Chapter 42 [Just After Sunset—Greenwich Village]

Spider-Man alighted atop a roof in Washington Square. Afternoon's nap refreshed him. Now, Gratitude moved him toward a helpful friend. Can't believe Gwen just has a little back pain. The Doc works wonders again! He shot a web line at the next building. Two swings later, Greenwich Village lay underneath his parabolas. He spied a familiar vacant lot ahead of himself….

…or rather an apparently vacant lot…

Shimmering Effect undid Resident's concealment spell. Slowly, a unique townhouse with its signature rooftop window came into view for the visitor's consideration.

Greetings, Spider-Man. Please come in. Clea and I were about to have tea. Wong will meet you at the door…

The Doc always knows. Spider-Man shook off his own issues. Instead, he swung down to street level. Caution guided him at a deliberate pace through Strange's wards. Spider Sense offered nary a tingle. He made his way to the door.

A slender bald Tibetan man in a green outfit edged with golden strips waited for him. "Greetings, Spider-Man. The Master and Miss Clea await you." Reverence urged a bow for his sometime irreverent guest.

"Hey, Wong. Thanks." Spider-Man dispensed with the usual snappy patter. "I hate to ask just when I'm coming in. You all have oolong tea?"

"Of course. I would be happy to brew some for you. Follow me." Wong allowed him inside. "The Master awaits you in his sanctum. I believe you know the way? I shall have your tea soon." He disappeared into a room to his left.

Yeah I know the way. Spider-Man climbed the stairs. "Doc?" He started down the second-floor passage. His eyes surveyed the elaborate décor. Fascination and Eerie Vibes moved him as they did on every visit to that place. Tapestries, jade statues, figurines greeted him down the gauntlet of sorts. Everyone has their thing, Web Head. Get a grip.

On cue, the doors to his right swung open.

"And that would be the way in." Spider-Man stepped into the sanctum. He observed the book shelves along each wall. Myriad Colored Shag Rug cushioned his feet. Ornate chairs, a mahogany table and a glass ball within a glinting case caught his attention. "Hey, Doc! Sorry to drop in like this."

Strange raised an eyebrow. Rather than Earlier Surgical Scrubs, he and Clea wore their usual attire. His red and gold edged cape and blue body suit held nary a wrinkle. Golden amulet rested at his throat. She wore her grey top, purple collar and matching leggings. "You have my invitation to enter, my Friend. Please relax. You have had a very stressful day. How is our friend doing?"

"Gwen's in a new room. Apparently one of my old enemies was in a private room down the hall. The Molten Man got loose. I managed to slow him down until SWAT got there. After that, I used the fog to get past them." Spider-Man shook his head. "She's all right. The staff moved her to the second floor."

"They should move her as little as possible. I wish I'd known. I could've levitated her up there." Strange rubbed his chin. "I'm glad you were still there, my Friend. Forgive our sudden departure. There was a matter in another dimension demanding our attention."

"Yeah I get that." Spider-Man nodded. "I just wanted to come by and say thanks to both of you. They haven't spoken to Doc Blake yet."

"You've aided me in the past with no thought of reward other than my friendship. Why should we not do the same?" Strange saw Wong enter with three ornate tea cups. "Ah! Our refreshment!" He strode over toward the table. "Thank you, my Friend." He smiled to Wong.

"It is my pleasure. Do let me know if you would like more." Wong bowed once more. Then, he departed and shut the doors behind himself.

"It is not an easy matter for an untrained person such as yourself to throw yourself into extradimensional battles, Spider-Man. Your talents lay elsewhere. Still, you do so without complaint or hesitation. Stephen has already thanked you. If I may, I would add my own thanks." She looked to Strange. "I believe you can tell him." She motioned toward the Wall Crawler.

"We all played our part." Strange nodded to her as well. "Yes. I think you are right. It is curious that for all of our times together, yesterday was the first time we met you in your civilian role. I sensed your aura in Miss Stacy's room. Your secret, of course, is safe with us. Wong does not know but he would keep your secret as well."

Peter pulled off his mask. The aura talk unnerved him somewhat. Wow. He sensed who I was in there? Wait. He's Doc Strange! Of course, he did. "Thanks for the reassurance. I know you wouldn't." He took the last remaining cup. "I really needed this." Warm draught broke Thirst's parch for him.

"I'm glad it is to your liking." Strange ran his fingers across the table's surface. "Once Dr. Blake removed the bone away from the spine, I cast a healing spell. Fortunately, I was able to reverse the spinal fractures, bone and nerve damage. Miss Stacy will be sore tonight. Her muscles will require a day for the spell to fully heal them."

"That's unreal. Sorry, Doc. I've seen you cast spells and do stuff but…wow. Hey, we'll find a way to pay you back." Peter drank more from his tea cup.

"As I said, Peter, your past aid has more than repaid our debt. You might speak to Dr. Blake and the hospital. He started the surgery. Miss Stacy's diagnosis stays in the room. As far as we're concerned, however, it was our pleasure to help." Strange set his cup down.

Friends like this are what a growing Spider needs! Peter sucked in a deep breath. "Gwen's one in a million to me. You probably saw that at the hospital." He shrugged.

"We know what you're talking about." She nodded. "Allow her to heal and regain her strength. She will be on her feet before you know it."

"I hope so. I just want a great wedding and to get our lives together. We have to talk to Matt Murdock about those bills. We'll have to see what he can do for us." Peter finished his tea. "Thanks. That was great." He stood. "Thanks again, Doc. Just yell or whatever if you need me." He pulled on his mask.

"I definitely will, my Friend. Thank you for your visit. It is good to hear Miss Stacy made it through today in good spirits. Be patient with her. My spell should work by tomorrow. Take care." Strange opened the doors with a flick of his hand.

"See ya both in the funny pages." Spider-Man waved to the host couple. Then, he bounded down the stairs and out the door. He swung off into the gathering dusk toward Gwen's apartment.

Strange watched him disappear over the rooftops toward Manhattan proper. Whatever we can do to help, we shall. He turned to Clea. "He is a remarkable individual."

"It was interesting to see him being more serious." She drank another mouthful of tea. "I liked that."

Strange rubbed his chin. "He didn't want to admit it. The situation with Miss Stacy has shaken him up. We helped him. Now, they have to help each other." He embraced her. "Love makes everything special." He gazed into her eyes.

She leaned up against him. "It does indeed." Her lips pressed Amor's imprint on his cheek. "Thank you for that."

He took a deep breath. Lovers could help other lovers.

And what a better world that would make for….