┌─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐
As the evening sun started its descent, Ava slipped into her Aurum suit.
Ascending into the sky, the upgraded Aurum suit embraced her figure. Thanks to her collaborative effort with her father, she had incorporated her own AI, THURSDAY, into the suit. Her father might not have been particularly impressed with the name, but Ava found comfort in its familiarity.
Just as her boots touched down on the familiar rooftop where she hides her bag, THURSDAY's digital voice broke through the silence, alerting her to breaking news of a bank robbery unfolding downtown—ironically, right across the street from Delmar's.
So she ascended into the sky once again. Swift and determined, she closed the distance to the scene in mere moments. As she descended and set foot on the street, a surprising sight greeted her. Peter, clad in his Spider-Man suit, was caught within a maelstrom of blue energy, tossed around inside the store like a ragdoll. The unexpected sight left her momentarily stunned.
The criminals causing the havoc sported masks representing various Avengers, their presence emphasizing a twisted irony. Amidst the chaos, a whirlwind of cash was sent spiralling through the air.
"Spider-Man!" The urgency in her voice echoed as she surged into the bank, her boots pounding against the floor as she rushed to Peter's aid. Yet, before she could fully comprehend the chaotic scene, the figure resembling Captain America had once again seized Peter, hurling him mercilessly into the signage beside the entrance.
"Hey, Aurum..." Peter's pained greeting reached her ears, a grimacing under his mask as he attempted to regain his bearings amidst the turmoil.
Her focus shifted to the fake Captain America, who aimed the anti-gravity device at her, intending to disrupt her balance. Ava's reflexes took over, her palms instinctively rising in a defensive stance. The energy discharged from the weapon struck her outstretched hands, and a curious blend of sensation coursed through her. A fleeting shimmer of blue danced within her irises, a visual echo of the absorbed energy, before fading back into her customary golden hue.
However, the respite was short-lived, as an unexpected blow from behind sent shockwaves through her senses. Fake Thor, wielding the butt of his shotgun like a makeshift weapon, delivered a forceful strike to the back of her head. Pain blossomed at the impact, forcing her to stumble and collapse onto the floor, her vision momentarily swimming with disorientation.
"Aurum!" Peter's concerned cry reverberated in her ears, igniting a surge of determination within him as he rallied to fend off the remaining assailants. As the anti-gravity device surged to life once more, 'Iron-Man' aimed it in Peter's direction. Swiftly, Peter's webbing found its mark, ensnaring both the imposter and the weapon in a sticky embrace against the glass surface.
Ava's groan resonated as she struggled to regain her footing, her senses still reeling from the unexpected blow. Before she could fully stabilize herself, a new threat emerged in the form of the fake Hulk brandishing yet another weapon. The ominous activation of the device pierced the air, its shrill sound a precursor to the unleashing of a vibrant purple laser beam. Its intensity surged, propelling Ava and Peter backward with a force that could only be compared to the aftermath of a thunderous explosion.
The laser's trajectory carried it beyond Peter's form, propelling it past the bank's threshold and into the heart of Mr. Delmar's Deli. A sharp cry of despair escaped Ava's lips as she comprehended the impending disaster, her determination propelling her to action. Acting on instinct, she hurled herself into the path of the destructive beam, her body becoming a barrier against its searing path. Heat engulfed her, the intensity nearly unbearable, but she pressed on. With outstretched hands, she fought to absorb the energy, channelling it through herself in a desperate bid to avert further devastation.
An anguished scream tore from her lips as the laser's power began to wane, gradually diminishing its assault. The residual brilliance of the purple hue illuminated her eyes, reflecting the immense energy she had intercepted. Yet, as the last remnants of the laser's energy faded, her body's resilience reached its limit. Collapsing to the floor, Ava's form lay spent and still, her breathing ragged as the aftermath of her heroic act took its toll.
Meanwhile, Peter's swift instincts took over, the situation too critical to pause and comprehend. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprinted across the road towards the inferno that had consumed Mr. Delmar's Deli. The once-familiar establishment was now a battleground of flames and chaos. With determination etched into his features, Peter moved with urgency, his thoughts focused solely on rescuing Mr. Delmar from the fire.
Ava lay on the bank's floor, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Her body trembled involuntarily, grappling with the aftermath of absorbing and containing the formidable surge of energy.
Once Peter had ensured the safety of Mr. Delmar and his beloved cat, Murphy, he swiftly retraced his steps, heading back towards the bank.
As he re-entered the bank, his gaze immediately sought out Ava. He hurried over to her, concern etching his features. "Ava, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Ava slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position, her breath still ragged. She looked at Peter, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Yeah, I'm... I'm okay," she managed to reply, her voice strained.
Peter extended a hand to help her up, his grip gentle yet reassuring. "You took that blast head-on. You're amazing," he said, his admiration evident.
Ava managed a weak smile, her body still tingling from the residual energy. "Well, you're the one who always rushes into danger."
Ava steadied herself, her hand resting on Peter's arm for support as the residual effects of absorbing the energy coursed through her. The initial dizziness gave way to a strange calmness, as if her body had finally managed to assimilate the foreign energy she had absorbed.
Peter's worry was palpable, his gaze unwavering as he observed her closely. "Are you sure you're alright?" his voice carried a soft undercurrent of concern.
Ava nodded, attempting to offer him a reassuring smile amidst her own lingering unease. "Yeah, I think so. It's just... different."
His understanding was evident as he nodded, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze her shoulder. "Do you need me to swing you?" he offered, concerned for her well-being. She shook her head in response.
"I'm good—really," she assured him, standing up straighter as a sense of determination fuelled her. With a shared sense of urgency, they hurried out of the building. Swiftly, she leapt into the air, her usual golden energy now intermingled with captivating purple specks.
Following Peter to the rooftop, her bag slung over her shoulder, she watched as he landed with a practiced grace. As he pulled out his phone and dialled Happy's number, Ava hovered in the sky, a silent presence above him.
"Happy, the craziest thing just happened to me," Peter's words tumbled out in haste. "These guys were robbing an ATM with these high tech weapons—"
She listened intently, suspended in the air.
"Yeah, but—" Peter's voice seemed to falter.
Perched on another rooftop, he paused suddenly, his focus shifting. "Wait. Wait! You're moving? Who's moving?"
Ava couldn't help but offer a sympathetic smile, realizing that Peter hadn't been informed about the change in location—her father selling the old Avengers tower. She, too, had a nostalgic attachment to that place.
"But what about me?" Peter's concern coloured his words.
Seated on a streetlamp now, his voice resonated with uncertainty. "Well, what if Mr. Stark needs me or something, I don't know, something big goes down? Can I please just talk to Mr. Stark?"
Descending gracefully from the sky, Ava maintained her vigilant gaze over him as he descended into the alley, his usual spot for stashing his backpack.
The realization struck Peter like a sudden jolt, his tone tinged with a growing sense of panic. "I am responsible. I— Oh, crap. My backpack's gone."
Shaking her head slightly, Ava mused silently about why he continued to leave it there despite it being taken multiple times before.
"I'll call you back," Peter's voice, now laden with tension, conveyed his full commitment to resolving the situation at hand.
A familiar voice emerged behind him, and Ava touched down gracefully beside him. "Not again, P," she chimed in, her tone a mixture of amusement and sympathy.
"Yeah... Again," he replied, his groan a testament to his exasperation.
Ava's soft chuckle resonated, revealing her fondness for him. "Silly spider," her words held a playful edge as her hand extended to draw him closer. A surge of warmth prompted her to press her lips to his, a spontaneous show of affection that bridged the gap between them.
Their kiss deepened, evoking a low groan from Peter that triggered Ava's delighted giggle. "Shall we take it back to your place?" her words were a murmur against his mouth, teasingly suggestive.
"Mmh, May is home," he countered, fingers tightening around her waist as he pulled her closer.
"Come on... We can be quiet," her voice held a sultry whine, accentuated by a gentle nip to his lower lip.
Peter surrendered, and they embarked on a vertical journey up the fire escape, each landing providing a sanctuary for their escalating passion. Laughter intertwined with desire as he pinned her against the building's rough surface, the height of the 7th story a negligible concern.
"Shh," Peter's hushed voice resonated against her lips, his focus on the delicate task of easing open the window. He slipped inside with the grace of familiarity, his gaze never leaving hers as he reached back through the window to steal another kiss. Then, in a move that exhibited both strength and tenderness, he lifted her by the waist, guiding her over the windowsill. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his hips, connecting their bodies once more. An involuntary groan echoed between them as she lifted her hand, allowing her domino mask to fall and clatter softly on the floor below.
The moment shattered as a cacophony of Lego hitting the ground pierced the air, forcing them to break apart abruptly. Both Peter and Ava turned their heads to see Ned standing there, his mouth hanging open in stunned surprise.
"What was that?" May's voice sounded from the other side of the door, her concern evident.
Peter's panic was palpable, his voice cracking as he stammered, "Uh, it's nothing. It's nothing!"
Ned's whisper was a mix of shock and disbelief. "You're the Spider-Man. And you're the Aurum. From YouTube!"
"I'm not. We're not—she's not—" Peter's words tumbled out in a jumbled rush.
With a swift movement, Peter pressed the emblem on his suit, causing it to loosen and fall off his well-defined body, revealing his muscular frame beneath.
Ned continued his incredulous whisper, "You were making out—her mask!"
Ava's face flushed a bright shade of red, her embarrassment leaving her at a loss for words.
"No, we—we weren't. Ned, what are you doing in my room?" Peter's confusion mingled with his frustration.
"May let me in. You said we were gonna finish the Death Star," Ned explained, his excitement still evident despite the unexpected situation.
"You can't just barge into my room!" Peter's retort held a mix of exasperation and annoyance. However, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by approaching footsteps, signalling May's approach as she began to open the door.
Both boys looked at the door, then at Ava, but she vanished from their sight in an instant, her invisibility a sudden and surprising turn of events.
May entered, releasing her hair from its low bun and waving a rag to disperse the lingering kitchen smoke that trailed behind her.
"The turkey meatloaf recipe is a disaster. Let's go to dinner. Thai? Ned, you want Thai?" May suggested, her casual tone belaying her obliviousness to the situation.
Ned eagerly agreed, "Yes."
However, Peter quickly interjected, "No. He's got a thing."
Ned attempted to clarify, "A thing to do after."
May accepted the explanation with a nod. "Okay."
Casting a pointed glance at Peter, who stood clad only in his boxers, May added with a playful tone, "Maybe put on some clothes."
With that, she exited the room, closing the door behind her.
As the door swung shut, a thick and uncomfortable silence fell over the room, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of fabric as Peter frantically searched for something to cover himself. His face was a complex blend of mortification and irritation, his mind racing to discover a solution to neutralize the awkwardness.
Ned, still grappling with the shocking revelation of Peter's hidden identity and his unexpected encounter with Ava, finally found his voice. "May doesn't know?"
Peter, hastily slipping on a sweater, shot Ned a desperate look. "No one knows. Well, except for Mr. Stark. And, obviously, Ava. Uh, Ave?"
Ava promptly reappeared, her visibility restored. "Sorry about that. It's a new trick I've been working on—I haven't managed to sustain it for this long before. Must be the purple energy," she offered in a hushed and somewhat rushed tone.
Ned's gaze shifted to Ava, who was visible again; her cheeks still bore the tell-tale flush of embarrassment. "And that's... Ava?"
Ava managed a bashful nod, her own discomfort palpable. "Yes, that's me."
Ned's initial shock transformed into a blend of awe and exhilaration. "Holy crap, this is unbelievable! You guys are like the Avengers!"
Ava shook her head modestly, while Peter adopted a casual shrug. "Yeah, in a way."
Ava's tone took on a more serious note as she met Ned's gaze. "Ned, listen closely. You can't tell anyone about this. Not a single word."
Ned's expression held a mix of comprehension and excitement, his agreement fervent. "Don't worry, Ava. Your secret is safe with me."
Running his fingers through his hair, Peter interjected with a serious tone. "Swear it, Ned."
"I swear, I promise!" Ned affirmed, allowing Peter to guide him closer to the door.
"Can I try on the suit?" Ned's curiosity got the better of him.
"No," Peter responded with a chuckle.
Ned's curiosity didn't waver. "How does it work? Magnets? How do you shoot the webs?"
"I'll fill you in at school tomorrow, alright?" Peter sighed with a touch of exasperation.
Guiding Ned out the door, Peter gave him a gentle push. "Great, well wait. How do you do this and the Stark internship?" Ned's voice lowered to a hushed whisper, earning puzzled glances from both Ava and Peter.
"Ned, this is the internship," Ava clarified in a soft whisper.
"Oh," Ned said, realization dawning.
"Just go," Peter muttered as he closed the door behind Ned, leaning against it and heaving a sigh of relief.
As the door clicked shut, a collective breath seemed to release within the room. The intensity that had gripped the air began to dissipate, giving way to a momentary lull in the whirlwind of emotions.
Ava turned to Peter, a mix of gratitude and concern in her gaze. "You okay?"
Peter offered a weary smile, his shoulders relaxing against the door. "Yeah, I think so. That went better than I expected."
Ava's fingers brushed against his, a comforting gesture that conveyed more than words ever could. "Ned's a good friend. He'll keep our secret safe."
Peter nodded, his expression a blend of relief and determination. "I know. It's just... it's a lot to take in."
Ava nodded in understanding, her voice gentle. "I get it, P. Anyway, I should head out before your aunt comes to take you out for dinner." A playful smile graced her lips as she leaned in, leaving a soft peck on his cheek.
The brush of her lips against his cheek sent a jolt of warmth through Peter, a small but reassuring reminder amidst the whirlwind of emotions. He met her gaze, a mixture of gratitude and fondness in his eyes.
"Thanks, Ava," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity.
Ava's smile held a touch of mischief as she stepped back, a playful glint in her eyes. "No problem, Spidey. Just remember, we're in this together."
Peter's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Yeah, we are."
With a final exchange of glances, Ava turned and made her way toward the window, her movements fluid and graceful. Before she disappeared into the night, she cast one last glance back at Peter, a silent reassurance that lingered in the air.
└─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘