Chapter 7: Where She Doesn't Know What Hit Her

"For a hero is someone who is selfless. Think about it, friends. Superman, Luke Skywalker, and Captain America. They are helping others. They aren't only thinking fro themselves. They are reaching out beyond themselves."
- Mark Andrew Poe

The next morning Ember overslept, since her argument with Spider-Man last night, it was clear that there was no need for her to meet him for training. Either way he hadn't show up for the past two months, so what where the odds of him showing up today? Ember had hit the snooze button about four times now, she wanted to delay talking to her father for as long as possible, yet this was proven impossible when she heard his voice from the other side of the door.

"Ember, come on breakfast is almost ready" Carter announced while knocking on the white door before making his way back to the kitchen.

With an annoyed groan Ember rolled herself out of her comfy bed and made her way to the bathroom, getting ready for her dreadful day. After a quick shower she got dressed on warm clothes, it was a cold morning and for some reason she always felt cold as Ember, while her alter ego remained unbothered by low temperatures. After realizing she couldn't stall any longer she grabbed her backpack and went to the other room with a growling stomach.

She was met by the sight of her father dancing around the kitchen with a pink flowered apron, that belonged to Angela and using the whipped cream as his microphone while singing to Bruno Mars. It was a fun but not entirely rare sight, this was normal for the most part at the Snow household, except that there was usually a giggling Angela dancing around too. What made this odd for Ember was that she was expecting a scolding from her father not smiley pancakes and Carter's off key singing.

"There you are, princess!" Carter greeted cheerfully, once he noticed his daughter standing by the corner, looking very confused "Well, come on then, dig in" he continued, taking a seat and inviting the girl to do so.

"Where's Angie?" Ember asked cautiously, grabbing some bacon.

"She left early to the market" answered the man, still devouring his breakfast.

Ember was very confused now, he was acting like nothing happened yesterday and while she was perfectly fine with that, it was a bit out of character "Are we going to talk about it or..." she mumbled, avoiding her father's eye.

Carter sighed, finally putting his fork down and looking at his daughter seriously, "Look Ember, it's not that I don't think you can handle it, cause I know you can. You are strong and smart and kind, you are just like your grandmother," Carter stopped for a second trying to recollect himself at the thought of his mother "you are a hero. But before all that you're my baby girl and I can't lose you" he paused, his daughter finally meeting his eyes for the first time. She noticed the dark bags under his eyes and the worries that he attempted to cover with a smile "I know there's nothing I can do to stop you from being a hero, and I don't ever want you to think I would change anything about you. You're caring and you always put others before yourself and I love that. But I need you to promise you'll be careful. I don't want you to get hurt, Em. I don't want to lose my princess too."

By now both, father and daughter, had tears threatening to spill from the corner of their eyes. Ember hadn't seen her father so fragile since they lost her mother, not even when Anastasia passed away , and it hurt her. It pained her to know it was because of her, it was because he cared for her so much.

Ember stood up and ran to hug her father like a little girl, because that's what she would always be. His little girl. "I promise, daddy. I'm sorry"

They stood there hugging for a while, only braking apart by the sound of the doorbell. Carter looked down to his daughter and wiped away her tears offering his always bright smile "That's probably Michelle. You should get going or you'll be late"

Ember nodded, kissing her father goodbye, muttering a quick 'i love you' before running downstairs to greet her friend.

Michelle was sat by the stairwell, reading her book as usual, while she waited for her blonde friend to appear. Usually, Ember would meet her at school but after she texted her about what happened with Spider-Man they agreed to walk together like the old times.

Her reading was cut short by a phone ringing from the nearby alley. Being her curious self, Michelle went to see who was there, only to find a certain hero sitting by the dumpster. He was looking around anxiously, waiting for something or someone to appear. Even with his mask on you could assume he had been waiting for a while by the way he sat. He was sitting with his back resting on the wall and his legs laying lazily on the ground, looking intensely at his phone, failing to notice the tall brunette watching him closely . Michelle knew he was waiting in vain, the girl he was waiting for wasn't about to show up anytime soon. Perhaps she could've told him something to let him know no one was coming, but Ember waited for him two months, it was only fair for him to wait in the cold morning.

"What are you doing?" asked a familiar voice behind her, startling her.

"Just waiting for you" Michelle answered nonchalantly, turning to look at her friend "We should get going"

As the two left, Michelle stole one last look at the alley, only to find it empty with no signs of Spider-Man.

❅

It had been a pretty average school day, same as any other day, except for lunch time. For the first time in their whole high school lives, Ember and Michelle didn't share a table with Peter and Ned. The blonde girl was avoiding Peter, hoping no one had noticed but he definitely did.

Now, during gym class she sat as far as she could from Peter, ignoring the quick glances he kept sending her. Ember even sat away from Michelle, leaving the girl alone to read behind the two guys. Peter had an idea of why she was ignoring him, he felt terrible. Lately he seemed more useless than usual at pleasing the only girls who actually spoke to him. In just twenty four hours, he offended Ember, let down Liz and the decathlon team, argued with Ice Sorceress and he was keeping huge secrets from Aunt May. So far he had been unable to apologize to either of them. Ice Sorceress hadn't show up to their usual meetings and he waited for hours in the freezing cold, he seemed to have the same success with Ember. He had tried talking to her a couple times, but every time he looked her way she ran the other way.

Even though Peter had an idea of why Ember was avoiding him, the blonde herself was still unsure of the reasoning behind her actions. Yes, lately she felt awkward around Peter and yes the way he thought of her mattered more than it should, but it was Michelle's words what kept bothering her the most. If her friend was right and Peter turned out to be Spider-Man then perhaps she didn't know Peter Parker at all.

"I'm surprised you're over here, " Ember heard a male voice next to her "usually you're sitting right next to Michelle. So, whats wrong are you two fighting? That would be a first."

"Me and Michelle are fine. Even if we weren't it would be none of your business, Flash" Ember answered, trying to ignore the guy next to her. Unlike most people she didn't have a problem with Flash Thompson, he had never done anything to her, but that didn't mean they were friends, just somewhat civilized towards each other.

"No need to bring out the claws Ember, I was just curious" Flash shrugged off, he was going to let it be until he noticed Peter's longing stare at the petite blonde and the way she tried to look anywhere but the guy's eyes. "Ah, so it's Parker the one you're avoiding. Interesting. Care to share why, Em?"

Ember sighed im frustration, all she wanted was to get through school without thinking about Peter Parker, why were people making it an impossible task? "First of all don't call me that. Second, why are you even speaking to me? And last but not least, would you shut up, class is starting"

"And here I was thinking, we were friends Em" Flash chuckled, taunting the girl with the nickname. However, he was unable to continue, once Coach Wilson started playing the video of Captain America.

After the video ended, Coach divided the group into pairs to complete the fitness challenge. Weirdly enough, Ember actually enjoyed the challenge, it was somewhat familiar to the days where Steve and Anastasia would help her train, it was sorta fun. But being paired up with Flash? Yeah not that fun. She was trying her best at remaining unbothered by him, only talking when needed. It was good at first, until he started with the insufferable questions about Peter, that's when she knew she should've stayed with Michelle.

" You sure you want me to go first?" Ember asked as they stood at the climbing rope station.

"Go ahead" Making a motion with his hands, inviting her to go on. He watched her climb all the way up, smirking to himself. Only speaking again when she made her way down, making her stop just above his head "Want to go again? It was a great view Em" he said the last part a little too loudly, earning a few chuckles from their classmates and a 'fuck off' from the blonde accompanied by a lovely middle finger.

From the other side of the room, Peter didn't like the comment at all. He tuned out Ned's questions about the Avengers and glared at Flash. Even if Ember appeared unfazed by the situation, Peter was seriously thinking about going over there to teach Flash a lesson. Noticing his glare and the way Peter seemed to be clenching his fists, Flash smirked and raised his head a little bit as a way of saying 'what are you going to do about it'.

"Parker, why are you stopping!?" Coach shouted, breaking the guys staring competition.

"So, Ember do you have a date for Homecoming?" Flash asked the blonde, still grinning from his accomplishment at annoying Peter . "Cause you know, I was thinking I could pick you with my car go for dinner and then..."

Ember's eyes widened once she caught onto what he meant "I already have plans for Homecoming" she cut off, ready to run away from him.

"Really? Didn't think Parker would have the balls to ask" he said rolling his eyes, a bit embarrassed about her rejection but trying not to show it. It wasn't like he liked Ember in a romantic way or anything, but he knew Peter Parker had a certainty interest on her and he loved seeing Parker annoyed.

Ember rolled her eyes at his words, feeling a bit saddened by the thought of Peter asking her to homecoming, he only had eyes for Liz and if there was anyone else it definitely wasn't her. "It's not Peter. And how about you start climbing, I am so done with this day."

By some miracle Flash actually listened to her an he started climbing the rope. She sat on the bleachers, drinking her water, thankful for the silence. "Ember would you like to join us?" She turned to the source of the voice, noticing the group of friends sitting in front of her. Betty Brant, Jason Ionelleo and Seymour O'Reilly , and of course Liz, the one who asked the question and was smiling towards her.

Ember was about to decline her offer, but in the end she just nodded, not wanting to be rude and sat next to them, smiling a little attempting to seem friendly "So, uh, what's up?"

"We were about to play FMK with the Avengers" Betty answered, obviously not entirely thrilled with the sophomore's presence "For me it would be F Thor, marry Iron Man and kill Hulk. What about you, Ember? "

Ember started shifting awkwardly in her sit, nervous at the expectant looks, unsure of what to say. Thankfully, Seymour jumped to her rescue, questioning Betty "What about the Spider-Man?"

"It's just Spider-Man" Ember corrected him, making three of them turn to look at her weirdly.

"Did you guys see the security footage on YouTube? He fought off four guys" Liz intervened, excitement clear on her voice at the thought of Ember's ex-acquaintance.

"Oh god, they're crushing on Spider-Man" Betty said, sighing in disbelief.

They were once again looking at Ember expectantly. Betty said they as in Liz and herself. Ember's eyes to widen at the realization of what they were thinking "I'm not-"

"Kind of" Liz cut off, cheeks red from embarrassment.

"Ugh, gross. He's probably like thirty" Betty scolded them, ignoring the way Ember was shaking her head trying to deny her feelings for Spider-Man.

"You two don't even know what he looks like.What if he's like, seriously burned?"

"We wouldn't care. We would still love him for the person he's on the inside" Liz answered for both of them, ignoring the fact that Ember was still trying to correct them.

"Actually I-" Ember tried only to be cut off once again by a new voice.

"Peter knows Spider-Man" Ned announced, making everyone stop what they were doing to look at Peter.

"No, I don't. I-I mean" Peter stuttered, quickly standing up walking towards them trying to come up with an explanation for Ned's outburst.

"They're friends" Ned continued, while Peter continued shaking his head in the background.

"Yeah, like Coach Wilson and Captain America are friends" Flash intervened, walking closer to them.

"I-I've met him. Yeah, couple times. But, uh, it's, uh, through the Stark internship. Mhm, yeah" Peter argued, before turning to look at his best friend angrily "I'm not really supposed to talk about it"

"Well that's awesome. You know what maybe you should invite him Liz party" Flash continued, gesturing at the girl sitting next to Ember.

"Yeah, uh, I'm having some people over tonight. You're more than welcome to come" Liz said, awkwardly. Almost everyone knew about her party, but Peter didn't, she hadn't invited him due to her annoyance with his decision of not going to Washington.

"You're having a party" Peter said, staring at the senior in awe. Just the mere sight of his heart eyes made Ember want to throw up.

"Yeah, it's gonna be dope. You should totally invite your personal friend Spider-Man." said Flash, Ember silently thanking him for snapping Peter out of his little trance.

Before, Peter could come up with something to say, Liz started talking once again, disappointment clear on her voice "It's okay. I know Peter is way to busy for parties anyways"

"Oh come on he'll be there, right Parker?" Flash questioned, almost daring Peter to say no. "I mean even Ember's going and she doesn't do parties" Peter turned to look at the blonde, who was frowning at the ground, apparently she missed the memo that confirmed her assistance to the party. Still, she kept her mouth shut, no one cared if she went to the party or not, it was just Flash's lame attempts at convincing Peter.

Just then, Peter got saved by the bell, the class started gathering they're stuff and walking to the locker rooms. Peter ignored them and turned to glare at his best friend frustration clear on his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Helping you out" Ned answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world, while Peter still looked lost "Did you not hear them? Liz has a crush on you" as soon as he said that Peter's eyes widened in realization "Dude you're an Avenger. If anyone of us has a chance with a senior girl it's you" Ned encouraged his friend, then turning to look at certain blonde walking in front of them, talking to Michelle "Even with a girl who seems to always have her walls up" Peter followed his eyes, quickly seeing who Ned was talking about, he just stood there with his mouth hanging open.

❅

It was the end of the school day when Ember was sitting outside listening to some music while watching everyone leave. She was just taking a bit of fresh air before she had to go back inside for detention, fortunately Michelle was inside waiting to tag along so she could 'sketch people in crisis'. Why anyone would like to stay longer on a Friday listening to a Captain America footage was beyond her, but she was glad she wouldn't be alone.

Noticing it was time to head inside, Ember started grabbing her stuff until a familiar voice called her name "Shit" she cursed under her breath, putting on a forced smile as she watched Peter running , trying to catch up with her "Hey, Peter. I'm sorry but I have to-"

"Wait!" He said a little to loud, gently grabbing her hand to stop her from leaving. They both glanced at their joint hands shocked, cheeks burning red, before the boy quickly let go, clearing his throat awkwardly and shoving his hands in his pockets "I, uh, wanted to apologize. For yesterday"

"Yesterday?" Ember questioned, her mind going back to her spat with Spider-Man and Michelle's words replaying on her head 'have you ever thought about the possibility of Peter Parker being Spider-Man?'

"Yeah. I just, uh, what I said, at the cafeteria. I didn't mean to, uh. What I'm trying to say is," Peter started, unable to form a single coherent sentence. He knew what he wanted to say, yet he found himself unable to spit it out.

"Peter, I have to-" Ember tried to excuse herself, not wanting to get another detention.

"I think you're really pretty!" Peter blurted out, eyes widening as he realized what just came out of his mouth.

"Really?" Ember asked, his words finally getting her full attention. She started at him with hopeful eyes, her heart beating a little faster.

"No!" He answered rather quickly, making the blonde sigh in disappointment. Peter felt like smacking himself, he was only making it worse "I mean yes. I think you're really pretty. I just thought you already had a date, I'm surprised you don't " he said nervously, avoiding her green eyes and trying to hide his flaming red cheeks.

"Well, Flash did ask but he's not really my type" You could practically feel the awkwardness in the air as both of them attempting to ignore the fuzzy feeling inside them.

"Am I your type?" Peter suddenly asked, shocking even himself.

"W-what?" Ember asked, mouth wide open as she stared at the boy. Honestly at the way her heart was beating she would be surprised if the whole school hadn't heard it.

"I, ah, was just wondering if maybe you w-wanted to go? With m-me?" He finally asked, almost shaking at the thought of how wrong this could go. After what felt like hours to Peter, she still hadn't said a thing, making him regret his question, but those were just his nerves. In reality he barley gave her a second to answer before he was talking again "I mean, you totally don't have to. I'm just gonna-"

"Peter!" she said, stopping him from running away. She had a big smile on her face, her eyes shined bright as she stared at his brown eyes "I would love to go with you"

"R-really?" Peter stutters, watching in awe as she nods her head "Awesome!" He exclaims, smiling and throwing a fist in the air. His reaction earning himself a little giggle, which makes him smile sheepishly at her.

Before they say anything, Michelle walks out, looking at the couple weirdly, not understanding why they're smiling like crazy. She just shrugs it off, grabbing Ember's "Ember come on, you're going to be late"

The blonde quickly snaps out of her daydream, allowing her friend to drag her inside "See you later, Peter!" She quickly said, turning to look at the boy one last time. Sitting at the room, her heart still hammering like mad, with a smile that didn't seem to go away, there was only one thought running through her mind.

'What are you doing to me Peter Parker?'

❅

word count: 3505

Gif credits go to yousxna

A/n: I'm really sorry for the late update! Honestly I don't have any excuses, but here's a long chapter to make up for it and I'll probably be updating again tomorrow.
On a different note, thank you so much for 10k reads!

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