Chapter 3 – Two Roads Diverge
The smell of toast and slightly over-brewed coffee filled the Parker household, carried down the narrow hallway into the small bedrooms where the two brothers still lingered in bed. Ethan was the first to stir, stretching his lean frame with the kind of discipline that came from training. The muffled clatter of pans downstairs told him Aunt May was already busy, and Uncle Ben was probably trying—and failing—not to sneak an extra piece of bacon before breakfast.
He slipped out of bed, dressed quickly, and padded toward the kitchen.
"Morning, champ," Uncle Ben greeted with a mock salute, spatula in hand. "Glad someone here remembers breakfast doesn't eat itself."
Ethan smirked and grabbed a mug for coffee. "I'm not the one who needs to be dragged out of bed with a cattle prod."
As if summoned by insult, Peter stumbled in, hair sticking up like he'd fought a tornado. His glasses were crooked, shirt buttoned wrong, and his backpack looked like he'd packed it blindfolded.
Uncle Ben arched an eyebrow. "And here we have Exhibit A."
Peter groaned, collapsing into a chair. "It's too early for comedy."
Ethan slid a plate of toast toward him. "It's almost eight, genius. Not exactly dawn patrol."
Aunt May appeared with eggs, setting them down gently before tapping Peter's shoulder. "Eat, sweetheart. You've been looking pale lately."
Peter muttered thanks, already stuffing toast into his mouth. Ethan caught the faint excitement in his younger brother's eyes, though. Ever since the Oscorp trip and the bite, Peter had been… jittery, restless, like energy was burning under his skin. Ethan knew why, but for now he kept quiet.
"Big day at school?" Uncle Ben asked casually, sipping coffee.
"Science project presentations," Peter mumbled, trying to sound normal.
"And dodging Flash Thompson," Ethan added, earning himself a glare from Peter.
"Now, now," Uncle Ben chuckled. "Remember what I always say—don't start fights, finish homework."
Ethan grinned. "Pretty sure you've never said that in your life."
"I say a lot of things," Ben shot back with mock indignation. "One day you'll both realize I'm a fountain of wisdom."
May kissed his cheek. "A fountain that leaves socks on the floor."
The kitchen filled with laughter, and for a moment it felt like the world outside didn't exist.
---
Midtown High
By the time they reached school, Ethan had fallen into his usual rhythm—quiet, observant, the reliable older Parker. He blended easily, never the center of attention, content to watch.
Peter, on the other hand, looked like he was vibrating out of his skin. His eyes darted everywhere, his steps quick. Ethan almost laughed; Peter was dying to test his powers again.
"Hey, Parkers!" Gwen Stacy's voice cut through the hallway noise. She strolled up, books in hand, blonde hair pulled into a neat ponytail. Confident, bright-eyed, effortlessly charming. She'd known Ethan since middle school—back when he'd helped her carry a mountain of science fair supplies across the street in the rain. Since then, their friendship had been steady.
"Morning, Gwen," Ethan greeted, adjusting his bag.
She gave Peter a polite smile before focusing on Ethan. "You ready for that history project? Because I refuse to let my grade tank if you suddenly decide to vanish into 'responsible big brother mode.'"
Ethan raised a brow. "When have I ever flaked?"
She tapped her chin theatrically. "Let me check the list… oh right—never. Guess you win this one."
Peter rolled his eyes, muttering, "I'll just… uh, go to class," before scurrying off.
As he left, Gwen smirked. "Your brother's been acting weird lately."
"You have no idea," Ethan said under his breath.
They walked together toward class, their conversation easy, full of little jokes and nudges. Gwen teased him about being too serious, Ethan countered with sarcastic remarks. It felt natural—comforting even.
At lunch, the three of them ended up at the same table. Peter picked at his sandwich, lost in thought, while Gwen leaned in to whisper conspiratorially to Ethan.
"So, when do you finally get a job? You'd be terrifying as a tutor. Imagine you just staring at some poor freshman until they solved algebra out of fear."
Ethan chuckled. "Not a bad idea. Pays better than flipping burgers."
Peter suddenly perked up. "Hey, actually, the Bugle pays for freelance photos. I was thinking—"
"Peter," Ethan interrupted smoothly, "you hate crowds."
"I… I can get over it."
Gwen arched a brow. "Bugle, huh? Not bad. You'd make a good photographer, Peter."
Peter flushed red. "Y-yeah, maybe."
Ethan bit back a smile. He already knew where this road would lead, but he wasn't going to spoil it.
---
After School
The day blurred by. Gwen waved goodbye with a cheery "Don't forget our study session tomorrow, Ethan!" while Peter practically sprinted out the doors, mumbling about "extra credit lab work."
Ethan sighed. Subtlety was not Peter's strong suit.
Instead of following directly, Ethan took his time, walking home slowly. He passed by shops, thought about job listings pinned on bulletin boards. Money. He needed some kind of income if he wanted to stay independent, even while helping his family. Martial arts tutoring was the obvious choice—he could mimic techniques perfectly—but it might draw attention.
Low profile, he reminded himself. Normal life, unless there's no other choice.
---
The Parker Home
That evening, the house smelled like roast chicken. Aunt May hummed in the kitchen while Uncle Ben set the table. Ethan carried plates, watching as Peter slipped in through the back door, hair windswept, cheeks flushed with excitement.
"You were at the library, huh?" Ethan said dryly.
Peter froze. "Uh—yeah! Books. Love books."
Uncle Ben chuckled, not pressing. "Glad someone in this house is still a scholar."
They sat down to eat. Conversation drifted from school gossip to neighborhood news. Ethan and Peter traded quiet jabs under the table, Gwen's name popping up once or twice, much to Ethan's embarrassment.
After dinner, Ben leaned back with a sigh. "You know, boys, life's funny. You spend all your time chasing after things, then realize the important stuff was right here." His eyes softened. "Family. Responsibility. Taking care of people when they need you most."
Peter shifted uncomfortably, the words striking a chord. Ethan glanced at his uncle, then at his brother, recognizing the weight of the moment.
Ben caught Ethan's look and smiled knowingly. "Don't worry. You'll both figure it out. Just remember—choices matter. Every one of them."
Ethan tucked the words away.
---
Nightfall
Later, while the house quieted, Ethan watched from his bedroom window as Peter slipped out into the night, a backpack slung over his shoulder. The thrill of testing his powers was too much for his younger brother to resist.
Ethan sighed, pulling on a hoodie. If he falls off a roof, May will kill me before the pavement does.
From the shadows of Queens, Ethan followed at a distance as Peter stumbled through his first clumsy swings between buildings, laughter echoing in the night.
And though Ethan stayed hidden, a smile crept onto his face. Two brothers, two different paths—yet bound by the same truth.
With great power…
He glanced up at the stars.
…came great responsibility.
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✨ End of Chapter 3