Chapter 17 [Dubois Farm]

Rustic Farmhouse creaked with Age. Windchimes played with Breeze's inspiration. Horses and Cows snuggled into Fresh Hay. Wagon sat ready for next ride through Autumn's woods.

Now Kitchen held all activity it seemed….

Dubois stirred Crock Pot on the counter. He lifted simmering Dijon Ham. Mustard and Sweet Aromas met his nose. Smile spread across his face. He spooned Glaze over Simmering Meal. Then he closed it. Classes had stressed him out. Students' minds jumped ahead to Vacation's pleasures. Not everyone's you, Dave. You're not Grandpa Alvaro either. He trudged over to Yukon and Russet Potatoes. Angie wants mashed potatoes. She gets mashed potatoes. Sorry, Mama B, she's getting my special potatoes! He washed and quartered each potato. They settled in a pot. Then he turned the heat on. "Okay! Everything looks good."

"I can help you. Angie approves." Tuishiama regarded him from the kitchen table. She ran Kitana across Sharpening Stone over and over. "I believe this could slice one of those?"

Snort escaped his mouth. He remembered her capabilities well from long gone high school days. Then, her fighting skills were formidable against Mortal and Paranormal alike. Now, in addition to Double Doctorate in Japanese History and Literature, she achieved Samurai's rank. "Oh, I know you can, Nyoki. You're a guest and my friend."

"You do not need to use European Chivalry on me. I slice potato very well." She held up her newly-sharpened blade. Annoyance dimmed ever so slightly by his nature. She knew he was acting according to his upbringing.

"I don't question that." He shrugged. "We both had a hard day with our classes. I want you to relax. All right? I'm not disrespecting you."

"I know." She rolled her eyes. Despite his issues, she knew why Angie fell in love with him decades earlier. Love at first poem. Would the romantics believe? She remembered Angie falling deeper under Amor's spell. She'd kept Angie safe during their time in Tempe against cultist priests and monsters alike. She recalled Destroyer dealing with the alien Hybrid. Brutality failed to describe Carnage's dirty work in the Superstition Mountains. She watched the Destroyer drop Alien's carcass in front of her. Then, it disappeared. Angie is only one who can love him. I am but a watcher and guide myself. She sheathed her blade again.

"That ham sure smells wonderful!" Aunt May set Knitting Needles and Latest Work in Progress down. She took a draught of tea. Despite his moods, she enjoyed his hospitality. "May I have some more tea please?"

"Of course! I'll get you a fresh cup for the new experience." He stuck a tea bag into the fresh mug. Then, Tea Kettle poured fresh water into it. "Give that a minute. Then, I'll fix it for you. When was Captain Stacy supposed to be back?"

"Mr. Tompkins didn't say. I'm sure they're enjoying themselves, Mr. Dubois. I wouldn't worry. Oh Dear! I normally tell my Peter not to sneak tastes from cooking food. That pot smells so heavenly that I can't help myself!"

Wry Chuckle escaped his mouth. Memoria reminded him of telling his daughters the same thing at various points. "I'd appreciate your expert opinion." He speared Ham's piece and held it over Crock Pot to cool. "Blow on it. It's still hot."

Aunt May followed his advice. Then, she sampled that piece. Flavor exploded in her mouth. "I say! That is wonderful! I'm having Peter buy me one of those newfangled…" She looked the Crock Pot over. "What did you call it?"

'It's a crock pot, Mrs. Parker. It's very handy." He set Lid back onto Pot. "I'd say another hour and a half and we'll be good." He looked out the window. "I see Angie's back with our guests." Towel wiped his hands off. He walked over to the door. "I'll be right back." He grabbed his coat and headed outside. He watched the Datsun come to a stop. He waved. "Hi, Guys! How was your trip?"

"They're all great. I'm doing all right too." Angie hugged him. "Everyone had a sandwich at MacLindy's." She smirked. "Carl will have Mr. Stacy back in an hour or so."

Dave raised an eyebrow. He watched Peter emerge from the car. "Do you need some help, Peter?"

"I'm fine, Professor. Thank you." Peter climbed out of the backseat. "Those chili fries are great!" He put the passenger seat down. "There you go, Go Go Gal!"

"Why thank you, Mr. P!" Gwen climbed out. "Hi, Professor! Just a sec!" She stepped aside. "Need a hand?"

"I got it but thanks." Peter ambled over the seat and out onto the dirt driveway. He put the seat back into position and closed the door. "Good afternoon, Professor Dubois. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I have dinner going inside. One of your fellow guests is here already. Brother Tony's joining us later." Dubois walked down front walk and took a bag. Diamond attracted his eye. "Well now! Your aunt and Gwen's Dad told us about it. That's a nice ring, Kids. Congratulations!" He shook Peter's hand. "You two are going to be great together!"

"Seems the Gossips already had the word spread before their arrival, Chief. Everyone was falling over themselves to congratulate Peter and Gwen." Angie shrugged. "They're heading over to the Tompkins for dinner some night. Millie invited them."

Dave nodded. "Well now! You all are in for a treat! That lady can sure cook up a storm. You'd best save your appetite that day. Speaking of your aunt, Peter, she's waiting right inside for you two. I'm sure she's waiting to fill you in on everything." He motioned toward the house. "After that, you and I need to talk in my lab. Come on in. I'll get your bags inside." He followed Angie to her rear hatch door.

"I can help." Peter grabbed his duffel and Gwen's suitcase. "That good?"

"It's great. Thanks." Dubois took Stacy's suitcase. "By the way, we have other guests. I know I don't have to tell you what that means." Purpose and Reminder curled his lip.

"Thanks. I know." Gratitude offered a nod from Peter.

"Your Uncle Ben sure made some great friends up here." Dubois closed the trunk. "By the way, any more sightings of our friends down there?" He glanced around. Nothing perked his senses. Still, he knew better than to let his guard down.

"Not since that night. Thanks again to him for the save." Peter picked up the suitcases and headed into the house. "Same places as last time?"

"Exactly!" Dubois brought the last suitcase in. "By the way, you remember Professor Nyoki Tuishiama from the Cloisters? She studies Asian History and Literature. She teaches at St. Nichols as well. She, Angie and I go back a long way. She also has encountered the Rider and Company and scored a few hits in the bargain. Nyoki, you remember Peter Parker? This is his fiancée, Gwen Stacy."

Nyoki bowed to the newcomers. "Koniechiwa, my Friends. Welcome to Wabash. I live in Eagle Plain. I have stayed here many times. You will like it."

"Gosh! We sure do, Professor! It's so grand in here. I…" Gwen shook hands with Nyoki. As she did, she noticed the sheathed kitana. "Is that a sword? Wow!"

"It's a kitana. It's just like the one I took the photos of last month." Peter recognized the weapon well. He'd dodged the Silver Samurai's version only a few months earlier. "I've…seen a few documentaries. Besides, Spider-Man told me about the Silver Samurai. That guy has one too." He cast another glance at Nyoki. That's more than an art history to her.

May shook her head and narrowed her eyes. "I wish you wouldn't talk about that awful Spider-Man! Really!"

That name raised Nyoki's eyebrow. What is her issue with Spider-Man? Certainly, she would not believe that baka, Jameson! "That baka? The Silver Samurai shames what it means to be such a warrior. Forgive me, Mrs. Parker. I have to say this. I heard that Spider-Man dealt with him. If you see him, Parker San, please thank him for me?" She bowed again. "I too stopped him. I was at your Metropolitan Museum several months ago. He should not have tried to take what was not his."

"She did." Angie took the cover from Crock Pot's container. "Oh that's what I like!" She set it back on top. Then, she inspected the heating potatoes. "You got it close." Smirk spread across her face.

"Oh? I did huh? Imagine that." Snort followed chuckle from Dubois. "Keep an eye on that. I'm going to put their things upstairs. I hope Gwen's father doesn't mind the downstairs room again. That way, he doesn't have to mess with the stairs?"

"He appreciates that. Thank you." Gwen took in the entire area. "Another week in this great house! I can't wait!" Gwen cheered. "Groovy!"

Peter leaned back against the counter. Everything seemed great. Dinner smelled wonderful. "Aunt May, what's that you're working on? New Afghan?" Interest and Diversion wanted to focus on her activity rather than Spider-Man.

"Why yes!" Aunt May perked up. "I can't have you getting cold this winter! Now can I? I know you get the sniffles so easily." She waved her index finger at him. "You mind me and we'll keep you healthy!"

"That's really great, Aunt May! We'll keep him in chicken soup and warm drinks all winter long. Nothing to worry about between us." Gwen kissed the older woman's cheek.

Aunt May nodded. Assurance coaxed Smile from her. "There now! You see? We'll make sure you're all taken care of, Peter. We just need to be careful." She drank from her tea. "Maybe we can all help set up the booth together tomorrow?"

"Sure thing, Mrs. Parker. We'll be up there in the morning. Fair starts day after tomorrow. Millie and Kelly will be there too. We'll take it slow and get everything built. It'll be fun!" Angie finished setting the table.

"We've got lots of friends to help out, Aunt May. We're going to have fun." Peter rubbed her shoulder.

"I'm sure will. You take care not to exert yourself. You know how you get!" May cleared her throat. "You mind me on that."

"Yes, Aunt May." Somehow, Peter kept a straight face. Of course, as Spider-Man, he could bench press several hundred pounds. There was no point in trying to convince Aunt May however. "I'll be careful."

"Well good. Land sakes! Mr. Stacy must be talking up a storm. I thought he'd be back by now," May assumed.

"You and me both." Worry nagged at Gwen. She looked through the windows for a sign of a car or her father. She glanced at Peter.

"It's going to be all right. He's just running late." Peter embraced Gwen. "Chin up. Remember?"

"I know. Thanks." Gwen returned the gesture with one of her own. "Thanks, Mr. P."

"Anytime, Kid. Anytime." Peter assured her. "I'd love some apple-themed desserts too."

"Peter, you're in the right place. Angie's Mom could cook like nobody's business." Dubois came back into the room. "When we used to drive up here, she'd set her apple cake to cool by the open window. "I think I could pick up on it from a mile away." Chuckle came from his heart and mouth. "Anyhow, I'd get out of the car and there'd be the scent of that cake. I'd take a deep whiff and announce our presence." He sucked in a deep breath. "I SMELL APPLE CAKE!"

Angie snorted. "Then she'd come back with the 'Land sakes! That boy's nose is as sharp as a razor!'" Finger wiped Tear from her Cheek. "You scared them sometimes, Dave. It didn't matter. They loved you like a son." She sighed. "Well, I think this is ready. Brother Tony should be here any time now."

"I'll check on them. Thanks, Dr. Dubois." Peter started toward the other part of the house. Then, he stopped in his tracks. "Professor? About that lab stuff?"

"Oh yes!" Dubois nodded. "Why don't you follow me instead? It'll take a few minutes." He walked back toward the cellar door.

"I'll check on them." Angie motioned toward the door. "You should go with him. He has something important to show you. Nyoki, watch for Brother Tony's truck please?" She disappeared into the house's older part.

Dubois opened the door. "Just remember that low hanging beam down here." He started down the stairs.

"Yeah that." Peter looked toward Nyoki. For some reason, Instinct told him to watch her. Spider Sense nagged at him. She seems friendly enough. She had a lot of good information at the Cloisters. Still, she really went head to head with the Silver Samurai? Really? He disappeared down the stairs.

Nyoki raised an eyebrow. You have many connections under the surface, Parker San. You are very interesting indeed. She looked out into Dusk's deepening hues and contemplated that point for herself.