WEB-SLINGER

“–– my weakness, it’s small knives!”

“You don’t know Wanda? Geesh. My sister is incredibly popular, but not always for good reasons. I’m impressed. That’s a great way to show everyone you’re from a different reality.”

Jesus, she’s going soft. Jess bites back a groan and tips her head back. “Give me more details. You have thirty seconds.”

Stephen took a moment to take in the red and blue spandex suit, and he only raised a brow when the realization finally hit him. “You’re a variant, aren’t you?” Maybe he didn’t remember the complete story, but Peter had filled him in on the basics. Enough to know that other Peters were involved.

“An impasse indeed. Look — maybe we can go back a few steps and try again. I’m Kate.”

“Jane.” The name is coupled with a smile as she hurries to catch up. Jane’s always been active, but she’s been out of shape recently for obvious reasons. “You realize New York is pretty big, right? Looking for a single person without any way to track them may be a long shot.” 

“I never knew about you guys, but once one was pointed out, I started seeing them everywhere. There shouldn’t be two living here, but I’m pretty sure there’s like three. Idk what it is with you guys.”

As soon as Peter turned to look at who was talking to him, he felt a tingle raise the hair on the back of his neck. He smiled and then let out a lighthearted scoff. “All of you are so young. Don’t worry, I won’t be offended if I don’t get invited to the Peter Parker Hangout. Not that I’m old but— yeah, never mind.”

“I’m a weirdo, unfortunately. I deal with weird shit every day. Eventually, it stops feeling so weird.”

“Mm. Yeah— that was a shock.” Tony’s tone dropped, but he wasn’t quite sure what to say. Though he respected Peter, they hadn’t ever quite seen eye to eye. It’s why the relationship between his deceased variant and the younger spider-kid surprised him so much. “There’s been a lot of that going around lately. It’s not easy being the ones left behind.”

“Who, me?” Miles questioned, even though it was very obvious that yes, this man was asking if he was okay. This Peter. That spiral of thoughts only made the tears harder to hold back as he swallowed and nodded. “I’m, yeah– Well, no I’m not doing great. This is a little weird for me. I’m sure you know why.”

“You’re not from around here either?” It’s nice to meet someone in a similar position, even if he’s still virtually a stranger. “Clarice.” She nods once. “How long since you got dumped in this place?”

Just because she’s used to seeing to seeing Peter’s out in the wild doesn’t mean that he’s used to seeing a Gwen. As a rule of thumb, she has to tread carefully around Peter’s the first time they meet. “The sheer number of you is wild, man. I meet more Peter’s than anyone else.” Walking down the side of the building, Gwen offers a hand. “Gwen Stacy. But, I feel like you already know that.”

“Wait, you’re looking for Peter?” Tandy knows Peter pretty well. Knew Peter pretty well. She’s not sure what the cover story is for where he’s gone, but his loss is acutely felt. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to find him.”

“I have excellent eyes. And a lot of super secret skills I can’t get into. But you’ve got me there! I am, in fact, in between plots and very bored. I gotta stay relevant somehow, right? What’s more relevant than gallivanting around with a Peter Parker?” 

“You look a lot like someone I used to know.” Tears pricked her eyes. “Nineteen.” She had been meeting with the younger Peter to talk him through her Peter’s death. It felt right to let him know personally that his variant had been severed from the web and died. “I know a lot of Peter Parkers.” 

“Felicia.” She confirms. “He’ll know who you’re talking about.” She’s memorable if nothing else. “Peter. Pete. Those are some similar names you’ve got there.”