Summary: Financial and personal responsibilities of a hero.
"Videogame"
"'bout time you made it," Harry welcomed as Peter passed through the double doors and entered the penthouse.
The two long-time buddies clasped hands. They had agreed to meet up for an afternoon delight of videogames. Easy-going hangouts were one way for the hero and his Academy student to bond outside fighting villains. As usual, it was a friendly competition. The loser would pay for pizza.
"Spidey has his responsibilities for the city," Peter replied. "I still have mine for my friends. You ready to get your butt whipped?"
"Depends if your usage of the controller is as good as your webbing in real life. It usually isn't. Especially not for the latest version of this Avengers game that Dad got for me while he's outta town." Harry showed his friend the franchise they will be playing. "You must always feel so good seeing yourself on the cover."
"Yep. Seeing Spidey all the way in the back behind Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and even The Hulk always puts me in a good mood. Never mind the monetary compensation that the other guys get that I don't."
Harry turned surprised. "Wait, the game is using your original design and likeness? And you don't get a cent?"
"Nope."
"Bummer."
Peter casually shrugged. "It is what it is. I've never been Spidey for the cash reward."
Placing in the disk, Harry offered, "Do you need a lawyer? I think Dad's got a team that can help you out. He's very protective of his own image. That's including Iron Patriot and Patrioteer."
"Judging by these new expy characters, I can see why. But, nah. It might involve me doing the whole revealing-my-identity-to-the-public thing. Don't wanna do that. Not to mention all the damage done to the city over the course of Spidey's career. Good thing for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Damage Control."
"Oh, right. I gotcha."
The two sat down on the lavish sofa. It was good to get together without the constant worry of some scoundrel striking from behind or hearing their threats against the innocent. They picked up their controllers and selected their fighting characters. Harry took his usual choice, Deadpool. Peter went with Spider-man.
As the loading screen came on, Harry asked, "So, all these characters aren't a marketing gimmick designed by some corporation? They're real people with actual lives and reasons to wear their masks?"
"Yep."
"Now I get why you're always pickin' Spider-man. And you've taken part in some team ups before?"
"A lot of 'em, yeah. Even got to be a member of The Avengers for a brief time."
"Still got their connections?"
Smugly, Peter replied, "I see them routinely with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Harry flashed a smirk. "Then do you think I could meet the real Deadpool?—"
Keeping his grin, Peter answered, "Absolutely not!"
End "Videogame"
