I’m Not Becoming Spider-Man - Chapter 36: We're Friends! (Patreon)

The gap wasn't especially wide, but Mary Jane still nearly failed to catch Gwen. Gwen scrambled upward while Mary Jane pulled with everything she had.

On the other side, Philip staggered toward them, an axe in his hand and fury in his eyes. He watched Gwen climb away and raised the weapon.

“Oh God, hurry, Gwen! Hurry!” Mary Jane tugged desperately, but Philip was already drawing back his arm to throw the axe at them.

“Dad, don't!” Mary Jane screamed.

Philip froze. The hand wrapped around the axe handle trembled.

Mary Jane hauled Gwen the rest of the way up, and both girls collapsed in an undignified heap inside Peter's bedroom. Philip never threw the axe.

Mary Jane immediately slammed the window shut.

“Uh, wow... Mary Jane, you really should call the police. Look at him! They could put him in prison for something like that.”

“There's no need. I'm moving out anyway.” Mary Jane shook her head.

“But your things are still over there.”

“Then he can keep them. I don't care anymore. I'm starting a new life.”

“Hey, girls, I heard a commotion. Everything all right?” Peter asked as he came upstairs.

“It's fine. You know how it is.” Mary Jane waved a hand. “I'm certainly not going back. I think I still have a few outfits here.”

“Okay. But if something comes up, tell me. I'm always here for you.”

“I know,” Mary Jane said quietly. “I've always known.”

...

In the end, Mary Jane took little more than clothing and everyday necessities. Peter was a different story. He moved his entire workshop into the apartment, equipment and all.

Tools weren't cheap in this area. He had paid for his collection by mowing other people's lawns, repairing cars, and taking whatever odd jobs he could find.

By the time everything was unpacked, Peter couldn't bear the thought of lifting another box. He had already dropped Mary Jane and Gwen off on the way.

“Oh, Peter, I'm hungry,” Harley said from nearby.

“Okay, okay.” Peter hauled himself to his feet. “I'll make you something. Actually, do we even have anything in the refrigerator?”

“Uh, I think so? Should I ask someone to bring more food over?”

“Forget it. We'll eat lunch downstairs and take a look around the neighborhood while we're out. Sound good?”

“Sure.”

“Besides, I know you've been looking forward to my cooking. Let's hit the supermarket this afternoon, and you can choose whatever you feel like eating.”

“Honestly, everything you've cooked has been delicious,” Harley replied. “I'll enjoy whatever you make.”

“Then you'd better hope I don't serve Stargazy pie tonight.”

“Um, what's that?”

“A pie with a bunch of fish heads sticking out of it.”

“Oh... God.”

They went downstairs, found a pizza place for lunch, and wandered along the street afterward.

“Hey, Peter, wouldn't you like some new clothes?” Harley asked when she noticed a clothing store.

“I think I've got enough.”

“Come on, everything you wear is old and worn out. You need a few new things.” She smiled. “Don't worry about the money. I'll pay. Just pick something you like.”

“I really don't need...” Peter protested, but Harley had already dragged him inside. A sales clerk hurried over to greet them.

“Let's see. What about this?” Harley held up a white wool shirt covered in the kind of patterns hippies loved.

“Too loud. People would probably harass me if I wore that.”

“Don't be ridiculous. You think girls will start bothering you just because you put on a different shirt? Here, try it. And this one, too!”

She pressed a pair of loose blue jeans into his hands and pushed him into a changing room.

Peter emerged a little later looking surprisingly fashionable, with a faintly wild, party-going air. He looked like someone who spent his nights drinking and working the turntables.

Harley took off his glasses and topped the outfit with a hat.

“There! You look amazing, Peter. Seriously cool.”

“It's not me. This outfit draws far too much attention.”

“But you're handsome. Why go out of your way to hide it?” Harley asked.

Peter reclaimed his glasses. “There's something to be said for being ordinary, especially when so many stars are about to shine. That's not the time to make yourself stand out.”

“Stars? What stars?”

“Give it a year. Maybe just a few months.” Peter shrugged. “New York won't stay this peaceful.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Pretend I'm joking. Anyway, I'm changing back.”

“Just keep that outfit on! You can throw away those ancient clothes. And hold on, try this one before you go.”

“God, Harley. Don't tell me you're going to act like those girls.”

“What are you talking about?” Harley grumbled. She was a girl, wasn't she? Just because she didn't dress like one didn't mean he could stop treating her as one.

That was completely unfair!

“All right, all right. I'll try it, but you really don't have to buy me anything. I've got plenty to wear.” Seeing her irritation, Peter reluctantly headed back into the fitting room.

Harley had done quite a lot for him, after all. The least he could do was indulge her a little and make her happy.

After putting up with a whole round of outfit changes, Peter found himself carrying several shopping bags. He wasn't so shameless that he'd make his wealthy benefactor carry them, too.

“Aren't you buying anything for yourself?” he asked.

“Me? I've already got more clothes than I need. Let's figure out what we're eating tonight instead.”

“Beef Wellington, a vegetable salad, hazelnut sardines... What kind of soup would you like?” Peter asked.

“Wow, you've already planned the whole meal?”

“I'm just making preparations. We can change whatever you like later. The menu isn't set in stone. How about clam chowder? And we could pick up a cake for dessert.”

“That sounds good. Could we have a roast chicken, too?”

“Sure, if that's what you want. If you mean a whole turkey, though, we definitely don't have enough time today. Even the chicken will take some work. We should grab snacks and drinks as well. We'll need them for tomorrow's party.”

“Good point. Let's fill the fridge,” Harley agreed. “Actually, we'd better go back and get the car. I didn't expect to buy so much.”

“I really should have kept my mouth shut...”