Earth 42

Queens, New York

Y/N L/N brushed a strand of his long, D/C hair out of his face as he concentrated on the canvas in front of him. The sun peeked through the blinds of his small bedroom, casting a warm glow over his work. His brush strokes were smooth and deliberate, a blend of blues and greens that brought his abstract piece to life.

A/N: D/C is different color. Different than Earth 61 Y/N

"Y/N! Breakfast is ready!" his mother, Jessica, called from the kitchen.

"Coming, Mom!" Y/N replied, placing his brush down and wiping his hands on a rag. He took one last look at his painting before heading to the kitchen.

Jessica L/N was a kind woman with warm eyes and a gentle smile, always exuding a calm presence despite the hardships they faced. She worked tirelessly at FEAST, a shelter and community center that provided for those in need. This morning, she had prepared a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast.

"Morning, sweetheart," Jessica said, placing a plate in front of him. "Any plans for today?"

"Yeah, I'm meeting Gwen later," Y/N said, taking a bite of his toast. "We're gonna walk to school."

You should try to finish your breakfast, sweetheart," Jessica said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were tired but kind, a warmth in them that always made Y/N feel grounded.

"Yeah, I will, Mom," Y/N replied, not looking up from his drawing. "Just trying to get this right before I meet Gwen."

Jessica smiled, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You and your art. I'm glad you have something you're passionate about. Just don't let it make you late for school. Don't want to be late on your first day."

"Don't worry," Y/N said, finally glancing up and grinning at her. "Gwen won't let me be late."

"Good. She's a good influence on you," Jessica said, grabbing her bag. "You two be safe out there, okay? The city's not getting any safer."

"I know, Mom. We will," Y/N assured her, his smile fading slightly at the reminder of the crime-ridden streets outside.

Jessica gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before heading out. "I love you, Y/N."

"Love you too, Mom," he called after her, watching her disappear through the door.

As he headed out the door, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the hallway mirror. With his long dark hair and blazer, he looked more like a preppy teenager than a high school student.

Outside, he met up with Gwen, his girlfriend, who was waiting for him on the sidewalk.

"Hey, babes," Gwen greeted him with a bright smile, falling into step beside him.

"Hey," Y/N grinned back, feeling a surge of warmth at the sight of her. Together, they began their familiar walk to school, chatting about their plans for the day.

As they strolled along the bustling streets of Queens, Y/N couldn't help but grumble about their upcoming visit to Brooklyn Visions, a prestigious boarding school across the river.

"I still can't believe Dad wants me to go there," Y/N muttered, kicking a pebble along the sidewalk.

Gwen frowned sympathetically, knowing how much Y/N disliked the idea. "It won't be so bad," she offered optimistically. "You get to see me everyday."

Y/N shot her a skeptical look but didn't argue further. "You bring up a good point."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of sirens in the distance. Y/N glanced around, his senses on high alert. Queens was notorious for its crime, and they had learned to be cautious.

Sure enough, a group of masked robbers emerged from a nearby alley, brandishing weapons.

"Stay behind me, Gwen," Y/N whispered, his heart pounding in his chest as he instinctively moved to shield her from danger.

The robbers sneered menacingly as they closed in on Y/N and Gwen, their eyes glinting with malice. "Well, well, what do we have here?" one of them jeered, his voice dripping with contempt. "A couple of lovebirds out for a stroll?"

Gwen tensed beside Y/N, her grip tightening on his arm as she edged closer to him. "Leave us alone," she spat defiantly, her voice trembling slightly with fear.

But the robbers only laughed, their laughter echoing off the walls of the narrow alley. "Oh, we don't intend to leave you alone, sweetheart," another one sneered, taking a menacing step forward.

Y/N's blood boiled with rage as he stepped protectively in front of Gwen, his fists clenched at his sides. "Back off," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

But the robbers were undeterred, closing in on them with malicious intent. Y/N knew he had to act fast, before things escalated any further.

With a fierce battle cry, Y/N launched himself at the nearest robber, his fists flying as he unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. But the robbers were skilled fighters, and they quickly gained the upper hand, overwhelming Y/N with their sheer numbers.

But then, a sudden blur of movement caught Y/N's eye. Before he could react, a figure clad in a sleek purple suit leaped into the fray, his clawed gauntlets flashing in the dim light of the alley.

"Miles!" Y/N exclaimed in relief, recognizing his best friend in an instant. Miles, also known as the Prowler, fought with unparalleled skill and agility, effortlessly dispatching the robbers with swift and precise strikes.

As the last of the robbers crumpled to the ground, defeated, Miles turned to Y/N and Gwen with a grin. "Hey, guys," he greeted them casually, as if they hadn't just narrowly escaped a dangerous encounter.

Gwen let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding through her as she stepped forward to Miles. "Thanks for saving us, Miles," she murmured gratefully.

His expression was serious. "No problem," he replied, his gaze flicking between Y/N and Gwen. "Just glad I got here in time."

Y/N nodded in agreement, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline of the encounter. "Yeah, thanks, man," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Miles flashed them a grin before swinging off into the night on his grappling hook. "See you guys at school," he called back over his shoulder, disappearing into the city streets.

🕷️

Jacob typed out a quick text message to his son, Y/N, his thumbs tapping away on the screen of his phone. "Hey kiddo, just wanted to remind you that today is the first day of the rest of your life. You've got this. Love you, Dad."

As he hit send, a small pang of guilt tugged at Jacob's heart. He knew he had pressured Y/N into transferring to Brooklyn Visions, the prestigious boarding school where he had once studied himself. But Jacob was convinced it was the right decision, the best chance for Y/N to excel and reach his full potential.

Pushing aside his doubts, Jacob turned his attention to the bustling chaos of the Oscorp laboratory, where his boss Norman Osborn was already barking orders at the team.

"Jacob, where are those test results I asked for?" Norman's voice cut through the din, his tone impatient and demanding.

Jacob sighed inwardly, steeling himself for another long day of appeasing his demanding boss. "Right away, Mr. Osborn," he replied, forcing a polite smile as he hurried off to retrieve the requested data.

🕷️

As Y/N navigated through the halls of during orientation day, he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at him. The school was prestigious, no doubt about it, but it felt like a world away from his old neighborhood in Queens.

Gwen walked beside him, her hand slipping into his, a reassuring squeeze that offered some solace amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. "You okay?" she whispered, her voice soft with concern.

Y/N forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just nervous, I guess," he admitted, his gaze flickering around the bustling hallways filled with students clad in crisp uniforms.

Gwen leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "You'll be fine, Y/N. You always are," she reassured him, her words like a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

Despite her words of encouragement, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach. The thought of leaving behind the familiarity of Queens and venturing into this new, unfamiliar world filled him with a sense of dread.

Gwen leaned in to kiss him goodbye before heading off to her own classes, her smile bright but tinged with a hint of concern. Y/N returned the gesture, but his heart wasn't fully in it. He couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't belong here, that he was being forced into a mold that didn't fit.

The assembly began, and Y/N fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat as the principal droned on about the school's illustrious history and impressive achievements. The uniform felt scratchy against his skin, and he resisted the urge to tug at the collar.

Just as the principal launched into a particularly long-winded speech about academic excellence, the power suddenly went out, plunging the assembly hall into darkness. Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd, and Y/N felt a chill creep up his spine.

"It's probably just a power outage," someone whispered nearby, but Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was at play.

After a few tense moments, the emergency lights flickered to life, casting an eerie glow over the assembly. The principal cleared his throat, his voice strained as he attempted to regain control of the situation.

"Ahem, it seems we've experienced a minor technical difficulty," he said, his tone forced and unconvincing. "Nothing to worry about, folks. Let's continue with the program, shall we?"

Bullshit, man," Miles muttered under his breath as he caught Y/N's gaze.

Y/N raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What are you doing here?" he whispered back.

Miles flashed him a mischievous grin. "You think I'd miss the chance to watch you suffer during the new student orientation?"

Y/N chuckled despite himself. "Screw you, man."

But their lighthearted banter was interrupted by Miles' next words. "Besides, I might have to duck out early again."

Y/N's smile faltered. "Cartel?"

Miles nodded grimly. "Toomes has some guys cutting the power in Brooklyn. I'm gonna look into it."

Y/N's stomach twisted with worry. "I'm not sure I can cover for you anymore in this fancy new school."

Miles shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll figure it out. Always do."

🕷️

Seven years of working under the domineering shadow of Norman Osborn had taught Jacob many things about the nature of corporate power and scientific ambition.

His work had straddled the line between groundbreaking and unethical more times than he cared to admit, but the paycheck—often bolstered by under-the-table bonuses for particularly shady projects—kept him compliant. It was for his family, he reminded himself.

For Jessica and Y/N.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the glass door of his office. The door swung open, and in walked Norman Osborn, a figure of authority and intimidation in his tailored suit. Beside him was a man in a wheelchair, exuding an aura of cold efficiency.

"Jacob," Norman began, his voice smooth and commanding. "I'd like you to meet Macdonald Gargan. He is one of our... special contractors."

Jacob stood up, extending a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gargan."

Gargan's handshake was firm, his gaze piercing. "Likewise."

Norman gestured for everyone to sit. "Jacob, Mr. Gargan here has been in the private investigation business for years. Unfortunately, an incident left him... indisposed." Norman's eyes flickered towards the wheelchair. "We're considering options to, let's say, improve his situation."

Jacob glanced at Gargan, who remained silent, his eyes locked onto Jacob's with a steely resolve. "What kind of options are we discussing?"

Norman leaned forward, a predatory smile on his face. "I'm thinking of something more than just a simple crutch. We're talking about making him stronger, faster—turning a weakness into a strength. I believe you have the expertise to handle this, Jacob."

Jacob leaned forward, his eyes widening as he took in the detailed designs. The blueprints depicted a suit of armor, sleek and powerful, with a distinctly scorpion-like appearance.

"This," Norman continued, "is a prototype for a new kind of combat suit. A suit that can not only provide protection but also enhance the physical capabilities of its wearer. Mac here will be our test subject.

Jacob's mind raced. "You mean military-grade suits? Armor?"

Norman nodded. "Precisely. But something... innovative. Discreet."

"I... I understand, Norman," Jacob replied, his voice tinged with resignation. "I'll start working on the suit immediately."

Norman's grin widened. "I knew I could count on you. You've always delivered, Jacob. By the way, I heard your son just started at Brooklyn Visions. Quite the prestigious school."

Jacob forced a smile. "Yes, he did. It's a big change for him."

"Good for him," Norman said, a hint of condescension in his tone. "I wish my Harry had more of that kind of initiative. But you know how it is with kids these days."

Jacob said nothing, knowing better than to engage in a discussion about Norman's parenting. Instead, he nodded and returned to his desk as Norman and Gargan left the room.

Sitting back down, Jacob pulled out a folder labeled "Gargan Project" and began reading details for the enhancements. His mind, however, kept drifting to the far corner of his lab, where a small, secure container held his most secret project.

Project S.

The black, gooey substance within had fascinated him since it had been retrieved from a meteor crash years ago. The symbiote, as he had come to call it, was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was alive, sentient in some strange, primal way. Jacob had kept it hidden from everyone, even from Norman, sensing its potential—and its danger.

🕷️

Y/N slouched in his chair, tugging at the stiff collar of his new uniform. Brooklyn Visions Academy was supposed to be prestigious, but to him, it just felt suffocating. The classes were easy enough; he could breeze through the material with his eyes closed. But the teachers were uptight, the rules were rigid, and he hated how everything was so meticulously controlled.

When the final bell rang, he practically bolted out of his last class. He made his way to the courtyard, spotting Gwen and Miles waiting for him. Gwen's face lit up when she saw him, and she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Hey, babes," she said, smiling up at him.

"Hi, baby," Y/N replied, leaning down to kiss her. Her presence always had a calming effect on him, even on days like this.

"How was it?" Miles asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Terrible," Y/N groaned. "The teachers are so uptight, and this uniform is driving me crazy."

Gwen chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You'll get used to it. And hey, maybe we can make it a bit more bearable."

Y/N sighed, glancing around at the sea of students. "I just want to get out of here."

Gwen squeezed his hand. "Band practice today. But can I come by your apartment later?"

"Of course," Y/N said, smiling despite his frustration. "I'll be waiting."

Gwen gave him one last kiss before heading off to practice. Y/N watched her go, then turned to Miles. "Ready to head out?"

Yeah, let's go," Miles replied. As they walked towards Miles' place, he glanced at Y/N with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Dude, I almost got a detention covering for you."

Y/N laughed, shaking his head. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

They reached Miles' apartment and slipped inside, immediately heading to his room. Miles closed the door behind them and turned to Y/N, his expression serious. "I saw something last night when I slipped out."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Toomes." Miles said quietly. "I think I saw someone dealing with some high-tech gear. Looked like it could be dangerous."

Y/N's eyes widened. "Are you serious? What were you even doing out there?"

Miles shrugged. "I was curious, and you know I can't just sit still. But this... it seemed different. More organized."

Y/N frowned, thinking back to the experiments his father conducted. The illegal projects. The secrets he knew were kept from the authorities. "We should be careful, Miles. This could be bigger than we think."

Miles nodded. "I figured as much. That's why I wanted to tell you. We need to keep an eye out. And stay out of trouble."

Y/N chuckled, though his mind was racing. "Trouble seems to find us no matter what we do."

"True," Miles agreed. "But we've got each other's backs, right?"

"For sure man," Y/N said, fist bumping Miles as they greeted his Mom, Rio, who was making dinner.

🕷️

Y/N and Miles were deep in conversation when Aaron Davis entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. Aaron had always been a mix of intimidating and comforting, like a second father to both boys. After Jeff's death, he had stepped up, guiding Miles in ways no one else could.

"Hey, Aaron," Y/N greeted him with a nod, though a hint of frustration lingered in his voice.

"Hey, kid," Aaron responded, his eyes flicking to Miles. "We need to talk."

Miles straightened up, understanding the seriousness of his uncle's tone. "What's up, Uncle Aaron?"

Aaron glanced at the door to make sure it was closed before he spoke. "Security switch is out at 6, we gotta roll. You ready?"

Miles nodded, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Yeah, I've got everything prepped. Just need to grab my bag."

Y/N leaned against the wall, trying to mask his frustration. "You guys going somewhere?"

Aaron gave a slight smile. "Just a little business. Need to make sure everything runs smoothly."

Y/N nodded, understanding the code. "Got it. Anything I can do to help?"

Aaron looked at him thoughtfully. "Actually, yeah. I need you to keep an eye on things while we're out. Make sure nobody comes looking for Miles."

"No problem," Y/N said, though his mind was still on his father. "I can handle that."

Miles grabbed his bag from under the bed, checking its contents quickly. "We won't be long, Y/N. Just need to take care of a few things."

"Take your time," Y/N replied, his frustration boiling over. "I'll cover for you if anyone asks. Not like I have much else to do, considering my dad's always too busy."

Aaron placed a hand on Y/N's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "I get it, kid. I know it's tough. But you're lucky to have a dad in your life at all. Miles doesn't have that anymore."

Y/N's expression softened, guilt mixing with his frustration. "Yeah, I know. It's just... he's never around. Always working on something secret. Feels like he's more of a ghost than a dad."

Aaron nodded, his eyes understanding. "I hear you. But try to appreciate what you have, even if it's not perfect. Trust me, losing a dad leaves a big hole."

Miles looked at Y/N, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "He's right. It's hard, man. But you're strong. We both are."

Y/N sighed, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, guys. I'll try to remember that."

Miles and Aaron shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them. Then Miles turned to Y/N. "We'll be back before you know it. And, hey, thanks for always having my back."

"Always, man," Y/N said with a grin. "Just don't get into too much trouble."

Aaron chuckled. "We'll do our best. Stay sharp, Y/N."

With that, Aaron and Miles slipped out, leaving Y/N alone in the apartment. He settled into a chair, eyes scanning the room for anything that might need his attention. He knew Aaron and Miles were capable, but there was always an edge of worry when they went out. Still, he trusted them, and he knew they trusted him.

🕷️

Miles and Aaron navigated the shadowy underbelly of the city with practiced ease. The job tonight was a simple exchange—retrieve a package and deliver it to an anonymous client. Miles moved with the fluidity and precision of someone who had done this before, his actions smooth and deliberate.

As they completed the transaction and collected their payment, Miles felt a pang of discomfort. These jobs always left him feeling conflicted. But the money helped support his mom, and it kept him close to Aaron, the only family he had left.

Back at his apartment building, Miles slipped away to the rooftop. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the distant sounds of the city below. He made his way to a graffiti-filled mural that adorned the wall at the top of the building.

Captain Jeff Morales

Husband

Hero

Father

REST IN POWER

A picture of his father, Jeff Morales, was painted in the middle, looking proud and strong. Miles stared at the mural, memories flooding back.

One Year Ago

Miles had burst into his room, his face a mask of pain and anger. "He's dead, and they did nothing!" he shouted, tears streaming down his face.

Aaron, standing by the window, turned to him, his own grief raw and palpable. He had always had a strained relationship with his brother Jeff, especially after Jeff became a cop and married Rio. But none of that mattered now.

Aaron moved to Miles, wrapping him in a firm embrace. "It's okay, it's okay," he murmured, trying to offer some semblance of comfort.

"How is it okay? They did nothing to help him, nothing!" Miles sobbed, his body shaking with the intensity of his emotions.

Aaron's own heart ached, but he focused on being there for his nephew. "I know, kid. I know. But we have to keep going. We have to keep fighting."

Aaron led Miles out of the room, the weight of their shared loss pressing down on both of them.

Present Day

On the rooftop, Miles stood alone, staring at the mural as if it held the answers to all his questions. But there were no answers, only memories of a father taken too soon.

Y/N found him there, his friend's pain palpable in the air. He approached quietly, not wanting to startle Miles.

"Miles," he said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Miles turned to him, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with a cold, bitter anger. "Hey, Y/N."

"You okay?" Y/N asked, though he already knew the answer.

Miles shook his head, his voice dripping with bitterness. "I miss him, Y/N. But what good does it do? He's gone, and they never cared enough to do anything about it."

Y/N pulled him into a hug, offering what little comfort he could. "I know, man. I know."

They stood there in silence for a while, the sounds of the city fading into the background. But eventually, Y/N knew he had to go.

"I should probably head out," he said reluctantly. "Gwen's waiting for me."

Miles nodded, his bitterness easing just a fraction. "Yeah. Thanks, Y/N."

As Y/N descended the stairs, leaving Miles alone with his bitterness, he couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that lingered in the air.

He didn't blame him, he'd probably react the same way if he lost one of his parents.

🕷️

The room was dimly lit as Y/N and Gwen cuddled up on his bed, enjoying a lazy afternoon of watching movies. What started as innocent cuddling quickly escalated into passionate kisses, their hands roaming freely as they lost themselves in each other.

Their make-out session was interrupted by the sound of the bedroom door creaking open, and they quickly pulled apart to see Jessica standing in the doorway, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Jessica teased, her tone lighthearted as she observed the flushed faces of the young couple.

Y/N groaned in embarrassment, burying his face in his hands as Gwen chuckled beside him.

Jessica chuckled and waved off his protests. "Relax, Y/N, I was young once too, you know."

"I do not want to think about that." Y/N sighed.

"Hi, Mrs. L/N," Gwen greeted, trying to suppress her laughter.

Jessica grinned, stepping into the room. "Hello, Gwen. Sorry to interrupt your... movie session."

Gwen blushed slightly, but nodded. "It's okay. Um, is dinner ready?"

Jessica nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, it is. And Gwen, would you like to stay for dinner?"

Gwen's eyes lit up with excitement as she turned to Y/N, who looked at his mom with a mix of annoyance and resignation. "Can she?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

Jessica nodded. "Of course she can. Your father won't be joining us tonight, though. He's got a late night at the office."

Y/N's expression darkened slightly at the mention of his father's absence. "Figures," he muttered under his breath.

Jessica caught his tone and gave him a sympathetic look. "I know you miss him, sweetheart. But he's working hard to provide for us."

Y/N sighed, knowing his mom was right but still feeling frustrated. Gwen glanced at him sympathetically, knowing the strained relationship between Y/N and his father all too well.

She knew Jacob wasn't exactly thrilled about their relationship either, he never thought she was good enough for him.

As if sensing Gwen's unease, Jessica reassured her with a warm smile. "Don't worry, Gwen. Jacob may seem stern, but he's just protective of his son. He'll come around."

Gwen smiled gratefully at Jessica's reassurance, grabbing her boyfriends hand and following him downstairs.

🕷️

Jacob sat alone in his dimly lit office at Oscorp, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him. The plans for Gargan's "exoskeleton" lay spread out before him, detailing every intricate detail of the suit that Norman Osborn had dubbed the "Scorpion Project." With its armored padding and menacing tail, the suit resembled its namesake in more ways than one.

Running a hand through his hair, Jacob couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt as he glanced at the blueprints. He knew that these experiments were unethical, bordering on downright dangerous, but he had been desperate to provide for his family. Oscorp paid well, but it wasn't enough to cover the mounting medical bills and expenses.

With a heavy sigh, Jacob pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. He pinged the plans over to Gargan, knowing that the private investigator would be pleased with the progress.

But as he prepared to leave the office for the night, Jacob's gaze fell upon the container concealed in the corner of the room. Inside lay the mysterious symbiote that he had been studying for years.

Carefully, Jacob approached the container, his heart pounding in his chest. He had learned a great deal about the symbiote ever since he found it outside the city years ago, but there were still so many unanswered questions.

"What the hell are you?" Jacob muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the swirling mass of black goo inside the container.

Suddenly, the symbiote seemed to react to his presence, latching onto the side of the container and pulsating with an otherworldly energy. Jacob's heart skipped a beat as he watched it writhe and squirm, as if it were trying to break free.

Instinctively, Jacob flinched back, his hand hovering over the container's lid. He knew that Norman would stop at nothing to get his hands on the symbiote, to weaponize it for his own nefarious purposes.

Jacob sealed the container shut once more, locking away the dangerous substance. For now, nobody could touch it, not until he could unravel its mysteries and understand its true nature.

🕷️

Jessica was waiting for him in the living room, a small frown creasing her forehead as she regarded her husband. "Would it kill you to put work aside for one evening, Jacob?" she chided gently.

Jacob ran a hand through his hair, feeling a pang of guilt at her words. "I'm sorry, Jess," he murmured apologetically. "Things at the office just got... hectic."

Jessica softened at his tone, knowing all too well the pressures of Jacob's job at Oscorp. "It's okay," she said, reaching out to squeeze his hand reassuringly. "But Y/N was disappointed you couldn't make it home in time for dinner."

A pang of guilt shot through Jacob's chest at the mention of his son. "I'll make it up to him," he promised, his voice tinged with regret.

Jessica nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Gwen stayed for dinner," she mentioned casually, watching Jacob's reaction closely.

Jacob's brows furrowed at the mention of Y/N's girlfriend. "I still don't understand what he sees in her," he muttered, his disapproval evident in his tone.

Jessica sighed softly, shaking her head. "You don't give her enough credit, Jacob," she said gently. "She's a good girl, and she cares about our son."

Jacob hesitated, realizing that perhaps he had been too quick to judge Gwen. "I suppose..." he trailed off, unable to find the right words to express his thoughts.

Jessica reached out to him, her eyes softening with understanding. "If you had a better relationship with Y/N, maybe you could get to know Gwen," she suggested gently.

Jacob nodded slowly, a pang of regret stirring in his chest. "You're right," he admitted quietly. "I'll try to do better."

As they headed to their respective rooms for the night, Jessica paused in the doorway of Y/N's room, her gaze lingering on her sleeping son. "He's growing up so fast," she murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia.

Jacob watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "He's a good kid," he agreed softly.

In Y/N's room, Jessica leaned down to kiss her son's forehead, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Sleep tight, sweetheart," she whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"We love you more than anything in this world."