Welcome once again, True Believers. In our last chapter, Pete confirmed Gwen and Mary Jane's suspicions about his after school activates. Once the truth was out, the girls suddenly wanted to be part of the action. Apparently, Gwen didn't get her fill of action from the night out with Spidey. And who is the Hobgoblin calling? All will be revealed. Now on with the show.

I do not own The Spectacular Spider-Man…I know, I'm disappointed too.

Chapter 9: Trade Off

It took a good three hours of prodding from both Gwen and Mary Jane to get Captain Stacy to tell them what he knew. Over dinner, Captain Stacy told them about how he got clues and figured out who Spider-Man was during the whole Venom exposure and tried to help him. He even admitted covering for Pete during the police ride-along.

It took a while for Gwen to fall asleep that night. Her mind was going a mile a minute with all the information that was absorbed that day. On one hand, she was so proud of Pete for what he did, the lives he saved, the villains he put away. Deep down, she was even glad he beat the Green Goblin. On the other hand, she couldn't help but worry if today would be the last time she would see him. Gwen forced herself not to think about it, but the thought was still in the back of her mind. Deciding sleep was a lost cause, Gwen got out of bed and sat by her window. She covered herself with a blanket and looked out in to the starry sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of a certain hero. She started to drift off to sleep as she thought back to last night. Just before she closed her eyes, she could have sworn she saw a figure web swinging in the direction of Pete's house.

The next day it was business as usual for Pete as he made his way to school. Tired, but on time for once, Pete entered the school. Stretching his aching arms, he recounted the events of the previous night.

Stopped jewelry hist.

Caught car jacker.

Nabbed mugger

What am I forgetting? Pete was brought out of his thoughts by his name being called. "Pete!"

He turned around in time to get caught in a hug by both Mary Jane and Gwen. Pete, both surprised and delighted by this act, started to notice the looks they were getting. He gave a sheepish smile, while shifting uncomfortably. "Um…girls? As much as I appreciate this, I do enjoy drawing as little attention to myself as possible," he finished in an irritated tone. Both girls caught the hint and released themselves.

"Sorry, Tiger," said Mary Jane, embarrassed.

"We were just worried about you yesterday," stated Gwen in a concerned tone.

Pete's gave a sigh. He really couldn't blame them. They just found out their friend is the wall crawling hero. How else would they react? He gave them a small smile. "It's ok, you two, really." He looked at Gwen and then took her hand, making her blush a small shade of pink. "I really appreciate it," he said, looking right at Gwen. This caused her blush to deepen to red.

"However," he said, a bit more seriously. "We need to keep a low profile. Nothing out of the ordinary." He then looked at Gwen and saw he face sadden. Realizing what he said, he pulled her closer to her and put his arm around her. "Of course, what's to say things can't change?"

Gwen looked at Pete and smiled. "I can live with that." She leaned into him as the three teens headed to class. They rounded the corner when the saw Flash Thompson along with his girlfriend, Sha Shan Nguyen, teammates Randy Robertson, Kenny Kong, and their girlfriends Glory Grant, and Sally Avril.

The trio stopped, knowing what was coming. "Do you suddenly get the feeling that the universe is against you?" asked Mary Jane.

"Welcome to my world," said Pete flatly.

The trio continued down the hall. As they approached the group, Randy took notice and nudged Flash. He turned to see Pete, Gwen, and Mary Jane. "Hey, Parker," called Flash. This earned a confused look from the trio. It was usually nerd, or geek, or Pete's personal favorite "Puny Parker." What is he up to? thought Pete.

Flash and his friends approached him. Flash looked at Pete and then at Gwen with Pete's arm was still around her. "Wel, that explains it," he stated. Looking at Pete. he said, "Look, I don't know what you did or how this happened" indicating Pete and Gwen, "but keep out of Osborn's way. He seems to have it in for you."

"What are you talking about?" asked Gwen, a little nervous.

"Oh please, like you don't know?" Sally asked snidely.

"If we knew, would we have asked?" quipped Pete.

Now Sally was mad. How dare this geek talk to her like that. Randy just put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Osborn nearly gave QB another injury."

"Yeah, he came in to school all mad and stuff" interrupted Kenny. "Then Randy asked if he was ok? Then Osborn shouted 'NONE of your Business!' Then Flash told him to back off. That's when Osborn grabbed Flash's arm and threw him into the lockers!" finished Kenny waving his hands wildly.

Glory had to take a few steps back in order not to get hit. "At first, we were wondering what happened. Then when we saw you two and, well…" Glory trailed off, indicating Gwen and Pete as Harry's problem.

"Look, before any rumors start, let me tell you the reason I broke-up with him. It was because he was being a real jerk," stated Gwen, letting go of Pete. "We got into an argument Saturday and he pushed me down. He got really possessive and I told him it was over. Getting to go out with Pete was an added bonus," Gwen finished.

Sha Shan wasn't a friend of Gwen. They talked, but that was it. She was friends with Mary Jane and she remembered when Harry acted like this before, as well as the time Flash told her about Harry being on the football team. She had remained silent throughout this whole exchange until she asked one question that got everyone's attention, "He's using it again, isn't he?"

Flash and the rest looked at her with a confused look, while Gwen, Mary Jane, and Pete nodded. "We'd like to say it's just depression from his dad's death, but all this just reminds me of when he was on Globulin Green," said Pete in a depressed tone. Harry may not like Pete and Pete may be mad at Harry for trying to hurt Gwen, but he still hoped that he could bring Harry back. Hopefully before it was too late, if it wasn't already.

As the group stood in silence, the bell rang, signaling that class would begin. The teens gathered into class. As Pete, Gwen and Mary Jane entered the room, they saw a fuming Harry Osborne.

"You think we can get through class without causing a scene?" asked Mary Jane.

Harry looked over and saw the group. He got up from his seat and made his way towards them. He then grabbed Gwens arm. "We need to talk," he said savagely, trying to pull her from the room.

"I'll take that as a no" said Mary Jane answering her own question.

"Harry!" cried Gwen. "Let Go!" She pulled her arm from his surprisingly strong grip.

Harry turned to face her, but instead found himself looking right a Pete. "Harry, just calm down," said Pete, trying to keep his own anger under control.

"Stuff it, Parker!" shouted Harry, now earning them the attention of the entire room, "This is between me and Gwen!" He tried to shove Pete out of the way, but he held his ground.

"Look, we get it, you're mad," started Mary Jane. "But shouting isn't going to solve anything. If you want to apologize to Gwen-"

Mary Jane was cut off by Harry sudden laughter. His laughter was somewhat normal, but anyone who was paying attention could tell that there was a slight malice to it. He soon composed himself and looked at Marty Jane. "Thanks, I needed that MJ." She shuttered at her nick name. Hearing it come from Harry just sounded wrong.

"What do I have to apologize for?" asked Harry, his temper rising again. "I'm not the one who was cheating," he spat as he looked at Gwen.

"What are you talking about?" asked an offended Gwen. "I did nothing, but be there for you! If anyone deserves an apology, it's me!"

Harry face was in an angered scowl. "My Father never apologized…and nether will I."

"Harry come on, Please" Pete pleaded, "We're your friends. We just want to help."

"Help…Help…You want to help? Then, DROP DEAD, PARKER!" shouted Harry as he threw a punch right at Pete's face. Out of reflex, Pete pulled Gwen behind him and stopped Harry's punch dead with his hand.

WOW! thought Pete, he's strong He's defiantly back on the Green, but compared to hobgoblin-

"Is there a problem gentlemen?" asked Captain Stacy as he entered the class room. Harry dropped his arm when he heard the captain's voice. He looked at him with daggers in his eyes.

Harry never broke his gaze from Captain Stacy's. "No," Harry murmured, then looked back to see Gwen's arms wrapped around Pete's waist, as well as Pete's arm protectively around Gwen. "No problem at all," he sneered as he went back to his seat.

Stacy looked at Gwen and Pete. "You two ok?" Pete nodded his head as Gwen let go of him. "We'll talk later. Alright, everyone take your seats we have a lot to cover today."

Pete took a seat with Gwen sitting next to him and Mary Jane next to her. The class went on as usual. Every now and again Pete caught a glimpse of Harry looking at him with pure hatred. That's when it hit Pete. He really isn't our friend anymore. He looked at his notebook, but could not find the energy to write any notes. He sat there trying to think how it happened. He was suddenly snapped back to reality as his spider sense went off. Pete looked back at Harry, but he was writing in his notes. His eyes started darting around the room trying desperately to find the source of the warning.

Gwen noticed how jumpy Pete suddenly got. She grabbed his hand to get his attention. "Pete, what's wrong?"

"Something's coming," he said in a hushed voice. "Something big."

Mary Jane noticed the look on Pete's face. Gwen turned to face her. "Something's wrong."

"Girls?" called Captain Stacy, getting their attention. "Is there a Problem?" Before they could answer, something big bashed through the wall next to where George had been standing. Everyone was standing, afraid…for there in the class room stood the Rhino.

He looked around at all the kids. "Dis room 275?" His eyes then fell on Gwen. He gave a smirk. "Got it on the first try."

"FREEZE!" shouted Capatin Stacy as he grabbed for his gun. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave his gun in the office while teaching.

Rhino just looked at him. "You were saying." Rhino picked Captain Stacy and threw him in to the desks.

"DAD!" cried Gwen. She ran to her father only to be stopped by one of Doc Ock's tentacles around her waist. "Not again."

"Now, now, Rhino," said Doc Ock as he entered the room from the same hole as Rhino. "We are just here for some information. We don't want to hurt anyone," he stated as he looked right at Gwen "Yet."

"What do you freaks want?" shouted Flash as he protected Sha Shan.

"We are just here to ask Miss Stacy a few questions about her web slinging friend," stated Ock.

"What are you talking about?" asked Gwen as she struggled to get free.

"I have to admit you look much different in that wig and mask," replied Ock with a smile. Gwen whole body froze. She couldn't move, she couldn't think, she could barley breath. "Don't look so surprised," said Ock. "After all, who aside from the arachnid would know I'm the master planer."

Gwen was caught. He figured it out. Calm down Gwen, calm down, he only thinks you know Spider-Man. Not who he is. Composing herself she looked at the eight limbed villain. "Fine, you caught me, what do you want?"

"I want to know where I can find him," Ock stated flatly.

Gwen smirked. "Well, sorry to disappoint you doctor, but I have no idea where to find him. He finds me."

The corners of Doc Ock's face curled into a cruel smile. "That's exactly what I'm counting on." He turned back to the hole and began to leave.

"Gwen!" shouted Captain Stacy and Mary Jane.

"WAIT!" shouted Pete "I know where you can find Spider-Man."

Doc Ock turned his head slightly. "I already have what I need."

"To what, set a trap?" Pete spat. "Last time I check, you tried that and failed."

Ock whipped around and hurled a tactical at Pete stopping inches from his face. "What was that?"

Pete chose his words wisely. He didn't what anyone, especially Gwen, getting hurt. "All I'm saying is, why not take the fight to him. He finds you, you get beat, so why not try something new?" In the back of his mind, Pete prayed he'd take the bait. This was his one chance as Peter Parker to save Gwen before she got hurt.

Ock contemplated what was said. "As foolish as you are, you make a valid point. In the pursuit of science, we will try your little experiment. Where can I find the arachnid?"

Pete gave a small smile. I'm in. "I'll tell you on one condition."

"And that would be?" asked Doc Ock, now getting annoyed.

"You take me instead of Gwen" said Pete flatly.

"What?" said the class in unison.

"Parker, are you nuts?" asked Flash.

"Petey, don't do it" said Liz.

"Tiger," said Mary Jane softly. I hope you know what you're doing.

Ock raised an eye brow. "Parker…as in Peter Parker?"

"Hey ain't that the guy who takes Spider-Man's picture?"asked Rhino.

"The one and the same," replied Pete.

"Well, this just got more interesting," said Ock with a new smile. "Very well, Mister Parker. Miss Stacy stays and you come with us." Pete nodded and grabbed his bag. "Planning on doing homework?"

"I just thought that you would want to document your defeat of Spider-Man. I know Mr. Jameson would love photos of that," answered Pete, now playing up to the villains ego.

"You know, for a photographer you're quit clever," said Ock as he let go of Gwen. Pete jumped forward and caught Gwen.

"Pete, please don't do this," begged Gwen on the verge of tears.

"I have to," he said as he put her down. "It's my responsibility, remember," he said giving her a small smile.

"Shall we be off Mr. Parker?" asked Doc Ock. "Before I grow impatient."

Peter nodded and walked past Gwen. Gwen was about to cry when she spun around and grabbed Pete by his coat and planted a kiss on him just like Thanksgiving. Unlike last time, Pete wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. This is how it should have gone. This was what he should have done. This…felt so right.

The two broke apart for air. They just smiled at each other. Gwen leaned in close. "I'll be right behind you," she whispered.

Before he could register what Gwen said, Pete was lifted into the air by Ock. "I hate to interrupt this tender moment, but I have a Spider to squash," he hissed.

"Righ,t" Pete gulped, "Sorry, shall we go?"

"Yes," said Ock as he began to leave the room. Rhino followed by jumping out the hole.

Getting over what had happened George grabbed his cell phone. "This is Captain Stacy. I want all units on the lookout for Doctor Octopus and Rhino. Be warned, they have a hostage." George looked as his class as he hung up. "All right class we need to…Gwendolyn Stacy where are you going?" he shouted.

"To the computer lab," replied Gwen. "I need to find Pete."

"Gwen, I'll get officer on the force looking for Pete," said George as he approached his daughter, "but right now we need to figure out where Pete is taking them."

"We already know," stated Gwen as she pulled out Pete's cell phone. "I gave Pete my cell Phone. We can track it-"

"Using its GPS!" finished Mary Jane. She ran up to Gwen and gave her a huge hug, "Gwen, you're a genius."

"Good thinking, Gwen" said the captain. "Alright everyone out of the building. Wait, where's Harry?"

An old abandoned office building stood across town. Caution tape closed off the area for public safety. Doors had been knocked down, holes were in the ceiling…what was left of it. Walls had fallen down exposing rusted metal beams. Electrical lights hung limp by just a single wire. Everything was calm and peaceful in this long forgotten building. That is until a metal tentacle busted its way through the already crumbling wall. Ock and Rhino entered the building, still holding the now captive Peter Parker. The duo looked around at the debris and filth.

"I would have thought the arachnid would have chosen a better place for his hideout," said Ock as he move further into the building.

"It's not his hideout," said Pete. Pete was taking in his surrounding, trying to find the best place to change. He needed to plan this out just right, otherwise Gwen and Mary Jane wouldn't be the only ones who would know his secret. "This is where he likes to work out and train."

"How come you know the Web-Head comes here?" asked Rhino. That same question was buzzing around Ock's mind as well.

"I followed him one night, trying to win that photo contest for the Bugle," stated Pete.

"And this is where he lead you?" inquired Ock. Pete simply nodded. "Very well, when do you expect him?"

"He told me that he trains here around noon," replied Pete, still scanning the area.

"Rhino call the others," said Ock. "We need to get things ready for our guest."

"Well, you two seem to have everything set, so I'll just be going," said Pete casually. "So, if you'll just put me down?"

"I thought you wanted pictures for the bugle?" asked Ock knowingly.

"Well, yeah," said Pete a bit nervious, "but the lighting in here is just too dark and the flash would just throw everyone off." Pete was then handed to Rhino.

"Well, then I guess you'll just have to serve a different purpose," smiled Doc Ock "Do you know the meaning of the word…bait?"

Pete slumped his shoulders. He knew he was going to have to find another way out of this one.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire…Ouch. Wonder what the Web-Head has in mind. Will he make it out or stall till backup arrives? Let me know what you think R&R.