In a cozy but modestly-sized bedroom.
Hawk and Gwen are embracing each other.
Their eyes meet.
Don't be a bad person, but try to be a kind one.
Gwen's words, like an angel's temptation, echo in Hawk's mind.
Hawk purses his lips.
"I've never wanted to be a bad person."
"I know."
Gwen says without hesitation, holding Hawk while continuing to look into his eyes: "So please continue to be a kind person, Hawk."
The definitions of good and bad might be based on the majority's perception.
Take Spider-Man for example, he is considered a good guy because most people like him.
Take Hydra for example, it is the epitome of evil because most people hate it.
But good and bad are defined by others' perceptions. Some like Spider-Man, some dislike Spider-Man—like the New York Police Department dislikes this New York vigilante Spider-Man.
Likewise, while some people hate Hydra, there are also those who like Hydra.
However...
Being a kind person doesn't require….
Someone who is true to their heart, without regrets, and can sleep without nightmares about their past deeds is a kind person.
Hawk meets Gwen's gaze and then nods.
"Okay."
"Thank you."
Gwen watches Hawk nod, her smile blooming like an angel's, as she hugs Hawk tightly and buries herself in his chest...
Just then.
The slightly ajar door is pushed open from outside.
"Gwen, dinner's..."
"Uh..."
Pushing the door open, Helen sees the two little ones practicing their hugging skills in the room, blinks, and smiles at Gwen who leaves Hawk's embrace like a startled deer: "Sorry, you both carry on, but Gwen, you should've hung a 'do not disturb' sign on the door."
Seeing her mother's teasing, Gwen's earlobes turn slightly red, she mumbles 'mom' speechlessly, then chases after her.
Hawk hears Helen's teasing and can't help but chuckle before following Gwen out of the bedroom.
Tonight's dinner is primarily a celebration for Gwen and Hawk's vacation, along with properly celebrating the invitations they've received from the universities they wished to attend.
But unlike Hawk's first dinner visit.
That first time, dinner was served in courses, now they dine family-style.
Moreover, compared to the tense and restrained atmosphere at the table during the first visit, now the ambiance is joyful and lively.
Especially Griffin's two younger brothers are the most boisterous; Helen and Gwen are next.
George, as the head of the family, maintains a serious and unsmiling demeanor to preserve his authority.
The little ones, nine-year-old Howard and eight-year-old Simon, are dreaming aloud about where they'd like to travel this vacation.
With the salary of George Stacy, captain of the Nineteen District, it's quite possible to fund the family's expenses while also affording a family vacation two or three times a year.
Helen sits with her chin resting on her hand, smiling as she listens to Howard and Simon's chatter, then seems to remember something and looks at Hawk: "Hawk, do you have any plans for this vacation? If you don't, you can join us, right, George?"
George meets Helen's gaze, looks at Hawk, unsmiling: "I have no objection."
His prejudice against Hawk is merely because he sees a boar snatching away his little cabbage.
But beyond that, Hawk is excellent.
This is no superficial compliment.
Though Hawk's orphaned background may have been a disadvantage, receiving a full-ride scholarship to New York University has eliminated that.
In popular terms, Hawk started in Hell's opening, but through sheer tenacity, he's paved a promising career path for himself.
A full college scholarship allows Hawk to study at the Law School without worrying about sky-high tuition fees, and once he passes the bar, a bright future awaits.
Of course.
Unless Hawk goes off the rails, becomes a public interest lawyer, or commits himself to defend the underprivileged wholeheartedly, otherwise, with the connections from New York University School of Law, buying a car in six months, a house in a year, achieving financial freedom in three years isn't a dream.
Hence, George's serious demeanor isn't directed at Hawk himself, but at his proverbial boar attributes.
Just as Hawk is about to refuse Helen's invitation.
Gwen has already spoken first.
"Mom, Hawk might not have time, and neither do I."
"Why?"
"Mary invited me and Hawk to travel together during this vacation, but the destination and timing haven't been decided yet."
"Mary..."
"She's in a relationship; the guy is Peter."
"Peter, I know, you seem..."
Helen is momentarily stunned, then remembers that this Peter is Mary's neighbor. The subject successfully shifts, as Gwen starts gossiping with her mom Helen about Mary's and Peter's story.
Indeed.
When it comes to gossip, age is no barrier for women.
Helen enthusiastically engages in gossip with Gwen.
Hawk is more than happy to see it unfold.
Soon.
Dinner concludes, and just like before, because Hawk needs to catch the subway, Gwen escorts Hawk down to the apartment entrance.
"Didn't you say you'd get a driver's license? Still not going to?"
"I'll apply when I get back."
Hawk says with a smile, the biggest issue this Christmas break is Hulk.
If he doesn't manage to get Hulk to his sister by this Christmas break, he won't sleep and eat easy, let alone do other things.
Gwen nods: "Alright, when are you planning to go to New Jersey?"
Hawk shakes his head: "I don't know; I'm waiting for the call."
Anna is still helping him keep an eye on things. There's been no call yet, which means Bruce Banner and Betty Ross's schedule is still on track.
In a way, not getting a call is the best news.
He hopes Hulk shows up at Calver Lake as promised; the scenery there is indeed nice, quite suitable for eternal rest, plus there are fewer people around, so the chances of affecting innocent bystanders are low even if there's a fight.
Hawk lost his sister due to the chaos caused by Hulk and Abomination's battle.
Putting oneself in others' shoes.
He doesn't want to cause harm to innocent people because of his upcoming battle with Hulk.
Just then.
The phone rings.
Anna's.
Hawk raises an eyebrow, glances at Gwen, and answers the phone.
"Hello."
"Is it arranged? No problem, where?"
"Got it."
"See you then!"
"... "