Chapter 1
You stuck to the wall, dumbfounded.
“Well, this is rather awkward,” a voice said.
Spiderman. Anyone is the city would recognize that voice.
“I meant to-“ he starts to explain but you had already noticed the guy walking behind had extra robotic limbs. Noticed a second too late, obviously. Otherwise you would have at least attempted to get away.
“Let’s talk,” he says and by the tone in Spider-Man’s voice as he responds, you assume he’s rolling his eyes under the mask.
"Not until you give me what I want," the man says, low and raspy.
“Stop trying to flirt," Spiderman scolds. "Just step away from the civilian."
“Huh?” you gasp.
This villain is in love with… Spiderman?
“You can’t assume you can charm your way into citizens’ hearts.”
Citizens’ hearts? He meant me? This guy was trying to flirt with me?
“Worth a shot,” the villian says, voice now not as deep, turning to wink at me.
My head is spinning. What on earth is happening? He has a nice voice, sure, but was this really the time? Why was he so confident he could win? Spiderman has beat criminals equipped with guns. This man won in a battle of weapons vs wit. Why would now be any different because of some robotic limbs?
“But he’s pretty cute,” the man says, nodding towards me.
The first time you ever pass in public and it’s a complement from a villain? I’m not sure how I feel about that, you think.
Spiderman webs onto the nearby streetlight and wings, building up momentum. He kicks the partly robotic man in the stomach, who doesn’t even flinch.
Uhhh, this isn’t good. What now?
One of the mechanical arms rips away at the webbing, setting you down gently.
“Get out of here, sweetheart. Before you get hurt.”
You nod, ready to abandon your belongings until a voice calls out.
“You forgot your brief case.”
You stop, breathing in a strained breath. How long would this keep going on for? Ultimately, it wasn’t safe and your work could easily replace the computer. Your wallet with your train pass is still in your pocket, along with your phone. Logically, you knew you didn't have to turn back around. You had everything you needed. So why were you considering it?
You turn around slowly, so as to not cause alarm, and there is an arm holding out your cracked leather briefcase.
“Umm, thank you…”
“Sir,” he says.
“Okay, cool. That’s what I thought but on the off chance I was wrong I didn’t want to misgender you.”
You were rambling now and he smiled sweetly, as if he found the interaction charming.
In the corner of your eye, you could see Spiderman slowing his attacks to stare back and forth at you. He could have at least tried to be subtle, but his head moved back and forth clearly.
“I umm use he/him pronouns too. But that’s random I’m not sure why I said that. I’ll be on my way?”
You didn’t mean for it to come out as a question but it did. Now that you were looking directly at him with his funky glasses and open coat…
Get your mind out of the gutter, you scold yourself. This man could easily kill you. Probably wouldn’t even hesitate to do so... so why hadn't he?
“You going to be alright getting home?” Spiderman spoke up, fighting an arm while the other man doesn’t so much as glance his way.
Why are we talking like old acquaintances that met up at a bar years after high school?
“Yeah. I, uhhh, have my train pass in my pocket?”
This too came out as a question due to nervousness. When was the right time to leave without pissing off either party?
“Best be on your way then…”
He raises an eyebrow at you.
“[y/n].”
He nods.
“I’m Otto.”
You nod, just like he did but a little less enthusiastically. What are you supposed to say now?
“Best be on your way, [y/n],” Spiderman reminds and you nod, once again running, only this time with sweaty palms.
You don’t sigh with relief until you're at your apartment, door double locked, and leaning against it. Your feet still feel numb, like they're moving on instinct as you sit down.
That was the first incident.