The stubbornness was itching and approaching rapidly. It was a trait that she didnât even like in herself when she realized it was happening, but it was a trait that was there all the same. She could kick herself later, but for now, she wouldnât just let this go. While Peter wasnât technically lying to her, he was keeping things, leaving Gwen unsure if that was honestly any better.
âOr Iâm that little voice in your ear letting you know that there are fifteen other guys on the way and that you should probably get out of there. You always jump to the worst case scenario. Iâve been over this with you time and time again, and I thought maybe we were over this bridge, but clearly weâre not.â There was sting in her tone, still not looking at him, sitting up and pulling her legs up to her chest.
She knew what was at risk, she always had - why couldnât he see that? Why couldnât he let it be here choice? âI love you too, but you donât have to protect me. I can handle more than you think, I wish youâd just believe in me for once.â Shying away from his touch, moving to stand up, her eyes darting towards the door and away from him. Hot headedness was brewing, but it wasnât the first time theyâd had this conversation.
âYou need things from OSCORP? Do you know how easy it would be for me to find a way to take care of that? Of course you know, but you donât want my help. Iâm âallowedâ to help with stuff like this, but how can I when you donât even tell me about it? You and I both know that you wouldnât have said anything had I not seen those magazines.â
An elated sigh fell, rubbing along the nape of her neck, not even bothering to comment on his joke. âI didnât get into this again to only be with half of you. Maybe I should just go, I should have known better than to want to see you without notifying you first.â Gwen dropped her arm and turned towards the door, heading for it. âSorry for disturbing you. Next time it wonât be me, so be careful with answering the door.â
âGwen. Stop.â Heâd push himself upward and motion towards her. Moving both his hands onto her shoulders from behind. âLook. You win. If you want to help me, Iâll be up front with you but there are rules.â Swallowing again, she was already upset so maybe imposing rules to this wasnât his best idea but he had to make her agree to this, otherwise his mind wouldnât be able to focus out in the field.
âOne. You donât come with me out there. Itâs dangerous even for me and I have abilities to overcome it, I canât risk you out there.â Heâd turn her around in his grasp, moving his hands on her arms again. Watching her facial expression and waiting for her reaction as he moistened his lips to speak again, dropping his grasp on her now that she was facing him.
âTwo. You canât help me with OSCORP. If you get caught, that could ruin what you have going on at Stark Industries and I wonât have my Spider-man life ruin a possible career youâll be happy with. Look, I know you want to help and be a part of this and it scares me. It scares the hell out of me, but if you insist on it and wonât listen to me I canât really stop you can I?â A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Shutting the door to his room so she wouldnât quickly flee.
âThree. If you want on team Spider-man, you need a super cool code name too. I can expect nothing less. So, if you want in on this life you have to at least meet me halfway with this, Gwen. Itâd really help me be honest with you and more comfortable with this whole..aspect of everything.â He was trying. He really was, he had to let go of fear but if he could at least keep her out of the street that would be enough for now.