= Chapter 168. A Question of Relationships =
Commentary on Chapter 168. A Question of Relationship If anyone would like to support your favourite and invaluable author with deeds rather than words (although I appreciate comments with your detailed opinions just as much), you are welcome to do so: 5469980470822129 - Sber Next night.
Natasha Romanova's flat.
Peter Parker.
- A beautiful work, - I slam the book, having finished "The Idiot". - Now I understand why Fyodor Mikhailovich is so popular abroad... in the West.
And after the last lines it became so dreary at once... I wanted to go home. It's a pity that in that life I didn't have time to familiarise myself with the classics. The folly of youth.
And as for me, the ending is a flop and Myshkin is really an idiot, - Raj commented his opinion with the knowledge of a true literary critic. - But the death of "that woman" I am really glad, deservedly so!
You know, brother, I could write you my own review of the work, but I think I'll just limit myself to commenting that it's really sad when a naive person with an actual, but not so seriously affecting critical thinking disease is called an idiot for being honest and compassionate...
But he is back to square one at the end of the book, isn't he?
What you fought for, Raj," I exhale. - But don't talk too much about sad things... but I'd love to explain to Evgeny Pavlovich what it's like to love both of them," I hum, moving on to the fun part.
Oh, yeah, you've had that experience," the symbiote snickered.
My day had been truly eventful.
First of all, I'd been tirelessly on duty in Fey's room since morning, spending time with my girls. I had just let Benji go for a rest, but he jealously assured me that he would be back at his post in the evening, so looking forward to his brother and sister's appearance and eagerly watching everything. Mary had to be off to the atelier for work, and I was a bit stressed by Fey's complaints of headaches, but the doctor said it's normal and it's prenatal... and yet I'm uneasy.
I hope it's just a feeling. Otherwise it's not uncommon to mistake my own anxiety for a Feeling...
Besides, I wasn't allowed to worry about it for long. Two important meetings at once diverted my train of thought in a different direction.
I went to Flint's address; we had arranged to meet yesterday, hadn't we? But now I had his private number.
Sandy went up on the roof.
- "Hello, Kulichik," I said, extending my hand to the hero.
- Hello, Spider, - Marco said with a smile, responding to the handshake. - To what do I owe the honour?
- Listen, there's a matter," I folded my arms across my chest. - I have a friend... a civilian, and he's starting his own company, with a claim to rise to the level of guys like Stark Industries, Oscorp, Roxon Energy.
- That's cool, but... what does that have to do with me? - Baker scratched the back of his head in bewilderment.
- You know, in a situation like this, my mate could be in danger, and bodyguards wouldn't hurt," I stared at Sandy.
I'm sure it's impossible not to feel that look, even through the mask.
- Me?" William didn't get it right away. - But... I'm in the Shield and all...
- I realise this is serious, Flint," I said, calming Marco, who was lost. - And I don't demand an answer now, I can only say that he will pay you well, here," I handed the genetically modified man a business card with my working number. - Think about it, weigh all the pros and cons, consult with your wife, and when you think of something, call him, not even with a final decision, just listen to his offer, - I pat Marco's shoulder, who took the business card frantically. - The salary amount is on the back, have a good day, Kulichik.
Honestly, it's a gamble. And a lot of it's just bliss.
But I can't not try.
I was a fool to give Flint to the Shield, and I could have used one myself, but my conscience wouldn't let me play on Sandy's sense of heroism and his desire to right his own wrongs. And Parker Industries wasn't in the plans back then.
Now a bodyguard like that would be worth its weight in gold. Wade's definitely not a bad buy, but he's not enough, plus he's more for looking after the girls. Though... who knows how I'd shuffle the frames later?
At the moment, I wasn't the least bit ashamed that I was, in a way, ripping Marco out of a good spot in the Shield and messing with his mind, actually appealing to Spider-Man's sense of duty and gratitude for his help. He told me himself that I can count on him for everything.
Besides, as far as I know, Nick hasn't taken important enough measures for Flint specifically as a human being and a civilian. And I'll be paying more in salary, obviously.
That's why I thought I'd go to Nat's beforehand. Del on journalism courses, maybe without Romanov's sister will explain what the case is calmer there? Especially if we take into account what kind of business it might be.
But an unexpected event has made the cobwebs wiggle some more.
- My Spider Sensors are signalling!
Did you deliberately use that kind of verbal turn of phrase to get me to continue the reference?
You could've backed it up, you meanie.
Okay," the symbiote said reluctantly, and then coughed, getting into character. - Who's signalling?
The brief altercation was interrupted by a voice in my head.
Nothing to do with telepathy, I know from experience. It's more like receiving a radio signal...
"Spider-Man, don't worry this is... Victor von Doom, we need to meet, arrive at these coordinates," the iron-masked doctor fell silent for a while. - "It's not a trap, Doom's word."
What a surprise!
I agree, partner," we continue our discussion with the Klyntarian, after the third extra has evaporated from our minds. - I don't think we should keep the good doctor waiting.
Besides, despite our different stories, he and I were the ones who parted on a good note. I hope he feels the same way.
The Latverian embassy was found at the given address.
A meeting on its own turf, clever.
At the gate, metal statues called Dumbots were waiting for me.
Funny how they resembled Victor himself.
I was led silently through a nearly empty building. Apart from the robots, I didn't see anyone else, so I guess the rumours of Doom's misanthropy weren't unfounded.
The end point of our procession was a hall with a long wooden dining table and a lit fireplace.
The Great and Terrible himself in his green cloak appeared at the end of the table, seated on a throne.
- Glad you accepted the invitation, Spider-Man," Doom turned, distracted from watching the dancing flames in the fireplace. - Please, sit down," Victor pointed to the chair next to me.
I quickly glanced at the chair opposite the von Baron, but then changed my mind and quickly walked over to the seat.
- I have to admit, I was surprised to get in touch," I said, sitting down to the right of Doom, who was leaning back in his chair.
- It would be strange if you were eagerly waiting outside the embassy walls, wouldn't it?
- Most likely," Doom...poke? - To what do I owe our meeting, Victor? - I lean back in my chair also relaxed and even sway slightly, looking at the ruler of Latveria.
My gut is calm, so I am calm too.
Besides, the cheerful von Doom is something new.
Victor himself, however, does not answer.
In just a minute, five robots enter the hall carrying tableware, hot dishes, and wine.
- From the best winery in Latveria," Von Baron said with a nod to Dumbot, who was pouring the bardic liquid into goblets. - I'm afraid to be impolite, but I can't help asking, - the dictator looked at me carefully, palms folded in a lock, - the embassy equipment has detected a powerful energy source, and the source of it is you, right, Spider?
- You have very... finely tuned mechanisms, Victor, - I answered, shaking the liquid in the jewel-encrusted vessel.
And it is true, no device on Earth should feel anything from me, I have long ago taken care of it, having calculated everything. Even the Baxter Building's devices are silent, and Reed's technology is as good as the Latverian's.
I weightlessly run my palm over the cloaked medallion with the Mind Stone.
- That's right, since our guests arrived from Asgard, I've spent a lot of time tracking incidents like this, not to mention the increased scrutiny since the Invasion of New York.
- Reasonable, but that's not why you invited me here, is it? - I put the goblet back on the table without tasting the wine.
- Lunch," Victor said only and pressed the right side of my neck.
I knew that hole on the mouth of his mask wasn't for beauty or symmetry.
I shrug and raise my own cloth cloak up to my nose.
My gut was silent, and Doom wasn't likely to poison me, but I let the symbiotic cover over the mucous membrane for safe contact with food and drink.
The meal was excellent.
- I must say, your robots know how to cook," I said, wiping my lips with a napkin after a hearty meal.
- My personal chefs do the cooking, but the kitchen, as well as the living quarters, are deep in the building," the ruler of Latveria replied, sipping his wine.
- So, are we ready to talk now?
I know that Von Baron has a bad temper, and I respect him too much, but I don't intend to waste time, the meeting with Del and Natasha is in two hours.
Viktor set the goblet aside and looked up at me. His mask was still on, and I could see the scarred open parts of his face. He didn't let on. Very much like a test.
- Years ago, I learnt a terrible truth: my mother's soul was locked away in the Underworld for witchcraft, and every year, when the boundary between the worlds is exhausted, I have the chance to save her," Doom said in a quiet but penetrating voice.
I froze, listening to every word. I don't think there were many who could boast of having seen the ruler of Latveria so blatantly vulnerable?
- This is... very important, and very personal, why did you choose to initiate me? - I try to find the right words, so as not to disturb Doom's currently very wounded pride.
- The mission will require the full range of my abilities," Doom spoke with a noticeably more collected tone. I'm sure he was glad for the change of subject. - The enemy will be strong, however, since the battle is taking place in his dimension and I will need help.
Even now, the word 'partner' doesn't slip into the speech.
- Um... I'm certainly flattered, Doctor, but I understand we're talking about the magical field, and I'm not exactly an exp...
- I heard about your confrontation with the Ghost Rider," Doom interrupted immediately. - Not only did you survive, but you were practically unharmed, a power of that level would have been enough, and now you're even more powerful.
- Oh, come on, Vic, you're making me blush," he said, but judging by my posture, the monarch didn't like my frivolous comments. - I mean, I'm saying it wasn't really about Ghost Rider...
- Yes, I know," the man clenched his hands tighter. - Another reason I came to you... you've confronted the demon you're about to meet, and I'm sure Strange has enlightened you as to his identity.
- Mephisto," I said calmly.
- Yes.
We're silent for a while.
What can I say... I've been looking forward to this meeting and the opportunity for revenge for a long time.
Besides, I like Doom too much to ignore such a personal request from him.
- So, partners, then? - I stand up, extending my hand to the monarch.
- Allies," Victor replied condescendingly, but he returned the handshake.
- What are you saying? - The voice of a blue-eyed lady snapped me out of my musings.
I turn round and see Natasha coming out of the kitchen with two cups of tea.
- Yes, I'm thinking how literature can sometimes cause homesickness," I waved my copy of Dostoevsky. - Especially Russian.
- You know, it's interesting," Nat climbed up on the sofa and looked at me, propping his head up with his palm. - I've accepted the fact that you speak Russian so purely, as if you'd been born and lived there all your life, that you read books from my library in the original, but... homesickness?
Yeah, maybe I was stupid. I just didn't think that reading would stir up my emotions so much, I was sure that I would sit there, thinking about today's meetings.
Well, that's what it turned out to be.
- You know, my roots are there," I waved the question away, hoping to keep it quiet.
- Kinship of such level is not enough, - Romanova squinted, - or maybe you're just a delicate soul nature, - and then laughed merrily.
- Well, my delicate nature is definitely delighted with your new hairdo," I pointed at the half-carriage, "it's very beautiful.
- Thank you, - the redhead corrected her strands a little.
We continue drinking tea, discussing small things.
A little less than an hour later, a panting Delia came running into the flat
- I'm sorry, we're late," my sister said quickly from the corridor.
- It's all right, honey," Romanova came out and, coming closer, hugged her girlfriend around the waist, pressing her cheek against her temple.
I saw them in full-face, through the mirror, and only one thought swirled in my head:
Onlybynevostal, onlybynevostal...
You're an animal, Peter," Raj teased me.
An insect," I answered the Klyntarian nonchalantly. - An arachnid, actually.
Meanwhile, the girls, holding hands, returned to the living room.
- Are you coming, Peter? - cheerfully called me sister. Though I could feel the worry in her gaze. Probably from the upcoming discussion.
- Yes, of course," I returned to the couch as well.
- Maybe you want to eat or take a shower? - stroked the brown-haired spy's back.
- It wouldn't hurt, but we need to discuss everything without delay," Del intertwined Natasha's fingers with her own and turned to me. - Peter, you know why we called you here, don't you?
- I guess," I looked at Natasha, who was squirming a little uncomfortably. - It's about what you asked me to do after Avengers night.
- What? No! We were going to ask you to help us repaint the living room," my sister looked at me indignantly.
Now it was my turn to stare in shock.
This is awkward, Bearer.
I didn't have time to answer Raju when Nat burst out laughing, quickly clamping her mouth shut, but she couldn't stand it and started laughing naturally, for lack of another word... Del and even the symbiote joined her, laughing in our heads.
- You know, in a case like this you could have kept a low profile," I frown at the Russian spy.
I was already thinking ...
- No, no, I'm sorry, Peter," Del wiped away her tears. - I just thought I needed to lighten the mood, because everyone was so tense.
- Yeah, you think it's all a laugh, don't you? - I'm looking right at my sister.
As if I'm comfortable discussing such a sensitive topic, especially after what happened in other worlds...
- You're getting a little serious, little brother," Del tilted her head to my shoulder. - Did something happen?
- No, it's just... the situation is already pretty damn complicated.
- That's why Delia decided to make a joke," Romanova stood up for the brown-haired girl. - There's no need to get so angry, I know it's not easy for you...
- Yeah, right, sorry," I lowered my head.
Something I really got angry.
- Okay, it's time to name the elephant in the room that we're trying so hard to avoid," Del continued, also spiritedly. - Peter, please look at us.
I lift my gaze and look at the duo of the girls closest to me after Carrot and Kitten. At least the ones I'm capable of perceiving sexually.
- We talked, and I agreed with Delia," Romanova began, gripping Red Widow's palm tighter. - We want a child.
- And we need your help," she nodded and looked at me with her big brown eyes.
- Yeah, I was ready for that," I cleared my throat. - So, I need to go to some family planning centre, take the gene material into a jar...
- Absolutely not! - Natasha suddenly objected firmly. - I insist on the natural process of fertilisation, and I will personally participate.
- WHAT?! - No, NOW I was shocked.
- I tried to talk her out of it," Del told me slightly guiltily, but with an awkward smile.
- 'Okay girls, I'll be honest,' I clasped my palms together. - You'd have to be a complete idiot to turn down an opportunity like this," I look at the sexy curves of the girls' bodies. - I'm not an idiot. But you do realise that my sperm is not completely mine now, don't you? - I say with a hint.
- My conscience doesn't allow it without Fey and Mary's permission," Del nodded understandingly.
- We understand," Romanova sighed.
- And we respect you too much to insist," the shaten woman added with a noticeably sadder tone.
- I'm sorry, - I realise I have no right, especially after the alternative Jean, but for some reason I feel guilty...
- Can you promise me you'll discuss it with them? - Del approached me with hope.
- 'You can... you can even explain my situation to them,' Black Widow said reluctantly. - 'I give my permission.
It's really important to them...hell.
- You realise that until Fey gives birth...
- We're willing to wait as long as it takes," Red Widow nodded firmly.
And though my possessive male nature was against it, I asked the next question.
- Perhaps you should consider other options? - I arched an eyebrow.
- It's not always enough to have a clean medical history or athletic achievements in a case like this," Nat sighed.
- I'm sorry, Peter, you wouldn't understand, you're not a...
- A woman? - I'm asking.
- We'd like it to be you," Romanova nodded confidently.
It's like one racist, queer fat guy said: they're just twisting your balls off, Bearer," the symbiote suddenly said.
It's only figuratively good... for now.
- I understand," I replied with a nod. - Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the hospital," I got up from the couch.
- Okay, see you later," the redhead and the brown-haired beauty said goodbye.
- See you later," I teleported under my Clintar disguise to the roof of the hospital.
I rub my eyes and head downstairs. I quickly become visible in the men's room and go to Felicia's room on this floor.
- The head guard is still on duty," I smile at Benji in his civilian clothes. - Hi, son.
- Hi, Dad," the brown-haired man replied cheerfully, then yawned. - Mum's in the ward, if you'll let me take a little nap.
- Sure, rest up," I nod and walk to the door of the room. I knock. - Hi, hi, can I come in? - I carefully poke my head inside.
- Of course, Tiger, come in, - the love of my life turned to me.
I enter the room and take a quick look around. The place is much better than any medical room I've ever been in, both as a visitor and as a patient.
- They've got you all spiffed up, haven't they, Kitten? - I'm talking to the second love of my life.
- All my mum's influence," Fey smiled, then grimaced and grabbed her head.
- Is everything all right? - I approach quickly and look at the blonde anxiously.
- The migraines have worsened," Hardy replied, hissing.
- The doctors say it's not dangerous," Carrot added, "but they're still running more tests.
Carrot's look conveyed to me all my girl's inner worry for our girl.
- Let's not talk about that," Fey turned round, trying to sound cheerful. - Why don't you tell us something, Peter? How was your day? Any interesting meetings?
- Oh, you have no idea," I rubbed the back of my head uncomfortably.
I don't think this is the best time for this kind of discussion...
What are you talking about, Raj, really?!
- I think I'll share with you my plans for the company," I sit down on the bed and take my girls' hands. Commentary on Chapter 168. A matter of relationships Chapter 169. The Darkening Dusk