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?

14. Aftermath Of TBGKM and Uzume's First Day

IT'S FINALLY DONE. HOLY CRAP XD

First, Merry belated Christmas and Happy belated New Years to you all.
Enjoy the story and RANT at the end of course :D

---

Spider-Man/Peter Parker - McGuire Air Force Base

The young hero sighed, standing up after a solid minute. That was enough resting for now. He did have an identity to get back to, after all.

'I hope Bruce is doing okay.' Peter thought to himself, standing up to look again through the window pane.

The pink gas was gone now, meaning Peter clearly saw as Bruce lay on the floor, still unconscious. 'What to do…'

"Spider-Man, are you there? We heard what sounded like explosives coming from the direction you headed in." Natasha asked concerned over his communicator.

"Yeah. I'm here. Sorry about that, I had to let loose on my strength to surprise the Hulk. Banner's back with us and sleeping on the ground of your guy's warehouse now. What do you want me to do with him?"

Natasha was silent for a moment, probably so she could ask Fury what he wanted to happen. Her voice sounded irritated when she responded. "Leave Dr. Banner there, another SHIELD team is on its way. It appears that General Ross has already guessed that your being here is due to SHIELD and is asking for either the Hulk's corpse or if he's a prisoner to be transferred to him now. And based on his blunder with the net launchers we're willing to bet he's going to be sending men out to grab the Hulk on his own or at least try to since he doesn't know about the warehouse. We don't need you fighting off the US Air Force since they won't recognize your non-existent authority."

Peter laughed. "Got it. Is there anything else you need from me before I skedaddle?"

"Val is meeting up with you at Dr. Banner's lab to help with your alibi." She paused and Peter heard some faint muttering. "She wants you to know that she is getting rid of the video evidence you left recording you changing into your suit from the lab. Thankfully it was on-site only so no one should have seen it."

Peter recoiled in fear and surprise. Of course, the Air Force would record their labs. Just because he was hopped up on adrenaline doesn't excuse him from forgetting places like that would be monitored. He did normally rely on his Spider-Sense to notify him when he was being watched, which included through devices like cameras. But it did need someone watching through the device. 'Though I suppose if the intent was also to specifically get my identity it might trigger my spidey sense since that has happened a few times…but then would it trigger if someone was about to view tapes that held my identity? No, It didn't for Ezekiel…'

"Spider-Man?" Natasha asked, interrupting his thoughts, tone concerned.

He shook his head, he could delve into that later. "Yeah, I'm here. Was wondering why my Spider-Sense didn't go off if I was being recorded. Tell her she has my thanks and I'll thank her again when I meet with her." He gave a parting glance to Bruce, who was breathing fine, before running back.

"Wait, your Spider-Sense can normally track when you are being recorded?"

Without stopping Spider-Man replied. "Yeah, or it'd be better to say it activates when I'm about to reveal my identity without my say so. Someone has to actively be watching though."

"...You're training with Val and me ASAP. That is an arbitrary reason for your sense to activate."

Peter frowned under his helmet but didn't say anything.

That earned him a grunt from Natasha. "I know you heard me. Val will bring you to us after by the way. Your father is being held here due to Ross for some reason. Captain America is trying to calm Ross down."

Peter sighed, responding robotically. "Roger Roger."

A small snort echoed in his ear. Causing him to smirk.

"You didn't hear that."

---

Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff

Natasha chastised herself, lightly, for letting her emotions slip through. The elation she felt at Peter turning around what was a FUBAR situation still running through her. Combined with her growing relaxation around Peter and you had her stifling a snort at the perfectly timed joke and reference to the movie they watched together. She even had a smirk resting on her face for God's sake.

"Agent Widow." Fury greeted her from behind.

Natasha calmed herself and turned to her leader. "Director Fury."

Fury had a scowl present on his face, directed at the scene off to their side.

General Ross was red in the face staring past Captain America, who stepped in front of him to stop the elder man from greeting a meaty fist. Richard Parker was on the receiving end of his anger and looked quite calm, though with Natasha's trained eye she caught his twitching jaw and clenched fist, ready to strike.

She's read his file. Even the ones that were… blacklisted, while she doubted Mr. Parker would deal with the general as he did the Hydra men that deigned to burst into a room that held multiple men with combat experience; with the man in question quickly downing two of them with a pistol before Captain America could start dealing with the remaining men, wherein Mr. Parker showcased he was good with his martial skills as much as he was with his gun by joining in. The CEO was barely coming up on middle age and was still remarkably fit. He was liable to dislocate or break the elderly man's jaw with a quick jab in his anger. Something that Ross should have known, but it was probably his anger getting the better of him. He didn't have a track record, in her time observing him, that screamed patience.

"–amily's a bunch of traitors!" The General screamed, spittle flying from his mouth, his eyes crazed. He moved to reach the young man a few feet away at his side who was standing next to a medic overwatching Elizabeth Ross, who was still unconscious. He pulled Rick Jones forward. "Tell him again son. Tell him the damning evidence. Parker and the Hulk are tied together. They were even working with Hydra!"

The boy, Rick Jones, a civilian, looked uncomfortable and on the verge of collapsing. Natasha didn't blame him. From Val's verbal report on the video recording, he witnessed a dangerous attempt at disorienting him and Bruce Banner, to seeing a man and woman get fired upon, to then seeing his best friend –based on data showcasing his life before Bruce– kill someone in front of him, brutally, and now has put an innocent man and his family under scrutiny for simply trying to evade how said friend became the Hulk.

"Um, General Ross, I don't think Peter or his family were involved with the Hulk or Hydra. Why would Hydra try to k-kill Peter if that was the case? Plus the Hulk wouldn't attack those he's working with?" Rick stammered, licking his lips nervously.

Ross rounded on the boy. "Preposterous, Hydra arrives, which is suspicious in itself, and the young Parker boy dodges out of the way of an exploding door just before it sets off? Not to mention, the Hulk is an animal! I'd be surprised if he could think about anything other than his instincts! Which begs the question on why he only tossed the Parker boy a few feet!"

Overwhelmed, Rick shook his head. "I-sir…"

'Idiot,' Natasha thought in irritation, glaring at the military leader. A leader that didn't listen and was erratic in not only mannerisms but thinking was a horrible combo. Add in that Rick Jones was not only a civilian but a teen and it was no wonder he couldn't string any thoughts together when being brought before him. Not to mention, he ruined Peter's chance at ending the conflict with the Hulk. 'Putting him in more da–' She shook her head. It was handled, there was no point ruminating on that information.

"General Ross." Fury cut in, drawing the man's ire. "Based on Mr. Jones' verbal report if you stopped and thought clearly, you would know as well as I that the Parkers are not allied with Hydra. They would not have stopped breaching the room to hone in on young Peter Parker, and they would not have tried shooting at the Hulk at the first sign of aggression. You need to take a step back and calm down. In the meantime, leave your daughter in SHIELD care. You have to realize having her nearby right now is just causing you stress."

General Ross stepped forward to argue but was stopped as a blue-clothed arm raised his way. Captain America gave him a stern look. Scowling the elderly man huffed. "She's staying here while we wait."

"And General," Fury started, waiting until Ross stopped. "Banner has been found and is already in SHIELD's care. We'll try and have him back once he's back to 100%"

The SHIELD director received a grunt in reply and continued back toward his daughter.

The time-displaced man gave a weary smile and nod to Fury. "Thanks. For someone who is a bit of a fanboy, he didn't want to listen to me and calm down when I asked him to."

Richard grunted. "That's probably because his child was in danger." Despite his words which implied understanding, the man still looked on edge as he turned to face Natasha and Fury. "Fury." The former spy greeted with a nod, before giving one to Natasha herself. Which she found surprising; that said a lot about the man's character. "Where's Peter?"

Fury sighed. "On his way, I promise."

Captain America shuffled forward. "The Hulk?"

"Handled. With any luck, we'll have Dr. Banner transported to one of our better holding cells within the hour without General Ross' interference.

Richard became confused. "Wait Dr. Bann–" He cut himself off and frowned as Fury gave him a pointed look. "I see. And Mary?"

"Notified."

"Good, good. And do we know yet why Hydra attacked?"

Fury glanced at Natasha.

Taking the non-verbal cue, Natasha nodded. "On-site interrogations have revealed that they were tipped off of Banner's whereabouts and potentially your family's due to AIM. Advanced Idea Mechanics."

"The think tank group?"

The spy nodded again. "Yes. We're still trying to figure out where exactly AIM acquired this information, especially after SHIELD gave a warning and sent out a missive to the U.N. about their potential ties to Hydra," She glanced at Fury whose face was perfectly blank. "It appears that the US Government or someone with ties to the military at least might have loose lips."

Captain America frowned. "Is SHIELD's word not trusted? From Fury's account, it sounds like the U.S. should be willing to take the word of such a distinguished organization that it's created."

Richard gave a dark laugh. "Well Captain, you underestimate human greed. Not to mention, though this may be your ignorance due to just waking up, AIM is also pretty distinguished, and is also well known for its acquisition of brilliant pioneers of STEM fields that have done much for the US government. They've been sending representatives to my company to buy us out for years as an example, I only told them no because I didn't want Peter and many of our other workers to be stifled potentially." He paused and then quipped. "Plus their required uniform is just too tacky; I mean really, a beekeeper outfit?"

Before Captain America could clarify if the CEO was joking he looked behind Richard and grinned, causing Natasha to look behind him as well and noticed two figures arriving in a car.

---

Agent 14/Contessa Valentina de Allegra Fontaine

Val was exasperated –almost evaporating the satisfying feeling of a successful mission still buzzing through her– as she watched the recording again. Peter didn't exactly state that he took an entire 30-round magazine from a terrorist's gun to his back, as he covered the civilian girl when explaining what she presumed was tardiness. The only reason she was watching again was to make sure she didn't miss anything, the Hydra terrorists were all rounded up and lay subdued in the street, well except for the corpse still in the main room, but someone else could handle that. Watching the Hulk toss Peter she sighed again seeing how Peter was so carefree about changing into his costumed identity. He even told to the Jones boy a plausible case of the building's data to be secured and how he could help, did he not realize that it would already have some security in the first place?

'Still, unless he was guessing he should have realized they wouldn't just stop there.' She thought with a huff.

"Don't tell me you're checking to see if Woman's Magazine is correct?" Peter asked from behind her.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end in irrational fear at not noticing him before his words processed in her mind. Her eyes flitted back to the screen and focused on the image. It was currently showing a view of him from the back, her finger must have slipped because it was paused. She blushed.

'Wh-what!?' She wasn't a pervert!

Val turned around trying to cool her features, best to respond to his comment before he got the wrong idea. She stopped herself midway from opening her mouth as she stared and got a live view of what was stuck on the screen. Peter was bent over as he put on his pants that she left folded with the rest of his clothes. She hated the part of her that wanted his unintentional show to continue. His thighs leading into a tush that loo– She shook her head.

Distracting herself she turned around again and quickly deleted the recording before reaching into a bag she brought with her.

"Aw man, I loved this shirt," Peter said morosely holding up the tattered remains of his checkered shirt.

"I'll buy you a new one," Val said off-handedly as she searched her bag before pulling out a couple of ice packs and bandages along with a simple black t-shirt with the SHIELD logo. She tossed the shirt to the side and turned to face him. "Okay keep your back to me, please. We need to make it believable that you were just shot. Multiple times at that." She said, letting her frustration at his risky move bleed into her tone.

Recognizing she was irritated Peter's back stiffened and he shuffled to stand more comfortably. "Uh, so what are you doing? Gonna put makeup on? Make it look like my back is bruised?"

She smirked and pressed an icepack against his back. He hissed.

"Should you really be trying to seize up my muscles right now?" Peter joked.

"You just got out of a fight, no matter how quickly it ended, cold therapy is always good to use afterward," Val said matter-of-factly as she held the icepack in her left hand and tried placing the other one onto the right side of his back while holding it under her left hand as well. Curse her more feminine hands. 'And his broad back!' Wasn't he a teenager right now? How big will he grow? Hopefully not too big…

"What about hot therapy?" Peter joked. "Also do you need help?"

Val paused wondering if he was flirting with her 'Is it okay for me to–' She shook her head. "That would require warm water or a massage. The luxury of both, I'm afraid, is out of our reach and yes I could use some help. My hands are…too…tiny."

"Eh it'd probably be hard to brush it off if there wasn't something to point to as proof, and sure you just need me to hold them?"

"Yes and even though you aren't injured please do–" Val cut herself off as the weight of the ice packs lifted from her hands. The former socialite stared before removing her hands wherein the packs stayed in place. 'So this is what Natasha meant by him being able to have virtually anything stick to him.'

"Everything alright?" He asked concerned.

Val sighed internally, chastizing herself for gawking. "Yes. I was just surprised at your ability. Natasha told me about it and yet seeing it is another thing." She grabbed the bandages and began wrapping them around his waist.

"Ah I know what you mean, sometimes I still surprise myself."

"I bet," Val paused for a moment. "Speaking of surprises, thank you for dealing with the Hulk. I wasn't expecting you to lose, but you finished dealing with him relatively quickly compared to the lengths the Air Force took just to get him to run off."

She saw as his neck flushed from the back. "Ah, don't think much of it. I just caught Hulk off-guard. If he was really in the mood for a fight it might have taken longer."

Peter's deflection made her frown, and grunt in reply, causing him to stiffen beneath her hands. She snorted, at least he knew her lack of reply contained what she thought of his deflection.

Finishing up her task. She viewed her handiwork and nodded. "Looks good. We'll tell your father that you just had some light bruising and the wind knocked out of you. By the time you get home, if your parents want to see your back it might raise some eyebrows at the clear skin but there's no helping it. Just say it was some really lightbruising."

Peter nodded. "Got it." He paused before turning to look at her, a soft smile resting on his face.

'... Oh.'

"Thanks by the way, for getting rid of the recordings. I don't know if Natasha gave you my thanks but I wanted to give it again… in person I mean."

Val coughed, before turning to quickly grab the tossed t-shirt and handing it to him. "She did. You're welcome. Try not to do it again okay?"

Chuckling, Peter accepted the shirt and put it on. "Yeah I know, normally I rely on my Spider-Sense to let me know when someone is watching me, no matter if it's through a machine, but I guess it really only does that if someone is watching."

Val frowned. "That sounds like a… flimsy reason for your ability to activate." 'I wonder if…'

Peter shrugged. "It's how it works..." He clapped his hands. "So? Anything else we need to do?"

The spy shook her head. "No, we're done here. SHIELD personnel should have delivered for us a vehicle so we can use that to travel most of the distance."

There was thankfully little fanfare after those words. Val and Peter exited the building from the records room. Just in time to catch the Hydra members being shuffled into a SHIELD van along with the unlucky bastard who got crushed as he was wrapped up in a body bag. Apathetic at the terrorist's passing, Val still felt morbid curiosity knowing Peter was almost killed by the man and glanced at Peter. She frowned at the shadow of guilt that appeared on his face. 'So he was telling the truth to Rick?'

Entering the car, a simple STARK model for military use, and beginning the drive to their destination once Peter and she were secured; Val decided to simply keep her thoughts to herself. She knew from going on patrols with the hero that Peter was exceedingly gentle with criminals, relative to what she knew he could do at least, and even then he was extremely efficient in neutralizing them. While she would have thought his life being put in danger would be a time where he'd take the gloves off so to speak, and therefore cull any empathy for the enemy. Perhaps he simply held himself to a higher standard since he was so far above them physically and therefore thought he wasn't in any danger?... No. Elizabeth Ross was still in the crossfire, but he did save her quickly and was quite calm throughout the battle…

Val shook her head. If it happened again she'd bring it up to him, he was a superhero for 14 years he's bound to have already learned to compartmentalize death during battle, 'Let alone when it's a blasting terrorist that was actively trying to kill him.'

Arriving at the scene of the battle took a short amount of time, but she had to stop from rolling her eyes at the impromptu barricade thrown up, if there were concerns about Hydra still moving in to attack she doubted it would do nothing but stop them momentarily. After all, a piece of wood and two airmen every 6 feet didn't really provide a lot of cover. Thankfully the men she drove up to barely gave her any hassle once she showed her own I.D. and she made her way to Natasha's distinct red hair.

Parking the car, the two occupants were first greeted by Captain America's bright smile which drew the attention of the rest of the group he was a part of. Immediately Peter's side of the car had his father waiting outside the door, sheepish the teen opened the door and stepped out.

Richard Parker had a wild, worried look in his eyes as he reached out to hold his son by the shoulders. "You…you're completely fine? Weren't you shot?" The man asked while looking questioningly toward Val.

Coughing she stepped out of the car to answer. "He mainly had some light bruising and must have had the wind knocked out of him. I took the liberty of ice-packing his back and securing them with bandages."

The man narrowed his eyes. "So I could hug him?"

Val blinked, surprised at the question before breaking into a laugh. "Yes, though do be gentle."

"Wait dad you can wait til–" Peter cut himself off as his father immediately wrapped him in his arms. Sighing Peter accepted the hug and hugged his father back.

Smiling, Val remembered her own family members' hugs before feeling cold, knowing she'd never get to do so again. She moved to the others nearby.

"Everything handled?" Fury asked abruptly.

Val frowned, her mood already dropping on top of the straight-to-business tone. "I'm doing fine thank you. But yes, everything for Mr. Parker has been handled."

Fury grunted.

Natasha rolled her eyes, making Val smirk. "How are you doing Val?"

Val's smirk widened. "Magnificent. Another blow dealt to the Hydra regime."

Captain America's own smile, which was wider now, possibly for noticing the Parker males hugging, greeted her then. "I certainly hope so. Was Mr. Parker that uninjured?" He suddenly asked, curious.

Val nodded, making sure to meet Fury's eyes which told her the American hero was still not in the know. "Yes, the body armor he was wearing protected him from most of the damage. It's why we contract with Parker Industries ourselves for our own. The polymer Mr. Parker created is extremely lightweight and durable, granted none of our agents or Mr. Parker himself has actually tested firing a full magazine into it while a human wore it, but the almost complete lack of bruising on his back shows it's worth more than just preventing serious injury."

"Huh. Maybe I can ask him to help me get my suit lined with it then. I still owe him for thawi–"

"YOU!" Ross interrupted, face almost as red as the former Hydra leader.

"Oh blast it all, does he really need to pull this now," Natasha muttered.

"EXPLAIN YOURSELF!" Ross roared, stepping away from what Val noticed was another small group consisting of Rick Jones, a female figure lying unconscious on the floor, and a medic. The female currently had their shirt bunched above their waist and she could see purple marks extending from her stomach upward. General Ross captured her attention again before she could continue observing.

"Step back Ross," Richard stated coldly, his right hand reaching behind his back even as Captain America, exasperatedly, stepped between the two men.

The general's eyes flitted to the CEO's arm and narrowed but eventually stepped back. "He still needs to explain himself. My daughter's still unconscious and the last time she fainted she wasn't out for this long. Unless he tells the exact same story as Rick I have reason to believe that he might have done something."

Val stiffened and looked toward Fury and Natasha. She wasn't exactly given a script to share with Peter except to help corroborate his staying back. 'Can't Fury make a distraction? The man isn't raving about Dr. Banner, the man probably at fault for his daughter's unconsciousness, so the Jones boy obviously lied about his involvement.'

Peter patted his father's arm which was holding him back protectively and moved forward with a nervous look on his face. "Uh well," He paused and it was only because of Val's focusing on his face that she noticed the muscles near his ears twitch, and his tone became more confident.

"Betty and I arrived and met with Rick. He was in the building while Dr. Banner was out to get pizza–"

'What? He doesn't have an earpiece…' Val looked to Fury and Natasha to whisper how Peter could speak confidently and saw Natasha's mouth moving subtly. 'Lip reading? No. She's being careful not to move her muscles in any overt way and even then Peter's staring straight at Ross.' Val balked. 'She's banking on his enhanced hearing!?'

"–I was sitting at the perfect angle to see the entrance door light up and got this paranoid feeling so I tackled Betty out of the way. A couple of seconds later and my guess was right because the door exploded inward. I was kind of disoriented from that so all I remember after is Hydra running and screaming 'Parker' while raising a gun at me." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I couldn't just push Betty away so I hid her beneath me and the terrorist unloaded his magazine."

"And the Hulk?" Ross asked, now noticeably calmer, he was still angry. His tone made that clear. But he looked more frustrated now.

Peter looked squeamish. "The big green guy burst in from behind the Hydra goons and snatched one of them up he squee–squeezed one man unconscious?" Peter looked alarmed at his hiccup and Val sighed internally as he glanced at Natasha before focusing back on Ross. The man thankfully didn't think anything of the teen's eyes breaking contact.

"Why do you say that like it's a question? He either did or he didn't." Ross pressed.

Peter shifted. "Uh well I'm not exactly sure you know, maybe he might have died? The Hydra goon I mean since there was a bit of blood, but I never checked. I kinda just grabbed one of their guns and kept it trained on them to see if they'd twitch or something after it was all said and done. Because after that the Hulk kinda dealt with them all quickly before telling me to give him Betty." He gulped. "I couldn't let that happen and so he…tossed me. On my back and you know I just got shot so I was kind of knocked out of breath and couldn't do anything…" He trailed off before nodding and relaxing his stance. "After that, I told Rick to get help and he said he knew where you were, he tried getting me to go with him, but at the time I couldn't really move."

Natasha let out a soft sigh of relief, causing Val to let one out as well. Fury glared at the both of them in reprimand, but Val saw the ghost of a smile appear on his face.

Ross grumbled, though now he looked more broken. "But how, why? He was supposed to be left in the Nevada desert. I made sure of i–"

"General." Fury calmly interrupted. "Let SHIELD handle your daughter's care while you–"

"PETER!" Elizabeth Ross screamed sitting up, the medic just narrowly dodging the young woman.

As everyone stared for a moment Val grumbled. 'Of course, hero worship.'

---

Peter Parker/Spider-Man

Peter was feeling pretty great, he never really got to use his enhanced senses, like his hearing, since most crimes or events were loud enough for him to hear without needing to strain his ears. So when he started getting nervous and unintentionally started focusing on his surroundings to ground himself he was surprised at first to hear the almost sensual tone Natasha used as she tried speaking as lowly as possible. He did however catch on pretty quickly. Thank you brain! And other than the one hiccup, 'I hope SHIELD cleans up the blood because it's going to be hard to hide the fact that the man…definitely was not unconscious.', he did a pretty bang-up job of regurgitating in his own words what Natasha told him. It's not an alibi he would have used since Bruce still sounded suspicious, and Betty also clearly saw Bruce in the lab with Peter. If she ever decided to say what happened…

'Though from the looks of it, Betty is still unconscious, so maybe SHIELD can try to give her a rundown of events that don't color her opinion of him.' He winced internally. 'That's a little scummy, but if she ever remembers correctly I'll say it was my idea, better she hates me over Bruce. It's my fault he even had to show that kind of side to her.'

"Let SHIELD handle your daughter's care while you–"

"PETER!" Betty screamed, catching everyone's attention, her eyes looked past the scrambling medic and searched around herself. As soon as she caught sight of him she tried standing up and winced.

'Me and my bi–' Peter saw as her shirt slowly fell that she had stark purple bruises starting from her stomach to her ribs. '–Are you kidding me Hulk!?'

Uncaring and perhaps running on adrenaline the young woman stood up to run up to him and tackled him. Thank God he wasn't really injured because if he was she just might have caused him undue pain.

"Oh thank God you're alright." Betty sobbed, holding him tight against him.

"Uhhhh."

His dad jolted behind him startled, Peter would love to see the look on his face, but he could only see Ross - who looked outraged and relieved at the same time - and Rick who was now standing with the rest of the SHIELD group and Captain America who must have moved back as well, they all looked nonplussed - God did he wish he had a camera to get a snapshot of Fury's face. The medic was nowhere to be seen, no wait they were just gawking from the floor now, their hand holding something. He sniffed, 'Ew.' Smelling salts. 'They didn't start with that?'

Oh right, he was supposed to be injured, but maybe not too injured.

"Hey Betty, you remember I was shot right?" Peter coughed out, patting her back, himself acutely aware that based on the coloration of her bruises she had at worst cracked ribs. And in his experience with injuries, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Instead of his words shocking her out of her actions, she actually got worse in her sobbing and held him tighter.

'Okay, maybe a poor choice of words.'

Peter settled her arms into a more manageable position and tried turning to look around for someone to help him. At least that's what he hoped his eyes were screaming.

Finally, Natasha came forward, her eyes said, 'You owe me' and Peter gave her a grateful look.

"Ms. Ross," the redhead started, and sighed at the lack of response. Her eyes flitted over the woman's form and sighed again before reaching her hand forward to wrap around one of Betty's arms. She pulled and based on the acute hiss Betty finally realized she wasn't in that great of shape either. "You both are injured to varying degrees. You should control yourself until you're healthy."

Betty's breath hitched but she finally let Peter go, he got a good look at her face afterward. Her nose and eyes were red from crying, and she had the sense to look a bit bashful for her actions. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, stepping back fully. General Ross stepped forward to look her over, a look of relief on his face.

Richard placed his hands gently on Peter's back checking for any possible displacement and pulling Peter's attention. "Are you alright Peter?"

Peter smiled nervously. "Ah, yeah I mean, a little sore from that hug but overall pretty good."

His father sighed in relief. "Good. Looks like I can let your mother know she's free to hug you almost as hard as she wants."

"I think we can call it here, can't we General? We all could do with some rest," Fury suddenly said, bringing Peter back from his small moment with his dad to turn back around toward the group. He caught sight of the irritated look on the director's face.

"Hold on a minute Fury, it's possible Betty might have seen something the boys didn't. Betty, can you tell me what happened?"

Betty frowned under her father's gaze, holding her sides gently. "About what?"

"Anything you remember before you fainted? The boys said you were grabbed by the Hulk before doing so." Betty flinched at the name, making Thaddeus' face tighten.

Betty squirmed. "Um, I remember getting the door to let Rick in to bring in pizza." She flinched under her father's now piercing stare and Peter's heart sank even as he felt his father's hand reach for his shoulder to pull him back.

"General," Fury coldly interrupted.

"Not now Fury. Continue Betty." Ross commanded.

"After that, we sat down and talked while Peter and Br-Bruce worked. But then Peter tackled me an-an-and then the door exploded." She gulped, her eyes wide in fear. "And then they shot at him…I thought he was going to die, and then that I would die." She shivered.

General Ross sighed and grabbed onto his daughter's shoulders. "I understand what you might be going through Betty, but for now just move past that. What happened after?"

Instead of answering her father Betty took a look around her, noticing everyone else on edge. "Did I do something wrong?"

Consolingly, or what Peter assumed was consolingly since to him the tone brooked on slimy to his ears, Thaddeus said "No no sweetie. We just need to know your version of events."

That didn't satisfy Betty's concern and she deflected. "Just ask Peter or Rick please."

Thaddeus growled. "I already did, but they both seemed to think it was okay to lie to me." Peter felt his dad's hand tighten as his father moved to place himself in front of him.

Betty squirmed again. "Lie about what?"

"Like about Bruce–" Betty flinched slightly at the name. "–being there for one. Rick's always been on his side and maybe he wanted to hide his friend's cowardice." A scuffle sounded from his side and he paused to turn. Captain America had his hand on Rick's shoulder holding him back. The teen's face was tear-stricken and he looked desperate. Scoffing, Thaddeus continued. "I guess I wasn't too far off the mark there, but that doesn't explain why Peter felt the need to lie about Bruce. From both their testimonies I'm beginning to think Peter was working with Hydra to capture him."

Betty's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in anger. "NO! He wouldn't do that! Peter's nothing like those a-assholes! He's kind and sweet… He was just…" She trailed off. Betty looked at Peter and whatever she saw gave her some resolve. "He wouldn't work with Hydra dad."

The general snarled. "Fine. But that just puts Bruce under suspicion." He rounded on Peter or at least tried to as Captain America stepped in quickly. "You! Tell me right now why you decided to hide the fact that Dr. Banner was there. What's he hiding?"

"General," Steve said in warning.

Ignoring what Peter assumed was his hero Ross only glared past Captain America and Peter's father. "Well? ANSWER ME!"

'Well, crap. What's the best play here?' Peter didn't blame Betty for speaking the truth, he was a little irritated at the timing of it all though. Now he had to try and come up with a reason for lying. 'Gotta admit, I'm also a little irritated with Rick. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say maybe he was concerned Bruce would be connected to the Hulk easier if he said Bruce was there first, but he should have realized with Betty here and unconscious that if she woke up she was bound to speak about him being there.' He was getting off track, what was it Ross thought Rick lied for again?

Peter sighed. 'Forgive me, Bruce.' "In all honesty, I felt like Bruce gets enough of a hard time from the people here on base. Or at least, your focus on me eventually being in the military led me to believe that."

"Get to the point"

Peter fought back a sneer. "I was getting to that. Long story short you're right about why Rick didn't want to speak about Bruce being there. Once the door exploded Bruce was like any normal person and filled with fright for the remainder of the action. The thing is, he also fainted well before the end of it and was left laying in a pile of debris. Rick and I didn't feel like potentially throwing him under the bus. I mean, can you honestly say your opinion of him hasn't gone down now?"

For a moment Peter didn't think Ross would buy it, Peter certainly wouldn't but it was the best he could come up with on the spot using what he knew about Ross.

Thaddeus snorted. "You're certainly right about that." He turned to face Betty. "Well, ignoring Bruce's failure to act like a man, then I guess the only question is how the Hulk got in. What happened next Betty?"

Betty stared at Peter again before shaking her head to look at her father. "I didn't really get a good view." She blushed. "His chest and arms were in my way, dad."

'That's certainly a lie, but I guess she's caught on to the fact that we're hiding the Hulk's identity.'

General Ross grunted and glanced over at Peter. "I guess his build would be sufficient to hide your view." He sighed. "That's it then Parker. Take your boy and leave. He can come to visit us again when Dr. Banner is returned to the Air Force." With that, Thaddeus nodded to Captain America first and then Fury before giving one final one to Richard before wrapping his arm around Betty to take home.

It took a moment but once Ross was out of earshot Richard snorted. "What an asshole."

'Couldn't have said it better myself dad.'

"Let's go home, Peter. Fury, Captain, agents, Mr. Jones." Richard said, nodding toward each person named. Peter simply waved, giving everyone a small smile.

---

Elizabeth "Betty" Ross

This has got to be the worst pain Betty's ever been in she thought to herself as her dad pulled her away from Peter. Not only physically but she was still reeling emotionally from waking up and having her last moments of consciousness be of thinking of how much pain Peter would be in for saving her and then trying to protect her fr-from… 'From Bruce.' She shuddered, and her father tightened his hold on her.

"Are you okay Betty?" Her dad asked in concern, his eyes focusing on her waist where she felt the most pain.

"Yeah dad," She lied, not wanting to give away her thoughts. "It's just this ebbing pain. Wh-what caused it?" She asked, trying to divert her father's attention. Betty was reasonably certain it was Bruce's fault, but maybe it was Hydra's, either one should get her father on a rant and a way for her to focus on anything but her thoughts.

"Hmph, it was the Hulk that did it to stop you from slipping out of his grasp. That…Spider-Man was it? Yeah I think that's his name from what Fury said, he tried to nab you from the Hulk with Captain America, but he refused to let you go."

"Spider-Man?" Betty said in confusion. "Who's that dad?"

Ross hummed. "Some SHIELD agent I think, probably Captain America's replacement just in the modern era if his outfit and their teamwork is anything to go off of. I think I saw him on the news for New York the other day but wasn't paying attention. I'll ask Fury about him again later since he seems knowledgeable, and explain why he got in the way of my attempts to rescue you. Though he handled it pretty well I think." Her father got a wistful look in his eye as they made it to their car and drove off. "I wish you could have seen it, Betty, he sent the Hulk flying before heading off after him. Course, I doubt he killed the Hulk, that fucker is what tanks dream of being…" Ross continued to rant about the Hulk as Betty continued thinking about this Spider-Man character.

'Someone who's Captain America's replacement? That's… wow.' Those were some big shoes to fill, though with the American Hero's return maybe he can get mentored by the man. That made sense to her if the man was supposed to be the WWII veteran's replacement. Regardless Betty hoped to maybe meet the man and Captain again to thank them for saving her. 'And Peter. God Betty, you could not have looked more pathetic sobbing in his arms. And oh my God I could have hurt his back.' She squirmed and shook her head.

"–trid green like vomit! Huh? Betty, what's wrong now?" The general asked, pulling up to their home on base during their stay in New York.

Talk about a boy with her father? One who seemed to be jumping between his approval and disapproval? Betty's going to pass on that. "Nothing dad." She said quickly.

He frowned. "It's not nothing. Is it how you almost died?" Betty flinched but shook her head. "The Hulk?"

Betty shook her head, "No it's not about the H-Hulk dad. Just drop it please."

Ross frowned. "You know you can tell me anything, sweetie. But if it's not either of those things then…" He trailed off, his frown deepened. "Honestly this reminds me of…" He gained a look of distaste. "I mean, I don't wish the man would drop dead, but I know you do care for him so it's not out of line for you to be worried."

Betty's eyes widened in surprise, did he guess already? "Dad, what do you mean?"

Her father hummed and exited the car before moving to her side to help her. "I mean, I'd guess you're concerned about Bruce. Probably the only other times you've been adamant about not sharing something with me are when you found yourself interested in him and your period." He paused. "Is it your period? Do you need me to go grab some toiletries?"

Betty paled. "NO!" She winced and hugged her side. "No dad, it's not my period. God, why would you even think that?" It's not that she was even embarrassed about the topic in the first place, she was more embarrassed because of the amount of concern her father had about it.

"Well, then I guess it's Bruce then. I mean fainting isn't manly but he should be right as rain as long as his head didn't hit anything. You have nothing to worry about."

Betty winced. "No, it's not about Bruce dad though I'm a little…" She shook her head. "Look, it's not about Bruce." It's not that she didn't find herself hoping Bruce was alright if she really thought about it. But thinking about Bruce caused her pain, and not just the pain coming from her stomach, but also the hurt she felt emotionally. Because while she could easily forgive him for not telling her about the Hulk, she couldn't easily forgive the fact that his words of care as Bruce didn't seem to transfer over when he became the Hulk. The Hulk was so animalistic and didn't seem to show an ounce of care for human life. The image of him squeezing the terrorist came to mind and she shivered again. 'Why does he tend to grab me then? He hasn't killed me.' Unbidden thoughts of being raped entered her mind. 'Oh God, I hope not.'

"Look, you're shivering now. Just tell me what's wrong please?" Ross asked as they neared her room.

"Dad please…" She trailed off, honestly, she'd probably need to tell him about what had her going down this rabbit hole anyways, she did after all promise Peter she'd try and get a PC or game console to play with him and his friends. 'If he's still up for it… I hope he is.' And she didn't have that kind of money saved up yet. She'd need to ask her dad. The young woman sighed. "I was thinking about Peter," She mumbled, moving to sit on her bed.

Ross frowned. "Say again?

"I said I was thinking about Peter. I literally got up after being unconscious and ran to him and cried in his arms. It's so embarrassing." Betty said, facepalming.

She heard her father shuffle a little on his feet. "So do you like him now or something?"

The question shorted Betty's brain. 'Maybe if he was olde–' She shook her head and moved her hand back. "He's too young for me, dad. It's just… he saved my life and I didn't even thank him. I just cried."

Thaddeus coughed. "I was just saying… back in my day that was an acceptable age for either of you to…" He trailed off at seeing his daughter's embarrassed face. "Anyways, that's a completely normal reaction, Betty. A man almost died in front of you trying to protect you, as a godly woman that I and your… mother raised until I sent you off to school I would hope you'd have empathy for the man."

Betty didn't know what to say to her father's first comment and decided to just ignore it. "I-I… you're not wrong dad, it's how I feel I guess."

Thaddeus sighed and kneeled to be at eye level with Betty. "Tell you what, I'll reach out to Richard and Fury again, see about when Peter might come around, you can thank him then. That way you can stop feeling this way."

'Oh, that's right!' Betty couldn't help the small smile that appeared at remembering she had Peter's number. "I can probably just ask Peter directly to visit dad."

Her father frowned. "How so?"

Betty blushed, knowing how this might look. "He gave me his number."

Ross's face was stone. "He did, did he?" She wasn't sure but it looked like he was mulling over something, mentally and figuratively since his jaw was clenching and unclenching.

Remembering her other promise to Peter and knowing her father was probably in a consoling mood she asked. "Oh, he also said something about playing games together on a PC or console if he couldn't meet up. Would it be alright if we bought one of each so I could do so?" She finished her question with a wince, not able to hold back feeling a little guilty.

Robotically her father nodded. "Yeah sure, sure Betty." He gave a tight smile. "I'll get you some pain medicine and an ice pack before you head to bed okay? I just need to make a quick call."

Betty smiled in thanks and relaxed on her bed.

Or at least tried to, inevitably thoughts of Bruce and the Hulk entered her mind and she was glad when her father gave her some painkillers. Sleep coming easily to her.

---

Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Parker Industries Medical Room B

"Stay still Peter," Sue said in exasperation as she moved her hands along his back.

"Hey, I said this was unneeded! Even my dad agreed, it's you, Felicia, my mom, and Teresa that are making me do this," he said indignantly.

"And that means you should squirm? You know you need to stay still during a scan. Just because you think your bones are alright doesn't mean they are." She pressed her fingertips to the back of his ribs, gently he might add. "Does this hurt?"

He shivered. "No. And you try staying still when you have cold hands on your back."

Sue frowned and pressed her palms on his back along his spine. "The AC is on and I'm at my desk all day normally. I can't help it."

Peter sighed. "Yeah, I know. I think I'm getting used to it. Continue."

Susan hummed before continuing her scan in silence.

Leaving Peter to his thoughts. Mainly about how he hopes Bruce is doing well. After leaving the Air Force base Peter felt a barrier erupt between his dad and him. That feeling stayed until they arrived home.

Yesterday - Parker Home

Richard stopped the car in the driveway of their home, and Peter moved to open the door "Stop." His dad said, voice quiet.

Peter stopped and stared warily. "Um ok. What's up, dad?"

"I didn't say anything when we were at the base; you're my son and I will never allow anyone to harm you. And that also means I won't put you in a position to be harmed. So I didn't want to bring this up in a hostile area, no matter how safe it might appear to be." Richard started, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. He turned to stare at his son. "I'm going to come right out and ask what's bothering me. Why are you calm about getting shot at? Did you know before we went in about the Hulk? And if so, what else aren't you telling me?"

Peter felt like a deer in headlights. What should he say? He did not want to spill the beans on everything he was holding back; at least, not until he was an adult so any potential backlash, like trying to stop him from being Spider-Man, couldn't happen.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh," He said intelligently.

"We're not leaving this car until I hear a decent answer." Richard retorted.

'Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap. Come on Peter, think!' Peter drew a deep breath. "I lied about my career only being a scientist…" He trailed off and received a patient stare in return. 'Yeah think he knew that was probably a given.' "I've been in some fights." Now his dad was giving him a pointed stare. "Okay, a lot of fights. Eventually, I became desensitized to it at one point. And not because I'm unaware of my own mortality, but because I learned to focus on staying alive and not so much my brushes with death."

Richard frowned and sighed, "I was afraid that'd be the case." He rested a hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm sorry." Was all he said. And Peter didn't know if he was just imagining it but he felt like he was on the other end of getting an apology when one wasn't needed.

"Did you serve?" He asked after a moment.

Peter stared. "Uh, what?"

"Did you serve in the military?"

Peter opened his mouth to say no before an evil thought crossed his mind. 'Fury did recruit Teresa, didn't he?' "Sort of. Fury recruited me when I started attending college."

Richard gripped the steering wheel, his voice came out as a whisper "He what?"

Peter scrambled. "It's not what you think, he gave me a choice, it wasn't like he kidnapped me or something." From a technical standpoint that was true, Teresa was given a choice, he just thinks Fury only gave it to her when she was down on her luck. 'And played off her want to know her biological family.' "And even then he was kind of lax in what he taught me, like protocols and stuff went out the window or sent me out on comparatively safe missions. I really did become a scientist, after all, just… had a side job as well."

Richard was silent for a moment before sighing. "Well, at least that's only in the… past? Averted future? You know what I mean, the point is I don't need to worry about you putting your life in danger. Though you aren't working under Fury as an agent right? I know he's lax on the age of who can be one."

Peter shook his head. "No, I'm not working for Fury." He was working with Fury. Big distinction.

His dad sighed in relief. "Good, good. And the Hulk, how did you know about him?"

"Dr. Banner was the Hulk before, I tried to help 'cure' him for lack of a better word before, and after hacking into the SHIELD database this time around, I found out about their interest in him… I was the one to push for Fury to create a meeting between Banner and me. The plan was to talk with him and let him know about some stuff he came to know of in the future to ease his life." Which wasn't technically a lie. The Hulk being a part of the Avengers/being a hero did help Bruce with the Hulk.

Richard frowned. "So he's like some of your friends from Charles' school? He doesn't know how to handle his power?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah pretty much, though unlike most mutants he'd be better classified as a mutate, or someone who gained powers after they were born. Also, the stuff with Hydra though kinda threw a wrench into my initial plan. Bruce saw Betty and I get shot and that must have overwhelmed him."

"So that's what really happened. Bruce got angry or scared and the Hulk came out?" Richard asked curiously.

Peter nodded, relieved he didn't need to necessarily lie to his dad now. "Yeah, I think that's why the Hulk was gentle with me compared to the Hydra goons, some part of him must have known I tried protecting Betty."

Richard nodded but was still frowning. "Yes, but that just tells me anything he can be obsessed with still might take priority. After all, he did kidnap Ms. Ross, I can assume he is in love with her or attracted to her?"

"Yeah, he is… I think, I don't know. He seemed pretty irritated that Betty was there." Peter said with a shrug.

Richard chuckled. "Well then it might just be a spat, either way, thank you for telling me," Richard said with a grin. "Now, what else aren't you telling me?"

'Crap I was hoping he'd forget… It's time for the big guns. Self Sabotage.' "Girl trouble." Peter blurted out. 'Oh no, stupid brain, you were supposed to say something embarrassing that wasn't true!'

"Um, girl trouble? How so son? It's not a pregnancy scare or anything right?" Richard asked, tone more reproachful for his final question.

Peter stared aghast. "NO! Why would you even think that?"

His dad shrugged unapologetically. "Despite the world your mom and I think of you, not to mention your Aunt and Uncle, we've all seen the news about how your generation is more… sexually inclined than previous generations; I don't think it's unfair for us to think you might ever decide to join in on your generation's proclivities. I mean, it's sex, everyone has it, but it used to be that couples would only do it with each other after what now seems to be a significant amount of time. Like for your mom and me, it took months before we knew we were ready to stay together before we did anything."

Peter nodded tiredly, not so squeamish to know how he came to be. "Look, I get it dad, but no one's jumped my bones yet. It's not a pregnancy scare just…" He hid his face. He was pretty sure his next words might make him seem like scum. "I've got three girls that seem to be vying for my attention and I don't know how to handle it."

"Tell them you're not interested, or that you don't have time right now if they are bothering you," Richard said bluntly, and Peter wanted to laugh at the simplicity of his statement. His dad wasn't wrong, the problem was the circumstances.

"It's… not that easy Dad." Peter said with a groan.

"Not that easy?" Richard asked, more so to himself. He shook his head. "Look, I'm glad this seems to be a normal topic for a change when it comes to you, but it's because of that normalcy that I'll put a pin on this." He then gained an uncomfortable look on his face.

"Uh, everything alright dad?" Peter asked, concerned.

"I'm going to have to tell your mom all this," Richard said bluntly.

"So?"

His dad gave him a look that said 'Are you serious right now?'

The young hero repeated his father's statement in his head and paled. "Oh."

"Yes, 'oh'. I'll try to run damage control, but she's bound to become emotional after learning about all of this, not to mention weirdly smug about hearing you have three girls interested in you."

Peter nodded grimly. "I understand. Can we go inside now?"

"Yes, I think it's time. I love you, Peter."

"I love you too dad."

The Parker men exited the car and Richard tried using his key. Before he could finish turning the lock it was done for him and Mary answered the door, a relieved look on her face.

Before either man could speak she kissed her husband and with a warbly smile gently placed Peter in a hug and babbled about her baby being home. Peter sighed before hugging his mom, back.

"Mrs. P, I guess it's them since you op– yup it's them. Come out, Teresa! It's safe!" Felica said in relief.

Instead of letting her son go to explain, Mary continued hugging him, so Peter had to look at his dad questioningly.

Richard coughed. "So uh, Felicia, you're here?"

The platinum blonde gave a watery smile. "Hah, yes I am. Hey Mr. P. I wanted to surprise Peter here with a visit, but found out he'd be gone so I took the time to talk with Teresa and your wife. When she got the call that you both were attacked our families were put on lockdown so my parents asked me to stay here to be safe. It was… kinda tense not knowing what was going on but we got through it." Teresa popped up behind Felicia a moment later, screaming "PETER!" and bounded past her to join in on the hug with Peter. Felicia cooed and laughed at the scene before continuing. "Then Mrs. P. got the call telling us it was safe, but we also got the news that Peter here was shot, and well, uh, we decided it was better to be safe than sorry."

Richard sighed. "Well, it's good to know that neither of our families was attacked then. Mary, why don't you let Peter go so Felicia can hug Peter as well now." Richard said warily.

Giving one last sniff and gentle squeeze Mary let Peter go, nudging Teresa to do the same. Nervous Felicia stepped in to give her own hug and shivered against him. Peter winced as he felt his chest grow wet, it looked like Felicia tried to take it upon herself and be the rock so to speak if she was letting it out right now. 'Probably for Teresa.'

"Where did he get shot, Richard?" Mary asked in worry.

"Uhhhhh, SHIELD didn't tell you?"

"No why? Is it bad? I only felt what felt like ice packs on his back."

Richard looked at Peter. "Uh, well no easy way to put this. Peter got shot… more than once." Mary looked horrified and so did Teresa, while Felicia started sobbing in his arms. The Parker patriarch put his hands up placatingly. "It's okay now, Peter was wearing some of his armor underneath the same as me. We're both okay."

Mary looked as though she wanted to argue but sighed and pulled Teresa in for a hug with Richard. "You're right. Thank God you both are."

Peter sighed in relief, it looked like his mom was going to try and be reasonable.

Felicia let go of Peter and sniffed giving him a warbly smile. "Hectic night then?"

"Oh, you don't know the half of it," Peter said with an easygoing grin.

---

Present Day - Parker Industries Medical Room B

After that Peter's mom called Felicia's mom and both her parents arrived shortly to pick her up. There was a small eyebrow raised when Peter's mom asked Felicia for her gun back, but he couldn't really complain about his mother taking precautions. There was of course also, the discussion on if Peter should go to the doctor or not, which his mother and sister were adamant about him doing so after Felicia brought it up, and despite Susan not being a practitioner the Parkers trusted her and her father, Peter's now main physician, to perform wellness checks, especially since Susan has had to learn some medical training so she could better understand how to help patients. Suffice it to say, Susan didn't voice any complaints once she heard what happened.

"Well, if nothing hurts and you're not on pain pills… I think he's good Mrs. Parker. No breaks and everything is still the way it's supposed to be." The blonde woman said to the mother observing from the corner.

Mary sighed in relief. "Thank you, Susan. Sorry if this wasted your time. I know you are doing important work, but he's my son you know? And your father wasn't available."

Sue smiled softly and waved her hand. "Oh don't worry about it Mary, I wanted to give one myself when you were bringing me up to speed. If you didn't ask me I would have asked to perform one anyways."

The mother smiled warmly. "Yes, well thank you again, Susan. Peter, do you need me to help you to your office?"

Before Peter could reply in the negative, Susan cut in. "I can take him, Mary. I wanted to discuss something with Peter."

Both Peter and his mom looked at her in surprise. Then Mary gave a cheshire grin instantly putting Peter on guard. "Oh, well. That should be fine. I'll go back to your father then. You two be careful now."

'Why does she look like Christmas came early or something?'

With that, the Parker matriarch exited the room leaving Peter still feeling guarded, wondering what surprise Sue had in store for him. He blinked. 'Ah man, I completely forgot about the Parker Particle Generator tour, though to be fair even though I got the confirmation on it being completed I haven't exactly been down there myself, and I think my parents as well have been swamped with stuff to bring it back up to me. I'll take Sue today then! Wait, today's also my first day of patrol with Elektra damn! Okay, I'll just teach Elektra only instead of patrolling after, easy peasy.'

"Everything alright Peter?" Sue asked, handing him his shirt.

"What do you say about today being the day of the tour?" Peter blurted after redressing into his shirt, a simple baby blue with the PI logo on the left breast.

Susan blinked, before giggling and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "Last minute as always, but sure. Is that what you're worried about? I know you've been swamped so I was just waiting for your time to free up instead of bringing it up."

"Wait, that's not what you wanted to talk to me about?"

She giggled and shook her head. "No, it was actually something in regards to the project we're working on. We're coming up with the idea to use in the interim of nanotechnology repair, bones made out of the polymer you created or at least, using it in place of titanium plates or pins. I can't for the life of me remember if it'd be safe to use, but even if it can't, do you think we're on the right track here until we make a breakthrough?"

Peter blinked, a medical-based question using his own creations as a solution? Sign him up. "The polymer I made actually should be safe in place of titanium as a more cost-effective material, though I would caution only using it for pins and plates, we don't want to completely overtake the job of calcium bones after all."

Susan nodded eagerly. "Awesome! What about…"

Needless to say, Peter barely realized when they ended up back in his office, it took Tessa handing both him and Susan cold water and sandwiches to snap them both out of their discussion.

"I should get going, I'll have to let my dad know about this, thank you, Peter!" Susan said with a smile.

Peter chuckled before glancing down at his phone, noticing the time. 'Oh, crap.' Wolfing down the sandwich and chugging the water he was given Peter quickly grabbed his backpack and exited his office, making sure to wave to Tessa and give her a quick thanks for the food and drink. Receiving a gentle prod on his mind for doing so.

---

Silver Sable - Parker Industries Silver's Dojo

With a twist of her arm, Silver secured her victory over her opponent. She secured her opponent's legs and leaned over them. "Yield?"

Elektra huffed, blowing some of her hair out of her face in annoyance. "Yes."

Silver released her and stretched. "I think that's enough for today."

Elektra nodded, getting up from the floor, a pensive look on her face. She handed Silver a water bottle which Silver graciously accepted. For a potential 'rival,' Silver couldn't argue for a better one. 'Well, there's still her.'' But Elektra at least could push Silver to her limits without inconveniencing Peter. 'Although maybe the rival comment shouldn't fit after all…' "Don't you need to be getting ready for your 'date'? It's almost 3 PM." She called out to the raven-haired woman.

Elektra's eyes widened. "Damn, you're right. Can I use the showers?"

Silver waved her hand. "Sure, go ahead, you know where they are." Silver relaxed and mentally went over her spar with Elektra. The woman was good, nearly on par with her, and it made her blood boil, in a good way. As a mercenary Silver rarely allowed herself to be put into situations where hand-to-hand combat was the solution, she preferred keeping her opponents at a range to shoot them. It was only due to her father's training and contracts requiring her to get in close to an enemy that allowed Silver to gain the skills she had today. Unlike Elektra who she could tell seemed to live and breathe martial arts. Elektra's only fault lay in that she had almost no practical experience to fall back on. Silver was almost positive the woman was thinking too far ahead of the fight and trying to self-correct if she failed to elicit the planned response of her opponent, and honestly, that's all she'd need to best almost anyone else but to break through that hypothetical last barrier she'd need to learn to also allow her body to learn what is best for her in the moment when things don't go her way.

Silver must have been lost in her thoughts for longer than she thought because Elektra walked out of the showers dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a denim jacket carrying a black sports bag, some red cloth was sticking out. 'Must be in a hurry.'

Elektra grinned. "Thank you again for the spar Silver, I'll still need to see about trying my hand against Peter one of these days."

Silver nodded. "Thank you as well. And yes, I think sparring against Peter will be good for both you and him. If you don't somehow meet with him before our next spar I'll bring it up to him. Same time next week? "

Elektra hummed, before shaking her head. "Can we move it to Monday actually? If everything goes well I'll be meeting with this man again at the same time again on Fridays following today."

Silver frowned. "Didn't you say this was a date? I'm not native to America, but even in my country going on a date every week would be looked at as abnormal."

"I said it was like a date," Elektra corrected with a laugh. "I will admit, the man I'm about to meet with is attractive, but he's mainly going to be teaching me fighting techniques. I don't think he would appreciate my showing interest whilst doing so. He is… driven while working, to say the least, I think I'd have a better time showcasing any interest when he is not if I wanted a shot."

Silver nodded and waved. "I see, my bad then. Well, have fun and stay safe, Elektra."

The tomboy waved, walking away. "You as well Silver."

Snkt!

With her sparring partner gone, Silver took a deep breath before standing to enter the showers herself. She was at work after all, and her break was almost over.

Minutes Later

With a quick shower completed Silver went about her day. Double-checking the day patrols, sending someone to answer the dummy distress signals when Mr. Hardy or Mr. Fox inevitably tripped them. Though occasionally she'd answer one herself, such as when Felicia was found entering Peter's office to feed his pet Black Widow - the girl really tried too hard to get under her skin that at this point she felt pity - and getting past Peter's new secretary… somehow… she refused to believe those woman's sharp eyes missed the platinum blonde's activities, all in all, a normal day. They were 'slowing down' so to speak with Peter's project's construction being completed, though with some new employees and their projects getting jump-started she foresaw her days getting busy again. 'I need to capitalize on it, maybe call in papa to cover for me for a day just in case, all to satisfy Peter's inane request. He just finished a contract not too long ago.'

---

Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Roof of the Building from Parker Industries

THWIP

"Yo." Peter greeted Val who was resting on her hoverbike.

The spy waved lazily. "Hi. Natasha said something about training a wanna-be ninja?"

Spider-Man shrugged. "Something like that."

Val rolled her eyes. "Well, look alive. She's here." She said, nodding her head to the red-clad figure making their way to their own building by free running and using her grappling gun. They didn't wait long.

Landing with cat-like grace Elektra nodded toward Spider-Man first, then Val. "Greetings Spider-Man, I am here as requested." She took a moment to look around. "Where is the other woman that follows you?"

Spider-Man shrugged "Honestly? Off duty, I told you that she's following me due to extenuating circumstances, just like Agent 14 here."

"I see," the shinobi said blandly, then stared at Peter intently.

He clapped his hands. "Great, now that you're here we can get started on your training."

Elektra nodded, her stance saying "I am ready when you are."

Grinning beneath his helmet, Peter teased. "Try to keep up with Agent 14 for today. I don't expect you to get anywhere near my speed but I'll occasionally be slowing down to match hers. Our goal is to eventually get you ready to patrol Hell's Kitchen."

The red shinobi couldn't see it but Val raised an eyebrow, mouthing 'Can she handle that?'

The spider hero activated her com system along with his. "I said the goal is to get her to that point. The area surrounding the Baxter building is relatively safe." He paused before reaching to deposit his backpack after searching through it. He tossed 'Uzume' a red-coated earpiece. "In case we need to speak to each other."

Silent, the ninja nodded, removing her bandanna enough to place the earpiece in her right ear.

"Also, if you want to give it back after we're done here you can, but it does have a tracker in it as an FYI. If for some godforsaken reason, you get knocked unconscious we can still find you. Do you understand?"

Elektra nodded. "I understand."

"Great." TWHIP "Follow meeeeeee!" Spider-Man said with a laugh swinging away.

Peter said the area surrounding the Baxter building was easy and he meant it, so he mainly took the time to swing and watch as Elektra kept pace with Val, who tried to keep pace with Peter.

A mugger here, an attempted jewelry robbery there, stopping a kid from going into the street, run-of-the-mill stuff for a patrol. They were coming up to the start of Peter's sectioned-off patrol route so he mulled over how to move forward.

"Okay, this is on me for not saying this, but I hope you were watching how I handled everything, Uzume. I'm going to fall behind you both now, just follow the same route I took now that we've come back to the start. Agent 14 I want to see how Uzume handles any crime that may happen or civilians that need help. We'll stay back and jump in if needed."

"Understood," Val replied.

"I will do my best," Elektra affirmed.

What followed was hilarious to watch, though Peter wouldn't voice it as such to the woman. He and Val followed the woman as she maneuvered above the buildings searching for crime, her back muscles tensing and he was pretty sure that her heartbeat was rising in nervousness.

As they completed another full circuit Elektra turned her head slightly to face Spider-Man and Val, making sure to keep an eye ahead of her to continue moving. "There's no one to fight- I mean, there's no crime happening here. Should we move onto another area?"

Peter snorted. "Don't worry, this happens sometimes. We'll complete another two circuits and if there still isn't any crime or someone in trouble I won't hold it against you and call it a day."

Curious, Elektra asked. "Are you going to patrol on your own?"

"Got my own commitment actually. If you continue doing this, not just after I stop today, but moving forward, some of the best advice I can give is to make sure you take some time for your civilian identity."

Elektra was silent for a moment before responding. "I see."

The following route was again unnoteworthy, Spider-Man's assuaging Elektra's concern removed any fun he and possibly Val could have gained from watching her squirm. Honestly, the relatively slow pace and lack of action made it hard for his eyes not to drift from watching Elektra move gracefully through the air, each muscle clear beneath her shozoku to his eyes as the wind pressed the cloth against her body, for a moment his gaze was overtaken with her more revealing outfit as an assassin and he could clearly picture the skin of her tanned thighs leading toward her partially cloth covered as– He shook his head. Damn hormones. Peter was once again glad for wearing a helmet.

Glancing at Val to change his view he was glad to see that she didn't notice his lingering eyes, he thanked his helmet again, but he was not expecting for his breath to catch at the sight of Val's face with the backdrop of the city skyline. 'Damn I wish I had my camera.' Not for any perverted reason, he wouldn't take a picture like that unless he was in a relationship with the woman, and even then he'd still ask for consent, but mainly to capture the moment. Her windswept hair left her face open for all - in this instance him - to see, a small smile spread across her face, the joy of riding probably overtaking her.

God, he missed photography. Maybe he could take it up again as a hobby?

"Spider-Man?" Elektra called out, diverting his attention again.

"What is i–Oh. Yeah okay, stop on that building across the street." Peter ordered his two female companions. The reason why was that a group of four cars and a van, which had all seen better days, all stopped in front of a… spice shop. 'Really? Well, the UN Headquarters is 10 blocks away, there's bound to be more tourists or people looking to explore different tastes for their food.'

Landing next to Elektra, the hero took stock of the situation. He was impressed that she had the wherewithal to already be wary of large groups, though the state of the vehicles kind of made that easy. The vehicles were still parked, and their windows were tinted so he couldn't tell if he and his companions were seen.

Val parked her bike silently behind them. "What's the plan?"

Peter hummed. "I'm thinking… and also waiting. They haven't stepped out of their vehicles yet. Maybe they just ordered a bulk order of spices and just need the bodies?"

He felt the gazes of his female companions burn into him.

"Are-are you serious?" Elektra asked, astonished.

"I wish I could tell you whether he is or not," Val answered in exasperation, facepalming.

Spider-Man pouted, and crossed his arms, "I'm being serious. My faith in humanity isn't so low that I automatically assume the worst of people who look out of place. Plus it's embarrassing if you accuse someone o–" He cut himself off as the vehicles' occupants all exited. Most were men wearing simple dress shirts with black business vests that had seen better days, each carried either a crowbar or bat. A few of the men however were wearing full pinstripe suits and carrying pistols. 'Maggia… poor looking Maggia. Twenty-four to be specific.'

Val and Elektra's gazes burrowed deeper into him.

"I was telling you these guys looked like trouble!" His companions were not amused. He sighed. "Look, we obviously still watched them, I said I don't just assume the worst. There's still a chance I could be wrong." He shook his head. "I'll handle the gun-toting gangsters, you both handle the melee-wielding ones. I'll start helping after. And remember, no killing. Do you both need me to carry you down?"

Val nodded immediately, and after a moment Elektra did as well.

"Okay, hold onto me." Warily, Elektra looped an arm through his and Val did the same on his other side. With a single leap, Peter landed right behind the gangsters who were all entering the spice shop. "I'm sorry, but I think you're all breaking the max occupancy here guys. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Everyone inside the shop froze, and Peter saw one gangster look toward the Max Occupancy sign that was right next to him.

MAX OCCUPANCY: 40

The gangster snorted. "Yeah think you're wro–Mmph" Spider-Man webbed his mouth shut, he could clearly read the sign. Not giving anyone else any more time he jumped toward the ceiling and aimed 4 more weblines to snag the pistols the Maggia men were carrying. Swinging them like a bola he launched them at the silenced gangster and felt satisfied at seeing him keel over.

Landing, in between the largest group of men he started swatting them around, gently he might add, before they could think.

By the time he was done, the men only started to fight back once he was done knocking about half of them out, not that it did much, the hero turned to face the rest of the shop. Val was dealing with 3 gangsters by deflecting their blows into their allies. A couple of bodies lay behind them, presumably ones already dealt with. While Elektra seemed to have taken out the greater majority of the ones left, using her sais to catch the men with crowbars swings, or parrying those with bats and capitalizing on the openings to deliver a swift kick to their stomachs. It was, effective to say the least, leaving Peter to feel comfortable webbing down the criminals as the women handled the stragglers.

THWIP!

With the last thug dealt with Spider-Man stood proud over their handiwork. "Good work ladies!" he praised. Val rolled her eyes while Elektra nodded. He walked over to the counter wanting to notify the cashier that the men were handled.

The hero found him shaking under the counter and knocked on it. "Yo, sorry about the mess, we knocked out the goons though, can you call the police?"

"Already handled Spider-Man," Val interjected.

"Scratch that, just wait here for the police, let them know that it'll be 2 hours before the webbing dissolves. Ciao!" Peter amended with a chuckle, walking back to his allies. "Ready to go?"

A Few Minutes Later - Roof of the Building from Parker Industries

"So, I think you did well actually." Spider-Man praised Elektra, snorting internally at how her body stance brightened. 'I wonder what caused her to be more of a robot later…' "I'll see you next Friday, we'll be patrolling this area and then another. In other words, we'll do this longer next time."

The ninja nodded her head, "Understood." She hesitated debating something and then bowed, "Thank you for teaching me." With that, she gave Val a nod and left the way she came.

"She kept the communicator?" Val asked in surprise.

Peter shrugged, turning to face the spy. "Something tells me she's trying to gain my trust. And I honestly couldn't tell you why."

The woman frowned. "So she didn't last time. Do I need to be worried about her?"

Instead of answering Spider-Man stayed silent. That was the question, wasn't it? Before, by the time he met the assassin, she was already jaded and only occasionally accepted following his no-kill rule. Most of the time she gave him the "courtesy" to leave her enemies injured and dying when he was nearby if she decided not to follow his no-kill rule outright, a thing he believes was more so to bog him down from stopping her from ending her main target. Something he didn't always succeed at, unfortunately. But that had nothing to do with trust, he trusted Logan after all, even if he was sure the man probably killed his enemies if Spider-Man wasn't with him and sometimes even when he was still present. And Spider-Man did trust Elektra… at least, enough to know that she normally wouldn't try to kill him if there wasn't a contract out for his head. Or when DD (Daredevil) vouched for her.

The hero grimaced beneath his helmet. "I said my faith in humanity isn't so low that I think the worst of those that are out of place."

Val nodded remembering what he said after the Maggia exited their vehicles, face becoming stone. "So she becomes a problem later?"

Peter shook his head. "Not… necessarily. I won't say any more to color your opinion of her, but I occasionally trusted her to have my back in a fight." He sighed, taking off his helmet to get undressed. "At the very least I can say with absolute certainty that she tries to keep innocents away from her work and tries to do what she thinks is good at the end of the day. I might be wrong, but I do believe that about her. So you can quote me on that to Fury."

"... So withhold my judgment?" Val asked, tiredly.

"Yes. If you would be so kind," Spider-Man said in a faux-haughty voice.

He frowned as he finished getting dressed in his civilian clothes. He wasn't going to check the location of the communicator just yet, he was sure Elektra was bound to leave it at her home or mansion, because he was positive the Greek Ambassador lived at one, as a means to hide her other activities. If she had any. That or at this point in time Elektra was just a tiny bit more trusting of the world. Which was disheartening to think about. That still did beg the question of just why she was interested in him. Peter hasn't done anything too out of the ordinary to the wider public for her to have shown interest in him. Perhaps it is because he did something as Peter Parker that gave him away? No. She was already searching for him after his debut. He shook his head, he'd think about this later.

---

Elektra Natchios - Hand Dojo

Elektra walked down the darkened hallway of the dojo till she reached a traditional shoji or sliding door. She opened it to see a candlelit room with one sole female occupant of Japanese descent kneeling before a basin.

"You're late Elektra," Aka said in a reproachful tone, though with her gentle nature, it was hard to tell as the Greek woman walked up to her.

Elektra bowed. "Apologies Master. Peter gave me a communicator that also had a locator built-in. I decided it would be prudent to stop at my home and store it before heading to the dojo."

Aka hummed, turning to face her student. "That was wise taking into account your ignorance. For your knowledge, from our intel, he is unaware of what this location actually is. Next time do not fear bringing it here if you must. The Hand is prepared to put up a front if needed."

Elektra nodded. "Understood Master."

"Splendid. So tell me, what are your thoughts on young Peter?"

The ninja paused to think over the question. If you asked her what she thought of Peter when she was first told of him she was not afraid to admit that she thought he was too carefree and knew little of the horrors of life; based on his family's wealth and general demeanor. Then after viewing his exploits as a hero and the aftermath of his foiling of what she later found out was an alien invasion through the Hand, she was willing to admit he was skilled. It enticed her enough to approach him with her real identity to get the measure of him at the very least and let loose her more feminine side since he was admittedly attractive. That was… fun. If anything she felt more in touch with her mother who to her father's chagrin was too beautiful for her own good afterward. Ugh, She was getting sidetracked.

Finding out about his ownership of a dangerous pet at least pacified her wariness on whether or not the Hand might be making a mistake of looking into recruiting him. Which led to her embarrassing defeat at his bodyguard's hand, though after repeated spars with the woman she looked on the experience with pride. Moving on, she decided to create a full-fledged costumed identity with Aka's permission and resources, as Peter's Spider-Man persona was a lot more… colorful to be polite and his known partners were from SHIELD, an organization the Hand did not want to gain the attention of. Trying to follow him was a challenge and it was only thanks to Aka sharing that the building she found him at held something of his interest that she knew where to find him. The following event afterward was humbling, to say the least even though she also felt as though all her training was for naught. It was only with Aka's words of him being blessed physically that she moved past it. Which led her to today's events and how they fit in with her previous knowledge.

"I'd say he shackles himself too much. He reminds me of myself and also of my father."

Aka cocked her head, "Oh? How so?"

Elektra frowned remembering how she was at 17, "He is too gentle with those that are criminals. He contents himself with knowing they will simply be locked away for a time. From my knowledge gained through the Hand and also what I've learned from overhearing fellow students at my school I know that criminals are not always held accountable or held for long here… yet he does not want to take the permanent step. He reiterated multiple times not to kill, and after seeing him fight in person I can't tell if he said it as a command for me or for himself."

Aka hummed, "That certainly sounds like a young girl that I found 2 years ago. And how does he remind you of your father?"

Elektra glanced off to the side, slightly embarrassed. "I find myself… enjoying the praise he gives me no matter how small despite having to shackle myself to not earn his ire. Similar to how my father praises me for my schoolwork or hobbies. How he does not only fight criminals but cares for the average person and their troubles. Like my father cares for my people. It is… endearing and I can't help but feel like I… He's a good person like my father. And I…"

"Feel as though you are tainting that goodness?"

Elektra nodded, "Yes exactly Master."

The Japanese woman hummed, "Worry not. Despite his more… noble characteristics you will not be tainting them by recruiting him into the Hand. Tell me, do you feel tainted accepting the bloodlust you have within yourself."

The young woman closed her eyes, "If I am being honest Master. I do sometimes." She felt a gentle feminine hand caress her face and opened her eyes in shock. She felt disappointed seeing that Aka was standing in front of her a few feet away still.

"I do not think you are tainted Elektra. After all, is there not a time and place for righteous anger? Should those deserving of punishment not feel the wrath of justice?"

"But the members of the Hand I've killed–"

"–Are simply practice, as I've said before. They have given themselves to the Hand, they are neither alive nor dead. Do not feel guilty for honing your skills by utilizing tools." Aka said uncaringly. At seeing Elektra's hesitance she sighed. "Perhaps you need a reminder." The woman snapped her fingers and 10 Hand members dropped in front of her. "Release the anger you've accumulated for today, I will not judge you and after learning of our ways Peter will not judge you."

Elektra hesitated before nodding, if she was being honest with herself while it felt good to be praised by Peter she was, at the end of the day, shackled. She released her sais from her belt.

It was time to be free.

---

Peter Parker - Parker Industries outside the PPG

"Hey, Sue! Sorry for running a little late. I got us some pizza since I don't know what deep questions you'll have for me and we're– oh wow. You look amazing Sue. Though now you're just making me feel overdressed." Peter greeted with a laugh.

Susan frowned, worried, "I tried going for a more casual approach. I'm sorry if it's too much."

He shook his head. Susan was dressed in a red blouse and form-fitting jeans, that definitely fit the definition of casual. Peter by contrast was wearing dress pants and a white button-up shirt.

"I said you look amazing Sue. Don't worry about it, it's definitely some of your workplace best. So shall we get started?" He consoled her, stepping near the door.

"Uh sure, but do you need help? That's a little…" Sue asked, motioning toward the pizza, of which Peter held two boxes.

Peter gave another laugh and pressed a keycard to the door. SNKT "No problem, let's go!"

Sighing in good-natured exasperation Susan followed him and gasped. "It's amazing!" The blonde was staring at the machine dead center in the middle of the room, a bluish-green glow humming from beneath the glass surrounding it.

Peter grinned, setting down the pizza on a nearby table. "Yeah, I decided to go with the awe factor and let anyone see the way Parker Particles work. Right now we're looking at them circling around in there from the tip of the actual machine." He said, pointing toward the center of the glass-encased machine. It looked like a cross between a satellite and an antenna as waves of light both left the tip of the machine and entered back after circling the entirety of the glass.

"And from what I remember the schematics said it only took a small charge to activate, correct? How exactly do you plan to–" Susan stopped her questioning, noticing off to the side a wall of industrial batteries being charged. "You plan to make it self-sustaining? Won't that violate the laws of thermodynamics?"

He grinned, feeling like he was a showman about to break an audience member's reality. "Except it doesn't. The thing about Parker Particles is that the energy being generated is really being siphoned from the expansion of the universe using quantum mechanics based on the ground state of time crystals. Think of it like siphoning solar energy from the sun. If that helps."

Susan closed her mouth thinking over his explanation and then nodded. "I believe so, though I guess that poses the question of what will happen when and if the universe ever stops expanding…"

Peter sighed and gave a weary smile, "Actual unlimited energy still eludes me. But, hopefully with this as a primary source of power, and potentially nuclear energy or some other form as backup, humanity won't need to worry about the more glaring finite resources we use today. So… would you like to know more?"

Susan nodded, grinning. "Of course, I always love to hear you speak."

'Wait what?' Peter didn't let his grin drop but kept her words in the back of his mind.

Explaining the actual mechanics of the machine is time-consuming and it's why Peter prefaced what it did with an analogy to solar energy. That way someone would understand what exactly was happening. So Peter should have expected that since Susan already knew essentially what the machine did, that she'd grow bored after hearing the deeper mechanics of how it worked. It wasn't that it was going over her head, but he quickly noticed that she was mainly acting upbeat for him and trying to keep interest for his own feelings. 'That's not right. She shouldn't feel the need to appease me, there's a reason scientists are fine just giving the barebones explanation even to our fellow scientists. I thought she was intere– Oh goddammit you messed up again Peter.'

He felt like bashing his head into a wall.

There a reason you haven't spent as much time with me? – …I'm not ashamed to admit I miss your company!

She was trying to spend time with him. 'I really haven't spent time with her or Johnny except for that one day at the movies before we went out to eat.' That… wasn't good. He's surprised Susan wasn't holding it against him for putting work forward. He winced, his actions made him sound like Reed, and if there's one trait he knows Susan doesn't like about Reed it's putting science before family. 'Well, now that you noticed the problem, Peter. Rectify it.'

He stopped his explanation on the capacity of the batteries and pulled Sue to one of the chairs near the table and handed her one of the pizza boxes. "I'm starving, are you starving?"

The blonde blinked in surprise, "Peter, why'd you sto– Oh I guess I am getting hungry…"

Grabbing his own box Peter sat down next to her. "So, what's new with you?"

Susan looked at him puzzled before shrugging and sinking deeper into her chair. "I mean there's that prosthes–"

"Not work-related," Peter interjected gently, grabbing a slice of his pizza.

The older woman blinked again and stumbled, "Um, well I don't really know what to say…"

'I guess she has been pretty work oriented this time around. But Susan's not like me or Reed, she still devotes time to herself. There's bound to be something.'

"Well, for me I'm thinking of taking up photography," Peter said with a grin.

"Really? I'd never take you for someone who would be into that. Would you even have time? I know you and Johnny both like to game a lot, I mean I sometimes join in as well so that'd take up more time…" She trailed off frowning.

Peter wanted to frown as well, he could tell that she was feeling nervous for some reason and it was bothering him. "That's fine Sue, we'd still be doing that." He noticed that she brightened at that comment. 'Okay cool, so she's probably feeling like she isn't getting enough time with me…a little weird, but she doesn't really hang out with anyone but family so not too weird.'

"But come on, I know you've got to have something new going on in your life that you haven't told me about. You've always been creative."

Susan sighed before perking up, and then blushing, "Ah I mean. There is this one thing."

Peter nodded eagerly, "Well what is it?"

Susan blushed harder, "Promise you won't judge me?"

He nodded.

The woman sighed, "I've been getting into sailing again actually."

"Wait is that it," He noticed that she seemed to shrink in on herself and he laughed, placing his hands on her shoulders trying to coax her back out. "That's not a bad thing Sue, my comment was more toward the fact that you thought I would judge you for that. I mean why would I?"

Sue had a light dusting of red on her pale cheeks, "I don't know, I know it's not something most would think looking at me, but there's something about sailing on the water that's relaxing to me. That and it's cool to go fast and not have to worry about crashing into anything except a rock."

"Hey, I can see that being something to enjoy. I can't say it's something I would go out of my way to do, but I understand it."

She frowned again, "That just makes it sound weird."

Peter shook his head, "Sue, just because I'm not just as excited for the same activity that you are doesn't mean it's weird. I think at this point it's pretty well established that Johnny and I don't have the exact same interests despite us both being athletic for our ages and being into different fields of knowledge. That said, I still want to hear about what he's interested in if it differs from my tastes. Maybe I don't want to hear about it too much to the point that I'm in the thick of it and won't enjoy myself, but enough to where I can gauge that he's still having a good time when I'm not there to be with my best bud. I think that's healthy for any relationship, least of all a friendship. And hey there's always the chance from hearing about it I might think of something new to try or think of something that we both could do."

Susan had a thoughtful look on her face before nodding. "I guess I can see that."

Peter grinned. "Great! So, tell me about you getting back into sailing oh mighty tamer of the sea."

It warmed his heart to see Susan beam at him so brightly.

---

Susan Storm - Parker Industries Garage

Sue's heart felt light after her talk with Peter as she exited the room and made her way to the building's garage for her car.

Looking back she was embarrassed that someone younger than her could sound so wise and mature with an outlook on relationships, especially when she prided herself on being so. It was probably a fault for being so career-oriented after seeing Peter's success so young. She was bound to not be fully rounded out by doing so.

'I was expecting that if Peter and I got into a relationship that we'd be a battle couple in the science community, but after that conversation and the topics following it I don't think I'd mind if we didn't end up as one. Just knowing his vested interest in my happiness gives me joy even right now as a friend.' She stopped a thought coming into her head. 'Maybe I should talk to my mom more. Looking back on the topics Peter and I discussed I think I might find more enjoyment in being a housewife. I'd still want to spend time with Peter, but perhaps learning more family-oriented tasks is the way to go about it.'

Satisfied with having a new goal to work toward. Susan walked to her car, bypassing Silver. "Oh! Sorry Silver, I was in my head so I forgot to say hi. Are you just leaving as well?"

Silver had an intense look in her eye as she stared at Susan, it was a little intimidating but only because Susan knew Silver took her job seriously. So she was mainly worried something dangerous might be out and about.

The mercenary shook her head, "Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts as well. I'm looking for Peter. Do you know where I can find him?"

Susan frowned, "Is there something wrong?"

Silver grimaced, "You could say that. It has to do with SHIELD's guarding of Peter. I'm not happy with how they are doing so after finding some information today."

Susan felt some tension bleed from her shoulders. Was that all? Although… Some tension rose back as she remembered Silver's own feelings for Peter and how it might look to him seeing Silver take the initiative like this. It wasn't something she liked to think about because Susan didn't want to be a jealous bitch. She always gets into a foul mood at knowing Peter is surrounded by other beautiful women that were outstanding in their own ways. Ugh, she had to get it together. 'If Silver's concerned about something it should be perfectly fine for her to discuss it with Peter, it's probably not related to her own feelings toward Peter anyways.' She shook her head mentally. 'NO! It should be fine regardless for Silver to talk with Peter whenever she wants. You don't have a say in who he can or can't speak to Sue.'

Smiling weakly, Susan let out, "He's still in his new project room. The generator. He had some stuff to calibrate or so he said, honestly I think he just wanted to eat the pizza I left and was too lazy to move."

"Ah yes, that does sound like him." Silver said with a small laugh before she sighed and the intense look came back. "Thank you, Susan." Silver departed with a nod.

"Anytime. I hope your conversation goes well!" Susan said with a wave, entering her car.

'Now how to bring this up to my mom… she's probably going to be jumping for joy that I want to learn more about being a housewife. She always seemed to act like we never did any other mother-daughter activities.'

---

Peter Parker - PPG Room

'Lord, please never allow New York to run out of pepperoni and sausage pizza. This is truly something that could only have been made by your hand and it deserves to be available for purchase by everyone. Amen.'

Spider-Sense: ANGRY WOMAN COMING THROUGH!

Peter's eyes widened as he swallowed his most recent bite. "Whargh?"

SNKT

An angry Silver entered through the door quite calmly, her steps soft but precise as she made her way toward Peter.

"Uh, hi Silver? Something wrong?" He asked, setting his pizza down. If she was angry enough to set off his Spider-Sense something must be wrong, but her calm nature was disconcerting.

The silver-haired woman bowed her head and sighed before shaking. Immediately Peter stood up to grasp her shoulders where she seemed to collapse onto him. He felt his shirt grow wet, making him more concerned.

"Woah hey, what's wrong come on talk to me. I can tell you're angry but I don't know why. Just let me know what I can do to make you feel better." Peter said, moving his arms in to hug her.

Silver stiffened and she shook again, this time in rage, before glaring up at him. Her face was one of pain and fury as she slammed her phone into his chest. "Explain. Everything. Now. I've already called my father to cover for me for a week." She spat.

'What?' He grabbed the phone and stared at it before wincing. It was a news video of Peter's stopping the Maggia at the spice shop, which he now saw was Far East Trading Spices, ugh why'd he focus on that, his brain was trying to distract him. It played a rerun from the shop's cameras showcasing his acrobatic skill and how multiple men were already dealt with by the time everyone else started moving. But the video also showed Val who Silver was aware of, but it also showed. 'Elektra. Or Uzume… So I can guess that… Wow, I did not think she'd take this that seri– No it doesn't matter if her feelings are irrational right now Peter. Calm her down first before discussing the boundary you're finding you have.'

He sighed before moving to sit her down, where she meekly followed his guidance.

Silver stared at him, looking extremely vulnerable and not at all worried about the tears streaming down her face. And damn if that didn't start to make him want to cry as well. 'Where to start?' He thought while drumming his fingers.

Peter sighed again, 'Just come out and say it'.

"I'm from the future."

---

And we're done. I hope that was an enjoyable read. For the sake of time I will no commence with what seems to be almost a constant rant at Marvel right now.

RANT
First, Spider-Verse just killed Peter, I mean based on the cover art the man comes back, but for a supposed 'chosen one' this doesn't give me high hopes. Especially since one of the summaries for these comics is that "We just met probably the most important character to Spider-Verse comics" - Yeah totally gives me the vibes that Peter's the chosen one/important. Also, Marvel hasn't really made clear where this falls in the Marvel timeline, but I'm almost positive the Wiki is wrong, simply because Norman is probably going to be fucked in the Dark Web event and either regress or somehow die in a manner that he doesn't deserve (ie noble sacrifice) and the Spider-Verse comics have him still being safe/"sane". This is some bad storytelling is all I'll say. But again, you really killed Peter? xD After calling him the chosen one? Like, I get 'subverting' expectations but I called this out in a couple PMs and I think on AO3, that Marvel would still shaft Peter and not have him actually be important in the Spider-Verse at all.

Second, Dark Web, we just started and well, all I can say is that the only 'positive' thing so far is that they had Ben give a canon reason for why Peter seems to not use his strength potential. (The fact that Peter's so scared of it that he's taught himself to never even use it, even when angry. Can't tell if this is Chekov's gun or not because Wells has shown he wants Peter so down on his luck I could see him rejecting said 'hidden' strength.) Everything else just seems like crap. Norman saying that he needs to live to make amends because people are relying on him is crap, at most they're relying on him for money.

Ben's adamant refusal to take accountability for his actions, callbacks to Peter's unwillingness to allow his clone memories that he should already have access to. Not to mention the glaring tonal difference if you try to keep up with both the Spider-Man version and X-Men version of Dark Web. I'm just...well I'm glad I show my support by sailing the seven seas you know. xD

I won't even touch what they're doing in Mary-Jane and Black Cat.

RANT OVER

ANYWAYS, I again hope it was an enjoyable read. The holidays and my incessant need to try and grab the correct tone of characters delayed this chapter. Lots of plot threads are being laid down and not all of them I think will be easy to guess what they'll lead to, but hey gotta have consistency for later events xD

Characterization I again hoped made sense, especially the fluff scenes where I tried my best xD (Along with the bit of action!)

And as we can see Peter's hormones are still getting the better of him, Soon (TM) he will be able to act without feeling guilty. xD

And yes, Silver will be getting an explanation next chapter btw. A chain reaction of women will follow as well xD

Thank you again for reading, and before I forget, we have a discord now for this story! The link of which will be on my profile for FF readers! AO3 readers will have a link in the story summary.

Thank you all for reading!