Chapter 4: Act 01 - Daily Bugle.
[ Currently ]
- Wow. - Gwen murmured after pausing for breath.
- I'll say... what was that? - Peter asked.
- A thank you. - Gwen replied, smiling. - And if you want, there will be much more, spider. - Her smile widened as Peter took the initiative for the next kiss.
[ Previously ]
== Nova York: Queens ==
Another turbulent night had passed. Spider-Man arrived home at 1:00 AM, completely exhausted from a day of classes, training, and patrols, during which he stopped two robberies and prevented an attempted sexual assault on a woman in the street.
He was really getting tired of these criminals, or at least of how patient he was with them. He believed he needed to change his approach because what was the point of arresting them if they would just get out and commit the same crimes again? However, he didn't want to follow the path of killing or vigilantism; it wasn't his style. He couldn't help but think it was useful when he activated the kill mode of his Iron Spider suit against Thanos's troops, making them retreat upon realizing they were being decimated.
Maybe if he were a bit tougher on the criminals before they were arrested, they would fear him more and thus might not repeat such crimes in the future.
But for now, with a relaxing shower where Peter almost fell asleep, he was interrupted by his aunt, who came to share the bathtub with him. She started giving him a nice massage on his muscles, and he reciprocated in another way until they fell asleep in bed.
[ ... ]
- Good morning, tiger. - It was May at 6:00 AM, looking him up and down as Peter came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. She indicated the prepared breakfast table.
- You're going to spoil me like this. - Peter said, walking over to her and giving her a kiss. - This way, I'll have to wake up earlier to spoil you too.
- Plans for today? - She asked, laughing, as he sat down in front of her. - It's Saturday and there are no classes.
- Just... rest and maybe... go to my amazing waitress aunt's work, just to flirt with her in front of her colleagues.
- Don't you dare! - May pretended to scold, only to break into a smile and then get up, sitting on his lap.
- Just kidding, I actually want to know what's been bothering you. - He asked, noticing her strange look. - It's just a feeling, it seems like you want something but don't know how to say it.
- It's nothing. - She said, lowering her gaze slightly, only for her nephew to lift it with a touch on her chin and a look that clearly indicated she could trust him, genuinely interested in knowing how to help her. - Oh, I'm just worried.
- Worried about what? - Peter asked.
- You, taking all these risks every day... for these people who always antagonize you, both in the media and on the street.
- I try to see the good in them, or at least those who support me. - Peter said, kissing her forehead. - And Uncle always said that with great power comes great responsibility... I think I'd feel guilty if something bad happened when I had the power to stop it, because when that happens, it's your fault."
- I know... but I saw those thugs pointing their guns at you and I almost thought I could lose you. - May said, slightly scared.
- You won't lose me, not with my spider sense. - Peter said, noticing her surprise. - You didn't really think I dodged those bullets just by being agile, did you? - He asked, and she nodded. - Oh, I thought you already knew, since... - He indicated her tattoo. - It works like this: it's like a shiver when something puts me in mortal danger or something like that. My senses sharpen to the maximum, it's as if everything becomes silent and only the sound of what puts me at risk echoes. My senses become heightened to all the risks around me, whether it's a person about to be hit by a car or a bullet coming towards me. In the process, everything slows down like a slow-motion recording. - Her admiration for how he explained everything made Peter want to hold her right there, giving her a quick kiss, and then he continued. - To the outside eyes, it looks like I'm very agile, dodging exceptionally. For me, it's like an eternity where I easily dodge everything, and once I'm safe, my senses normalize and the world runs naturally again.
- That's why, my angel. - Peter kissed her forehead. - Don't worry so much. - He continued, kissing her left cheek. - I won't leave your life and leave you alone. - He kissed her right cheek this time. - I won't underestimate my enemies and put my life at risk, and most importantly, I won't put yours at risk. - He finished, kissing her mouth as her arms wrapped around his neck.
- That's good. - May murmured softly to him, her nephew squeezing her behind with his hands. - Thank you, Peter.
- I'm just returning everything you've done for me and taken care of over the past few years. - Peter explained, marking her neck with a hickey.
- "But one thing is certain, I need to start acting more severely against my enemies and train my limits to overcome them... I can't keep holding back for fear of hurting someone due to lack of control and in the process hurting myself, when I could have done much more." - He concluded in thought.
- Peter, would you listen to an open request from me? - She asked, seeing how responsible this Peter was becoming and hoping he would accept her proposal. Something that, from his look, made her smile. - Of course you would, right?" she laughed. "Your uncle and I always had a dream, and since he passed away, I feel the need to fulfill it. - She said, with him giving her his full attention.
- Whatever it is, I'll be here to help you, and we'll do it together. You can say whatever you want, and we'll find a way. - Peter explained, with her smiling, and then she began to explain everything she desired.
[ ... ]
== Bank: JP Morgan Chase ==
USD 175,000.
== Properties ==
Urban Apartment: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, and 1
Kitchen. Location: Queens - NY Purchase
Price: USD 500,000
- So, you want to buy a house... - Peter murmured, seeing how great his aunt was at managing money, as they had always lived without many luxuries, not due to poverty, but because his aunt and uncle always saved a good portion of their salaries in a joint account.
- I know you like this apartment. - May tried to start, but her nephew shook his head.
- I have great memories here, but I think we really need a change of scenery. There's no point in living in the past, and a house of our own... would be great. - Peter explained, with her giving him a loving smile. - I could even start working and...
- No, Peter. - She interrupted. - You don't need to do that. - She continued, but it was his look and smile that made her stop talking.
- I want to, really... let's do this together. - Peter held her hands and gave a kiss on the back of one of them. - You have the money for a down payment on a house, a great down payment, actually... from there, we can work together and finance the rest. You know I'm very good with photography, graphic arts... and I think it's time to get something good in return for my costumed state, don't you think? - He asked playfully.
- We also don't need to leave this place abandoned... the apartment belonged to my sister... your mother.
- Yes, someone else can make new memories here. - Peter agreed with the thought. - So, do you want to start a new life with me? - Peter dramatized as if proposing marriage, but the gesture was so special to her that she threw herself into his arms, planting several kisses on his face and lips.
They both enjoyed this Saturday together, which got even better as the day remained peaceful with no incidents in the city, allowing him to take a day off from his hero routine and spend the whole day with his aunt, whether at work or at home for the rest of the evening.
He cherished the comfort he always received from his aunt since the disappearance of his parents.
And she felt the same comfort, which she hadn't felt for a year since the loss of her husband.
[ ... ]
It was Sunday when Peter leaped with his Iron Spider suit towards his best friend's house. Unlike the previous day, which was calm and peaceful, this day he started his routine early and only finished at 8:00 PM. Upon reaching a dead-end alley, his suit retracted into a necklace around his neck, and he then walked towards the house. Since yesterday, he had conducted extensive research and discovered he didn't need to worry about Stark technology and similarities with his suit, as the story diverged significantly from where he came from, and it was recently made public on social media and news outlets that the famous Tony Stark had been attacked in a military convoy.
Gwen was at the neighbor's house, a new red-haired resident of the neighborhood who she had quickly become very good friends with and wanted to introduce to Peter, but was denied today since Parker needed to talk to the girl's father.
Thus, with both men going to the backyard, Captain Stacy studied the thoughtful state of the young man there, noticing a certain difference and maturity in his eyes compared to the last incident where he was still recovering.
- I wanted to talk about what you said to me at the Oscorp tower. - Peter began, sighing and looking the man in the eye. - To get straight to the point, I will not leave Gwen's life. - Peter said seriously. - We both work with something that puts the lives of those closest to us at risk, just as my aunt faces such risks, and I would never abandon her for anything.
- I know you're concerned about your daughter, and rightly so..., but what would you think if I just said it was better for you to abandon your family to keep them safe due to your job as the captain of the police squad? - Peter pointed out how George Stacy's request sounded in what he believed was his last breath. - I don't know if staying away would keep her safe, since this city is a mess and it seems to get worse every day..., but yes, I'll stay in Gwen's life, whether you like it or not. - He finished, looking back at the man sitting in front of him.
- Is that all? - George asked.
- Still not enough? - Peter widened his eyes. - I've been rehearsing this for days. - He finished with his playful side prevailing, making the man smile.
- Don't worry, kid. - George reassured him. - I got a moral lesson from my wife and daughter. In the end, I realized that pushing them away would only make Gwen hate me, and nothing proves she would be safe. At the very least, I ask you to take good care of her, or I'll... - He said, making Peter widen his eyes.
- Expose me to the world? - He asked, horrified.
- Shoot you. - George corrected him. - And with pleasure. - He finished smiling, accompanied by Peter, who this time turned his gaze to the sky and sighed deeply and pensively. - What will you do from now on? - George asked, also turning his gaze to the starry sky.
- As Peter Parker or Spider-Man? - The young man countered.
- Both. - George confirmed, drinking a can of beer.
- It's complicated. - Peter sighed, drinking a can of soda.
- It's never complicated. - Said the captain, staring at the police radio beside him, which had no news yet, even though he was off duty on sick leave.
- As Spider-Man... train, train a lot... and become a bit more strict in my patrols. - Peter explained, with Captain Stacy looking at him confusedly. - Arresting criminals isn't solving anything. For every one arrested, two more appear, stronger and more dangerous... I think it's time to stop joking around with them and become a bit more direct and strict in how I capture them, so in the end, the message is clear to everyone... that it's better to stop committing crimes, or their situation will only get worse."
George wanted to contest this and cite laws, decrees, and police ethics... but he couldn't help noticing that there was more to Spider-Man's story.
- And as Peter Parker... I want to intern as a photographer and graphic editor... because I'll need to start working to pay for some things from now on. - Peter explained, drinking from his can of orange juice. - And in the future, specialize in something grand."
- That's right, you'll need a lot of money to cover Gwen's Uber Eats orders; that girl is quite a handful. - George joked with Peter. - But it seems you're not saving money just for leisure, right?
- Aunt May and I are going to buy a house... she has enough money to make a great down payment, but the financing from there will be divided between the two of us... so, it's best to start sending out resumes soon. - He said playfully, with the captain surprised at Peter's dedication to something like this, being so young. - I think taking advantage of Spider-Man's fame might help, something like being his personal photographer... things like that.
- I can help with that. - George commented, drawing Peter's attention, who adjusted himself in the chair and looked at him confusedly. - I have a friend, an editor of a newspaper that was very famous in our generation... right now, it's struggling, and I think you could help each other... our wives are great friends, and I think with a recommendation, you might get a position and grow from there."
- That's great! - Peter responded excitedly.
- There's just one problem... - George said with a sly smile. - You're not going to like him one bit. - He finished, knowing that now he could somewhat get back at the young man for kissing his little princess.
[ ... ]
- And now, it's "Just the Facts" with J. Jonah Jameson, where listeners debate the problems of our city with the Pulitzer Prize-winning... - The interviewer on the radio that Peter was listening to was interrupted by a gruff voice.
- Twice! - someone shouted, interrupting, someone whose voice Peter recognized very well.
- Twice... Pulitzer Prize-winning, editor of the Daily Bugle. - The interviewer complemented.
- Hey! Talk about the book! - J.J.J interrupted again rudely.
- And as always, if you order Mr. Jameson's book, "Spider-Man: Threat or Menace", within 24 hours of the broadcast, you get an autographed copy at no additional cost.
- No personalized messages, don't even ask! - Jameson warned. - Welcome to "Just the Facts" with J. Jonah Jameson, alerting about threats no one knows exist.
- Let's go to the calls. - He said, answering the first call. - Speak!
- Okay, no offense, but Spider-Man did a good job catching Curtis Connors, right? A crazy scientist who wanted to turn all of New York into reptilians... it's good for everyone. - The caller explained their opinion.
- Oh really? Tell me, are you a police officer? A lawyer? - Jameson asked. - Maybe an award-winning reporter with decades of experience like me?
- Uh, no, I'm a plumber.
- Oh, great. - Jameson smiled sarcastically. - Then fix my toilet and SHUT UP!
- Let me explain something about crazy scientists, heavily armed criminals, entire mafias, or crime bosses. - Jameson said angrily. - When one is arrested, any idiot with a gun, a suit, and a bunch of gold chains thinks they're the next big boss.
- A gang war will take over the streets, affecting our lives, routines, jobs, and our children's schools. - Jameson was now shouting. - But does that webhead idiot care? Of course not."
- He appeared on TV, climbing scaffolding and buildings like a true acrobatic hero, that's what matters.
- Well, if those so-called crime bosses, mafias, and militias are taken down by the webhead... then copper pipes won't cost an arm and a leg. - The plumber said, laughing. - Until that gang war starts, I'm on Spider-Man's side.
- And you'll change your mind when three new mafias want to charge triple for the same pipe... or just break your face! - Jameson warned.
- Well, then let the police do their job properly and take down those mafias, instead of chasing our hero. That way, I won't have to worry about any mafia... until then, Spider-Man is still my hero, since it seems he's the only one actually trying to end this city's corruption. - The plumber said, causing Jameson to grit his teeth.
- GOODBYE! - Jameson ended the call and the morning show for today.
- And the day starts off well. - Peter murmured to himself, finishing his morning patrols that Monday. - Oh, I'm going to need to be paid really well to work for this guy... again. - He laughed, thinking about how he already knew that man from another life.
[ ... ]
Sitting in the classroom, it was 8:45 AM when his phone started ringing. Peter quickly grabbed it and apologized to the teacher, who glared at him.
- Sorry, Professor Munroe. - Peter said, clicking to end the call.
Only for the phone to ring again before he could put it on silent.
- It's okay, Parker... if you can interrupt my class, everyone has the right to know what it is, put it on speaker. - She said, smiling at the student, thinking he would be embarrassed and shy, but he looked her in the eye and boldly answered.
- Hello! - Peter said, not looking away.
- J. Jonah Jameson... two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. - Peter widened his eyes, knowing what that meant. - Initially, I would ignore a teenager who barely has facial hair trying to join my publishing house, but since it was a request from George, I'll give you a chance.
- Uh... sorry, Mr. Jameson, I'm in class right now. - Peter began, only to be interrupted by the man.
- I don't care! - He shouted, causing Peter to squint his eyes in irritation at such rudeness. - Do you want to study or work? Decide. - He gave his ultimatum, with Peter glancing at the teacher one last time, much to the amusement of the class.
- Fine. - Peter said in acceptance.
- Great, I saw your resume and it didn't impress me, all that nonsense about sciences and lab knowledge... all rubbish. - J.J.J judged. - But, that thing about Spider-Man that Captain Stacy told me, is it true you know where he hangs out during his criminal activities?
- Yes. - Peter replied, rolling his eyes, with the class whispering about it.
- Could you get him to come to our office to take photos and do interviews? - J.J.J tried to push his luck, with Peter already getting tired of it.
- It doesn't work that way, I would be the only point of contact with Spider-Man, he would choose which photos I can sell and no interviews, he doesn't want the spotlight like you believe. - Peter explained.
- Oh, don't give me that! - Jameson laughed sarcastically. - We all want the spotlight, don't be so naive."
- But okay, an internship position is all I have available, a salary of USD 64.57 per photo presented. - Was the proposal Peter received, and although it was great for him as a teenager with his aunt paying the bills, it wasn't how his relationship with her was going to continue.
- Actually, I only accept selling each photo for USD 129.13. - Peter countered, with the man interrupting as expected.
- What an abuse! - Jameson shouted. - Alright.
- And... - Peter continued, this time interrupting the man. - A part-time flexible schedule between afternoon or evening, with a daily rate of USD 48.43. - Peter made his offer.
- Don't push your luck, kid. I'm doing a favor for a friend. - Jameson said, in what was sure to be another aggressive speech.
- Don't push your luck either, stop boasting about your newspaper as the best in the world because newspapers are outdated, and I'm giving you the chance to start virtual graphic editions with a bang. It's not you doing me a favor; I'm doing you a favor without charging an enormous salary or high position, just a base daily rate for any of your contributors who bring in a good resource. - Peter retorted. The silence was amusing, both in Peter's classroom and in Jameson's office, which had been bustling with activity just moments ago but had suddenly gone quiet, giving attention to their boss and the supposed new employee on the phone who decided to stand up to the one person no one had the courage to confront. - But if you don't want it, it's no problem for me; the Daily Planet seems to have several vacancies with opportunities for students focused on photography and journalism. Goodbye. - Peter then hung up, smiling at the teacher, who didn't know what to say.
It was about ten seconds before the silent room was promptly filled with the sound of Peter's phone ringing again.
- Hello! Is this the Daily Planet? - Peter asked with a sly smile.
- NO! - Jameson shouted. - Alright, kid Parker. I'll test your skills as a Graphic Designer and Photographer for three months, starting with a daily rate of USD 48.43, along with an additional USD 129.13 for each approved Spider-Man photo.
- After the trial period, I'll evaluate your performance and see if we'll continue with your services, possibly offering you the Junior Graphic Designer position we have available... don't waste my time, kid... I want photos, and I want everything by today. - Jameson dictated.
- What time for the contract signing? - Peter agreed, finding humor in the pressure the man wanted to impose, but Peter, with the experience of three different lives, knew well how to handle it. - And I mean a contract with a signature, not a lousy handshake.
- 1:00 PM, in my office, and no delays! - Jameson ordered, hanging up the call.
Smiling at Flash and Gwen, Peter announced.
- I got a job, or something like that. - Peter laughed, with the two glancing at each other before jumping on him.
- Holy crap, my dad would never have the courage to talk like that to Jameson. - Flash said, giving Peter a hug and a playful slap on the head. - That was awesome, Penis-Parker.
- Congratulations, Peter, I knew you could do it. - Gwen said, giggling, giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
The entire class then erupted into a state of pure euphoria and debate, never imagining that the nerd from elementary school who was bullied by the tough Flash would start high school like this, as his best friend and even the boyfriend of the beautiful blonde, Gwen.
- Congratulations, Peter. - Said the teacher now. - Now, everyone calm down, let's get back to the lesson... Peter, put your phone on silent."
- Of course, I'll never interrupt the wonderful subject of such an amazing teacher again. - Making the class erupt in euphoria again for the nerd's flirtation with the most beautiful teacher in the school, named Ororo Munroe.
And with that, I end the fourth chapter of Infinite Change. I hope you're enjoying it; in this one, I added more words because the last one was really short, but I hope it's to everyone's liking.
Give that awesome support in the comments, you guys are great. XD Below we'll have photos of the characters introduced.
-- Characters Introduced --
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Peter Parker:
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May Parker:
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Gwen Stacy:
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Flash Thompson:
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George Stacy:
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J. Jonah Jameson:
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Ororo Munroe (Teacher):
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-- Sexual Relationships --
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