A canon-compliant drabble on The Amazing Spider-Man #42.


Peter arrived to E.S.U, looking even more excited than the last time, saying a sickeningly sweet goodbye to his ride.

"I'll bet you take that cycle to bed with you at night!" Flash teased.

"Sure, Flash! Doesn't everybody?" Peter shot back playfully.

"How about coming to a party at my house this Sunday, Pete?" Gwen asked, feeling more confident and comfortable talking to Peter by now.

"Love to, Gwen!" Peter grinned, before turning to head into the school, before suddenly slapping his forehead and halting abruptly.

"Gosh, Gwen... I'm sorry! I just realized..."

Gwen cut him off suddenly, feeling snubbed one too many times by him. "No need to explain! Attendance isn't compulsory!" She spun on her heels, turning her back to him.

Peter shuffled back towards the group awkwardly. "But I don't want you to think I'm making up an excuse..."

"I'm sure what I think won't bother you, Peter!" Gwen replied hotly.

Flash laughed out loud. "Good old Parker- the strikeout king!"

"Pete's probably got his reasons!" Harry tried.

"If you ask me, he's waiting till there's a party for wall-flowers... so he can be guest of honor!" Flash continued.

"Flash Thompson, it just so happens that no one asked you!" Gwen shot back, sending an angry glance towards Flash.

"Say! Don't tell me Puny Parker puts you on, Gwen! Not a chick like you!" Flash asked, befuddled by Gwen's anger.

"Don't worry, my fatuous friend... I won't tell you!"

"Fatuous?" he asked hopelessly.

"Forget it, Flash! It's more than one syllable... So you wouldn't understand!" Gwen left on that note, arm, and arm with Harry.

"See you later, guys! Gwen and I are gonna make the scene at the Silver Spoon!" Harry called over his shoulder as Gwen tried to simmer down.

"It's like Aesop's fable, Flash! You needle me about your gal, and Harry Osborn walks away with her!" Peter teased.

"Very funny!" Flash shot back.

"You sure have a gift for repartee!" Peter laughed.