The next morning was pretty awkward...well...at least it was between 3 specific teenagers. Kurt woke up at 10:30, his usual wake-up time during the weekend. Thoughts of the events that took place hours ago never left his mind, not even in his dreams. Kurt didn't expect Rogue to be so angry about Peter's "night life." Of course Kurt knew of the dangerous situations Peter would encounter by doing the super-hero thing, but the points that Rogue made where a complete surprise to Kurt, and perhaps a little too harsh.
As Kurt continued to think, he teleported to the kitchen to get something to eat. Rogue was there eating some oatmeal on the counter. Kurt tried his hardest to avoid the inevitable conversation, so he didn't say a word and headed over to the cereal cupboard. He took out a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and began to pour it in a bowl. He took a quick glance at Rogue to see if she was having a hard time staying quiet like he was, but she didn't find it hard to stay silent. She never did. The temptation for Kurt to speak grew increased, but he was determined to stay silent.
"Don't you think you were a little hard on him?" Of course, it wouldn't last long.
"Do you think I was wrong?" asked Rogue calmly. "Do you think it's okay for him to sneak out night after night, and one day might end up dead?"
"No," replied Kurt. "But...calling him a slave? Bringing his uncle into it? You kinda cornered him pretty badly."
"But it's true," Rogue simply replied.
"I know...but..."
"Here...look at this," Rogue interrupted as he tossed Kurt a newspaper that was rolled up into a cylinder. Kurt caught the paper. "Front page," directed Rogue. Kurt unfolded it and gazed at the front page. It was the Daily Bugle newspaper, one of the numerous amounts of newspapers the Institute was subscribed to. Kurt looked at the main story, which had a big picture focusing on a small figure that looks as if he was flying...or maybe...swinging...over New York City. However the figure seemed like it was just a spic. Kurt let out a nervous sigh. "See? This super-hero thing is already getting attention!"
Something else also caught Kurt's attention. Just about the horrible picture of Spider-Man, where the words printed, "Wanted: Quality Photos of this masked man! Will be handsomely rewarded!" That ad doesn't make things any better.
"I guess... Your right," admitted Kurt.
"I am right," Rogue insisted. Kurt rolled his golden colored eyes. "So when he wakes up, you should talk to him about it."
"ME!?" asked Kurt. Even though he knew somehow that wrong was going to make him do all the hard stuff, Kurt was kind of in shock. "Vhy me!? This is your brilliant idea!"
"I already talked to him, it's your turn."
"I was right with you!"
"Yeah, but you didn't help! If anything, you encouraged him!"
"Vas!? No I didn't!"
"C'mon, Kurt! You spend more time with him than anyone else here, anyway!"
"Vhat?? I spend just as much as time with as you do!"
"Are you kidding? Remember Wednesday when you and Peter climbed up the mansion and watched Jean, Kitty, and them try on new clothes through Jean's window?"
"....Oh yeah, that was good...."
Rogue rolled her eyes in complete disgust, but used it to her advantage. "See? Your like his best friend! Not to mention you two are practically the same guy." Once again, Rogue speaks the truth.
"Ok, Ok, I'll talk to him!" Kurt said as he left the room...forgetting completely about his cereal. Kurt entered the living room and spotted Scott on the couch, reading the newspaper as always...wait...newspaper? Kurt nervously walked over to Scott. "Guten Morgen," Kurt said to Scott.
"Morning, Kurt," Scott replied as he took a sip of his coffee, not taking his eyes off the newspaper.
"Do you know if Peter's up yet?" he asked. Kurt took a quick look at the front page of the paper quickly to see if Scott's paper might have said something about Peter, but it appeared to be normal.
"Yeah, he's in the dark room," replied Scott.
"Dark room?" asked Kurt. "We have a dark room?? Since when do we have a dark room?"
"Since Hank and the kids went to the forest. Ever since then, he's had a habit of taking pictures."
"Oh. Vell...where is it?"
"It's the door right across from the game room."
"OK, thanks!" said Kurt as he teleported to just outside the game room with a BAMF! Kurt glanced at the room just in front of him. He slowly turned the door knob as if trying not to disturb anyone, and slowly opened the door. The room had a dark red light, just like any other dark room. Kurt noticed a figure right in front of him. "Peter?" he whispers softly.
The figure quickly snapped around which startled Kurt. Peter's eyes where wide as if he just saw a ghost, but eventually relaxed. "Oh, it's you," Peter said in relief.
"What do you mean 'oh it's me?'" asked Kurt as he approached the pictured that were hanging on a wire right above Peter. "Who are you afraid...." Kurt trailed off after realizing exactly what those pictures were. Each of those pictured contained a close up of Peter in his red and blue Spider-Man costume. Each picture was different. One of them was Spider-Man climbing a wall, another was Spider-Man jumping from building to building. He even had a few of Spider-Man fighting off men in black leather jackets. "H...How?" asked Kurt slightly nervous.
Peter laughed. "It's no big deal. It's just a hobby." He said as he continued to develop more pictures. "I got a camera from my Uncle when I was 12...but I never even touched it until..." Peter trailed off, but Kurt knew what he wanted to say. Kurt examined more of Peter's pictures. They looked as if they were taken by a professional.
"Hey," began Kurt. "Ever think about taking pictures for the Bayville High Newspaper? I'm sure Jean could..." Kurt trailed off after thinking of another idea. A better idea. Kurt's face looked as though he had an epiphany. Peter didn't notice.
"Well, I did work for the newspaper at my old school...but..."
"I'll be right back!" snapped Kurt as he quickly teleported out of the room. Peter was puzzled at the sudden mood change, but eventually shook it off and went back to developing pictures. After about 5 minutes of silence, Kurt teleported back to the dark room, with a rolled up newspaper in his hand. "Here! Look at this!"
"Kurt!" said Peter getting slightly annoyed. "Do you always have to do that?"
"Never mind that! Check this out!" Kurt half-yelled as he unrolled the paper revealing the front page. It was the same newspaper Rogue showed Kurt earlier called the Daily Bugle. At first, Peter had no clue why Kurt was acting so excited, but then he notice the big letters underneath the horrible newspaper photo.
"Reward...??" Peter said to himself. Kurt nodded with a huge smile on his face. Peter took a quick glance at his photos and then back to Kurt. "Why?" he asked his friend.
"You've helped me a couple of times, Peter," began Kurt tossing him the newspaper. "And here's your reward." Peter suddenly put on a huge grin.
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A few hours later...
"Hey Scott!" yelled Peter running towards the 17 year old in red sunglasses, who was sitting on the couch in the living room on the phone. "Scott! I need you to do me a favor! Please!"
"Hold on, Alex," Scott said into the phone. "What?"
"Could you...." Peter wasn't actually prepared for this. He came up with a story as quickly as possible. "Could you drop me off at....the...Mall?"
"For what?"
"Uh...I know someone who works there...from school...that I just met...and...and he wanted to hang out. So, could you help me out?"
"Peter I'm kinda busy right now. Ask Jean. I'm sure she'll do it."
"Alright..." Said Peter somewhat upset. Peter left the living room as Scott continued his phone conversation. Peter practically sprinted to Jean's room and pounded on the door.
"Who is it?" said Jean form the other side.
"Jean! It's Peter! I need you to do me a favor!"
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Later....
Spider-Man landed firmly on the roof of a building that had two big letters on it.
"DAILY BUGLE"
Peter didn't actually expect Jean to buy Peter's story of going to a mall. He always thought that a telepath could see through a lie easily, but it looks like Jean wasn't aware of Peter's real agenda. What he really had in mind was waiting in the mall until he was sure that Jean left, slipping on his costume when he was sure no one would see him, and going on a 20 minute web swing to Manhattan....which was exactly what he did. While on the roof, Peter quickly changed his cold and went into the ventilation ducts that led into the men's restroom at the top floor.
Peter exited the men's room, and began looking for the main office for the Daily Bugle. He eventually found it and entered. He was greeted by a secretary. "Hi. Can I help you?" asked the secretary. It was strange. Usually secretaries of in there 20s or higher, but this certain one seemed to be Peter's age...if not a little over. She was a pretty girl with short hair and fairly dark skin...as if she was Latina or Filipino. However, she spoke as if she was born and raised in the city. Peter took a minute to examine the pretty lady at the desk... and then realized that he was staring.
"Uh...yes," he finally replied. The pretty girl rolled her eyes. "I'm here in response to the front page ad. My name is Peter Parker."
"I see," replied the secretary. "Well, Peter Parker...aren't you a little young for being a photographer?"
"Aren't you a little young for being a secretary?"
The secretary didn't reply right away. She eventually laughed and said, "Well, how old do you think I am?"
"17"
Bullseye. "What about you?" she asked slightly embarrassed.
"I'm turning 17 in a month or two."
"Month or two? Which one is it?"
"Three."
The secretary laughed again.... and then there was silence. "Well," continued the Secretary breaking the silence. "If you got pictures for Mr. Jameson, then I have to see the first." she said holding her hand out as if she was waiting to be paid.
"Really?" asked Peter not convinced. The pretty secretary nodded. "Fine, here." he said giving her the envelope.
She slowly opened the envelope so as not to tear it and took out the pictures. As soon as she saw them, her eyes made it clear that she was very surprised. Her beautiful light brown stayed wade for an good amount of time before saying, "Wow..these are...amazing..." Peter smiled in accomplishment. "What...how...did you get...these?"
"I took em."
"Well, I figured that. But...how? How'd you get so close?"
"You wanna know?" The girl nodded. "Sorry, trade secret."
The girl exhaled in disappointment and then gave Peter a soar look...not losing a single bit on attractiveness. "What? Does a magician reveal his secrets?"
Another disappointing sigh. "Fine. Here." she said giving the envelope full of pictures back to Peter. "Follow me." The secretary got up from her desk and headed towards the door behind her. Peter followed.
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
"Mr. Jameson, I'm telling you! The guy is miles above ground going god knows how fast! It's impossible to get pictures of him!"
"What do you mean 'Impossible'?" Nothing's impossible. Go on top of buildings! This is Manhattan for Christ's sake!"
"Sir, there are hundreds of buildings in this city! What are the odds of him going to just one!?"
"But he'll eventually hit them, right? Camp all day and all night if you have to! I want pictures of that bug-freak buy Fridays issue. That's almost a week. Get your camping gear and camp out on Time Square or something!"
"Jonah!" said a third voice finally. "We can't force him to do that. We could get in trouble for that."
"In trouble for what, Robbie?" asked J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle newspaper. "Asking a decent job for one of my employees? Is that illegal too, now?"
"Listen, Jonah." replied a...round...African American with grey hair. "Eddies been working on this case for weeks, and I doubt if he can't do it, someone else can. Maybe that ad was a waste of paper...especially for the front page." Just then, there was a knock of a glass window to the side of Jameson's desk. It was his pretty secretary. He signaled for her to come in, and she walked over to his door on the other side of the office, followed by Peter.
"This better be good," says Jameson as she walks through the door followed by Peter.
"I really think you'll like this, sir." She said. "This is Peter Parker." She continued as her pointed to the man behind her.
"Yeah? So?" replied Jameson.
"I think he has something for you," she said.
"Listen, if your from the Vons, I told you people, I payed the bill and sent it in. Now get out of here!"
Peter shot the secretary a glance, and she smiled as if expecting that. "Im...no sir," began Peter. "I'm here in response to the front page ad." Jameson looked at Robbie, who was a shocked as he was.
"Listen kid," began Jameson...again. "I don't have time for games right now I got a paper to run."
"And I think your paper might run a little faster if you take a look at this." Peter spoke with pride. Eddie was somewhat nervous. Robbie was intrigued. The secretary was anxious. And it was unclear of Jameson was even paying attention, but Peter's words shut him up...well...for a few seconds. Peter threw down the envelope on Jameson's desk. James looked at the envelope, and look at Peter. He quickly took it, as if he wanted to just get it over with, opened it and looked at the pictures. Another pair of eyes widened that made Peter smile. He flipped through the dozen of pictures quickly, but still examined all of them.
"These..aren't that bad..." admitted Jameson. "I'll give you a hundred for them."
Peter's smile widened. "A hundred? For each??"
"For each!?" said Jameson almost in state of shock. "What are you insane? Do I have to call the looney house?" Peter's smile disappeared. "A hundred for all of them. Don't think your good stuff just by walking in."
Peter looked at the secretary again. She gave him a look back, and if looks could speak, it would say, 'go for more.' "A hundred dollars?" asked Peter. He satared at the ceiling as if he was thinking about. "No thanks," he said, which made Jameson put on an angry face. Peter picked up the pictures and the envelope and said, "I'll just take them over to the times. Maybe they'll-"
"Give me those!" yelled Jameson as he took the pictures back and skimed through them one more time. Peter took another look at the secretary and she gave him a discreet thumbs up. Peter smiled, then looked back at Jameson, who was still skimming through the pictures. "Okay...these are pretty good," Jameson began. "Not even Brock is capable of something like this." Peter didn't even notice the man next to him. He looked 18 or 19, and was athletically built. Eddie Brock looked over to Peter and practically gave him a death glare. Peter was amused. "Ok...I'll give you 500...but I want first look at all of the next pics do we have a deal?"
Better than 100. "Deal," said Peter.
"Good," said Jameson. "Follow the girl here, she'll make sure you get paid."
"I'd like a job, sir," said Peter hoping to get a little more than just 500 dollars.
"Job?" asked Jameson as if the thought was unheard of. "What do you want a job for? Aren't you too young? How old are you? 12? 13?"
"16, sir."
"See?? Your practically still in diapers." Peter looked at him like he was crazy. "But remember our deal. You being back more pictures of the masked freak and maybe I'll take em off your hands. But no jobs! I'm paying Brock too much already. Now get outta here!"
Peter and the secretary both reluctantly left Jameson's office. "Oh, my god. I got to take pictures for that guy, now?" Peter asked the secretary.
"Try being his bitch," she said. Peter laughed. "Okay, Mr. Parker, follow me, and you'll get your money."
"You know what? I've just realized I never got your name."
"Why are you intrested."
Uh oh. Lady mind tricks again. "I'm not..." IDIOT!
"Your not? Then why'd you ask?"
Ok Peter, it's time for you to recover! Don't blow it! "We'll, you really helped me out in there. Don't I deserve to know your name?" Eh...not bad.
The secretary laughed, and began to right the check as if she was just ignoring Peter. Peter gave himself a mental kick in the ass for being his original not-smooth self. After she wrote the check, she handed it to Peter and said, "My name is Betty Brant?"
"...Betty...?" asked Peter.
"Yes...betty. And don't bother with the jokes. I've heard him all."
"Never crossed my mind..."
""""""""""""""""
The curse of other's is deep within her, yet, she is still self possessed by her own power. She doesn't need help. She can do it on her own. Or so that's what she claims. She believes that trusting...or completely trusting others, is a weakness. She finds it hard to believe, but she's still intrigued by the thought of someone, somewhere meeting her needs. By the thought of someone somewhere meeting her dreams.
As Kurt continued to think, he teleported to the kitchen to get something to eat. Rogue was there eating some oatmeal on the counter. Kurt tried his hardest to avoid the inevitable conversation, so he didn't say a word and headed over to the cereal cupboard. He took out a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and began to pour it in a bowl. He took a quick glance at Rogue to see if she was having a hard time staying quiet like he was, but she didn't find it hard to stay silent. She never did. The temptation for Kurt to speak grew increased, but he was determined to stay silent.
"Don't you think you were a little hard on him?" Of course, it wouldn't last long.
"Do you think I was wrong?" asked Rogue calmly. "Do you think it's okay for him to sneak out night after night, and one day might end up dead?"
"No," replied Kurt. "But...calling him a slave? Bringing his uncle into it? You kinda cornered him pretty badly."
"But it's true," Rogue simply replied.
"I know...but..."
"Here...look at this," Rogue interrupted as he tossed Kurt a newspaper that was rolled up into a cylinder. Kurt caught the paper. "Front page," directed Rogue. Kurt unfolded it and gazed at the front page. It was the Daily Bugle newspaper, one of the numerous amounts of newspapers the Institute was subscribed to. Kurt looked at the main story, which had a big picture focusing on a small figure that looks as if he was flying...or maybe...swinging...over New York City. However the figure seemed like it was just a spic. Kurt let out a nervous sigh. "See? This super-hero thing is already getting attention!"
Something else also caught Kurt's attention. Just about the horrible picture of Spider-Man, where the words printed, "Wanted: Quality Photos of this masked man! Will be handsomely rewarded!" That ad doesn't make things any better.
"I guess... Your right," admitted Kurt.
"I am right," Rogue insisted. Kurt rolled his golden colored eyes. "So when he wakes up, you should talk to him about it."
"ME!?" asked Kurt. Even though he knew somehow that wrong was going to make him do all the hard stuff, Kurt was kind of in shock. "Vhy me!? This is your brilliant idea!"
"I already talked to him, it's your turn."
"I was right with you!"
"Yeah, but you didn't help! If anything, you encouraged him!"
"Vas!? No I didn't!"
"C'mon, Kurt! You spend more time with him than anyone else here, anyway!"
"Vhat?? I spend just as much as time with as you do!"
"Are you kidding? Remember Wednesday when you and Peter climbed up the mansion and watched Jean, Kitty, and them try on new clothes through Jean's window?"
"....Oh yeah, that was good...."
Rogue rolled her eyes in complete disgust, but used it to her advantage. "See? Your like his best friend! Not to mention you two are practically the same guy." Once again, Rogue speaks the truth.
"Ok, Ok, I'll talk to him!" Kurt said as he left the room...forgetting completely about his cereal. Kurt entered the living room and spotted Scott on the couch, reading the newspaper as always...wait...newspaper? Kurt nervously walked over to Scott. "Guten Morgen," Kurt said to Scott.
"Morning, Kurt," Scott replied as he took a sip of his coffee, not taking his eyes off the newspaper.
"Do you know if Peter's up yet?" he asked. Kurt took a quick look at the front page of the paper quickly to see if Scott's paper might have said something about Peter, but it appeared to be normal.
"Yeah, he's in the dark room," replied Scott.
"Dark room?" asked Kurt. "We have a dark room?? Since when do we have a dark room?"
"Since Hank and the kids went to the forest. Ever since then, he's had a habit of taking pictures."
"Oh. Vell...where is it?"
"It's the door right across from the game room."
"OK, thanks!" said Kurt as he teleported to just outside the game room with a BAMF! Kurt glanced at the room just in front of him. He slowly turned the door knob as if trying not to disturb anyone, and slowly opened the door. The room had a dark red light, just like any other dark room. Kurt noticed a figure right in front of him. "Peter?" he whispers softly.
The figure quickly snapped around which startled Kurt. Peter's eyes where wide as if he just saw a ghost, but eventually relaxed. "Oh, it's you," Peter said in relief.
"What do you mean 'oh it's me?'" asked Kurt as he approached the pictured that were hanging on a wire right above Peter. "Who are you afraid...." Kurt trailed off after realizing exactly what those pictures were. Each of those pictured contained a close up of Peter in his red and blue Spider-Man costume. Each picture was different. One of them was Spider-Man climbing a wall, another was Spider-Man jumping from building to building. He even had a few of Spider-Man fighting off men in black leather jackets. "H...How?" asked Kurt slightly nervous.
Peter laughed. "It's no big deal. It's just a hobby." He said as he continued to develop more pictures. "I got a camera from my Uncle when I was 12...but I never even touched it until..." Peter trailed off, but Kurt knew what he wanted to say. Kurt examined more of Peter's pictures. They looked as if they were taken by a professional.
"Hey," began Kurt. "Ever think about taking pictures for the Bayville High Newspaper? I'm sure Jean could..." Kurt trailed off after thinking of another idea. A better idea. Kurt's face looked as though he had an epiphany. Peter didn't notice.
"Well, I did work for the newspaper at my old school...but..."
"I'll be right back!" snapped Kurt as he quickly teleported out of the room. Peter was puzzled at the sudden mood change, but eventually shook it off and went back to developing pictures. After about 5 minutes of silence, Kurt teleported back to the dark room, with a rolled up newspaper in his hand. "Here! Look at this!"
"Kurt!" said Peter getting slightly annoyed. "Do you always have to do that?"
"Never mind that! Check this out!" Kurt half-yelled as he unrolled the paper revealing the front page. It was the same newspaper Rogue showed Kurt earlier called the Daily Bugle. At first, Peter had no clue why Kurt was acting so excited, but then he notice the big letters underneath the horrible newspaper photo.
"Reward...??" Peter said to himself. Kurt nodded with a huge smile on his face. Peter took a quick glance at his photos and then back to Kurt. "Why?" he asked his friend.
"You've helped me a couple of times, Peter," began Kurt tossing him the newspaper. "And here's your reward." Peter suddenly put on a huge grin.
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A few hours later...
"Hey Scott!" yelled Peter running towards the 17 year old in red sunglasses, who was sitting on the couch in the living room on the phone. "Scott! I need you to do me a favor! Please!"
"Hold on, Alex," Scott said into the phone. "What?"
"Could you...." Peter wasn't actually prepared for this. He came up with a story as quickly as possible. "Could you drop me off at....the...Mall?"
"For what?"
"Uh...I know someone who works there...from school...that I just met...and...and he wanted to hang out. So, could you help me out?"
"Peter I'm kinda busy right now. Ask Jean. I'm sure she'll do it."
"Alright..." Said Peter somewhat upset. Peter left the living room as Scott continued his phone conversation. Peter practically sprinted to Jean's room and pounded on the door.
"Who is it?" said Jean form the other side.
"Jean! It's Peter! I need you to do me a favor!"
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Later....
Spider-Man landed firmly on the roof of a building that had two big letters on it.
"DAILY BUGLE"
Peter didn't actually expect Jean to buy Peter's story of going to a mall. He always thought that a telepath could see through a lie easily, but it looks like Jean wasn't aware of Peter's real agenda. What he really had in mind was waiting in the mall until he was sure that Jean left, slipping on his costume when he was sure no one would see him, and going on a 20 minute web swing to Manhattan....which was exactly what he did. While on the roof, Peter quickly changed his cold and went into the ventilation ducts that led into the men's restroom at the top floor.
Peter exited the men's room, and began looking for the main office for the Daily Bugle. He eventually found it and entered. He was greeted by a secretary. "Hi. Can I help you?" asked the secretary. It was strange. Usually secretaries of in there 20s or higher, but this certain one seemed to be Peter's age...if not a little over. She was a pretty girl with short hair and fairly dark skin...as if she was Latina or Filipino. However, she spoke as if she was born and raised in the city. Peter took a minute to examine the pretty lady at the desk... and then realized that he was staring.
"Uh...yes," he finally replied. The pretty girl rolled her eyes. "I'm here in response to the front page ad. My name is Peter Parker."
"I see," replied the secretary. "Well, Peter Parker...aren't you a little young for being a photographer?"
"Aren't you a little young for being a secretary?"
The secretary didn't reply right away. She eventually laughed and said, "Well, how old do you think I am?"
"17"
Bullseye. "What about you?" she asked slightly embarrassed.
"I'm turning 17 in a month or two."
"Month or two? Which one is it?"
"Three."
The secretary laughed again.... and then there was silence. "Well," continued the Secretary breaking the silence. "If you got pictures for Mr. Jameson, then I have to see the first." she said holding her hand out as if she was waiting to be paid.
"Really?" asked Peter not convinced. The pretty secretary nodded. "Fine, here." he said giving her the envelope.
She slowly opened the envelope so as not to tear it and took out the pictures. As soon as she saw them, her eyes made it clear that she was very surprised. Her beautiful light brown stayed wade for an good amount of time before saying, "Wow..these are...amazing..." Peter smiled in accomplishment. "What...how...did you get...these?"
"I took em."
"Well, I figured that. But...how? How'd you get so close?"
"You wanna know?" The girl nodded. "Sorry, trade secret."
The girl exhaled in disappointment and then gave Peter a soar look...not losing a single bit on attractiveness. "What? Does a magician reveal his secrets?"
Another disappointing sigh. "Fine. Here." she said giving the envelope full of pictures back to Peter. "Follow me." The secretary got up from her desk and headed towards the door behind her. Peter followed.
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"Mr. Jameson, I'm telling you! The guy is miles above ground going god knows how fast! It's impossible to get pictures of him!"
"What do you mean 'Impossible'?" Nothing's impossible. Go on top of buildings! This is Manhattan for Christ's sake!"
"Sir, there are hundreds of buildings in this city! What are the odds of him going to just one!?"
"But he'll eventually hit them, right? Camp all day and all night if you have to! I want pictures of that bug-freak buy Fridays issue. That's almost a week. Get your camping gear and camp out on Time Square or something!"
"Jonah!" said a third voice finally. "We can't force him to do that. We could get in trouble for that."
"In trouble for what, Robbie?" asked J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle newspaper. "Asking a decent job for one of my employees? Is that illegal too, now?"
"Listen, Jonah." replied a...round...African American with grey hair. "Eddies been working on this case for weeks, and I doubt if he can't do it, someone else can. Maybe that ad was a waste of paper...especially for the front page." Just then, there was a knock of a glass window to the side of Jameson's desk. It was his pretty secretary. He signaled for her to come in, and she walked over to his door on the other side of the office, followed by Peter.
"This better be good," says Jameson as she walks through the door followed by Peter.
"I really think you'll like this, sir." She said. "This is Peter Parker." She continued as her pointed to the man behind her.
"Yeah? So?" replied Jameson.
"I think he has something for you," she said.
"Listen, if your from the Vons, I told you people, I payed the bill and sent it in. Now get out of here!"
Peter shot the secretary a glance, and she smiled as if expecting that. "Im...no sir," began Peter. "I'm here in response to the front page ad." Jameson looked at Robbie, who was a shocked as he was.
"Listen kid," began Jameson...again. "I don't have time for games right now I got a paper to run."
"And I think your paper might run a little faster if you take a look at this." Peter spoke with pride. Eddie was somewhat nervous. Robbie was intrigued. The secretary was anxious. And it was unclear of Jameson was even paying attention, but Peter's words shut him up...well...for a few seconds. Peter threw down the envelope on Jameson's desk. James looked at the envelope, and look at Peter. He quickly took it, as if he wanted to just get it over with, opened it and looked at the pictures. Another pair of eyes widened that made Peter smile. He flipped through the dozen of pictures quickly, but still examined all of them.
"These..aren't that bad..." admitted Jameson. "I'll give you a hundred for them."
Peter's smile widened. "A hundred? For each??"
"For each!?" said Jameson almost in state of shock. "What are you insane? Do I have to call the looney house?" Peter's smile disappeared. "A hundred for all of them. Don't think your good stuff just by walking in."
Peter looked at the secretary again. She gave him a look back, and if looks could speak, it would say, 'go for more.' "A hundred dollars?" asked Peter. He satared at the ceiling as if he was thinking about. "No thanks," he said, which made Jameson put on an angry face. Peter picked up the pictures and the envelope and said, "I'll just take them over to the times. Maybe they'll-"
"Give me those!" yelled Jameson as he took the pictures back and skimed through them one more time. Peter took another look at the secretary and she gave him a discreet thumbs up. Peter smiled, then looked back at Jameson, who was still skimming through the pictures. "Okay...these are pretty good," Jameson began. "Not even Brock is capable of something like this." Peter didn't even notice the man next to him. He looked 18 or 19, and was athletically built. Eddie Brock looked over to Peter and practically gave him a death glare. Peter was amused. "Ok...I'll give you 500...but I want first look at all of the next pics do we have a deal?"
Better than 100. "Deal," said Peter.
"Good," said Jameson. "Follow the girl here, she'll make sure you get paid."
"I'd like a job, sir," said Peter hoping to get a little more than just 500 dollars.
"Job?" asked Jameson as if the thought was unheard of. "What do you want a job for? Aren't you too young? How old are you? 12? 13?"
"16, sir."
"See?? Your practically still in diapers." Peter looked at him like he was crazy. "But remember our deal. You being back more pictures of the masked freak and maybe I'll take em off your hands. But no jobs! I'm paying Brock too much already. Now get outta here!"
Peter and the secretary both reluctantly left Jameson's office. "Oh, my god. I got to take pictures for that guy, now?" Peter asked the secretary.
"Try being his bitch," she said. Peter laughed. "Okay, Mr. Parker, follow me, and you'll get your money."
"You know what? I've just realized I never got your name."
"Why are you intrested."
Uh oh. Lady mind tricks again. "I'm not..." IDIOT!
"Your not? Then why'd you ask?"
Ok Peter, it's time for you to recover! Don't blow it! "We'll, you really helped me out in there. Don't I deserve to know your name?" Eh...not bad.
The secretary laughed, and began to right the check as if she was just ignoring Peter. Peter gave himself a mental kick in the ass for being his original not-smooth self. After she wrote the check, she handed it to Peter and said, "My name is Betty Brant?"
"...Betty...?" asked Peter.
"Yes...betty. And don't bother with the jokes. I've heard him all."
"Never crossed my mind..."
""""""""""""""""
The curse of other's is deep within her, yet, she is still self possessed by her own power. She doesn't need help. She can do it on her own. Or so that's what she claims. She believes that trusting...or completely trusting others, is a weakness. She finds it hard to believe, but she's still intrigued by the thought of someone, somewhere meeting her needs. By the thought of someone somewhere meeting her dreams.
