Gwen was face down drooling on her pillow when her phone started to vibrate. She patted around on her nightstand and picked up. She didn't recognize the number. She rolled on her back and answered it.

"Yea?"

She was quite surprised to hear Miles's voice on the other end.

"Sup girl? I was told to call you and let you know I was out."

Gwen rubbed her eyes.

"That's good. Thanks."

"Is that all you have to say to me?"

Gwen looked at her phone.

"It's six am. That's what you get for calling me before any sane person is awake."

She heard Miles laugh on the other end of the line.

"Well go back to sleep then. I'll see you soon."

Gwen mumbled.

"Sure. Whatever."

She hung up the phone. She grabbed her burner and sent the photo of the secondary encryption key she'd taken to Coulsin. She crushed the burner while still half-asleep and tossed it in the garbage then flopped down to sleep. It seemed like she'd barely closed her eyes when her alarm went off. She rolled over and sighed. As much as she felt like blowing off school it would not be good for her marks. She'd probably have to deal with Flash and Liz sucking face again. She needed some angry girl music, so she put on some Genitorturers. She was bouncing and singing along to Lecher Bitch when the music stopped. Gwen sighed heavily and finished brushing her hair out. She glared at her father when she left the bathroom.

"I was listening to that dad."

Her father frowned at her.

"You need to find music that doesn't involve screaming."

Gwen rolled her eyes.

"You're so… frustrating. Mom would have never turned that off!"

He frowned at the mention of her mother.

"Well, she's not here, change is part of life get used to it."

Gwen growled.

"I literally cannot wait to go to college as far away from here as I possibly can. I wonder if there are any decent ones in Japan!"

She gathered up her school bag and slammed their apartment door as she stormed out. She wasn't mad at her dad really. Gwen was just mad at the world. Flash dumped her. Obadiah was one of the bad guys. Peter was so far down the conservative media rabbit hole he wasn't himself anymore. Nothing was right. She slid into her seat at her Aunt May's house and barely said boo to either Peter or Aunt May. The walk to school was also a quiet one. She didn't even tell Peter that Miles was out of juvie. She wasn't sure how he'd take it. In fact, her whole day at school was a blur of her being angry at everything and everyone. Gym class brightened her mood a bit. When she arrived, she saw the boys class there as well. The instructors for both gym classes were together. The boys teacher blew the whistle. Gwen didn't know his name off hand.

"Okay, we're playing dodge ball today. Mixing it up and boys and girls classes are going to compete together. Flash, your captain one, Gwen Stacy, you can be captain two."

Gwen was a bit shocked, but then realized he probably didn't know her rep, or maybe he thought her and Flash were still dating and it would be fun to see them compete with each other. Either way it suited her fine. Gwen picked the worst of the worst of both classes. Except Peter. Her team seemed to have the prevailing opinion they were about to get destroyed. As the game progressed that theory seemed to have some truth to it. Eventually it was Gwen against Peter, Flash, Liz, and three other boys. They did their best to hit her, but she simply just wasn't there. She may have been being a bit too agile all things considered. She grinned as the last ball landed on her side leaving her with eight in all. More than enough. She grinned at Flash in particular. When she spoke, her voice had a really dark tone to it.

"My turn."

She picked up the first ball, cracked her neck and did an underhanded throw. She aimed for and took the three she didn't know personally out one after the other, she was pretty gentle all things considered. She went easy on Peter. It would sting but he'd get over it. He tried to catch her overhanded throw but he ended up fumbling it. It slapped his arms so hard they started to get red immediately. He looked pretty hurt when he glanced at Gwen. She blocked several throws from Liz and Flash. Then she called out.

"I like him, how do you think this is going to end for you two?"

Liz went pale. Gwen was sure they should have called it murder ball instead of dodge ball for today at least. She did an underhanded throw Liz had no chance to get out of the way. The ball deformed because it was thrown so hard and fast. She got knocked off her feet. Tears started to form in her eyes. One of the teachers blew their whistle. Liz got helped off the floor. Gwen bounced the ball she had and paced until the teacher blew the whistle to resume the game. Flash picked up the one she'd just clocked Liz with. Flash spoke.

"Hey, this is just a game, babe. Chill."

Gwen glared at him.

"You don't get to call me that anymore, Captain Loser."

The whistle blew and they paced. Flash twitched first. Gwen deflected his ball then with a windup she launched a vicious underhanded throw. She put so much power into it when it hit flash in the groin, he got knocked back a foot or so. He collapsed on the ground and tears of pain rolled down his cheeks. The rest of the boys all winced and looked very uncomfortable. The boy's gym teacher blew his whistle. Both instructors checked on Flash. One of the other boys was sent to help him to the nurse's office. Gwen should have felt bad. She really didn't. Both teachers called her over. Mr. Jacoby, who was her instructor, started.

"Gwen, that was uncalled for."

Gwen crossed her arms.

"Those balls are hard to control. I don't see how Flash's inability to get out of the way or catch it is my fault. Besides you didn't say above the belt so anywhere but the face is fair game as far as I'm concerned."

Mr. Jacoby rubbed his forehead. He seemed frustrated.

"Just… be more careful in the future."

Gwen nodded.

"Sure. Sorry."

Mr. Jacoby blew his whistle to start a new game. The boys on the other team seemed pretty weary of Gwen. That game went the same except Gwen only really focused her murder ball throws at Liz. They played four games. Liz had bruises starting on several different parts of her body. Gwen wondered if Liz regretted looking in Flash's direction yet. She finished showering and getting changed. Liz got in front of her when she was on her way out of the changing room. She looked very angry.

"Gwen Stacy! Look what you did to my arms!"

Liz pushed Gwen. Which was about as effective as her pushing a transport truck.

"You are the one who got in the way of the ball. I don't see as it's my fault."

"The dance is tomorrow night! You… hurt Flash! You ruined everything. I can't wear my dress like this!"

Gwen laughed at Liz.

"Grow up, Liz. What's that saying? Oh yea, you fucked around, and you found out. Now move before I give you a black eye to match the rest of your bruises."

Liz launched herself at Gwen. She wasn't going for a punch; She was coming at her with nails. Gwen weaved to the side and slammed Liz into a bank of lockers. Folding her arm up behind her back. She leaned in and whispered.

"Liz, I'm just plain better than you at everything. Flash traded down."

Mrs. Jane, who was another one of the gym teachers tried to pull Gwen off of Liz but found she just couldn't budge Gwen until Gwen wanted to move. Gwen finally released Liz. Who backed away from her rubbing her upper arm. Mrs. Jane looked between the two.

"Whatever this is, it ends here and now."

Gwen smiled sweetly.

"I'm so sorry Mrs. Jane. Liz was a sore loser and came at me with those claws she calls nails. I had to defend myself."

Mrs. Jane glared at them both.

"Liz, go to the principal's office. I'm sure you're going to not have to worry about the dance you were shouting about. Gwen, you watch yourself. I saw your dodge ball game. You are walking a fine line."

Gwen nodded. She really couldn't argue that point. Maybe she was getting a bit out of hand.

"Sorry, Mrs. Jane. You're right."

Mrs. Jane pointed to the exit door.

"Move along."

Gwen nodded. Gym was her last class this semester. She stopped by her locker. Flash was there waiting for Liz. He avoided looking at Gwen. Though he obviously wanted to say something to her. Gwen slammed her locker shut.

"What do you want?"

Flash still didn't look at her.

"Have you heard from Spider-Woman lately? I was wondering… if there was another video or she'd given you anyplace I should watch for her?"

Gwen blinked a few times.

"On what planet would I do anything to help you after you dumped me and started making out with Liz Allen in front of me? Did you even wait to dump me before you started doing whatever it is you two are doing?"

Flash shook his head.

"I'm sorry… I jus-"

"Don't apologize it just makes me want to punch you more."

Gwen turned away from him and walked towards the exit. Peter had debate club, so she didn't bother waiting for him. She started walking to her Aunt May's house and noticed a black corvette was keeping pace with her. She looked and it was Adam Thomas. He waved and pulled over to the curb. The passenger side window went down. Gwen leaned in and asked.

"You're not very subtle, are you?"

Adam smiled at her.

"I have never been accused of that, no. So, you want a ride?"

Gwen glanced over her shoulder and saw Flash come out of the school. She smiled and looked at Adam.

"Sure, if you came all the way to see me, it's the least I can do, isn't it?"

Gwen got in the car after glancing to make sure Flash saw her. The look on his face was priceless. Adam pulled away from the curb and started driving. He looked at Gwen and smiled.

"So, who is that guy you were looking at?"

Gwen shrugged.

"Just my jerk of an ex-boyfriend."

Adam shook his head.

"You got in to make him jealous?"

Gwen shrugged.

"If I said no, I would be lying. But let's call it icing on the cake? I was pretty surprised to see you. I assumed you had school or something and would be in DC."

Adam nodded.

"Well, yes I did have school, but I have a spare at the end of the day so I decided to drive down to see you."

"From DC?"

He shook his head.

"No, my school is in Stamford. It's a little under an hour to drive here."

"Oh. How exactly did you know where I went to school?"

Adam tapped his steering wheel.

"I asked my dad. Who asked Obadiah. Who told me where to find you. He said you wouldn't mind."

Gwen smirked.

"He wasn't wrong. You are cute. Are you sure your parents would be happy with you chasing after a poor girl from Queens?"

Adam laughed.

"My mom and dad? They were upset you left without me getting your number the other night."

Gwen looked at him.

"You're actually trying to ask a girl out your parents like? What kind of teenager are you? Should I be concerned about mental illness?"

Adam laughed again.

"You're funny. And yes. Not because they want me too though. Seriously the girls I usually go out with are so stuck up. It's like they walk on eggshells trying to impress me and my parents. You just don't seem to give a fuck. I like that."

"My boyfriend dumped me on Saturday night. Maybe I'm just not looking for someone new to break my heart?"

Adam pointed his thumb back towards her school.

"He's an idiot. You're smart, you're beautiful, and you're going to be very rich when you get out into the world."

Gwen's hand made its way to Adam's bare forearm.

"And which one of those is my most important feature, would you say?"

Adam smirked at her.

"Oh, the rich part, for sure. I would love to never have to work a day in my life."

Gwen ran her fingers along his forearm and leaned back in her seat when the red light they were stopped at changed.

"So, if I decided instead of designing weapons, I'd rather join the peace corps you wouldn't want to date me?"

Adam nodded.

"Absolutely."

Gwen shook her head. She pointed at her Aunt May's house.

"That's me right there."

Adam pulled into the driveway.

"So, If I went inside, I would meet your parents?"

Gwen shook her head. She paused with her hand on the door handle.

"First of all, mom is dead. Second, my dad is probably already at work. This is my Aunt May's house. Because I am a terrible cook, I usually eat supper here."

Adam went pale when she mentioned her mother was dead.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I just…"

Gwen put her hand on his forearm again.

"It is okay. Now if you want to come in, I am sure Aunt May would love to meet you. But this doesn't mean anything."

Adam unfastened his seat belt and turned the car off. He looked at Gwen.

"So, what am I walking into here? Is she mean?"

Gwen laughed at the thought of Aunt May being mean.

"No, Aunt May is the nicest person you will ever meet. I promise you that."

Gwen got out of the car and waited for Adam to join her. She took the extra step of knocking on the door which she never did. Aunt May and Uncle Ben had always told her that she was always welcome. She even had a house key. Aunt May came to the door. She was wearing an apron. That meant she was making something special tonight. When she saw Gwen, she looked confused but then she noticed Adam.

"Gwen who is this?"

Gwen smiled at her aunt.

"This is my friend Adam. He is down here from Stamford. He wanted to hang out, but I also promised I'd come for supper tonight, so I was hoping it was okay if he joined us?"

Aunt May smiled her warm inviting smile of hers and motioned them inside.

"Of course, come in, come in."

Gwen motioned for Adam to go first. He did. Gwen pulled off her shoes. Adam did the same. Aunt May motioned to the kitchen table.

"Make yourselves comfortable. I was just checking on the roast and finishing off the potatoes."

Gwen shook her head.

"I'll take care of the potatoes and carrots, Auntie May."

Aunt May looked a bit concerned.

"Are you sure about that? You remember the last time?"

Gwen shook her head.

"I'll pay attention I promise. You look tired."

Aunt May sat down at the kitchen table and Gwen went about peeling everything. Then she started slicing everything up. Her enhanced reflexes and strength made this a different experience than the last time she'd tried to help. She'd ended up with stitches the last time. Aunt May blinked in disbelief. Gwen washed her hands.

"Though the cooking part, you should do, still terrible at that."

Aunt May patted Gwen's shoulder. Gwen sat down at the table with Adam. Who looked at May and smiled at Gwen. He leaned in and whispered.

"She's adorable."

Gwen nodded in response. She looked at her Aunt May.

"Auntie May, what is the special occasion? You never make roasts on a weekday."

May smiled at Gwen.

"Oh, Gwen, this is my thank you for what you did for us."

Adam glanced at Gwen.

"What did she do, if it's alright I ask?"

May turned to Adam.

"Oh, I had this terrible misunderstanding with the city and the bank. With my husband gone I just lost track. They were going to take the house you see. But Gwen took care of it. They call that Spider-Woman a hero, but Gwen is a real hero. So, few children these days understand…"

May trailed off and went back to her cooking. Gwen blushed at her Aunt May's compliments. Adam looked at Gwen with what seemed to be a new appreciation. He spoke.

"Is that so? She tries to pretend she's pretty heartless."

Aunt May didn't turn to face them and talked while she dumped the potatoes into a pot on the stove.

"Gwen is the best of us. Her Uncle Ben used to say how good a soul she had."

Gwen blushed an even deeper shade of crimson.

"Auntie May, you're embarrassing me."

Aunt May shook her head.

"I will sing your praises to whoever will listen. Though you did inherit your mother's temper. I had a call from Liz Allen's mother. She was upset about you picking on her daughter. Is that true?"

Gwen sank into her seat. She hadn't expected that.

"No. She… is probably exaggerating."

Aunt May turned and looked at Gwen.

"Is she?"

Gwen buried her face in her hands.

"No. But she was making out with Flash in front of my locker. I couldn't just…"

Aunt May pulled off her apron and hung it up. She put her hands on her hips.

"Gwen, you are better than that. I promised you would stop. So, you are going to behave better, yes?"

Gwen's answer was barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Auntie May."

"Good. That is enough about that. Tell me how you two met, Adam."

Adam looked between the two. Gwen shrugged. Adam folded his hands.

"Well, we were at a charity ball, my dad met her and had suggested we might have some things in common. So, I introduced myself. Then she basically ignored me and walked out."

May looked at Gwen.

"Is this true?"

Gwen sunk into her chair.

"Well, there is context… to that. You see, I was… Tony… Obadiah. It is complicated Auntie May."

Aunt May gave Gwen another look of disapproval.

"It is never too complicated to be polite, Gwen. I am surprised Adam even wanted to talk to you again."

Adam gave the slightest of smiles at Gwen's uncomfortableness.

"Well, it was sort of my fault. I can be kind of a jerk sometimes. I'm used to girls falling over themselves to get my attention. It was nice to have someone call me on my… arrogance."

Aunt May looked between the two of them.

"Well, it sounds like you both need to work on your manners. I'm glad you were both able to overlook your first meeting. Gwen needs a nice boy in her life who will treat her with respect. Not like that Flash Thompson."

Gwen blushed once again.

"Auntie May please…"

Gwen was saved from further embarrassment from her Aunt May by the arrival of Peter and MJ. She tried not to let her disgust at Peter's behavior show on her face. Peter noticed Adam right away. Gwen intercepted Peter's oncoming question.

"Peter, and MJ this is my friend Adam, Adam this is my cousin Peter. Though we're more like brother and sister. And this is Mary Jane, though everyone calls her MJ."

Peter smiled at Adam and sat down. MJ looked a bit put on the spot but sat down as well. Adam nodded to each of the newcomers in turn. Peter motioned towards the driveway.

"Is that your vette?"

Adam nodded.

"Birthday gift. I asked for something more sensible, but my father didn't listen."

Peter looked surprised.

"That's this year's isn't it? There's like a two year waiting list for those Z06's."

Adam shrugged.

"I donno. Cars aren't my thing. I think my dad is just trying to live vicariously through me."

Peter looked staggered by Adam's complete non-comprehension of what he was given. Gwen noticed Peter's shock and guided the conversation away from cars. Shortly afterwards her Aunt May dished out the food. After the meal and dessert Adam and Gwen said their goodbyes. Adam was glancing at Gwen every so often as he drove her towards her home.

"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen a girl your size eat that much."

Gwen shot Adam a dirty look.

"If that is your attempt to get me to go out on an actual date with you… You really need to work on that approach. I don't go for the whole negging thing."

Adam blushed.

"I was just. The food was really good. Sorry. I am not good at trying to impress girls with myself. Most of my dates just talk on and on about gossip. Basically, I spend most of the time praying for it to end. Most of them will eat like half a salad. Then run off to get someone to hold their hair while they… you know what. I'll just stop now."

Gwen nodded.

"Probably a good plan. Look, my metabolism is insane. I have a medical condition. It requires me to eat two or three times what a normal person goes through in a day. It also means that I'm a lot of muscle, not a lot of fat. I'm healthy, I just need more food. That is the beginning and end of this discussion. Okay?"

Adam glanced at Gwen.

"Anything else I should know?"

Gwen thought to herself, sure, I dress in a bullet proof costume and swing from buildings… She shook her head.

"No, nothing I can think of. So…"

Adam glanced at his steering wheel.

"Well, umm if I haven't made you too angry, would you like to go out on… an actual date?"

Gwen tapped her chin as if deep in thought.

"I suppose, I can give you one chance."

Gwen reached into her school bag, ripped out a piece of paper and wrote her number on it. Then offered it to Adam. He went to take it and she snatched it away. She smiled then put it in the front pocket of his polo shirt.

"Night. Thanks for not running away when you met part of my family."

She got out of the car and waved as he drove away.