Chapter 10
Peter sat on the edge of his bed, exhaling slowly as he stared at the ceiling of his dorm. His body was tired, but his mind wouldn’t shut up.
The day at the Baxter Building had been… strange.
Susan had visibly pulled back, and while that was what he wanted, there was still an unfamiliar, nagging feeling in the back of his head. He ignored it, convincing himself it was nothing.
Just as he was about to try and get some rest, ERIC’s voice chimed in his earpiece.
“Sir, I have detected Felicia Hardy in the vicinity.”
Peter sighed, rubbing his temples. “Of course you have.”
“Would you like her location?”
Peter was already standing up. “You already know the answer.”
He suited up quickly, pulling on his Spider-Man mask and swinging out into the city. The cold night air rushed past him as he followed ERIC’s coordinates, making his way to the upper levels of a lavish hotel.
And there she was.
Felicia Hardy—Black Cat—perched on a rooftop ledge, staring down at a high-profile event below. She looked just as smug as always, clad in her skintight black suit, silver-white hair cascading down her back.
Peter landed silently behind her. “Are we really doing this again?”
Felicia didn’t even flinch. “Evening, Spider. You always catch me at the best moments.”
Peter crossed his arms. “Not sure ‘stalking a high-profile event’ qualifies as a great moment.”
Felicia sighed dramatically and turned to him, placing a hand on her hip. “Relax, bug. I’m not here to rob the place.”
He raised an eyebrow under his mask. “Right. Because you’re known for your restraint.”
She smirked. “Believe it or not, I have standards. I’m actually attending the event.”
Peter scoffed. “Yeah? Dressed like that?”
Felicia pouted. “Ouch. That hurts, Webhead. I thought you liked my outfit.”
Peter ignored that. “What are you really here for?”
Felicia studied him for a second before sighing. “Fine. I do need to steal something back. Something personal. The guy hosting the event has it, and I intend to retrieve it.”
Peter narrowed his eyes. “And I’m supposed to just let that slide?”
Felicia grinned. “No. You’re supposed to accompany me.”
Peter blinked. “What?”
“I need a plus-one,” she said simply. “And let’s face it—you clean up nice.”
Peter debated with ERIC in his earpiece.
“Sir, logically, this is a terrible idea.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“However, if you go with her, you can monitor the situation firsthand.”
“…And make sure she doesn’t pull anything reckless,” Peter finished.
Felicia tilted her head. “Well?”
Peter sighed before reaching up and pulling his mask off. “Peter,” he said, introducing himself properly.
Felicia’s smirk widened as she looked him over. “Mmm. Handsome and mysterious. You really are full of surprises, Peter.”
He shot her a glare. “No funny business.”
She pouted playfully. “I would never.”
Felicia then gestured at his Spider-Man suit. “Now, let’s get you something less… spandex-y.”
—
Thirty minutes later, Peter found himself standing in front of a mirror, adjusting the cuff of his freshly bought tuxedo.
The suit fit perfectly—almost too perfectly. It was tailored to his frame, emphasizing the sharp lines of his shoulders and the defined muscles underneath.
Felicia let out a low whistle. “Damn, Tiger. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you do this often.”
Peter tugged at his collar, rolling his eyes. “I feel ridiculous.”
Felicia leaned in with a sly grin. “You look delicious.”
Peter flushed and turned away. “Let’s just go.”
—
The event was extravagant—golden chandeliers, classical music, and people dressed in the finest attire money could buy.
Peter adjusted his tie, feeling slightly out of place.
Felicia, on the other hand, walked in with ease, her presence commanding attention. She was clad in a stunning black dress that hugged her body in all the right ways, drawing more than a few lingering stares.
Peter sighed. “This better not turn into a heist movie.”
Felicia smirked. “Relax, date—just enjoy the night.”
Then—
Peter froze.
Across the room, standing by the bar, was Susan Storm.
And she wasn’t alone.
She was interlocking arms with some guy—tall, dark-haired, and well-dressed. Her lips curled in an amused smile as she listened to whatever he was saying, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Peter felt something tighten in his chest.
He clenched his jaw.
What was he doing?
Susan wasn’t his.
He had no right to be upset.
And yet…
Before he could get lost in that thought, Felicia smoothly approached the pair, tugging Peter along with her.
“Hello, darling,” she purred, addressing Susan with a knowing smile.
Susan blinked, surprised. “Felicia?”
Felicia turned to the man beside her. “And you must be…”
The man straightened. “Victor Von Doom,” he introduced. “King of Latveria. And the host of this event.”
Peter immediately stiffened.
Susan’s date was Victor Von Doom?
Felicia smirked. “Fascinating. This is my date, Peter Parker.”
Peter barely registered the words. He was too focused on Susan, who was now looking at him with mild surprise.
“Peter?” she echoed.
“Doctor Storm,” he greeted, keeping his tone professional.
Victor eyed him with thinly veiled curiosity. “You work with Susan?”
Peter nodded. “I’m an intern at the Baxter Building.”
Victor hummed. “Interesting.”
The conversation continued, but Peter barely paid attention.
His gaze flickered back to Susan—that dress. It was sinful.
And seeing her standing there, linked with another man—
He pushed the thought away.
It wasn’t his concern.
After a few minutes, Felicia excused herself, slipping away into the crowd.
Susan found him again shortly after.
“Peter,” she started.
He turned to her. “You look…” He hesitated before defaulting to, “Professional.”
Susan laughed lightly. “That’s one way to put it.”
Peter exhaled. “So. You and Doom?”
Susan sighed. “It’s not what you think. He’s interested in investing in the Baxter Corporation, and he also happens to be interested in me. But I don’t feel the same way.”
Peter raised an eyebrow. “Could’ve fooled me.”
Susan smirked. “It’s called slight manipulation. It’s harmless.”
Peter shook his head. “It’s risky.”
Susan tilted her head. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t,” Peter lied. “We’re just colleagues.”
Susan studied him for a moment before smiling. “Right.”
Felicia returned not long after, looping her arm around Peter’s. “We’re leaving,” she announced.
Peter glanced back just in time to see Susan stepping away from Victor—who now looked furious.
Felicia chuckled. “Guess someone got rejected.”
Peter didn’t respond.
Later, as they parted ways, Felicia teased him mercilessly.
“You got real tense when you saw her with another man,” she cooed.
Peter scowled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Felicia chuckled, leaning in. “You’re cute when you’re in denial.” “You know I can help with that spider , you me in penthouse in our throes of passion, you punishing me for being such a naughty kitty” she practically purred which caused Peter to blush and stammer “ Uh I- I don’t think it’s a good idea”
“Aww why spider you can have your nasty way with me, I can tell you are really excited at the idea” she looked at his pants seductively
“Just… Jesus — don’t”
Peter shot her a look. “Just… keep my identity to yourself, alright? And maybe stop with the thieving?”
Felicia grinned. “No promises. How else are you going to give me some attention daddy”
With that, she blew him a playful kiss before disappearing into the night.
Peter groaned before swinging back to his dorm. “I swear she really enjoys this”
“I can assure to that statement sir , would you like me to map the fastest route to your dorm”
”I know my way through it ERIC , I grew up here”