Author's note: Hello, readers! For those who have been reading this story a while, I went back and modified this current arc with one major change that being that it now takes place in Peter's junior year of high school making him become Spider-Man several months earlier at fifteen. See, originally I had planned for only the first few stories to take place in high school with a majority of the later stories taking place in college and after. Now, I've decided to extend the high school portion, making it more episodic like the shows, but each arc maintains a cinematic length. Don't worry if you have to go back and re-read the previous chapters for they remain largely the same as the original version aside from a few details like the fact that characters like Kenny Kong and Glory Grant are now a year older than Peter, Flash, and the rest of the teenaged cast. If, however, you feel compelled to go back and read what's different, feel free. Otherwise, enjoy this new chapter!
With all the recent attacks on the company, it was only a matter of time before Oscorp conducted a board meeting the following Monday. In the boardroom gathered the many head officers and other essential board members that kept the company running. As they sat down chatting, CEO, Norman Osborn, entered the room with a briefcase he had planned to use for the presentation. Once he strolled up to the table, he sat the briefcase down on top of the table with a thud, his broad shadow looming over the long conference table. As the board whispered to each other, Norman removed the contents of the case: a remote and an extendable pointer. Upon setting both items next to the now empty case, Norman raised his hands to commence the meeting by silencing the crew.
"If I may have everyone's attention, please," Norman announced calmly, his voice alone effectively shutting everyone up as they turned to face him. "Thank you. If you may, turn your attention to the slideshow presentation I've constructed."
Norman pointed the remote at the projector hanging from the ceiling. For the next thirty seconds, the device warmed up until a blue screen projected itself onto the smartboard. Having already planned for the occasion earlier, the PowerPoint he put together pulled up immediately, wasting no one's time. Norman then proceeded determinedly over to the projected image to demonstrate his points in front of the board. Confidently, he spoke of the matters at hand whilst scrolling through the images - many of them taken from the crime scenes Norman heard about from Peter through Harry.
"Now I'm sure most of you are aware of the recent attacks on our company. In the last month, our transports have fallen victim to several hijackings throughout town, some man dressed like a bird attempted, but failed to hijack our tech flight shipment, and the other night, an earthquake-like magnitude rocked our East Side warehouse. Each incident has put a dent in our expenses for repairs and replacement of property and transport. My agenda here today is that we figure out a financially suitable solution in order that we may prevent these attacks from happening any further. Would anyone have any suggestions?"
"If I may, sir, Oscorp is in a financially secure enough position to put forth a few extra expenses here and there," said well-groomed, glasses-wearing CFO, Charles Standish. "We are among the top science corporations in the world to be in such a position."
Norman folded his fingers and delivered him a thousand yard stare. "I understand we are financially wealthy enough to secure a few extra expenses. My only hope is that we may cut back on these incidents in order that we don't sink any further. Damage to the company is damage to our reputation."
Norman's words alone were enough to send the board into a wave of shock that almost no one knew what to say. Eventually, though, a female board member spoke to contribute, "With all due respect, Mr. Osborn, many of our guards say they're unaware of who the mysterious attackers are. Would it be worth the time and resources to discover their identity as well as their motives?"
"I assure you, Miss Amberson, that is something only the police would look into. Doing so ourselves would slow our progress and prevent our upcoming showcasing of our tech flight prototype. Knowing who's attacking us is the least of our priorities in the midst of more important affairs," Norman stated coldly. As much as he had a hunch about these strange occurrences, he did not wish to believe or mention that they had anything to do with the recently fired Adrian Toomes. Doing so would likely demote his position and/or the board and the legal team would deem him responsible for these attacks.
"The least we could do is increase security and safety measures in the event that something else may occur the night of the showcasing," bald man and Norman's personal assistant, Donald Menken, stated. "For all we know, they could be targeting the showcasing and we wouldn't know it."
"I agree with Mr. Menken," said Standish. "The solution to increase security seems financially viable and should allow for your protection should you, Mr. Osborn, become a target. Is that something you wish to make an executive decision on?"
"It seems that many of you are in agreement to increase security protocol the night of the military showcasing. I'm certain that, if we do so, no harm shall befall upon our company and even the military guards attending the event. Therefore, as CEO of this company I will be making the executive decision to increase security from now until the night of the showcasing. Does the board concur?"
Everyone in the room, including Standish, Menken, and Amberson nodded in agreement as Norman looked down at his fingers.
"Good…" he said confidently. "Now, if I may turn our attention to our R&D branch expenses."
The remainder of the board meeting continued with each member contributing to Norman's cause on how to manage the company's expenses.
Despite the difficulty he thought he'd face, Norman was surprised the board could come to an agreement so easily. It was so easy that he almost felt guilty. Feelings aside, he remained confident that, should he be the next target of the mysterious attackers, that he may at least find a way to manipulate everyone into submission. If there was one thing he was good at, it was being a cunning manipulator of words.
Big Sky Billiards flooded with members of the Criminal Deputies the same morning. As if planning for business with Adrian Toomes and Montana Schultz weren't already exciting enough, their best day was about to arrive in the form of a heist bigger than they ever imagined. Toomes and Schultz had gathered everyone to present their newest plan involving literally everyone left in the Criminal Deputies. Both men were eager to present the PowerPoint presentation they had thrown together to showcase their plan. Whilst the criminals continued to chatter, Toomes stood up front, remote in hand, Schultz aiming the projector at the blank red wall. An air of certainty captivated Toomes on all fronts with what he was about to show.
"Call to order!" Montana called out above the chattering criminals. His bellowing voice, to his surprise, shut down the whole room in an instant. "There, now. Toomes and I have got some important words to say to everyone. I'm sure y'all are aware we've been planning a heist for quite some time since we started working together. Given our success with the last few heists, I'm certain it'll go well. But first, Toomes here has a few good words to say about the plan at hand."
Montana turned to Adrian who nodded his direction and raised the remote. "Thank you, Montana," he said. Toomes then clicked the remote to ensure the PowerPoint progressed. On screen showed a picture depicting the blueprints of their respective supervillain suits. "Now, as of recently we've managed to coax out of some contacts at Oscorp the location and time of Osborn's latest showcasing - this Friday at 9 pm."
"Friday? Why's it always on a Friday we do something related to these guys?" a fellow criminal asked, raising his hand.
"I assure you they're always by coincidence," Toomes stated plainly. "There's nothing particular about our assaults always taking place on a Friday. Anyways, the plan is simple, but will require careful direction on our part. First off, Montana and I will suit up in our respective suits - me in my tech flight and him in his padded gauntlet suit."
"For y'all's information, I have a much simpler name than 'padded gauntlet suit' rather, I call it the 'Shocker suit'. Y'all can call it whatever y'all want," Montana interjected.
Toomes rolled his eyes. "Alright then," he continued, clicking the remote. The screen now displayed a simulated picture of earthquakes vibrating throughout a map of Manhattan. "Moving on, at around 9 pm Friday night, I will fly Schultz from here en route to the Oscorp Tower. Schultz will rain down his gauntlet's power, impacting the ground and causing earthquakes in a straight line toward the tower. This will distract Osborn from the presentation taking place. Once we've rocked the tower, the guards and people within should be distracted enough to where we can raid the tower virtually undetected."
Toomes transitioned slides, Schultz taking over speaking. "As Shocker, I'll lead everyone to take the military hostage while Toomes in his Vulture suit goes for Osborn."
"I'm only certain you're aware my suit has a more advanced name than 'Vulture suit'. Unlike you, I call mine 'the real tech flight prototype'."
Hearing this, Schultz nodded. "Sorry, Toomes. Don't mean to make fun of ya."
"Thank you," Toomes continued and clicked the slide. The projector now displayed a crude doodle of his Vulture persona carrying a caricature of Norman Osborn. "So, as it is, I will attempt to coax Osborn into publicly apologizing for stealing my ideas in hopes that I may get them back. Should I be successful, I'll finally take credit for introducing the world to tech flight rather than his cheap knockoff. Should he refuse, however, I will kill him and what happens to the company will be none of our business. If, however, things go much better than expected, we may even take the company for ourselves and make Oscorp a much fairer industry to its employees."
Hearing this, the whole crew throughout the bar chattered about how good of an idea Toomes was promising.
"Question," a bald, bearded criminal called out. "Who would be the CEO should you kill Norman Osborn?"]]
"Me…" Toomes said with a sly grin.
Hearing this, the criminal perked up. "Well then, can I be your CFO in that instance?"
"We will decide later who gets to be who. In the meantime, we'll stick with Plan A and commit to Plan B should things go a bit differently."
The criminal nodded.
"Anyone else have any questions? Objections?" Montana asked around the whole room.
"What about Spider-Man?" another criminal asked. "What if he shows up and ruins this the way he's ruined everything else?"
"We've not heard a peep from him since I disposed of him in the river last week," Toomes announced publicly for the first time since informing Montana the other night.
Hearing this, the whole room freaked out and cheered for the apparent death of Spider-Man. Just as Toomes was, they all were glad to have him off their backs.
"Now, now, calm down!" shouted Montana, which thankfully he managed to get everyone under control. "Now, I know y'all are excited, but remember, this is our story now that the bug is gone. I'm sure Toomes would like a few words to say regarding such."
"Thank you again, Montana," Toomes said. "Now, just remember above all else that this is our time to shine. We're doing this not for the sake of the criminal underworld's success, but to take all the glory for ourselves. And with Spider-Man out of the picture we can do so proudly without interference! And, if I don't make it, I'm hopeful you all will have your reasons to celebrate my involvement. And, with that, I must say a big thank you to Montana for letting me be a part of your Criminal Deputies."
"Not a problem, Adrian," Montana said and nodded. "Without y'all and my Shocker suit, I don't think we'd have much of an advantage from above or below."
And with that, Toomes nodded slyly. "I'm glad for your support. Just remember, we will all gather at 9 pm Friday for the raid. When that happens, may Osborn pay for his mistakes."
The Parker residence buzzed with Peter and Aunt May rushing around the former's room for the perfect costumes to wear throughout the week. Already, Peter had picked out the perfect "eighties workout" clothes for the day, but, given how cool it was earlier, his legs were like icicles by the time he walked out earlier. On top of that, he didn't have to worry about wearing his Spider-Man costume underneath for the time being now that he chose to give it up for the week. That said, he no longer had it in his closet for Aunt May to potentially discover. Secretly, he hid it under his bed and she never checked. Hopefully, it would stay that way.
In the meanwhile, Peter had picked out the perfect theme outfits to wear throughout the week. For him, anticipating homecoming couldn't have been more exciting now that he had time off.
"So for the day after tomorrow, I'll be modeling myself after Brad Pitt for 'Celebrity Day', donning clothes based on Marty McFly for 'Movie Day', and ultimately rocking out my best 80s look on '80s Day'," Peter went back over out loud. He then sighed, realizing what all he had to keep track of in a week. "Still gotta wait on Harry's suggestion for 'Twin Day', I suppose."
"I'm sure he'll come around soon enough," Aunt May reassured. "You know how busy the Osborns can be with his father running a multi-billion dollar company and everything."
"Yeah, but still, Harry hasn't done much to get a job considering how rich he is," Peter affirmed. "At this point, he may as well inherit his dad's company at 18 and take a job from there."
"That's a possibility," said May. "Speaking of, have you considered the possibility of a job yourself? We're in a bit of a financial struggle as is and Ben certainly was no financial wizard."
"I promise after homecoming, I'll start looking," Peter promised. "Gotta have some fun while I'm young, don't I?"
"Of course, you should, Peter. We all should, but never forget the motto he instilled into you and your father: 'with great-'"
The doorbell rang, echoing throughout the house and cutting May short of finishing her sentence.
"Huh, wonder who that could be?" Peter asked, trailing off as Aunt May loosely followed him down the stairs. As if timing couldn't have been more impeccable, Peter's thoughts raced with who it could have been to answer the door. Was it Harry announcing his look for twin day? MJ asking for homework help? Or did Captain Stacy of all people have a lead on who Spider-Man was and it led him back to Peter? Whatever the case, he had to be prepared.
He pushed all thoughts aside and opened the door to find standing there the most perfect woman of his young adult life: Gwen Stacy. There she stood with her blonde tresses pulled back in a black hairband, her soft, feminine face molded like a perfect angel. She wore her signature collared shirt, short skirt, and punk boots, her father's cop car conveniently running behind her. Smiling, she held a pretty bouquet of white lilies. Was she having them get married on the spot?
"Hey, Pete," she said cheerfully. "These are for you!"
"Flowers for me?! Thanks!" Peter exclaimed excitedly, taking them from her hands gently. "This is new. What's the occasion?"
"Well, I know it's late and I realize we haven't talked about it much, but things have gotten a lot better between me and you and I think you're shaping up to be a great guy," she stated happily.
"Well, thanks!"
"So I was wondering, will you go to homecoming with me Friday?"
Peter stood there, admiring her figure as she smiled in anticipation of his answer. He didn't even have to think hard on how to answer. "With you? Of course, I will!"
"Oh, Pete, come here!" She leaped up into his arms as Peter enveloped his around her. With an excited burst of energy, he lifted her clean off the ground for a few seconds with his spider strength. The two of them giggled as he set her down. Taken aback by his sudden ability to lift her so strongly, Gwen stepped back. "Whoa, since when are you able to lift me like they did in Footloose?"
"I've been working out," he lied. "But I'm so glad you asked! I'd have done it myself if you didn't, but, then again there was no contest."
"Of course," she agreed. "Anywho, I heard Harry and MJ are going together as well. How do you feel about tagging along with them following the game Friday?"
"We might have to split in case you don't wanna spoil your looks before the dance, but, sure! We can definitely tag along with them."
"Terrific!" she said, grabbing his arm. She leaned in, lips puckered only to hear another voice ring out from behind Peter.
"Sorry, I couldn't help, but overhear the exciting news," Aunt May stated. "Congratulations on going to homecoming together! Do you mind if I take your pictures Friday night?"
"Aunt May!" Peter spat, annoyed. "You know, this could have waited until we were done and everything."
"I think what he means to say is, 'Sure! You can take our pictures!'" Gwen interjected, defending him.
"Sounds good," Aunt May affirmed. "Thanks for stopping over! I hope you both have fun this week!"
She turned to walk away as Peter turned his attention back to Gwen. "So Friday, 7:30?"
"Sounds good to me!" said Gwen who, without hesitation, puckered her lips to plant a kiss on Peter's cheek. "See you then!"
As she turned to walk away, Peter caressed his cheek, beaming as he savored this magical moment: the moment the girl he liked would kiss him even if only a peck on the cheek. "Bye, Gwen! Ride safe and tell John I say, 'hi'!"
The moment she stepped into her dad's police car was the moment she waved farewell to her new homecoming date with a smile. Peter watched as John pulled away, himself completely captivated by what transpired and the fact that his efforts to improve paid off the way he hoped they would. Nothing else could have beat this moment - not even the thrills of being Spider-Man. Once he shut the door, Peter smiled to himself and pumped a fist through the air.
"Yes!" he muttered under his breath. He bolted off to find Aunt May rinsing some dishes out at the kitchen sink. Without a care in the world, he took her by the hand and spun her around in a handheld dance fashion, his aunt giggling at this sudden burst of energy. "Aunt May, I am so excited! We gotta pick out a tux and have me learn how to dance!"
"My goodness, Peter! Careful!" she said all cautiously. "I could've dropped that glass for all we know."
"You're right. Sorry," he apologized. "I couldn't help myself."
"And how could you after a moment like that? Peter, I'm so happy for you! Funny, I've never known you to go to homecoming or even show interest in a date before now."
"Times change and people change, May. Besides, Gwen's shown me she likes me lately so it was bound to happen."
"Terrific! I'll need to find that suit you mentioned so we can try it on tomorrow or something."
"Okay…" he said, confused. "Why not tonight?"
"It's underneath a lot of… Old stuff I need to clear out," she choked on that last part. Was she referring to Ben's old stuff? "I'd been saving it for a special day when we'd need it again."
"No problem, then. In that case, I can't wait for tomorrow!"
The following day, Tuesday, couldn't have pumped up Peter more than it already did. Between matching with Harry and the anticipation of his Aunt May's activities later that night, nothing could be better.
Once he returned home for the evening, Peter eagerly awaited his time to try on whatever tuxedo she had in store for him as well as learn a few basic dance moves. Naturally, she had the tux out in a box on the living room sofa waiting for Peter to try it on. As Peter changed into it, he questioned how Uncle Ben, a man slightly bigger than him at his older age, would still have a tux that actually fit his scrawnier nephew. He then stood in front of the living room closet mirror, allowing May to examine and dust it off so he could look good in it.
"This was all I had that fit you, dear," Aunt May explained. "I simply could not afford to throw it out. It holds too many memories of your beloved uncle on our prom night."
Prom night. Another year left until Peter could go to that without being asked by a senior. If he could still go with Gwen by then, it would be a plus - as if going to homecoming with her wasn't already so long as she didn't chicken out. "Remind me, was that where you guys met or something?"
"It was quite a night, dear! I was young and it was my junior year of homecoming. My date never showed up leaving me in tears of abandonment. As I sat there crying on the side, that was when Ben Parker showed up in my life; he mosied up and talked to me, introducing himself to me and telling me how he's always wanted to talk to me, but never had the chance. He offered me a slow dance and the rest was history."
Peter could see it in her eyes: the tears of happiness of her first memory with Ben combined with tears of sadness of losing him. Wearing his tux and hearing these memories sent the memory of Uncle Ben's murder clawing at his insides, begging for a way out through his only source of confession - his mouth. This would be a good time to tell her what happened, but should I? Peter thought.
"That must have been amazing," Peter ultimately commented. It was then that he decided now was too soon to confess the truth of that painful night. "You know, everyday I wonder what I could have said to get him to tell me stories like that. I even wonder how things would be different if he were still around."
"Oh, Peter, there's so much I'm sure he would be saying right now. I'm sure he'd tell you how much you remind him of your father right now."
Now that was a comment he didn't expect. "Y-you think he'd say that or are you telling me that?"
"Both, really. He and your father, Richard, were tightly knit so much that he wanted you to follow in his footsteps. With the way we've raised you, you've been shaping up to be just like Richard: a diligent worker in the face of adversity."
Hearing this made Peter smile. Not only did he miss Ben, but the memory of his parents seemed miles away to a point where he wasn't sure he knew them at all. Still, that was a mystery he hoped to solve another day. "Thanks, May. So, anyway, you care to show me how to slow dance?" he said, cleverly changing subjects.
"Sure!" she said enthusiastically.
She strode over to the record player she kept at the front window sill and put on her favorite slow dance record featuring the song Ben by Michael Jackson. She then approached Peter and took his hand.
"Now then, put your left hand under my right arm and take my left arm with your right as we stand close together," Aunt May instructed.
"Whatever you say, May," Peter acknowledged.
The two of them began to step together and sway to the song as the lyrics played.
"Very fitting song," Peter commented. "Did you play this at your first dance or your wedding?"
"Certainly enough, Ben and I picked it out for our first wedding dance. It was a very wholesome song that perfectly described who Ben was to me."
"What a coincidence that the King of Pop himself sang this. It's like he knew you two were meant to be!" Peter said just moments before his foot slipped and stepped on Aunt May's foot. Thankfully, he managed to recover, but not without scolding from Aunt May.
"Careful, Peter!" she spouted. "You still need a lot of practice."
"Sorry, May. I'll admit, even I'm not perfect."
"It's okay. Just follow my lead."
Peter listened to the lyrics and kept his feet in sync with the beat. He may have had Spider Sense and expert coordination, but he certainly was no dancing expert - not yet at least. He nodded as he kept watch over his feet and how he almost stayed in perfect sync with his aunt's.
"I see. We're stepping together, are we?" he asked curiously.
"That's how we learned it back in my day," she stated. "Good to pass on what you know, right?"
Peter agreed and kept the focus on his aunt's brown eyes, attempting to do so without looking at his feet. If there was any moment he had to practice for it was staring deep into Gwen's ocean eyes.
"I'd say this is… Easy enough," Peter commented. "I could get used to this!"
"Well done, Peter! Keep it up!"
He smiled as the lyrics reached their closing line.
And, with that, the song faded out, Peter pulling apart from his aunt and feeling stoked about his first experience with slow dancing.
"That was… Something! Thanks for teaching me, Aunt May!"
"You're welcome. You know what they say, 'Practice makes perfect!'"
And just like that, Peter agreed. It may have been rough for them to live in a reality without Ben, but, no matter what they would honor his memory in what they did going forward. With that in mind, Peter began to wonder if abandoning his responsibilities as Spider-Man, even if temporarily, was what Uncle Ben would want him to do.
Thanks again for your faithful reading! I do appreciate/encourage reviews to let me know how I'm doing in case I need any criticism!