a confrontation with Doc Ock. (Amazing Spider-Man #12)

"What if it wasn't an act that time? What if he really is Spider-Man?" Gwen said

"Wow" MJ said "Gwen you sure know how to pick them he's either a menace or a psycho case take your pick"

"Shut up! Gwen said crying "No matter what he is—what he's done don't you dare talk about him like that"

Peter went to the hospital and learned he really had the flu. Desperate to take back what he had just done he visited the Prowler to dress up as him and to bump into George and Gwen while he was present with them. It worked at least for Gwen and the two were back together in no time.

With the death of George Stacy Jameson had a field day and public opinion quickly turned. Gwen briefly worked on the campaign for Sam Bullit a shady politician that seized upon the anti Spider-Man hysteria. Spider-Man was in the process of rescuing Gwen when the Iceman showed up and he had to drop her of on a rooftop before he engaged in a classic superhero misunderstanding. The next morning Gwen sat in her home still quite distraught.

"I thought he loved me as I love him. But Peter has been acting strange I hardly ever see him without Dad without Peter my whole life seems so empty so-"

RRRINNG

"The phone please- please let it be Peter."

"Gwendolyn this is your Uncle Arthur in London I just learned the terrible news about poor George. Your alone now dear. Your aunt and I want you to come and stay with us. You'll have a home a family it's what George would have wanted"

"It's so kind of you both but I need to think."

"Of course child call when you can."

She hanged up.

"It would be wonderful to see them again." Gwen thought "But how can I go and leave Peter? Unless—he no longer cares."

BZZZZZ

"Peter"

Peter noticed that Gwen had been crying and felt awful "Hi Gwen Sorry I couldn't come sooner."

"Is anything wrong?"

"Nothing except I'm Spider-Man the one you think killed your Dad" Peter thought "No honey I just had some loose ends to tie up." Peter said

"I just had a call from my aunt and uncle- in London. They want me to go there—to live with them."

"Do you want to?"

"I have to Peter there's nothing keeping me here."

"I can't let her leave!" Peter thought "I cant I have to propose now…"

"No Gwen no I want you to stay. I love you Gwendy."

The two embraced and kissed deeply.

"Oh Peter I love you too. My love for you is even stronger than—my hatred of Spider-Man"

Holding her Peter was quite surprised. "Why would she say that does she suspect? This may be my last chance don't blow it Parker."

And he blew it.

"Peter what's wrong?"

"It's no good Gwen I haven't the right" He distanced from her" I can't ask you to stay here to stay with me."

"Can't? Of course you can. What you mean is- you won't."

She started to retreat to her room.

"It's all right Peter. I—understand. I shouldn't have thrown myself at you that way. I'm very tired do you mind if I don't see you to the door."

Peter stepped outside "She thinks I don't love her." He thought "She thinks I wanted out. I failed to tell her the truth or propose I couldn't even tell her to stay. What is wrong with you Parker she means everything to you?"

"Wait Parker isn't the problem it's Spider-Man."

"Spider-Man Spider-Man he's ruined my entire life! He's brought nothing but trouble and sorrow and tragedy and now he's robbed me of the girl I love! I hate him! But I can't quit… iv tried more then once and failed. Haven't I paid enough?"

It was only a matter of minutes before he found himself in costume.