A/N: longer chapter to make up for the lack of updates recently!!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!! 💞
The bell rings, signaling the start of class. You wince, the noise seeming louder today.
Everyone’s eyes are on you as you enter the classroom. Because you’re late or because of the funeral, you’re not sure.
You’re also not sure which you’d prefer. Probably the former—at least that would get their eyes off you.
But you’re not that lucky.
As the day passes, curious eyes follow you through the halls. Your teachers send you pitying glances, insisting you don’t need to worry about completing your work today, that you can have an extension.
And if that’s not bad enough, your friends keep trying to cheer you up, Gwen brought you flowers and MJ brought blueberry muffins—both of which are sitting in your locker still.
You’ve narrowly avoided Harry all day so far, unsure what to say to him.
How do you tell your best friend that his dad is a supervillain and that you’ve vowed to stop him?
There’s no way that’s going to go over well.
“Hey, Parker!” The voice sets you on edge, hair rising along your forearms as you rush to grab the physics book from your locker.
“Not right now, Flash.” You mumble, keeping your head down. The last thing Aunt May needs right now is you getting into another fight.
“I just wanted to say sorry.”
Your eyebrows furrow at his words, casting a glance over your shoulder. He shifts awkwardly.
“About your uncle. It’s terrible what happened to him.”
You didn’t want to think about what happened to him. The gun, the blood, the crowd of people afterwards.
“I can’t do this right now.” You eyes well up as you move, abandoning the book in favor of grabbing the muffins and flowers.
Gwen meets your eyes as you slam the locker shut. You pause for a minute, tears falling down your face before you duck past her.
You can’t do this right now.
She calls for you as you reach the doors, but you don’t listen. You’re out of the school before anyone can stop you.
Your aunt will be upset you left but she’ll understand. Hopefully.
You’re not really sure where you’re going, but your feet carry you downtown.
You’re so distracted as you try not to cry, that you don’t notice the car following you down the street—at least, not at first.
By the time you make your third turn, you see it in the reflection of a shop window.
By the fourth turn, you see it in your peripheral.
You can sense it now, always following, always keeping its distance.
Your heart is pounding in your chest, the fear and the grief too much for you to bear. But the anger, the need for vengeance has the blood rushing in your veins—you can almost hear it chanting fight, fight, fight.
Plus, you don’t want them following you home to Aunt May.
Having made up your mind, you stop in your tracks. Turning to face the car, you cross your arms as it pulls to a stop beside you.
“Ms. Parker.” A familiar voice comes from inside. Norman Osborn. “I’m sorry if I gave you a scare, I just didn’t want you wandering the streets while in this state. Let me give you a ride somewhere.”
Your mouth parts slightly, shock evident in your gaze as the driver walks around and opens the door for you.
Does he know about the bank? That you’re Spider-Woman? Is he going to kill you? If he is, maybe he’s taking you somewhere outside the city. That would be better, right? Less casualties.
Should you? No. Will you? Yes. You wouldn’t really be a Parker if you didn’t.
“Okay.” You nod, grip tightening on your bag.
He smiles kindly at you as you clamber into the back seat next to him. “I didn’t really take you for the type to skip school.” He starts, eyeing you curiously.
“Oh, um, I’m not. Not really. It’s just today is…hard.”
His smiles doesn’t leave as he nods thoughtfully. “I can only imagine how you’re feeling. It’s a terrible thing for a child to lose a parent. Or, something like that.”
He was like that. At least, you loved him like he was.
When you don’t answer, he continues. “What do you say we get your internship started early? I can give you a quick tour and call your aunt, of course. Let her know you’re okay.”
A chill runs down your spine at the mention of Aunt May. If he knows, then she could be in danger.
He’s already clicking towards her contact, the line ringing sharply as your eyes widen.
“Hi, May. Just wanted to make sure it was okay…”
You nod, content that no threats are being said as he starts his message.
His words blur into the background as you stare out the window. The city seems darker, less colorful, without Uncle Ben.
You miss him. A lot. He would’ve been so upset about you skipping school.
“Alright, we’re all set. You can take up to Oscorp now.” He orders the driver. The man nods, sending you a small smile through the mirror.
“So, tell me, how is Harry doing in his classes? Are the other kids being nice to him?”
You blink, surprised by the question. And the obvious concern in his tone. From what you’d heard, Harry’s dad isn’t the most present man. Maybe he’s trying to be better?
“He’s doing good. We’re working on a project together for chemistry. And nobody’s bothering him too much, as far as I know.”
Norman nods, scanning your face. “That’s good to hear. He tells you everything, so I’m sure you’d know if something was going on.”
Not everything, you think, recalling whatever it was he wanted to ask the other night. And last night.
The rest of the ride is quiet after that, except for the clacking of Mr. Osborn’s keyboard as he finishes some kind of presentation.
By the time you reach Oscorp, you’ve relaxed a bit more. Maybe too much, considering you’re sitting next to a man that tried to kill you.
“You were here on a field trip, weren’t you?”
You nod, too lost in your head as you remember that trip. The pictures, the bite, the room of spiders.
“My dad used to work here.” You know he knows that, but he doesn’t mention it.
“Yes, he was a great scientist.” Norman nods, leading you through security after collecting your onboarding package.
“Cross species genetics.”
“Yes…” He hesitates, glancing at you as he presses the elevator button to his office. “How much did he tell you about his work?”
Even without the spider sense, you’re certain you’d have been able to detect the tone in his voice, not quite curiosity. Something more…inquisitive?
“Not much,” you deflect, attaching your badge to the loop of your jeans, “Just the basics. Something about spiders?”
“Spiders…” He trails off, looking like he just had an epiphany. “Yes. He worked with Dr. Curtis Connors. I’ll introduce you to him later if you’d like.”
Yes. Anything to distract you.
“Yes, please. I’d like that.”
The elevator dings open, revealing a reception area outside his office. You eye the wall that you can sense has the bombs behind it.
Surely Harry has figured something out by now. Maybe you should call him later.
You’re distracted from you planning by his phone chiming. He reads the email, a frown marring his face before he sends you an apologetic smile.
“There’s food in the fridge. I need to take a call, but I’ll send someone to give you the tour.” With that, he slips into another room, shutting the door behind him.
Now what? You wonder, looking around. It’s unlikely there’s anything outside of his office. So that leaves…snacks.
The fridge is full of name brand foods and drinks, all displayed nicely as if they just restocked it.
Who knows when you’ll get the chance to eat again, right? Especially if this is all some elaborate plot to kill you. On the plus side, this food doesn’t seem like it would be the worst last meal ever.
You’ve finished off three pre prepared sandwiches an an entire pack of Oreos by the time the elevator dings open again.
You scramble to stand, shoving the mess into your backpack beside the muffins you’re saving for Aunt May.
“Ms. Parker?” A man steps out of the lift, shooting you a small smile.
A gasp leaves your lips when you see who it is. Dr. Otto Octavius—one of your favorite physicists. Only ones above him are Bruce Banner and Reed Richards.
“Dr. Octavius, it’s an honor, sir. I’ve read all of your articles online. And your theory on fusion was really inspiring! I mean, tritium? I can’t believe you were able to get any! And—”
He laughs, accepting your handshake. “Yes, well, anything is possible when you have a man like Norman Osborn funding your research.” He steps back. “He wanted me to show you my lab. Can’t say I have the time to entertain schoolchildren, but when my funding is at stake, how could I say no?”
Your stomach flips at his words, suddenly feeling bad for taking up his time. “Sorry, I didn’t realize…”
“Nonsense, we can start with my lab, if you’d like?”
“Yes! That would be awesome.”
“Awesome.” He repeats under his breath, along with something about kids these days, as he guides you to the elevator.
The ride is quiet, as you do your best to stay out of his way and not ask questions. Harry can always give you a tour later.
“Here we are.” He pushes a door open, flicking on the lights so you can see.
You gasp again, entering the room as you look around excitedly.
There’s what appears to be several deconstructed generators scattered across the tables.
A chalkboard sits on the wall with numerous crossed out and rewritten equations spanning the entire thing.
“Wow is an understatement.” He deadpans, watching you peer around curiously.
“No kidding! I mean, this is amazing! Is that a particle accelerator?!”
“Part of one. I haven’t quite been able to figure it out yet.”
He lets you look around for a minute while he shuffles some parts around.
“Well, do you want to see it?”
“Yes!” He laughs at your excietmebt, leading you towards the wall of tarps.
“It’s right back here.” He pulls them aside to allow you through. “I use sympathetic frequencies.”
“And harmonic reinforcement?”
He looks surprised at your answer but nods, “Go on.”
“An exponential increase in energy output?” You ask, looking at him for an answer.
“A huge amount of energy. Like a perpetual sun, providing renewable energy for the whole world.”
“That’s amazing! If it works it could change everything.”
“It is amazing and it will work.” He grins, handing you a couple blueprints. “Look through these. If I have to babysit you, I might as well put you to work.”
It’s nearing dinner time when you’re finally allowed a break—or rather forced to take a break. Something about child labor and hours worked.
It’s probably a good time to look around too, you figure, now that you’re allowed to walk around unsupervised.
The halls are louder now as other interns roam about, running errands for their supervisiors.
“Coming through!” You duck against the wall, allowing the two men to carry what looks like a robotic arm into Dr. Octavius’ lab.
“Hey!” A familiar voice calls out, getting louder as she approaches. “I was worried about you!”
Gwen Stacy slams into you, arms wrapping around you in a hug.
“Sorry. I just had to…I couldn’t do it.”
“Yeah, I figured. How are you doing? Enjoying Oscorp?” She teases, emphasizing the company name.
“Yeah,” you roll your eyes, elbowing her lightly, “Dr. Octavius has me helping with his reactor.”
“That’s so cool! I’m helping Dr. Connors on his project right now. That’s actually why I’m here, he wanted to meet you.”
“Mr. Osborn said he’d introduce me to him later.” You shrug, looking back towards the lab you came out of before glancing down the hall.
Could you find the room with the spiders again? You’re pretty sure it was on the same floor.
“Alright, I’ll let him know. He really wants to meet a Parker. I don’t know why he said it like that though.”
“He worked with my dad before he…” You trail off, unable to say it. Maybe Uncle Ben’s death is bringing back old wounds.
“Oh! Then he’ll probably ask if you knew about their work.”
“Probably. I actually wanted to ask him about that too.”
“Perfect!” She grins, hugging you again before pulling away. “I’ll let him know you’re busy now but you’ll be by later, okay?”
She accepts your nod, sending you a mock salute before leaving you alone in the hallway.
Hopefully enough time has passed by now for you to go back to the lab.
Your espionage mission will just have to wait.
And maybe Harry would want to tag along…
You push that thought away with a shake of your head—no, you can’t put him in danger like that.
“Parker!” Octavius calls, signaling it’s time for you to return.
“How do you know you’ll control them and not the other way around?” You peer at him.
He’s grown more comfortable with your presence as you helped throughout the afternoon. Your questions are met without his initial dismissal.
He’s even letting you help build the arms for his presentation.
“I developed this inhibitor chip which will allow me to maintain my higher brain function so I can control them instead of them controlling me.”
“Is that for your speech?”
“Yes.” You snicker, passing him a soldering kit. “But don’t worry, it sounds good.”
“Good. My wife has been helping me with it.”
“Yes. She’s wonderful. We met when we were in college, she was an English Literature major. She was trying to explain T.S. Elliot to me but I still have no idea what any of it means.” He laughs, shaking his head as he adjusts the arm.
“Does she help with a lot of your presentations?”
“Only the important ones.”
The lab falls into silence after that, you passing him tools while he makes the finishing touches to the arms.
“Hi.” Gwen peaks her head in. “Mr. Osborn had to leave for the night but he wanted me to bring you to meet Dr. Connors.”
“Okay.” You glance back towards the scientist behind you. “Is that okay?”
“Yes, yes, of course. I assume you’ll be back tomorrow?”
“As long as I’m not in the way.”
He chuckles, shaking his head as he hands you a file. “You have been surprisingly helpful today. I want you to study these tonight and I expect to hear your thoughts on the design tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Dr. Octavius.” You grin, holding the file tight. You can feel the itch to open it now but you push that feeling away.
You slip into the hall beside Gwen as she gapes at you. “You got Dr. Octavius to want your help? Are you some kind of super genius?!”
“Duh.” You deadpan, laughing as she shoves you.
“Whatever.” She huffs, pressing the button to Dr. Connors’ floor. “So I assume your first day is going well so far?”
She snorts, nodding vehemently. “You’re so right. Mr. Martins assigned a three page paper on bird migration habits.”
“Yeah, wow. I honestly wish I ditched too. Then again, my dad would’ve totally killed me.”
“Oh yeah,” you snicker, “I can’t imagine having the Captain of the NYPD be my dad. Does he arrest you if you don’t pick up your room?”
“Haha.” She groans, “No, he just makes me do pushups.”
“That’s almost worse.” You giggle, leaning on her as she laughs too.
The elevator opens into the lab, people still bustling about.
“Gwen!” Another girl runs up, holding a vial of something that is definitely unstable. “We need your help.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be right over. Make sure nobody has any of the substance on them.” She orders before turning to you. “Dr. Connors’ office is right there. Just knock on the door and he should answer.”
She points the way before rushing over to the group of interns, all trying to contain some sort of black goo.
Following Gwen’s directions, you head towards his office, feet dragging as you walk.
You’ve been waiting for this all day but now that the moment is here, you’re not sure if you’re ready.
Before you can talk yourself out of it, you knock on the door. You barely touch the door a second time before it’s swinging open, revealing a bespectacled man with thinning hair.
He grins widely, stepping aside for you to enter. “It’s wonderful to meet you. Your father talked about you all the time.”
He reaches his left hand out, making you raise an eyebrow.
He chuckles, a fond smile gracing his face. “I lost my arm years ago.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t…”
“Nonsense,” he waves you off, “in fact, that’s part of why I wanted to meet you—other than you being Richard’s daughter of course. If you don’t mind jumping right into it?”
“No, of course not. I’m on the clock anyways.” You joke, making his grin widen.
“Yes, yes. A paid internship. You’re already taking after him. Now, what did your father tell you about his work?”
You sigh, awkwardness creeping into you at the realization that you’re going to disappoint him. “Not as much as you’d hope, I think.”
Not anything, really. But you’d studied the files from the hard drive Harry snuck you all those months ago, back when you first got bit.
All of your dad’s work was uploaded to your computer for you to peruse. And study. And update.
“He said he worked with animals and he was trying to help people.”
Dr. Connors nods fervently, scratching his chin. “And?”
“And that it was all very classified.”
You nod, making a dark look pass over his face as he sighs.
“Very well.” He hesitates, “Would you want to take a look at some of the work? I could use a set of Parker eyes.”
“Sure.” You don’t mention they you’re not biologically Richard Parker’s daughter.
The files aren’t formatted the same as you’ve organized them at home, although, you figure that helps you to appear rather clueless.
You spend hours in the lab, long after everyone else has gone home—aside from Gwen—combing through old experiments.
“What if you tried isolating the isotope in this section?”
Dr. Connors doesn’t respond as he types it into the computer, running the test.
He sighs, turning back to the test tunes in front of him. He’s been working on some kind of binding agent.
“You’re smart. Must’ve gotten that from your father.” He muses, eyes still focused on the vial in front of him. “Although, I guess he wasn’t actually…” He trails off, looking at you apologetically.
“It’s alright. Classic case of nature vs. nurture. And he was as much of a dad to me as he could be.”
“Right. You do remind me of him, even if you don’t look like him.”
He nods, turning back to his experiment as your heart warms.
You miss your dad, but maybe he’s not completely gone after all.
“Are you ready the go?” Gwen peaks her head in again. You glance towards Dr. Connor’s and he nods, still focused on his experiment.
“Yeah. I’m coming.” You tell her, moving to leave until the computer beeps.
“Combination successful.”
Dr. Connors looks up, gaze snapping between you and the screen. “Amazing.”
“No way.” Gwen gasps, entering the room fully to stare at the screen.
“Does this mean we have to stay longer?” You whisper, leaning towards her.
Dr. Connors answers with a shake of his head. “No, no, you two get home safely. I need to prepare for a meeting with Mr. Osborn in the morning. I’d like you both to be here for it.”
“We have school in the morning.” You deflect, everything suddenly feeling overwhelming.
Gwen elbows you in the side. “I’m sure we can be called out.”
“Good, good.” He mumbles to himself, moving quickly around the lab. “I need to get home too. I’ll send you both the presentation so you’re prepared for what we’ll discuss.”
Gwen nods, thanking him for the both of you as you walk toward the door numbly. She follows after, hissing at you.
“What was that?! You have a huge breakthrough your first day and you just freeze up!”
You finally look at her as the elevator doors shut, eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She starts, reaching for you. “I totally forgot.”
“My dad—he should’ve gotten to do that. He should’ve been the one to figure it out. His life’s work and he never got to…” You trail off, sobs breaking up your speech.
“Oh, honey, it’s okay. You’re alright.” Gwen rubs your back soothingly as you hiccup. “He’d be happy that it was you figuring it out, you know?”
You nod, knowing she’s right. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less.
“I’ll walk you home, okay?”
“No, I’ll be fine. Really.”
“No, you’re a mess. Give me your phone.”
She doesn’t wait for an answer as she snatches it from you, already clicking to Aunt May’s contact.
She walks a couple feet away, leaving you crying in the sidewalk outside Oscorp.
“Okay, she said I can stay the night. C’mon. I’ll call my dad on the way. Maybe we’ll even get to ride in a police cruiser.”
“Promise.” She laughs, looping her arm through yours as she pulls you up.
She was able to keep her word, seeing as you barely made it two blocks before Captain Stacy’s car pulled up beside you.
“Hi, dad.” Gwen rolls her eyes as she pushes you into the back seat. She slides in beside you as he laughs.
The drive is quiet, only the low hum of the police scanner filling the air as both Stacy’s glance at you worriedly every few minutes.
It’s not long before you’re pulling up to your house, your Aunt is already on the steps, rushing toward the car as soon as it parks.
Once you’re out, her arms are wrapping around you before you can blink. She runs a hand along your hack soothingly as you cry, her own tears wetting the shoulder of your shirt.
“Oh, honey. You’re alright. Let’s get you inside.” She turns, guiding you to the door as she thanks Mr. Stacy.
Gwen follows after, waving as her dad pulls away.
After a shower where you try to drown the sound of your tears with the water fall, you climb into bed with a heavy heart.
Gwen lays on a sleeping bag beside your bed, all your small projects having been pushed to the side to make room for her.
“You know, when I thought about our first sleepover, this really isn’t how I imagined it going.”
You snort, ducking under the blanket to hide as she laughs at you. Her laughter triggers a fit of giggles from you, a small glimmer of hope shining through your current state.
“Whatever. As if you’ve never snorted before.”
“Uh, not like that I haven’t.”
“Whatever,” she mocks you, “I was thinking there would be more cookies involved.”
“Me too!” She tugs you out of bed, pulling you towards the stairs leading to the kitchen.
You’re well aware she’s just trying to distract you, but you don’t mind.
Cookies are always a welcome distraction.
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