Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or its characters, if I did then ShadowSpider forever.
Well, my second chapter is up, I enjoyed writing this and I hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 2: Talking and Advice Giving
New York, New York, December 4, Monday, 4:00 pm
It has been four months since the return of Peter and Mary Jane, the two have settled in their apartment well enough. But just because they settled in well does not mean everything is going the way they want it.
Parker/Watson apartment, Living Room
Peter and Mary Jane are currently in their apartment together. Many would think that they would be sitting down and cuddling while watching TV or something like that. That however is not the case because at the current moment Peter who is currently wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt with khaki-pants is having an argument with his girlfriend who is wearing a scarlet long-sleeved shirt with horizontal crimson stripes going down and blue skinny jeans.
"I DON'T SEE WHY YOU ARE SO AGAINST THIS," Peter said,
"WHY AM I SO AGAINST IT? IT'S RATHER OBVIOUS, AT LEAST TO EVERYONE BUT YOU APPARENTLY," Mary Jane said
"THEY NEED SOMEONE OUT THERE TO PROTECT THEM," Peter said
"THEY DON'T NEED YOU. YOU'RE GONNA GET YOURSELF KILLED, AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME THERE WILL BE NO RESURRECTIONS," Mary Jane said as she walked to their kitchen with Peter following.
"I AM WILLING TO TAKE THE RISK. I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU CAN'T JUST THINK ABOUT IT," Peter said
"BECAUSE YOU'LL GET YOURSELF KILLED, THAT'S WHY," MJ said
"NEW YORK NEEDS A SPIDER-MAN," Peter said, he and Mary Jane have had this argument for months. Ever since they came back and Peter saw the situation New York was in, instincts that he had laid to rest had woken back up and had been raging through him. Seeing villains, his villains causing trouble didn't sit right with him. He'd remember when there was a time where he would jump in as Spider-Man and take the villains down. He wanted nothing more than to do just that but then he'd remember that he wasn't Spider-Man anymore, he was just a civilian like everyone else and he couldn't do anything. After a month of watching Peter just could not do anything, so he'd secretly go out at night and walk around the streets of New York, keeping an eye open. He'd eventually find trouble, the supervillains weren't the only ones coming out, it seems that some thugs were getting brave. Peter had stopped a few muggings, murder and rape attempts and he had to admit after his first night back of doing this, he felt good. Of course, it didn't take long for his friends and family to find out which is when the fighting started between him and Mary Jane.
"YOU ALREADY GO OUT THERE AT NIGHT, DECIDING TO PLAY BATMAN. NOW YOU WANNA GO BACK TO BEING SPIDER-MAN. I DON'T EVEN APPROVE OF YOU GOING OUT AT NIGHT, WHY WOULD I APPROVE THIS," Mary Jane said
"EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO SUPPORT ME, HECK KITTY," Peter said but was interrupted
"KITTY, OF COURSE KITTY," Mary Jane said
"AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN," Peter said
"YOU TWO SEEM TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME TOGETHER. I ACTUALLY WONDER WHICH OF US IS YOUR GIRLFRIEND," Mary Jane said
"HEY, THAT IS NOT FAIR, YOU AND I HAVE SPENT PLENTY OF TIME TOGETHER," Peter said
"ONLY WHEN SHE AND EVERYONE ELSE IS NOT AROUND, WHEN YOU'RE NOT SPENDING TIME WITH HER, YOU'RE TOO BUSY SPENDING TIME WITH GWEN OR AUNT MAY. IT FRANKLY FEELS LIKE YOU'RE AVOIDING COMING HERE," Mary Jane said
"GWEN IS MY FRIEND AND AUNT MAY IS FAMILY, OF COURSE I'M GONNA SPEND TIME WITH THEM. AND IT'S NOT LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE SPENDING TIME OUT OF THIS APARTMENT, I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT WHEN YOU LEAVE, YOU DECIDE TO GO TO SOME CLUB," Peter said
"I GO TO CLUBS, BECAUSE I FIND THEM FUN AND THE PEOPLE THERE ACTUALLY PAY ATTENTION TO ME," Mary Jane said
"Yeah, I'm sure all of the guys pay loads of attention to you," Peter said
"Maybe they do, unlike you, who don't give me any attention, you're too busy giving it to Kitty," MJ said
"This again," Peter said
"Have you two slept together," MJ asked
"What! No of course not. I can't believe you actually asked me that," Peter said feeling outraged at the accusation.
"I think it's a reasonable question considering how much time you two spend together," Mary Jane said
"Way to trust me MJ," Peter said
"I trusted you not to go out and play hero, but you didn't do that, so I'd say I'm justified," Mary Jane said
"What about you and that Liam, every time you spend time with him and come back you seem way to happy, what let him put his thing between your legs," Peter said
"HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF SOMETHING LIKE THAT," MJ said
"WHY, YOU JUST ACCUSED ME OF IT," Peter said
"I'M HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS WITH SOMEONE WHO WOULD PAY ATTENTION TO ME, UNLIKE YOU. DAMMIT," Mary Jane said as she walked out of the kitchen with Peter following.
"I PAY ATTENTION TO YOU," Peter said
"NO, YOU DON'T, I'M SICK OF THIS PETER, I'M SICK OF US NOT SPENDING TIME TOGETHER, I'M SICK OF YOU SPENDING TIME WITH KITTY, I'M SICK OF YOU GOING OUT EVERY NIGHT, AND I AM SICK OF YOU," Mary Jane said
"What are you saying," Peter asks, having a feeling he knows where this is going.
"I'M SAYING WE'RE DONE. THERE IS NO US, I DON'T EVEN THINK THERE WAS AN US FOR A LONG TIME. GATHER YOUR THINGS AND GET OUT," Mary Jane said
Peter stood there looking at her for a moment, he then left to their room and gathered his belongings, once that was done, he headed for the door and opened it, but before he left, he looked back at Mary Jane with sadness and regret, "I'm sorry it had to be this way," he said softly.
"GET OUT," Mary Jane said
Seeing the reaction Peter left the apartment, leaving Mary Jane alone.
New York, 4:30 pm
Peter was walking on the sidewalk of New York with his hood up, that was not how he imagined their discussion going. He's not even sure how it went from him being Spider-Man to them practically accusing each other of cheating. Peter sighed, he knew that some things that Mary Jane said was true, such as him avoiding their apartment, he just didn't know that she noticed. He couldn't help but avoid it, for the longest time they were just going through the motions. Every time he was there, they went through the motions, and he hated it. So yeah, he did try to stay away as much as he could, was it wrong, yes it was but he didn't think she would care considering she was always going out clubbing. All Peter wanted was to have a calm talk with Mary Jane about him being Spider-Man, but he couldn't get that and now his head is too jumbled to even think straight. He really needs to talk to someone and there is only one person he can think of. With that thought Peter headed in the direction of Westchester County.
X-Mansion, Kitty's room
A 19-year-old Kitty Pryde who was wearing a white t-shirt with the Mid-Town Tiger on it and black pants was lying on her bed watching the news on TV.
"At 3:00 this afternoon a bank robbery has occurred at City National Bank, the culprit being none other than R.H.I.N.O., police had arrived on the scene and tried to apprehend the villain," the news anchor woman said as it showed a video of the police shooting at R.H.I.N.O. but the bullets bouncing off.
"RAAHHHHH, that all you got," R.H.I.N.O. said as he charged the police and started fighting them.
"Due to the timely intervention of Spider-Woman, R.H.I.N.O. was indeed apprehended and is on his way to the RAFT, 3 NYPD police officers died, 5 critically wounded, and the rest with only mild injuries. It is times like these that this news anchor reporter has to ask, where is Spider-Man," the anchor woman said
Kitty mutes the TV and sighs, "Shit," she said
"It is a good question," a familiar voice said startling Kitty, she quickly looks up and sees Peter Parker, sitting on her windowsill, "Hey," Peter waved
"Peter," Kitty said as she shot out of bed and rushed to her window, "What are you doing here," she asked ushering him in, closing the window and her shades to make sure no one could see them due to everyone excluding a few believing him to be dead.
"I wanted to see you, is that so wrong," Peter said
"No, but you could have called at least, we could have met somewhere. People could have been here Pete, if you want everyone to think you're dead, you need to be more careful," Kitty said reprimanding Peter
"I know, I'm sorry, I just…had to talk to someone and you're the only person who I think understands," Peter said
Kitty couldn't help but feel concerned when she heard this, "What's wrong," Kitty asked as she placed her hand on Peter's shoulder.
Peter sighed and sat down on the bed with Kitty doing the same, "Mary Jane and I fought today," he said
"Again," Kitty asked, she was aware of the fights that the couple had been having. After every fight Peter always called her because he needed someone to vent to and she was always willing to listen. When Peter nodded, she had to ask, "Was it about the usual subject?"
Peter nodded, "Yeah…sigh…ever since I started going out at night, she's always been on my case about it. It's only been getting worse since she found out I've been thinking about going back to Spider-Man. I wish she would see things my way you know, it's just frustrating," he said
Kitty wrapped an arm around Peter knowing that he needed some comfort. Peter automatically leaned onto her, Kitty's presence calming him down, "I'm sure everything will turn out alright. You and Mary Jane will make up like you always do," Kitty said trying to be comforting.
"No, we won't, not this time," Peter said getting Kitty's attention.
"What do you mean," Kitty asked as she looked at Peter.
"sigh…Mary Jane and I broke up," Peter said
"What! You broke up," Kitty said in shock, "Why? Because of this fight? You two have had this fight before and have always made up. What's changed?"
"I don't know, it started out with me mentioning me becoming Spider-Man, like always she started getting defensive and kept telling me no. Of course, I'm not gonna take no for an answer and I try to convince her otherwise," Peter said
Kitty nods, that sounds like Peter when he sets his mind to something, he won't let it go, it's one of the things that she's always loved about him.
"Suddenly we're yelling at each other, and honestly, I don't even know how this happened but somehow, we went from me being Spider-Man to our relationship. She's then accusing me of cheating on her," Peter said
"WHAT, but how could she? I mean why? You'd never do that," Kitty said, she wasn't even sure what to say, she was outraged. How could Mary Jane accuse Peter of cheating on her. Peter is one of the most loyal and trustworthy people Kitty knows. He would never cheat on anyone. She means sure he technically cheated on her, but she isn't gonna hold that against him. They were kids and Peter was really conflicted with his feelings. He was around Mary Jane like 24/7 while Kitty could only see him a few times a week, sometimes less because of her X-Men duties. Not that, that's an excuse for cheating, but then again Kitty also remembers that she kissed Bobby while he was dating Rogue. Sure, he initiated it, but she still returned it, and Rogue was pissed. She and Peter both did stupid things, but they both know better now, which is why she knows that Peter would never have cheated on Mary Jane, it's just ludicrous.
"I don't know, I was trying to give an example on people who were helping me with this decision, and I brought you up," Peter said
"You brought me up," Kitty asked
Peter nodded, "You were a good example, you've been helping me with this ever since I started thinking about it. Anyway, I brought you up and I guess that was the wrong choice," Peter said
"Why," Kitty asked
"She ended up mentioning how we're spending so much time together, that she was wondering which one of you was my girlfriend," Peter said
"What," Kitty said annoyed, seriously, she and Peter don't spend that much time together, maybe when she's free. But what's wrong with that? She has missions with the X-Men and she has to protect New York as Shroud.
Peter nodded, "She went on telling me, that when I'm not spending time with you, I'm spending time with Aunt May and Gwen. She accused me of avoiding the apartment," Peter said
"Were you," Kitty asked raising an eyebrow.
Peter sighed, "Maybe, it's just for the longest time it felt that Mary Jane and I were going through the motions and I was just sick of it you know. I had no idea she even noticed considering she's always out clubbing. Heck, I even mentioned her clubbing during our argument," Peter said
"How'd she take that," Kitty asked
"She said that she goes clubbing, because the people there pay attention to her unlike me, who's too busy giving my attention to you," Peter said
"You have got to be kidding me, she acts like we spend every day together. So, what else did she say," Kitty said annoyed.
Peter hesitated; he wasn't sure how Kitty would respond to what MJ accused them of doing. Well, he had an idea, but no matter how angry and frustrated Peter is with Mary Jane, he doesn't want to see her get hurt and Kitty just may hurt her.
Kitty noticed Peter's hesitation, "Peter, what did she say," Kitty asked, when she didn't get an answer, she decided to ask again, "Peter, what did she say to you," Kitty asked/demanded
Peter gulped and decided to look up, "She asked, if we slept together," he answered
There was a minute of silence and Peter was worried about that, he knew he shouldn't look down, but he had to be sure Kitty was ok. He looked down and Peter was right, he shouldn't have looked down because what he saw was a furious Kitty Pryde, she looked ready to hunt and kill her prey very slowly.
"WHAT," Kitty yelled furiously, she had never been so furious in her entire life. The fact that she was just accused of sleeping with Peter behind Mary Jane's back pissed her off. Did that redheaded bitch really think so lowly of her that she'd think Kitty would do that?! She would never do that, EVER. Kitty quickly stood up, "I'm gonna kill that bitch," Kitty said as she walked toward her bedroom door, ready to hunt Mary Jane and show her just how much of a good trainer Logan was.
Peter seeing what Kitty is about to do, quickly got up, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and lifted her up from the ground, "Kitty no," he said
"Let me go Peter, I swear I'll kill her," Kitty said struggling in Peter's arms, if she were thinking more clearly, she would have just phased through Peter or increased her density to break his hold, but lucky for Peter Kitty hasn't thought of those things.
"You need to calm down Kitty," Peter said
"Like hell…after what she…just accused us of…I don't see…why you're…not mad," Kitty said between struggles.
"I am mad, heck I'm furious but just because I'm angry doesn't mean, I want to hurt her. What would that accomplish," Peter asked
"It certainly…would…make me…feel…better," Kitty said still struggling in Peter's hold, she forgot how strong her was.
"Kitty, you can't go attacking Mary Jane, you're an X-Man, a mutant, and a public figure, you're pretty much the face of all mutantkind. How would it look if the public saw you attacking a civilian. The consequences wouldn't be good Kitty," Peter said
"UUHHH, I hate it when you're right," Kitty said ceasing her struggle, calming down.
"Really? I love it," Peter said
"Can you let me down now," Kitty asked
"That all depends," Peter said
"On," Kitty asked
"You're not gonna make a break for it if I let you down will you," Peter asked
Kitty rolled her eyes, "No, I will not go after Marry Jane," she said
Hearing this Peter let Kitty down. When she was finally on the ground Kitty increased her density and elbowed Peter in the stomach.
"Oof, hey, what was that for," Peter said rubbing his stomach.
"For talking sense into me," Kitty said
"Well think of it as payback for all of the times you talked sense into me," Peter said giving Kitty a smirk.
Kitty couldn't help but smirk back at that, "So, now that my rampage is over you want to continue the story," she asked as she went back to her bed and sat down.
Peter sat down next to Kitty, "Well after all of that, I accused her of cheating on me with that Liam guy she hangs around with," Peter said
"You accused her of cheating on you," Kitty asked surprised, she never thought Peter would accuse anyone of cheating, then again Kitty can probably see why. Frankly, Mary Jane just seemed a little too happy after her time with Liam, not to mention the flush on her face.
"I pretty much asked if she let him put his thing between her legs," Peter said
Kitty's eyes widened at that. She could not believe Peter would say that to anybody. Mary Jane must have really pissed him off if he were to say that to her, "I'm guessing she didn't take that lightly," Kitty said
"No, no she didn't. Ended up yelling at me of how I could accuse her of something like that. Honestly, a part of me was always suspicious with the two of them. When Mary Jane met back up with Liam again, I was happy she was catching up with someone familiar, even if it was an ex-boyfriend, I trusted her not to do anything, and she even assured me nothing would happen, but you know, there were these moments, it wasn't anything big, just these touches they had, it seemed too intimate to be friendly, then there was when she'd come home happier than usual, and with a flushed face. I just had a feeling, but I didn't have any proof, a part of me thought that I was looking too much into it," Peter said
"Believe me Peter, you weren't, Gwen and I, we had our suspicions as well," Kitty confessed
Peter nodded, "It's like I said, I didn't have any proof I still don't have proof and she pretty much denied it when I accused her. So, either she was so angry and didn't want to turn into the bad guy of the argument or she never did anything. It doesn't matter though, because after that, she broke it off," he said depressed.
Kitty hugged Peter, "I'm sorry Peter. I'm sorry this happened to you," she said
"I'm sorry it happened too. Despite everything, I wish we could have at least broken up and stayed friends. Maybe, it was my fault, I mean I was avoiding the apartment," Peter said
"Maybe," Kitty said, she knew that Peter shouldn't have tried to avoid the apartment like he did. It was wrong but, "Mary Jane could have said something to you about it, but she didn't. You're not solely to blame Peter and if she did cheat on you with Liam because of that. It is no excuse, and she doesn't deserve you," Kitty said
Peter gave a solemn smile, "Thanks Kitty…sigh…but now I have nowhere to go. Mary Jane kicked me out," he said
"Couldn't you stay with Aunt May," Kitty asked
"I thought about it, but I'm not sure it's such a good idea, what if someone were to see me, then people would start asking a lot of questions and there would be a lot of explaining to do to a lot of people," Peter said
Kitty nodded at that; she could see that Peter was in quite a situation. She unconsciously looked at the clock and saw that it was five, a smile appeared on her face, "Hey," Kitty said bumping shoulders with Peter getting his attention, "What do you say that we go out and get something to eat, then we can discuss more about your situation," Kitty offered
Peter sighed and smiled at her, "I guess I am hungry," he said
"Great, grab your hat and let's go. You can leave your bag here for now. We'll get it later," Kitty said, when she got up, she held her hand out to Peter who took it with a smile.
"How are we gonna leave with people downstairs," Peter asked as he put a New York Mets hat on.
Kitty smirked, "The same way you entered. The window," she said with that Kitty pulled Peter to her window, "You ready?"
"Ready for what," Peter asked
"You'll see, just no matter what you do, don't let go of my hand," Kitty said, with that she activated her powers and she and Peter floated through the window.
Outside
"WOOHOO," Kitty said as they floated in the sky, she'll always love this.
"WHOA," Peter said, flailing a bit.
"Hang on Peter and quit flailing. You realize if I let go, you'll fall right," Kitty said as they traveled.
"Sorry, but you took me by surprise," Peter said as they floated a few miles from the Xavier Institute.
Kitty made sure to land them in an alleyway, where no one could see them.
Peter sighed in relief at being on the ground again which Kitty took note of, "How long has it been since you went web-swinging," she asked
Peter looked at her and then thought for a moment, "I'd say, I haven't gone swinging since I gave up being Spider-Man," Peter said
"Seriously," Kitty asked as they exited the alleyway, "How in the world were you able to get through Oscorp without web-swinging?"
Peter shrugged, "I still have superhuman agility. So, where to," he said as they walked.
"Hm, how about Chinese," Kitty said
"Sure, sounds good," Peter said
"Shanghai 21," Kitty questioned
"Definitely," Peter said
Shanghai 21
Peter and Kitty were sitting at a table in the back of the restaurant, both were eating their food, Peter was having some compound chicken while Kitty had fried rice and egg rolls.
"So, hang on a second, you're saying that Miles actually asked you whether you were from a parallel dimension," Kitty asked
"Yeah, apparently another version of me got stuck here and they ran into each other. Miles thought he was some imposter, attacked him, and knocked him out with his venom blasts," Peter said
"Ouch, yeah, those venom blasts look like they hurt," Kitty said as she took a bite of her egg roll.
Peter nodded, "They ended up working together and Miles told me that he learned a lot from my counterpart," Peter said
"Cool," Kitty said
Peter's face then grew a deadpan look, "Then he made a side comment of unlike me who he learned nothing from," Peter said
At that Kitty burst out laughing, "Hahahahahahahaha," Kitty laughed
"Oh, haha, yeah very funny," Peter said with an annoyed look.
"I'm…sorry…it's just…I was just imaging your face when he said that," Kitty said laughing between words, she then took a drink of her Coke, "Hm, how old was this alternate version of you anyway?"
"Miles said that he had to be in his mid-twenties," Peter said
"Wish I was there," Kitty said
"Why, hoping that you might wanna pull some moves on him," Peter said smirking teasingly.
Kitty smirked back, "Maybe, after all, my moves worked on you," she said her voice laced in flirtation.
Peter blushed at that comment and decided to hide it with his drink, "Can't really argue there," he whispered as he took a drink of his Sprite.
Kitty heard what Peter said and giggled, she saw the blush and thought it was cute.
After he took his drink Peter grew serious which Kitty took notice of, "So, I know I ask you this a lot, but I have to ask. Have you found any trace of Miles and his family," Peter asked
Kitty sighed, "No, we haven't, we tried scanning for his mind with Cerebro but got nothing. Those who are willing to help and are more free have searched all around, cities, states, and countries. Yet still nothing, it's like he's dropped off the face of the Earth," she said
Peter sighed, "And the criminals of New York certainly took notice of his absence," Peter said
"Yeah, crime rate's gone up 20%. I swear if I'm not being an X-Man, I'm punching in my hours as Shroud," Kitty said
"It really puts things in perspective," Peter said
"Hm," Kitty hummed looking at Peter questioningly
"At least for me it does…sigh…despite everything that I've done for the city as Spider-Man, I always thought that compared to other heroes, I didn't make much of a difference. I always thought that if Spider-Man would disappear then nothing would change," Peter said
"Are you serious? Peter the day you died was the day everything changed, for everyone and I'm not just talking about Spider-Man dying, I'm talking about you Peter Parker," Kitty said getting a surprised look from Peter.
"Spider-Man knew how to connect to the younger crowd; I should know when I first saw you I was truly amazed with how you were. Spider-Man inspired people to help others whether young or old. And while it's true many people in New York hated Spider-Man, despite all of the grief those spider-haters gave you, while others would have quit, you still continued helping people and that is what the other New Yorkers respected about you. When Spider-Man died you could see the difference, some New Yorkers seemed to have lost their inspiration. I'd see some looking at old news articles of Spider-Man helping people, others looked at the banners with longing or inspiration, I've even heard people telling stories about Spider-Man helping people and they weren't just talking about the big things but also the little thing, like when he helped get a cat out of the tree or walked a little old lady across the street," Kitty said
"When you, Peter Parker died, it was terrible. Aunt May, it was as if she had forgotten how to smile. Johnny was sad and always seemed to have tears rolling down his face, Bobby was angry because he felt he didn't do enough, Mary Jane was heartbroken, Jessica was on instant guilt mode believing she should have been there, Gwen, I don't think she knew how to react…and me," Kitty said growing more solemn, "I was sad, I cried, I then grew angry and went out in the city as Shroud to take out my anger on the criminals but as I worked off the anger, I just went right back to being sad. It took a long time for us to move on but don't be thinking just because we moved on doesn't mean our lives were the same, because when you died there was a space in each of our lives that was empty, a space that no one else could fill."
"Not even Miles," Peter said jokingly
"No," Kitty said firmly taking Peter by surprise again, "No one could fill the spot you left Peter, not in Gwen's life, Johnny's life, Bobby's life, Aunt May's life…my life," Kitty said the last part softly, "No one could ever take the spot you had in my life Peter that's why I was so happy when Aunt May brought me to your apartment and I saw you. When I saw you, it was as if that empty space once again had been filled. I had felt a happiness that I hadn't felt in so long when I saw you that day Peter. You did make a difference both as Spider-Man and as Peter Parker and you still make a difference."
"You…really think so," Peter asked
"I don't think Peter, I know," Kitty said smiling.
Peter smiled back, he then gained a thoughtful look on his face, "Do you think I could be Spider-Man again," he asked
"Of course you can, after all who better to fill the role than the original," Kitty said encouragingly
"What if I mess up though? What if I make a mistake and what about the consequences that follow it," Peter said
"Then you'll have family and friends to help you. You won't be alone in this Peter, when you need help, we'll be there to help you," Kitty said
"Will they help? I mean won't they all be angry," Peter asked
Kitty knowing that Peter is referring to those who think he's dead replies, "I'm not gonna lie Peter, they'll be angry, heck after everything sunk in, I was angry," Kitty said
"Yeah, you were, and you certainly let me know it," Peter said remembering a couple of days after he and Kitty met up again when she came over to help with his research, the furious look she had and the fact that it was directed at him, he knew he was in trouble. Peter shivered; he forgot how terrifying Kitty could be when pissed off. Didn't he make a pact with himself to never piss her off after his first experience?
"You let everyone believe that you were dead for a long time and as you allowed us to believe you were dead, you were out living happily ever after with Mary Jane," Kitty said, you can hear a hint of annoyance in her voice as she talked. "These are things that entered my mind after our meeting and that was only the beginning and believe me Peter these will be things that will enter their minds and many more and as they think about it, they will get angrier and angrier. They'll yell at you, scream at you, call you a bunch of names, make many accusations, you may even wind up getting hit," Kitty said making Peter wince and unconsciously rubbing his left cheek remembering Kitty punching him with her increased strength. Kitty smiled at Peter's action, she still believes he deserved that punch even today and most likely the future. "But in the end, they will get over the anger and will be happy to have you back Peter just like I was happy to have you back."
Peter couldn't help but smile, "How is it that you always know what to say," Peter said
"It's a gift," Kitty said shrugging making Peter laugh.
Peter sighed, "I become Spider-Man again and start fighting crime, everyone will know that I'm alive. That's not exactly how I like to imagine my return," Peter said
"To be honest, it's probably the quickest way to do it. Then again, the quickest isn't always the best," Kitty said as she imagined their friends finding out Peter is alive, furious because they found out that he was alive through the news.
"Not to mention, what would my excuse be when I comeback from the dead as Peter Parker? How would I explain that," Peter asked
"Hm," Kitty said as she took a drink of her Coke, that was a good question. How would they explain where Peter has been all of these years? "I think step one is to figure out where you're gonna stay, step two would be to reveal yourself to the others, so they don't find out through the media, we'll discuss steps three and onward after we deal with one and two."
"Ok well I'm all ears," Peter said
Kitty gained a thoughtful look, "I think I may know of a place where you can stay," she said
"Really, where," Peter asked surprised
Kitty smiled, "I'll show you once we're done eating, for now let's talk about your costume," she said
"What about my costume," Peter asked
"Red and blue is over with Peter, we're giving you a new look," Kitty said
"What," Peter asked as he looked stunned at a firm Kitty Pryde.
1 hour later, Manhattan, Upper Eastside
"So, where are you taking me Kitty," Peter asked, it was 6:30 and Kitty was leading him to what is supposed to be his new living area.
"Your new home," Kitty said as they turned left, "Well, unless you decide to find somewhere else, till then this will be your home," she said as they stopped at an abandoned apartment building.
"I remember this building, it was abandoned by the owner because of a fight that the Ultimates had near here," Peter said
Kitty frowned at the mention of the Ultimates, which Peter couldn't help but notice. Kitty quickly shook the frown off and smiled again, "Come on, it looks better on the inside than the outside," Kitty said as she led Peter in the building.
As they entered the building, Peter looked around the lobby and noticed that it was all dusty, and dirty. As Kitty continued to lead Peter along the hallway, he noticed that it too was dirty, "Um, Kitty no offence but didn't you say that the inside looked better than the outside," Peter asked
"I guess I misspoke, all of that you see right now is just for show, trust me this building is more stable than it looks," Kitty said as they stopped at the elevator. Peter looked at Kitty questioningly, all she did was smile then she lifted up the panel that the buttons were on, and underneath was another button. Kitty pressed the button and the elevator opened much to Peter's surprise. Kitty stepped in the elevator, Peter automatically following her, questions starting to appear in his head. As they entered the elevator, the doors closed, and the elevator moved up. Kitty who is waiting is silence is taking great enjoyment in Peter's surprise, 'I bet he didn't expect this,' she thought
8th Floor
The elevator opened and Kitty exited along with Peter, at one glance Peter saw that the hallway was just like the others, dusty, dirty, and broken but now Peter is starting to wonder if that really is the case up here.
"Come on," Kitty said as she led Peter through the hallway, as they walked Kitty was paying attention to the room numbers, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, and finally 810, "Here we are," Kitty stopped in front of the door.
"Where's here," Peter asked stopping next to Kitty.
Kitty smirked at Peter, she then took out a pair of keys from her pocket and entered one of them in the keyhole and unlocked the door. Kitty then turned to face Peter, "Welcome Mr. Parker to Shay Kittay," Kitty said playfully as she opened the door for Peter to look inside and when he did his eyes widened in surprise.
Room 810
Peter and Kitty entered the apartment and Peter looked around in surprise, they were currently in a living room, the floor was carpeted red, there was a leather couch that seats four people, a small oak table on each side of the couch with a lamp on them, there is an oak coffee table five feet in front of the couch, against the wall in front of the coffee table is a TV on an entertainment center, there is a DVD player in one of the shelves, below the DVD player there is a drawer that holds all kinds of DVDs, there was a round dining table in the corner of the living room next to a window. Not to faraway from the couch is a kitchenette that has silver tiled floors, tiled countertops, oak cabinets that hold food, spices, and dishes, a stove, microwave, a double sink along with other kitchen appliances.
Kitty walked forward as Peter decided to look around, "This apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room and a supply closet for cleaning supplies, it also has cable, air conditioning, heating, hot water. Essentially everything that one would need for living," she said as she watched Peter in amusement.
Snapping out of his stunned state, Peter turned to face Kitty, "H-how did you set this up and why do you have this in the first place," he asked
"I know people who set this up, I helped to, only as much as my skills allowed me. This is actually a safehouse," Kitty said
"Why do you have a safehouse," Peter asked
Kitty frowned, "Because for a time the government once thought that mutants were a threat. Because of that I was hunted and became a fugitive. I had nowhere to go, always moving from one place to another, at least until Utopia but that didn't last long," Kitty said as she thought back to her time as a fugitive, she then thought of her time as president of Utopia and how she had to step down so she could fight in the war that Jean declared on Utopia. Kitty still hasn't forgiven Jean for what she did, to this day things are tense between them. Shaking out of her anger for Jean, Kitty decided to continue to explain, "I may be Miss America now, but you never know when the government will turn around and decide that mutants are threats that need to be handled. If that day were to ever arrive, I'd like to at least have a place to go to. Not to mention, it's a great place to be alone when I need it."
Peter nodded at Kitty's explanation, he wishes that he could argue against it, but he knows he can't because quite honestly he wouldn't be surprised if the government turned on mutants again, heck he honestly wouldn't be surprised if they turned on superpowered beings in general. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you back then Kitty," Peter said as he looked at her.
"Hey, don't apologize," Kitty said as she walked up to Peter and grabbed his hands, "There's nothing you could have done. I'm glad you didn't help because if you did then the government would have gone after you to and you had Aunt May to worry about."
"But you're one of my best friends and the fact that I couldn't help you-," Peter said but was shushed by Kitty who put her finger to his mouth.
"Let's not talk about this, what happened, happened. Everything is better now, as I said this place is just in case. Anyhow, what do you think," Kitty said
Peter, knowing when he is beat decided to move on and answer Kitty's question, "I think it's great. Are you sure you're ok with me staying here," Peter said
Kitty nodded, "Definitely, truth be told, I rarely use this place, the only time I really come here is to clean it," she said
"Thanks Kitty, this…really means a lot," Peter said
"Hey, no problem," Kitty said as she placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, "Whenever you need me, I'll always be there."
Peter smiled down at Kitty as he looked in her beautiful eyes, she truly was an amazing person, he was really happy to have her in his life.
Kitty herself couldn't help but stare into Peter's eyes, finding herself just getting lost in them. She really missed Peter, when he died it had crushed her to the point where it felt she could not be put together again. Sure, she told Peter that they all moved on but that was a lie. Everyone else may have moved on but the truth was that she never moved on. She couldn't even if she tried, she wouldn't have been able to. The role Peter played in her life was too big. Seeing Peter alive had to have been the happiest day of her life.
Unconsciously Peter placed his hands on Kitty's sides and ran them down to her waist making a pleasurable shiver run down her spine.
In response Kitty placed her hand on his chest, so many emotions running through her, all fighting for dominance.
As Peter was about to continue, a chance look at the clock nearby showed that it was 7:00, "It's 7:00," Peter said in surprise breaking Kitty from her trance.
"Heh," Kitty said as she stepped back from Peter much to her disappointment, a glance at the clock showed that yes it was seven, "Oh yeah, it is."
"How'd it become seven so fast," Peter asked
"Well other than us talking, you took your sweet time looking around," Kitty said playfully
Peter blushed a little, "Well yeah, I guess. I mean, I was surprised, can you blame me," he said
"No, I guess not," Kitty said
"7:00 is normally when I start patrolling," Peter said
"Really," Kitty asked intrigued
"Yeah, it is," Peter said
"Could you, use some company," Kitty asked
Peter looked at Kitty for a moment and smiled, "Sure, you got a costume," Peter asked
Kitty smirked, "This is my safehouse Peter. What kind of safehouse would it be if I didn't have a few costumes lying around," she said with that Kitty headed to the hallway followed by a curious Peter. They stopped at the first door to the left, Kitty opened the door and Peter was able to get a peak in her room, it was quite a spacious room, had red barn-colored walls, a tan carpeted floor, a double bed, with blue covers, beige pillows, he could see a computer desk but that was it.
Kitty stepped in her room and turned her head to look at Peter, "No peaking now Mr. Parker," she teased making Peter blush at the thought of a naked Kitty. Kitty giggled at the blush and closed the door.
Peter stood outside the door for a minute until he snapped out of it and walked to the door next to Kitty's, "Is this the bedroom," Peter asked, he opened the door and saw another spacious bedroom, it was decorated pretty much the same way but much plainer looking than Kitty's. Peter threw his suitcase on the bed and opened it, he took his clothes and belongings out of it until he reached the bottom and found his clothes, A black long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, a black hat, and a domino mask. Peter quickly puts the clothes on and exits the room and to the living room. It was a minute later that Peter heard a door open, he turns around only to find a Kitty in her Shroud costume standing there. Peter is still stunned whenever he sees Kitty in this costume, he never had that long to get accustomed to it, but he does have to admit it definitely compliments her figure.
Behind her mask Kitty looks at Peter's clothes with an unimpressed look, "Really Peter? Really," she asks as she crosses her arms showing how unimpressed she is with his patrol gear.
"Hey, you're wearing a red robe and a faceless mask. I really wouldn't be talking," Peter shot back.
"Yeah, but you look like a thug about ready to mug someone," Shroud said as she headed toward the window and opened it.
"You look like someone, I'd see in Batman," Peter said
"Well at least everyone knows Batman is a hero. I don't remember any heroes looking like a thug," Shroud said, before Peter could retort she decreased her density and floated out the window.
"Wha, hey, get back here. I haven't given my retort," Peter said as he jumped out the window and followed Shroud.
Outside
Peter was jumping from one building to the other, "Hey get back here," Peter said as he followed a floating Shroud.
Shroud turns around as she's flying and looks a Peter, "Come on Mr. Thug, that all you got," Shroud teased
"Is that a challenge," Peter said
"No, a challenge is when both sides have a chance at winning. You on the other hand have no chance," Shroud said as she turned back around, and Peter can imagine the smile gracing her face beneath her mask.
"Oh, it's on," Peter said with that he upped the speed and started to make bigger jumps while adding a few stunts like he did as Spider-Man and soon he found himself catching up.
Shroud looked back and found Peter catching up quickly, "WHOA," she said
"I'm gonna get ya," Peter said
"NOT LIKELY," Shroud said
The two continued their race until they caught sight of their first crime of the night.
Stopping at a building the teenagers look in an alleyway and sees a woman cutting through only to be stopped by two shady looking men. Seeing the men, the woman turns back around only to find two more.
"Well, well, what do we have here, a young lady walking the streets of New York all by her lonesome. You know you should be careful, a lot of shady characters come out at night," one man said as he and his pal stalked toward the woman who backed away.
"Stay back, I've got a taser," the woman warned
The four men laughed at that and took out their guns to show to the woman who looked at them in fear, "Nice try lady," the man said
"What, what do you want," the woman asked
"What I want is to get down on your knees," the man said
"I'd rather you spread your legs," the other man said
The woman was truly fearful now, she wasn't gonna get mugged, these men were gonna rape her, she backed up against a wall. She then looked toward the men who were stalking towards her. This was it, this was her reality, these men were gonna violate her, she was gonna get raped and there was nothing she could do. Tears started to roll down her eyes at the thought of what was gonna happen to her. The four men saw the tears and couldn't help but laugh. This was always the best part. "Don't worry baby, I'll make sure you'll have a good time. Before you know it, you'll beg me for more," the man said
"Now something tells me that's a lie," the voice of Shroud comes from behind them. The five people look to see Shroud and Peter standing at the entrance of the alley. "I highly doubt you could give her the fraction of pleasure that she couldn't give herself," Shroud then turned to Peter, "What do you think?"
"I think the tough, aggressive, and scary attitudes are just them compensating for something," Peter answered
"That something being small right," Shroud said
"Oh definitely," Peter said
The four growled at the insults that were thrown at them, "You think that you're cute don't you," the man asked
Shroud put her hand on her hip, "Bitch we're adorable. Well, I am," Shroud said, she then gestured towards Peter, "He's just plain cute."
"Should I be flattered of insulted," Peter asked
"Take it what you will," Shroud said
Peter was about to say something when his spider-sense went off, "Phase," he said
Kitty did exactly that and phased just as the man shot at her, the bullet phased right through her. The other man tries to shoot Peter, but he was able to jump out of the way. The two then join in but it doesn't work, the would be rapists tried to shoot the duo, however Peter and Should evade the bullets, Shroud by phasing through every shot and Peter using his enhanced reflexes to dodge every bullet fired at him. Shroud approaches the man shooting at her, the man runs out of bullets and goes to reload, but Shroud swipes the gun from him and using her increased density, she crushes the gun between her hands. The man looks on in shock at the strength. Shroud then punches the man in the face, a crack is heard, something just broke, the man is then sent flying and hitting the wall behind him. Shroud then jumped and made her density lighter making her float. Once she is above the other thug, she increases her density and she drops down fast on him breaking some ribs and making him cry out in pain until he lost consciousness, "Scum bag," Shroud said
While that was going on the other two men kept trying to shoot Peter but because of his enhanced speed, reflexes, and flexibility, Peter was able to dodge every bullet. Grabbing a nearby trashcan lid, Peter Jump in the air one more time, he then throws the lid at the thug deeper in the alley hitting him in the head, knocking him out, "Captain America would be proud," Peter said, Kitty heard the comment and couldn't help but frown at it, he fists clench a little. Peter then lands right in front of the final man, the man points his gun at Peter's head, but the former Spider-Man pushes the gun up in the air three shots going off. As Peter stands there with the guy, he gains a thoughtful look, "You know I always wondered something," Peter said
"What's that," Shroud asked as she helped the woman.
"You remember when you made me binge watch the Dragon Ball series with you," Peter asked
"Don't you dare pretend that you did not like watching that series. You enjoyed it," Shroud shot back
"Whatever you say," Peter said rolling his eyes a gesture in which Shroud returns, "Anyway you know how in that one fight that Goku had in the second tournament against Ponput, when he beat Ponput with one hit, and then that other fight between Goten and that nasty kid in DBZ," Peter said
"Ok first off, we just may have to revisit the Dragon Ball series if you don't remember that Goku didn't beat Ponput with one hit but with four elbows to the stomach. And second, yeah what about it," Shroud said
"Well, it got me wondering, how strong do you need to hit in order to knock someone out, I mean I have superstrength, I can knock this guy out no problem," Peter said motioning to the guy in front of him who was looking at the two heroes confused. Were they really talking about anime? "Exactly how strong would I have to punch him in the gut, to knock him out, like Goku did with Ponput?"
"Again, it was four elbows to the abdomen not one hit," Shroud corrected as she walked up to Peter and the man.
"Are you seriously…," the man asked but was interrupted.
"Hush, I'm talking," Shroud interrupted, "I think it was more of a pain tolerance thing, like when Goku took out Ponput with those four elbows and Goten took out that kid with that one punch, I mean those two had to have been feeling a lot of pain by those hits. I think that they were just in so much pain that their minds couldn't comprehend them, and they were knocked out. Hm how hard do you have to hit to get the same result? That's a good question. Let's try it," Shroud offered
"Or, or we don't, and I just sit in the corner quietly and wait for the cops," the man said nervously, he's seen the Dragon Ball series too and knows what they are talking about with those fights. He doesn't want to end up like Ponput and that ugly kid.
"Oh, come on man, let me punch you this one time, I promise it will all be over in a second," Peter said
"Let him do it," Shroud said as she rests her elbow on the man's shoulder, "Listen, I haven't patrolled with this guy in years, I would really like you see him hit someone." The man turns his head and looks at the woman pleading with her to help him, he's scared. Shroud sees the man looking at the woman, "Hey, hey," Shroud said making the man look at her, "You can't ask her for help, you just tried to rape her. If anything, she'll just wind up telling us to hit you more than once."
"Please," the man said in a small and quivering voice.
"Ah, hell," Peter said as he let the man go, "If there are two things that I can't stand it's when girls and grown men cry. When a girl cries, it always makes you feel like a piece of crap, like you are the lowest scum on the Earth. When a grown man cries, well it is just so pathetic that you can't help but feel bad that you reduced him to it. I can't in good conscience do that to you," Peter said making the man relax and sigh in relief, "Then again, you did try to rape this girl," Peter quipped, he then threw a quick and strong punch to the man's stomach making the man gasp and bend over in pain, the man then fell face first on the ground. Shroud bent down next to the man and checked his pulse.
"He's still alive, knocked out, but still alive," Shroud reported
"Cool, now all I need is the ability to fly and a cool transformation and I'll be all set," Peter said, he then saluted the woman and then jumped up the fire escape heading to the roof, being followed by Shroud who floated in the air toward the rooftop.
Once they were on the rooftop Shroud spoke, "I can help on both of those departments, of course if you want to fly then you'll need to hold on to me," Shroud said
"And where's the downside to that," Peter asked smirking
Shroud smirked under her mask, "I guess there isn't a downside. However, the second, transformation, well it's not the kind that you have in mind, but don't worry we'll start that soon," Shroud said
"Um, no," Peter said as he then started running.
"Hey, get back here I'm not done," Shroud said as she chased Peter down, "We still have a lot of things to talk about, like color scheme!"
"Why can't I just stick with the red and blue," Peter asked
"I told you red and blue is over, if you're gonna be Spider-Man again you need a new look," Shroud said
"I like my old look," Peter said
Shroud decided to cheat and decreased her density to the point that she could float on air. Pushing off the ground Shroud quickly caught up to Peter much to his surprise, "You need an update," Shroud said as she passed him, "Try and catch me slowpoke," she called out as she deactivated her powers and started running.
Peter smirked and moved quickly.
It had been five minutes since the last time Peter spoke and Kitty was having so much fun having their little chase, "Come on slowpoke, that all you got," she said, when Kitty didn't get a reply back she grew curious and turned around only to find that Peter wasn't behind her. She immediately stopped noticing this, "Peter? Pete, where's you go," she asked hoping to get an answer but got nothing. Kitty wasn't sure what to make of this, Peter wasn't here which could mean multiple things, 1. He could have found a crime being committed and Peter being Peter jumped in to stop it, if that's so then Kitty is so kicking herself when she gets home; 2. This could be a joke, if so then she's gonna kill him, too bad he's no longer immortal; then there is 3. Peter was taken by a supervillain and is in trouble, now Kitty knows that that is ridiculous because everyone believes that both Peter and Spider-Man are dead and the few who know are good people, well almost all of them, excluding one redhead.
Before Kitty can think of any other alternatives on where Peter could have gone to, she didn't notice a figure flying towards her from behind until it was too late and she was grabbed, "AHHHHH," she yelled, the person who had Kitty landed on the side of a building sticking to it and then jumped to the roof of another building while doing a summersault in the air and landed on the building.
Finally, Shroud snapped out of her stupor and was ready to beat-up the guy who would dare ambush her while she was about to look for her friend only to find that it wasn't an enemy that ambushed her, it was, "PETER," Shroud said
"That's my name," Peter said as he put Shroud down on the ground.
So, it appears to Kitty that it was number two all along which means she's gonna kill him. Too bad, he never got to restart his Spider-Man career. "Peter Parker, how dare you scare me like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack you jerk," Shroud said as she walked up to him angry.
Despite having an angry Kitty in his face who looks even more intimidating in her Shroud gear, Peter still couldn't help but smile and chuckle.
"It's not funny," Kitty said annoyed
"I'm sorry Kitty but come on, it is a little funny besides last time I checked you loved it when I did arial tricks, you always found them fun," Peter said
"Yeah, well that's when I'm aware of when we were gonna do them. When I don't know, it's just plain scary," Kitty said as she turned her back toward him.
"Hey," Peter said as he walked up to Kitty, "I'm sorry, I thought it would be funny," he apologized
Kitty kept her back to Peter, but she was hiding a smile under her mask from him, she wasn't that angry or that scared in fact take away the surprise of being jumped and it was actually pretty fun. But Peter didn't need to know that let's make him squirm a little longer, either that or wait till he offers something worthwhile.
"Come on Kitty," Peter said only to get a real annoyed look from the said girl, well an annoyed gesture which was her hand on her hip and a tilt of her head, "Shroud," Peter remembered, "Looks like it will take a while till I really get back in the swing of things." Peter, noticing he was still getting the look from Kitty knew he had to do something to appease her. He looked in his head and so far, he could only think of one thing, he doesn't want to do it but if it will bring him back in Kitty's good graces he will. With that Peter sighed and made his offer, "I'll watch the Cinderella Story with you," Peter offered
Hearing the offer Kitty couldn't help but smile, that was a deal worth taking. With that Shroud turned around to face Peter, "Deal," she said
"You weren't really angry with me were you," Peter said
"Nope, but I've been wanting to watch the Cinderella Story with you since you came back. And now I got you," Kitty said
Peter smiled softly, even though he couldn't see it, he could just picture Kitty's smile behind her mask, "Yeah you got me," Peter said
"This Saturday, we'll do it, we can also take that time to talk everything over," Kitty said
"I'm looking forward to it," Peter said smiling.
"So am I," Kitty said smiling under her mask. "Come on the night is still young and there are still a bunch of badies to beat-up."
"What are we waiting for? Let's go," Peter said, with that the two patrolled New York together. That night they proved that no matter how long it's been, they still make a great team.
END CHAPTER
Well, my second chapter is done, I hope you all enjoyed it. Don't forget to review, creative criticism is welcome, regular criticism isn't. Till next time That's All True Believers.