Walking up the stairs was nice, but looking at the pictures on the wall was even nicer. It was like walking down memory lane. There were pictures of Aunt May and Uncle Ben when they first met, got married and had kids. Peter and his family were pictured next, Peter just a little baby with barely any hair giving a toothless grin to the camera in his parents’ laughing arms. The following photo was one of Harry Peter and Lexi, Lexi in the middle of course, their arms tangled over each other’s shoulders giving the camera a large grin. The next was of Peter, Harry and Lexi playing in the mud; the boys shoving mud in each other’s faces while Lexi threw balls from the background. Another one was of Peter holding up his science project from fifth grade with a blue ribbon, Lexi next to him with a yellow and Harry at the end with none. The second to last photo was a recent one of Peter and Lexi from just over two years ago, they were swinging on swings together laughing about something, the sun was out and they were obviously at the park. Good times, good times. The last one was surprising. It was empty, tilting her head she pondered what could go in the frame then she smiled; she needed to get a photo of her and Peter tonight and put it in there, as a couple.

Knocking on the door she heard the shout and rolled her eyes with a laugh as she turned the nob and pushed the door open. She loved seeing him in a suite, it was classy and charming and the messy hair just screamed Peter. She couldn’t imagine what it would look like ‘styled’ since it had its own unique style, which she preferred over anything he could do with jell. Her face flushed red when all he could do was get out the word ‘wow’ in response to her presence. A smile moved across her full lips as she stepped inside and took ahold of the tie. “I’ll get it, I learned how to.” She said with a nod as she began to do the tie for him. “I hope you don’t mind the colors. I thought I’d pay a tribute to Spider-Man by flaunting his Red and Blue look.” Her gaze flicked up to him as she gave him a wink and straightened out the tie. “There we are, charming as ever Mister Parker.” She said teasingly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m quite a sucker for a dashing man in a suite.” Oh the double meaning!

Gently she pressed her lips against his and leaned her small dress covered body into him, oh it was nice to be back in his arms; he had been kind distance lately and while it wasn’t under the best of circumstances, he was meeting his idol tonight. Hopefully it would help brighten his somewhat dark mood but, she wasn’t going to ask him about it, he’d tell her when he was ready. Pulling back, she straightened his tie one more time before letting him down the stairs. Aunt May took a picture of them with Peter’s camera before they left.

The drive was peaceful but she didn’t have the top off of the jeep, simply because she didn’t feel like having to fix her hair when they got to Harry’s house-mansion home. Parking wasn’t hard considering there were quite a few people awaiting the vehicles and but the pair weren’t the first to arrive. After giving her keys to the valet, she slipped her arm into Peter’s and started inside. They did, however, get some weird looks from the staff who passed them, a couple talked saying something to the extent of ‘is he really with her, no way.’ But she ignored it, hopefully; instead of Peter taking offense to such talk he would take pride in it. They were jealous and they’d just have to deal with it.

Peter took in the smell of her perfume as she was close to him, helping with his tie... it was a bit embarrassing for him, but he never really had a reason to put on a tie until recently... He immediately wrapped his arms around her as she leaned in for a kiss. If it only were for a few seconds... the pain in his knuckles were far less when he was with her... He followed after her, took the pictures that Aunt May demanded, and soon were to her car, driving to the ball... His mind was on Uncle Ben's killer for a minute or two... He decided to let it go now, and tell Lexi later... He didn't know if she was going to be disappointed or happy or what... Peter didn't know how he felt personally either...

The mansion looked exactly like he remembered. It was large, giant, with dark gray stone, but still had an elegance and beauty. As soon as they stepped out of the car Lexi was given a look of absolute shock on how someone could look so beautiful... and then confusion when they saw who she was was. He put his head down a bit, rubbing the back of his neck with his free one... He felt like he was embarrassing her, and if she thought this was bad, just wait until he geeks out when he meets...

"Pete! Lexi!" Harry Osborne said with a genuine smile. He wore a very nice, crisp black suit, with a dark blue tie, possibly also for Spidey. "Glad you could make it! So many people showed up.. probably just to make sure my dad didn't forget about them... or for the free food." He shrugged. "That's why I showed up." he said, grinning. It broke his heart seeing him like that... because he knew he would have to dawn the suit and tell Harry why he couldn't help him.. unless Doctor Octavius has a plan.

"Come on, Peter, I gotta show him to you!" Harry said, leading Peter and Lexi deeper in to the mansion grounds. Then he saw him. The man who idolized for so many years. He held a sense of power as the Doctor spoke to the guests, laughing and taking a sip of his drink. "Doctor Octavius, I would like you to meet--"

"Peter Parker." Doctor Octavius smiled, taking Peter's hand. Peter was beyond overjoyed. "I've heard so much about you... my, you look a lot like your father... and clearly a ladies man." The doctor said with a sweet smile towards Lexi, politely kissing her free hand. Peter smiled at Lexi, full of pride that he had such a perfect woman, inside and out... Harry's face looked a bit hurt at the scene, but tried his best to not show it.

Isn’t it ironic that the man people doubted the most, the one individual that people ignored the most and the one guy that passers would look at would think ‘why is she with him’ is actually the single most popular representation of justice in the history of New York City. It was like an inside joke that only Peter and Lexi got, she found herself proud to not only call Peter Parker her boyfriend but also Spider-Man and as far as she was concerned, everyone else could kiss her happy fanny. They didn’t need to understand and it was best (and safest for Peter) if he didn’t.

The arrival of Harry made her grin and she tightened her grip around Peter’s arm in a slightly protective manner, she didn’t know how the night was going to turn out and if Peter would come to Harry tonight after the Party or somewhere down the line to talk to him. She didn’t know if Doctor Octavius would actually be able to help their friend or if he would use the chance to get Spider-Man’s blood to figure out exactly who Spider-Man really was. One positive of the situation, another negative; when it came down to it, Peter’s identity needed to be protected.

An introduction almost instantly to Doctor Octavius was surprising and Lexi gave a big grin to him as she took her hand back from getting kissed and placed it on Peter’s biscep. “He’s quite the lady killer; I just got lucky enough to jump in and claim him for my own before someone else did.” Her blue gaze moved up to him, a playful twinkle in her eyes. “I just hope that I can give him a reason to keep me around for a little longer.” A small laugh left her as she gave his bicep a small squeeze, both in playfulness and confidence before she turned to Harry. “Harry do you think you can show me where the restroom is, I never was able to find my way around your house.”

“Sure Lex, come on.” Harry said, seeming a bit surprised that she wouldn’t go on her own. As he led her inside the house, leave Peter with Doctor Octavius in the back yard where the tables for eating were set up and the dance floor was bouncing with music, a few people dancing already. “Why Peter?” He asked in his standard point blank manner when they got inside.

“Because I love Peter. What’s with the sudden accusations?” She asked with a small bit of annoyance to her voice as she followed his direction.

“Just seems like too convenient that the day I return to town, you and Peter are suddenly a couple.” He said, annoyance in his voice as well as they reached the bathroom.

“Convenient isn’t the word, try coincidence. And you being in town wouldn’t have made any difference anyway Harry. I’ve felt this way about Peter long before you even left for boarding school, so don’t even think for a second that my feelings for Peter aren’t genuine.” She said darkly to him, her brows pushed together in anger. “I love Peter, I never thought I could love and care for someone as much as I do him and I would do anything for him, including give my own life if it meant that he could live.” Her expression instantly softened as she bit her tongue. “I’m sorry, that was very inconsiderate of me…”

“It was.” He said in a point-blank manner, “But it wasn’t very friendly of me to question you being with Peter.” He gave a small nod before continuing. “It was just one of those things I never saw coming like my disease and I always thought that you and I…”

Lexi opened the door to the bathroom and turned to him, cutting him off from his sentence. “I can find my way back outside, I shouldn’t be too long since I don’t want to miss the seated dinner. It would mean the world to Peter if he and I could be at the same time with Doctor Octavius, if you could see if that’s possible that would be amazing but, I’ve got something I need to take care of.” With that she walked inside and shut the door, laying her back against the wood she let out a long awkward sigh, as she heard Harry’s footsteps walking away she hoped and prayed she gave Peter enough time to talk to the Doctor about the situation at hand… and hopefully she got her point across to Harry without hurting his feelings to badly.

Peter smiled at Lexi's words, but how she could possibly think that Peter would have the nerve to dump her at any time! She was sooo out of his league it was ridiculous! She had the brains, the beauty and the personality. Not many people knew Peter's personality... As she left with Peter, he knew this was his moment to interview Doctor Octavius. "A very nice young lady you have, Peter. Don't take love for granted. It can do incredible things... even stupid ones..." He said with a smile. Peter couldn't believe he was talking to him. "Thank you very much, sir... She's being modest... I never really have been a ladies man. We've known each other for a while Can't see my life without her..." He said honestly. The doctor found his comment very sweet, as he gave a nod and smile of approval.

"Mister Osborne has told me many things about your scientific accomplishments... Is it true that you made your own eco friendly generator in the sixth grade?" He asked him. Peter was smiling wide, not believing that his idol was staring at him with admiration. "yes, sir--"

"Please, mister Parker, its just Otto..."

"er, Otto... I was absolutely fascinated with your research on biological genetics and mutations... I saw Doctor Connors' work before he had his incident..." Doctor Octavius nodded. "Yes, well... He along with your father were very close associates with mine. We worked together on the subject. And between you and me... I have been working on a device that can be controlled by your brain with one little chip...!" He said excitedly. Peter was yet again amazed that the doctor was telling him his secret creation.

He almost forgot about the questions of his own. "erm... Doctor-- Otto... Harry told me that you are here to work on a cure for his disease... I know i shouldn't really be questioning you, but science is all about questioning things... Do you think that if he really did get Spider-Man's blood, that it could be cured? Because there's a possibility--"

"That Spider-Man's blood will kill him within a matter of seconds, very painfully... unfortunately, yes... But Mister Osborne is very keen on keeping his family alive... and his company... if he were to create this serum, he could save thousands of lives..." He said, although he himself didn't sound too confident. Doctor Octavius then looked up. "You are the first of few people who understand this concept, Peter... I know i shouldn't, but as a favor to your father, and reward for your talents... would you like to help as an intern for me? It would be nice to have company with a man as smart as yourself."

Peter was speechless, although not quite like he was when he saw his beautiful girlfriend walk in to his room a bit ago. Peter nodded quickly, a huge grin on his face... He could help! He could help Harry, and be with his idol! "Yes--Thank you! It is such an honor, sir!" He said, then he realized that he kept bringing up his father... something Peter didn't really like to dwell on since it lead to Uncle Ben's death, and it also left many dead ends for every trail... Maybe he could ask him about it sometime while working--

"Hey, Pete!" Harry said, a hint of what looked like anger showed in his face. "Two geniuses finally getting together! What did i tell you, Doctor? Probably impressed you just by talking."

"Oh yes, Peter seems very intelligent. He'll get high in the science ladder some day. And I will look forward to hear his accomplishments when that day comes." Otto said with a smile. "Now, if you two will excuse me... I'll get a hold of you soon, Peter. Tell you when our first lab can begin. Have fun!" He said, then he was off.

He had to tell Lexi so much more now! Uncle Ben's murderer, Doctor Octavius' thoughts, how he was going to help, and how he might get a chance to save Harry! He looked around the area, scanning for the beautiful dark haired girl, hoping no one was hitting on her...

After finishing her needs and cleaning herself off, Lexi examined herself in the mirror to make sure she looked alright. It’s weird that even though she and Peter were already dating, she had this unexplained drive to still impress him. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that it was a lot like the way her mom was with her dad. She would dress nicely, make sure her hair was done well and her make up looked nice. Just because you have the person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work to keep them. And that’s the idea that Lexi had while going into the relationship with Peter. Pretty good idea wouldn’t you agree?

When she arrived back out of the bathroom and to the back yard, she was surprised to see how many people had arrived. Then again it was a party hosted by the Osbornes. No one in their right mind in the higher end of society would miss that something like this. A smile moved across her face as she slowly walked down the steps of the porch. Her blue gaze moved across the field of people looking for her crazy haired man. Finding him as he seemed to have just finished up talking to Doctor Octavius, a smile curled over her full lips to show her bright white teeth as she pushed her way through the crowd back over to Peter, even though Harry was with him.

Sliding her arm into Peter’s when she arrived she grinned up at him. “Someone looks happy.” She said with a bright smile at him.

“Ladies and Gentleman, please take your seats; we will be serving the dinner shortly, please look over the menus provided at your table and choose what you would like.” The announcer said from the stage where the band was playing.

As predicted, Peter and Lexi were sitting at the table with the Osbornes and the Doctor. The circle had Peter sitting next to the Doctor, Lexi on Peter’s right then Harry, his father and lastly his step mother. The table’s conversations were lighthearted and fun as the guests looked over the menu. Lexi was used to these type of events, you sit properly, eat properly and never talk with your mouth full but she couldn’t help but wonder how Peter would handle it. Maybe he’ll follow her lead. Pulling her silverware from the napkin she placed it gently on her lap and picked up the menu scanning over the available meals and deserts as well as the drinks.

Peter's eyes were excited, so ready to work with Doctor Octavius, and hear his studies! He smiled bright and kissed Lexi's cheek as she came back, nodding. "yeah, I'll tell you about it later!" He said with a grin. Then dinner was announced. Peter has been to a few fancy dinners with Harry and Lexi before when they were children. They were expected to make some sort of mistakes back then... not now, though. Now he was an adult... where he was a personal guest of the Osbornes... As she sat he glanced around to see what everyone else was doing, slowly copying them as if one sudden movement would have them all ripping him apart.

He placed his napkin on his lap, and stood up straight. Peter looked very uncomfortable and awkward. As he read his menu he listened to the conversations around.. "You think Spider-Man is here? I always thought of him as a very rich man... I mean, with the suit and webs and all." One said. Peter smirked. He was very far from classy. Anyone who talked to him would know that he did not give off a rich and snobby type, but a very humble and honest.

"So, Peter, has Harry introduced you to our guest? He said hew as very excited to meet with you." Norman Osborne said, giving something that resembled a smile. Peter nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mister Osborne! He said I can tag along with him in the lab sometime, just to talk." Peter said with excitement in his brown eyes. Norman nodded. "Yes, a great scientist..." Norman said. His new wife still gave him the stink eye. He looked over to Harry, his expression asking him what was up with her. Harry hesitated, and shrugged, giving a weak smile.

You think Spider-Man is here? Was a comment Lexi overheard from another table. Inside she laughed hard, simply because no one would have guessed that he was sitting at one of the tables. Not only was he sitting at the dinner but he was probably one of the poorest in money at the table but the richest in live experience, love, compassion, friendship, loyalty and bravery in the whole party. Qualities she truly admired and respected in Peter since he was the only person who did so many good things for so many people and saved so many lives and helped right so many wrongs.

A smile moved across her face as Peter began to talk about his excitement about meeting the Doctor and she couldn’t blame him for being so happy. But the anger from Harry’s step mom being shot from her seat towards Peter made Lexi give her an evil glare when she caught the woman’s eye. She knew what that was about. There was no secret that her parents always wanted her to be with Harry. The idea was that the two would grow up and get married and become a very powerful couple. Even in this day and age, the idea of arranged marriages was still in affect except the couples had more choices in the matter. And Lexi’s choice, much to the obvious dislike of everyone was Peter, not Harry. And, well, everyone would just have to live with her choice.

When the waiter arrived, she gave him a bright smile as she handed him the menu. “Ice tea for a drink. Salad with thousand island dressing for my starter, salmon with garlic photos and steamed carrots for my meal and a piece of the cheesecake for my desert. Thank you.”

Harry leaned over and whispered to her, “They wouldn’t bring cupcakes so I thought cheesecake would be the next best choice, glad you like it.”

"I...erm... The... steak sounds good..." Peter said to the waiter, looking up to give him a weak smile. "I'll take that... and er... the same salad as her." He said, pointing to Lexi. He didn't really like salad, but he thought he'd be embarrassing if he didn't get one. "And.... Some cheesecake will be fine.. Please." He added, not wanting to be rude. The people were talking, so there weren't any awkward silence. Peter's excitement was through the roof, but he still couldn't get over the thought of Harry expecting Spider-Man to just hand over his blood... and Uncle Ben's killer still haunted his memory...

"So. Been gone for a couple years and this Spider-Man guy has taken all the fame and glory from us." Norman Osborne said... Peter looked down at his empty plate, not knowing if he was joking or not. "I don't like him." The new Mrs. Osborne said with a shrug. "Someone who is just as dangerous as the criminals swinging around the city and the police do nothing about it.--"

"He was chased by the cops at first." Peter said, unable to keep his mouth shut. He really didn't like the lady.

"Why did they stop? He should be behind bars."

"Because they realize that he isn't a bad guy."

"Well I don't see why he has to keep his identity."

"Dangerous people would never leave him or his loved ones alone."

"The Police risk their lives every day--"

"Maybe he knows that you can't always rely on the cops to solve everyone's problems." Peter said rather harshly, not intending to. He realized he was standing a bit. He sat back down. Harry seemed to be smirking, Norman said nothing, Mrs. Osborne was furious, and he didn't look at Lexi... He was embarrassing not only himself, but his date and host of the party...

The salads came first (Peter had to force himself to swallow it with every gulp of tea). Then came the main course. That was something much more tasteful. He ate slowly, with his back straight, trying his best to mimic the rest of the group, and not say anything else, no matter how mad it made him. It wasn't worth it. He didn't have to try and impress Mrs. Osborne. Neither did Spider-Man.

The conversation, well… argument between the new Mrs. Osborne and Peter was intense. Her eyes darted back and forth between the two as her stomach turned into a knot. Mrs. Osborne was picking a fight with the wrong man, the very wrong man. The man who, if he had the choice, could let weirdos like robbers, burglars and Rick Archers run along the streets. But instead, he was out there risking his life to protect the city that he cares about so much. When Peter got himself back down into his seat, she moved her hand from under the table and placed it gently and comforting on his leg. He wasn’t alone in his fight to protect the city, the police and good people want to help to and a small squeeze confirmed that.

When the food arrived it was the clanking of forks that helped ease the tension, first the salad than the main course. In the mists of it all Lexi began a conversation with the table, talking about the plans for the upcoming summer and things her family intended on doing. “My parents are considering Europe again or maybe Australia. I’m trying to convince them we should rent a house in New Zealand to get away from the city and enjoy nature. And if Peter want go, I’d like him to come with us, I think getaway would be a good thing.” She said with a cheeky grin to Peter in hopes that might brighten up the situation at hand.

Soon the desert showed up and Lexi was giddy about digging in. A large smile on her face and a twinkle in her blue eyes she ate the cheesecake with an unexplained amount of a joy. When she finished the band had turned into play a slow song and as soon as Peter put down his fork she took his hand. “Come on, since I didn’t get to dance at prom you at least owe me this.” She said with a playful grin on her face as she pulled Peter from his seat, much to the dislike of a lot of people at the table (but none more obvious than Mrs. Osborne who was glaring her down from across the way as she lead Peter onto the dance floor).

Wrapping her arms gently around his neck she placed her face near his and began a private conversation in a soft whisper. “I’m sorry about Mrs. Osborne. She’ll come around soon once she sees what you do for the city. Just remember my dear Spider-Man, you’re not out to impress anyone. If there’s anyone who should be impressed with your actions it’s you.” She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek of reassurance before going back to the whisper. “What’s the tag along in the lab with the Doctor about? And did he say anything about Harry?”

If it weren't for Lexi he would have stormed out of the place. He was angry with the new mother Harry had, he was angry that people think that he would ever go against fighting for whats good, and the million other things on his mind weren't helping the situation. But Lexi was. His heart skipped a beat when her hand when on his leg, he ate much calmly, listening to her talk about her vacation plans, and when she looked over at him with a grin, he smiled back. Man, he loved this woman... but he wasn't sure if he could go a few days without Spider-Man in New York... he would only have to wait and see.

Now his heart was pounding. A slow song came on, and he had no clue how to dance. Uncle Ben tried teaching him once, but he refused, thinking there would be another time for him to teach him.... He followed her, giving a shy smile. Then she started to whisper. He put his hands on her waist, looking in her eyes as she spoke, her words doing wonders to calm him a bit. When asked what Doctor Octavius knew, Peter went closer to her. "He invited me to be join him in his research... said it was a favor to his father, and he thought i was really smart..." He said quietly, rocking her side to side, trying to match everyone else's steps. "He doesn't like the idea of Spider-Man's blood either. He said exactly what i said... but he's going to find a way... and now that he said i can join him, I can help... but Spider-Man is still going to have to tell him he can't give it to him just yet..." Peter said quietly, his mind racing.

A nod left Lexi as she allowed her hands to move gently along his shoulder blades as they danced. Nodidng she listened to him, a smile moved across her full lips, one of pride when he informed her that Doctor Octavius ask him to join him in his research. Her brightness seemed to reflect as much as the sun itself. “My hero, Peter Parker, the smartest young man in New York City gets to work with his hero.” When he said that Octavius and Peter had the same thought about what could happen with the use of Spider-Man’s blood.

Sighing softly she nodded as she leaned up, resting her forehead against his a small smile moved across her full lips. “Listen Peter, the sooner you tell Harry the less you have to worry about it and the less he’ll pressure you about it. Look, I know it’s going to be hard on you to do so Peter but as soon as you’re done why don’t you come over to my house and we’ll hang out; I’ll make some cupcakes. Even Spider-Man can have a sweet-tooth and cupcakes make everything better.” She said brightly trying to make light of something that will without a doubt be a dark situation. Poor Peter, he was going through a lot.

Peter smiled when she called him a hero. He heard it many times when he was in the suit. "Oh thank you so much, Spider-Man for saving my daughter! You're my hero!" He loved it all. He would help even if he wasn't called it... but it made a huge difference when she did. He would do anything for her, just how she would for him... When she said her opinion on the matter, he didn't agree... but it really didn't make it any better. He held on to her while the song kept playing, because he knew when it was over, he would have to go back to the Osbornes...

"I'll tell him tomorrow... Or, at least, Spider-Man will... He will think i didn't talk to him if I just told him... I don't know how he'll take it..." Peter said, shaking his head a bit. Then he gave a small laugh and smile. The words from her were happy, and innocent, and pure... He put his lips to her forehead. "I love you..." He said with a smile.

The rest of the party was a lot calmer than the beginning. There was dancing, conversations, and Peter's mind wasn't on the troubles of the outside world... It was focused on the beautiful girl that was his... The night was soon coming, and Peter still had a city to patrol... He felt bad that Lexi had to leave because of him... but he felt that she didn't mind at all... She seemed to be avoiding Harry at least...

Peter was her hero, well so was Spider-Man but she had a lot more respect for Peter because she knew him longer and while Spider-Man risked his life, Peter was really the mastermind behind it all and he was her true hero. A small sigh left her as he informed her that she would wait until tomorrow. A smile moved across her lips as he gently kissed her forehead. She loved the feeling of his lips against her, no matter where; it was like getting kissed by an angel. Her angel, Peter Parker.

“I love you too.” She said softly to him as he pulled back from her and she leaned into him, her small curvy body pressing against him with a small sigh of happiness just to be in Peter’s arms. It was the little things in life that made her happy, and that’s what made Lexi’s outlook on life so rare. The night ended well and she was ready to leave when Peter wanted to go, simply because Harry was acting rather weird to her most of the night. He would jump into the conversations she was having with other people, he would slip himself in between Peter and Lexi no matter the situation, even if Peter was taking an obvious couple’s photo; somehow Harry would get into the picture and of course, Peter got his photos with the Doctor which seemed to really make his night.

The drive home was peaceful as they held a casual conversation. She dropped him off at his house, walking him up to the door and giving a long exchange of passionate tongue kissing before she broke herself from the desire to stay in his arms the whole night just to listen to his heartbeat. The thumping, whether it was fast or slow, was calming to her. But soon she let him go, knowing all too well he still had business to do at night and while she’d rather him stay with her, she would never stop him from doing what he loved and that was protecting the city and its people. Giving him one last kiss she got back into the Jeep and started home.

Peter's night was filled with thoughts, and little crime. He wished there was something to distract him, but his night consisted of sitting on a skyscraper staring at the constantly playing advertisements in Times Square. Lexi's perfume was still lingering on him. As he was so torn between what was right, it was calming to think of her... how he wanted her in his arms right now... It would be so much easier if he was a normal kid... but no. Parents who abandoned him, a dead uncle because of him, and spider powers... He didn't want to disappoint anyone... He just wanted to be what was right for the world... He knew he had to talk to Harry tomorrow. He had to tell him that he couldn't do it.

---

Harry Osborne was doing homework all alone. His window was open, mostly for fresh air, but also just in case he had a visitor... He stared blankly at his science homework, wishing Peter was here to help him... Peter had the brains, and the wit... but that was it. Why did Lexi like him so much? He always thought they would have something. They were both rich, and popular, and many people would think they would.. But Peter always seemed to ruin those chances. Lexi would usually talk about how Peter wouldn't do this, or what he did yesterday... When Spider-Man helped him, he would try his best to show Lexi how much of a man he was... All's fair in love in war... Peter was his best friend, but Harry couldn't help but feel this way towards Lexi.

"Mister Osborne..." A voice said. Harry turned to the open window, and looked around, frantically. Who said that? He then looked up to see a blue and red suited man hanging upside down on the wall on all fours. Harry started to grin from ear to ear. "I heard you were looking for me..." Spider-Man said sadly, hanging from his hands now, and dropping on to the floor. Harry shook his head. "I... Yes!" Harry said, watching the suited man, having no idea that his best friend was behind the mask.

"I've heard so much about you... and saw how you took out that Mysterio guy..." He paused a bit. "You help anyone, no matter what, right?" He asked, leaning forward. The masked man nodded once. "Then... You have to know that I'm dying... and the only way to find a cure is to use your blood to help heal me... You have the perfect immune system...! It can help fight any disease... even cancer! I just need a bit to help cure me..." He said excitedly. Peter stared at him through the mask.

"Your blood is infected with that disease, Mister Osborne... My blood's immune system will think your whole system is contaminated, and it will literally eat away at you... Or that's what i believe... If you can give me time to find an alternative--"

"What are you trying to say?" Harry asked, giving a uncertain smile. Spider-Man shook his head.

"I'm not giving you my blood, not when there is such a high percentage of danger, if you give me some time--"

"Time...? TIME?! I don't have time! I am slowly dying! I can't wait for complete certainty! I have a life! I am the heir to Oscorp! and there's this girl-You've met her! She interviews you! I have to tell her how much i care about her! I have a life to live!" Harry yelled at him.

"I can't help you--"

"You said you helped anyone no matter what!" He screamed, more scared than anything now. All his hope was lost. Spider-Man betrayed him. He picked up a lamp and chucked it as Peter. He easily dodged it. "Mister Osborne, I want to help! I just can't risk your life!"

"My life is already in danger!" He screamed, throwing something else at him. Peter dodged again, and as he leapt for the door, his Spider-Senses went crazy. He barely had time to move his body away from a knife, it skimmed his skin, leaving a large cut on his side. Peter gasped a bit, holding his side, then he leapt out of the window, leaving the bloody knife on the floor.

---

Peter swung his way all the way to Lexi's house, praying she was home. The cut was deep, and he was losing a lot of blood... but he couldn't go to the hospital. He had only one person he could trust with this. He held on to the side of her house, knocking on her bedroom window, pulling off the mask, panting, waiting to see if she responded. Not the best way to visit your girlfriend after a romantic date...

The following day was an okay one. School was boring as usual and had next to nothing to do with what she wanted to do in her future. Though she will admit it’s ironic that she wants to be a nurse and yet, here she is dating Spider-Man who probably will need a lot of medical attention no matter how long he lives. Those things went through her mind but like a good girlfriend she had to push them out. If she was going to be with Peter, she’d have to accept that he’s chosen to do something with his life that, while she was nervous for him doing it, she’d have to be okay with how much he would risk his life. Her brave Peter.

After school Peter had taken her out for a swing around New York were they want to the spot he had taken her before and had a picnic lunch. Joyful and tender moments brought the two even closer together as they ate and talked about everything and anything. She even nearly fell asleep on his chest when they were laying in the hammock again but if it wasn’t for her parents calling, she probably would have; finding Peter’s heartbeat the most pleasant sound on the face of the planet.

The night rolled around and Lexi was sitting at her desk playing on the computer that Peter had helped her build a few years back. Her pen clicked open and closed in her small hand as she scanned over the information. She, like Peter, had a passion for learning and while her passion was not fully in the science department, the medical department did get her to have to take a lot of notes. She had notebooks in binders with labels. Currently she was working on cuts and wounds, sowing them closed and dressing them properly. She loved studying the medical field, and it’s ironic still to her that she’d be dating Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man.

Her hand moves through her notebook as she writes in the notebook when she heard a tap. Her body jumped as her head jerked up and looked in the direction of the window. Black eyebrows pushing together, she placed her pen down and walked to her window. Her small body was in a pair of pajama shorts and one of Peter’s t-shirts pulling the windows open she stuck her head out looking away from where Peter clung to the side of her house. But when her gaze moved to her man she gave him a bright smile. “I’m sorry I failed you, I didn’t make cupcakes.” She said in a joking fashion before she realized that his face wasn’t exactly a pleasant one. “What happened?” She inquired quickly as she got him into her bedroom and shut the window.

As he got inside and explained the story to her she brought him to her bed and sat him down. Pulling his hand from his wound, she scanned it over. Thankful that the walls of her house was sound proof so they could talk without having to worry about her parents overhearing that she had someone in her bedroom. "Oh Peter... I'm so sorry." She quickly got to her feet pointing at him. "Okay I can fix this but you need to get out of the top half to your suite and as much as you're going to hate it, I have to sow it up. Do not lay down and keep your hand on it." With that she dashed from her room making sure the door was shut firmly behind her. Lucky for her, her parents went to be early even on a Friday so while it was only 11pm, her parents were fast asleep.

Peter was expecting her to be more upset or angry with him... but she seemed calmed headed, which was very good... But as he climbed in and explained to her, he couldn't help but realize that she was wearing his shirt... "You look great, by the way." He added after the story, giving a smile, but then it turned in to a wince when he moved a bit. He nodded at her commands, not really caring about stitches. He knew the cut would heal faster than normal, and even more with the stitches. When she left Peter pulled down the top half of his suit, ignoring the pain that it caused him... He felt terrible. He let Harry down... he was scared, and trusted Spider-Man to help him, but he couldn't... and he also still had feelings for Lexi... He didn't know how this would affect Harry and Peter's relationsihp... Peter would feel guilty, and betrayed that he intended on stealing Lexi from him... Now it was Peter in his girlfriend's room, his toned chest going up and down trying to ignore the pain of the knife wound his best friend gave him... Most teenagers would go see a movie Friday night...

After gathering the needed supplies she ran through her head exactly what she needed to do, clean the wound, stitch it up and wrap it. Simple right? A small sigh left her as she carried the supplies back to her room and opened the door before pushing it the rest of the way with her foot. “Alright, I got everything.” She said as she kicked the door shut, but it wasn’t until she looked up at that she stopped in mid-step and her breathe caught in her chest.

It was the first time she had seen Peter without a shirt on in at least four years. Though she had felt his toned muscular chest under her body and with her fingers it was different seeing it in person. Her face instantly turned red as she took in the look of her boyfriend sitting on her bed. His arms were long and toned, a lot more muscular than she had remembered when they were younger; his stomach with slightly defined abs and his chest strong, rising and falling with each breath. “I… got… the…” Yeah because telling him again would make the situation better! She lectured herself as she snapped out of her trance and hurried to her bedside.

Getting on her knees in beside him in the side that was injured her small hands were shaking slightly. Not because of her nervousness to work on the wound but because she was nervous about how he looked. Oh… my… god… She thought to herself as she pulled out the rag from the basket she had prepared. Putting some rubbing alcohol on it she placed it gently against the cut. “This is going to burn, I’m sorry.” She said softly as she began to clean the cut. She hated that he went through the pain but was glad that she could help. It would help more if her face would calm down and her hands wouldn’t shake. She’d have to pull herself together before she could stitch him but that didn’t stop her from catching her breathe when her hands would hit his bare skin. Oh….

Peter looked up when she came in, giving a hint of a smile to see her shock... He hoped she wasn't shocked on just how skinny he was...He nodded to her, giving a smile as he tried to sit up more to help... He watched her at work, she was red faced, ad shaking a bit... Peter didn't know if it was from stitching him up, or the sight of his body after years. Ever since Harry made fun of his frame in middle school while swimming, he kept his shirt on. When she said the alcohol might sting, she wasn't kidding. He braced himself for it, it stung, but he didn't make a sound. He just let her do her work... and then the stitches came. He usually did his own, which wasn't really safe... but he couldn't risk going to the hospital... She was much better at this. It felt weird with the string pulling on the skin, and the pain was very much there... but Lexi's fingers on his bare skin numbed his senses in a good way... When she was finally done, with a large bandage over the cut, Peter gave her a smile. "Thanks." He said quietly, trying to get up, but then sitting back down when the new cut refused to let him do so. "I'm sorry you had to do this... I didn't want to freak you out..."

You’d think she wouldn’t be embarrassed working on her boyfriend, helping him get better after a long day of dealing with… well the situation at hand. But she was nervous, she didn’t expect him to look as good as he did, nor did she expect that there would be a time when she would be dressing a wound against his body in such a delicate passion. A shiver moved through her as she did her work but the shiver seemed to be enough to calm her shaking hand as she hurried to finish the work.

When she did she stood up, putting the supplies in the basket and giving her work a small smile of pride. As he spoke thank you she nodded in response then shrugged at his apology. “I’d rather you come to me than the mop.” She said with a small tease in her voice as she gave him a wink and walked over to her dresser where she put her basket on top of it. Taking in a deep breathe to calm herself she pulled open a drawer and reached into it, pulling out a pair of old pajama bottoms she had for years; a pair Peter would recognize as some that happened to mysteriously vanish after she spent the night at his house. Turning around she tossed them at him, landing directly on his head. “Here, you can borrow these.” With that she walked to her door, a small click echoed in the room as she latched it shut to restrict the access to her room. With that she turned around leaning her back against the door. “I’m not letting you swing home tonight in that condition. Doctor Lexi’s orders, you’re staying here tonight.” She said with a nod as she turned back around facing the door. “You should change out of the spidey suit though, it will get to hot in here if you don’t….” Oh but it’s already hot in here… Her mind buzzed in a teasing fashion to her as her face turned red and she kept herself from turning around as she heard him move to change.

Peter's eyes shined with amusement as she tossed him a pair of his own pajama pants. She locked the doors, and spoke to it... He laughed a bit, sliding the rest of his suit off. He wasn't going to argue with her. He put on the pants, and coughed a bit, his upper body still bare. With a flick of his wrist he shot a web at her back, and tugged gently for her to come towards him. "Sorry, can't get up... And telling you I was done is boring..." He said with a grin. He was much more relaxed about the duties he had, but his heart beated fast now that his incredibly attractive girlfriend was standing there in his shirt, looking perfect.