Zeta
"You sure you wanna know?"
Went around and made a few adjustments to the cover as I prepare for this story to unfold. There are revelations I hope to get around. I'll be sure to update frequently through these coming months.
Happy 2022!
II - No Place Like Home
-Two Months Later-
...Summer...
...At Midtown High...
..The Afternoon...
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"Peter."
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"Hey."
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"Are you okay?"
Peter Benjamin Parker felt a shake from his arm and found himself back from his long daze. He blinked his eyes out and found that he was back in his class. He released the tension from his clutched fist and relaxed. Though, it's not really not much of one since most of his peers were already gone. He relaxed his breathing and fixated his gaze over to the red-pink blur by the side of him. Hazel eyes have met a pair of bright blue ones, as he realized it was Gwendolyn Maxine Stacy.
Shebisyoung blond who had sported a red-pink hoodie that matches her headband. She commonly wore white shirts and blue jeans. She has been a longtime friend of Peterince freshmen year and they grew up to their similarities.
Gwen has been noticing that Peter hasnt been expressive. Not since of what happened.
"Where are you?" She kindly asked as she tilted her glasses up.
Peter only shrugged, "Sorry about that. I was just... thinking about something." He looked over to the clock and noticed he was fazed right through the last bell. He fixed himself up and shook his head in disbelief. Has he really been that away? Not again...
Gwen smiled, "Right. Now, c'mon, Harry's waiting for us at the front of the school."
Peter stood up and stretched an arm, relieving the ache he had from leaning on the same position. He nodded to her and strapped his backpack over his shoulders as they both walked out to the hallways. "So... How was your day so far?"
The Blonde shrugged, "Just the usual same busy studies and more tiresome nights."
"That's Midtown High for you... I've been falling behind lately."
Gwen smiled. "Oh! Do you need help on anything?"
"Nah... I'm good! I'll catch up in no time."He flashed a fake smile at her. Real smooth there...
The two have finally met up with Harry as he was seated on one of the benches. He noticed them approaching and greeted them. "There you guys are. Took your time there did you?" Harold Osborn has been a long-time friend of Peter's since his Middle School days. Most people have always just tried to be his acquaintance for his values, mostly because he was the son of Norman Osborn, the CEO of Oscorp Industries. Though he was glad Peter had thought differently. The teen had red-short hair. He usually wears light-colored t-shirts with a few ties and mostly dark green pants. Same with his friend, he doesn't sport all out in his clothing. "Alright then, Let's head out!" As he gestured them to follow him. The three friends made their way to the school parking lot, "So. Has anything exciting happened to you both on this school of boredom?"
Gwen sighed, "Same as you, It's been a bit stressful. I dont often get my myself a break. "
"Heh! I think we all can use is a break from this place! How about we just do ourselves a favor and skip school tomorrow, huh? You in, Pete?" Harry had waited for his friend to come up with a quip, instead he found his friend silently into another of his dazes. "Peter?"
Gwen softly nudged to him, "Huh? What?"
"I asked how was your day?"
Peter yawned, "Oh... Uh, you know. The same old, same old. Passing a few assignments here... Passing a few exams there. All that."
Harry nodded unsurely, "Right, right..." Peter usually was the one that would come up with some sort of smart remark... He only hoped his friend would get himsild together one day. The rest of the walk to his was completely silent and... A bit awkward.
Harry sighed in relief as he plucked his keys out of his pocket and pressed a button that automatically started up the vehicle with the driver's side door opening. "Alright, well... Here we are."
Peter scoffed from the representation, "Show off much?"
"What? It's the latest model. You know, I could still help you out on getting one of these." Harry smirked as he hopped onto the driver's seat and adjusted himself.
"Thanks, but I think I'll have to think about it sometime later." As supportive his friend can be, he couldn't really ask for so much from him. He had to be independent on his own hands. Though, it could really help him...
Harold nodded, "Well, give me a call if you do though. Alright, take your seats, and let's head home!" Gwen took up the offer and strapped herself to the passenger's side.
Peter held his hand up, "Actually, I just forgot. I have to go run some errands for my Aunt."
Both of his two friends were confused by the answer. They would normally ride to their respective housings quite often. Though, recently Peter has been going off alone. Harry had wanted to ask again. "You sure? I mean I don't mind. I can help you out with that to-"
"Really, it is." Peter cut in as he fidgeted his hands a bit. It wasn't a lie. May had asked him if he would buy a few groceries at a store. This was also an excuse just for him to bail out into the streets.
The Blonde had noticed the change in mood.
Harry deeply sighed and did not want to pressure him any further. "Well, alright... You take care of yourself. See ya tomorrow." He shifted his gears and drove away from the school parking lot, then into the streets.
Gwen had stared at the side mirror view to see Peter's figure disappear. He has been so... Unusual, lately. Of course, she knew what had happened and wanted to ask if she and Peter could talk. But how can she? She decided she should give him some time to himself and hopefully be more open about it sometime. Hopefully soon...
"You... Uh, think he's doing better?" Harold had asked, thinking of the same situation as his friend. He kept his eyes on the roads and made way to her address first.
"He has to be..." She said as she couldn't quite take her mind off of him.
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With Peter, he took his time around the streets of his neighborhood. Queens has a dozen good sceneries. New York's got the best of them all around. With the dusk about to set, the light blue sky is settling in a color of orange, making every the sunlight hit down the reflections of every surface area. With everyone just minding their selves and continuing to chatter on about their day. it was nice to know he was contributing his part in helping out. Today... He'll just go for a walk. It wasn't that sunny for this part of the season. Of course, this could just be him being biased, but there's quite a lot around here that anyone can get around to. It was enough for everybody to do something.
He had notified his Aunt that he would be staying a little late for his 'tutorial sessions'. She had replied that dinner will be ready by the time he arrives. With a quick run to an alleyway, Peter made sure no one was around that was looking his way. He then suddenly stripped out of his clothes and dug out his suit from his backpack that he's been so eager to wear out.
It's not much of a suit, persay... It was only a red-sleeveless hoodie over his light blue sweatshirt and matching sweat pants. He had a red mask that had goggles over the eyeholes that helped out in focusing his eyesight with lenses that can compress and expand to reduce any stimuli. His thumb traced over the black doodled spider on the chest piece. There was an idea where he would somehow purchase the necessary materials to craft his suit, though, he was low on cash.
A metallic clank was heard from beneath. He retrieved his metal wristbands and slipped them over.
It took only a few days of hard sweat and dedication, but he was able to put together twin devices that can help him traverse through the city. He took it upon himself that if he was gonna get into this gig, he needed to be smart about it. He was still a little hesitant due to his fear of heights, but he had to start somewhere. He also had to keep reminding himself to refill up these cartridges of Web Fluid into these slots.
It wasn't easy getting the materials. He managed to pay off a few more scraps and gears from a couple of stores. Needless to say, Peter is pretty surprised himself. Guess that the Engineering Club had its perks.
He nodded and tossed his backpack against a wall. Tapping the trigger with two fingers on the device, a web impacted the bag, sticking it to the surface.
With a quick leap onto the roof, Spider-Man looked over to the view from above. He took a deep breath and rolled his neck and shoulders from the stress and ran across to the edge of the building and jumped off. He laughed and shot a strand of webbing to a nearby building with precise aim. As it stuck on, gravity did its work and he swung at a good momentum.
"Woooo! Heck yeah!" Just as he is as high at end of his strand, he kicked his feet up in the air, letting himself go. He flared his arms out in panic and dived for his next swing.
Everything from above the streets of Queens is just mesmerizing to look at. From up here, it's like a different world. In moments like these, Peter took the time to appreciate what's there. With the cool breeze hitting his face, there wasn't anything that could make him feel any different from down there.
He shot another web and kept swinging.
With all the weird engagements he's been having with himself, he learned to better control these abilities. His motives are all good and small. He mostly swings around the neighborhoods of Queens and Brooklyn, making sure everything and everyone is okay. Whether it's helping kids get their ballons from flying off, walking the elderly across the streets, or repairing a few traffic lights... He was on the job! It's the little things that make it worth it.
The only intense action he's ever been in was stopping car thefts and a few robberies from smaller stores. That was all there is to it. He couldn't ask for better a mood. Though, of course, not everything holds up to that.
It didn't mean he should try.
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At the Parker household...
With the night finally setting, Peter returned to his home. He was back in his regular clothes again and tried to make himself look decent, that way May wouldn't suspect too much of where he's up to. He held a bag of groceries May asked him to bring. It was... important for him to make sure he helped his aunt as much as he could. He strolled up to the patio and unlocked the front door. He hoped she wouldn't pry on what he's been up to.
He was welcomed by the fresh scent of food over by the kitchen. His Aunt looked over to him by the living room and placed her book away to meet up with him. Maybelle Parker is a brunette hitting her early forties. She has a knack for putting herself into services for health careers. He reputation has been known from others that she always put others first, as she used to work as a nurse assistant.
Peter happily greeted her, "Sorry I was a little late! I had some trouble finding some of the things you've asked." He said as he brought the bag of groceries to her.
May smiled and took it from his hands, "It's no biggie. So how goes the studies? Nothing too hard right?"
Peter almost stuttered out, "Oh, er- Nah! It's pretty simple really. Passing all my classes... Good attendance. All that junk."
"Good to know. Thanks for this." May nodded and left to put away the food. "Well! I'll start serving dinner! Go ahead and get changed."
"Kay!" Peter replied as he made his way around the halls to his bedroom. If only she knew... More than likely, she'd freak out.
Soon as he opened up the door, he threw his backpack to the back corner then plopped himself onto his bed and relaxed. His room was a tad bit of a mess due to the amount of clothing and scrapped papers from his schoolwork. Shelves were stacked on one section of the wall with all his fancy collectible figures from his favorite cinemas. A wooden desk was just across from his small bed, with a bunch of journals and textbooks on top of another. He noticed his laptop there and had forgotten to charge it again. Peter sighed and rubbed his eyes from the fatigue hitting in.
It's been a bit of a power struggle lately. He couldn't say he's anybody at the moment. Peter still hasn't figured out what those words from his Uncle meant. It always stuck out to him... It had always echoed in his mind. He knew his Uncle wanted him to do better, but just how? Maybe he should look into these criminal activities and do something about them. Maybe... Isn't that what he wanted? He would just have to wait.
He wasn't even sure if he was up to it. Looking after everyone is a pretty big deal and he had wondered if he could keep up with this...
Maybe...
It's a lot to put on his shoulders. Though, isn't that what it's all about? Helping others so they can live out for their own lives, so everyone can feel safe?
Though, he couldn't help but doubt himself. He just needed more time for himself... He needed to be ready.
When Spider-Man is ready...
Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy are the main focuses as I progress through their story. They're also a few other important supporting characters that are gonna be introduced soon! There's something I'd want to start away from other canon/non-canon storylines as I'll put in my creativity here.
Well, see you in the next one!