So, this was an interesting piece to write; amazing what being bored in Creative Writing class can do. Anyways, this could be a bit on the dramatic side, so you know. Enjoy!

Chapter 4: The Truth Hurts

The smoke clears…the villains are down, defeated; but there is not cry of victory, no slapping of backs…

There is only trauma, shock, devastation…loss

They have no words, as they cannot stand the sight…

They can't bear to hear her anguished sobs, as she futilely begs him to wake up, his blood staining her gloves, staining her hair, her mask fallen from her tears of devastation… Her face fallen on his chest, her cries of loss and pain echoing through the silent streets as the crowds of civilians hear her while they themselves break down in shock & sorrow.

Her best friend kneels beside her, her hand on her back as she tries to choke back her own tears; but nothing she can say or do will ever heal her.

This was one loss too many; once more, love was stolen from her.

"…please…don't-don't leave me alone again…please…wake up…Peter…Peter…PETER!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

With a scream and a jolt, Carol was awake, shooting up from her bead in horror and anguish, immediately grabbing at her sheets to wipe away the blood she remembered was in her hair and on her hands. Her eyes immediately began to run watery as her tears started cascading down her cheeks and onto the sheets-

Sheets? No…Carol, focus, she commanded herself, forcing her mouth to take deep breaths as she tried to regain her focus. After a full minute, she finally recomposed herself-although she couldn't stop the tears-realizing what was real. She was in her bed, in her quarters in Avengers Tower-not in the streets of New York, not covered in Peter's blood…it had been a nightmare, a simple-

No; it was not simply a nightmare. It was a very horrific, terrifying and vivid nightmare. It had shaken Carol to her core, and reminded her of something.

It was all too possible to happen in real life.

With a small gasp that grew into an anguished sob, Carol started to uncontrollably cry once more, her body falling onto its side as flashes from her nightmare began dancing in front of her eyes. Instinctively, her hands reached out to grab her blankets and bring them closer, seeking any form of comfort she could find. It did her no good, however, for the images refused to leave her. The most prominent, fear inducing and disturbing image was of her sobbing form begging Peter's dead body to wake up, his blood soaking her…

Peter had been taken from her in that nightmare, and it could very well happen in real life.

Carol had never had a nightmare like that before, and it shook her completely. She had never felt fear as she did in that moment and she never knew the meaning of true devastation until his last breath escaped him…

This only procured more tears from Carol. She rarely cried, and she felt ashamed the few times she did; but tonight, she didn't care. This nightmare and her tears had awoken her to a truth she had never fully considered, never fully chose to recognize, and it had finally caught up to her.

Carol was truly in love with Peter Parker.

And if he was ever killed, if he ever fell in battle…she would be devastated beyond hope.

And if, God forbid, he did, and she never told him what she really felt about him, the feeling would be a hundred times worse.

XXXXXXXXXX-A/N-XXXXXXXXXX

What did you think about it? I had some mixed thoughts about it, myself, but I felt it conveyed the point. Reviews, feedback are always welcome.

And before I forget, if you like this series, check out Dakkaman777's series "Through the Eyes of the Many." I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Next chapter soon. Until next time readers.