Been a while. Not gonna bother with excuses, just hope you enjoy the chapter. After what happened last time I figured we needed some winding down so this'll be a more relaxing chapter. Following some reader requests I'll also have something people are asking for: more Defenders in a casual setting.

Nerdman3000 also made some really nice twitter segments for the line breaks. As before I'll italicize them so people know they're his.


GigaWattBoy: Did you guys see Tony Stark's new announcement?!

Reply from ROne-EyedX-Man: Yup! I guess Stark must have been really worried about Thor having all the ladies in the Avengers to himself.

Reply from BBFinn: One second we had a girls only Avengers, now the team is adding two dudes. What a week!

Reply from ROne-EyedX-Man: Personally though, what kind of a name is Iron Machine, and who is this Rhodes guy who Stark is giving the suit?

Reply from GigaWattBoy: Well James Rhodes is Tony Stark's best friend. Makes sense Stark would give him the suit. As for Iron Machine, well, Rhodes nickname is War Machine, but I guess having a name with War in it doesn't sell all that well?

Reply from LaserBrainMF: They should have gone with Iron Man if that's the case. Isn't that what Tony Stark's super hero identity was in one of those other universes Spinnerette and Cap have talked about?

Reply from BBFinn: I guess Stark was jealous of giving Rhodes that other Tony Stark's super hero name?

Reply from LaserBrainMF: Maybe.

Reply from SaturnGirl99: Forget the name, did you see that suit?! It looks incredible! And I just love the red and gold color scheme!


"Sorry I'm late." Cindy stopped her sprint and stuck her feet to the ground to avoid colliding into Scott. She had to swing all the way over to where they agreed to meet then stop a couple of blocks over to make sure no one would see Spinerette. As much as exposing her identity meant people trusted her more (not that Gwen ever seemed to have issues with that...) it also meant keeping a low profile was harder. All it took was one wrong fan with a camera phone and bye-bye date.

"It's cool. Just got here too." Scott smiled and looked her up and down. Not in a weird way, more taking note on her new look. Just like the time at the zoo she made sure to keep covered up. Dark jeans, boots, and a brown jacket with the hood kept up to block her face from view. Wasn't exactly flattering but it did the job, "I think you're missing the baseball cap. And maybe a facemask."

"Ha. Ha." She rolled her eyes and checked her phone. It was noon - would've gone earlier but of course that mountain of paperwork decided to fuck her hard and slow, "So where we going? Cause if you don't have anywhere then I know a few places around." She was the one who invited him out to make this a real date so it was only fair she plan it out.

"Course I've got a plan. Give me a little credit here, Spin." Spin? Well it wasn't the worst nickname, "Can't take you to the opera or anything but I do know some places around here."

"Alright then. Lead the way, Mr. Lang."

The first place ended up being an arcade. Kind of a weird place for people their age but she didn't care. Way too many people thought she was into fancy shit like five star restaurants or private jet dates to France. Screw that. Just cause she had Tony Stark on speed dial didn't mean she was one of his Bond girls.

"Dude, you suck at this." Cindy smirked at Scott as the zombie swiped at his last life again. House of the Dead - Home of the Deceased cause shut up - was an oldie but goodie gun game she remembered playing with her little brother years ago. Kind of awkward now, though. Hard to remember she could just shoot out of the screen instead of having to replace a magazine.

"Gimme a break. It's been years since I did this." He inserted two more tokens, "By the way you know you get more points aiming for the chest."

"They're zombies. You shoot them in the head, them's the rules." Least that didn't change in this dimension. Same with Vampries and sunlight or Werewolves with silver. She would know - Pete dealt with both of them and never stopped complaining about how much of a pain in the ass they were. Good thing she stuck with terrorists and supervillains. Didn't wanna make things complicated.

"It's a game. More points for more hits."

"Tell me that when you're not bleeding tokens." As if on cue the boss - a giant, undead horse drooling on the screen - bit off another one of his life torches.

"I'm not the one with superpowers."

"No need to be a sore loser, Scottie." She bumped his left shoulder with her right lightly and finished off the horse with a shot straight to its oversized tongue. As annoying as the name changes were it was pretty cool seeing how different things were. Not just big stuff likes names and histories but even smaller things like video games and comics. Even golden oldie stuff felt all new again.

They ran through the different games. Scott sucked at the fighting and racing ones but he was actually pretty good at air hockey. She tried not to let her mind wander as she looked at the smiling puck. It was...way too long since she played hockey. Back in high school it was her life. Her mom hated it, always told her she needed to focus on her studies, but she kept her grades up enough that she always used it to win an argument.

She had to give it up after she got her powers and she accidentally shoved someone so hard they broke a couple of ribs.

"You okay, Spin?"

"Yeah. I'm good." She shook her head and forced herself to smile. She did her best not to let the past decade bother her but she still had her moments. Made sense. You don't spend ten years cut off from human contact in some isolated bunker with nothing to show for it, "It's just...been a while since I went to the arcade, you know? Most times I'm shooting people it's not exactly fun."

"Wouldn't know. Sorry." He smiled slightly and shrugged.

"Yeah, sorry. Not exactly a fun topic." She made the last goal ands stepped away from the cold table, "I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat."

She and Scott had a dinner at a small mom and pop restaurant. It was cozy, and definitely less awkward than the fancy five-star dinner date she had with Silver. Here she didn't have to worry about people watching her or trying to put on airs.

"So I gotta ask," Scott started and already Cindy knew he was gonna put himself down. That tone was way too familiar, "Why did you ask me out? I mean I know I started it and everything but I was like...80% expecting you to say no?"

"Really? 80?" She raised a brow.

"I mean there was a 15% chance you'd say yes cause we're parent buddies. That little 5% is you saying yes for other reasons."

"Like maybe I legitimately like you?"

"Yeah. That." He took a big bite of burger, "I mean ignoring the whole 'single dad former burglar' thing you gotta have better options. Big time hero like you's probably drowning in people asking her out."

"You'd be surprised." Her shoulders sagged slightly. Wasn't exactly the best date topic but at least it allowed her to vent, "Before I exposed my identity dates were hit or miss. There were some good guys in there, don't get me wrong, but the whole 'secret identity' and 'working for the police on loan' thing really cut into the whole dating thing. Had to reschedule and keep making excuses and dates eventually figured it wasn't worth it."

"And after?"

"Fans who just wanted to date Spinerette." She rolled her eyes. It wasn't like she didn't expect it to happen. Still annoying, "Guys who I went on one date with, new people who thought I was their in with the Avengers...the works. Had to delete my dating profile cause the messages got too bad. People can be real entitled bastards." Not that didn't know that already. Gwen's stories were enough to paint a vivid picture.

"Sorry."

"Eh, it's not that big a deal." She shrugged, "Besides, you're different."

"I am?"

"You knew who I was and you didn't give a crap. You helped me out with Laura too, which is definitely appreciated." She lightly kicked him under the table, "Most people when they see me and Laura they start questioning. Is she really my kid? What's our relationship? Why am I taking care of her? You didn't. I told you she was my kid and you didn't pry pry when I said so."

"Maybe I just didn't wanna piss off the lady with super strength and guns?"

"Still makes you smarter than most people."

They both split the bill (Scott insisted she shouldn't have to pay for everything) and went out. The next place was a surprise, which Cindy wasn't much a fan of. The last time she had a surprise Ezekiel told her about the bunker.

"Scott, seriously where are we going?"

"We're almost there. Just trust me."

Trust...not something she handed out a lot. Caring about someone wasn't the same as trusting them. She cared about Jean and the rest of the officers (except Masters, he could go suck an egg), but she didn't really trust them the same way she trusted Peter or Lana. Another thing her therapist was trying to help her get over. It was slow going.

They stopped in front of a vaguely familiar building. Cindy's look of confusion turned to surprise when she saw the game playing today: a hockey game, "Surprise." Scott gave her a crooked grin and flashed two tickets, "Crows vs Vultures."

"H-How did..."

"Laura told me. She...uh, she said you were a real big hockey fan. So I called up my old friend Luis who knows a guy who knows another guy who had some tickets for sale. It isn't front row seats, but-"

Cindy grabbed his face with hands and pulled him into a sudden kiss. A few people looked at the sudden PDA but most just ignored it as another day in New York. The contact lasted for a few seconds before Cindy pulled back and grinned up at him, "This...is one of the sweetest things anyone's ever done for me."

"Hey come on, you're exaggerating."

"Dude, it's been over a decade since I went on a hockey game." She'd always been so busy that she never even considered pre-ordering tickets or finding the schedules, "This is...thank you, Scott. Seriously."

"Well...you're welcome. Come on let's get inside."

It felt like she was a teenager again. She remembered sneaking out of her window and going with Hector to watch some amateur games the other teenagers in the neighborhood played. It was the same feeling as back then. More than swinging through buildings or dodging bullets this made her excited. Just being a fan cheering for her team to win.

It was nighttime by the time the game finished. Scott offered to let her stay the night since Cassie was at a sleepover and she accepted on the condition that she had to leave early the next morning. She and the rest of the Avengers had the whole San Fransokyo thing to deal with.

"San Fransokyo?" Scott asked over dinner.

"Huh? Oh yeah." She waved a fork lazily, "Cap figured we needed a few more members so she got a couple of guys. Stark wanted to make it a big thing too so now there's this Avengers con thing where we gotta show up, sign some autographs, do some poses, the yhouze." Personally she didn't see the point but she wasn't the leader so whatever.

"Who's joining in?"

"Uh...Thor, if I'm remembering right? Oh and one of Stark's old military buddies. James Rhodes." Calling himself Iron Machine instead of Iron Man for some reason. Whatever, she wasn't gonna argue.

"Like the literal god of lighting Thor?" Scott gaped.

"That's the one." Cindy slurped up her noodles, "Don't let the 'I am the God of Lightning!' thing fool you. Guy's a big dork under that big hammer of his."

"You met him before?"

"Yeah, I was one of the delegate's bodyguards when they crash landed over in Cleveland a few months ago." She stirred her noodles, "I hung out with the guy for a few days when they weren't hashing out deals. He's cool, but it didn't work out."

"Work out? You went on a date with him?"

"Ehh...not exactly?" Great, this really wasn't a date topic.

"Oh." Scott nodded and looked down at his bowl. Yep, she knew that look. Cindy sighed and, without any warning, reached over and flicked his forehead "Ow! Hey, what was that for?"

"You're comparing yourself to Thor, aren't you?" She raised a finger before he could protest, "Don't bullshit me, Scott."

"Alright, fine! I am!" He huffed, "I mean it's pretty hard not to. Guy's the literal god of lightning."

"So what?" Cindy barely held back a scowl, "I'm not as popular as Spider-Woman or as rich as Wasp, do you see me wishing I was more like them?

"That's different. You're a superhero. You've got something to be proud of. Way more than someone like me."

"What, a guy wo tried to do the right thing and got jailed for it? A guy who raised his daughter even after everything?" Again she held up a finger to shush him, "I can look at the city and find hundreds of shitty dads, most of them who didn't have half as much crap on their plate as you did. But you still raised Cassie right and you're a good guy. Isn't that something to be proud of?"

"...Damn it." He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry for making this really awkward. It's just...you know I never thought about dating again once I got caught. After Peggy cleared out Cassie was all I had left, the one thing I could be proud of, and I always figured she was like that even though I was her dad, not because of it."

"Scott you really gotta stop beating yourself up, alright? No one's perfect. We just...do the best we can with what we have."

"Yeah...thanks, Spin."

They slept separately. Scott took the couch and insisted she take his bed since she was heading out early the next day. She'd offered to share the bed but he declined. He wanted to take things slow, which...new. But not bad. Most online dates ended with something happening one or two dates in. Knowing that this was going to be slow going so they'd have time to get to know each other better felt...nice.

Hopefully it'd last this time.


MsMarvel: I can't wait to buy Cap's book releasing in two weeks. Did you guys hear it's going to go into a lot of detail about all those other worlds and universes she visited, and is even going to contain drawing she did of those universe's?

Reply from MarvelGirl63: Already got my pre-order ready to go. Can't wait!

Reply from HankTheBeastMcCoy: It's still surprising to know that our universe, according to Captain America, is one of the more uncommon, unique universes out there. Like, it's fascinating to consider that in most universes it's Steve Rogers who's Captain America, that our Spider-Woman is possibly a male in most universes (one who's ironically called Spider-Man in said universes), that Tony Stark is a super hero called Iron Man, or that Susan and Johnny Storm are super powered heroes.

Reply from DazzlerBlaire: Yeah, yeah…whatever. I'm more curious about how different music and pop culture must be!

Reply from MsMarvel: Maybe if we're lucky Spinnerette will write her own book about her universe as well, as she's already shared some bits of the different pop culture from her universe in interviews. That would be so cool!

Reply from Spinnerette: I'll think about it. No promises.

Reply from MsMarvel: OMG! Spinnerette just replied to me!


"Sure I can't convince you to come with us?" Gwen asked only half-sarcastically. Peter went with her to the private airport (bought and paid for by one Anthony Edward Stark) to see her off for her little San Fransokyo trip. Gwen wasn't happy. She wanted to stay here at least until Murakami and him finished their 'honor' duel. He wouldn't be surprised if the old bastard used the 'con' as a chance to spring that invite.

"And do what? I ain't exactly built for the cameras and bright lights." He smiled wryly. The runway was pretty barren except for the rest of the Avengers. Even the plane was piloted by an A.I. He'd already said his goodbyes to Cindy so now it was just him and Gwen.

"You're exaggerating. You just need to smile more." She touched the sides of his mouth with her pointer fingers and pushed them up till he was smiling, "Besides, we're already letting the god of lightning and one of Stark's old PMC buddies join the group. I'm sure we can fit you in. Think about it: Spider-Man, official Avenger!"

"Pass. Besides, I can feel Walters' glare from here." He looked at said green amazon standing close to the plane and, sure enough, she was giving him that look. Not actually a glare despite his claims, more a look someone would give to a disliked uncle. Even now she never really got why Gwen stuck with him. Fine with him. He never got how she had such a big head parading herself around in front of people like a prized showdog.

"That's just how Jen is. She likes you."

"You're a horrible liar, Gwen." He kissed her on the lips before she could protest. As always she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the contact hungrily before they both saw Walters cross her arms and tap her foot. They separated with a soft pop and Peter panted, "Maybe you don't need to breath anymore but we're not as lucky." He wiped his lips lightly.

"Just take care of yourself, okay? Kick that old ninja's ass."

"Count on it. Good luck in San Fransokyo."

He watched her board the plane with a smile and pulled out a cigarette from the pack. The sound of the lighter's click was drowned out by the blare of the jet's engines echoing across the runway, "Hmm..." He let out a smoky breath as the jet flew out of sight. Just a few months ago he was the one running around the world chasing leads. Though in his case the planes were beaters and he had to sneak across on the cargo holds.

A moment of silence passed across the place before he said, "How long you just gonna stand there?" Peter heard the soft clicks of fancy leather shoes and turned around only to come face to face with Tony Stark himself. Peter didn't know much about him. He ran into some of his Warch Machine soldiers during his time in South Africa but he didn't really have any reason to fight them. They were after the same insurgents in the area that Sowande riled up.

"Spider-Man, I presume." Stark offered him a hand. Peter just looked down at it, the end of his cigarette falling down slowly, "Okay, not a handshake kind of guy. I get that."

"What are you doing here?"

"Uh...I think that's my line. This is my airport." He smirked. Peter rolled his eyes and let out another smoky breath, "I get the feeling you don't like me much."

"Don't take it personally. I don't like most people." Gwen was trying to help him with that. It was...slow going, "If it makes you feel any better I don't hate you either." He didn't particularly care about him much. Tony Stark was just another big name like President Howard T. Duck or Emma Frost. Not someone he ever thought about since they were too big for someone like him.

"It does. At least I know you're not gonna kill me." Peter rolled his eyes. He knew more than a few people who would've wanted him to but, contrary to what people thought of him, he wasn't some eat the rich zealot who wanted to destroy the system. Even his brother focused on the crime bosses than businessmen and presidents.

"As fascinating as this was I'm going to go."

Peter barely walked past the suit wearing philanthropist when he suddenly spoke up, "You know old Frank, right?" Peter stopped, "Heard he was back in the city."

"Where'd you hear that?"

"I have my sources." Peter didn't bother questioning it further. Guys like Stark played the fool but there was a reason they stayed on top. Inheriting daddy's money wasn't enough, as Roxxon proved, "I like to keep track of old employees, especially ones with reputations like his. The Punisher. You know he had that nickname even before he decided to go full vigilante?"

"I know." Castle wasn't exactly open about his history but he didn't stop them from looking it up on their own. From what he gathered Castle was Stark's golden goose. Didn't matter who he got after, not a single one could match up to what the Punisher could bring to the table.

"Could you give him a message from me?"

"...Sure." Couldn't hurt, he guessed.

"Tell him that if he ever gets tired of the vigilante life I've got a standing offer for employment. No questions asked."

Peter's eyes narrowed and he looked back. Stark still stood there with a confident smile on his face like nothing was wrong, "Just like that?"

"Just like that?"

"You don't think that's a bad idea considering what he's done?"

"Says the criminal vigilante who's openly dating one of the Avengers?" ...Point. Peter took another deep inhale of the coffin nail and Stark used that as his cue to continue, "PMC's are already on the legal gray list in a lot of places and I think old Frank can still do some good even with everything. Heck I'll give you the same offer."

"...Seriously."

"Yep." He shrugged, "I mean let's face it you can't do the whole vigilante thing for the rest of your life, and if what I read up on was right then you already went after the same kind of people we do. Why not get paid for it on top?"

"Never a fan of someone pointing me at who to shoot."

"Sooner or later you realize someone's always pointing, kid. All depends on whether you see them or not." He didn't get a chance to reply before his phone rang. Stark smirked, "Go ahead, probably one of your vigilante friends. I should go anyway."

It was Rand. Peter exhaled softly and answered the call, "What is it?"

"You busy right now?"

"Not really. Something come up?"

"You could say that." Peter frowned. Wasn't like Rand to be so obtuse, "We're at a bar near Johnson avenue in Hell's Kitchen called The Last Resort."

"Yeah, I know it."

"Great! Then come meet up. Oh, and don't put on a costume."

He cut the call before Peter could ask what the hell that meant. Shaking his head, he stuffed his phone back in his pocket and made his way to the area. He even swung over there just to keep to his promise to Gwen about practicing. He ducked into a nearby alley and took off his mask and jacket, leaving him in just his turtleneck, cargo pants and boots. Despite Gwen and Lana's best attempts he hadn't done much to branch out his sense of fashion.

The Last Resort, contrary to its name, was a cozy little place in the edge of Hell's Kitchen. The inside was old, rustic in a way that was charming to most people who just wanted an escape from the bustle of city life. The warm lighting was eerily welcoming and the stench of varnished wood and high quality spirits in the air calmed him more than he wanted to admit.

Rand was quick to greet him as soon as he opened the door, "Peter, you're here!" The Immortal Iron Fist bound up to him like an overeager puppy and clapped him on the back with way too much cheer. Peter forced himself to smile back. As much as Rand weirded the hell out of him the guy hadn't actually done anything to deserve his scorn. He and Gwen probably would've gotten along if they had a chance to talk.

The rest of 'his team' was there already. Matt and Spector sat across one another at a booth while Echo took up the corner of the barren counter. Scratch that, everything was barren. Apart from the bartender, who just offered him a small smile when she saw him, there was no one else in the bar.

Despite that his attention was drawn to their one female member. Gone was the patchwork costume that made her look like a demented scarecrow. Instead she wore a red cowl neck sweater with loose sleeves, dark leggings and a pair of white, low-heeled shoes. Nothing outrageous but a surprise considering she never took her stitched uniform off in all the time he'd known her. Apart from their trip to the Raft it might as well have been grafted to her skin.

She raised a brow at his lingering look and downed a shot of what smelled like vodka without any reaction.

"Come on, sit."

Rand practically sat him next to Matt. The redhead laughed under his breath and smiled at his look of confusion, "You aren't the only one he sprang this on, if that helps," Matt said.

The door to the bathroom at the end of the room opened and a familiar head of blonde hair stepped out, "Oh hey, Ben. Wondering when you'd get here." Summers grinned and squeezed herself next to Rand so she was right across from him, ignoring the slightly tight fit, "Guessing that you already finished seeing Spider-Woman off."

"Yeah..." His eyes narrowed slightly, "What are you doing here, Summers?"

"What, not happy to see me?" She mock pouted.

"You know I always am, but that's not the point. Let me rephrase that: why are we all here?"

"Daniel was the one who called this meeting. It would be more appropriate to ask him," Spector said.

"Sure we should be talking here?" He gave a side-eye to the bartender who refilled Echo's shot glass.

"Huh? Oh, that's an old friend of mine. Claire's cool." Rand waved his hand without a care.

"If you say so." Peter grunted. He didn't bother arguing. Wasn't like he had a secret identity to protect at this point, "So why are we here? You got a lead on Bakuto or Gao?" From what he heard from Stick the two of them went underground ever since Sowande died. Running scared now, trying to shore up what power they had left. Wasn't a good a idea to leave them be. Leave roaches to fester and they multiplied.

"Nothing. I'm guessing we'll have to wait for your and Murakami's duel to finish before anything comes up."

"The why are we here?" Peter asked.

"A question I asked myself, Spider-Man," Spector said, "This area is too open. A safehouse would be more prudent for any required meetings."

"Because this isn't a strategy meeting!" Matt hummed curiously but didn't say anything. Peter, Spector and Summers watched expectantly while Echo tilted her head slightly in their direction to show she was listening, "This is...think of it like a break. We've been fighting non-stop and finally killed one of the Fingers. Figured we needed some time to celebrate, right?"

Peter scoffed, "If you wanted to go drinking you could've done that on your own. Liquor tastes the same going down either way."

"Speak for yourself, Benjy. I personally find that alcohol tastes better when you have good company." Summers winked at Rand. To his credit the other blonde only blushed a tad at that, "That and I never get invited to these things. Whenever you guys need any info you just text me or leave dead drops. It all feels so cold and professional, ya know?"

"That was for the sake of your safety, Ms. Winters. Better than to leave a trail for the Hand to follow," Matt said.

"...Would you be offended if I told you how weird it is that you're still free and not rotting in hell?" Summers asked. To her credit she managed to make herself sound genuinely curious instead of pissed like Gwen was.

"Not at all. I expect most people in this table feel the same." Matt hummed, "Regardless I can see Daniel's sentiments. We defeated one of the Fingers, a task that hasn't been done in Millenia. A celebration is rather appropriate."

"Wouldn't celebrate till we get them all." Peter scoffed, "When I killed Alexandria last year the Hand lost most of their assets. Only made them more desperate to make sure they don't join her in Hell." The Lizard serum, that deal with that big headed Vampire...they'd do anything if it meant just getting a few more days. There was nothing dangerous than a cornered jackal.

"There's actually another thing I wanted to talk about," Rand said. He placed both arms on the table and pressed his hands together, "Did you guys ever consider what you'll do once we beat the Fingers?"

"Bit premature, isn't it? You're counting your eggs before they hatched," Peter frowned.

"Am I? Like Daredevil said the Hand have been around for thousands of years but look at them now. You killed Alexandria last year, we just took Sowande down a couple of days ago and Murakami's gonna challenge you to a duel soon. We keep this up and the Hand'll collapse before the year's up. I think we should start thinking about what we're doing next."

"Assuming the resulting power vacuum does not create new leaders, you mean." Spector frowned, "The Hand is numerous and the allure of power is all too tempting. If we're lucky then it will collapse at the loss of all its limbs, but history has proven it is rarely that simple."

"Which is why I think we need to talk about this," Rand insisted, "See, I think we got a good thing going here and it'd be a waste if we stopped it once the Hand's taken down."

Peter laughed. He couldn't help it. It was soft, hushed laughter under his breath but it was loud in the sparsely populated bar, "You wanna make this a permanent thing, Rand?" He gave the blonde a look that was a cross between a smirk and a sneer, "What, you think we can be like the Avengers?" He still remembered how the last version of this group ended up. One dead friend and an unspoken promise from the survivors to never work together again.

"I don't see why not?" The chosen of K'un Lun crossed his arms, "Way I see we're just going to keep going with what we're doing even after the Hand's taken down. Let's face it, this city needs help." Peter shrugged and didn't say anything. He had a point there, "Supervillains, crime families like the Maggia...the Hand are just one group that threatens this place. The Avengers are too busy dealing with their own thing so why don't we make sure the streets are clean?"

"So like a street level version of the Avengers?" Summers asked.

"Exactly!" Rand grinned, "I know you guys are...rough around the edges but we can also do a lot of good for the city. Spider-Man and Moon Knight are dealing with the supernatural, Daredevil's a lawyer and both Echo and I can do a lot of good too. Why split up after the Hand is done when we can keep doing good? I mean it's not like any of you guys are planning to stop being heroes, right?"

"Vigilantes, Rand. Heroes don't decapitate people to make sure they can't be brought back." God, he was getting a headache. Peter took out a cigarette and lit it quickly, taking a deep inhale as soon as the tip was set ablaze, "And you're assuming a lot. Me and Spector'll keep going but Matt's leashed to Page and we have no idea what Echo wants." Said female ninja still barely turned her head towards them. Listening but not interested in contributing to the discussion.

"Indeed. As intriguing as this proposition sounds it falls to the rather idealistic interpretation that we will all survive this conflict." Matt hummed, "Sowande was simple enough but Bakuto and his new covenant with Lilith shall prove much more complicated to break. Primordial demons like Lilith are not so simply removed and we don't have any of the Judas silver left."

"I believe I have a possible solution," Spector said, "The Sorcerer Supreme might be able to give us information with regards to a possible weakness Lilith might have. It will come at a price, however. Baron Mordo is not one to do things out of charity."

"I still think we should consider it," Rand said, "We've got the makings of a great team here. I mean with the five of us and Ms. Winters to provide information we can do a lot for this city."

"Well I'm in. Just as long as I get first scoop, of course," Summers smirked.

"I think we should save any kind of plans for the future till we're sure there's even a future to have," Peter said neutrally. Making this a team...it sounded like a disaster. He never planned to make this group long-term, especially not with people like Matt inside it, "...For now we should just follow your advice and celebrate. I need a drink."

That shelved any further discussions of the future. Peter swirled his glass of whiskey and drank it down greedily, the burning spirit rushing down his throat in waves. A team...he wasn't used to the idea. Sure he had friends. Gwen Lana, Mary and Cindy had his back, but they had their own lives. A team like the Avengers united under a single goal was a commitment he just wasn't used to.

He set down his fourth glass and made his way to the pool tables. Maybe a game would clear his head, "Peter. Care to have a match?" Matt smirked and pointed his pool cue at him. The blind lawyer had shucked off coat and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. It reminded him of the dinner the two of them had over a year ago, "Do you know to how to play."

"Yeah." He grabbed his own cue and chalked the tip while Matt set up the game, "...How can you tell what's the cue ball?"

"It was a chip in it that distinguishes it from the rest." Matt finished setting up and chalked his own cue, "Let's play straight pool, shall we? I can't tell numbers apart so I'll just have to be more specific."

"Fine. You break."

The sounds of the clacking balls was easily drowned out by the rest of his 'team'. Summers and Rand were chatting loudly and trying to drink each other under the table while Lockley came out to play and was trying to down as much booze as he could. Echo just sighed and looked like she would've preferred to be anywhere else but here.

"Number eight to front right pocket." He shot and smled slightly as the ball went into the right hole. Part of his powers included aim and it didn't much matter whether it was webshooters, guns or pool balls, "3 to middle left." The cue scratched and the ball bumped against the rail. Peter clicked his tongue, "Your turn."

"The one a the center to the upper left." A hit and a hole. Matt smirked and adjusted his position, "I'm curious about something, Peter, if you'll indulge me."

"Do I have a choice?" Another hole. Damn radar sense.

"What do you think of Daniel's suggestion, truly?"

"Sounds like a pipe dream." Matt finally slipped. Peter sunk the next shot and moved to the other side, "Look at us, Matt. None of us are built for teams and long term groups. We're lucky if we don't end up killing each other before the Fingers do it." Peter clicked his tongue. Scratch, "And we don't even know if we can kill all the Fingers soon enough for it to matter."

"Daniel seems confident." Another hole. Matt was leading, "And to be fair I agree with the sentiment. You've done more to stifle the Hand than the Chaste have done in hundreds of lifetimes. I cannot blame him for feeling confident."

"Guess someone has to be." He lit another cigarette. Matt tilted his head slightly, "...What?"

"May I have one? I'm curious on the sensation."

"Sure Page'll let you do that?" he asked, only half joking.

"Karen only cares for instant death. The decades of smoking it'll take for me to get lung cancer is hardly in her list of concerns."

Peter shrugged and handed him a coffin nail before quickly lighting it. Matt stepped in closer and they were close enough that the flame of the lighter was only inches from their faces, "Hmm." He stepped back and took a slow inhale. He didn't have the expected coughing a first time smoker might have. Instead he just blew out a small, smoky breath and chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"It's simply more familiar than I expected." He took off his shades to show the white, baggy eyes underneath, "The feeling of fire in your lungs is something I'll have to get used to at some point."

"Surprised you didn't try begging your girlfriend for a way out."

"And what would be the alternative? An eternity under Ruth's thrall, collared so I could be 'redeemed'? No. As horrific as the inferno may be it's still my choice to accept the hand I've been dealt." Another drag, "In an odd way there is some comfort to knowing how it will all end. Certainty is something we all seek. Do you know what'll happen to your soul when you pass?"

"Nope." Could go to the afterlife or the Spider-God could just eat it. He didn't dwell on it too much. Hell, he didn't even know if he still aged properly considering the whole 'don't need to eat or sleep' caveat the Spider-God gave him, "Like I told Rand, no point in bothering to wonder on the future when we don't even know if we'll survive the next month."

"You might have a point." He tapped the pool cue on the ground, "Shall we continue our game?"

"Hold on. Did Page say anything? About my request?"

"You mean your promise to Dr. Connors for closure?" Matt's smile was...oddly genuine, "A noble gesture, though I'm afraid it won't save him. In the end it does little to change his circumstances."

"It was either that or shoot him. What did she say?"

"She's agreed to your...request, though in the future she said she'd prefer it if you gave her advance notice. She isn't much a fan of surprise promises."

"Tell her I'll get on that as soon as she stops volunteering me for exorcist duty." He wasn't even that faithful. Finding out God existed didn't change his mind much on the whole faith and worship thing. Having a giant Spider holding your soul tended to do that.

"I'll make sure to tell her. So, shall we continue our game?"

"Hold on a second. If Rand wants us to celebrate then I guess he won't mind if I invite a couple of friends."

He sent a message to Daimon and Howard (Ketch was out of town) before lining up the next shot. It'd been a while since he spent any time with Daimon. The last time they talked was when he asked him and Satanna if they had any idea how to stop Lilith. No dice, and Satanna was really disappointed she couldn't leverage it to try and get his soul.

He and Matt shared a few more smokes before the door opened again, "Heh, nice place." Howard said, a cigar caught between his lips. Daimon hummed in agreement and joined them at the pool table, leaning just a little more on his cane.

"Diamon, you okay?"

"Yes. It's just been a long day." He smiled and nodded. Meanwhile Howard sat at the counter a fair distance away from Echo who looked between him and the cup of booze in her right hand before setting it down, "I must say I'm surprised at the caliber of friends you make, Peter."

"Says the son of Satan?" Peter smirked.

"He has a point. You have an odd habit of binding people to you. Perhaps it's one of your powers?" Matt asked.

"I doubt it."

The next few hours were...fun. As much as he loved his friends, Lana and Ben's jokes about not having any male friends hit true more than he wanted to admit. Howard made it feel light while Daimon was always willing to listen to him vent about the stupidity of demons and ghosts that Page decided was now his job to fix. He missed dealing with the mooks who had tommy guns.

It was past midnight by the time things started winding down. Summers and Rand were asleep at the table while Lockley was passed out on the floor and snoring up a storm. Echo moved from the counter to one of the booths, still nursing a drink in her hands without even the slightest sign of a buzz. Her eyes were trained on Rand's sleeping back.

That just left him, Daimon, Matt and Howard sitting at the booth closest to the entrance. Peter swirled his cup of scotch and soda, head lightly buzzing, "By the way, I heard that the Avengers are planning to include new members," Daimon said lightly.

"Mm-hm." Peter took one last sip of the drink then set the glass down. He'd lost count on how many he'd taken at this point, "One of Stark's toadies and a god of lightning. Funny how that works. Thought the good book said there was supposed to be just one of those?"

"Good book never said anythin' about freaks like us." Howard laughed. The guy was sauced, "Ah, who cares about all that God and divinity bullshit? Just let em stay up high so they don't bother the rest of us, I say."

"You could ask Karen about her interpretation if you're curious, but I doubt that's a good idea." Matt grinned.

"I'll pass." Peter opened up his packet of cigarettes and frowned when he saw that it was empty, "Damn it, I'm out."

"Here." Matt offered him his own, half-burned coffin nail. Peter was just buzzed enough that he didn't care to refuse him. Without a word he took the offered cigarette between two of his fingers and breathed in deeply. Much as he hated to admit it he was thinking about Rand's proposition. From a practical standpoint it made sense. If they were going to keep fighting then it was better to have someone in your corner.

Just like Bullseyes suggested a year ago.

"By the by, I'd heard you dealt with the one who put the bounty on your head. It's a tad late but I suppose congratulations are in order," Daimon said.

"I wouldn't celebrate too much. Rate I'm going I'll piss someone else off who has too much money to burn." Probably the Maggia knowing his luck. Then again they already had a standing bounty; most people just weren't dumb enough to take it considering it was just a few thousand dollars so far.

"I dunno how you live like that, kid." Howard clicked his tongue.

"Could say the same for you, Howard. We do what we have to."

He tapped the ashes over the ashtray just as the door opened. He didn't have to look up; spider-sense told him exactly who it was, "Here for the fight already?" he asked with a slight smirk.

Murakami looked down at him with that expressionless face as always slid a slip of paper in front of him, "Tomorrow evening." And just like that he left without another word said. Peter looked down at the address then pressed the tip of the cigarette against the paper. He watched it burn through dull, half-lidded eyes before tossing what was left of the cigarette along its brothers in the ashtray.

"It appears that Mr. Rand's hopes might come sooner rather than later." Matt hummed.

"Seems like it."


AbleOne05: You guys ever find the truth behind Spider-Man's identity kind of horrifying? Like he's basically a former school shooter whose body got resurrected and body snatched by a possibly 40 something (did we ever get an exact age on that other Spider-Man?) version of himself from the 1930s and 40s. Like, the idea of me dying and my body getting resurrected and getting taken over by some other version of me from a different universe is just chill inducing.

Reply from YouLang178: Well when you put it that way, it is kind of scary in a body horror kind of way.

Reply from PettySteve: I suppose it could have been worse. We could have had the original Peter Parker come back with Spider powers instead of him having the memories of that other Peter Parker.

Reply from AbleOne05: I suppose that's true. Still doesn't change the fact how crazy it is.

Reply from DarkSpider: Can we please stop having all these debates about me?

Reply from Spinnerette: Oh Peter, your practically talking to a wall. Your going to have to get used to it. God knows I have.


Behold: Peter hanging out with guy friends! And it kinda says a lot that said friends include the son of Satan and an anthropomorphic duck from another dimension. I also planned to include Avengers in the meeting but cut him out. Gonna add him in future segments.

Next chapter will be Gwen and the Avengers in San Fransokyo and Noir having his Yakuza shirtless duel with Murakami.

Questions:

1. So what do you guys think of Scott/Cindy? Yay or nay?

2. Should the Defenders keep going even after the Hand is beaten like Danny suggests or are they too unstable to function as a general hero team like the Avengers? Hell maybe Mary Jane can join given the state she's going.

Review Answers:

Tricksterverse - Tried. Didn't help. Some things you just can't do. Can't write sex scenes either.

Brave2000 - Danny wants them to be a proper hero team. They aren't too keen on it.

Krolikson - The comic-con is meant for them to have a one day break from all the insanity. Everyone needs time to unwind.

Yohart Meltz - Nope. Noir rarely posts and Gwen's apartment is far from his usual Hell's Kitchen haunt.