Chapter 4

I put the camera down at my desk and set it to recording mode. It was another exhausting night out that I want nothing more than to rest, but being a man of my own word and a scientist at heart, I had to make this record log.

"Urgh-hum, this is Peter Parker logging in. I'm recording at my house about the progress of... wait for it…" I start clapping on my lap like a drumroll. " Spider-Man ! I know. Pretty great name, right? A bit cliche but why mess with the classic, y'know? Enough about that. Day 2 in vigilantism and Day 1 of the Web-Shooter Project. I used the garage to test the making of my web fluids. It's based on a liquid protein that strengthened the more it stretches, making it the love-child or rubber and steel. It took me about, oh, 124 tries or so to get the desired flexibility, tensile strength, disintegration rate, and stickiness. Not even my spider-strength can break it. I should know. I was forced to kiss my elbow when I accidentally caught in my own web." I snorted, briefly humoring my play of words. "Fortunately, I whipped out a quick web-dissolving fluid with one hand. You cannot imagine how awkward that was for me."

. . .

"Peter Parker logging in and it's Day 3 and I just spent most of my weekend googling the best flexible material I can find. Spandex being the number one option, but I'll need some modification to make it a bit battle-suit ready, plus make it part of my spider-theme. Note to self; have Aunt May teach me to sew."

. . .

"Day 4. Aunt May started interrogating me why I'm suddenly interested in both first aid and sewing. Maybe I should have gone for the tutorial videos instead, they ask fewer questions. Also, now she's thinking I'm trying to impress a girl with my ability to bandage people on the spot and make an embroidery handkerchief. I can't believe I didn't say I was trying to learn how to sew up my shirts like any normal, sane person. And do people even carry handkerchiefs anymore?"

. . .

"Peter Parker here again with a log of Day 7 on the doo-hickey. The shooter mechanism proves to be a lot trickier than the raw material itself. I had to consider adjusting the tensile strength based on how many pounds were given to the electrode, the rate of fluid consumption, and looking cool while I fired it. It's mostly finding out how to keep the web in without bursting out and making a mess. This is still a prototype but check it out!"

I shot a web at one corner of my room with surprising precision that I didn't know I had. I looked back at the camera. The look I had on my face was the perfect picture of a mad scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. I giggled and began spouting more and more webs around my room. I shot my notebook next, pulling it in for me to grab before settling in my hand perfectly. My grin stretched further, excitedly, and tried aiming at the can of coke next, but it missed and hit the lamp instead. My reflex took over before my brain did and I was already pulling the lamp and hurtling right to my face.

Thankfully, I ducked and managed to avoid injury to the face. Not-so-thankfully to the resounding crash behind me, making me wince. But nothing can make me more terrified than the worried voice of Aunt May when she asked, "Peter, what was that?"

"Oh shi—" My eyes were blown wide and I went off-camera, "Nothing Aunt May, just… err… exercising!"

"Exercising? In your room? I bet you haven't cleaned your room to have enough space for that!"

"Oh ye little faith, May."

. . .

"Okay, Day 8 from Connor's internship—I mean, Peter Parker as Spider-Man logging in. But either way, man working with Dr. Connors is everything I imagined to be. Seeing all the cool research and types of equipment I never even heard of. I learned a lot of things like his personal project. Dr. Connors has been researching cross-species genetics for decades that would create a serum curing any and all diseases, including disability. I'm not gonna lie, that is wickedly an ambitious goal. He didn't go for the cure cancer route like any other mainstream research. Nope, he went straight up 'Eradicate all diseases! '

"He… he also mentioned Dad and his project too. Apparently, while both of them had the same ultimate goal, Dad's research has wider types of animal genes. Though the last Dr. Connors heard, he made a breakthrough by using spiders. There were promising results from the three spiders Oscorp showed off during the field trip and were actually my Dad's magnum opus in Oscorp. The project Dr. Connors is leading now. There were currently successful cross-species spiders that were bred from them. I asked him why he abandoned his own project for my Dad's and told me because his research was still ongoing and that he owed my dad to finish it now that he's gone. He… he said having his son finish the project alongside me would be everything my dad wanted. Which… was… really… nice of him. I, I know this isn't a Spider-Man report or anything but… seeing as it involves Spider-Man's origin and my dad? I thought it's only proper for him to be a part of this record."

. . .

"Peter Parker on to Day 9 in web-shooting practice. I found out one of my spider's abilities is not marksmanship. I do, however, have good hand-eye coordination so at least I am a quick learner. Plus, I've been trying to see if I can make my web moldable into any shape I want. You never know if it can be handy aaaaand… tadaa!"

I show the record a spider-shaped sticky doll made entirely out of web.

"See, a spider web. Hehe. Get it? Because it's a spider made of web. Haaa… I'll stop talking now."

. . .

"Err...Spider-Man here. No, wait, Peter Parker. Anyway, this is Day 12 since I'm out in the street and I'm officially dead inside. Why am I even doing this again? I don't know if I'm cut out for superheroing."

"Okay, let me explain. Today was a total bust. The man I thought was stealing a car only forgot his key, which really was a giant embarrassment on my part. A girl I thought was getting kidnapped, turned out to be whining of going to ballet class. There was a hellish scream from an apartment where I crashed in, thinking something terribly violent was happening, only to find a guy standing on a sofa after finding a cockroach, at least he's grateful I killed it for him. Hopefully, he doesn't think Spider-Man is some kind of freelance exterminator. Then, there's had been a woman who I thought was being mugged had turned out to be… err… let's just say they were 'making out', which made it both awkward and embarrassing for both parties, though I have to say I'm concerned how unsanitary the place they were… err... doing it."

I sighed a tired sigh, "With how much I messed up, do I even get what it takes to be Spider-Man?"

. . .

"OMG, it's Day 13 and I got to meet, like, dozens of adorable puppies and they were all over me and had a massive hug-fest! So what happened was there was this middle-aged man that I helped move his stuff to this new apartment he got and it was littered with them. I spent half an hour basking in their slobber glory and he even offered me cookies and tea. I was surrounded by puppies as they nuzzled, licked, and played around, and… and... SPIDERMAN IS THE BEST THING EVER!"

. . .

"Peter Parker Day 15 just finished swinging around the ceiling of the warehouse and we are now field-testing this baby on top of a skyscraper and see how effective it is." The image of me looking down and watching the zipping cars and pedestrians from a dozen feet above the road. "Yeah... let's change venue shall we?"

. . .

"-okay, okay, okay. You got this, Peter. You've jumped off condos. You've tested the webs." I bounced to psyche myself up before dashing toward the edge of the building. In the recording, you can see me mumbling, "You can do this. You can do this. You can't do this. FUUUUUUUUU-"

I stopped midway so suddenly that you can almost see the exact moment the momentum tipped me off the rooftop like the idiot that I am.

. . .

"For Pete's sake, Peter. We've been over this. The web's fine. Spidey-sense says it's fine. My power's working fine. No one's watching. You're good. You're good. This is good. This is-" I glanced passed the edge. "-Horrifying. Jeezzus fricking knapsack, what the hell am I doing?"

. . .

"So. New strategy. I've shot my web already. So I'll have to do is swing across without looking down. Easy peasy lemon squeezy." I had both hands on the web and blew out a breath. "Don't fail me now. Don't fail me now. Don't fail me-" I jumped from building and swung across as the wind blew across my face. Fear turned into excitement as I started screaming in excitement.

"WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO- Oh. Oh no. Oh nononononono-"

BLAM!

. . .

"So... web-slinging outside... still has a lot of kinks that need fixing as you can see the nosebleed I'm having. Stupid, billboard. Good news, either my spider-enhanced healing really works wonders, or my bone is just durable enough to only crack rather than break, considering spiders aren't supposed to have bone… so does that mean…"

"You know what? I'm not sure if this is one science I want to pursue."

. . .

"Peter Parker. Day 18. Another day of swinging. Another day of epic web-failure. Note to self; carry extra web fluid at all times. You never know when you'll run out of one. There's never too many fluids, Parker. Or else I'll end up another unwanted dumpster dive and another fail video featuring you." I sighed, "You never forget your first meme, it's both be my best and worst day ever."

. . .

"What's up? What's up? This is Peter Parker logging in and this is Day 20. Check out my new suit! Ya like? Cause I do."

I backflipped and had the camera show off the new and improved Spider-Suit, which was a red-blue lycra-spandex. A black spider symbol on the chest. One-way mirror lens that's really easy for my spider-sight, and web lining that emphasizes further of the Spider-theme.

"I've been swinging my newest web. Landing still needs working. You don't want to accidentally kick a pedestrian. Note to Brain, work on your momentum. Everything is in your momentum. Gosh, Pete. What are you an idiot? Swing like a man and work that hips so you don't lie to it… I'm not awake enough for this. I need my coffee. Where's my coffee?"

. . .

"Peter. B. Parker in the house, baby! Day 21 and I just got from Queens to Manhattan in under ten minutes. How awesome is that?! A little more practice, and I'll get there in eight, maybe even five. This is gonna be great. It makes things so much easier. No more crashing through a stranger's backyard. No more property damage. And no more parkour for Parker!"

. . .

"Peter Parker. Day 22 but at 3 am and I want to announce that BOOM ! These web-shooters are a total bomb. I'm never taking this off. I had the highest number of crooks put aside today. They were all 'give me your money' and I was all 'whoosh, hey stop that!' and then I went 'pew, pew' and blam! They were trapped. If I never knew Gwen, I would say I'm in love with it… Did I just admit in recorded evidence that I'm in love with Gwen Stacy? Hehehehe… oh my gosh, I need sleep."

. . .

"Day 26 in Peter Parker's records of Spider-Man progress… or rather a daily reminder to wear our new suit behind our clothes from now on and be mindful of any passerby when changing. I learned that the hard way when changing in an alleyway and… err… old lady pointed at me from her room and yelled out loud enough for a whole block to hear, at the least, about a naked pervert. Honestly, why can't the city leave the phonebox well alone? It would have made a great changing space for superheroes instead from behind dumpsters."

I looked away for a moment, and from the video, you can see the haunted look as the memory traumatized me.

. . .

"Peter Parker. Day 28 of Spider-manning. Let me tell you." There was a moment I hesitated as a pained look crossed my face. "This suit is not kind to my private area. Current priority number one: find something to lessen the chaff. Should maybe invest some baby powder."

. . .

"This is Peter Parker, and I'm... adjusting from my new schedule. Or more accurately my body is." I stretched my arm and there goes the pop in my body. "Anyway today is… What? Day… 29… 30… Sleep? What is sleep? Who needs it? Sleep is but a momentary state of death as the world shifts through time. I'll pull through with the power of… of… " My head lulled to the side, and there was a moment of silence before a loud snore filled the rest of the video.

. . .

So a lot of things within the past 30 or so days of my life as Spider-Man. I got an internship with Dr. Connors, experimenting with the tool of trades, my erratic schedule as a superhero that kept me from my bed, then there's the Stark Project that me, Gwen, and Harry are working on.

The main theme of the Expo highlighted along the lines of 'New, Innovative, and Sustainable'. In the first week, we spent time wasting papers just to come up with a good idea and stick to it. I came up with the idea of using diamonds as an energy source. I put it in as a joke but there's actually legit science in putting pure carbon as alternative power source that can last at least a decade. Gwen, however, suggested a genetically altered tree that can glow in the dark at night which can help increase the use of trees instead of street lamps. However, we don't exactly have the resources to find the genes of a luminescent animal like a jellyfish nor a really good diamond with our high school budget.

It went on back and forth like that with us for hours, I forgot what I didn't agree with her just that it wasn't I could have put my all in the project. The same reason probably goes the same with Gwen, and she's relentless.

The one who settled the argument wasn't me or her, but surprisingly Harry as he got tired from our bickering, "Okay nerds, slow down, you're both overthinking this."

"Really?"

"Yes," Harry insisted, "You guys are too busy one-upping each other, thinking up the coolest and flashiest science project, you haven't thought of how it's going to win the Expo. I mean, Pete's idea is great but you gotta admit most people wouldn't use diamonds as a convenient energy source, I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure the input-output cost wouldn't sustain its mass production. And Gwen's idea is no better, pretty as it sounds, I'm more than sure people are going to use it as a light show than alternative resource."

Gwen and I had to exchange unsure looks, seeing as there were few ideas that are better than what we currently have. "So, how do you think we should decide then?" Gwen asked him.

"Look, I may not be a scientist like my father is but what I do know is business, so consider Stark Industries' point of view. This Expo acts not only to, you know, support science and all that stuff, but it's also a publicity stunt for their new branding from being a weapon company to renewable energy, security, and advanced technology company."

"That… makes sense, but what does it have to do the competition?"

"It has everything to do with the competition. If you're going to change your brand, you want the company to start marketing technologies that create the new image you wanted. Which according to the theme, renewable energy… stuff, apparently. Anyway, it's not easy to erase decades worth of marketing weapons? You need an actual product to showcase that new image, even better if you can mass produce it in a year's time."

"Do Stark really need that? I don't think he has an image problem with him being Iron Man and a genius billionaire."

"Which both can turn the company for better and worse," Harry argued, "Remember, Stark is the CEO but the board shares interest in the company too. Their lives are kind of dependent on how much money they make. And an ex-weapon company that stops making weapons with a human weapon as CEO makes them look hypocritical. Other companies might pressure them to make private weapons instead of military weapons and we'll have another case of Obadiah Stane on the board, that's how critical an image problem is. With the Youth Exhibition, not only would you find potential employees, but it will publicize the kind of tech Stark Industries will start supporting.

"Unlike Tony Stark and my dad, they are scientist-slash-businessman, they don't need support from companies to realize and patent their work. But other people need support. Science research isn't cheap, y'know. So they'll flock to the expos like moths to a flame and companies would be wrestling for the best invention they can buy, support, and make money out of. It's not a stretch to say that the competition would have more or less the same parameter."

"You seem… very informed and invested in this, Harry."

He sighed, the irritation in his tense shoulder relaxes, "Blame my Dad, he's obsessed with Stark and trying hard to either ignore or destroy the guy and he mumbles aloud a lot. He can be the most insecure guy when he's not the most powerful or the richest in the room."

"Err, so what do you think we should do?"

"My advice? Don't make a complicated, one of a kind, tech. Just make something interesting that a lot of people can use and feel the effect. Because a scientist might care about being able to bring new rocks from other planets, it's impressive, but normal people won't care unless it makes things easier or better for them. And sometimes… you can be surprised, the simple little things usually have the biggest impact."

"You say that but it's not like it's giving us any-" I cut myself off as an idea did hit me. Gwen and Harry leaned in a bit from my expression.

Quickly, I pulled out another paper and started scratching out a draft of designs, diagrams, and theories before having them take a look at it. I'm glad my writings weren't the usual chicken scratch so Gwen had no problem reading it, "That's… actually good. Really good. Not complicated as Harry said but it's innovative and could potentially save lives." She turned to Harry, looking impressed, "Looks like it's good to have a businessman on the team."

My best friend blushed but tried to play her off, "It's nothing. Being the son of a multinational corporation gotta rub off on me a little."

"Harry, don't downplay your skill. Just because you're not a scientist, doesn't mean you won't make a great businessman like your dad."

Harry smiled, grateful, but his eyes showed the little self-esteemed he had. Considering the high-expectations I've watched Mr. Osborn pressured him, it's no wonder he reacts that way. Looks like our science group is helping him as much as it's helping us.

After a late meeting late until evening, the three of us went out for Joe's Pizzeria. On the way, Harry was no-so-casually reminding us, "So… the Homecoming Dance is only three days away, do the both of you have any dates yet?"

I had to bite my lips from groaning aloud. In a way, I did ask for this when I reasoned Harry to join the Science Group as a wingman. I just hope this doesn't blow up in my face.

Gwen had no reservation answering him, "Nope. Flash made it a point to let everyone know he was going to ask me so none has come forth to 'challenge' him. No one seemed to consider I might reject him to actually ask me yet. What about you two?."

"I did," Harry smiled a bit smugly, "I'm going out with Liz Allen."

I whipped my head in shock, "No way, you got a date with a senior? How come you never told me?"

"I just asked her today, Pete. Don't get your pants to twist."

"But… but… how did you ask her? I mean, how do you know she's going to say yes when you asked?"

Harry's lips slyly curved up and elbowed me, "What's this? Are you asking me for dating advice because you haven't had a date?"

By this point, we took our seats and ordered our food. "Really, Peter? You haven't asked anyone yet?"

"Err… well… didn't really have the time after everything that's been going on. I honestly forgot about it until the school started putting up banners."

Gwen hummed, smiling as she nodded, which got me freaked because what does it even mean? Is she humming like she understood? Or humming in like a mocking way? Is she humming because I look silly or cute? Is it good humming or bad humming?

What does the humming mean?!

"Well, to answer your question, Peter, my solemn brother." Harry finally answered. "Is that I didn't. We've only ever known each other from a mutual club, and I think she's pretty, great, and…" Harry blushed a bit, "...nice. So when we crossed paths during lunch, I just asked, she said yes, and the rest is history."

Harry was pointedly looking at me, I tried avoiding his glance but ended up gazing at Gwen's striking blue eyes instead. She smiled when I did. I smiled back. And nothing was said as we just smiled without looking away from each other. I could have stayed there in that moment, just gazing at her eyes that glittered as much whenever she solved a difficult problem, her grin that brightens the day whenever she laughed at one of my jokes, her teasing tone she had to poke fun at me, her nose and how she scrunched them when she felt anything distasteful, or the pretty pink blush like she currently has.

Plates and drinks were placed on the table, breaking the moment (or whatever it is that happened). Suddenly, Harry got up and shouldered his bag, "Wow, sorry guys. My dad just texted me and needed me home early."

"But… Harry. The food just got here?" Gwen protested.

"Don't worry, I didn't order anything anyway, just eat without me, bye guys!"

My senses - and not my spidey-sense, mind you - told me there was something more in his agenda, especially when he hadn't even ordered anything. My suspicion was confirmed when my phone vibrated from a text by Harry. I read it under the table.

HARRY: Good luck on your date, Pete!

My eyes bulged out, and quickly made a quick text: ' What? No! Come back! '

HARRY: Don't forget to ask her out for the dance.

ME: Don't do this to me, Harry.

HARRY: I'm doing this for you, bro.

ME: Harry, I swear, I'm going to kill you.

ME: Harry.

ME: HARRY!

[This number has blocked you]

That sonnova- "Fuck."

Gwen looked up, confused, "What?"

"I, err, I, I mean, fine. This food..." I took a giant bite of my sandwich and swallowed it, "This food tasted fine. Joe usually tasted a bit bland for me." I crossed my arms then, in the hope of looking casual, but then I was faced with the problem of trying to dislodge my arm since my stupid spider-powers can't tell the difference between my nerves and life-and-death situations.

"Okay. You just… sounded tense for a bit there."

"Oh, I'm always a bit tense around you." Did I seriously just say that?

Tell me, I did not say that.

Harry, I will kill you for this.

Gwen tilted her head, eyebrows shot up, "Really? Is there a reason why you would be?"

"It's, it's just cool that we're finally hanging out together." I gestured between us two. She smiled brightly, which made my cheek red from pleasure.

"I agree. I wish we could have hung out sooner. I always wanted to talk to you."

"You, you have?" I couldn't believe my ears.

"Well... yeah..." this time, it was her turn to blush and card her hair behind her ear. "I mean, you seem nice, sweet, and brave."

"Brave?" I asked to make sure I didn't mishear things.

She laughed at my gawking face, "Yes, brave. Not anyone would stand up to Flash like you often did."

"Oh that, sure he's tough but he was still my childhood friend once so he doesn't scare me as much as the others." And at some point, you get used to being beat-up that you roll off the punch.

"Still, I'm glad I got to know you and Harry too," Gwen told me sincerely.

The silence returned, but it wasn't a stifling one. I ate my bite of my sandwich, but I wasn't concentrating on the taste. I chewed slower than I ever had, my eyes kept darting at Gwen Stacy. And I gulped down my food and my nerves all at once.

This is it. This is my chance to ask her. My hands tightened around my phone (and was careful not to break it again), reminded of Harry's words.

"Gwen, the thing is, there's, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

She leaned closer and asked almost in a whisper, "What is it?"

"Err, I…" I licked my lips, ready to pop the question when like a douse of cold water, there was the screeching of tires and blare of sirens that interrupted us. The window of the shop briefly showed the car chasing scene passing by us. My hand fell limply to the side, and there was no excuse for me not to go out.

"What's going on?" Gwen asked, concern laced in her tone.

Joe shrugged from the counter but answered, "Apparently the radio said there was a jewelry robbery. Couple of guys would have gotten caught if they hadn't had a hostage, and now they're in a car chase."

"Sorry, Gwen." I got up, my backpack already packed, "I, I just remembered… EGGS! Aunt May wanted me to buy eggs for her. I'm so sorry, but I've got to go. It was good talking with you, seeyoutomorrowbye !"

"Wait, Peter, you barely ate your…" But I was gone and didn't hear the rest of her sentence, already running into the nearest alley. Pulling off my shirt, pants, and shoes and shoved them into my bag. Throwing it over my head and shot a web to it so it would stick high on the wall. Now there'd be less chance of it getting stolen, once was enough for me already.

"Okay, okay, time to put your game face on." I leap from one wall to another, and by the time I was high up into the night sky. New York's horizon reflected on my bug-eye lens; the blinking artificial lights, the hustle and bustle movements between buildings, the skyscrapers begging for me to use as my personal jungle gym.

I spotted the lines of red-and-blue siren lights in a speeding car chase. I shot my web, and let gravity pull my fall as I swung, the air rushing against my suit as the momentum took me back up, and I was shouting out in exhilaration. A moment I was at my highest from the beating adrenaline in my veins and being suspense in the air with nothing at all tying me up or down before I began to twist, flip, and shootmy next strand of white string.

But the excitement was cut short when I noticed a motorcycle had skidded away from the robber's car and was thrown off like a sack of potatoes, and the motorcycle itself was about to hit a lone pedestrian. Everything seemed to pause in a slow-motion as it occurred to me how to prevent two heavily injured people.

My brain went overdrive as I examined the problem and calculated a solution. Just like any other test. No biggie. A deadly, life-threatening, test. But a test, all the same.

Web-string shoots out and sticks to the second pedestrian before getting rammed by an out of control motorcycle. And I backflipped, landed, and caught the first civilian in my arm. All the while I had the second pulled to my side. Resulting in the picture of me carrying two men in my arms.

After putting them down on their feet, apologizing and suggesting they go on a date to compensate the night, then I was off to my chase. (Weeks later, there would be a viral story of a couple getting together after getting saved by Spider-Man at the same time. But, sadly, I will never know.)

I landed on the roof of the car, crawled my way to the side, and politely knocked on their window. The crook was highly focused on the road despite their atrocious driving, but he did take a double-take finding a masked man hanging upside down. I'm not an expert on lip-reading, but I can vaguely guess he was saying what the fuck?!

Quite rude of him, the least they could do is open the window for me.

But then I took a glimpse of the back seat and saw the second crook was pointing a gun at a civilian woman.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Joe did say they had a hostage but do they have to bring her with them?!

The driver swerved to the side, and I would have been flattened against the building if I hadn't leaped up and caught the lamp post. "Okay, calm down, Peter, they have guns and a hostage. Not a good combination, but you can do this." I shot a web and continued following them with a plan… most of a plan… something of a plan forming in my head.

I jumped back on top of the car, inwardly saying sorry, I gripped the gap of the door and wrenched it out of its hinges. Then threw it up and let it hang on the nearest lamp post so it wouldn't hit anyone before leaping inside to a couple of shock terrified faces, "Hey, sorry about the door. Wouldn't be safe breaking your window, the shards are nasty to get off."

The man aimed the gun at me and I was like "Nope" and shot a web at it. Not expecting the web, he looked strangely at it. I took that moment to blind his eyes next. Sufficiently distracted, I pulled the woman in my arms. She briefly screamed as I leaped back out from the car and safely out of reach.

I know my mask isn't actually the friendliest looking, but does she have to scream that much?

"What?" She asked, breathly. Realization dawned that she was out of danger, "How? Who?"

I smirked a bit at her reaction, "Just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man ma'am."

I shot my web and the chase was on again.

This time, they were quite prepared because the driver started shooting at me on sight. It was hard maneuvering mid swinging while trying to dodge the bullets but it was doable.

"Yo, keep your eyes on the road! You would've hit somebody!" A web latched onto the gun and I pulled it out of his hand. "And no shooting!" I crushed the hateful thing with my grip and pounced.

Flipping sideways, I aimed the webs at the car tires. The abrupt car stop didn't stop the force, making the car swerved left and right before it tilted sideways. There was metal screeching, a man screaming, and sparks flying.

I was already in its path and held it back by its hood. Holding it back until it doesn't look like it wants to crash into a wall. I then tilted the car upright, pulled the door on the driver's side, and checked the vitals of a lump unconscious figure. "And this is why you must always wear your seatbelt at all times ladies, gents, and crooks."

The second man still blinded from my webs tried getting out of the car, hopelessly trying to escape until I webbed his feet, and he came falling down on his face.

I examined my handiwork and nodded in satisfaction, "Well, that was easy. Now let's tie them up for the proper authority-" Goosebumps ran all over me as my spidey-sense tingled. Immediately, I ducked just as the second guy started shooting. I turn to find he was on his bare feet and his face red and bleeding from forcibly ripping the web before it deteriorates. He can still shoot since I stupidly webbed the muzzle instead of the trigger. My webs may be harder to shred, but the small ones are easier to tear.

"Eew, that's nasty. You might want better skincare to fix that."

"Shut up, bug, or I'll make you shut up!" He shot me again, but the guy didn't think things through because he was already running out of ammo.

"Whoops, looks like you're out of juice already." I shot a web, but he was lucky enough to dodge, tracking my webs that spells more trouble than it looks. "Maybe you should…" I pulled myself and landed a kick on his torso, "...count your shots…" He tried getting up, but I web his back, reeling him in. "...before wasting them." A nice gentle hit on the back of his head was enough to knock him out.

Checking that he's finally down for the count, I whooped, "Score! Spider-Man, two; bad guys, zero! Uh-huh, oh-yeah, who's badass, that's right, it's me." I'll deny this to my dying breath, but yes; I did dance on the spot. Doing the Egyptian style, a nice disco swing, a little bit of hand wave, and twisting my hips to the rhythm of a song in my head.

I turned and froze as a single pedestrian was watching; eye wide, and his cigarette dangerously burning near his finger as he gawked. I was silent. He was silent. We were left staring at one another with the most awkward tension in the air ever conceived tonight.

Casually as I could, I stood straight and tried coughing professionally. "It's alright, Sir. I have everything under control. You're safe," I said with a deeply faux voice.

"Yeah…" he drawled. Looking back and forth between the unconscious men and the spandex-wearing twerking-man who managed to wrap them all up. "You're not going to rob me or anything, are you? Because I got nada ."

"What?! No, urgh. Why do most people think I'm going to hurt them. Can't they see I'm the good guy? Look! I beat the bad guys. I bet the Fantastic Four or Iron-Man don't have this problem, so why me?!"

"I mean other than the creepy mask, people don't really know you or anything, so…" The guy shrugged but it says enough.

"Well, excuse you, but it's not like I can just campaign myself-" A eureka moment suddenly struck me, and I studied the man back. "Hey, by any chance, do you have a pen and paper I can use?"

. . .

" A shocking news, last night, a couple of robbers had robbed a jewelry store and escaped with a hostage. Police had been in pursuit when they came upon the same criminals hanging on a lamppost, with a handwritten note in the middle saying: 'Stolen jewels return. The webs will last for an hour, courtesy of your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man ', complete with a spider doodle at the right-down corner as a signature."

On any other day, my actions making the local news and going viral on the media would have been a reason to celebrate. Instead, I sighed for the nth time, thinking back of the botched dinner and my failure in asking Gwen out.

"What's wrong, Peter?" Aunt May asked as she gave a plate of her homemade wheat cakes. It's like pancakes with wheat, not the best-tasting food but you either eat them or miss them. "You seemed down."

I sighed, "It's nothing, Aunt May."

"Oh, I know that sigh," MJ said beside me, as May gave her share of the plate, "That's his girl problem sigh, it's been a while since I hear that, alright Petey, who is she?"

"MJ," I said warningly.

"Come on, it's us you're talking here. And don't tell me you haven't been trying to ask advice on asking her out because if you didn't need us, you wouldn't be girl-problem-sighing."

Urgh, she got me there. "Fine, fine. Her name's Gwen and she's… she's… really great. She's enthusiastic about science, always upfront with her opinion, never tolerates anything wrong, and she's kind enough to give people second chances. She's… she's Gwen… and I want to, to, to ask her tothedancewithme ." I said that with a hand on my face, trying hard and failing to hide my blush.

"Wow," said MJ, looking speechless but not, "You got it bad."

"And she sounds like such a nice lady," Aunt May agreed.

"Damn, and I've been betting you and Harry would get together."

I glared at MJ, to which she looked up with her big "innocent" green eyes, "So, I said my piece, how do I get her to say yes?"

"That's easy, just ask," MJ pointed out like it's the easiest thing to do.

"What?"

"MJ's right, Darling. If she's as nice as you said, I'm sure she wouldn't mind being your date."

MJ snorted, "If she's as smart as you said, then yeah she will."

"But, but, what if she said no?"

" Urgh, for being the smartest kid in the room, you sure can be a dolt. You can't always be 100% certain of this type of thing. You either do or don't. Ask or don't ask. It all relies on taking a leap of faith, not knowing what's going to happen but seeing through it to the end."

"...MJ, did you just paraphrase Yoda?"

She rolled her eyes and smacked me the back of my head.

Aunt May looked at the time and urged us to quickly pack our bags and leave, but as I started locking the doors. I can still hear the whirling TV as the reporter about to end the interview with the only witness to the newest vigilante on the street.

"After everything is said and done, what do you think of this… Spider-Man?"

"An idiot." He answered, promptly, "But an idiot that's trying to keep our street safe so Spider-Man, whoever you are, good luck out there… and you owe me a new pen!"

. . .

At school, I made a beeline to Gwen once I spotted her. Gathering the courage I built up from the bus ride just for this one moment.

Come on, Parker. You beat bad guys before bed, outswing a speeding car, and jump off buildings like a pro… yet I'm still more nervous for this.

"Gwen!" I called her out.

She turned back and smiled, "Peter, what–"

"Before you say anything," I cut her off, "There's something I need to ask of you."

Her eyes widened at my unexpected proclamation, before grinning wide but a tad bit nervous from my point of view, "Yeah," she said.

"Would, would you, err, would you go… to the dance…"

"Yeah."

"...with me, wait, what?"

"Yes, I'll go to the dance with you." She answered, and is it just me or did she sound just as excited?

My mouth couldn't seem to decide whether to drop or close. A feeling of incredulity inside me before being replaced by awe and excitement. "Cool… cool, cool, so err, I'll pick you up at seven then?"

"Sure, I'll be waiting. Hope you have a white tie, it matches my dress."

"Awesome, then I'll see you…" Gwen turned her back, off to her class, but I didn't miss the smile she sent me as I waved at her, "...later."

Vaguely, I hear the school bell ringing. But even my new sharper sense did not register it as more as background noise as I was rooted on the spot with a daydreaming face. My reverie was broken by the sudden tackle from behind from a traitor of a friend.

"Alright, Peter! You got yourself a date."

"Yeah, no thanks to you," I playfully shoved him away.

"Oh, come on, that was totally because of me."

"Actually, it was mostly Aunt May and MJ's influence. You were just being a dick."

"Speaking of her, when will you ever introduce me to that friend of yours. I always hear about MJ from you but I never get to meet her."

I paused from our walk to class and thought back to his words, "Huh, you're right. I guess it just never came up. How about next time we hang out at my place and I introduced her to you."

"And finally meet this mysterious lady friend of yours, you can count me in."


AN: I thought the intro for Homecoming is hilarious with Peter looking like he was going to SnapChat his trip to Germany. I thought as a budding scientist he would try recording his progress is using his spider-powers and working as a superhero. Had anyone actually watched those videos, they would tell him it's a Vlog but he'll defend himself, every time, that it's a Science Log. No matter what anyone said.

Oh, and you guys might be wondering if Liz Allen is here, then does that mean that the Homecoming Plot and the Vulture don't exist? Well... I'll integrate the Homecoming Plot with my universe, the Vulture will be present at that point, but I'm going to use another character that's not Liz Allen. Sorry for all of you Liz Fans. But when the Homecoming Plot starts rolling, there'll be extra villains coming into the mix.