Chapter Text
Intro Music: Metro Boomin, Coi Leray - Self Love
"Who am I? You sure you wanna know? The story of my life is not for the faint of heart. If you were expecting Spider's voice, then I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm Felicia Hardy—the Black Cat—and I'm here to tell you all that for someone like me, redemption doesn't come easy. You ever try to be better, but you slip back into your old habits every now and then? It's tough, but sometimes, all you need is one person that genuinely believes in you, and I'm lucky enough to say there's somebody in my life who's always believed in me."
"And… I don't know what I would do without him."
New York City
It was a cold night in New York, but cold never stopped the city. The city never slept—it buzzed, roared, and carried on like a machine that refused to turn off. But as for Peter Parker, the city's so-called friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, he was exhausted.
Not just physically. Mentally. Emotionally.
Every step felt heavier than the last. Every breath tasted bitter with fatigue. His life had never been easy, but now it seemed like the infamous Parker Luck was working double shifts, making sure that anything that could go wrong would.
He had lost his job—again. Every attempt at balancing his double life ended the same way: late shifts, unexplained absences, missed responsibilities. No boss wanted an employee who vanished without notice, no matter how good their intentions. Now, without money, he couldn't even keep the one thing that grounded him.
His apartment.
Mr. Ditkovich hadn't wanted to evict him. Peter saw it in his eyes when he handed over the notice. But the older man had bills too, and good intentions didn't pay rent. Peter had nodded in understanding, even smiled faintly, but inside it felt like something was breaking apart.
And instead of reaching out—for help, for comfort, for anything—he pulled inward. Aunt May, MJ, Harry, Gwen… he couldn't bear the thought of being "the failure," the one who couldn't get his life together. Pride. Embarrassment. Maybe even stubbornness. Whatever it was, it kept him silent.
So here he was.
Lying flat on a cold rooftop, the wind biting through the tears of his suit. His costume was frayed, threads dangling like the rest of his life. It almost felt poetic, though he didn't have the energy to appreciate it. His stomach twisted with hunger—he hadn't eaten in days—and it made his muscles feel like lead. Every swing, every landing, every fight became harder.
He stared up at the stars, searching for answers he knew he'd never get. The sky didn't answer prayers, not for him.
"I'm so tired," he whispered into the night.
The silence stretched, almost comforting—until his Spider-Sense flared. That sharp, electric pulse in the back of his skull that refused to be ignored.
SPIDER-SENSE TINGLING!
BGM: Marvel's Spider-Man - Black Cat Theme
He sat up with a weary sigh, dragging himself to his feet.
An alarm shrieked through the cold, piercing the city's hum. A jewelry store.
Peter closed his eyes briefly. "I already have a feeling I know who this is…"
He flicked his wrist, webbing shooting into the night, and swung toward the sound. His landing on the store's roof was less graceful than usual, his body sluggish. And there she was—Felicia Hardy. The Black Cat. Sleek. Confident. A smirk playing across her lips as she ran with a bag of jewels clutched in her hand.
Peter didn't hesitate. He fired a line of webbing at her ankle, halting her momentum.
Felicia looked down, then back up at him with an amused grin. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite spider. Rough night? Your suit looks like it's been through a blender."
Peter shook his head, sighing. "Instead of worrying about my laundry problems, maybe you should give the jewels back, Cat."
Felicia tapped her chin, feigning thought. "Hmm… no. I think I'll be keeping these, thanks. But you're welcome to chase me for them, like always."
Peter didn't answer right away. Silence stretched between them, and then he spoke, his voice low and drained. "I'm not in the mood tonight, Felicia. Just… please. Give them back."
Her smirk softened into a chuckle, her tone playful but edged with curiosity. "Not in the mood? That doesn't sound like you. Come on, Spider, don't you like our little games?"
She crouched, slicing through the web on her ankle with a flash of her claws. Then she winked. "Catch me if you can."
BGM Change: The Amazing Spider-Man - Ben's Death
And with that, she vaulted from the rooftop, swinging away with her grappling line.
Peter groaned, rubbing his temple. "Why do you make everything so difficult…"
But he had no choice. He fired another web and launched after her, though his swings were slow, labored. Felicia glanced over her shoulder, laughing lightly.
"How's the view back there?" she called, her voice dripping with flirtation.
Peter grit his teeth, responding with a frustrated rasp, "It'd be better if you slowed down a little!"
Her laugh echoed. "You're getting slow, Spider!"
She didn't see how right she was. Each swing drained him further, his lungs burning, his vision tunneling. His body wasn't keeping up anymore. The city lights blurred. His grip weakened.
And then… he slipped.
The world tilted, and gravity claimed him. He didn't even have the strength to shoot another web. His body plummeted into the darkness, crashing into an alley below with a sickening thud.
CRASH!
The sound carried, sharp against the night. Felicia's smile faltered as her ears caught it. She slowed, confusion flashing across her features.
"Spider?"
She landed on a nearby rooftop, scanning. No pursuit. Her stomach twisted. Something wasn't right. She shot her grappling line again, swinging back toward the alley.
When she saw him lying motionless below, the bag of jewels slipped from her hand without a thought.
"Peter!"
She hit the ground hard, dropping to her knees beside him. His mask still covered his face, but he wasn't moving. She retracted her claws, and her hands trembled as she shook his shoulders. "Hey, wake up! Don't do this to me!"
No response.
Her breath hitched. She pressed her ear to his chest, listening desperately. Silence. No heartbeat.
"No, no, no…" She pressed her palms flat against his chest, starting compressions. Each push grew more frantic. "Don't you dare, Peter! You can't leave me, not like this!"
Tears blurred her vision as she tore his mask off, revealing his pale, still face. She leaned down, pressing her lips to his, forcing air into his lungs. Pulled back. Compressions. Another breath. Nothing.
Her tears fell onto his face and the rips in his suit. "Come on, come on… please…"
She kissed him again, desperate, her voice breaking. "You can't leave me. Not you. Not now."
And then…
His body jerked. His eyes shot open, wide and gasping as if he'd surfaced from drowning.
Felicia froze, then exhaled a sob of relief. "Oh, thank God…"
Peter's gaze found hers, hazy, confused. His voice cracked in a hoarse whisper. "F… Felicia?"
She cupped his face, her tears still spilling freely. "I'm here. I've got you."
She pulled him into her arms, holding him like she could shield him from the world itself. He was weak, barely able to lift his arms, but he returned the embrace, clinging silently.
For once, there were no games. No smirks. No playful words. Just the weight of everything left unsaid, pressed into a desperate hug in a cold New York alley.
And Felicia held on, terrified that if she let go, the city would take him away again.
Sometime Later…
Felicia's Penthouse
BGM: The Amazing Spider-Man - I Can't See You Anymore
The night had grown quieter. Far below, New York still moved, its heartbeat steady and restless, but in Felicia's penthouse, the world seemed to pause.
Peter lay stretched across her couch, his breathing shallow but steady. The dim city light filtered through the tall windows, painting the room in shades of silver and blue. His mask was gone, his torn suit half-peeled back, revealing the fragile state of the man behind Spider-Man.
Felicia sat nearby, curled into a chair, her eyes never leaving him. Every rise and fall of his chest was accounted for, every faint stir of his breath monitored like it was the most important thing in her world. She'd faced death before, stared it in the eye without flinching, but tonight had shaken her. The thought of losing him—really losing him—had cut deeper than any blade.
Then, slowly, Peter stirred. His body shifted, his hand twitching against the fabric of the couch. Felicia leaned forward, her heart leaping. His eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first, before his gaze weakly turned toward her.
"…Felicia…" His voice was faint, a whisper barely carried across the room.
She stood immediately, crossing the space to kneel beside him. Her hand slid into his, her fingers intertwining with his as though to anchor him there. She gave him a soft, almost relieved smile.
"Hey there, Spider," she murmured gently. "Welcome back. How are you feeling?"
Peter took a tired breath, his lips tugging into the ghost of a smile. "…Been better."
Felicia let out a breathy laugh through her nose, nodding. "Yeah, I can imagine. You scared me to death out there, you know. When you weren't waking up in that alley…" Her voice wavered, just slightly, betraying the fear that still lingered.
Peter's expression softened. He gave her hand the weakest of squeezes, his voice hoarse but earnest. "I'm sorry… for making you worry."
But Felicia shook her head immediately, squeezing back firmly. "No. Don't you dare apologize. You don't have anything to be sorry for. I'm just glad you're still here."
That drew a tired, weak smile from Peter. She returned it, softer than usual, stripped of her usual bravado. For a moment, silence lingered, until Peter spoke again, curiosity flickering in his tired eyes.
"…How am I not dead right now? Because for a second back there, I thought I was done for."
Felicia's lips quirked, but her tone was serious. "CPR. Took longer than I'd have liked, but I wasn't giving up on you. Not for anything."
Peter's eyes widened at her words, the sincerity in them undeniable. He swallowed, emotion tightening in his throat. "…Thank you. Really."
She tried to play it off, giving a casual shrug. "Don't mention it." But her softened expression betrayed her, and though she brushed his thanks aside, she cherished it.
Her smile faded as she studied him more closely. "But… Peter, I've never seen you so helpless before. What's going on with you?"
He hesitated. She could see it—the war inside him, debating whether to keep everything locked away like always. But her concern broke through that wall.
With a sigh, he looked away, then back at her. "…Life hasn't been going great. I… I can't balance it all. Being me, being Spider-Man… I can never keep a job, and—" He drew a breath, the admission tasting bitter. "I got evicted. Haven't eaten in days. That's why I'm so weak right now."
Felicia's eyes widened. Her grip on his hand tightened. "Evicted? Peter…"
He nodded faintly. "You're the only one who knows. Haven't told anyone else."
"Not your aunt? Not your friends?" Felicia replied.
He shook his head. "No. I can't. I don't want them to see me as… the failure. I know it's stupid. I know I could ask Aunt May, MJ, Harry, or Gwen to help me out. But… I'm too embarrassed. Too proud, maybe."
Felicia blinked, his words echoing in her mind. He'd listed people he could ask: Aunt May, MJ, Harry, Gwen. But not her. That absence stung more than she expected.
Her voice was quieter now, tinged with hurt. "…You didn't mention me."
Peter blinked, surprised. He could see the hurt in her eyes, and it caught him off guard. He opened his mouth, closed it again, then finally sighed. "…Because you're confusing."
Her brow arched. "Confusing? What's that supposed to mean?"
Peter met her gaze, tired but honest. "Sometimes I don't know what side you're on. One minute you're stealing, the next you're helping me save lives. I just… I don't know."
Felicia exhaled, rolling her eyes with a sigh. "I know where this is going…"
But Peter didn't stop. "You could do so much good, Felicia. You—"
She cut him off sharply, though her voice carried less bite than usual. "I'm the best thief in the world. That's all I want to be."
But Peter shook his head firmly. "I don't believe that."
She groaned and looked away, her jaw tight.
"Do you know why I keep bringing this up?" Peter pressed gently.
She shrugged, not looking at him. "No idea."
His tone softened, earnest. "Because you're one of the most incredible people I've ever known."
Her head turned sharply, her eyes widening. His sincerity disarmed her completely.
"You can be confusing," he continued, "but I know you have a good heart. You saved me tonight. That proves it."
Felicia stared at him in silence, her chest tightening. No playful retort came, no witty defense. His words cut past her armor and stayed there.
Finally, Peter's voice dropped even softer. "…I just wish you'd let me help you."
That broke her silence. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk faint but tinged with irony. "That's rich—coming from the guy who won't let anyone help him."
Peter chuckled weakly, conceding. "Touché."
Her smirk grew, but it faded quickly as she studied him, his words lingering in her head. He wanted to help her. He believed in her. And though she didn't want to admit it, part of her… wanted to believe him.
And as she continued to look into Peter's eyes, she could tell he wanted to say more.
"Another reason?" she asked quietly, curiosity lacing her tone.
Peter nodded. "…I wish you'd give being a hero a shot. Just once. Instead of shutting it down every time. And who knows? You might like it."
Felicia blinked, his words hitting harder than she expected. She thought back to the alley. To the way it felt to save him. To all the times they'd teamed up. It had always been fun—more than fun. Maybe… more right than she wanted to admit.
She sighed, closing her eyes briefly before looking at him again. "…Fine. I'll give it a shot."
Peter blinked, stunned. "Wait… you're serious?"
She rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Yes, I'm serious. But if I'm going to let you 'help' me… then you have to let me do the same."
His brows furrowed. "…Meaning?"
"Meaning since you don't have a place to live, and since you're too stubborn to ask anyone else… you're living here. With me."
His eyes widened. "I… think there's some extra meaning to that."
Felicia smirked knowingly. "You'd be right. If I'm giving the hero thing a try, then I want to see if we can work as partners. And I don't just mean tights, leather, and rooftops."
Peter froze, her implication clear. He thought about it—sharing a life with her, the risks, the rewards. It was confusing. Messy. But… the thought intrigued him. And if it meant she'd really try… it was worth it.
He smiled, weak but genuine. "Deal."
Felicia smirked in approval and rose to her feet. "Good. Now, stay put. I'll see what's in the fridge. You need to eat."
But as she tried to pull away, his grip held onto her hand, tugging her gently back. She turned, raising an amused brow. "And what exactly are you doing, Spider?"
Peter chuckled softly. "Just seeing if this partnership has a chance of working out."
With what strength he had left, he pulled her gently toward him until she toppled onto the couch, landing against him. His arms slipped around her, holding her close.
Felicia hesitated only a moment before leaning in, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was equal parts tender and electric. It wasn't playful or teasing this time—it was real.
During this moment, the city carried on outside while the thief and the hero held each other close, testing what it might mean to truly be partners.
The Next Day…
BGM: Kingdom Hearts II - Lazy Afternoons
The night passed quietly, and when morning finally arrived, sunlight crept in through the wide windows of Felicia's penthouse, bathing the bedroom in a soft golden glow. Beneath the sheets, Peter and Felicia lay curled together, his arms securely wrapped around her as if he wasn't quite ready to let go of the safety he'd found. For all the chaos their new partnership could bring, for all the baggage between them, the sight was undeniably sweet.
Felicia stirred first. Her eyes fluttered open, and as her vision cleared, she realized Peter was still holding her. His face was calm—peaceful, even—and a small smile tugged at her lips. After everything he'd told her about what he was going through, she figured this was probably the first truly calm moment he'd had in days.
Still, her mind wandered back to the memory of him almost dying in that alley. He was here, breathing steadily, but the thought of losing him again made her press her palm lightly against his chest. His heartbeat thumped against her hand, steady and reassuring. She closed her eyes briefly, taking comfort in the proof that he was alive.
But then, the doubts crept in. She thought about the deal they'd made last night—the idea of trying to be partners, of her attempting to be something closer to a hero rather than slipping back into her old ways. Could she really do it? Could she hold on to this path for his sake? Or was it only a matter of time before her instincts and habits dragged her back to what she knew best?
As her thoughts turned over, Peter began to stir. His grip loosened slightly as his eyelids flickered open, and when he finally looked at her, he was greeted with the sight of morning sunlight playing across Felicia's features. It made her even more beautiful than she already was, and Peter couldn't help but smile softly.
"Morning," he greeted, voice still low from sleep.
Felicia's lips curved into a smile of her own. "Morning, Spider. How'd you sleep?" she asked.
Peter yawned and stretched slightly, careful not to disturb her too much. "Honestly? Best sleep I've had in a long time. How about you?"
She nodded. "I slept well too." She wasn't lying, but her eyes betrayed that her mind was elsewhere.
Peter noticed. He always noticed. Tilting his head slightly, he studied her. "Something on your mind?"
For a moment she hesitated, visibly unsure if she should even voice what she was thinking. But with a quiet sigh, she gave in. "Yeah. I've been thinking about what we agreed to last night… about being partners."
Peter stayed quiet, letting her continue.
"I meant what I said—I'll give this hero thing a shot. But…" she paused, her voice softer now, "I have my doubts. About whether this can actually work."
Peter shook his head lightly, his voice steady and optimistic. "We can make it work. We already have chemistry, and that's half the battle."
Felicia smirked faintly, though her eyes remained serious. "We've always had great chemistry, Peter. That's never been the problem. It's our ideals that clash. You see the world one way, I see it another. And history has a funny way of repeating itself."
Peter didn't argue, because deep down, she wasn't wrong. Instead, he just let the silence stretch, his mind turning over what to say.
Then Felicia broke it. "Promise me something."
His eyebrows rose. "Promise you what?"
"If this whole partnership thing doesn't work out… promise me we'll still be friends. No matter what."
Her words softened the tension in his face. He nodded slowly. "I promise. No matter what happens, you'll always be my friend." A small pause followed, before he added gently, "But you'll always be a lot more than a friend to me, Felicia. After everything we've been through? You're too important for that."
Her eyes softened at his words, touched more than she cared to admit. "Thank you. And for what it's worth, I want this to work. Being here with you right now… it feels right."
Peter smiled warmly. "Yeah. It feels right to me too… even if we have no idea how this partnership is going to turn out."
BGM Change: Ashanti - Rock Wit U Instrumental
That made Felicia laugh, the weight in the room lifting just a little. And in that moment, they leaned in and pressed their lips together, the kiss slow at first but deepening as the warmth between them grew.
Soon enough, Peter found himself above her, his hands resting lightly on her hips, while Felicia's arms wound around him, pulling him closer. The kiss eventually broke, but Peter lingered, his gaze tracing over her face.
Felicia caught it immediately and smirked. "You're staring."
Peter chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry."
Her laugh was softer this time, amused and affectionate. He finally lowered his head, resting it against her chest, and she threaded her fingers through his messy hair. For a few blissful moments, there was only the sound of their breathing and the gentle beat of her heart under his cheek.
But Felicia, never one to let a moment grow too quiet, eventually spoke with playful mischief. "You know… I usually take my shower around this time. Kind of hard to do that when you're lying on top of me."
Peter sighed dramatically, though a smile tugged at his lips. "Alright, I get the hint."
He shifted off of her, and Felicia smirked as she slid out of bed. She padded toward the bathroom with that effortless grace of hers, and the sound of water running soon followed after she shut the door.
Then her voice carried out, teasing, "Peter! I forgot to grab a washcloth and towel. Mind getting them for me?"
Peter shook his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, sure. I got it."
Since this wasn't his first time here, he knew exactly where things were. He grabbed the items and walked over, giving a polite knock on the bathroom door.
The door swung open instantly, and before Peter could react, Felicia's hand shot out, grabbing his arm and tugging him inside with surprising strength.
"Felicia—!" he started in mock protest, though his grin betrayed him.
"Shh," she teased, pulling him in closer as the door clicked shut behind them.
Breakfast Time
BGM: Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgetting Instrumental
After Peter and Felicia took a shower together, they found themselves sprawled comfortably on the couch in the living room. The TV hummed quietly in the background, playing a random morning show neither of them was paying much attention to, because most of their focus was on the breakfast plates in their laps. It had been a joint effort—wheatcakes, eggs, and some fruit on the side—and they were both enjoying the small domestic moment of eating something they'd cooked together.
When they were finished, Peter set his plate aside and leaned back into the couch, extending his fist toward Felicia in a playful gesture of approval.
Felicia raised a brow at first, but then laughed softly, tapping her knuckles against his with a smirk. "Not too bad, Parker. Especially those wheatcakes. I'll give you some credit there."
Peter chuckled, brushing the compliment off with his usual humility. "They're really not that great. I was just trying to copy Aunt May's recipe. Trust me, hers are on another level. I still can't get them quite right."
Felicia leaned in slightly, her smirk deepening. "Well, now I have to meet your aunt someday. Gotta find out if you're telling the truth or just being modest."
That earned a real laugh from Peter. "Oh, I'm telling the truth. You'll see."
They eventually stood and carried their dishes to the kitchen. Side by side, they washed and dried in a steady rhythm, the kind of casual teamwork that felt surprisingly natural. Peter, however, couldn't help the grin tugging at his lips as he glanced down. In one playful motion, he smacked Felicia's butt.
The sudden action caught her off guard, her eyes widening for a split second. But then her surprise melted into a mischievous smirk. "Looks like I'm rubbing off on you," she purred. "But careful, Spider. Don't go challenging the master."
Before Peter could respond, Felicia returned the gesture, smacking his butt in retaliation. His eyes went wide this time, and Felicia's smirk only grew as the both of them burst into laughter, the sound filling the penthouse.
Once the laughter faded and the last of the dishes were put away, Felicia slipped her arms around Peter's neck, her voice dropping into that smooth, flirtatious tone of hers. "So… when does my hero training officially begin?"
Peter grinned, the thought of her taking it seriously making his chest feel warm. "It can start today, if you want. But—"
He didn't get to finish. His phone buzzed in his pocket. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled it out and checked the screen. The smile slipped from his face. An email. And not one he wanted to see.
Felicia loosened her arms, narrowing her eyes at his change in expression. "What is it?"
"Nothing," Peter said quickly, though his tone betrayed him. "Don't worry about it."
Felicia shook her head. "If this partner thing's going to work, we don't do secrets. Talk to me, Peter."
He blinked at her, then smirked faintly to deflect. "Wow. Look at you. All Dr. Phil on me."
Felicia rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed but clearly amused. "Don't make me smack you again."
That earned a chuckle from him, but his smile faded as he looked down at his phone again. Finally, he exhaled and admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment, "It's about student loans. I… I can't pay them back. And, well… I dropped out of college. It just got too expensive."
Felicia was quiet, her expression unreadable as she absorbed his words. Then, after a moment, she asked softly, "If you had the money, would you go back?"
Peter blinked, caught off guard by the simplicity of the question. "Yeah. Yeah, I would."
Felicia nodded as though that answer was all she needed. She leaned back casually, her voice steady but warm. "Then that's it. I'll help you get back in."
Peter's head snapped toward her, his eyes wide. "Felicia, you don't have to—"
She shook her head, cutting him off firmly. "Yes, I do. One, I actually have the money. Two, I want to see you win for once, Peter. You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders every day, and all I see is Spider-Man struggling. It's depressing. And I can't let that be your whole life."
The sincerity in her tone stunned him. He wasn't used to people being so… straightforward about wanting to help him. He felt his throat tighten a little as he whispered, "Thank you. Really. You're already making a strong case for being the best girlfriend ever."
Felicia smirked, brushing it off with mock nonchalance, though he could tell the compliment actually landed.
Peter leaned back a little, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Y'know… I have a great idea. What if we both went to college together?"
Felicia let out a sigh, her smirk softening into something more hesitant. "I don't know, Pete. I'm not exactly the college type. I dropped out after freshman year."
Peter gently took her hands, giving her one of his earnest looks. "Come on, it could be fun. What do you think you'd even want to major in?"
That gave Felicia pause. She bit her lip, thinking, before answering. "Honestly? I don't know. Back then, I tried Business Administration. Hated it. Definitely not my thing."
Peter nodded in understanding, giving her a small smile. "Well, if you ever decide to give it another shot, I'll help you find something you'd actually enjoy."
Felicia tilted her head at him, smirking playfully. "You're sweet, y'know that? I appreciate it. But before I pick a major, I need to think seriously about whether college is for me at all."
"Fair enough," Peter said, smiling warmly.
Her arms slid back around his neck, her voice dropping into a sultry murmur. "That's one of the reasons I like you so much, Petey-Pie. You actually listen."
Peter chuckled, slipping his arms around her waist in return. Their eyes lingered on one another's for a long moment before they leaned in, sharing a slow, tender kiss.
Later that day…
BGM: Post Malone and Swae Lee - Sunflower Instrumental
Peter and Felicia could now be seen in their Spider-Man and Black Cat costumes as they perched high above New York. The sun glistened off the skyline, casting golden streaks across glass windows and brick buildings. The city was alive with its usual buzz, but up here, it felt quiet—like their own little world.
Peter crouched low, resting on the edge of the rooftop. His mask was still ripped in places, fabric hanging loosely from past battles. Felicia stood behind him with her arms draped casually around his neck, leaning into him as if this rooftop belonged to the both of them.
"You know," she teased with a smirk in her voice, "you're going to have to make a new suit eventually."
Peter sighed through his mask, watching the streets below. "Yeah, I know," he admitted, sounding more reluctant than motivated. "This one's holding on by a thread—literally."
Silence lingered between them, broken only by the faint hum of traffic and the breeze passing by. Felicia tilted her head curiously.
"So," she asked, "what's my hero training about today? Or are we waiting for a villain to conveniently pop out of the woodwork?"
Peter chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope. Not waiting for any villains. Today, we're starting with the basics."
Felicia pouted, clearly unimpressed. "The basics? I was hoping for something with a little thrill."
Grinning under his torn mask, Peter glanced back at her. "Being a hero isn't about chasing thrills, Felicia. Sometimes it can be thrilling—sure. But more often than not? It's the simple things that matter."
Felicia arched a brow. "Simple things? Like what?"
Peter laughed lightly, the sound echoing faintly off the rooftop. "You'll see."
Almost on cue, a cry rang out from the street below. A young girl, her voice high and distressed, shouted:
"Oh no! My balloon!"
Peter straightened, then nodded dramatically like some wise old teacher, pointing toward the scene. "There you go. Your first test—recover the balloon."
Felicia blinked at the sight. Once. Twice. Then turned slowly toward him with a flat expression behind her mask. "You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm very serious," Peter said, voice tinged with amusement. "This is an essential first step if you really want to learn how to be a hero."
Felicia sighed in exaggerated despair as she let go of his neck. Rising to her feet, she muttered, "I need something way more exciting than this."
Still, her sharp eyes tracked the drifting balloon. And with effortless grace, she leapt from the rooftop, flipping downward with a catlike spin. In a seamless motion, she snatched the ribbon midair and landed softly on her feet.
Down on the sidewalk, the little girl's eyes widened with delight. Her parents stood close behind, watching the scene unfold. Felicia cleared her throat, suddenly less sure of herself, before holding out the balloon.
"Uh… is this yours?" she asked.
The girl lit up instantly. "Yes! That's my balloon!"
Felicia hesitated for only a second before handing it over. The father bent down slightly, nudging his daughter. "What do we say?"
The girl turned back, smiling brightly. "Thank you!"
Felicia blinked, caught off guard, but she managed a soft, "You're welcome." However, before she could say anything else, the girl darted forward and wrapped one tiny arm around her in a quick hug—her other hand clutching the balloon tightly.
Visibly surprised, Felicia froze for half a beat before her lips curved into a genuine smile. She returned the hug gently, almost protectively.
As quickly as it began, the hug ended. The family offered their thanks once more before walking away, the balloon bobbing above them. Felicia's smile lingered, softer now, touched by something she hadn't expected.
From behind, a deliberate throat-clearing broke the quiet.
"Ahem."
Peter crawled down the side of the building and hopped to the ground, his grin hidden behind his mask but obvious in his voice.
Felicia rolled her eyes, smirking as she crossed her arms. "Don't you dare say anything."
"I don't have to," Peter teased. "But… come on. Admit it. Felt kinda nice, didn't it?"
She groaned, feigning annoyance. "Okay, fine. Giving the kid her balloon back… did feel kinda nice."
Peter clapped dramatically, making her groan again. "Knew it," he said, grinning. Then his tone softened. "But just remember—sometimes people won't thank you. No matter what you do. You've gotta do the right thing anyway."
He tilted his head. "And for what it's worth… I'm proud of you."
Felicia smirked, but her expression softened. She stepped closer, her voice low and teasing. "You're such a boy scout, you know that?"
Peter chuckled. She lifted his mask just enough to expose his mouth and pressed a gentle kiss against his lips, lowering the fabric back down after.
When she stepped back, Peter's voice carried amusement again. "Careful—your training for today isn't over yet. I've got more tests for you."
Felicia sighed, though her smirk returned. "Throw whatever you've got at me, sweetie. I'll pass every test."
Peter laughed, firing a webline into the air. "I'll hold you to that."
He leapt off the ground, swinging into the open city.
Felicia shook her head, laughing to herself before shooting out her grappling line. With her own graceful arc, she followed after him, the two swinging side by side as the city stretched wide and waiting before them.
END OF CHAPTER 1: THE WEIGHT OF THE WEB
BGM: Spider-Man TAS 1994 - End Credits
Spider-Man: Hey, readers! Don't you guys think Felicia is getting the hang of this hero thing?
Black Cat: I wouldn't put too much hope in me, lover.
Spider-Man: Nonsense! You're doing great.
Black Cat: *Laughs* If you say so.