This Is Our Path

by LucasA

Their lives were never the same after the incident at the Clocktower. Together, they've found comfort in each other's hearts, and their bond remains strong despite the countless attempts to wipe everything they ever had. A tale of the most important stages in their life, from the moments of calamity and happiness, to the difficult moments of sadness and reflection.

54. There's No Place Like Home

July 9th - 2028

Harry shot his eyes open with a quick and desperate exhale of air. He stared the ceiling of some dark room, feeling a comfy and soft material under his back, a bed.

Confused, Harry raised his chest and checked his surroundings. Next to the only available wardrobe, there was a half open window and white curtain that allowed the sun's early morning rays adventure inside the place.

He groaned in pain and rubbed his eyes, before carefully moving his feet down into the floor and eventually standing up.

A small digital clock was placed over the stand and besides the bed he was previously on.

06:47

Harry sighed. There wasn't much he remembered after Peter stormed inside the manor he used to hide himself from the world for years after his presumed death, even him didn't fully know he made it.

He reached for the only door, opened it and entered a half-dark corridor of some sort. It seemed like he was currently located inside an apartment, lights weren't triggered due to the sun slowly returning from the other side of the planet to give life where darkness once prevailed.

At the far end of the corridor, a spiral stairwell could be seen. Harry held the handrail and began walking downstairs. He spotted a tall and strong masculine figure standing in front of the large horizontal window as he observed the city being filled with dark shades of orange that came from the star far away from them.

A golden haired and fastly asleep young girl had her head laid against the man's shoulder and arms around his neck while he kept her safe with his own arms. He had never seen her before.

Noticing incoming movement from behind him, Peter turned around and saw the Osborn looking at them from the stairwell. He caressed Elizabeth's back with his left hand underneath the shirt of her pajamas' set which was completed by a pink short.

He nodded for Harry to get closer.

"How are you holding up?" Peter asked after Harry approached them.

He rubbed his shoulder. "I'm okay," He smiled at the sight. "I'm guessing she's... your daughter, I mean - she reminds me of Gwen."

"You're right, Elizabeth is her name." Peter kissed the top of her head and briefly nuzzled her hair, feeling the shampoo's scent all over it. "She woke up some minutes ago and went to my bedroom."

Harry smiled, surprised. "Elizabeth? You always had a thing for the name if I remember right." He now realized how different things became since they last saw each other.

Peter explained lowly, "My mother used to tell me that if I ever had a sister, she would be called Elizabeth, so I guess this is my way of honoring her memory, with my 'baby' girl; she's pretty my everything.

"I get that." Harry crossed his arms. He watched Peter lower Elizabeth down into the couch before carefully bringing a satin blanket over her small frame, the air conditioner was succeeding in doing its job by keeping the whole apartment safe from the summer's warmth.

Peter gestured for Harry to tag along. He said friendly, "Kitchen."

Harry nodded. Once they arrived to the chosen area, Harry respectfully sat in one of the seats next to the large countertop in the middle of the room and observed Peter as he opened the many cabinets in search of something. "Where is Gwen...?" He asked.

"She's sleeping, gotta enjoy the little time left before the kids are up and running around." Peter answered, before opening the fridge and taking a peek inside.

"Wait... kids?" Harry frowned.

"Twins, quite the figure my boys are." Peter slightly turned on his shoulder. "Do you want some non-alcoholic beer? I thought there was some coffee left; I didn't get to sleep at all so this is not so weird."

He nodded. "Wow... you have a big family then." He smiled happily. "Living the dream, uh? This is something you've always wanted, and I'm happy for you."

Harry tried to forget the forget the fact he almost took everything Peter currently had away from him, at least the present he created with the woman he loved the most.

"Thank you," Peter sat down next to the counter and opened his beer.

Harry took a sip, trying to shove aside such thoughts for a moment. "So, aside from... you know, making babies, what have you been up to?"

He laughed at the tease and shook his head. "Well, where do I start... I began working at Empire State as a bio-scientist; I still take some pictures for Jameson, just to protect my identity a little more, and some years ago I've joined the Avengers."

"I've heard about that;" Harry interjected. "The best of the best."

Peter nodded in agreement. "You could say that; thing is... while it was great and the paycheck was anything but small, it was taking me away from my family, and after Ultron, and the whole crap I went through to defeat the bastard, I just needed my wife and kids."

"I can only imagine what it was like, those drones never really reached the zones outside the main cities."

"I know..." Peter paused. "... dying, or at least almost, it really opened my eyes, it told me how I could lose everything in matter of seconds." Peter affirmed. He was ready to sacrifice himself back when he had to activated the Breach by his own. "Harry, I saw... you die, I remember that night as if it was yesterday."

Peter's blood froze in shock as time slowed down. He couldn't believe his sight. "No...!" He screamed and began sprinting towards them.

Harry activated the bomb he was hiding and threw at his father as his last attempt to make things right. The blast made him fly out of his father's hand and backwards until he collided against his friend.

Peter recomposed himself and moved besides his Harry. He was struggling to not close his eyes "Hey - hey," He sat down and made Harry stand on his knees. He cuppped his cheeks with both hands. "It's okay, it's not even that bad, right?" He moved his hand to his back and felt a thick substance coming from inside the armor. "You're fine, May will patch you up, you will be as good as new, okay?"

Peter observed him slowly lose his consciousness on his arms. His mind was now getting filled by panic. "No... Harry! Hey..." He gently patted his cheek in order to wake him. "Hare, hey...! No - no... no," He made Harry rest his chin over his shoulder. His eyes were half closed. "Harry...?" He called lowly. "I got you, I'm gonna take care of you..." A single tear moved down his right eye. He suddenly shut his eyes and tightened his grip on his friend. "Harry...?!" He shouted as harder as he could.

Harry cleared his throat and broke eye contact with Peter. He started lowly, "I don't know how to explain what happened, hell - I still don't understand..." He paused. "I remember waking up at that one manor, there's this scar on my stomach, and my loyal Butler was watching over me; he took care of me for days after he told everyone Harry Osborn had indeed died, he passed away of old age some years ago..."

"I'm sorry, he was a good man." Peter said sympathetically. He recalled the friendly treatment he received from the man whenever he went to visit Harry during their childhood.

"Yeah, well... for some reason, of all people on this world, I somehow cheated death, Peter." Harry looked up at him. He tightened his grip over the bottle. "So, I don't know if it's really me, or if I am some sort of stupid clone... but... I am alive, me..."

"I'm... glad for that." Peter continued, "If I wasn't aware of these stupid Inhuman Hunters, I'd probably never find you, or worse, you would die there... but you didn't, you're here now, that's all that matters."

Harry cleared his throat. "Inhumans?" Peter shrugged his shoulders. He still knew little about the whole picture. "They think I am one of them then; I don't really know what I am, I'm not even supposed to be here after everything I've caused."

"I know what you are, my friend, that alone is enough."

Harry exhaled slowly. Peter was too much good of a person, someone who didn't deserve all the bad things that were throw at him, and he was part of those things. "It had been such a long time since someone looked at me the way that man I was about to kill did."

"You successfully stood against all of them, he had more than one reason to fear you, Harry."

"That's not what I mean, it wasn't fear, but pure horror." Harry gulped. "When I was breaking out of Oscorp, those who survived, stared at me exactly like he did, and they were seeing a monster back then, and yesterday it was only me."

Peter affirmed firmly, "Not the same thing."

"Either way, I was somehow given a second chance - despite everything, you know?" He questioned. "And my curse still remains, the thing that destroyed everything I ever had on the first place."

Peter interjected, "Look, all of that, what happened years ago, everything - that was then..." He moved his bottle towards Harry and waited for him to do the same but towards him. "...here's to now, okay?"

Harry hesitated at first. He set his gaze to Peter's hand, maybe it was time to finally move on, and start fresh, this time with the help of someone dear to him. He grabbed his own bottle and gently bumped it against Peter's as they shared a drink amidst the quietness of the area.

The Osborn eventually broke the comfortable silence, "Peter... how did we get out of the manor last night? What happened?"

He scratched the back of his neck, awkwardly. "Um...okay, hear me out..."

Past Night...

"You again... " Peter muttered as he leaned himself against the rooftop's handrail and watched the city with tired eyes. He had to caught his breath after somehow getting home and placing Harry into bed while hoping for the best. "I remember you, Cassiel; thank you for taking care of you.

"I thought so." He said neutrally. "Although that wouldn't be my real name, and you're welcome."

Peter turned his head slightly on his shoulder and stared the man's feet. He still wore the same outfit, a trench coat, with a darker color this time around. "Then what's your real name, if I may ask?"

"Ezekiel," He replied, reluctantly. Too much information was being given by him. He proceeded, "Cassiel would be... a great hero of my kind, I believe."

Peter rubbed his the back of his head. He sighed. "Couldn't you simply say that when we first met?"

"I needed to preserve my presence, failing to wipe your memory wasn't intended, and I still wonder how you managed that." Ezekiel explained.

Peter nodded to himself. "Hmm..." He fully faced him. "But why now?"

"If not for me, you've taken by those men and your family would never see you again."

He chuckled, sarcastically. "I find that hard to believe, you don't seem to know who I am, nobody overcomes me now."

"It is the truth, I've seen it." Ezekiel said, confused at Peter's lack of faith on him.

"Okay, so you're basically saying some powerful and ancient alien-"

He interrupted him, "I am not an alien." He replied, offended.

Peter couldn't tell if the man was being serious. "Whatever... you once told me you're the first of the Inhumans."

"I guess you could say that, yes." He nodded.

Peter continued, "Right, and somehow, you appear on my life not once but twice, claiming to have seen what the future might have been."

"It's a matter of choice, while my kind can see what may happen, we can't change that." He revealed. Peter smiled, not believing him. "What's the matter? You don't think I'm being truthful?"

"Not really, and I don't get why such powerful being would waste his time with me, what's the catch here?"

Ezekiel eventually nodded in understanding. He began, "One thing at the time." He gently grabbed Peter's pulse.

The scenery around them instantly changed as the pair were now located at some fancy apartment. Peter fastly spun on his feet and tried to make sense of what happened and where he were.

"What have you done?" He inquired.

Ezekiel replied, "This is a mere projection of what could have been if you made a different decision years ago, this is the outcome of it, and my way of proving my word to you."

Peter was about to ask something if the sound of a recognizable baby's cry wasn't heard by him. It came from the unfamiliar apartment's hallway. He carefully followed the sobbing, it led him into a bedroom. He immediately spotted Gwen sat over a bed and with her back leaned against the bed's headboard. She held an infant with both arms.

"It's okay, sweetie."

He took a few steps inside. "Gwendy...?" He stopped next to the bed, but she didn't seem aware of him at all.

Ezekiel leaned his shoulder against the bedroom's entrance and crossed arms. "She can't see you, this isn't real." He began feeling dizzy, but remained his position nonetheless.

"What is this? The past? I don't recall any of this." Peter looked at the baby. She looked exactly like Elizabeth when she was born.

"Like I said, this a single outcome, this is what would've happened if you had given Harry your blood shortly after you two met again."

Gwen looked up to the TV on the other side of the bedroom. "That's your daddy, Liz." She spoke. "He's a good man, too good - actually; grandma should be here soon."

Peter followed her gaze, seeing Spider-Man at New York through the TV. It was the news, England's, and he appeared wearing the infamous black suit. "I don't get it."

"Peter, after giving Harry your blood, you've accompanied Gwen to England. You both would stay together for the first three years, truth is - you never thought of England as your home, you felt like you were not doing what you should do by staying with Gwen, which is helping people against those who can't be stopped by anyone else." Ezekiel continued, "Things weren't working out between you two, Gwen knew you were feeling a stranger here, and it began affecting both of you, and after countless arguments, you both decided that sharing a life together, might be too much when you two have different goals in mind."

"I wouldn't leave her alone with my child." He said incredulously.

"You didn't know, she never told you."

"What?" Peter asked, aghast.

"Gwen knew you were needed as Spider-Man, she didn't want to stop you from doing what you wanted, she chose to grow Elizabeth by herself after you parted ways for good." Ezekiel exhaled deeply in exhaustion.

"So, without clocktower, I wouldn't realize this Gwen is the one I should care the most since she never went through with my Gwen did?" He speculated.

Ezekiel nodded. "Something like that." He said softly.

Peter kneeled next to the bed. Gwen affirmed gently, "You have his cheeks." The baby squealed on her arms. She smiled both happy and sad at the same time.

He buried his head over his arms over the bed. "Is this real?"

Ezekiel hesitated at first, but he shook his head. "No, it is not."

"Is there... anything else you can show me?" Peter rubbed his eyes and stood up, noticing Ezekiel's fatigue.

"Yes." He snapped his fingers. They were now located in some empty street.

Peter instantly recognized the place, Oxford. He felt some moment behind him. He turned on his back and spotted two twins walking across the street and towards the other side.

"Dude, you should be kissing my ass!" The one with messy hair spoke first.

"Dave..." Peter followed them closely. They appeared to be seventeen years old, if not more.

Aiden rolled his eyes, annoyed. "What you're talking about - I solely handled them just fine, and those douchebags were the ones who started it."

Peter smiled in adoration. "You guys... are looking good!" He chuckled happily. They weren't aware of him as they apparently headed towards home.

David teased, "Yeah, right... look what at any girl can do to you."

"She wasn't any girl." He retorted. Peter walked behind the pair, quietly.

David snickered. "That's what you said two weeks ago!" He carefully elbowed him to the side and slightly into the road.

Aiden stepped back to the sidewalk. "And that's your problem man, you can't get any girl, and you deposit your frustrations on me, stop being such a nerd will ya?"

"I'm just not a dog like you." He countered, noticing the small cut under his brother's lower lip. "Mom will have a field day with you, and Liz will most likely kick your sorry and ugly-butt once she knows." He grinned.

"Come on, Dave..."

Peter laughed. "They sure will."

Ezekiel interjected, "We have to go."

He stopped on his tracks and turned on his shoulder to face him. He eventually nodded and took one last look at the twins who were now a few meters away from him. "Was this... not real as well?"

"It could be." Ezekiel affirmed. "It's up to you."

"Then...I guess I believe you, just take me back."

He calmly approached Peter and placed his right hand on his shoulder. They were now back where they left on. Peter breathed relieved and slowly stood up. "Okay, I get your point now." Ezekiel seemed stunned. He suddenly fell towards Peter who quickly held him with both arms. "Buddy, what's going on?"

"I...I..." He touched his own forehead and then looked up to Peter. He slowly recomposed himself and stood back on his feet. "I just suffered from Inhuman sickness."

"Is that a thing?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm not adapted to long exposure on Earth, it's been like this for millenniums... the more I stay here, the more weaker my powers get, and I just used them a great deal in order to show you all of that." Ezekiel revealed.

"Wow... I-I...just ...wow." He paused. "So, in the end, helping Harry back then wouldn't have brought much happiness instead of what I got now?" At least his boys seemed happy along with Gwen and Elizabeth, the last part was more than acceptable.

"Maybe." Ezekiel sighed.

"Hmm..." Peter mumbled, in thought. "Will you... remain in touch?"

Ezekiel nodded and smiled truthfully. "I think so, most likely."

Peter crossed his arms. "I have... so many questions."

"I'm aware of that, but I really need to recover my strength."

Peter focused on his blue's eyes. "Just one then... where do you come from, where's your whole kind?"

He replied, "What's left of my superiors are far away from this planet, some of us balance the world from unnatural forces when needed."

Peter insisted, "Okay... but, from all people on this world, why me? What makes me so important for you to stop to help me?"

Ezekiel fixed his blue eyes straight at Peter's as he remembered a memory from not far ago. "Peter did everything right, more than we could ever hoped for, but he still is just one man. If we lose him, all is lost." Ezekiel affirmed. His superior argued back, "Then do what you can so that we don't lose him."

He walked closer and answered politely, "Because... while you don't think you deserve to be saved, you still have work to do, such work is always close to you, and I'm here to guarantee the possible fruit of your task when needed, no matter what it takes."

---

After waking up and finding the bed empty - as usual, Gwen went into the fancy bathroom and took a heavy breath as she stared her reflection in the rectangular mirror.

What a night...

She shook her head and began carefully brushing her teeth and later fixing her golden hair. She washed her face and opened one of the drawers next to the sink, looking for a towel.

The door of the bathroom was slid open with Peter slowly stepping inside. He met her deep green eyes through the mirror. "Morning, beautiful."

Gwen smiled contently as she searched for the proper lotion. "Hey," She felt a single hand gripping her waistline.

He fully stood behind his wife. "I hope you slept well." He planted sweet kisses on her shoulder.

"I did." She placed the lotion next to the wrapped towel. "How is Harry?" She asked gently, curious.

Peter snaked both arms around her and rested his hands over her toned abdomen. She always looked lustful, even more after their children, she quickly got back into her original shape, and Peter admired her determination regarding her body. "He's much better; he went outside to buy some breakfast and search for a job, he'll probably be away for a few hours."

"He's staying then?" Gwen slightly turned her head to the side. He nodded. "That's great, honey."

Peter's lips reached the side of her neck. He closed his eyes at her natural scent. They're together for more than a decade and he still couldn't spend a day without feeling her scent. "I know..." He kissed the smooth and delicate skin and moved the shirt's lock over her shoulder down her arm with his lips.

"What are you doing...?" Gwen questioned playfully and smirked at the intimate and welcoming closeness. "I'm still mad at you."

"I already apologized for my dumb action." He muttered and tightened his grip around her, fulfilling his desire of just feeling Gwen's warm body pressed against his - to simply feel her, nothing else. "I've missed you... we barely get to spend some quality time together for a some days now."

"I see," She placed her hands over his which were ontop of her abdomen. "Everything will be alright, we can finally catch our breath.'

Peter confessed, "I hope so, I really do... things are finally getting back to their places, I already feel better." Gwen looked up to him and kissed his clean jaw, before proceeding to wash her hair on his arms.

"I am glad." She said sympathetically. At least she could get Peter's health out of her head knowing he is doing well.

Peter moved his left hand up to her chest and drew soft circles over the skin. "Honey..."

"Yes?" Gwen focused in washing her hair.

He rested his chin over her shoulder. "Have you ever wondered... if something we experienced together would have turned out differently?"

Gwen frowned. "Hmm... a couple of things, indeed." She inquired, "Why do you ask?"

Peter looked into her eyes through her reflection. "Remember Ezekiel, I told you about him after getting home."

"The weird Inhuman, right?"

He chuckled. "You shouldn't say that, he would probably get offended, he's quite a nice - sensitive guy, just different." She shrugged on his arms. "Anyways, he showed me different versions of certain moments of our lives, and yeah - Ezekiel can actually do that, and I'm really sure he wasn't lying."

"Only the fact that you trust him makes me believe him then." Gwen replied. "What did you see?"

Peter cleared his throat. "England."

"That was ages ago." She smiled, nostalgic. Lots of good memories from the country, especially their romantic escapades. "What about it?"

"Well, I saw what would've happened if I had given Harry my blood, it's not that different, I mean - there wasn't any Clocktower, only Max; we traveled together, just like it really happened."

"You think you took the wrong call then?" She peered into his eyes.

"No, no... after seeing that, I don't think so, sure, I should've assisted Harry in some way, that's not up debate." He paused. "It's just that... apparently I didn't think anything could happen to you, I didn't realize how much important you are to me and how fast I could lose you, so England never felt like a place I could be happy, that's what Ezekiel said, and it can make some sense."

Gwen didn't reply at first. She took a few seconds to digest what he was trying to say. "Okay... go on."

"Right, this will be unexpected, but we weren't getting along during the last months, so we decided I should do what's best to me, I left you, we thought that parting ways for good was the best option..." He continued somber, "I left you... and, well - you had Elizabeth by yourself after I was gone, you would never actually tell me."

"Really...?" Gwen stopped washing her hair. "That's... um, really unexpected." The idea of having Peter's child and never telling him about it was something she deemed impossible to happen.

"I told you," He affirmed. "It's crazy, thank god that never happened."

Gwen placed the comb back in the sink and turned on his grip. She rested both hands on his shoulder. "It didn't happen, okay? The important thing is that we are together and here now."

"I know... I know, Miss Gwendy." He smiled and leaned forward and kissed her lips, before speaking, "I just want you to know that I love you so much."

She now realized why he had dropped by. He was insecure after the vision. She affirmed lovingly, "I love you too, baby."

Peter smiled happily and brushed a golden fringe to the side. "You had to see our boys, though."

Her eyes beamed in expectation. "He also showed you that?"

"Yup, they're as handsome as you could think." He grinned. "Also, they are close to each other, I can guarantee you that."

"That's all I ever wanted." She replied. "What about Liz?"

"Didn't see her, but they talked about her as if she was their second mother." Peter chuckled happily.

She brushed the tip of his against hers. He reciprocated the Eskimo kiss. "That seems very accurate, we Stacy women are always taking charge."

He smiled smugly. "I can't say if that's true about all of them, but I know about the Stacy in front of me, specially when she's ontop of things."

"That's what I love about my mainly yet adorable husband, he's always delicate and very romantic." Gwen played along, wrapping her arms around his neck.

His right hand lowered to Gwen's buttocks as he groped them. He so wanted her. "I can be gentle if you ask nicely."

She giggled. "What's up with you on this morning?"

Peter suddenly grabbed her legs and lifted her over the sink. Gwen squealed lightly as she quickly kept him close by moving her slender and naked legs around his waist. "I'm just happy, and even more happier after seeing you."

"I can literally feel that!" Gwen grinned. They were inches from each other's lips. She could feel his hot breath and dark eyes filled by desire. "So, Harry is away..." He nodded. "...and the kids are sleeping..."

"And it's very early..." Peter once again kissed her neck, slightly sucking the skin in a single spot. Gwen caressed his hair and moaned shortly. He finished huskily, "... and you're so absolutely gorgeous and comfy in a way that you could be my pillow..." He began pulling Gwen's shirt up after she raised her arms to help him.

He tossed the shirt aside and into the floor and kissed the valley between her bra-clad breasts. Gwen giggled and helped him take his own shirt off, revealing his muscular and toned torso. She loved the magnificent sight of her pure man.

"You little minx," Peter said amused and unabashed watched her covered breasts.

"I always have been a very nice girl," Gwen protested playfully. She reached with her hands to adjust an imaginary halo with a giggle, "The horns are just there to keep the halo straight!"

"I know, " Peter chuckled and his hands slid down to her hips, holding her shorts tightly, holding the urge from not ripping it off her body.

Gwen sucked on his lower lip and released it, she opened her eyes and looked into his eyes and she said lustful, "You must impress me after your latest behaviors, a bad little boy you have been."

"Sounds good to me," He winked amorously.

"You better handle me thoroughly," Gwen purred and wrapped her arms around his neck. She taunted, "But if you don't I'm taking charge."

"Famous last words, Gwendy," Peter taunted back before he pressed his lips to hers and they kissed long and passionately.

---

Gwen collapsed over Peter's chest and kissed him deeply as she tried to express exactly what she felt for him through her lips after they hit their limit. Peter pulled the covers over them and wrapped his arms around her and reciprocated the kiss. Gwen felt happiness overcome her in his embrace. It was only them, nothing else was present; no problems. It was just that moment.

"Oh my god..." She breathed heavily, trying to catch her long lost breath as her left hand caressed his six pack.

Peter exhaled deeply. "You called...?" He teased, breathless. Gwen laughed and swatted his chest. "That was... awesome, wow."

She began kissing his warm neck and slowly descended down to his chest. "You say 'awesome' a lot, don't you?"

He countered playfully, "That's nothing compared to the squeals I hear from you." He placed a hand over her sweaty back.

"You're lucky I'm euphoric now," Gwen said mirthful. "You're in so much trouble later."

Peter chuckled. "Are you okay?" He cupped her flushed cheek.

She looked into his eyes and beamed, "I feel amazing, Peter." She took his hand in hers and squeezed lovingly, "I want to cuddle so bad."

Peter's heart surged, feeling pretty good about himself having made her finish the way she had.

Gwen lied down in the covers and next to him and snuggled close with arms around each other and intertwining their legs.

Under the sheets, Peter began caressing and fondling gently one of what Gwen sometimes called 'twins' while his other hand drew soft circles on her spine. Gwen reciprocated and enjoyed caressing his chest and stomach. She leaned in and they shared a lingering and deep kiss.

Gwen stopped kissing and teased regarding his unabashed fondling, "You're such a pervert."

"Come on, Mrs Parker, I'll be a pervert all I want," Peter teased. "Having the sight of you laying naked next to me makes me appreciate life. You're a work of art."

"Naw, you really know how to make a woman feel good about herself," Gwen retorted playfully.

"I guess it's a gift I have," Peter chuckled proudly. He teased childishly, "Are you going to stop me?"

"Child," Gwen retorted snarky. She said dryly, "Peter is so mature, is he not? Just like your teenage crush on that Cleopatra movie or something."

"My first love," Peter quipped.

Gwen rolled her eyes trite. "Casanova Peter must have been something to see."

Peter began rambling, "Not really, I've been shot down more times than I can remember, I was awkward; Spider-Man on the other side could have been with all sorts of women and I can count super models on one hand-" He stopped rambling when he noticed Gwen's eyes narrowing at him and glaring.

She chided, "Are you trying to establish your credentials?"

"Uhm... no," He protested cautiously.

"Ugh," Gwen uttered annoyed and rolled to the side and swatted away his hand from her chest and looked up in the ceiling. "Such a mood killer, Peter."

Peter winced a bit at his inadvertent blunder. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close and started to tell a story of his past, on his expense, to ease the tension, "When I was in kindergarten I liked this girl, you know, the childish way of liking a girl. So to show her I liked her I grabbed a handful of sand and stuffed it in her mouth."

Gwen burst out laughing and turned in his arms and wrapped around him again.

"Silly," she teased.

Peter deadpanned, "So maybe I was a real Casanova even back then." He grinned, "And I know some great pickup lines." He acted over the top smooth, "Have you fallen into sugar, because your butt is sweet."

Gwen giggled. She quickly refrained herself from doing so.

"So… you're telling me Gwen Maxine Stacy would have fallen for that pickup line?" He prodded with a grin.

"No, she wouldn't," Gwen shook her head, containing a kind smile.

Peter kissed her lips and said softly, "I'm just a dork who have been incredibly lucky to find an amazing perfect girl I will always want to spend the rest of my life with."

Gwen melted into his lips in adoration. They eventually broke the kiss to recover their long lost breath. "Who told you that pickup line?"

He said disappointed, "Honey..."

"I'm sure you didn't create it, I know you."

Peter scoffed. "Okay, Flash told me." He rolled his eyes. She smiled, contently. "Changing topics, this is more serious; during the moment back at the manor, among all the troops, there was... another person wearing the symbiote, like another Spider-Man, really similar to the black suit."

"Again?"

He nodded. "Yeah, something is going on, it didn't seem like an ordinary baddie." He paused. "I'll keep an eye open."

"You should, because with this Spider-Man outbreak, how do I know you're the real one?" Gwen caressed his hand over her bare belly.

He shrugged. "I'm the only Peter Benjamin Parker there has ever been."

"Hmm, good point... I guess I'm stuck with you." She had been long desiring just a lovely and playful moment for them both, and even if it was shorter than what she had in mind, it was worth it.

Peter leaned in next to her ear and whispered flirtatiously, "Would any other cheap Spider-Man knock-off besides the real one know about that spot just above your..."

Gwen smiled. She swatted his hand. "Stop, I believe you." She turned around and began kissing his lips while Peter brought her closer by pressing her back towards him. She whispered amorously, "Thank you for the morning wake-up call, and what you saw regarding our boys, that will happen."

---

"You took your time." Peter opened main the door to Harry.

He handed Peter some plastic bags and stepped inside. "Sorry, I was looking out for some jobs... it's not like part of my bank account didn't get frozen."

Peter replied, "Too bad," Harry took off his shoes and respectfully placed them next to the door. He offered, "I could get you something at Empire, Hare."

He smiled thankfully, "I rather start again by my own, but thank you, if I need something, I know who to call."

Peter nodded and gestured for Harry to follow him into the kitchen. "I just can't deal with ghost problems, but anything else might be on my reach." He referenced one of their favorite childhood movies.

Harry chuckled as they calmly walked towards kitchen, passing by the living room. "You seem more relaxed."

Peter held a smirk back. "I'm just relieved now that things are calmer once again." Harry bobbed his head in agreement.

They finally reached their destination, but while Peter fully entered the large and decorated area, Harry stopped on his tracks just between the limit of the kitchen and the living room.

He saw the golden haired woman he put into serious danger fourteen years ago. She was facing the stove and appeared to be preparing some coffee. He didn't know how to react and what to say.

Peter instantly noticed his hesitation. He placed the bags over the countertop and tried to gain his attention, "Harry..."

Gwen slowly turned around at the mention. Her eyes landed at the Osborn. She said gently, "Oh, hey..." She clenched her fists. "Are you feeling better?"

Harry went to reply but quickly ceased, lost in words. "Y-Yeah... um, yes - I feel better." He gulped. "Gwen, I... I am-"

Gwen interrupted him and smiled softly, "I know, Harry, I know." She hugged herself. "That happened such a long time ago, we all have moved on."

"I just want you to know that I forever regret causing the harm I did to you, I wasn't thinking straight, but that's not an excuse, there isn't one, and I understand if you probably want to never see my face again." Harry confessed.

Gwen took a step further. She stood besides her husband. "Hey, it's alright, okay?" She didn't hold any grudges against him, not anymore. "Just let it go, I know I did; you're my husband's dearest friend, so you're family."

Peter looked at his wife, thankful for her accepting Harry into their lives once again. She had every right from not doing so.

"Oh, I... I truly appreciate that."

Gwen nodded. "You should wash your hands then, my coffee is almost ready." She placed a hand against Peter's back and looked up to him. "You too, Mr Parker."

"I will go shortly." He replied.

Harry inquired, "Where's the bathroom again?"

Gwen answered, "Under the stairwell, you shouldn't miss it." Harry nodded and walked out of the kitchen, leaving the couple alone.

Peter turned to Gwen's side and placed a single hand in the side of her waistline. "Thank you, Gwendy." He gave her a tiny peck on the lips as she closed her eyes. "I should just fill you with kisses, you're the best wife ever."

Gwen winked, playfully. She allowed him to hold some of her weight as she loosened on his arms. "I try to be, but all of that, I seriously mean it."

"I know, and thanks again." He kissed her forehead. "Are the kids up?"

"Hmm... just daddy's little girl." Gwen teased.

His eyes didn't moved away from her. "Where is she? She's not in the couch anymore."

Gwen leaned her head to the side. "You mean that stellar blondie over there?"

Peter followed her gaze. He spotted Elizabeth already sat over one of the stools. She had both arms resting over the table while she supported her chin with her hands, a black ponytail held her hair. She narrowed her deep green eyes at him.

"Why did you leave me on the couch, dad?" Elizabeth inquired.

Peter let go of Gwen. He said calmly, "You feel asleep on my arms, the living room was much more refreshing than your bedroom." He slowly approached her. She seemed mad.

Elizabeth continued, "It's not fair!"

"What is not fair?" He tilted his head to the side.

She countered,"I was with you and mommy!"

He smiled. "Yes, in our bed... aren't you a little old for that?"

Gwen shrugged her shoulders and began placing plates and cups over the table.

"But I didn't make a noise..." She frowned.

Peter moved a lock of her blonde and short hair behind her ear. "Still, me and your mother want some privacy here and there, you aren't a little baby anymore, I mean literally cause whether you like it not, you still are my baby."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, an action she learned with her mother. "I think you don't want me near you again." She said hurtfully.

Peter's heart rose. She got it all wrong. He didn't want her to think of him like that. "No, no... Liz, that's not true-" He was cut short when Elizabeth began giggling to herself. "Oh, you little trickster!" He grabbed her from the seat and raised his daughter into the air, holding her upside-down. She squealed happily.

Her hair fell down her forehead as she stood face to face with her father. "I got you, again!" She affirmed in victory.

"You've been spending far too much time with your mother!" Peter repeatedly kissed her flushed cheek, receiving countless fits of laughters from his daughter in return.

Gwen watched them with eyes filled in adoration. They were always incredibly cute together, and she was glad they had so much love to give to one another.

Peter gently turned Elizabeth from her previous upside-down position as he wrapped both arms across her legs and held her closely against his torso. "You're my life, you know that, right?"

Elizabeth circled her arms around his neck. She looked up to the ceiling and frowned in deep thought. "Hmm... dunno." He narrowed his eyes at her. She smirked, "I'm just kidding! Yes, I know."

"Good." Peter kissed her tiny nose. He noticed movement on his corner and saw Harry approaching them. "Hey, Hare, as you know, this is Elizabeth, or Liz, or just trickster."

She swatted him on the shoulder and turned slightly on her father's grip, also seeing the stranger yet rather familiar person due to the tales Peter tells when she asks. "You're the Harry?"

Harry smiled and rubbed the side of his left arm. "Yeah, nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"Wow, daddy told me a lot of things about you!" She affirmed, surprised. "We thought you weren't with us."

"Well, some stuff happened, it's a lot to take in," Harry said gently. "But hey, I got something for you." He walked past them and reached for one of plastic bags over the counter that spanned around every wall from kitchen, minus the fridge's which wasn't integrated within the formation.

"What do you mean?" She eyed the sacks, curious.

Harry retrieved a white teddy bear he bought during his little trip to the store. "Your father said you collect these ones, so I hope you like it." He handed her the plushy, and stealthily cleared his throat in anxious expectation.

Elizabeth took the plushy on her hands and hugged it against her chest. "Aw, that's too kind of you, mister." She smiled thankfully. "Thank you."

Harry exhaled quickly, relieved. "You're welcome, Elizabeth." He smiled back.

Peter chuckled solely to himself. "Well, now that everything is settled, there's only thing missing on this kitchen."

"What...?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

Gwen grabbed a box of cereal from the space under the counter. "You don't want to know."

Peter finished, "The Almighty and Fastly Asleep... Twins."

---

Hours later after getting his boys to a summer only school and dropping Harry at some clothing store so that he could buy him some new clothes, Peter calmly strolled in the convoluted sidewalk as he headed towards Aunt May's meeting location. She wanted to talk.

He could see the enormous Central Park in the other side of the street. It even wasn't fall and it already looked beautiful enough solely by its shiny green leaves that filled all trees. He considered himself lucky for living close to such stunning view full of life amidst the greyness coming from the rest of the city.

Taking a glance at the traffic and seeing it was good enough, Peter crossed the street and reached for the old magazine shop in front of one of the many entrances to the park. He could count every single time Ben brought him all the way from Queens just to buy a specific comic book they only knew that sold there.

Peter stopped in front of one of the many stands outside the small shop and began searching for such comics, but later realized they weren't being sold anymore. He sighed, those were issues he wanted to show to his children while they still were kids and before they become teenagers.

Peter made his peace with the fact they weren't circulating like before. As he turned on his shoulder to leave, he noticed a father and his son arriving at one of the stands in the right side of the store. He picked the Daily Bugle and frowned once he read the main news. "And here I thought he was a good man during all these years."

Spider-Man's true colors revealed, and they are darker than you could imagine. Peter read the newspapers's title from the small distance between him and the man holding the compilation of many single papers.

"Isn't that Spider-Man, daddy?" The child asked. Peter observed them with guilty eyes.

He placed the paper back into the stand and replied lowly, "He used to be; come on buddy, mommy's waiting for us." He held his hand and slowly began resuming his way inside the park.

Peter rubbed the back of his neck as he looked down to the ground and took a deep exhale of air, feeling on the skin the consequence of trying to solve things all by himself.

"You did what you had to do." The familiar calm and serene male voice affirmed from his side.

Peter turned to the source, and saw Ezekiel standing next to him. He now was getting used to his sudden appearances. "Yeah, that's what I used to tell myself, but now... I'm not so sure."

Ezekiel tilted his head to the side. "Why wouldn't you be? The choice was simple, you didn't hesitate." He continued, "It's the same with my kind, we do what's needed."

"I haven't been 'hesitating' recently, and I almost lost everything I ever had." Peter replied somber. "Maybe willing to see a new perspective instead of rushing can be more appropriate." He took a few calm steps towards the park.

Ezekiel followed him closely. "Even if those perspectives sometimes can be impracticable?" He questioned.

"Even then," Peter nodded. "I guess the best route can be the most difficult one."

"Sometimes you don't have the luxury of time, so you must act as fast and precise as you can." Ezekiel argued back.

Peter asked, "Are you one of these guys that are moved by 'the end justifies the means' cause?"

Ezekiel suddenly walked out of the path and stepped over the grass.

Peter ceased to walk and saw him approach a large and tall tree. He placed his finger against it and looked up to the dense formation of leaves. "This merely existence, this single living being, is allowed to exist and serve its natural purpose after a great sacrifice made by someone who didn't stop despite all the circumstances and the fact that her kind had to leave for something else to flourish - for this mere tree, all for life." He looked at Peter, "So, yes, you should know what you stand for, because if it ever comes to it, you must fully know how to act, and the forgotten ones are the closest example to that."

Peter silenced, understanding and realizing there's some sadness hidden within Ezekiel's tone. "Forgotten ones?"

Ezekiel answered politely, "People like Sam, long descendants from our time; I'm aware that you have the power to reveal their existence to your world."

"Is it really my decision, though?" He questioned. He didn't want to cause a possible conflict between any kind of groups, even if some already existed behind the curtains, but he thought that hiding the truth was just as bad. "What would you do?"

"It's not up to me, the greater council would decide, and I would act based on their decision." Ezekiel said truthfully.

"Right." Peter was rather shocked at his lack of self free will. It appears as if he was a merely dispensable object who only obeyed orders. He inquired gently, "I still don't know a whole lot about you."

"There's not really much to know about me." Ezekiel leaned his back against the tree and crossed his arms.

Peter chuckled, amused. "One wouldn't say that about what some ancient pokemon of some sort." He quipped.

He frowned in confusion. "I... I didn't get that reference."

Peter deadpanned. "It's not a... a reference, but more like - um, a joke." He gulped.

"Oh, okay." They stood quiet, just awkwardly gazing each other. Ezekiel innocently broke the silence, "Was that supposed to be... funny?"

He said aghast, "I can't believe it... yes! It's supposed to be hilarious, for god's sake what's wrong with my jokes nowadays." He sighed heavily. "Just tell me, what are you doing, like - what do you want of me? You never really answered that."

"You've discovered a new way to see the world around you, and I'm basically here to protect you from possible challenges you might face, those are my orders." Ezekiel explained.

Peter scratched his chin. "Who gave them?"

He countered in disbelief, "You're reaching now."

"So you want to be my bodyguard but you're not willing to share?"

"Guard your body? That's ridiculous." Ezekiel snarled.

Peter let out a stressed smile. "We need to improve our communication skills that's for sure." He paused. "Listen, my Aunt is waiting for me and I-"

Ezekiel nodded. "You want some free time with her, I understand."

"Um, yeah - I guess so."

He informed, "I should also get back."

"How do I reach out for you if I need?" Peter asked.

Ezekiel smiled sympathetically. "I'll know, Peter." He suddenly disappeared in the thin air, leaving the Parker wondering how he managed that.

Well, that was interesting... I still feel like a dummy, though.

---

Gwen let out a frustrated sigh as a billowing cloud of black smoke rose from the open oven on the cooking island. That was the second sponge cake in as many hours that she had managed to utterly ruin. The smoke was so thick she had to wave one of the oven mittens in the air to clear the smoke away. She put on her oven mitt again and pulled out the cake pan, the cake itself was a burned black crust of a failure.

"Gets free day from work and spends it ruining the kitchen." Gwen said dryly to herself and looked down on the cake. "Another cooking masterpiece, Gwen Stacy..."

At least this time she had turned off the smoke detector and alarm which she hadn't when 'baking' the previous cake.

"Mommy, is everything okay?!" Elizabeth asked from the couch. She calmly watched TV thanks to school's summer break.

"Yep, honey, don't worry!" She turned around and threw the pound cake into the sink to join the other black, crumbled mess. Gwen placed the now empty cake pan near the sink.

Once the new and monthly order of food had arrived, Gwen had wanted to do something kind for Peter. God - he needs some time off from everything. She wanted to surprise him when he came back from his day. She wanted to sit in the sofa, cuddle and watch the flames in the fireplace and eat a cake together.

Was that too much to ask for?

Gwen bitterly concluded that the recipes, instructions videos and online baking books hadn't helped her much.

She glanced at the laptop on the nearby counter and sighed. There was only one solution left. She threw away her oven mittens near the cake pan and quickly approached the device and checked the time on Miami. Her shoulders sagged a bit, MJ was probably busy.

But Gwen wasn't going to give up yet. MJ was like her only sister and she would help her.

Probably…

She patiently waited for Mary to accept the call, but as the minutes ticked by she began to impatiently pace around.

The laptop beeped and Gwen turned to it and on the screen a clearly drowsy MJ sat propped up on her pillows in bed. She wore a black nightgown.

She yawned a rubbed her eyes and managed a bright smile when she greeted happily but surprised, "Gwendy!" She scrutinized her friend concerned, "You look… well annoyed, actually. Everything okay?"

"You were sleeping...?"

MJ shrugged her shoulders. "You know, pregnancy can be tiresome." She smiled. "Flash is actually taking a nap as well and next to me."

Gwen grimaced apologetic, "I apologize for contacting you at this hour but I require... assistance."

MJ shrugged and waved dismissively. She was clearly curious and had no problem being awoken by Gwen. "It's fine. You're family. You get to call at weird times in the night for stupid things. " Gwen smiled. MJ suddenly narrowed her eyes at the screen. "Is that... a hickey on your neck?"

"What..." Gwen blushed slightly as she quickly adjusted the blouse over her neck. She cleared her throat. "It's nothing."

"Wow! A love bite! Oh you naughty little..." She laughed. Gwen stared her deadly on the eyes. MJ giggled. "So, what's up?"

Gwen cleared her throat and began babbling, "Yes. I-was-thinking-of-doing-something-nice-for-Peter-seeing-as-how-he's-been-stressed-by-some-things-and-I-thought-perhaps-a-kind-gesture-on-my-part-would-help-alleviate-"

MJ interrupted, "Okay! I get it. So you need help with doing something nice for Peter?"

"Precisely," Gwen said relieved and nodded.

"Well, sometimes when two people really, really like each other they get butterflies in their stomachs." MJ replied faux serious. "This is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. And remember, for men, lingerie is what flower is to us girls."

"How amusing," Gwen said and glared. She paused and contemplated concerned, "Was that the speech you were given about sexual relationships? I can provide some educational vids and diagrams-"

MJ chuckled. She always enjoyed teasing the heck out of her friend. "I am fine, mother."

Gwen was nonplussed but nodded, "Well... It pays to be prepared. Knowledge is power." MJ giggled on the screen and Gwen uttered uninspired, "I know you're saying these things specifically to get a rise out of me."

"Guilty," she said with a very serious nod and a wide grin plastered on her face.

Gwen folded her arms under her breasts. "Childish discussions on sexual escapades aside, I've contacted you for help with cooking."

"Cooking…?" MJ asked in disbelief.

"Baking, to be precise," Gwen replied anxious.

MJ narrowed her eyes and asked dubiously, "Baking? Is this payback for all the teasing I've done?"

Gwen huffed defensive, "I can assure you this is not an attempt for retribution. I genuinely require assistance."

MJ was genuinely shocked, "Okay. You do know there are plenty of vids to help you out on the Internet, and you have a handsome husband whose techniques are flawless in the kitchen."

Gwen dropped her arms and fidgeted with her fingers embarrassed, "And I've been using them to no avail."

"Well alright," MJ nodded helpful. "But you are one talented woman, Gwen, you can pull this off whenever you want."

"I appreciate this, MJ." Gwen sighed relieved and grateful. She stopped fidgeting with her fingers and explained softly, Pete said something similar last week when I told him I couldn't really bake. He said that he couldn't be with a woman if she couldn't bake. Of course he was only joking and takes me as I am, but I want to do this for him."

MJ giggled, "How cute." Gwen blushed a bit. She smiled enthusiastically, "So what have you got?"

Gwen cleared her throat and picked up the laptop and turned it around as she approached the sink. She gave a glum running commentary, "As you can see my results are less than satisfactory."

A stunned MJ shook her head, "Did you... and... how...?"

Gwen turned the laptop around and walked to one of the stools at the cooking island and sat down and placed the laptop on the table end in front of her.

She explained sheepishly as she looked at MJ, "It seems you might want a refund on the entire perfect and talented friend argument."

MJ grinned, "I'm pretty sure the US has laws against this sort of treatment against baked goods."

"MJ!" Gwen looked up and glared.

She nodded cheerful, "Okay I'm done." She blew out a breath, "You so owe me for this one if I'm helping you getting laid... againnt

---

May found herself sat in a bench where she could see a huge portion of the park and also the kids running around trying to catch the frisbee not far away from her position. She smiled at the sight. She loved being where she was to gather her thoughts and relax while the sun slowly descended in the beautiful horizon.

She later noticed some moment in her left side. She turned slightly on her shoulder and saw her nephew standing next to the bench with a big and kind smile spread across his lips. "Sit down, I'm not going to bite nor chastise you for everything." She said softly.

Peter shrugged his shoulders. "Okay," He sat down next to the other most important woman on his life as they both stood in silence and gazed the sun between the large portion of the trees.

"I've never had this view from the house." May looked at him.

His eyes didn't move away from the bright star. "Humph, it's not bad."

"Not bad...?" May smiled in disbelief. "Honey, it's almost as gorgeous as your family."

Peter chuckled, before asking, "So, I think you've seen the news..."

May nodded. "I did, and I think that while it was one impulsive decision to take, you had yours reasons."

He sighed. "Yes, I got a lead on Harry, and now he's back."

"I am aware of that." She crossed her legs.

Peter deadpanned. "Gwen told you...?"

"She texted me early in the morning." May revealed with a cocky smile.

He teased, "Look at that, the Parker women are always up to something among themselves. "

She laughed briefly. "Indeed, but hey, I'm happy that you got your friend back." She paused. "Even if that came with a price."

"I know," Peter gulped. "I honestly don't know what to do regarding Spider-Man, Aunt May; I may be very well destroying what I took years to built." He confessed

May nodded sympathetically. She again looked up to the sun. "Tell me something, Peter, when was the last time you watched the sunset without waiting for something to happen in the world around you?"

Peter tried to remember any occasion, but he ended up smiling as he shook his head at her question. May began, "Hmm..." He turned his head to her side. "You should try some time." She said gently.

"Yeah..." He didn't think of things that easily.

She continued, "Since I'm retired, I just hope I get to see more; I mean - how does it work? Fighting with your own very fists the ones who threatens people's lives, how do you feel? What's it like?"

Peter hesitated. "It feels... like a means to end." He replied. "It hurts very much, but all that pain seems worth it when I succeed at making someone smile, or just proceed with their lives, that's what I always thought." She smiled. "Now, you tell me something, Aunt May, before the retirement and the hospital, what did you used to do back then?"

He always wondered that. The many stories Ben and May used to tell him when he was a kid were something he always stashed next to his heart. Those were the couple who raised him when no one else could, two persons that always placed him above anything else, and he would never say no to them.

She chuckled. "Fair enough." She answered, "Before I met Ben, I used to sing with a band primary consisted of girls."

"No way..." Peter sounded surprised, and proud.

May affirmed, "I'm super serious."

"You ever miss life on the road?

May smiled back. "Nah, I had my fun." She paused. "Do you want to hear the secret to living a long and happy life?"

Peter replied truthfully, "Actually, yes - I do."

She patted his heart gently, "Follow your heart." He locked his eyes to hers, fully paying attention to her answer. "You do that and all the rest just figures itself out; I did that, I followed my heart, traveled the country, also made people smile, forget the problems for a while and then my heart said, 'Oops, you're done,' and I retired, and I love it."

He smiled thankfully and looked at the children in the open field. They're now playing football. "You know, I didn't expect you to be here, Queens is kinda far away."

"Oh, this place is great, the serenity makes the travel worth it." She replied. "I just hope I can get to enjoy it for a few more years."

Peter immediately said, "And you will, I promise." He leaned closer and kissed her forehead.

---

Even after being awakened in the middle of the nap, MJ was happy and laughed carefree on the screen. Even across the country over a communications feed, sharing a moment with her best friend baking was great. Her only wish was that she could be with Gwen in the same room. And while they had waited for the sponge cake in the oven, the pair got to catch up with everything as they chatted.

Gwen returned to the kitchen with the laptop beaming live over the internet, and just a few minutes later, after the cake had been 30 minutes in the oven, a gentle ping was heard.

MJ's jovial and impatient voice was heard from the laptop's speakers, "I want to see!"

Gwen rose from the chair and said calmly, "Just wait and I'll take it out." Even if she was calm, she was excited with anticipation, and a little dreadful because there was still a possibility the cake would be ruined if her baking skills were any indication.

Gwen walked around the cooking island and fetched her mittens and opened the oven. Instead of black smoke emerging, she could smell the delicious sponge cake. She pulled out the cake pan and closed the oven. Gwen smiled wide at the sight, the cake was golden in color and looked delicious.

It was perfect.

Gwen walked around the cooking island and presented the baking masterpiece to the laptop and MJ smiled satisfied.

"That looks great, Gwendy."

Gwen said very grateful, "Thank you so much for your help."

Gwen put aside the cake on the table end and removed her mittens as she sat down in front of the laptop.

"Anytime," MJ said. She smiled slyly, "So… now you owe me a favor."

Gwen rolled her eyes, "You can't help your old friend from the goodness of your heart."

"No," MJ giggled. She tapped her chin with a finger and looked like she was thinking hard, "Wonder what I'll ask."

Gwen mumbled, "One question. That's it." She already knew where this was going.

MJ looked at her best friend faux shocked, "Have you seen the celebrity tabloids?"

"Uh…no, I don't follow such things," Gwen said nonplussed.

"Oh… look what I found," MJ continued as she tapped her keyboard and sent a link to her friend. A portion of Gwen's screen was taken up by a browser and an 'article' from some random blog next to the vidchat feed.

Gwen's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, "Really...?!"

In big, bold letters it read 'Spider-Man biggest aliase and friend of Tony Stark on date with a very well know woman in the scientific community,' and there were several pictures taken from when Peter and Gwen walked outside the restaurant during their date.

MJ gushed, "You two look so adorable and in love. It's so romantic the way he looks at you."

Gwen gritted her teeth and scrolled through the page which was riddled with images. She had dreaded this moment for so long, but knew it was bound to happen. Several dinner guests at the restaurant had taken pictures. She took a deep breath and shook her head.

MJ looked confused and concerned at Gwen's reaction, feeling a bit guilty about teasing her, "I'm sorry, Gwendy, I didn't have any mean intentions…I just-"

Gwen flashed a weak smile and assured, "No, I'm not mad at you, MJ… I just, I'm a private person so I don't enjoy seeing myself like this, and if I want to let people know about my private life, I take my own time."

"Of course. I just thought it was fun to see you two together like that," MJ explained. She smiled genuinely, "You two look great together. And what a cute snug little dress you had. You look beautiful."

Gwen smiled, "Thank you. He liked the dress as well."

"You know, you got this sexy New Yorker accent and I'm stuck with this generic dialect," MJ mused. "Maybe I should start faking an accent?"

Gwen frowned, "Don't destroy our accent with your attempts at sounding like you come from down under."

MJ laughed jovial on the screen, "We'll see."

Gwen shook her head and looked at the time readout in the corner of the computer screen. "Well, I'd love to chat more, but I'm going to check in when Peter returns at night and shower and change clothes before he shows up."

"That's alright. I'd like to sleep some more," MJ explained.

Gwen smiled grateful, "Thank you so much for helping me at this hour."

"Always, my gorgeous little Gwendy." MJ smiled.

---

"What did you find?" Peter asked as he threw the small rock across the river.

Harry bent down to grab another rock. "There's this nice convenience store, they are needing someone to work full time." He answered.

He added, "That's a good role, different from what I expected, but a decent job nonetheless."

"I know, right?" Harry smirked. "It's not that different from Oscorp, you still lose your head while keeping things clean." He joked and threw another rock, almost reaching Peter's last distance gap.

Peter nodded in agreement. "Good point." He questioned, "Didn't they ask for your name or something?"

"Nope, but they will if I want the job." Harry narrowed his eyes at the large touristic boat that passed by. "Now I'm more focused on winning this damn thing, I didn't invite you here for no reason."

"Well, I'm not going easy on you." Peter teased. Harry scoffed, playfully. He crouched and searched for another rock he felt was good enough. "Have you thought about a new name?"

Harry replied friendly, "Not really, but I like that Garfield something you told me."

"Don't even think about it." Peter frowned faux - annoyed at his friend.

He smiled. "Why not?"

Peter stood up after picking a new potential object to throw. "That whole stuff was nutty, I'd like to forget it."

Harry stretched his shoulders. "Fine, you will eventually tell me everything." He said, determined. "Do you have any other suggestions, Bugboy?"

Peter laughed happily. "You're stupid." Harry shrugged. "What about... Ben Reilly?" He threw the solid material over the water, not managing to surpass his previous mark. He cursed himself mentally.

Harry paused. He wondered where that name came from. It sounded very familiar. "I like it, but I'm curious how did you come up with that, Pete?"

"Ben's name along with May's middle name, I just like the sound of it - Ben Reilly, but you can still chose another one." He answered kindly and sat down to just observe the river in front of them.

Harry joined him. "It's such great name, believe me." He sighed contently, allowing them to embrace a comfortable silence. He still wanted to ask him something, to gain the closure he still needed. "Peter, may I ask you something?"

Peter smiled boyishly. "You just did."

Harry rolled his eyes. He began, "Did you hear... anything from Felicia? Anything at all?"

Peter was taken by surprise. He wasn't expecting that. He turned his head on his shoulder and met Harry's azure orbs. "Actually - yes, but that was such a long time ago."

"I'm all ears, man."

He exhaled deeply. "Well, I met her some shortly after Elizabeth was born - I think; she was working for Wilson Fisk in order to free her father who had been purposely framed by him, you know? She basically went undercover inside Wilson's corporate rivals, stealing all the data she could, and after I took him down, she was free, and so was her father." He explained. "I haven't seen her since then."

"Wow, I... you think... she had been spying on Oscorp?" Harry asked, reluctantly.

Petee shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not." He continued, "She seemed to care you about you, though." Harry nodded quietly. "You want to find her?"

"It's better this way, I guess." Harry yawned. "To be honest, after I've found your father's briefcase inside a hidden area in the manor, I began to think that maybe I could do something good, but I don't want to get her involved again."

Peter elbowed him on the shoulder. "Don't think like that." He affirmed. "Sure, we're not as young as we used to be, but I think we still have so much to live; I figure life's a gift, and I don't intend in wasting it, you never know what's going to happen next, you learn to take life as it comes at you, to make each day count, until the very last breath."

Harry was speechless as he peered into Peter's eyes, lost in words. He asked gently, "Start again...?"

"Yes, from the scratch, we all can do that, Hare." He replied, reassuringly.

Harry nodded to himself. "You were right, by the way, coming back with you, feels a lot better here than back there."

"Wait, say it that again - that part of me being right." Peter teased.

The Osborn chuckled. "That you are an idiot." Peter smiled to himself and gazed the second incoming boat. Harry sighed. "Peter... when I was with father, before the fight, he - um, he basically gave me a highlight heel of my biggest failures." Harry was aware of the fact that he had died, but his effects over him didn't quite easily vanish with him.

Peter quickly intervened, "Yes, he was messing with you - that's what he always did."

"Please, wait." Harry said. Peter tilted his head to the side, curious. "I... I should have reached for you instead of instantly going after Max, I should have tried my best to make things right, but I didn't, I stopped, and I'll never forgive myself for that..."

Peter exhaled deeply. "Well, I have," He paused. "Hey, that's years old now man, what's done is done; all that matters now - all that ever mattered is that we're together, so... shut up and try to beat me on this."

Harry grinned, realizing how much of their banter he had been missing over the years.

Peter placed a his palm against his forehead, feeling the headaches due to the little one of sleep he had thorough the night. "You think you will be able to sleep tonight?"

Harry nodded. He felt much better. "Yeah, I think I will." He answered. "What about you?"

"I sill have some winging inside my head from past night's dawn, but nothing that relaxing with my family won't wash it out." He smirked.

"Fair enough," Harry rose and moved the dust off the back of his pants with his left hand. "I gotta say, though, you seemed a little distressed after we left your apartment."

"It was something Elizabeth told me," Peter began, "She sometimes and rarely wakes in the middle of the night after some bad nightmare, she describes them as being some quick and scary flashes, I know I had those when I got bitten, but she's just a innocent child; me and Gwen are worried."

"Maybe... her gifts are evolving as she grows? It looks a lot like that sixth sense of yours." Harry speculated as he looked down at Peter.

"Could be, but it's getting me, I don't want to see my daughter suffer." He confessed. "Add those dreams to the totally different skills she's getting such as the one were she can feel me when I'm not present, it's freaking us out."

"I see," Harry stood in silence for a short time, seeing Peter staring the horizon. He extended his hand at him and said soflty, "We will figure it out..." Peter looked up to him. "... like we always do."

Peter smiled thankfully, before holding Harry's hand as he pulled him into his feet and later patted his chest friendly.

---

After dropping Harry at some hotel, Peter had driven back to the apartment. He entered the cozy place, soft classical music was being played in the apartment's speakers.

"Daddy!" Aiden called from the ceiling. He smiled brightly.

Peter looked up to him. "What are you doing up there?" He raised his arms at his son's direction.

He giggled as he dropped himself just in time to get held by bis father. "Mummy wants to bath us."

Peter raised and eyebrow, "And you aren't listening to her?"

Gwen interjected from upstairs. "Aiden...!" They both looked at the furious woman. "Your tactics are pointless, your father won't protect you from that bath." She walked downstairs and approached the pair. "Hey, honey." She gave Peter a quick peck on the lips, before retrieving Aiden from his arms.

"Need help?" Peter licked his lips.

She walked away and shook her head. "No, thank you, the evil witch will take care of it."

He shrugged his shoulders and strolled onwards and glanced into the empty kitchen, then he cast an eye at the living room but saw no one once again. He lazily sat down in the couch and pulled his phone and began to read his messages.

Samantha Williams : Peter, what am I supposed to do with all the data, it's actually from the government. X - Files stuff.

PP : Why are you asking me that?

SW : Because you're freaking Spider-Man, you're a much more important person than me.

PP : That's nonsense, I'm not better than you or anyone else.

SW : You get my point.

Peter rolled his eyes.

PP : You think the world should know about your kind?

SW : If that means people will probably stop chasing us, then yes.

Peter rubbed his chin, thinking.

PP : Then you know what to do, Sam, leak it on Spider-Man's name. You don't need to get involved.

SW : Thank you, for everything you did since I threw you out my apartment.

Peter chuckled.

PP : You're welcome :p

PoolDead : Who's this girl, 'Pidey?

SW : What?

PP : Wade... stop invading my messages.

PD : Are you trying to steal my man, Ms freaky Inhuman? Isn't the blonde warrior enough?

SW : Come here and I will show who's freaky.

PD : Yes, I like the way you talk dirty. Just because the author is reluctant regarding my fan - friggin - tastic humor due to the ridiculous rating - that doesn't mean I don't get to be involved in the story!

PP : Go home, Wade. You're drunk.

PD : There's actually this guy's head besides me. Before you say anything, he used Lil' Joe as cover, my poor friend. He's dead now.

PP : Who's Lil' Joe...?

PD : My teddy bear. I can show you when you're back into our bed.

Peter groaned in then heard steps coming around the corner from the hallway. Peter turned around and saw Gwen approach him with a strut and sway to her hips. She was a captivating woman to watch and had his attention.

PD : Peter?! Where are you?! Don't let that Stacy woman abuse your sweet ass perfect body! I can persuade Vanessa into a foursome!

"Hey," Peter blocked his phone and smiled. He stood up as she stopped near him and they shared a few soft kisses. He slipped his arms around her slim waist and could feel the soft smell of shampoo still linger from Gwen, she had recently showered. "Kids?"

"Bed." Gwen gave him a coy grin, "I've made something for you."

"Yeah?" Peter asked curiously.

Gwen stepped away and reached out for his hand, "I'll show you. But, close your eyes."

Peter looked at her with a curious frown but shrugged and did as told.

"And don't you dare open them until I say so."

"As you wish."

Gwen nodded satisfied and led the way to the kitchen and stopped at the cooking island and let go of his hand. She walked over to the counter at the wall and reached up to a cupboard and opened it. Inside she had hid the cake pan while she had been showering their children, before changing clothes and finally retired to the lounge, keeping herself occupied with 'The Count of Monte Cristo.' She enjoyed reading a real paperback book.

Peter, still with closed eyes, asked, "So… how long do I have to keep my eyes closed?" He had heard the noises coming from Gwen in the kitchen, but had no idea what she was up to.

Gwen glanced over her shoulder and was satisfied that Peter was indeed having his eyes closed. She took the cake pan and closed the cupboard and headed over to the corner of the cooking island next to Peter and held up the cake pan, one could easily smell it in the air.

"You can open your eyes, baby." Gwen said.

Peter did and saw Gwen, with a beaming smile, holding up the cake pan. She was definitely proud. And Peter was surprised, he hadn't expected that.

"You've made me a cake?" Peter asked and smiled at her. He breathed in the smell, it smelled delicious.

"Once in a decade, but I have," Gwen said. She placed it on the table end of the cooking island and explained softly, "I wanted to surprise you and do something nice for us after e everything." She kissed his lips, "Cuddle a bit in the couch," she gestured to the seating area, "and eat a cake."

Peter smiled and cradled her face lovingly and kissed her, nibbling softly on her lips which she reciprocated, the tip of their tongues grazed each other before Gwen's tongue eased into Peter's mouth and their tongues met in a sensual kiss.

Peter broke the kiss and smiled, "That's very thoughtful of you. Thank you, you're amazing." He released her face.

Gwen beamed, happy about his response. "Do you want something to drink?"

"I haven't eaten a sponge cake in years," Peter mused. He chuckled, "When I was a kid I usually drank milk to it."

Gwen smiled, glad to have learned something new about him. She gave him a nod and said, "Milk it is."

Gwen grabbed two glasses from a nearby cupboard and she poured up some milk from the fridge. Peter took the cake pan and she the glasses and a few napkins and they headed to the seating area. The items were placed on the coffee table and they took a seat in one of the couches. Gwen made herself comfortable in Peter's lap, snuggling close and felt a arm around her back.

Gwen reached out to the table and fetched the cake pan and placed it on her lap. This was the moment of truth, even if she had great help from her sister, she wasn't sure if it would be tasteful.

"It looks delicious, honey," Peter said.

"It does," Gwen beamed and took a slice – she had cut the cake in triangle pieces – and offered it to Peter who greedily took a bit which made Gwen giggled at his childishness. Some crumbs rained down on Gwen's leg which she collected and dropped on a napkin on the table.

Peter ate it and gushed, "Oh my god, that was really good, Gwendy. What a baker you are, and you said you weren't good at it?" Peter took the last piece from her fork and ate it as well.

Gwen took a slice of the cake and a napkin under so she wouldn't spill more cake crumbs. She ate a portion of it, and indeed, Peter had been right; it was a very tasty plate she had made.

Gwen faintly smiled and said, "It was very good, but I have a confession to make. I had some help from MJ."

"MJ?"

"Yes, I…" Gwen cleared her throat sheepishly, "... ruined two cakes, and in my desperation called her. Internet guides hadn't helped me at all. It seems I don't have a PhD in baking." She took another bite from the piece of the cake.

Peter kissed her on the cheek, "It's the thought that counts and I really appreciate this. You're an exceptional woman, and I'm lucky to have you in my life. This is a great." Peter took another piece of the cake and took a bite.

"Thank you," Gwen smiled happily. She looked a bit annoyed and said, "MJ showed me a celebrity blog… they had photos of us from the restaurant from weeks ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey," Peter said sympathetically and kissed her cheek. "It was inevitable, I guess."

"I know," Gwen sighed, "I just wished it would have happened later, rather than sooner."

"I understand."

Gwen changed subjects, "So what did you and Harry do?"

"We headed out with the car and to the river and skip rocks." Peter ate another bite from his cake.

"What?" Gwen said flabbergasted.

"Yeah, he wanted to see who the best one," Peter smiled reassuringly,

"So… who won?" Gwen prodded as she finished her piece of cake.

"I let Harry win. Felt wrong to shoot down his ego, once again."

"Really? Or is that just you talking because he won?" Gwen countered.

"Woman, you don't believe me?" Peter said hurt. He snorted and declared, "I could have won."

Gwen chuckled and kissed his lips, "I'm sure."

Peter rolled his eyes and at the rest of the cake slice, "After that we went to a snack bar, I didn't think he'd need to spend the rest of the day alone. So we found him a lady to chat up, and I was the wingman, and I eventually left... I don't know what happened."

"Wingman, huh?" Gwen asked evenly.

"Yeah," He said and took another cake slice to eat. "I only talked." He took a bit from his cake slice.

"I didn't say anything."

"No, you didn't," Peter reaffirmed. "I'm just thankful for getting my head back on place."

Gwen took a new slice of cake, the last one for her she decided. She placed the cake pan on the table. Both of them ate their cake pieces, and drank some milk. Enjoying a companionable silence just being together. Gwen was very satisfied with what had transpired as she settled closer to her paramour, arms around his neck, both nibbled on each other's lips, kissing lightly while Peter hugged her close.

She suddenly stopped kissing him and asked, "Honey, what did you mean with getting your head back on place?"

Peter exhaled deeply, carefully picking the best words. "So, recently and as you know, I've been acting as this lonely guy, I pushed you guys away from the real problems, and I accepted my fate of eventually dying fighting, I am okay with that, but you weren't, and Harry also wasn't."

She quickly said, "But you changed your mind after you heard me kicking that head of yours?"

Peter smiled, weakly. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

Gwen exhaled deeply. "How did this become my life, uh?" She asked gently, caressing his cheek with the tip of her fingers. "Taking care of the most heroic figure out there, someone who people think is flawless; I never expectated any of this, sure, my father was somewhat the same thing, but the things you put yourself against, is much worse. In the end, I'm just happy to be alive and next to you, whatever your silly decisions might be. We're together."

He chuckled lightly. "You know, right after, um... I stopped Avenging, I thought - one last suit up, you know? One more time." He paused. "And then when Sam called, I again told myself, one more time, and then I was going back to you guys, to planning our dream house - and to my parent life, but there's always that one more time."

Gwen didn't move her green eyes away from her husband's. She stroked the back of his hair.

Peter continued, "I guess I really understand now that... this is my life. I love it, but I can't do without my family, I don't want to do it without you guys, or else I'm gonna go crazy with everything." He explained. "This is who I am, I need to get my reputation back, and every King needs a Queen at his side."

Gwen smiled slowly nodded. "I'm so glad to have you back, honey." She kissed his lips shortly. "What's next to our lives?"

"Well, those three litlle ones will need some guidance, what do you say?" He leaned against her neck.

"Sounds like a great plan." He bypassed her black collar and slowly kissed her collarbone, trailing more kisses against the smooth skin.

Gwen bated Peter as she murmured aroused closing her eyes, "Don't kiss me there..."

"Why?" Peter asked but didn't stop.

"Because I'll get…" Gwen sighed.

Peter stopped and removed himself. He bumped nose with Gwen and she opened her eyes and both looked at each other. There was a sparkle of passiom in her eyes. "Lady Stacy, will you give me the honour...of eating the rest of that lovely cake?"

"Oh... you!"

---

A/N : I guess we can officially close another storyline and move on into more simple stuff. I am actually proud of how it turned out, and I'm sure some people aren't, at least regarding Harry. It's the story I want to tell, in the way people can at least understand the characters and their motivations, Harry is no different, and this chapter was written around him as well.

Interesting enough, the basic concept of this chapter was how I envisioned the fic's initial ending, I think it was meant to happen during the late 20 mark. Everyone in contact with me knows that I had this goal of reaching 30 chapters.

Well, due to the reception, I changed basically - everything. I know how it ends, and as hard as it might be to let this story go when the times comes, I feel like I should try something else, and believe me, I am really attached to these characters. I also don't want to disappoint you guys by suddenly stop writing the story or posting poor content.

We will begin to see Elizabeth & The Twins grown more often from now on. I can't just get the story stuck with them as kids. I'm really excited for that.

Oh, Ezekiel is an actual character from the comics. Here, I heavily changed him, but the whole "tutor" concept of his original character can still be seen.

Remarkable Quotes from Titanic, The Walking Dead, Supernatural, and The Witcher 3.

Special shout-out to okay - christa. She was actually the first person to read my awful drafts for the story back in early 2014. She also gave me some useful tips and insights for character building. Thank you, for all of that and for the kind review.

Also special thanks to my man Sebas F. He sometimes makes me realize how much silly my ideas can be. And trust me, you guys could have seen some crazy stuff here if not for him.

For now, we have yet a road to take. I am taking a very small break to focus on a less demanding story I am finishing the last details. College is actually taking a awful lot of my time, and from the story's Beta as well, it's hard for us to synchronize ourselves to meet our free times, so I've decided to publish without her revision, but it may be updated next.

That's it for now, folks. Any suggestions, questions or requests, just contact me. Thank you all for the support. By the way, Deadpool is on the theaters, if you're old enough, go see it!

What's next? Well, what happens when Peter gets scared of basically everything when he and his loyal friend - Robin Hood, goes to protect his daughter's Hallowen Festival when a mysterious villain makes a return? Also, Peter and Gwen's ten years of marriage special follow it quickly. See you guys there!