Tuesday night, Peter had his weekly dinner with his Aunt May.She listened to his story about the photos of the Fantastic Four, and was delighted to hear about his full-time job at the Bugle. They were drinking tea after dinner when a knock came to the door. May answered it, pretending surprise, even though she knew who it was.
Peter came to his feet, and tried to keep his cool as Mary Jane came into the room. She was returning some fabric patterns she had borrowed, and Aunt May, of course, invited her to stay. Sitting in the only chair, she knew that Mary would have no choice but to stand, or sit next to Peter.
They made some small talk, as may got up, and went to the kitchen to start some more tea. Mary looked as good as ever, and Peter told her his news, about the job and the bonus. And his finally having a car. But he was surprised at the almost cold replies she gave him.
Mary Jane had been thrilled when she heard about the photos earlier in the day. Just about everybody was talking about them. And seeing Peter here was a pleasant surprise. She was finally admitting to herself that it was a mistake to break up with him. The last 3 months, she had not been able to go on any dates, turning everybody down. When somebody would ask, she would think about Peter, and just did not have the heart.
She sat next to him, then felt a cold chill as she caught a glimpse of the side of his neck. He was wearing a turtleneck sweater, even thought it was a little warm for one. Then she saw the dark red mark just inching above the collar.
A hickey! Here she was, unable to bring herself to see anybody else, and here was Peter, with what had to be a huge hickey! Well, obviously their break-up was not bothering him! She felt cold inside, and tried to imagine who "she" was.
They chatted for a while, but she could give little more than one or two word replies. When Aunt May returned, she finished the tea, then made a quick exit, saying that she had to get ready for a shoot in the morning.
However, Mary Jane only drove for a block, before she pulled over to the side of the road and cried. Mentally kicking herself for giving him up, then obviously loosing him. "Well, at least one of us is getting some" she thought, realizing that for her, it would be another lonely night of masturbation before she could fall asleep.
The remainder of the week passed in a blur for Peter. Working for the Bugle was a welcome change. Going out for shoots of accidents, political events, fires, and whatever Robby assigned him to. And instead of crawling and swinging through the city, his nights were full of making love to Selina.
On Saturday morning, the two of them left to walk to the gallery. Dr. Francine Kelly was very nice, and gave Peter a great interview.She even posed for several photos, including one holding the priceless Golden Cat. There was even one with Selina holding the cat.
By this time, she was loosing confidence in the decision to steal it. Peter noticed something wrong during the shoot. He continuously got warning signals, growing stronger as the shoot and interview progressed. Dr. Kelly mentioned that the Cat would be moving the next day, because there were several people that would want it in their collections.
"You see, just as in my story, there are some that believe it possesses special and magical powers. Some cultists have been trying to buy it, but the Egyptian government does not want to sell it. And at least 2 attempts to steal it have been stopped. I only hope that nothing happens, or there will be hell to pay, diplomatically."
Peter decided to make it an early night, and stick around after the gallery closed. After all, it was no secret that the Catwoman was well known for stealing things associated with cats. What better prize for her than this. And the "Good Samaritan" role may be just an act to throw people off-guard, before she makes her big heist.
During the interview, Selina lost all desire to steal the cat.It was lovely, but she realized that the heart had gone out of wanting to possess it solely for herself. After all, something that lovely should be shared by all.
Her resolve crumbled when Dr. Kelly let her hold it for several pictures by Peter. "That is enough" she decided. "After all, these pictures will be forever. I will just keep that."
However, Peter complained of a migraine headache, and left for bed in his apartment shortly after they got home. After sitting bored at home for a few hours, she got dressed, and left for a little night prowl.
Without realizing it, she headed towards the gallery. She sat on top of the bank, looking in where she and Peter had spent most of the day. A warm smile crossed her face. But suddenly, a figure flew in from the darkness. What appeared to be a robot landed in the middle of the street, raised his hands, and blasted the front of the gallery!
Without quite realizing what she was doing, she dropped to the ground, and headed in that direction.
Peter changed into his costume, then headed towards the gallery.He took up a spot on the roof, and settled into what could be a long night. Stake-outs were normally not his thing, but he made an exception this time.
After a little over an hour, his spider sense went crazy.Something was about to happen!
He got a sick feeling as a dark figure in a cape landed, then blasted the front of the gallery in. Dark body armor, with a cape, and slits for mouth and eyes. This was one person he had hoped never to have to fight again, especially alone.
"Thulsa Doom! What are you doing?" he yelled, swinging down to the street. He crouched between the mad monarch and the gallery, crouched so as to leap at any moment.
"Ahhh, Spiderman. Be advised, not to interfere with Doom. I must have that cat, it possesses a power that I must have. Step aside, or I will destroy you."
Then a barrage of blasts forced Spiderman to scramble for his life. Blast after blast kept him moving, allowing no time to make a return shot himself.
"Oh boy, and I thought this would be a dull night!" Spiderman thought. "Where are the FF, Superman, or the United States Marine Corps when you need them!"
Suddenly, the barrage stopped, and he saw Doom sprawled on the ground, a black shape behind him. His blood turned cold when he realized that the figure was Catwoman! Oh great, now I have 2 villains to fight!
Catwoman had heard of Doom, and knew that she was no match for him. But the sudden appearance of Spiderman made her rethink. From what Peter said, maybe she could work with him, and save the statue.
The Webslinger was on the defensive, as she slammed into the back of the unsuspecting Doom. Spiderman gave her a double glance, and she yelled out "Relax, I'm on you're side. Just help me protect the cat."
Spiderman shot a large stream of webs at Doom's face, knowing that obscuring his face was about the only way to slow him down. That armor was strong enough to rip through his webs as easily as he could rip through a real spider's web.
For 10 minutes, the battle raged like that, a stalemate.Spiderman and Catwoman would dodge in, take a slash or blow, then fade into the darkness. Doom would try to hit one, but would be hit from the side or behind by the other. Clearly, they were not winning. But both were hoping for reinforcements.
Finally, they arrived. Another armored figure dropped into the center of the street, and blasted Doom, knocking him into the wall of the bank. This red and yellow armor was definitely friendly however.It was Iron Man.
But Doom did not move. Iron Man walked over towards the fallen foe, as Spiderman and Catwoman did the same. They saw Doom's head on the sidewalk, and sparks coming from his neck.
"It's a robot" Iron Man said. "I should have known. I heard about the battle on the Police Radio, and came as fast as I could. If I did not see it with my own eyes, I would not have imagined this. The world's most famous cat burglar and Spiderman taking on Doom. But what you two lack in brains you make up for in courage. If not for you wearing him down, I could not have caught him off-guard like that."
Both Spiderman and Catwoman thanked him, then Iron Man suggested they leave quickly. "I know what happened, and what you did. Rest assured, the authorities will know what you two both did here. But you are both wanted as criminals, and should not be here when they arrive.Now go, quickly."
Spiderman wrapped his arm around Catwoman's waist, and cast a web, lifting her up and away, leaving the battleground behind them, and heading towards a local warehouse he knew of.
Catwoman was amazed that she was still alive! Not only had she helped defeat the infamous Doom (well, a robot of doom, but close enough), she had also met Iron Man, and was now swinging through the night with Spiderman!
She felt real good also, the best she had in a long time. "I actually feel better than if I had stolen the cat" she thought, as Spiderman set her on the roof of a warehouse, then stood next to her.
"OK, talk. What were you doing there? I find it hard to believe it was a coincidence."
"I have to admit, it was not. I had seen the cat earlier, and had a feeling something would happen to it. I have retired as a criminal, and wanted to see the cat would continue to be seen by the public. It is to beautiful to be kept in a private collection. It should be shared by all."
Spiderman knew she was telling the truth. He was sensing no deception, and no danger from this woman. He leaned back against the wall, and said "Is that why you have been acting the way you have been lately? Stopping the burglary and the like?"
"Well, yes and no. To be honest, I did intend to steal the cat at first. But then I changed my mind, and decided that it is best I help protect it instead of stealing it."
"And what about the criminals you slashed? I admit, it does get your point across, but that can do more harm than good. Scaring is more like something The Punisher would do, and you do not want the rep that psycho has."
"Well, the first time was when they were stealing from me. As for the other night, I saw that punk breaking into the house, and just had to do something. When he tried to shoot me, I had to slash him to protect myself."
"OK, OK. I see your point. But why New York? What was wrong with Gotham City? Why come here?"
"Well, let's just say it was a relationship problem, and leave it at that. But I think I need to go back. This town is pretty well covered with heroes, and I do not think I am needed. However, I may just pop back from time to time."
Catwoman reached out, and placed one hand on his arm. Spiderman felt a tingle as she did so, realizing for the first time that she looked good under that black leather costume.
"We made a good team, you and I. With practice, we could be devastating. If you ever want to think about teaming up, give me a call. Or if you need help. I think it is time I grew up, faced my responsibility, and stopped running."
Spiderman was surprised when she gave him a phone number. "It is my private voice-mail. Secret, and anonymous. Feel free to call, for any reason. Especially if you ever make it to Gotham. We might go and see some of the night life."
With that, she slipped into the darkness. Spiderman let her go, then spent 30 minutes wandering around to unwind, before heading home.
When she arrived home, she took a quick shower, then packed the saddlebags. She wrote out several checks, for the gas, electricity, phone, cable, and rent. More than enough was written to cover the bills for at least a year.
Selina wiped a tear from her eye as she wrote a short note to Peter. She hated to do it, but as she had said, it was time to grow up, and face what she had been running from.
Dear Peter,
Please do not take this wrong, but I need to leave and go back to Gotham. I have been running away, and it is timeI faced what I am running from. You are a great guy, and this has nothing to do with you. I will always treasure our time together.
Take care of Shadow, and I am sure you will see me again. I am still renting the apartment, so keep an eye on it for me please. You never know when I might pop by again.
Love, Selina
P.S. Give that Mary Jane girl a call. I can tell you miss her, and you should give her another chance. You never know, she might miss you just as much, but is afraid to show it.
After taping a key to the note, she slipped it under his door, then walked down to the street. Latching down the saddlebags, she started the bike, warmed it up, and rode off into the night again.
As she left town, she thought. Spiderman, Batman, Bruce, Peter.2 Heroes, 2 men, and 2 towns. And all were amazingly like her in many ways. But she knew that Bruce and Batman were one and the same.
"Wouldn't it be funny if Peter and Spiderman were the same? That would be the largest ironic joke in the world."
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