Chapter 15 [Next Morning—Stacy Residence]

Peter blinked his eyes open. Sleep came and went during Nocturne's passage. Emotions clashed within him. Excitement brought Professional and Personal Worlds together. Bugle approved of this trip. He and Gwen would Quality Time's benefits together. Spider-Man gained a new ally against the Rider and its coven. Historical and Cultural Insights awaited. Yet, he couldn't forget about the Rider either. Memoria reminded him of Helplessness suspended like Fly in Namesake's Web. Dubois' alter ego still raised the hairs on his arms and back. Besides, there was his family's brand of bad stories and such…

…all considerations to take into account…

Parker Luck strikes again. He eased himself up into a sitting position. Instinct guided his eyes around the room. Spider Sense offered nary a tingle. He stretched his arms high overhead. Guess I should start getting ready. Kelly will be here in an hour. He grabbed a bag hanging over the chair. Glad I showered and shaved last night. He shuffled into the bathroom. There, he emptied said bag to find Day's clothing, Costume, Web Shooters and Toiletries inside. Water splashed across Face. Toothbrush brushed and rinsed Teeth. He pulled Costume on and Street Clothes over it. Reflection in Mirror's Glass satisfied him. Under the door, Light now peeked in. Guess she's up. He stuffed Pajamas into the bag and walked out again.

"There you are! Aren't you the Prepared One?" Gwen smirked. Lavender Robe covered Nightgown underneath. Eyes shone under Mussed Hair. "Morning, Mr. P." She glanced into the bathroom. "All set in there?"

"There is one more thing." His lips imprinted Amor's greeting on her forehead. "Okay. Now I'm good." Consideration stopped his heart for a beat or two. Warmth rushed up and down his spine. Even right out of bed, she stopped him in his tracks. "Good morning, Kid."

Sigh escaped her lips. She looked him over as well. "Always good when you're around, Man of Mine." She shrugged. "Maybe you can put on some water for tea? I've got to do myself up for a certain guy I know." Her lips imprinted themselves in turn on his cheek. "Might take a bit."

"You look great now." He told her over his shoulder.

"Silly! I've got to go from maid to Cinderella for my fella! Tea. Now." Sass pointed finger toward the kitchen. She pranced into the bathroom and shut the door.

He chuckled to himself. He filled Kettle with water and set it on the stove. Face it. You really lucked out with Gwendy. I can't believe she really thinks I'm worth getting dressed up for. I hope she never changes. For several minutes, he pondered Good Fortune.

Finally, Tea Kettle's Whistle rousted him from Reverie's grasp.

He fixed her Mug of Tea and set it to steep with bag still inside. I'll get coffee at breakfast. I just have to remember everything's going to be okay. This is a relaxing weekend. We get some local history. Maybe some Foliage color. I do that workshop in Cherry Plain. It's going to be great!

"Okay! I am set to shine!" She emerged from Bathroom. Towel wrapped around Wet Hair. "That had better be a smile on your face, Man of Mine. I feel those beating up vibes. None of that for Gwendolyn's Guy!" Tune hummed from her lips as she stepped into the room.

Peter rolled his eyes. "Your tea's steeping on the counter." He motioned toward Mug in Question.

"Well, aren't you the efficient one?" She walked up to his side. "And looks Perfect as always." She took Bag out and threw it in the trash. She sipped on his handiwork. "It is perfect. Now, see, Silly Boy? Stop getting down on yourself! You got it down. I'll teach you the rest." Grin punctuated her assessment.

Approval livened him up. Euphoria set his Ship back on course. Diamond sparkled at him. Gratitude grounded him. And to think she's going to be around forever! YES!

"See why I keep my treasure on? It seems to have that effect." She kissed his cheek. "Let me dry my hair and get dressed. We don't want Miss Kell waiting!" She carried Tea Mug back with her toward the bedroom.

He shook his head. The day was definitely starting out on the right note after all….