Barry quickly returned home with Peter on his back.
"I'm so busy today. First carrying Gwen, now bringing you back. Can you two keep your romance a bit more private in the future?" Barry grumbled, munching on a box of cookies in Peter's room.
"Oh, by the way, you owe me a big meal."
Peter, wincing from the pain in his back, removed his suit and tossed a bottle of alcohol to Barry.
"Please, help me clean the wound."
Barry set the cookies aside and approached Peter, who was lying on a chair. Seeing the deep wounds, Barry winced.
"I think Gwen would be better at this. I've got no experience with delicate work."
"It's fine, just spread it evenly."
"Really?"
"Well... ouch..." Peter gasped, the sting forcing him to tense up, hands gripping the chair until his knuckles turned white, nearly passing out.
"Let's just use a cotton swab..." he suggested weakly after a moment.
"Alright," Barry replied, trying to be gentle.
Barry found a cotton swab and carefully dabbed Peter's wounds with alcohol.
"Peter, are you back?" came a voice from outside, startling Barry and making him press the swab harder than intended.
Peter winced but quickly composed himself, getting dressed to hide the Spider-Man suit.
"Yeah, one second, getting changed," he called out, opening the door to Aunt May.
"Anything wrong?" he asked, feigning nonchalance despite Aunt May's worried expression.
"Nothing, just heard about a terrorist attack near Fifty-Fourth Street. Your bus was supposed to pass there, so I was worried. When did you get back?" she asked, relieved to see him safe.
"Oh, just got back. Must've missed me when I rushed in," Peter replied, thankful the blood had been cleaned from his face.
"Is that so?" Aunt May eyed him suspiciously, catching a whiff of alcohol. "Why do you smell like alcohol? Are you hurt?"
"No, no, just spilled some. Handling it now," Peter assured, waving his hands nervously.
"Alright, be careful," Aunt May said, scrutinizing him.
"Will do!"
---
"Why do I feel like we're hiding a scandal?" Barry quipped after Aunt May left, emerging from behind the bed.
"I wouldn't date a panda, or a male panda," Peter retorted, rolling his eyes and lying back down.
"I think applying it would be quicker."
"No, no, I give up!" Peter refused, wanting to avoid the earlier sting.
---
After tending to Peter's wounds, Barry returned home to grab some ointment, reflecting on how exhausted he was. He reminded himself that Peter owed him another meal for his trouble.
Meanwhile, at Oscorp, George transported the unconscious Dr. Connors to the police station. On the chaotic streets, those infected by the lizard virus gradually returned to normal, thanks to the serum.
The crisis averted, cheers erupted along Fifty-Fourth Street.
That night became legendary, with tales of Panda Barry, Spider-Man, the Lizard Monster, and a viral threat...
For the first time, Barry's heroic deeds were on full display, his panda form etched into the memory of New Yorkers.
Daniel, clad in martial arts attire at a Franklin gym, watched the news with excitement, especially the scene of the golden halo at Oscorp, nearly causing him to jump for joy.
---
Returning home, Barry found Gwen waiting.
With the virus threat neutralized, the immediate danger had passed, but long-term recovery efforts were needed. As Manhattan's sheriff, George would have a sleepless night ahead.
Fortunately, Barry's heroics captured much of the public's attention, shifting focus away from the viral outbreak. Some even proposed erecting a statue in his honor.
The happiest person was NYC's Mayor Adams. What could have been a controversial issue with the panda had turned into a showcase of Manhattan's heroism.
Meanwhile, Washington's mayor fumed, knowing the panda was originally in their jurisdiction, while Adams basked in glory.
"You're back. How's Peter?" Gwen asked, rushing to Barry as he entered.
"He's patched up. He'll be fine after some rest," Barry replied, feeling the day's exhaustion set in.
"I won't die at least. I need a shower. I'm probably going to be paraded around tomorrow," he yawned, waving a paw as he headed to his bedroom. Given his public display, he expected a media frenzy at the police station.
Thankfully, only George and a few others knew the full story, so Barry anticipated just standing there without much to say.
In the bathtub, Barry relaxed, reflecting on the day's events. From accompanying Gwen to school, causing chaos in the principal's office, and advancing his martial arts to a perfect score, to the battles with Professor Lizard.
The rewards were substantial, thwarting the villain's plan and saving a Manhattan neighborhood, earning him a hefty five hundred points.
His sudden wealth allowed him to explore martial arts once out of reach, now within grasp. Skills in traditional medicine, calligraphy, and others awaited his mastery.
He wondered what other skills he might acquire in the future.
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