Chapter I:
"Just a touch of safety"

The hazy sight of the streets - even in the middle of the day, shrouded in a sandy darkness - filled everyone with a sense of dread of uncertainty. No innocent passer-by could even tell whether the dust in the air was dirt, crushed rubble or a harmful gas. If anyone did venture out of their home, it was a matter of life or death. Even though, ironically, sticking one's nose out from behind one's own home or shelter was itself a gamble with death. Instead of being filled with the sounds of cars, children's laughter and conversation, the neighbourhoods resounded with explosions, hysterical laughter and the crack of gunfire.

A period of unchecked tyranny took hold of London and its immediate surroundings. Rampant corruption within the government and irresponsible technological decisions allowed the worst of the worst to rise through the ranks, to the great despair of the civilians. Living, sentient human beings, reduced to the status of stress-relief toys or cannon fodder; luxuries reserved solely for those who were inhuman enough and well-armed enough to seize them by force. Not one witness of such tragedy came out of it untouched by trauma.

           Woken up by the images your own brain cruelly reminded you of, you tore yourself up from beneath the covers. Your skin already dripping with cold sweat, and lungs working overtime to be ready for the danger that wasn't even there. Desperate for comfort, your hands blindly mapped out everything around you in the darkness, until they finally grazed the warm body next to your own. With a sigh of relief you, slowly and with easing breath, leaned down to press yourself against said warmth.

— I should really crash over more often, shouldn't I? —

Hobie commented drowsily but with very sleepy care in his intent. With no regard for tiredness, he turned around to face you on the bed, to then wrap his long limbs right back around you; with a cherry on top being a small, good-night kiss you felt him place on your forehead. Even his lip piercing felt warm.

— Sleep, dovie… 's okay now, yeah?… The London's safe, remember? —

He added with his voice pretty much a whisper, and both of you, comforted by each other, dozed off back into, now restful, sleep.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

           After few more hours of cuddly slumber, it was the sun's rays, streaming into the room from behind the half-open blinds, that took on the task of waking you up. It was now 9:57 AM on a hot, cloudless Saturday, and the two of you have planned today to be one big date. Because of Hobie's ‘job', it's hard to settle into a routine or make concrete plans, but that's never stopped you from trying anyway.

You woke up second. Hobie was already looking at you with those love-tinted, puppy eyes, as he grazed your back, up and down. Once gaining awareness of your own body, you managed to feel out that you two laid under the covers in the exact same position you fell asleep after the nightmare. Oh, neither of you wanted to get out of the bed, but the idea of the date-day seemed too attractive to pass on it.

— Mornin' love~ — croaked Hobie with sleep still audible in his voice — You slept well? No boogeymen disturbing your kip? —

You smiled involuntarily and nodded, since, apparently, your speech was still sound asleep. Upon noticing that, you figured to awake yourself even more, by stretching your limbs and back like a cat, all while - so very necessarily - groaning like one too. Hobie immediately followed suit, except his frame extended beyond the area of the bed.

           Once the morning formalities got completed, and your backs properly prepared for gravity, you and Hobie nailed the challenge of getting out of bed, and, hand-in-hand, trudged wearily into the kitchen. Your fingers traced little, mindless patterns across the back of Hobie's palm, solely to intensify the feeling of his skin against yours. Not for any sinful reason, that is. Merely to wrap yourself in as much safety as your mind could take in one go. Knowing that your beloved one (and the Spider-Man himself), is physically there, keeping any danger away from you, was a crucial part of your day.

Even when, during a little chit-chat on today's weather, Hobie busied himself with preparing beverages and toasts for you two, his hand lingered on your knee or wrist. No matter, if you were sitting on the countertop or standing next to him, the punk knew better than to let go of you when it wasn't necessary. He knew and understood the challenges your own mind placed upon you.

           — Y'know, I thought about going to this mint coffee shop behind the park, eh? They make godly cuppa, it's locally owned, by a pair of lovely Londoners and it never even stood next to some corporate, billion-owning, toxin-selling crap. I'd love to take ya' there. —

Said Hobie, his voice now back to normal after the morning grumble. You two planned the day ahead while eating (slightly burned) toasts, the crumbs from which landed only on your pyjama pants, since you just couldn't resist the temptation of eating breakfast on Hobie's lap, with your back against his chest. No matter. It only added to an already long list of reasons, as to why you and him should finally get out of sleepwear and into something proper. And so you did.

           That small moment of separation, during which Hobie was changing in your bathroom and you - in your bedroom, felt a bit… Uneasy. It's not like you can't stand a few minutes of your partner being a wall away from you, but it's not like you're delighted by it either. Nevertheless, soon enough both door opened and you could see each other in the corridor. You picked your own, favourite outfit, and Hobie went for his usual, cooler-than-anyone-ever punk look. Those weren't exactly mind-shattering clothes, but neither of you had any intention of impressing anyone. You just wanted to spend a lovely day together, as much as it was possible.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

           The weather outside was pretty unusual for London. Apparently, the global warming was now enough to bless the capital of England with a sunny, 82°F (28°C) day. Walking on the shadowed part of the sidewalk - hand-in-hand, as always - Hobie yapped around about said warming of the climate; all while you yourself invested half of your energy on listening and other half on admiring liveliness of those streets. It was a pleasant sight, soothing of which was indescribable by words. Especially compared to what you remember happening here a few years ago. That mental blink of terrifying memory made your hand grip Hobie's one just a tad harder, but there's no Universe in which that would go unnoticed.

Hobie dared to let go of your hand, but only to wrap his whole limb around your waist, pressing your side close to his. Damn. That felt even better. Any image of terror suddenly vanished into thin air while your eyes locked on Hobie's face, this time giving him your whole attention.

           While you were nearing the coffee shop (called "Snuggle Cup", by the way), Hobie showed evident disgust upon noticing that, right in front of the café's windows, roadworks were carried out. Once a beautiful sight of bloomed trees and colourful flowers, among playing children with the background made of picturesque architecture, now got flushed down into one of torn up pavement, holes dug, metal grates laid out and it all tied together with neon-coloured plastic. And that without even mentioning the sounds of buzzing, beeping and grumbling. The punk wasn't happy about it, and it was more than evident.

— It's not that bad. We're here for the tea and each other, aren't we? —

You reassured, glancing up at Hobie, which made his expression soften just a little bit. He looked down at you in silence, before digging his nasty gaze back into the ugly roadworks.

— Yeah, I know, dove… But it's just so damn ironic that this happens when i wanna take ya' out somewhere pretty. —

You chuckled, endeared by his care, while Hobie let out a sigh with a shake of his head, smiling as well. Such expression made you think Hobie has let go of the worry, but he still was somewhat fighting a battle in his own mind, conflicted with himself whether to stay here or to take you somewhere less… Capitalistic-looking, as he would probably describe.

           Luckily, the inside of the café wasn't in the slightest matching the sight outside it's windows. The word "Snuggle" in it's name turned out to be pretty much materialised into the furniture and details. Comfortable-looking couches and puffy chairs, warm wood and cinnamony colours all around, yellow and orange lightning, and lots and lots of plants. But sight wasn't the only sense spoiled by this lovely place. The smell of fresh buns and rich, roasted coffee lingered in the air. It was evidently owned by real, passionate people, instead of a cold corporation.

— Good morning! —

Exclaimed Hobie, smiling charmingly at a mature-looking woman behind the counter. She must have been around her late 40's since small streaks of silver ran across her short, deeply brown hair, and wrinkles of laughter inhabited the corners of her small eyes and nose.

— Oh! Good morning to you too, darling! —

The woman, with high-pitched voice, answered near immediately upon noticing Hobie's form. She seemed to be more than glad to see him, which didn't exactly surprise you. Your partner was famously active in London's society, not only by anonymously keeping it safe, but also by uplifting local businesses, helping those in need and loudly resisting everything depraved and harmful. Many appreciated him for it.

— And you must be 'the love of his life', Hobie so often mentions? So happy to meet you, I've heard a lot about you! —

While you yourself nearly melted in endearment, Hobie only let out a subtle chuckle, proud of the way he calls you behind your back. You exchanged a few words with the woman and you three would surely talk more, if it wasn't for new customers that entered and settled into a queue.

Once your orders were finished, Hobie reached his hand into his jacket to take out some cash, but the barista firmly rejected the offer, blocking his hand from even leaving the pocket.

— No, no, no, dear. You helped us plenty already, with materials and renovations. At least let me repay you with beverages. —

— You're too kind, ma'am. —

           Hobie answered, and you two departed deeper into the coffee shop. Led by the punk, you reached a table surrounded by comfortable sofa chairs, with the walls and ceiling cosily decorated with hanging vines and fairy lights. It even had a perfect view for the big window, which probably would be a source of a picturesque panorama, if it wasn't for those roadworks… Your partner seemed quite bothered by that.

— They better be fixing something, and not shoving concrete plates in the place of plants… — Hobie grumbled, resting his cheek against his arm which rested by the elbow on sofa's armrest.

— No matter, you still would be looking at me. —

You joked lightheartedly to ease his mind while you sat right next to him on the couch. Well. "Next to" is kind of an understatement. You pretty much laid yourself on his chest, and Hobie himself wrapped his free arm around your shoulders.

— Bloody hell~ Can't argue with that, now, can I? — Hobie chuckled and squeezed you harder against himself for a second.

           In that soothed atmosphere, you two settled into a cheerful conversation, broken only by little moments for a sip. Despite the two of you being a couple, such moments were rarer than you wanted them to. Your personal lives and Hobie's heroic duties were merciless on the amount of time you spent together. Perhaps that was precisely what caused the punk's dissatisfaction with something as trivial as the view from the window.

You too weren't exactly pleased with those unnerving sounds, but you managed to forget about it each time you two, focused solely on each other's eyes, buried yourselves in deep dialogue. You felt as though you were enveloped in a tangible sense of security. Hobie's warmth against your skin, even through layers of clothing, was enough to leave you feeling light-headed and with a heart wide open. The concept of danger seldom flashed through your mind, and pretty much only when the door opened, allowing in the loudest of decibels.

           Hours have passed and you did your best to make the date as delightful as possible. Talking about love-fuelled plans for the future, reminiscing on dear memories of the past, and even just admiring the present moment. Although it still wasn't perfect, how your conversations were constantly accompanied by the increasingly loud drone, merely a wall away from you. You haven't even noticed when a bunch of customers left early, distressed by those sounds.

Hobie closed his eyes, leaned his head back to let it lay on the backrest (or more like - on his hair which laid on the backrest), and let out a slow and heavy sigh. After that calming gesture he glanced back down at you, finally with a smile forming on his features.

           — You wanna go somewhere awesome? —

           Hobie asked with his smile morphing into a mischievous smirk; his lip piercing blinked in the light of the chandelier. Even his colour palette turned more vibrant, and you knew he had something very specific in mind. No fright sparked in you, however. You knew you can trust Hobie with your life. Regardless of whether he offered a trip around the World or the Multiverse, he wouldn't allow a hair to fall from your head.

— Where exactly? — you asked with a curious tilt of your head.

— Trust me, somewhere the sights and sounds are ace and peaceful. — he summarized with a deepening smirk.

Once the man answered, he took both, now empty, cups in hands. He then got up straight away, but instead of taking the first step, he glanced down at you. Only once you stood up as well, and wrapped your fingers around his arm, he walked forward, towards the counter. With a polite smile on his face he returned the cups directly to the worker, saving the barista a bit of effort; you said your goodbyes and left.

           Leaving the coffee shop made the sounds of roadwork molest your ears ten times worse than they did inside. An unpleasant shiver made the hair on your body stand on end, as a short recollection of an attack by criminals, armed to the teeth with firearms, flashed through your mind. You, as if to hide from the loudness alone, shifted a bit behind Hobie. Upon noticing that, the man grinned like the devil and used that opportunity to scoop you up into his arms.

— Fear not, damsel! —

He exclaimed while pressing you harder against his chest, and he took off running away from the roadworks, hoping to fight off your memories with goofiness. Once you got far away enough, and the sounds were merely a hum in the distance, he slowed down to a walking pace, and pressed a loving kiss on your forehead; a victorious grin on his face.

— It's a bit of a walk from here, but I think we can menage, eh? We should keep out steps in. —

Hobie joked and placed you back on the ground, just to then wrap his arm around your waist. You reacted with a similar gesture, when your own limb embraced Hobie's lower back. Happy like that, you two walked towards 'the place with the nice view', led by Hobie.

           — So, care to reveal a bit of the mystery? — you asked resting your head on his shoulder.

           — There's that abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city, but it looks like on the movies, trust. The best sunset view I've seen in this part of the Universe. —

Oh. Abandoned factory? That sounds nowhere near safe. Sounds like a hiding spot for a band of lawbreakers. But your trust in Hobie is so immense for a reason. Countless of times, this man has proved to keep the danger as far as possible, from you and his other close ones. That is exactly why you were just physically unable to imagine him taking you somewhere he wouldn't be able to keep your safe.

— But… It's empty, right? — you asked.

— I've only ever once saw someone else there. It was a bunch of ankle-biters, trying to find a spook, you know how it is. —

That calmed you down even more. Where the kids are, there can't be much danger, can it now? Besides, to know that this place is abandoned enough, it barely ever has any visitors, it pretty much erased most fright left in you.

— And it ain't hardcore of an urbex either. No slopes, no steep descents, no crumbling walls. I didn't even see a single protruding bar. It's really destroyed, to the point of it being safe — he chuckled — But, on the back, it has steady little remains of an extension room or something. If you get on top of it, you get a perfect view of the sunset. —

— Okay — you answered with a small huff of laughter — I trust you. —

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

           After walking a considerable distance, during which you both chattered away non-stop, the imposing silhouette of a ruined building emerged from behind the trees. You believed Hobie that, in the past, it was a factory, but it really was so ruined it could've been a castle or a brothel, and you wouldn't be able to tell. Although, maybe it was too early to judge, because you couldn't yet see the structure in it's full glory. That was due to the fact, that, for safety measures, all the entrances are another walk away from any public road.

Your wonders on how exactly are you going to get in, got quickly cut short upon the view of a wide hole in the metal fence. It was almost unbelievable, how such place was so open and available. As if not one government worker though of closing it or securing somehow. Eh, apparently it truly wasn't that much of a danger one could assume.

— See? Told ya'~" Hobie said with warm smile.

Leading the way on the gravelly path, the punk went through the damaged fence with you. You two could fit simultaneously. You didn't even have to take a big step or bend down. There could just as easily have been an open gate here, and it would have made no difference.

— I found it while patrolling the city. It's a bit far from the civilization, but it's cool as hell. —

Hobie described childishly while guiding you deeper into the plot of land. When, at last, you had walked round the huge, overgrown ruin, you found that at the back of it, glued to the main ruin of the building, there really was a sizeable brick room with a solid, flat roof - also made of brick and concrete - on which you could comfortably sit. You examined said room with very careful eye, looking for stairs or veins you could climb on, but couldn't find anything. You were just about to ask Hobie how to deal with it when he decided to answer you without saying a word, before you'd even had a chance to formulate the question.

He, once again, scooped you into his arms (damn, he must really enjoy doing that, doesn't he?), and, without a since ounce of hesitance, stepped onto the vertical wall. All to the sound of your soft laughter. While holding you tightly and securely against his chest, he walked up the part of the building, and quickly reached it's top. That's when the gravity finally felt normal again.

— Ah, i almost forget about your spiderness — you admitted with a chuckle as he put you down again.

— Yeah, it comes handy quite often — he added with a shrug.

Hobie then walked a few steps away, with you walking alongside him, and finally sat down by the wall, leaning his back against it. You yourself quickly followed suit and the two of you snuggled into each other. The view actually turned out to be even more beautiful and picturesque than Hobie promised it to be. The dark horizon, punctuated by the silhouettes of the city’s buildings, contrasted with the beautiful colours of the sky. The distinctive blend of blues and powder pink promised a fiery sunset, which the two of you couldn’t wait to see. Yet, despite your impatience, you didn’t waste a single moment sitting around and waiting. Instead, you lost yourselves in each other’s company. You may have exchanged a few pleasant words, but you focused mainly on that peaceful presence, undisturbed by any noise or distractions.

That was the peace someone like you needed, and Hobie was more than glad to give it to you over and over again.

           When the sunset finally revealed its beauty, it - and the ease your minds were enveloped by - was enough to awaken actual poets within you. Enchanted by the saturated oranges, pinks and reds of the view, you talked away about the beauty of this World. Or rather – about the beauty of the Multiverse itself. The punk rocker was surprisingly good at it. Despite being aware of the corruption and cruelty of this World, he could lose himself, endlessly vocalizing about the possibilities of human kindness, the significance of flora and fauna, and the love noticeable even in the tiniest details of everyday life.

This way Hobie saved you not only from the physical attacks of villains, but also from your the fear itself, since every time, his smallest actions and the beautifulest words sowed a seed of hope where it had once been crushed.

           However, no matter how much of a great experience you two are having, the time never stops, and the sun is now hidden beneath the horizon line, lightning up the lowest parts of the visible sky with it's farthest reaching rays. For the first time in a while you looked around yourself just to realise, that darkness is now powerful enough that you can't see what's in the corners. Can't be sure whether you truly are alone in here.

Hobie couldn't relate to that. Upon losing the sunset, he only glanced up, searching for hints of any sparks of stars that might dance on the firmament. His expression was soft, happy, glad and unbothered. But it quickly shifted into one of slight worry, the second your fingers wrapped a bit tighter around his elbow. He looked at you as your frame leaned further into his side, and he instantly mirrored, leaning back further into you.

— Are you scared? — he asked, almost whispering as his lips were close to brushing against your temple.

— A bit uncomfy... — you answered shortly, your gaze still lingering on the shadows.

Fortunately, your partner wouldn't allow for a moment of any of that. Without a second thought he hooked his free arm under your knees and laid your legs across his own. That way, you could still lean onto him while his other arm, now free from your grip, rested on your upper back. He pretty much held you on his lap, like a bride.

— Wanna go home? — he asked quickly, pointing with his head to the hole that led you here.

— Yeah... — you answered with a nod.

— You want me to carry you again? — he then added with a smile.

— Yeah. — you answered again, returning the expression.

With that, Hobie eagerly fixed you in his grip while he stood up, and bounced you playfully, just to lure another giggle out of you. Immediately after he strolled back down onto the ground and out of the factory's area. That was the worst part. The grounds on which stood this ruin are a bit far from homes and any artificial source of light, which makes it look creepy and eerie. You tried your best not to stare into the most unsettling parts of the field around you, since it would only bring needless distress. Instead, you nuzzled your face further into Hobie's shoulder, hoping for the walk back home to pass as quickly as possible.

           Once finally reaching the residential part of the town, where the roads were illuminated by a warm light of streetlamps, you huffed out in a temporary relief, but it still wasn't enough to fully erase your anxiety. Your gaze tirelessly jumped from corner to corner, betraying your own mind with made up silhouettes and pessimistic scenarios. As it turned out - maybe there was more intuition than stress to your patrolling.

           Hobie's spider-sense tingled on the side of his head. His gaze immediately snapped to the source of this infallible feeling, you followed his eyes as well, and, as suspected, you saw nothing pleasant. There, on the other side of the street, in a dark alley both of you could spot out a masked, covered in black figure of an armed man, pointing a knife at two young teenage girls. Panic, in such situation, is inevitable. Your heart raced out of your chest and hands dripped with cold sweat. You almost froze in fear, however instincts took over. Knowing that, compared to Hobie, you have less to offer - you, with your heart in your throat, shakily stepped from your partner's arms onto the ground, to give his hands a better range of motion. Yet you practically hid into his side, your hands clenched around his clothes.

While Hobie's one arm held you close, the other one sneakily pointed towards the perpetrator. After you two took a careful glance around the environment, making sure no witnesses are looking, the hero moved slowly towards a blind spot between two noticed cameras, and began his work. With a confident and smartly measured flick of his middle and ring finger, the punk sent a swiftly flying cobweb right on the criminal's eyes. A second web glued his knife to the floor, and the third one pinned his arm to a wall nearby.

The girls, even though baffled and disoriented, quickly fled the scene with cries of distress and towards a pair of adults waiting by a bus station. That's only when the two of you slowly started to walk away. Hobie only looked around one more time, and, upon seeing no eyes or cameras on him, added a few more webs to tie villain's legs. Your eyes scanned everything around you, while Hobie's ones dug into the girls and their new protectors.

Despite Hobie's political mentality he felt somewhat relieved when said couple of adults turned out to call the police while calming the girls down. He was in no state or situation to be dealing with all that himself. Now he could focus on you and exiting the scene. The man, while picking up on his pace of walking, looked down at you, pressing you further into his side.

           — We're safe now, yeah? — he comforted and glanced one last time at the criminal that still wiggled tied up against the wall.

You nodded wordlessly, between nervous exhales, with your gaze averted from the crime scene. You matched Hobie's quick pace, wanting to get as far from that mess as possible. You were evidently stressed and moved. You could hear your heart thumping like an elephant, you turned almost light-headed, and you held onto Hobie like a vice.

He couldn't take seeing such nerves in you. He led you into a side alley, just to then safely scoop you right back into his arms and quickly swing onto the top of the building, where no eyes or cameras reached.

— We're safe, i promise. I'm sorry this happened on a date… —

Hobie comforted, pressing a kiss on top of your head. He then knelt down onto the concrete and held you against his chest, providing you with a moment of peace, which turned out to be pretty much healing for you. The punk continued his soothing affirmations, his arms lovingly caressed your shoulder while you yourself focused on your breathing, trying to get it back to normal as fast as possible.

— Everything is fine. — you commented, although it was more of a calming affirmation.

— Yeah, it is. The pigs will hopefully put him behind bars. And even if they don't - I'll find him and figure out something even better. —

You two let out a humourless chuckle at that, and a moment of silence fell, broken only a minute later by the sound of police siren. The matching blue warning lights soon flooded the scene below.

— … You feel better now? — the punk asked, turning his gaze onto you.

— Yes, better. — you answered, nodding and patting Hobie's shoulder.

— Better enough to get back to moving? —

— Gladly, I really wanna go home.. —

— Mint. I'll get ya' home in a jiffy, you won't even feel it. —

           With that Hobie instructed you to hold onto his neck, which, once you did, was a green light for him to swing unnoticed towards your neighbourhood. It was almost intimate, how well that man knew London. He knew exactly when to swing lower, higher, a bit to the left, when to take a turn. It was as if the roofs and the air was a completely different scheme of this city, which Hobie had memorised by heart.

He moved so swiftly and carefully, doing his best to keep the 'ride' as undisturbing as possible, you barely even realised the moments you were in the air. Better - you didn't even realise when you finally reached your apartment. Hobie landed in an alley nearby and emerged from it onto the streets, as if nothing ever happened, like a normal citizen. Now you had literally a few feet to walk towards your door, due to which you got back onto the pavement.

— Was it… Was it a bad idea…? To take you there…? — Hobie asked shyly.

— What? No! The sight was heavenly! — you answered with a small, comforting smile.

— But you know.. I probably should've picked somewhere closer to your place. That way I'd save you some trouble… I'm sorry if- If it was my fault… —

— Don't blame yourself. I did get a bit… Uncomfortable. Which is why i would not in a million years go there alone or with anyone else, but with you. I have plenty of memories when the dark was a threat, but every time you were in the picture - each threat got kicked in the jaw. I'm not that scared when you're around, —

Hobie huffed slowly with a relief, and you could swear a hint of a blush crept onto his face. However, nothing lasts forever and now the two of you are in front of your apartment's door. You looked at Hobie and he looked at you, very much reluctant to say goodbye, when you spoke first.

— Wanna stay over one more night? — you asked with a hopeful smile.

— More than anything else. — the man answered with an equally glad expression.