Ultimate Spider-man is owned by Marvel and I make no money off this use of their characters.
Sorry for the longer then expected delay in updating. I find that life has a bad habit of refusing to cooperate with our plans and goals. Well I guess that dose make life a bit more interesting.
So anyway I noticed something when I re-watching some episodes. I can't think of the episode's name but there was an aside bit where Nick Fury gives Spider-man a Spider Buggy in a game show set up. Well when the Spider buggy is revealed the show girl next to the buggy is Ava Ayala in a short pink dress. Thinking about it that means Ava is Peter's dream girl or you could say that Peter dreams of Ava. (I've got to stop hunting for Spider/Tiger hints in this show and just start to enjoy it again)
Cross My Path
By Slayzer
"Yes, like you and me and a date."
Peter took a long moment to think about Ava's offer. It was perhaps one of the longest moments of Ava's life. After all the time May spent helping Ava do her makeup and getting her hair just right for nothing. More then that after Ava had talked herself up into asking Peter out on a date it would devastate her to be turned down. Every tick of the clock felt like a stroke of a knife's blade on her heart.
Peter started to say something and then stopped and seemed to reconsider what he was saying.
Ava felt her heart about to brake and cursed herself for being so foolish. Getting all dressed up and asking Peter out right if he wanted to go on a date. How could she be so stupid!?
"That sounds great." Peter managed to pull his eyes away from Ava's stunning dress and looked at his own jeans and t-shirt. "Let me just run upstairs and change into something more appropriate for a night out."
Ava somehow managed to gave Peter a smile that completely belied her short anxiety crises. "That would be a good idea."
Peter slowly walked past Ava before sprinting up the stairs so fast she could have sworn that he was flying.
Ava sighed and banged her head on the kitchen counter.
"It's okay. Peter said yes so everything is going to work out fine." Ava pulled her head up and rubbed her temples. "Asking the boy out is the hardest part so it's all smooth sailing from here, right?"
The resounding silences from the Reader dose not help easy Ava's nervousness about the rest of the night at all.
"Great, I'm so wound up that I've started talking to myself." Ava said wishing that this all would go a little more like how it works in the movies.
-Peter's Bedroom-
Peter dug through several piles of dirty clothes looking for a clean shirt. Even if by some miracle he did find something clean odds were it wouldn't be a nice enough for a formal date. Ava would look radiant in her dress and Peter would show up looking like a scrub in his least dirt shirt and jeans.
Peter was on the floor digging under his bed looking for some clean-ish clothing. As he got up from the floor he noticed a suit bag laid out on top his bed and a note.
Peter quickly read the note.
Dear Peter.
Knowing you I bet your too flustered to remember Ben's old suit so I had it brought down for you.
P.S
other things you should not forget.
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash.
TRY to limit yourself to only a splash of cologne.
Also comb your hair before you go.
Love Aunt May.
Peter crumbled the note up the threw it over his shoulder. "It's not like I need Aunt May to remind me of every little thing."
Opening the suit bag Peter found another note.
PSS
If you had thought of the suit in the first place then I wouldn't have to keep reminding you of every little thing!
Peter felt a chill worst then any spider senses. "How dose she do that?"
-Downstairs-
Ava sat on the couch and waited for Peter to finish getting ready. Even with May helping her it took Ava the better part of an hour to get ready. However she didn't have the proportional speed of a spider.
It took Peter less then five minutes to get himself groomed and fully dressed
As Peter came down the stairs it was Ava's turn to be awestruck but she hid it much better. Dressed in a black vintage suit with white dress shit and black tie with black shoes that had been polished to a mirror finish. His hair was combed and clean but not styled so he still looked rather boyish. About the only thing wrong that Ava could see was that Peter's tie was a little crooked.
"How do I look?" Peter asked Ava giving her his best charming smile.
"Like you should be robbing Las Vegas with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin." Ava said as she walked up to Peter and started to fix his tie for him.
"Frank and Dean but not Clooney and Pitt?"
Ava smirked as she pulled Peter's tie close to his neck making it just perfect. "Not in that vintage 60's suit but you were born to play the part of charming scoundrel. "
"I'll take charming but I don't know how to feel about being called a scoundrel."
Ava put one of her hand on Peter's chest and felt the layers of material between her palm and his skin. "Your not just wearing your Uncle Ben's old suit are you? Because even though you got all dressed up for me you were also get ready to leave at a moment's notice." Ava removed her hand from Peter's chest and turned her back on him. "I think that the omission of truth is worst then lying and that's what makes you a scoundrel."
Ava saw right through Peter. Under his uncle's old suit he had on his Spider-man suit just in case something happened while he was out with Ava. "You know that me being Spider-man comes first in my life."
Ava grabber her white purse and showed Peter it's contents. There where no keys, makeup compact or any mundane stuff like that. Ava had her White Tiger talisman, mask and electric claws. Ava was going out with her superhero kit just in case something did happen.
This confused Peter greatly. " Wait, so your going out on our date all geared up as well but your mad at me for doing the same thing?"
"I'm not mad but I want you to understand that I get it. I get why you might have to run off in a moments notice and that you don't have to lie to me about it. I want you to know that you can be honest with me."
Peter nodded his head as he got what Ava was saying. "Your right but it's just that after lying to Aunt May and all my friends for so long it's become habit. It doesn't feel good but I do it to keep them safe. The shock alone of finding out that I'm Spider-man would probably kill poor Aunt May."
Ava struggled to keep a straight face. "I'm sure she could handle it."
"Huh, what do you mean?"
"Nothing. It's just that I think May is a stronger woman then you give her credit for." Ava then turned away from Peter as she shouldered her purse. "So should we call a Taxi and head off into the city?"
"Taxi? When your with Spider-man you travel in style."
-Manhattan at Night-
The cool night air slipped through Ava's silk dress like it wasn't even there as Peter web-slinged them thought the city. The chill of the air wasn't so bad but it did make Ava hold onto Peter's body for some more warmth. Ava couldn't help but wonder if that was Peter's plan from the start.
"Don't you think we should be wearing our masks when we do this?" Ava asked as the wind blew some of her hair across Peter's cheek.
"One thing I noticed about people is that they never take the time to look up. Everyone is so focused on moving froward that they don't stop to look at the wider world around them."
Ava glanced down and saw that Peter was right. Even though the streets were packed with people none of them looked up. Everyone just kept forging on ahead without a care for anything around them.
Peter swung down into an abandoned lot so no one could see them land. Ava had to take a moment to straighten her dress that had rode up on her a bit. She wasn't making a show of it put Peter couldn't help but stare at Ava's briefly exposed thighs. When she finished Ava looked up to see Peter's outstretched hand.
"May I?" Peter asked.
Ava fought down a smile and locked her arm with Peter's. "You already carried me halfway across Manhattan in your arms but now your asking for my permission. Why the gentlemanly turn?"
"Even us lying scoundrels can clean up our act for one night and act the part of a proper gentlemen."
Ava let herself be taken on Peters arm and the two of them walked out into the bright river of lights and people that was Manhattan. It felt nice to just be part of the crowed, to pass people they probably saved or could save someday. To see the city and not fell the weight of it's guardianship or keep an alert eye out for danger. To just a boy and a girl out for a night in the big city.
Ava pulled herself closer to Peter and she felt him pull away for a moment before being conformable with her. Still she felt that moment of doubt and how he pulled away.
"Do I make you nerves?" Ava asked as her eyes scanned Peter's face.
"Somewhat. I've always been a little intimidated by your skills and resolve but now that I have you on my arm and your in that dress, I just feel a little..." Peter looked away from a moment. "...afraid."
"You know how strong and how capable I am."Ava stopped and turned Peter's head so she could look him in the eyes. "I'm not going to leave you like your Uncle Ben."
The people Peter cares about always get hurt, always. How could he not think that it was somehow his fault or that by keeping people he cared about a arms length would keep them safe. He knew rationally that none of that was his fault but fear wasn't a rational animal.
Feeling some much needed confidences Peter and Ava walked into the restaurant that held their reservation. It was a nice place but not too fancy. Good food, low lit lights, formal dressed waiters and a live band playing soft contemporary jazz. The kind of place you could dress up for but they wouldn't kick you out if you showed up in street clothes.
A waiter lead Peter and Ava to table and then took their dinner orders.
Peter couldn't help but gaze across the linen table top at Ava. The candle light seemed to dance off her dress and give her some soft radiant glow. He just sat there and took in everything about Ava, down the the pink lipstick film she left on her glass of water.
Ava smirked slightly as she felt Peter's gaze on her body like it was a touch. "Do you want to talk on our date or just spend the whole night looking at me."
"I could spend forever looking at you..." Peter said without thinking and caused Ava blushed red. Peter didn't know if he had unintentionally flattered Ava or embarrassed her.
A little Iron Man popped into existences next to Peter's head, the face plate opened and Tony gave Peter a dirty look. "Yeah, real smooth there Romeo, so smooth you let her slip from your fingers. Look here's how comeback from that, make a big show and spend a lot money on her and get yourself back in her graces."
A lightning bolt fired Tony and a little Thor flew down next to Peter. "NAY! Speak truthfully and the lass will respect you. For in truth it is she who must chose you and acts of chicanery will not win you her heart."
Iron Man hit Thor with a repulsor blast. "If want to end up with a woman who sings off key and wares horns on her head then go ahead and listen to old word here. Now the girls I know, who don't live in the dark ages, are a bit more complex."
A little Hulk sudden appeared and then smashed Iron Man and Thor together knocking them out cold. "Hulk say Bug-man SMASH Kitty-girl!" he then shook his tiny hands in rage and screamed into the heavens. "SMASH!"
Peter turned away from this nonsense to look a you the reader. "Is it me or are my imaginings extra useless today?"
"I didn't think..." Ava started to say something but looked looked away from Peter and toyed with her glass of water.
"You didn't think what?"
"I didn't think that I was your type. I just assumed the type of girl you like was like most boys I know. That blond, blue eyes and buxom ideal woman that advertisers have been selling for years. Looking at myself in the mirror the only B word that jumps out at me is brown. I see my brown eyes, brown hair and brown skin." Ava admitted.
"When I look at you Ava I see your lovely brown eyes, gorgeous brown hair and beautiful brown skin. Then I think about how smart and dedicated you are and I ask myself what could I ever be to her? As for my type the only type I have is someone who cares about me for who I am."
"Then what about Cat?" Ava asked knowing full well that this topic could be a landmine she just stepped on.
"Cat likes Spider-man not me. In a way that fact is like armor because I don't feel afraid to be with her."
"But being with me scares you?"
"I think it's only because I'm more emotionally invest in you. It's more then the whole we're on the same team thing. It's the I like seeing you at school and at home and the normal things we do together. I guess that if I lost you I would just feel it more and that worries me, I care about you more. To be honest I'm still a little stunned you asked me out."
"I was not at all impressed with Spider-man when I first saw him. It took meeting you, Peter Parker, before I stated to grow some respect for Spider-man. Your a rarer thing then a superhero Parker, your a good man. You have such a kind and gentle soul and I think that's much more amazing then a power to climb walls."
The jazz band started to play something that you could dance to. "Come on let's go dancing."Ava said as she pushed her chair back and got up.
Peter got up and joined Ava on the wooded dance floor with several other couples. Peter hesitantly put his arms around Ava when she took a half step toward him. "Move closer to me and put your hands on my hips."
This felt way different then when Peter was holding Ava while Web-swinging. The slow movement of her body and the softness of her touch. To feel the curve of Ava's waist under her silk dress like it was bare skin. Peter was enjoying this dance with Ava and she could see it in his eyes. "Having fun?"
"I was just thinking what happened to the proud White Tiger who told me she could save herself the first time I held her in my arms?"
"That was White Tiger not wanting to be shown up by Spider-man. This is just Ava Ayala enjoying her first dance with Peter Parker."
"Dose that mean there's going to be a second?"
Ava smile and thought about the question even those the answer was obvious to her. "I think there's a strong possibility of more dances in the future."
Ava got quite all of a sudden."This won't change anything with our working together will it? I don't want you to feel like you have to keep me out of a fight or protect me. If you did anything like that I don't think I could forgive you."
Peter thought about it. "I could never think that White Tiger or anyone else on my team needs to be kept from a fight, I respect you all way to much for that. If this dose change anything between us I'd hope that it's you'll rush to my aid faster the next time I'm a little over my head."
Ava smirked. "Oh so it's going to be the same thing as always. You getting yourself in trouble and me coming to save you and the day."
"I would like to refute that but the fact is that I do owe you my life several times over."
Peter and Ava then lapsed into a conformable silence as they danced. The world seemed to melt away leaving only the two of them and the music.
That was when Ava's watch started talking to them. "Tiger, come in. I need you and the team for a mission asap." Nick Fury said as his face appeared on her watch.
Ava had her arms around Peter shoulders so Nick was a little surprised when he saw Peter's face. "I'm sorry Ava Ayala can't come to the com right now. Please leave your name and the nature of your disaster and she'll get right back with you at her first availability."
"Parker!" Ava quickly let go of Peter and turned away from him so she could talk to Nick. What ever she and Nick were talking about it only lasted a few moments. When Ava turned around Peter already knew form that look in her eyes that she'd be leaving.
"Go." Peter said with a small sad smile before Ava could say a word. "I'd go if our roles were reversed."
"This is not how I wanted our night to end." Ava admitted sadly.
Peter shrugged his shoulders. "It seems that nothing goes the way we want it. I won't wish you luck or tell you to take care so I'll just say..." Peter took hold of Ava's hand and kissed it. "... see you later."
Ava blushed and knew that even if this was the end of the date it was just the beginning of something wonderful with Peter.
Still she wanted the night to end on a bang.
Ava grabbed Peter's wrist and pulled him close so she could kiss him on the lips. It was only a lite touch of her soft lips on his and lasted barely longer then a second. Still that was enough for Ava to make Peter's heart skipped a beat.
Ava then ran off with with her face blushing bright red and Peter alone on the dance floor looking like a sculpture.
After walking back to his table alone the waiter gave Peter a consoling look. "C'est la vie." the waiter said giving Peter the check.
"C'est la vie." Peter echoed with a knowing smirk as he paid the waiter.
-Outside-
After leaving the restaurant Peter loosened his tie and sighed. The night was still young and so was he. Yet without Ava what was the point. Still if he hurried home he could still get in a little late night Spider-man patrolling in.
As Peter was walking away a black Porsche 911 convertible with licenses plate "Unlucky II" pull up next to him. The song Bad Girls by M.I.A was blasting out of the stereo as Felicia Hardy smiled seductively at her prey. No longer play the school teacher she was dressed to kill in a black velvet peacock halter top and short leather skirt.
"Live Fast, Die Young. Bad girls do it well. Live Fast, Die Young. Bad girls do it well."
Felicia turned down the music so she wouldn't have to talk over it. "Isn't it a school night Mr Parker?"
"Are you worried about my extracurricular activities Miss Hardy? And didn't Ava trash that car?"
"Well you know me well enough so care to take a guess at how many black 911 convertibles I own?"
Peter only had to think about for a moment. "You have nine of them don't you?"
"Well I only have eight of them now. So how about you Mr Parker, you look like your date just stood you up."
"That's not what happened."
"Oh, then where is she?"
"You don't seem very upset about me going out with another girl?"
"I'm a big girl and I can handle a little competition." Felicia leaned across the passenger seat so Peter could hear her better and make a display of herself. "But really between me and Chola Tiger it's not much of a competition is it?"
"Over looking the fact that Ava is as Un-chola as a Puerto Rican girl can be, it just doesn't feel right comparing you two."
"This from the boy who's dating both of us."
Peter didn't have a comeback for that.
It was the truth.
Peter may care about Ava deeply but he liked being with Felicia to. Ava was bothered by this and Peter knew it was troubling her but Felicia treated it all like this was some game.
Felicia opened her passenger side door. "Come on I'll give you a ride."
Without even bothering to consult the better angels of his person Peter got into Felicia's car. He didn't even buckle himself in as Felicia peeled rubber and spend off into the night.
Peter loosened his tie all the way and letting it fly off into the wind."This isn't the way to Queens."
Felicia's seductive smirk became slightly more predatorial."I said I'd give you a ride but I never said it would be a ride home."
-end-
Peter ends his first date with White Tiger and now he's going on the prowl with Black Cat. This is quickly becoming the battle of Good Girl versus Naughty Girl.
In my mind I wanted their date to be cut short by a battle with someone but this was already getting to long and I didn't want to add five other pages to make a fight and a cliffhanger.
Also there was going to be short fight in the alleyway when some thugs made fun of Peter and Ava for being a mixed race couple. That was also got cut out but I wanted to at lest have Ava acknowledge that she was Latina.
Ava dose sound uncharacteristically down about herself at one point but I think the media's often has unrealistic and Eurocentric ideas of beauty effect every in some negative way.
Again not that I think Ava is down on being Puerto Rican and in fact I think she's quite proud of her heritage in the comics. It's just that human very human thing of thinking that 'Would he/she like me more if I was more/less like so and so'
This is getting too heavy so let's just move on.
I picked up The Avengers last week and so I worked Iron Man, Hulk and Thor into Peter's imaginings.
And once again I've gone off my original train of thought so I'm making it up as I go.
As always be kind and share your thoughts, criticism or ideas in a review.