Back in their current timeline, Pepper Potts watched Happy's awkward reaction to the Sky Curtain's revelations about his romantic interests with obvious amusement.
"Happy!" she said with a knowing smile that suggested she'd already suspected his feelings. "You're being pretty transparent about this whole situation!"
Happy's embarrassment was written all over his face, though he couldn't entirely deny what everyone had just witnessed.
"I mean... I might have developed some feelings for May Parker... she's a wonderful woman who's been through so much..."
Pepper's expression softened into something more supportive and encouraging.
"Next time you visit, you should consider bringing some thoughtful gifts for May! Something that shows you've been paying attention to her interests and personality!"
Happy nodded enthusiastically, clearly grateful for any advice about how to properly court someone.
"That's a great idea! I'll definitely do that!"
Natasha Romanoff observed this exchange with her characteristic subtle smile, the kind that suggested she found the entire situation both amusing and oddly endearing.
"It seems you still have quite a bit of charm working in your favor, May!" she commented, her tone carrying just enough teasing to make the compliment feel genuine rather than mocking.
Everyone in the room could clearly see through Happy's volunteer work excuse - his motivations were completely transparent to anyone paying attention.
The current timeline's Peter Parker looked back and forth between Aunt May and Natasha with a slightly pouty expression, as if he wasn't entirely sure how he felt about all this adult romantic drama surrounding his guardian.
[Back in Venice, the aftermath of the water giant attack continues to dominate local and international news coverage. The students gather around the television in their hotel lobby, watching various reports about the unprecedented supernatural event.]
["This disaster has caused extensive damage to several historic buildings in Venice, though remarkably, there were no reported casualties thanks to the quick evacuation efforts and the intervention of the mysterious hero..."]
[Betty Brant, ever the aspiring journalist, studies the footage of Quentin Beck in his elaborate costume with professional curiosity.]
["Who is this person? Where did he come from? Has anyone seen him before today?"]
[Brad Davis, clearly impressed by the dramatic display of superhuman abilities, offers his own analysis of the mysterious hero.]
["It's like someone took Iron Man's technology and Thor's mystical powers and somehow merged them into one person! The flying, the energy projection, the magical effects - it's incredible!"]
[Flash Thompson, maintaining his characteristic contrarian attitude, responds with dismissive skepticism.]
["It's just okay, I guess! Nothing too special! Definitely not as impressive as Spider-Man would have been!"]
[MJ turns to Flash with the kind of exasperated expression that suggests this isn't the first time she's heard him praise Spider-Man.]
["Flash, exactly how big of a Spider-Man fanboy are you? Because this is getting a little obsessive!"]
[Flash's response reveals the depth of his genuine admiration for the web-slinging hero, though he has no idea he's speaking in front of his idol.]
["What's wrong with being a fan? Spider-Man is absolutely perfect! He protects our neighborhood, he's incredibly inspiring, and he motivates me to try to be a better person! He's everything a superhero should be!"]
[Peter approaches the group and crosses his arms while watching the television coverage, trying his best to appear casual and uninvolved despite the fact that he can hear every word of Flash's praise.]
[Seeing Peter join their group, Flash immediately switches back to his usual antagonistic behavior.]
["Hey there, Parker! I thought for sure you had drowned during all that chaos! Were you hiding in a bathroom somewhere while the real action was happening?"]
[Peter has to bite his tongue to keep from responding, knowing that Flash has no idea he's mocking the very person he claims to idolize.]
[The television coverage continues with expert analysis of the mysterious hero.]
["Scientists and government officials are referring to this individual as 'Mystery Man' until his true identity can be determined..."]
[Brad, who has been listening to the Italian news broadcasts, provides translation for his classmates.]
["Actually, they're calling him 'Mysterio'! The Italian reporters are using that name because it means 'mysterious visitor' - they literally have no idea who he is or where he came from!"]
[Ned repeats the name with obvious appreciation.]
["Mysterio! That's actually a pretty cool superhero name!"]
[Betty immediately agrees with her new boyfriend's assessment.]
["Yeah! Mysterio! It has a nice ring to it!"]
[They look at each other with the kind of synchronized romantic enthusiasm that makes everyone else in the room slightly uncomfortable.]
["Baby!" they say in unison, their voices carrying identical tones of affection.]
[Feeling like this might be his opportunity to gather some intelligence about what MJ witnessed during the battle, Peter turns to her with carefully casual interest.]
["So, MJ, what did you see when everything was happening? Did you notice anything unusual or important?"]
[MJ's response is straightforward and practical.]
["Nothing useful! I was too busy running for my life to pay attention to details!"]
[Peter nods with what he hopes looks like understanding.]
["Right! That makes complete sense! I was also running... running away from the danger like any sensible person would do!"]
[MJ studies Peter's face with the kind of careful attention that suggests she's noticed something inconsistent about his story. Her expression indicates that she doesn't remember seeing him fleeing with the other civilians.]
[Sensing that he might be on dangerous ground with his cover story, Peter decides to shift the conversation toward tomorrow's travel plans.]
["So we're going to Paris tomorrow! I'm really excited about visiting the Eiffel Tower! It's supposed to be one of the most romantic landmarks in the world!"]
[MJ's response reveals her characteristic fascination with conspiracy theories and alternative explanations for famous landmarks.]
["Actually, I read this fascinating article that theorizes the Eiffel Tower is actually a massive antenna designed for mind control! The theory suggests it was built to broadcast signals that can influence human behavior and create armies of psychologically controlled citizens! That's exactly why it's my favorite destination on this entire trip!"]
[Upon hearing this, Peter's face breaks into a genuinely delighted smile. The fact that MJ is excited about Paris - for whatever bizarre reason - seems like a positive sign for his romantic plans.]
In the 2nd Generation universe, Spider-Man found himself genuinely impressed by what he'd witnessed.
"I have to admit, this Mysterio character seems pretty legitimate! He's definitely mysterious, but his powers appear to be the real deal!"
Gwen Stacy was thoroughly entertained by the ongoing irony of Flash's behavior.
"Flash Thompson is absolutely hilarious! Can you imagine how mortified he'd be if he ever found out that Peter Parker - the guy he constantly bullies - is actually Spider-Man, his greatest hero?"
Helen Stacy chuckled at her daughter's observation.
"That would certainly be a shock to his system! The poor boy would probably have an identity crisis!"
[Later that evening, as the students settle into their hotel accommodations, Ned approaches Peter with obvious excitement about continuing their earlier conversation.]
["So, how exactly are you planning to handle this whole Mysterio situation? Are you going to try to team up with him if more of those elemental monsters show up?"]
[Peter, who is preparing for bed with his toothbrush and toothpaste, shrugs with deliberate casualness.]
["Honestly? I don't have any plans! The water giant is dead, and Mysterio seems perfectly capable of handling these supernatural threats on his own! I think I can focus on more important things!"]
[He walks toward the bathroom while continuing to explain his priorities.]
["I just want to spend more quality time with MJ! We had a really good conversation about Paris earlier, and I think she might actually like me! There were definite positive signs!"]
[Ned follows his best friend with a romantic smile, clearly ready to share his own relationship experiences.]
["Congratulations, man! That reminds me of the very beginning of my romance with Betty! I had just finished eating this amazing piece of fruit pie, and she..."]
[But before Ned can complete his story, he's suddenly struck in the neck by a tranquilizer dart. His eyes widen in surprise for just a moment before he collapses unconscious onto the hotel room sofa.]
[The sound of Ned's body hitting the furniture immediately alerts Peter that something is seriously wrong. Before he can fully process what's happening, a familiar voice cuts through his confusion.]
["Finding you has been considerably more difficult than I anticipated, Spider-Man!"]
[Peter spins around to discover Nick Fury sitting calmly in one of the hotel room chairs, holding a tranquilizer gun that's clearly the source of the dart that just incapacitated Ned.]
[Peter quickly removes his toothbrush from his mouth, his voice carrying both recognition and accusation.]
["You're Nick Fury! And you just hurt my best friend!"]
[Nick Fury's response is matter-of-fact and slightly dismissive.]
["It's just a mild sedative! He'll wake up in a few hours with nothing worse than a slight headache! Consider it a necessary security measure!"]
[After offering this brief reassurance, Nick Fury's expression shifts to something much more stern and intimidating.]
["Now then! I finally get to meet you face-to-face! I saw you at Tony Stark's funeral, but that wasn't exactly an appropriate time or place to exchange contact information!"]
[Peter spreads his hands in a gesture of defensive agreement.]
["No! That definitely would have been completely inappropriate!"]
[Nick Fury's stare becomes even more intense.]
["That's exactly what I just said!"]
[Peter realizes he's already making a poor impression.]
["Right! Sorry! I was just... agreeing with you!"]
[It's clear that being alone with Nick Fury makes Peter significantly more nervous than he'd like to admit.]
[Nick Fury decides to cut straight to the heart of the matter.]
["The important thing is that you're here now! I tried to bring you in through official channels, but you actively avoided my attempts to contact you. Then you conveniently showed up in the exact location where I needed you! The odds of that happening by pure coincidence are astronomical!"]
[Peter's expression shifts to something more suspicious and concerned.]
["Wait a minute... are you saying this wasn't actually a coincidence? Did you somehow arrange for us to be here?"]
[Nick Fury's response reveals just how much the five-year gap has affected his capabilities and resources.]
["I used to know everything that was happening in the world! I had comprehensive intelligence networks, unlimited resources, and agents in every major city! Then I came back after being 'blipped' for five years, and now I'm completely out of touch with current events! I don't have sufficient information, I don't have adequate personnel, and apparently even high school students feel comfortable ignoring my direct calls! This is what my intelligence capabilities have been reduced to!"]
[To demonstrate his point, Nick Fury places a triangular holographic projector on the hotel room table. The device immediately activates, displaying a detailed three-dimensional globe.]
["One week ago, a small village in Ixtenco, Mexico was completely destroyed by what local authorities classified as a freak hurricane. Multiple witnesses reported that the storm had a distinctly human face visible within the swirling winds!"]
[Nick Fury's briefing is interrupted by the sound of loud snoring coming from Ned's unconscious form on the sofa. Both men turn to look at the sleeping teenager.]
["Three days after the Mexico incident, a similar supernatural attack occurred in Morocco. Another village was completely destroyed by what appeared to be..."]
[Before Nick Fury can complete his intelligence briefing, there's a gentle knock at the hotel room door. His hand immediately moves to his sidearm as he aims toward the potential threat.]
[Mr. Harrington's voice can be heard from the hallway.]
["I just wanted to check on everyone! After today's traumatic events, some students might need psychological counseling or emotional support!"]
[Peter, seeing that Nick Fury is prepared to shoot if necessary, quickly intervenes to protect his teacher.]
["No! We're completely fine! Everyone's okay! Thank you for checking, but we don't need any help!"]
[Mr. Harrington's relief is evident in his voice.]
["That's wonderful! Because I have to admit, I'm not actually qualified to provide professional psychological counseling anyway!"]
[The sound of Ned's continued snoring draws Mr. Harrington's attention, and his voice becomes much quieter and more considerate.]
["Oh! He's sleeping so peacefully! I don't want to disturb him! Good night, everyone!"]
[After the teacher's footsteps fade down the hallway, Peter turns back to Nick Fury with an apologetic expression.]
["That was just our teacher, Mr. Harrington! He's a good guy who was worried about us! Sorry for the interruption! Where were you in your briefing?"]