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.

56. Time

Fluff, romance and suggestive themes. "Then" & "Now" parallels between each scene. Chapter named after the song "Time". Enjoy.

---

April 23th - 2014

Queens - New York

"I can come later then." Gwen suggested.

May shook her head. "Of course not, he's been dying to see you, and I'm sure he won't mind, besides... you can probably make him get off bed."

Gwen eventually nodded. "Okay, I'll try." May smiled and entered the kitchen, leaving the Stacy alone and besides the stairwell.

She began to slowly walk upstairs, taking her time to analyze the many family photos placed against the wall. They told a lot of history which she didn't know, especially regarding her boyfriend's parents since that was a topic she wasn't sure he wanted to talk about to begin with.

Now facing the door of Peter's bedroom, she turned the knob and scanned the room with her eyes, seeing the mess of discarded clothes and books welcoming her into the place. She knew Peter wasn't very organized, but that was too much.

Not far away, she spotted Peter lying on his shoulder and over the bed. He was shirtless, but that didn't mean what she initially thought when she saw his Spider-Man socks slipping under the covers and into the thin air.

He definitely had spent the night out.

Feeling guilty for possibly waking him up from a peaceful nap, Gwen changed her attention to Peter's desk and the countless pictures stuck against the wall, maybe a habit between the Parkers. Not that she minded, well - except for the pictures of herself in which she disliked to a great extent, like the one where she just had gotten out of a tiresome exam and seemed exhausted. His excuse was that she looked cuter when mad.

Gwen giggled silently. She picked an old camera from his desk and prepared to frame his current position. The photo instantly was printed as she carefully took it in her right hand and shook it in the air, before looking at her work and smiling at the sight.

Look at my big bugboy... Gwen thought, proudly. She carefully placed the camera back to the desk and stashed the picture inside her purse which she later placed it down onto the floor. She also unzipped and took the black jacket off her torso and lowered the delicate clothing over his Spider-Man's chest set in the computer's chair.

She sat down in the bed's edge. She now couldn't resist the temptation of gaining his attention after a whole month of traveling with her family. "Hey..." She caressed his messy hair.

Peter mumbled. "No... Gwen... I am...virile."

She chuckled. "Well, that's highly inappropriate."

He slowly opened his eyes and saw a blonde woman very close to him. "Who..." He was now fully wide awake once he recognized the beautiful visitor. "Gwen?"

"Good afternoon."

"Wait..." Peter quickly shook his head. He rose his chest. "Is it your birthday yet?!"

"No, tomorrow." Gwen affirmed, finding his urgency amusing.

Peter dropped himself back to bed. "Oh - thank god..." He placed the palm of his hand over his forehead, before looking at his girl. "Hey, girlfriend."

"Hey, boyfriend." She played along, thankful for their firm relationship since her father passed away.

Peter sat in the bed and cupped her cheeks and kissed her inviting lips, smelling one of Gwen's favorite perfumes, lilac arome. She reciprocated the kiss as her eyes immediately closed and she allowed him to continue to kiss her passionately - a kiss that evoked so many emotions from they both.

She had missed his gentle touch, and he craved her closer presence once again. They're both having the butterflies at the reunion, well - at least the Stacy since her lover always neglected such concept, probably wanting to appear tough.

Peter wrapped both arms around her back while never ceasing the make out as he very slowly began to push Gwen down into bed and next to him.

She smiled against his lips, her head touching his two puffy pillows. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all." Peter pillowed his head on her chest and snaked his arms around her. "Just wanted to embrace you and hold you for some more time."

Gwen smiled lovely. She later faux complained with a heavy huff, "You're so heavy."

"I'm not," Peter said faux hurt with a pout. He looked up at her, "And you shouldn't complain, you're stronger than you look."

"Oh?"

"Yup, not anyone can take on a giant monster."

Gwen nodded and removed an arm and grinned as she flexed her bicep in front of him.

"So pretty." Peter murmured and leaned in and kissed her bicep several times.

Gwen smiled and reached around his neck with her arm to caress his perfect and messy hair. She couldn't get enough of his hair, it was so soft, but that could be lost since he had been thinking about using gel for a new hairstyle.

Rest in peace...

Gwen, as surprising as it was to her, loved cuddling. It had never been something she had engaged in before she met Peter. She also never had gotten into a serious relationship with anyone else besides him, at the time her independent mind wasn't terribly interested in cuddling with someone.

But she loved the feeling of being held in Peter's arms, and when she finally gave into cuddling after their relationship started it had been an eye opener for her how much she actually enjoyed it with him. They began to be very physical with each other. Cuddling, caressing and kissing was a huge part of affirming their love for each other, after all, they went to sleep cuddling whenever they had the chance.

She wasn't used to sleeping with somebody close to her besides her parents and brothers, she felt happy with Peter nearby. Plus Gwen got easily cold during night in her bedroom so when Peter had the opportunity to visit her late at night, his body heat warmed her up and it made it easier for Gwen to sleep.

Although it did get hot later in the night and he usually rolled away from her, but by then her 'cheap heat source' had warmed her up sufficiently. But they always returned to cuddling when they woke up in the morning.

She loved him.

Love...?

Three simple words. A word they both still hadn't expressed to each other. Truth is, whenever they're together, Gwen could forget about everything else and have an unique time with the boy and hero from a small neighborhood called Queens.

Gwen sighed silently to herself as she stroked his hair. She looked down and saw his eyes closed just like when she first entered the room. He had fallen asleep to her heart's rhythm. She smiled contently and kissed the top of his hair, before leaning in towards his head and letting all thoughts be put to rest for awhile.

---

May 26th - 2028

Tarifa - Spain

"Oh, man." Peter smiled to himself as he combed his hair, standing in front of the sink and watching the entire process in the mirror. He placed the comb aside and hurried inside the hotel's bedroom and grabbed his phone from the mattress.

PP : What are you doing, hon?"

GS : Slow elevator. There's this urgent reunion I told you about in Spain. I can't believe we're going to spend our anniversary apart.

He almost jumped at the ceiling in anxiety.

PP : It's not that bad.

Peter threw his phone back to the bed and quickly approached the single door present in the fancy bedroom. He gently pressed the side of his head against the door and heard calm footsteps alongside some bag's wheels getting closer by each second that went by.

Placing his right hand around the knob when the person stopped to face the door, Peter slowly opened it and saw Gwen Stacy on the other side, holding the bedroom's keys on her hand while her chin almost fell onto the floor in surprise.

"Oh my god." Peter said lovingly while Gwen stepped inside and placed her bag against the wall and her purse down in the ground.

She turned to his side and immediately snaked both arms around his neck. Peter wrapped his own arms across her back and lifted her closer to him as she tightly locked her jeans covered legs around his waistline, losing herself to a firm and passionate hug.

He kissed her neck repeatedly, before whispering, "Missed you," He began walking towards the bed, carrying his wife along.

Peter dropped them both into the comfy bed, never getting separated from one another throughout the short fall. He stood between her legs that were wrapped across his waist while she pressed him to her torso.

"I thought I wouldn't see you," Gwen whispered amorously. She stroked the back of his hair and kissed the side of his lips.

He leaned his face in and nuzzled her neck. "Hmm..." He looked up to her eyes and brushed the side of his hand against her cheek, before gently passing a single thumb over her welcoming lower lip and smiling contently. "You looked so beautiful the last time I saw you, that I forgot my pickup line."

Gwen giggled, unwrapping her arms and lazily bringing them over her head and enjoying the sensation of being pinned down by her husband. "You always have a been a hit and miss kind of romantic guy."

"I try my best." He quipped. "You have high standards, don't you?" He moved his left hand over hers and intertwined fingers, causing his torso to slightly lean downer.

"I only settle for the best." She winked.

He chuckled. "I'll take that as compliment." He kissed her ear and later the sensitive spot behind it.

Gwen sighed contently, feeling a hand adventure under her blouse, causing her to release a soft moan. She sighed and asked calmly, "Now - wait a minute, how did you pull all this stuff out?"

"Persuasion, lots of persuasion." He replied, drawing soft circles over her belly and causing Gwen to release short fits of giggles. "Your superiors are quite friendly, they helped fake this meeting of yours."

"Really? Wow, what a golden tongue of yours, Mr Parker." She licked her lips.

He teased, "You would know that more than anyone else." She smacked him on the back. "And... Tomorrow we will have a whole day of activities, little Gwendy."

"I wonder what those might be."

Peter lied down to her side, inches from her face and planted a kiss on her nose. She smiled, instantly. "Just the best, hopefully... after all, it's our tenth wedding anniversary, feeling old yet?"

Gwen shrugged her shoulders. "Mid-thirties is the new young."

He laughed. She smiled. "Well, I hope your baggage is a diverse one, baby." He placed two fingers on her chin. "Because there's dinner, movie premiere, a secret thing and then some quality time at the beach, what do you say?"

"Sounds like foreplay." Gwen held a smile back and winked.

"My God..." Peter bit his lip. He energetically hovered over her and landed on the ground after the stunt. Before Gwen could even react, she was already at his arms and being carried to the bathroom. "Time for that couple shower."

Gwen snaked both arms around his neck. "Ten years and some things never changes!"

---

April 23th - 2014

It was freezing cold at the Parker's background. Peter had convinced Gwen to go outside. They had mostly done nothing all day. They were too cold to do anything so they sat, all day long. Gwen was perfectly comfortable with this because earlier she was half asleep, and besides, at least she was warm.

"Come on, Gwendy." Peter offered her his hand. She was standing still at the last portion of the short stair that led off the house and into the grass which was covered by some dense snow.

Gwen gritted her teeth and crossed her arms underneath her breasts. Thankfully, the thick blue jacket and beanie were helping in the task of keeping her heat safe. "I don't know, Pete..."

He smiled reassuringly. "Trust me." He flicked his fingers at her. "It will be alright."

Gwen exhaled deeply and eventually took his hand on hers as he helped her step down into the snow. She released a short yelp once her boots touched solid ground once again. "I-I think the couch is cozier."

Peter turned on his back and took a few steps away from her, quietly checking some spots, like the one behind a single tree and close to the high fence that separated the house from the others. He began inspired, "Well... there's a tradition among the Parkers, a very old one, it grants you a status among the family, since you're with me, that extends to you, so I need you to-"

His speech was interrupted after he felt a cold object collide against his back and reaching his head. His hair was filled by snow flakes. He turned around and saw Gwen giggling madly from a distance. She delicately covered her mouth with her hand, trying to recompose herself, but the beautiful smile was impossible to wipe away.

Peter raised both hands into the air in defeat.

Gwen giggled once again. "Sorry, baby - you just talk too much sometimes."

He smiled, playfully. "Right... as I were saying, you need to get through the ritual, it actually starts right-" He suddenly rolled down in the snow, gathered some quantity of it, and fastly threw the short amount towards Gwen. "...now!"

Her chest was now decorated by snow. She let out a surprised breath as she stood mouth open, shocked at what her boyfriend had done. He smirked victorious from his location.

Gwen narrowed her eyes at him. "You will regret that!" She grinned.

They ran around the backyard throwing any amount of snow they could get their hands on. While Aunt May prepared dinner, she spotted the couple goofing in the background through one of the windows in the kitchen. They're laughing and running the entire time. They seemed to be having a war. She smiled happily and walked away to the other side of the kitchen.

Later on, Peter fell into the snow with Gwen straddling him firmly. She was happy to be doing something other than sitting on the bed and going deeper on books.

"Hey - hey, Bugboy." Gwen tilted her head to the side. She continued cocky, "I think you just lost to a mere lady like me." She placed both hands over his chest and dropped some weight into him.

Peter's own hands gripped her waist. "It seems that way; by the Parker rules, you can now claim a prize."

She playfully raised an eyebrow, before slowly leaning her torso and head down towards him, their faces were inches from touching themselves. Peter could even feel her hot breath brushing against the skin of his cheek. He closed his eyes and touched foreheads.

Gwen said soflty, "Oh, do I now... mmm?" She bit his upper lip gently and teased a potential kiss by going forward with her lips but retreating at the contact with his, constantly repeating the process much to Peter's disapproval.

He groaned. "Gwen..."

"You lost, you don't get to complain about anything." Gwen smirked and brushed her nose against his. She was about to lean in when she suddenly found herself carefully spun around towards the ground and later brought up to his arms after he stood up. "You didn't!" She cursed.

Peter slowly headed towards the door that led inside the house. "I just did." He chuckled. "You failed the ceremony, Ms Stacy."

Gwen hugged his neck and looked up to his eyes. "You're just making that up."

"Which part? The one where I said to trust me, or the whole ceremony thing?" He asked rather seriously.

Gwen noticed how he expected a serious answer. "There won't be a time when I won't trust you - despite you never quitting goofing around." She kissed his clean jawline.

He smiled. "Thank you." He paused. "... you gotta admit though, the whole ritual thing was quite believable."

"Only in your dreams, Mr Parker... only there."

---

May 26th - 2028

The next day...

Knock, Knock!

"Housekeeping, may I come in?!"

Peter grunted lazily under the soft sheets that reached his abdomen. He brushed his whole face with a single hand and yawned. "House kee..." He sat on the bed and brought the sheets along to cover his chest. "... oh please, not the human branding iron again... No - go away!" .

"I will be quick!

He insisted, "Come back later, I'm undressed!"

The door was half opened. "Oh, really?" A slender, bare and toned leg was sensually curled against the door.

Peter almost stumbled into the floor as he panicked and searched out for his clothes. He saw the inappropriate sight at the door. "Argh, what are you crazy?! I'm a married man!"

"And a faithful one no less. I'm still not impressed." Gwen fullly opened the door and gave him a sensual pose which the effect was only increased by the pink bikini that also accentuated her golden hair. Not mentioning the straw hat. "Guess that's why I couldn't resist your invitation." She gazed his perfectly shaped chest.

"Gwen...?" He breathed relieved. "I am glad to see you're - mmmm..." He was cut short by a passionate kiss after Gwen sat near him and leaned in.

"Kisses first, bugboy." Gwen said between the gaps. Peter didn't protest, he had made peace with her insatiable hunger he experienced in the last night, something good from being apart from more than a week actually happened.

She released his lips and placed her left hand on his chest and gently gripped his hardened muscles. "Now you can explain how you get to sleep until one after noon, I'm curious."

Peter tried to take his gaze off her body. He gulped. "Um..."

Gwen chuckled. He loved the sound of that. "Silly, you're such a dork." She continued, "As every woman knows, there are ways to make sure nobody pays attention to your face, I see you're no exception."

He finally met her deep eyes. "I can pretty well confirm that, but..."

"The show is for you," She gave him a quick peck on the lips and stood up excitedly, almost dancing as she made her way to the wardrobe to get sun protection.

Peter smiled. "You're happy today."

She looked over her shoulder. "Why wouldn't I be? The day is beautiful, I have you here - you being naked is also a bonus, and we're celebrating our anniversary together!" She smirked and turned back to the wardrobe. "This is perfect, having the kids around would be even better, but I guess we deserve some time to ourselves."

This can't be real... this life, there's nothing else more important than this. Peter thought to himself.

"I love you, Gwen."

Gwen smiled happily. She said softly, "And I... love you too..." She grabbed a blue short and threw at her husband's direction. "Dress up, the sun isn't waiting for us - also, no shirts allowed."

---

April 24th - 2014

Gwen Stacy's 18th birthday...

It was almost seven. He had finished dressing a while ago. Now, he stood at the door of Gwen's bedroom after Helen welcomed him into the house and left with her brothers. He sighed, holding a bunch of balloons and a rose with his free hand, giving himself one more once-over, he nodded slightly to himself when he was satisfied with his formal appearance. While they may have been in a serious relationship for quite awhile now, this was technically his first true date with Gwen… during her birthday.

The 'Amazing' Spider-Man was nervous. He couldn't remember ever feeling this nervous, not even when bloodthirsty thugs were charging at him. He felt like-

Get a grip, man! You're a vigilante, not some moony-eyed teenager on his first date... well, kinda of. Damn it. I am that.

But there was good reason for his nervousness. While there had been other women in his life like his mother and Aunt, Gwen Maxine Stacy could potentially be the most special to him, and that was something hardly for one to achieve.

There were times that he would think that she deserved someone better than him, and then he would realize that it was she who had chosen him, just as he had chosen her. He knew now that he never felt as strongly for the other women in his life as he felt for her. He sighed. She deserved better than this— he only hoped what he had planned was special on her eyes.

She deserved nothing less than perfection.

Guess we'll just have to make the most of it. Maybe we can even make this first date memorable.

Little did he know that it would be a date both of them would never forget.

Taking a deep breath, he reached the doors to her room.

"Don't come in here yet!" He heard the amusement in her voice. "I'm still getting ready." He was confused.

How did she know I was already down- never mind. This is Gwen we're talking about.

"You can come in now."

Peter opened the doors and was greeted by a breathtaking sight. Gwen Stacy, the talented and smart woman in front of him, was wearing a low-cut blue dress that had a slit on one thigh—a perfect mix between modest and sexy. The dress not only hugged her curves but also brought out the color of her eyes.

He gulped.

"I take it you approve?" Gwen asked saucily. She immediately stood surprised at what he held on his hands, and as her emerald eyes went up, she spotted an disappearing purple stain under his right eye. "Peter... how did you get that?" She approached and placed both hands on his shoulders.

"Don't worry about it, Gwendy." He kissed her tiny nose. "This is your day, and this is for you." He gestured to his hand which held the rose.

Gwen reluctantly took her eyes off the bruise and lowered them to the gifts. She smiled thankfully, before slowly picking the delicate rose from his hand and bringing it up in front of her eyes.

"Thank you, spider-boy... I love it." She gave him a peck on the lips, grabbing the balloons that announced 'Happy Birthday' to her and placing them over her desk and the rose inside a glass filled with fresh water.

She walked back to him and moved her hand between his left arm and his ribcage, holding his bicep so that he could guide him. "Now, shall we go to our first stop?"

Peter smirked. "To the theater then, my lady."

She giggled.

---

Playa de Bolonia

Bubbles began to form in the particular zone of the sea which wasn't far away from the shore. It didn't take too long for Peter Benjamin Parker to quickly emerge from the ocean's bottom. He was exposed from his abdomen and above.

"Not too bad for a spider." Peter adjusted his hair by moving his hand backwards ontop of his head. He began to swim towards the shore, until he could feel his feet touching against the sand underneath the water. He eventually arrived back to the beach.

There weren't many people as he expected, and for those who were present, there was a considerable distance between each group, giving them some space for themselves. After all, the location was a very isolated one.

Peter left wet footsteps in the sand as he peacefully made his own way towards the spot he had chosen to establish themselves. He could see a woman lying on her stomach and over a colored towel between her sweaty body and the ground. Her top was untied so that her back didn't get tanted by the sun.

He silently crouched besides his wife who didn't seemed to be aware of her surroundings. To say that he was having a very - very welcoming view would be a monumental understatement. His right hand slowly flew right over Gwen's waistline, before eventually lowering and touching her warm body and going all the way up over her back.

Gwen stirred a bit once she felt the touch. She wasn't expecting that, especially the cold and wet hand. She groaned in disapproval and turned her head to his side, forcing her eyes to be half closed due to the sun. "Peter... you're freezing cold."

"And you're burning hot, opposites attract." He smiled boyishly, drawing circles in the delicate skin. "See what I did there, eh?"

Gwen smiled. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm married to Spider-Man or Peter Parker." She teased.

"Isn't that the question of the day?" Peter trailed soft kisses from her neck and down her back, feeling her warmth at each peck. She sighed contently. He stopped inches from her bottom and returned back to her ear. "Wanna go for a walk?"

She mumbled, "I'm good here..."

"Oh my god - Gwen, you also didn't want to dive in, I'm feeling unappreciated here." Peter mocked.

"Aww, my poor handsome baby." She sighed. "Fine, fold the bikini for me then."

Peter nodded. He grabbed each part of the top and brought then back to her back, wrapping them around each other firmly. "There you go, mommy." He stood up as Gwen turned on her shoulder and was now lying on her back, giving her husband a suggestive view.

"What has gotten your attention?" She questioned with a smirk. "Is it the towel?"

"Everything, come on." He offered her his hand. She took it and rose from the ground, wearing her sunglasses before they packed things up inside a small bag Peter placed over his shoulder.

They wrapped hands and began to calmly stroll inches from the water's reach and through the beach. Gwen retrieved Peter's own sunglasses from the bag once she noticed him struggling with the sun's light and gently placed them on his eyes for him.

Minutes later, she broke the comfortable silence, "This place makes you forget about everything else besides our family." She confessed passionately.

Peter nodded and replied without looking at her, "I know. It's almost if we're living another life."

"Well, we worked hard to be here - I think we deserve this." She tightened her grip over his hand. "The tranquility, view, and the time we're spending together."

"This wouldn't be the same thing if you weren't here with me." He turned his head to her side. "Don't get me wrong, Spider-Man is who I need to be, but that would eventually drive me nuts if I hadn't people like you picking me up when I stumbled."

"That applies to us both." She spoke.

"I'm not sure about that, you're not as problematic as I was." He chuckled.

"What do you mean? Don't you recall that time when I accidentally broke that basketball board?" Gwen smirked. "I gotta admit I learned that after you."

"Yeah - with my help, I lifted you up."

"And I scored." Gwen continued proudly, "We're quite a team, hero-man."

"I'm probably the muscle then, you add the beauty and brains." He played along.

Gwen laughed. "You not always were this modest, you're pretty smart yourself - of course, not as much as I am, but close enough."

"I can live with that," Peter released her hand and wrapped his left arm around her neck, gently bringing her body and face closer to his. Gwen hugged his bare chest. They smiled against each other's lips.

"Nine years, already, uh?"

Gwen immediately corrected him, "Ten...!" She frowned. "Are you serious right know?" She started to pull herself out of his arms but Peter kept her on check.

"No - I'm not, of course I wouldn't forget that."

"Ugh! You - mmmm..." She was cut short by an unexpected kiss. She initially protested, but that didn't last long once her resistance gave space to satisfied moans.

Eventually, they broke off the kiss to fill their lungs once again. He smiled and winked at her. Gwen just shook her head in return and placed her right arm around his back while he did the same to hers. They resumed their pacing.

"Did you know that Dave found out where we hide the peanut and jelly?" She asked.

Peter exhaled deeply. "It was meant to happen, eventually. He's addicted to that."

"Yeah, I was taking a bath and when I went downstairs, I saw him sat in the floor, holding a spoon full of jelly. His whole mouth was covered in that. Funny thing, Aiden was over the counter trying to open a can of corn." She grinned.

"My god, one would think they're not being fed well by their parents, uh?" He chuckled.

"I know. They certainly didn't get such hunger from me by any means. Girls are more complicated to handle - yes, but young boys? These are a rollercoaster, ten minutes alone and they're already attacking the fridge." Gwen looked over the ocean, holding his hand on hers. "Did you used to be like that?"

"Um... kinda of, I guess...?" He shrugged. She smiled contently, she loved the fact of having living breathing memories of her husband, the twins were that, their kids who carried the best traits of them. "Gwen, I need your opinion on something."

She nodded. "Yes?"

"I've been thinking about... training Elizabeth in a few years. " Gwen looked up to him. "Not only because her gifts need to be mastered by her, even if I don't want my footsteps to be followed, but due to what's probably going to happen in the next years - the same will apply to the boys."

Gwen asked softly, "What do you mean by that, honey?"

"I'm not sure... you have seen the news, the world is changing, everything we used to believe is being threatened since the day aliens visited New York through a wormhole, and now... a new population among us." He replied carefully. "Who's to say what will happen in the future? To my kind of people? Now, we're heroes, what about later?"

Gwen took a few seconds to process what he was trying to say. "I see..."

"Whatever happens, our children need to be prepared to anything, because like me - they could be part of something bigger later on. Believe me - honey, I just want them to be themselves, but... I'm considering every option. I don't know if this is the best one, still..."

She sighed in understanding. "Do you... do you remember what I said when I first told you about us building a family? Before Elizabeth. How things could work out?"

"Um... no?"

Gwen rolled her eyes in disapproval. "I said that we would face any decisions together, as to what our precious children want to do with the gift passed into them, it's their choice. But, it's our responsibility to guide them into choosing what they want, so yes... maybe you do need to train them. You're the only one capable for such task."

"So you approve of it?"

"I think... they might not have the everything we want them to, and knowing that they're ready to take on any obstacle out of a normal people's reach, that gives me some kind comfort."

Peter looked at her delicate expression. He exhaled deeply and leaned in to kiss the top of her head for a brief time, before touching forehead and closing eyes. "This is not about me - or us, anymore. Thank you, for the road so far."

They hugged each other to the sound of the waves arriving in the shore and staying inches from their barefoots.

Gwen looked at him with a contemplative expression. She couldn't help wondering what things might have turned out if she'd never fallen for him. Or rather; what would have happened if she had indeed left without him.

After a few moments she felt Peter's hand on her cheek that turned her head slightly to look into those green huge eyes. "Something wrong, Gwen? You look like you have a lot on your mind."

Gwen was about to reply if a commotion of people didn't start to form not far away from them in the shore. They all were gazing something in the ocean. Peter quickly turned his head at the disturbance, not taking too long to spot a lonely young boy struggling at the water.

Someone was already on his way towards her, but not as fast as it was required.

"Peter." She simply said, causing her husband to quickly change his glance to her. He nodded, handed her the sunglasses and began to sprint towards the ocean, before taking a considerable jump meters forward in the water and diving in.

She hugged herself as she waited for the resolution. There it is - again, her best friend and lover being the hero he is without even wearing a certain red and blue spandex. It was as natural as it could get, and maybe it was meant to be like that, his descendants might be destinated to the greater good. In some way, he was predestined to become hope, and she couldn't by any more prouder.

It didn't take too long for Peter to get off the water while carrying the child on his arms. He was slowly surrounded by the group of people who were in shock due to what they had just seen. Some carefully touched his torso to check if he was indeed real. He observed the reaction, speechless, and giving some of his heat to the boy settled on his arms. A chattering could be heard through the Spanish dialect.

Peter looked up to Gwen, she was standing at some distance from them. She smiled kindly. He sighed and eventually handed the girl to her parents who somehow managed to pass through the entire group of people. They thanked him, and Peter just nodded in return.

For him, it was nothing than less his duty.

He later went back to his wife, and they proceeded back to the hotel without letting go of one another, as it always have been.

---

After a quick trip to the bathroom, Peter stepped out of male-reserved room and into the busy closed playground filled with gaming machines and tables that served all types of competitive games. He thought the area close to the theater was a good idea after the god-awful movie was over.

He searched for his girlfriend through amidst dark lightening and electronic music, and found her standing next to a girl and in front of a rectangular equipment which its purpose was to use the available hand and grab one of the many prizes, the infamous claw machine.

"What are you guys up?" Peter approached them and smiled to the girl once she looked up to him to recognize the visitor. "Hey." He greeted.

"Hello, you're Gwendolyn's boyfriend, right?"

Peter cocked his at her, before setting his gaze at Gwen's. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. He nodded. "Yes...? Unless she changed her mind, I think so." Gwen rolled her eyes.

"Well, then you're good a person; do you know how to win this?"

Gwen interjected. "That's what we were trying to do while you're out." She once again handled the single analog and tried to reach the blue teddy bear the girl had been craving for half an hour, eventually failing at the task. She groaned. "Damnit. This must be rigged."

"It obviously is, Gwen." Peter stood in front of the machine and between the two girls. "Alright, let me give it a try." He grabbed the analogic and went forward with his tentative.

Gwen watched the claw slowly move to the side. "You're not going to make it this."

"Just you wait."

She shook her head. "No, not like that."

"I'm getting there!" He frowned, focused.

The claw was lowered towards the teddy bear, but it was going to pass inches from the toy if it stood like that. "Peter!"

Peter quickly moved his left hand to the side of the machine and gave it a small - yet precise bump against the metal, taking advantage of his considerate strength as the claw was slightly moved to the side and finally grabbed the award they're all trying to won.

"Yes...! I'm the best!" Peter raised his arms in excitement, making the two girls next to him almost jump at his reaction. He turned around and quickly kissed Gwen on the lips, before letting her go and smiling widely to the child besides them.

Gwen brushed her finger over her lips and chuckled. "Okay, King Of The Boy Scouts."

"How did you do that?" The girl asked, not believing what had just occurred.

Peter grabbed the teddy bear from the hole and crouched so that he could be on her level. Gwen did the same next to him. "With persistence, and dedication; this is yours." He gave her the toy. She took it on her hands as her eyes glowed in adoration. She suddenly hugged his neck, tightly.

"Thank you." She released Peter and now approached the Stacy and hugged her as well. Gwen patted her back, gently. She pulled back and saw her father entering the area and gesturing for her to come closer. "My daddy is here. I have to go now." She smiled.

Gwen said softly, "That's alright, it was nice to know you, little one." She rose alongside her boyfriend.

She nodded. "You two together will be awesome parents one day!" She hurried back to her father.

Peter chuckled nervously, before clearing his throat.

Gwen felt her cheeks flush and looked away so that Peter couldn't see her status.

"Um..." He loosened his shirt's collar. "That was something," He gazed her over his shoulder.

Gwen put a subject into motion by teasing her boyfriend, "Persistence and dedication?"

"Well... yeah." He grinned.

"You do know that you technically cheated, right?"

Peter shook his shoulders and held her hand, intertwining fingers. "It's the thought that counts, besides... that thing is a cheating machine anyways."

"Hmm... I'll let that slide for now." Gwen smiled. Her eyes found another game they could kill some time off. "Are you good at basketball?"

He shrugged. "Well, my highest moment in my basketball carrier almost got me in detention."

"Oh, right! I remember." Gwen continued, "I guess that's too risky then."

"Fair point." He chuckled. "So, you mentioned some dancing?"

---

Peter stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel from a towel rack and dried himself with it and wrapped it around his waist. He had been barred from the master bedroom as Gwen wanted to prepare herself alone to surprise him, she had never shown him the dresses she brought. So he had taken his personal bathroom kit, a pair of fresh boxers and socks and headed to the guest room instead. The suit had been washed and dried during the day and was on the bed. He didn't need to spend many minutes in front of the mirror after drying himself, he shaved like he does daily, and applied some cologne to his body giving him a slight musky scent and then he was off to the bedroom and got dressed in the black suit.

Peter took a minute to admire his form on a wall mirror near the closet, he looked really sharp and all thanks to Gwen's taste in clothes. With no pressing matters Peter felt at ease, he was content to have a night out with Gwen and show her how much he appreciated her and just enjoying each other like a couple with no obligations.

With that done, Peter folded his towel, collected his shower items, the used boxers and socks and cologne and left the room and walked past the seating area to the master bedroom and stopped at the closed door.

"Gwen?"

"Just a minute," Gwen's voice was heard inside.

"Sure," Peter replied and walked over to the corner of the wall opposite the door and leaned his back on it and waited patiently. He held his phone and opened a text.

HO : I hope you and Gwen are having a great time, Pete. Just don't forget to wear protection, little man. New York still is standing without Spider-Man, the buildings even look prettier without all that webbing. Have fun.

Stupid... Peter grinned.

Less than a minute later the door slid open and Gwen stood in the doorway with a bright, dazzling smile. She was more vibrant then Peter had seen her in a long time, he was simply transfixed by her. Her body was accentuated by a strapless black mini dress that fitted like a second skin and ended half way to her knees. It was tight and snug and showed all her curves. On her feet she had black high-heeled shoes. Gwen did a model spin for him, her hair was set in a elegant chignon bun with two hair sticks in an x, simple yet sensual.

"Stunning... as always," Peter said taken by the sight of her. "You're beautiful."

"Well, thank you, my pretty hero," Gwen beamed, admiring Peter in his suit.

Peter straightened himself from the wall and walked over to Gwen and they shared a soft kiss.

"I'm just going to get rid of this," Peter said and indicated the items he carried with a tilt of his head.

"Okay," Gwen said and stepped aside and let Peter through.

He headed to the bathroom and hung the towel on a towel rack, threw away his used undergarments in the laundry basket and placed his bathroom kit in the bathroom cabinet. Peter headed back out into the master bedroom and approached Gwen waiting in the doorway.

Peter wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close. He smiled amused when she hugged him back around his neck, "You can't help it can you? You are irresistible."

"How true," Gwen smiled. She would now play the playful card.

Peter smirked mischievously looking at her dress and more specifically her cleavage, "Easy access too."

Gwen chided playfully and swatted his shoulder, "You're impossible."

Peter could smell a floral scent from Gwen and he buried his face in the nape of her shoulder and mumbled taken by her, "You smell lovely, Gwendy."

"Cytherean perfume, local love potion, said to be potent enough to lure in your unsuspecting lover," Gwen purred wrapping herself around Peter. She giggled, "And it seems to be working! Which is good, the perfume costs three thousand per bottle."

Peter recoiled back from her neck and looked flabbergasted into her eyes, still holding her, "Three thousand?! My god, woman…"

"Yes," Gwen reaffirmed and kissed his lips several times over. "And you should also be so lucky that I kiss you with my one hundred credit lipstick all over your face."

Peter shook his head with an amused smile, "My little diva."

"Now, that's also true," Gwen smirked. She asked, "How about a glass of wine before we leave?"

"Okay," Peter smiled.

Gwen took his hand in hers and led them away from the bedroom, through the hallway and down the stairs.

Gwen stopped and turned to Peter, "Get two glasses and a wine opener from the bar and I'll get the wine."

Peter nodded and disappeared to the bar and Gwen headed to the kitchen and the fridge where she had placed her wine. It was a red wine from the Barossa Valley in Australia, and also one of the more expensive wines from her home country. Gwen left the kitchen and saw Peter leave the bar with the wine glasses and the bottle opener, she gestured to the seating area and both headed over. Gwen sat down in the couch facing the fireplace and Peter placed the glasses on the table.

Gwen smiled and held out the bottle to him and cooed theatrically, "Be a strong man and open it, will you?"

Peter chuckled, "As you wish, ma'am." He quipped, "An opportune moment to flex my muscles."

"Yes," Gwen giggled theatrically again, flicking her fingernails on her front teeth. She crossed a leg over the other.

The cork opened and Peter did away with the opener and the cork on the table and began pouring up the red wine in the glasses. He was finished and placed the bottle on the table and took a seat close to Gwen while she took a glass and slowly swirled around the wine and smelt its delicious smell.

"This is expensive." Gwen looked at Peter and said softly as he took his glass, "But I want to share this with you. It'll only waste away otherwise."

Peter slid an arm behind her back and Gwen placed her free hand on his lap and caressed lovingly.

Peter smiled, "Well, a toast to my beautiful wife then." The glasses clinked and they sipped on the wine slowly, savoring the taste. "It tastes great, Gwen, you sure know how to pick 'em."

Peter leaned forward and kissed her wine moistened lips, careful not knock out either wine glass. Her lips willingly parted and Peter's tongue slipped into her mouth and Gwen's tongue slid around his and she sucked his tongue into her mouth.

They parted and smiled happily at each other's lips.

Peter planted a soft kiss and leaned back a bit and murmured, "And that didn't taste bad either."

He was correct, it tasted very good kissing. Gwen squeezed his lap and shook her head with a smile, "You say these sweet things, enough to give a girl diabetes."

"Ha!" Peter uttered with a smile and sipped on his wine.

"So where are you taking me?"

"The local hamburger bar," Peter deadpanned.

"Hmph, if that was the case you wouldn't get any 'access' at all tonight," Gwen pointed out uninspired and sipped on her wine.

Peter grinned and squeezed her body as he sipped some wine. "No, I'm taking you to a restaurant called The Venetian – Spanish cuisine – located in the Dionysus Casino. It was not that difficult to get a private booth actually, they were more than willing to accommodate once they learned who I was."

"That sounds lovely, Pete," Gwen kissed his cheek. "And a private booth as well, I approve." She took another sip of her wine.

"I thought you would, and I want to be alone with you. We have the booth the entire evening so no rush once we get there."

"Walking distance?"

"No, we've to take the car. A few minutes ride." And driving home wouldn't be a problem if they were intoxicated because they would just have the private driver get them home.

"I'll drive," Gwen said snarky, "I'm even amazed you managed to get a driver's license."

"I'm not too bad."

She asserted, "If I can, I'm not going in a car with you driving. Nothing that moves!"

Peter quipped childish, "Darling, what could possibly go wrong, eh?"

Gwen narrowed her eyes and said, "That you haven't killed anyone in traffic is a miracle." She drank the rest of her wine slowly.

Peter chuckled and kissed her cheek, "Ready to leave?"

She put away the glass as Peter drank the last from his. She turned to Peter and nodded with a smile, "I am."

---

Gwen turned around and wrapped her arms around Peter's neck and he held her close around her waist. The couple started to dance slowly to the music and looked into each other's eyes, their rhythm was perfectly matched.

Gwen was a woman who could amaze Peter by simply smiling. The woman he wanted a lifetime with. As they danced everything else was blocked out by her mere presence, and it was only them in the room.

Peter whispered, "I'm sorry if I'm not being a present boyfriend to have around recently."

She knew what he was talking about. "I know what you need to do, I understand."

"Still, I just feel bad for being around more often."

"You're here now." She leaned in slowly for a kiss, their breaths mingled as their lips were mere millimeters away while their eyes never left each other.

Gwen was content at that moment, being held tenderly in his strong arms. Her fingers caressed and trailed soft circles on his neck. She could feel Peter's hands move to the small of her back, running his hands and fingers tenderly which sent shivers down her spine. His touch was tantalizing. She needed and wanted only him, their connection had always been deep.

"Is there an hour for me to get you home?" He whispered.

Gwen chuckled. "Well, mom doesn't want me too arrive to late, despite me being old enough."

He smiled. "And what does that 'too late' translates to in hours? I don't want to lose the trust the Mommy Stacy has given me."

"I'm not sure, probably before midnight, I guess." Gwen rested her head over his shoulder.

Peter's heart rose. He almost let slip those three words. "You really look amazing, Gwen. You look like a doll." He whispered passionately. "And you're officially older than me."

"Does that make me bad for having an underage boyfriend?" She teased.

He pondered, "Spider-Man is ageless, and since he can be anyone - no exceptions, I guess you're safe."

"I'm not dating Spider-Man, though." Gwen looked up to him. "I'm dating Peter Parker."

"I don't know if that will serve in front of the jury." He joked.

She insisted, "I'm serious, Pete."

Peter paused as he peered into her deep green eyes. "I know," He leaned in and kissed her lips tenderly. He said as they parted, "That means a lot."

She felt his hand roam her back. "It better, after the new suit I helped you make, you should be happy for a lifetime." She grinned. "It's beautiful, really represents what you stand for."

He kissed her tiny nose. "And thank you again for that, those Russians really got the better of me."

"Have you gotten any leads since then?"

"Sytsevich brothers." Peter replied, frustrated. "But hey, that's a problem for the other guy to handle, today is only about you, and that's matters."

"You're so cute sometimes." Gwen cupped his cheek.

He frowned. "Ms Stacy, that name - like I do not."

Gwen laughed. "You're not Yoda!"

Peter chuckled. "Offended, I feel."

Her smile widened. "You're so silly."

"Now, I agree to that." Peter nodded. "He checked the watch on his hand. "We still got a few time left, a few.

"Hmm, time to unleash some Amazing dance moves then." Gwen winked.

Peter cleared his throat. He didn't consider himself a talented dancer. "I don't know if I'm up to the task - Gwen...!"

---

Gwen and Peter had hooked arms and stepped through the big sliding glass doors into the foyer of the massive Dionysus Casino where they passed by other guests coming and going. Once the check-up was done the couple finally entered the casino itself through another set of glass doors which led into the massive and crowded casino floor. The couple stopped and took in the sight of guests and employees. The buzz of people, the brisk whir of shuffled cards, and the sounds of slot machines filled the area.

The Dionysus Casino was a large sprawling casino in a 5 floor building. The first floor was the main floor, soft fluorescent lights lit up the casino which had a very Mediterranean like-vibe in the aesthetics and ambience, there was a mismatched mix of ancient greek and roman influences. Busts and statues of Greco-Roman figures dotted the area with the occasional exotic plant boxes and couch groups in the lounges.

The second floor offered a more relaxed atmosphere with 5 or so restaurants, with The Venetian being the main attraction. The rest of the casino delivered various entertainment venues, a hotel and the ultimate nightlife experience for anyone.

He gently tugged her arm and led them onwards deeper into the casino towards some roulette tables, "Tonight, Gwen, we're going to have a good time. Let me show you how much I appreciate you."

Gwen smirked and taunted, "That sounds like a tall order, you really think you can do that?"

"Of course," Peter said with childish certainty, "if our adventure yesterday was any indication, yes. But I also have a winning personality."

"Dolt," Gwen chided teasingly. "I indulge you too often. You're just so likeable."

"I'll work on that, I promise Gwendy," Peter quipped.

Gwen kissed his cheek, "See, there you're doing it again." She whispered amorously in his ear, "My perfect man."

They arrived at a roulette table that wasn't as crowded as most others; there was only three persons gambling. Some tables had dealers, those tables designed for physical markers and chips.

"I'm not really good at this," Gwen said to Peter and studied the table, a game was running.

The object of roulette was to pick the winning number that would appear on the roulette wheel, or combinations of numbers or choose the color or whether it was odd or even.

"I'll show you." Peter whispered in her ear, "I can be your good luck charm."

"Okay," Gwen smiled.

Peter hugged her from behind and pressed their bodies together, resting his chin on her bare shoulder. He was aware of the hair sticks so he was careful not to hurt himself, it would be unnecessary to poke out an eye, but the sticks weren't very long and far from his face as long as he didn't nuzzle the back of her head.

Gwen leaned into Peter, enjoying the closeness and his warm breath on her cheek, she rested an arm on Peter's arms going around her waist and caressed one of his hands with her thumb.

A woman cheered while she raked in her winnings.

"It's been a great downtime, just you and me," Peter said.

The white ball began spinning.

"Yes… I'm not just used to it, last time we went on a personal date was months ago, before you left, quite some time," Gwen mulled, she talked in a low voice meant only for Peter. She had looked forward to this evening, she really had, but... she was a little lost now. Despite those glum thoughts she flashed a smile while watching the wheel spin, "But a break like this I really want to enjoy."

Peter glanced at her a little curiously, she had been so flirty and carefree moments earlier. Peter wanted to ease her a bit and planted a kiss on her jawline near her ear and said softly, "And we will enjoy each other tonight."

"Sorry," She said sheepishly, "I know I can be a little… workaholic at times." She chuckled humorlessly and watched the wheel spinning down, "It's kind of sad, really."

"We've been very focused these past months." Peter said sympathetically. "Those days are for us."

Nobody of the gamblers actually won and the others mumbled disappointed.

Gwen frowned annoyed at her loss, she did not like losing, "Damn." She sighed softly, "I'm not very good at being normal it seems." She chuckled nervously, "A bit of a disaster, really."

Peter quipped, "Well, what about me? I'm a walking, talking disaster zone." He continued, "We both need a little practice," Peter said friendly. "And tonight is a very good start."

"Any ideas?" Gwen asked, her voice was a little more upbeat, Peter's demeanor was rubbing off.

A few more people approached the table and made bets alongside the other gamblers. They duly ignored the couple, focusing in the table. The wheel started to spin again once the bets were done.

Peter smiled victoriously as he was getting her out of her glum state. He squeezed her body lovingly and said softly, "Yes, I have ideas, Gwen. I got you here. You look absolutely beautiful and I have you for myself. Just what I want."

Gwen's smile got wider at his words in her ear, "Flatterer." She caressed his hands resting on her.

"Oh, I've only just begun," Peter teased in her ear. "I'm just a regular Yorker taking my gorgeous girl out in the town." Peter's hand found Gwen's and he intertwined their fingers and he squeezed her hand.

Gwen's heart surged. She was still smiling wide and asked, "No heroes or... supervillains?"

"Oh no. Some games. Some drinks. Dinner." He said playfully, "And then I'll charm you out of that sexy looking dress."

Gwen said snarky, "Oh please, I'm not susceptible to your old cheap moves on me. It's different now."

Peter grinned, his Gwen was back. He deadpanned, "I promise, I have all new cheap moves."

"I'm going to need more wine," Gwen said faux exasperated.

Peter looked around and saw a human male waiter rounding the table holding up a tray of wine glasses. Peter called out commanding, "My wife needs more wine. The best you have. Two glasses."

"Yes sir," the waiter said a bit startled being flagged down like that.

Gwen glanced at Peter and giggled playfully, "You're pretty sexy when you're pushy, bugboy."

The waiter approached the couple, and as luck would have it he had some pretty expensive wine in the glasses. He placed two glasses with sparkling wine on the table near Gwen and Peter.

"That will be 50 per glass, sir," the waiter said cordial.

Peter almost choked but played it cool and recovered his credit card and transferred the money to the waiter. He overcame his issues with the price pretty quickly, he was far from a poor man but he was not used to such prices, but Gwen was more than worth it.

The waiter quietly slipped away with a cordial nod.

Gwen took the glasses and turned around in his embrace and offered him a glass which he took. Gwen leaned her butt on the table and crossed one arm under her chest to frame her breasts, pushing them up a bit, giving him a view of her body.

Peter smiled appreciatively as he sipped on his glass while one of his hands rested on her hip, his thumb was rubbing her soft skin through the dress. She looked at him enticingly over the glass as she sipped on the wine. Then she seductively licked her lips.

"What now?" Gwen murmured.

"Let's spin the wheel," Peter offered with a smile.

The previous game had just ended with a few winnings and the gamblers made new bets.

"But as a good luck charm you weren't very good," Gwen teased and cocked her head.

"Bet on 7," Peter said sure of himself.

"Lucky number?"

"No, I just picked one randomly. Let's see what happens."

Gwen went along with the spontaneous choice and turned around as Peter hugged her with one arm, his hand rested on her side and caressed her body. She leaned into Peter and punched in her last credits on 7. Gwen's bet was the last one and she sipped on her drink as the couple watched the wheel spin. Peter sipped on his wine as well.

Gwen mused softly, "There's a high chance this won't end well, you know." .

"Maybe, but I've got a good feeling about this," Peter said.

Of course he does, he could be very positive, Gwen thought. One of many traits which she loved about him. Gwen couldn't help but smile again by just being with him.

Seven.

Gwen's eyes widened in disbelief and she whooped excitedly, "I won!" She almost knocked out the wine in their glasses. She ignored her inhibitions; she was dead-set on having a good time with her paramour.

The other gamblers, who had lost their bets, looked flabbergasted at the dark haired beauty.

One of the gamblers, a male high roller in an expensive suit on the other end, mumbled incredulous, "No way…"

Peter chuckled happily for her in her ear and kissed her cheek, holding his wine glass away from her just in case, "Congratulations honey."

Gwen glanced at him and smiled, "No, we're doing this together." She leaned away to her left a bit so she could kiss him on the cheek, "We're a team."

Peter turned his head to Gwen and they shared a soft kiss on the lips and she turned around to being held from behind in his embrace. "Let's get some dinner, honey."

---

"I just wish this rain would stop!" Peter complained with an arm around his girlfriend while the other kept the umbrella over their figures. They walked through the calm sidewalk that eventually reached Gwen's apartment.

"It's not so bad!" Gwen laughed, keeping him closely besides her as well.

"You're right, it sucks." Peter walked slightly to their side once he heard a car approaching their position and almost throwing some considerable amount of water at them.

"Ha, so bugboy's greatest weakness is water?!" Gwen teased. "Figures."

He rolled his eyes. "I would say it would be my Aunt's meatballs, but it's your sense of humour has changed that!"

She quickly took the umbrella from his hands and took a few steps away from him, making a pose next to the lightpole to complete her move. "Aw, why let a little rain spoil our evening, bugboy? It never bothered Gene Kelly before...!"

"Gwen Stacy, what are you going?!" Peter watched her hold herself in the pole while happily walking around it.

Gwen began a melody, "I'm siiinnnngin' in the rain! Just siiinnnngin in the rain!" She looked up to him with an energetic smile. "Join in, Pete! Show 'em how you Parkers can cut a rug!"

Peter eventually smiled. He observed her with kind eyes.

This what I'm fighting to protect. He thought to himself. It's her birthday.

He joined her in the pole and also used it as support. "This woman is certifiable! I'm dating a lunatic!"

Gwen giggled out loudly. "Ah, you love it!"

"You betcha I do!" He answered, happily.

In the other side of the street a pair of college students stopped to watch the unusual sight they just had stumbled themselves into. One of them muttered in disbelief, "Lucky guy."

The young couple didn't waste any seconds with their down to earth time, just enjoying each other's company while goofing around in the rain and without worrying about how they were appearing. Nothing mattered anymore, it was just that moment.

After they ran out of stamina, they were both sat in front of her building's entrance, soaked from toe to head, and effortlessly smiling towards each other. She looked at his lips, and then at his big brown doe eyes.

The closeness only helped in creating a very welcoming mood, despite the now lighter rain dropping from the skies. Peter was the first to break the comfortable silence, "I hope you had fun." He said lowly, resisting the urgency to lean in.

Gwen smiled amorously. "The best." She licked her lips.

Peter could see the tiny puddles collide against her smooth and skin as one single puddle slid down her cheeks and into her right arm. He carefully moved the tip of his finger against her arm and over the puddle, feeling her shiver at delicate touch. His breathing took a major drop and got heavier instead. He could feel the tension. "I'm just going to kiss you now." He cupped her left cheek and leaned in.

"Okay," Gwen said breathless and reciprocated the affection he was giving her. Besides the reciprocate, she didn't exactly know what to do with her hands as the kiss deepened and Peter leaned even more forward.

It became a passionate battle for leverage. She was losing her priorities. Peter even managed to block his sixth sense, not focusing on the sires firing away from them.

"...come up..." Gwen whispered huskily once a space of air between their lips was formed. She slowly capture his lips again while he snaked his arms around her. "... it's just us..."

Peter went back to reality when he opened his eyes only by a few inches as they touched foreheads. Gwen still was struggling to open her own eyes, she didn't want the moment to end. He said gently so that only her could hear him, "I would love to..."

Gwen slightly moved her head away from his and sighed in contentment, before looking at him. He smiled happily. "... but you won't." She smiled back.

"Not tonight..."

Gwen herself felt a little disappointed, but she was happy for what they're sharing. "It's okay-"

He leaned in again, but not to kiss her lips. He asked lowly, "Can I tell you why?"

Gwen exhaled deeply with a nod. They rested foreheads once again.

Peter began, "I have this... incredibly ability of attracting disasters to my life and to the best parts of it, and this night... was perfect..." She watched him. "Don't you think?"

"Yes." She grinned briefly.

Peter continued tenderly, "And if I have the chance of keeping this one perfect night as it is, I'm taking it." She chuckled as their lips brushed against one another. He kissed her soflty,. "We can continue this tomorrow..." She gave him another peck. "...and the day after." He smiled.

Gwen leaned her head on his shoulder. He planted a kiss on her forehead. "Before you leave, I want to show you this." His left hand reached the pocket inside his suit, retrieving a tiny plastic object.

"What's that?" She eyed it curiously. "A ring..?"

Peter smiled, also gazing the plastic ring. "This is one of the prizes I got from those machines; it's quite I silly I know." He paused. "It has a meaning."

"What is it?" She took it from his hand, gently.

He explained softly, "That's going to remind us, someday in the future, of happy times... of this special moment, and then ask our future selves if they're still sharing the same happiness we started months ago."

Gwen whispered lovingly, "That's... not silly, it's perfect." She handed him back the ring and looked up to her boyfriend. "I can't wait for that."

"Neither do I." Peter put the object safely back to the spot next to his heart.

She took her time to mesmerize his expression. "Then I guess this goodnight, Mister Parker."

Peter laughed shortly. "Happy birthday, Ms Stacy." She smiled lovingly, before slowly standing up and walking the small stairwell to the reception. She tapped the password as the door unlocked. She turned on her shoulder and gave him one last look before entering the building.

Peter observed her until she couldn't be seen anymore. He looked up to the sky and smiled to himself, his face being covered by tiny puddles once again. There is no such thing compared to what his girlfriend can proportionate him. She could make his heart bump faster. She made him feel... alive.

He sighed happily, and later calmly walked in the sidewalk, with no real sense of direction, instead - he focused in recapitulating every single second of their date.

---

"I had reserved a table for two in the name Parker."

"One moment," the hostess replied and punched in a few buttons on her terminal to check her reservations. When finished she looked up, "Yes, a private booth, Peter Benjamin Parker." She gestured towards the mouth of the lobby leading into the large exquisite restaurant, "Just wait there and someone will be with you shortly."

"Thank you," Peter replied cordially.

The couple walked away from the reception and glanced out over the lively restaurant while waiting. The restaurant floor was a large sprawling space dotted with a near hundred tables with white table cloth and a lit candle in the center, and almost all occupied with people eating, drinking and chatting.

Waiters and waitresses slipped by the tables effortlessly and delivered orders. In the far end were over a dozen or so spacious alcoves walled from each other. They had a comfy leather couch in a half-circular shape around a table, and for added extra privacy a curtain could be closed. At the opposite end of the restaurant floor was a large bar and lounge.

Gwen noted some of the looks they got from men and women who undoubtedly recognized Peter and wondered who she was. She was private by nature and didn't like the attention but blocked it out, this was something she would have to get used to.

A waitress showed up and courteously showed them the way to their reservation. The couple took a seat inside the booth which had a very tasteful dim lighting. The waitress left the menus on the table and she closed the curtain and left the couple. They sat at the table facing each other but Gwen slid over gracefully next to him with a smile.

"I rather sit here," Gwen said and her dainty hand slid over his lap and she squeezed it affectionately.

"As you wish," Peter said. He certainly didn't mind the closeness, after all it was a very intimate setting, the main reason he had chosen a private booth. He snaked his arm around her shoulder.

Gwen took the menus and gave Peter one of them and she began looking over the menu.

He daydreamed with a glance at his girl. Despite the many conflicts, their one year apart and Peter's promises and indecisiveness; the sixteen year old relationship was certainly very enjoyable, it kept him together. He genuinely loved Gwen, and enjoyed her company, they were now part of a big family they built.

"So what do you want?" Gwen's soft voice broke Peter's daydreaming.

Peter was a bit startled, "Uh…I…don't know…"

Gwen glanced at Peter with an enticing smile, she had seen his looks, "Am I that captivating?"

Peter smiled, "Yeah, you are."

Gwen smirked, there was an amused glimmer in her expressive eyes, "As long as we don't order anything with garlic, I don't want that stench oozing from my skin the coming days…" She didn't want any garlic breath to come in their way of kissing either.

"Awww, to bad, I like garlic," Peter pouted theatrically.

She huffed aloof, "If you want my lipstick kisses all over you later, you will not order garlic."

"So what does the lady desire?" Peter asked flirting with her in a husky voice. He looked at her lips, they always looked like they needed to be kissed.

"Besides you?" Gwen purred, with arousing intent, her hand found its way to his lap again, squeezing and caressing.

"Now, Mr Parker, be careful or your date might get the wrong impression," Peter faux warned.

"That's not my problem, gorgeous," Gwen said slyly.

"You tease, you're obviously good at that."

"You're very gifted yourself," Gwen said and leaned in and planted lingering kisses. It had been far too long since the last time they kissed, she needed to mend that.

"Do you suggest anything from the menu?" Peter smiled after they parted.

"Well," She removed her hand from his lap and looked over her menu, "I was thinking Scallop and Prawn Risotto for me, but I know how you feel about seafood."

"Not enthused. Also, we're going Italian?"

She rolled her eyes uninspired, "Something from the child's menu then."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Peter complained. "I just don't like fish that much." He began looking at his menu.

Gwen grinned at his response. "That's why you're struggling with the branzino."

He shrugged. Moments later Peter replied, "I think… Spaghetti alla Chitarra." He liked his pasta.

"Good," She beamed. "Then some wine." They ordered their food.

Peter and Gwen enjoyed a comfortable moment together with some small talk while they waited for their order.

Brisk footsteps approached their alcove and the curtain was slid away. A young waitress had arrived with the food – while another waitress placed silverware and glasses on the table and poured up wine from a wine bottle which she left. Peter and Gwen thanked them and they left, closing the curtain and the couple began eating the excellent food in an amicable atmosphere, both enjoyed their time with each other even if they didn't talk much, but they stole glances now and then.

"What a place you found, Peter." Gwen said glad. "Really fast service to." She poked her risotto and ate some of it and sipped on the wine.

"I suspected this place would suit you," Peter smiled satisfied that the evening was going so well. He took a sip of the wine, which unsurprisingly was very good as well. Peter wasn't really accustomed to expensive places like this, but he knew it would be something Peter would like.

"So what's next after dinner?"

"Don't you want to be surprised?"

She narrowed her eyes, "Eh..."

Peter chuckled, "A few drinks here before we leave for elsewhere, but that's all I'm saying."

Gwen purred, "I should warn you, I'm an expert in extracting information."

"Sounds intriguing, but you can't be quiet during that so people will notice and we'll be thrown out," Peter laughed jovial.

"Shut up," She frowned flustered but soon burst out laughing at the thought of them ravishing each other in the booth, it had some appeal to her.

Peter smiled wide, her laughter was infectious and very charming. "I love your laughter, honey."

Gwen ate the last of her food and nodded happily. He always made her feel great. She blushed a bit, before asking, "Dessert?" She placed her utensils on the plate and pushed it away a bit from her.

"Sure," Peter said and finished up his food and left his utensils on the plate.

Peter poured up some more wine for him and sipped on it.

It didn't take more than a minute before one of the waitresses slid away the curtain with a smile and left an ice cream glass cup filled with grape sorbet and duly left the couple and closed the curtain.

Peter looked at the sorbet and then at Gwen and grimaced curiously, "One cup only?"

Gwen smiled mysteriously and took the glass and a small spoon and stood up and gracefully moved to straddle Peter. He smiled at his beautiful paramour and instinctively placed his hands on her sides and caressed her skin through the dress.

"Well, I thought we could share," Gwen said seductively. She poked the sorbet with the spoon and presented the spoon to Peter and he greedily ate it.

"That was really good," Peter savored the sorbet.

Gwen smiled and took a spoon of sorbet for herself and as she put it in her mouth she seductively and slowly licked the sorbet of the spoon with a sultry smile. She licked her glistening lips and gave Peter a hot, insolent grin.

"Gosh…" Peter sighed heavily. "You're the sexiest woman in this booth, you know."

"I am the only woman here, silly," Gwen asserted. She poked the sorbet and collected some more with a playful smile, "And it makes you the most handsome man here."

She offered the spoonful of sorbet to Peter who gladly ate it.

"You're the best," Peter smiled. He leaned up for a kiss and Gwen parted her lips. Their kiss tasted much better with sorbet taste lingering than with wine. They parted and smiled amorously at each other as Peter leaned back into the couch.

They finished the sorbet and paid for the dinner and left a little extra for the waitresses who had served them. The couple left the booth and passed through the restaurant floor to the lounge and bar which was sparsely occupied by patrons.

Gwen glanced at the drink list on a screen at the bar, "What do you want?"

"Surprise me," Peter said, "I'm just going to the toilet. Hold a bar stool for me."

"Okay," Gwen smiled and they parted ways with a soft kiss.

Gwen walked over to the corner of the bar where there was two empty stools. The blonde took a seat and was approached by the female bartender.

"What can I get you, ma'am?"

She ordered her wish and waited for her husband.

Peter eventually strolled over and came up behind Gwen and slid his arms around her from behind and buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath of her scent and planted gentle kisses.

Peter murmured in her ear, "Hello there, pretty. What are you doing here with two glasses all alone? Have we met somewhere, Ms Stacy?

"In your wildest fantasies... I hope." She flirted. "And it's Mr Parker."

"Indeed." Peter sat next to her. His phone began to vibrate on his pants. "Oh, phone call."

"I hope it's not your girly Spider-Man fanclub."

He chuckled and as he watched the screen. "Well, kind of." He answered the video call. "Hey, guys."

"You look beautiful, mommy!" Elizabeth said, perplexed. Her expression appeared over Aiden and David heads as the trio smiled at the screen.

"Thank you, sweetie." Gwen grinned happily.

"Hey, don't I look handsome as well?" Peter interjected.

Elizabeth laughed followed by her brothers. "You too, daddy!" She continued, "What are you doing?"

"Dinner," Gwen answered friendly. "But what is my little miss and her companions doing awake at this hour?" It wasn't that late, for adult standards.

"Well, granny fell asleep in the couch while we watched the movie." Aiden replied.

"Oh, and you guys are taking advantage of my poor mom so that there's more TV time, uh?" Gwen teased. "Wake her up, honey, it's bed time already."

Elizabeth sighed uninspired. "Fine..." She asked, "When are you going to get be back to us?"

"Two days," Peter answered. "Missing me?"

"Yes!" She smiled.

He smiled back. "Well, then you better get to bed so that the time can go quicker."

After the call end, they sat together and enjoyed a few drinks, small talking or just enjoying each other's company quietly, they were comfortable enough to socialize without constant conversation. By the fourth round she felt light headed from the alcohol he had consumed during the evening, even with his DNA he was no super something but his body could process the alcohol quicker than others. The fifth round was a glass of water for both, and He decided they should move on.

He looked at his wife and asked tipsy, "Are you alright?" He was concerned how it all would end in her high heels, even if he was a bit light headed he had flat shoes after all.

"Yes." Gwen said tipsy. She continued aloof, " I don't get any drunker than this."

"Uh-huh," Peter uttered skeptically.

"So, Peter..." She smiled to herself.

"What have I done?"

"No, nothing. I just wanted to talk to you about something, without cluing the others what we're up to."

"And what we're up to?"

"Going back to our hotel to make love."

"Wow... you don't exactly mince words."

"I'm not as young anymore to play the blushing bride... unless you ask nicely." Peter chuckled, amused. She continued, "Shall we go now? If you like this bar so much, you can get back here in a hour, or two."

"... or three."

Gwen smiled proudly. "I'll hold you on that."

---

July 29th - 2014

Days later after Spider-Man saved the city from an energy catastrophic...

Gwen was in one of the beds with her back to the head of the bed which was inclined so she could sit up properly with a bed sheet over her body and she wore generic hospital clothes. Her head and ribs still ached the days after the Clocktower, she was experiencing slight dizziness. She had been told by Maria, her personal doctor, that she had a mild concussion and bruised ribs.

The door to the room opened and Gwen was surprised believing Maria was back already, she just left a moment earlier. Gwen turned her head slowly and was pleasantly surprised when she saw Peter entering with a tray.

"Morning," Peter said with a smile and approached her bed and dropped his backpack on the floor. He placed a portrait over the counter. It that showed them running from each other during a snow fight months ago, it had been framed by May while they're distracted.

"Hey you," Gwen replied with a wide smile as possible that she could muster despite her fatigue. Her morning felt increasingly better. Gwen continued enthusiastic, "Breakfast! What a sweetheart you-" But Gwen's delighted demeanor changed as Peter got closer and put down the breakfast tray over her abdomen so she could actually see what she was being served.

Gwen glanced at the bowl with the nutrient paste and she frowned, "That's not what I usually eat."

Peter chuckled and turned to Maria' table and retrieved one of the chairs.

Gwen picked up the spoon and slowly poked the paste disgusted. Peter returned and placed the chair near the bed and kissed her cheek before sitting down.

Gwen looked at Peter with a grimace and asserted, "I won't eat this."

Peter grinned, "I've been in medical care situations enough times with similar injures to know that it's all Maria will allow you to eat for at least a day with all the substances in your system. And frankly, I'm a bit more afraid of her than you."

Gwen huffed, "Then you clearly don't know Gwen Stacy."

Peter picked up the bar, "Well, this tastes like chocolate."

She eyed it with suspicion, "I've eaten enough of those in my days at Oscorp to know that's not going to taste like chocolate."

Peter returned the bar and feigned being heartbroken, "Won't I at least get an extra point for the flower?"

Gwen noticed the twisted plastic flower and picked it up with a faint giggle and examined it. She turned to Peter, "Aww, you're too cute sometimes." She smiled widened and she said softly, "Come here."

Peter leaned in and Gwen rewarded Peter with a few soft kisses. He returned to the chair with a happy smile.

Gwen smiled back, "You are forgiven."

Peter nodded satisfied, "Good. He leaned closer to the bed and took a spoonful of paste and said with a teasing smirk, "I can always feed you if you won't eat."

"I'm a little too old to be spoon fed, Peter," Gwen protested.

Peter lifted the spoon with some nutrient paste and played with it, "And Spider-Man goes zoom, zoom. Now open wide so that he can deliver the yum yum to your tummy, Gwendy."

Gwen glared, "If I wasn't on painkillers I'd contemplate whether or not to kill you and find a new plushy."

Peter stopped playing with the spoon and snickered, "Aww. But little Miss Gwendy accepts nothing but the best plushies. Yes she does." Peter continued mock-contemplative, "And then you've to consider how long you've to evaluate a new one to see if it's perfect for your stand. It's a very long process to find the right one. You should just keep the old one. Not as time consuming."

"You are not forgiven anymore," Gwen huffed and crossed her arms under her breasts.

Peter chuckled and put down the spoon in the bowl.

Gwen sighed, "You'll milk this situation for all it's worth, won't you?"

Peter raised an eyebrow, "Like you wouldn't?"

Gwen conceded with a grin, "You're right. I'd mock and tease you until you were in tears."

Peter nodded with a smirk, "See? Besides, you're decommissioned from any romantic activity for a while and I have to get my kicks somehow."

"Oh? Am I just an object to you now?" Gwen countered with a grin. Gwen reached out with an arm towards Peter and they intertwined their fingers.

Peter nodded, "The tables have turned, about is fair play."

Gwen laughed despite the pain in her chest, "Damn it. Don't make me laugh. And that's not how that goes, it's 'turnabout'."

"It's Peternese," Peter shrugged nonchalant.

"Well, in Peternese, 'I'm not sure'. The picture, that was a nice touch."

"The flower wasn't?" Peter asked curiously.

Gwen nodded with a smile, "Yes it was. But I'm more of an inquisitive tipe of girl."

"I knew there was a reason I loved you," Peter smiled. He now felt such word was as natural as it could get to say.

Gwen smiled, "Hmm… enough to make me breakfast in bed when Maria releases me from imprisonment."

Peter contemplated, "I dunno… will this be before or after you've returned to makeup duty?"

Gwen said faux annoyed, "After. I do have to get my priorities straight."

"Understood, Ms Stacy." Peter reached down to the backpack and pulled up a book. "I also brought Robinson Crusoe with me for you to read when and if you feel you are up to it."

He put it down on the bed next to Gwen's leg.

"Very thoughtful of you," Gwen said happy.

"So how are you?"

"I'm getting there, it'll take a few days before I'm well, and I will likely be released within some hours. Mom even brought a bag with clothes. She will pick me up, and I'll probably hear a lot for falling of a stairwell." The excuse she had come up with.

Peter chuckled. "That's good to hear."

"What about you? How are you holding up?" Gwen questioned.

Peter hesitated. He paused and moved his gaze to the half open window. "I know where you are trying to get, Gwen."

"It's been a week, Peter." She said softly.

"And it may be forever."

Gwen squeezed his hand. "I know you don't mean that."

"I wouldn't be so sure, it might be for the best." He affirmed. "I almost failed you once, I can't take the risk of doing so again with anyone else."

The door to the room opened and Maria strolled through with a small plate of her own with a sandwich and a cup of coffee on a small plate.

Peter looked up at the contents Maria was carrying and turned to Gwen and grinned, "See, she's even more evil than I am, coming her and teasing you with actual food."

Maria heard Peter when she stopped at her table. She explained flustered. "Oh no, I just thought Ms. Stacy could use the extra company when you eventually leave, Peter. And I have some work to do. But if you want me to leave Ms Stacy…?"

Gwen smiled friendly, "No, that's alright. I know I have food restrictions imposed on me. I'll make do with this paste."

Maria sat down on the chair next to her laptop and placed her tray near her, "Of course."

Peter smiled and rose from the chair and leaned in and shared a soft kiss with Gwen.

Gwen smiled back, happy at the attention and care she received. He began, "I'll come to your house later then, I have to eat some breakfast myself and I also have a boatload of work to do," Peter explained.

Gwen taunted, "Oh? You actually have to work now when I'm confined here?"

Peter chuckled, "Indeed. I've to do some coding the Bugle. Talk to you later." He smiled kindly and walked away and out of the bedroom, leaving Gwen to her previous condition of total boredom.

Gwen sighed, and looked up to the TV. She began to change the channels after grabbing the remote controller. No, no... definitely a no, double no - ugh. She frowned in shock once she saw a mech walking at the Fifth Avenue. All news channels were broadcasting the same event. She could see Jorge, the same kid Peter protected from bullies, walking into the crossfire.

Peter.

Gwen looked to the doctor. "Maria, I feel good enough for a walk. Can I?"

She ceased to write her report in the desk and replied, "I guess so, just be careful. I don't want to infuriate your mother."

"Okay, thank you." Gwen jumped out of bed and towards the bag.

Outside and at the hospital's rooftop, Peter stood at the very edge, looking down at the busy and daily traffic of cars and pedestrians in the convoluted streets of New York City. His backpack was around his left shoulder, and he wore normal clothes.

He still wasn't feeling like diving in like he usually did after getting bitten by a genetically altered spider. He couldn't risk someone's life, not again. His skills almost cost the life of the second woman on his life. He wasn't as strong as he thought he was.

"Peter...?" A familiar feminine voice called from behind.

He turned on his shoulder and saw Gwen coming from the rooftop's door. "What are you doing here, Gwen?" He asked, surprised.

"I found the emergency door open, and I also noticed you are wearing the suit underneath it." She hugged herself and walked over to him. "Which means you haven't fully decided what to do next."

"Gwen..."

"Wait, would you let me give my thoughts on this?" Peter hesitated, but eventually nodded in response. "I think.. you're blaming yourself for something I have caused myself, it wasn't your decision and nor what you wanted. In some way, I realize maybe I shouldn't have went there for my own sake, I put myself in danger in order to help you, you didn't."

He continued, "Were not for you I wouldn't get pass through Max, he would probably kill me."

"I don't know about that." Gwen took his hand. "We're both humans, we're not perfect, and we make mistakes. That's a natural thing. You're not a god." She slowly pulled his shirt up, revealing his suit. She placed her hand over the emblem on his covered pectorals. "To a lot of people, this means something. Just like to that kid you walked home months ago. You're extraordinary, Peter." She took the backpack from his shoulder and retrieved his mask, before dropping the bag into the floor. "You are Spider-Man."

Peter gazed the mask he offered him. He took it on his hands and moved it down his face. Seconds later he had fully changed into his alter-ego.

Gwen looked at the curvy senses, seeing her reflection. She moved her gaze off him and into the city. "There."

Spider-Man followed her eyes and turned slightly on his shoulder. He felt something from Fifth Avenue. "Jorge..."

"You can save him, Pete." He instantly returned to her direction. "You can save... all of them."

Spider-Man exhaled deeply as the lenses observed her expression. He took a step backwards into the edge and opened his arms as he leaned his torso towards the whole distance into firm ground, falling like that for a brief time before finally firing a single biocable and fastly swinging his way to where he was needed the most.

Gwen took a deep breath. She was not used to the sight of his recklessly dropping himself into thin air, just like he did on their first kiss. "I... I hope I'm not in big trouble anymore."

---

I can bench press a car.

Peter Parker supported himself with his left elbow while he watched the love of his life peacefully lying on her chest and with her face prompted towards him and over her pillow.

Her blonde hair fell over her bare shoulders and slid down her back. The single sheet that covered them stopped at the curvature of spine, and both her hands were hiding underneath the pillow.

I can clim up the side of a wall. Fight twenty guys to a standstill. Swing across chasms thirty stories deep. Feel a bullet coming my way and move fast enough to get clear.

He gently placed his thumb against her cheek and very slowly drew soft circles over the delicate skin, being careful to not wake her up. Now that the dreams, bad ones, ceased, he could sleep better, but sometimes he'd rather watch his wife. She was always so serene.

But something in her makes me gentle. Makes me shy. Makes me strong. Makes me happy to believe. And maybe that's it. Maybe that's what really comes down to.

He carefully brushed a golden fringe to the side.

She makes me. Makes me a whole. She completes me.

Peter moved his hand down to her naked back and brought himself closer to his wife, without taking his gaze away from her closed eyes.

So here's the thing, God... I know I complain a lot, and I know that you and me, we've got issues, but right now, just for tonight... Thank you for her. Thank you for everything she was allowed to give me.

Ke kissed her forehead.

Thank you.

Xxx

It had been hours after Spider-Man went to fight the mech.

The room was dark and emerged in a silence which allowed anyone to hear the soft breathing coming from the young woman's lungs; next to the matress a clock over the bedstand marked two hours after midnight.

A view of the city and the empty sky was possible to see through the closed window in the left side of the bed. Such view was later obstructed by a someone wearing red and blue spandex who swung his way towards the window.

He always tries to make me feel better by downplaying just how dangerous it was that night, just how close he came to dying.

Peter precisely landed on the fire escape and quietly rose the window and jumped to the new found space. Without taking the mask, he watched the asleep woman, before touching the ground with his feet and finally taking the mask off, then the skintight suit.

And I always try to make him feel better by pretending to not wait up for him... pretending not to worry.

She opened her eyes while he changed.

Peter grabbed part of the blanket and slowly crawled into bed.

"Hi." Gwen greeted without turning to his side.

Peter was startled at first. "Hi. Didn't mean to wake you." He kissed the spot behind her ear.

"Rough day?" She simply inquired.

"Oh. You know, just another day at the office. You?" He wrapped a single lock of her hair around his finger and played with it.

Gwen began unamused, "Let's see... after wasting an entire day of my life answering questions before I could be freed from my confine, I listened to how my boyfriend knocked the Rhino's butt."

"And what a butt it is." He smiled boyishly.

Gwen continued, "Not to mention saving a bus full of children."

"They weren't really in danger. The news are always being melodramatic."

Peter was about to lie down besides her when she spoke, "I saw the footage." She rose her chest, revealing her pink camisole and leaving Peter more surprised and lost on words than the day when Uncle Ben first spoke about girls and the whole stuff that comes with it.

"Oh. You... You okay?"

Gwen sighed heavily. She felt a hand squeeze her shoulder lovingly. "I just feel like an idiot when I think about how different our lives are. I get treated like royalty for doing simple stuff while you get the third degree for being an actual hero."

"It comes with the job." Peter affirmed softly.

"I just feel so useless. I mean, you run around making the world a better place. And me? What good do I do?"

He planted a kiss on her shoulder. "For starters, you keep me going."

"Come on. You would do this whether I was around or not. We both know that."

Peter gently hold her chin with two fingers. She dropped some weight into it and closed her to eyes. He replied, "Yes, but for how long? I don't like to worry you but sometimes... more often than I would like to admit, I come close to losing in the biggest way possible." He gently turned her head towards him so that he could he meet her green eyes. "Out there, if I ever give up, even for a second, it would be all over. But it's hard. I get tired. I get worn. Do you know what keeps me going?"

She fixed her gaze at him.

"I know that I have to get home, or yours, I have to walk through your apartment's door."

"Or window." Gwen addeed.

Peter brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. "Right. I have to because it's a promise I made you and this one I intend to keep it. If it weren't for experiencing life with you or through you - like we will do in England, there would be no reason to do what I do. If you believe that I'm making this world a better place, then you must know that you're the one I'm trying to make it better for."

Gwen smiled sensually as she fully turned to face him. "And here I was thinking it was because of how sexy you looked in those tights."

"I could put them back if you want..." She cupped his cheeks.

"I've got a better idea." Gwen used her left hand to pull a a single shoulder strap of the camisole to the side. He gulped. She leaned herself over him and pressed him down as they both fell into bed amidst the darkness of the bedroom.

---

Gwen awoke early in the morning, way earlier then she would've liked, but that wasn't going to interfere with her heavenly-like mood. She brought her hands up to rub her eyes as she yawned, the sheets never leaving her cleavage. She then stretched, throwing her arms above her head.

The balcony that gave her a view of the beach was slightly open and then sun managed to pass through the curtains, also being accompanied by the refreshing wind that created a peaceful ambient in the bedroom.

Gwen turned to the other side of the bed and found her husband sleeping on his shoulder and with his back facing her direction. She sighed lazily and moved her figure next to him, before slipping her left arm between the space of his arm and cagerib and hugging his bare chest as she nuzzled his hair.

She felt tiny and fragile when she embraced him, her lover was so much more stronger than her, and while she enjoyed the fact that sometimes he was the one who would sleep over her chest, despite his weight making her sleep a tad bit less comfortable, she wouldn't trade that for anything else regardless.

She kissed his earlobe and whispered, "All I want to do is lay here in your arms and listen to your heart beat, honey. Every time I wrap my arms around you, it's like coming home to where I belong. You're everything I've ever asked for."

Gwen unfolded her arms and turned to her side, before touching the cold floor with her feet and standing up. She wrapped her body around one of the sheets and walked over to a rack next to the balcony's entrance. She opened the memory book she had given Peter during the last night. His reaction was priceless, he couldn't believe how many small moments of their lives were there since they met each other.

One of the many pictures compiled together was the one she had taken herself, Peter slept on his old bedroom after she arrived, just like the present time. He was surprised at first, he wasn't expecting such old photo to last that long. Another picture showed them evading each other during a snowball fight in Aunt May's background. They made a mess of the whole place.

Gwen smiled contently to herself. Her eyes began to get wet as she repeatedly closed and opened them for a few seconds, trying to contain the tears. The next one was set during her birthday, Peter and the claw machine. She snapped him from behind and with her phone.

She then arrived to her wedding with him - exactly ten years ago. They posed together for Helen. Peter had embraced her from behind while he brushed his cheeks against hers, both smiling happily to the camera. A single tear now slid down her left eye. She continued with her trip to old times, landing to a picture taken in their original apartment's bedroom, hours later after Elizabeth was born. She was laid over the bed and held her small daughter in her arms while Peter kissed his wife's forehead and his free hand captured them together.

She sniffed silently and gulped.

The one last picture that emotionally got her was a quite recent one. They were various frames taken exactly one after the another, showing David and Aiden's marathon to reach their father in the camp. He was using his strength to plant a new tree in the courtyard of the Stacy's isolated house, at England, two years ago. The whole set of photos began from the moment the twins left her position and until they're both being held by Peter.

She remembered that day like if it was yesterday. Peter had craved all all of their initials in that new tree. It still stands up, and maybe one day, they would have the time to visit the place again.

Gwen wiped the tears with her hand. She exhaled deeply. She closed the book delicately and walked inside the balcony, resting her free hand over the handrail as the sun slowly rose in the horizon far away away in the ocean. The early morning rays found their way to Gwen's figure.

If it all ended for her, if today was her last day alive, she would leave thankful for what she and the man of her life went and built together. Nothing could wipe away such adventure. Their tale was a good one. They left their legacy, and such legacy is waiting for them back at home.

They had the time of their lives.

Gwen sighed. She then felt his left arm around her waist. He rested his chin over her shoulder. He brought his right closed hand to her abdomen's level and opened it, revealing an old, tiny and red plastic ring. She looked down to the object and instantly smiled to the sight, before holding his hand on hers and smiling happily.

She nodded as in 'yes'.

---

A/N : Last bit explains how I feel. Minimum dialogue. Thanks for everything, everyone.