I’m Not Becoming Spider-Man - Chapter 52: Spider on the Wall! (Patreon)

“Mmm...”

Gwen woke in a haze, sat up, and stretched. She felt incredible, almost as though she'd just been born again.

The only problem was the unpleasant stickiness coating her skin. She rubbed an arm and came away with a layer of slimy residue. Alarmed, she hurried into the shower.

Watching the grime wash away, Gwen had the distinct impression that her body had changed. Was her skin a little smoother now, too?

Every room in Harley's apartment building had its own bathroom. Gwen emerged from hers feeling wonderfully refreshed, with only a towel wrapped around her.

“Oh, you're awake, Gw...” Peter had just opened the door when he caught a flash of bare, pale skin. He shut it at once.

Gwen froze for half a second before crouching and hugging herself, her face heating up.

Peter knocked again, patiently this time. “I brought you breakfast, Gwen. Are you feeling better today?”

“I think so...”

“Good.” He opened the door a crack, pushed the breakfast tray inside, and shut it again. “If you're feeling better, I'll head back to school. Call me if you need anything.”

“Mm...” Gwen waited until the hall went quiet, then got up, locked the door, and collected her tray. There was fresh toast, a plate of sliced fruit, crisp reddish bacon tucked into the toast, and a delicious buttery smell.

She dressed before eating. Between bites, she tried to work out what had happened to her.

Yesterday she'd taken down several criminals in spectacular fashion. Then there had been that heartfelt “thank you.” Just remembering it made her smile. She flopped onto her bed, hugged her blanket, and giggled as the highlights of the fight played over and over in her head.

How cool had that been?

Still, something was definitely strange about her now. And how exactly had she managed to stick to a wall?

Gwen examined her hands, then the wall. She walked over, pressed her palm against it, and started climbing with her hands and feet.

It was ridiculously easy.

She went all the way up to the ceiling, then released her hands and hung upside down.

“Whoa...”

“Oh, and Gwen, I left lunch on the table. Don't forget it,” Peter called after knocking twice more.

THUD! Something fell inside the room.

“Gwen? Everything okay?”

“Uh... Fine! Everything's fine! I got it! I'll come over this afternoon!”

“Okay.”

Peter shrugged as he walked away, relieved. It looked like Gwen really had become Ghost-Spider. That was good news, provided she learned to use her powers responsibly.

Which meant Uncle Ben truly was safe now.

Peter himself might be the one at risk, but that was manageable. If he stayed away from trouble, how could he possibly end up becoming the Lizard?

Harley was a different matter. He couldn't help wondering whether she might still turn into a junior Green Goblin.

I'll pay more attention to her mental health from now on. She doesn't seem to have any problems at the moment, at least.

Heading downstairs, he ran into Quentina as she opened her door to take out the garbage.

“Good morning, Miss Beck.”

“Oh... Just Quentina is fine, Peter.”

She looked as though she hadn't left her apartment in ages. Her hair was a tangled mess, and the shirt she'd thrown on seemed to be losing a fight with gravity. Her shorts looked several sizes too small, digging into her skin. Perhaps she'd been wearing them since her school days. Or perhaps she'd simply put on weight.

Sitting indoors all day without exercise could certainly do that. And now that he was closer, he noticed a peculiar smell.

Quentina caught him staring and blushed, though she said nothing. Wasn't being stared at a sign that she still had some charm?

“Heading out?” Peter asked.

“Just taking out the trash. Are you only leaving for school now?”

“Something held me up today.”

“I see...” Quentina often slept so soundly that she didn't wake until noon. No wonder she never crossed paths with the students on their way to school.

After lunch she'd have to tackle her outsourced visual-effects assignments. Only when those were finished could she work on her personal projects. It was inconvenient, but keeping busy had stopped her thoughts from spiraling. She was earning some money again, too, although she still struggled with how little it was compared with her former salary.

At least she was finally getting a fresh start.

“By the way, Peter, do you have any free time soon?”

“I'm free tonight. Why?”

“Could you come to my apartment this evening?”

“Uh... Before I agree, I'd like to know what this is about. I really don't want...” Peter edged sideways.

“What kind of woman do you think I am?!” Quentina flushed.

“Sorry, sorry!”

“Then you can make it up to me by coming tonight.” She stepped closer and fixed him with an expectant look.

“Fine.” Peter sighed. “Though I was hoping you were about to pay your rent.”

“If that's what you want...”

“No, no. Focus on earning some money first. And...” He scratched his head. “Maybe take a shower? How long has it been since you gave this place a proper cleaning?”

“Uh...”

“I am coming over tonight, right?”

“Mm-hmm...”

“I don't know how long you'll be living here, but I'd rather not walk into a complete mess.”

“I understand...”

After taking out the garbage, Quentina watched Peter leave and cautiously sniffed her arm. Did she really smell that bad? Oh God. Had she just made Peter dislike her?

Back in her apartment, she surveyed the clothes strewn everywhere and scratched her head. Perhaps it really was time to clean.

...

“What on earth happened to me?” Gwen had just performed several push-ups on a single finger. There was no denying it now. Her body had undergone an incredible transformation. Did she actually have superpowers?

Like Batman?

No, wait. Batman didn't have superpowers.

But she clearly did. She was stronger, tougher, and much more sensitive to everything around her. She could even climb walls.

Almost like... a spider?

Gwen flipped down from the wall. She was different from everyone else now, but what should she do with this power?

She sat on the bed, rolled over, and felt something digging into her. Picking it up, she found the latest issue of the school newspaper. Batman still graced the cover.

“Hmm... Batman, Batman... If he's a bat and I'm a spider, then I must be...”

Spider-Woman!

Yes! Power brought responsibility. She would become a superhero, just like Batman!

She would fight criminals and restore peace to the world! This was her destiny!

And honestly, that incredible move she'd pulled off yesterday, followed by someone thanking her, had made Gwen feel wonderful.

Being thanked sincerely was addictive.