Chapter 2

AN: Heeeyy guys, so I had a fun time writing the last chapter so I'm really excited to post this one! In this chapter Peter and Gwen are getting to know each other better and we learn more about Peter's life :)

Gwen smiled. "Thanks! So, what do you do for fun?"

Peter fumbled. What did he do for fun?

"Well, you know, I once went to Oscorp and sneaked into a lab and ended up getting stung by a radioactive spider causing me to have super powers such as super strength and the ability to climb on walls, so I became the masked superhero vigilante called Spider-Man and I roam the city during the day and night protecting people from bad guys, criminals, and super villains. I keep this secret from everyone I know causing me to not really have any friends and be distant from my only relative. Oh, I also skate."

... he could say. But he didn't.

"Oh, I do some web design." Peter mentally smirked at his own joke. "I like to skate too." He motioned to his skateboard under the desk. "What about you?"

"Well, I have an internship at Oscorp as you know, but I also love to read. I draw a bit also and I have a dog, so I take him on walks and stuff."

Peter laughed. "That's so cool! I've always wanted a dog, but my aunt won't let me have one. She says it's enough to take care of me, she doesn't want to have to take care of 'two messy, sloppy, needy animals!'"

They both laughed and fell into a comfortable silence.

Gwen then bit her lip and spoke up. "Um, I heard you say your aunt. Do you, um, live with her, o-or…"

Peter's face visibly changed and became downcast. He spoke softly. "Oh, I live with my Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Well, actually, now I just live with my Aunt May. My parents left me with them when I was really little, and I never saw them again. They died shortly after they left me in a plane crash. My parents were scientists and my dad worked at Oscorp".

His face became even sadder, and a look of guilt quickly flashed through it.

"About five months ago, m-my Uncle Ben was shot by a thief coming out of a drug store. I was just really depressed and angry about everything, but I tried to be strong for my Aunt May, who was hurting a lot. Ever since then, we've been pulling through, but it's been hard. I miss him a lot. I never knew my parents, but my Uncle Ben was always there. He was like a father to me…"

Peter didn't say the whole truth though. He didn't explain the look of guilt that had overcome his face. He didn't say that he was the one who caused his Uncle Ben's death, that he was the one who could've prevented it; stopped it from happening, but didn't because of his own selfishness. That was a shame and guilt that Peter carried with him every day, never being able to let it go; never being able to forgive himself for what he had done (or not done). He went on his days trying to prevent what had happened from happening again and inflicting pain on other families. It was his duty. His responsibility.

Peter looked up and saw Gwen; her eyes were brimming with tears and full of compassion. She reached over and gave him a hug, which to Peter felt like hugging a soft cloud. He held her close and she squeezed tight.

"Oh my gosh, Peter, I am so, so sorry. That sounds so painful; never knowing your parents and then losing the person you love the most. Not only for you, but for your poor aunt. If you ever need anything, you can always ask me." Gwen wiped away a tear and sniffled. "Sometimes life can be so unfair…"

Peter gave a small smile. "It's okay, Gwen. I really miss him a lot, but I also learned to be a better person; to help others and to not be so selfish; that our selfish actions can lead to the death of innocent people and other people getting hurt, and that we should always help others if we have the ability to. Uncle Ben once told me 'with great power comes great responsibility' I've stuck by those words ever since and they've kept me going."

She didn't know just how much he had taken those words to heart and made it his responsibility to do what his uncle had said.

Gwen sniffed again and tried to smile again. "Yeah, I guess. Those are some smart words. My dad's the police captain, so I'm constantly worried about him; that he'll get hurt or not even come home one day."

Peter squeezed her hand and gave a sympathetic smile. The he gave a small laugh. "Well, this turned out to be a depressing conversation."

Gwen laughed. "I know right! We were talking about science, and then things got deep."

Peter agreed and laughed. "So, Gwen, tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?"

"Well, my dad, George Stacy, is, as you probably know, a police captain and my mom, Helen, is a nurse, but she's staying at home now to take care of everything and my siblings. I'm the oldest of three brothers. There's Howard, then Philip, and then Simon." Gwen smiled fondly. "He's the youngest and he's a huge Spider-Man fan. He's always watching Spider-Man on the news and has a huge collection. Like, complete with action figures, posters, and everything. He said he wants to become a superhero when he grows up!" Gwen said with a laugh.

Peter couldn't help but smile. "Spider-Man, eh?"

AN: Thank you guys so much for reading! Peter and Gwen are becoming closer; so far just friends, but just you wait! Please leave any ideas, I love hearing new ideas for the plot from you guys! :)
-Loana