Peter POV:
The basement smelled faintly of oil and metal, humming softly with the quiet life of the Stark Industries Fabricator. Today wasn't about experiments or nanobots today was about honesty, carefully packaged.
I injected the nanobots inside my body sometime ago and I kept it secret for a surprise.
Gwen had come over, curious as ever, in her leather jacket and jeans. Aunt May and Uncle Ben had dropped by unannounced, sensing some mystery buzzing from the basement that had been locked down for weeks.
I took a deep breath. "Okay, team. I suppose I owe you an explanation."
Aunt May frowned, arms crossed. "Peter… you've been secretive. What is all this?" She gestured vaguely toward the humming holographic console and the fabricator.
I smiled, leaning against the workbench. "So… funny story. You know how I'm obsessed with technology and robotics?"
They nodded.
"Well, I… sort of won a research grant. MIT had a surplus project for advanced fabrication technology. It's experimental… mainly supposed to be used for mechanical engineering prototypes." I waved at the console. "Basically, I got permission to have one at home for… academic purposes."
Gwen raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Academic purposes, huh? That explains the weird humming noises at 2 AM."
"Exactly." I said, giving her a wink. "Nothing sinister. Pure science. Totally legit."
Uncle Ben chuckled. "You sure know how to make a lab sound innocent."
I grinned. "Well, it is innocent… mostly. I'm not exactly building death rays. Just… nanobots, mechanical experiments, some theoretical tissue repair stuff."
Aunt May tilted her head. "Tissue repair stuff?"
I hesitated for a fraction of a second. Then decided to keep it simple. "Medical research, long-term rehabilitation. Nothing dangerous. Just… theoretical."
Gwen nodded slowly. "Ah… okay, I can buy that. Nerdy Peter Parker doing nerdy science stuff."
I wheeled myself toward the open floor, letting my eyes sweep over my family. "And now… the reason I wanted everyone here today."
They leaned in. "Reason?" Gwen asked, curious.
I grinned as I slowly got up from my wheelchair. "I can walk again."
Aunt May gasped, sitting down.
Gwen's eyes widened. "Peter… you're standing!"
Uncle Ben's jaw dropped. "Holy shit kid, is that real?"
I took a tentative step forward. Then another. " It's real. The Sandevistan compensated for my damaged body control and the nanobots have repaired my legs in real time. It's slow, controlled… but I can walk."
Aunt May rushed forward, grabbing my shoulders gently. "Peter, that's… amazing!"
Gwen's grin was huge, her face brightened with a dazzling smile. "I knew you'd figure it out. You always do."
I took a few careful steps, testing balance. "Don't get used to me running laps around the block just yet. Rehab first, dramatic entrances later."
Gwen laughed. "Oh, I'll wait for the dramatic entrances. Preferably with a cape or something."
"I told you, cape-free zone." I said, smirking. "But maybe some epic nerdy flair."
Uncle Ben chuckled. " Pete. But I'm proud of you. Careful, though don't push too hard."
"I won't." I promised. "Slow and steady. But it does feels… incredible to walk again."
Gwen stepped closer, lightly touching my arm. "Just… promise me you'll take your time. I can't handle losing you again."
"I promise." I said, meeting her gaze. "I'm walking again… but with caution."
Aunt May smiled, hugging me gently. "Peter Parker, the walking miracle. Who knew this basement held such secrets?"
I laughed, feeling the weight lift off more than just my legs. For the first time in weeks, maybe months, I felt a real sense of normalcy — or as close as I'd ever get.
And Gwen? She was glowing with pride, relief and that familiar mix of teasing affection I had grown to love.
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