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Neil found himself pondering whether he had crossed a line by tapping into police communications without official authorization. Given his past actions, it seemed probable that he had, and it was likely that he would continue to do so.
Rather than simply swiping a police radio from a desk, Neil had acquired it through a contact within the force—a fellow dedicated to the cause of cleaning up New York City's chaotic streets. While Neil's method wasn't entirely by the book, labeling it outright illegal felt excessively harsh. It felt more like cautiously navigating a murky ethical terrain, didn't it?
Lost in contemplation, Neil's hand reached for a freshly purchased sandwich. Perched atop one of the city's towering skyscrapers, he gazed down at the intricate network of streets below. Amidst the whirlwind of his dual identities—one as Neil Perry, the earnest college student engrossed in campus affairs, and the other as Spider-Man, the tireless protector of New York City—he often neglected basic needs like lunch.
Midway through a bite, Neil's attention snapped to the crackling radio. A voice sliced through the static, "Dispatch, this is Officer Brown reporting in." His chewing slowed as the transmission continued, outlining a dire situation unfolding at Cafe Reggio on 5th Avenue—a 10-90 in progress, armed suspects demanding cash from patrons and staff. The urgent plea for backup and medical assistance hung heavy in the air. "Repeat, 10-90 at Cafe Reggio, 5th Avenue. All units in the vicinity, respond code 3. Over."
"Shit," Neil muttered quietly, swiftly wrapping up his lunch with a mechanical precision, flicking crumbs from his suit as the lump in his throat seemed to grow heavier. His connection to Cafe Reggio wasn't just a coincidence; it held deep personal significance, being one of Todd's treasured spots for his writing sessions.
Ensuring his mask was snug, Neil adjusted his satchel on the rooftop with meticulous care. With a firm resolve, he propelled himself into the sprawling urban landscape below. The rush of wind against his face and the familiar surge of adrenaline coursed through him. But amidst the distant cheers of the city, an underlying worry gnawed at him. Could Todd be in danger? Neil needed answers, and he needed them urgently.
As Neil touched down on the rooftop of the cafeteria, the distant wail of approaching police sirens pierced the air, their mournful echoes weaving through the urban maze like a somber melody. With practiced finesse, he seamlessly merged into the shadows, his form melding against the cool facade of the building. Nestled beside a window, he crouched low, his keen eyes scanning the interior with an unwavering focus, searching for any hint of disturbance.
Peering intently through the glass, Neil relied on the tingling sensation of his innate spider sense, a constant companion in his vigilant endeavors. Yet, to his quiet relief, the confines of the cafeteria revealed no immediate threat.
Emboldened by the lack of danger, Neil pressed further into the depths of the building, his steps guided by a practiced fluidity as he navigated the maze-like corridors. Despite the dim lighting casting elongated shadows, his senses remained finely tuned to the subtlest shifts in his surroundings.
Abruptly, the distant echo of footsteps pierced the hallway, causing Neil to halt in his tracks. With held breath, he melded seamlessly into the wall, his pulse quickening with anticipation. Silently, he awaited the passage of the intruders, every muscle poised for imminent action.
With the all-clear signal echoing in his senses, Neil cautiously emerged from his concealed position, his movements shrouded in stealth and precision. Advancing with a silent glide, he breached the door leading into what appeared to be an office space. Inside, two figures stood frozen in disbelief, their widened eyes locking onto the masked intruder who had infiltrated their sanctuary without a whisper.
Neil sprang into action, his motions a blur of swift and agile grace as he effortlessly subdued the robbers, ensnaring them against the wall with strands of his webbing.
A smirk played at the corners of Neil's lips beneath his mask as he observed the futile struggles of his captives. "Surprise," he declared, his tone laced with amusement. With a flick of his wrist, he deftly silenced their protests, sealing their mouths with additional strands of webbing. Performing a theatrically exaggerated dust-off of his hands, he gestured for them to remain silent, his index finger pressed to his lips in a playful admonition.
In the dimly lit cafeteria, the sharp bark of an assailant sliced through the already tense atmosphere, its echo hanging heavy in the air. Neil's senses snapped to attention at the sound, instantly alert to the imminent danger lurking within the shadows. If his instincts proved accurate, there were at least two more intruders prowling the first floor.
In the thick of the tension, a desperate plea escaped from one of the cafe's employees, their voice trembling with palpable fear. Neil's heart squeezed at the sound, a wave of empathy crashing over him as he bore witness to the terror engulfing the innocent bystanders trapped in the chaos.
Neil's gaze swept across the room with swift precision, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow as he absorbed the heavy, charged atmosphere enveloping the space. In the dim light, the figures of three trembling workers stood out starkly, their faces etched with lines of fear and desperation. Among them, a figure, slightly more composed, likely the manager, struggled to maintain a semblance of control amidst the chaos that threatened to consume them.
"Shut it, and hands up where we can see 'em!" The robber's voice cut through the room, dripping with menace as he brandished his pistol, his eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of resistance. "No one's getting out of here, understand? If anyone tries anything funny, they'll get a bullet right between the eyes."
Neil's gaze swept across the tiled floor, taking in the sight of terrified customers clustered together, their faces drained of color, bodies trembling with fear. Amidst the fear-stricken faces, one expression stood out to Neil: Todd, his closest friend, wide-eyed and frozen with terror.
Without a moment's hesitation, Neil attacked, the distinct whir of his web-shooters echoing through the tense atmosphere. With a determined scowl etched across his face, he unleashed a flurry of webbing, each strand shooting out with precision and purpose. One of the assailants found themselves ensnared, their frantic struggles abruptly ceasing as they were forcefully propelled into the wall, the impact reverberating with a solid thud.
As the remaining robber grappled against the constraints of Neil's webbing, a smirk curled on Neil's lips, his voice carrying a hint of defiance. "You didn't mention anything about anyone getting in here, though, did you?" he quipped, the casual tone of his remark standing in stark contrast to the seriousness of the situation.
Neil quickly scanned the café, his eyes darting from person to person to ensure everyone's safety. A wave of relief washed over him as he confirmed that no one appeared to be injured. However, his attention was immediately drawn to Todd, who lay on the floor, trembling with fear. Neil's protective instincts kicked in, his heart pounding with worry for his friend. He wanted to reassure Todd, but before he could, Todd's urgent warning stopped him in his tracks. "B-behind you!"
Neil's head snapped around just in time to meet a powerful blow to his face, the impact sending a sickening jolt through his senses. The force of the punch rocked him to his core, momentarily clouding his vision as the metallic taste of blood flooded his mouth. Shaking off the disorientation, he quickly registered the presence of another assailant, previously unnoticed among the chaos.
His veins pulsed with a surge of adrenaline, his heart racing as he battled to maintain his footing amidst the confusion. Every nerve in his body tingled with heightened awareness, his instincts thrusting him into action mode. With the speed of thought, Neil's hand moved like lightning, a strand of webbing shooting out with precision to latch onto a nearby table, and summoning every ounce of strength, Neil propelled the makeshift projectile towards his assailant, crumpling the attacker to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Neil took a moment to collect himself, his lips parting to taste the metallic tang of blood from his split lip. He cursed softly under his breath, grappling with the inevitable task of concocting a plausible explanation for his injuries. The delicate dance between his civilian guise and his superhero persona was a constant tightrope walk.
With a smooth transition, Neil slipped into his role as the reassuring protector. "Everyone, you're safe now," he announced, his voice projecting calm assurance across the room. His gaze swept over the patrons, each glance laden with sincerity. "The bad guys were taken care of, and help is on the way. Please, take a moment to catch your breath and remain calm. Is anyone in need of medical assistance?"
Gratitude washed over the man standing at the café's forefront, his relief palpable, etching lines of thanks onto his features. "Thank you, Spider-Man," he expressed genuinely, his words carrying the weight of sincere appreciation.
Neil nodded in acknowledgment, but his attention quickly shifted as two police officers entered the scene. With a fluid motion, he turned to face them, his smile concealed but radiating warmth. "Hey officers, good to see you," he greeted them warmly, his demeanor a blend of ease and respect. "Everything's under control here. The culprits are all secured and ready for pickup. There are a couple more upstairs, but aside from them, it's all sorted."
The officers scanned the café, their eyes sweeping across the scene before settling on Neil. "No casualties?" one of them inquired, a hint of apprehension coloring his tone as his hand hovered near his firearm.
"No casualties," he confirmed, his voice steady and laced with pride. He noted a subtle change in the officers' demeanor, a gradual thawing towards the notion of his assistance—an understated triumph in his ongoing efforts to foster trust and cooperation with the police force.
"Secure the perimeter," the authoritative voice of the police officer sliced through the tense air, spurring his colleagues into swift action. With practiced efficiency, they entered the coffee shop, their presence offering solace to the shaken patrons huddled within. Inside, they meticulously combed through every corner, methodically checking for any lingering threats before focusing on guiding the civilians to safety.
From his elevated vantage point, Neil watched the scene unfold with a wave of relief washing over him. The subdued figures of the apprehended robbers being led away in police vehicles signaled the successful resolution of the crisis—a significant triumph in the ongoing effort to protect the city. With a satisfied smile on his lips, Neil turned his attention to the sprawling expanse of New York's streets, where Todd's determined figure moved with purposeful strides.
"Hey there," Neil greeted with a playful grin, his voice carrying a mischievous tone as he settled on the emergency stairs of the building nearby.
Todd's initial surprise quickly softened into a bashful grin as he recognized the familiar figure standing before him. "Spider-Man," he greeted warmly, a subtle flush tinting his cheeks as he glanced away, caught between awe and embarrassment.
For Neil, Todd was more than just a friend—he was someone with whom he shared a deep connection, residing under the same roof as roommates. Yet, in his civilian guise as Neil Perry, Neil kept his feelings carefully guarded. It was only when he donned the mask of Spider-Man that he felt liberated to express himself more freely. Teasing Todd, watching the blush spread across his cheeks, was a joy he savored beneath the hero's guise.
"Quite the predicament, huh?" Neil remarked, his grin evident even behind the mask as he locked eyes with Todd. "Navigating these city streets can be a real challenge, especially after dark in New York. Especially for someone as eye-catching as you."
"I-I'm hardly eye-catching," Todd said, his cheeks now a deeper shade of red as he avoided Neil's gaze.
"Plenty would argue otherwise, myself included," Neil replied with a playful grin. "So, where are you off to? Need a lift?"
"Th-thank you, but that w-won't be necessary," Todd stammered, his gratitude tinged with a flicker of nervousness.
Straightening his stance, Neil shot out another strand of webbing, gracefully descending to where Todd stood. He fixed his gaze on the boy with a determined stare. "Please, I insist. It's only fair given what you've been through tonight."
Todd's disbelief colored his response, his words faltering slightly. "Y-You literally saved my life, Spider-Man," he murmured. "I-I think that's m-more than enough."
Neil's reply brimmed with unwavering determination and heartfelt concern. "Helping others is my calling, but there's always room to extend a helping hand a little further."
"Surely y-you have other people t-to take care of. You've already done too much for me," Todd interjected, shaking his head with a hint of self-doubt.
"No one holds a higher priority than you… right now," Neil added gently, his tone reassuring yet cautious, mindful not to alarm Todd. Despite Neil's efforts, his words caused the young man to visibly stagger, skepticism etched on his face. Nevertheless, Neil's sincerity shone through. "It would be no problem for me to give you a ride. I'm sure my method of transportation is faster than walking, unless you're afraid of heights?"
"I'm not afraid of heights, but are you sure? I don't want to be a burden," Todd hesitated, his concern palpable.
Neil understood why Todd harbored those feelings; he was aware of Todd's complicated history with his family and the lasting impact it had on him. Those memories were deeply ingrained in Todd's mind, making it difficult for him to shake off. However, as Spider-Man, Neil couldn't possibly know the intricacies of Todd's past. So, he simply smiled and assured him, "You would never be a burden."
Todd suddenly cleared his throat, his fingers fidgeting nervously. "I-I'm not afraid of heights, but how safe is this?"
"Don't worry," Neil said, a fond smile spreading across his face. He swiftly looped a web around Todd's waist, pulling him close with a gentle tug until Todd collided with his chest. Todd's eyes widened, cheeks flushing even redder, prompting Neil to chuckle softly. "You're in good hands, alright?"
Todd nodded in understanding, and Neil gently instructed him to hold on tightly to his neck. He warned Todd that they might feel the rush of air initially and suggested closing his eyes briefly to avoid dizziness. After ensuring Todd was ready, Neil tightened his grip on Todd's waist and propelled them forward with a well-aimed web.
"Oh, you didn't tell me where I should take you to," Neil remarked as they began swinging through the city. He glanced down to see Todd, smiling warmly as he noticed the boy tightly closing his eyes and maintaining a strong grip around his neck.
“W-Willow Avenue," Todd replied tentatively, daring to open his eyes.
As they swung through the city, the surroundings grew brighter and more vibrant, filled with life and sights that seemed to captivate Todd. Neil couldn't help but recall Mr. Keating's advice about seeing things differently. As Spider-Man, Neil had the opportunity to experience this perspective at every turn, and he felt a sense of joy knowing that he could offer Todd the same exhilarating view.
Neil relished the sensation of Todd's arms wrapped securely around his neck, feeling the warmth of his presence and the subtle scent of his cologne. Todd's cheek pressed against his own, a proximity that Neil found both comforting and thrilling. In that moment, Todd seemed too preoccupied with his own nerves to realize just how close their faces were. While Todd wasn't one to scream, his tight hold conveyed a sense of urgency as if his life depended on it.
As they descended towards the building they both called home, Neil took care to maintain a low profile, ensuring they remained inconspicuous. He kept a safe distance from the structure, wary of attracting any unwanted attention. As they separated from each other, Neil couldn't shake the longing for Todd's comforting embrace.
"That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Todd remarked suddenly, his laughter filling the air. Neil's smile widened at the sound, a surge of happiness washing over him. Todd Anderson's ease around Spider-Man was becoming increasingly evident, his stutter less pronounced, signaling a growing trust in both Neil Perry and the masked hero. "And it was definitely faster than walking, not to mention absolutely incredible."
"Just another day in the life of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," Neil chuckled lightly.
Todd shifted nervously under Neil's masked gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Thanks," he said softly, a smile returning to his face.
Neil's face lit up with a friendly smile as he gave a small bow to Todd. Todd chuckled in return, his eyes gleaming with mischief, which warmed Neil's heart.
"Ah, it is indeed my pleasure, gentleman," Neil affirmed playfully.
Todd smiled, but then his shoulders slumped slightly, his tone betraying a hint of reluctance as he acknowledged the inevitable. "Well, I suppose this is farewell."
"Only for now," Neil countered, his steps retracing leisurely as he kept his gaze fixed on Todd. "But hey, we'll always have New York, right? Next time we cross paths, let's aim for a less dramatic setting."
A chuckle escaped Todd's lips. "Agreed. Good night, Spider-Man."
"Good night, Todd," Neil bid the boy farewell before launching a web upward, perching atop the front building's roof. From his elevated position, he observed Todd linger for a moment, seemingly struck by something, before finally disappearing into his own building.
As Todd disappeared from view, Neil gracefully descended into the nearby shadowy alleyway, the darkness enveloping him like a cloak. With a fluid motion, he shed his Spider-Man attire, revealing a set of clothes meticulously hidden amidst the alley's depths. The transformation was seamless, a practiced routine that allowed him to blend effortlessly into the fabric of the bustling city night.
Entering the same building Todd had vanished into, Neil rode the elevator up to his destination. Unlocking the door with a familiar key, he was greeted by the usual chaos that accompanied living with six young adult men.
"Neil, there you are!" Knox's voice cut through the din as soon as Neil crossed the threshold. There was an eager anticipation in his tone, a telltale sign that Neil had inadvertently stumbled into something significant. "We've been waiting for you and Todd to head to the cave."
Neil's heart sank as he realized his oversight. He had completely forgotten about tonight's Dead Poets Society meeting, an omission that now hung heavy in the air like a shroud of guilt. "Sorry, Knox," he muttered, his lips twisting into a rueful grimace. "I lost track of time."
Meeks frowned as he noticed Neil's injured lip. "What happened to your lip?" he inquired, concern knitting his brows.
Neil winced as he gingerly touched his lip, feeling the sting of the wound. "A stray cat got me pretty good," he remarked, attempting to downplay the injury despite the sudden attention it attracted.
Pitts cut through the quiet with an abrupt interjection. "Seems like today's the day for misfortunes. Todd had a run-in with a robbery at that coffee shop he's always at," he informed the group, prompting Neil to turn towards Todd with a mixture of faux surprise and concern.
"Oh, Todd, are you alright?" Neil inquired, moving closer to inspect.
Todd, evading direct eye contact, flushed slightly before responding, "Yeah, I'm good. Nothing serious, really."
Charlie couldn't resist injecting some light-hearted banter into the moment. "As if anything serious could happen to our Todd. I was out on the balcony, and I swear I saw Spider-Man himself escorting him back here," he teased, earning a deeper flush from Todd, who chose to focus intently on a random patch of ground.
"It's just a little friendly gesture," Todd emphasized, as if it were a routine he'd been performing for the past five minutes. "He's the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, after all. It's kind of his thing."
"Well, it looks like with you, he's the friendlier neighborhood Spider-Man," Charlie chimed in with a laugh.
Despite the burning sensation in the pit of his stomach and the nervous twitch in his toes, Neil couldn't help but smile at the exchange. Todd simply rolled his eyes and retrieved his own flashlight.
Just as they were about to set off, Meeks interjected, a look of confusion crossing his face. "Wait, Neil, where's your satchel?" he asked suddenly.
Neil's heart sank as he realized his blunder. After escorting Todd back, he had completely forgotten about his satchel, still ensnared in Spider-Man's webbing.
"Damn it," Neil muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone. "I must've left it behind in the student council room at the university," he admitted with a grimace, hoping his explanation sounded plausible. "With everything going on, it slipped my mind. I'll swing by and retrieve it tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder, Meeks."
Meeks offered a sympathetic smile. "No problem," he replied.
"Wait, you went out this morning in those clothes?" Cameron's voice cut through the air, laced with confusion.
Neil blinked slowly, inwardly pleading for the interrogation to cease. "Um, yes?" he responded tentatively, sensing the weight of scrutiny from his peers. Thankfully, Cameron seemed satisfied with the answer, nonchalantly grabbing the "Five Centuries of Verse" book and waiting for the others to join.
Their chosen meeting spot was a nearby cave, not quite the same as their Welton days but a suitable alternative. As always, Neil rose from his seat, invoking the spirit of Thoreau with a quote that marked the start of their gathering. Then, in familiar tradition, they passed around the book, each member taking turns to read aloud from its pages. It was Todd's turn.
“My love is of a birth as rare
As ’tis for object strange and high;
It was begotten by Despair
Upon Impossibility."
"Impossible love?" Charlie's voice broke the silence, his signature half-smile hinting at the impending wit of his next remark. "If it's about your sweetheart Spider-Man, Todd, I wouldn't call it impossible."
Neil felt his heart quicken, caught off guard by the suggestion that Todd might harbor feelings for Spider-Man. In that moment, Neil's emotions swirled between frustration and affection for his best friend.
"Charlie, he's not my—" Todd began, but was swiftly cut off.
"Todd, let's be real. You practically glow whenever he's mentioned," Charlie interjected, flicking his cigarette with a nonchalant air. "It's okay if you've got a bit of a crush. We're all on the same page here. No need to deny it."
"It's not like that, Charlie," Todd protested, and Neil couldn't shake the feeling that Todd turned to him, a glint of desperation in his eyes. It left Neil feeling puzzled. What did that look mean? Was Todd silently pleading for Neil to intervene and change the subject?
"I mean, come on, have you seen Spider-Man? The guy's a total heartthrob, am I right?" Charlie teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's okay to admit you've got a thing for him, Todd. I won't judge. Have you seen those glutes in that spandex? And I bet you got a firsthand feel of those muscles if he brought you in that close."
Neil couldn't help but smile at Charlie's playful banter, knowing full well that his friend relished in the embarrassment almost as much as Neil did when he donned the Spider-Man suit. However, Todd's discomfort was palpable, his face threatening to match the color of a ripe tomato.
"Alright, Charlie, I think that's enough," Neil intervened, coming to Todd's rescue.
"Seriously, why?" Charlie's groan echoed through the cavern, breaking the eerie silence that enveloped its rugged walls. "I mean, come on, guys. I'm just pointing out the glaringly obvious here. Our dear Toddy practically morphs into a tomato at the mere mention of Spider-Man. And let's be real, if he's got a soft spot for the web-slinger, there's no shame in owning it. I've got this knack for reading people, even when they're hiding behind masks, and trust me, Spider-Man's got a thing for our Toddy."
Todd's response unfolded with unexpected swiftness, catching everyone off guard. With resolute determination, he rose from the uneven rocky floor of the cave, his movements a silent declaration of his departure into the darkness beyond the cave's mouth.
The ensuing silence weighed heavily upon the group, suffocating in its intensity. Only the cutting edge of Cameron's reproachful voice shattered the stillness.
"You just had to push it, didn't you, Charlie?"
"What? I was just joking around; I had no clue he'd react like that," Charlie retorted, his disbelief palpable in his tone as he defended himself against the sudden escalation.
Neil, sensing the need to intervene, sighed with resignation before standing up from his seat. "I'll go talk to him," he declared, his voice tinged with concern as he followed Todd's disappearing form into the dark embrace of the forest.
Stepping out of the cave's cool embrace, Neil wielded his flashlight like a beacon, slicing through the dense foliage in search of Todd. In the distance, amidst the cloak of darkness that enveloped the forest, he spotted the faint glow of Todd's own flashlight. Determinedly, Neil set off in that direction, each step accompanied by the symphony of nocturnal creatures echoing through the woods.
As he approached Todd, who stood with his back turned, Neil halted a few paces away. "Hey, Todd, don't let Charlie's antics bother you too much... You know how he can be."
Turning to Neil, Todd's expression revealed more than mere annoyance. "Neil, I understand. Charlie's Charlie, and I'm not taking it personally," he replied, his tone tinged with empathy. "I appreciate your concern, though."
Neil found himself momentarily at a loss, his prepared words of reassurance faltering in the face of Todd's unexpected response. He had mentally rehearsed how to comfort Todd if he were angry with Charlie, but this was something altogether different.
"Oh," he murmured, puzzled. "Then why did you bolt like that?"
Todd's response came out in a stammer, his discomfort practically tangible in the air around them. His voice trembled, his fingers betraying his nervousness as they danced anxiously, deliberately avoiding Neil's probing gaze. "Um, no reason, really," he offered weakly, as if grasping for an excuse to justify his sudden departure.
Neil regarded Todd with a scrutinizing gaze, as though attempting to decipher the turmoil beneath his surface. Todd's reassurance rang hollow, his words a desperate attempt to deflect Neil's scrutiny. "Neil, honestly, there's nothing else," he insisted, the strain evident in his voice.
"Okay," Neil responded, his eyebrows arching as he sidled up beside Todd, angling for a glimpse of his profile. "But it seemed like Charlie's joke about Spider-Man hit a nerve. I just wanted to make sure you're—"
"But that's not a joke!" Todd's sudden outburst pierced the quietude, causing him to blink open his eyes to the weight of his revelation.
Neil's head tilted, the rhythmic thud of his heartbeat reverberating in the quiet. "Why wouldn't it be?" he probed, his voice laced with a touch of curiosity.
"It's just not funny," Todd replied sharply, his gaze drifting away from Neil's, unable to withstand the weight of his intense brown eyes.
A brief silence enveloped them as Neil studied Todd, his gaze lingering thoughtfully.
"You really like Spider-Man," Neil observed, his voice carrying a tone of thoughtful observation rather than interrogation, his lips parting slightly as he observed Todd. Abruptly, Todd's gaze shot upward, a flicker of alarm dancing across his features, as if he questioned whether Neil had gleaned something from his demeanor or words. Meanwhile, Neil found himself stunned, grappling with the weight of the revelation unfolding before him.
Todd liked Spider-Man.
Correction: Todd liked him. He was Spider-Man.
"Neil… I..." Todd began, his voice tapering off into the charged air, realization dawning upon them both in that suspended moment.
Neil rushed to reassure Todd, his words carrying a sense of urgency that mirrored his glee. It was evident in the way he spoke, as if any interruption might shatter the delicate bubble of euphoria surrounding him. "I promise, Todd, your secret's safe with me," he asserted, his tone tinged with a fervent determination. "You can trust me."
Todd paused, his thoughts swirling as he grappled with his emotions before offering a soft, appreciative murmur. "Thank you, Neil."
A grin spread across Neil's face, relief washing over him inexplicably. "And maybe Charlie's onto something about Spider-Man feeling the same way about you," he chimed in, his nervous energy manifesting in the slight nip at his lower lip. "He's a kind soul, but he's discerning. He wouldn't just escort anyone home, you know?"
Todd held Neil's gaze in a silent exchange that seemed to stretch for an eternity, before finally nodding, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Neil felt an intense desire welling up inside him, an urge to reveal everything in that moment: to confess his identity as Spider-Man, to acknowledge his own unspoken feelings. But he swiftly quashed the impulse, understanding the perils of drawing Todd further into his world of secrets. With a resigned sigh, Neil offered a reassuring smile in return.
"We'll be waiting for you in the cave when you're ready to return," Neil promised earnestly, his voice infused with determination. "And I'll make sure no one bothers you when you do come back."
Gratitude flickered across Todd's expression as he thanked Neil once more, a soft smile gracing his features. He watched as Neil turned away, retracing his steps up the trail toward the cave where their fellow poets awaited. After a few moments, Todd's smile wavered, his hand instinctively rising to cover his face as a muffled whimper escaped him.
Todd cursed himself silently, berating his own foolishness. He had inadvertently squandered any hope of reciprocation from the person he believed could be the love of his life. In one careless admission, he had extinguished the flicker of possibility, revealing his affections for someone who likely wouldn't spare him a second glance in a crowd.
His emotions were a tangled mess. Since meeting Neil at Welton, Todd had found himself inexorably drawn to him, convinced that no one else could ever capture his heart in quite the same way. Yet, everything had shifted upon their move to New York with the poets. Todd couldn't deny his growing fondness for Spider-Man, a sentiment that felt even more absurd than his feelings for his roommate.
However, amidst the tumult of conflicting emotions, Todd couldn't shake the absurdity of contemplating his prospects with either Neil or Spider-Man. The chances of his affections being reciprocated by either seemed as remote as witnessing cats descending from the sky.
In the soft morning light, Neil's smile exuded warmth as he greeted the poets gathered around. Amidst the camaraderie, he found himself grappling with his emotions for Todd, contemplating whether to act on their shared affection. Despite the joy of knowing he felt similarly, uncertainties loomed large.
Yet, Neil couldn't shake the weight of responsibility as he pondered his feelings. He understood the delicate balance between duty and personal desires all too well. Entangling Spider-Man in a relationship felt risky, especially with someone as significant as Todd in Neil Perry's world. Neil acknowledged the sobering truth: with great power came great responsibility, and pursuing such a relationship felt like a gamble he hesitated to take.
"Hey, heads up, I might be running late today. Got some writing to finish up at the café," Todd interjected between bites of bread, his tone casual yet purposeful. "So, no need to worry about dinner for me."
Cameron's disbelief was palpable as he furrowed his brow at Todd. "You're going back after what went down yesterday?" he asked.
"It's where I do my best writing," Todd defended, his tone firm.
Meeks chimed in, his tone casual. "I mean, the perpetrators are already behind bars. I doubt any would be foolish enough to return so soon for a rematch."
"Well, I don't know about you, but it seems to me like Todd's trying to lure danger just to have his knight in shining armor come to the rescue," Charlie quipped suddenly, his laughter breaking the tension and causing both Neil and Todd to blush.
"Shut up, Charlie."
Todd and Neil exchanged amused glances, their voices overlapping in response before bursting into laughter. Charlie just rolled his eyes and reached for a piece of bread.
But as the banter flowed, Charlie's sharp insight hit home: the certainty that Spider-Man would leap to Todd's aid struck a chord. It dawned on Neil that if Todd planned to return to the café, it might be wise for the vigilant hero of the city to conduct a rapid sweep of the area. Securing the café's safety after the previous day's chaos would not only ease Todd's mind but also fulfill Spider-Man's responsibility to safeguard the city's residents.
Naturally.
"I won't need dinner either," Neil declared, his tone resolute.
Prioritizing his responsibilities as Neil Perry over those of Spider-Man, Neil swiftly finished his meal and bid farewell to the group, making a hasty exit. Though he cherished his life as Neil Perry—an aspiring actor and Columbia student—it was with a watchful eye on the clock that he awaited the moment to take up his vigilance across the city.
Neil's first task was retrieving his satchel, left in a spot where pigeons had turned his webbing into an impromptu nest. He muttered curses under his breath, wary of the questionable hygiene, but managed to reclaim it before heading to the university.
For weeks, the student council had been deep in planning mode for an upcoming campus concert featuring local bands and singers. Neil knew Charlie's orchestra group would be performing, and though the stage was set, there were still countless details to iron out.
However, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Neil eagerly shed his civilian attire, ready to resume his vigil over the city from his customary vantage point. Nestled in a quiet corner, he unwrapped a simple bar, the glow of the police radio providing a familiar soundtrack as he scanned the streets for any signs of trouble. The distant strains of a melody wafted through the air, adding a touch of ambiance to his solitary watch.
The evening unfolded lazily, devoid of any urgent calls to action. With a lull in activity, Neil seized the opportunity to delve into his studies, pulling out a book to while away the time until he anticipated Todd's departure from the cafeteria. Still, the distant rumble of thunder prompted him to pause, and he quickly secured his belongings as the first raindrops began to patter down.
Leaning casually against the cool, brick facade of a nearby building, Neil found himself wrestling with the ethics of strategically positioning himself to coincide with Todd's inevitable exit from the cafeteria. Yet, any lingering doubts dissipated as Todd stepped out into the rain-drenched streets of New York City.
The rain fell steadily, catching Todd off-guard in its downpour, his frantic attempt to shield his face with a hand betraying his lack of an umbrella. Neil watched with a mixture of concern and amusement as Todd hastened his pace, eager to minimize his exposure to the inclement weather. In the midst of this hurried retreat, a passing cyclist narrowly avoided a collision, prompting Todd to awkwardly stumble into a nearby vegetable stand, much to Neil's quiet amusement.
Unable to resist the opportunity to tease his friend, Neil sprung into action, appearing before Todd in a blur of motion. With the grace of a seasoned acrobat, he dangled upside down from a strand of sticky silk, his presence a playful surprise in the nighttime gloom.
"I guess you have an uncanny talent for stumbling into trouble," Neil quipped, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he looked at Todd.
Todd's eyes widened with surprise, a faint blush tinting his cheeks before he chuckled, nervously nibbling on his lower lip. "Are you keeping tabs on me now, Spider-Man?" he quipped back, his tone a blend of curiosity and amusement.
"Just doing my part to prevent any coffee shop catastrophes," Neil replied with a casual shrug, effortlessly brushing off any hint of concern. Todd chuckled in response, his laughter echoing softly in the dimly lit alley.
Neil's fingers twitched with the urge to brush aside the strands of hair that clung to Todd's damp forehead, a consequence of the relentless rain. Yet, he hesitated, unsure of how such a gesture might be received, especially considering Todd's apparent nonchalance towards the discomfort.
Unexpectedly, Todd's voice pierced the air, its timbre infused with a subtle tremor of vulnerability as he offered his gratitude. Neil watched, his senses attuned to the nuances of Todd's demeanor, as if deciphering a silent language written in the furrow of brows and the downturn of lips.
"I... I wanted to express my gratitude properly," Todd's voice trembled, breaking the silence. "It's like you're always there, not just for me but for everyone. Yet, I can't shake this feeling that I owe you something."
"You don't owe me anything, Todd," Neil replied, his voice tinged with warmth despite the knot tightening in his stomach.
"But I don't like feeling indebted to you," Todd persisted, edging closer until Neil could feel the warmth of his presence, stirring a flurry of nerves within him. Neil could almost envision the subtle movement of Todd's bangs, just begging to be brushed aside. "You have to let me repay you somehow."
Neil's throat constricted, a dry swallow betraying his inner turmoil. A myriad of responses danced at the edge of his consciousness, each one a delicate tiptoe around the unspoken boundaries he had drawn, cautious of the implications of any deeper involvement with Todd Anderson. And then he met Todd's gaze steadily, his heart pounding in his chest as he braced himself for the impending exchange.
"And how exactly would you propose to do that?" he inquired; his tone laced with anticipation.
The tension surrounding them was palpable, almost suffocating, as an unspoken understanding passed between Todd and Neil. Todd's inner turmoil was etched in the furrow of his brow, his eyes betraying the complexity of his thoughts. Despite his uncertainty, he pressed on, each step toward Neil a silent declaration of his intent.
Neil, meanwhile, felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through him, amplified by the delicate strands of his spiderweb that he clung to for support. His heart raced in tandem with the anticipation that hung heavy in the air, each beat a drumroll of eagerness for what was to come.
Neil's breath hitched as Todd's fingers, both delicate and resolute, brushed along the contours of his cheeks with a hesitant touch. The sensation sent a surge of electricity coursing through Neil's veins, stirring a tempest of emotions deep within him.
"Wait," Neil interjected, his voice tinged with surprise as Todd's fingers brushed against the edge of his mask. Todd halted abruptly, his wide-eyed gaze betraying a fleeting sense of guilt. Yet, in the next instant, determination flickered in his eyes, silently urging Neil to trust him. Yielding to the unspoken plea, Neil remained rooted in place as Todd gingerly lifted the mask, snugly adjusting it against Neil's nose.
Their eyes locked once more, a dance of nerves and anticipation unfolding in the charged atmosphere. With each heartbeat, a symphony of emotions reverberated between them, a potent blend of nervousness and excitement tingling in the air.
In that suspended moment, time seemed to pause, granting them a glimpse into the depth of their connection. But just as Todd leaned in, poised to bridge the final distance between them, he abruptly halted, his expression shifting to one of astonishment.
"Neil?" Todd's voice cut through the silence, brimming with disbelief.
A chill swept through Neil's veins, leaving him momentarily disoriented, as if caught in the grip of a sudden tempest. With reflexes honed by instinct, he swiftly anchored himself with yet another strand of webbing, a lifeline amidst the swirling tumult threatening to engulf him.
Todd's touch, gentle yet purposeful, traced the tender spot on Neil's lower lip, a lingering reminder of the injury observed by the poets the night before.
"Neil," Todd's voice pierced the air once more, firm and resolute.
"Todd, I can explain—"
"Later," Todd whispered, his words hanging in the air with a weighty promise. In the next heartbeat, driven by a torrent of emotions too potent to contain, he surrendered to the moment with a boldness that defied his usual reserve. With each step closing the distance between them, he embraced the unknown, his lips meeting Spider-Man's—or rather Neil's—in a kiss that bridged the gap between them.
It was a kiss suffused with tenderness and an electric charge, a testament to the depth of Todd's affection. In that brief yet profound connection, Todd felt as though he had stumbled upon a revelation—a realization that the two individuals he cherished were, at their core, one and the same. The revelation washed over him, flooding his senses with a renewed wave of adoration, akin to the thrill of falling in love all over again.
As their lips melded in the embrace of that electrifying kiss, Todd marveled at the intensity of his feelings, awestruck by the sheer magnitude of love that surged within him. It was a love so profound, so encompassing, that he felt as though he had fallen for Neil twice over, each time deeper than before.
"Wait," Neil's voice echoed once more, causing Todd to pull back with wide-eyed astonishment, as though he feared awakening from a dream only to find Neil's feelings weren't reciprocated. Yet, Neil's heart beat in synchrony with Todd's, yearning to hold him close, to caress his face with hands that felt constrained by the webbing he reluctantly maintained.
With a determined gesture, Neil released the webbing and reconnected his lips with Todd's, tangling his fingers in the strands of Todd's hair and brushing back the tousled locks. And their kiss persisted, a timeless entanglement amidst the relentless patter of raindrops. Ignoring the clamor of the weather, they remained locked in their embrace, oblivious to the world around them.
Abruptly, a loud noise shattered their moment, emanating from one side of the alley. It sounded as though something heavy had collided with an assortment of objects. Startled, they broke apart, their attention diverted. Almost immediately, a plaintive meow echoed from amidst the scattered boxes, drawing their gaze towards a sleek, grey cat emerging unscathed.
Neil's brow furrowed in perplexity as he tried to unravel the mystery of the cat's abrupt arrival. His gaze swept the surroundings, searching for clues to its origin. Had it leapt from the emergency stairs without anyone noticing? But even with his keen spider sense, he hadn't detected its presence. "Did that cat just plummet from the sky?" he asked incredulously, voicing the seemingly implausible scenario.
Todd's laughter erupted unexpectedly, punctuating the tension with levity. He struggled to contain his mirth, suppressing a grin as he replied, "Seems likely."