Chapter 3
The figures in the centre of the room faded away, replaced by a new scene. Peter could see himself, he looked about four in this memory, sitting in his father’s lap. His father was picking him up and tossing him up and down, the young version of Peter’s laughter filling the room.
Johnny leaned towards where Peter was stood. “Um… no offence Spidey, but how exactly is a little kid related to you?”
They all turned to look at Johnny, who stared blankly back. “What?”
“Seriously baby brother?” Sue sighed.
“Firstly, stop calling me that. Secondly, I don’t get it?”
Peter interrupted before Sue could yell at her brother for being an idiot. “Because what’s showing are my memories. That kid is me.”
“Wait what?” Johnny spun around to focus back on young Peter. “Huh. You were a cute kid.”
“Thanks?”
“But how did they get the memories in the first place?”
“John- Wait. Actually, that’s a good point. How did they get your memories?” Reed looked to Peter in confusion.
“Who knows? Some weird magic trick? I don’t know. Can we just get this over with?”
Johnny paused for a moment. “Spidey… if these are your memories, won’t they show your… you know, secret identity?”
“Yeah well… I don’t see any way out of it. And if any of you tell a freaking soul, I know exactly where you live, and I will come into your rooms at night and kill every single one of you.”
“You wouldn’t be able to get past y safe guards anyway.” Reed shrugged.
“Try me.”
Sue stepped in. “Okay, okay. We get it. We all swear we will protect your identity, okay? I know you keep it because you have people you care about. I swear that I will help protect them.”
Johnny nodded. “I swear too Spidey. You can trust me.”
Ben grunted in agreement. “Of course, bug. I’ll look after ya.”
“I will help you to protect them Spider-Man.” Reed said solemnly.
“See,” Sue grinned, “we’ll keep you and your family safe.”
“Thank you…” Peter said shocked. He never expected to have so much support from the Four.
The scene changed again, drawing the groups attention back to it. Peter felt Johnny quickly squeeze his arm, before pulling back away. Peter smiled gratefully, hoping that Johnny could see it from behind the mask. The he turned back to face the scene beginning to play in front of him. No more hiding. Now he had to let them see what made Peter who he was. He glanced at them one more time. Will they still like who they find?