Tiptoeing on the Edge:

Code 3 events rarely took place like the major power outage that took place within Spider Society. This time around was happy he was glad to be in his own dimension. Going through his usual rounds with spider people's scraps and bruises. Chatting them up about current events and latest gossip. Great change of pace for him going undercover with a single spider person. Which had him making his own list of the ones he needed to check in with. Shelob was at the top since he hadn't seen her around lately. Not that he figured she had a life of her own to live outside the society. Until then, He sought out a place to sit to finish his case notes, review X-rays, and scans.

"LAYLA?" He got a tingle in the back of his skull, "Prep for tendon reattachment surgery and vial or two of my spider venom related anesthetic"

"Yes sir." She dare not question him.

"I wish these visions weren't so head splitting," He mumbled, "I need to speak to mi mamá about control."

LAYLA ended up giving him a cup of tea as she dimmed the brightest the holoscreen for him. Disliking how she had to watch him suffer a headache with meds. The ones he used to take weren't allowed by order from Miguel. She watched him lift the cup to his lips and drink the tea inside.

"Sure… you don't need a break?" She asked.

"Didn't I explain that my visions are random?" He asked her, "Like they aren't brought up by me working."

"I know." She brought up the video clip.

She played the feed when he personally explained to her his visions were nothing like the ones his mother experienced. He ended up dismissing the paused footage he couldn't spend another minute watching with her. Putting down his cup with his other hand to focus his attention back to the holo screen before him.

"Put an alert on Ben's watch," He instructed her, "Check who's working tonight."

"On it." She went to do so, "More tea?"

"Not now." He closed his eyes, "Just hang out."

"Later." LAYLA blinked out.

She made sure to test his wireless earpiece attached to the burner phone he was currently using as a work related communication. Knowing that Dr. Webb was on edge for that one number coming in at any given minute. Making him one of a few handful of staff that was qualified besides medically educated and trained spider people. That was needed to walk someone through administration for first aid or more serious treatment.

"Now," He sighed, "We wait."

He dismissed the holoscreen when done with his back log work. Debating about putting in a quick phone call to his mom or daughter. Knowing his mother would already be the one calling her, as his daughter asked when they were visiting papá Miguel's brother. Had him reach for his tablet and review an old topic Miguel and he put aside. Cloning and natural birth through donor organs were a plain no. 60- 40 percent chance of baby- and- mother were positive. Only way was to revisit the use of a qualified surrogate. Met going through the list of spider people that they could ask. Which had him pulling out a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He unfolded flap by flap revealing a portrait, One with a strong memory of impromptu date behind it. Two went for a stroll when work was slow and got dinner from a street vendor. When they were waiting for their order, a street artist caught their eyes and had Dr. Webb borrowing his tools. What he created was now held within his hand and was laid on a nearby console where his burner phone sat.

"Jabril." He whispered the name.

He recalled the happiness that Regency Era versions of Miguel and him had with a son by that name when he was there. Allowed a smile to appear on his face when he needed to find the moment to talk to Miguel again. Just not going this day, when his attention shifted from the screen of his tablet to his one of his burner phone. Waiting for a number he mesmerized since he moved in and adopted a kitten to repeatedly flash. Followed by the owner of the number to follow with a few rings before being answered by him. To only get company in the company of an orange fur ball in his newly acquired emotional support animal vest.

"Got to thank LAYLA for getting the vest in his signature colors," He saw Miguel's suit pattern, "You done for the night?"

What he got was a soft meow when Corazón rubbed up against one his pants leg just using his head. Sometimes angling his head just right to brush the tip of his head. Which got Dr. Webb freed up his hands and bent down to pick up Corazón. Taking the cat into his lap when readjusted in his seat to make room.

"What do you think?" He asked Corazón, showing him the portrait, "Want another one since Gabriella isn't interested in you nor more?"

Corazón didn't really care as he curled up in his lap after kneading his inner thighs. Down he went in a paws tucked under his small body and tail wiggling around. Set the mood that LAYLA couldn't get Dr. Webb relaxs. Which lasted for a good minute or two when alerts went off.

"Doc!" LAYLA blinked in with a holoscreen, "You are right about Ben."

"Notify staff I told you to check in on and get surgical ready," He relocated Corazón, "I want full medical scans for whoever they brought before they sent to the Home Back Machine."

"Usual with Miguel?" LAYLA guessed.

"You read me well." He knew she was going to deliver an injector and blood serum vials.

He ended up leaving his seat since he had a few X-rays to clarify his hunch about Ben's arm. Knowing he didn't have to see security footage of their return through a portal. He would be seen on his next break while checking in with his daughter on their plans. Had already planned when they were going to leave via public transport.

8*8

On Earth -1992, Julia 'Jewel' Webb is the top music Idol in Japan and America after a 20-year span. Through her songs that reflect tragedies and successes in her life. Heartfelt lyrics express how she arose above them with her family. In outfits designed by her personal design team and tailor. Almost lost her life when flowers were delivered to her during a concert. Exploded due to a hidden bomb within the middle of the flowers. She survived thanks to her ex- U.S. An Army medic of a brother, his medical education and experience saved her. Just did work for her current management team headed by a lawyer during the clean up.

Use of a professional bodyguard Miguel O'Hara, a former Internalpol and Secret Service agent who served 2 presidential details, to protect her was decided. Who also has a few degrees in biology, genetics, and other scientific fields. Reluctant at first in agreeing to accept the offer upon first meeting Julia. In the end, he took up the offer due to his curiosity about her brother when he refused to meet. Getting objections from Julia about his defensive measurements and paranoid tendencies. That her brother agreed was necessary to protect her. Which had her saying the two would make a perfect couple. Which was second by Julia's niece and her brother's only daughter, Gabriela Webb. Which Miguel openly denied when first working beside him and sharing their pasts. They ended up getting closer during a series of attempts on Julia's life during a concert tour. One night after a riot where Miguel got away with flesh wounds Julia insisted on getting treated. They shared their first kiss and a relationship with boundaries was established between them.

"Retire?" Miguel and Marshall repeated Julia's words.

"My brother can take over our father's business and Miguel can become head of my future security detail," She happily clapped, "I already have qualified candidates."

Out onto the blank surface of her make up table she placed personal folders with a single picture clipped to them. Single eyebrow went up on Miguel since his face was obscure by aviator single sunglasses. Marshal could feel the burn from those brown eyes staring at him for an explanation. Not like his sister's other bodyguard, Ben, and Personal manager, Peter B, weren't any help. One had to keep the other from making his usual joke when their presence was known.

"I just thought," Julia brought up the elephant in the room, "Since you two are together…"

Miguel and Marshal knew they were going to be found out sooner or later after trying to stay hidden. Knowing very well what they started to share usual doesn't survive these kinds of situations. Wanting to take time without pressure wasn't being given to them by his sister. Would be put into words by Marshal when across the room Miguel walked to his side. Single arm wrapped around him and drew him close enough to hear his heart beat.

"What happens," Miguel stood firm, "Happens since brother had proven he can handle himself while protecting you."

"M&M a thing now?" Ben asked as Peter B secretly cheered.

Further answers came when Miguel spoke about what took place between them in Julia's tour bus. One where he completely let his guard down around Marshal in a moment of pchyical intimacy. The two of them undressed each other by revealing their scars to their eyes. Stories about each one followed by a kiss to the rough patch of skin by one of them. Stopped when Miguel held Marshal he was presently doing before his sister and two of their coworkers.

"We done?" He asked not loosening his hold on Marshal, "You have show to put on and we have a job to do."

Julia leaned back in her chair to see the shock her brother was in when Miguel whispered something to Marshal. Hidden smile that formed on his face before Miguel yelled at Ben to mind his own business. Peter B was told this bit of personal business was between them.

8*8

They stopped in front of a cozy house with clean lines and geometric shapes in its appearance. White picket fence surrounding the property didn't distract from the rusted junk. Some rested in the middle of the driveway of a rickety garage with taped up windows. Had Dr. Webb tilted his head to read the mail box beside the walkway.

"This place?" His daughter asked.

Ping sound his watch made about them making their arrival had him shaking his watch on his wrist when he lowered his arm. Trying to figure out how a talented hacker related to Miguel and a single male from looks of everything. Could live in such a place as creaking of a gate had him looking toward direction of his daughter.

"Can I go ahead?" Gabriella asked with hands on the gate, "I REALLY want to meet him."

"Go ahead!" He pulled his wireless earpiece from his pocket, "I have to call and check in."

She ended up jumping over the gate instead of opening it to run down the path leading to the stoop she ran up. Finger pressing on the door bell once as she waited for someone to answer as she fidgeted from foot to another. Unlocking of the automatic locking mechanism was heard followed by the door swinging open by itself. The person on the other side was a foot shorter than papá Miguel with goggles worn in his messed hair. Grease and grime covered a torn shirt loosely tucked into an active pair of pants he wore. A pair of work gloves that had seen better days were carelessly shoved into the back pockets of his pants. Who shared a few physical features with the person that was going to meet them much later.

"Hello?" He asked looking upon Gabreilla, "May I help you?"

"I am the daughter of your brother's lover," She happily introduced herself, "We came here to meet you."

"Where is your papa?" He asked rather worriedly.

"Right here," Dr. Webb stepped up, "I am Marsh Dean Webb and this is Gabreila Webb."

"Honrado de conocerte." Gabreila waved at him.

"Encantada de conocerte," He nods to them, "Soy Gabriel "Gabe" O'Hara, estás aquí para conocerte. Entra."

Inside they were allowed inside was more of a mess then the outside with outdated machinery tucked in every corner. Blinking light in the living room gave the place a almost haunted house vibe that Gabreila welcomed in full. Which had her practically running into the area when Gabriel stepped aside for her to do so. She stopped when she got midway in the dining room with her eyes on the sink of over flowing dishes in the kitchen.

"Omg! Dad this place totally looked like home," She squealed, "Minus abuela Webb's creepy presence and predictions."

"Already fan." Gabreil looked to Dr. Webb.

"She researched you while we were on our way." Dr. Webb explained.

Gabriel allowed his door to close and securely lock on its own as he allowed Dr. Webb to further walk inside where his daughter was. Offering them the only bervagea he got weed herbals tea and water from the tap. Which he had at the moment since he didn't have anyone to remind him to go shopping when he get busy. Which made Dr. Webb laugh when he was reminded of LAYLA always doing those small things. Had him choosing herbal tea as his daughter propped herself onto the ledge of the kitchen's counter.

"How your daughter's excitement reminds me of my younger self" Gabreil pulled out kettle and tea, "I recall a time Miguel and I got caught sneaking back into our house with Miguel so drunk, when our mom tried to lecture us. Miguel ended up throwing up at her feet without a second thought and ruined her favorite house slippers."

"Well I gotta sweat that," Dr Webb removed his ear piece, "I was 16 when I came back home after celebrating my latest victory rather drunk. I ended up stripping down and crawling into bed in such a stupor, when Imwoke back up and walked to the bathroom to pee. I was caught naked sitting into the bathroom by my mother, who went about her day."

"Wow!" Gabreil was shocked.

"I was once a wild child and a spider man," Dr. Webb explained, "Until an accident changed everything for me."

Gabriel ended up pointing to Gabriela has the reason for his dramatic change in life before hearing the truth on why. Which came when Dr. Webb explained the LONG journey he took in order to get where he was right now. From the abnormal traits he was born with as a human child to becoming an only child after his mother miscarried. Had a spiderman career for a short time before an accident changed his life and his path. As he recovered his sight and health with the aid of an old mentor away from the eyes of the public. He became a doctor and raised his only child with help from his mother before taking a job with Spider Society.

"A few months ago," Dr. Webb proudly bragged, "The judge granted me full custody of my daughter with your brother's help."

"My brother helped you?" Gabriel was shocked, "Not the man I know."

"What is the man you know as Miguel like…" Gabreilla sat down.

She accepted her cup of tea when the heated water was poured and brew time was given before being handed over. In turn she was asked about herself by Gabreil, which revealed her interest in robots and computer programming. Conversation the two shared about their joint passions was watched by a quiet Dr. Webb. Who just sat back and watched them just talk away without paying attention to the time tick away. Touching his tea every now and then as he was mentally through a list of his single coworkers at Spider Society. One woman came to mind that works as support tech in the techno department with no spider related powers. She kept odd hours like himself since traditional 9 to 5 job normal tended to have at her age. He didn't need to bring up since his daughter ended up asking Gabreil to hang out in the near future.

"So cool," Gabreila squealed happily, pulling him out his head, "Dad? What is the name of that female friend of yours? You know the one that repairs Spider Society's high tech gizmos and computers?"

"Someone playing matchmaker?" He teased his daughter, "You really are like tu abuela?"

"I like you." Gabreil sips his tea, "When is your next robot battle? I have to see if you put this much enthusiasm into your battle."

Gabreilla ended up showing him the latest reels of her posts and victories from her phone when she moved her chair closer. Going on about how she was still perfecting the eight legs and spider design of her bot. She was always switching between grappling hook and web shoots for fangs and silk production glands. Got suggestions from Gabreil to improve body's frame to strengthen weaknesses she did see before. Had her excitedly listening to the point she wanted to hear about what she could do with the legs. Started another lively conversation about where changes could be made throughout the existing design. Had Dr. Webb getting up from his seat and making his way to a front window when he noticed the time.

"My brother is due soon?" Gabreil asked, noticing he didn't arrive.

"I warned him to not miss this," Dr. Webb informed him, "Or I am not coming back to his life for a few weeks."

"I knew there was something about you." Gabriel was liking Dr. Webb already.

"Wait ," He brought up his mother, "Till you meet mi mamá."

Two laughs got a minute when Dr. Webb noticed Miguel's self-driving car pulling into the driveway from the windows. Gabriel was the one that got Gabriella off her phone when she was recording all of the design improvements. So they all could go out the front door and greet a casually dressed Miguel in a nervous state.

8*8