Peter was already gone by the time Gwen awoke, made evident by the cold, empty space next to her in the bed. When she opened her eyes, there was only a single piece of paper left in his place. As she sat up, she reached across and grabbed it. Her name was scribbled messily across the front in blue ink, followed by instructions to turn the page around written underneath in brackets. She instantly recognized the handwriting as Peter's, and flipped the paper over to the other side. 

Good morning- or noon, it's hard to tell with you these days (Sorry, please don't kill me for that joke).I didn't want to wake you because I know you didn't sleep much last night, so instead I thought I'd leave you a note. Around the house you will find more, and those will be self explanatory, but for now I leave you with this one;

I didn't want to leave without an explanation, I learned the consequences of that the hard way last time, but if you woke up and I'm not there, it's because I've already set out to do what we talked about last night. Though I will admit, that's not the only thing I plan to deal with today. You'll probably be furious with me when I get home later, and I hope that you can forgive me, or at the very least understand where I'm coming from. But I have decided to put an end to this ongoing feud once and for all, so first I'm going to set the trap for Connors, and while I wait for tonight, I'm going after Max. After the two of them have been dealt with, I'm going after Venom. It all ends tonight. 

Sorry you had to find out like this, but I'll be home soon I hope. Until then, please don't stress over me. 

Yours, Peter. 

Putting the note back down beside her, Gwen processed his decision with silence before getting out of bed. She made her own choice then that she would not sit around and dwell on it, and it seemed unfair to be mad at him for wanting to put an end to their problems. Stretching her arms out above her head, she stood up and headed to the bathroom. There was plenty that had yet to be done to keep her busy. 

“There. That ought to do it.” Peter said to himself. 

He had just finished swapping out the knockout gas in the vent with the cure for Doctor Connors. It had taken a while to prepare it, and installing it had taken even longer, but the trap was finally ready. All that was left to do was lure his old friend into it. Easier said than done. 

Slipping his mask back over his face, Peter left the room hastily. Though instead of taking the elevator up to the first floor, where all the workers would attempt to stop him, he crawled up to the first window in the hallway and forced himself through it with little struggle. He didn't know where to start looking for Connors, but there were only so many hiding spots for an oversized reptile within a city. But searching could take hours, and that was not part of the plan. As he stopped to think it through, he noticed an empty cop cruiser parked on the edge of the sidewalk and smirked to himself as he figured out a way to cut his search short. Exercising caution, Peter inched towards the vehicle until he was close enough to see inside it. Just as he had hoped, it was empty.

“Now, isn't that perfect?” He commented, and checked around him before proceeding forward.

Peter paused again when he reached the car, and glanced around one final time for any sign of a cop or anyone else who might be watching. Once he was satisfied that he was in the clear, he reached out and tugged on the handle, opening the door. In the front seat, there was a police radio laying discarded. He grabbed it quickly and then closed the door again, taking off down the street to put as much distance between himself and the car as possible. Upon reaching the end of the street, he slammed his finger down on the button, activating his web shooters and launching himself into the air. Shooting another web, he advanced over to the next building and landed firmly on the rooftop. It was unlikely that Connors would be able to get around the city without being noticed, and any havoc he could cause would be reported, which would usually lead to back up being called via police radios. All he had to do now was wait for it to happen, and in the meantime there was still Max to deal with.

Gwen put down the book with a sigh and looked up at the clock on the wall. It was already pushing towards lunchtime and she wasn't even dressed yet. She sat for a moment longer, and then pushed herself up off the bed and dragged herself over to the closet. She was about to open the door when her eyes fell upon a note taped to it, and with care not to rip the paper, she removed it.

While you were asleep, I took the liberty of diving into this jungle of a closet to help you out. You get so frustrated trying to find clothes that still fit, but not today. Open this door and you will find what you need, hanging up, ready for you to change into. 

P.s. We will have to clear it all out and organize the closet at some point, you would have been so stressed out digging as far as I had to dig for you. 

Folding the note up and slipping it into the pocket of her dressing gown, Gwen smiled to herself as she opened the closet door. On a single hanger in the middle there was a quartz coloured long sleeved dress with little black bows decorating the chest area, paired with a pair of black leggings and an almond coloured cardigan. Taking the clothes from where they hung, she brought them over to the bed with her and changed hastily. There was still time to get things done before Simon came home. 

“Ooh, a computer lab… how very shocking.” Peter quipped as he ventured further into the darkened room. “Come on, Max. It doesn't have to be this way. I can help you, but only if you stop fighting me.” 

“I already told you, it's too late for that.” 

“No.” He insisted, looking in every direction, trying to pinpoint Max. “Only if you believe it is, but it isn't… though this is the last time I'm going to go out of my way for you. After this, I won't bother and if you show me you're a threat to me, to my family, then I won't hold back when I fight you.” 

“I don't need your help!”

“Then come out and face me, or are you too afraid?” 

Peter got no reply, only confirming that Max was waiting for him to make the first move. Up until then, he hadn't had a plan other than knowing he wasn't going to walk away until it was all over. It was easier now that Max had made the choice for him though. A wide grin spread across Peter's face as he flipped the switch on the junction box. One by one, every light in the building came on, illuminating the lab in a bright yellow glow. He scanned the room again, this time spotting Max as he cast a shadow on the wall.

“Hide and seek is really more of a playground game.” Peter called out. 

With deliberately quiet footsteps, Peter moved towards the computer desk that Max was hiding behind, turning on each monitor and screen as he passed them by. He stopped, one step shy of being in the latter's line of sight. 

“Who said anything about hide and seek?” 

Before Peter could take the final step, Max emerged from behind the desk, his blue glow reflecting off the wall behind him. Peter watched, ready to move as the latter ripped the desk from where it had been bolted to the floor and then bent back, limbo style, to avoid being hit when it was launched at him. 

“Hmm, well aren't you a ball of energy today?” He teased, stealing a quick glance over his shoulder to see the desk go through the wall behind him.

“You think you're funny?” Max sneered.

“No, I know I am.” He retorted, with a smirk plastered across his face. 

Peter's response seemed to only further ruffle Max's feathers. As another desk was launched at him, Peter leapt up to the ceiling to avoid the hit. There was only one way to gain the upper hand, but it wouldn't be easy. He crawled effortlessly along until he was behind his foe, and then dropped to his feet on the floor. As Max turned around, ready to make another move, Peter backed up a little.

“It doesn't have to be this way, Max.” He said, changing his approach. “We don't have to hate each other… I don't hate you.” 

“Without hating you, I'm nobody! I have nothing if not this rivalry!” 

“That's not true. It wasn't true over a year ago, and it's not true now. You are not nobody… you are Max Dillon, and you had more to offer than what the world was ready for.” He sighed. “And I'm sorry, okay. As far as I'm aware, nobody ever took responsibility for what happened to you, and no one gave you a chance before that. So… I'm sorry for the way people treated you. I wish I could go back and change it all, but of all my powers that isn't one of them. That doesn't mean we can't turn this around though, please just think about that. You're a good person Max, and you don't need anyone like Eddie or that damn symbiote.” 

Max drew in a breath, visibly trembling as he lowered his hands to his side. Though it was clear that at least some of what he'd said had been effective, Peter kept his distance. 

“It- it's too late-”

“You don't really believe that.” He cut in. “Neither do I, please Max… make the right choice and it'll be okay. I- I'm counting on you.” 

“You are?” Max questioned.

“Yes.” Peter confirmed. “Now, are you going to let me down?”

Max's eyes widened, and let all the charge he had slip away as he stared at Peter, seemingly searching his face for the sincerity he hoped those words carried. He appeared to find it quickly, as almost instantly his lips twitched up into a small smile.

“All I ever wanted was a friend… I never intended for anyone to get hurt.” He said solemnly. “I'll do whatever is necessary to repent for the things I've caused.”

“You need to leave the city, Max. Find somewhere safe for yourself and get control of your powers. No one can change what happened to you, but it's your responsibility to make sure that nobody gets hurt because of it.” 

“If that's what it takes.” Max nodded. 

Kicking the oven door shut, Gwen wound up the little timer and set it down on the counter before wiping her hands free of flour on a tea towel. The doorbell chimed as she finished up in the kitchen, and she lifted her head as she dropped the towel back on the counter. Memories of the last time someone had called round while she was home alone flashed through her mind, making her weary. She drew in a breath and let it go slowly, her heart drumming in her chest as she reluctantly trailed into the hallway. Upon reaching the door, she paused, taking note of the baseball bat that was leaning against the wall underneath the coat hook. She made a brief estimate of how quickly she could reach for it if necessary, and then slid the latch across and opened the door. 

“I hope we're not too early.” 

Gwen stood, absent-mindedly, blinking several times as May stood on the doorstep with a wide smile upon her face, with Simon standing beside her. After several seconds, she smiled back. 

“No, not at all. Actually, I'm glad you're here. Come on in, I have a batch of brownies in the oven.” She greeted them both, and stepped aside, opening the door wider to allow them through. “Make yourselves comfortable, I'll go and get us all something to drink.”

“Would you need help bringing them in?”

“Ehhh, I think I'll manage.” Gwen shrugged. “But thanks.” She added, and waited until they were settled in the lounge before heading back to the kitchen. 

Another note was stuck to the fridge door by a magnet. Gwen almost missed it, noticing it only as she went to open the door. She bit her lip to keep her smile from widening, not the slightest bit concerned for what it might say, and took the note down to read. 

Before setting out to do what needs to be done, I had a little time. I noticed you were running low on juice, so I made a quick dash to the store. Everything you will want or need today you'll find very easily on the middle shelf… and a little surprise too.

Yours, Peter. 

Gwen pinned the note back up with the magnet and proceeded to open the fridge. As stated in the note, there were four juice cartons on either side of the middle shelf, and in the center sat a fairly small, pink, heart-shaped box with a white ribbon on the top. She reached for the juice first, setting a carton down on the counter, and then for the box, taking it over to the table with her. She tugged gently at the ribbon, untying the bow before lifting the lid to reveal a selection of chocolate. 

“So, where exactly is Peter today?”

Like a kid caught raiding the cupboards, Gwen startled at the interruption and quickly placed the lid back over the box before turning to face May in the doorway. 

“He's just out taking care of some last minute things, he should be back soon.” She answered. 

“Sorry dear, did I startle you?” May chuckled.

“Just a little… I was about to pour the drinks but I got distracted.” She said, taking the box back over to the fridge and then picking up the juice carton from the counter. 

“Right, well I just thought to let you know that you needn't bother making any lunch for Simon as he has already eaten before we came, and I also took the liberty of packing his bag for school tomorrow. I hope you don't mind, I thought it would save you the hassle.” 

“Oh?” She mouthed, raising an eyebrow. “You really didn't have to go to the trouble, but it is very much appreciated. Thank you.” 

Peter crouched down on the rooftop, observing the streets below, with the police radio he had pinched earlier tucked into his pocket, watching and listening for signs of his reptilian foe. Things with Max had gone better than he'd expected, and now the only thing to do was wait. Finally with a moment to spare, he reached inside his pocket and pulled out his phone and pressed the speed dial button. It barely rang before the line was connected. 

“Hey, uh look before you reprimand me, I'm sorry. I know you're probably mad-”

“I'm not mad at you, Peter.”

“Really?” He questioned. “That makes me feel loads better.” 

“Yes, really. I understand why you chose to go about things this way. Though I have to admit, it's good to hear from you. Is everything okay?” 

“Surprisingly, yes. I actually managed to get through to Max, believe it or not. I just thought I should call and check in with you while I'm waiting on Connors.” He explained, standing up. “Did you get the notes I left?”

“I sure did, the surprise too. That was very thoughtful of you.”

“Yeah… Is everything okay at home too? What about you? Are you okay? And the baby, and Simon too?”

On the other end of the line, Gwen laughed. “Everything is fine. I'm okay, baby's okay, Simon's okay… but, I miss you.” 

“Hmm.” He hummed. “I miss you too, but I'll be home soon. That's a promise.” 

“Take as long as you need, just try to come home in one piece. I love you, Peter.” 

“I love you too. I gotta go.”

Peter exhaled a deep breath as he hung up the call. He had no time to dwell on his thoughts as the police radio in his pocket started to crackle, before a voice came through. It was time, at last, to put the plan in motion. Tucking his phone back into his pocket, he ran full speed towards the edge of the roof and then shot a web, throwing himself off the building and swinging away.