Spiderling

Three years later, nestled between two towering buildings in New York City, sits Parker’s Web Café—a cozy haven exuding charm and warmth. Its scarlet red exterior with white rims catches the eye, offering a vibrant contrast against the urban backdrop. Graceful vines cascade over the balcony, bringing a touch of nature to the bustling city streets. Through the large windows, framed by potted plants, passersby catch a welcoming glimpse of the café's lively interior.

Inside Parker’s Web Café, a vibrant buzz of comfort and community permeates the air. The café’s clever name, a subtle nod to Peter Parker’s secretive past as Spider-Man, remains a mystery to all but him.

Mounted proudly on the backroom wall are diplomas in finance and engineering, testament to Peter's academic prowess. Having effortlessly navigated through college twice, unencumbered by Spider-Man duties, Peter even earned an award for his exceptional performance.

Meanwhile, MJ and Ned, attending college themselves, lend their talents to their friend's business, balancing work with their studies. Laughter and camaraderie echo throughout the café, fostering a sense of belonging among patrons.

Customers occupy every corner of the café, from the cozy first floor to the intimate second floor and the eclectic basement below.

Downstairs, the ambiance shifts to a more laid-back vibe. A local guitarist strums a simple tune while singing softly, his music providing a soothing background. The basement features a couple of arcade machines, a pool table, and a well-stocked bar. Here, Peter Parker can be found, effortlessly juggling multiple roles. He moves behind the bar, expertly mixing drinks for the patrons, occasionally performing a few tricks that leave the customers in awe.

Peter’s presence is magnetic, his easy charm and skilled bartending drawing a steady crowd. The tricks he performs—a flick of the wrist here, a spin of a bottle there—are reminiscent of his days as Spider-Man, though no one is the wiser.

______________________________________________________

As the day winds down, the café closes its doors, but the bar remains open, attracting a larger crowd. Unlike the guitarist earlier, a woman takes the stage, her voice filling the room with live music. Meanwhile, Peter tends to backroom tasks, managing taxes and ordering supplies.

Suddenly, the singer's performance comes to an abrupt halt, replaced by a scream. Rushing outside, Peter finds several people struggling to restrain a drunk man attempting to climb onto the stage. The singer, Alys, stands in shock, her navy-blue dress soaked in red wine. In a panic, she looks to Peter for help, fidgeting with the microphone in her hand. Their eyes meet briefly, hazel meeting brown, before she hurriedly rushes off stage, the clack of her heels echoing behind her.

Peter swiftly calls Mike, a security guard, to escort the disruptive man out of the bar. Behind the stage, Alys sits with her girlfriend, tears silently streaming down her face as she questions what she did wrong. To upset the man.

———————————

After a long day at the café. In the break room, he changes into sports clothes and jogs home with a backpack slung over his shoulder, the thirty-minute run offering him a chance to clear his mind.

Back at his new place—a modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a cozy kitchen and living room—Peter takes a moment to reflect. After a shower, he surveys his surroundings, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Despite losing so much over the past year, he’s managed to rebuild his life, rekindle his friendship with Ned, and start dating MJ again. His rent is occasionally late, but befriending the landlord has made things more manageable.

Aunt May, though unaware of their familial bond, has become a regular at the café, bringing Peter quiet joy. Even Pepper Potts visits occasionally, usually in disguise, but Peter always recognizes her.

Before she even orders, he starts making her favorite coffee, a routine she’s come to expect and appreciate. Sometimes, she brings her daughter Morgan, adding a touch of warmth to the café.

Peter’s life is far from perfect, but he’s grateful for the stability and the connections he’s regained. The café, his friends, and the occasional familiar face from his past all help him move forward, one day at a time.

________________________________________________________________-

As a new day begins, Peter stands in his kitchen, pouring coffee into his mug.

He grabs his backpack and heads out the door for his morning jog.

At the café.

"Morning, ned. Be right back!" he says with a smile, before disappearing into the back room to change.

In the back room, Peter quickly changes into his work uniform, ready for another day at the café.

Back in the café, Peter notices a visitor asking for him. Expecting May, he heads downstairs, only to find himself face to face with Loki. Loki stands with a smirk, his presence instantly commanding attention.

“Well, this is a surprise,” Peter says, trying to keep his tone light despite the tension in the air.

"Finally found you, Spider," Loki says with a smirk.

"Loki, What brings you here? Pretty sure this is our first meeting outside of stories I've heard," Peter responds cautiously.

"Oh, how delightful. You've heard of me?" Loki sighs, feigning modesty. "Just a bit curious, you know. Surprised you're not swinging around in red and blue today. Or is it three years now?" Loki's tone is casual, with a hint of teasing.

“Yeah, well, gotta pay the bills somehow,” Peter answers back, crossing his arms defensively.

"Speaking of, you seem to have fallen off the Avengers’ radar. A bit odd, don’t you think?" Loki probes, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Yeah, it’s been… complicated," Peter replies, his voice tinged with uncertainty, shaking his head slightly.

As Loki starts to ascend the stairs, Peter follows. “Complicated, indeed. But enough about that. I have a little problem that requires your… unique skills,” Loki says, his tone cryptic. heading into the second floor back room, leaving a bewildered Ned behind.

“What kind of problem?” Peter's curiosity is piqued, his brow furrowing in thought.

“Oh, just a minor inconvenience, really. But if you were to say anything about our little chat, well, let’s just say the Avengers wouldn’t be inclined to believe you,” Loki says with a sly grin.

“Are you threatening me?” Peter asks, suspicion creeping into his voice, tilting his head slightly to the side.

“Perish the thought, my dear Spider. Merely stating the facts,” Loki replies, his smile widening with amusement.

“Right. Well, before we get into that, I have a question for you,” Peter says, his expression guarded.

“Ask away,” Loki responds, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

“How do you remember me?” Peter inquires, his curiosity burning.

“Ah, the memories of a god are not so easily erased. Besides, you left quite the impression on certain individuals. The Scarlet Witch, for example, still holds a flicker of recognition. As for Thor… well, let’s just say he’s been searching for the ‘man of spiders’ without much luck,” Loki explains, his tone tinged with mystery.

“I see,” Peter responds, his mind racing with possibilities. Loki’s smirk twists into an enigmatic grin.

“Do you, now? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re in need of a little guidance,” he says, his tone dripping with amusement.

Peter looks up at loki with an unamused look “So, what do you need?” Peter asks, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, you know the Hydra?” Loki’s gaze darkens.

“Of course,” Peter nods.

“Great. Well, they’ve been causing some trouble for me, and I need your help to put an end to it,” Loki explains.

“Why should I help you?” Peter’s skepticism is evident. Loki pauses, his expression momentarily faltering.

“Oh, well, I actually hadn’t thought of that…” he muses. Peter raises an eyebrow.

“How about you come here after once a week or so and keep me company, you can get a drink, we do have some desserts and if you come at dinner or breakfast time you could look on our menu?” Loki’s eyes light up with mischief.

“Why? You could have asked anything, and you chose that? Why?”

Peter shrugs. “You’re the only one who not only remembers me but also knows where I am,”

Loki chuckles. “Ah, I see the spider is lonely.” Loki’s smirk deepens, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“You could say that” Peter replies, his tone tinged with vulnerability.

“Hmm, okay,” Loki muses, his smirk widening.

“Anyway, what do you need help with?” Peter asks, shifting the focus back to the task at hand. Loki’s grin grows mischievous.

“Oh, you’re going to love it. That’s why I chose you.”

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Cut to Spider-Man and Loki inside the Hydra base, armed with cans of spray paint and cartons of eggs. Spiderman aims an egg at a wall while loki deftly spray paints a caricature of himself with a cheeky message underneath. Spider-Man smirks.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

The next day, Peter spots Loki seated at a table, engrossed in a book and sipping coffee. He nods to Loki before joining him, a small smile playing on his lips.