Author's note – I am thankful for your reviews. So you know just keep'em flowing. I really appreciate it
When Peter entered the penthouse he could see people. People of age groups specially between 40s to 50s. All of them were in black suits grieving for Harry's deceased father and as for ladies they had some kind of long sleeved vintage long sleeved tops and skirt just like Olive Oyl. By the look of their serious and no bull-shit faces and the way they dressed gave all away... almost everything. Peter could tell that they were really rich people.
Peter heaved a sigh of relief thanking himself for deciding to wear dark clothes to or else he would have a real joke on himself...
Peter felt insignificant. He saw the look on MJ's face and he could see that she was avoiding the people too. Even MJ's face was contorted. Both of them really needed get some fresh air. It was too much for the both of them to pretend their part as if they were trying to do something significant other than walking around with Harry.
Peter's buzzed all along every time he looked at Harry.
"Weird, this has been happening as soon as I got down from the car." thought Peter.
"Is some thing wrong with me?"
Right then Harry came up to them." Hey lets get out of here. This is more depressing than I ever expected it to be" whispered Harry in a hush-hush manner.
Peter and MJ were only too glad. They excused themselves and followed Harry's lead out of the party.
They quietly entered an extravagant posh restaurant that was around the corner of his pent-house adjacent to the Central Park.
The maître d' gave Harry a heart warming welcome as if he had discovered his long lost brother..
"Ah Mr Osborn. The same usual place.. I hope" He had brilliant white teeth and he had a rich British accent.
He guided tall the three of them to a table and made sure they were comfortable...
Peter was not. Seeing opulence of the room made him cramp with discomfort. It was something that was new to him and to make matter worse.. he didn't have enough money that would never satisfy ... even a percent of this glutton of a restaurant...
They seated themselves for a table of four.
"Sorry guys for boring you.. Lets have something, right ...as we get to start talking to each other. I am paying. So don't you dare hesitate.. " said Harry cheerfully.
Peter calmed . His pockets already had large holes in them not like that of Harry. His pockets were deep .. Deep enough to buy this lavish restaurant right here itself.
Immediately the waiter stood beside them.
"Your order, sir" said the waiter. Even he was meticulously dressed. Had a smile on his face. He was dressed in a white tux with a bow-tie on. .. hair gelled and combed to perfection. Not even a single strand was out of place.
" MJ , Peter what would you like to have?"
"A chop suey would do " said MJ thinking hard and trying to sound confident. The shrillness in her voice was a complete giveaway. Peter chuckled softly and Harry unsuccessfully tried to hide his grin.
"What?" said MJ...
"nothing.. nothing at all... Peter what about you?"
"A blueberry pancake" said Peter calmly. Blueberry pancake had been his favourite since his childhood. And Peter liked free meals... well who doesn't?
"And as for myself I would like a lamb salad with fragola topped with olives"
"Coming right up" said the waiter as he silently slid away without making any noise.
"Harry what was that?" said MJ incredulously...
"What?" asked Harry thinking what they might be hinting at
"Dude, that was some shitty dope they make here for you", said MJ giving a sarcastic chuckle.
"Come on .. I am helpless here. This was what my father got me hooked up to.. He always told me to maintain a sound mind and body. Of course body should be you temple... it should never betray you when you will need it the most. ...Sorry.. I have started to blabber again haven't I.. spare me...
God have mercy.. its been so long isn't it ...this year has really been difficult for me. How was yours MJ.. Peter? Tell me all about it?
"Harry, well I was in Philli and I had the time of my life. I enjoyed there so much... There is literally too much for someone to complete in a single lifetime ... maybe I am overstating it but still its worth... and I had never ever had such a serious eye opener. And for yourself where were you all this time?" said MJ before Peter could open his mouth.
"Good for you MJ. I was in California, I would have visited you if I had really known that you were in Philli." said Harry
Peter saw how evenly they were gelling with each other. Peter kept listening to them as they made conversations about various topics. Peter felt left out once again except occasional laughter that both of them shared. Peter joined along with them right at the middle sounding very awkward indeed. He thought that he would be able to reconnect with his old friends but this was not exactly that he had in mind. No.. No.. no he didn't want the same gap to flourish all over again. Peter tried desperately to contribute something or even tried to change areas of their discuss but everything fell on deaf ears . They only nodded to what he said or sometimes completely ignored him contributing very little to their areas of discussion
Well he didn't see this coming. And also with his constant buzzing made it even more difficult to understand what ever they were discussing so enthusiastically. Peter was getting really pissed ..this head of his... What's wrong with it?. It was disturbing him and to make things worse he had completely been alienated from his friends once again.
As they spoke he could see a spark between them MJ and Harry. He didn't expect himself to flout out ... out of their friendship so far. He knew he was being selfish ...but still he didn't want to be left out. May be she liked him. Maybe she wanted to He wanted them to fill up the gap in his heart... not be left out all alone feeling insecured just like before...
After spending almost an hour along with sitting and listening to topics that was never his particular his area he decide to leave them alone... His was bored beyond his imagination.. He felt his frustration slowly building and taking over and little did he know when that might take over. He had never this hopelessness take over him before... well not like this. It was like a darker aspect of himself trying to tear through his mental defence. It was his corrupt nature that was trying to take over him...
Peter felt a violent urge to get out... He concentrated on his scrambled eggs and pancakes as MJ and Harry spoke about topics that he was really uncomfortable.. regarding girlfriends boyfriends and of course sex...
Peter didn't want to contravene the thing that had slowly flourished before his very own eyes ... Heck. He wanted to steer clear .. now more than ever.. Let have their sweet time together.. he didn't want to sour it for them ...
Peter politely felt for his cell phone tucked away on his back pocket ... took it out and checked the time. It had been only thirty minutes but it seemed like forever.
Peter had a sudden idea of faking a call... which might turn to be a token out of there.. He placed the phone on his ear and pretended to take a call from one of his class friends.
"Hey Tom. What's up?... What ? AL right alright ... When do I come? ... Right now ? ... It might be difficult for me... Okay .. okay ... I am coming then... " said Peter after leaving sufficient gaps to make his conversation realistic.
Both of them looked at him dubiously.
"Peter, what was that all about? Asked MJ quizzically. He knew that she heard him exchange that call between Tom."
But Peter decided to play it.
"I am so sorry Harry, MJ. I must really be going. It was that a thing that I had promised to Tom but it can't wait any longer now. I owe him big time.", Peter said as apologetic as he could be. His desperation was really allowing him to be good in acting moving his eyebrows and twitching his lips just like a normal guy would if there was something really serious.
MJ narrowed her eyes at Pete. She knew he was he was up to no good.. just finding a way to get out of their way. But for some reason she chose to ignore it.
" Okay. I get it Pete..." said Harry really meaning to understand what exactly he was trying to convey.
" Thanks guys. I will be seeing both of you soon. Again I apologise for leaving in such a tough time like this ..." said Peter as he hurried towards the exit. He had to make it real for people to believe that he was really in a hurry..
"Don't worry. Its fine really. Well I am really glad you could make up some time and spend some out with me and MJ... and Peter be careful and try not to get mugged." aid Harry laughing sarcastically.
Peter gave a thumbs up sign to both of them and smiled at himself.. "what if that really happens? I have never been robbed before. I mean what are the odds.?". Peter laughed as he walked out of the restaurant.
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He saw that their was no weird buzzing anymore. Maybe my senses were on overdrive. I rely on them too much thought Peter.
Peter walked silently into the cool evening light as he made way to the central park. The last time he had come here was with his uncle Ben. It had been so long since then.
He entered the park through one of its eighteen entrances when he was greeted with a sudden gush of wind compiled with pollen and several fragrances of trees and flowers. He knew that most of the smell were still familiar to his enhanced olfactory receptors. He could easily place them in Shakespearean Garden. Shakespearean garden had an assortment of the most desired trees and shrubs that he liked . Thistle, rosemary, primrose, mandragora, camomile etcetera. He quietly made his way into the Shakespearean garden allowing himself to be full aware of his surroundings. He could hear ants living in colonies right beneath his feet, locusts and crickets making cricketing noises all the way.
Then the moonlight filtered its way gently through the canopy transforming the garden in to a silver fortress... of some sort ..
This calmed him.. soothed his mind .. and somehow elevated him. He spent some more time enjoying the beautiful masked foliage. He could still see the flowering of crab apple trees in the dying evening sunlight. He felt so good and for a moment drifted away unto himself. He just didn't want to worry about anything. He was living at the moment...
He made his way out of the Garden of the Heart and made his way into the the little bridge at The Pond. This was the second most important place for Peter. He was stood himself at the centre of the bridge watching the moss covered water. The evening orange sunlight fell on the water and gave the impression of a calm but a very fiery red like a dragon's tongue . It reminded him of how soothing water can be but waves of the same water... in an ocean could prove to be life threatening.. It was almost like seeing this bodily entity in a completely different perspective like a spectre. He shuddered...
Soon it was dark. The last few rays of the dying light managed to tear through the canopy of trees below Peter stood silently admiring the view. The last few lances of light were caste down as the inky violet sky mingled with the diminishing redness.
He spent some more time roaming in the Willman rink, carousel, chess and checkers and finally exited the park through the 65th and to the Broadway.
There was a sudden drop in temperature before he could realise...
Shit it was cold outside... He quickly flipped out his cell phone and took a look at the time.
Ah hell. He said to himself. It was 8:00 pm already.
Time really flies Peter said to himself.
Peter jogged up to the nearest alleyway and jumped towards the wall. He clung on the wall .. crawled until he could find a safe place where he could change up..
In his spidey costume. He took a leap reached the terrace of a nearby building. He made a superhuman leap and swung his way towards Broadway. ...
He swung around trying to find some hooligans to bust .. or even some petty snatch and run thief. He kept swing towards 54th street. As he neared Manhattan, he could see the colossal Oscorp tower standing proudly.
He despised the building so much . He simply hated it. That was the place were Captain Stacy lost his life but the irony was that the same building gave him his amazing powers. Even his father worked there... He knew that he liked it .. even at some point he had also considered to take up a job right their to douse his scientific curiosity but because of the stupid and unchecked experiments it conducted he hated it.
It was true that he had this uncanny knack of science and experimenting stuff but he knew would never be able to quench his thirst after getting this responsibility on his head. He had to become careful just for the sake of protecting people to be result of other failed experiments. He had a good mind to sue Oscorp but he had practically nothing on them...
He passed the Oscorp tower...
Spidey made his way to the highest available crime area. He was really in a mood. He was craving for a little good old fashioned action right now. He was burning with energy.
Well this is something that he finally wanted for real. Since the world recognises spider-man rather than Peter Parker in it.. its well and obvious that he should go for the costumed vigilante. Maybe then he might feel a little good... Yes this is what he really needed to fill his heart. The answer had been right in-front of him and he couldn't figure it out...
Ignore everyone .. Maybe he is really a waste of space and spiderman isn't... he thought.
As he swung across several alley ways, he heard a distinct cry. It was shrill and hurt. That was one thing he just couldn't resist .. a woman crying ... it makes him boil. He always had this very extremely protective mentality towards all woman. He couldn't bear their scream. Good or bad... his only primary instinct that fires up is to help them... no matter what.
Spidey hurried. He swung with a renewed vigour fuelled by this rage. His adrenaline and rage make it a very deadly combination. ... He swung and directed himself to the cry. The he approached nearer he could deduce more and more . They woman was a girl maybe somewhat could be around his age..
As he kept moving, the voice was filled with pain .. true pain.. shrieking at the top of her lungs. It was a blood curdling scream. It was so tortured and sad.
This was really messing him up. He had to go fast .. Faster... faster he travelled swooping and dashing with all his prowess.
Finally he was just below the source of the crying girl. He gazed down ...
He was frozen ... air didn't move around him any more. The girl was a blonde. There were pieces of clothes strewn all over the place... Peter could make out that she didn't have anything on ...
She had nothing on her upper body except her brassieres. Her tank top was torn and was a six feet away from her
And as for the lower part of her body, her underwear was completely exposed even though her legs were covered just partially enough..
He would recognise that girl any where... Those peculiar blond hair and the way her bangs would fall over her forehead if she wasn't so traumatised and filled with hopelessness... with fear ... with regret. She looked at Peter and looked straight past him... into his soul. Pleading him.. he had never seen her eyes so go cold... and yet it was so familiar ... It was almost like he could make up her lips say "Peter... help me"
It was Gwen...Gwen Stacy
That was when he came tumbling back into reality. He found Gwen sprawled on the alleyway with her face planted on the ground. Her hair all messed up and rough. He could see her tank top torn up exposing the straps of her braziers. The makeup that she had on was completely messed up . Her tear stained face and lips smeared with red lipstick said to Spidey so much more..
It pained Peter.. to see Gwen.. so strong willed ... the consummate survivor... the smart girl in class who always stood for him... being broken down ... robbing her of her dignity.. He knew then that he had to be for Gwen.
His darker side lashed out at him like a whip .
He snarled .
Spidey left the let go of his webbing right there itself and made a 100 metre drop right to the ground.
It was sick. Peter could feel his muscles and bones straining under the sudden impact.
And then he dashed forward towards the attacker. The one who was taking on Gwen. His strides so great. He was running and jumping at the same time. His mind seethed with red rage. He wanted to break that man .. break his body frame.. make it beyond recognition . Tear his head out.
As he approached the attacked propelled himself forward with as much strength he could aimed at his stomach.
POW..
The man staggered and fell down. Still he got up.
It was as though he didn't feel a thing ... although the area of impact on his stomach had made a depression and there was a small bone sticking out of his of his belly.
He was a just a lowlife hag probably on drugs or something... He even couldn't make the pain. His eyes were glazed all over. He had a very pale and dirty skin. He had scratches all over his filthy hands and feet. The man wore a torn shirt and a pair of jeans. His eyes were those of a maniac.
Spidey's mentality was beyond compassion ... he even hated himself for being so dumb and allowing people see his dumber side.. He finally let that go ... no remorse...
Devil tore through him...
Spidey jumped at him and this time he gave a solid round house kick by propelling himself forward with his web line to attain extra velocity
TWACK ...
This time it was too much for the feeble man to take on. He body flew mid air ... travelled up to ten feet and touched the pavement ... his body dragged on for another five feet ... Such was the force of the impact.
Before spidey could hit hurt him more.. He ears fell on the distant melancholy voice of Gwen crying .. pleading Peter to stop..
He froze .. Spidey came to his senses... He left that mangled "nobody" right there without giving a second thought. He ran towards Gwen... pulled off his mask ..
Seeing Gwen in such a pathetic condition tore him...
Gwen ...
Gwen ..the quintessential woman... one of the most strongest person he had ever met in his life was pleading him... Peter's eyes filled with tears as he sat down beside her and gently picked up Gwen's body...
She was hiccupping... she was traumatised... She was babbling .. trying desperately to make sense ... tears ran down her face...
Peter tried to make her sit...
She was trembling all over...
Peter took out his own shirt from his own backpack and desperately tried to cover her up. She was stuttering... She was shaken to the very core...
Peter held her in her arms trying to comfort her..
She was hysteric...
Peter hugged her... holding her close .. comforting her... allowing his warmth, vigour, power to seep into her... trying to quieten her.
"Shhh... Shhhh. Shhh. I am here ...now I am here " consoled Peter.
"Peter, don't leave me, don't let go..." she was crying.. her mouth distorted and clutched his spandex tunic trying desperately to hang on it as though it were her only lifeline .. her only key to her survival.. a human's most basic and primal instinct...
He comforted her .. ran his hand through her hair give her a backbone.. a moral support.. to which she could completely rely on.
Finally when she was calm enough ... he softly nudged her and took a good look at her face.
She was sad .. morose... seeing her plight made him cry too... but somewhere deep in her eyes he found a glitter of hope.. happiness .. upon being so close to her..
She smiled and her as she smiled at him. And they hugged... Those were tears of joy that were coming out of their eyes...
Peter calmed his voice and with a smile . "Gwen, lets get you checked up ... there is a hospital nearby .. we will get you sorted out ..." trying to sound confident but even his voice quivered all the way ..
"no no take me to my place ... " Gwen said in a very small voice but enough resolve in her to convince Peter..
"Okay then ... hang on" picking Gwen up gently like a fragile china doll that might break any time...
Gwen wrapped her arms around Peter and got in a comfortable position.
He shot a line of web and up he went ... to her place...
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Peter made way to her bedroom that was nearby to the fire-exit and placed her gently on her bed. He could hear no one inside her home and so he assumed that no was there inside.
He looked at her hand and her ivory delicate hands were covered with smut and there were bruises all over her.
Peter rushed up to the Med -kit that they had in the washroom and brought it near her.
He slowly cleaned her wounds removed the dirt and filth that covered her arm with the help of a piece gauge.. He applied antiseptic lotion to the areas of her hand where ever she had an open wound and finally dressed it up..
She suddenly grabbed him and pulled his arm and brought it closer to her.. He could see her eyebrows strained and pained .
He could see that she was still crying ... her mouth distorted.. She wanted someone desperately to be near her to comfort her...Peter sat beside her ...placed the med kit down on the floor ...with her hand entwined between his fingers. He could sense her pulse .. the violent thudding of her heart,, the terrifying ordeal that she had gone through... and how Peter was so glad to have been near her ... to protect her...
And then it suddenly dawned on him ... as clear as daylight. He wanted her more than ever ... nothing else mattered to him anymore.. He didn't care if they were ever going to be together but he made a vow in his mind to look out for her. He picked up her hand and rubbed his hand on his to comfort her...
He had his slowly placed himself on her bed and places Gwen's head on his chest.
The ordeal took a toll on her both mentally and physically. She was tired alright but he could see her restlessness... She forced her eyelids shut but they were constantly moving ...
Peter moved his hand across her forehead comforting her... relenting tenderness ...
Then he could see the movement in her eyelids slowly diminish with the passage of every second...
Soon she was snoring
Peter looked at her face. She was calm ... quite and on Peter. He concentrated on her heartbeat and the soft weight that bore down on his chest ... It was a sort of pressure on his body that calmed him ... calmed his devil...
Before he knew anything, he placed his head softly above Gwen's and faded into a sweet darkness.. as if it had been reckoning him for so long... smothering him with tranquillity...
It felt somehow it felt softer than any pillow he had ever placed his head on..
He had the best sleep in weeks...
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