Chapter 3 is up and running, after this chapter will be chapter 4 which will be the final chapter of my first story of my ShadowSpider Prime fanfiction. Now here is a question for my readers. Would you like it if I did a bit of a time skip, like a one month time skip or would you like to see more of the first month. Like would you like to see their second date and so on? Also feel free to send out ideas for chapters in my next ShadowSpider Prime story through private messaging don't want everyone knowing what the next chapter will be about, for those who don't have account then feel free to post in the comments. Some help is always appreciated. Anyway, please be sure to review.
I'm setting up a pole for Peter's age. now I did the math and according to the Marvel's sliding timescale Kitty should be 23 right now while Peter should be 29. But in Spencer's run when Peter was talking to MJ about going back to college, she said that he was in his mid-20s. So I am stuck on what to do. Should Peter be 25-26 or should he be 29? I'm setting up a poll on my profile so let me know there and if you can't figure that out then everyone let me know in the comments. I think I'll wait maybe a week to post the next chapter, that is when I will close the pole, so please let me know.
Chapter 3: The Date
"Um, hi I'm Peter Parker, you must be my date," Peter said nervously. 'Really, I'm Peter Parker. Of course she knows who I am, Bobby told her.'
"Um, yes, hi, I'm Kate, Kate Pryde," Kate said back feeling nervous herself. 'Really Kate, he already knows who you are. Why introduce yourself again? Then again, I suppose it's a bit different, with me going by Kate now, at least he knows what I want to be called.'
"Nice to…see you again I guess," Peter said laughing a bit.
Kate laughed as well, "Nice to finally see who's behind the mask," she quips
Peter grins, "Hope I didn't disappoint too much," he said
"Well, I'm not complaining yet," Kate said
"Night's still young," Peter joked
"Well then, I guess than we should…get this thing started then," Kate said
"I guess so," Peter said, the two then started walking, where they were headed only Peter really knew.
"So um, is there a plan for tonight," Kate asked feeling a little awkward.
"What's your take on Italian," Peter asked
"I like Italian," Kate answered
"That's a relief, because I made reservations to Luigi's," Peter said
"Really," Kate asked surprised, she hadn't expected him to make reservations.
"Yeah, is that ok? Do you not like Luigi's," Peter asked, he really hopes that he hadn't already screwed this up by choosing a restaurant that she doesn't like.
"I've never been to Luigi's to be honest, but I've heard good things," Kate answered, she's willing to try Luigi's, it might be good.
"Well, if it helps, I've been there myself and I enjoy it," Peter said
"Sounds good," Kate said, the two then continued their walk-in silence, neither entirely sure what to say to each other. It's not like they interacted much when they teamed up. One of the last times they teamed up Kate remembers that Spider-Man was kind of a jerk, he even punched Logan in the face. Heh, and now he isn't a jerk, she wonders what made the change in him. Maybe she can ask him that. Wait! Was that a good idea? Should they talk about hero related things? Kate may have been reluctant about going on this date, but she certainly doesn't want all their conversations to be hero related. No, she needs to think of something more personal, but not too personal where he would be uncomfortable.
Unknown to Kate, Peter was thinking the same thing as her. What can he talk to her about? From his own knowledge of the X-Men, the X-men are pretty much every member's entire life. The team is both their professional and personal life. How in the world can he talk to her about something that's outside the X-Men? Would she even want to? He took a quick glance at Kate; well, she does have a nice dress. Perhaps he can complement her dress, but that could make things awkward. Then again things are already awkward so what's some more awkwardness in the mix?
"I hope you don't mind me saying, but you look really nice in that dress," Peter complimented
"Oh," Kate said feeling surprised, she didn't expect a compliment. She blushed a bit, "Thanks, it took a while to pick out. I wasn't entirely sure what to wear, all Bobby told me was wear a dress," Kate explained, "You um, you look nice too," she complimented making Peter smile.
"Thanks, it took a while to pick out, mostly because of my roommates," Peter answered
"You have roommates," Kate asked getting a nod from Peter, "I'd figure the Amazing Spider-Man would be living in some bachelor pad or something."
"Ha, with how much rent is these days, no way. I have to live with two other guys just to afford the place where we live,"
"Heh and your roommates made it hard for you to choose an outfit why," Kate asked curiously.
"Because when one of them is bored, he likes to bug people and the other one tends to follow his lead. They found out that I was going on a date and my roommate who likes to bug people, Fred, decided to add his two sense in while my other roommate Randy decided why not and started putting his input in. They wound up getting in some debate on what clothes I should wear, said that the type of clothes I wore depended on the girl. But considering I had no idea who I was going on a date with, Fred thought that I needed to go over the top and impress…well you," Peter said smiling a little causing Kate to smile as well. "Fred well when it comes to this stuff, he thinks less with his head and more with other parts of his autonomy."
"Ah, so he's that kind of man," Kate said, very aware of what Peter was suggesting.
"Yep, Randy, thought that I should go with something simple. Said nice and simple represented me more, I'm pretty sure that was a compliment. Still deciding on that," Peter joked making Kate laugh, hearing her laugh made Peter smile, he really liked her laugh.
"And you, what did you want," Kate asked curiously.
Peter shrugged, "I wanted to make a good first impression, or um well," Peter said realizing that he had already made a first impression on her years ago, "A good first impression as Peter Parker, but I also didn't want to go too over the top, so I decided to meet in the middle."
"Well, if it helps, I think you made the right choice in meeting in the middle, in fact I'd say we both fit perfectly in the right category when it comes to the dress code of this date. I actually don't think I'd be comfortable with anything more," Kate said as she looked at him. She isn't gonna mention the fact that she was uncomfortable with the way they're dressed now. A first date like this, she doesn't think should be as formal as they are now. They're not even sure if there is any romance between them, yet here they are getting all dressed up. Frankly she would have been more comfortable on a more casual date. Then again should she really complain, after all he looks really handsome in that outfit. She said she wanted something nice to look at during her date, well she got her wish.
"Always nice to have the seal of approval from my date. Let's me know that I haven't screwed anything up yet," Peter commented
Kate smiled at the comment, they just started this date and she's already enjoying herself. He's already succeeded in making her laugh a few times. Even outside the mask he's funny.
The two continued their walk-through Central Park until finally they reached Luigi's. As they approached the entrance, Peter opens the door for Kate, allowing her to go in first. "Well wouldn't you know, looks like chivalry isn't dead after all," Kate commented as she entered the restaurant.
"What can I say, I was raised to be a gentleman," Peter quipped as he entered the restaurant after Kate, the door closing behind him. Peter and Kate walked up to the man sitting behind a desk, "Excuse me," Peter said getting the man's attention, "Reservations for Parker."
The man looked through his computer, "Ah, here you are. Your table is ready Mr. Parker, if you would follow your server, he will take you to your table," the man said gesturing toward the man nearby.
"Thank you," Peter said
The man nodded, "You and your girlfriend enjoy your date now," the man said making the two superheroes blush in embarrassment.
"She's um…she's not my girlfriend," Peter corrected getting a nod from Kate.
"This is our first date," Kate said, before they were led to their table.
"Well, good luck," the man said
The server led the two brunettes to their table which was in the back of the restaurant near a window that showed New York City's lights, giving the scene a bit of a romantic setting which both Peter and Kate noticed.
"Well, here is your table," the server said as the two sat down, the server then placed two menus in front of the couple, "My name is Ron, I'll be your server. If there is anything that you need you can ask me."
"I actually have a question," Peter said getting Ron's attention, "This isn't the table I reserved for, I had reserved for a different one. What happened to that?"
"We got a call earlier telling us to switch your tables. They said that you wanted a table that was more private, and you couldn't make the call because you were busy," Ron answered
"Oh, I see," Peter said
"Anyway, I'll leave you two to look through your menus and come back when you're ready to order," Ron said
"Thank you," Kate thanked as the waiter turned around and walked away,
Peter sighed and smiled at Kate, "I'm gonna kill Bobby," he said making Kate laugh.
"Go right ahead, don't know what that will accomplish though. He'll be back in no time just for the sole purpose to annoy us," Kate said smiling at the comment.
"If that's the case, then couldn't you make him walk the plank or swab the poop deck," Peter said
"Really," Kate said raising an eyebrow, "Did you seriously just say that?"
"You're pirates, right? Wouldn't it make sense that you have a plank," Peter asked
"That is such a stereotype," Kate said shaking her head, "Seriously a plank?"
"Sooo, that's a no then," Peter said
"It's a no," Kate said smiling.
"Heh, you should invest in a plant, in case you want to throw any of your crew overboard," Peter said
Kate grinned, "I'll keep that in mind, then again most of my crew are very reliable. The only person who I'd ever consider doing that to would be Pyro," she said, the two then opened up their menus and looked to see what there was. "So, considering you've eaten here before, you have any suggestions?"
"Their rigatoni is good, I had that the last time I was here," Peter said as Kate looked through the menu.
"I think I found it. Rigatoni noodles with marinara sauce, beef meatballs, sprinkled with cheese, and garlic. Wow," Kate said as she looked at the choice.
"It sounds like a lot, but it all works together," Peter said as he contemplated whether he should order that again or get something different.
"Hm, I'll keep that in mind," Kate said as she turned the page, "They have pizza," she stated as she saw a pizza section on the menu.
"They do," Peter answered
"You ever had it," Kate asked
"Sadly no. They only sell pizza by the pie, not the slice. Which kind of sucks because pizza is my favorite food," Peter answered
"Really," Kate asked surprised, getting a nod from Peter, "Pizza is my favorite food."
"Really," Peter asked surprised as well, getting a nod from Kate.
"Really, it has always been my favorite food," Kate said
"What kind of pizza do you like," Peter asked
"Deep dish pepperoni," Kate said
"Deep dish? Not New York style," Peter asked getting a head shake from Kate.
"I only go for the best and the best is Chicago," Kate stated
"I'm gonna have to disagree on that point. You see, New York style is the best style, because it's been around for over 100 years, while Chicago style, well…," Peter said
"Well, what," Kate asked arching an eyebrow.
"Well, Chicago style hasn't been around for 100 years," Peter said shrugging
Kate scowled, "I'll have you know, that even though Chicago style hasn't been around as long as New York style. It has put up one hell of a fight, it became so popular that even New York sells it. If that doesn't prove its superiority then I don't know what will," she said
"Comparing New York style with Chicago style is like comparing the Mets with the Cubs. In other words, New York wins," Peter said making Kate gasp a bit.
"You did not just insult the Cubs," Kate said
"So, a baseball fan, are we," Peter asked
"For as long as I can remember. I'm a Chicago woman which means I will defend anything that comes from my fair city and that includes their pizza, and the Cubs," Kate explains
"I'm only stating facts and facts are that New York style trumps Chicago style, and the Mets did beat the Cubs in their last game," Peter stated
"That win was complete and utter luck. The Cubs had the bases fully loaded, all they needed was one good swing and they would have won. The only reason they lost was due to time," Kate defended
"Sounds like excuses if you ask me," Peter said smirking.
"They're not excuses if they're the truth," Kate said smirking back. "If time hadn't run out, then the Cubs would have won that game by 3 points."
"You make it sound like that the Cubs were gonna hit a homerun and take the game," Peter commented
"They were, our best batter was coming up to the plate. If he had his chance, we would have won that game," Kate said
"Well, you have it all figured out," Peter said rolling his eyes.
"I saw that eyeroll," Kate said making Peter laugh at being caught. Seeing Peter laugh made Kate smile, his laugh really was cute, "Seriously though, what do we order, because that guy is gonna be here any minute and we haven't chosen yet."
"Well, since we both like pizza, and I am now adamant of proving to you that New York style beats Chicago. How about we order a pepperoni pizza and split it," Peter suggested
"Soo, what you get four slices and I get four slices," Kate asked
Peter shrugged, "If that's ok with you," he said, he isn't trying to pull anything, Peter just figures that it would be better this way. They both like pizza, but neither are interested in eating a whole pie. So why not do the smart thing and just split it. It's not like they're sharing spaghetti or something.
"Hm," Kate hummed thinking about this for a moment, she'll be honest she wasn't entirely sure about that. Splitting food seemed like such a couple thing to do, and like she said this is their first date. She doesn't want to do anything too intimate; she barely knows the guy. But…Kate takes a look at Peter then. He doesn't look like he's trying to pull any moves on her. It actually sounded like the suggestion that it was. Is sharing a pizza really intimate? Friends share pizza all the time, and it's not like they're gonna be feeding each other or anything. Besides the pizza really does look good and she really doesn't like to waste which she will be if she orders the pizza. "You know, normally I would never think of sharing a pizza with a Mets fan, but I suppose I will, just this once," Kate said smirking playfully.
"Well, I'm glad you can look past your prejudice over the Met, can't promise I'll do the same though," Peter said making Kate giggle a little.
"Hey just remember, anything you throw at me, phases right through me. Anything I throw at you…," Kate said
"Will bounce right off me. Enhanced durability, gotta love that spider physiology," Peter said smiling. "What about drinks, they have a soda section and an alcohol section," Peter said making Kate wince a little which he noticed, "Everything ok?"
"Yeah sorry…um, I'm just staying away from alcohol for a while," Kate answered feeling a little uncomfortable, frankly she'd love a drink, but then she remembers her intervention and then she thinks differently. She's not an alcoholic or a drunk and she's gonna prove it.
Peter arched his eyebrow in question. Her reaction certainly was unexpected, makes him curious about what that's about, but he can see how uncomfortable the subject makes her and decides to let it go. If this date somehow turns into something more then he'll find out eventually. But until then he won't push. "Ok then, no alcohol," Peter said, he wasn't in the mood for anything alcoholic anyways.
"Don't let me stop you from ordering anything there," Kate said, she didn't wanna ruin his time. If he wants a drink, he should get a drink.
"It's fine," Peter said
"I'm serious, seeing you drink an alcoholic drink won't bug me. It's not like I'm an alcoholic or anything," Kate said the last part bitterly.
"I'm not saying you are, but really, I've never been much of a drinker. Even when I'm out with friends, I rarely drink," Peter said
"Really," Kate asked
"Really, normally I get coaxed into drinking by Bobby or Johnny, and even then, I'll probably have a beer or two," Peter said
"Heh, I always thought that you would be the type who likes to party to be honest," Kate said
"Really," Peter asked raising an eyebrow.
Kate nodded, "Your demeanor in your…hobby," Kate says trying to find the right code for his superhero identity. "Always gave off the vibe that you were the type to party and drink, at least that is what it looked like to me."
"Oh, I see," Peter said not entirely sure how he should feel about that.
Kate smiled in embarrassment, "Sorry," she apologized
Peter smiled at the apology and shrugged, "It's alright, it's not like you're the first person to make assumptions about me because of the way I acted," he said
"Still, I shouldn't have made assumptions. I always get upset when people make assumptions about me, it's kind of hypothetical to be doing the same thing to someone else," Kate said
Peter shrugged, "Like I said, it's ok. No harm done," he said
Kate gave an internal sigh, glad that he didn't get upset. Some people would have gotten angry at that assumption, her being one of them, which she proved at her intervention.
"So, drinks, see anything you like," Peter asked
Kate looked at the selection of drinks, "I think I'll go with a Sprite," she said, she smirked a bit at the memory of how she used to be called that once upon a time.
"Then I'll go with a Coke," Peter chose.
Having chosen what they wanted, it didn't take long for Ron to come back, "Hello again, have you made your choice," Ron asked
Deciding to take the lead on this one, Kate spoke, "Yes, we'd like a pepperoni pizza," she ordered
Ron wrote the order on his note pad, "Excellent choice. Would you like anything to drink," Ron asked
"I'll have a Coke," Peter ordered
"A Sprite for me please," Kate said
"Is that all," Ron asked
Kate then remembered something, "Actually, I was wondering," Kate said getting Ron and Peter's attention, "The pepperoni, is it made of pork or beef?"
"Normally we use pork pepperoni, but we have substituted it with beef pepperoni before, if you look it's actually on the menu," Ron said pointing at the section with toppings. Kate looked and saw that they did have beef pepperoni. "Is that what you'd like?"
Kate looked up at Peter, "Would you mind," she asked
"Not at all, go ahead," Peter said
Nodding her thanks Kate looked up at Ron, "Could you switch to the beef pepperoni," she asked
"Of course, ma'am," Ron said writing the topping down. "Is that all for you?"
"That's all for me," Kate answered
"Me as well," Peter said
"I'll be out with your drinks shortly and your pizza shouldn't be too long afterwards," Ron said, he then turned around and walked away.
Kate turned to look at Peter already anticipating his question, "I'm Jewish," Kate said
"Oh, that makes sense," Peter said getting a raised eyebrow from Kate.
"That makes sense, you haven't heard my explanation," Kate said, what did he mean by that makes sense? How does it make sense to him?
"I don't need it. You can't eat pork and dairy together; it goes against your beliefs. I get that," Peter said
Kate looked at Peter stunned, "How do you know that," she asked, she certainly didn't see that coming. Normally she finds herself having to explain herself when she tells people about why she can't eat certain things. Heck she was ready to give Peter her usual explanation, but it seems like that she doesn't have to because he already knows. But how?
"I grew up in Forest Hills, it happens to have quite the jewish community, because of that a good majority of my Aunt and Uncle's friends were jewish. We'd sometimes find ourselves invited to people's houses whether it was just so friends could visit friends, sometimes for one of the days for Hanukkah, because of that, their friends explained quite a lot of things to me. Why they ate what they ate, why they believed what they believed, why they celebrated what they celebrated, etc. It was very informing and interesting, heck when I was little, I was even allowed to light one of the candles of the menorah," Peter explained
Kate was once again stunned at the information. The fact that he knew about her traditions and beliefs really was something, she actually found herself really happy that he did. A fact that is shown through the smile forming on her face. She's not sure how much he knows but the fact that he is informed really is refreshing, it means that she won't have to explain herself as much as she used to with her other boyfriends. Kate is finding that she is liking Peter more and more ever minute. "That's actually really cool," she said
It didn't take long for Ron to come back to serve their drinks. After assuring them that their food would be out soon, he left.
The two sat in silence and drank their drinks. After a couple of more drinks Peter decided to speak, this is a date they should get to know each other better. "So, what are your interests," he asked
"My interests," Kate asked
"Yeah, what do you like to do? You know outside beating up bad guys and saving mutants from hostile countries," Peter said
"Oh, well I love computers and technology," Kate answered
"Really," Peter asked somewhat surprised, getting a nod from Kate, "I'll admit, I did not expect that."
"Not a lot of people do. When people see me, they always see the X-Man, they always see me fighting the bad guys with my fists. They never figured that behind that is a computer genius," Kate said
"I can understand that," Peter said in understanding, "Because of how much I tend to joke around, people tend to forget that I'm a genius as well."
"Kind of sucks heh. People just making these assumptions about you, all because they've seen how you act but never even bothering to actually get to know you," Kate said
"Yeah, it sucks at times, but you have to admit, it is kind of funny when you actually do reveal what you can do and their reactions to it," Peter said making Kate crack a smile.
"Yeah, it is pretty funny, especially when it's a villain," Kate said
"Definitely when it's a villain or when someone is being arrogant," Peter said
"It's always so much fun putting arrogant people in their place, especially when they're older than you. You can actually see the extra sting when you show them up," Kate said
"Believe me, I know what you mean," Peter said
Kate grinned, "You give me a computer and I can hack it," Kate said
"Does that include alien computers," Peter joked
Kate smiled, "You know, I know you're joking, but I actually have hacked alien computers before," she said
"Seriously," Peter asked
"Seriously, I got mad skills when it comes to computers," Kate said
"Well, now I'm impressed," Peter said, and he really is impressed, not a lot of people can say that they can hack into alien tech. For Kate to do that she has to be a serious genius. It's been a long time since Peter has talked to a woman with that kind of IQ.
"I live to impress," Kate joked making Peter smile, "What about you? What are you into," Kate asks curiously.
"I love all things science," Peter answered
"Really? Like," Kate asks
"Like, chemistry, biology, engineering, I'm also pretty good with computers as well," Peter said
"Any of that come in handy in your hobby," Kate asked
"More times than I can count. I always found it kind of funny when it was my knowledge of science that saved the day instead of my powers" Peter answered
"Brain power over superpowers. Always nice to see that even without superpowers we can still make a difference," Kate agreed
"Exactly, I don't think people give enough credit to the non-superpowered abilities that we all have," Peter said getting a nod from Kate.
"Exactly, I mean some of the only times where people will take note of that is as if it's some kind of super or mutant power. But if you're just naturally smart, it's just written off," Kate said
"It's like you have to have some kind of suit of armor or cool gadget for people to actually be impressed and actual acknowledge that you are smart," Peter said
"Or you have to do something big to show just how smart you are and afterwards they just…forget it, like you didn't just save everyone with your brain," Kate said
"Someone who understands," Peter said shaking his head.
Kate grinned, "Nice to find a kindred spirit. I mean seriously, I took college classes when I was 13 and yet somehow everyone just wrote me off. You wanna know why they did that, because I was the youngest member there," Kate said
"You took college classes when you were 13," Peter asked
"Yep, I am that kind of smart," Kate said.
"That cool," Peter said
"Why thank you," Kate thanked, "You said you're a genius right? Did you take any advance classes in school?"
"School? No, I didn't. So many things just happened that I couldn't take advanced classes. I would have liked to believe me. I really wanted to leave school as soon as possible, but things got in the way," Peter explained
"Really? What got in the way," Kate asked
Peter shrugged, "In the beginning before my powers, it was the bullying," he said
"Bullying," Kate asked
"Yeah, before my powers I was such a stereotypical nerd. Round rimmed glasses, sweater vests, khaki pants, paid attention in class, teachers loved me, students hated me. Even my fellow nerds, I had the best grades in the school. Sadly because of that no one liked me, and I was bullied, because of that, I decided that I didn't want to give people more of a reason to bully me, so I stayed away from the advanced classes," Peter explained
"Oh, I'm, I'm sorry about that," Kate said
"It's fine really, it happened long ago, besides if I didn't want to be bullied, I really shouldn't have said things like golly and gee willikers," Peter joked trying to lighten the mood.
Kate could see that Peter was trying to lighten the mood. She heard Peter say that it doesn't matter, that it happened a long time ago, but she could see that even if it wasn't as big, there was still some hurt in his eyes. "It's not right, being afraid to show what you can do just because you were bullied," she said
"Maybe but it happened years ago, there's no changing it," Peter said, he dealt with the bullying years ago. Did he think it was right that he was outcasted because he was smart? No of course not, no one would think that. But it's like he said, there's no changing it, besides he made peace with Flash years ago. There really isn't any reason to hold onto that unless you're trying to feel sorry for yourself.
Kate simply couldn't believe it, Spider-Man was a bully victim. She never would have thought. He was such a lighthearted guy; you'd never think that he would have been bullied. "What about after you got your powers," she asked
"After I got my powers, it was mainly Spider-Man who got in the way," Peter said
"Really," Kate asked getting a nod from Peter.
"When I started the hero thing, it was difficult. Every time I saw some kind of trouble, I always jumped in to help. Didn't matter what I was doing, where I was going, who I was seeing, or even where I was. Every time some kind of trouble happened, I jumped right on in, because of that, I had been late for school and classes, sometimes I'd even miss class. It's also hard to finish your homework when you're covered in scrapes and bruises," Peter said
"Didn't you have anyone's help," Kate asked
"No, did it all on my own. Yet despite it all I was able to graduate high school as valedictorian," Peter answered
"That's cool," Kate said, and she means it, graduating high school valedictorian even with how many classes and assignments he missed, Peter has to be very smart in order to pull that off. Kate can't imagine doing the superhero thing alone, that must have been really difficult.
Peter was about to speak but was interrupted by Ron who came carrying their pizza, "Thank you for waiting, your food is now ready," Ron said as he placed the pizza in the middle of the table.
"Thanks," Peter and Kate said
"Enjoy your dinner," Ron said and then walked away.
Both Peter and Kate took a slice each and took their first bites.
"Mm, Good," Peter said as he took another bite.
"Definitely, really good," Kate said as she took another bite of her pizza.
"So, what was it like going to Xavier's," Peter asked
"It was interesting to say the least. Xavier's certainly wasn't like any other school out there," Kate said
"I'll bet, how many schools are out there that are filled with teenagers with superpowers," Peter joked
"Well, there was Emma's academy. I went there for a little bit, not long though. It turned out to be a trap set up by Emma so she could switch bodies with Storm. Once that plan was foiled Emma revoked my acceptance," Kitty answered
"So, you got kicked out," Peter said making Kate narrow her eyes.
"I did not get kicked out, I was barely even a student," Kate said
"Barely even a student is still a student. You got kicked out," Peter said laughing.
"Oh, shut up," Kate said smiling as she kicked his leg.
"Hey," Peter exclaimed
"That's what you get for making fun of me," Kate said
"Sheesh, touchy," Peter said
"Never make fun of my academics," Kate said as she took a bite of her slice.
"Noted. Was there ever a normal day at Xavier's," Peter asked
"Normal is such a general term, a normal day at Xavier's was seeing kids using their powers and going on crazy missions. But I'm guessing when you say normal, you mean was anything not going on. The answer, something was always going on," Kate said
"I'll admit, part of me always wondered what going to Xavier's would have been like," Peter said
"Oh yeah, you were actually invited once to attend the school, weren't you," Kate asked
"I was, it was when everyone thought that I was a mutant. I had Magneto after me and I had the X-Men after me. I'm just glad that we were able to settle everything out," Peter said
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you say no to an invitation to Xavier's," Kate asked curiously, she can't help but wonder what life would have been like if he were there.
"I had responsibilities, I had to take care of my aunt I couldn't leave her alone like that, not to mention my duties in my job," Peter answered
"Couldn't your parents take care of your aunt," Kate asked
"My parents are dead," Peter said hesitantly
"Oh." Kate said in surprise, her mood then became solemn, "I'm sorry about that. I didn't know."
"It's ok. They died when I was little, truth is I barely remember them. Everything I know about them is from what I've been told or from my own search," Peter answered, he was starting to feel a little uncomfortable now, talking about his dead parents. That isn't something he tends to talk about, especially on a first date.
Seeing his discomfort at the subject Kate decided to continue on, "So, your aunt, she's the one who raised you," Kate asked trying to change the subject.
"Yep, she and my uncle, then just her," Peter answered
Kate didn't ask about Peter's uncle; she had a feeling that she already knew what happened to him. "What is she like," Kate asked
Peter smiled at the thought of his aunt, "Aunt May is one of the sweetest people you could meet, she cares about everyone around her. She's always moving around trying to help people, actually she happens to run a center," Peter said
"Really," Kate asked getting a nod from Peter.
"The F.E.A.S.T. Foundation, at first, she just volunteered there, back when it was run by Mr. Negative's alter ego. Then after its shutdown she wound up opening in back up and runs the place," Peter said
"Your aunt sounds like quite the woman," Kate said
"She is, but don't let the sweet old lady routine fool you, because my Aunt May can be tough as nails when she wants to be. One of the strongest women I know, after what happened to Uncle Ben, she was able to gather the strength to continue on and raise me," Peter said as his face became soft at the thought of his aunt.
"Does she know," Kate asked, wondering if his aunt knows he's Spider-Man.
Peter shook his head, "No, she used too, but she doesn't anymore," he said
Kate raised an eyebrow at that, she has a feeling that she knows how his aunt no longer knows he's Spider-Man but she'll just dig a bit more and get the answer from the spider's mouth. "How doesn't she know anymore? What you do ask a telepath to erase her memories," she asked
"Um, no not exactly," Peter said as he took a bite of his pizza, "You see, I may have had Dr. Strange erase her's and the entire world's minds that I was Spider-Man."
"The entire world's," Kate asked getting a nod from Peter, "Why?"
"What," Peter asked
"Why did you have Dr. Strange erase the entire world's memory," Kate asked
Peter sighed, "That's complicated," he answered
"You know the entire world also includes me, right? I don't like people screwing with my head without my permission and seeing that my head was screwed with without my permission, I would like to know if there was a reason why. Bobby told me that it was for a good reason, but I would honestly like an explanation," Kate said
Peter took a breath, he knew that she was right, Kate deserves an explanation, a lot of people deserve an explanation, the story just isn't something that he likes to tell. "When the superhero civil war came, I was on Tony's side for it. Tony, he convinced me to reveal my identity to the world, said that if I told everyone then people would trust me more. At the time I had complete faith in Tony, back then he was like my mentor, I trusted him, so I go to a press conference and I unmask myself, telling everyone that my name was Peter Parker," Peter said getting a nod from Kate, "As time went on I saw how the unregistered heroes were being treated and how far Tony was willing to go in his war with Captain America. Seeing that, I switched sides, however when Captain America surrendered everyone on his side was turned into fugitives including me. So, me, Aunt May, and my girlfriend at the time Mary Jane went on the run. While on the run I was shown just how much danger that I put my family in by revealing my identity. When I realized that, I knew that I had to protect them and the only way I could do that was by making it, so everyone forgot my secret. So, I went to Dr. Strange and begged him for help, which he thankfully gave. Dr. Strange casted a spell and made it so that everyone would forget that Peter Parker was Spider-Man," Peter explained
Kate contemplated the story, there was more to it, she knew. She could tell that he was leaving things out, possibly a lot of things. She thought about pushing him for more info but then she looked in his eyes and saw guilt in them, she knew that guilt wasn't for her but for his family. Whatever happened must've been bad, it was honestly something he doesn't want to relive, "So you made the entire world forget to protect your family," Kate asked
"That's the reason," Peter said
Kate nodded, she can understand that, she then sighs, "Well I guess as far as reasons go that's a good one," Kate said
"So, I'm not in trouble," Peter asked
Kate raised an eyebrow, "Did you expect to be," Kate asked
"Well to be fair, when Bobby and Angelica got their memories back, they did yell at me," Peter said
"Really," Kate asked
"Oh yeah, really thankful for my accelerated healing that day. With the two of them together, I could have gone deaf," Peter said making Kate laugh.
"Exactly how many times have you gotten yelled at for doing that," Kate asked
"Well Bobby and Angelica almost made me deaf. Johnny, well he was just angry with me when he discovered he couldn't remember who I was. Logan, he threatened to gut me if I tried something like that on him again. He really knows how to say the nicest things," Peter said
"Pfff, I've known Logan for years, trust me that is one of the nicest things that he could ever say to you," Kate commented
"I'll take your word for it. When it comes to Logan, I try my best not to cross him," Peter said
Kate arches an eyebrow at that, "You try your best," Kate asked
"Well yeah, really who wants to be on the hit list of the big bad Wolverine," Peter said
Kate isn't sure how to take that considering that the man in front of her actually punched Logan in front of the X-Men. She'd have to say that's considered crossing Logan. Kate can't help but think she's missing something, a piece to s puzzle.
"So, what about you," Peter asked breaking Kate out of her thoughts,
"What," Kate asked
"Spacing out? I know I can be a bit dull, but I didn't think I was monotone schoolteacher dull," Peter said
Kate smiled, "I think our schools may have been quite different if students at your school just spaced out because of a monotone voice. Students at my school fell asleep with a monotone voice," she said making Peter laugh a bit.
"I was asking what your parents are like," Peter asked
"Oh, well my mom, she's," Kate said pausing in thought, "She's wonderful, when she found out I was a mutant, she accepted me for who I was and wasn't ashamed. Some parents would try and keep that kind of thing a secret, their children being mutants would have been the family's dark secret, but it was never my mom's dark secret. My mom was ok with people knowing that I was a mutant, and she even brags about me being an X-Man, Excalibur, and a Guardian of the Galaxy. My mom is an accepting, supportive, kind, caring, strong, and tough woman. She is an important part of my life. Even if I don't always act like it," Kate whispered the last sentence.
"She sounds like quite the woman, sounds like she and my aunt would get along great," Peter said as he took a drink of his coke.
"Yeah, she really is a great woman," Kate said as she took another bite of her pizza.
"What about your father? What is he like," Peter asked, in response Kate's face grew sad.
Kate sighed, "My father died years ago in Genosha's massacre," Kate said
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Peter said remorsefully.
"Don't worry about it, it happened years ago. I was in college," Kate said
"I know how that feels, losing a father," Peter said getting Kate's attention on him, "My Uncle Ben, he was…a great man, he was kind, helpful, and firm when he needed to be. He was never unreasonable, and barely let his temper get the better of him, honestly, I don't think I've ever heard him yell in anger. He and Aunt May encouraged my interest in science and always helped whenever he could. He'd always be willing to help others, and whenever he believed I was being selfish he always said something about it. If I didn't want to help someone and he found out, he would always come and talk to me. Not to reprimand me, or scold me, but to encourage me to help that person, it didn't matter what that person did or how they acted, Uncle Ben would always say that helping people is the right thing to do. The next thing I'd know I was helping that person, and depending on the person I didn't mind it. Losing Uncle Ben was really hard on me and Aunt May, we had a lot of hard days, but despite those days we somehow made it through and continued to live our lives. My Uncle may be gone now, but I like to think that I keep him alive through all of the memories that I have of him and all of the lessons that he taught me, one lesson in particular," Peter said
Kate smiled, Peter's Uncle Ben from what she's just heard sounds like an incredible man, and from what she's seen of what the man in front of her has done, he's raised an incredible man. Kate suddenly realized that she just described Peter as incredible and blushed a bit. Fighting down her blush Kate spoke, "My dad, he was great, a kind man and just like my mom, he supported me when I was an X-Man. He was in the army and fought in the war. He loved to play the Rolling Stones when he had the chance, annoyed the hell out of me at times, yet other times I've found myself listening to them with him. My dad, he tried to help people to, it's how he died. He died saving mutants in Genosha, even when he retired from the army and was just a banker, he still proved to be a hell of a hero. If I had to choose where I got my heroics from it would be from him," Kate said
"You know what? Hero life sucks big time," Peter said making Kate laugh. Peter smiled at making Kate laugh, she really does have a great laugh, if he could keep her laughing, he would. The way she smiles when she laughs makes her look more beautiful. Peter soon realized what he just thought. Did he really just think that?
"It does suck, majorly," Kate agreed
Peter smiled which Kate couldn't help but return, then and there as the two locked eyes, they felt something, a spark being ignited and with time and careful care, together they could make that spark more.
Peter and Kate continued to talk while eating their pizza, they talked about a multitude of things. They went into more detail about their school lives, both good and bad. They talked some about their childhoods, where they went to college. Peter found out that Kate got a PhD in Astro Physics while Kate found out that Peter was still in graduate school going for his PhD, he explained how he had to leave graduate school the first time because he used the money to save the life of his girlfriend at the time. Peter did say that he got a bachelors in Physic at ESU which he originally went to because of a scholarship. They talked about movies where to Kate's utter surprise she discovered that Peter hated Star Wars, they then got in a debate about it. Before they knew it the pizza tray and drinks were empty, and Ron was there with the check. Pausing their debate, Peter and Kate looked at the bill and saw that they owed $40.00 plus tip. Peter offered to pay, which Kate protested saying that she could pay.
"Seriously, it's ok. I'll get it," Peter said
"You made the reservations, and you didn't even need to. At least let me pay," Kate said
"I was raised to be a gentlemen and gentlemen pay for dinner. If my aunt found out that I let you pay, she'd have my head," Peter said
"That'd be interesting to see," Kate said smirking.
Peter smiled, "Let me pay, I'm the one who made the reservations, it's only right I pay for it," he said
Kate sighed, "At least let me cover the tip. All I ask, let me handle the tip, the pizza was half mine after all," Kate said
Peter could see that if he protested then this argument could be a lot longer and so he decided to concede, "Ok, you handle the tip," Peter said making Kate smile.
"Thank you," Kate said as she got out her money, doing quick calculations on how much everything was she was able to give the appropriate amount.
"Just don't tell my aunt, ok," Peter said making Kate smile.
"I won't tell," Kate said
"Or Bobby, because he'll tell," Peter said
"This will be our secret," Kate said
"You're a stubborn woman, you know that right," Peter commented
Kate smiled wider in response, "This is nothing, Logan actually said that if it wasn't for his healing factor that I would be responsible for 95% of his gray hair. Just wait until you really get to know me, you'll discover that this is just the tip of the iceberg," she said
Peter smiled, "I look forward to it," he said
Kate smiled, so does she, "You know, we could just make Bobby pay us back, he is the one who set this up. It's only right," Kate said
"Good point," Peter said
"And if he refuses well then I just may invest in a plank," Kate said making Peter laugh in response. After paying Peter and Kate left the restaurant to continue their conversation, neither noticing that's they were walking closer than when they came in.
End Chapter
Well, I finally got chapter 3 finished, and I am happy about it, especially their banter. I was able to make it where they talked about lighthearted things and serious things as well. Tell me what you all think, I really do enjoy reading the reviews. Also a reminder, I am setting up a pole for Peter's age, so everyone let me know what you think. Until the next chapter That's All True Believers!