Author's Note

This is inspired by "Family til the End" by HandAssassinSpider-man over on = If you have not read their stories I highly recommend it.

Having it said that, it is not for children.

Okay so I have to confess, I used to read comics when I was younger, mostly Marvel, Spider-man and Wolverine have always been my favorite.

I stopped around the time of "One more day"

Not completely because of what they did to Peter and MJ, but it didn't help.

Don't even get me started on Superior Spider-man.

So after I read 'family til the end' I wanted to do something, similar.

So I started to read Civil War II and tried to make since of it. Secret Empire was equally as bad.

Sorry - Rant over

So this story will touch on a couple of my other stories. Cause the spider-verse.

Characters might be different then in the comics - again thank you spider-verse. ;-)

Not part of my 3 mothers or black widow and her wolf spider universe... but they are mentioned

BEEEEEP "Mr. Parker there is a Nancy Rushman asking to speak to you, even though she doesn't have an appointment."

'Nancy Rushman... why does that name sound... oh yeah, that's been a while.'

"That's fine, please send her in." Peter said pressing the intercom button at his workbench. He stood up to move towards his desk. He rolled down his sleeves and put his suit jacket back on.

Not that it mattered to the woman currently walking in the room. Since she's more used to seeing him in his other more tight-fitting suit.

Peter watched the woman remove her wig and take off the photo static mask to reveal the famous face and red hair of Natasha Romanoff the black widow and avenger.

Peter took a moment to admire her beauty 'always did have a thing for redheads' before he reached over and pressed a button that blocked out all ease dropping be it electronic or telepathic.

"How may I help you Ms. Rushman?"

Natasha gave just a barest hint of a raised brow as a show of surprise. While they don't interact much, she detected a hint of hurt in his voice.

Peter was quick to correct himself. He held up his hand. "I'm sorry Ms. Romanoff that was rude of me. Especially since I have your group to thank for keeping my protégé out of protective custody," Peter said the last words with an open disgusted. "Am I correct in assuming that you are here to ask for support since I made it known to all parties to keep me the hell out of it."

When she nodded, he continued, "The only thing that ever comes out of this is the bad guys get free reign to do what they want. I'm too busy to be spending so much time in my other 'suit' trying to contain the chaos."

Peter took a deep breath, his body still aching from last night's run in with several villains, but nobody died so he counts that as a win.

Peter opened his side drawer. Placed his thumb against the hidden scanner and a very soft beep was heard as another drawer opened. Peter reached in to pull out a remote looking device with two buttons and a few lights. He placed it on the desk in front of Natasha.

He smiled at her confused look. "That is a remote for opening the portal to the pocket dimension I created to place things in that I want to keep out of reach of others."

With a second surprised look, Peter gave a tired laugh. "Yes, I know it's hard to believe that I am that smart... well I can't claim all the credit. Several of us Parkers worked on it."

"You have heard of the multiverse." when she nodded, he continued. "Well long very complicated story short. There is something called the web of life and destiny and Peter Parker from world 616 is the center of it, while we other Parkers are pillars so to speak. Julia Carpenter, Jessica Drew, and Miles are also part of it. Most everyone that uses spiders as their power basis are part of it."

Peter stopped talking, he knows he rambling. He bites back the urge to sigh again. He's not surprised that while in the company of the woman currently sitting in front of his desk, he reverts back to the same unsure, insecure kid he was in high school.

He still has feelings for her, not just, because she's beautiful, but he got a glimpse of her softer side, if ever there was one.

Too many years ago, before he was with MJ. Hydra attacked Natasha and caused her to lose her memory of being Natasha Romanoff black widow.

She took on the personality of Nancy Rushman a quiet, unassuming schoolteacher.

It was when Hydra found her that Peter in his alter ego found them, at the time he didn't know what was going on.

He rescued her and was shocked at how the woman he knew to be one of the most unshakable and deadly women on the planet cling to him.

He was able to get her situated and let her stay in his place. She was utterly fascinated, by Spider-man and Peter Parker.

They spend time together; Peter found himself helping her regain her memories and falling for the woman. Conflicted knowing that when she regained her memories, she would leave.

Which is what happened.

Once she regained her memories, she told him that while Nancy may have fallen in love with him, she had not and had fought too hard for her independence to give it up.

Peter wished her well and left it alone.

Eventually he got together with Mary Jane and they have been on again and off again ever since.

This last time is the last.

He still cares for her, even still loves her, as she does for him. But they have grown too far apart.

In part thanks to that bastard Otto but it was just the final nail, after so many times she's been kidnapped or otherwise used against him.

They can't justify the danger he's very presences puts her in. So, he set her up with a new life and they check on each other every now and then.

The few times Natasha and him had to team up, he rarely thinks about those old feeling

Peter almost wishes she hadn't used that name, even though he understands.

Peter's company has dealings with SHIELD and he's not naïve. He knows they have at least one spy in his company.

She is currently persona non grata due to her fellow avengers standing against the authorities in this latest stupid superhero temper tantrum.

Plus, he has been feeling melancholy, since he regaining his body from Otto, and felt kind of irritated at the other heroes for not noticing sooner, how out of character he was acting.

As if, she read his mind, which would not surprise him in the least. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to notice what had happened sooner. I understand now what that drawing was when we last talked. Spider-man's mask with an octopus. I wish I had understood it better. I know what it's like to... not be in control."

Peter waved his hands as if push it away. "Don't worry, there was several others who were closer who should have noticed but didn't, it's not like we had a relationship." Peter stops, Natasha is an expert at reading people, and as much as he's already vented, he doesn't want to say any more.

Some things he would like to keep to himself.

However, based on the way she has slightly tilted her head, he's once again an open book to her.

Heaving a deep sigh that he finds himself doing more and more.

He gets up and walks to the bench. "I just finished these, for you. New widow bites, I was able to get the specs from Stark when I was working for him. I added a little extra charge per shot, and a quicker recharge. Also, there is another idea I'm working on, a compressed form of knock out gas, nonlethal but should be effective. I might have a working prototype for you soon. The pocket dimension already has a few crates in it with improved equipment and what supplies I think you guys need, for everyone I know of on your team, except Stark." Peter didn't miss the way her mouth twitched up just slightly.

"If there is anyone I missed or someone new joins. Just make a list and put it in there. Okay so top button is open bottom button is close... I know it's simply, also if you hold the button until the yellow button flashes then it will alert me, I need to check it. There are only two ways into the pocket dimension, your remote and my remote. The green light that's on, lets you know that something is in there. So, when the crates get removed the light will go off. So just put the list inside and I'll know. None of the equipment has my company's name on it and nothing that should be able to be traced back to my company." Peter walked over to the window to look out.

He's not really seeing anything; he just needs to do something. "Of course, there are only so many people you guys can go to, so while I'm sure everyone will 'know' who gave the equipment and supplies to you; nobody will be able to prove it."

"What about Carol?"

Peter found himself giving another deep sigh. "I still care about her, but this thing, this quest or whatever she's on, it's not right. I can understand wanting to be in control. But she should know better. The absolute faith she's placing in those god damn visions doesn't make sense. She wants to change them, stop the bad stuff from happening. I can understand that, but the almost fanatical way she and her team is treating them is just wrong. I get that Rhodey paid the price and Jennifer may never be the same, but... I don't know."

Peter looked back at the woman still sitting in front of his desk. "So, no as much as I care for her, I can't in good faith join her, that was even before this latest vision. I fully expect a visit from someone asking if I know where he is. So as much as I'd like to make sure he's okay. I'm trusting you, Ms. Romanoff to keep him safe."

Peter turned back to the window. Fully expecting Natasha to leave since she has what she needs.

In fact, when he heard her get up, whisper quiet to anyone without enhanced senses. He closed his eyes and bowed his head, then took another deep breath.

He soon realized that the door never opened and he can hear her heartbeat standing next to him.

Her scent, he took a slightly deeper breath to take it in. It is something that in all the time he's known her, he still has not been able to fully describe. The times they teamed up, underneath the sweat, blood, gunpowder whatever else might be around there is her scent.

He always feels calmer, whenever he detects her scent.

When she spoke, it was quiet and gentle, and more of a balm for him then he cares to think about. "Peter, please call me Natasha. We're friends. I will make sure he's safe. I'll also see what I can do to get some of the others out on the streets to take the burden off your shoulders. Have the experienced one's team up with the newbie and keep to the shadows. I'll even take Miles out myself; make sure he's properly trained." Natasha said ending with a smirk.

Peter looked over and gave her a small smile of thanks. "Try not to break him too much; I'd like to have him back in one piece."

"No promises." Natasha just looked at him a little longer. "What's really bothering you, in regards to me?"

"What might have been." Was all he said.

"Oh, I guess using that name didn't help."

"It's okay that was the best way to let me know who you were without alerting other parties. And truth is it's just a combination of a few factors. Otto, MJ and I are through, worrying about my people. As soon as I regained control one of my first thoughts was to dissolve the company, I didn't want anything to do with what he created. But I realized that the tens of thousands of employees are my responsibility and I can't do that to them. Plus, it is nice to not be living paycheck to paycheck."

"You are a good man Peter."

"And they finish last." He said quietly.

"Maybe at first, but if I've learned anything. In the end we all want the good man." Natasha said, surprising herself. Maybe it was seeing a friend hurting, maybe it was those old feelings she could never got rid of. Not that she tried very hard.

Peter tried not to read to deeply into what she said. However, he has long since proven just how reckless he can be. "And what about you? Do you want to end up with the good man?"

"What I said before still holds. She and I are not the same..."

"See, that's not true. If you had not lost your memories, I could easily buy that you were playing a role, but the fact that you didn't know who you were says that Nancy Rushman is a part of you."

Natasha knew that, and had held out some hope that he didn't. Deep down, she does care about him. It's hard not to. The man has an even stronger moral compass then Rogers, and an Iron will that few can match. Combined with him being one of the smartest people in the world makes him one of the legends. Spider-man's name is said in the same breath as the likes of Wolverine, and Captain America, even if he would never think it.

So how could she not care about him? He has always treated her with the upmost respect. When she lost her memories, and was living with him. He never took advantage of her, even though Nancy wanted him to.

No, she doesn't think she's good enough for him. She has been and always will be a monster, for her sins.

Peter watched the emotions cross her face; in a rare move, she shows them openly. He turned to her; he very gently, very slowly, placed his hand on her shoulder. He maybe Spider-man but she is still the Black Widow. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yes, just thinking."

"I can tell, may I ask, what about, I'd say given our current topic it's about me or maybe you and I."

"No, not right now, I need to figure out what I'm thinking before I can say."

"Take your time; I don't plan on going anywhere."

"Tell me about the Inhuman? Beast and Johnny asked you, to train him, right?"

"Yeah, before the craziness, because I guess nobody else can teach him or something. Ulysses is a good kid, who wants to do what's right. The problem is not only that those 'visions' can be open to interpretation, but also you can create the problem you are seeking to prevent, self-fulfilling prophecies. Not to mention the chances of his powers being used for bad are off the charts. He's not the problem, Carol unfortunately is. Like I said, I would be all for stopping the next big bad, but we run the risk of making that next big bad."

Natasha thinks to herself, 'leave it to him to cut through all the bullshit. I wish some of the others would stop and listen to what he has to say.'

After a short time of actual comfortable silence, that would seem out of the ordinary for the world-famous wall crawler standing next to her. If she had not understood that, his quips and jokes are more of a mask now than ever before.

"So, what prompted you creating this pocket dimension? Seems a big project for simple storage."

"We... the Parkers that is, created the technology because it helps when those with enhanced senses have a sensory overload. No better place then somewhere you can control the light and noise to help settle your senses. Being able to use it to make one of the most secure storage room around is just a bonus."

Peter takes a breath and quietly asks Natasha something he's wanted to ask her to do, since he came back. "I uh would like to hire you and possibly Jessica Drew to do a job when this latest temper tantrum is over." Peter said looking over at Natasha.

"I'm going to guess; you don't want to have someone eliminated." Natasha said quirking a smirk when Peter looked unamused at her. "So, you want a spy… Corporate espionage?" She said not showing her surprise she wasn't expecting him to go that route.

"Uh, in a manner of speaking. I need you to look…" that was as far as Peter got before Natasha finished for him.

"…You want me to look into your own people. Given the nature of the way the company was started that's prudent. See if there are any surprises put in place from the previous… tenant" Natasha said with a smallest hint of relief, that in spite of everything he's still staying true to himself.

Yet she also feels sadness for someone she considers a friend. Someone she can admit, at least to herself that she cares about, when the look of pain that flashed across his face, whenever he's reminded of what he is still trying to recover from.

"I've been known to be that way, at least once, every few years." Peter said with a smile that didn't even come close to reaching his eyes.

Natasha found she has missed his smile, his… light, so much as happened recently. She would never tell him this but the few times they team up, he lightens her mood. Brightens it for lack of a better term.

"I will look into it. Was there anything you specifically want me to pay attention to?"

"No, nothing personal wise has triggered anything. You will find that several of my people are former villains, I hired them not just because they are good at what they do, but they deserve a second chance."

"Your capacity to forgive is staggering."

"Yes, I know that it could come back to bite me, it did pretty recently. But if they don't get a chance then we will just continue to fight. Don't get me wrong, I know this won't work for everyone. There has to be a genuine desire to be better. I have to try, frankly I'm tired of fighting them over and over again so if I can help to break the cycle I have to try." Peter said looking Natasha in the eyes.

She can't help but wonder if he's including her in a subconscious way. She has been doing what she can to get the red in her ledger wiped out.

Peter unaware of Natasha's internal wondering continues, "I've been spending time going through the database to remove surprises or traps."

"Would you like me to check as well?"

"I have someone else whose specialty is computers from… let's just say out of town."

"Anyone I know?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Her name is Peni Parker and she is well me in another universe. She's from the future and Asian, and well female." Peter quirked a smile at the look of surprise on Natasha's face. He has to keep from laughing aloud at how much emotion she's showing, the woman whose life is keeping her cards close to her chest.

"I could break you." Natasha said without any real heat behind her words. She is happy that his mood has lifted.

"Whatever you say Ivan Drago." He has the first real bright smile in a while.

That made Natasha feel better and, made his gentle teasing worth it.

"If you would like sometime, I could take you to meet a few of them… it'll be your worst nightmare, a room full of different versions of me. Well there are other people as well. A few different Jessica's and Miles." He looked at her with a smirk growing. "There are even a few versions of you there."

That almost more than anything else said shocked her. "What, me?!"

"Yes, there are at least a couple of universes where Natasha Romanoff has spider-powers."

"Oh, wow, well I have sometimes wondered how your abilities would work with my particular set of skills." Natasha didn't wince at the choice of words, but it was close.

She sees him about to make a joke and shot him a glare, which usually works.

Peter who knows when to stop pushing the most beautiful and deadly woman on the planet. Just keeps his mouth shut not, that she can't see the amusement, in his eyes.

Eventually he does say when he knows he won't laugh. "Actually, there was an assassin spider. I don't know the details but he was very good at his job. What little I gathered is that he was Peter Parker with spider powers, he went into black ops and trained extensively with his Logan, he was even able to beat the black widow."

"You said was, is he dead?"

"Yes, there was a group of extremely powerful beings that like to feed on people with Spider totems. Uh those people with spider-powers. Like myself, Miles, Jessica and. Julia. They were like, stupidly over powered. It took large number of us spider people to win and by then we had lost, way too many brothers and sisters." Peter's face became pained again, thinking of all the different people… family they lost.

Natasha gave into her impulse and cupped his cheek brushing her thumb along his cheekbone. Which he unashamedly leaned into it. It didn't last long, before she removed her hand and stepped away.

Peter just gave her a sad smile and whispered "Thank you." Before the room lapsed back into a comfortable silence.

"I would like to meet these people. What is this room you mentioned?"

"It's an uh meeting hall, room, place... where we gather. We have started to pool resources. Those of us with Parker Industry help the others with material or finances. Those of us with a science specialty like Peni helps with creating stuff. We even have a council of sorts. Made up off different spider people not just Peter Parker. We learned a lesson from the Illuminati and the council of Reeds. This is in the beginning stages and there are very few that are fully on board with the idea. We hope that will keep it under control."

Peter paused then looked over at the beautiful woman added. "I'm sorry I know this is a lot more then you expected. You should take off soon. My senses are starting to go off. I suspect I'll have company, shortly."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I am surprised but that's not a bad thing. However, if your danger sense is starting to go off, shouldn't I stay and help?"

"No, it's not that I'm in danger just that someone I care about... she is potentially in danger. If I'm reading it right."

"You know she can take care of herself."

"I know she can, better than anyone else I know, but I'm still going to worry about her."

"I'll head out, but I'll be back... shut up, I know what I said..." she can't help the small smile, as his face lite up again when she inadvertently said the famous quote. "...Another day so you can show me this place. Until then take care of yourself or I'll come back to do it for you."

Peter smirked, saying. "As you wish."

Natasha just smirks then leans up slightly and whispers, "I saw, the Princess Bride too."

She gives a quiet laugh when Peter with a shocked look, blushes almost red enough to match her hair color.

"I didn't… I don't, I mean…" Natasha put her finger on his mouth to stop him.

"Peter stop now before you get any more behind."

Peter just nods with her finger still on his mouth. She saw him frown, and felt him twitch slightly. Suddenly he looks up.

He reaches over to turn on the roof camera, to show Carol Danvers in full uniform lightly land on the building's roof. Peter heaved a sigh knowing that their time together right now is over. "You should go. Miles also knows how to operate the remote. Also, right now only you, Miles and Jessica can work it, security feature. I'll see you."

Natasha unhappy, that their time was interrupted. This, little playful flirting they were doing, was the most fun she's had in a while.

She leaned up again and brushed another kiss on his cheek.

Then whispered back. "You will see me again. However, knowing Hill, you will be under surveillance for at least a while. So, it'll be a while, but I will see you later. Who knows maybe I'll put a love letter in there for you." She finished smirking again.

Peter knowing, he may very well be taking his life into his own hands. Slowly put his arms around her and gave her a tight hug. He gave a slight breath of relieve when she put her arms around him. He dropped his face down to take in her scent one more time.

Then knowing she will only allow some much he slowly steps away and whispers "Thank you."

She was surprised when he hugs her, but that is just how he works. She would be lying if she said she didn't like it. She just looks him in the eyes seeing that some of the pain he's been carrying has lessened that made it all worth it. "You're welcome." she then turned and put the mask back on and the wig getting ready to make her escape.

She listened as Peter sat back down at his desk and connected to the earpiece Carol has on. He calls her she sees out of the corner of her eye as Carol looks at whose calling and connects the call.

"Col. Danvers, how may I help you?"

"Mr. Parker I was hoping I could speak to you for a few minutes."

"That's fine, the elevator to your left will take you to the level my office is on."

They both watched as Carol moved over the elevator put there just for this reason.

Peter ends the call, as he looks back at Natasha almost not recognizing her. "Be safe out there okay?"

Natasha gives him a smirk that is almost a smile saying, "Please, look who you're talking to. Don't worry I'll see you soon."

She steps out of the door and move to the stairs to head down to another level before going the rest of the way down the elevator.

Peter, takes a deep breath, he turns off the anti-ease dropping mode. Then he stands and walks to his door opening it as Carol steps out of the elevator. Carol heads towards him. She smiled at him, as he welcomed her into his office.

She took the same seat that Natasha had just been sitting in a short time ago.

Peter moved back around to sit at his desk. "Now, Col. Danvers how can I help you?"

"I understand this might be a delicate situation but I was hoping you could put me in touch with either of the Spider-men."

Peter sighed quietly to himself. "Frankly Col. Danvers I've already heard from the elder Spider-man he has told me about this latest so called 'vision' I am less then comfortable with helping you."

Carol's smile dropped. "I was afraid of that. I understand your concerns. I don't relish this duty. However, it is a duty I must do. Have you been in contact with the younger Spider-man?"

"No, I have not seen nor been in contact with the younger Spider-man in several days." Peter said calm and even.

Carol studies him, trying to see if he's lying. Then she sighs knowing she can't read him, but with no evidence to say otherwise she will take him at his word. "I understand that this isn't the best time, but I need to know that Parker Industries will continue to honor the agreement with SHIELD."

Peter doesn't allow his flash of anger to show. Instead, he keeps his face steady and calm. "I am a man of my word. Parker Industries will honor the agreement to the letter. In return, I would like you to convey a message to your boss. Please tell Director Hill to stop trying to hack into my company's servers and please remove the spy she has planted here. I am aware of who they are and while I understand, they are doing their job I do not appreciate, the fact that they are here."

Peter leans forward to make sure he has Carol's full attention, continuing. "Please also remind your boss that our agreement has a clause against such actions and thus far, I had not pushed the issue. I am well aware of how both former director Fury and current director Hill operate. However, given the recent changes, if the agreement is not followed by both sides then the other will have no choice but to pull out."

Peter paused; he knew that Carol would be less than happy being reminded that Hill is her boss. Peter does feel bad for her; he does still care about her.

They have had a rocky relationship over the years but they have weathered a lot together, in the end Peter still cares for and respects her.

"Also please let her know that I'm aware, due to my close connection to both of the Spider-men that she will attempt to keep me under surveillance. While I can't stop you, I can make it harder to do. So, for the sake of your friendship with the elder spider-man, fair warning I'm almost as hard to track as he is. And equally as allergic to it."

"I'll be sure to forward your messages to her." Carol said trying not to let her anger get the best of her. She does understand where he's coming from. She was as shocked at the vision, as he seems to be. Given the close nature of Peter Parker and both Spider-men, she can guess Spidey is going to be equally as unhappy.

She can't fault Mr. Parker for pushing her buttons about Hill. She should not have brought up the SHIELD agreement. She will also heed the advice given to her about avoiding any kind of surveillance duty of Mr. Parker.

She knows how hard it is to track Spider-man, she might even see if she can get Hill to back off.

She then added getting ready to leave, she can't do anything else. "May I say first, I apologize it was inappropriate for me to bring up the agreement. You and your company has always been honest and very accommodating."

Peter waved his hand way again like before. "Apology accepted. I understand your thinking. And if it was any kind of offensive weapons, I would stop, but since we supply defensive and none-weapon supplies that save lives... my ego is nowhere near as important as those agents' lives."

"You are a good man Mr. Parker." Carol said suddenly. She had always wondered why Spidey was connected to this man. She knows Spidey's a smart man under that mask.

However, having spent this short time conversing with Mr. Parker she can tell he is equally as good a man as Spidey.

Farther more, she finds herself having to keep from being too relaxed around him. It is or was the same way with Spidey. As she spent more time with him, it was easy to relax and not be so professional.

She doesn't know why she fought against the feelings so hard. Now with them being on the opposite sides of this issue. She doesn't see how they can come together.

Story of her life shoulda woulda coulda. Maybe someday, if this doesn't blow up in their faces, she will actually ask Spidey out on a date.

"I just do my best to follow the example set for by the elder Spider-man." Peter decided to stop this conversation before he slipped up and said something to cause her to figure out just how close Peter Parker and Spider-man really are. He started to pack up his desk for the night.

Peter stopped remembering something. "How is Ms. Walters? Spider-man told me that she was badly wounded. And on top of her cousin… I can't imagine what she's going through."

Carol looked down, the pain and guilt visible on her face. "She's not doing well. Too many blows, but she's still alive. How do you know her?"

Peter didn't take offence to the question he knows as well as everyone that Carol has been Jennifer's friend and this is hard for both of them. "I know her through the elder Spider-man and she did some legal work for my company. She is someone I respect and care for. As well as her cousin. Not only was Bruce Banner a scientist idol to me, but I was lucky to have collaborated with him on a couple of projects a while back."

Carol winced at the mention of Bruce Banner and felt the need to defend her actions. "What happened..."

Peter held up his hand and stopped her. "I don't need to know, I watched the trial, but since it was brought up. Let me ask you something. Do you know what a self-fulfilling prophecy is?"

Knowing where this is going Carol still nods her head instead of trying to change the subject or leave.

"So, do you think if you had not shown up at his lab with half of SHIELD and almost every superhero in the book, that he would be dead now?" Peter's voice doesn't get louder but it did get colder.

"I, I don't know."

Peter bites back the urge to press the verbal attack. He let out a deep sigh. "Look Col. Danvers believe or not, I do have the utmost respect for you. Spider-man told me just a little of what you have had to go through and I know you are strong. I also know that Spider-man cares for and respects you too. But this… group temper tantrum. It's bad for everyone, except the bad guys."

Peter stopped to let what he said sink in. then after a minute continued. "So, I'm guessing Ulysses said 'Hulk is going to kill you all.' And instead of you and maybe Stark going to calmly talk to him you take the entire fifth division and put him on edge as well as break his trust by looking at his work. All that caused him to be worried scared… but he wasn't angry. Of course, that doesn't matter to some people. That about cover it?" Carol looking up, the guilt still painfully clear on her face, she nods. "I'm sorry, I know you didn't intend for it, but your actions made it happen. You and Hill are just as responsible as Barton, for the death of Bruce Banner."

Carol looking on the verge of tears just quietly says, "You're right."

Peter whose heartaches at how much Carol is in pain, he gets up walks around his desk he gently places his hand on her shoulder.

Peter and Carol just stayed like that for a while Peter wondered if he should offer her a hug. She was never the type to get a hug that he's seen.

But this isn't a situation they've been in before.

He does reach for a box of tissues that he's not even sure where it came from. He holds it out to her. Carol grabs a couple of sheets and wipes her eyes.

She looks Peter in the eyes and can tell he's not done talking. She lifts her head steadying her nerves, "go on."

Peter gives her a small smile, as he gently squeezes her shoulder in pride that she's still standing tall. "I want to ask about this vision of the younger Spider-man and Captain America? Did you see him actually kill Rogers? Do we know if it is in fact the younger spider-man and not someone else in a costume, for that fact do we know if it's Steve Rogers and not someone else? Do we know when this is supposed to happen, tomorrow… next year… 10 years from now? I have only heard a few details but it sounds like you all are inferring a lot of information without all the facts. So, let's say you take him into protective custody."

Peter can't help the disgusted that briefly showed on his face before wiping it off. "How long do you plan to hold him… cause without a time frame. How will you know the danger has passed? You won't until either one of them is dead."

Peter paused to let her mill over the words before, asking even more tough questions. "Let me ask you something else… what if Ulysses had seen you, instead of the younger Spider-man? What would you have done then? Would you voluntarily surrender? You don't have to answer me. But at least think about that."

Peter moved back around his desk and finished shutting down for the night. "Like I said I have the utmost respect for you and what you've endured and overcome. But what you're doing goes against just about everything I stand for, so I have a request, as callous, as it may sound."

Carol just nods for him to continue.

"I would prefer any contact between my company and SHIELD continue to come through Ms. Morse. As she is the liaison between the two. Until then I bid you goodnight Col. Danvers. I would wish you luck but I can't this time." Peter said, and couldn't hide his surprise when Carol actually looks hurt when he said it.

Carol worked to school her facile features as best she could. "I understand and I appreciate your honesty. While I can't say I am a fan of the situation. I am glad to finally make your acquaintance." Carol said getting up from the chair and putting her hand out to shake his.

Peter shook her hand briefly and then walked her out of the office. He watched her walk to the elevators.

He is proud of how she stands tall. He wishes they could be on the same side like the last time they had a group temper tantrum. She was one of the few people he wouldn't have had a problem with knowing his secret. At least before the current events.

Now he's glad she doesn't know who he is.

He waited until she flew off. Then headed back to his workroom to work on his equipment and Natasha's new widow bites. The a few hours later, he slipped out of the building losing the surveillance his Spidey sense detected.

He went to one of his safe houses and changing he went out to patrol he noticed a drop in the crimes he noticed several places the crime had been stopped before he got there.

So, he finds the surveillance watching his building.

Not the visible one. No, he ignored that. He found the hidden one and laid on the hood outside on the vehicle waiting to see how long it would take them to notice.

It took far longer than he was expecting. By then he had already wave to several people walking by. Eventually one of the agents looked out the front window and started to cuss. Spidey waved coyly at them, he smiled underneath his mask.

He could hear the agents contacting their boss. Soon enough the door opened and one of the agents hesitantly handed a phone to Spidey.

He took it, "Yello."

"Spider-man what are you doing?"

"Ah very special agent Hill... I was just looking for a warm place to stay. I can't go home now since you guys are trying to watch me."

Hill bite back the urge to say 'director hill' knowing that was one of the ways he gets under people's skin. "We are looking for the younger Spider-man we..."

Peter's voice dropped all joking tone and went cold. "Hill, I'm only going to tell you this once. Leave me and mine alone. I will not allow my family to be made an example of. And I can tell you that Peter Parker feels the same way. I'm sure you don't care but he's more powerful then you or I so the choice is yours. Call off your people or deal with the fallout."

Peter stopped and listened to Hill pull up a copy of the agreement. "Look as fun as this isn't. Pull your spy, stop trying to hack the servers of Parker Industries, and pull your surveillance and leave my protégé allow. Or I will be forced to take drastic measures. Also, you might find that the recording system you're using is having trouble with this conversation."

Peter actually felt no joy, when she hung up the phone. He handed it back to the agent standing next to the vehicle. "Hey, man I'm sorry we had to do this, I've been a huge fan of yours for years."

"I understand. I know you guys are just doing what you need. I hope you don't get into too much trouble."

The other agent stuck his head out of the window. "We've been recalled. Spidey, it is good to see you again."

Spidey got up gave his two-finger salute, and climbed off the car leaping up to the top of the building and watched as both surveillance vehicles drove away.

He got a message from an unknown number. That was kind of stupid, but funny. Kid says hi. Take care of yourself Rocky.

Peter looked around but didn't see any movement. He headed back to the safe house to change back and head to his apartment. He made himself a dinner and then watched a little bit of TV news and a show that caught his attention. He then headed to bed.