[IC] Spider-Man: Childhood Friends (Jones Sparrow and EasilyAmused)

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter would normally have these nightmares now adays. Things people could fantasize about and freak out... but the bad thing about Peter's life is that those nightmares could turn in to reality super quick. He would constantly dream about standing in front of Uncle Ben, him whispering how it was his fault. He would dream of seeing people he couldn't save, people who threatened his loved one's lives... but the darkest of them all were the ones where he would walk in to a black ooz filled room, hearing the dark breathing of Venom, and the cackling of the Green Goblin, and seeing Lexi's lifeless eyes staring at him, forever frozen in the hope that Peter would save her just in time... He hated that one so much that he was afraid to go to sleep. Even when he and Black Cat would say goodnight and call it quits, he would often swing around for the whole night, or until he passed out on a rooftop...

The first time in a while though, Peter slept, and he didn't have a bad dream whatsoever. He woke to the feeling of fingertips playing with his bare toned muscles, and a warm kiss to his cold lips. He woke up to see the black haired goddess smiling at him. He gave a groggy smile and closed his eyes again. "morning... Pancakes sound good..." He said softly. Normally he would be up and ready to be with her... but after the sleepless nights, and the feel of her skin on his, he didn't want to be anywhere else, especially when he knew just how cold it was outside. he hoped his tiredness didn't show though, as he lied there with his eyes closed. "How'd you sleep, kitty kat?" Peter asked with a groggy smirk, playfully teasing her because of her alter ego.

[EasilyAmused]

Lexi often wondered what her life would have been like without Peter in it. What type of person would she be? Where would she be? How would her life be different? Sure it was something she wondered about, but it was something she never wanted to experience with him. She was happy; happier than she could ever imagine and now she was able to enjoy her time with Peter both in and out of their egos. Her small hand traveled gently up his chest and danced its way up his neck and to his cheek gently running her thump against his cheek bone. The groggy Peter smile was charming and could only be met with a happy smile of her own before his eyes shut again and he spoke in a soft, almost whisper. And it was adorable.

Ha kitty cat, such a kidder. Her lips curled into a small smirk and she looked down at his sleepy face once again before speaking. “Ppppuuurrrrrfectly.” She said with a teasing tone to her voice as she leaned over giving him a final kiss before pulling the covers off of her and sliding out of bed. As she pulled on her comfy household clothes she looked over her shoulder at him. “Here.” She said softly grabbing her pillow and handing it to him, as she slid his arms around the pillow that smelled like her she spoke gently. “You look like you need a bit more sleep. This smells like me so why don’t you caught up a little more and cuddle this until I get back with your breakfast.” Leaning over, she gently kissed his forehead before climbing off the bed and slipping on her slippers and pulling her robe over her tank top covered shoulders and pj shorts.

It took about forty five minutes before Lexi had everything finished. On a large tray she had two of everything, plate of scrambled eggs, two pancakes, and toast with butter. There was also bowls with diced up fruit, along with silverware and large glasses of orange juice to drink. Feeling rather proud of herself, she pushed open the door open to her room with her butt before turning and pushing the door shut with her foot. Sliding herself onto the bed, she put the tray onto the end table and slid herself back onto the bed. Her fluffy pink robe slid off of her shoulders as she pulled the pillow from his arms and rolled herself into its place. “Sorry pillow, this is my boyfriend.” She said with a small giggle to her voice as she turned her attention from the pillow up to her boyfriend. “Hey you, wakey wakey…” She said playfully to him as she leaned up, kissing his lips tenderly once more.

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter smiled and laughed quietly as he heard her respond to how well she slept, his eyes still closed, but they opened a bit as she slid out of the bed. She tossed him a pillow that smelled very much like his girlfriend, and when he had permission to get some rest, well, he didn't need to be told twice. The little nap after a deep sleep felt like seconds, but the smell of food soon came to his nose, then the bedroom door opening, and then the pillow being taken out of his hand only to be replaced by Lexi. He laughed at her comment, and then gave a fake expression of agony. "Awh come on, mom... five more minutes." Peter moaned jokingly, leaning forward to get another kiss. The smell of food and the very passionate kisses woke him up a bit more.

"Smells good..." He said quietly, opening his soft brown eyes and looking at his stunning girlfriend. His girlfriend was warm, her bed was warm, and he wasn't sure if he'd ever leave this bed... But he knew he would have to go visit Harry today... and maybe he could escape Lexi's side for a few minutes to go Christmas shopping to find her something nice. He had saved up quite a bit of money from getting pictures of Spider-Man and now Black Cat... He had to figure out what to get her though... it shouldn't be hard. He had known her his whole life... but now she was his girlfriend! There was a lot on the line! He didn't want to let her down!

[EasilyAmused]

The two sat in bed talking and chatting about the upcoming day. They decided it would be easy for them to go see Harry today than escape back to her house after the visiting. A smile moved across her face as they finished, she wasn’t sure what state of mind Harry would be in or if he even remembered what he had done to her but it wasn’t something that she wanted to bring up to him. Although she kept the conversation of breakfast in bed light and fun with her beloved Peter, she was contemplating on what to say to him. What were you thinking? Why did you do this? Why didn’t you just take Peter’s help? We could have explained everything to you! How could you be so stupid!? The last question was probably the one most prominent in her head. But she was proof that if Peter Parker had a hand in it, he could have saved Harry life… with some possible ‘side effects’.

After getting dressed and having another quick make out session in the living room; the two got into her car and left her house. Driving slowly she cracked a joke that if their car broke down he could probably just carry it back to the house. Of course her bug was in good shape and with chains on it; it traveled well through the snowy streets.

“You know what; I think we should get him a Christmas gift. I know it’s cheesy but I think it would be something he’d like if…” She swallowed softly, not wanting to end her sentence of ‘it’s the last time we see him’. But she knew better than to finish a sentence they both already knew. Soon the two found themselves at one of the large malls of New York City with a small smile. The parking lot was almost empty but the mall was open. Parking, she unbuckled her seat belt and gave Peter a small smile as she zipped up her large fluffy jacket. “Any thoughts on what we should get him?” Yes she said ‘we’ he wasn’t going to get away with paying for everything on his own.

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter wasn't so sure on what he thought about this whole "give Harry a present" thing. It was as if saying "Hey, I know you tried to kill me, and almost did kill my girlfriend, but here's some little meaningless gift!" He didn't make eye contact with her as they parked. He didn't know if Harry was going to die, if the symbiote was gone but the disease he had was gone thanks to it, if he still hated Peter... He looked over at her finally, smirking a bit at the sight of her in the fluffy coat. She was adorable, like a marshmallow. "I don't know... I haven't talked to the guy in years, and when we do, he steals my girlfriend and wants to kill me... so maybe one of those vintage pet rocks." He said, the last part adding humor in to the comment as he gave a small smile. He climbed out of the car, entering the cold. He didn't have a winter coat, just a hoodie with a leather jacket over himself. It seemed to do the trick.

New York's traffic was just as bad as the snow gently fell. The mall played Christmas music loud enough for them to hear in the parking lot, families and singles holding bags of gifts, preparing themselves for the holidays that will happen in a few weeks... There was no way he was going to get Lex's gift today, she won't leave his side... This was going to be difficult. He didn't really want either of them to spend money on his old friend. He didn't even know what he likes anymore... But he was sure the two could think about their old childhood and find something...

[EasilyAmused]

Climbing out of the car she couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that he mentioned that Harry did kidnap her and try to kill Peter so maybe a pet rock that wouldn’t hurt them would be the best choice. “You know that might be a good idea he couldn’t hurt us… wait…” Her voice trailed off as she shut the door of her bug and locked it shut with a little chirp and the flashing of her headlights. “That might be a bad idea. If I remember correctly, Harry has a hell of a throwing arm on him and it used to take both of us to beat him in a snowball fight.” She said with a nod before walking to him, the snow crunching under her feet as she slipped her arm around her boyfriend’s bicep. “Let’s just not get him something with Spider-Man on it. I don’t think he’d take too kindly to that.” Lexi said in a half joking half serious manner. It seemed like a given but she couldn’t help but say it out loud since they would be finding a lot of that around the mall.

Wondering inside the mall, she kept herself close to Peter, enjoying the feeling of being close to him. It was nice and welcoming. There was no doubt that this young woman loved her man and wished to stay near him. The process of elimination was getting more and more difficult. “So maybe we should split up.” She said to him as they approached the sixth store in an attempt to look.

The agreement was to meet back within the next ten minutes to cut back on time before they found something they thought Harry would enjoy. Lexi blasted through seven stores by herself nearly flashing past a book store. Her shoes pulled her to a stop as she noticed something in the window. “OH!” Her voice squealed with excitement as she pressed her glove covered hands against the glass, a grin flying across her full lips before she pushed herself off the glass and started back towards the area where she was going to meet Peter.

She didn’t have to wait too long before Peter had showed back up and she pulled out her phone to show him the picture that she had taken. “Hey I thought this would be good.” With that she showed him a photo she snapped of a book, Totally MAD. Harry always had a decent sense of humor but what do you get a dying man? With who Peter and Lexi are, it only makes sense for them to give him something that will make him smile and laugh in his life time. Happiness and laughter cures all things… but what Harry has. “What did you find?”

[Jones Sparrow]

This was one of the hardest things he had to do... What to get his psychotic ex-best friends... The possibilities were endless...! After Lexi split up with him (which he wasn't so happy about, its crowded in New York, people would love to steal her purse, or take advantage of her...). He looked at old shops they would like to go to. A comic book store... Nah... He seems to be a little mad against stuff like that. He thought about getting him some fancy cologne.. no. Too weird. Maybe he would like a new "I heart New York" shirt, or he could actually get him a pet rock... God this was hard!

Peter was still thinking about what to give the rich kid who had everything... He wish he could have helped him. He wished he could take away his disease, so they could be happy. He wished he wasn't so stubborn and a jerk like his dad... Instead of trying to think of a gift for someone he wasn't so happy with, he thought he'd take a look around for Lexi's gift... he soon found out that that was harder but for different reasons. What do you get the perfect girl as a gift? He loved her. She was there for every bad thing that happened to Peter, someone he could go to for anything (except for Spider-Man for his first year), he was happy, and at peace with her... She made him not feel like a freak, or a loser, or a god among men... He felt human. Complete.

With that said, he wasn't so sure on what to get someone like that for the Holidays... He would have to come back to get this. His ten minutes were up, and all he had for ideas was a lousy tourist t-shirt, a pet rock, or some man perfume... He went to the meeting spot to see Lexi. She showed him her idea for the gift, and he loved it. It was something to help boost his spirit, and from all that's happened, he needed it...

"I... well... I thought about, since he's been away from home for so long... we can get him an 'I love NY' shirt... make him feel at home, kinda a gag gift..." Peter said with a shrug, not really knowing if the idea would be approved.

[EasilyAmused]

A heartfelt laugh left Lexi when he said that he thought an ‘I love NY’ shirt would be a good idea. Her eyes twinkled, her heart fluttered and she gave him a huge grin. “I think that would be perfect! A gag gift is always fun!” She said with a nod. “Let’s do both.” With that, she gave him a nod and slid her arm into his once more. That feeling of being back on his arm was a wonderful feeling. Tilting her head, she placed it against his upper bicep as they walked through the mall together.

It didn’t take too long to find what they wanted. The extent of the time was waiting in line. Buying anything in New York City was crazy which is typically why she and Peter did a lot of their own personal purchasing online. They each asked for their items to be wrapped, much to the dislike of the cashiers but they did it anyway.

Walking out to the car in the cold, they climbed inside quickly only to exchange a kiss in the snow before jumping into the car and warming up inside as the little bug rumbled to life and shot out warm air into the chilled car. The conversation was light-hearted and humorous thanks to Peter and Lexi’s personalities feeding off of each other, but it seemed more than normal, which probably was because they were both nervous about encountering Harry. What would he think, how would he feel, is he… okay?

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter did what he always does when he was nervous, and a bit angry: make jokes. He was used to blocking feelings from others, especially people that are close. He stayed strong for Aunt May when Uncle Ben died. He would barely talk to Lexi during it, he stayed strong for Aunt May, but then there was the time he threw Flash Thompson up against the lockers just because he said "Hey Parker" to him... He had no intention of throwing Lexi or Harry up against anything, but he still felt like seeing the man would leave him rather angry. They made it to the hospital. They had to drive off the island. It was nice, full of trees, the building was large and white. The snow falling made the sound of this place very quiet, unlike the large city. Peter climbed out and looked around. "Nice place..." Peter said quietly, closing his door, taking Lexi's hand, and walking for the entrance of the establishment. It was no clue that this place was the best money could get ya, and the Osborne's were loaded.

"Hi, we're here to see Harry Osborne. We're his--"

"Are you two family?" The woman asked in a thick Queen's accent.

"I--uh, no.. but we're good friends--"

"You can't see patients unless you are family." She said to Peter, giving him a glare. Peter looked over at Lexi and rolled his eyes. "Look, I have Norman Osborne on speed dial, I can make the call, or you can trust us and let us by. She gave a small laugh. "Go ahead, call Mr. Osborne, I'd love to talk to him about our wages." She said sarcastically. "Okay, you're choice." Peter said with a shrug, taking out his phone and dialing Norman Osborne's personal cell phone. Harry's dad always liked Peter, so it was no surprise he gave him the number just in case harry got in trouble in their adventures as young teenagers.

---

Peter kept quietly laughing as Lexi and him walked down the hall. "The look on her face when she heard his voice, oh man I wish I had that on camera..." Peter said with a smile. "101,103,105, and 107. We're here..." Peter said, knocking lightly before making his way in. "Hey Harry... Its Pete and Lex... How're ya feeling?"

Harry Osborne slowly opened his eyes to see his old friends. Harry's dark red hair was neatly trimmed, his eyes were bloodshot from the treatment of trying to heal from that traumatic experience, and his skin was very pale. He gave a very weak smile. "Peter? Lexi? Never thought i'd get a visit from you two any time soon..." He said quietly, coughing a bit, trying to sit up.

[EasilyAmused]

Lexi took Peter’s hand as they started inside in the snow. The poor guy didn’t ever dress for the proper weather anyway so she felt herself close to him in an attempt to give him some warmth before they entered the building. “It is nice.” She said softly as they carried their bags with their wrapped gifts inside the building.

The interaction with Peter and the counter lady just made Lexi grin as she swallowed back giggle after giggle. Oh this young woman did not know what she was getting herself into. She obviously didn’t know and didn’t realize that Peter Parker was one of the few men on the planet that had Norman Osborne on speed dial and if he started making beats with people, he could win so much money. The look on the girl’s face was priceless when Peter handed her his phone and the young lady heard Mister Osborne’s voice demanding the woman to let the two people in front of her in. In fact, Mister Osborne’s voice was so strong and demanding that Lexi’s blue eyes went wide as he seemed to explode. However, Peter’s nonchalant manner of taking the phone back saying good bye and hanging up caused her to nearly explode in laughter. She placed her face against Peter’s cold shoulder in an attempt to calm down her cheeks and to keep herself from laughing aloud.

“Peter Parker and his connections.” She said with a giggle as they started down the hall. “Aren’t I a lucky girl to be with someone with so many connections?” Giving his arm a little squeeze with her free hand she leaned over and kissed his cold shoulder gently before they were standing outside of Harry’s room. She took in a deep breathe and held it as Peter walked in first, Lexi slowly behind him still hand and hand with her man.

Harry looked horrible, but he could be dead… so weighing the two, this was, in fact, a better situation. A small closed mouth smile moved across Lexi’s full lips as she followed Peter to Harry’s bedside and they took the seats were provided; probably used by his parents earlier in the day. “Don’t sit up, just lay back and relax.” She said in a comforting tone, the smile still on her lips as she attempted to not look sad about his condition. “We were bound to come and visit sooner or later. The idea of sooner seemed more enjoyable for us.” That was a nicer version instead of saying they were worried they’d miss there chance to make peace with him before he passed.

“It’s a little early but we got you some Christmas gifts.” She said with a small cheesy smile as she handed him the wrapped gift she had carried in, hers but she didn’t want to make mention that she had picked out one over the other. It might look better if both of the gifts came from the two of them. “Merry Christmas Harry.”

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter was at a loss for words. He never saw the strong and mighty Harry Osborne so weak and fragile. All Peter could do was nod and smile when Lexi said something. Before seeing him he wanted to punch him, again and again for putting Lexi through so much. She nearly died because of him... But now he just didn't know what to do.

Harry took the gifts. "Gifts too? awh man..." He said with a smile, taking them gently. He opened them, a smile spreading across his face. He looked at the book, then laughed at the t-shirt, giving a large cough afterwards though. Peter's first words were "Welcome back to New York."

Harry looked at them shaking his head. "I... I don't know what to say... Thank you." Harry said, his smile larger now that he had these gifts from people he thought would hate them.

"So... How're you holding up man?" Peter asked quietly, looking up for a second to meet his eyes, then down at his legs. Harry gave a small inhale of breath. "They thought I wouldn't make it... after what... happened, I was put here. Barely breathing, didn't eat for days, didn't even wake up. When I did though, I was told that whatever that disease I had, was gone..." He gave a smile, tears in his eyes. "I'm going to live. But I have to stay here, i'm still pretty beaten up after v-that stuff took control..." He trailed off, a tear rolling down his face.

Peter got up, and took his hand in a shake, looking at him. "We'll visit more often. We're here for you... But for now, you need rest." Peter said with a nod. It took a lot of him to say that. After all that's happened... But this was the real Harry. Not that creature he turned to. and if he was going to be a hero, he had to try and learn to forgive...

Peter and Lexi stood to get up, and just as Peter was about to leave out the door, he was stopped. "Hey, Pete... Can I have a second?" Peter looked at Lexi, giving a nod of assurance. "I'll be right out..." Peter said, a smile on his lips as he closed the door after her. He turned to Harry, his hands in his pockets. "what's up?" Peter asked.

"How many did I...." Harry's voice was broken, his eyes filled with tears. Peter looked up at him. "it killed a lot of people... The creature. Not you." Harry nodded, biting his lip. "I remember what I did to Lexi... Is she alright?"

Peter didn't reply instantly. his anger started to rise. "You almost killed her." Peter said bluntly, staring at him. "I understand it wasn't you. I understand you were scared, and desperate. But I want to make something very clear. I don't want you anywhere near Lex when i'm not around. If you touch her, or hurt so much as her pinky finger, I will make sure I will do a hell of a lot more to you." Peter walked up to the side of his bed, his eyes glaring at him, his finger shaking at him. Harry gave a grim nod. "I never meant to..." He said softly.

Peter Parker simply stared at him for a few more seconds, then sighed. "See you later Harry." And with that, he walked out the room.

[EasilyAmused]

“You’re welcome.” Lexi said softly. The whole situation was hard to get Lexi to give a full bright smile. The situation was saddening and seeing Harry in such a state was horrible. When they were younger he was the more active one of the three; running, jumping, causing miniature chaos if he could. Now he was hooked up to machines that were beeping and booping indicating his vital signs and reminding the room of the pain he was going through. Her voice was staying soft for two reasons; one, she didn’t think being loud was a good idea and two, seeing him like this was nearly getting her to the point of tears.

Their presence for the visit was short lived. And as Peter wanted to excuse them she rose with him. Knowing that if they stayed for too long, it wouldn’t be good for either of their mental states to see their friend like this. “We certainly will be back and Peter’s right, you really do need your rest. See you later Harry.” See you later sounded a lot better than saying good bye. They were going to see each other again and hopefully when that encounter happened he’d be in a better state.

At the door, Harry called to talk to Peter in private. There was a small exchange of glances between Lexi and Peter before he said he’d be right out. She gave him a nod, the smile on his lips reassuring that everything would be okay and Lexi stepped outside, the door shutting softly behind her.

The raven haired girl found herself leaning against the wall of the hospital. Some tears running down her cheeks as a small gloved hand went to cover her mouth. Small little whimpers left her covered lips as she thought about what she had just seen in the hospital bed. Harry looked horrible and yeah, he’s been through a lot but he didn’t deserve anything that had happened to him. It was painful to see someone you care about so much in such a state. Harry did mean a lot to her, she would consider him a dear, dear friend so that… that was hard.

She knew she didn’t have long to cry before Peter came out, she didn’t need to be emotional about this in front of him considering he was probably feeling the same way. So she let out as much as she could in the small amount of time before she pulled her hand from her face and focused on her breathing, calming herself down. Her blue eyes glossy with the tears but she placed her cold gloves against her cheeks causing them to cool down from the redness they had gained from her tears. Wiping away the final drops from her eyes she turned as the door opened.

“This was a good idea,” She said softly to Peter, looping her arm into his and taking his hand in her small gloved one. “Thank you for thinking of this Peter.”

[Jones Sparrow]

Peter could tell Lexi was crying for obvious reasons. He didn't want to try and nag her, or talk about it. He was done thinking about Harry. He forgave his old best friend, he will check up on him, get him anything he needs, but he will not let him hurt anyone he loved ever again. It wasn't him that did it, but if he was desperate enough to take venom, he would do some desperate things later in life, maybe not as bad but still. He gently took Lexi's hand, keeping her close, and kissed the side of her head gently. "It would have killed me inside to not be able to visit him one last time." He said gently. "Now that we know he'll be okay... I'm just glad we were able to save him." Peter nodded, making their way to the car. It wasn't easy to bring things back up to a happy mood. Sure their friend will be better, and that's great news! but the way he looked, and what he did were things that they couldn't get over.

As they climbed in to the car, Peter's phone rang, and saw it was his Aunt. "Hey Aunt May, what's up?"

"I didn't see you come in last night." She said, a feel of relief in her voice as he heard his voice. "yeah, I'm really sorry about that. I came home really late, and I had to get up early to deliver some photographs to the Bugle..." He said, lying became a bad habit ever since he was Spider-Man, especially to Aunt May. Looking back he should have called Aunt May to say where he was so she wouldn't worry. "Its alright, Peter, I'm just glad you're safe. I'm sure you're with Lexi now, but if you don't mind leaving her side, I think it'd be nice if you and I could go Christmas shopping for the Rogers family, and the Osbornes, and a few other families." She said. This was a perfect opportunity! He could get a few gifts for everyone, find a good gift, patrol the city as Spider-Man for a bit, and then go back to Lexi's house to spend another night. You know, Peter Parker had a very rough life, but every once in a while his life went very well.

He ended his conversation with Aunt May, and turned to Lex. "So Aunt May needs me back at the house to help her with her infamous 'winter cleaning..' why she doesn't do it in the spring like normal people is beyond me..." Peter mumbled, leaning over his seat to kiss Lexi's lips. "If you could drop me off, i'll help her for a little while, and then we'll meet back with each other dressed in spandex." He gave a smile and kissed her again. "Then I can pick up some marshmallows, and chocolate and all that and we can cook some smores in a fireplace..." Peter trailed his lips down her cheek, and to her neck. If he was going to leave Lexi, he was going to make sure she knew that he was going to be very happy to see her again.

Gift shopping, patrolling the city he loved, and then some smore cooking near a warm fire, how awesome did that sound?!

[EasilyAmused]

It wasn’t very often that Lexi got crying emotional. Simply because she traditionally had a rather happy life. Then there were situations like this, things that just really got to her and made her sad. But could you blame her? She had a friendship with a young man who was battling something that should have been unbeatable but, he was pulling through and as Peter had said, he will be okay and that’s all that Lexi could ask for. Harry deserved to be well and okay, the poor guy.

Climbing back into the car, Lexi started the motor of the engine and allowed the car to warm up as he talked on the phone with Aunt May and her wonderful yet un-wonderful timing for phone calls. There was rarely a time where she would call and not interrupt something that Peter and Lexi would feel was important. She had spent a lot of time with Aunt May and knows how the woman thinks but… well she seemed to have excellent timing in butting into romantic moments. Typical old woman!

The car had begun to warm up and Lexi pulled off her gloves, feeling comfortable enough to place her hands on the stirring wheel. A smile crept across her full lips as he hung up the phone and muttered about having to do winter cleaning. “Oh my poor man.” She said softly after returning the first kiss, “Always working so hard, tonight sounds like a good night to relax afterwards.” Her soft hands traveled slowly up his arms and back into his hair with a grin. She loved playing with his hair and she truly loved this man. “Spandex, smores and my boyfriend? I think that sounds like a magnificent night.” She said playfully.

“Speaking of spandex…” Oh that was a brilliant way to start a conversation but she ignored it reaching into the back seat and grabbing her backpack. Pulling out her wallet she opened it up and proceeded to hand him three twenty dollar bills. “Here, call it an early Christmas present. Before you contact me to start the city patrol, go get yourself something to wear under the suite to help keep you warm.” Before he could protect, she leaned forward pressing her lips against his with a passionate embrace of lip folding and tongue. After a minute or so, she pulled back and gave him a grin. “No complaints. I want to get you one but you know your own size and what would work best for you better than I do.” With that she gave a ‘that’s final, deal with it’ nod before smirking and starting the car into drive.

The trip was short getting to his house and she was disappointed to see him go even though she’d most likely hear from him in an hour or two but alas, it was time apart. She waved him good bye after she finally stopped kissing him and let him leave the car and watched him walk into the house before she drove herself home.

[Jones Sparrow]

"Ooohh, this looks nice! what do you think Peter?"

kiiiilll meeeeeee was his initial thought as he stood awkwardly in the middle of the woman's department in the mall. He hated shopping, he hated being laughed at for hanging out with his aunt instead of people his age at the mall.. But he loved his aunt, so he was willing to go shopping with her. "It looks great... I'm sure she'll love it!" Peter said with a nod. Aunt May glanced at Peter and laughed. "you're so much like your Uncle... Here, take this. Get something nice for Lexi-you're taking the money, I don't want to hear any protest." She was a hard woman to negotiate with. Peter took and money and nodded. "Alright... thank you." He said humbly.

She nodded with a smile. "Good luck."

---

Peter searched every store... again. How was he going to give Lexi anything?? He didn't want to get her a book. He didn't want to give her new boots, or anything like that.... Then he saw it. A jewelry store. A bit cliché... but he had an idea for this. Not some random piece of expensive jewelry... But something meaningful. He walked in, and started to ask a question about a necklace...

---

Peter had it all figured out! He got Lexi's gift (that would be ready to pick up before Christmas), he finished the struggle of finding other gifts for the family friends, and then made their way back home. Now it was evening, the sky now black. Peter still had the money Lexi gave him to do something about his cold suit, but he didn't have the time to get it then. The snow was falling lightly in the city as Spider-man swung through the skyscrapers. It had been a while since he put on the suit. Sure it has only been a day and a half, but it felt like forever!

The latex suit was fine in the winter, but if he stood still, that's when it got to him, or if someone shoots at him, and cuts a hole through it. Then its a game of "save Peter from freezing to death while fighting off thugs." He was going to meet Lex at the place they usually did, the place he took her the day they became a couple... Hopefully it'll be a slow night so that they can get to that fireplace sooner--

Spider-senses!

Too late. Peter was tacked from the side in mid air by what felt like a big, smelly mammoth. They both landed on a rooftop, and Spider-Man immediately kicked him off, rolling backwards onto his feet, staring at the thing that hit him, but it was short lived. As soon as he kicked the man off he was already pouncing at him with a large machete. Spidey easily dodged three swipes, and then he shot a web at his eyes, and kicked him back.

The man laughed, ripping the webbing off his face easily. "Truly the ultimate prey... my other victims would have died by now." The man spoke in a thick russain accent.

"Alright... I'm gonna pretend like that's a normal thing to say.... Thank you...?" Spidey asked, tilting his head. "Where can I get one of those cool looking leopard vest? And those real furry gloves? Oh wait... Those aren't gloves." Peter said as if he was disappointed.

"you think you are funny, Spider? Joking when we are so close to your death? Kraven the Hunter never loses his prey." The russain man said, staring at spider-man. It took a few seconds for him to respond. "Oh, wait-- I'm the prey? and you're the... Oh no... Look, buddy. I'm not sure if they have spiders in crazyville, but they aren't tall, red and blue, and speak English."

"I have seen the television, and how you fight the puny thieves around here... You fight with such grace, and skill! I have fought many things, the mightiest of beasts... But I knew you were the ultimate prey. The one that will put all of my skills to the test, and Calypso will help me..." Kraven said, a death grin on his face. "so. Let us begin."

Peter gave a sigh, holding up his hands ready to fight. "Its gonna be one of those nights..." Peter mumbled under his breath as the man charged at him, machete drawn.

[EasilyAmused]

Lexi spent most of her time at the house watching TV, catching up on the news and making sure the house was clean; even though they didn’t really cause much of a mess. She knew a sit in her family’s hot tub while it was snowing would be romantic and cute. Something about being all warm in the falling snow and in Peter’s arms was enough to make her happy. Maybe she was easily pleased, or maybe she was really falling for Peter more than she had expected. Either way, she was just plain old happy.

Her phone beeped, indicating that it was getting close to the time that she and Peter had set to meet one another for a night of patrol before returning to her house and she slipped into her suit before springing from her bedroom window and off towards the downtown.

No one ever gets a chance to take in the beautiful view of the city like the two did. Since she was leaving her home early, Lexi took her time going around the city to the meeting spot. The sun had set and the city was becoming a blanket of white snow. Her suite was thicker which made the travels much nicer in the winter and she had intention on vesting in a lighter fabric for the summer. But for now, she was warm and very lucky!

As she was swinging among the city, her intense hearing caught something from a distance. Something sounded like a smashing noise and her body turned on instinct. If Peter was nearby, he’d most likely pick up on the sound as well… or…

The black suite landed on a nearby building overlooking the two as Black Cat realized that Spider-Man had met someone new and to say the least; he was a very interesting looking fellow. But the pulling out of a machete cause Black Cat to spring into action. Using her whips, she launched herself forward and upwards. Her long arms flicked forward, the whips launching her forward and in the air, she used one whip to grab ahold of the machete and the other to give her the momentum she needed to yank it from the man’s hand.

She succeeded flying across to the other side of the rooftop leaving the man-creature-thing stopping in mid charge in realization that his weapon was gone. “Making friends already Spidey?” She asked playfully, the smile appearing across her lips as she had left her mask up. As the whip returned back to her, she dropped the machete at her feet. “Someone’s wanting to play rough, what’s got you worked up sir?”

[Jones Sparrow]

Spidey was ready for the hairy machete man to charge at him, but none of them were expecting the sound of a whip, and then the man's weapon to be gone. Peter gave a small smile as he saw Lexi make an appearance. Spider-Man shrugged at her question. "What can I say? Nobody can resist trying to get an autograph." He said jokingly, his senses going crazy, and he had just enough time to bend backwards from Kraven lunging at him. The man landed on all fours, glaring at Spidey, and then Black Cat. "Hmm... your apprentice. I planned on collecting her trophy after yours... but why have the hassle of trying to hunt you down when you are right here?"

Peter glared at the man behind his mask just as he did to them. He wasn't going to let him touch a hair on Lexi, and chances were that she didn't want to be touched by him either. "Well we're here for the not so easy taking, so come get us, Hairy!"

Kraven laughed, and cracked his knuckles. "The last thing you'll ever see, is Kraven the Hunter putting a knife in your throat!" And with that he lunged again. Spider-Man shot at web at Lexi, pulling her a bit to the side as he used his other free hand to shoot a web in Kraven's eye. He lost balance, rolled on his back, and shot right back up, snarling as he ran again. Spidey took to the air, swinging, around, trying to think of the options they both had. He was to make sure Lexi was safe, but he knew that she was capable of keeping him away. Mid thought though, Peter started to fall, his web still in his hand. "Did you just cut my web?" Peter asked in shock, doing a flip and landing back on the rooftop. Kraven smiled, holding throwing knives, and a very serious looking pistol.

"Do not worry. These are not going to be the things that kill you. I like it to be personal... But they are poisonous. I wonder how many shots it will take to bring down the Spider?"

"That's the question of the century, isn't it?" Peter asked sarcastically, shooting webs at him yet again and charging. He hit him square in the jaw, but he simply stumbled a few inches, and then grabbed Peter by the throat. Spidey then shot more web in his eyes until his grip loosened, and an assist from Lexi from behind, Spidey kicked off him, landing yet again.

"You like to play dirty, eh Kitty Cat?" Kraven teased, a chuckle leaving him. "Do not worry... So do I!" Kraven threw some knives at Spider-Man, and pointed his gun at Lexi, squeezing off a shot.

[EasilyAmused]

Kraven the Hunter. The name echoed in Blackcat ears but rage filled her eyes when he threatened her boyfriend. As you can probably imagine, it wasn’t a good idea to threaten the people that someone loved. Much less someone threatening her boyfriend! The dodging began, snow falling around them as the battle on top of the building and it was more intense than Blackcat had anticipated. As Spider-Man threw her about, she kept her momentum going dodging a few things here and there.

That was until Kraven turned to her that she stopped, bracing herself for an attack and boy was she right. Kraven’s gun turned and fired in her direction and everything seemed to slow down as Blackcat jumped into the air, dodging the fire from his pocket gun and sprang forward. Her fingertips tapped together calling out her claws which made her spring to life as she dodged a lunch from Kraven and flipped over his back, the diamonds trailing down his back causing massive rips in his jacket blood to start dripping.

“Ah!” Kraven yelled before turning around. “A kitty cat can scratch. How lovely. At least you’ll be more of a challenge than I had expected.” With that he jumped forward, tackling the small body of Blackcat causing the two to tumbled backwards. Rolling fists could see flying before Blackcat was able to use the force of the roll and kicked herself away from the massive man and his mighty paws.

Rolling backwards a few feet she jumped up. Her quickness had helped her void some of his blows but she was still considerably hit, though her body was still rather stern. “Kitten’s got claws.”

“Then you shall be declawed before I make you into a rug!” He yelled sounding half playful as he said so jumping for her once again. This time he succeeded, grabbing her by her shoulders, pinning her small arms to her side and throwing her like a toy off the edge of the building. Only then did Blackcat fling herself back up, gaining the momentum from his throw to launch back at him, kicking him in the face and using it as a launch pad to jump off and skid herself to a stop panting heavily, Spider-Man at her side. “What’s with this guy?!”

[EasilyAmused]

Oh just a typical day for the young adults. Every 18 year old have their own personal problems; some have trouble with classes, others have relationship problems. A few have to deal with home drama. And then there are the problems that Lexi and Peter face. Robbers, high-jacking’s, fires, floods, and deranged psycho paths with paws for hands. Just a typical day in life of Lexi Rogers and Peter Parker. Catwoman nodded, agreeing with Spider-Man’s statement about needing to get his weapons away from him. After one of their adventures, the pair was presented with a cellphone to reach out to the police that also involved a GPS system. Catwoman and Spider-Man agreed to take the phone when needed and had a storage spot on top of the police station so the cops couldn’t track who they were by where the cellphone went. As Spider-Man jumped into action, Catwoman activated the cellphone against her hip with the blue tooth she had in her helmet. “911 what’s your emergency?” “Never thought I’d use this phone so much.” “Hello Catwoman, what’s your emergency?” The female’s voice in dispatch said with a sense of surprise and excitement in her voice. “We have a man on top of the Mark’s Wallace Building off of 22 and 17. He is… an odd one and is rather large. Please bring SWAT. You know it’s bad when I ask for that. And please bring the strongest tranquilizer darts you have. Maybe 3, 3 should do it.” “Okay we have an ETA of 4 minutes from your location.” The dispatch said as she typed away on the computer. “We’ll keep him occupied and disarm him prior to your arrival. Please inform the arriving SWAT team not to hesitate on getting him with a tranquilizer dart. He’s… he’s a sight and could make them pause in awe. If they do, it will end badly.” “Copy that, they’re on their way.” “Thanks.” Click. Catwoman hung up the phone as she attempted to jump upon Kraven only to be thrown off. Upon Spider-Man getting Kraven’s attention and he turned; Catwoman took the chance. She backed up and dashed, sliding between his open legs. Hands up, she snagged the machete and sheath off of his belt loop and threw a whip forward. It latched itself onto a near- by pole and she pulled; pulling herself out from under him just as quickly as she got underneath him. “Oh. Look what I got. Funny how it slides off your belt so easily; if you want to keep more a hold of your things, you need to tie your belt better.” She said with a twinkle, she tossed the machete to Spider-Man. “Merry Christmas.” She said in a cheeky voice. “Three.” She said giving a simple statement of the fact that the SWAT team will be there in three minutes.