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May Parker was at her house, checking both her savings and the bills she had to pay: all summed up is 300$ a week, including gas, water, heaters, etc., and if you included the money needed for school the quantity rises freighteningly higher. If she didn't find a solution soon, they could lose their home. To say she was scared would be an understatement. She was there, sat on the sofa, with all the money she had (2500,25$) and all the bills scattered across the small wooden table in front of her, with her hand brushing back her hair in frustration while her eyes, hidden behind her huge glasses, were reading the terms of their house's contract, trying to find a way to save what they had.

Suddently the noise of a door opening made her shoot her head up, wide her eyes and open slightly her mouth

May: "Peter, is it you?"

A thud on the floor was heard before the one who entered the Parker's residence spoke

Peter: "Yeah, May, it's me!"

As soon as she heard Peter's voice, she started to panic, so she tried frantically to put everything back to its place: the bills, the money, the contract...

When Peter arrived in the living room, he found his Aunt by the drawer. She turned around and flashed her nephew one of her bright smiles while closing one of the last drawers with her hands on her back, while facing Peter

May: "Hey there, sweety, how was school today?"

Peter, shrugging while taking off his jacket, said

Peter: "Oh, you know, same old uneventful day. Well, apart from the fact that now I'm in the newspaper of the school."

May: "Wait, the Blue and Gold?"

Peter: "Yes."

May: "This is great, Peter! And what do you do there?"

Peter: "I'm meant to provide help with my photos."

May: "Oh, so you're getting on the camera again, huh?"

Peter: "Yeah, it has been too long since I last used it, I actually missed shooting photos..."

May: "I'm so happy for you, Pete!"

Then she hugged tightly her nephew, who returned happily the gesture with a smile on his face. After a bit the parted

May: "Are you hungry?"

Peter: "A bit actually, I'll go put back everything in my room."

May: "Sure, I'll call you when it's ready."

May went to the kitchen, while Peter looked worringly at the drawer, wondering what was inside of it that May didn't want him to see, then it clicked. He went ahead and slowly opened the drawer, discovering all the bills and savings left. Peter frowned at the discovery and saw another thing: their house's contract. He took it and started reading it, understanding that if they didn't pay everything on time they could seriously lose their home, just like Peter thought. He put everything back and went inside his room and, when he got inside, his phone went off, showing Harry's ID. He pressed the green button and answered

Peter: "Hey, bro, what's up?"

Harry: 《 Hey, Pete... 》

Peter: "Is...everything okay?"

Harry: 《 No, man, not at all. *sigh* My father was attacked today. 》

Peter: "What?! By whom?!"

Peter, of course, knew of the attack, but had to pretend he didn't, since the news wasn't public yet

Harry: 《 The guy with the wings. Apparently he was the one attacking the Oscorp's tech cargos and steal all that technology. My father was going to Oscorp to discuss this matter with the Board of Directors when he was assaulted. 》

Peter: "God, Harry, I'm sorry...how's your dad?"

Harry: 《 Thank God he's fine. Or rather, thanks to Spider-man: if he didn't intervene, my father would be dead now. 》

Peter: "I'm relieved. Hey, I meant to ask: what's happening between you and Gwen? I saw you two kinda fight in the hallways at school..."

Harry: 《 Yeah, ehm...you see, I basically screwed it up: she made me notice that my top priority is always my dad, or something like that...I don't know what to do to make her forgive me... 》

Peter: "Oh, I see...well, I would say, try to give her more attention: that's what she wants."

Harry: 《 It's complicated: my dad wants me to just straight up brakeup with her, but I don't want to. He says that only in this way I'll be able to run Oscorp one day...but I don't even know if I want that! 》

Peter: "I'm sorry, Harry, it must be tough."

Harry: 《 *sigh* It is. Well, thank you, Pete. Do you wanna hang out tonight, only you and me, like old times? 》

Peter: "I would love to, Harry, but I have something to do tonight and it can't wait. We'll arrange something tomorrow, though, at school."

Harry: 《 Sure. Hey, you're a good friend, Pete, I mean it. 》

Peter: "You too, Harry."

Harry: 《 Well, now I have to go, bye man. 》

Peter: "Bye."

After lunch, Peter texted Betty to ask her if she wanted to do homework together, since last time he left early. Betty, pointless to say, was beyond excited and nervous, and agreed. So, Peter got out and headed for the house nextdoor, knocked and was greeted excitedly by Alice and her husband, then he went upstairs and knocked on Betty's door this time. After Betty let him in the two started their homework, and after they finished they started talking a bit

Betty: "Oh my God, and is he fine?"

Peter: "Yeah, Harry told me he's okay, but I'm still worried: if this guy tried once to kill Norman, he'll try again."

Betty: "Well, in that case Spider-man will stop him again, I suppose."

Peter: "Yeah, let's hope he manages to stop him for good next time..."

Betty: "You know well Mr. Osborn?"

Peter: "Why do you ask?"

Betty: "Well, you called him 'Norman', so I assumed you two know eachother pretty well."

Peter: "Well, you have my respect, Nancy Drew."

Peter said with a smile on his face, then the two of them laughed at the nickname he gave her. After calming himself, Peter continued

Peter: "To answer your question, yes, we do know eachother from a long time. Actually, I know him since I was little, so in a way he kinda considers me a part of the family, and I'm okay with that since Harry's like a brother to me."

Betty: "How did you meet eachother?"

Peter pondered this question for a while, remembering the details of his childhood, then, while smiling, answered

Peter: "I was in first grade, I remember that while May and...and Ben were driving me to school, I was very nervous. As you noticed I'm not exactly that good in social interactions, so I thought I wouldn't ever have any friends. When I was at kindergarten back in Queens it was easier because I had my friend Ned but, after we moved here in Riverdale it was a lot harder than expected..."

Betty couldn't but feel sorry for Peter, she never had the same issues as him regarding the social aspect of her life, so she could only imagine how hard it must have been for him during the years

Peter: "Anyway, we arrived in front of the school, parked and got out. I was holding tight the straps of my backpack. Back then I was only a scrawny kid with huge glasses, *laughing* do you remember how big they were?"

Betty: *smiling* "How could I forget? You said you always felt like a scientist wearing those things!"

Peter: "Yeah! Ehm, anyway, I said that I was too nervous to go inside, but Uncle Ben told me that if I went inside, then we could go fishing, so obviously I got excited and went inside. As soon as I entered the first hallway I got nervous again: there were so many people, so many faces...then I bumped into someone, who revealed to be Gwen. *smiling* I expected her to be upset, to yell at me, but she never did: she flashed her wide smile and said 'hi' to me. She never once treated me with harshness, nor with sufficence, she was always by my side, ready to help me. She was the one who introduced me to Harry: he had a problem with Physics, so I helped him and, from then on, we would constantly stay together, the three musketeers...eventually I also met Norman during a few of our sleepovers."

Betty couldn't ignore the way Peter spoke about Gwen, it was as if...as if between them there was more than just a simple friendship. She suddently became nervous and, as she was fidgeting with her hands, something Peter didn't notice, she asked

Betty: "So...do you like someone at school, Pete?"

Peter was taken aback by the sudden question

Peter: "Where did this question come from?"

Betty: "Just, you know, out of curiosity: I mean, you're a really nice guy, you're smart, funny, cute-"

Betty stopped her rambling the moment she noticed she called Peter Parker cute.

Betty: *blushing* "S-So...do you like someone?"

Peter: "Well, I don't like Ronnie, if you wanted to know, and to answer your question...not really at the moment."

Betty was visibly releaved from his answer, because it meant she still had time.

Peter: "Betty, are you sure there's no other reason behind the question? *smiles confused* You're acting a bit strange..."

Betty: "Well, it's just that...I hear how you talk about Gwen, so I thought that...that you felt something for her...?"

Peter: *laughs* "What?! No! I mean, sure she is one of my dearest friends, but I don't feel that way about her. Besides she doesn't feel that way either, so I don't think that it would ever be possible."

Betty had to hide the breath of relief she released hearing that from Peter, but what he said next with his head low made her frown

Peter: "Plus, with guys like Archie and Flash, and the jocks in general, who would want some lame nobody like me?"

Betty: "What? Peter don't say these things!"

Peter: "But it's true, Betty."

Betty: "No, it's not! I won't allow you to say these things about yourself! You're kind, passionate, caring, selfless, funny...every girl would be the luckiest on Earth to have someone like you!"

Peter faced Betty with a little frown on his face

Peter: "Then why did the girl I liked kiss another guy in a closet? Why did the only girl who gave me attention...kiss my childhood friend on our first date?"

In that moment both Betty and Peter understood that the kiss between Archie and Veronica hurt him way more than he wanted to admit. A single tear fell down on Peter's cheek, while others filled Betty's eyes

Peter: "Uncle Ben, Archie, Jughead...everyone I care about eventually leaves me. I'm...I'm just not good enough...I'm alone, Betty...I'm alone..."

Tears were pouring out of Betty's eyes while she listened to him. Looking at his tear stained red eyes, Betty saw for the first time a side of Peter Parker she never saw. A side of him that felt unloved, abandoned and in solitude. She couldn't bear to hear him talk like that about himself

Betty: "No, Peter, you're not alone, you are loved."

Peter: "How do you know that?"

In that moment Betty's nerves started to kick in, while she realized that there was only one way to prove her point to her Peter

Betty: "Because...because I love you, Peter."

She gently held his face with the both of her hands and leaned in, meeting his lips with hers with neither hesitation, nor resistance. Their lips molded perfectly with eachother, and moved in an almost coreographed pattern, releasing electric waves throughout the both of their bodies. Betty kept her hands on the sides of his face, while his rested on her waist, each one of them pulling the other closer. It was a calm, yet passioned kiss, full not of sexual hunger, but of love and care. Betty was making sure, with her kiss, to tell her Peter that he wasn't alone, but that he was indeed loved, that he was more than enough as a guy for any girl.

Eventually they had to part to take some air in their lungs, so they rested their foreheads together, both panting and smiling widely to eachother

Peter: "Wow..."

Betty: "Damn right wow...you don't know since how long I've been wanting to do that..."

They both laughed at this

Betty: "Is this enough of a proof to you...?"

Peter leaned in and kissed her again, after a few moments he parted and whispered, smiling, while they both kept their eyes closed

Peter: "Are you happy with the answer?"

Betty: "Very."

Peter: "Me too."

Peter then recieved a notification on his phone, remembering him of what he needed to do that evening. He lowered his gaze and saw it, and through his face surfaced an expression of surprise and apology. He looked back at Betty, who looked back at him with a questioning expression adorning her face

Betty: "Peter, is everything okay?"

Peter: "Yeah, yeah, ehm...it's just that the notification remembered me that I actually need to do something important tonight..."

Betty: *smirks* "This is the second time you need to leave to do something important, should I be worried?"

Peter: "Oh no no no, Betty! Believe me, there's nothing I would enjoy more than staying here and keep doing...you know..."

Betty: *smiles* "Kiss?"

Peter: *blushes* "Y-Yeah...I'm sorry, Betty..."

Betty leaned in and kissed him again, surprising Peter for a brief moment before he started to kiss her back. After a few moments the two parted and smiled at eachother

Betty: "It's okay, Peter, I understand. And besides, we can continue this any time you want."

Peter was a blushing mess at this point, and Betty bit her lip, really enjoying teasing him like that: she found his reactions very cute. Regardless, Peter smiled at Betty and pecked her lips once more

Peter: "I was hoping you would say that. So...I'll just go now ehm...sorry again and thanks."

Betty: "I'll walk you out."

The two of them walked down the stairs towards the front door, by where Alice was passing

Alice: "Oh, Peter, you're leaving?"

Peter: "Yeah, I remembered I have to do something important so, as much as I'd... *glances at Betty and Alice notices* really like to stay, I have to go."

Alice: *smiles* "Of course, Peter, don't worry. Besides it's already 6 pm: your Aunt must be worried."

Peter: "Oh, I'll call her and warn her, there's no need to worry."

Alice: *smiles* "Perfect. Well, it's always good to have you here."

Peter: *smiles* "Thank you, I also enjoy coming here."

Alice: (Yeah...I bet~)

After exchanging goodbyes, Betty and Peter got out of the house and faced eachother

Betty: "So...I'll see you tomorrow?"

Peter: "Yeah, sure. *smiles* Bye Betty..."

Betty: *smiles* "Bye Peter..."

They kissed for a brief moment, but for them it seemed way longer. After that, Peter started to walk away, and Alice got out and stood near her daughter, facing the direction Peter went, crossing her arms and smirking at Betty

Alice: "I approve you dating him."

Betty, that up until then was watching intensely at the retreating Peter figure, while also biting her lower lip and smiling, stopped biting it and turned her head towards her mother with a blush on her face

Betty: "Mom?! Did...did you see...?"

Alice: "No: there was no need. I approve this relationship, nice catch Betty."

After that Alice turned away and walked inside, while Betty stood there stunned for a few moments. After those she smiled widely and touched her lips, then whispered to herself

Betty: "Did I just kiss him?"

Meanwhile, Peter dialed his Aunt's number, and after a few ringings she picked up

May: 《 Hello? 》

Peter: "Hey, May!"

May: 《 Hey, sweety! How did it go with Betty? Something interesting happened~? 》

Peter: *smiles* "Well..."

May: 《 Wait, so something DID happen! Tell me! 》

Peter: *chuckle* "I'll tell you at home, for now I have to do something else, but I'll be back in no time."

May: 《 Oh, you bet you'll tell me everything, Peter Benjamin Parker! See you at home, honey! 》

Peter: "Bye May!"

Peter closed his phone and headed to his destination: Pop's.

Once there, Peter went to greet Pop

Peter: "Hey, Pop!"

Pop: *smiles* "Peter, my boy! How are you?"

Peter: "All good, thanks!"

Pop: "So, what can I bring you?"

Pop took his notebook, ready to type Peter's order, but he wasn't there to buy food

Peter: "Actually, umm...I wanted to talk to you."

Pop: "Oh, okay, go ahead."

Peter started slightly fidgeting with his hands

Peter: "So...I saw the other day the sign 'Help wanted' on the glass, and I wanted to ask...May I be that help and work here?"

Pop was definetely surprised by Peter's request, but he wouldn't have refused help

Pop: "Well, I did not expect this coming from you...but the help is accepted. Your first turn is tonight at 9, don't be late."

Peter smiled widely

Peter: "Thank you, Pop, I won't disappoint you!"

Pop: *smiles* "I'm sure you won't."

Peter came back home with a smile on his face, knowing that he could help his Aunt

Peter: "May, I'm home!"

May got up from her couch and closed her copy of "Little women" to greet her nephew with a smile on her face

May: "Hi Peter!"

They hugged eachother, then they parted and she looked at him with a smirk on her face

May: "So...what interesting something happened at Betty's~?"

Peter blushed and chuckled nervously at her and scratched the back of his neck

Peter: "Well...we may, kinda, probably...have kissed."

May held a face of pure surprise and happyness

May: "WHAT??? Peter Benjamin Parker, talk, now!"

Peter: *laughs* "Alright, alright! Well..."

Later that night, at 8:58 pm

Chuck: "Okay, okay, let me try again."

Veronica: "Ha ha, let me see it."

Chuck: "You don't trust me?"

Veronica and Chuck were hanging out in his car, after eating a pair of cheeseburgers at Pop's, and were taking pictures

Veronica: "No, no, no, fine, you can take it."

After another try, Chuck took a picture

Veronica: "Okay, let me see: photo approval."

She checked Chuck's phone, in which there was the photo he made, and realized it was a good one

Veronica: "Fine."

She handed the phone back to Chuck, then the both of them chuckled at their back and forth

Chuck: "You are different than what I thought you'd be: a former "it" girl from New York, Madoff-like fall from grace? I assumed you'd be high-maintenance. Tell me, what do you miss most about home?"

Veronica: "Only everything: I forgot how exhausting it is to be the new kid."

Chuck: "Try being the new kid whose dad
is also the new teacher and the new coach."

Veronica: "Well, from an outsider's point of view, you've not only proven yourself, but you've raised the bar for everyone around you: Varsity football, dean's list, Ivy League aspirations..."

She noticed the surprised look on Chuck's face and, smirking, kept on talking

Veronica: "Oh, yes, you've been vetted, handsome: Veronica Lodge is nothing if not an informed consumer."

Chuck: "I'm gonna have my hands full with you, huh?"

Veronica: "I'm betting you can handle it..."

The two of them leaned in and kissed passionately for a few moments, meanwhile Peter arrived at Pop's at exactly 9 pm. Veronica and Chuck pulled apart enough for her to notice a glimpse of Peter walking inside, and got a curious look on her face, wondering what would Peter Parker do there at 9 pm. Chuck noticed that look

Chuck: "Everything okay, Vee-Lo?"

Veronica: "Oh, yeah yeah, I think I saw a friend walking inside. Do you mind if I go and say 'hi' to him?"

Chuck: *smirks* "Not at all, go ahead."

Veronica: *smiles* "Thank you."

Veronica pecked Chuck on the lips before getting out of the car and walking inside Pop's, where she started to look for Peter, but didn't find him. She was ready to go back in the car thinking that she was wrong, but then she saw something she definetely did not expect: Peter Parker dressed in Pop's uniform. He saw her and got a surprised look on his face

Veronica: "Peter...? What are you doing?"

Peter: "Ronnie, hi. Ehm... *glances at Pop* Pop, do you mind if I talk to her real quick?"

Pop: "Oh, don't worry, Pete."

Peter: "Thanks."

Peter stood in front of Veronica

Peter: "So, how is the date going?"

Veronica: "It's going pretty well, but...Petey, are you working here? Why?"

Peter: "Well, yes uhh...listen, I need you to promise me that you won't tell anybody, not even Archie, and most of all not Betty about what I'm about to tell you, okay?"

Veronica: "What? Why?"

Peter: "Just...promise me, please."

Veronica: "Okay, I promise."

Peter was visibly relieved by this

Peter: "Okay, thanks. So, the truth is that at home things don't go too well..."

Veronica: "What do you mean?"

Peter: "My Aunt is struggling with the payments for the house, we could be evincted."

Veronica put her hands on her mouth and widened her eyes

Veronica: "Oh my God, Peter..."

Peter: "I'm here to help her at least a bit, you know."

Veronica lowered her hands and took one of his hands in one of hers

Veronica: "But why didn't you say me before? I could help you a bit, we're not low on money."

Peter: *shakes his head* "No, Ronnie, I can't accept that: I need to deal with this alone, I can't ask you to spend your money. Don't worry, I'll manage."

Veronica: "Are you sure?"

Peter: *smiles* "Yes, don't worry."

Veronica sent him a smile

Veronica: "Okay, but tell me if you need any help, I mean it. And don't worry: I won't tell any living soul about this."

Peter: *smiles* "Thank you, Ronnie."

Veronica hugged him

Veronica: "No need, Petey."

They parted after a while and Peter sent her a smile

Peter: "Well, now I have to go, good luck with the date."

Veronica: "Thanks, bye Pete."

Peter: "Bye Ronnie."

Veronica got out of Pop's and inside the car

Chuck: "Hey, how was your friend?"

Veronica: "Oh no, I was wrong: there was no friend of mine there. So, I guess we can continue from what we left off..."

Chuck: *smirks* "Yeah, I think that too."

They kept kissing for a while before going back home.

A/N: yeah, sorry guys: I published a chapter with a HUGE mistake, but here it is. And btw...Petty happened! 😁 tell me your thoughts about the now correct chapter, bye!

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