When Hawk finished his answer at the Stacy family dinner table, he felt Gwen's hand tighten on his thigh again.
He understood. George's question about Spider-Man had been a trap.
George Stacy wasn't just any father—he was the captain of the NYPD's 19th Precinct. If Hawk had called Spider-Man a hero, George would have taken it as defending a criminal. If he called him a menace, George would have branded Hawk a sycophant.
So Hawk chose neither A nor B. He had simply answered that he didn't care. He was just a student, focused on his scholarship.
The truth was, it fit him perfectly. George had almost certainly investigated his background already. And what he found matched the boy who had just spoken: a poor, solitary orphan who worked hard, studied hard, and had never once caused trouble in New York.
With that, George let the matter drop. Dinner ended, and later that night Gwen walked Hawk downstairs.
"Your answer was quick," Gwen said, admiration in her tone. "I didn't even realize Dad's question was a trap until after."
Hawk chuckled. "It wasn't quick thinking. That's just how I really feel."
She nodded, then sighed. "Alright. I can't walk you home. Mom put me on curfew after… Maryland."
"Don't worry. I'll take the subway."
The two exchanged goodbyes, and Hawk turned toward the subway, alone with his thoughts.
The subway at night was… different. If daytime was chaos, nighttime was like a zombie convention. Hawk had to knock out one strung-out junkie and chase off two and a half would-be muggers—the "half" being a dreadlocked thug with a chest that didn't quite match his Adam's apple. Still, he made it home safely.
After texting Gwen back, Hawk lay down to sleep. Tomorrow was the first day of his final year of high school.
He rose early, caught the bus at his usual stop, and greeted the driver.
"Morning, Hall."
"Morning, Hawk. Ready for your last year?"
"I don't graduate until next year."
"Maybe NYU will invite you this semester. I believe in you, kid."
Hawk smiled. "Thanks, Hall."
The old man gave him a warm nod, and Hawk took his usual seat in the back by the window.
The bus rolled on, students getting on one or two at a time. Then, at Forest Hill stop, someone familiar boarded.
Peter Parker.
Their eyes met instantly. Hawk looked away, his gaze shifting to the boy beside Peter—a pale, sharp-featured teen with a faintly melancholy air.
Harry Osborn.
Not the version from the Amazing universe, but the classic one—the first to fall for Mary Jane.
Peter waved and led Harry down the aisle.
"Hawk."
"Peter."
"Hey, this is Harry. He used to study in England, but he just transferred here for senior year."
Harry, still innocent of his future as the Green Goblin, extended his hand with a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you, Hawk."
Hawk took his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you, Harry."
...
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]