"It's okay, but since Spider-Man has some business, I'm staying in today," Barry said, turning back to his task of grinding ointment.
"Huh? You're not going out today?" Gwen asked, surprised.
"Yeah, why?" Barry looked at her with curiosity.
"I invited a classmate over today, and I was worried he might find out about you," Gwen admitted, a bit embarrassed.
"You always make it sound like a dramatic love triangle," Barry quipped, rolling his eyes. "It's alright if he finds out. Just ask him to keep it a secret for now. Besides, the newspapers are already buzzing about me being here."
Gwen sighed, thinking about the increasing number of reporters camped outside the apartment, "These reporters have sharper noses than bloodhounds."
"Well, maybe thanks to me, you'll make a memorable mark in history," Barry said with a playful wink.
"I hope it's not too heavy of a mark!" Gwen shrugged, smiling.
"Gugu..." The owl suddenly hooted.
"What is it saying now?" Gwen asked, petting its head and turning to Barry.
"It wants fish. I remember there's a small one in the fridge. No one will miss it, so let's give it to the owl."
"I really don't get why it doesn't eat mice," Barry muttered.
"We don't have mice here," Gwen shivered at the thought of mice, then carried the owl to fetch the fish.
---
The owl's message was about Peter, whom Gwen had invited for dinner. So, tonight's patrol was off.
Barry welcomed the break after many tiring nights.
After feeding the owl, Gwen opened the window, letting it fly off, and eyed the porcelain bottle on the desk with curiosity.
"Does this stuff really work?"
Barry glanced at her, "Why not try it on a bruise and see?"
"How about you try it first?" Gwen retorted, amused by the suggestion.
"I'm a panda. Want to abuse me?" Barry feigned indignation.
Gwen chuckled, unable to argue with that.
"The ointment isn't ready yet. Once it's heated, the ingredients will blend, and it'll work wonders," Barry explained, picking up the porcelain bottle and heading to the kitchen.
"You're covered in fur—don't burn yourself. Let me help," Gwen offered, eyeing Barry's plush figure with concern.
"No, it's tricky to control the heat precisely. I can handle it," Barry insisted, entering the kitchen.
As they entered, Mrs. Stacy glanced up from her cooking.
"Barry, what brings you in here? Did you smell the lemon bass?" she teased, standing by the oven with oven mitts.
"No, Barry made something and wants to heat it on the stove," Gwen quickly explained. So far, Barry only spoke in front of Peter and Gwen, preferring silence with others. George was an exception, given the circumstances.
"I heard you've been buying herbs. Have you made something? How does it work?" Mrs. Stacy asked, eyeing the porcelain bottle Barry held.
"Maybe he learned it online," Gwen shrugged. "Pandas from the Dragon Kingdom might have a knack for herbs."
"That's amazing!" Mrs. Stacy marveled.
While Barry heated the ointment, Mrs. Stacy watched with interest.
---
It didn't take long to heat the ointment. Once done, Gwen and Barry left the kitchen.
Back in the bedroom, there was a sudden knock at the window.
Barry and Gwen turned to see Peter, backpack slung over his shoulder, crouching on the fire escape.
Seeing him, Gwen's eyes widened. She glanced at Barry, understanding his earlier disappearance.
Barry nudged Gwen to open the window quickly.
Snapping out of her surprise, Gwen hurried over to open it.
"Hi!" she greeted warmly.
"Hi!" Peter replied with an awkward, shy smile.
"How'd you get up here?" Gwen asked, puzzled.
"Climbed the fire escape. Your doorman is intimidating," Peter admitted.
"This is the 20th floor!"
"...Well, it's fine," Peter said, climbing in and surveying Gwen's room with interest.
Gwen worried Peter might be startled by Barry's presence, but Barry had already slipped out of the room.
"This is your room?" Peter asked, taking in his surroundings.
"Yeah, this is my room."
"Books... and shoes..."
Watching Peter's awkwardness, Gwen laughed.
---
Meanwhile, Barry left them to their moment and wandered into the living room.
"Barry? Not sleeping tonight?" George, reading the newspaper, noticed Barry's presence. Usually, Barry would be resting by now, with food deliveries from Chef Charlie handled by Gwen.
Barry shook his head, setting his pasta dish on the table.
Mrs. Stacy emerged from the kitchen, carrying a dish of fish.
"Lemon bass. Fetch Gwen for dinner, and see when her friend arrives," she instructed.
Seeing Barry, George remembered Gwen's friend and pieced things together.
"I thought it was late, but he's already here," he muttered, setting the newspaper aside and heading to Gwen's room.
"What's up?" Mrs. Stacy asked, noticing his change in demeanor.
Intrigued by George's reaction, Barry quickly followed.
When they arrived, George was eyeing Peter beside Gwen with mild awkwardness.
After a long silence, George finally spoke.
"Are you Peter?"
"Dad, this is Peter," Gwen interjected, breaking the ice.
EXTRA CHAPTER IS AVAILABLE IN PATREON
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