Y/N swung between buildings, the wind rushing past him as he kept an eye on the city below. As he glided above the streets, he heard the distant sounds of commotion, and his senses kicked in.

He descended swiftly, landing in an alley where a group of thugs surrounded a trio of kids, their backpacks strewn on the ground. The bullies were taunting and pushing the younger students, who looked terrified.

Y/N frowned beneath his mask, his sense of justice fueling his actions. "Picking on a few kids? That's so sad, man," he quipped, his voice laced with disdain for the thugs.

With a swift, fluid motion, Spider-Man launched himself into action. His movements were a blur as he countered each attack with precision, his fists finding their mark with satisfying thuds. The thugs, caught off guard by the masked hero's skill, faltered under the onslaught.

"Spider-Man! Get out of here!" one of the thugs snarled, his bravado masking the fear in his voice.

But Spider-Man was having none of it. His sense of responsibility surged, and he swiftly unleashed his webs, snaring the arms of the bullies. "You should know by now, I don't listen to anyone."

The thugs struggled against his webs, but Spider-Man was quick and agile. With a fluid motion, he incapacitated the bullies, using his stingers to disarm them.

The kids watched in awe, their eyes wide with admiration. "Wow, it's really him! Spider-Man!" one of them exclaimed, their voice tinged with excitement.

As Spider-Man fought, his movements were a blend of finesse and power. He utilized his webs to disarm the bullies, rendering them helpless.

The kids, wide-eyed and awe-struck, watched in amazement. "That was awesome!" one of them exclaimed, admiration evident in their voice.

"Yeah, nobody is going to believe that we saw him!"

Spider-Man winked beneath his mask, feeling a surge of pride at their words. "Well, I try my best. Now, run along and stay out of trouble, alright?"

As the kids hurried away, Spider-Man couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Their admiration fueled his determination to protect the city, reminding him of the responsibility that came with his powers.

However, his spider-sense tingled again, warning him of an imminent threat. He turned to see a group of thugs approaching, armed with makeshift weapons and malice in their eyes.

"Looks like the party's not over yet," Spider-Man muttered, readying himself for another round.

The thugs lunged at him, but Spider-Man was quicker. His reflexes were unmatched as he dodged their blows and retaliated with a series of punches and kicks. His stingers slashed through the air, delivering precise strikes that left the thugs incapacitated.

"Here's a tip: if you're going to pick a fight, at least try not to embarrass yourselves," Spider-Man taunted, his words cutting through the tension.

Before the kids grabbed belongings and prepared to leave, they stopped for a moment, looking back at their masked savior. "Wait! We saw someone else trying to be like you! They were wearing a black and white suit!" one of them yelled, wanting to share crucial information.

Confusion flickered in Y/N's eyes. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, we talked to her earlier. She said she was looking for you," the kid explained, their eyes wide with excitement.

Y/N scratched his head, trying to make sense of the situation. "Well, thanks for the heads-up. I'll keep an eye out for her," he replied, genuinely appreciative.

Y/N swung gracefully through the city, the wind rushing past him as he contemplated the encounter with the mysterious black and white-clad vigilante.

The only person he knew with such a suit was Gwen, but that seemed impossible. She was from another dimension, he hadn't seen her in a year.

The idea of her being here, in his city, seemed too surreal to be true.

But that would be impossible, wouldn't it?

Y/N decided to put the puzzle on the backburner for the time being. After all, this could just be some lies made by a couple of kids, and he couldn't afford to be distracted.

Landing on top of the Williamsburg Bank Building, Y/N took a moment to reflect as he gazed at the picture he held in his hand.

It was a treasured memory from over a year ago, taken on a bus ride that felt like a lifetime ago. The image depicted him and Gwen, with the silhouettes of Miles and Peter in the background, all of them sporting carefree smiles. But Y/N couldn't help but fixate on Gwen's presence in the photo.

However, his attention was abruptly diverted as a figure clad in a black and white suit swung gracefully between the buildings, a stark contrast to the dimming evening sky. Y/N's spider-sense tingled with a mix of curiosity and recognition. The suit, it couldn't be a coincidence—it bore a striking resemblance to Gwen's.

Intrigued, he decided to tail this mysterious figure, keeping a safe distance as she casually snagged a hot dog from a nearby vendor. Her movements, the way she swung effortlessly through the city—it all felt eerily familiar. He observed her until she reached the Williamsburg Bank Building. His instincts urged him to confront her, to see if it was really her.

He discreetly followed behind, his curiosity growing with every swing. The figure's movements, the way they carried themselves—it all screamed Gwen, his Gwen, the Gwen he hadn't seen in over a year. His heart raced with anticipation.

As he approached, Y/N couldn't help but admire the suit. "Nice threads," he commented, his tone playful. The figure turned to face him, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she removed her mask, revealing the face he thought he'd never see again. "Miss me?" she teased, her voice laced with amusement.

Y/N's heart raced as he removed his own mask in shock. "Gwen?"

They shared a quick, tight hug before pulling away, the air thick with the weight of unspoken feelings. "How are you?" Y/N managed to ask, his eyes taking in every detail of her appearance. "I've been great, just great. Look at you!" Gwen replied, her gaze tracing the changes in Y/N's appearance.

A touch of awkwardness lingered between them, emotions swirling beneath the surface. Y/N noticed she had kept the haircut he had given her, and he couldn't resist teasing her. "I see you kept my haircut," he said, earning a playful hit from Gwen. She retorted, mentioning his shorter hair and asked if he liked it. Y/N, without missing a beat, complimented her. "You look amazing, Gwen."

As curiosity about her arrival gnawed at him, Y/N questioned, "How are you even here?" His eyes fell on the bright orange watch adorning her wrist, a peculiar accessory that piqued his interest.

Gwen grinned, her playful demeanor resurfacing. "Catch me first, and I'll tell you," she challenged, her laughter echoing in the crisp night air.

Y/N couldn't help but smile, the rush of emotions blending with a sense of joy. "Don't tempt me with a good time," he quipped, going after Gwen.

🕷️

"So, tell me more about this Spider Society," Y/N asked, his curiosity piqued. "A secret society of spider people protecting the multiverse? How have I not heard about this before?"

Gwen grinned, her eyes glinting with mischief. "It's a small, exclusive group," she replied, her tone cryptic. "Not many are in on it." She purposefully spoke quickly, diverting his attention away from the topic.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her evasive response. "Exclusive, huh?" he teased, trying to pry more information out of her. "Sounds like my kind of club."

Gwen chuckled, changing the subject as she dropped down into a nearby sewer entrance, her challenge implicit. "Race you down?" she called out, her voice echoing in the darkness below.

Y/N laughed, unable to resist a challenge. "You're on!" he shouted back, following her without hesitation. As they swung down into the sewer, their laughter mingled with the distant sounds of the city above.

Following Gwen through the labyrinthine tunnels, Y/N soon shot out of the sewer entrance to find Gwen waiting for him.

"Stepping up your swinging game, I see?" Gwen remarked with a smirk, playfully teasing him.

Y/N grinned in response. "Absolutely, you'll see," he said, eager for her next challenge.

Gwen challenged him to thread the needle and head back up to the city streets. Y/N accepted, and as he swung upwards, he narrowly shot between two closely parked cars, causing Gwen to burst into laughter as she followed his lead.

"Thread the needle!" she shouted.

They swung through a tight crevasse between two buses, their movements synchronized seamlessly. Gwen leaped through an active intersection, her confidence contagious. Y/N followed her lead, his heart racing as he narrowly avoided a collision with an oncoming truck.

"Give me another challenge, Stacy! Too easy!" Y/N called out, exhilarated by the thrill of the chase.

"Don't get cocky, you!" Gwen retorted, her voice laced with amusement.

As they swung side by side, Gwen shared tales of her experiences with the Spider Society. "Okay, so there's this lady—Jess Drew," she began, her tone animated.

"Uh-huh," Y/N responded, intrigued.

"She rides motorcycles. Oh my gosh, I'm learning so much from her," Gwen said, her excitement palpable.

"No way! That's sick!" Y/N exclaimed, genuinely impressed.

Their conversation continued, weaving through the challenges of their swinging escapade. Gwen shared more about the Spider Society, including her encounters with a mysterious figure named Miguel, who she described as a "ninja, vampire, Spider-Man, but a good guy."

"A vampire good guy? What the hell?" Y/N exclaimed, his disbelief evident.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I thought," Gwen replied, her laughter echoing through the night.

Y/N inquired about the invitation to the Spider Society, trying to gauge the significance of Gwen's involvement. "So how long ago did they invite you?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Gwen hesitated for a moment before answering. "Eh... only like a few months ago," she replied casually, trying to downplay its importance.

"A few months can mean anything, though," Y/N mused, his mind racing with thoughts of their shared past.

"Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal," Gwen reassured him, sensing his concerns.

Their conversation shifted to the fascinating device on Gwen's wrist. "And that watch is how you get to other dimensions?" Y/N asked, his eyes fixed on the intriguing accessory.

"Yeah! It's so cool!" Gwen replied, her enthusiasm infectious.

A pang of sadness washed over Y/N as he realized that Gwen could have reached him earlier if she had wanted to. He pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to dwell on it.

As they continued to swing, Gwen mentioned another acquaintance named Hobie, who had allowed her to stay at his dimension occasionally.

Y/N couldn't help the tinge of jealousy that crept into his voice. "Who is Hobie?" he inquired, his curiosity mixed with a touch of envy.

"Oh, you're gonna love him. He let me crash at his dimension sometimes," Gwen said, oblivious to Y/N's jealousy.

"Yeah, whatever. So, you stayed overnight or?" Y/N tried to sound nonchalant, but his curiosity got the better of him.

Gwen caught onto his jealousy and reassured him,"Yeah, sometimes! Listen; I'm sorry I didn't see you sooner. They keep tabs on wherever I go, I would have come to see you sooner..."

"Yeah, I get it," Y/N replied, his tone a mixture of understanding and disappointment. "So, why did you come now?"

"I wanted to see you, you dork!" Gwen retorted, her voice filled with affection.

"Yeah, I missed you too," Y/N admitted, his voice softening.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sight of a bodega bandit fleeing the scene, carrying a cash register. Gwen nudged Y/N, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "That your Bodega Bandit?" she teased.

"Unfortunately. Let's nab him," Y/N said, his determination evident.

Working together seamlessly, they swiftly webbed up the bandit and retrieved the stolen items, returning them to the bodega. With the situation resolved, Y/N guided Gwen toward a secluded skyscraper in Midtown, where they could talk without any interruptions.

🕷️

Swinging and laughing their way to the iconic Rockefeller Center, Y/N and Gwen enjoyed the thrill of the night together. Amid the bustling city, the wide-open spaces and the tranquil beauty of the Center provided a welcomed escape.

Y/N shared his thoughts with Gwen, admitting, "I come here often when I just want to think about stuff. Kinda weird, right?"

Gwen shook her head, her demeanor shifting subtly. "Not at all," she replied, her voice thoughtful. "This seems like a cool thinking spot."

Y/N couldn't help but notice the change in Gwen's mood. "You okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Gwen hesitated for a moment before answering, "Yeah, why?"

"You seem a little down," Y/N observed, his voice gentle. "Is there something you want to talk about?"

Gwen looked down, her thoughts focused on the challenges she was facing at home. "Just some stuff at home with my Dad," she replied, her tone tinged with sadness. "It's nothing."

Y/N inquired, already aware of the complex dynamics in Gwen's life. "He still thinks you killed Peter?"

Gwen nodded, her gaze distant.

As they swung together through the city, Gwen moved upside down, her body weightless in the cool night air. Y/N could sense that Gwen was wrestling with her thoughts, but he chose not to press her any further. He simply nodded in understanding.

"I can't imagine how my Mom would react to all of this," Y/N began, reflecting on his own situation. "I feel if I told her, life would be easier—"

Gwen interrupted him with a solemn expression. "Don't. Trust me on that," she urged, her words steeped in wisdom from her own experiences.

Swinging down, Gwen webbed herself to a ledge upside down, her gaze focused on the city. Y/N followed suit, sitting beside her as their spider senses resonated in sync. Similar to how they saw each other last.

"Maybe some things are meant for us, I guess," Y/N reflected, his voice a mixture of maturity and self-awareness.

Gwen nodded in agreement. "That's an interesting way to put it."

Y/N grinned, a hint of cockiness in his tone. "I like to consider myself mature for my age."

Gwen chuckled, her laughter a welcome sound amidst the chaos of the city. As they gazed out at the skyline, Gwen turned to Y/N and shared her feelings. "You know, I really did miss you. It's always so great to talk to you."

Y/N's eyes met Gwen's, revealing the depth of his own yearning. "Yeah, I missed you too, Gwen."

Gwen's smile was filled with gratitude. "I mean, how many people can you talk to about this stuff?"

Y/N chuckled in response, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "You don't even know."

Their conversation took a more intimate turn as Y/N's hand brushed closer to Gwen's. She noticed this with a smile, her own fingers inching closer to his. "You know, you're the only friend I've ever really made after Peter died. Besides Anya and Miles."

Y/N spoke cautiously, his curiosity evident. "And Hobie, right?"

Gwen nodded, hesitating for a moment. "Yeah, but that's different."

Y/N wanted to understand better. "How so?"

Gwen's reply was filled with ambiguity, her eyes locked onto Y/N's. "I don't know. You and me, it's...weird, the same?"

Y/N laughed, a genuine and carefree sound that seemed to melt the tension away. "Weird in the same way, yeah," he acknowledged, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I don't even know how to explain."

As they continued to enjoy their peaceful moment atop the skyscraper, their spider senses flared up once again. This time, their hands almost touched before Gwen quickly retreated hers. Y/N looked at her, curiosity mixed with a hint of longing in his eyes.

"In every other universe, Gwen Stacy falls for Spider-Man," Gwen admitted, her tone filled with melancholy.

"And in every other universe, it doesn't end well." She followed up in sadness.

Y/N looked at her, his eyes reflecting understanding and compassion. He retreated his hand, respecting her boundaries but offering a glimmer of hope. "Well, you know what they say, there's a first time for everything, right?"

Gwen gazed at him with admiration and a touch of vulnerability. "I missed you, Y/N."

She leaned her head against his shoulder, and together, they continued to look out over the New York City skyline. The city's myriad lights painted a beautiful tapestry as they enjoyed the view together.

Like two twin flames, burning brightly amongst the glow of the city.

Y/N and Gwen sat together, a comfortable silence enveloping them as they took in the stunning view of the city skyline.

Just as Y/N was about to speak up, his phone alarm went off, breaking the moment. "Already? Dammit," he muttered in frustration.

Gwen turned to him, a quizzical look in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Y/N explained the reason behind his sudden alarm. "My Mom is being promoted at F.E.A.S.T, and May is throwing a surprise party to celebrate her promotion. I'm in charge of picking up some of the food for the party." He spoke with genuine pride in his voice. "She deserves this."

Gwen listened attentively, hearing the fondness in Y/N's voice as he spoke about his mother. Then, a hint of sadness crept into his expression. "But it means you'll have to leave, doesn't it?"

Gwen pondered the implications. She knew Miguel and Jessica wouldn't approve of her being in Y/N's dimension, especially after Jess had told her not to see Y/N again. However, Gwen didn't care. She missed Y/N, and spending time with him was a priority. Hobie was covering for her, providing a convenient diversion.

I want to stay," Gwen said, her voice steady, determination in her eyes. "Maybe I can help you with the party?"

Y/N's face brightened with a smile, grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her. "That would be great. But I have one favor to ask. Can we be Y/N L/N and Gwen Stacy for the rest of the day? Just normal teenagers."

Gwen chuckled softly. "Sounds nice. But I have no extra clothes here."

Y/N grinned mischievously. "No worries. We can swing to my house, and I'll find something for you. My closet is your closet," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

Gwen followed Y/N into his room, a sense of curiosity drawing her towards the desk where several figures were neatly displayed in their boxes. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why are these figures still in their boxes?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment before replying, "They're collectibles, Gwen. Some of them could be worth a lot of money if they stay in good condition."

A/N: Y/N makes sure to emphasize the importance of keeping the shit in their boxes.

Gwen couldn't help but laugh softly. "A bit of a collector, huh?"

Y/N nodded, his expression a mixture of pride and mild embarrassment. "Yeah, it's a hobby."

As Gwen perused his room, her eyes landed on a sketchbook lying open on the desk. She couldn't resist flipping through its pages, her eyes scanning his various drawings. She paused when she came across sketches of herself. She glanced up at Y/N, a teasing smile forming on her lips.

"Oh, look at you, Mr. Artist," Gwen said, her tone playful and teasing. "Who's the pretty girl?"

Y/N smiled awkwardly, attempting to keep his composure as he replied, "Just some random sketch. Don't read too much into it."

"Uh huh." Gwen smirked.

While exploring the room, Gwen noticed a small, playful kitten darting around the room. Intrigued, she knelt down to pet the adorable feline. "Who's this little cutie?"

Y/N grinned, introducing her, "That's Storm, my little sidekick. She has a good judge of character, and it seems she likes you."

Gwen continued to pet Storm, who purred contentedly under her touch.

Before leaving, Gwen spotted a pullover Mets fleece crew hanging on a chair. She picked it up and draped it over her shoulders, finding it a perfect fit. Y/N noticed her wearing it and smiled, a tinge of nostalgia in his eyes.

"That was from a Mets game I went to with my Dad. One of my favorite memories with him," he shared, his voice filled with warmth and longing.

With the sweatshirt on, they walked out of the house together.

🕷️

Gwen and Y/N continued down the bustling New York streets, their laughter harmonizing with the city's rhythm as they picked up the items needed for Y/N's mom's party. They joked around, sharing playful banter and teasing each other about their favorite snacks and party decorations. It was a carefree moment, the world around them fading away in the light of their camaraderie.

As they strolled, they passed by a group of familiar faces, including Flash Thompson, Peter, MJ, and Glory. Flash's eyes widened in surprise when he saw Y/N with Gwen, unable to conceal his shock. Flash's reputation as a bully and a troublemaker was well-known, so seeing him with a girl caught everyone off guard, especially Peter, who hadn't spoken to Y/N in months.

Flash couldn't help but make a mean comment, directed at Y/N. "Well, L/N is stepping up his game. Didn't know you had it in you," he sneered, eyeing Gwen with curiosity.

Peter's attention was piqued, his curiosity blending with a pang of guilt for not keeping in touch with his friend.

MJ, perceptive as always, nudged Peter and said, "Maybe you should talk to Y/N. It's been way too long."

Peter attempted a friendly greeting, hoping to bridge the gap between them. "Hey, Y/N, it's been a while," he said, albeit with a hint of awkwardness in his tone.

Y/N couldn't help but remain cautious and somewhat skeptical of Peter's sudden friendliness. "Yeah, it has. Funny how now you want to say something after months of radio silence."

MJ, who could sense the tension in the air, nudged Peter to ease the situation. She suggested the idea of a double date, hoping to mend the broken friendship between Peter and Y/N.

But Y/N's sharp tongue couldn't let the opportunity slip by. "Oh, now you want to double date after avoiding me? Seems like someone's priorities are a bit messed up."

Peter, realizing he had upset Y/N, stammered, "I didn't mean to... I'm sorry."

Gwen, noticing the tension, tried to intervene angrily, "Enough, guys! Can we please just get along?"

Peter, however, couldn't control his frustration, and he inadvertently shouted at Gwen, "How about you kick rocks? This doesn't concern you."

Gwen's eyes widened in shock, hurt etching her features.

Peter attempted to apologize, but both Gwen and Y/N were unwilling to hear it. Y/N, his anger boiling over, condemned Peter.

"I don't want to hear it." He said. "You're hanging out with Flash Thompson, of all people? The same guy who tormented us for years, who made fun of me after my dad was murdered!"

MJ looked shocked, realizing the gravity of the situation, while Peter attempted to find the right words to salvage their friendship.

Y/N's tone was laced with disappointment. "Stay the hell away from me, Peter," he declared, his voice firm, as Gwen, her eyes filled with sympathy, led him away, shooting a bitter glance back at Peter.

Gwen, feeling Y/N's pain, stepped in, placing a calming hand on his arm. "Let's go, Y/N. He's not worth it," she said firmly, guiding him away from the confrontation.

In a hushed voice, Gwen whispered to Y/N, "My Peter was never that much of a dick, I promise."

Peter watched Y/N and Gwen walk away, a pang of regret settling in his chest. MJ, sensing his turmoil, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "It's not too late, Peter," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

"Yeah, I hope you're right."

🕷️

Y/N stood with Gwen by his side as they entered F.E.A.S.T, the lively atmosphere of the center bustling with activity. May Parker, in her element, was orchestrating the preparations for Jessica's surprise party. Y/N scanned the room, ensuring he had everything he was supposed to bring for the celebration.

Suddenly, Ben Parker, May's husband, approached them with a friendly grin. "Hey, Y/N, got everything you needed?" he asked, then turned to Gwen, raising an eyebrow. "And who might this lovely lady be?"

Sebastian Stan as Ben Parker

Y/N hesitated for a moment before answering, "This is Gwen, a friend." He glanced at Gwen, silently asking her to play along.

Gwen smiled warmly, extending her hand to shake Ben's. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Parker."

Ben grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Y/N never mentioned he had a girlfriend. Well done, son!" he teased, nudging Y/N playfully.

Y/N's cheeks flushed, and he stammered, trying to explain, "No, no, we're not dating, Mr. Parker. We're just friends."

Before Ben could tease them further, May appeared beside him, diverting his attention. "Oh, Y/N, you're here! Did you get everything?" she asked, glancing at Gwen with a smile. "And who's this lovely young lady?"

Y/N took a deep breath, relieved to have the chance to clarify the situation. "This is Gwen, a friend I met recently."

May's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she observed the two of them. "Ah, the mysterious Gwen," she said, her tone playful. "Is she the girl you've been sketching in your notebook?" May winked at Y/N, enjoying his flustered reaction.

Y/N blushed furiously, stammering out a response. "Uh, well, you see, I... did Mom tell you?"

May laughed heartily, patting Y/N's shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry, Y/N, I'm just pulling your leg. It's great to meet you, Gwen. You're welcome here anytime."

Gwen grinned back, appreciating May's warm welcome. "Thank you, Mrs. Parker."

"Now, where's my husband? I need him to help me with the decorations. Ben!" she called out, scanning the room for her husband.

🕷️

Jessica stood there, momentarily baffled as she entered the F.E.A.S.T Center. The room was eerily empty, and she questioned why May had asked her to come here after her work was done for the day. But as she called out for someone, the answer became clear.

Suddenly, the room was flooded with volunteers, friends, and familiar faces. Jessica was overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes glistening with surprise and excitement. She watched as they approached, offering their congratulations, claps on her back, and warm embraces.

May Parker, with her ever-present beaming smile, emerged from the crowd and gave Jessica a tight hug. "Congratulations, Jessica! You deserve this promotion more than anyone I know. Thank you for everything you do."

Y/N and Gwen clapped in the background, their pride for Jessica evident in their faces. They watched as Jessica was encouraged to give a speech.

A chorus of voices chanted, "Speech, speech, speech!" until Jessica finally raised her hands and obliged. She knew she couldn't avoid it any longer.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," Jessica began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "When I first started working with F.E.A.S.T, I never imagined I would be standing here, surrounded by such incredible people. Each and every one of you has contributed to the success of this organization, and I am endlessly grateful for your dedication and support."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, echoing Jessica's sentiments. Y/N and Gwen, positioned at the back, clapped enthusiastically, their eyes filled with pride as they watched Jessica shine in the spotlight.

"May," Jessica continued, turning to her friend and mentor, "your unwavering faith in me kept me going, even when times were tough. Thank you for convincing me to stay after the Martin Li incident. Your guidance has shaped me into the person I am today."

May smiled back, her eyes glinting with pride.

Jessica's gaze then softened as she spoke about her late husband. "Jacob, my beloved husband, is the reason I am who I am. He taught me the power of love, compassion, and resilience. I miss him every day, but I know he's watching over us, proud of the work we're doing."

Y/N felt a lump form in his throat as his mother's words resonated with him. Gwen squeezed his hand, offering silent support.

"But there's someone else I want to talk about tonight," Jessica continued, her voice gaining strength. "My son, Y/N. He is my greatest blessing, my source of endless pride and love. Y/N, you are the reason I strive to make this world a better place. You are my hero, and I promise I will always be there for you, just as you've been there for me."

Unbeknownst to Jessica, Y/N wiped away a tear that had escaped his eye, deeply moved by his mother's words. Gwen looked at him with a soft smile, understanding the depth of his emotions.

Gwen leaned in and whispered to Y/N, "Your mom is amazing."

He smiled at Gwen, a sense of pride and affection in his eyes. "Yeah, she really is."

Jessica concluded her speech, her voice filled with determination. "Remember, when you help someone, you help everyone. Let's continue making a difference, together."

🕷️

After Jessica's heartfelt speech, the party at F.E.A.S.T was in full swing, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Jessica, having mingled with the guests for a while, realized that she hadn't seen her son Y/N in some time. A pang of worry tugged at her heart as she scanned the room, her eyes searching for his familiar face.

Approaching May and Ben, she asked, "Have you seen Y/N? I'm starting to get a bit worried; he hasn't been around for a while."

May, ever the reassuring presence, gestured towards a nearby table, where Y/N and Gwen sat, engrossed in conversation, their laughter harmonizing with the joyful ambiance of the party. "He's right over there, Jess," May said with a warm smile. "Looks like he's having a great time with his friend."

Relief washed over Jessica as she watched her son from afar. She couldn't help but study the girl sitting with Y/N. Gwen. The same Gwen she had noticed in Y/N's sketchbook.

Her heart swelled with happiness at the sight of Y/N's laughter, something she hadn't seen in a while. The fact that he found happiness in Gwen's presence warmed her heart.

Deciding to give them space and hoping Y/N would introduce Gwen to her later, Jessica turned back to her friends.

🕷️

Amidst the lively atmosphere of the party, Y/N and Gwen enjoyed their food, exchanging laughter and conversation. Yet, there were unspoken questions lingering between them, waiting to be addressed. Y/N, ever the curious soul, decided to broach the topic that had been on his mind.

"Gwen, I've been wondering... why didn't you come to see me earlier?" Y/N asked gently, his eyes searching hers for an answer.

Gwen hesitated, her gaze dropping momentarily before meeting his again. "I wanted to, I really did. But there were... things I had to deal with," she replied, her voice soft, carrying the weight of unspoken burdens.

Y/N nodded, understanding that there were parts of Gwen's life he couldn't comprehend fully. He didn't want to press her further, sensing her reluctance to share more.

Changing the topic, Y/N shifted his attention to the Spider Society, the mysterious group Gwen had mentioned before. "So, when does this Miguel O'Hara consider inviting me into his elite group?" Y/N teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Gwen hesitated, her response quick and guarded. "It's a small group, Y/N. There isn't much room," she said, her eyes avoiding his, as if she were concealing something.

Y/N picked up on her evasiveness but decided not to push the matter. Instead, he glanced at Gwen's watch, the one that allowed her to travel between dimensions. "If only I had one of those, I could go anywhere, see everyone," he mused, a hint of longing in his voice.

Gwen looked away, her expression tinged with sadness, as if she held a secret she couldn't share.

Realizing it was time to introduce Gwen to his mom, Y/N suggested they find Jessica. They made their way through the crowd, eventually locating Jessica engaged in conversation with some guests. Y/N approached, a warm smile on his face. "Mom, this is Gwen Stacy. Gwen, meet my amazing mom, Jessica," he said proudly, introducing the two important women in his life.

Gwen extended her hand, smiling at Jessica. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mrs. L/N. Y/N talks about you all the time."

Jessica shook Gwen's hand warmly, her eyes scanning Gwen's face. "Likewise, Gwen. Y/N's told me a lot about you too. I must say, I love your style," she said, her tone genuine and friendly.

Gwen blushed slightly, feeling a sense of comfort around Jessica. "Thank you, Mrs. L/N. I've heard a lot about you too. Y/N speaks very highly of you," she replied, her nervousness fading as their conversation continued. The older woman teased the two of them, her genuine affection for Gwen evident.

🕷️

As the night grew late, the party came to an end, and the guests gradually departed, leaving Jessica, Y/N, and Gwen in the quiet aftermath of the celebration. Feeling the fatigue in her bones and knowing it was too late to head back, Gwen mustered the courage to ask Jessica if she could stay the night.

"Um, Mrs. L/N, if it's okay, can I crash here for the night?" Gwen asked shyly, her eyes flickering between Y/N and Jessica.

Jessica smiled warmly, happy to have her son's friend stay over. "Of course, Gwen! You're always welcome here," she said, teasingly adding, "And don't worry, Y/N can share his room with you. Just make sure to leave some space for Storm, she's quite territorial."

Gwen glanced at Y/N, who chuckled at his mother's teasing. "Yeah, I'll feed Storm and change her water before bed," he said, already knowing the routine.

The debate on who would take the bed ensued, with Y/N insisting that Gwen should have it. "It's your bed, Y/N. I'll be fine on the floor," Gwen protested, her eyes conveying her sincerity.

After some back and forth, Y/N relented, and the two of them settled onto the bed, creating an unspoken buffer zone between them. Despite the awkwardness, Y/N tried to ease the tension. "It doesn't have to be weird, you know. We're just friends," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Gwen nodded. "Yeah, just friends," she agreed, her voice soft.

As Y/N drifted off to sleep, Gwen found herself unable to do the same. She glanced at her watch, noticing several missed calls from Jessica Drew, Anya, and Miguel O'Hara. She sighed, knowing they were probably worried about her.

She opened the message from Jess, which read, "Where are you, Gwen? I really hope you're not with that boy. Call me ASAP."

Gwen sighed, knowing she was in trouble with her fellow Spider Society members. Jess, in particular, was growing impatient and had specifically warned her against spending time with Y/N. She felt torn between her responsibilities and her desire to be with Y/N.

Gwen sighed softly, glancing at Y/N. He had no idea about the secrets she carried or the responsibilities she held as part of the Spider Society. She decided to respond to Jessica's calls the next day, not wanting to disturb the moment between her and Y/N.