County Fair (Sequel to "Valentines")

DJ Dubois

September-October 2022

Notes Part 1: This story will be heavily about Peter and Gwen rather than Spidey. (Although he does show up.) Just a heads up.

Notes Part 2: The characters from The Amazing Spider-Man belong to Marvel and Disney. All other characters are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220 .

Chapter 1 [Midtown Manhattan—Six Months After "Valentines"]

Sol burned down on Manhattan's streets. Humidity hung in Stagnant Air. People scurried about in search of Shelter and Air Conditioning. Cars lingered in Gridlock's Grip. Ice Cream, Popsicles and other cool treats remained in demand.

Summer in the City…some things never changed….

Spider-Man swung over those same streets. Sweat beaded on Forehead despite Costume's wicking properties. Priorities clashed within his head. Gwen, her father and Aunt May expected him back in Forest Hills in short order. Daily Bugle expected photos for the next edition. Harry expected money for the next round of bills. Schedule was being met. Plans were laid out. He finished a photo shoot surrounding the Met's latest exhibit as a favor to Joy Mercado. Double Rate would insure Bills, Books and something for a certain girlfriend.

Alas, the Javalstore Meteor piqued the Meteor Man's interest. He plotted to take said meteor for analysis. His own plans worked well right up until he got to Exhibit's hall. He knocked Guards unconscious. Meteor went into bag. He started his escape…

…and ran into a Spider-Powered Fist….

Luck made a rare appearance on the Web Slinger's behalf. Custodians had waxed Floors leading out of Exhibit area. The Meteor Man skidded across Slick Surface and right into Door Covering Web. Spidey's last blow finished the Would Be Thief off on that day.

After a stop back at the apartment to develop Pictures, he swung back toward the Bugle. Web-Supported Parabolas devoured City Blocks. Urgency motivated him. Business stood between Gwen's fettucine and himself. Not going to be late for that. It's going to be a great meal! Aunt May really likes it. Not even Jolly Jonah would ruin my appetite. He banked right of Park Ave. His destination, a certain Newspaper's Tower seemed more akin to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings than a real place…

…again all due to a certain publisher…

Jonah needs to give it a rest. Like that'll ever happen? First, Mercado. Then, I can deal with Jonah. Money will be good for a change! He alighted in Alley beside Bugle's base.

Time to cash in….

[Features Department, Daily Bugle—Ten Minutes Later]

Elevator stopped Two Floors Earlier than usual. Car lurched Peter from Routine's habit. He stepped into unfamiliar territory. He took in Slower Pace than Bullpen upstairs. Five reporters typed away on Computer's keys. Arguments came from another's mouth into Phone's receiver. Seems nice down here. As if I'd ever fit in with this group?

My word, Peter! Can you find something more safe? That awful Spider-Man gets you hurt! Aunt May's repeating advisory played over and over in his head.

He shook his head. Gwen agreed with Aunt May about Safety. Still, Gwen also knew about where Bruises, Cuts and Scrapes came from. Ah, Ladies! You're not about to change. He found a red headed lady sitting to the left of Mercado's door. "Hi. Amber, right?"

"You got it." Amber fixed her glasses. "Well! Peter! You're back early! Ms. Mercado wasn't expecting you until later. How was the museum? Bill's been meaning to get me up there." She considered him for a few heartbeats. "Betty said you get yourself into things. But wow…"

He sucked in a calming breath. "The Met's great as always. The Renoir exhibit was great. I even got into the meteor exhibit. Got to do the science thing." Shrug helped sell that point. "I slid on the waxed floor and ran into a wall. You think I'd keep my eyes open."

"Uh yeah. You might do that." Wince twisted her mouth. "You better get some ice on those bruises." She picked up the phone. "Ms. Mercado? Peter Parker's here to see you." She hung up. "Would you like a water or coffee?"

"No thanks. I'm good." Peter nodded to her. He took another look around. I could definitely get used to being down here. It's a lot quieter.

A slender blonde woman strolled out into Waiting Area. Piercing Blue Eyes surveyed everything around them. Surprise prompted a smile and raising of eyebrows. "Peter Parker? My word! You're early! Are you done already? I heard there was some trouble at the Met."

He nodded. "The NYPD cleared out the meteor exhibit and the Renoir gallery. Fortunately…." He held up a manila envelope. "I have pictures. I also have exclusives of the 'trouble' too."

"Really?" Mercado wasn't surprised at his last statement. She knew well of his reputation around Spider-Man. "Why don't you come in? Amber, please call Betty Brant upstairs. Have her tell Mr. Jameson to hold the presses please. We'll be right out." She ushered him into her office. "Let's see what you have."

He noted Oak Bookshelves, Plaques and Awards along the walls. Chairs opposed each other on either side of Stained Desk. "May I lay them out across your desk?"

"By all means!" Outstretched Hand provided Invitation's impetus. Anticipation gleamed in her eyes.

"Well, I'm not an art major. I tried to get the best angles." He set Gallery Shots in a row on top. Under them, he offered best shots of Spider-Man and the Meteor Man.

Critique examined each shot. Her eye discerned Perspective and Angles in every shot. "You underestimate yourself, Peter. Robbie's right. You do have an eye for this type of thing." She repeated the process for each picture. Then, Action Photos fell under her examination as well. "You just keep pulling rabbits out of hats, don't you? I wish I could pay you for those. As it is, the Renoir shots are well worth your time and mine. I wish my budget was bigger. Still, how would $300 a shot sound?"

His eyes widened. Disbelief numbed his thinking. "That would be great! Thank you!"

"You're welcome. This is really good work, Peter. You should be compensated fairly for it." Eyes rolled at the ceiling. "Forgive me. That wasn't very professional." She took a pad out. Pen scribbled on top page. She tore it off and handed it to him. "That's for a job well done. By the way, I may have another job for you next month."

"If JJJ and Robbie are good then I am too." Dollar Signs danced in his head. He could actually put some money in the bank. Engagement Ring for a certain finger beckoned. Paying Harry ahead for bills might be possible.

"I'll talk to them. I want you to head back up north next month. Wabash hosts their county fair. Your writeup with Gwen Stacy last winter really opened some eyes up there. You both indicated interest in a series. This would be a good second installment.

He nodded. Temptation called a bit louder. Memoria recalled well about Gwen's enthusiasm for Journalism. She'd definitely jump at the assignment. Aunt May loved County Fairs. Captain Stacy wanted another look at the Dubois Farm. He recalled interest in potential photo workshops up there too. "There might be some other angles too. There's a historical story up there. The Cherry Plain and Wabash folks were asking about photo workshops."

"Really?" Intrigue intensified her look. "Well then. I'd say Miss Stacy and you are heading up there. Work it out with her and let me know. I'd be willing to pay for transportation if needed." She cleared her throat. "Do me proud, Peter. I might have an opening for you down here."

"I was wondering. My Aunt and Gwen's Dad might want to go too. I'd be willing to work with you." He puzzled through other angles. Unbeknownst to Mercado, he'd gone back already to Wabash for certain herbal defenses. Stalkers lurked just at Spider Sense's edge. He wanted to do more for his loved ones.

"That'd be a good angle to bring up. Please do let me know." She slid Spidey's photos back into the envelope. "These are good too. Nice exclusive." She opened the door. "You shouldn't keep Jameson waiting. I don't have to tell you why."

Somehow, he kept a straight face. "I know. You'll pardon me if I keep it to that, Ms. Mercado. These pics are needed upstairs. If you'll excuse me…By the way, thanks again." He nodded to her. Then, he walked toward the elevator.

Mercado watched him get into the elevator. He may be great at those Spider-Man photos. Still, he and Stacy have that feature flair in them too. This could work out well! She nodded to Amber. Then, she walked back into her office.

Next Edition loomed….