Hours of waiting in line to meet their idols was very much a strenuous task for those who were dying to meet the Hex Girls. For Peter and his gang, however, they remained patient enough for when the building the Hex Girls and Mystery Inc. were in finally came into viewing range. The extended rows of people eventually shrunk enough to where they ultimately entered the building, both booths neatly organized straight of them. Unsurprisingly, the line to meet Mystery Inc. was much shorter though it did at least contain a few enthusiastic fans that came rushing with notebooks ready to sign in hand. When their turn finally came, MJ and Gwen dove for the Hex Girls' booth, albums and posters in hand ready for them to sign as they continued to scream and squeal like the fangirls they were. Once he caught up, Harry joined them as they finally fulfilled their bucket list goal of meeting their favorite band, their booth covered in all kinds of merch available for sale.

Meanwhile, Peter deviated from their craziness to walk over to the booth where Mystery Inc. sat, the booth itself decorated with nothing but a custom banner of their brightly colored logo. Unlike his friends, he was much more calm about this despite the butterflies in his stomach. There they were in the flesh waving at Peter for him to finally meet; Fred Jones in his iconic ascot, Daphne Blake in all her redhead gorgeousness (which definitely rivaled MJ's), Velma Dinkley and her glasses she always lost, "Shaggy" Rogers in his teenage scrawniness, and, of course, Scooby-Doo and his dog… ness - also his wagging tail.

For once in his life, Peter couldn't think of a word to say so he waited for the gang to have first words.

"Bonkers, gang, looks like we have another fan!" Fred announced, trying to invent his own catchphrase. "What's your name?"

It took a moment, but Peter finally spoke above his excited nervousness. "Mystery Inc., the name's Peter Parker," he introduced himself rather formally. "I'm such a big fan!"

"That's a pleasure to hear!" Daphne remarked in appreciation. "And a pleasure to meet you too!"

"See, gang? We do have some fans!" Velma snarked in response to an earlier comment claiming they don't have enough fans - only about fifty had approached the booth earlier compared to the hundreds of thousands visiting the Hex Girls. "I knew the vlogs would gain us at least some supporters."

"You know, your vlogs are some of the most entertaining mystery-solving videos I've ever seen!" Peter remarked turning to the gang one by one. "Fred, your traps are some of the most elaborate contraptions I've ever seen! And Daphne, you've got a great heart to encourage the team!" Daphne blushed at this remark as Peter turned to Velma. "And Velma, the way you use science to measure and track the patterns of the 'ghosts' you find, it's all great! My favorite was when you measured radio frequencies to catch the radio station ghost, which, of course, turned out not to be a real ghost, but still, props to you for turning to science!"

"About time someone appreciated my use of gizmos and gadgets," Velma muttered to herself. "Thanks for noticing my technical prowess, um…" she trailed off, forgetting his name already. "What was your name again?"

"Peter," he helped her.

"Right. I just never imagined that anybody would be so fascinated with the science aspect of our mysteries we solve."

"Well, as long as it works out in the end, you should keep at it!" They smiled at each other before Peter turned to face Scooby and Shaggy. "And, of course, there's Shaggy and Scooby-Doo. You all are hilarious."

"Like, ya hear that Scoob? He thinks we're funny!" Shaggy turned and giggled to his canine companion.

"Reah! We should be comedians!" Scooby suggested. "Introducing comedian duo, Raggy Rogers and the Spectacular Scooby-Dooby-Doo!"

Upon listening to Shaggy's interesting choice of vocabulary and grammar and Scooby's misconstrued speech patterns, Peter looked rather surprised. He had only ever heard a few words Shaggy uttered due to the vlogs mostly focusing on Velma's actions. Meanwhile, Scooby was rather camera shy and never made more than a few sounds on film. "Whoa, wait a minute! Scooby-Doo talks?! Like, this isn't anything like I remember from your videos!"

During the whole previous exchange, however, Fred had been spacing off, thinking of nothing but his traps and their various designs. "Um, what's that? I lost you at traps," he snapped back into reality.

"Um, yeah. Our vlogs don't exactly depict everything about us 100%," Velma explained. "We don't withhold anything intentionally for publicity standards rather what goes on behind the camera just doesn't always pertain to reality."

Although he looked rather puzzled, Peter smirked a smile. "I mean, yeah, such is life when you're vlogging," Peter empathized with Velma. "But if you guys get to talk to your dog off camera, then I think that's even better!"

"We like to think of it as the one aspect of reality we shouldn't question," Daphne commented. "It's more fun that way really."

"So is having your pretty face around Manhattan if I do say so myself," Peter complimented. Daphne smiled dreamily at Peter's comment, displaying perfect appreciation all at once.

Fred, on the other hand, seemed confused as to what she was feeling for him. Oh no. Does she like him all of the sudden? They only just met! he thought to himself. Deep down, he knew he liked Daphne, though, for some reason, he just wasn't ready to tell anyone, especially not Daphne herself. For all he knew, his chances could have been slipping at any moment.

Just then, Peter spoke up again. "Anyways, this may seem a little forward, but you gotta show me everything there is to know about solving mysteries," Peter explained, pausing to think of a good excuse. Secretly, he wanted to learn more on how to solve mysteries undercover as Spider-Man, but knowing what danger it could potentially put him in, he knew to withhold this information from his idols. "I'm looking for, uh… to take some notes for science class on… the science of mystery solving. No pressure if you can't, but, hey, you know… sometimes… you gotta take field notes for… science."

Peter's trailing off made the gang slightly uncomfortable, but Velma seemed open to Peter with his mention of field notes for science. Jinkies, if he has an intellect close to my own, he might just be what this team deserves, she thought neutrally about the possibility of him joining the team. For a moment, the gang was a little put off by his open suggestion. As if the Hex Girls weren't already recommending them to help enough, this was a really big request they weren't fully ready to answer yet.

Finally, Fred opened his mouth. "As gang leader, I say we're gonna have to discuss this as a team so hold that thought." The gang then turned toward each other, huddling in a circle so that Peter couldn't hear their discussion.

"Okay, gang, not that I'm opposed to the idea of a sixth member, but this is a lot don't you think? Between the Hex Girls' bodyguard position now this?" Fred whispered. "I don't know if we're ready for this yet."

"Come on, Fred, what could possibly go wrong?" Daphne assured him. "He likes our team and, while we're at it, a new sixth member could possibly wipe our memories of our previous sixth member."

Of course, Fred knew who she was speaking of and lowered his eyelids in annoyance. "Daph, remember, we don't speak of Scrappy-Doo anymore. So let's forget we ever said anything and think about the now," he told her directly.

"Right," she submitted. "Also what was with the 'bonkers' thing earlier?"

"I'm experimenting with catchphrases like you guys all have. What do you think?"

"It could use some work, but it's a start," she told him rather kindly.

"Right, back to the drawing board then," he told himself before turning back to everyone else. "Now then, how else do you all think we can manage this? Any takers on if or how we should invite him to the team?"

"Simple," Velma chimed in. "He needs it for science class, so I say we let him on as an intern to observe us. Maybe, should he display enough characteristics of a good mystery solver in the meanwhile, then we could think about including him as the sixth member."

Fred put a finger to his chin, apparently keen on the whole idea. "A neat solution, but-"

"But, like, he's awesome and thinks we're funny. I mean he likes us for our humor just as we love Spider-Man. He's totally a good fit!" Shaggy interrupted, letting his inner Spidey fanboy loose.

"If he likes us the way Raggy and I get along, then I agree!" Scooby added with his signature giggle.

Velma gave them a squint of annoyance. "Who asked you two?" she sassed. "This is a business meeting not a circle of prospective friends."

"Now, now, Velma, let's not fight amongst each other," Fred continued. "Anyway, if there will be no more interruptions, how many are in on Velma's internship idea? Simply nod your head."

Everyone, but Fred nodded, smiling. Feeling outvoted, Fred slumped, feeling like this would only add another weight for them to keep track of on their trip. In addition to managing the Hex Girls and keeping a sharp eye out for any masked troublemakers, it seemed like this would only slow them down on both fronts. Additionally, he was almost jealous of the reaction Daphne had to compliment from him. He couldn't help but wonder whether this was another romantic mishap waiting to happen. "Fine, but as long as he doesn't interfere with our work…" Fred trailed off leaving them to fill in the blanks.

The rest of the team gave their quiet remarks before dispersing to turn back to Peter.

"Well, Peter, we've reached a collective decision and decided you can tag along with us as an intern," Fred explained. "Since we know you need field notes and all, we figured it was the least we could do."

"...Wow," Peter was left nearly speechless. "You… You don't know how much this means to me. I don't even know what to say! Thanks!" He chortled in his joy. "So, um, when do I start?"

"You can come with us the Hex Girls' concert tomorrow," Velma revealed rather confidently. "We're their personal bodyguards for the tour so we'll be backstage most of the time."

"I'd love to, guys, but I promised my friends I'd go with them," he said pointing to his friends at the Hex Girls booth, among which MJ was demonstrating her angelic singing skills to the band so much that she held up the line. "They're my best friends after all and they get upset if I let them down too much. So maybe another time before Spring Break's over?"

"That could work!" Daphne responded enthusiastically. "The Hex Girls don't leave until the end of the week so we should have plenty of time!"

"Well, in that case, might as well leave you my contact info in case of emergency, am I right?" he said with a chuckle.

"Sure!" stirred Velma excitedly.

And with that, Peter took out a piece of paper from his backpack, writing down his name, phone number, and address for future reference. It seemed a bit much, but at least none of it gave away his secret identity. Soon after handing it off to them, he heard a familiar voice amongst the chattering crowd stroll up beside him.

"Hey there, Tiger!" It was the unmistakable, soothing vibration of MJs voice clad in her Hex Girls attire with Harry and Gwen in tail. "Hanging out with Mystery Inc. I see?"

"I mean, yeah, MJ! Who could miss 'em?" he proclaimed excitedly. He turned to the mystery gang to introduce his friends. "Mystery Inc. these are my friends, Mary Jane, Harry, and Gwen. MJ, Harry, and Gwen, meet Mystery Inc."

He introduced them one by one, each of them having a variety of reactions to the other's presence.

"Pleased to meet you, Daphne. It's nice to see another redhead around these parts," Ms. Watson said introducing herself to Ms. Blake.

"I know, it seems like we're almost extinct these days. If only somebody could appreciate us more," she remarked turning to Fred at the last sentence.

To Fred, it seemed like she was being rather hypocritical. "Don't worry. The good thing is that you exist and that makes quite a difference in the life of this young trap builder."

Daphne could see it is Fred's eyes. That comment was directed solely at MJ who smiled in response to the buff young man's compliment. Or maybe she misinterpreted it. Whatever it was, she let it slide like the last time he failed to compliment her properly.

"Your friend Peter seems like quite the science buff," Velma told Gwen based on previous observations. "Says he's taking field notes for class on the virtues of mystery solving."

"That's funny, 'cause I love science too!" Gwen perked outwardly. "I mean, the Hex Girls' music doesn't have much to do with science, but their speaker frequencies, instrument sound waves, and vocal vibration rates are just a dream to my ears!"

"I know, right? The kinetic energy they produce in my elevated state of excitement around them is off the charts!" Velma explained in an effort to combine her mutual love for science with her love for the Hex Girls.

"Ohmygosh, me too! I've been listening to them non-stop this last week, tumbling around my room so much that the concrete foundation in my basement floor might as well be unstable!" Gwen told her, excited to find somebody who seemed to be her equal on all fronts.

"What is this madness?! Science rules!" Velma shouted.

"And so do the Hex Girls!" Gwen grabbed her hands as Velma reciprocated.

The two screamed in unison, believing they had found an identical personality twin for each other.

"Like, you say he's rich?" Shaggy asked Peter regarding his best friend, Harry. "Like, I bet he could buy us all the food in the world! And, if that's not enough, maybe find us some security to keep us safe from the monsters who always chase us."

Peter chuckled at his remark. "That would definitely be a dream come true for you guys!" He peered over at Harry who stood aside, arms folded as he remained uninterested in the conversation. "What I personally wouldn't give to share the luxuries that my best friend has with his dad being a multi-billionaire scientist and all."

"They're not luxuries, Pete," Harry finally spoke up, ignoring the mystery gang. "He never shares any of them with me, nor does he even care to share quality time with me."

His last statement turned passive-aggressive rather quickly. In an effort to keep tension from entering the atmosphere, Peter ignored him and turned back to his newfound interners. "I should probably have you guys sign something before I forget. I mean it's why you have the booth in the first place!"

"Reah, Reter!" Scooby remarked. "Say, you have any Scooby Snacks?"

"Sorry, I wish they sold boxes here like you guys carry all the time," Peter told him, making no promises about potential merchandise in the future. "If nothing else, keep solving mysteries and putting yourselves out there and maybe you'll have a big enough following in no time."

"Rank rou!" Scooby thanked his gang's newfound internee.

"Uh, what did he say?" Peter asked removing a notebook from his backpack.

"Like, I think he said 'thank you', man!" Shaggy explained. "Sorry, Scoob here tends to speak with an interesting dog dialect that mostly we can understand. Like, don't feel bad if you can't quite understand him at first."

"Well, sure then," Peter said, nearly disconcerted by how many times Shaggy misused the word 'like' in a sentence. He and Scooby were, by far, the weirdest of the gang, but it didn't bother him so much. The concept of being a spider-themed superhero fighting bad guys in mostly animal-themed costumes was already weird enough to him that he could handle it. "Would you please sign my notebook?"

"Like, sure, man!" Shaggy agreed.

Doing his best to remember cursive, Shaggy signed first, followed by Scooby who could barely hold a pencil and write legibly with the pencil in his mouth. After several mishaps with the pencil sliding off the page, Scooby ultimately decided to scribble something that coincidentally resembled a dog paw, which Peter thought was worth it enough to show his friends. The rest of the gang from Fred, Daphne, and Velma signed the page rather smoothly and elegantly before they gladly handed the notebook back to him.

"Thanks again, guys, for letting me observe the team!" Peter thanked his idols. "I look full forward to observing your next big adventure!"

"Don't mention it, Peter!" Fred waved him farewell for now. "Have a good day and a great time with your friends at the concert!"

As Peter, MJ, and Harry were leaving, Gwen had just finished her conversational bond with Velma.

"Video chat me later?" Gwen asked, looking forward to further communication with an equally intelligent nerd girl like herself.

"Boy, would I! If we happen to get enough time in between shifts with the Hex Girls I just may say 'hi' again before the end of the week," Velma assured her new best friend.

"Sounds perfect. See ya!" Gwen waved goodbye to her new video chat mate before running to catch up with her posse. Together they worked their way passed the crowd and exited the building.

Once they left, Peter was the first to speak amongst his friends, hoping they weren't jealous of him for making new ones. "So… what'd you guys think of Mystery Inc.? Cool folks?"

"You never told us you were into mystery-solving, Pete, much less watching a group with a smart girl who shares my interests," Gwen pointed out somewhat condescendingly, but with a whiff of appreciation. "I'll say meeting them was a nice surprise!"

"I agree," MJ added. "The redheaded girl was an exciting find. And Fred seemed like a nice guy. Who could turn him down?"

"You seemed to forget Daphne's name there," Peter noted concerningly. "Is everything okay?" He tried not to sound too upset in case she was somehow falling for Fred instead.

"Nothing to report, Tiger," MJ told him, laying a hand on his shoulder. Good news was she used his nickname properly so that could mean nothing changed in that short time span.

Peter then turned to Harry. "What about you, Harr?"

The Osborn boy had been turned away for most of the conversation, seemingly resentful of Peter making new friends. "Oh, I'm fine. Except that you left me in the crowd with almost no incentive to drag me along!"

Harry raising his voice really startled Peter there. "Sorry, Harry, I really needed to keep up with the crowd," Peter explained, trying not to make him jealous. He wouldn't betray his best friends after all.

"Oh, yeah, well…" Harry seemed to run out of words to speak. "Nothing. I'm sorry. Guess I overreacted. I just…" he sighed. "Maybe I'm just tired. No worries, Pete."

A hasty attempt to cover up his jealousy, indeed. Peter never meant to let his friend down again, but the good news was his best gal pal found a new gal pal in the form of the brains of Mystery Inc. Still, he wondered what would become of his and MJ's relationship if Fred was in the picture. And what if he, once again, got caught turning down his old friends for a new mystery case, but with Mystery Inc. instead. Peter had been so caught up in the bliss of meeting his favorite mystery group that he didn't take the time to fully think about how everyone would feel or react. Even so, he hoped that, somehow, it would all work out, no matter the result of the impending concert taking place the next day.

And that, folks, is how I imagine Peter and friends would meet Mystery Inc. My favorite chapter to write so far. Look forward to more soon!