"What were you thinking?!" Aunt May yelled.
"I was just trying to help," I argued.
"By leaving Mary Jane alone to go into a war zone?!"
"She was safe—"
"I don't care, Peter! What you did was completely irresponsible and dangerous! You were lucky to be alive! I don't understand why you did that!"
"I... I wanted to help—"
"Are you the police?! Are you the army? You are just a child, Peter, and—"
"And because of me, one man is going home tonight to his family!" I snapped. "I saved his life, and many more. I don't regret what I did."
May looked horrified. I don't think Peter ever snapped back at her like this, but then again, I'm not Peter Parker.
"May, maybe we should call it a night," Uncle Ben spoke softly. "Come on, go to bed. I'll handle this."
"But Ben, I—"
"It's alright, May. Just go," Ben gently assured her. She nodded sadly as she turned and left, leaving Ben and me alone at the dining table.
"I didn't mean to snap," I apologized.
"It's alright, Peter. I understand," he said softly.
"I was just trying to help. I didn't mean—"
"I understand, Peter," he repeated, softer this time. "You have to realize, you're all May and I have. If we lost you..."
"I saved someone, Uncle Ben. Isn't that what you always taught me to do? If I can help someone, isn't it my duty to do so?"
"Yes, I suppose it is," he smiled. "Go to bed, Peter. We'll talk about this in the morning. Don't forget you have school tomorrow."
I nodded. "Right... night, Uncle Ben."
"Good night, Peter," he replied as I walked upstairs into my bedroom and locked the door behind me.
I sat down on my bed and sighed, taking out my busted web shooter. I had one working and the other was a complete mess.
I worked on it for a while before giving up—it was broken. I needed to make a new one. Actually, if I was serious about the whole hero business, I needed to upgrade these things. I needed them to be more durable and hold more webbing. Maybe even try to make different types of webbing. That would have been so useful against Abomination.
Suddenly there was a knock on my window. I swept my desk clear, pushing the web shooters onto the floor before I looked up to find MJ waving at me.
I blinked in confusion as I opened the window. "Peepers? How did you—"
"Climb your tree," she pointed to a large tree next to my window. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, sure," I stepped aside, letting her in and shutting the window behind her. "So what's up?"
"Nothing. Did your aunt and uncle yell at you a lot?"
I sighed. "Yeah, but I deserved it. You?"
"No, Aunt Anna understood it wasn't anyone's fault. If anything, she thinks I should have gone with you. Honestly though, she wouldn't stop talking about how amazing you are," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Hmm, not amazing. Maybe spectacular," I snickered.
"Don't go growing an ego on me, Parker," MJ hissed. "But yeah, you were pretty cool tonight. Especially the way you saved that man's life. That pole must have weighed a ton!"
I shrugged. "Maybe. But I didn't really notice—too busy trying to save him."
"Hmm, you're really skinny for a strong guy," MJ noted. "You barely have a muscle on you," she observed my skinny frame.
I gulped. "Well, you know how it is. Adrenaline and all that." She was being suspicious. Not good. Not good at all!
"Maybe," she said, trailing off. "Anyway, I came to make sure you were alright."
"Thanks. I'm fine. If anything, I'm a little tired."
"Really? Because I can't sleep," MJ grumbled. "Too nervous."
"Why? The Hulk ran away and I'm pretty sure the army has the other dude locked in ice."
"No, not that," she grumbled. "School. I'm starting my first day tomorrow!"
I chuckled. "Oh, that. Relax, MJ. There's no reason to panic. It's just classes. You'll do fine."
"Yeah, but I mean... what if they don't like me?"
I shrugged. "Who cares? Besides, I doubt they won't like you. You're hot and smart. The guys will be falling head over heels for you, and the girls will want to be your bestie."
She smiled. "You think so?"
I nodded. "I know so. So relax. High school isn't the end of the world."
MJ smiled. We talked into the night, just me and her. When she left, I was glad to have made such a nice friend. Peter needed more of them. Maybe one day she could be more, but for now, a friend was enough.
***
The next day, I was in the Daily Bugle. Well, not me exactly, but they did have the Hulk's fight on the front cover and a grainy picture of me off to the side. It looked like they had no clue who I was—people just called me 'Webs.'
The article itself was fair and balanced, which was surprising considering it was the Bugle we were talking about. But to be fair, I did save the lives of soldiers. Even they couldn't label me a criminal for doing that.
The report actually called me a hero once, saying how impressive it was for someone like me to stand up to a monster. From various statements from the scene, it seems people there mentioned the fight was like seeing David and Goliath.
I smiled. Maybe this time Spider-Man won't end up being labeled a bad guy.
With that done and a healthy breakfast, it was time to go to school.
MJ and I took the bus to school. We talked about what subjects she was taking and the people she would meet. Needless to say, she was nervous.
We arrived with ten minutes to spare. Students were crawling all around the campus—talking to each other, gossiping, or just having fun.
I led her into the crowded hallways. "Welcome to Midtown High," I announced, gesturing to the large crowded halls where people yelled, cheered, fought, and generally did teenage things.
"I think I'll fit right in," MJ said with a smile.
"That you will, Peepers."
"Please stop calling me that."
"No."
"I didn't even mean to peep."
"No."
"I hate you."
I smirked. "No."
I led her down the hall, introducing her to the various cliques and factions one could find in the school. There were the jocks, the cheerleaders, the techies, the nerds, the dancers, the theater kids, the weirdos, the normals, and of course, me—the kid too smart to be a normal geek and too desperate for acceptance to be a hipster.
We had first period together, so after a visit to the counselor's office, I guided her to our first class.
The moment we entered the room, Flash Thompson seemed to notice me.
"Hey, everybody, check it out! Punk Parker's back!"
"Ha! What's the matter, Parker? Did you finally recover from the itsy spider bite?" mocked Kong, Flash's right-hand man and a heavy fellow.
I rolled my eyes. "Wonderful. Bullies. Like this place wasn't stereotypical enough."
Flash grew enraged. "What the hell'd you say—" He stopped as he noticed MJ standing next to me. He gulped and whistled. "Woah."
MJ turned to me. "Are they always like this?"
I shrugged. "Not always. Just with me. Though I think it's because Flash has a crush on me and is too scared to admit he's gay."
That snapped him out of it. "What?! Listen here, Parker, I ain't gay!"
"And what's wrong with being gay?" asked Zack, an openly gay kid in our class.
"N-nothing! It's just I ain't gay, is all!"
I shrugged. "Whatever." I put down my bag and stretched my neck. Really hated that thing.
"So, uh, you new here?" Flash asked MJ in the most subtle way possible—note the sarcasm.
"Yeah, I'm Mary Jane. Nice to meet you," she smiled.
"Hey, Mary Jane. I'm Flash. This is Kong. If you need anything, babe, anything, just ask us," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.
I gagged. "Truly, Flash, you've mastered the art of seduction."
"What's it to you, Parker?" Flash growled.
I shrugged. "Nothing. Please, continue. I believe you were flirting with the new girl."
"Shut it, Parker!" Flash yelled, his face red with embarrassment.
"Stop it, Tiger. You're embarrassing him," MJ teased.
"Fine," I rolled my eyes.
"So where are you from?" Liz Allen—blonde, blue-eyed, and head cheerleader—asked.
"I'm from upstate, but I recently moved in with my aunt," MJ explained.
"So what are you into?" asked Crystal, another cheerleader.
"Well, I like fashion, singing, theater—that sort of thing."
"Oh! Did you see the new Chanel line? It's so good!"
MJ nodded. "Yeah, but I don't like their perfumes. Too strong for my taste."
"I know, right!" Liz's eyes twinkled. Looked like she just found a new BFF.
I watched as MJ mingled perfectly with the popular crowd: Flash, Liz, Kong, and a couple of side characters I didn't really care about but who were apparently considered gods of popularity according to Peter's memories.
"So wait, how do you know Parker?" Liz asked, looking at me with disdain.
"What? Oh, he's my neighbor," MJ explained.
"Oh, okay. Hey, sit with us, MJ. We'll show you around after class."
"Thanks, but Peter already promised me—"
"Parker? Please, that wimp wouldn't know where the toilet is!" Flash snorted.
"No, Flash, I do. After all, you tried to give me swirlies in there plenty of times," I snapped back.
MJ's eyes went wide. "He what?"
He turned to me and glared, whispering in a quiet voice, "Don't blow this for me, Parker, or I'll make sure next time I won't flush before I dunk you."
I raised a single eyebrow. "Did you just threaten me?"
"And what if I did?" he growled.
I looked down at him and snorted. "I would like to see you try."
Flash growled. "Today, after school, in the park."
I remembered this. In Ultimate Spider-Man, Flash challenged Peter to a fight. Peter kicked his ass, broke his arm, and in return, Flash's parents sued Aunt May and Uncle Ben for all their money. It made things difficult for them, and I didn't plan on repeating that mistake.
"Sorry, big guy, but I have no intention of having a dick-measuring contest with you. I don't need to."
"Why, you little—"
"Settle down, class!" the teacher walked in, stopping Flash in his tracks. "That means you, Mr. Thompson."
Flash growled at me. "Next time."
I snorted. Yeah, no.
"Come on, MJ, sit with us!" Liz dragged MJ to the back, away from me.
MJ looked like she wanted to protest but couldn't say a thing as Liz dragged her away, leaving me once more alone.
I sighed, sat down in my seat, and listened with half a mind to whatever the teacher said. It was English class—not my favorite.
At the end of the class, I got up to try and talk to MJ, but before I could, she was swept away by Liz and the others into their next class. Which was actually fine—I had AP Chemistry, and MJ had basic math with the rest of them.
As I walked to my next class, I realized I was alone. Peter didn't have anyone. Even the one friend I somehow managed to get was swept away in a matter of moments. Maybe it was best just to accept I was going to be alone.
During chemistry, I had no problem following whatever they said. It was honestly a little boring after a while. I didn't even bother taking notes.
But near the very end, the teacher mentioned how graphite chains were strong and that changing the structure determined their tensile strength. I got an idea on how to improve the webbing formula.
The rest of the day turned out to be the same as the first couple of classes. I was ignored or shunned by everyone, and the teachers didn't bother me even if I was clearly daydreaming, since they knew I knew everything.
Honestly, by lunch I was wondering why Peter even bothered with school. He was smart enough to start college any time he wanted. So why in God's name did he?
And when I sat down alone at the table furthest away in the lunch hall, right next to the trash cans, I knew. Peter didn't want to leave because he was lonely—so damn lonely and stupid that he thought college would be no different from high school and that people would shun him wherever he went. So it was better to stick with the devil he knew rather than the one he didn't.
I supposed I understood. After all, high school was supposed to be an important formative year for a child's social skills. Peter was hoping his would kick in, but sadly, no luck.
As I bit into Aunt May's homemade tuna sandwich, I realized MJ and her new friends had just entered the lunch hall. They all laughed and chatted like there was no tomorrow. MJ didn't even look at me.
I didn't understand it. Was she really that shallow? Did she really not care a bit about me? Was the week we spent making googly eyes at each other all just a time pass for her? What the hell, man. Did I just get played?
Just then, I noticed another kid walk up to them. He wore expensive clothes and a stylized haircut. One look and I knew who he was. I didn't even need Peter's memories.
"Harry!" Liz smiled. "Come sit here! Meet the new girl!"
Harry grinned. "Gladly. Hey, I'm Harry Osborn," he winked as he sat next to Mary Jane—very closely.
MJ blushed at the forwardness. "H-hey. I'm MJ."
Liz grinned. "Careful, Osborn. I think she's in love!"
"Liz!" MJ shrieked, her face as red as her hair.
Harry laughed. "I don't mind. I've never had someone so cute falling for me before, so it's a real boost to my ego."
I couldn't stand the sight of them. All the positive feelings I had for MJ turned bitter quick. Guess I was stupid that way, but it just wasn't fair.
I stuffed the rest of the sandwich into my mouth and left, not looking back even if my ears picked up her melodious laughter.
I walked down the corridor, pissed, alone. I hated being alone. And idiots—I was surrounded by idiots. I wasn't a genius or something in my past life, nothing like that, but even then I had trouble with people. And now? With Peter's IQ? Finding a friend who I could treat as an equal? I would need to hang out with Tony Stark for that to happen!
No wonder Peter had been holding back so much. If he didn't, he would have gone mad being surrounded by these shallow people eons ago!
I walked to the chemistry lab and found it open and empty, like I knew it would be. Peter used to retreat here to escape Flash, and now it would seem it would become my haven as well.
I began to work on a couple of chemicals, trying to work the new graphite chain into the webbing formula like I theorized. I spent all of break there, and soon classes began again.
The school day ended with history last period, which MJ and I shared. She laughed and joked with her new friends, and when school was over, she walked up to me like nothing ever happened.
"Hey, Peter!" MJ cheered as we walked toward the school bus.
I felt anger pour through my veins, but I kept it in check. She's just a little girl. She didn't understand what she did was wrong. It was pointless getting angry at her.
So I put on a cheerful fake smile. "Hey, MJ."
"I swear this was like the best first day ever!" MJ cheered. "I didn't think I would meet so many people who liked me! Liz was amazing, Pete! You should see the way we just got along!"
I shrugged. "I'm glad you made friends. Told you there was nothing to worry about."
"Yeah, you're right. Anyway, I talked to her about the theater program you guys have, and wow, was I impressed! Did you know they put on three plays a year?! I should totally try and score a part in the one in December. What do you think? Do you think I should?"
I nodded. "Try it out. You might not get something important, but everyone has to start somewhere, right?"
And like that, I had to sit and listen to her brag about how great her life was. Was I being petty and silly? Maybe. But where was the loyalty? I didn't like the fact she didn't even realize she did something wrong. It's like she couldn't understand!
We were dropped off at the same stop and walked home. We reached our neighboring houses and I turned to go to mine.
"Hey, Pete, do you want to come over?" MJ asked. "Aunt Anna probably made some cookies if you want."
"No, I'm fine," I waved her offer off. "I'm honestly just tired. Guess the stress of yesterday is finally getting to me. I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow, MJ!"
MJ blinked. "What? Are you okay, Peter? You sound kind of dull."
"I told you, just tired," I shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine tomorrow."
"Well... if you're sure. Bye," she replied weakly.
I waved her goodbye and walked into my house, slamming the door behind me.
"Peter? How was school?" Aunt May asked from the kitchen.
"Fine. Just fine. I'm going to my lab, Aunt May. Call me if you need something," I yelled out as I walked down to the basement, throwing my bag at my workstation.
I took out my notes for the new formula and began work on the new web serum. It took me all day, but I finally managed to synthesize a proper batch. I then began to experiment.
This formula reacted to pressure. The more pressure it felt, the harder it became. So I began to test it out. I found I could create weak webbing that was basically like glue, strong webbing that was hard as concrete, and somewhere in the middle, which had a balance of elasticity and tensile strength.
I didn't know what got into me, but the time just seemed to slip away. Aunt May came down to ask me what I wanted for dinner, and after I made sure to hide all my webbing formula, I told her I wasn't hungry.
Maybe it was the fact that I didn't like being forgotten. Maybe it was just my anger at being ignored. But whatever it was, it gave me focus. I knew what I had to do and knew how to do it.
It was 2 in the morning when I completed all tests on the new formula, including drawing up plans to make the Mark Two web shooters. These ones would be more powerful than the last, but they would take time to make.
I tried to go to bed, but I wasn't sleepy. No, I was restless. I looked outside the window and saw the quiet suburban area I lived in, but just near the horizon, New York shined at me, calling me forth for adventure.
I couldn't go all the way into the city, but I sure as hell couldn't stay here.
I put on a set of dark clothes and opened the window, jumping out and landing perfectly. Thanks, spider powers!