Spoiler alert if you haven't played or watched the game! Be warned!
The ringing of sirens echoed like vibrations through an empty corridor. The loud contained explosions of gunshots came in bursts then periods of automatic fire, ripping through rocks, concrete and metal. A mass crowd of pedestrians scattered the city streets, some hiding in buildings other trying to catch a glimpse of the action. The ensuing firefight between several squads of officers and robbers at the entrance of the bank raged on. The bank was reminiscent of the old days where the architecture was designed to ooze power, massive in scale, three-stories of bricks, metal, and glass; definitely large enough to hold a vast fortune. Nearly all the windows on the bottom story were destroyed with several damaged getaway vehicles parked on the white stone stairs.
One of the officers, an Asian woman was yelling orders to the people under her command. "Any sight of him!?" She yells at a cop in the distance.
"I don't know!"
"Damn it!" the woman officer frustratingly slammed the door with the bottom of her fist. She held out her gun and blind fired in the direction of the bank. The tinkering of the brass shells bouncing off the car and onto the ground vibrated in her ear.
Suddenly, the pounding of lead on metal stopped as the robbers began firing at something inside the bank. Confusion made it across everybody's faces as they heard some people inside scream in pain, and the firing of bullets started to die off.
CRASH*
A large man flung out of an unbroken window from the second floor. He looked like he was going to fall face first onto the ground before a long strand of white rope shot out of the building and caught the robber merely inches away before his skull makes contact with the floor.
Suddenly, someone dressed in a full body costume flew out of the window and with a few graceful twirls in the air landed on his feet. It was none other than the masked vigilante himself, Spider-Man. His colors of red, white, and blue made him pop from his surroundings.
"Sorry guys, I had to come in from the back!" He announced apologetically.
The woman officer is visibly annoyed, she holstered her gun and got out of cover. "About time you showed up, is the building clear?"
"Crystal." He made an okay sign with his hand.
As per usual, the people began to chant his alter-ego's name. Something Peter all these years still found hard to get used to. Even behind the mask, the hero could be seen feeling a little in the spotlight, "no, thank these guys for holding down the line!" he yelled and then faced the police officers with clapping enthusiasm. This caused the crowd to rouse even louder.
Abruptly, a tingling sensation went off in the back of Peter's mind. His spider-sense was screaming for him to turn around and leap to the side, cold shivers ran down his back. One of the robbers had made it into a getaway vehicle and decided to take a shot at Spider-Man.
BANG* a gunshot ceased the chanting.
Thankfully, the masked hero was fast enough to react, but not as timely as he hoped as he felt a sharp pain tear the right side of his thigh. Again, the armed man points the gun out of the car window, firing a few more times until there was nothing but the sounds of a small hammer slamming a firing pin. Spider-Man made several leaps and spins, dodging all the incoming projectiles with several acrobatic maneuvers.
The engines roared to life, several officers shot at the car, but it already began its trajectory towards the right-side corner of the road where the least amount of people were blocking the lane. The robber didn't care about slaughtering any bystanders, he just wanted to have less obstacles in his way.
Spider-Man launched a double strand of webs at the back bumper of the car and trunk. Planting his feet hard into the pavement he engaged all his muscles to stop the car. The vehicle began to shriek as the tires scrape the ground with increasing speed. Finally, after a few seconds the popping of tires and cranking of an over exhausted engine indicated the vehicle was no longer working.
Several cops ran over to the driver side and forcefully dragged the man out.
"You ok?" Yuri rushed over to the hero.
"Yeah, I'll be fine." Spider-Man replied as he shot some webbing onto the bleeding wound.
"You need to go to a hospital. Get it checked." Yuri demanded, this wasn't the police chief inside of her speaking now, but a friend.
"This is nothing but a flesh wound for the Spider-Cop." Peter quipped in a horrible raspy voice. The police officer clearly wasn't amused. "Okay Yuri, you can handle it from here?" He asked while turning his back on the woman, contemplating which direction he should swing.
"Yes, but where are you going?"
"Ah, personal matters to attend to." The hero said, turning to face the cop realizing that the best way to get to his destination was behind him.
"Like what?" The officer questioned.
"I didn't know you were interested in my personal life." Spidey retorted in a sarcastic manner before hurling himself in the air and shooting a strand of web onto a building. "Keep me posted!"
XXXX
"Pete, I just saw what happened on the news!" The excited teenager, Miles Morales, shouted into the phone. The boy had recently been bitten by a radioactive spider which gifted him powers. Peter has been teaching how to use his new found skills for good.
"Yeah, not my finest moment letting that guy sneak up on me. Hey, new lesson: don't get distracted until it's really over or you'll get shot like me!" Peter quipped.
"Are you alright? My mom's not home at the moment, I got first aid." Miles offered.
"You read my mind. Be there in a few." Peter hung up and continued swinging, lucky for him, Miles lived just several miles away from where he had planned to meet up with Mary Jane. He needed to get the wound cleaned and stitched before he shows up for dinner, the thought of him having to explain why the right side of his pants were covered in blood wasn't ideal.
With a near soundless thud, the vigilante superhero landed on the side of brick building. "1, 2, 3, … yeah, this is the eighth story. Miles should be right here." He tapped on the window besides him which instantly shot open.
"Man, that was sick. I can't wait till I can do that!" Miles helped the masked hero inside his room and guided him to an empty wooden chair.
"One step at a time my young Padawan." Peter pulled off his mask and took a seat.
The teenager had to stare at Peter for a few seconds in awe, "I'll never get used to seeing you without the mask on."
"Yeah, a lot of people aren't expecting such a good-looking face under here either." Peter half-joked, he hoped that he didn't come off as cocky with his Spider-Man persona still not completely switched off. Spidey then tore off the webbing on his leg, Peter hadn't had any time to examine the wound, so it was a surprise to him that the bullet graze was deeper than he had expected. It didn't cause too much pain, so he didn't know whether that was a good or bad thing.
"Ah, that is nasty." Miles grimaced at the sight; it wasn't too deep of a cut but enough to look like it would hurt- a lot. The kid handed Peter some rubbing alcohol and a towel. "Do you need something to bite on, like in the movies?"
"Na, this is nothing I can't handle." Peter opened the plastic container holding the liquid and poured some of the disinfectant onto the wound, pressing the towel close by so his blood wouldn't stain the kid's carpet. The hero gritted his teeth and hissed; a sharp burning sensation shot through his thigh as he pressed the towel tightly onto the gash. "Luckily, we heal faster than normal. If you ever get into a situation like this. Remember to let it rest for a few hours, it'll be gone by the morning." Spider-Man explained to his trainee.
"Rest. Okay, got it. Say, you must have experienced this quite a few times." Miles wondered out loud.
"More than I could keep track off, especially in the earlier days." Peter remembered all the times the cops would shoot at him because they though he was a bad guy, or just the unfortunate times he wasn't able to perfectly dodged an incoming bullet.
"Here's some water too. It looks like you need it." Miles handed Peter a bottle.
"Thanks, you are a life saver- literally." Peter let the towel soak up any blood still leaking out of the wound. After drinking the water, he slowly peeled off the bloodied cloth and looked at the cut. The wound had already begun to heal, usually he didn't need any stitching since he would just let the injury sit out and have his healing factor do its thing. However, since he had to be up and going in a few minutes, stitches were required.
The teen handed Peter a sewing kit.
"I would say you may not want to look at this, but it's better if you watch now." He told Miles.
The teen let out a deep breath, preparing his eyes for what he was about to witness.
"Okay, you don't have to go too far where you are hitting muscles, but enough to break through the skin and some fat." Peter threaded the needle.
"Man, you say that like it's a common thing." The teen was clearly disturbed how causally Peter was describing ways to string himself back together.
"Sorry." The man softens his serious expression, "It's just important for me that you know this. I applaud that you want to be like me but it's not always fun in games. You get hurt sometimes, and I don't want you to panic when that happens." Peter needed Miles to be prepared just in case of a medical emergency. Someday, Peter may not be there to help Miles and the last thing he wants is Miles dying from something that was could be easily treated.
"No, I get it… Thanks? I guess." Miles awkwardly nodded, he understood that Peter was doing his best to teach him about his new biology and giving him super-hero advice.
"And there, it's done." Peter tied then cut the string. "The costume is gonna need a little patching tonight, but nothing big." He stated to himself. He put on his mask, blinking a few times to let the hardware register that he's using it. "Ah, crap!" He stood up and made his way over to the window.
"Hey, you are leaving already. Didn't you say to let it rest?" Miles called, worried for his friend.
"I'll be ok. Gotta go, MJ's waiting for me." He explained.
"Oh, I see. Good luck!"
"Thanks!" The masked hero leaped out of the rectangular hole in the wall, and with a few swings disappeared into the cityscape.
Miles shrugged and looked at the bloody towel laying on the chair. "That's going into the garbage."
XXXX
It's evening, the fine city of New York is booming with life as usual. The honking of vehicles, people going on with their busy lives, and the occasional police sirens going off in the distance.
Mary Jane Watson sat in the first available table near the entrance of an Italian restaurant, Mick's.
The red-haired girl was busy typing away on her computer, there hasn't been a truly juice story for her to investigate since the whole incident involving Dragon's Breath. Her articles have now been reduced to the ethics behind superhero activism and vigilantism, she tried to keep her biases in check as she knew a certain walk-crawler would be reading her work and New York is pretty much a superhuman beacon since the Avengers formed.
The doorbell rang, indicating a new customer has entered. MJ took a quick glance off her computer screen and meticulous typing to see if it was Peter or not. She texted him this morning to see if he wanted to meet for a quick bite. The brunette man walked through the entrance, his hair more disheveled than usual and it looked like he had just put on his cloths.
"Pete!" She waved for him.
The young man strolled over and settled himself down in the seat adjacent to the woman.
"Sorry, I was caught up in something." He explained, rebuttoning his shirt as he noticed they were not properly clipped.
"You many want to fix your hair too." MJ recommended before finishing up her last sentence and saving the document.
"Yeah, thanks." Peter ran his fingers through his hair to straighten it back into a more presentable look.
MJ closed her laptop. "Is your leg okay? I just read the news on the bank robbery." She whispered, concern in her voice.
"It'll be fine in a couple of hours." He brushed off his injury.
"I am serious Pete; I don't want to see you with a missing leg the next time we meet." MJ scolded Peter as she placed her equipment into her backpack.
"I promise, so- ah have you ordered?"
"Large fries, as usual." MJ replied. "I just got here a few minutes ago too, they should be out in a minute."
"Great, I am starving!" The man in plaid half-joked, grabbing at his stomach as if he was about to die from malnourishment.
MJ laughed at his exaggerated mannerism. "Oh, stop it!"
Peter smiled and rested his back into the comfort of the seat. It's been over a month since the two have had any time for a meetup. MJ has been too busy with work, while Peter has been juggling a new job and his routine of protecting the city populace.
"Order 189!?" They heard the semi-raspy voice of the short order cook.
"That's us." MJ got ready to retrieve the food.
"Let me get it." Peter beat her too it, already on his feet and on his way to the counter.
"Ah, why isn't it one of my favorite customers." The elderly man handed Peter a plastic container with a generous helping of homemade fries. "Give me a second." He held out a shaker and sprinkled a little more seasoning on it. "I know how you guys like it extra savory."
Peter smiled at the cook. "Thanks Stan."
The elderly man gave Peter a charming salute "don't mention it.".
Peter's mouth watered when the aroma of the fries and various spices hit his nostrils. He couldn't help but take a quick bite from one of the fries as he set the food onto the surface of the wooden table. "Umm, so good!" Peter voiced.
"Umm, it has been a while." MJ agreed as she began eating too.
"So, how's the scoop going now the City is semi-back to normal?" Peter enquired.
"Uneventful, the meatiest thing I have covered all week was that some mobsters were sneaking drugs into the city with canned corn." MJ huffed.
"Exciting." Peter spoke while chewing.
"Not really." The woman shook her head.
"Afraid you won't get another promotion?" Peter kidded; he knew that she had made associate journalist just a few weeks back.
"Afraid that my articles may not get enough traction to afford rent next month." MJ fixed his assumption.
The young man stopped eating. "MJ, are you in any financial trouble?" He put a serious expression on his face, worried that his friend may be in a tight bind. Of course, he didn't have much money to spare either, but he was still concerned none the less.
"No, I am just really trying to save up money right now." She noticed the worried expression on the man's face. She didn't want him to be worried when the man had his own problems to deal with. She softened her stiff gaze and chuckled, "Usually, I am not the one having money problems."
Peter smirked, "I wouldn't say that. My bank account is like the Titanic right now, at any minute Kate and Leo could be jumping ship."
"Oh my god, you and your movie references." MJ couldn't keep it together as she snickered at his analogy.
The young man smiled back, pleased to see she was having some fun at his misfortune. "So, are you saving money for something in particular?"
MJ nodded finishing another fry, wrinkling her eyebrows in deep thought. "I am thinking of going back to school."
Peter stopped mid bite. "Wow, wow, t-that's good! Have you applied to anywhere yet? Why all of a sudden? What degree?" He seemed genuinely intrigued and happy for the girl.
"Slow down there Pete. Not yet, I have several applications half done, all I know is I want to further my education in Journalism, maybe English. Besides, I think it'll help me in the future. That's why I am trying to save money."
"Doesn't the Bugle have a tuition reimbursement program?"
"They do, but only 75% coverage."
"Better than nothing right?"
"Sure. However, buying books and all the other school stuff pretty much makes it 50%."
"I'll take that over zero any day."
"Knowing you Pete, if someone gave you five dollars you would be happy." MJ joked.
Peter could argue with the truth. "Well MJ, I know you will do great." He praised. Peter knew MJ is a smart young woman, it was practically why they became friends in the first place and how they bonded, he knew once MJ had set her stubborn mind onto something, she would complete it.
"Thanks."
The two were now a bit over ¾ of the ways done with their meal.
"Pete." She put her hand on his. Peter exhaled, the contact from her warm hand was very pleasant. It's been so long since he had last felt her touch him in an affection manner. "Are you doing alright?" The red head was clearly referencing the situation with his recently deceased Aunt. MJ knew May since she was a little girl, the woman was practically her Aunt too. She remembered all the times she would visit her ex's house and was welcomed with freshly baked sugar cookies. How the elderly woman always had a caring gaze and bountiful words of wisdom. Mary Jane also remembers how much she cried that day when May died. The pain MJ felt, must have only been a fraction of what Peter was going through.
Peter stiffened a little, still sensitive about the subjected. The thought of his Aunt still brought him to tears, but he fought back, only letting his eyes water ever so slightly.
"I am trying my best to honor her. She would have wanted me to not grieve, long." He managed a weak smile.
"I am glad you are staying strong Pete." MJ croaked, she whipped away a tear with a napkin.
Peter turned his palm facing the table to hold MJ's hand. She gave him a light squeeze, which he loved. "I am sorry, for getting emotional. God, I look like a mess." She chimed.
"No, please. I know she was just as important to me as to you." He assured. Peter caught MJ's caring stare peering deep into his soul. Her ocean colored eyes always made him breathless, Peter enjoyed looking into her eyes. It was the first thing he could remember about the woman that made her stand out when they were children. It was always just him, her, and Harry- the unbreakable trio. Peter was so glad she had put up with him for so long. He could feel the heat off of MJ's hands, practically hearing her heartbeat
Abruptly, MJ moved her head a little closer. Closing her eyes, she leaned in to give him a kiss.
-?
Her lips made contact, but they weren't connecting where she was hoping for. Peter had turned his head at the last second. Only allowing her to plant a kiss on his blushing cheek.
"Oh-" MJ pulled back, letting go of Peter's hand and cupping her face in embarrassment.
"No. It's not you MJ it's me." He pleaded quietly.
"I am sorry, I just thought-" She sighed, wanting to crawl into a ditch and disappear. Was it too late? Did he change his mind?
The awkward tension between the two was palpable. Peter kept his eyes focused on the table while she tried her best to avoid any eye contact. This held for a long minute.
"MJ, I am seeing someone." He mouthed finally.
MJ eye's widened in disbelief a mixture of disappointment and jealously swept over her before she quickly masked it with a fake positivity. "I-I am happy for you? I am happy for you!" She had to say it twice, she hated that the first time she said the phrase it came out as more of a question then statement.
Peter could clearly tell the subject was making MJ uncomfortable as she never repeats herself or sounded as perplexed. "MJ, I am sorry…"
"Sorry, sorry for what? You didn't do anything wrong?" She cut, she wanted him to not feel guilty. It's not like they were together or anything, 'though you where trying to hard just a few months ago.' She breathed, her emotions where getting the better hold of her.
"It just sorta just happened, you and I, we can s-" He tried to explain but cut himself short. Peter rubbed his neck; he was starting to feel the drama of the moment fall heavier on him. "I- I – should go." He broke. Fighting bad guys, getting shot at, nearly dying- anything at the moment would have been better than having to experience her lively blueish-green eyes turn into a desolate stare of sadness. The young man stood up without warning and left.
MJ tussled her hair in frustration, she could feel the lump in her throat grow larger as she shed a tear, eyeing the spot where the man sat in disbelief. Finally, the sound of the bell chime from the closing door faded out. Conflict stir inside her, her brain telling her that she needs some space; that they both need space. However, her heart was telling her to go. MJ didn't want to lose him, not again. The red-haired woman grabbed her backpack and chased after him.
XXXX
Peter and MJ strolled in silence.
'Walk me home Pete.' Mary Jane told him, and how could her knight in shining armor not?
"Have you two been going out for a while?"Peter heard her ask.
"No, no, no, I met her last month, we haven't even gone on a date." 'Officially.'
MJ casually nodded. "Does she know about..." She pretended to slip on a mask.
"No!" Peter said shocked. He caught himself before he got too excited, "No, no, no, I haven't. We aren't there." He added.
A MJ felt happy hearing that, thought there was a bitter after taste in that moment of joy. "But you have asked her out?"
"We're meeting this weekend actually." He scratched his chin, realizing how weird it was to talk about dating other people with an ex.
MJ felt her heart sink a little. There was a hollowness building inside her but MJ tried her best to push through it. "We'll if you do, I hope you don't just crash in through her window!" She jested with as much fake enthusiasm as she could muster.
Peter snickered at the old memory of how he first told MJ about his duo-identity. "Okay, in my defense you were originally a nursing student. And you were wonderful on the patch up job."
She smiled. When the injured Spider-Man flew through her window, she through he was a burglar in a funny outfit. She grabbed a chair and began hitting him with it. Peter had to rip the mask off to convince her it was him, and even then, she continued to hit him a few more times because she couldn't believe he had kept such a secret from her. "Okay, okay, I give you that."
The two stopped as they reached a large apartment complex. "This is me." She stated, even though Peter already knew that.
"Yep." He sluggishly nodded.
MJ wrapped her arms around Peter, giving him a friendly embrace. Peter instantly hugged MJ, he had missed the contact between them. "Don't be a stranger ok, I'll always be there for you."
"Me too MJ." Peter pulled her in tighter.
Finally, the woman let got and began her way upstairs to the entrance of the building. She turned around to give him one final glance, Mary Jane smiled softly and waved. Peter returned the smile and waved back, staying at the bottom of the stairs until the door finally slammed shut.
Sorry if you guys wanted more Scarlet and Spidey action. I am trying to make a character piece here haha. Next chapter will be date night with Wanda and Peter. Still planning out the events. Also, it caught my attention that I need a beta reader, so I'll be looking for one. Either that, or just writing smaller chapters and editing my work more slowly. Thanks for reading and leave a review!
