"Mm-mm-mm-mm!"
Aunt May's cheeks were stuffed full of food again, chomping away like she was in a race.
Peter almost sighed. Seriously? You're in such a rush… let me be the one panicking for once.
He gently straightened her posture and said firmly:
"Aunt May, those activities are dangerous. I don't want you risking yourself like that."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice with conviction.
"I've already secured sponsorship from Mr. Stark's September Foundation. I'm officially an intern at Stark Industries now. Trust me, Aunt May—I can make our lives better."
For a moment, Aunt May's expression turned serious.
Unfortunately, her puffed-up cheeks ruined the effect completely.
Realizing this, she hurriedly swallowed—only to choke.
Peter rushed to pass her the milk.
Gulp, gulp, gulp. She downed half the carton in one go, then finally caught her breath.
"Peter…" she said softly. "Do you really think I do these things for us? No. Out there, so many people need help. And if I have the ability to help, then I should."
Her voice steadied, eyes shining with quiet resolve.
"With great power comes great responsibility. Do what you believe is right, Peter."
The words hit him like thunder.
Peter nodded solemnly, carving them deep into his heart.
At the same time, a nervous chill crept up his spine.
Did she… figure something out?
No. Impossible. He'd always been careful sneaking out at night… right?
He stole a quick glance at her. Thankfully, Aunt May didn't press further.
She finished eating, pressed some allowance into his hand, and rushed out the door—off to her charity event.
Watching her go, Peter sighed, tidied the kitchen, and slung his backpack over his shoulder.
---
Midtown High wasn't a flashy private school for the rich, but for a public school, it had plenty—solid teachers, solid resources, solid labs.
Most of Peter's early web fluid and suit upgrades had come from those labs. Materials meant for students' use, borrowed just a bit beyond their intended purpose.
He thought about suiting up and web-slinging to class, but decided against it. He wasn't officially an Avenger, and constantly begging for resources from Stark's team didn't sit right with him.
Besides, the web formula was still his secret. If he needed more, he had to brew it himself.
And after Civil War? His reserves were dangerously low.
"Good thing I've got lab today. I'll cook up a new batch then."
Earbuds in, Peter hopped on the bus.
---
But even as the city blurred by outside, his mind kept running.
Borrowing school supplies forever isn't the answer. It's not mine. It's not sustainable. Every time, I feel like I'm stealing.
A spark of inspiration lit inside him.
What if… I started my own company? Like Stark Industries… but mine.
The words slipped out, a grin spreading across his face.
"Parker Industries."
He chuckled. "Man, that sounds so good. Parker Industries."
The idea snowballed.
Maybe, in some other universe, there was already a Peter Parker who had founded it. He'd love to meet that version of himself one day.
The excitement rose—until reality hit like a bucket of cold water.
Right now, his "lab" was nothing more than a beat-up desk shoved in the corner of his bedroom. Even the Amazing Spider-Man's hidden sewer workspace looked high-tech by comparison.
Still, he refused to let go of the dream.
Okay. Baby steps. Forget Parker Industries for now. Start with Parker Labs. Partner with Mr. Stark. Secure funding. Use it to improve my gear… and donate the rest to Aunt May's charities. Then she won't have to risk herself anymore.
The plan grew sharper in his head by the second.
Step one: Find a project that could make money.
Step two: Pitch it to Stark.
Step three: Found Parker Labs.
He clenched his fist, eyes burning.
"Tomorrow starts today, Peter. You've got this."
---
By the time his daydreams faded, he was already in school, setting his things down at his desk.
A hand clapped his shoulder.
"You've been gone two days. Where'd you disappear to?"
Peter nearly jumped out of his skin. He turned—and relaxed.
"Ned."
Ned Leeds, his best friend. A chubby Asian kid with a big heart and an even bigger love for gadgets.
Peter scrambled for an excuse.
"Uh—I applied for the September Foundation. I'm part of Stark Industries' intern program now. That's what I was busy with."
Not a total lie. If "Avengers Civil War" counted as an internship.
Ned's eyes lit up.
"Whoa, the Stark Internship?! That's insane! I'd kill to get into Stark Industries. What did you submit? What's the project?!"
Peter's face tightened. "Uh… classified. You know. Trade secrets."
Ned's jaw dropped, then he nodded knowingly.
"Ohhh, right. Commercial confidentiality. Got it."
Before Peter could change the subject, Ned fished something from his pocket—a Lego minifig. His grin stretched ear to ear.
"Guess what? My Lego Death Star finally came in!"
Peter blinked. "…Seriously?"
Ned's voice shot up with excitement.
"Lego Star Wars Death Star 10188! 3,803 pieces! Comes with Tarkin, Vader, the Emperor, droids, Luke, Leia, twenty-three minifigs total! Superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, docking bays—it's insane!"
He rambled faster and faster until Peter finally cut him off.
"Ned. Focus. What are you actually trying to say?"
Ned took a deep breath, then grinned.
"…Let's build it together!"
Peter's smile softened. "I'd love to, Ned, really. But you know—I've got the Stark Internship now."
Ned's face fell.
Peter turned away, masking his own guilt. The truth? He needed to rest tonight—because once he slept, he was heading back into the Amazing Spider-Man's world. And this time, he was hunting the Lizard.
—End of chapter—
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