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"HEY, WHERE'S MY GREET—WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT—OH."

"Yeah, oh," Alissa harshly snapped, tossing her book bag on the couch beside Brian. The boy winced, opening one eye to see his sister fuming, hands on her hips and eyes pinned to his smaller frame. Brian heavily sighed, pushing his legs down so his feet were resting on the ground rather than on the edge of the couch.

"I'm sorry," he said, placing his homework on the coffee table. "I know I should've told you, and I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Alissa sat down beside him, a frown replacing her scowl, "But why didn't you tell me? Do you think you can't tell me secrets anymore or something?"

Brian frantically shook his head. "No, no, of course not. I just. . .do you want my honest, like, completely honest answer?"

"That would be appreciated," Alissa laughed.

Brian snorted out a laugh, leaning forward. "I-I just got so excited, you know? I love superheroes, and I just kind of got so caught up in the moment. I mean, Spider-Man saved me. How cool is that?" Brian gushed, getting all excited all over again.

"I guess it's pretty cool," she agreed, Brian's smile widening when she agreed with him.

"I didn't even tell anyone," Brian continued. "Xavier and Nate only know about it because they were there to see all of it. I think one of them recorded it, too."

"So, you fanboyed?" Alissa presumed.

Brian rolled his eyes, grumbling out a response. "Yeah, I guess so."

Alissa snickered once more, throwing an arm around Brian's shoulders in a loving manner. She brought him into her side, playfully ruffling his curly hair which made him groan in annoyance and swat her hands away.

She laughed louder, beaming down at the pale boy. "So, Nate, huh?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Was he—"

"He was just there," Brian answered, leaning back in the couch, Alissa doing the same. The TV played in the background, neither of them paying attention to the news that was talking about some kind of agreement between 117 countries and the Avengers. "I'm sure you know who was doing the bullying. . ."

Alissa firmly nodded, pursing her lips as she did so. "Grant," she automatically answered. She had no doubt in her mind who it was.

"Yeah," Brian huffed, "He knows. . .about me, and he was making fun of me when I tried talking to Nate. But. . .before Spider-Man showed up, I think—I think Nate was gonna say something to him."

"You do? How come?"

Brian shifted and Alissa removed her arm, placing it in her lap as she stared at her sibling. "Well, when Grant was yelling at me, Nate looked really. . .mad. It could've just been nothing, but Xavier said he saw it too." He questionably turned to his sister. "Do you think he would've said something if Spider-Man didn't show up?"

Alissa pursed her lips together, thinking for a moment. "I don't know Nate, but from the way you constantly talk about him, he sounds like a good kid, even for you," she playfully replied. "I think he would've stood up for you."

Brian grinned, letting out a little giggle. "Really?" Alissa nodded. "Good. 'Cause I think I'm gonna tell him how I feel. Tonight, and nothing's gonna get in my way."

° ° °

When Alissa agreed to Gwen's crazy Thai plan, she didn't think the owners would actually agree to it as well, let alone that it would even happen. It was just a crazy idea to her, wanting to meet the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man by trying to reel him in with some free Thai food. There were so many other ways to possibly meet him, and Alissa was shocked that Gwen's plan actually worked.

"So, Peter convinced them?" Alissa asked, sitting in Gwen's living room. Her father was still stowed away in his office, trying to stop queen's vigilante while her mother was stuck in a work meeting. Her brothers were locked away in their rooms, working on homework and playing loud video games much to their sisters great annoyance. It didn't bother Alissa, though. She was used to it. "But how?"

Gwen shrugged, plopping down at her desk. "I don't know, but it's amazing," she gushed, grinning and twirling the gold ring that was wrapped around her index finger. "You and I are gonna meet Spider-Man!"

Alissa stopped biting her nail and sat up in Gwen's bed, propping her elbows up. "What about MJ?" She questioned. While Harry nor Peter were going along with it, Mary Jane was meant to be partaking in their little 'scheme'. "Isn't she going?"

Gwen rolled her eyes, sighing. She stood back up, maneuvering towards her closet. Peter had texted Gwen and told her that some tweets were sent out by the workers of the Thai Palace, offering Spider-Man two hours to come and get anything he wanted for free. None of them thought he would show, and so they agreed. Plus, the boy who suggested it had brought his aunt along, the woman helping in getting the whole ordeal setup; she didn't really think it would work either. And now, all that was left to do was to get ready and wait with hopes that Spider-Man was a fan of Thai food.

"No, Liz decided to have a surprise play rehearsal, so, everyone had to be there or Ms. Litchfield was going to kick them out of the play," Gwen glumly answered, sifting through all of her nice shirts that were placed at the back of her closet. "So, it's just you and I."

"That's fine," Alissa smiled, "I missed our late nights together."

Gwen turned her head, beaming. "Me too, Ali."

With that, Gwen finally picked an outfit, quickly changing so they could leave sooner. She tried to get Alissa to change out of her sweatshirt and sweatpants, but the girl was adamant on looking the same, using the excuse that she wanted to be comfy rather than uncomfortable. Gwen didn't pester her much after that, just sighing and patting her friend on the shoulder before she grabbed her purse.

"There's still no sign of him yet, but he should be there soon," Gwen told Alissa as they descended down the hall. Alissa only nodded, biting her lower lip as her brown eyes raked over the grades that were displayed on her phone. They were decent enough, but her geometry grade was on the verge of a D, and that was not something she could have, especially this late in the semester. Something was going to have to be done in order to bring it up. "Alissa, are you even listening to me?"

Alissa's head perked up, sheepishly turning towards her friend. Gwen had her head titled, blonde hair framing her glowing face. Her makeup was perfectly done, a little extra effort being put into her appearance.

"Uh, no," Alissa admitted, "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I—"

The front door opened, both girls startling to find Gwen's mother casually walking in. The woman had her arms full of brown groceries bags, her hair in a messy bun, pieces falling down in her face with each step she took. "Hey girls," she quickly greeted them. She plopped the bags on the counter, panting out a breath as she focused on the teenagers. "How've you been, Alissa?"

"Good," Alissa politely answered the woman, lightly bouncing on the balls of her feet. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," Gwen's mother, Helen, said airily with a kind but tired smile. "There's a lot going on, but, we'll manage. Are you staying for dinner, dear?"

"Oh, no," Gwen jumped in, capturing her mother's attention. That was when Helen noticed her daughters appearance. "We're going out for Thai."

Helen placed her hands on the counter. "I'm sorry, but you're not going anywhere. You promised you'd help me cook dinner tonight since you're father's working late all this week," Helen said, beginning to empty the bags. "Howard! Simon! Come help put the groceries away!"

Gwen lowly groaned. "Please mom," Gwen begged. "This is important."

"Since when is Thai food important?" Simon Stacy cringed, walking into the kitchen behind Howard. Alissa offered the boys a smile when they looked in her direction, Simon having to roughly push Howard to get him to move again while he stared at Alissa. 

"It's not, but just, please, mom," Gwen continues to press. "Simon and Howard can help you tonight. I'll do it tomorrow, I promise."

Helen sighed, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, girls, but you're staying in tonight, Gwen. You already promised." Her gaze flicked to Alissa, kindly smiling. "You're more than welcome to stay, if you'd like, hun."

Gwen rolled her eyes and turned to Alissa. Alissa shushed her, offering a smile. "It's okay," she whispered. "I'll go for us."

Gwen's face lit up, her arms going to wrap around Alissa's shoulders in a happy hug. Helen raised a brow, sharing a confused looks with her sons. 

Simon just shook his head while Howard grinned.

"Girls are weird," Simon stated, putting cans of corn into the pantry.

"You're weird," Gwen retaliated, pulling away from Alissa. She looked back to Alissa. "Thank you, Alissa. I know how much you hate Spider-Man, but this means a lot."

Alissa stepped to the side, backing towards the door while still facing Gwen. She held her arms out at her sides, pocketing her phone. "I never said I hated him."

° ° °

Three hours.

Three hours.

Three hours had passed and Spider-Man still hadn't shown up. Alissa waited an extra hour just to see if he'd still come with the offering now being void, but he didn't. Peter had texted a few minutes prior, asking if he'd shown. She told him that it had only been her and that he was too busy busting TV thieves and car jackers to be bothered to meet a few of his fans. It made her happy to see him ask, but she couldn't help but roll her eyes when he told her that she shouldn't give up on the webhead so soon.

"Oh, Pete," Alissa puffed out her cheeks, standing up from the table. She had already paid, but she stayed a little longer, savoring the warmth before she had to go out and face the harsh cold that would embrace her the whole time she walked home. "Still so optimistic."

Alissa left some money on the table, waving to the workers behind the counter as she headed to the door, zipping up her coat she had thrown on over her hoodie. She sucked in a deep breath and pushed opened the door, automatically shivering as the cold nipped at her face.

She folded her arms over her chest and began to walk down the sidewalk, her pace quick and swift. She momentarily closed her eyes, feeling soft flakes of snow beginning to fall on her face. She groaned, stopping by a light post to adjust her hoodie so the hood would go up.

"You don't work at the Thai place, do you?"

Alissa nearly fell into the street, her feet slipping when she jumped. Something quickly grabbed the back of her coat and pulled her back, a gasp coming from her lips. She spun around, taking a step away when spotting Spider-Man hanging on the side of Delmar's.

She closed her eyes, placing her hand over her heart as she felt it beating through the frantic. "Don't do that!" She sharply scolded him, "God. I almost had a heart attack! Then you really would've been in trouble with the police."

Spider-Man let out a little laugh, swiftly jumping down to stand in front of Alissa. "Wouldn't be the first time," he said, nervously laughing. "And I'm sure it wouldn't be the last, either."

Alissa rolled her eyes, giving him a pointed look. Something about him still rung familiarity to her, and she was angry that she didn't know what it was. Surely she knew him, or else she wouldn't feel so familiar and, dare she say, comfortable around him?

It wasn't everyday she met a superhero, let alone twice in one year. His voice sounded deeper than the last time too, though, it was a little off to her.

"Are you making your voice deeper?" She asked, folding her arms over her chest.

"What?" He asked, voice raising an octave before he cleared his throat. "What? Of course not. T-That would be. . .dumb. I have no reason."

Alissa just shook her head. "Unless you're trying to sound older. I don't see why you would, though. I already know you're a teenager."

Spider-Mans eyes moved, his posture loosening ever so much. "You do?" He asked, voice returning to a slightly more normal octave. Though, there was a hint of something there, and it was put there by Spider-Man so Alissa didn't hear his actual voice. That would've been a dead giveaway, for sure. "H-How?"

Alissa nonchalantly shrugged and stepped forward, brushing his shoulder as she started to walk home once again. He hesitated, letting out a sigh as he jogged after the dark haired girl that had somehow caught his attention more than she ever had in the eleven years he'd known her.

Alissa peered back when hearing soft footsteps in the snow behind her. "Are you stalking me? I know the police captain, and he'd be more than happy to finally arrest you."

Spider-Man chuckled. "Oh, I know, but no, I'm not stalking you."

Alissa faintly smiled, her eyes flickering over the light posts. Tinsel was wrapped around the bottom, fluttering in the cool wind of New York. Beautiful white snow was now a blanket over the streets, not a single car in sight. Barely any people were out in the cold. It was almost peaceful; if it wasn't for the boy with Alissa.

"Then what are you doing?" Alissa wondered.

Spider-Man kicked his feet at the snow. "I'm making sure a damsel gets home, safe and sound."

Alissa halted, head snapping to face him. "Hey, I'm no damsel," she said, pointing an accusing finger at him, "I wasn't one then, and I'm not one now. I don't need you to protect me, Spider-Kid."

"Hey, I'm sorry, you're right, you're not a damsel," he corrected, hurrying to catch back up to her after she stormed off. "But there's no need for name calling."

Alissa stole a side glance. "There's a little need." Spider man locked eyes with her, the two of them laughing at the same time, causing them to laugh even more. Alissa shook her head, pushing her hair back as snow continued to fall on the two of them.

"Okay, I guess that was called for. And I am sorry," he sincerely apologized.

"It's okay," Alissa kicked at some snow, watching it blend right in with the rest of it that meshed to the sidewalk. "Besides, I should be thanking you."

Luckily, the mask hid his smile.

"Really? What for?"

"You saved my brother," she replied with a smile as she thought of her brother, her lips curling up as she looked to his mask covered face. She desperately wanted to know what he looked like, but something about him made her feel like it was okay, and that she didn't need to know in that moment. Him talking to her was enough. It was safe, comfortable, and maybe—just maybe—the first time she thought that she had another superhero that she liked.

"The curly haired one?" Spider-Man suggested.

Alissa grinned, nodding. "How'd you know?"

"He has your attitude," he answered.

Alissa laughed smiling. "Yeah, but his is a lot worse. But really, thank you, Spider-Man. I really do appreciate it."

"Oh, it was nothing. I was doing my afternoon route and saw him getting bullied, and so I decided to swoop in," Spider-Man said.

"Well, thank you," she thanked him, genuinely smiling. "It meant a lot to him, and me. He really likes you, and you made his day, maybe even his whole life, actually."

"I'm glad I could help," Spider-Man responded.

Alissa smiled. "Me too."

A silence fell upon them, but it was comfortable. Snow continued to softly fall from the dark sky and cover the sleeping city. Wind swept through the empty streets, and all was quiet in Queens.

It was like no one else in the world existed, only two teenagers with fluttering hearts and unspoken confessions slipping into their minds as they walked beside on another, having no idea that the one they were currently thinking about was thinking the same exact thing.

"It's pretty cold out tonight," Spider-Man stated, breaking the silence between them. Alissa's response was a light shudder. Spider-Man paused when he saw her movements out of the corner of his eye, "Do you, uh, want me to swing you home?"

Alissa stopped, raising a brow at him. "Really? Swing?" She giggled.

He laughed, shrugging. "I saw my chance, and I took it."

Alissa bit her cheek, glancing back at the empty street. She wasn't too far from home now, but the temperature was steadily falling with nightfall, and there was a mug of hot chocolate calling her name. Without a second thought, Alissa was nodding and grinning, making him smile too.

"Yeah, okay," Alissa said, "Swing me on home then, Spider-Man."

° ° °

WOW, THIS ISN'T A FILLER CHAPTER AND I ACTUALLY LIKE THIS.

It's midnight and my hands hurt from writing 90% of this without stopping but I knew if I stopped, I wouldn't remember where I was going and/or I would lose inspiration for it, so, I just went with it. I was even going to end it with Spider-Man appearing, but I was like, what the hell, I'm gonna add some more (and much needed) Alissa and Spider-Man interaction, and I'm actually not disappointed!

This story is barely passed the halfway mark, but I'm getting excited to get close to the end (but also sad) because I've hardly finished any of my marvel stories and I can't wait to finish another one, especially since it's a Peter Parker one!

Anyways, don't forget to leave some feedback in the comments! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!