[CARNAGE] ARC

Chapter 13

The Cat and The Spider

Last time, you enjoyed an evening with your friend, Felix Hardy before switching into the apparel of your alter ego- Spider-man! This night, you agreed to meet with the Black Cat at the Our Lady of Saints Church to talk- it seems she's been blamed for a crime she hasn't admitted.

You've agreed to help her- after all, you might learn something more on Osborn- and whoever stole those things can't be up to any good.

But, upon arriving, you and the Black Cat decide to try an exercise to increase the trust between the two of you- you can't very well work together without /some/ measure of trust. Besides- The Black Cat has some… interesting assets…

You clear your throat, there is a question that has been bothering you- "How did you trick the police captain into thinking you were his daughter?"

The Black Cat smiles proudly. "Well, there was a lot of work there- I had to collect images of the girl and voice samples, hard to do normally, yes, but I placed some recording devices around the school she goes to. After that I had to craft a disguise and match my performance. On the night of the event- there was a cop keeping watch- all I had to do was look like I was running from the house, looking terrified, telling him I saw something and wanted to talk to my father- from there, it was simple enough to be brought by the officer to the Daily Bugle- not too much to do there.

"While Officer Stacy is a man who takes his job seriously, his daughter is the one thing that gives his life meaning- something easy to find out around the police department while in disguise. Naturally, it /was/ a bit of a gamble, would that lead pay off or would I have to subdue him? Thankfully my disguise and acting was up to par- he believed my story for long enough."

She shrugs. "From there, I think you know the details?" Her eyes light up with glee as she ponders her next question- "Alright, Spider, what hobbies do you have?"

You pause-

Your pause is only for a moment before you answer- she held up her part of the bargain- you need to hold up yours.

"I like science, actually. I spend a lot of my time studying it and the people who practice it. Its what I do with my free time, usually."

The black Cat raises an eyebrow, looking curious and somewhat skeptical, seems like it was an answer she didn't expect.

"So, Cat, what do you when you're not involved in the process of readying yourself for one of your burglaries?"

The Black Cat pauses- the same way you did. "Well, to be honest, I do have a civilian identity- it keeps me out of view most of the time and I keep myself in shape. But if you mean what do I do for hobbies… Well, I watch television and movies, I guess- I don't often interact with people."

She looks away, seemingly embarrassed by her answer. Seems like the Black Cat has things she's embarrassed about. "S-so, Spider… why did you decide to try to catch me?"

"Honestly? I needed the money to help out my family and the job market isn't my friend it seems. It was a better option than doing something illegal."

You shrug as Black Cat chuckles. "Hmm?"

"Ah, but Spider, isn't being a vigilante a crime?~" She leans over, poking you in the chest with a gloved finger. She leans in against you, smiling like the cat that got the canary. "So, really, we're on the same side, technically~"

You clear your throat. "S-so, why did you become a thief? I mean, you've clearly had extensive training and possess expensive equipment. Why do you use your talents to steal insured trinkets from rich people?"

She pulls back as a sad smile crosses her face. "That's a good question Spider- to be honest- my father was a thief as well, when he was alive. He was known as 'The Cat,' a gentleman thief, and he trained me to be the best- his successor. He always had a code- never harm an innocent person- those outside of the crime itself should be left as untouched as much as possible, only targeting those who got their money through dirty means, such as the mob. For that reason, he detested guns.

"But, during an incident, a cop mistakenly shot someone- a bystander- my father had two choices as the cop ran- get away or stay and save the person. He stayed and was arrested- and when he went to jail- apparently someone he stole from wanted vengeance- they had him taken out in jail."

She looks upwards at the moon overhead. "I want to try to make my father proud by continuing his legacy. So, as the Black Cat, I target the people who can afford to lose things- trinkets- while making a show out of it. The Black Cat is a spectacle, Spider, people look forward to each crime and how I'll get away- instead of dreading it."

You think about it. You know, better than most, how much losing your parents sucks and wanting to live up to their legacy.

On the other hand, what she's doing is actually pretty irresponsible- resources going to catch her could be going towards other, actual crimes. But- she could be doing a lot worse, with skills like hers.

"I can respect that. You could certainly be doing a hell of a lot more selfish things with your skills. And hey, now you're working towards busting some idiot who stole dangerous military hardware. If that's not noble thievery, I don't know what is. Though I'm not sure what Jameson did to warrant your attention. Is the Planet tied up in something crooked?"

She shakes her head. "Well, no, but the man in charge is pretty foul- always spinning people's motives into something worse. To be honest- that one was personal."

You pause taking it in as you think about another matter. "Are you sure you trust me with that information? About your father, I mean. It might be difficult depending on what records are sealed, but you just gave me a pretty huge lead to your identity."

She shakes her head. "Spider, my father taught me the beautiful thing known as fake identities- he was arrested and went to jail as Silvio Manfredi, a man who never married or had children. Who he really was- that went to the grave with him."

She look over at you. "You still haven't asked your question, by the way- did you want to continue?"

"But, Cat, that was my question. Its your turn, if you're still up for it."

Her eyes widen behind her mask as she slaps her forehead. "Right. So… do you have a girlfriend? Last time I was teasing, but I'm actually curious now. Are you taken?"

Black Cat tries to brush of the question as something she's merely curious about, but you can tell she's interested in knowing the answer.

"I mean, if you're uncomfortable with the question, I can always ask about something else."

You tense as you shake your head, Gwen coming up in your head.

"Well… it's complicated."

The Black Cat sits, looking curious. "Complicated?"

"Well… There was a girl I liked, you see, and I confessed to her before going to try and stop you- but she didn't reply- she just left and she hasn't talked to me since. But, there might be problems on her end, so I don't know, honestly. It's all a mess."

The Black Cat closes her eyes and lets out a soft contemplative noise. "Seems like she might not feel the same way, or she might feel pressured to not respond to you. Either way, it might be better to let her have some space- You shouldn't make them feel pressured, you might drive them off. But don't cross boundaries they're uncomfortable with, either. Or so a friend told me…"

She pauses and clears her throat, quick to change the subject. "So, what's your question, Spider?"

You pause and give a look at Black Cat- she says that's how she really looks, but if that's so… "So, I'm not going to be on 'To Catch a Predator' am I?"

The Black Cat stares at you- long and hard before laughing. "Well, a gentleman normally doesn't ask a lady's age, you know. But, still, I'm old enough to be legal, but I'm not old enough to star in porn, so no taping if we get up to anything, Spider~

"So, the answer there is no. Still, that makes me wonder- how old are you, spider? I assume you're not too far off- your voice is still young. /I'm/ not going to be on To Catch a Predator, am I?"

She throws your joke back at you as her question.

You raise an eyebrow under your mask at those words- you know those words, after all you just said them this evening, a few mere hours ago! To Felix Hardy- as you recall some words of the Black Cat- "It might be a wig, but this is my natural hair color"- who has white hair!

But, you talked to Felix's Father on the phone… or did you? Master of disguise and fake identities, after all. And what better disguise than an isolated, sick person?

Odds are… you know who the Black Cat is- very well indeed.

You process all of this without any of it seemingly showing- "Well, I'm old enough to be legal, but I'm not old enough to star in porn. So same rules apply to you, Cat."

Her eyes widen in surprise as she sits there looking amused, and pleased, thinking on her next question. "Are you still a student, Spider?"

"Ah ah ah, it's my turn to ask the question, isn't it?"

She pauses and bites her thumb as you wave a finger at her. "Ah, you're right, Spider. My bad."

You nod. Seems like she's really interested in knowing about you, still aren't you interested as well?

"Well, then let me ask you the same. Are you a student or did you drop out?"

The Black Cat pauses. "Well, I am a student, technically. I just don't attend most of the time."

That's another piece to your solution as she repeats the question. "Well, I'll ask again-Are you a student, Spider?"

You nod. You won't be the one to stop being honest. "I am indeed."

Its your turn for the question-

You know what? You know who she is, and she probably knows who you are- might as well ask and see if she takes the bait.

"Have you been doing all your tutor's assignments?"

The Black Cat look at you before a smile crosses her face as she talks in a much more familiar voice.

"Well I would, but I've been quite busy pretending to be sick while taking care of business, teacher."

She shakes her head looking much more amused. "Well, I had entertained the idea, but for it to actually be you…"

She gets up, stretching, offering you her hand. "Now that that's out- Let's go talk somewhere better lit and more comfortable than this old roof."

You let her help you up as you stretch. "We should go separate ways, best to not have the police after both of us."

She nods. "Alright, I'll meet you where we met earlier, got it?"

And she's off. Man she's good at parkour. Still, you have clothes you need to get- you should get on that. After a few minutes of web slinging, you find where you left your clothes and change into them, using the darkness of night to scale down to the ground and head over to Felix's house.

You arrive and ring the door bell- you're let in. The person who opens the door for you is Felix? Well, the person has the short, white hair of the Felix persona. Other than that, vibrant green eyes stare at you as the obviously feminine form in front of you only has on a long T-shirt and has a towel over her shoulders.

"Well, come on in Peter."

She steps aside and lets you in. "I'll be right back, I've got to grab a shower- the latex fits great, but its always best to shower after getting out of that costume."

She walks down a hall that lies between the kitchen and living room, and you hear the closing of a door moments later.

You watch her until she disappears as you look down. No, not now, damnit! Boner, you'll kill us both! And, somehow, you got the feeling of a reply 'you can no longer tell me what to do.'

So, you decide to wait patiently, trying to calm the raging transformation down below and take a look around, trying to distract yourself. You see what looks like an average living room, not too much sticking out to notice.

Seems like Felix- you'll have to get her real name- is good at keeping areas people might see clean of anything too personal.

You head over to the kitchen and make yourself tea- two cups readied for you and your hostess. When the Tea is finished, you head back to the living room and sit down- it's a fool's errand to try to go into her private areas where she keeps her innermost secrets locked away.

I know what I just thought, boner, Thankyouverymuch.

You hear the water turn off and a minute later the door open as Felix comes out, still in the long T-shirt, toweling off her wet hair. The shirt clings to her interestingly as she smiles.

"Tea? How thoughtful of you, Peter."

You use every ounce of your iron will to stare at her face and not… every other part of her body.

"Umnoproblem"

You clear your throat, crossing your legs as she takes a seat and begins to drink the tea, looking amused.

"So… What is your name Imean-Felix isn't it and I can't just go calling you Black Cat…"

As you do your best to get your words out audibly, she laughs. "I'm Felicia, Peter. Felicia Hardy."

She looks over at you shaking her head. "I don't go around my house in anything uncomfortable unless I have to, Peter. And, since you know who I am, you'll have to learn to deal with it. Though, I do miss the bantering you did before- should I be straddling you?"

You swallow as you keep your eyes on hers, as she shakes her head. "Relax, boy. I'm not doing that. Still though, we have other things to talk about."

Her posture stiffens as a more serious look crosses her face. "The plan for capturing the Oscorp thief. So, to account for your presence in the plans- what exactly are you capable of- whatever you tell me will be in confidence. Neither of us is stupid enough to cross the other. Besides, I'm not that much of a bitch."

So looks at you, expectantly.

You pause, pulling out your webshooters out of your bag. "This is the first part, I made these- they're webshooters- they're how I move about town and subdue things."

Felicia carefully picked it up and looks at it, impressed. "So, this is your white sticky stuff you covered me in?"

You freeze at her words before nodding. "Yeah- technically it's a shear-thinning liquid that's an adhesive, but it looks like webs, so- webshooters."

You clear your throat as she sets down your webshooter and looks at you. "What I'm about to do- don't freak out, alright?"

She nods as you kick off your shoes and climb the wall-her eyes widening in shock before you flip and land on your feet. "How the hell did you do that?"

You clear your throat. "Well, I got bitten by a spider… and it gave me superpowers. Enhanced strength, speed, agility and the ability to climb walls. Whatever it did seems to have stabilized, so…"

Felicia stares at you, thoughtful. "That's why you're interested in Oscorp, isn't it? You want to know exactly what bit you and what else it might do?"

She doesn't seem repulsed by your abilities, she actually seems rather worried for you.

You shake your head. "Well, not entirely- that's the least of my worries from them."

Her brow furrows as she looks at you, confused. "What do you mean?"

You look at her- she's worried about you. So you'll give her, if not all of the truth, then the relevant information. "Well, they want me dead- the scientist behind the spiders, Dr. Smythe wanted anyone, if they were bitten by a spider… taken care of them as an accident. There's more, but a lot of that's based on hearsay than evidence, so I'd rather not bring it up."

You frown and look her in the eyes. "Besides, I don't want you getting on their targets investigating when you and I will do that eventually anyway."

Felicia looks at you and sighs. "Alright, got it. But if anything else becomes relevant, I expect to be informed, got it?"

You look at her seriously and nod. "I wouldn't put you at risk like that."

She smiles at you softly before looking at a clock. "Oh, dear, the time…"

You look at your watch- its after one in the morning. "Oh, crap."

Felicia looks over at you. "Should you head home? I mean, your family must be worried after all. If you'd like you could call them and stay the night- I do have a guest room."

You give her a nod, using her phone to call your house- they have caller ID, so best to make sure everything appears normal. The phone rings three times before its picked up. "Hello?"

Its your Aunt May. "Hey, Aunt May, I was tutoring Felix and we lost track of time and he offered for me to stay the night instead of trying to go home, is that alright?"

There's silence then your aunt responds. "May I speak with Felix?"

"Sure, just a second. My aunt wants to speak with you, Felix."

Felicia takes the phone and answers in Felix's voice. "Hello ma'am? No, that's right. I apologize, it was my fault. -My father said it was alright. I'll make sure he calls earlier from now on. Bye."

Felicia hangs up the phone. "You're Aunt is a tough one, alright. She says you can stay the night, but if you do it again, you'll need to call earlier from now on so they don't get worried."

Yeah, sounds like Aunt May, alright.

Felicia takes you by the wrist and leads you down the hallway. "C'mon, this is the room right here-"

She opens the door to a room and flips on the light to reveal a room littered with costume and disguise parts everywhere, the bed is messy looking- overall the room is a wreck. Felicia rubs at her hair, blushing. "Sorry, Peter, I forgot I haven't cleaned that room in forever- I never have any guests."

She drags you to another room, opening the door and turning on the lights. This room is much more clean- a large-probably king sized- bed in the center with different jewels or knickknacks all around the place-probably thing's she's stolen- there's a familiar catsuit laying ontop of the bed, along with a wig.

Felicia looks at you, a hand twirling at her hair a bit nervously as she doesn't look at you. "W-well, I don't have anywhere else to put you, which is my fault entirely, you'll just have to stay the night here with m-me. The bed should be big enough for the both of us…"

You give her a smirk. See how she likes it when the awkward shoe is on the other foot. "My oh my you work fast. Dinner, a movie, a stroll through the city and now you're taking me to bed? Didn't know you thought I was so easy."

Felicia freezes and blushes. "I-I don't think of you as easy, but I-"she mumbled off, looking away.

She's nervous- probably just as nervous as you. "I'll sleep in there if you insist, otherwise I'm fine with taking a chair."

You move to pull away, but you feel a tugging on your arm as Felicia doesn't look at you. "Y-you don't have to do that, I mean it is my fault and my idea for you to stay over and I just want to sleep tonight, alright. …M-maybe next time-"

She cuts off as she pulls you into the room, pulling the catsuit and wig off the bed and tossing them to the side. "J-just l-lay down, alright?"

"Alright- you mind if I grab a shower first?"

She pauses and nods, showing you to her bathroom. After you step through and close the door, she calls through. "Hey, Peter, hand me your clothes, might as well go ahead and get them washed since your wearing them tomorrow, alright?"

You hand off your clothes except your underwear to be washed and, after a cold, cold, shower, head back to Felicia's room, the only room with lights still on. You awkwardly walk in and go lay down as Felicia sits on the edge of the bed, gesturing for you to lay down. After you do so, she turns of the lights. You hear fabric rustle and her slip into bed next to you, a little distance away.

"Goodnight, Peter."

You look over and see Felicia trying to sleep and try to go to sleep yourself- its an awkward position in and you find sleep to not come easy. But, before you know it- its morning.

End

To be continued...

Publisher's Note:

Agent-G: Well there you have it Agent-G, Felix Hardy was never an OC, relative or genderbend version of Felicia Hardy, it was just a cover up.

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