The Greatest of Them All

by Kazama Yokaze

Peter was tired of being the universe's punching bag. Couldn't the poor guy catch a break? After the events of Kindred, a nice calming patrol seems like a great idea. Nothing could go wrong so soon after right? Norman is reformed, Kingpin as far as he knows is keeping his hands clean. No super world ending events on the horizon...a patrol sounds nice. After all what could go wrong?

7. Responsibilities, and an Invasion?

05/31/2022: Edited some small grammar mistakes a reviewer pointed out.

Woo! 22k words later and 'nother chapter is done. I have some stuff to slightly rant about at the end concerning new Canon, but ignoring that, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I'm not completely happy with it. And a few parts are weak, but I think my n00b experience is showing (in regards to writing).

---

Peter Parker, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man (Peter's Room)

The minute Peter woke up he double-checked his gear was hidden before moving to leave the house. He needed to build those earphones, not just because he'd like to leave people to their privacy but because the technology was lucrative for this company. It'd definitely push its resources to a higher level.

'Oh sweet nanotechnology, you will be mine.' Peter thought wistfully as he descended the stairs. Passing by the dining room he saw his father in a jogger getup sipping a cup of coffee, alone.

"Morning Dad, where's mom?" Peter asked as he went to get himself a cup of orange juice.

Richard gave a soft smile "She's still asleep. She'll probably wake up in an hour or so." He looked over his son noting the backpack. "You going to the building again?"

Calmly sipping, read chugging, his OJ Peter replied "Yup. I got this idea to create some perfect noise-canceling headphones."

Richard was confused "We moving into the electronic consumer market now?"

Peter chuckled "I like to think we're a variety company. Something like Yamaha, but we actually just make everything."

"And correct me if I'm wrong but aren't noise-canceling headphones kind of already present?" Richard continued.

"Yup, but these will be 'perfect' noise-canceling headphones. No sound will be able to get in or out." Peter said beaming.

Richard's face moved into one of concern. "Isn't that dangerous? I know people like to listen to a good beat, but they still need to be able to hear."

Peter nodded "Yup, which is why I'll build an internal mic that will auto-detect certain baseline noises. I can maybe try for it to boost quiet noises and lower loud noises as well for safety. I imagine that will get us a boatload of commission orders. Especially from gun nuts or the military on top of music-philes."

Richard hummed, "With that as a part of it you're right it would be sought after. Any reason for this though? Lots of times you seem to come up with the zaniest stuff."

Peter chuckled placing his empty cup in the sink after a rinse "I turned up the radio pretty loud yesterday, surprised you didn't hear. Anyways, I thought it was pretty rude of me to want to listen to my music so loud is all and have it potentially annoy anyone."

"Huh, well, off you go then. Love you son." Richard said with a smile.

Peter nodded "Love you too dad!"

As Peter left the house he heard his dad's phone ring. Richard hummed before answering.

"This is Richard."

CLICK

The front door shut and muffled out his father's conversation. Leaving him to sigh and make his way towards the company building.

"Subject moving from the house." Natasha's voice once again called out from his left side.

Sighing he stopped before smirking to wave in the general direction she was hiding in. He was rewarded with muffled muttering. Causing him to chuckle as he continued walking.

'Guess my parents decided to keep tabs on me while I try to come up with a solution.' He thought, irritated.

As Peter was already resigned to SHIELD following him as Peter Parker he decided not to mess with them today. Instead, he planned on losing them elsewhere when it was time to be Spider-man. He'd come up with a solution hopefully soon. Because off the top of his head, he was bound to have to reveal his identity to someone with so many people on top of his whereabouts.

He couldn't, or maybe it would be better to say he wouldn't, ask Professor Xavier to just mind control his parents to allow him to be Spider-man, and therefore call off SHIELD.

He grumbled to himself as he walked. 'I'll mull over it as I work.'

Entering the building was as uneventful as his walk. Except for stopping again at the entrance and waving at where Natasha was.

A scoff with the words "Cheeky brat." reached his ears causing him to smirk. He looked up at the general area she was in and tapped his ear. All he received was a huff and a firm amused tone, "I know what I said."

He guffawed and walked in.

With a burrito in hand from the cafeteria, Peter returned to his floor before moving to his computer to start getting to work on developing the schematics of true noise-canceling technology.

'No Silver here today. That's good, woman needs to take a break every once in a while.' He thought absentmindedly as he brought up the schematics for his Stealth Suit and isolated the head section. 'A simple headphone concept, nothing too big.'

Peter continued working moving through his floor and office putting together some prototype headphones, and in between breaks as he waited for simulated calculations, ordered a terrarium for the black widow spider. Who was watching him intently. Or at least that's how Peter would describe it. After all, it was only an animal. It couldn't think all that well.

'Spider-sense:Something's about to touch your hair.'

Peter ducked and jolted backward as a slender hand holding the hair color changer passed over his head. Right into 2 pillows, covered by a thin cloth.

"Oof. I didn't know you could be so forward Petey." A teasing rich feminine voice reached his ears as his face burned.

Peter jolted forward and turned around. "Felicia, why are you here?" he said blushing.

Felicia grinned. She was wearing a simple white blouse and dress pants. "Well I wanted to change your hair," she began as she raised said object. "and I thought I was quiet enough but you still dodged. What gave me away?"

Peter smiled bashfully, "Oh I just saw a glare of silver on the container holding the spider."

Felicia pouted looking at said container but said nothing. Taking his reason as fact. "Well other than that, I wanted to check up on you. And give daddy a run for his money as he tried to catch me. He should have been in here by now." She said with a playful sigh. "He told mom and me that he failed last time due to that grey-haired woman being alerted."

Peter sighed exasperatedly, "Her name is Silver and her hair is actually the color silver, which you very well know in regards to both statements." At seeing her shrug looking at the wall he sighed, continuing "So you just wanted to show off?"

Felicia grinned and nodded. "Well that, and get a chance to talk to you. You've been a recluse this past month what gives? And what's with the spider?"

Peter winced and raised his hand placatingly. "Lots of stuff just came up, I swear I wasn't trying to ignore you or anyone else. And the spider…" Peter trailed off trying to rack his brain for a reason. Before he could though Felicia grew fearful.

"It's a black widow!? Peter are you crazy?!"She yelled before looking him over for bites, her hands gliding across his limbs. Not recognizing that he would be keeling over on the ground if he was bit.

Peter groaned before he gently grabbed her hands, though, at her slight wince he cringed, he tried being even more gentle as he rubbed the spots on her wrists that he might have hurt. "Felicia I'm alright, I wanted to grab a bit of its venom and try to synthesize a more diluted form. Its bites are only lethal to teenagers like us, maybe, but definitely younger or the frail and old. But the venom is enough to still cause immense pain to an adult. I'd like to synthesize a version of it though without killing it or ordering a ton more."

He was talking out his ass, but he knew that Felicia, while not unintelligent by any means, did tend to not think over any scientific 'mumbo jumbo' as she called it unless it sounded like it could be used to emulate the feats her father did.

Placated and with a light dusting on her cheeks, Felicia nodded, feeling relaxed as Peter unconsciously started massaging her forearms. His body used to doing so when they were adults, normally after she worked out as she kept up with her free-running and parkour skills, though it wasn't just her forearms but a full body massage then.

Of course, that was when Walter decided to walk in before stopping just past the doorway and grinning. "And what is it do you think you're doing with my daughter young man?"

Peter jolted releasing her arms, "Wha- Oh, Felicia I'm so sorry. Walter, I swear I just grabbed her arms too hard and felt bad."

At seeing the man raise an eyebrow, he raised his own hands in surrender "Look she was aiming for my hair."

Grinning Walter just shook his head, "I was teasing lad. You're not like other boys."

Felicia grinned, "Dad's right Peter, you're not like other boys," She said with a teasing smirk.

Walter sighed at his daughter's teasing. "Felicia leave the poor boy alone. Since you wanted to act like an employee of the Red team here at Parker Industries you have to do the other part… paperwork." He said gravely.

Felicia wilted before moving back behind Peter leaning on him dramatically "Noooooo, Peter tell him I don't need to, you're his boss."

Peter blushed before gently moving her off him. "Felicia, I try not to be too nepotistic. You're going to have to do the paperwork associated with this. Especially when and if you decide to work here like you've been saying."

She rolled her eyes "Yeah yeah, jeez you and dad can be killjoys sometimes. You're lucky you're cute." She walked toward her dad.

Peter sighed at Felicia's teasing. "Regardless, I'll make some time for you after this week, tomorrow we have some new employees coming in."

"I'll hold you to it, Petey. Come on then dad. Let's get your paperwork done." Felicia said with a grin.

Walter shook his head exasperated before giving Peter a wave. Felicia gave him a cheeky one with a wink.

As the door closed Peter slumped near the spider container. 'That girl…' Felicia as a teenager was a lot more put together than her adult self, though that may be because her father was alive and not dead as she believed for a time. Though she was still a tease, 'Even more so since I'm pretty sure she has a crush on me. Not even sure how that happened, she was always a thrill junky, not a gold-digger. So what did I do to attract her attention as Peter Parker?'

He shook his head, it was irrelevant for now. His new, 'or would it be old?', headphones needed to be completed.

It was midday when Peter had a working pair and its schematics finished. 'Behold, the perfect pair of headphones.'

'Mm, and what are these my champion?'Death's voice softly asked in his head.

Peter let out a womanly shriek that he would vehemently deny before looking around. '…Death?'

'That was quite amusing my champion. I did not realize your voice could get so high-pitched.' Death said chortling.

Peter sighed 'Yeah yeah, please don't tell…anyone else you come into contact with. But this is just a pair of perfect noise-canceling headphones.'

'Understood my champion. And that is the by-product of making your stealth suit correct?'She asked.

Peter nodded before thinking 'Yes, though I will have to think of how to incorporate it into my current suit if at all possible. Anyways, what's up?'

Death made a pleased hum 'I wanted to inform you that I would relish conversing with you over dinner. I did say yesterday I would notify you of which time I would choose. As it is midday I thought it best to let you know.'

Peter paled, he forgot about that with everything else but quickly remembered the conversation.'Ah yes, it'll have to be after I am done with my patrol but how does pizza sound?'

Death gave another pleasing hum that resounded throughout his mind 'Your memories and other spirits' memories say this is a pleasing dish. That sounds wonderful. Please stand in front of your location of choice and I will appear.'

Peter blanched 'Uh, I mean no offense Death, but please don't scare anyone with your appearance.'

He couldn't see her, but he still winced at her silence imagining anger. 'That did not come out right, I meant don't just suddenly appear, I'll be next to an alley or something so it doesn't look too weird. I didn't mean appearance as in your looks. You look beautiful.' He hoped that was flattering enough to overcome his previous statement.

'I thank you for the clarification my champion. I thought for a moment that I chose a poor form to interact with you. I will wait for you to choose a location for me to arrive in.' Death stated tranquilly. 'I await your call.'

Peter didn't feel or notice at first but when Death was interacting with him just through his mind he felt as though a presence was watching him, though with her leave he could no longer sense anyone. 'I need to watch my mouth.' He thought with a sigh. 'Now for SHIELD…'

---

Spider-man left the roof of the building but circled around where Natasha was probably stationed waiting for his civilian self to leave.

He saw the glint of her red hair as he zipped from a few buildings away. She was watching the front entrance closely.

Latching onto the building she was on, he climbed silently behind and stepped softly onto the roof until he was a few steps behind her.

"Anything to report Widow?" Clint's voice asked.

"Negative, Parker seems to be spending another day inside." Natasha calmly spoke into her communicator. She slumped before straightening trying to be vigilant.

"Hello?" Peter greeted from behind her, yelping as she quickly turned around a gun raised at him. He quickly raised his hands. "I come in peace! I come in peace!"

Black widow sighed holstering her weapon. "It's just you." She then turned around, pointedly looking back towards the entrance.

"Just who?" Clint asked.

Spider-man squawked "Just me she says. I'll have you know I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. My mom said so." At seeing her resolute stance he continued "Anyways, I thank you for not shooting first. Um, if you don't mind I'm going to…" He trailed off as he joined the encrypted channel for SHIELD.

"Hey there, just your friendly neighborhood Spider-man joining in on this call. Can I speak to Fury please?" He asked sheepishly.

"Spider who now?" Clint said voice raised.

Black Widow turned around wide-eyed at his audacity before narrowing her eyes and raised both of her pistols back onto him. His spider-sense hummed in reply.

"Don't point those at me! I told you I come in peace. Now I'd like to speak to Fury as I said." Spider-man restated, looking as pointedly as he could at Black Widow.

"Look Spider person, Director Fury is a busy man. What makes you thi-" Clint's voice was cut off.

"This is Fury. What is it Spider-man? You were quick to try and leave yesterday." Fury spoke, annoyance bleeding into his tone.

"Well fuck me I guess." Spider-man heard Clint mutter under his breath.

"Ah ah ah, your people shot first, who's going to just sit around to talk after that. There were people to save." Spider-man teased while tilting his head to stare at Widow who was glaring at him.

"…What do you want?" Fury asked.

"To meet up, I have to tell you something face to face, or at least as close as you're willing to get me. As you now know your radio encryption could do with some work. I'd rather not state it over what might as well be an open channel." Spider-man said cheekily.

Fury hummed and stayed silent.

Spider-man sighed at the silence after a minute. "Look, I know this is a little unorthodox but I'm being honest I 'need' to speak to you securely. I'll even take an escort." He finished while looking at Black Widow, who let out a huff.

"…There's an 'abandoned' warehouse in Queens. Agent Widow knows where it's at. She'll take you there." Fury relayed. "I'll be there in 30."

"Be there in 5," Peter said cheerily.

A 'click' sounded. 'Fury must have left.'

Black Widow snorted, "I doubt that."

"Yeah Spider person, that's a little too fast," Clint said.

"So where's the warehouse?" Spider-man asked not responding to their words.

She looked at him warily "College Point and the 678. We've got at least a 30-minute trek. 20 if you can keep up with my speed." She said.

Spider-man nodded. He then walked towards her.

She took a step back "What are you doing?"

"What's he doing?" Clint as worriedly.

"I'm carrying you. I said 5 minutes. And I'm a man of my word." Spider-man said gleefully.

She glared at him, "I do not need to be carrieeeeeeed–" Her words trailed off as he dashed forward grabbing her with one arm and web-zipping toward the warehouse.

THWIP

Spider-man let out a whoop of joy at the speed they were traveling while Natasha latched onto him as tight as she could.

"What is it? What happened? Widow are you okay?" Clint asked, not able to see anything.

"Not to worry! She's just in awe of our speed!" Spider-man cheered.

"I HATE YOU!" Black Widow screamed into his ear.

'Ah! There's a big emotional reaction!'

"Yeah yeah, that's what everyone says before they get to know me." He quipped.

Two minutes in and Black Widow was not hanging onto him for dear life anymore; he could swear he saw a hint of a smile on her face, but he liked his manly bits where they were and wouldn't tease her about it…yet.

They landed near the general area and Spider-man released her.

"Thanks for riding Air-Spidey. The first and only city air form of travel. And what do you know 4 minutes and 37 seconds. Whoa, I'm good."

Widow walked off shakily and took a moment to compose herself, muttering in Russian before pulling out one of her pistols and aiming it at him.

Spider-sense: Be careful. I think she's angry.

He stared at her. Not seeing her move he spoke, "That'll be about three-fifty."

One of her eyes twitched before she sighed and holstered the weapon. "It's this way. Come on."

"Righto madam."

"Jesus, do you ever shut up?" Clint asked. "At least know when to when a woman is mad at you."

"Now why would I go and do that? If I didn't speak up no one would." Spider-man said with his standard cheer. "Plus, she's just trying to stay professional."

"It's your funeral man," Clint said exasperated.

"And what a glorious one it will be. Now, I need to get back to trying to bring out some emotion for the next 25 minutes."

He stood next to Widow in front of the warehouse doors. "So uh, we going inside?"

She nodded, "Yes, just waiting on you to catch up. Don't touch anything when we get inside."

Spider-man nodded, "Sure. I won't touch anything."

Sighing and then nodding to herself she opened the door, placing her hand on a hidden scanner and then moving to use a retinal scan.

"Fancy." Spider-man quipped.

"SHIELD does try to use the latest tech." She said with a glare. "Though apparently, not the absolute best."

He smiled sheepishly and tilted his head to showcase as much. "What can I say, I have the brains and the brawn."

Widow hummed in reply. "If you do, you don't have the wisdom to go with it."

He laughed. "You wound me, my lady."

She sighed, "Something tells me you can handle it." Spider-man swore he saw a ghost of a smile on her face.

'She finally loosening up?' Spider-man thought to himself. "Glad to see you're not all ice there. Got a bit of fire in there too."

That earned him a glare. "You're damn right."

"So? Uh, What can we do for the next 25 minutes?" Spider-man asked looking around for anything of note.

She huffed, "Nothing, though I do need to make a call. Just don't touch anything."

Spider-man shrugged. 'Not like there's much to touch. What's the point of the state-of-the-art security system if there looks like there's nothing of value.'

"Hey dude on the other end of the phone, know any good jokes?" Spider-man asked as he deployed a web-line to the ceiling and started hanging upside down.

"Uhhhhh, not really," Clint said.

"Wanna learn some?"

"…Fuck it. SHIELD is a stick in the mud most of the time, go ahead."

25 minutes Later

"A wise quacker!"

Spider-man said with a swing and a more boisterous laugh than what was probably required.

"Those have got to be some of the most corniest jokes. Of all time. Who raised you and told you those are okay?" Clint asked.

Spider-man shrugged, though only Black Widow saw, who was staring at him in a deadpan. "My dad and uncle. They're great. You just gotta – Oh gotta go, but thanks for listening Clint."

Fury had arrived, through the same door, his gait was one of confidence. A small cadre followed him. Consisting of two women and two men all of who were armed to the teeth with what looked to be hard light weapons his company created the schematics for before sending them to Stark Industries for improvements. 'So that's who they were for…' Black Widow straightened as the group came in. Standing at parade rest.

"Sure, if you make it out alive and aren't an enemy I'll look forward to hearing more of your lame jokes," Clint said with a sigh.

"Good Afternoon. Now, what is it you wanted to discuss with me?" Fury began.

"Ah, about that Nick, any chance it can be just you and I in here?" Spider-man asked.

"Denied." Black Widow immediately said with a glare.

Fury shook his head. "I may be willing to indulge you and meet in person, but being alone with an unknown would be a mistake."

Spider-man sighed letting go of his web line to stand. He crossed his arms staring at the group and drummed his knuckles. 'Well, there was no guarantee he was going to stay quiet. But I will still need to censor some stuff now.'

"Before I begin, can I have your word that nothing said here will leave this room?" Spider-man asked, shoulders tense.

Fury hummed looking toward the man with a mustache on his right who shrugged looking back at him. "Depends on what you have to say."

Grumbling, Spider-man reached his hands up to his helmet and lifted it. "I swear if you do tell anyone about this…" He heard Black Widow sharply breathe, though he was the only one to catch it based on the lack of reaction. Causing him to turn and throw her a smirk.

Fury to his credit, only let his eye widen before hardening. "You have 30 seconds to prove who you are Peter Parker or explain why you are assuming the visage of two of our former agents' son."

Peter wilted. "Wow, you are one paranoid son of a gun." He sighed straightening. "Look there's a lot I could say. First, I know you were listening in when I was in the hospital when I was younger. So you know some of what I could say."

At seeing a hesitant nod Peter continued. "You still want me to continue?" A firmer one this time was given.

"Well then second, I'm not in the company building, I left from the roof. Third, I can call up my parents right now to prove it, but I'd rather not as that's partly why I wanted to speak with you." Peter finished. "Is that enough to at least abate your concern?"

After a moment of silence Fury gave a nod. "Fine, what did you need to speak to me about Parker?"

"Swell. I wanted to ask you to not let my parents know about my activities as Spider-man. I can't operate on a timetable as small as the ones my parents have given me. Not to mention that it would be impossible for me to keep even that time, pushing a week." Peter gave a wane smile. "While they are great parents they at least want to be aware of where I am at even if they don't act like mother hens. Since SHIELD is supposed to be watching me, weirdest use of the world's greatest intelligence agency by the way, I'd rather not concern them with why I am dodging your agents constantly. Especially when said agents have all been courteous enough not to really interfere with my life or even view it to the point where I'm bothered. Plus, if you think of it, you can just free up an agent who is supposed to be watching me."

Fury throughout his request looked unfazed. But he didn't speak up. The red-haired man with a mustache did in his stead. "Lad, you're only a wee boy, why exactly ar' ye out fightin' crime like SHIELD has noticed you doin'?"

Peter stared at Fury. "You wanna tell them or should I?"

Fury growled out, or at least that's how it sounded to Peter with how gruff his voice was. "Mr. Parker is a mutant with the ability to see into the future, though it was only one future according to him. He was not a mutant with the abilities of super strength and speed. So I too am wondering why he is out fighting crime. His age is of no concern to me. Would you mind explaining that?"

Peter let out a nervous chuckle. "You see funny thing that. I'm not a mutant with the ability to see into the future. Last chance if you want everyone to stay?" At seeing Fury now glare at him Peter continued. "No? Well okay then." He drew a deep breath. "My soul was sent back in time in a nutshell, into that of my younger body. My abilities are, actually as you saw yesterday and today, encapsulate those that pertain to arachnids. Proportional strength, speed, etc."

"So you're saying you're from the future?" The other male in the room asked. He was a greying black man and looked like he could give Captain America a run for his money with his burly chest.

"Yup." Was Peter's simple reply.

"Prove it." A raven-haired woman with a white streak commanded. The rest of her group including Widow looked at her in confusion. That was a tall task to order for someone on the spot.

Peter shrugged and tried holding back a smirk but failed at what he could offer, he planned to do this anyways. "You mean other than me saving my parents' lives on a suicide mission? I can tell you where to find Captain America. Alive."

That got some reactions. Natasha gaped at him before closing her mouth. Fury's group started muttering while Fury's lone eye widened again.

"That's a tall claim to make Parker. I hope you don't mean one of the many men who took up the mantle of Captain America." Fury stated evenly.

"No, I mean the genuine man. He's been frozen in ice. The regenerative properties of the Super Soldier Serum kept him in a state of suspended animation combined with the freezing properties of the ice. We could head over to the coordinates say in two days?" Peter offered.

Everyone looked at him confused as though he was crazy. "I can't go today, I have a prior engagement. And tomorrow I have some new employees to bring on." At seeing the continued confused faces at the apparent lack of importance he pouted. "It's important that they get a chance to join a reputable company and have a chance to achieve their dreams."

Fury was unamused. "If what you are saying is true, this is the Captain America, Parker. I'm honestly not seeing a reason not to head there now. We can find an excuse to give to your parents if that's an issue."

'Goddammit, I forgot Fury could be stubborn.' Peter thought annoyed. "Look, the Captain is in the North Sea and it would take a lot longer to reach there than it would in the future. We're talking at least a day of travel to account for heading to and from there. The engagement I have today is with a very important cosmic being. If I told you who it was with you'd be either afraid of getting on her bad side or you'd call me a liar. As for the employees tomorrow, they are potential villains that I would like to prevent from feeling cheated and therefore do inexcusable actions upon humanity."

Fury took the moment to think. The rest of his group still spoke among themselves in a cacophony that Peter didn't want to keep track of. The blond woman of the group seemed intent on taking Peter's words at face value. While the rest argued about the validity.

Tired Peter turned to Black Widow. "So, I got to ask why are you with SHIELD?"

Natasha turned to him unnerved. "I take it we are familiar with each other then?"

He nodded. "Yup. Though you were a bit older. I would say early thirties. You look like you're in your mid-20s now."

She raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying I look better now?" Peter flinched before shaking his head.

"What is it with women trying to put words in my mouth." He glared at her. "No, you don't look better now than you did as you did – or might have. You look just as lovely as you would if you age to your thirties. You didn't have wrinkles and your body shape is honestly still the same, but you seem younger. Less… experienced." He said the last few sentences slowly to gauge her reaction.

"Wait I'm ageless?" She asked confused and concerned.

Peter turned to fully face her as Fury now got into the argument with his group. "No, just I assumed you were given the Russian Super Soldier Serum earlier than your thirties for some reason now and that affected the way you act, hence younger."

Natasha's face grew grim, rattled. "I did."

Peter frowned. "Well, I can tell that's a heavy topic. But regardless you'll still age, just at a slower rate. At least from what I remember you telling me. You were pretty active working for the KGB up until the current year from what I remember. Were you put on ice or something like the Captain?" Natasha paled.

Fury was finally done and ended his group's argument with one word. "ENOUGH!"

At seeing them quiet down, Peter started turning back parting Black Widow with the words. "We can talk later Natasha." Though he wasn't sure if she fully registered the words. She seemed lost in thought. 'Wonder what I said?'

Fully turned back towards Fury he continued, "So what did you guys come to? I assume Fury, that you'll at least leave my parents out of my exploits for the next few days. And probably have come up with an excuse for me to apparently leave for a full day to find Captain America?"

Fury nodded. "Yes, I won't inform Mary or Richard that their only son is out putting his life in danger for two days starting today, potentially longer if what you say is true. It'll take some convincing and probably a lot of yelling on your parents' parts, but if you explain to them that we, that is to say, SHIELD, would like your expertise on a project concerning cryostasis–" Natasha flinched at the word "–'in person' I can convince them. They'll both probably ask to be a part of the retinue but I'll handle that as well. Sound good?"

Peter nodded, "Sounds good to me. So uh, that's pretty much all I had so if you don't mind…" He made his way to brush past them after putting his helmet back on.

Fury blocked his way with a hand. And feeling courteous Peter stopped before he could touch him. "Problem?"

Fury shook his head. "One condition. You have either Agent Widow or Agent 14 follow you during your runs as 'Spider-man'."

Spider-man tilted his head to show his confusion. "I get Black Widow sort of since we've interacted a lot, but why this Agent 14?"

Fury tilted his head and the black-haired woman with a white streak in her hair stepped forward. "She's one of our top field agents and has been getting Black Widow acquainted with the modern world since her awakening from cryostasis. Along with being her handler."

Peter nodded his head. 'And another one for putting my foot in my mouth. Good going Peter. You just reminded Natasha about being put on ice. But I guess this is mainly to give Natasha a break while also giving Fury another watchful eye on me.' "Gotcha, in that case, I'll be using SHIELD's frequency to have them stay in the loop." Turning to the now named Agent 14, he said "As for you, I'll get you your own pair of web-lines like Black Widow's to shoot or something. Or do you have your own mode of transportation?"

"I'll use my own form of transportation." She grinned. "I've been wanting my own SHIELD Shuttle anyways."

Fury sighed. "I'll walk you out, Parker. Black Widow will tail you after. As I said we won't tell your mother or father."

Seeing everyone else stay behind Spider-man followed the man to exit the building hearing Agent 14 speak to Black Widow on the way out. "Little Nata-" The door closed before he could hear anymore.

At hearing the door close Fury motioned for the red and black costumed man to follow him.

"Why was your soul sent back?" Fury asked once they were a ways away.

"Oh, Uh, brace yourself. The end of the Multi-verse." Spider-man said waiting for Fury to react.

"Explain." Fury said, evenly as always.

"I'm going to just give you another short answer. Another cosmic being created paradoxes that caused different realities and their earths' to collide destroying each respective universe." Spider-man began. At seeing Fury move to ask more he continued "I said the short answer, so we'll skip over the how that works for now. Anyways, I was the only hero on the scene at the time for our universe, which was one of the final two, by the way, the rest of the heroes were blocked off from interfering. Needless to say, I failed to stop it. Then met God, who told me he'd be giving me another chance. And here we are."

Fury's face was stone as he processed Spider-man's words. "Assuming what you are telling me is true. All of it. Then I have to ask, what can SHIELD do to help?"

Peter was floored. Normally it was SHIELD asking him to help them on their quest to defend the world not what SHIELD could actually do for him, though in this instance it would be SHIELD still helping the world.

He sighed, "Honestly? Not much right now. I'm meeting with that cosmic entity I told you about later, but from our last conversation, the greatest cosmic forces in our universe have taken steps to prevent the same thing from happening. Though they said it's not a perfect defense. There's a few holes that they can't plug. I can tell you about them later though. On the trip to pick up Captain America maybe?" Spider-man offered.

Fury hummed before nodding to himself. "Alright, I'll ask you more about this when you take us to get Captain America. For my curiosity though, who is this entity you're meeting with?"

Spider-man stilled, debating over the cons of telling Fury before shrugging. "Death."

"…Did you say Death?"

"Yes. I am meeting with Death."

The two men stayed in silence. One in a stupor the other feeling awkward for apparently baffling one of the most unflappable men in existence.

"…Is Death someone we need to be concerned over?" Fury suddenly asked.

Spider-man laughed shaking his head. "No, she actually made me her champion. She's on the side of life."

"Huh, well. I think this is something else to speak about. I'll keep to my end of the deal. For what it's worth Parker I want to believe you, if only because your parents are good people and I know they should be raising you and your sister well. I'll see you in two days." With that, Fury left to rejoin his group who were just now exiting the warehouse.

"Peace!" With that Spider-man deployed a web-line, trusting Widow to try and follow him on her own time.

---

Hours Later

Peter's day was…interesting. Nothing too weird again, but his exploits for the day weren't met with as much concern from New York's populace, word of mouth in this day and age spreading fast as the one 'red and black guy' came in to save people from purse-snatchers. Simply more confusion and a lot more thank yous were what he received.

He also got some good publicity by performing some acrobatic feats for tourists that were curious at seeing him jump around. Not that he expected it to last. Any day now he expected JJ to write his first piece on him that would tank his reputation once again. But that was par for the course until a potential superhero-related crime came in.

No, what was interesting was that Natasha tried keeping up with him on her Widow lines and her free-running skills but eventually asked where he was headed towards whenever he moved to eventually catch up with him. He wondered how Agent 14 would fare. Though it would probably be easier for her if she took a vehicle.

He also called his parents to let them know he'd be late home today for a date. The little squeal from his mom made him sigh in exasperation but told them he wouldn't be more than an hour late from her proposed time to be home.

Which brought him to now, he was about to start changing again into his civilian clothes, he stashed his backpack near it in an alcove using his longer-lasting webbing, near a pretty popular pizza shop from what he remembered but stopped.

Spider-sense: Another drone. Southwest 3rd story.

Peter snapped his vision to where he felt his spider-sense pointing him towards but made no move yet. 'There's nothing there. At least nothing on the normal light spectrum. Let's see…' By this point, Natasha caught up to where he was and was on the roof of the building above the drone.

"I would have thought I'd be viewing you in your civilian clothes by now." She snarked, unaware of any possible danger. Peter continued staying still as his lenses changed colors to denote his changing of his visual feed before changing to see infrared and noticing the same drone as yesterday watching him at least in shape.

"Oh I've just been -" He stopped himself mid-sentence and blurred forward, running up the building to latch onto the drone with both of his hands before crushing it, which took a more noticeable amount of pressure from him this time. 'Hm, it looks to be of the same model type as last time. So it's not SHIELD?' He finished walking towards the roof, crumpled drone in hand.

Black Widow was surprised and muttered, "I didn't even see him move…" She shook her head, asking in a more audible to human ears tone, "What is that and how did you know it was there?"

Peter shrugged, "Heat signature view for my lenses. As for what it is? I think it's a drone. You saying it's not SHIELD?"

She glared at him as though affronted, 'What? It's a valid question.' "No, Va- Agent 14 and I are the only ones now assigned to watch over you. While we do employ drones we normally do so on targets that are dangerous to interact with. Also, we haven't nailed down invisibility tech."

"Huh. Well, I can help with that last one." Peter stated offhandedly as he took a moment to see if he could recognize any of the components of the machine. Not noticing Widow's surprise at his statement.

"You can make -" "Shh." Peter interrupted her, ignoring her glare. 'What looks like the mic functionality is still up. Dammit.'

Spider-man crushed the remnants further that he saw were for reporting data. And just for good measure, he destroyed the battery powering the drone. 'This is way too advanced for this year. Something else is trying to watch me using our technology and a mix of their own.' He'd need to take this to the lab tomorrow and review any data he could gather from it.

"Sorry, the mic on this thing was still working and I didn't want whoever was on the other end to realize what was going on. Continue." Peter said absentmindedly as he sifted through the remains to take back with him.

The young man felt her shift, either in surprise or waiting to see if he'd stop her for whatever reason, but spoke as he turned around carrying a few of the surviving components and some of the metal.

"I was going to ask if you could really create invisibility tech that could encompass our technology?" She continued.

Peter nodded "Oh yeah totally. The only problem is money." He let out a laugh. "Back in the…past? The future? Whatever. My company was the sole creator of SHIELD tech. Course then a villain ruined my company and trashed it to the ground but you win some you lose some."

Natasha paused processing the information tilting her head. "Do you plan on doing so again for us this time?"

"While I know Parker Industries is supplying SHIELD with some of the leading technology we aren't in a state to where we can be the sole provider of said technology. As much as I'd like for us to be. Freaking Stark." Peter answered. "Now I'm going to change and while I would prefer you leave me alone for this next part. I'm going to assume you're required to watch me until I enter my home? Even though I would highly highly recommend just going back to wherever you live?"

At seeing her nod affirmative, Peter sighed before changing into his normal clothes."Don't antagonize her if she notices you watching."

Curious Black Widow asked, "Who are you meeting with exactly?"

Peter turned to her in exasperation. "You won't believe me. And I'm kinda afraid the knowledge will rattle you. Can you just take in the knowledge that it is a cosmic being I'm meeting with?"

Natasha scoffed. "I'm not interacting with this being, I was just curious." She crossed her arms glaring up at him.

Peter pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's Death. I'm meeting with Death."

At seeing her disbelieving stare he tossed his arms up. "I told you. Just wait. If you're going to be observing you'll be able to from this roof or the other. We're meeting over pizza."

That statement actually caused Black Widow to falter before catching herself. As Peter descended toward the alley he heard her mutter. "Pizza?"

He walked toward the exit of the alley, backpack secured over one arm, and waited.

Not even a minute later a woman appeared from thin air. Dressed in a black tank top that accentuated her midriff and black jeans that hugged her legs with red shoes. She looked exactly the same as before except she seemed to have removed her facial markings. 'Well, she at least knows those would look out of place.'

He heard Natasha breath in sharply at the appearing woman.

Death gave him a small smile. "Good evening my champion." She then stood as though waiting for him to start whatever this was.

Peter coughed and nodded back. "Yes. Good evening. Like I said I chose a pizza place to eat at so uh…we can talk more there."

She again seemed to have some form of emotion cross her face before she nodded. "I see. You look dashing my champion."

Peter coughed in surprise at the compliment before reciprocating. "Thank you. You look beautiful…as always."

He heard Natasha choke on air.

She exuded enjoyment at the compliment and they made it to the restaurant without any trouble. The other occupants of the sidewalk gave them a wide berth. Looks of unease on their faces. The owner of the establishment looked uncomfortable as well for whatever reason. Was it the age difference? He thought he looked at least 18, what with his height being above average for his age at 5'10, and especially with the spider-bite giving his body a musculature make-over.

Finding an unoccupied table Peter noticed again that people either were giving them a wide berth or were looking uncomfortable near them. He frowned. What was going on?

Deciding to voice it to Death he asked, "So uh, Death. Do you know why everyone is treating us like we have the plague or something?"

The raven-haired woman tilted her head in thought before voicing, "I supposed the people around us are feeling the amount of power I am emitting while I exist in this body. Hold on my champion."

Death seemed to fade into the background before appearing just as lively as before. "There we go. This is my first time using my M-body on earth my champion. Apologies for not realizing how much I would need to conceal my power."

Peter chuckled nervously. "You're all good. But an M-body?"

"A physical body created by the Manifestations, Living Fractals they are of another dimension, for use on the material plane. What you saw before was my appearing before you mentally or in my realm." Death explained.

Peter nodded slowly, processing. "And why was I not apparently affected by your power?"

A waiter brought their order before Death could answer, a large Pepperoni and Sausage pizza. Gotta live a little.

Grabbing a slice and looking at it in wonderment Death took a bite and swallowed then answered. "You are able to withstand the physical presence of beings such as I and even Finite beings like Galactus. The average human can not. So the aura I exuded was of no consequence to you. As I said though I erred on the amount of concealment I must make for my presence. I normally only appear to the spirits of the dying and have had no need of presenting myself on the physical plane."

Peter flinched at her explanation. "And the reason I'm able to withstand…" he trailed off already knowing the answer.

"Is because you have an exorbitant amount of chaotic energy. Well, that and your meeting with the One-Above-All seemed to have hardened your soul enough for it to prepare your body." She finished her statement with another bite, a pleased hum erupting from her throat causing Peter to blush. She was loud enough that others looked at them.

"I see. My next question is and it's really the reason I wanted to talk was…" He paused trying to picture how she would react. She's been giving him signs that she was interested in some form of relationship with him. But he wasn't about to try and assume that, he's heard from Thor and others who have dealt with cosmic beings more than he about how they normally do what they want. For all, he knows she was just like that.

"…what are we?" Peter finally asked after the moment of silence. Death was working on her 2nd slice while he finished posing his question.

Death blinked at him in confusion, tilting her head. "We are Patron and Champion. Which is separate from me selecting an Avatar. I have many Avatars for instance. They are tasked with enforcing death upon the world. While their counterparts are chosen to uphold life. The Phoenix force, for example, is an Avatar of mine. Though it's also been an Avatar of Life." She sighed, "Who for the sake of clarification are also called Champions of Life. But that is separate from being the Champion of Death. Unlike my brother and sister, I am not so lazy to use the two interchangeably."

The woman paused to take more bites of her next slice. And at seeing his confusion continued, "If I simply chose you to be one of those you'd be targeted by Eternity's Avatars of Life. As my Champion, you are more than a mere Avatar and for a lack of a better word, are neutral in the fights between Avatars. Your job is not to be concerned with the cosmic scale of life and death tipping either way. The title is me claiming that your Will and Ideals are mine so you can do as you wish. But that means your 'job' is to be the ideals I stand for on a multiverse scale. In this case, an end to all life prematurely. Do you understand?"

Peter frowned. 'That still almost sounds like an Avatar. But that's also not the question I wanted to be answered, this seems more important though.' "I'm sorry but can you please explain more how that's different from just being an Avatar of Death? Don't they count for something in regards to representing you?" At this point Death was on her 4th slice and Peter nabbed two for himself. He didn't really take a break today and at the rate, Death was going he'd have to order another pizza just so he could eat enough to get full.

Death frowned, 'Probably mulling over what she has to say so that it makes sense.' "I guess a better way to put it is that you as my champion have a choice on who lives or dies. Similar to how I can just as easily grant life if I wanted to you have the choice to grant mercy or kill anyone. An Avatar of mine would be compelled to kill if I ordered them to, whereas you can choose to ignore me. Your responsibility also is one of greater importance. Avatars of Death should be subservient to you in respect, and all other beings that encompass my realm of Death and Destruction know that choosing you as my Champion means that you may act as arbiter in my name for any disputes. Also in the event that I am ever indisposed, you will be taking on my role. Unlikely as that is. But your memories show that temporarily no one died for a time."

Peter paled, then he gaped like a fish before rapidly closing and opening his mouth. "Wait wait wait, hold up. That goes beyond what you initially stated being your champion would entail."

Death raised an eyebrow in challenge, "I distinctly remember saying that 'I don't tend to concern myself with the universe', meaning I needed someone to act on my behalf going beyond just implementing Death and Destruction, and if you would 'become my champion for lack of a better word'. There are a lot of words that can be substituted for the duties that may come with being my Champion. Maintainer, Advocate, Upholder, Defender," She smiled tenderly then stated last, "Espouser."

Peter stilled. What Death was saying was true. And it sounded exactly like every deal with a cosmic being he's ever heard of. Always some sort of hidden clause. In this case… 'I'm now essentially Death's partner or husband…of course, I can guess from her archaic use of the term Espouse that patron means she is my protector and not necessarily supporter, though she seems to be willing to be that as well.'

He calmed himself by finishing his first slice, then moved on to the next slice. Letting out a quiet sigh of contentment for the food. Peter then asked, "I don't want to offend you, but if I knew what you exactly meant at the time I wouldn't have accepted. I'm a mortal for one, so you'll outlast me." He gulped realizing that she was Death and could probably keep him or his spirit after death. He started rambling, "Plus I was planning on marrying…someone else."

He frowned, 'Though that ship sailed once I was sent back.' It sucked for his relationship prospects but that was one consequence of being sent back to the beginning of his life.

Peter shook his head, "Look the point is that that 'type' of relationship wouldn't work."

Death calmly ate another bite of her 5th slice and asked "Why?"

Peter gaped, was she not listening? He just told her! "I just told you the eventual passing of my life. Plus my residual feelings for two women already which I'm trying to resolve." Not that he was mulling over it much, he didn't like processing those feelings before when he was older and especially not now. Like the fact that technically his prospects were back to square one and that made him feel like scum.

Death sighed and sat back in her seat before shrugging. "I doubt you'll not be offered some form of immortality eventually. And even if you don't I can still interact with you in the realm of the dead. From your memories, you showed that you love deeply enough to continue a marriage past death. And before you mention Gwendolyn, she was as you humans put it. Your 'Girlfriend' meaning you were still testing the waters to bind your souls, though not for a lack of trying on your part from what your memories show. I know she is one of the women you are worried about." She took another bite and swallowed continuing "You were fully prepared to continue existing with Mary-Jane for all of eternity if possible. Though you never did marry for whatever reason. Even spiritually. Which brings me to your next concern."

She finished her 5th slice letting out a pleased hum. "I do not care if you have feelings for other women." At seeing Peter's indignant face, ready to retort, she quickly continued placing a hand on his to calm him. "That does not mean I don't expect you to not ever act on those feelings. In fact, I encourage it."

Peter's brain short-circuited, "What?" he blankly stated.

Death smiled tenderly again, "My champion there is a multitude of reasons for you to not be with just me. First, the most pressing reason is that you are the center of the Web of Life and Destiny. It's in your nature to promote the growth of life. What better way is there than to have multiple mates."

At seeing him calm down somewhat she returned her hand to her side and took another bite this time out of her 6th slice, "Moving on from your duties as the center of the Web of Life. Your nature as a human dictates that you spread your genetic material to as many women as possible." She hummed, "Another thing is that you yourself have stated that you are having trouble processing your emotions for at least two of the women in the previous timeline. Why not try for both?"

Taking yet another bite, 'She's eating almost as much as me…' Peter thought absentmindedly. "The last thing I can think of that would deter you is the social stigma among your fellow humans. Until recently it was not frowned upon for a man to have multiple mates, something I think is only due to your pop culture praising monogamy. As your religion used to practice it, albeit it was for only a few men. People from the era of Black Widow and countrymen in Symkaria and Latveria still practice it as well though."

Peter was silent. Eventually retorting, "What about one of such women feeling left out? That's unfair and I wouldn't force that on anyone."

Death raised her eyebrow again, "I never said anything about forcing anyone. The One-Above-All from what I recall enjoys the union of his children in all aspects. He of course wouldn't want that to be forced. Also, for all women who join with you, I would expect to be loved equally, which is by far and large the major concern for women. Or are you saying you'd purposefully neglect us?"

Peter glared before frowning and shaking his head, pizza forgotten for now. "Of course not. But that's if, and it's a big if, I was in that type of relationship I'd give everyone the same love and attention. Which I'd like to think is a lot. Meaning it'd be a tough job to perform."

Death smiled before letting out a silvery laugh, "My champion, as you humans put it. 'Nothing worth doing is easy.' Personally, after viewing your memories I think you deserve to be wrapped in a luxuriant amount of love. Familial and romantic. I'd ask that since you were unaware until now to try wholeheartedly."

Peter gaped, and how the hell was he supposed to do that? 'Hey, do you wanna join my harem?' He snorted internally. 'Like that will go over well.' "And how do you suppose I'd go about doing that?" He asked rhetorically.

She shrugged, "Well by being honest. Something every being who has practiced marriage or relationships can agree that communication is key to success my champion. A polygamous relationship would be no different. If instead, you mean how do you start, well, if the female departed experiences are anything to go by, simply showing that you are available in that respect will have women 'flock'" She let out another laugh "to join you."

Peter shook his head, 'That's crazy, who would even go for that?'

Death continued, "Based on your memories I think even Mary-Jane would be up for it if you could ensure her happiness. But I know you are against that for now, how about instead you bring it up to Silver to start? That would, as they say, get the ball rolling."

Peter stared at her bewildered. "Why would I bring it up to Silver, we actually do have a strictly professional relationship. Other than the teasing we give each other, or how she apparently likes to listen to me ramble, or how she makes any excuse she can to tou-" Peter stopped himself short. "Shit," he muttered.

He shook his head angrily, or more frustrated if he was being honest with himself. "But ev-"

"Excuse me, sir, are you ready for the bill?" a plain-looking waiter asked Peter.

Flushed pink, Peter made to say yes, before his stomach growled out to him causing Death to giggle behind her hand.

"Errr, can I get another pizza actually?" Peter asked, face still flushed.

"Of course sir, Pepperoni and Sausage was it?" the waiter asked. At Peter's nod, he quickly left.

The young man sighed rubbing his forehead. "What was I about to say?"

"Something in retort to asking Silver." Death supplied warmly.

"Thank you," Peter said with a nod. "Yes, ignoring the biological age difference, I don't think I could keep me being from the future a secret. I'd always feel like I was lying and feeling mentally older. I'd be scum."

Death smiled softly, "Then tell her my champion."

Peter looked away, 'I…I don't know.' He thought to himself. If he was being honest he planned on not ever getting into another relationship. And when he put that into perspective he knew what his problem was, why he was uppity about being told he tied himself to Death. 'I'm scared…Why?' …He knew the answer. He was afraid of being hurt. Whether that be from a lover dying, or them growing apart. That seemed to be how all of his relationships ended no matter his intentions.

His heart ached at the memories. His eyes felt moist yet no tears fell. 'If I try what do I have to lose?'

Death waited for him to speak as their 2nd pizza was brought. Peter thanked the server absentmindedly.

Peter sighed. "I…You said…" He shook his head and stared into her warm, and seemingly understanding eyes. "You asked me to try. So against my initial reaction, I will, I'm not expecting anything to happen though. I also apologize for any rudeness on my part earlier. If I'm being honest, it was mainly because I am scared of being in another relationship. Let alone relationships. Well that, and I really didn't know what I was agreeing to."

Death smiled warmly. Which Peter took to mean 'I understand'. Causing him to let out another sigh. "For one, we should have more dates like these then, though with lighter topics." She nodded. "The other thing is that I hope you don't expect me to be rolling in women by next week." That caused her to laugh again, and her eyes held her mirth as she nodded again.

"But I think I'm getting emotionally drained, we can continue talking about this another time. Though I do wonder if you will still find a need to call upon Madam Web if our relationship is as it is." Peter wondered, taking another slice.

"Yes, I still will at least prepare you in short order. While I can be in multiple places at once. It's far easier to simply message your Madam Webs as they can see the future and relay what is going on. I'll impress upon them as well not to be as cryptic. Now, I believe you should eat my champion. The owner of this establishment has been staring at us. And garbling our speech for everyone else has made him wary."

"Ah yeah, sorry let's just eat."

The two ate in companionable silence. Peter's mind though occasionally went to what they discussed.

Afterward, Death walked beside him for a few blocks before departing with a chaste kiss and a smile.

Peter sighed, he was doing that a lot and searched with his senses for Natasha wondering if she instead read their lips. He noticed her following him home, but she never made any sign that she wanted to speak with Peter which was a relief. He didn't want to be grilled on the main topic they discussed. Not just because it would be embarrassing…actually only because it would be embarrassing.

Getting home he was greeted by his father who simply gave him a hug and a 'knowing' smile that made Peter cringe internally, with a wish goodnight. Peter did the same and after depositing his backpack and a quick shower, crashed as soon as he hit the bed.

---

Natasha the Black Widow (Roof across the Pizzeria)

"Pizza?" Black Widow muttered under her breath. 'If this really is a cosmic being why would they want to eat pizza?' She shook her head. Now was not the time to question it was time to observe.

Though, as she watched Peter walk down nonchalantly the side of the building and wait for this cosmic being, Natasha couldn't help but reflect on today and her time with the young man named Peter Parker.

Natasha was unsure how to feel about Peter Parker or as she also knew him Spider-man. The teenager carried himself as a man would. Albeit a man that tried too hard in her opinion to be funny at least when in his Spider-man identity. She would vehemently deny laughing internally at some of his jokes or almost letting out smiles. It was different from how he carried himself as Peter Parker who behaved more like an introvert and his brand of humor relied on inter-personal relationships. It was more of a quiet humor and by far what Natasha preferred if only for her self-image. 'Both are nice though if I'm being honest to myself.'

She shook her head, she was going off on a tangent. The fact that a teenager was acting so mature was an enigma. She knew that logically he was either lying about being from the future or actually was telling the truth both did not bode well. If he was lying then in her experience the only reason for a teenager to behave maturely, excluding the humor that might be a coping mechanism, was to go through a traumatic experience. And unless SHIELD was lying to her about his past it was unlikely, but the cause of it was still a concern. Especially if it was HYDRA-related. Groups of cells splintering off into their own little cliques. Each was a separate concern. Their parent organization though has been known to call their own leaders gods and goddesses. Along with actually trying to attain favor with mythological beings.

Since her reanimation from cryo-stasis, SHIELD's update on her previous 'masters' for a lack of a better word, and their interactions with HYDRA made her skin crawl. 'That wasn't what Ivan wanted for me.' She closed her eyes pained. But she was getting herself off track again. The point was that if HYDRA was trying to recruit a new young impressionable youth she was going to try her damnedest to save said youth. Not just because SHIELD was ordering her to, but because it's what Ivan did for her as her foster father and later her handler.

'For Ivan.' She thought with a determined glare. Before her eyes widened at seeing a voluptuous woman appear next to Peter. Then the presence she exuded made her breathe in sharply. She noticed Peter was unaffected and instead seemed to be nervous in an awkward manner.

'Well, he's unlikely to be lying with that show of power. Or if he still is and this woman is allied with HYDRA I fear for the innocents. Fury will need to learn of this ASAP.'

"…You look beautiful…as always," Peter said with a blush. Natasha couldn't help it and choked on air. 'What kind of relationship do they have?' She looked over the woman comparing her looks to her own already assessing what would be needed to possibly turn Parker's attention away from a hostile.

If HYDRA was using a honeypot they sure didn't skimp on choosing a being who rivaled Natasha in the same body shape category, that being one of a traditionally top-rated hourglass woman. She knew her sculpted face looked like one out of the many marble depictions of Russian women throughout history combined with her red hair she was what many men and women considered a knockout.

The KGB, after seeing her looks as she grew into her maturity, made sure she knew the type of asset she could be compared to some of the other recruits and so was trained with a few others on seduction in all of its aspects. Which was different from how SHIELD trained their recruits. SHIELD explained to her that they had LMDs to perform seduction missions that would require physical action and so female and male recruits are instead taught more about how to seduce a target emotionally. 'But that might be hard to do with Parker based on these two's interactions.'

At seeing the crowd part for them Natasha stared intently. She planned on reporting the two's interactions to be determined by the leaders of SHIELD for a proper course of action. If Parker was telling the truth then any knowledge that was to be shared would be still of concern to SHIELD. As Peter and the woman named Death sat down Natasha stared at their lips preparing herself to read what was happening.

"I do say we cut a striking example of a dating couple do we not?" A soft voice whispered from her left.

Adrenaline raced through her body as Natasha leaped backward and reached for her newly issued needle pistols, but was stopped in place by a force she couldn't see. Glaring at being thwarted from being able to put up even a resemblance of a fight she calmed herself. 'I must gather any and all information I can, my pride is useless right now.'

Taking a look at the woman she noticed it was the same one that was supposed to be sitting down with Peter. 'So how is she here?'

"Are you Death?" Black Widow eventually asked.

She smiled mysteriously, Natasha would call it mocking due to her current situation. "Yes. I am."

The redhead squirmed, the force holding her becoming uncomfortable. Noticing this the woman's hand moved, the force then switched to support her in a sitting position. And in the blink of an eye, a table with two seats appeared. One of which was now beneath her.

She had the use of her hands back and rubbed them absentmindedly as she saw the black-haired woman take a seat opposite of her.

"I take it now you won't try and futilely attack me?" 'Death' said this time with a warning tone edging into her voice.

Narrowing her eyes Natasha nodded. It was in her interest to simply wait and see what the woman calling herself Death was capable of, plus she was trained to extract information through other ways. 'Not just interrogation.' She thought to herself chidingly. Her overconfidence in thinking she could take down Peter who was more than enhanced flitted through her mind.

"It'd be pretty pointless. Though you don't just sneak up on people like that." The spy stated evenly.

"Ah, but from my champion's memories it is a great way to extract humor from a normally composed person." The woman laughed at that, and if Natasha's ego wasn't bruised she'd call it soothing. Right now though it sounded mocking.

'Champion?'

Composing herself, Natasha moved to sit more comfortably while at the same time positioning herself to potentially draw her needle pistols as well. Death smiled knowingly but said nothing. Causing Natasha to internally seethe.

Ever since she started doing field assignments after her reanimation she felt like she's lost her touch. Though that shouldn't be the case, she was only reanimated 2 months ago and was able to best Fury, his lover Laura, and the rest of his cadre. Val was the only SHIELD agent so far that could give her a run for her money and even then it wasn't enough to make her sweat. So seeing her skills as a spy, that is to say, to be stealthy even in body expression, be caught was…aggravating.

Nonetheless, she held her tongue and stated evenly, "What do you want?"

"Well for one, this is a lot more interesting way to distract you from listening in on my champion and I's discussion." Natasha's eyes narrowed in suspicion. At seeing her eyes narrow Death laughed again. "Oh don't be mad, we aren't discussing anything that would be of import, especially to SHIELD." She smiled to herself, "You on the other hand…hmm, he'll probably bring it up to you in time. When it's not a secret he tends to be as honest as possible. Well that, and he will want to include you when the time comes I'm sure based on his memories."

Natasha turned subconsciously to stare at Peter. She couldn't see his mouth clearly due to a weird haze every time he spoke but she could tell that he looked affronted by whatever it is he and Death were talking about. 'Well, there is more of a chance he'll be willing to discuss if he feels bothered by whatever it is. But he'd need to trust me enough to do so.' She frowned. "That's unlikely. We just met, regardless of how angry he is he's not a typical teenager who will cave in at the slightest bit of attention from a woman."

Death simply smiled again. "As I said it is of no matter, he'll bring it up to you in time. And while I think this won't dissuade you, it's nothing 'bad'." She emphasized the last word. "So, we have some time to kill as they say. I'll humor you for the time being and answer any three questions you have for me. Except, of course, the topic of my champion and I's discussion."

The young spy's face was stone as she thought over the offer. 'Well, it's not like I have much of a choice what with my being closed off from observing anything meaningful over Peter. But if this truly is Death then what am I limited to knowing?'

Deciding to test said knowledge that would coincide with what a cosmic being in control of death should know, combined with something only she would know Natasha asked, "What were my father's last words to me?"

Death sighed and threw a pitying look toward Natasha. Drastically different from how she presented herself before. "Are you sure you want to ask me about that? You're certainly one who isn't afraid to ask what many would consider emotionally damaging to hear."

Natasha, poker-faced, nodded her head.

Death sighed again with one more look of pity, before straightening in her chair and speaking in perfect Russian. "Natasha stop, it's no use. -" Natasha felt her breath involuntarily hitch and calmed herself using her training, waiting to see if the rest of those words would come. 'That sounds like more than just his last words. It sounds like our final conversation; just one-sided.'

"-I can't even feel the wound anymore. Please, can you hold my hand? Thank you. I am sorry Natasha, my daughter. I'm sorry for not being there when you were taken. I'm sorry for when we rescued you I gave you up to our masters…I'm sorry for leaving you alone and probably about to do so again. Please know that through all of it I loved you." She paused afterward letting Natasha process the words.

Natasha sat silent and still. Her heart ached at the words, and the memory it brought to the forefront of her mind as she watched her father in all but blood bleed out while she held his hand. She internally shook her head. 'Process emotions later. Continue now knowing that the woman in front of me should be able to answer questions regarding the dead and their knowledge.' And like she was taught, she focused instead on the opportunity in front of her. 'If that's the case she could give me the entirety of SHIELD's enemy list and their base locations.'

Excited now at the veritable worth of knowledge in front of her, but hidden beneath a cool stare she asked, "Where are all of the bases and their uses of HYDRA?"

The annoying woman laughed, "You certainly went for the throat." She hummed, "To keep your trust and for the sake of time I'll instead give you a multitude of folders with the information I have." She said as she moved her hand across the table, different colored and named folders like 'Otto Vermis', 'A.I.M.' and 'THEM' appeared.

Natasha sighed internally. 'That…is a lot of information.' Looking over the rest of the folders and categorizing them already she muttered. "I can't carry this all back to my room and watch over Peter successfully."

Grinning Death reversed her hand direction folders disappearing. "Not to worry, they'll be sitting at your desk when you arrive. One more question. And please, make it quick Peter and I's discussion is drawing to a close I feel."

The redhead nodded her head in acknowledgment, 'What to ask…' Deciding she could ask Peter for knowledge of the future – who she now believed firmly was from the future –, and having in her opinion the most pressing information SHIELD would want to be asked; a question pertaining to her current objective. "What is your relationship with Peter Parker?"

Grinning mysteriously again, Death answered "He's my champion. And I am his patron." Standing up and with it the table and seats as well. Causing Black Widow to widen her eyes as she was forced into a standing position. "And with that, I believe it's time for our little discussion to end. This was certainly enlightening. I look forward to seeing you more." With a wave and a mysterious smile, she disappeared.

Perturbed the spy shook her head before moving to look for Peter, casting one more glance at the drone's remains and grabbing what she felt was appropriate. As she turned back towards the street towards Peter and the other Death she saw no one. Heart racing she was about to call in to SHIELD, something she thought she would not have to do as much now, but calmed down as she saw that Peter was now walking alone towards the direction of his home. A pensive look on his face. 'Best not to interact with him for the rest of tonight. I'll discuss more with him when we go to obtain Captain America.'

After seeing him head inside his home safely she herself headed toward her assigned safe house while in New York.

Just as Death said, on her desk lay a multitude of folders. Sighing Natasha decided to lock and contain the new data and sleep. 'Fontaine will be handling Peter tomorrow, I'll deliver this to Fury during that time.'

Normally Natasha had nightmares when remembering Ivan, and expected to be plagued by his death tonight due to the earlier conversation, but as her mind drifted off into the land of dreams she dreamt of the small period of time where she was able to be a little girl in the care of Ivan. It was peaceful.

---

Peter Parker, The Parker Scion (Parker Home)

With a heaping pile of eggs and bacon with a side of toast, Peter was eating with his family after what felt like weeks without seeing them. 'Huh past few days must have been super stressful.' He thought to himself as he felt his body relax and release some of the unconscious tension that had been building.

His parents seemed to feel the same. Joy-filled faces glancing at him in between their own bites of food.

Appreciating the food and the companionable silence, unfortunately, brought up pressing matters to Peter causing him to frown. Richard noticed and asked, "What's wrong bud?"

Sighing Peter looked determinedly toward his dad and then his mom. "SHIELD is asking for my help on a project regarding cryo-stasis." Seeing their faces slowly go from shock to anger Peter continued, "It's only for about a day and it's tomorrow. Fury was the one to approach me."

At seeing Teresa look questionably at her parents and brother, Mary whispered to her husband before ending the conversation with "You can discuss this with your father on the way to work."

Giving a silent nod to his parents, the family then went back to as normal as it could be, though by the way his parents' shoulders were slightly tense he could tell that their morning was not going to be as relaxing as they had hoped. 'I'll need to take a day this week to make up for this. Maybe ask for a day with Ben and May included?'He winced. That would mean that MJ and Anna would be there. Not normally a bad thing. But with last night's conversation…Well, he'd just have to deal.

Saying goodbye to his mother and sister as his mom left to drop off Teresa at her school. Peter himself got in the passenger side of his dad's car to head to the company building. It was time to greet the new employees… And talk with his dad about Fury's excuse.

Richard Parker, Family Man (Richard's Car)

The tension inside the car, was in Richard's opinion, needlessly growing. At seeing his son awkwardly stare at the passing pedestrians and buildings on their way to Parker Industries while holding the backpack his son's been carrying for a while; Richard decided to bite the proverbial bullet. "Pet-"

"Do you think you could ask Ben and May if we could have a family outing at their place this week?" His son interrupted staring intensely at him.

"Uh, sure Pete. What brought this on though?" The father asked. His son rarely asked anymore to spend time with the family and it was a concern for Mary and him. Peter has been nothing but a wonderful son, but they were beginning to be concerned that their future-seeing son was trying too hard to be a grown man when he still had at least three years before he would be an adult.

Peter shrugged, "I know I've been kinda distant lately busy with projects and all. And I miss you all. But I can't exactly control when you or mom get to call off so I'd rather leave it in your hands." He ended with a slight smirk.

'Little bastard.' Richard thought with an internal laugh and smiled. "Sure I'll ask your Uncle when he's free. Maybe MJ and Anna will be there as well." His son made a face and Richard was about to press for more before grimacing. Deciding they already had one tension-filled topic to discuss. 'No need to possibly bring up relationships right now. I'd rather discuss that with him when I have more of the details. As far as I know, they are great friends with a one-sided crush, but I know romance throws a wrench in that.'

"Anyways, Peter. Did Fury tell you why he wanted you specifically?" The father asked, diverting the topic.

His son shook his head. "No, he just appeared while I was walking around yesterday and asked if I knew who he was, which I did, then asked if I would be willing to help him on a project concerning cryostasis…I said yes."

Richard turned to stare at his son wide-eyed before turning back to look at the road, he had precious cargo with him. Even if that precious cargo was now deciding to make him go spare. "And why the hell would you do that?"

The teen winced and shrugged again, "It seemed like a good idea. I'd like for the company to expand more so working with SHIELD on another project seemed like a good idea. You know, for more contracts to likely be sent our way." He looked away after explaining his reasoning, a frown on his face.

Richard sighed, 'Peter has been all-in on this company since we started it.' And Richard could see why. His son's inventions have been able to save a lot of people. Something his wife and he knew Peter enjoyed doing no matter what it was. 'I know Mary and I pushed for this on his behalf, but sometimes I have to regret it. No child or teen should feel like they need to expand a company.' Father and son sat in silence for a few more moments before Richard muttered "Mary's going to chew my head off."

Straightening up further Richard nodded toward his son. "I'll speak with Fury, I'd rather one of us be there. But I think you said it was for only one full day correct?" Seeing Peter nod he continued, "Then I'll ask Fury for more details and let you know what will happen. If that's why you accepted the offer though, I'll make sure the company is offered more contracts." He then muttered, "And he better or Mary will castrate him."

Seeing his son relax, Richard did too. 'He better have him back in one day.' The rest of the way toward work was noticeably easier to deal with. Especially when Richard was able to play his own music and saw that his son was tapping his fingers or feet with the beat. He enjoyed spending time like this with his son, even if he was a little too altruistic for his own good most of the time.

Peter Parker the Parker Scion (Parker Industries)

Peter and his dad arrived on time an hour before the new employees were set to arrive. But they didn't sit around that hour doing nothing. They performed last-minute checks with each floor to be presentable for a tour and meeting with Silver, Hardy, and Fox to discuss roaming security though it was honestly unneeded and might as well have been a time-waster. And of course, last-minute checks for the furnished labs. A genetics lab, a biochemistry and Radioactivity lab, and an electronics engineering lab.

Afterward, he was able to analyze the leftover material for the drone, but other than some of the compositions being familiar to him, was not ringing any bells. He'd check it over again before going on patrol.

'I wish I could have tried hiring more, but not many of my villains had pasts that could work within the confines of Parker Industries. Well that and a lot of them were criminals beforehand.' He thought to himself with a sigh as he waited for them with his father in the reception area.

He didn't wait long.

A man with one arm entered first with a gaunt face, followed by an elderly-looking man with a wary stare, and finally, a portly looking man who was poker-faced but let his eyes drift curiously around the reception area.

'Well, they don't look that happy to be here.' He thought with an internal wince.

"Welcome you three!" Peter's dad greeted, stepping forward, arms open. "First, thank you all for accepting the offer for your different positions here. As you know I'm the CEO and President, of Parker Industries and this is my son Peter who runs or leads most of our scientific projects, but with you three here we hope to offload that load to you three. But, I won't bore you three with what I already explained in your offer letters. Why don't we get started with the tour!"

Peter watched as each of the men's faces shifted slightly at the greeting. Curtis Connors, the one-armed man, tried to smile but it came out more as a grimace, while Adrian Toomes, the elderly man grumbled, and Otto Octavius simply hummed, the same expression on his face as before. 'Probably withholding judgment, that or he's just not listening.'

The tour went well in Peter's opinion, or as well as could be when it was for men that could be heading towards villainy (hopefully not though with this career option).

He tried getting Toomes to sign on earlier with Parker Industries, while he was simply a former felon turned reformed inventor, but he was adamant about staying with his then partner until he found out he was embezzling money from the company. Thankfully he took the offer for Parker Industries to fight on his behalf, earning him the rest of his former company's earnings except for the legal costs. They then offered him a job afterward, to which Peter remembered having to argue specifically for Toomes that his mind would warrant his pay. With both the legal winning of the dissolving of his company and a job that paid well Toomes never got a taste for crime excluding him being on the run for small petty crimes, though based on his facial expression in the beginning he was feeling unfulfilled. 'Hopefully working more on projects beyond his harness will get him back into the kind old man vibes former customers spoke of.'

Connors unfortunately just refused outright for previous offers; citing the benefits weren't enough for him to reliably move from Florida to New York with his family. After talking it over with his parents though they eventually changed Connors' contract to satisfy his concerns. But his mood when entering the building also showed that he was still dealing with his own problems. 'From what I overheard dad say, Curt's wife was pushing for this move since the beginning. Citing that it would benefit him to join a reputable company. But he probably put his own work on the Lizard serum on the back burner now. Hopefully collaborating with Sue and Franklin will help him move in a separate direction from the Lizard or at least correct any flaws in the serum.'

Otto though outright refused earlier offers citing the Atomic Research center had the greatest source of radioactive materials he could ever want to experiment with. Unfortunately, that meant that Otto's acceptance now of all times hinted at some life-changing event to pass up on the resources ARC could offer. 'His mother probably passed away now and that means he broke off his engagement to that woman so he's probably lost and wants to get away…I gotta admit this feels kind of scummy to poach him away from his former work, but excluding his possible villainous accident, it probably is healthy for him to be away from ARC for now.' Peter remembered hearing from the Fantastic Four how in the beginning before the megalomania settled in permanently that Otto tried to reform and be good, or even later in life after taking control of Peter's body – which would not be happening again if he had anything to say about it– he learned to be a better person. 'Regardless I'll make sure that any aides assigned to work or help him, double up on safety measures to prevent an accident even if he still acts arrogantly.'

His dad turned to him as the men left the building, "You know other than Connors the other two seem kinda…shady?" Richard shook his head slumping slightly. "And you're sure these men are safe to employ?"

Peter nodded, "Yes. I think they all are just dealing with their own problems…in the future, I saw they were well…" He shook his head, 'Can't go off telling my dad, they became villains because of either accidents or felt like the world owed them something.' "They didn't really have a chance to do better dad. If you want though I can work with Silver to set up some extra security measures?"

Richard sighed in relief, "Yeah, that would make me feel a lot better."

"Grea–"

The ringing and vibration of Peter's phone interrupted him, with his time spent in the lab he needed both to attract his attention. "Huh," he said. Noticing the caller ID: 14. Raising his phone and just giving his dad a nod of acknowledgment and receiving one in return he answered the call, moving to go towards an elevator towards his office.

"Hello?" Peter answered.

"Hm, not you then." Agent 14 greeted in a vexed tone. She then changed it into one of false cheer. "Would you be a dear and change into your other work clothes?"

"Uh sure," Peter said moving towards his backpack, arriving at his office. "Any particular reason why?" He said transferring the call to his helmet.

"There seems to be another version of you running around. They've stolen jewels from a multitude of stores and are now breaking into a whats a front for SHIELD as the media is covering his exploits now…it's an Army base as far as they're concerned." Agent 14 said in a clipped tone.

"Oh," Peter said, momentarily stopping getting dressed. He then muttered, "Goddammit this early really?"

"I take it then that you know who this imposter is?" Agent 14 asked. He finished putting on his suit stuffing his civilian clothes inside and carrying it on his back.

Taking the vents and using Otto's –or was it his now? It was invented by him now– Cyber-control software to spoof the sensors monitoring the vents to give the all-clear, he made his way to the roof of the Baxter Building. "Not exactly, but you wouldn't believe how many people tried to use my likeness or abilities to try and either turn the public against me or to throw my allies off before. I'm heading my way there now."

Agent 14 hummed. "Acknowledged. Sending the coordinates to your phone. Once you arrive use the code-word: Arachnid Alpha Foxtrot, to any SHIELD personnel… We'd hate to either have to heal our agents or possibly try to explain to your parents why you were injured by SHIELD agents. We've chosen not to engage until now due to the speed of his heists and for civilian safety. But we'll be engaging shortly since the press isn't allowed on base."

"Wait, speed? Is he as fast as I am?" Peter asked worriedly, heading towards the directions he was given as they appeared on his simplistic HUD.

Agent 14 hummed, "Not on foot from what we can tell, but his…web-lines? Enable him to reach speeds faster than a normal human, though unlike yours they don't dissolve and we already have R&D working on determining what they are. They are surprisingly tough." She finished with a touch of irritation.

"Got it, I'm almost there." He said, launching himself forward with his arms at the edge of the building he was on, as he was already at the highest building with nothing to web to.

---

Arriving shortly afterward near the base, Spider-man took stock of the situation. 'Reporters in the front. No explosions so that's promising. Well, then no time to lose.' Jumping over the reporters and waving for effect he yelled. "'Scuse me very important spider person coming through!"

"Hey! Wasn't he already in the base!?" Some random man shouted behind him as leaped over the barricade.

At seeing a line of agents or as they were dressed soldiers raise their guns at him he raised his arms. "Whoa! Whoa there! Arachnid Alpha Foxtrot! Arachnid Alpha Foxtrot!" Seeing the agents lower their weapons and relax he asked, "Where's the imposter who dares besmirch my image?"

"They headed toward an experimental rocket we have on base. I can lead you there sir." One agent offered. 'Sir?' Peter shook his head. Questions to ask later.

Looking up to the rest of the bases skyline Spider-man shook his head. "That's alright I can see the rocket from here and I'm sure I'll find my adoring fan on the way. Keep it, classy guys." He said before releasing a web line to propel him forward.

As he got closer he felt his spider-sense start to tingle. Not in immediate warning but of danger being up ahead, though it was more like a finger was touching him lightly. As he got closer the feeling became one of slight pressure like from a child demanding attention, before catching the site of Agent 14 in the middle of dodging a bladed arm from a man wearing his costume appeared in front of him. There were a couple of agents bleeding and passed out around them. His spider-sense then went back to being silent. 'Huh, weird. Wonder why it isn't blaring now?'

Launching himself forward he released a light kick towards the impostor. As the kick connected Peter felt a force direct his foot away from his opponent. A light shimmer encompassed the man as he was knocked back, his arm changing back to match Peter's. The light continued flickering before a belt appeared on the man's waist, slightly smoking. 'Shielding?'

"Hey there! Hope you don't mind me taking on your date for this afternoon Agent 14." He yelled with a grin, though no one noticed due to the helmet. 'There's an idea, an emotive lens system.'

With an amused huff and slight glance towards Spider-man, Agent 14 played along, "Well be my guest. He doesn't know how to treat a lady."

The impostor Spider-man stared at him warily glancing between the two. Peter shook his head, "Now that's a shame. If you're going to take my look you gotta know how to treat a lady. You're making me want to show Agent 14 after this how a man properly does so."

"If you get him captured before the day is over I'll consider it." Agent 14 slyly replied. 'Finally some genuine banter.' Peter thought internally with a grin.

"Well, you heard the lady, wanna-be-me. You wouldn't happen to wanna be a bro and just turn yourself in here and now would you?" Spider-man asked. Not expecting anything to happen but you never know.

The lenses on the impostor Spider-man's head narrowed. 'Wait! What the hell!?' The impostor's legs tensed and made to jump. Causing Peter to snap his arms forward, firing off ropes of webbing to surround him. "Whoa there! I didn't say you could go just yet! We haven't even danced. Though good look getting out of thos-"

"GRAHHHHG" The impostor screamed as his limbs turned into sharp blades, cutting through Spider-man's webbing and growing dark green wings on his back to start flying away. 'Skrulls!?' Time seemed to slow as he tried to think of the possible reasons for why they were on Earth already. Narrowing his own eyes Spider-man fired a spider-tracer before the alien could fly more than two feet, and felt the familiar feel of his spider-sense start picking up the tracer attached to its back.

"Dammit, he's getting away!" Agent 14 yelled in frustration bringing up a radio from her uniform belt. "Command! I want a heli–" She stopped as she felt Spider-man's hand gently bring her hand down. "What?" She said with a glare.

"I put a tracer on him. It –"

"A what?" She asked in disbelief.

"A tracer. I made these tiny tracers," He said as he raised his gauntlet and opened a compartment showcasing his old, or current, spider tracers. "It uses GPS tracking and a signal only I know of. I can follow him anywhere."

Narrowing her eyes and stepping back slightly she stated, "So you let him get away? Why?"

Peter nodded his head, "I did. And because he's a Skrull." At seeing her expression only change to confusion he continued. "The Skrulls are an alien race part of and lead a galactic empire stemming from the Andromeda galaxy. They invade other planets populated with intelligent races or plentiful resources and conquer said planets. And they don't operate–"

"–alone." She finishes for him, looking pensive before gazing at him in a new light. He'd almost say it was hungry and a touch of longing? 'The heck? Did I just remind her of someone right now? No way she's into me.' Her gaze switched back to one of what Peter would call 'Spy mode' since Natasha rested her face the same way though it held a hint of respect now. "Understood. How soon did you plan on heading out to follow him then?"

Spider-man looked back out towards the Skrull who was now a pinprick against the buildings and shifted his backpack. "Well, he's bound to try and make sure no one is tailing him. So we can wait for about 10 minutes before we head out, we'll stay out of sight if his group is in the city or as far back as needed. Maybe longer if you want to use a vehicle. Natasha told me you don't have stealth tech yet so we'd probably lose the element of surprise."

She nodded in affirmation. "Understood. I'll prepare my gear."

He looked around at the injured agents. "Wait so we're heading out soon then? Uh, what about these guys?"

Looking around Agent 14 nodded and reached for her radio. "Command, I need medic teams for 7 injured agents on path 3C to the launch pad."

At hearing the acknowledgment of medics being sent Agent 14 motioned her head for Peter to follow her. "It would be the height of folly to use a vehicle from your estimation and give our enemy the chance to regroup."

They came upon a portion of the base that had two rooms marked 'Armory' and 'Locker Rooms'. "Wait here." Agent 14 commanded before heading into the armory marked room. Minutes later she exited with a fresh suit and some grenades attached to her belt along with two slim-looking pistols and a few more mags. 'Natasha had those as well.'

"Well, you look badass. What's with the grenades and weird-looking pistols?" Peter asked.

She smirked at his compliment, "Thank you. Our attacks seemed to graze him by and until your kick, all of our physical attacks seemed to miss as well. You noticed his belt as well correct?"

Spider-man nodded, "Yeah, I guessed it was some kind of shield tech. Though it was pretty weak. I was holding back on that kick."

Agent 14 paled slightly, "Ah, yes weak." Shaking her head she continued, "Anyways, the grenades are standard flash and smoke. These pistols though are based on Fury's standard-issue needle pistols. The needle's tips are tinged with explosive chemicals. They'll be good for at least disrupting their footing or even overpowering their shields. Like your kick did."

Peter whistled, "Well color me impressed." 'Actually, didn't Natasha have something like that on a rolling carousel for her wrists? I wonder if SHIELD R&D is planning on building them for her…'

"SHIELD does have some of its own inventions. But I'm ready like I said. Let's go." She said moving to walk.

Spider-man shrugged before thinking of a small prank to pull. grabbing to hold Agent 14 to his side who widened her eyes before glaring. "Excuse me? What are you doing?" He was thankful that he built enough trust with her to only verbally question him.

He grinned, "Did you think we'd be walking or running there? We're swinging!" He jumped holding Agent 14 tight against him while following the subtle hum of his spider-sense calling him to his tracer. From the corner of his eye, he saw as her eyes widened in surprise before she moved to essentially hug herself against him to feel more secure. Though due to his sturdy backpack she had to snake her arm under it pressing herself closer to him than probably was needed without it.

Not that he felt as much with his plated armor, though from her slight glare as he bounded them away she probably felt like he was getting the hug of a lifetime due to her body; which rivaled Natasha's in his opinion. Which was accentuated by her tightening her hold as he performed a flip to gain some air after a swing.

He wilted internally, 'It's not my fault she doesn't have the speed to keep up with me. Plus she can trust my hold on her. What? Does she think I'm going to just let her drop?' He snorted, he'd never do that. From the glare, he received that snort was out loud. He grinned sheepishly at her. "Sorry. Just thought of something funny."

They passed over Parker Industries as he followed his spider-tracer deeper into the city. Where he noticed a female figure traversing the buildings around it, searching for something before stopping to stare up at them. Curious but unconcerned as his spider-sense didn't even hum, Peter continued onward even as he noticed the figure move again in their direction. 'Wonder who's active right now than to be searching for, presumably me?… Eh, I'll check back later.' He sped up as much as possible when carrying a normal human, receiving a tighter hug in response.

"We're coming up on their building." Spider-man relayed to his passenger a couple of minutes later.

"Got it."

With one last flip, Peter landed them onto a building adjacent to the building where he felt his tracer. A lone water silo above the building, nothing else of note. He let his passenger go as he tried peering through the windows he could see. 'Empty?'

Agent 14 stepped away when Peter released her, stretching before giving him a nod. "That was surprisingly exhilarating, just please let me know in advance next time. Now, which floor and building?"

"Top floor of the one across from us. The one with the water silo. He's walking around back and forth. I can't tell how many others there are, but there's bound to be at least 4 or 8. They like to be in pairs and have even amounts." Spider-man relayed.

"That's just generalized military strategy. A battle buddy and such. Assuming this is a scouting party and with your brief description of planet conquering there's bound to be a platoon instead of just two squads." She tsked in frustration. "So 20 max I'd guess."

Peter tilted his head to showcase his confusion. Other than the dubbed 'Secret Invasion' he rarely dealt with Skrulls. Mainly Jessica's doppelganger and her retinue."So then the entire floor might hold them?"

Agent 14 nodded grimly. "That'd be the smartest thing to do. Anything larger and it'd be harder to keep themselves hidden, though they are shape-shifters. For all we know, there might be a battalion in there instead."

Spider-man nodded as well. "Well, how do you want to handle this then? I normally try to sneak in and hang around the ceiling if I know there's going to be a larger group, take them out one by one, but you can't do that. And if it gets crazy in there the people downstairs might be in danger."

She hummed, "Without knowing exactly how many we're dealing with or what I can't think of a solution, only measures to take to gather more information…Can you scout out a room and take out any inside so we can try to get a clearer picture?"

Peter nodded, "Step one will be complete then, one of the rooms is empty I'll just prop open the window and take us inside. Hold on." With that he jumped across, sticking to the side of the building next to the window. It was a sliding window from top to bottom so if he just…wow it was unlocked already. 'Does one of them use the window constantly or something?' He shrugged. He wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Propping the window open he set his backpack down before leaping back over to grab Agent 14, this time with a warning, "Hold on tight!" As he leaped straight for the window Agent 14's breath hitched, before sighing in relief as he lightly latched to the wall and placed her down on the window sill, where she slid in quietly.

As soon as Spider-man himself landed inside though he was met with a shove or at least an attempt at a shove. It felt more like a love tap to him.

"I said warn me next time!" She whisper yelled with a huff. "I thought we were about to go splat against the wall."

Peter winced, "I'm sorry." Was all he whispered in reply.

She shook her head before motioning to the room's door. He nodded in return before moving to try the handle. It opened easily. 'Again not locked. This has got to be the easiest break-in I've ever had to do.'

Peering through the crack he saw an empty drab hallway and frowned. He opened the door wide and other than the sharp breath of his ally it was silent and empty.

Growing more unconcerned as he could only hear voices in one room he calmly walked out. The muttering of Agent 14 reached his ears. "Of all the– Son of two top former agents my ass." She sighed before following him afterward.

Stopping before the room he turned to motion his head at the door. They both stood on a side of the doorway, the Skrulls' voices coming in clearly now.

"–eed to report this then. We'll move to a different location just in case you were followed."

Face grim she whispered "Breach and clear. Just open the door and I'll toss this inside." Grabbing a single grenade. 'Flash grenade?' He thought in surprise before smirking. He could handle both its effects.

"How about I bust down the door and you toss it in behind me?" He whispered back.

Incredulous and a tad horrified before he motioned to his helmet to symbolize he was safe; she stilled before shaking and nodding her head. Whispering, "You better not make me have to handle all of them alone because of your brazen attitude."

He chuckled, before nodding his head and raising his hand with three fingers up.

3

"Maaaaan, I wanted to order some more Earthman pizza while we waited."

2

A Skrull sighed, "Fine, but this is the last time."

1

Peter knocked loudly on the door before raising his leg for a kick, "Special Delivery! Giovanni's Pizza!"

"Wha–" The wooden door collapsed under the force of his kick sending debris forward toward the room's occupants.

Spider-man quickly took stock of the situation as adrenaline pumped through his veins increasing his reaction time. The four Skrulls stood around a wooden desk, one of which was still dressed like him, in surprise, their bodies already reacting to the debris launching towards them even if their brains didn't comprehend what was happening. He dashed forward then, a flash grenade being launched after him.

He reached the first Skrull nearest to him and lashed out with a punch to the gut, deciding to overwhelm the shielding that his compatriot had shown they had earlier. His fist felt like it rubbed against a sleek surface before a flash of light emanated from the Skrull and disappeared. Shield gone, Peter quickly grasped the humanoid alien and tossed him at his alien friends.

The click and clack of the grenade just reaching the floor warned him to be prepared. Lunging to the next nearest Skrull, this one the impostor, he latched on and began to throw him over his shoulder.

BANG

The sound of the flash grenade going off reached Peter's ears, muffled thanks to the helmet's design. Its bright flash forced the lenses of his helmet to auto-correct and darken preventing him from being blinded. He followed through with his slam, before webbing the Skrull down.

The groans of pain from his enemies echoed through the room and Spider-man watched as the body of their friend flew and connected with the shields they carried. His body unceremoniously fell to the floor. Spider-man webbed him down as well moving towards the standing Skrulls.

Agent 14 entered afterward and watched as Peter delivered a soft, at least for him, side kick to the ribs of one of the standing Skrulls. The shield held, before collapsing under the force allowing Peter's kick to connect with a meaty whack and launch him toward the last standing enemy.

The last Skrull's shield almost held before fading away too and the leftover momentum crashed both Skrulls into the wall slumped over.

"Woo! Piece of cake." Spider-man said, turning toward his ally. The rush of the… battle? Leaving his body. "Now lemme just move and web them up."

Doing so, Agent 14 numbly watched as the young man casually placed the knocked-out Skrulls and winded Skrulls together before applying a generous amount of webbing to lock them down before moving to stand beside her.

"So, what'd ya think? Scale of 1-10?" He quipped. Agent 14 made to move her mouth but nothing came out, just a rapid movement of her jaw. She closed her mouth and shook her head to stare at him.

"Perfect. They were surprised and taken down with minimum delay between the flash-bang entering and going off. My only complaint is that once we got inside the previous room you acted carelessly." She relayed, mind still numb.

Peter shrugged, "I knew after seeing and entering the hallway they only occupied one room."

Breathing deeply the spy relayed, "That may be so but I did not know that. So to me, you were being reckless. Please try to be more considerate of friendlies in the field not knowing as much as you do."

Spider-man made to retort before stopping himself. Instead, he patted her shoulder. "Okay. I'm sorry if I worried you." She nodded mutely.

Turning then to their captives he asked, "So, how soon do you think it was until they needed to report to whoever is leading them?

Seeming to go back into spy mode, she responded "Probably soon, I'll call this into Fury and see what he wants done. Plus, we need to find their ship. I doubt they were simply teleported here."

Wracking his brain for a moment, Spider-man asked, "What about the water tower? It's the only thing on the roof and this entire floor is empty. I'm pretty sure this was their headquarters."

Agent 14 nodded her head in agreement, "Good point. I'll get SHIELD to come in then and we'll let Fury decide what to do."

---

Peter kept himself busy and made sure to intimidate the Skrulls as they came to. One of them tried to shapeshift their limbs into blades again but failed to do anything substantial with no room to move before he noticed and flicked his finger on their forehead, knocking them out. After that, they sat quietly waiting for whatever fate befell them.

Fury was pissed. Peter assumed it was because he just found out there was and could still be an alien invasion about to reach their planet. He asked Peter to move out of the room while SHIELD interrogated the Skrulls. Peter was not the best at interrogation. He knew it involved a lot more than just causing pain or applying fear. Wordplay, emotional manipulation, stuff he had no one teach him really. So he decided to get to know his… watcher? He wouldn't give her the title of handler. That would imply that he was at the beck and call of SHIELD. While he did essentially give them a proverbial noose to apply around his neck by allowing them to tell his parents, that would only net him either grounding and a hard discussion that he's been avoiding, and SHIELD nothing.

But he was getting into semantics. "Yo." He greeted the white-streak-haired woman. She was scowling but dropped it when he arrived and instead grimaced in an attempt at a smile.

"Ah, apologies Parker. Hello. Does Fury need me for something?" A tinge of longing entered her voice, though he didn't think she could tell.

'Don't tell me…' He winced and was thankful his helmet blocked it, "No he actually asked me to leave the room while they interrogate the Skrulls."

"Ah." She was silent for a moment contemplating something. "Did you need something from me?"

He shrugged, "I wanted to kill time. Thought we might as well get to know each other a bit better before we moved on. Plus I highly doubt Fury will let you or Natasha off of my tail until he's satisfied with whatever reason he needs to keep you on me."

She huffed muttering, "Who knows what's going on in that idiot's head."

Peter acted like he didn't hear that. "So, what can you tell me about yourself? I know you are essentially a spy for SHIELD but I'd rather not step on your toes."

Agent 14 looked up into his eyes, or lenses since she couldn't really see them, seeming to find or more likely feel whatever it is she needed from him she shrugged with a small smile. "Call me Val."

"Oh? Did I just earn a name?" He said with a dramatic motion of his hand on his chest.

Val rolled her eyes with a small smirk. "My full name is Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Or Val to my friends."

'We're friends!?' Peter thought to himself incredulously. Not that he was against it, but spies he thought, took a while to get comfy with people. 'Maybe she's feeling really down then? She was just scowling and just happens to be vulnerable right now?… She did sound kinda put out that Fury didn't need her.'

He reached his right hand forward. "Peter Parker, Spider-man. Call me what you like. But it's nice to meet you for real, Val."

She laughed but accepted his handshake, squeezing it gently "I already know who you are. There's no need to introduce yourself again."

Peter shrugged, "I think my new friends deserve a proper introduction when giving me one. Now about your name Allegra de Fontaine…" He paused going over its potential origins. "Spanish? No wait, Italian?"

She gave another laugh before smiling, "I appreciate it. You're the first one to guess right. Most people do assume I'm from Spain."

He paused wondering if she'd be fine with his next question, "So, what'd you do before all…" He waved his hand as if to say all this.

She smirked, "I was actually a part of the European high society."

Peter gaped, "You're kidding. And then you just became a SHIELD agent?"

Giving another small laugh she shook her head before growing somber, "I'm not, but that was through my parents. Though after my parents died fighting for a communist-free Italy that kind of lifestyle just seemed empty to me, the family-styled events were the best I mean, the other events were more… illegal. Anyways, then Dum Du– sorry, I mean Commander Dugan, the red-haired Irish man. Came along and recruited me when I was a young adult. The rest I should say, is classified."

The young man faltered. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

She shook her head, "It's fine, not like you knew about it. What about you? Mr. Time-Traveler." Peter was shocked, he expected to have to wait for Captain America to be recovered before anyone would believe him.

"Spider-man, Agent 14. Get in here!" Fury commanded.

Peter smiled and tried to convey as much through his voice, "I'll tell you later, I'm glad you believe me though. Big Grumpy wants to see us."

Val only smirked in reply. Though Spider-man would say it had a tinge of anger. "If you're lying to us you're doing one hell of a job, but yes he does."

'Yeah, I think I only caught her at a time where she was open. Wonder what happened?'

The room was the same as Peter left it except now the Skrulls looked resigned. 'They never screamed so I wonder why they would be feeling down.'

"Spider-man, you'll be taking the Skrulls spaceship to their mother-ship and be running a counter-intelligence operation, Agent 14 you'll be there to assist him." Fury stated as though Peter knew exactly how to do so.

"Agent's, escort the prisoners to facility 13H." Fury relayed to the others still there. "Spider-man would you please help stand them up."

"Uh sure Fury, but won't they just try to escape?" Spider-man asked.

"Oh, I don't think we'll have any problems. Will we?' He emphasized the last sentence towards the Skrulls who rapidly nodded their heads. "Good. Spider-man?"

Peter sighed but pulled out the counter agent for his web formula; applying it to his captured foes.

Seeing the webbing dissolve Fury nodded. The agents escorted the Skrulls out. Leaving just Spider-man, Fury, and Agent 14 left in the room.

"So," Spider-man started, "how the hell am I supposed to run counterintelligence? I'm not trained to be a spy."

Fury sighed, "I understand that. While I would prefer you were trained for this you aren't which is why Agent 1–"

"Val." Agent 14 interrupted.

Fury stared at her, an unreadable expression crossing his face before stating, "Okay then. Agent Val will be assisting you. Interrogating the Skrulls showcased that they are susceptible to intimidation very easily when met with overwhelming force, and…have a distinct lack of Earth culture. They were aware of SHIELD and were making attempts to integrate themselves within our ranks and were making headway slowly for months but then noticed you on the media. A superhuman that could perform amazing feats thought to be fiction. They then went and apparently reported that all of our media was non-fiction to their superiors. Meaning," An agent walked in with an envelope and handed it to Fury who accepted, "Thank you. Meaning that they should believe that our more gruesome and horrifying fictional monsters are mainstays here on earth as a scare tactic."

Peter stared at the envelope. "And that means?"

Fury handed the envelope over to Peter, who opened it and gazed at its contents. It was filled with some of the world's most popular fiction horror monsters, combined in with some of the most popular heroes in fiction. And some of the pictures had him… leading them into battle!? "Meaning if you deliver this envelope as 'proof' and sell that you as Spider-man are leading bands of creatures they'll be hesitant to attack us and leave."

His mouth was gaping, but no one saw –Thank you helmet!– but he still needed to ask, "Are you sending me to die?" Val herself was silent.

Sighing in frustration Fury continued, "No Parker I am not sending you to die. For one because your father and mother kill me. Two, because I have no idea if Death would kill me." Val did throw a confused glance at them both but Fury didn't stop, "And three, the interrogation was pretty easy as soon as I threatened to send you back in here. And after years of being in the CIA, I think I can tell pretty easily when a prisoner is willing to just talk and tell the truth. Now, can you do it? Or do I need to have someone wear your armor and play it up instead?"

Spider-man stared at the envelope, 'I have no idea why he's asking me still. There's bound to be some agents that have been masqueraded as that could do this.' He delved into that train of thought further, 'But that should have crossed his mind, either those agents are dead or unconscious or stored somewhere. Meaning there's no one else who's been reported to the leader Skrulls other than me.'

"I'll do it. Though fair warning my acting skills aren't as up to snuff as my gir– former girlfriend's." Peter answered.

"I don't believe it'll be that much Parker. And if need be Agent Val will step in to help sell the idea. We had the Skrulls relay that they just infiltrated the Director of SHIELD's inner circle and gave them Agent Val's face." Fury stated evenly, ignoring the look of indignation and resentment that crossed her face.

"Ah," Was the young hero's reply. He gulped noticing the look on his ally's face. "Well, then I guess we should be off. Come on Val. Aliens to see and scare." He moved to exit and go up to the roof and enter the ship.

She gave one last look at, Fury who was still stone-faced, "Yes. Lets." She followed Peter out.

"Oh, Parker," Fury called out, "the opening to the ship is on its underbelly. They said their controls were easy to handle and have an auto-pilot for ascending and descending, but if needed get Agent Val to fly."

Spider-man waved placidly as he walked out, "Got it. We'll be back. Hopefully in time for dinner."

Finding the latch, 'A pressure-based latch really?', and entering the ship which controls made no sense to him –He's never been taught how to fly and the Fantastic Four's vehicles always break the norm in how they are set up– so Val took over and after humming for a bit their ship took off. Feeling no G-force though, Peter whistled.

Val, who was still angry at having her face be given freely, tilted her head and asked, "What?"

The hero shook his head, "We're moving and we're feeling absolutely no G-forces exerted on our bodies. Do you know how much we can advance air and space travel with this technology?"

The agent looked out of her depth, "I'd imagine quite a bit. But I'll admit to not knowing exactly how much. The G-forces we deal with in our normal rocket ships or jets aren't that bothersome in my opinion."

Peter wilted, "Eh I doubt you want to know exactly why. But you're right it would be a lot."

She frowned but nodded. He then turned to look around before finding the transparent window placed on the ceiling. "Whoa. Do you wanna come see this?" Peter asked the uncomfortable agent.

Curious, she walked to stand next to him and looked up as well, a soft gasp leaving her. 'Same.' He thought to himself. The view they had was one he as a city boy didn't see every day. Stars painted the background. Twinkling brightly. With the lack of force on his body and the sound of breathing only for his ears, it was a peaceful moment.

It was broken though as the Skrulls large mother-ship, 'Can that even be called a mother-ship!? It's more like a freaking city-ship?' entered into view.

"So about that plan?" Peter asked as the ship came into view.

"Yeah, better get it right. How about using the fear we just felt to sell the idea of you leading a team of monsters? Go crazy. That should work." She said worriedly.

"Yup, please back me up."

"I was going to regardless, but yeah, I'll make sure to sell it," Val said with a touch of fear.

"Escape plan or reason for staying back?" Peter asked, the ship coming up into an empty slot where it looked like it could go.

"Escape plan is at worst wrecking the area before it gets out that we're humans and retreating, our best reasoning would be to say we are getting rid of our presence as Skrulls back on earth for staying behind." She relayed quickly as the exit of their ship opened up.

"Got it. Look alive." He couldn't help but quip as they exited the ship and came upon some gaudy-looking Skrull.

"What is it?" He asked in English, 'Thank God.' "Is Spider-man defeated? And I see you are still in the guise of him and the SHIELD agent in their leader's inner circle. I take it you also assassinated him and put them into disarray?"

Taking a deep breath, Peter, his entire body shaking along with his voice said, "S-s-sir, he's too strong! It took everything we had to escape! Spider-man killed the other two!"

"W-what that's preposterous! We're the superior species! Only those disgusting Kree could hope to match us!" The gaudy-looking Skrull said in fear as he took a step back.

"It's true sir!" Val yelled taking a step forward, a face of anguish and fear on her face. "Not only that but he's been leading a roving band of monsters on each of these Earthmen's continents. I gave our scout leader some photo evidence SHIELD has. Go ahead show him!" She finished nudging Spider-man's arm rapidly.

Nodding his head rapidly in agreement Peter hastily handed over the envelope. The Skrull leader accepted and moved through the different photos, his face getting progressively fearful. "This…this is horrible. No world's resources or workforce is worth the war it would take to destroy monsters like these. I'll take this to our leader and have it sent to the emperor. We can't let the royals' war-mongering use up a lot of our own resources. We're bound to find another life filled planet to conquer elsewhere. Quick go to your normal stations and we'll leave straight away."

Solemn, Val shook her head, Peter copying her. "I'm sorry sir, but the Earthmen agency SHIELD has begun investigating the remains of our compatriots and the technology they had on hand, we need to go back and destroy any lasting presence of ours. We can't let them find out about the empire!"

"I agree!" Peter chimed in, scared he wasn't speaking enough. Val shot him a look but went back to looking fearful.

The Skrull nodded his head, "Yes yes, you're right. Please handle their remains and any of our technology." He saluted with a fist over where their heart lay, seeing Val copy the Skrull, Spider-man did as well.

"I'll remember you two and spread the word of your sacrifice! Please, take my own medal of honor!" The Skrull said forlornly, reaching into his pocket and handing a star-shaped medal to Peter.

Feeling awkward Peter accepted. "Thank you, sir! Please make sure our people don't have to deal with these monsters!" With another salute, Val and he left back into the ship and started their descent. They saw as the Skrull ran further into the ship.

Both of them released a sigh of relief as they saw the city-ship disappear in a flash of light as they descended back to Earth.

"Being a spy is stressful," Peter said, turning to Val. 'And yet surprisingly easy when everything seems to go to plan'

She sighed leaning against the wall, "Yes it is."

The young man noticed she gained a look of frustration and guessed it had to do with Fury. 'I'd rather not mess with Fury's social circles, but she still could do with some cheering up. Maybe a compliment?' Straightening before taking off his helmet to give her a grin she could see he said, "You know Val, I know you were ordered to but I appreciate you coming with me. If I was alone I'd probably have fumbled it and we'd be having a war on our hands right now."

She stilled and looked at him in confusion. She made to say something before closing her mouth and frowned.

Worried he said something wrong Peter made to apologize. "Hey, Val loo–"

"Thank you." She interrupted. "Though I think you would have handled it alone even if you aren't used to what spies normally do. You've been pretty amazing at adapting from what I've personally seen."

He gave a humble smile and chuckled, "Oh please, I'm just your friendly neighborhood Spider-man. I'm good in a fight, but social situations like that are my weakness."

He must have said something right as she laughed and gave him a small smile. They stayed in silence before they saw the city start to enter the view of the window.

Val straightened herself moving to the exit before turning to face Peter. "How old were you when your soul was sent back in time?" Her face was blank, except for a gleam in her eye.

"Uh, I was 28. Why?" He said confused.

She only hummed ignoring his question. "How old are you now?"

Still confused he answered honestly. "I'm 15 right now."

The gleam was still in her eyes brighter now. "How old until you turn 16?"

"About 6 months."

She smiled sweetly, "Thank you. I'm 25 myself in case you are wondering Peter."

Exit opening Spider-man equipped his helmet and said, "Uh happy to help. I would have guessed early 20's myself actually based on the history you just told me." Val smiled at his response.

Fury was waiting for them on the roof. Stern faced he asked, "Code?"

Peter looked at Val confused, 'The code I gave you earlier' she mouthed. Nodding in thanks Peter told Fury. "Arachnid Alpha Foxtrot." Fury then turned to Val who tensed at his silence. "14 Alpha Oscar Sierra." She said with a scowl. Fury only returned a nod.

"The mission was a success I take it?" The director then asked Peter.

Sensing the tension rising between the two Peter quickly said, "Yup. Went perfectly. Even got this swag," He raised the medal to show him said swag; waving it back and forth.

"How…quaint." Fury raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, probably to quell any headache. "We'll be picking you up at your house around 4 am tomorrow. Your parents will notify you as such."

"Got it!" Peter said with a thumbs up. "Now, Imma just…" He looked between them both, Val still scowling at Fury. "Imma just go, yeah. I'll see you tomorrow!" With that, he walked inside to get his backpack.

And as soon as he passed the doorway he heard Fury start to say, "Va–"

"Shut up Fury. You've made your feelings cle–" Peter whistled loudly to respect Val's privacy. 'I do not need to hear any of that.'

Getting his backpack was easy enough, exactly where he left it. And exited the building to head home. 'I'm beat, at least mentally. Plus, mom and Teresa will probably want me home to play some games if I'll be gone for the entire day tomorrow.'

---

Aaaaaand another one done. Again I hope that every one of you that reads this finds some enjoyment in this. The Skrull fight and subsequent Counter Int Op were my weak points in my opinion (Could have made them more exciting but not sure how without making it unrealistic to what's canon/lore). Not to mention Peter's cheering up with a slight compliment for Val which has got to be one of the weakest moments of flirting for Peter by far. Though I tried to portray Valentina as someone who's tired of going for a guy who's not giving her the time of day and is cold even to his friends.

For those unaware Val is one of Fury's love interests from the canon verse or in this story, could have been, here Fury and Laura are still going strong so she's never gotten to do anything with him. She's not the only love interest that traditionally is with other characters in the comics that will instead be eventually pining after Peter as he continues. (Like the female who was traversing the buildings around PI

Other than that, I hope I've given a realistic enough reason for a superhuman male to love multiple women, you know other than all of them being adults and consenting. This isn't to say he's pressured to be with them, only lifting some of the moral quandaries that would come up because of it.

Some of you might also be wondering if I'm giving HYDRA no chance at all. Since now all of HYDRA and its broken factions are known to SHIELD. I'm not going to spoil anything, but HYDRA may be low on manpower (and therefore a lot of stuff might be prevented - at least for now) They are going to be twice as vicious in their attacks. No fighting like fighting a cornered animal I think is how the saying goes.

And as some of you have guessed Peter will be having to pick up the slack for the FF foes (at least ones that make sense, some of them are due to their fame) until some people like them can take their place.

Also, please let me know what you think of the POV for other characters? Good or bad? Part of me is wondering if I should test out complete omniscient view or hinging on omniscient view with still being Peter-centric next chapter. And only switching POVs when Peter isn't there.

SKIP NEXT PARAGRAPH IN YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ME RANT ABOUT MARVEL's POOR DECISIONS (IMO)

Last thing and this is completely separate from the story, I hate what Marvel's done to my boy. For those unaware SPOILERS for the newest Marvel comics (Spider-man)

So other than skipping on the mediocre but interesting enough Beyond storyline, we have Peter now who's hated BY EVERYONE (even the FF doesn't want him around, only Johnny is trying to stay in touch, and don't even get me started on him - Johnny was never a cheater IMO but now Marvel went and character assassinated him too.), MJ is with another man and has kids (step or otherwise it's a fucking punch in the gut. OMD was one of the worst things to happen to Spider-man; they won't let my man grow and now after 4 years of working on his relationship with MJ it's just gone and she's rebounded to another guy -good luck picturing how that's going.) He has no job and he's apparently getting chummy with Norman (His tormentor for fucking most of his tenure as Spider-man). AND IT'S ONLY BEEN 6 MONTHS. I cannot think, of any possible reason for this to be the case without completely changing Peter's character. They did it when he became a CEO (because of course he can't be a decent human being when he's rich) and now they're just kicking him back down from the grave they've made him dig. Except this time they gave him a shovel to dig deeper before they let him crawl up. Supposedly we're all going to find that these next issues are going to be worth it but I'm just tired.
I started writing this story because of a lack of good Spider-man/harem stories (that don't eventually stop or they decide harem means polyamorous and everyone can sleep with anyone screw loyalty - as a side note, Peter won't just be sleeping with women. "Professionals have standards" or in other words, he's only going to be in a relationship for love or the possibility of it) and as a way for me (and hopefully readers) to picture Spider-man growing and making successes in life (and failing as is life). I know he's supposed to be the Everyman, but the great thing about the Everyman trope is the fact that he steps up to the plate and now has to grow. He's not stupid enough to continue making the same mistakes over and over again. But I digress, I'm more determined to make sure to write this story as best as I can. I just hope with my writing skills I portray it well enough that people can find enjoyment in the things that make me excited or happy.

RANT OVER

Next chapter we greet WWII's greatest hero and learn more about Peter's friends and the beginnings of romance! Also, Death's warning is coming to fruition.

Thank you for reading! Have a good one all!