Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Author's Note(s): Another chapter! Yay!
I wanted to write something cute and sad and... LOL all that good stuff! Annnnnd this is what I got. XD Enjoy!
Review if you want more/liked it! LOL DUN DUN DUUUN!
"A Black Cat and a White Coat"
"It's All Over But The Crying"
They ended up getting so absorbed in it all, that Gwen didn't realize what time it was until she went to the kitchen to get them some sodas and saw how dark the apartment had gotten! The young woman hurried over to the window and saw that the sun was just peeking up over the horizon.
So, she looked around for a clock and saw to her shock and amazement that the sun hadn't been sinking, it was rising! It was very early in the morning! She would need to hurry up and get to bed if she was to get any rest for her photo shoot later today!
The blonde hurried into the lab and told Tabitha that she needed to go to bed because she had a photo shoot to do. The other merely gave a nod; understanding that the other needed to be able to support herself and told her they could stop here for today.
Gwen thanked her and they said goodnight before she went to leave. But then when Ms. Stacy was about to leave via Tabitha's front door, she remembered that the door to her apartment was locked and that they had come in through the window!
She told Tabitha she was going back the way she came and politely closed the other woman's window behind her, before crawling through her own and into her apartment; making sure to lock it.
The blonde went about her usual hygiene routine and changed her outfit into a pair of comfy cotton candy pink pajamas. Then she went to pull the covers down on her bed, when she thought to check to see if anyone called.
Now, Gwen had left her cell phone on her bedside table since she had forgotten to take it due to the fact that there weren't many who called her, so needless to say, she was very surprised to see quite a few missed calls from her father who hardly ever called her as it was. She hoped everything was okay as she frowned with worry.
Gwen decided to call her father and see why he can called her but left no messages; except one for her to call him back as soon as she got it. The phone rang a few times but then a tired and rather aggravated voice answered.
"Captain George Stacy here, what do you want?" It seemed her father was not in a good mood. She couldn't help wondering why…?
"Hello Dad. It's me Gwen." She told him in a rather worried tone, not wanting to add to his bad mood.
"Oh, sweetie! I've been trying to reach you for hours! I would've come over myself or sent someone, but I can't spare anyone right now. The whole city is in an uproar over what's been happening!"
"What are you talking about? What's been going on?" Her eyebrow quirked as a sense of dread came over her. She didn't like where this was going…
"What? You mean you don't know? Its all over the news! It's practically a mad house out here!" He sounded shocked at his daughter's lack of this knowledge. She frowned as she tried to come up with an answer that wasn't a lie but was very vague and didn't draw suspicion.
"I've… been busy helping out a friend with a Science project and I accidentally forgot to bring my phone with me." Yeah, that sounded good and it was true! And thankfully she was able to keep her tone calm.
"Oh, I see." He sounded suddenly very somber about something.
"Well sweetie… Um… I don't really know how to tell you this, but there's been an incident" It sounded more like he didn't want to tell her more than he didn't know how to. But she stayed silent and waited.
"Two villains kidnapped a young woman and began wreaking havoc to try and trick Spider-Man into their trap. He came of course, even had a friend to help him at one point… But, you see… Gwen… The ring leader of this nightmarish fiasco was your boyfriend Eddie…" The blonde's eyes widened as she felt thunderstruck by this information, and after a few moments, irked that her dad thought Eddie was her boyfriend!
How many times did she have to tell him that jerk wasn't her boyfriend?
"Okay, so what does any of this have to do with why you called me?"
"Honey…" The man sighed before continuing.
"He died…" The man told her in a grave yet apologetic tone; like it had been his fault or something.
"H-he what…?" Gwen's voice trembled; disbelief sweeping over her.
"I said he's dead. Eddie Brock died in an explosion during the fight. Spider-Man informed me before he left. He said it was an accident, but we'll still have to do an investigation of the crime scene. He didn't stay very long… said there was something urgent he had to take care of and took off."
As he continued to speak and tell her all about what happened from where he could see it on the ground and what Spider-Man had been able to tell him, her mind was buzzing as she tried to focus and listen.
'Dead… Eddie's dead…? He kidnapped someone and caused such trouble for everyone? How could he do that…? And he died fighting Spider-Man? Did Spider-Man kill him…? But, I thought Spider-Man didn't kill people…?' Gwen felt something wet on her face and reached up with one hand to see what it was, only to realize that she had been silently crying.
Yes, Eddie Brock was a total fake, a narcissistic jerk, and just an overall loser, but Gwen couldn't help weeping over his death; she was just an overly kind and sensitive young woman.
But she knew that most of that was just a front for a rather messed up guy who was desperate for recognition and love he'd never received from that resentful and closed off father of his.
She knew this merely because she had been on somewhat friendly terms with him, and he did have moments when he could be a nice guy. Like when he took pictures of her in a friendly way that didn't make him seem like a total nut job and made jokes that were so lame it made her laugh.
Gwen found she could only try to be friends with him though, but despite her always trying to get that point across, Eddie just didn't get the hint all too well and still tried to make attempts to win her over when he wasn't busy trying to gain his father's approval; by things like succeeding in his career in photography.
But she didn't know he was capable of committing such villainous acts like what her father was currently describing to her. But even so, did he really deserve to die? What was it that caused him to do all of this in the first place? She had so many questions, with no one to answer them…
"Gwen? Gwen sweetie, are you still there?" The urgency in her father's voice pulled her from her pensiveness.
"O-oh I'm sorry Dad… I was just thinking…" She tried to keep her voice steady but her father seemed to detect the tearful tone and his voice softened.
"It's all right honey…" A few minutes of silence fell between them, but then she heard someone talking to her father and he gave a huff of aggravation.
"Gwen I'm sorry, but I have to get back to work… If you want, when I'm done I can come over?" Though she knew he was trying to be a good parent, she just didn't feel like being around him right now. Besides, he'd probably be busy for days at the least and he'd end up breaking that promise too. And by then, she doubted she'd still need comforting.
"No, that's okay Dad… I'll be okay… I have to get to sleep anyway. I have some work later today. Besides, you sound pretty busy…" Gwen smiled sadly to herself. Was there anyone she could count on to be there for her…?
"Well… Okay, if you're sure…" He sounded a bit hesitant, but at the same time it was easy to tell he was anxious about getting back to work.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Goodnight Dad… Thanks for letting me know what happened." Gwen couldn't help feeling a little annoyed at him for always choosing work over family, but she was sick of arguing about that. There was no point anymore…
"Goodnight." She waited barely a second after hearing that before hanging up. Setting the phone back down on her bedside table, she sunk down onto the edge of the bed and just let the silent tears fall where they may.
After everything that had been happening to her recently, it seemed like every time, every SINGLE damn time, there was always some cruel and negative little monster waiting around the corner to drag her back down into that pit of misery and strife. If it wasn't some weirdo or jerk trying to rape or molest her, or her dad always making plans and then bailing on them; even though he knew beforehand that he'd have never been able to make it to begin with… it was something like finding out someone you knew; no matter what your feelings were about them, had just died.
Gwen nearly jumped out of her skin when she suddenly felt a light, warm touch on her shoulder! Her head snapped up and over to the side to stare in a stunned manner into a pair of dark, worried eyes! Tabitha was regarding her with a rather concerned and inquisitive expression; her head tilted slightly to the side as she had her hand lightly resting on Gwen's shoulder.
It felt rather nice and comforting for some reason…
"Tabitha…? W-what are you doing? How did you get in here?" Her tone was a mixture of sadness and flabbergast. The other merely held up that mysterious black key and Gwen's eyes widened when she saw that the color of that mischievous little smiley face was back to being grey!
"I thought I would check on you and saw you were crying. I tried to get in but your window was locked… So I used the door instead." Tabitha then proceeded to put the key away and then kneeled down in front of the other so that she could examine her face better.
"But why?" This action confused the blonde, and she couldn't help but wonder why the other needed to check on her.
Tabitha sighed and shook her head as if it was very obvious.
"I just told you, because the window was locked." Tabitha really did hate having to repeat herself, but for some reason, when it came to the taller female, the doctor didn't mind as much. She kept wondering why that was, but decided there were more pressing matters at the moment and that such minor ponderings could wait until later.
"No… That's not what I mean. Why did you come to check on me? I told you I was going to bed." Gwen eyed the other curiously.
"I wanted to make sure you were sleeping well. And also if the serum would cause you to curl up like a cat." Tabitha stated with a tiny amused smirk; dark eyes twinkling with that mischievously mad glint. Then her expression went back to concern as she continued.
"Then I saw you were awake… And that you were… upset." Well that certainly wasn't what Gwen had expected. She merely blinked down at the other kneeling before her.
"Why are you crying? Was it that person on the phone?" Her expression went from concerned to a rather dark and dangerous look, that Gwen had never seen before!
"What did that person say to make you cry?" Her tone matched that murderous expression and Gwen was briefly distracted from her sadness to try and clear up this situation before the other got the wrong idea.
"O-oh, that was my father. And… Well, yes he is the reason I'm crying… sort of… But it's not what you think! He didn't mean to do it!" She tried to explain and keep her voice steady, but it was rather difficult.
Tabitha's eyes narrowed, but it was clear her anger was not directed at Gwen.
"Are you sure? It seems he upsets you quite a lot… Would you be happier if he were no longer alive to make you sad and cry?" Gwen's eyes widened. She couldn't believe what she was hearing…
"What?! N-no! He's my father! Why would you ask me such a thing?!" The blonde exclaimed in shock and a little anger; tears continuing to silently trickle down her face.
The dark haired woman's murderous gaze was softened by a frown.
"He upset you… I don't like that…" It was the calm and yet dead serious way that Tabitha said this, that made Gwen stare at her completely stunned. The bizarre boffin was ready to kill a person simply because… they had made her cry…?
"Why would you do something like that for me…? I mean… We don't even really know each other…" She asked in a breathless way, trying to fathom it all in her tired and upset state. Tabitha's frown deepened thoughtfully; as if trying to figure that out too. But she seemed to settle for something, as her dark orbs met tearful grey ones.
"Because… I'm responsible for you." The blonde felt something soft and warm sliding over both of her hands that she had resting in her lap. When she quickly looked down she saw that Tabitha was now, very gently holding her hands in her own; so delicately, it was as if they were made of the most fragile of glass!
And for once, Gwen didn't mind such gentleness, for it seemed Tabitha's was of an entirely different nature than someone like her father; not because she was being treated as weak, but because she needed comfort.
Tabitha wasn't sure why, but she had the urge to reach out and try to make an attempt at comforting the blonde. It was one of those "social" or "emotional" gestures that she was not used to…
She'd seen enough people on TV and such doing this sort of thing, and even saw Rose do it before, and had been informed as to its purposes; so, she figured she would give it a whirl.
But, she wasn't sure if Gwen would like being touched by someone like her. It seemed every time she tried to do so previously, it was met with a discouraging reaction, where the blonde always tried to pull away or got all awkward or something like that. So, she this time she tried to keep her touch as light as possible as she continued speaking calmly and earnestly.
"That means I'll protect you. Even if it is from your own father…"
"Oh…" That's right… She had made a commitment to Gwen in those regards, hadn't she? But the blonde wasn't really used to anyone actually keeping their promise. It was pretty new to her and she didn't quite know what to think or how to answer. However, she certainly didn't pull away from the other's touch.
In fact, she moved her hands a little further into the other's grasp and was rewarded when the comforting pressure on them increased ever so tentatively and in a way, almost gratefully.
Tabitha blinked in slight surprise when the other chose not to shun her touch again, but managed a small smile as she saw a faint pink tinge rise on Gwen's tear stained cheeks.
'Heh, she must be as unused to such customs as me, I surmise…' Tabitha thought in slight amusement. Perhaps they had more in common than just Science…?
The dark haired woman pulled one hand away to pull out a clean, black kitten patterned white handkerchief from her pocket, and reached up to dry Gwen's tears. It was done in a very tender way that took Gwen by surprise again.
She didn't quite understand why or how Dr. Tenshi could go from being full of murderous intent and wanting to dissect who ever made her cry, to gentle and trying to comfort her!
However, the young blonde did know that she was not only glad such dark intent was not directed at her, but also very appreciative that the other made such an effort to make sure she was okay. Especially, since it seemed to go against the Mad Scientist's anti-social nature.
Then Gwen was snapped out of her thoughts when the feather touch of the handkerchief on her cheek ceased, causing her attention to be drawn back to Tabitha. The umber haired female stood and casually brushed off any dust from the knees of her scrub pants. She then propped up Gwen's pillows against the headboard of the bed and sat down.
The blonde opened her mouth to inquire as to what the other was doing, but before she could, Tabitha reached over and lightly yet firmly grasped her by the shoulders and pulled her backward into a lying position; so that Gwen's head was resting comfortably on the doctor's lap! Then she felt the other reach over and pull the covers over them and leaned back against the pillows.
The first thing that she realized was how warm and soft the other was. And Gwen blushed a dark shade of red and hoped the room was too dark for the other to notice it. Tabitha had remembered waking up a few times back when she was very young, and still with the Phantom Renegades from having a terrible nightmare about a beating or seeing her cat Frankie's little furry corpse, or something to that upsetting effect.
And since she used to share a room with Rose, the older girl would hear the disturbed noises she made in her sleep and either Tabitha would wake up in the same position she now had Gwen in, or Rose would comfort her when she had woken up from the nightmare.
The cat loving mutant remembered it feeling oddly nice and calming, despite her personal space being violated… But, even so, she had on occasion done her best to comfort her friend in return by following Rose's example. It was one reason she did it with Gwen now; because she recognized that strange feeling… That urge to soothe one whom she felt truly needed and deserved it.
Tabitha could see the other was becoming flushed again, but since the other's tears had begun to cease, she decided that the effort on her part was successful despite the other's odd bashfulness.
After all, if she wasn't protesting, then Tabitha felt she was doing the right thing. She reached over and turned off the bedside lamp, then the dark eyed female placed her hand on the top of the other's head and ever so softly, she began to stroke Gwen's hair.
Gwen unconsciously closed her eyes and began to quietly purr. She blushed some more and gave a little, embarrassed squirm. Much to her disappointment, the careful caressing stopped in that instant as Tabitha thought she didn't like it. Gwen didn't know why, nor could she control it, as she gave a little whine of protest and instinctively leaned her head searchingly into the direction the hand had been.
There came a low and amused chortle from above the blonde and she looked at the other with an expression that was a mixture of disconcert and woe that caused the other to worry that she might start crying again as she saw those glistening, silvery grey eyes and trembling lips.
So, seeing that Gwen seemed upset that she had stopped the consoling gesture, she wanted to see if her presumption was correct, and thus her frozen and retracted hand began its light petting once more.
And this time, Gwen didn't squirm. Instead, she closed her eyes and moved her head back to its previous position on Tabitha's lap. The blonde couldn't even remember her own father or mother comforting her in such a sincere way when she was little, or even that time when she was almost raped! The most she ever managed to get from her parents was a few hugs… and even then it had to be a holiday or special occasion that they deemed had mattered…
But with Tabitha; a woman whom she had previously thought to be as cold and unfeeling as a robot, and who was almost a stranger to her, ended up being far more caring than those who were supposed to be.
Almost ironic really… Though currently, the blonde felt rather glad of it. Those adroitly long, warm fingers caressing her with such gentleness that it calmed all those upsetting feelings that she had been trying to keep bottled, and those that had managed to escape.
For a few minutes, they stayed like that. Gwen lay there in the other's lap; purring quietly and contently. While Tabitha stroked her soft, blonde hair, and watched over her; silently and thoughtfully.
Gwen began to feel sleepy, as fatigue caught up to the blonde and she couldn't help hoping that Tabitha would be there when she woke up. That rather random thought made Gwen blush again, but she found it wasn't as flush worthy as the lass thought it would be…
"Gwen…" The soft and calm voice of Tabitha made her purring cease as she turned her head to look up at Tabitha again.
"Yes?" Gwen asked, as she failed to stifle a little yawn, and she returned the small smile the other gave her.
"When is your photo shoot today?" Dr. Tenshi asked, and Gwen tried to remember, but she was too tired.
"I don't remember at the moment, but it's on my phone if you want to know."
The other shifted slightly and she knew Tabitha was looking up the appointment on her cellular phone.
"Hmm… Seems very early…" The doctor commented, but a sleepy "Mhmm." was all she got from Gwen. So, the boffin continued with her train of thought.
"If you like, afterward… you can come to the hospital?" At this, Gwen peered up at the other curiously and sleepily with one eye.
"And why would I do that?" She asked with interest. Tabitha just gazed down at her with that genuine intensity that gave Gwen a tingly feeling every time she saw or felt it directed at her.
"By then I'd surmise you will be hungry. And if that is the case, then I thought that-" Gwen suddenly caught a strange look in Tabitha's eyes as she seemed to frown a tad uncertainly at what she was about to say next.
"-perhaps we could have lunch together…"
Gwen stared up at Tabitha, with both eyes open now, in a dumbfounded way; her lips slightly parted as she was momentarily at a loss for words.
At this, Tabitha wondered if perhaps she had gone too far in her attempt to be civil to and take care of Gwen, and that the blonde was going to say something to reject the offer and tell her to get out. She felt a tiny twinge in her chest where her heart was; wondering why it felt painful.
However, as tired as she was, the blonde could tell the other seemed slightly conflicted about it, so her parted lips formed a kind smile.
"That sounds nice. Thank you for offering Tabitha." And when the Mad Scientist flashed a small yet seemingly happy smile of relief at her, Gwen felt that strange fluttering in her stomach again and began purring once more, as Tabitha's touch increased in what the other considered to be a very pleasant amount of pressure. Those dexterous digits combing through her hair; in what astounded yet strangely delighted Gwen to be a fond way!
That fluttering feeling increased with the sound of her purring at such a realization and sensation. But before she could delve any further into this discovery, she found that sleep began to overtake her. The blonde's eyes slowly closed and her body instinctively snuggled closer to the warmth of the other, as her mind drifted off to dreamland…
Meanwhile, Tabitha had felt rather relieved that her offer of lunch had not been rejected. Otherwise, she would've had to result to other means to keep a close eye on Gwen; to make sure the experiment was progressing well and all that.
And though she felt a few other feelings, she wasn't quite sure what they were or why she felt them… These constant feelings and other confusing "things" were starting to make her feel uncomfortable and she wondered if it was a good idea to consult Rose again?
So, she considered her possibilities for a few minutes, and then settled on seeking out the help of her fellow mutant… Because really, who else did she have to turn to about such things as these?
The rather conflicted mutant closed her eyes to rest them; waiting for the silent alarm of her phone to go off to signal when she had to go to work with that little vibration feature, that she was oddly thankful for now that she was currently in the company of one whom she did not wish to stir from her slumber…
When some time had passed and the time came for Tabitha to leave, the doctor maneuvered out from underneath of the sleeping Gwen; who instinctively reached out for the fleeting warmth and comfort of the other, with a small noise of protest, that the Scientist couldn't help smirking at; for she found it to be rather cute. Tabitha couldn't ever recall anyone reaching out for her, unconscious or otherwise… It almost made her feel bad for leaving.
Once she lowered the other onto a pillow and very carefully tucked her in, Tabitha leaned back enough to examine her work. The other seemed sufficiently comfortable and would be warm…
'Not as much without me though, it would seem…' She couldn't help thinking with a rather smug smirk. Then she frowned at her own observation. Should Tabitha not leave and stay here to watch over Gwen?
No… No, she had other responsibilities besides the blonde. And the other would need to go to work as well, so either way, they would part ways eventually…
The only factor was when, that's all. And was it really such a good idea for Ms. Stacy to become so… reliant on her? The Scientist knew she was more than reliable, but did she need someone to become dependant on her?
The blonde did seem to need someone in her life upon whom she could thoroughly rely… But, she wasn't sure if she wanted to be that person. Yes, she did know that saving Gwen and then having her become a part of her serum experiment would mean that she accepted full responsibility of the other woman, but that didn't mean she wanted her to become all clingy…
'But is that really such a bad thing…?'
Tabitha found that startling question popping up to the forefront of her mind, and her eyes widened slightly.
'Of course it is! Isn't it? I… I don't require such attachment, so why should I allow her to assume so? I mean… Just because her behavior is so amusing, and how she made me feel when I saw her crying… And how she purred and whined at my touch… or lack thereof…' Her thoughts trailed off as she found herself smirking again at the fact that Gwen had actually sought out her attention, and in such an adorable manner too!
Other than Rose, everyone seemed so terrified of just being in her presence… Even those other two of their old gang used to keep their distance… (A/N: Rose and Tabitha have a sisterly relationship in case anyone was wondering. Lmfao so no, they haven't been intimate or anything like that. They're basically like the only family either of them has or considers to be, yah know? Just wanted to state that. XD) And since Tabitha herself wasn't fond of getting close to or touching others, Rose had always been polite enough to keep her distance, and only breech her personal space on rare occasions.
But, still… Even then she never much was comfortable with, nor happy about those times… Grateful and sometimes calmed, yes… But that was the extent of it. However, when it came to this blonde girl sleeping ever so soundly in front of her, her feelings and thoughts about the whole thing were much, much different and actually complicated. In a way, she wanted the other to accept her and the things she could do for her and to her in regards to being responsible for and taking care of Gwen.
And yet, at the same time, it went against what she was normally comfortable with in regards to the whole "touching" and "emotions" issue. Though, what bothered her most, was that Tabitha felt she wasn't having as much "issue" with all of this as she probably should have been. And that her resolve on the matter was softening.
'I should still consult Rose… as a precautionary measure, of course. But, I suppose everything is so far progressing as it should, despite my overwhelming sense of morality concerning Ms. Stacy. Hmm, I wonder why and how she affects me so?'
'Can't be because of the serum… It's been like this since I first met her…' Tabitha stood there mentally debating for a couple more minutes, before using her powers to become tangible and quietly enter her own apartment through the walls. Sure, she could have used her key. But that may have caused a sound, and that could have woken Gwen. So, she would ensure the peace of the other as best she could.
Tabitha went about her hygiene routine and readied herself for work, before pulling out her phone and typing something into it. Then, she grabbed herself an apple and headed off to work; without any knowledge of the fiasco of the previous night!
So, you can imagine the irked surprise of when she got to work and found out how busy they were; having to deal with any bystanders or "nosy idiots" as she called them, that had gotten hurt during the incident!
Oh… what a long day she had ahead of her! She couldn't help faintly hoping lunch time would hurry up and get here already…
To be continued! Remember to Review!
Okay... so I know it is a tad confusing regarding Gwen's feelings towards Eddie. But basically, no matter how stalkery/creepy or whatever that he could be, she knew that under all that he was just a damaged person and she is just uber nice and doesn't like people dying (especially if she knows them personally). LoL she is waaaaaaaaay too nice for her own good. Ah well! XD It makes her fun to write. Such an emotional little rollar coaster she is!
