I paid the taxi and was dropped off in Queens. I didn't know she lived so close. Or as close as one could live in New York. It's a fifteen-minute subway ride from my house to her apartment. The building she lived in was decent. It wasn't a luxury high rise, but it wasn't a slum. It was in the middle. N-not that it mattered! Just an observation. I entered the building and climbed to the third floor. Room 309. I stood in front of the door for a while. My hand raising up to knock, but then retreating.

"Man up, Lucas," I muttered to myself. Just a casual meetup between two people. No need to impress her. She said yes. Got past the hard part. I raised my hand again, but the door opened.

"Hey, you made it!" Cindy greeted, a wide smile on her face.

I stood there momentarily stunned, caught off guard by her sudden appearance. Cindy looked effortlessly stylish in a cozy light blue sweater and a pair of comfortable jeans. Her hair was styled in loose waves, framing her face perfectly. She wore minimal jewelry—just small earrings and a simple bracelet—and her nails were painted a neutral shade. I cleared my throat and tried to compose myself. "Just now," I replied with a smile.

"Great. Come on in, I just finished up setting the table." She motioned for me to enter, and I followed her inside. The apartment was cozy and homey, with a simple layout and comfortable furniture. Her place was warm, inviting, and a bit messy, with various papers and books strewn about. There were touches of her personality everywhere—a couple of houseplants in the corners, a cozy throw blanket on the couch, and some superhero memorabilia subtly mixed in.

"Sorry for the mess. I've been swamped with work lately, so I haven't had a chance to clean up," she said sheepishly.

"If this is a mess, I'd hate to see worse," I joked.

She gave a small laugh. "I'll take that as a compliment."

I walked in and admired the apartment. It was small, but it had a nice view of the street below. There was a fire escape that was decorated with a few plants and a small bench. It looked like a nice place to hang out. On the walls, there were photos of Cindy with her family and friends, some art prints, and a few framed articles that she'd written for the Daily Bugle.

"Wow. Nice place you got," I complimented.

"Thanks. I've been living here for a few years now. It's a bit small, but I like it."

I nodded, looking around at the photos and art on the walls. There was one photo of her and an older woman I assumed was her mother, and then another with a younger man, who I will assume was her brother.

"Close with your family?" I asked. Was that a dumb question? Well, I can't relate to being close to family, so I'll say no.

Cindy nodded, her smile softening as she glanced at the photos. "Yeah, we're close now. It wasn't always easy, though. I was separated from them for a long time, and it's been a journey reconnecting and making up for lost time." She turned back to face me, her expression warm. "But enough about that. I'm glad you could make it tonight. I hope you're hungry because I made way too much food."

"Best first date I've been on. I love way too much food." I chuckled.

Cindy laughed. "I'm glad to hear it. Why don't you have a seat and I'll bring out the food?"

"Let me help. I've been trained for this. Otherwise, my parents would be disappointed." I insisted.

"Oh, okay. Sure. Let me just grab some plates and utensils. You can start dishing up the food, if you don't mind. It's in the kitchen." She gestured to the kitchen, and I nodded.

I walked over to the stove, where a couple of pots and pans were simmering. One of them contained a delicious-smelling stir-fry with glass noodles, and the other held a fragrant, spicy-looking stew. Cindy walked in with plates and utensils.

"This smells amazing, but I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure what it is," I said, looking at the dishes.

Cindy smiled. "The stir-fry is japchae, a Korean dish made with glass noodles, vegetables, and a bit of meat. The stew is kimchi jjigae, a spicy kimchi stew that's one of my favorites."

"Oh wow. I haven't had kimchi stew for a long time." I shared.

Cindy chuckled. "Trust me, it's been even longer since I've made it. I'm glad I still remember how to prepare it."

"I'm honored to be the first person to eat it. Just make sure to have the ambulance on speed dial. Totally kidding by the way." I joked.

"Haha, don't worry, it's not that spicy. Besides, I know how to treat food poisoning." Cindy said with a laugh.

We served us and sat down at the table.

"This is incredible," I said after taking my first bite of japchae. The flavors were complex and satisfying, with an earthy, umami quality that left me wanting more. The kimchi jjigae was perfect for washing it down, with its tangy, spicy kick.

Cindy smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I know it's not exactly traditional to have japchae and kimchi jjigae together, but I wanted to cook something a little different."

I nodded while finishing my mouthful.

"If I knew how to cook this, I'd make it on the daily. Very well done." I complemented.

"Thank you."

"So, what inspired you to learn to cook this stuff?" I asked.

Cindy paused. "Well, after being apart from my family for a long time, I started to miss their cooking. So, I started learning how to make it on my own."

I nodded. "Makes sense."

"Yeah. I'm glad I did. It's a nice connection to my culture. Plus, it tastes really good."

I looked at her eyes while she spoke. I could be imagining it, but they seemed a bit sad.

"I don't mean to pry, but you said you hadn't seen them for a long time. Were you adopted and found your real family later?" I asked.

Cindy gave a little smile. "Something like that, yeah. I... had to leave my family for a while. I'm back now, but I've missed a lot. It's been a journey, but I'm happy to be back."

I nodded.

"Yeah, I can imagine that was difficult. I'm glad you're able to reconnect with them, though." I took another mouthful. Yeah, her family is a sore subject. I should probably leave that alone.

"Thanks. I'm just glad I got to spend some time with them. I'd never want to be away from them for that long again." Cindy's voice was a bit quieter. A silence fell over us. I felt compelled to say something, anything to make her forget whatever she was thinking about.

"So how does a girl like you work for a guy like J. Jonah Jameson?" I asked in an exaggerated tone of disbelief.

Cindy chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "It's not as bad as you'd think. Jameson can be tough, but he's fair, and he knows good work when he sees it. Plus, it keeps me on my toes, which I kind of enjoy."

"You know, my mom says the same thing. Not sure if she meant it in a good or bad way, but, you know." I smirked.

Cindy laughed softly. "Moms have their way of keeping us grounded, don't they? I missed that while I was away. It's nice to have that kind of connection again."

Oh crap. I mentioned family again. I'm a straight dumba##.

"Hopefully you didn't give her all that she missed at once. You'd launch her into space." I quipped.

Cindy laughed. "No, I definitely didn't do that. But I'll make up for it. I want her to know I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

I'm not sure why it came out of me, but it did. One of those 'mouth moved faster than the brain could think.'

"If I was your mom, I wouldn't want you to go anywhere either." I said with a soft smile. I blushed slightly. I hope I didn't just put my foot in my mouth.

Cindy's eyes softened, and she smiled warmly. "That's really kind, Lucas. It means a lot to hear that. Family is everything to me, and I'm grateful for every moment I get with them now."

The way she speaks about them, I feel like there's more to the story. Was her adoptive family bad? I guess I wouldn't know how she feels. My relationship with my family is nonexistent.

"I'm a little jealous." I admitted.

Cindy glanced at me with curiosity. "You are?"

I nodded. "Yeah. My family and I... it's complicated. I mean, I know they love me, but we're not as close as I wish we were. You have a perspective that I don't think I'd ever get to have." I picked at my food.

Cindy nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"I get that. Sometimes family dynamics are complicated, and it's hard to connect with everyone the way you want to. But you're right, it's important to cherish the moments you have together. I'm sorry if I was a bit too heavy, I know this is just our first date." I waved my hands.

"The fact you're sharing means a lot. I'm happy to know more about you. That one day you interviewed me in the hospital, I felt like I was at a disadvantage. You knew more about me than I did about you." I said.

Cindy laughed. "Well, you're certainly not at a disadvantage now. Ask me anything, I'm an open book."

"Really? You'd be willing to answer anything?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Anything." Cindy said with a challenging smile.

"Alright then. What's your favorite color?" I asked, a hint of teasing in my voice.

Cindy laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Red. My turn - how do you like working at Stark Industries?"

"Your turn? This is an interrogation. You don't get a turn." I teased. Cindy poked at me with her chopsticks.

"Hey, you asked me something, and I'm asking you. Fair is fair." Cindy countered. I chuckled.

"Okay, okay. Fair is fair. I like it. It's the first time I tangibly see my impact on things." I answered.

"See the fruits of your labor, so to speak?" Cindy asked.

"Exactly. Like, I'm constantly creating things that other people use and interact with. And I'm one of the ones doing it. Our team is small, but everyone has a hand in the products we make. My turn. Your hobbies."

Cindy playfully rolled her eyes, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Hobbies, huh? You're getting personal. Well, I enjoy reading, especially anything about Korean culture. Trying to connect more with my roots, you know? And I like to stay active. Gotta keep up with my crazy schedule somehow." She winked, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "What about you? Besides building fancy tech for Tony Stark, what do you do for fun?"

"Crap. You're gonna find out how boring I am." I said playfully.

Cindy leaned forward, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, I doubt that. You work for Tony Stark, remember? That's gotta be anything but boring. Besides, everyone has their own kind of interesting. Now spill. What's your guilty pleasure?"

I'm happy to see her lighting up again. She's more gorgeous this way. I MEAN PRETTY. Ahem, pretty.

"I... workout in the mornings. I also surf the internet a lot. I play video games... and I... write." I mumbled.

"Write?" Cindy asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

I sighed. "Yeah. It's something I picked up in my childhood. An English teacher inspired me, and it stuck."

"Ooo. What do you write? Do you post online?" Cindy asked.

I shook my head. "Not online. I write for me. Sometimes I get the urge to share it, but most times, I write it for myself. I try not to put myself in a position to be judged."

"I can respect that. If you ever do decide to share, I'd love to read it." Cindy encouraged. I could see she's interested.

"I'll take it under advisement. Ok my turn." I paused to think. My eyed roamed her apartment, thinking of something to ask. That's when I spotted something floating near her window that led to the fire escape. It was a thin white... string? Rope? I couldn't tell what it was, but my eyes wouldn't leave it.

"What's that?" I pointed at her window.

Cindy's eyes followed my gaze, a playful smile fading into a moment of hesitation. She quickly glanced back at me, her expression a mix of amusement and slight nervousness. "Oh, that?" She chuckled lightly, attempting to brush it off. "Just a... stray thread. You know how it is with old buildings."

Why was she nervous?

"Is that... a spider's web?" I asked

Cindy's eyes widened slightly, her playful demeanor momentarily faltering. She quickly regained her composure, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. "A spider web? In my apartment? No way. I'm way too clean for that." She paused, then added with a sheepish grin, "Or maybe it's a... decoration? You know, for a touch of rustic charm?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking or telling?" Thay question popped out of me. I chuckled.

Cindy's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe a little bit of both," she admitted, leaning back in her chair. "But hey, it's your turn to ask a question, remember?" She tilted her head, her gaze meeting mine with a challenge. "Whatcha got for me, Mr. Stark Industries?"

"Alright. Why are you so beautiful?" I asked bravely.

Cindy's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Well, that's a new one," she chuckled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I could say the same about you." Her eyes twinkled with warmth. "But seriously, thank you. That's a very sweet compliment."

I smirked. "You're right, my beauty does have a rustic charm, huh?"

Cindy's laughter filled the air, a melodious sound that echoed the playful banter between us. "Touché," she conceded, raising her hands in mock surrender. She reached for her drink, taking a sip to compose herself.

"I have to admit, you caught me a little off guard with that one. I wasn't expecting such a bold move. But I'll let it slide, considering this is only our first date."

"Letting the handsome gentleman get away with something. Thats a dangerous choice, Cindy. He might try to get away with something else." I teased.

Cindy's eyes sparkled with amusement, a playful smile returning to her lips. "Oh, is that a threat, Mr. Rojas?" she countered, raising an eyebrow. "I can handle myself, you know. Besides," she added, "a little danger is always fun, isn't it?"

Is it hot in here, is it just me? This ping pong of flirting is getting intense, and I feel like there's no clear victor. The way her eyes flutter when she speaks and her cute smile when I make her laugh. I hope I'm not staring. We finally finished our meal after an hour of eating and talking. I looked at the time on my phone. It was going to be midnight soon. The time flew.

"Dinner was delicious. Thank you Cindy."

"Thank you for joining me. I had a great time."

I helped her with the dishes, and we walked to the door. I wanted to linger a little longer. I wanted to talk to her more, but I didn't want to overstay my welcome. If I did well, I'd get to see her again.

"So how does this work? Do I leave and then pray you'll text me back? Do I text you in the morning to test the waters? Give me a hint." I requested.

Cindy leaned against the doorframe, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched me squirm. "Well, Mr. Rojas," she began, her voice a playful purr, "I wouldn't want to deprive you of the thrill of the chase." She tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

A shiver ran down my spine as her fingertips lightly brushed my arm. "Let's just say I'm not opposed to receiving a good morning text," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "But only if it's from the right person."

With a final wink, Cindy stepped back, leaving me standing in the doorway, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and excitement.

Why do I play the fool for these women that twists up so much? I immediately took out my phone and wrote her a good morning text.

Cindy's phone buzzed with a notification. A soft smile spread across her face as she read the message. She shook her head, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "Can't resist, can you, Mr. Rojas?" she murmured to herself.

Her fingers danced across the screen, crafting a reply that was equal parts playful and encouraging.

"Good morning to you too, Mr. Impatient," she typed, adding a winking emoji for good measure. "But I have to admit, your enthusiasm is rather endearing."

I smiled. I was a bit impatient, but she took it in stride. It was only the first date and yet the dopamine flowed freely in my mind. If it wasn't the first date, I'd certainly would be love drunk.

"I'll get out of here before I'm stuck here all night wanting to talk to you."

Cindy chuckled softly, a warmth radiating from her smile. "Don't worry," she reassured me, "I wouldn't dream of holding you hostage." She paused, her gaze lingering on my face for a moment. "But I must admit, the feeling is mutual."

Stepping closer, she reached out and gently ran her fingers through my hair, her touch sending a tingle down my spine. "Until next time," she whispered, her voice a soft caress. She stepped back and closed the door.

I was frozen in place for what felt like an eternity. My heart was pounding ferociously. A good pounding, mind you. Her charm was intoxicating and a large part of me wanted more. But I knew how the game worked. I had to accept what I was given and allow the hollow feeling that would follow me until our next encounter. I walked down the hall to the elevator and pressed the button. I pulled out my phone and took another glimpse of her message. Ah man, I can't let myself get hung up on this or I'm going to drive myself crazy. For now, deep breaths. One day at a time.

Ever since then, I've been thinking nonstop about her. It's the ADHD part of my brain that obsesses over something I like. I'm trying not to dissect every little thing I did, but it's hard not to. Even the work Dr. Patel gave me isn't pulling me out of my thoughts. I've been working on a secure network architecture for Oscorp that ties into their current system, but my heart's not into it. I'm just doing the tasks that are handed to me and waiting for the day to end.

I texted her good morning, but she didn't text back. Of course, the first thing that came to mind was that I did mess up and she was just being nice about it. That's the self-deprecating side of me. But I'm going to be optimistic. I'll wait till lunch. If I don't get a reply by then, I'll shoot her a quick text, but I'm not going to let her consume my every thought. I will try my hardest to try and not let her consume my every thought.

I let the day go by.

"Hey, Lucas. What are you working on?" Dr. Patel asked.

"It's the Oscorp project. I'm trying to lock down their network and security. Their entire infrastructure is a mess. What is it are they trying to do?" I asked.

"Their goal is to have a secure network with redundancies and multiple layers of defense. That way, their classified projects can't be hacked into remotely. Or at least that's what they say. They're big on espionage, so we have to tread carefully." She answered.

I nodded. "I said this to Samantha, and I'll say it to you. They want us to work on their stuff after the Stark Expo?" I questioned.

"You know I don't make those decisions. They hired Stark Industries as a consulting company, so we'll help them. I know it's weird, but we've got to do what's best for business."

"One of the things I hated about the military. At the end of the day, it was all business and never really about supporting the troops." I expressed.

"I can only imagine. I've never been in the military, but I've known people who have. It's not easy, that's for sure. But if we can help make their lives a little easier, then I think that's worth it."

I didn't know what to say to that. Even though Dr. Patel gave me the work, even she didn't know the reason for this collaboration. I can't blame her for something she doesn't have control over. Just like how I don't have control over Cindy not texting me. I chickened out when it was lunch time. I hate the 'waiting game,' but I have to play it.

"Yeah. I just don't want to be a pawn in someone's chess game. Especially with Oscorp."

Dr. Patel chuckled. "You and me both. I'd love to be a fly on the wall for whatever conversation went down with Norman and Tony."

"Anyway, I'll finish this up and send it your way for review. Hopefully the board of directors gives the green light. I'll be working on the cyber security audits this afternoon."

"Thanks. I appreciate the hard work. And don't worry, if anyone gives you a hard time, just send them to me. I'll set them straight." She assured me.

"Yes ma'am. I'm sure you will." I replied.

"Keep up the good work, Lucas." She complimented.

"Will do, boss."

After clocking out I decided to take a walk in the park. Something, surprisingly, I didn't do before. Central Park was a must when in Manhattan. That and Time Square. I always wanted to explore the city a bit more, but never had the motivation. I was usually just tired after work and went straight home.

As I sat on a bench, I decided to do some people watching. New York is full of characters and watching them pass by is entertaining. There was a kid running around, chasing after a squirrel. There was a couple who were having a heated argument and a dog that kept running after the kid. There was a couple who were sitting close to each other and feeding the birds. There was an elderly man reading the newspaper. There was a group of teenagers who were laughing loudly. There was a businessman on the phone, yelling at someone. And there was a goblin... A goblin?!

I blinked a few times, not believing what I was seeing. I rubbed my eyes and looked again. The goblin was still there, but this time he froze. Well, he and his goblin friend. Partner? Amigo? It seemed they weren't expecting me to just sit here and stare. I'm not sure how long I stared at them. I couldn't take my eyes off them. I felt like if I did, they'd vanish.

"Movie?" I asked, hoping to whatever is above that there was a movie set or something near and the extras were just walking by.

They turned and looked at me with the same expression.

"Skriik, the human is not running." It said. Did it have to do that shriek in the beginning of its sentence? I sat there still, scared out of my mind.

"Kreeek. Let's kill him!" The other one said. That was the wake up call and I began to book it. I didn't look back, but I heard their footsteps. I was fast, but even I was surprised how fast I was. I was going to get some angry looks from the pedestrians as I pushed my way past them. And by the screams I'm hearing seconds later, they would forget being angry and start running later. Problem was, I saw more goblins in the distance, and they were packing advance tech heat.

The door clicks shut, and for a moment, I just stand there, listening to the fading echo of Lucas's footsteps down the hallway. A warmth lingers on my skin where his fingers brushed against my arm, and my heart is doing a ridiculous tap dance against my ribs.

First date jitters? At my age? I scoff internally, leaning back against the door. Get it together, Cindy.

It's been a while since I've felt this...fluttery. Lucas is different. He's kind, funny, and surprisingly open. And those eyes... I shake my head, trying to dispel the image of those warm brown eyes looking at me with such genuine interest.

He's just a guy, Cindy. A nice guy who works for Stark Industries. Nothing more.

But a tiny, rebellious part of me whispers, is that really all he is?

I push the thought away, reminding myself of the tangled web of my own life. Being Silk is demanding enough. Add in the complexities of reconnecting with my family after years of separation, the pressures of working at the Bugle, and my own lingering anxieties… Romance is the last thing I need right now.

But he asked about family…

My chest tightens. It's still a raw subject, the years stolen from me, the memories I missed. Talking about it with Lucas, even briefly, stirred up a storm of emotions I thought I'd buried deep.

He gets it, though. The thought surprises me. Most people just see the confident reporter, the fearless Silk. They don't see the scars, the vulnerability. But Lucas… he saw a glimpse of the real Cindy Moon.

I glance at the clock. It's getting late. I should be getting ready for bed, but my mind is buzzing with thoughts of Lucas, his easy smile, his thoughtful questions.

He called me beautiful.

Heat creeps up my cheeks. It was just a compliment, a simple phrase. But the way he said it, with such sincerity… it made my heart skip a beat.

I sigh, pushing away the swirling thoughts. I need to focus. Tomorrow's a new day, a day filled with deadlines, investigations, and the ever-present threat of danger lurking around every corner.

No time for distractions, Cindy.

But as I turn away from the door, a small, hopeful smile plays on my lips.

Maybe just one little distraction…

I pull out my phone and read his eager messaging. It was charming, and thankfully not overbearing. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something special.

The insistent buzzing of my phone drags me from a restless sleep. Groaning, I reach for it, my eyes squinting against the early morning light. It's barely 6 AM.

Who on earth…?

Then I see the name on the screen: J. Jonah Jameson. My stomach clenches. A call from JJJ at this ungodly hour can only mean one thing: trouble.

I answer the phone, bracing myself for his trademark bellow.

"Moon! Where the hell are you? I need you downtown, ASAP! We've got goblins running amok, hitting armored cars like it's Christmas morning!"

"Goblins?" I repeat, my sleepiness instantly vanishing. "Remnants of the Goblin Nation?"

"You got it, analog! And they're packing some serious heat. I need you there, camera ready, before those Bugle wannabes get the scoop. Move it!"

The line goes dead. I throw back the covers and jump out of bed, adrenaline already surging through my veins.

Goblins… My mind races, piecing together the possibilities. The Goblin Nation had been dismantled, Osborn put away. But it seems some of his loyal followers are still out there, causing chaos.

Time to suit up, Silk.

I pull on my costume, the familiar red and black fabric clinging to my skin like a second layer. I adjust my mask, feeling the surge of power that comes with being Silk. The world blurs as I move, my enhanced senses already on high alert.

No time for breakfast, Cindy. Duty calls.

I swing out the window, launching myself into the pre-dawn sky. The city below is still waking up, unaware of the danger lurking in its shadows. But Silk is on the case, ready to face whatever threats come her way.

The city stretches out beneath me, a tapestry of concrete and steel bathed in the soft hues of dawn. The wind whips through my hair, carrying the faint scent of exhaust fumes and street vendors starting their day. Normally, I find this time of day peaceful, a moment of calm before the city truly awakens. But not today.

JJJ's frantic call echoes in my ears: Goblins. Armored car. Heavy weapons.

My senses are on high alert, scanning the streets below for any sign of trouble. It doesn't take long.

Up ahead, a heavily armored van is barreling down the street, its tires squealing as it takes a corner too sharply. Three cars, each one more beat-up and ramshackle than the last, are in hot pursuit, their engines sputtering and groaning like they're about to give out any second.

Seriously? A Pinto, a Nova, and… is that a Beetle with a mismatched door? I can't help but scoff. Guess even goblins have to deal with budget cuts.

But the amusement fades as I get a closer look. The goblins crowding the vehicles are armed to the teeth. I spot rusty pipes, makeshift flamethrowers, and even what looks like a jury-rigged rocket launcher strapped to the roof of the Pinto.

Okay, maybe not so funny after all.

I swing down, landing gracefully on a nearby rooftop. I need to get a better sense of the situation before I intervene. The van is clearly marked Oscorp, and the goblins are showing a level of aggression that's more than just petty theft.

What are they after?

I focus my enhanced senses, listening in on the goblins' chatter. Their voices are a mix of manic glee and barely contained rage, their words a jumble of threats and boasts.

"Get that van! Oscorp's got something that belongs to us!"

"Those corporate suits think they can keep us down? We'll show them what happens when you mess with the Goblin Nation!"

The Goblin Nation? But they were... My thoughts snag. Osborn was behind bars, his empire dismantled. But it seems some of his followers are still out there, clinging to the remnants of his twisted legacy.

And they're not afraid to use force to get what they want.

The Beetle, its mismatched door flapping precariously, pulls alongside the van. A goblin leans out the window, his face a grotesque mask of rage. He raises a strange, glowing device and fires a beam of energy at the van's tires.

Whoa, what the—

The tires explode in a shower of sparks, the van swerving wildly before crashing into a parked car. The impact sends a tremor through the street, shattering windows and sending pedestrians scattering in terror.

No time to wait.

I launch myself into action, shooting a web line towards the Beetle. It wraps around the goblin's energy weapon, yanking it from his grasp. He howls in frustration, but I'm already swinging towards the Pinto, my other web shooter firing a barrage of sticky strands at its wheels.

The Pinto skids, its tires struggling for purchase. But the goblin driver slams his foot on the gas, the engine roaring defiantly. The car fishtails, dragging my web line with it, but it manages to break free, careening down a side street.

Damn, these guys are persistent.

I turn my attention to the Nova, which is now closing in on the wrecked van. I fire a web line at the driver's side door, yanking it open with a sharp tug. The goblin behind the wheel screams in surprise, losing control of the car. It veers off the road, crashing into a newspaper stand with a satisfying crunch.

Two down, one to go.

But the Beetle is already at the van, its remaining occupants swarming the wreckage. They're tearing open the back doors, their eyes gleaming with manic glee. I swing down, landing in front of them, my body tensed and ready for a fight.

"Back off, goblins!" I snarl, my voice laced with a warning growl. "Whatever you're after, it's not worth it."

The goblins pause, their eyes fixed on me with a mix of fear and defiance. The lead goblin, a hulking brute with a scarred face and a manic grin, steps forward.

"You think you can stop us, Silk?" he sneers, brandishing a rusty pipe. "We're the Goblin Nation! We're not afraid of a little spider!"

He lunges at me, the pipe whistling through the air. I dodge easily, my reflexes too fast for his clumsy attack. I deliver a swift kick to his chest, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.

But the other goblins are already moving, their weapons raised. I weave and dodge, my movements a blur of motion as I evade their attacks. I fire web lines, binding their arms and legs, sending them tumbling to the ground in a tangled mess.

But it's too late. The lead goblin has recovered and is now dragging a heavy metal crate out of the van. He throws back his head and lets out a triumphant roar.

"We got it! We got the goods!"

He rips open the crate, revealing a cache of advanced weaponry—sleek, futuristic rifles and pistols that gleam menacingly in the morning light.

No!

My stomach drops. I failed. The goblins have what they came for, and now they're armed with technology that could cause unimaginable damage.

This is just the beginning.

A cold dread settles over me as I watch the goblins disappear down the street, their laughter echoing in the air like a chilling prophecy.

The goblins, their prize secured, piled back into their beat-up chariots. The Pinto, somehow still running despite its near-constant state of near-explosion, sputtered back to life. The Nova, miraculously resurrected from its encounter with the newsstand, roared its defiance. And a fresh wave of equally dilapidated vehicles – a rusted-out van with a questionable paint job, a pickup truck missing a headlight, and a station wagon that looked like it had been through a demolition derby – arrived to whisk the rest of the gang away.

They're organized. Too organized for a bunch of random goons. The thought hit me like a jolt of electricity. The Goblin Nation might be gone, but someone was clearly pulling the strings, supplying these guys with tech and a plan.

But who?

My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Peter.

"Hey, Cindy. Catch any goblins this morning?" His voice was laced with a weary amusement, the kind that comes from dealing with one too many supervillain shenanigans before breakfast.

"You could say that," I replied, my tone dry. "Just stopped a group from hijacking an Oscorp van loaded with some pretty nasty weaponry."

"Yeah, I've been running into them all over the city," Peter said, a note of frustration creeping into his voice. "They've hit a Stark Industries warehouse, a Roxxon facility, even tried to break into the Baxter Building. They're after anything high-tech they can get their grubby little hands on."

"Any idea who's behind it?" I asked, my mind already working through the possibilities.

"No clue yet," Peter admitted. "But whoever it is, they're well-equipped and organized. This isn't just some random goblin uprising. There's a plan here, and it's not a good one."

"We need to figure out what they're up to before they do some real damage," I said, my voice hardening with resolve. "Meet me at the usual spot. We'll compare notes and see if we can put the pieces together."

Hours later, the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the city. I perched atop a skyscraper overlooking Central Park, my senses straining to pick up any sign of the goblins. Peter swung in beside me, landing with his usual grace.

"Anything?" he asked, his mask tilted in my direction.

I shook my head. "Nothing yet. But something's not right. This feels like a trap."

"My spider-sense is tingling too," Peter agreed, his voice grim. "Something big is about to go down."

Suddenly, the ground beneath us rumbled. A wave of tremors shook the city, sending birds scattering from the trees and pedestrians scrambling for cover.

"What the—?!"

Peter and I exchanged a worried glance. Then, from the heart of Central Park, a blinding green light erupted, illuminating the night sky with an eerie glow.

Showtime.

We swung towards the source of the light, our webs shooting out with practiced precision. As we approached, the scene that unfolded before us sent a chill down my spine.

The park was swarming with goblins. Hundreds of them, maybe even thousands, all armed with an array of advanced weaponry. They were firing energy blasts, launching rockets, and wreaking havoc with a level of coordination and firepower that was terrifying.

This isn't just a gang. It's an army.

"Whoa," Peter breathed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."

I nodded grimly, my fingers already tingling with the urge to unleash my webbing. "Let's do this."

We plunged into the fray, our bodies moving with a fluid grace that defied the chaos around us. Peter, with his superhuman strength and agility, was a whirlwind of motion, dodging energy blasts, disarming goblins with his webs, and delivering swift, precise punches and kicks.

I, with my enhanced speed and organic webbing, was a blur of silk and fury. I zipped through the air, weaving between blasts of energy, my webbing snagging weapons, tripping goblins, and cocooning them in sticky restraints.

The air crackled with the energy of our combined attacks. Peter's webs snagged a rocket in mid-flight, redirecting it towards a cluster of goblins who scattered in panic. My webbing wrapped around a goblin's wrist, yanking him off his feet and sending him crashing into a group of his comrades.

We were a synchronized dance of chaos, our movements complementing each other perfectly. But the goblins were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. They pressed their attack, their weapons firing a constant barrage of projectiles.

We need a plan.

I spotted a group of goblins setting up a massive energy cannon, its glowing barrel aimed towards the city skyline.

"Peter, that cannon!" I shouted, pointing towards the weapon. "We have to take it out before they fire!"

Peter nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. "On it."

He fired a web line towards the cannon, swinging towards it with incredible speed. But a group of goblins, armed with energy shields, intercepted him, their shields deflecting his webs.

I've got this.

I launched myself into the air, my organic webbing shooting out like a spider's silk, forming a bridge between two nearby trees. I raced across the webbing, my speed exceedingly even Peter's, and landed behind the goblins guarding the cannon.

Before they could react, I unleashed a flurry of webbing, my fingers moving with lightning speed. The sticky strands ensnared their weapons, their legs, their bodies, binding them in a cocoon of silk.

I turned towards the cannon, my heart pounding. It was massive, its energy core pulsing with a menacing green glow. I knew I couldn't destroy it, not with my webbing alone. But I could disable it.

Focusing my energy, I channeled my silk into a single, concentrated stream, aiming for the cannon's control panel. The webbing struck its target, encasing the panel in a thick, impenetrable layer of silk.

That should buy us some time.

I turned to rejoin Peter, but my gaze snagged on a familiar figure standing near the edge of the park. Lucas. He was staring at the scene before him, his expression a mix of awe and apprehension.

What's he doing here?

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't told him about my double life. He knew me as Cindy Moon, the reporter. Not Silk, the spider-powered vigilante.

This is bad. Really bad.

But before I could react, a deafening roar erupted from behind me. The lead goblin, his face contorted with rage, had broken free of my webbing. He charged towards me, his eyes burning with a murderous intensity.

No time to think. Just act.

I spun around, my organic webbing shooting out to meet his attack. The strands wrapped around his arms, his legs, his body, holding him fast. He struggled against the restraints, his muscles bulging with effort, but my webbing held firm.

"You're not going anywhere, goblin," I growled, my voice laced with venom.

But even as I spoke, a wave of unease washed over me. This wasn't just about a few stolen weapons. Something bigger was at play, something far more sinister.

The goblin's enraged roar snapped me back to the present. My gaze flickered between him, struggling against my webbing, and Lucas, standing frozen, a deer caught in headlights.

Damn it, Lucas. Wrong place, wrong time.

"Get out of here!" I yelled, my voice barely audible over the din of explosions and goblin cackles. "This isn't a place for civilians!"

But Lucas, bless his stubborn heart, didn't budge. Instead, he did that thing he always did – the thing that both frustrated and captivated me. He stepped forward, his jaw set with a determined glint in his eyes.

That blasted hero complex of his…

"I'm not leaving anyone behind," he shouted back, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands.

Just like the convenience store. The memory flashed through my mind – Lucas, throwing himself into danger to protect a stranger, that same unwavering resolve etched on his face. It was infuriating, reckless, and… undeniably heroic.

But this is different. This is a warzone.

A goblin with a rocket launcher took aim at Lucas. My blood ran cold.

No time to argue.

I shot a web line towards Lucas, the sticky strand wrapping around his waist. With a sharp tug, I pulled him towards me, my body shielding him from the incoming rocket. The projectile exploded behind us, sending a shockwave that knocked us both off our feet.

"What the hell was that?!" Lucas gasped, his eyes wide with shock.

"Goblin uprising," I said, my voice clipped as I scrambled to my feet. "And you're in the middle of it. Stay behind me."

But before I could lecture him further, a wave of goblins surged towards us, their weapons blazing. Peter swung in beside us, his webs blasting out to intercept the incoming projectiles.

"Looks like we've got company," he quipped, his voice calm despite the chaos. "You holding up okay?"

"Peachy," I replied, firing a stream of webbing at a goblin charging towards us with a flaming sword. "Just trying to keep our civilian friend here in one piece."

Peter glanced at Lucas, his mask tilting in a gesture of curiosity. "Who's the new recruit?"

"Just a guy who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," I said, my voice tight. "Lucas, this is… uh…"

"Spider-Man. I was the guy at the Expo." He reminded.

"I thought you looked familiar. The explosions all around you was a dead giveaway." Pete replied.

"Now, can we please focus on not getting blown to smithereens?" I cut in.

The battle raged around us, a whirlwind of explosions, energy blasts, and the sickening crunch of metal on bone. Peter was in his element, his movements a blur of red and blue as he swung through the air, disarming goblins, dodging projectiles, and delivering a symphony of thwips and thwacks.

I, grounded but no less agile, weaved through the chaos, my organic webbing a deadly weapon. I ensnared goblins, tripped them, disarmed them, and cocooned them in sticky restraints. My movements were fluid, instinctive, a dance of silk and fury.

Lucas, despite my initial protests, wasn't just standing around. He was using his military training, dodging attacks, using his body as a shield, and even managing to land a few solid punches.

He's more capable than he looks. I couldn't help but admire his grit, even as I worried for his safety.

The battle seemed endless, the goblins relentless. Their weapons were more advanced than anything I'd seen before, their tactics more organized.

Someone's supplying these guys. But who?

A deafening explosion rocked the park, sending a shockwave that knocked me off my feet. I landed hard, my vision blurring.

"Silk!" Lucas's voice, filled with concern, cut through the ringing in my ears.

I looked up to see him standing over me, shielding me from a hail of energy blasts. He was firing back with a goblin's discarded pistol, his movements surprisingly accurate.

He's actually protecting me. A warmth spread through my chest, a strange mix of gratitude and exasperation.

"Lucas, get down!" I shouted, scrambling to my feet. "You're going to get yourself killed!"

But it was too late. A goblin with a rocket launcher took aim at Lucas. Time seemed to slow down. I saw the flash of the launcher, the projectile hurtling towards Lucas, his eyes widening in realization.

No!

Without thinking, I lunged forward, my body propelled by a surge of adrenaline and fear. I pushed Lucas out of the way, the rocket exploding inches from my back. The force of the blast sent me flying, my vision going black.

"Silk! Silk, wake up!"

Lucas's voice, frantic and close, pulled me back from the darkness. I groaned, my head pounding, my body aching. I opened my eyes to see Lucas kneeling beside me, his face etched with worry.

"You saved my life," he said, his voice hoarse. "That was… you're insane."

"You shouldn't have been there," I managed to say, my voice raspy. "You could have been killed."

"I couldn't just stand there and watch you get hit," Lucas retorted, his jaw set with that familiar stubbornness. "You saved me before. It was my turn."

I sighed, exhaustion and frustration warring within me. "This isn't a game, Lucas. This is real life. People get hurt. People die."

"I know that. It's not something I don't know about," Lucas said, his voice softening. "But I also know that sometimes you have to fight for what's right, even when it's dangerous. It's what you do, isn't it? Because if you didn't do it, then who would?"

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine. I could see the admiration, the respect, and… something else. Something that made my heart skip a beat.

He doesn't know it's me. He doesn't know I'm Cindy. The thought was both liberating and terrifying.

Before I could respond, a booming voice cut through the chaos.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Iron Man landed beside us, his repulsor beams blazing. He surveyed the scene, his tone grim. "Goblins? Seriously? I thought we dealt with this nonsense already."

Vision phased into view, his voice calm and measured. "It appears there is a new orchestrator at play, Stark. These goblins are equipped with technology beyond their usual capabilities."

Captain Marvel landed with a powerful thud, her eyes glowing with energy. "Whoever's behind this, they're going down."

Thor, his hammer Mjolnir crackling with lightning, joined the fray. "I shall smite these foul creatures back to the abyss from whence they came!"

The tide of the battle began to turn. The Avengers, with their combined might, were a force to be reckoned with. Iron Man's repulsor beams cut through the goblin ranks, Vision phased through their attacks, Captain Marvel unleashed bursts of energy that sent them flying, and Thor's hammer struck with the fury of a thunder god.

Peter, energized by the arrival of the heavy hitters, swung into action with renewed vigor. He webbed up goblins, disarmed them, and sent them crashing into each other with a playful grace that belied the seriousness of the situation.

I, still shaken from the blast, stayed close to Lucas, my webbing forming a protective barrier around us.

"Holy crap. The Avengers." Lucas said, his voice in awe.

My gaze fixed on Iron Man as he approached us, his tone a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Lucas, what the hell are you doing here?" He demanded, his voice laced with a mixture of relief and exasperation. "Do you have a trouble radar?!"

Lucas, bless his impulsive heart, just grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Mr. Stark. But I can assure you it was dumb luck. Or terrible chance."

Iron Man shook his head, but I could imaine the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He turned to me, his expression hardening.

"Care to explain why my employee is in the middle of a goblin warzone?"

"It's not her fault, Mr. Stark! I couldn't... She saved my life and I'm making sure she was ok." He explained.

Peter, his mask tilted in our direction, looked between Lucas and me, his spider-sense probably tingling like crazy.

I hesitated. Lucas's story checked out, but I had a feeling Tony wouldn't be satisfied with that explanation. I could already see the gears turning in his head, piecing together the details.

"I'm sorry, Tony. I got separated from the others and ended up here. I... Lucas is just a bystander. He's... harmless." I said, my voice strained.

"I'm not mad, but you can bet your a## that I'm extremely concerned." His helmet faced Lucas. "This was the danger I told you to leave to the suits! The type of danger that kills!" Tony's voice rose an octave, his eyes flashing with anger.

I bit my lip, guilt and shame churning in my stomach. I knew I'd messed up, but it wasn't just about me. Lucas's life was on the line, and I couldn't just let him get hurt.

"I understand. I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time. I promise." I said, my voice barely a whisper.

"I don't want your sorry. I want my employee alive." Tony's voice was tense, but I could hear the genuine concern beneath the anger.

I swallowed, the weight of his words sinking in. Lucas was innocent in all of this. He didn't deserve to get caught up in the madness that is super heroics.

"Sir, if you're going to be mad, let it be at me. She was only doing her job." Lucas explained, stepping forward protectively.

Always the hero. I couldn't help but smile faintly, even in the midst of this chaotic mess.

Tony's gaze snapped to Lucas, his expression softening slightly. "Look, kid, I appreciate the explanation, but this isn't your fight. This is way above your pay grade."

"Maybe," Lucas countered, his jaw set with that familiar stubbornness, "but someone's gotta do something. And if it's not me, then who?"

I could practically hear Tony's teeth grinding. That phrase again. It was like a magnet for trouble.

Before Tony could launch into a full-blown lecture, a deafening explosion ripped through the air, closer this time. A wave of heat and debris washed over us, forcing us to duck for cover.

"We need to get out of here," Vision announced, his voice calm amidst the chaos. "This area is becoming increasingly unstable."

"Agreed," Captain Marvel said, her eyes scanning the battlefield. "Let's clear a path and get these civilians to safety."

The Avengers sprang into action, their powers creating a whirlwind of destruction around them. Iron Man blasted a path through the goblin ranks, his repulsor beams carving a swathe of burning metal and flesh. Thor's hammer crashed down, sending shockwaves that shattered the ground and sent goblins flying. Captain Marvel unleashed bursts of energy that vaporized anything in their path, and Vision phased through the chaos, rescuing civilians caught in the crossfire.

Peter swung through the air, his webs snatching up goblins and depositing them in neat little piles far from the fighting.

"Silk, you and your friend, get out of here!" he called out, his voice barely audible over the din. "We'll handle this!"

I nodded, grabbing Lucas's arm and pulling him along. We sprinted towards the edge of the park, dodging blasts of energy and falling debris. I fired web lines, creating a path through the chaos, pulling civilians to safety along the way.

Gotta get Lucas out of here. He's already been through enough.

We reached the edge of the park, the street beyond a relative haven of calm. But as we were about to cross the street, a stray energy blast struck a nearby lamppost. The metal pole toppled towards us, its jagged edge aimed directly at Lucas's head.

No!

I shoved Lucas out of the way, the lamppost crashing down where he had been standing a moment before. He stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock.

"Silk?!" He reached out to steady me, his hand brushing against my arm.

But I wasn't okay. The force of the falling lamppost, even though I'd managed to deflect it slightly, had slammed into my side, sending a searing pain through my body. I gasped, my vision blurring, my knees buckling beneath me.

"Silk?" Lucas's voice was filled with alarm. He caught me before I hit the ground, his arms supporting my weight.

"I… I'm fine," I gasped, trying to regain my breath. But the pain was excruciating, and I could feel a wave of dizziness washing over me.

"You're not fine," Lucas said, his voice firm. "You're hurt."

He gently lowered me to the ground, his gaze searching mine with a mixture of concern and something else… something that made my heart flutter even as my body screamed in pain.

He's so close…

I tried to focus, to push through the pain, but the world was spinning. My vision tunneled, and darkness threatened to engulf me.

"Silk?" Lucas's voice seemed to come from a distance, his touch a featherlight caress against my cheek. "Stay with me.

The pain was so searing that I had forgotten to breathe, the mere act compounding with overwhelming screaming burning. Then, everything went black.

The rhythmic pressure on my chest, the warmth of his breath against my lips… It was all too real, too intimate. I fought my way back to consciousness, my senses returning in a rush of pain and disorientation.

Lucas.

His face was inches from mine, his brow furrowed with concern as he continued to perform CPR. My mask was pulled up just enough to expose my mouth, a stroke of luck in the midst of this chaotic mess.

He doesn't know it's me. He doesn't know he's kissing the woman he had dinner with, the woman whose laugh still echoed in his ears.

The irony was almost too much to bear. Silk, the fearless vigilante, brought down by a falling lamppost and saved by a kiss from the very man she was trying to protect, the man who was falling for her civilian persona without even realizing it.

Panic surged through me, overriding the pain radiating from my ribs. I had to get out of here, had to disappear before he discovered the truth.

Lucas shifted slightly, his gaze darting towards the growing commotion of first responders arriving on the scene.

This is my chance.

Adrenaline surged through my veins, masking the throbbing ache in my side. With a swiftness that surprised even me, I pushed myself away from Lucas, rolling onto my side and scrambling to my feet. The world spun, but I fought through the dizziness, my spider-sense screaming at me to move.

"Silk?" Lucas's voice was sharp with alarm. "Where are you going?"

I didn't dare look back, didn't dare risk him seeing the panic in my eyes. I plunged into the swirling crowd of panicked pedestrians, my enhanced agility allowing me to weave through the mass of bodies, my dark suit blending into the shadows.

I could hear Lucas calling my name, his voice laced with concern and frustration, but I kept moving, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I needed to get away, needed to breathe, needed to process the tangled mess of emotions swirling within me.

The kiss. The memory flashed through my mind, a searing brand against my consciousness. It hadn't been a romantic gesture, not in the traditional sense. It had been an act of desperation, a last-ditch effort to save my life.

But even so… it had awakened something within me, a spark of longing, a yearning for a connection I hadn't dared to allow myself to crave.

I ducked into a narrow alleyway, my back pressed against the cool brick, my chest heaving. The pain in my side was a constant throb, a reminder of my vulnerability. I had to get home, had to tend to my wounds and disappear into the anonymity of my civilian life.

I changed out of my damaged suit, the familiar fabric of my jeans and sweater a comforting embrace. My fingers traced the tender bruise forming on my ribs, a tangible reminder of how close I'd come to being exposed.

My apartment was a sanctuary, a haven from the chaos of the city and the secrets I carried. I sank onto the couch, exhaustion claiming me like a tide.

I needed to rest, needed to think, needed to find a way to navigate this treacherous path that was unfolding before me. Lucas… the memory of his kiss, his worried expression, his unwavering determination to help… it was a haunting melody that refused to be silenced.

I had to make a choice. Protect my secret, push him away, and live a life of solitude and shadows. Or risk everything, reveal my true self, and hope that he could accept the woman behind the mask.

The thought filled me with a mix of terror and longing, a dangerous cocktail that threatened to consume me entirely.

What was I going to do?

I struggled to my phone, wanting to make sure my family was ok. After everything I've been through, losing them again was never an option. I grabbed and unlocked it, seeing the message Lucas left me...