Peter got up. He looked down at his lower abdomen, where a small dart was sticking out. He enclosed his fist around it and tugged, removing quite a long needle. He was fine with the needle, having expected something much much worse. However, when he caught sight of the blood currently dripping from the needle, he felt like gagging. So he pushed the bottom of his mask up and let out what had built up inside of him.

Kraven was long gone, as was the day. Looking around, at the purple sky, he guessed he'd been out cold for at least three hours. That also meant that he'd lost out on a chance to patch things up with Gwen for three hours. He kicked the ground and shouted some obscenities, which did nothing but aggravate him even more.

"Sometimes," he said to himself, "sometimes I wish that spider had bitten Flash Thompson or some other person, someone who could afford the powers."

He swung back towards home. He would have to call Gwen ASAP.

lllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Kraven sat in the empty apartment he'd stolen, sitting in the darkness. He had done all he could for Fisk, and in return Fisk had done nothing for him. He could've killed Fisk, skinned him alive. He could've fed him to the dogs which roamed the quiet corners of the city, and no one would've tried to stop him. But he didn't.

A death like that...it wouldn't be honorable. Kraven dealt in many things, but the predominant value he held was honor. When the time came for his death, he would go with honor. He would rather nail himself to the Red Square cobbles with rusty nails, than to die without honor.

Then there was this business with the Spider. He had shot him with an experimental remedy, guaranteed to at least keep him under until...

He looked at the clock

...right about now.

He stood up, and grabbed his rifle. It was loaded, but not with darts or needles or tricks. No, this time it could kill.

lllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Gwen Stacy sat on the couch in the basement, watching Mean Girls (for the first time. She'd gotten sick of trying to figure out what 'fetch' was). She didn't feel up to laughing.

George walked in and sat down next to her. He sighed when she didn't look to him.

"Gwen, honey, I-"

"Please, dad."

She looked at him, and he could see she was angry.

"Just tell me what's up?"

She sighed, and paused the movie she wasn't even paying attention to.

"It's Peter."

George Stacy had a wave of realisation. Boy problems.

"What about him? Seems like a nice kid."

"Yeah, he is, I guess. It's just...he ran off, into danger, and I offered to come with, because believe me, Peter Parker is clumsier than a blind mule with soap for feet. I dunno...I guess I just got annoyed when he told me to stay safe. Why should I have to listen to someone tell me what I can or can't do? Why do I have to be put in some kind of box?"

George sighed.

"You know what I think?"

"That I'm dumb?"

"No, of course not! No, I think that Peter really has a thing for you, and I think you feel the same about him."

Gwen nodded slowly.

"I do. I just feel like I should get my own life on track. I feel like he's holding something back."

"That's what love is, dear. It's holding it back until the right moment comes to let it all flood out. Ask your mother. In fact," George smiled, standing up, "I think she may have made some kind of cake for you. I know that usually cheers you up. And, to be honest, we both know how much I love deserts."

Gwen laughed. She stood up, and hugged her father.

"Thanks, dad."

George patted her head, and smiled again.

"C'mon. I think we've got ice cream too."

lllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Peter was on top of the Daily Bugle office building, knowing good ol' Jameson wouldn't be there. No, he would be at home, lounging around with his feet up catching up on the latest television craze while he was here, sitting around in discomfort, waiting for a fully grown man dressed in lion pelts to show up nearby.

And show up he did.

Kraven kept to the edge of the rooftop.

"Nice to see you, Pumbaa."

Kraven growled.

"I never forget a scent, Spider-Man."

"Then it must suck to be you, smelling like that non stop."

"I have done my bit for this city, bug. I shall indulge in selfish want and grab a hold of my own want."

"Which is? New duds? I know a store in Brooklyn that could hook you up with some sweet clothes."

Kraven shook his head.

"I shall bring my honor to the forefront. I shall abandon this jungle of stone and lies, and travel back to the motherland. I shall travel home to the savage grounds I came from."

Kraven turned away.

"Is that it?"

"I have fought against you, Spider-Man, and have found you a formidable foe."

"You shot me and ran away."

"Be thankful I do not repeat my actions."

Kraven jumped downwards, off the side of the building. Peter didn't even bother following.

lllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Peter knocked on the Stacy's door. Gwen answered the door.

"Gwen, listen, I-"

She grabbed Peter and hugged him. He hugged back, before they released each other.

"I know." she smiled.

"I'm sorry, though. I shouldn't have said what I said."

"Neither should I, to be honest. Wanna come inside? Dad made burritos, and they're great. I guess."

"Sure!"

They stepped inside.

"So, how did those photos turn out?"

Photos! He'd forgotten! His camera was probably still there, or even worse- destroyed by the weather.

"They turned out great." he lied, making a mental note to get himself beaten up for making such a mistake.

The two entered the Stacy's living room, and sat down. He could get used to hanging out there.

NEXT: There Spins The Cyclone!