A canon-compliant drabble on The Amazing Spider-Man #39.
Gwen finally spoke up to Flash and Harry about letting up on Peter. She really wanted to befriend the boy, in spite of his aloofness. Classes at Empire State University were about to begin. Gwen and Flash were at the front of the school, waiting on Harry when Peter passed them by looking sullen.
"There's Peter Parker! Now remember, Flash- We decided to act friendly to him!" Gwen reminded Flash.
"Hi, Pete! How's it goin'? See anything of Harry Osborn?" Flash inquired, flashing a dazzling smile as he tried to wave Peter down.
Peter ignored them again, earning a huff from another one of their friends as all three of them observed Peter. "Looks to me like you're wasting your time! Parker's not buying!"
"Let's face it! He's the original cold shoulder kid! If he wants to be a loner, let 'im! What's it to us? I knew it was a mistake, that guy's like nowhere!" Flash replied bitterly.
"I just don't understand him! Sometimes he's as friendly as a puppy!" Gwen sighed, shaking her head. She was at the end of her rope with him, he was so confusing.
Harry finally arrived, taking a moment to speak with his father.
Flash finally saw him, trying to flag Harry down. "Hey, Harry- All bets are off about Puny Parker! He's as hopeless as ever!"
Harry didn't acknowledge them, staring at his father as he took off.
"What's gotten into him?" Gwen inquired towards Flash.
"Holy smoke! Now he's makin' with the 'I don't know ya from Adam' bit!" Flash retorted.
Harry walked past them, staring downward leaving a concerned Gwen and Flash behind.
"I dunno what Parker's got- But we better put 'im in quarantine! It's turnin' into an epidemic!"
Gwen couldn't form words or even cohesive thoughts at the moment, but she was scared for her friend, Harry, he looked so miserable.
Harry was quiet for the rest of the day until Chemistry class began. Peter managed to get Harry to open up, but it wasn't without struggle. Harry bit Peter's head off, only to swiftly apologize.
Peter encouraged him to keep talking, drawing Gwen's attention. 'Peter and Harry- having a real heart to heart! Now I've seen everything!'
Gwen couldn't stop the look of wonder the crossed her features, feeling her heart pick up at the scene before her and its possibilities. 'If Peter Parker becomes one of our crowd it'll be just wonderful- for me!'
When the school day ended, Gwen felt fresh optimism regarding Peter Parker. She saw a new side of him today, and she was determined to bide her time to get to know him better.
