Who would have thought life could feel so empty. Bleak. Numb. Despite all the life happening around. It wasn't the same, not without Jewel. You stood there tying the slash of your bath robe staring into Jewel's room, leaning on the frame of her door. Her room remained untouched, everything remained untouched. Her clothes hung in the closet while the rest in her dresser, with one drawer out just a bit. She was in rush packing to go spend time with Peter. That she forgot to close it. In right corner, her pile of books next to her bookcase, filled with God knows what kind of books of different kinds. Adjacent to it, her desk/ science table. Her open chemistry set on the floor next to it. Her fuzzy blue slippers she loved so much right by the set. By the window, her bed she left messy. You had told her to make it before she left, she of course said she did. But it was clear she didn't. Her sheets and comforter messy and pulled back. Her pillow on the floor. By her roller blades, something she started to get into, thanks to Flash who bought them for her. Sticking out from under her bed a few more science sets, and her microscope given to her by Rhino. Hanging in room on the walls, pictures of her and you. Some with Peter and her. A few with Peter and Aunt May. Aunt May and Jewel. One of Jewel and Nick Fury. Just one of them, he wasn't much a picture taker. Her room had a great deal of life in it, yet it seem so empty and lifeless in your eyes.
At night you would or use to peak in to watch her sleep. Or spy on her working or reading. Now you saw nothing. Except emptiness. Tears use to come when you looked into her room, but now they had become dry. Crying didn't do anything, despite how much you wanted to.
Life wasn't the same, without her. If only you knew where HYDRA was, just any sort of lead would be great. Anything. You give your life to find her or at least know she was alright. And Nick. There was still no word on where he was. Nor Nova. Three people close to you gone and you didn't know where. And you couldn't do anything to stop it. Just like before. With your mother, she left and something horrible happened. You couldn't do anything back then, and even now. Though there was no reason to blame yourself, because what happened was unseen. No one expected HYDRA to attack. No one expected your mother to die on her mission. No one expected Jewel to be taken. No one expected any of this.
After your encounter with Doc Oct, the mad man taunting you about Jewel. His words implying what you feared, could be happening to her. The thought of her being scared, afraid and hurt loomed in your mind. That it was starting to show. It started to take over, you had to take leave from the Academy to clear your head. Not to mention being in the presence of that mad man, caused an urge in you to want to end him or at least demand by unholy methods to tell you where Jewel was. You had the power and abilities to do so, but also knew that would be crossing the line. Still, it would be very satisfying at least for you.
With Nick still nowhere to be found, Spider-Man in sense took over his job to some extent. Making him rather busy with the Academy, not to mention with his Web Warrior team. With so much going on, that didn't mean he forgot about Jewel and Nick. He knew how you felt about having no led to her and made sure to make her top of the list. Anything that seem HYDRA related he kept the information and gave it Cho who compiled a file with everything in it. Any sort of clue. Siting. He was doing everything to locate her. The relationship with you and Peter became rather strain, at least on your part. The less he found, the more upset you became with him. You knew it was the loss of Jewel that caused you to change. Causing you to sink deeper and deeper into a state of depression and grief. Brooding was what you did mostly when at home. You felt empty and hollow. Peter had tired many times to talk with you, comfort you and offer you clearance for all this. To be there so the two of you could deal with together. But, you just couldn't. You couldn't. That part of you had seem to become numb. Not by choice like before. It was actually numb, from your own sorrows. Even with Danny, you in this torn up state, you had to separate from him. Everything just seem to be spiraling down.
This wasn't what you wanted to come back to. You tired your best to stay afloat the best you could. But it just seem so hard. The feeling of loss was just too great for you to overcome. Wishing to talk with someone, besides Peter. But, how could you?
Since your time away from the Academy, you would still get information about what was going on there. The place was running pretty well, the one thing that caught your attention and made you more upset at Peter. Was that Doc Oct surprisingly was sprung from his prison by the spy, who happened to be Rhino. If your relationship was Peter wasn't already bad, it was now worse. Upset that he could allow this to happen. This person was right under their nose and he didn't see it. Accusing him of poor leadership and because he didn't see it to began with it, Jewel could have been saved. If only you knew Rhino was the one, you would have demanded he tell you Jewel's whereabouts. He was long gone, so there was no way. Which caused you to sink more.
Everyday seem like a struggle. Since you stayed away from the others, that didn't stop them from worrying over you. Especially Miles. Now going by the name Kid Arachnid as his hero alias. He would call you the most out everyone and come by. He knew where you lived and out of respect for you didn't tell Peter where you lived. He like yourself felt it was his fault with what happened to Jewel. Since she was from his world, he should have been the one to stop her from coming here. Then none of this would have happened. None of it. If anyone else who was determined to find her ,he was. His company was in a sense a good thing. You knew he was trying to brighten your mood and was deeply concerned about you. Honestly, he was the one who try to get you out and do things. Get the Kylie back he knew, and knew, the one in a sense he knew back home. And the old you. Not to mention his behind the scenes trying to get you and Peter together. A goal he was determine to do. Which of course you didn't know, he kept it hidden well from you.
Miles would come over to keep you company. Talk or at least get a good laugh. His presence was refreshing, he could see the tired look in your eyes. The lost of hope slowly fading. Every time he had to leave, he would give you the tightest hug. Promising he would find Jewel for you, to see you happy again. And with each hug, you held onto him just as tightly. Miles had become very important to you. Mainly because he had memories and stories about Jewel. You would want him to tell you, despite how it made you feel. This was the closes you became to her, besides with your own memories. It hurt Miles seeing you this broken and down. Completely contrast with Kylie from his world. Who was beaming with strength and compassion. Even so, it didn't stop him from having the same feelings he had for the Kylie of his world with you.
Still looking around Jewel's room, your golden eyes seem to have lost its shimmer. Imagining Jewel sitting on her bed reading, to look up in your direction smiling. Calling you over to show you something in her book. Your foot reacting to memory, you almost walked into her room. Stopping yourself, when you heard the phone ring. Bringing you back to in some sense. The ring echoed through the halls, over and over again. It was slightly irritating and annoying. Easily you could let it go straight to voicemail, then again the phone might ring again.
So you pick it up. Answering it.
"Hello?"you answer dryly. Waiting for the caller to answer, you hear the door to the bathroom open down the hall. The smell of hot steam fills the place.
They finished their shower, that was your cue to go and get their things out of the dryer. Luckily your phone was cordless, walking out the kitchen you make your way to the dryer opening it, listening to your caller on the other end. Responding with simple words. Nodding your head. Checking the clothes, it was clean. Folding it, you walk to the kitchen and place it on the island. Then proceed to things out, breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Cracking eggs, in the heated skillet. Cracking a few in the batter, pouring the batter. Your call lasted for a few more seconds, pausing for a second. You agree to meet up with them. Hanging up, you place the phone down on the marble counter. Finishing the last pancake, you make the plate. Something, someone coming behind you their hand reaching out towards you.
"Here."you hold up a piece of bacon for them. They take it."I hope you opened up a window."You tell them, finishing up their plate and pouring them a glass of juice."Last time you didn't, actually the last few times you hadn't. And really, it's annoying."
"Don't worry."they said grunting a bit."I opened it. Pancakes?"
"You know, you don't have to eat them."you tell them, picking up their plate to put it down realizing you forgot something."Do you want to eat here? Or with the T.V.? By the way I left it on the counter."
They turn seeing their clothes on the island. They walk over to it and pick them up. Looking them over. Quite impressed."You got out that smug. Thanks. Why not eat on the balcony? We haven't eaten there. Or one the top of the place? We ate dinner last night by the T.V."
Picking their plate along with your own, turn around finding them standing there in nothing but a towel around their waist. Looking down at you. By you not responding told them, you didn't want to eat outside. They step closer closing the space between the two of you, you smell the water from their shower still on them and see just a few droplets upon their chiseled chest.
"T.V. it is then."they choose.
So breakfast was in the family room. Taking a seat on the sofa with them next to you. They had gotten out the T.V. trays, a plate for them and one for you. Getting a bit comfortable, you adjust yourself and lean on their shoulder. They turn on the T.V. to whatever really. It never really mattered. They flip through channels, trying to find something.
"So who called this morning? Miles?"they ask. Taking a fork full of the eggs."Let me guess he wants to come over?"
You shake your head."No. It wasn't Miles. Someone else, I haven't talked with in some time."
"..."they look at you.
"It's not Peter."you assure them. Feeling them relax a bit."Nor Ironfist. So don't worry. It's just someone."
"...Okay."they put their around your shoulder. Finally pick a channel to stop at."What time are you meeting them?"
Looking at the clock you had some time before you met up with them."By 10, I told them. I have some time. What about you? Shouldn't you be gone by now and at the Academy?"
"I'll get there when I get there."they tell you, taking a drink."Thanks for cleaning out the stains..."
"Sure. I'm rather surprise I was able to get them out."you pick at your food. Your mind clearly elsewhere. To point you just didn't feel like eating.
"Dwelling on it, won't do any good."they tell you. Finishing up their hash browns. Reading the time."...I actually better get ready. Who knows what those idiots might get themselves into."Getting up, they go and change.
You clean up, putting the dishes away and the trays. Heading to your room, open your closet to pick out what to wear. Finding it, you untie the slash ready to change. Stopping when you notice their reflection. Suited and dressed, well almost. Just pulling their mask over, now fully ready. Come over to you, looking at the bed for a sec then to you. You turn around to Scarlet. He steps closer to you. Looking at you. Then to your clothes.
"I prefer the black top."he said, turning back to you."Catch you later. Can't come this evening though." With that he leaves through your window back to the Academy. You watch him until he was out of sight.
Down in the city, Aunt May sat in a booth at the Diner. Waiting. Looking up from her menu ever so often, then to her watch. There was still a few minutes before the actually time. She called them this morning asking to meet them. Not on behalf of her nephew, but for her own. Well a little had to do with her nephew. She was aware of what has been happening. The kidnap of her Great niece. The distance between Peter and Kylie. Just everything.
Hearing the door open, she looks up to see Kylie looking around. Putting her hand up she flags down the young woman."Kylie! Kylie! Over here."
Hearing May you turn to see her waving to you. Thanking the waiter you make your over to her. She waste no time and gets up from her seat and gives you the biggest and tightest hug. You hug her back.
"Oh. It's so good to see you."she squeezes you a bit."It's been so long. I almost forgot what you look like."She chuckles. Letting you go."Come on, let's sit down."
The two of you take your seat, you sat across from her. Picking up the menu nervously, glancing from it to her. While May was her usual self. A smile on and cheerful aura around her. Humming to herself. It was calming, yet you seem indifferent. Fidgeting a bit.
"Oh. I think I'll have the special."she says."What about you? See anything? It's my treat so order what you want."
Looking at the menu you didn't really see anything. Plus you already ate. Not wanting to be rude, you pick something simple."I'll have a chocolate milkshake. And some...Just the shake."
Expecting her to be offended, she wasn't."Now that sounds good."she smiles. The waiter comes and takes the order. Without the menus it left you open. You didn't know why, but for some reason when around May, you felt like you couldn't lie or she could see straight through you.
Even with her smile. Your mind started to wonder if she detested you, considering how things have been with you and Peter. Your attitude towards him. Everything. Compared to before. Back to how you use to be. More cheerful and upbeat. Adoring Peter back then, the two of you having been rather close. Coming over his place, back when you two were in school. Aunt May really loved you company back then. Now, it was different. You weren't sure if she liked you or not. Your eyes drop down. May was able to pick up on it. She didn't intend for this happen now. She didn't invite you out here to feel sorry for yourself or ashamed. She just wanted to spend some time with you. Reaching out placing a hand on yours. Looking up at her, she smiles at you softly.
Your eyes search her for any form of hate and disgrace. But you found nothing. Nothing but genuine happiness and understanding. Feeling your hand tremble, her grip on it squeezes it gently to calm you down."..."You open your mouth, but no words come out. Turning away shutting your eyes.
May could see it all. Everything you've pushed down and hid. The pain. Regret. Torment you've put on yourself. Shame. Grievance. Confusion. Anger. Remorse . Everything, she had heard and seen how cold and hard you had tired to make yourself. The only time you would show emotions was with Jewel. She didn't know why you had this sudden change in you. But whatever it was, clearly not good for you. She didn't expect you to crack with her. Without her evening have to say anything. Getting up quickly she hurries to your side and comforts you. Bringing you into comforting hug. The more you let out, the more hold on you tighten.
"It's okay."she said sympathetically."It's okay."