Thinking about the ending of Spider-Man: Brand New Day
(spoilers under the cut)
Thinking about how Peter's spider-sense pulled him out of Jean's telepathic hold on him.
Thinking about him taking the bullet meant for Jean, his feet sliding across the floor with the force of the bullet that didn't reach her. Then he collapses with the grace of a ton of falling bricks.
Thinking a lot about Frank's reaction -- taken aback that Spider-Man was willing to take the bullet for her, and instant regret that he shot him. Thinking about how Frank is someone who does not do well with knowing that he hurt someone other than his target. How, despite how chaotic he seems, how sometimes it seems like all he leaves behind him is collateral damage, he's typically very careful and very calculating. He doesn't pull the trigger unless he knows where that bullet will land. He doesn't walk into a hospital in Hell's Kitchen with a gun without knowing he's not going to hit anyone other than his target. And if he even thinks that innocent people got hurt because of a lapse in judgement he made, it can be enough to break him. Sure, Spider-Man intentionally moved into the line of fire. He could rationalize to himself that it was Spider-Man's fault, not his. But to Frank, he should have anticipated that. To Frank, it's his fault the kid is hurt.
And so he carries him into the hospital himself. And he makes sure that only those who absolutely need to will see his face. And he keeps watch outside the room until he's allowed inside the room, where he continues guarding the younger hero, even though (and maybe because) there's someone else sharing the space in there. He sleeps there, lightly, like he was trained to years ago, so that when Peter barely croaks out his name, his voice quieter than Frank's snoring, he's instantly awake and alert, and fighting with Peter to keep him from removing his oxygen mask.
Thinking about how Peter spent four years pretty much alone, but when he woke up in the hospital, he wasn't.
And then... even though he gave him shit earlier for always wearing a mask, even when drinking coffee... Frank puts on Peter's mask and gloves, and plays the role of masked vigilante, something he hates, so the kid can limp out of the hospital without a fuss.
Thinking about how maybe Matt finds out about all of this and gives Frank shit for it later.
