Improvise
The evening was quiet, but alive as cars lined up in front of the exquisite site of the Monte Carlo Casino, girls had their hair done, men were dressed in pressed tuxedos as luxurious vehicles infiltrated the casino's public perimeter. Spotlights were turned on, reflecting the polished hoods of lamborghini and mercedes that were being escorted to a parking lot while their owners briskly walked into the building. It was a big night, a gala event that attracts the attention of the rich and famous from every corner of the world. Only those with a heavy pocket come to live a good night, but there were some who came for a more pressing cause.
Peter stood straight as MJ fixed his bowtie, brushing away invisible lint off his shoulder. He fixed his cuffs, clicking on his Rolex watch Tony gifted him. The watch was sleek, but even Peter couldn't resist a few minor upgrades. Just like his surrogate father, the watch was a hidden web shooter composed of vibranium and top of the line nanotechnology. But the familiar weapon was a last resort. He really wasn't looking forward to revealing his identity in a grand event such as this. It wasn't the only hidden accessory on him, but the watch was a comforting pressure on his wrist as he let his girlfriend tend to him.
MJ was dressed in a high-slitted, black, open-back Faviana dress that hugged her hips to perfection with her hair loosely curled, dusted with light blush, but heavy mascara and light brown lipstick she got from her mother. She finished the last few touches with an approving nod.
They were currently booked in a suite at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, their suitcases opened and thrown on the bed as they quickly got themselves ready.
A knock at the door caught their attention as Peter opened the door.
Harley smirked as he glanced at his brother. He too was dressed accordingly, a dark blue, Marine Tuxedo which suited his lean shaped and broad shoulders.
He tapped his watch, which also held his own choice of weapon. "We're running late."
Peter rolled his eyes. "We're fine." He looked behind Harley. "Where's Cassie and Ned?"
He let Harley in who gave a low whistle toward MJ who merely scoffed. "Cassie is doing some last minute touches and Ned said he'll be here in five minutes. Said he needed to grab some appliances."
"Good. Once they get here we'll debrief once more. Hopefully, nothing's changed." Peter wondered as he helped MJ place her signature Black Dahlia necklace, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "You look amazing, Em."
"I always look amazing, but it's nice to hear it from you, Tiger." She smiled, swiping her hair off her shoulder.
Harley merely rolled his eyes. "Alright, you guys are perfect and lovey-dovey. No need to rub it in." He sat on a love sofa and gagged at the symbolic furniture. "Gosh, this place is disgusting."
Peter laughed. "I take it you and Shuri had another argument?"
Harley groaned, laying his head back against the top of the sofa. "Is it that obvious?"
MJ whacked his head as she walked by. "This isn't going to affect the mission is it, because if so, you better glue that Tennessee butt to that love seat and stay there."
"I'm glad you care so much," The lean man remarked, laying a hand over his heart. "But no, I'm good. It was a stupid arguement really, and I begrudgingly admit that it was partially my fault."
Peter sighed. "Meaning, it was completely your fault."
"I will neither confirm nor deny that statement." Harley said, popping open a soda.
Peter and MJ rolled their eyes in exasperation and finished getting ready. MJ grabbed her purse, gifted and crafted by Peter's own hands as an Anniversary gift. The purse of course was forged with nanotechnology giving it the ability to change shades of color according to her attire. Peter was even kind enough to extend the purses abilities beyond holding her makeup. Her boyfriend asked Wong to place an infinite charm. Something that is rarely used, but if you know what you want it's highly valuable. Though the only reason Peter ask was because he finally made her binge watch the entire series of Harry Potter and as a joke and security he found out that there really was an 'undetectable extension charm', so the infinite charm gives her purse endless storage that comes in handy for these types of missions, and her and only her can get access to the endless storage. If any person stole the accessory it would only appear as a normal purse. She may have kissed Peter senselessly when he gifted her the item, but that's only for her to know. She takes it with her everywhere and she can't imagine how she managed life without it.
Another knock on the door forced Harley to get up and open it, revealing Ned and Cassie. The young lady was styled in a sky blue, off-the-shoulder, long formal dress. Her hair braided and her bangs nicely combed, with a dark blue mascara, and rose red lipstick. Ned of course was in normal attire, a simple t-shirt and jeans since he will be staying behind on comns, and in case of emergencies; their get-away.
Cassie wore a silver sterling bracelet and necklace, and being the daughter of Ant-Man, she came prepared. Her jewelry was crafted with nanos and completely hidden in it was her suit. It was much more convenient than Hope or her father's suits. One thought and the suit will immediately cover her figure. She had Uncle Tony and Uncle Hank to thank for that. "The cavalry's here, boys."
"Perfect." Peter said lightly. He pulled the curtains closed and made sure the door was locked before he tapped his watch. A light emerged from the watch, scanning the room, locking onto the young adult's biosignature and deemed it safe before illuminating Peter's entire mission report for tonight glowed in front of the group.
"Alright, listen up. Tonight's mission is stealth, we cannot risk being identified nor exposed, especially with who we're dealing with."
Peter swiped the hologram pulling up a facial profile. "This is our target. Isaiah Stern, known as the "Black Reaper," who has an extensive criminal record in China, Spain, and Turkey. Intel revealed he has been running an exclusive gang or more accurately another Mafia division."
Ned sat at the desk Peter provided for him, hooking up his computer with speed. "Where are they structuring the division?"
Harley scoffed. "Where else? New York. Mafia can have absolute power in New York, with Hammerhead and Fisk taking over district by district now would be a good time to invest in some Mafia's profit. While they're having a gang war that leaves the Mafia throne wide open."
"We don't know if Stern has even begun to create his own division." Peter reminded them. "And if he has, which is why we're here, we need to find out how large a compound he has made."
MJ grabbed a map from her purse and laid it across the table. The entire team gathered around. The map showed the entire New York district and each one was labeled. MJ pointed to the Bronx. "This borough has been completely taken over by Hammerhead in the last three weeks. Which has set Fisk back, forcing him to take over the small districts such as Midtown and Chinatown. The Bronx and Brooklyn are the hotspot right now leaving Staten Island and Manhattan vulnerable to complete blindside." She explained carefully.
"Which is why we need to get enough evidence to apprehend Stern. These are all rumors and that's not going to cut it." Peter sighed. "And let's try to stick to the plan. We really don't need anything going wrong right now."
Ned piped in. "Guys I got a match."
Cassie looked above her shoulder while Ned broadcasted it to the hologram. "He's entering the Casino." Everyone paid close attention to the man, who wore a fresh tux, with a black rose pinned to his chest.
"Talk about obvious. The man is wearing his own brand." Harley remarked as he watched the man easily integrate into a group of men, laughing and slapping each other on the backs, eagerly clamping their lips on rich cigars.
Cassie smiled. "But it does make it easier to keep an eye on him. If one of us can get close enough that will easily be our ticket."
"Not too close, Cassie." Peter said. "Based on his record, he's been charged on multiple accounts of first-degree murders, extortions, drug and human trafficking, even arson, but that was never taken to court."
"Why?" MJ asked.
Peter shrugged. "He's a rich man, remember what Tony always says?"
"Money is the gateway to power, and power is the virtue to many secrets." Harley finished for him. "What's his cover?"
Ned squinted at his screen. "Well, he has been one of the top investors in Formula One, so he has a lot of traction. He earned forty-eight million from one race, so this guy has everything he needs to slip through the cracks. Enough money to easily get an invitation and plan a secret meeting if the invites continue to climb."
"We'll worry about how he's here later, we need to head in or we might never get our shot."
They all nodded in agreement, grabbing whatever they may need and headed down the elevator, exiting the lobby where two Lamborghinis were parked. The hotel was prestigious enough that nobody would question the two expensive vehicles. Peter opened the passenger door for MJ who gave him a quick peck on the cheek before getting in. Peter got in the driver's seat, quickly turning the vehicle on.
"Welcome, Peter and Michelle. How are you doing?" Karen's voice filtered through.
The two shared a smile.
Peter grinned. "We're doing okay, girl. Why don't you pull up the mission report while I take the wheel, Karen."
"Of course."
MJ swiped the report, scanning it once more as Peter eased out of the crowded parking lot, Harley and Cassie right behind them. Peter took a different route than Harley, who took the shorter direction. He didn't mind, he just hoped Harley and Cassie didn't cause any trouble before they got there. Harley was satirical and cunning, who was amazing at behind the scene work. Cassie, like Hope, was an affronting piece of work. Her creative mind left her a reputation that was useful in negotiation tactics and infiltrations. The two were a force of nature of stealth and snarky comments, which is why Peter always partnered them.
He didn't mind being stealthy, in fact he preferred it. Being Spider-Man led to some interesting opportunities when he was led on missions when he was a teenager.
Now in his early twenties he easily climbed the ranks, earning him the name of ring leader. He's part was the front lines and he couldn't ask for a better partner than MJ. Just like Harley and Cassie they also made a name for themselves. MJ was a master in manipulation, her skills in journalism sharpened it, making her an alluring pawn when she wanted to be, which was never. She did what she wanted and he loved her for it. They were a team, and a perfect one at that. He can't recall how many times she has saved his butt, from unhinged mercenaries, narcissistic scientists, psychotic women, and even from himself a few times. She was there for it all, bringing in a storm, forgetting the calm. They were equal in skill, MJ was a quick learner picking up fighting tactics. He remembered many nights where they met up at two in the morning decked out in training gear where they trained for hours, chest-heaving and sweaty as their staffs clashed as Peter guided her through the steps he learned from Rhodey and Monica. It brought them closer and soon enough they became one. MJ already knew him inside and out, but he was still being let in slowly through the walls she's built up over the years. Letting out a radiant woman, who he could almost say he was obsessed with. And here they were once again side by side, ready for another mission under their tally.
MJ pulled out their invitations as Peter slid in line toward the Casino. They waited patiently until their valet hastily walked toward their car, opening MJ's door, giving her his hand. She gratefully accepted it as Peter got out handing the keys to the young man.
He gave the nervous man a warm smile. "Take care of her." He slipped him an extra hundred as he escorted his date into the lobby.
"Yes sir!" The young man called.
MJ gave his arms a few taps. "Barely crossed the threshold."
Peter looked at her line of sight and found their target, sipping a few shots as a group of men called out bets and slammed down money around the English Roulette.
"He takes a few more shots, and luck may just be on our side."
"I take the Reaper, you take his second-in-command." MJ offered.
He nodded toward the bar as a cover to analyze their targets from afar, forcing his attention away from his girl and let MJ do the work, who was slipping a few fleurtacious winks toward them, earning a few low whistles. He let out a low chuckle. "Why, we've been dating for six years, and you're already planning on cheating on me."
MJ leaned in, her head on his shoulders. "You caught me. Are you going to turn me in?"
"Nah, maybe later, I'm booked until next Tuesday, then I'll apprehend you."
"Tiger, you know I'll be long gone by then." MJ muttered, giving another glance toward the group of men.
"You know, Em, I may not have to get close to his buddy, I think you wrapped them all around your finger." Peter analyzed, ordering himself a Cosmopolitan and MJ her Negroni. The bartender got to work, grabbing glasses for their required drinks.
"No surprise there."
The two chatted for a bit when Peter's spider-sense blared softly in warning. He took a sip of his drink, silently looking around the game room, and groups of men. His senses sharpened and focused on a woman who wore a sleek black dress with her hair in a french bun.
Peter groaned, facing the bar. MJ glanced in that direction and growled. "What is she doing here?!"
"I can only guess." He tapped his ear. "Guys, we have a problem. Looks like something got Black Cat's eye."
He could hear Harley groaning. "Great, because we have another problem. I don't think she's working alone. We had to take down a group of men, who definitely weren't part of the Casino's masterful security team."
Peter mentally slapped himself. "Ned, is there any art going to be displayed tonight?"
"No, the manifest is all charity. Bidding will start in an hour, why?"
"Because we may not be the only team chasing this guy." Peter answered, walking toward a Black Jack table, MJ not far behind. "Alright, stick to the plan, Harley, are you preparing our escape plan?"
"...Define preparing?"
Peter gritted his teeth. "Don't tell me…"
"Okay, we may have been held up. We got access to one of the shift managers' offices, and this guy is pretty shady based on the intel Cassie pulled up. I'll head up toward the security and pacify them. Don't be surprised, because it looks like tonight's shift is going to be interesting." Harley said into his comm as he paced through the hallways in the shadows.
Peter and MJ shared a glance and nodded.
"I'll take Stern now. Time isn't on our side…which never is. If we miss him now, we may never get the chance again." MJ sighed, looking over at Felicia. "Go visit an old friend." She walked away from his side, mingling with a group of girls closer to the Poker table.
"Friend is stretching it," He muttered to himself as he walked over to the women.
She was currently sitting at another bar, twirling a lime in her Margarita with a straw.
She smiled at the presence behind her. "Hello, Spider. Surprised you're here."
She felt him slip into the seat next to her. "No you're not. Why else would you stray from the crowd?"
She purred. "Cat's have to have a view, right?" She looked him over. "You look ferociously handsome." She pawed his wrists and arm. "What kind of goodies do you have on you this time, hmm?"
He gently shook her off. "Enough. Why don't you tell me why you're really here." He demanded softly.
"Maybe I'm here for the life of the party. Rumor has it a very practical figure is hiding here. Maybe get his attention, slice his throat, typical Friday night."
"If you mean a murderer who has three accounts of extortion, than I wonder what you see me as." Peter said, keeping his attention focused on the conversation. If he can stall her from making a move that gives MJ the necessary time to work her magic, and he really wasn't looking forward to the two meeting again.
Felicia laughed softly, laying her chin against her palm, eyeing him. "I see a very young man who is different from most, with an intriguing set of intelligent eyes, and I must say an attractive mass of muscle." Peter had to force himself not to blush as he coughed into his fist.
"I would say thank you, but you just creeped me out." He answered honestly. "So I'm assuming Hammerhead sent you? You are his personal pet, correct?"
"More like a willing investigator. I look into what he thinks is a problem and I take care of it, and if you keep making a fuss, he may just send me in your direction, and I would hate for us to be an…inconvenience...again." She muttered, taking a sip, before popping the entire lime in her mouth, crushing it with one bite.
"And if I were you I hope you get ready for what's coming, Spider."
He rose as she did, grabbing her forearms carefully. "Felicia, what did you do?"
"It's not what I did. It's like what your brother said, 'I'm not alone.'" Peter's eyes widened.
"You've been listening in." He gritted his teeth in realization. She hacked their comms. He could hear Ned groaning at the intrusion of his tech.
She sighed with a gleam in her eyes. "There's still so much for you to learn."
"Hammerhead's reign won't last long, you know that." He whispered, forcing his nerves to stabilize. He used his senses to find MJ's voice, but the area was too loud for him to hone in.
"I know, but if it makes you feel better neither will the 'Black Reaper's.'"
A scream and bang rang through the Casino, pulling the entire mood to a halt as Peter glared at Felicia who shrugged, sipping the rest of her green drink. Peter growled as he took off from her side heading to the scene. Sure, enough, Isaiah Stern was shot dead with a bullet hold buried in his head, a trail of blood slowly seeping out.
"Peter! Peter! We have a huge problem!" Harley screamed into the comm, gunshots loud in the background. "The men are going after the vault."
Peter walked away from the scene, avoiding the security that was escorting the crowd outside. "What's in the vault? You know what, nevermind, just stop them. Ned, we need a clean getaway. Stern is dead, and Felicia was a ruse." He looked around. "MJ, do you copy?"
Silence.
"Crap. Okay, changing plans. Harley, Cassie, secure the vault the last thing this palace needs is a robbery. Ned, I need you to get rid of the cameras, now. Clean us from the system and their invitation list. Make it look like we were never here. Meet us near the Hotel, looks like we're gonna have to leave on foot. I'm going to look for MJ." He ordered as he went into the kitchen grabbing a lone jacket and tossing away his tux coat, leaving him in his button-down shirt, as he slipped on the red coat. He tapped his watch, pulling up his team's GPS and staring down at MJ's location. She was heading toward the lower levels of the casino.
"What are you up to now, Em?" He wondered as he pickpocketed an ID from a running guard. He accessed the lower level stairs, racing down them.
"Peter! We got the vault secure, and we found some goodies, heading to one of the East second level windows. We're gonna zipline." Cassie tapped in. "Have you found MJ yet?"
He jumped in the middle of the staircase falling a few levels down and softly landed. "Not yet, she's in the underground levels, moving fast too, just keep me updated. Ned? How's our cover?"
"You're good to go. I already have our hotel room cleaned and packed. I'll meet you guys at the Fontvieille Park." Ned called.
Peter walked down the hallway and paused.
"Stay safe, Ned." He said. "Harley. I need you to do something for me if you're still in the building."
"...What are you planning to do?"
Peter smirked as he reached his girlfriend's location. "Improvise."
He heard a groan. "We're gonna die."
oOo
Peter activated a secret button on his watch as he looked down from the vent. He found a ventilation behind him in the hall. After devising a plan, Harley and him got to work, going their separate ways. Sure enough, his girlfriend was tied up in a chair, her eyes wild and angered as she screamed through her gag. Her hair was in chaos and he felt his anger grow at the dark red welt on her cheek. There were men in black hard gear and he immediately recognized them as Felicia's men. He cursed in his head at the situation. He unconsciously fell right into Black Cat's trap. He believed that he was stalling her, keeping her at bay to give MJ a chance, but they were outpowered and less prepared than he originally thought, and they paid the cost for his gullibility. With a thought his watch opened and the cool sensation of nanobots washed over him as his Spider-Man suit formed. He aimed a trip mine web to a group of men closer to the wall and other toward one stationed near the door.
He tapped the vent underneath him three times and watched as MJ immediately tensed receiving the secret message. She was ready when he was. With that thought in mind he activated the bombs. The men growled and yelped as they were caught in the web before the trip mine tugged them to the wall sticking them tight. The web bomb took care off the men behind MJ as he jumped from the vent, shooting out two strands that hit that firm chests of two men and he pulled them without mercy hearing them yell out as he leaned to the side as they hit the wall, unconscious. Without wasting a second he backflipped, knocking another man's weapon to the ground. With a firm punch to the jaw he was down. Webbing the rest was easy before the room was silent except MJ's muffled words.
His suit retreated back into his watch leaving him in his dress clothes. He quickly made work of the ropes, pulling off the gag.
MJ took a deep breath, then glared.
"...Where were you?!"
He paused, giving her a shocked laugh. "...I was tracking you and making sure no one was tailing us. You're welcome by the way. OH Peter, what would I do without you!" Peter handed MJ her purse near the door, and snatched it from him and gave him a firm punch to the shoulder, forcing the young man to yelp.
MJ swiped her hair out of her hair with anger. "That good-for-nothing-cat! I was right there with Stern, even got his buddy in close too. Before he offered to buy me a drink."
"You took it right?" Peter asked.
MJ gave him 'are you stupid' look. "Of course I took it. That's what got me into this mess. It was a trap, and I fell right into it. And I'm going to tear those guards apart."
Peter nudged her softly with a teasing smile. "Don't worry I'm sure you'll make them pay." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before they moved toward the door. MJ smiled, punching his shoulder once again.
Peter laughed, opened the door… and froze.
The entire hall was filled with Black Cat's men with their guns trained on them. Numerous laser beams pointed at their chests. One broad man growled. "Stand down or we shoot." The hallway was silent as the couple shared a glance.
Peter smirked, stepping to the side, "Ladies first."
MJ matched his grin before walking forward, with her hands raised. "Looks like you got us, boys." The leader nodded and moved cautiously to the women who had her hands poised in surrender. Once he got close enough he spotted a gleam in the women's dark brown eyes. He halted his pursuit.
MJ smiled cheekly. "On second thought." In an instant, she pulled out a staff and swiftly ducked to the ground, swiping the leader's feet from under him. Immediately, bullets rained toward her direction… but none hit as Peter casted a shield around, the nanites taking the brute force. He leaned down offering her his hand which she took gratefully. "Looks like we got a mess to clean up, Tiger."
Peter's watch formed his signature web shooters and gave her a wink. "I am soooo not cleaning this up."
The cascade of men who were firm now shifted their feet anxiously as their bullets fell uselessly to the ground with a soft cling. Peter pointed his web shooters at the group and fired as MJ easily charged the nearest guard, giving him a firm undercut not bothering to watch him fall unconscious. She felt her instincts sharpen and ducked as her boyfriend threw a guard into a wall where she was standing. MJ quirked an eyebrow.
Peter waved her off. "Oops." Leaning back as a punch aimed for his head, blocking another sloppy hit toward his torso, before kicking him in the stomach, hearing the man's breath hitch as Peter kicked him down. The man gave up easily as Peter webbed him up, securely.
Four waves of men crashed through the hallway and Peter merely rolled his eyes shooting four web grenades in their direction stopping them effortlessly. "Nice try, guys, maybe next time." He refilled his webs with a click of his wrists. "If you want we can continue this next Tuesday… wait sorry I have a meeting with Hammerhead. We have an overdue conversation that needs to settle. Let him know if he wants to talk he knows what he needs to do."
He heard a loud clang and analyzed his girl who was tying her hair into a ponytail, keeping the struggling man face down into the tile floor with her heels. He walked over to the man, webbing him in his own separate cocoon. MJ's chest was heaving and she had a shallow cut on her cheek and head, but her eyes were blazing with life as she also looked over Peter for injuries.
There was a collection of moans and groans as the couple quickly ran past them heading up the staircase. Peter huffed as he ran. "Do you feel better now?"
Mj laughed as they climbed up another level. "Never better. What's the plan, oh fearless one!"
Before he could answer, one of the staircase level doors opened revealing a heaving and sweating Harley in one of Black Cat's men's uniform. His eyes widened in relief. "WHERE IN SAKAR WERE YOU?!"
"Down the lower levels, I told you this." He remarked as the three continued running up the stairs."
Harley growled. "You idiot! There are North, South, East, and West lower levels! I've spent the last fifteen minutes searching for you!"
Peter gave his brother a dismissive look. "How was I supposed to know? We only planned for the ground levels! And please, tell me you did what I asked you…"
They paused for a moment giving MJ enough time to dig a part of running shoes out of her purse and remove her useless heels, stuffing them into her bag. She slipped on them while watching the brother's argue.
"Of course I did, managed to clear the area for our escape, but it will be fruitless if we don't get out of this stupid staircase!"
Peter rolled his eyes. "Then let's hurry and get out of these clothes!"
With a thought, all three simultaneously transformed their clothes. Peter's nano's easily turned his clothes into a white shirt with a black leather jacket, Harley changed into a forest green t-shirt with black pants as MJ changed into a light violet tank top and black tights. The three quickly made it to the highest level bursting through the door to find chaos in the halls. They rushed toward the roof, with the zipline Cassie shot still firm tight. Harley immediately grabbed a hold of the line…
"...I wouldn't do that if I were you!" A certain feminine voice called out.
The three turned facing Felicia who was decked out in her full Black Cat gear with an opportune smile. MJ growled at the women while Peter and Harley respectfully backed away from the enraged women.
"It's nice to see you again, Michelle." She greeted her.
"Quit with the flattery, I'm impatient, and tired, so get to the point here." The brown hair girl gritted out.
Felicia gave her a sly-wounded look. "And here after all I've been through, I would at least guess that we are friends."
"...You kidnapped my boyfriend, left him at the mercy of Hammerhead, and had the audacity to come to me and lie that you found his kidnapper and lead me on a wild-god forsaken goose chase! You even robbed me of my savings and I know it was you who destroyed the Maria after you learned how much I revered it!" MJ growled, her eyes ablaze. "You used both of us to earn Hammerhead's personal favor and I will watch as you disappoint Hammerhead over and over again! I know what's in the vault in this Casino, I know what they have hidden. Don't think for a second that I believed you when I heard you speaking about getting rid of Stern because that was never your target in the first place!"
Peter's eyes hardened as things started clicking into place. He let out a strained chuckle. "You managed to hit all four bases, didn't you?"
Felicia swung her hips. "Home run, Spider. Killing Stern wasn't my first intention, but once I spotted your little rag team, it wasn't hard to find out why you were here. This Casino has a lot of secrets, and intentions that I just can't let them get away with. Gotta hand it to you, girl, I'm impressed."
Peter and MJ growled, as Peter clicked his tongue. "Same goes for you, Cat. We can't let you get away with it."
Felicia laughed. "And you think I haven't?"
Her smugness was wiped clean when Peter gave her a familiar smirk. A smirk she's seen enough to know exactly what it entails. "I know you haven't." He said…
...Before the entire west wing of the Casino blew up into a fiery mass of heat and fire. Felicia spun toward the destruction where her prize jewels laid. The art that was worth trillions now led to ash, and the Mafia's entire wealth resided inside that vault. Money that would've insured her final statement to everyone everywhere. Value that could have made the score of a lifetime…gone. Her eye's twitched as she turned toward the couple who were giving her twin smug smirks.
"Do not tell me you just…"
"You know exactly what we did." Peter responded with a smile.
"How?!"
Alarms and screams were echoing in waves across the campus of the grand Casino, at least it was grand. Fire Trucks were pulling in, it's passengers running in full gear hoping to salvage some part of the collapsed building. Peter stepped forward. "Just like you know us inside and out, have you maybe considered the chance that we know you inside and out. You are a thief, and a thief cannot resist treasure. It's cliche' as it is boring. I admit I wish destroying it wasn't the way to go, but we needed a distraction, and you and I are not done."
"You made an inadequate mistake, Spider." Felicia's eyes narrowed as the sirens grew louder. Both parties needed to make their escape and fast.
Peter shrugged with a sigh. "Maybe, but I'm willing to make that mistake. I doubt you are."
Harley glanced at the police squad entering the perimeter with alarm. "Guys! Let's go!" He jumped onto the zipline letting gravity do the work for him and rolled onto the ground to cushion his fall.
The handle quickly zoomed back up for MJ to use as Peter waved goodbye to the bristling Cat and leaped down meeting MJ and Harley at the bottom. The trio ran behind the Casino, their arms pumping as Peter took the lead heading to the treeline that would give them the necessary time to calm down and make their way to the pick-up point. Once they penetrated the treeline they shuffled to a heaving halt leaving the Casino, and the enraged cat behind.
"About time you guys showed up!" Cassie said, emerging from the left of MJ holding a small first aid kit. Another small explosion echoed from the distance.
Cassie winced at the scene of destruction. "Director Rambeau is going to kill us."
No one argued as Cassie applied a butterfly bandage on MJ's head wound. Peter helped Harley apply ointment to the obvious bruises on his cheek and collarbone. Harley winced as his brother applied the cool cream. Peter muttered an apology as he continued to work.
Harley huffed. "You got the items, right Cassie?"
The girl smiled, a sparkle in her eyes as she dusted her hands. "Yep! The package has already been delivered to the owner of the Casino and loose ends have been completely wiped. Oh! And before I forget, Ned fixed the comms, no sneaky cat will hack our comms anytime soon."
Peter nodded in approval. "Awesome, now we just need to get out of here."
MJ shook her head. "Not until you guys explained to me what happened in the last ten minutes."
Harley smirked. "Like me and Cassie said before, one of the shift managers was a pretty shady guy, secretly exporting goods in small portions to miss detection. Cassie easily found the encrypted data, thanks to Ned."
"Inside were receipts from various auctions from every corner of the globe. Turns out this guy wasn't just shady, but in Loki-deep debt, and what better way to ease it off working in one of the most prestigious Casinos in the world? He managed to work his way up giving him more access to information from each promotion. This information has already been sent to the police. At least they can certify a warrant for his arrest," Cassie said, as the team started their walk to the rendezvous point. "Clearly this bad boy found some way to earn clearance to the Vault. Which had a lot of goodies, didn't it, Harley?"
Harley smiled, elbowing his friend. "They had everything. Bars of gold, portraits of Art that would've made Felicia squeal, not to mention redefined gems, you name it, it had it."
MJ groaned at their stupidity. "And yet you turned it into a fiery ball."
Peter gave MJ a smug look and she halted her eyes widening in realization. "You sneaky Spider!" She punched his shoulder as Peter laughed. "That's where Harley was! He was clearing out the Vault!"
"Yep, that would be the same package Cassie sent back to the rightful owner, along with prints of the recipients. Hopefully, he can track down all his missing property."
"That doesn't explain how you managed to transport…" MJ smiled. "You used Pym Particle Disks… genius."
Cassie preened with a shrug. "I wouldn't be my daddy's girl without knowing how to smuggle a few things here and there."
"So Felicia believes that her entire score…"
"Was blown to bits." Peter finished for her as entered the city lines. "When in reality it's being transported to a secure and secret location."
MJ chuckled. "Good. Feels good to score a win against her."
Peter grabbed her hand, brushing his thumb across her palm. "You did exceptionally, Em, like always. If you and her committed a war, I would know who would come out on top. Felicia is a loner, who doesn't care about casualties, and is addicted to trouble." He pulled her into his side as they walked deeper into a plaza. "Sure, she is cunning and manipulative, but so are you in a cool and awesome way. You have us to back you up, and even if you didn't, I know you would conquer without beating a sweat."
MJ leaned into him, allowing to soak in his comfort. "You know, when she took you, I was a mess, ask anyone."
"Yeah, I'm still sorry about that, Em."
"You have nothing to apologize for except for worrying me endlessly than apologize away, but that's not… It's how I found you. If Tony wasn't there I would've completely lost it, and you know how much I hate showing my emotional side with him." Peter nodded with a small wince. "Then it was like attack after attack. She is ruthless and out for the kill and that's exactly what she did… to both of us. You are my partner, and if I had to have Harley for my equal I will kill myself."
They both ignore the incredulous, "Hey!"
Peter smiled at the comment, knowing how much it meant to MJ. He couldn't remember that day fully, too out of it to hear coherent sentences, just broken pieces of voices, that belong to the women next to him and his panicked father. Hammerhead wasn't merciful in his capture and made it an event for his men to have their time with the Spider. Peter's head moved to his ribs and torso where he was kicked brutally from Hammerhead's own steel-tip boots. His injuries were severe, but it wasn't something that he couldn't overcome. A few weeks of extensive physical therapy and resilient support from his family got him back into the suit. Even now, months later, he gets snippets of memories that he lost from his meeting with the Mafia lord, but it's something he pushes to the back of his mind to crumble and fade.
"You're my partner too, Em. Never forget that. We're a team, just like the rest of us, and I cannot tell you how many times I would be lost without you. Not to mention all the stupid stuff I could get away with." They shared a soft chuckle. "I mean it, MJ. I remember when we were just kids, even then you and Ned were by my side, and I can not tell you how thankful I am to have a confident, equally ruthless when challenged, intelligent, and must I say simply stunning to fight for me and our family."
He could sense his girlfriend blushing next to him and he squeezed her shoulder tightly.
MJ let out a long exhale. "...You would be a senseless idiot without me."
"Without a doubt." Peter remarked.
The group walked through the enormous city of Monte Carlo. They merged into a large crowd, blending in as they took a moment to relax and sightsee. Downtown was bristly with activity as music and cheers erupted from the streets as people party, drinks dripping from uneven hands.
Harley and Peter had to drag Cassie away from the Fontvieille Shopping Center, her hands itching to go shopping as they made their way to the desolate park for the time-being. The evening was cool as audiences gravitated toward the shopping centers and clubs while the four looked around for a familiar SUV.
Soon enough MJ spotted the hidden vehicle, guiding the others. Peter opened the door startling Ned who was playing Elder Scrolls. He ripped his headphones off and put away his computer. Cassie and Harley took the back seats, fighting who got the left window. Peter sat in the passenger seat, giving MJ the entire middle seat who laid down with an exhausted sigh.
Ned smiled, sliding the key into the ignition. "So can we call this mission a success?"
Peter shrugged, exhausted from the day's events. "Sure, why not."
"Cool, cool… because Director Rambeau wants a debrief…now."
Everyone in the car groaned. Ned winced in sympathy as he connected the call.
"PETER PARKER, YOU DID NOT BLOW UP A CASINO!!!" Everyone flinched at the director's tone.
"Told you we were going to die," Harley muttered to his brother. Peter let his head hit the dashboard.
