Chapter 16

Disclaimer: I don't own How I Met Your Mother or Spider-Man and anything Marvel related properties. They belong to their respective owners.

Tracy and Peter made their way back to the city, the streets bustling with life despite the late hour. As they walked, Tracy couldn't shake off the feeling of the symbiote pulsating beneath her coat, a constant reminder of the power she now wielded—and the responsibility that came with it.

"You did amazing tonight," Peter said, breaking the silence as they approached the bar where the rest of the gang was waiting. "I've never seen anyone handle Dormammu like that. I needed the help of Doctor Strange to deal with him."

Tracy smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks, Peter. But I couldn't have done it without you. Or the symbiote." She paused, glancing down at her hands, which were still covered in the black goo. "Sometimes, I feel like it's another part of me. Like it understands what I need before I do."

Peter nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's a lot to process, I know. Just remember, you're in control. The symbiote might be powerful, but you're the one calling the shots."

They reached the entrance of McLaren's, the familiar neon sign casting a warm glow over them. Tracy took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, the noise of laughter and conversation washing over her.

The gang was gathered at their usual table, drinks in hand, looking relieved to see her. Ted rushed over, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Thank God you're okay," he murmured into her ear. "We were worried sick."

Tracy returned the embrace, her heart swelling with affection. "I'm fine, really. Dormammu's gone for good this time."

Barney raised his glass in a toast. "To Tracy, the woman who kicked Dormammu's ass!" The others chimed in, clinking their glasses together.

As they settled back into their seats, Lily leaned forward, her eyes curious. "So, tell us everything. How did it feel? Being bonded with the symbiote, I mean."

Tracy hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's... intense. It amplifies everything. My senses, my strength, even my emotions. It's like being plugged into a supercharged battery all the time."

Robin nodded, her expression serious. "And you're sure you can control it? It doesn't control you?"

"I'm learning," Tracy admitted. "It's not always easy, but I'm getting better. Peter's been helping me a lot."

Marshall clapped his hands together, his face lighting up. "Well, we're here for you too. Whatever you need, just say the word."

"Also the symbiote gave you some amazing assets if you know what I mean." Barney said as he stared shamelessly at Tracy's chest.

Robin smacked Barney on the head but she, too, couldn't help stare at Tracy's enhance curves.

Tracy blushed when she notice Ted and, surprisingly, Lily stare at her with lust in their eyes.

After that awkward moment pass, the conversation flowed easily after that, everyone eager to hear more about Tracy's adventures as well Peter's adventures as Spider-Man. As the night wore on, however, Tracy noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The initial excitement had given way to something more subdued, almost wary.

She glanced around the table, her gaze landing on Ted. He looked concerned, his brow furrowed as he studied her. "What is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Ted sighed, reaching out to take her hand. "It's just... seeing you like this, with the symbiote. It's a lot to take in. I worry about you, you know? About what this means for our future."

Tracy squeezed his hand, her heart aching with love for him. "I know it's scary, but I promise, I won't let it change us. We'll figure this out together, just like we always do."

Just then, the door to the bar burst open, drawing everyone's attention. A group of men dressed in dark suits strode in, their faces set in grim lines. They scanned the room until their eyes landed on Tracy.

One of them, a tall man with sharp features, approached their table. "Tracy McConnell?" he asked, his voice authoritative.

Tracy stood up, her posture defensive. "That's me. Who are you?"

The man produced a badge, flashing it briefly. "Agent Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D. We need to talk. Privately."

The air in the room seemed to thicken, tension crackling like static electricity. Tracy exchanged a glance with Peter, then turned back to Agent Coulson. "Okay, let's go outside."

They stepped onto the sidewalk, the cool night air refreshing after the stuffy bar. Agent Coulson wasted no time getting to the point. "We've been monitoring your situation with the symbiote. It's... unprecedented. We need to understand how it works, how it affects you."

Tracy crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "Why? What does S.H.I.E.L.D. want with me?"

Agent Smith hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "It's complicated. There are concerns about the potential risks involved. We need to ensure the safety of the public, first and foremost."

Tracy felt a surge of anger, the symbiote responding to her emotions by pulsing beneath her coat, tighting her skin. "I'm not a threat to anyone. I'm trying to protect people, just like you."

Agent Coulson held up his hands, his tone softening slightly. "I believe you. But there are protocols in place, procedures we have to follow. We need to assess the situation, make sure everything is under control."

Tracy sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "Fine. What do you need from me?"

Agent Coulson outlined a series of tests and evaluations they wanted her to undergo, each one designed to measure the symbiote's influence on her body and mind. Tracy listened carefully, committing the details to memory.

When he finished, she nodded. "Okay, I'll do it. But I want to make one thing clear: I'm in control. The symbiote isn't going to turn me into some monster."

Agent Coulson regarded her for a long moment, then nodded. "Agreed. We'll arrange for everything to start tomorrow. In the meantime, try to get some rest."

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night. Tracy watched him go, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. She rejoined the gang inside, her expression unreadable.

Ted met her gaze, his eyes filled with concern. "Everything alright?"

Tracy managed a weak smile. "Yeah, it's fine. Just... more bureaucracy, I guess. They want to run some tests, make sure I'm not a danger to anyone."

Barney rolled his eyes, scoffing. "Please. You're more dangerous to a bottle of scotch than to anyone else."

The others laughed, the tension easing slightly. But as they continued talking, Tracy couldn't shake off the feeling that something bigger was at play. Some sort of secret war happening behind the scenes? A threat with Kasady? She wasn't sure. The symbiote hummed on her naked skin, a silent companion in her journey towards understanding—and control. Towards preserving peace.

Whatever was happening, Tracy will be ready.

To be continue...

Who is this Agent Coulson? What is this S.H.I.E.L.D? What are their intentions with Tracy and her symbiote? Will they provide the help Tracy needs? Find out in the next chapter!

Alright! We're entering a new story arc! Which means new adventures with Tracy and her symbiote. New stories and new characters as well more appearances from our favorite web-head!

Please review and tell me what you think.