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Somehow, Gwen always seemed to be doomed by the universe, it never wanting to give her a happy ending. She had no one, she was pretty much alone in this cold and dark world, where she could never seem to catch a break.
That was until she made another friend, Miles. They seemed to be in the same situation; willingly staying away from others, preferring to be alone rather than with a friend. Now they had each other, and they didn’t need anyone else at school, just the two of them was more than enough (and they honestly didn’t want anyone else there). One thing they also had in common – which the both of them were unaware of at the time – was that they both had a second life, putting on a mask at night to patrol the streets of New York. For Gwen her second identity was Spider-Woman, for Miles it was the Prowler.
They both had their reasons for not sharing this secret. It wouldn’t be too smart to share a secret identity and it was also out of fear. Gwen killed her best friend, the city painted her as a murderer rather than a hero. Miles and his uncle were doing criminal activity, even if it was to get some extra cash for his mother. Miles had tried to do better, but he also felt like he had no choice.
The day started normally for Gwen. She had school, tried to pay attention to the boring classes and then was able to go home. Her and Miles walked home together, the snow already becoming pretty heavy. Both of them had honestly hoped school would be canceled the next day because of the weather, but it seemed like they just had to wait until winter break to get some time to themselves.
They talked as they were walking, the conversation varying from homework to something that happened in their life, whether it would be something small or not. It was always a little highlight of their day, just being able to laugh at random stuff or just talk about what happened at school while walking together, they enjoyed spending time together, more than they had realized.
Eventually, they would reach a point where they had to go their separate ways to get to their home. They would say goodbye, sometimes even with a little hug, and then they were off. The smile on their faces never left them though, and today was no difference. Gwen was filled with warmth despite the freezing temperatures. She always left with this warm feeling in her, it was the most soothing warmth she even got to feel.
After getting home, her time with her father was cut short (like always). But there was no time for Gwen Stacy to be upset about her father leaving in a hurry, it was time for Spider-Woman to make her way over there to save people. Like usual, she saved people, got some cuts and was absolutely exhausted. She collapsed to the ground after she got a moment for herself, letting out an exhale of both relief and exhaustion. She wanted to rest, but her spider-sense had different plans.
Suddenly, her father stood there, with a gun, ready to arrest Spider-Woman. Gwen tried to reason with him, but a warning shot was fired. It hurt, almost as if the bullet had hit her, right in her heart too. So without much of a choice – and being desperate for him to have a change of heart, – she took off the mask, revealing it to be his daughter who he had hated for months . It was no longer Spider-Woman and captain Stacy, it was now Gwen Stacy and her father.
But even then, her father didn’t change. Even when she tried to approach him, he still pointed his gun at her. The mask was off, her father looked into her eyes which were filled with fear and desperation, and it was still as if he was looking at a masked murderer. So, Gwen did the only thing she could do, run .
She slipped her mask back on before making her way out of the building, not even knowing where to run to. She could hear her father trying to chase her, it was annoying how her web-shooters were out of fluid and she couldn’t swing off, running was the only option. She ran to her apartment, climbing up the wall to get to the fire escape so she could get in through her window. She quickly packed some important stuff with her (clothes, enough web-fluid to last for a while, a drawing of a sunflower Miles once made for her, some small plushies, a blanket) and was then out of there.
Gwen didn’t know where to go, but she couldn’t stay in her own home anymore, not after what her father did. She put some new clothes on instead of her suit, but it was cold outside, the snow only getting worse. She kept walking around the city, as if it would make a difference. She didn’t know how much time had passed, but with the weather getting worse, her condition seemed to worsen as well. She found a bench and sat there, desperately hugging herself to keep herself warm.
She was already weakened after the fight and the running, this was only making things worse for her.
Gwen was shivering, but it was dying down due to her body going numb from the cold. She couldn’t feel her fingers anymore, all she felt was the freezing cold. She felt like she was made of ice; cold and almost motionless. She was already exhausted, but she somehow managed to feel even more tired. It was like she could close her eyes and never wake up again. Maybe that was even for the better, it seemed like nobody needed her anymore.
Gwen had started to accept she might just freeze to death tonight, it was better than going to prison though. Her shivering started to stop, she just felt numb and cold. Her clothes have gotten soaked from the snow, only adding to the uncomfortable chills she had.
Nobody would stop to help her, except one person, one who wouldn’t allow her to die out in the cold.
Miles was out on patrol like usual, even when it was snowing heavily. Nothing could really stop him from doing it. He hasn’t seen any signs of Spider-Woman yet. Maybe she wasn’t out today? It wouldn’t make sense for her though, she goes out no matter what. He has seen her, both on the news and in person during a patrol, she wouldn’t quit no matter what.
It wasn’t that important anyway, she could just stay home for once. What he needed to focus on was his patrol, nothing else. And that was going well, until he noticed someone sitting on a bench. Who would be sitting out here in this weather? Once he started to approach them, he noticed their jacket, or her jacket.
No, it can’t be Gwen, she won’t be out right now, he tried to tell himself. But he couldn’t deny it, that jacket clearly belonged to her – well, it used to be his, he let her borrow it (she hadn’t given it back to him in months ). He couldn’t take it back right now, as she was literally freezing. She needed to be inside or she’ll get sick, or maybe even worse!
At this moment, Miles couldn’t care less about his identity, he had to get her inside. Luckily for him, his mom had grown a liking to his best friend. So bringing her over because she was out in the cold probably wasn’t a bad idea.
Miles had a jacket over his normal Prowler costume, so he really only had to unequip the mask. Once he did that, he quickly approached the blonde, not wasting another second.
“Gwen? What are you doing out here? It’s freezing!” He immediately wrapped his arms around her, hoping he could somehow warm her up. He felt her skin when she touched her hand, it felt ice cold. Gwen Stacy, you’re an idiot for not wearing gloves, he thought to himself.
“Miles?” He heard her soft voice speak. It was barely audible, as if she couldn’t speak. “Yeah, it’s me. I’m here.” He told her, trying to ease the confusion she seemed to have. “My apartment isn’t that far away, I’m taking you there so you can warm up.” Miles said, his sentence sounding more like a statement rather than a suggestion. He knew how stubborn Gwen could be, she would try to say that she was alright and would be fine, but he wouldn’t take it right now, not when she’s practically freezing.
Miles helped Gwen get up, he made sure to keep her stable as they slowly walked towards his apartment. When they got there, he made Gwen sit on his bedroom floor as he got her a blanket to wrap herself in. His room wasn’t the warmest, as he couldn’t have the heater on at all times, it would just be too expensive. He made sure to turn it on a bit though, and he made Gwen sit close to it so she could warm up.
Miles then thought about what he should do next. He remembered his mom telling him about patients she had to deal with who had hypothermia. Those were severe cases though, he made sure to check if Gwen was still breathing normally and if she would respond to what he was saying. She seemed alright, he didn’t think she would need to go to a hospital, she just needed care.
He saw just how soaked her clothes were, it was probably contributing to the cold. He slowly took off her jacket, hoping it wouldn’t startle her. Before continuing, he checked the bag she brought with her for some dry clothes. He found some – a lot actually, it seemed like she planned to run away from home. But in this weather? –, but he also found something else.
Something white and black was poking out. He thought that maybe it was a shirt she could wear right now, but after he pulled it out, he realized what it was. This looked familiar, too familiar even. Something anyone in New York could recognize, and it belonged to Gwen? His best friend – and secret crush – Gwen Stacy?
No, she couldn’t be, but the evidence was right there in his hands. He looked back at Gwen, who seemed pretty out of it and seemed pretty lethargic, like she got handed some sleeping medication and was about to drift off. His best friend was fucking Spider-Woman !
But this wasn’t a time to ask questions or interrogate her, she needed care and he was gonna give her that. Miles got her some dry clothes and started to gently take off her wet shirt. She seemed a bit surprised by it, looking at him with pure confusion and fear on her face. “I’m not gonna do anything to you, you just need to get out of these clothes. You’ll get sick if you stay like this.”
Gwen nodded in response before letting Miles continue. As he stripped her wet clothes off, he noticed just how cold her body was. He continued until she was in nothing but her underclothes, which was the only thing that didn’t get completely soaked so he kept it on her, and he also didn’t wanna make her too uncomfortable, she could take care of that herself once she was better. Gwen had completely wrapped herself up in the blanket Miles had given her when he was done, she almost looked like a wounded and scared child, confused about what was going on while she was in a weak state.
Miles gently brushed his thumb over Gwen’s cheek, feeling her ice-cold skin. He wanted to know what happened so badly, but he put his curiosities aside for her sake. “I’m just gonna change really quickly, don’t get up or leave. You’re in no state to be doing so.” Miles didn’t like being a bit strict with her, but it came out of worry and care for her. “I’ll be back.”
Miles grabbed some clothes from his dresser before walking into the bathroom to take off his Prowler costume, which was still hidden under his jacket. All that was on his mind was Gwen. Why was she out during such heavy snow? Why wasn’t she at home? Would she be alright? This won’t have lasting effects on her, right? Maybe a fever or something, but she’ll be okay in the end. Maybe he needed to call or text his mother about this, she would know what would happen to Gwen.
When Miles was dressed into something more casual, he walked back into his bedroom. Gwen was still on the floor, curled up in a blanket next to the heater, but one thing had changed; she was shivering quite a bit. At least she wasn’t in that lifeless and numb state anymore, but that didn’t ease all of Miles’s worries.
He sat down next to her, taking her into his arms and pulling her close to his chest. “Miles..” She whispered, as if she was trying to check if he was really there. “Shh, you’re alright. I’m here, you don’t have to be outside for a while.”
What she said next surprised him a bit. “Stay,” she started, her voice continuing to be quiet from her exhaustion and shivering. “stay with me.” He didn’t even notice how she was able to speak a bit again, he was just focussed on what she said.
Miles didn’t hesitate to respond. “I’m not going anywhere, don’t worry.” He spoke softly, running his fingers through her damp hair. He then gave her a little forehead kiss. Maybe because he wanted to soothe her or reassure her he was there, he doesn’t know exactly why he did, it was impulsive and almost seemed like it was out of instinct. He was too busy caring and worrying to realize he gave his crush a forehead kiss. “You wanna get dressed or just wanna go to bed?” Miles asked her, continuing to keep his voice soft and soothing.
“I just want a shirt.” Gwen responded, now Miles noticing her being able to speak sentences again. It was still a bit slurred and her voice didn’t go above a whisper, but it was a sign of improvement. “I’ll get it for you.” Miles said as he let go of her. He could see the slight sadness when she had to leave his embrace, it seemed to keep her warm and safe. He would make sure to keep her in his embrace soon, and also make sure she gets some rest.
Miles grabbed a t-shirt out of Gwen’s bag before walking back to her. He slowly removed the blanket and put the shirt on her. He then gently scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his bed (not like she’ll remember most of this, she seemed pretty out of it with how lethargic she was). He placed her under the covers along with the extra blanket he gave her before joining her in bed.
Gwen immediately cuddled up to him, burying her face into his chest. Miles wrapped his arms around her, making sure she felt safe and warm. Her eyes were fluttering shut, she was about to fall asleep. “Good night, Gwen.” He whispered before kissing her forehead again. Miles could’ve lost the girl he was currently holding if he hadn’t found her. Maybe his job patrolling was more important than he thought.
He looked at her as she was asleep. She looked so peaceful and beautiful, it was hard to resist giving her another forehead kiss. “You’re pretty in your sleep.” He whispered before closing his own eyes. And soon, the two were asleep together in the same bed, their bodies warming each other up as the harsh snow continued outside. In Miles’s bed, everything was safe and warm.
Miles woke up in the middle of the night, hearing quiet sobs from the corner of his room. He also noticed Gwen wasn’t in bed anymore, which worried him. He sat up in bed, noticing Gwen curled up in a little ball, sobbing softly.
“Hey, what are you doing out of bed?” Miles spoke quietly, getting out of bed to help Gwen. She seemed fearful, her expression showed that. “Miles?” She called out his name softly. “What am I doing here? Why did I wake up next to you?” The first thought Miles had when she said this was that he might’ve scared her a bit. “You were out in the cold, you could’ve died if I didn’t take you here.” He explained. “You should get back into bed though, I don’t want you getting worse.”
Miles helped Gwen get up and they got into bed again. Gwen immediately pulled herself close to Miles, holding onto him tightly, as if she would break if she would let go. “My dad doesn’t know I’m here, right?” She asked, her voice trembling from her tears. Miles was a bit confused; he had met Gwen’s dad before, he seemed like he wouldn’t do anything to frighten his daughter (he unfortunately was wrong about that one).
“No, I don’t think so.” Miles reassured her, and he could immediately see Gwen calming down. He felt Gwen’s grip starting to loosen, as if her fears started to melt away. Miles thought about it, and he realized it might have something to do with her being Spider-Woman, as her dad had often expressed how he didn’t like the vigilante too much. “It’s about you being Spider-Woman, isn’t it?”
Miles noticed Gwen tensing up, he felt stupid for saying that now. “It’s alright, I saw the suit in your bag when getting you some dry clothes.”
“Are you scared of me now? Do you hate me?” She suddenly asked. “No, Gwen. Of course not! I could never hate you no matter who you are, I-” He was so close to spilling his feelings out. “I love you.”
Gwen wasn’t as tense anymore, she seemed more shocked than anything. She looked into Miles’s eyes, her eyes still filled with tears. Before Miles could say anything, Gwen had leaned in to kiss him. As soon as she did that, he felt many emotions rush through him. Relief since the feelings were mutual, love and even a bit of fear. What if somehow their friendship got ruined?
But after a few seconds, Miles kissed back. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. He could feel her holding onto him tighter, as if she was starving for this affection for ages. They were both starved, only deepening the kiss the more it continued. Gwen definitely didn’t feel cold to the touch anymore, her skin seemed to warm Miles up.
Miles held Gwen as he rolled onto his back, Gwen laying on top of him as she continued to kiss him. Miles’s hand trailed under her shirt, his hand caressing her back. He could feel the heat coming off of her skin, as if he was the one who was out in the cold for ages and needed warmth. He was desperate, just like she was. “Gwen,” Miles pulled away, completely out of breath. “you’ll exhaust yourself if you continue.”
He could feel her panting as she was still laying on him. “I want more, I’m cold and starving.” She whispered. Miles had to agree, it was almost as if the temperature had dropped as soon as he pulled away. He was cold and starving, just as she was. “Me too, but you need to rest. I promise we’ll continue eventually.”
He then felt her nuzzle her head into his neck. He could feel her press a small kiss onto his neck, he wanted more of that. Once she’s completely better, he told himself.
After a long silence, Miles felt a question come up in his mind again. “Why were you out in the cold?” He asked her, his fingers continuing to trail along her back, the warmth was gone though and her cold skin was back.
“Well, you’ve already figured out that I’m Spider-Woman, and you know how my dad doesn’t like her. He has told you about my friend, Peter, and how Spider-Woman murdered him.” It all started to click in Miles’s mind. She was responsible for a death. And not just any death, the death of her best – and only – friend.
“He tried to arrest me, even after I revealed myself, so I ran away.” She spoke softly, never moving away from Miles as she spoke. Miles didn’t know what to say anymore, he could only comfort her through touch, as words didn’t come to mind. The roles were switched, usually Gwen would give hugs – it was their only way to show physical affection before this –, not him. Usually he was speaking, not her.
“You’re safe here, don’t worry.” Miles said, giving her a kiss on her forehead, as she returned one on his neck. He sighed, a lot of things were on his mind; his relationship with Gwen, what happened to her, the fact she was Spider-Woman. He wanted to ask questions about every single one of his thoughts, but he wasn’t gonna overwhelm her. “You should get some rest.”
“I will, but first I wanna know something real quick.” She whispered, her index finger starting to trail along his arm. “What are we now?” She asked.
Miles thought about it for a moment. It seemed like they both liked each other, it didn’t hurt to give this a try. He felt a small smile appear on his face as he thought about it. Maybe this is what their life could look like every day; the two of them cuddled up together, only needing each other to keep warm. But what if he wasn’t good enough for Gwen? What if he couldn’t give her what she deserved?
“I don’t mind if we become more than friends.” He admitted. “But I don’t know if I can give you the life you deserve. You’re amazing in every way possible and I feel like I–” He was cut off by another little kiss on his neck, which already told him enough. She wanted this, he wanted this.
“I love you, Miles.” She whispered, starting to drift off again, clearly still not a hundred percent well, but she was improving. “I love you too, Gwen.”