Spider-Man swings through the Manhattan skyline as the city awakens in the night. Alone with his thoughts he struggles with a difficult decision and so stops on top of a water tower to compose himself. After a few moments he swings off in the direction of Hell's Kitchen.

He lands on the bell tower of a church and crawls down the outside of the building to the entrance. He walks in and takes a seat in a pew in the otherwise empty chapel. After a few moments, Father Matthew Murdock walks out and towards where he is sitting. Spider-Man lifts up his mask over his nose.

FATHER MATTHEW
Good evening, child. How can I serve you today?

PETER
Hi Father. It's good to s—ee you…

Peter winces, most of his face obscured. Father Matthew smiles warmly.

FATHER MATTHEW
I wish I could say the same.

They both chuckle slightly.

PETER
Sorry, I'm not used to this. This is all very new
to me. I, uh—

FATHER MATTHEW
Perhaps you're not sure who you're seeking by being
here?

PETER
I know WHO I'm here for, I'm just not used to
being HERE.

Father Murdock takes a seat near Peter.

FATHER MATTHEW
Have you come to seek guidance?

PETER
I need help making a decision. It's a big one.
Some time ago I learnt that a close friend had
been betrayed, and now that friend is—I'm
worried what will happen to this person if I tell
them about the betrayal.

FATHER MATTHEW
Secrets can weigh us down and interfere with
the simplicity that salvation brings us.

PETER
Huh. Well I agree with the first part. It's just—
this secret isn't mine to share, but it's also not
mine to hold onto either.

FATHER MATTHEW
What would happen if you revealed this secret?

PETER
I'm scared I'd lose someone close to me.

FATHER MATTHEW

And this someone would be your friend?

PETER

Yeah.

FATHER MATTHEW
Are you scared to lose them or lose their trust?

PETER
Is there a difference?

FATHER MATTHEW
Trust is as delicate as life, but we have the power
to restore one without a divine miracle. Try not
to be concerned with the consequences of truth.
It's in nullifying or obscuring it that we set ourselves
on a path to misery.

PETER
So do you think I should tell my friend about
this betrayal?

FATHER MATTHEW
And let the truth have its day in court? Why not?

PETER
I just don't know how my friend will react.

FATHER MATTHEW
Do you make all of your friend's decisions for
them?

PETER
I mean I'd like to.

Father Matthew chuckles.

FATHER MATTHEW
Wouldn't we all.
Sometimes we have to do the right thing and
let the chips fall where they may. If you are
worried about your friend, can't you still be
there to support them as they adjust to the
news?

PETER
I don't know if she'd want my help after I've told
her something she may not believe. I have no
evidence, it would just be at my word.

FATHER MATTHEW
Hm.
Sometimes evidence escapes us, but we still
fight for justice even when we are enveloped
in the darkness. Faith in the goodness of
responsibility is a power that can guide us through
the greatest of challenges, and everyday ones too.

PETER
…Thank you, that's helpful.

FATHER MATTHEW
I hope you're able to come to a decision with
which you're comfortable.

PETER
Thank you.

FATHER MATTHEW
Is there anything else I can help with?

PETER
No, I think I'll be ok. Thanks, M—
Thank you, Father.

Father Matthew smiles.

FATHER MATTHEW
You're very welcome.

PETER
Can I shake your hand?

FATHER MATTHEW
Of course.

Spider-Man lowers his mask and reaches his hand out. Matt Murdock grabs it instantly without grasping aimlessly in the air, causing Spider-Man to smile to himself under his mask. He leaves the chapel and swings up to the belltower. As he perches on the spire to get his bearings, he looks up to see Jackpot as she blazes through the sky towards the rendez-vous point. He breathes a heavy sigh and sets off after her.

Jackpot lands on the roof of the rendez-vous address. It's a neighbourhood on the Upper West Side. She waits on the roof patiently. As she waits she hears a noise in the alleyway below her and descends to the floor of the alley where three thugs are assaulting a homeless man. Her slots whirl and she uses the energy to pull the thugs off him as if using webs. She fires a controlled blast into one of the thugs who flies out of the alley and onto the sidewalk. The two others run after him and Jackpot offers to help the homeless man who runs away in confusion.

She stands alone in the alleyway and sighs heavily at how no one seems to thank her for her kindness. She hears a noise behind her and looks up as Black Cat backflips off a fire escape and lands on the ground near her.

BLACK CAT
Hey there, "Puddin'".

JACKPOT
Black Cat? What are you doing here?

BLACK CAT
"Black Cat"? Why so formal?

JACKPOT
Aliases only below 20 storeys.

Black Cat lets out a loud cackle.

BLACK CAT
Oh that is adorable! Still driving in first gear?
Or maybe you're still in training wheels and
aren't even in a car yet. Hahaha!

Jackpot realises that Black Cat isn't in a friendly mood.

JACKPOT
Can I help you with something?

BLACK CAT
I want to talk. About him.

JACKPOT
What is there to talk about?

BLACK CAT
You. Something very specific about you. And him.

JACKPOT

BLACK CAT
Don't play dumb with me. Maybe your history is so
*spectacular* that you don't remember 'big deals' in
a sea of amazing adventures!

Jackpot watches Black Cat cautiously and defensively as she confidently and slowly moves around her like a panther stalking its prey.

BLACK CAT
You're always *there*, aren't you? Always *in
the way*. You're like a drug to him, and you know
it. Don't want him, won't let anyone else have him.
Right at the beginning, you just walked back into
his life out of nowhere and took him from me! He
finally chases me for once and he's depressed!
Because of you! No matter what I do, I can't
convince him to let go of you! Of the memory of you!

JACKPOT
Felicia, I'm not with him anymore. Why are you
so upset?

BLACK CAT
Because my entire life the only thing I've never
been able to steal is that man's heart, and now
I know why!
WHAT THE #$% IS THIS!?

Felicia holds up the photo in MJ's face of her pregnant. Jackpot stares in silent shock. Her voice is quiet.

JACKPOT
Where did you get that?

BLACK CAT
His photo album! That he leaves lying around!
That he apparently looks at often! God, I'm such
an idiot!

JACKPOT
Felicia—

BLACK CAT
SHUT UP! I would give ANYTHING to have him
want me like he wants you!

Jackpot's eyes narrow behind her visor and her tone lowers.

JACKPOT
This isn't a good time to talk to me about lost children.
You should return that photo and let this go. It
isn't like that anymore!

BLACK CAT
THE #%$ IT ISN'T! I wanted a lover and all
I got was a project! Because of you! How is that
fair!?

Jackpot starts to become more animated.

JACKPOT
I'm with Paul now, and even if I wasn't, it's none of
your business!

BLACK CAT
Then dump his chump ass! Who the hell settles
for less than the perfect match when perfect is
available!? What is wrong with you!? With both of
you!? You're the only two people who can't see it!

JACKPOT
This is none of your business! My reasons are
my own!

Jackpot tries to activate her slots but she rolls two skulls and a horseshoe. She glows in muted grey energy.

JACKPOT
(That was close…)

BLACK CAT
I want my answers!

JACKPOT
Really? In a place that stinks of cat #%$&?

Black Cat folds her arms.

BLACK CAT
We're not going anywhere.

JACKPOT
Well I guess you can take the cat out of the alley.

Black Cat slaps Jackpot across the face. Jackpot wipes the blood from the corner of her mouth. She blasts the grey energy into Black Cat. Black Cat takes it in the face and turns back to look at MJ.

BLACK CAT
My my. Pretty weak with two skulls in there, huh?

JACKPOT
I'm not talking about this. We're not going to talk
about this!

BLACK CAT
Oh, baby cakes. I think we are. You're not going
anywhere.

There is a noise above them. The sound of a string snapping.

SPIDER-MAN
…nonononoNONONONONO
$#^^^^^^^^^^^^^^%!

Spider-Man falls from the sky. Jackpot and Black Cat watch in horror as he bounces off fire escapes and walls, lands on a dumpster, and rolls onto the floor face down.

SPIDER-MAN
…ughhhhhh…

JACKPOT
SPIDER-MAN!

Jackpot rushes forward. She slips on a puddle but regains her balance as she moves through the alley. She gets down to Spider-Man's level on her hands and knees. Black Cat mockingly raises her hands to the sides of her head and shakes them.

BLACK CAT
(Spider-Man!)

SPIDER-MAN
Hey, Jackpot. How's it been going?

JACKPOT
I'm fine. Where are you hurt?

SPIDER-MAN
Pretty typical. Think I broke a rib. Shoulder's
cut pretty bad.

JACKPOT
Ok let's get you home and patch you up.

Black Cat struts over.

BLACK CAT
Well well well. Look what I've dragged in.

SPIDER-MAN
Black Cat? You're here too? Man, what are the
odds of that? I can't tell if that's good luck or
bad lu—oh.

BLACK CAT
Oh.

SPIDER-MAN
Look, about last night—

JACKPOT
Last night? Like 'last night' last night?

Spider-Man rolls onto his back.

SPIDER-MAN
Oh god.

Jackpot turns to Black Cat, starting to connect the dots.

JACKPOT
You saw that photo today. In his apartment.
After last night. That means—-

SPIDER-MAN
Please, God, I'm gonna close my eyes now. Just
let me wake up at home.

JACKPOT
You're kidding. YOU'RE KIDDING!? So between
last night and today you—

Jackpot sits back on her feet and folds her arms.

JACKPOT
What was today?
Exactly how many people are you going to
apologise to for 'last night'?

BLACK CAT
Oh reeeeeeally? Ha! You are such a piece of
work, Peter. And so are you M—

SPIDER-MAN
Alises only, Black Ca—gah!

Spider-Man grabs his side.

BLACK CAT
Ha!
This is shaping up to be quite the standoff. I
always did love a threeway.

SPIDER-MAN

(Hot.)

JACKPOT
Don't even, I swear.

SPIDER-MAN
What photo?

BLACK CAT
Hm?

SPIDER-MAN
Jackpot mentioned a photo. What photo?

BLACK CAT
You left your photo album out on the coffee table.
Looks like 'last night' was just full of sloppy decisions.

SPIDER-MAN
…oh #%$&.

JACKPOT
I said that's none of your business, Cat.

BLACK CAT
Hush dear, the grown up superheroes are talking.

SPIDER-MAN
That's low, Felicia.

BLACK CAT
Believe it, MJ, I went lower 'last night'.

Jackpot's slots start to spin slowly, quietly.

SPIDER-MAN
Lesson number one, Jackpot. When faced with
overwhelming odds, split the difference and
pick a side.

JACKPOT
What makes you think I want to side with either
of you?

SPIDER-MAN
You don't have to. You just need an temporary
marriage of convenience.

BLACK CAT
Oh marriage! Ha! That ring was certainly a
surprise too! Pathetically small though. No
wonder you took it off.

Jackpot stands, arms ready for action.

JACKPOT
Ok, how do we do this?

SPIDER-MAN
We just have to get you out of here.

BLACK CAT
What's wrong, Spider-Man? Don't want your
secrets getting out?

JACKPOT
It's none. Of your. Business.

BLACK CAT
I disagree. C'mon, what's the worst that can
happen? All I'll do is tie you up and play you
like an instrument. Maybe we'll both hit the jackpot.

SPIDER-MAN
(Hot.)

Jackpot looks down at Spider-Man, still on his back, shaking her head in disbelief.

JACKPOT
Seriously, I swear to god.

SPIDER-MAN
Ok. Once you've put some distance between
the two of you, just—

JACKPOT
Think of a wonderful thought, second star to the
right, straight on 'til morning?

SPIDER-MAN
Still in sync after all this time?

JACKPOT
Always, Tiger.

SPIDER-MAN
Too much. Let's go!

Spider-Man shoots webs at Black Cat's feet. She jumps out of the way as Jackpot tackles her to the ground while she is mid-air. Black Cat hits the ground as Spider-Man grabs Jackpot around the waist and thwips them up the walls to the fire escape. Jackpot starts climbing up the stories as Spider-Man climbs the walls beside her.

SPIDER-MAN
Which photo was it?

JACKPOT
Remember my big hair and leg warmer phase?

SPIDER-MAN
What colour are the leg warmers in the photo?

JACKPOT
Green with a yellow blouse. A BIG yellow blouse.

SPIDER-MAN
…ok.

Black Cat throws her grapnel up to the fire escape. It passes through a small gap and wraps around Jackpot's ankle.

BLACK CAT
How unlucky!

Jackpot trips and falls to the ground. Black Cat begins climbing up the cable to reach the fire escape. Spider-Man jumps across to the cord. He wraps both his hands in the wire and tries to pull it apart. It cuts deep into his skin.

SPIDER-MAN
AHH!

He breaks the cord and both it and Black Cat fall to the ground.

BLACK CAT
That was tungsten! And expensive! Just how
strong are you, exactly?

Black Cat flips to the bottom of the fire escape and pulls herself up, climbing up the outside of the fire escape's frame.

SPIDER-MAN
MJ go. Go go go go go.

JACKPOT
Your hands!

SPIDER-MAN
I'm fine. Just go, get out here. I'll make you
some time.

JACKPOT
What are you going to do?

SPIDER-MAN
Hold her off. Don't be a hero. Tactical retreat.
…I enjoyed this marriage of convenience.
Thank you.

JACKPOT
I'm so gonna beat your #$%^ when I next see you.

SPIDER-MAN
Is that a promise?
GO!

Spider-Man falls back into the alley. Black Cat is at the second storey when Spider-Man pulls her down with his webs. He catches her in both his arms like a groom carrying a bride.

SPIDER-MAN
Is this what your good luck looks like right now?

Black Cat scratches him across the face shredding his mask. Spider-Man lets out a scream as she jumps out of his arms.

SPIDER-MAN
Look I'm sorry, MJ, just please—

She roundhouse kicks him across the face.

BLACK CAT
STOP

She kicks him in the rear.

BLACK CAT
CALLING

She slashes across his back. Spider-Man spins round with a howl.

BLACK CAT
ME

She kicks him in the groin.

BLACK CAT
MJ!

Jackpot stops in her tracks at the top of the fire escape. She looks down into the alley. Black Cat kicks Spider-Man in the chest and he falls into the side of a dumpster. Jackpot turns momentarily to head back down but then decides against it. She runs onto the roof and flies off into the sky in a blast of pale blue light. Spider-Man starts to pull himself out of the piles of trash bags.

SPIDER-MAN

…ok. Ok! Maybe I deserved that. But that's
enough. I need that photo back.

BLACK CAT
Oh no. I'm keeping this.

Spider-Man squares up.

SPIDER-MAN
Don't make me take it.

BLACK CAT
I'd like to see you tr—

A glob of webbing closes her mouth. Spider-Man spins her around with a web-pull and wraps her up in a cocoon before stringing her up upside down like a piñata off the fire escape. It is over in two seconds. His tone is low and no-nonsense.

SPIDER-MAN
That album represents the one part of my life
over which I have total control. No one takes
from my photo album.

Black Cat looks scared, a face Spider-Man has never seen her make. Her femme fatale confidence is gone.

SPIDER-MAN
No one.

Black Cat nods nervously.

SPIDER-MAN
Now, we're going up to the roof, and you're going
to give me that photo. I suggest you change your
attitude so my bad luck doesn't make me drop you.

Spider-Man carries her onto the roof and rips the webbing off her mouth. It strips off patches of Black Cat's lipstick, weakening her costume's projection of confidence.

SPIDER-MAN
Where is it?

BLACK CAT
I'll give it to you. I promise. I—I'm sorry.

Spider-Man rips the webs open. He takes off a glove and ties it around his hand as a makeshift bandage. Black Cat hands Spider-Man the photo. He handles the photo with the bandaged hand carefully and tucks it into his waist.

SPIDER-MAN
I told you not to steal anything.

BLACK CAT
Peter, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

SPIDER-MAN
We're done.

BLACK CAT
No please. Peter, please. I—I lo—

SPIDER-MAN
Don't.

BLACK CAT
You won't even let me say it? How am I supposed
to feel? We've grown so close lately, and I mean it.
I've tried everything to make you feel what I feel,
and you don't, and it's because of her. And I know
it, and you know it, and she knows it.

Tears start to well in Black Cat's eyes as her voice cracks.

BLACK CAT

How am I supposed to act when the two of you
just pull me into your games and you give me false
hope that something can happen? Is that fair?

SPIDER-MAN
Fair is about luck. Maybe you're not lucky in love.
I guess we'll always have that in common.

BLACK CAT
Can I ask you something? For me? Why are you
both unable to figure it out?

SPIDER-MAN
As she said earlier, that's not your business.

BLACK CAT
Are you saying I don't deserve closure? I don't
deserve to know why you've never loved me?

SPIDER-MAN
I love all the people I care about.

BLACK CAT
You know what I mean. It's obvious how you two
feel about each other. Why do the two of you
make it hard on yourselves?

SPIDER-MAN
Yeah this has gone way past what you're allowed
to talk about.

Spider-Man walks away and prepares to leave.

BLACK CAT
It makes it hard on those around you. People who
get involved with either of you just end up hurt. Is
that responsible, Spider-Man?

He wheels round.

SPIDER-MAN
Oh-ho no you didn't.

Black Cat's voice starts to tilt into sobs.

BLACK CAT
Don't I deserve to know what makes her so special?
Why can't I be with you the way I want to be?

SPIDER-MAN
Because that's how it is, Felicia. That's just how
it is. Sometimes things cut your way, sometimes
they don't. And when they don't, you just cope.

Black Cat responds in anger despite the tears on her cheeks.

BLACK CAT
That's not an answer! What can she give you
that I can't!?

Spider-Man looks at her through his shredded mask.

SPIDER-MAN
Look at me. What do you see? Who am I?

BLACK CAT
…You're Spider-Man.

SPIDER-MAN
And that's why it never worked. I'm not Spider-Man.
I'm Pete. And you don't see that first, you never did.
You see Spider-Man first, just like at the start.

Spider-Man turns to leave and heads to the edge of the roof.

BLACK CAT
That's it?

SPIDER-MAN
What can she give me that you can't? Keep
pulling on that thread and it'll all become clear.
I'll see you around.

He turns to look at Black Cat.

SPIDER-MAN
I care about you Felicia. So stay out of trouble.

Spider-Man leaves and zips off into the night, leaving Black Cat on the roof of the building.

He arrives home and crawls through his window. He carefully places the recovered photo on the coffee table before changing and showering. He bandages his hands and returns to his front room. He places the photo in its corner holders and looks at it longingly, his eyes filled with sadness and regret.

He carries the album back to his bedroom where he places it in the top shelf of his wardrobe, after which he collects a small bundle of cloth. He sits on the edge of his bed and unwraps it to reveal the spider-shaped travel device that sent him back from dimension TRN1023. He holds it up to his face and stares at it suspiciously.