"It's nothing serious — just minor scrapes," May said gently, examining Peter's bruises before looking back at Karl. "Why don't you come home with us? You saved us. At least let me thank you properly… and Peter needs some medicine."
As she spoke, she studied the black-haired, blue-eyed young man before her. There was something unusual about him — a quiet, mysterious aura she could not quite define.
Karl glanced up at the darkening sky.
"It's getting late. I wouldn't want to intrude," he replied.
"It's no trouble at all," May insisted with a warm smile. "You have to try my apple pie."
Peter tugged excitedly at Karl's sleeve.
"Big brother, please come! Those moves you did were amazing! Can you teach me someday?"
…
"Alright," Karl said at last. "I'll walk you home."
He had intended to visit their home anyway — though under very different circumstances.
He was also curious whether Uncle Ben still lived in this timeline. The man's words — with great power comes great responsibility — had shaped Peter Parker's entire life.
Karl did not necessarily agree with the philosophy.
But he could not deny its impact.
…
Peter's eyes lit up the moment he saw Karl's motorcycle.
"Can I ride it?! Please?!"
Karl chuckled. "Sure."
May sighed helplessly at Peter's excitement — but moments later, she found herself climbing on as well.
Because Peter was small, he sat carefully in front, perched near the fuel tank while wearing Karl's spare helmet.
May sat behind Karl.
With the tank occupied, she had no choice but to wrap her arms around his waist for balance.
As her hands settled, surprise flickered across her eyes.
Solid muscle.
Karl noticed but said nothing.
The engine roared to life.
As the motorcycle accelerated, inertia pressed May forward. Her chest bumped softly against Karl's back, and she instinctively tightened her hold.
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
After the terror she had just experienced, the warmth and steadiness of his presence brought an unexpected sense of calm. She rested her forehead lightly against his back, feeling strangely safe.
…
Their home was only a few minutes away.
May reluctantly released him and climbed off.
Karl lifted Peter down, parked the motorcycle, and followed them inside.
The house was modest but warm and inviting. Thoughtful decorations and careful arrangement gave it a comforting atmosphere.
Karl could only think: This suits Aunt May perfectly.
"Peter, come here," May said, kneeling with antiseptic ointment. She treated his bruises before sending him off to play.
"Give me a moment," she said, tying on an apron. "I'll make you my best apple pie."
Karl watched with quiet interest. Her mature elegance, gentle movements, and homely domestic warmth gave her a unique charm.
"By the way," Karl said casually, "is your husband home?"
May paused slightly.
"No… he passed away," she replied softly. "He was an electrician. There was an accident at work…"
"I'm sorry," Karl said sincerely. "I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."
"It's alright," she said, regaining her composure. "You can sit here, or go upstairs and keep Peter company. I'll be done soon."
She turned toward the kitchen.
Karl's expression remained calm.
He had asked intentionally.
Learning she was alone stirred complicated thoughts within him — though he kept them buried beneath a polite exterior.
…
A few minutes later, Karl excused himself to the bathroom.
Once inside, he summoned two shadow ninjas.
"Search Peter Parker's room," he whispered. "Retrieve any locked briefcase hidden under the bed or nearby."
The shadow figures dissolved into darkness.
Karl waited in silence.
Moments later, they returned.
One carried a dust-covered black briefcase.
Karl opened it.
Inside were documents and sealed materials labeled:
Spider Serum Research
His eyes sharpened.
So it truly existed.
He stored the case inside his system space and dismissed the ninjas back into shadow. Since the Bullseye attack, he kept a reserve of shadow ninjas concealed at all times, ready to intercept threats instantly.
He returned to the living room as if nothing had happened, sipping the drink May had left for him while waiting.
Twenty minutes later, the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filled the air.
May brought out a fresh apple pie and cut him a slice.
Karl took a bite.
Warm, sweet, perfectly balanced.
He finished the slice quickly.
May smiled at his reaction. Few things pleased her more than seeing someone enjoy her cooking.
"This is the best apple pie I've ever tasted," Karl said warmly. "Thank you, May."
He had learned her name during their ride, and she knew his.
"I'm glad you like it," she replied. "And thank you again for tonight. If you hadn't come—"
"It was nothing," Karl said. "Still, try to stick to main roads after dark. This area isn't always safe."
"I will. Thank you… Karl."
"You've thanked me enough," he said with a faint smile. "This pie more than covers it. I should be going."
"I'll walk you out."
They stepped outside together.
Karl mounted his motorcycle.
May hesitated.
An unfamiliar emptiness stirred within her as she watched him prepare to leave.
Perhaps it was gratitude.
Perhaps it was the lingering sense of safety she had felt riding behind him.
Or perhaps it was simply that Ben had been gone for too long, and she had grown used to facing the world alone.
Having felt security again,
she found herself reluctant to see it disappear.
…