The science expo arrived quickly.
Peter Parker and his classmates attended to write a report, and Silas tagged along.
"You actually came?" Peter asked, surprised.
Silas slung an arm around Peter's shoulders. "Told you, I'm here to keep you from getting bored."
"Bored? I've got classmates," Peter said, gesturing to the group behind him, though he wasn't exactly close with them.
"Hey, Silas! You're here too?" Ned Leeds grinned, high-fiving him.
Silas smirked. "Just keeping Peter company."
"Don't worry, I've got Peter covered," Ned said, patting his chest confidently.
"Alright, students, follow me. Let's begin the tour," the teacher announced, leading the group.
Each student wore a badge with their school, class, and name. The group followed the teacher in an orderly line, starting the expo tour.
Half an Hour Later
"Okay, students, you're free to explore for the next half hour. Meet back here then," the teacher said, checking his watch.
"Uh… anyone want to check out the nuclear testing exhibit?" Peter asked cautiously.
All eyes turned to him.
"Forget it, nerdy Peter. Watch out, or you'll get radiation poisoning and turn into a monster!" Thompson mocked, laughing.
One by one, the classmates joined in, poking fun at Peter. No one wanted to join him at the nuclear exhibit.
"Sorry, man, I'm gonna…" Ned glanced at a curvy female classmate, his intentions clear.
"Fine," Peter said, shoulders slumping.
Silas nudged him. "Told you, Peter. Let's go—I'll check it out with you."
"Thank God you're here," Peter said, perking up. Without Silas, he'd have been alone.
"Let's do this." Peter pulled out his camera, ready to snap photos.
Silas nodded and followed Peter to the nuclear exhibit.
Nuclear Exhibit
"Silas, check this out!" Peter said, snapping pictures enthusiastically.
Silas gave a half-hearted "mm-hmm," his attention elsewhere. He scanned Peter's surroundings, searching for the radioactive spider.
There! Silas thought.
A spider crept toward Peter, who was oblivious, focused on his photos.
"Ow!" Peter flinched, touching his neck. He looked around but found nothing.
Silas moved quickly, pretending to tie his shoelace. His right hand darted out, snatching the spider before it could escape.
As he grabbed it, the spider bit his palm.
"Hiss!" Silas gritted his teeth, wincing at the sharp pain.
Not wanting to draw attention, he stood and asked, "You okay, Peter?"
"Ow… felt like something bit me," Peter said, rubbing his neck.
Silas glanced around. "Nothing here."
Peter twisted his neck, feeling no lasting pain. "Guess it's fine."
"Forget it. Done taking pictures?" Silas asked, changing the subject.
Peter grinned, holding up his camera. "Got 'em all. Let's head back."
"Cool, but I need a quick bathroom break," Silas said with a smile, heading off.
In the bathroom, he locked the door, tossed the spider into the Shadow Kingdom, washed his hands, and walked out.
"That was fast," Peter remarked, surprised.
Silas rolled his eyes. "Got dust on my hands from tying my shoe. Just washed up."
"Oh, right. Let's go." Peter led Silas to the meeting point.
As time passed, the classmates trickled back to the rendezvous.
"Hey, Silas, Peter! How'd it go?" Ned asked with a grin.
"Pretty good. You?" Peter replied, pleased with his photos.
Ned leaned in, waggling his eyebrows. "I asked Kate out for tomorrow. It's a date!"
Kate was the girl Ned had followed earlier.
Peter stared, stunned. "You… how'd you manage that?"
"Just talked to her. You should man up and tell Liz how you feel," Ned urged.
Ned knew Peter had a crush on Liz Allan but lacked the courage to act.
"Maybe next time," Peter mumbled, glancing at the blonde, blue-eyed Liz.
Liz was chatting with friends when she felt someone watching her. She turned, catching Peter's gaze.
Peter quickly ducked his head, adjusting his glasses.
"What's up, Liz?" a friend asked, following her line of sight.
"Nerdy Peter? Got a thing for him? He's such a brainiac," the friend teased, her tone mocking.
Liz shook her head. "As if I'd like a nerd like him." She turned back to her conversation.
Peter waited a moment before whispering to Silas, "Is Liz still looking?"
"Nope," Silas said, exasperated.
Peter lifted his head, relieved to see Liz wasn't watching.
"Phew," he sighed.
Ned nudged him. "Peter, you gotta stop this. Look her in the eye next time."
"Next time," Peter said dismissively.
Ned sighed. As Peter's best friend, he knew his shy nature all too well.
Half an Hour Later
The teacher returned. "Alright, students, that's it for today's expo. I expect excellent reports from all of you."
"Ugh," the class groaned, except for Peter, who was unfazed. Silas, not even in their class, groaned the loudest.
"And Silas," the teacher added, eyeing him, "I've spoken to your teacher. Your assignment is the same report. Due Monday."
"No…" Silas muttered, his head throbbing.
As the group dispersed, Ned invited Peter to keep hanging out.
"Thanks, Ned, but I'm feeling a bit dizzy," Peter said, rubbing his temple.
"Need a ride home?" Ned asked, concerned.
"I'm good, I've got Silas," Peter replied gratefully.
Silas felt a faint dizziness too, but his enhanced physique made it less noticeable.
"Don't worry, I've got him," Silas said, grabbing Peter's backpack.
"See ya," Ned said, waving as he left.
"Bye," Silas called back.
Silas helped Peter home.
"Aunt May, I'm heading upstairs to rest," Peter said, leaning on Silas as he climbed the stairs.
"Okay," May replied, puzzled. "You boys look exhausted. Rough day?"
"Yeah, ran around a lot," Silas explained, guiding Peter upstairs.
In Peter's room, he collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep instantly. Silas, hit by a wave of drowsiness, shut Peter's door and stumbled to his own room to crash.
As they slept, their genes began to subtly mutate.