Chapter 13: Promises
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Gwen followed her father back to the police station, watching as the four attackers were processed and interrogated.
The men stuck to the same story over and over again — they claimed they were acting out of personal revenge against Captain George Stacy. They insisted no one had hired them, that this was their own plan.
But Gwen knew they were lying. She could see it in the way their eyes darted nervously whenever George pressed them for details. She could hear it in the way their voices wavered when they repeated their rehearsed answers.
These men were terrified of someone. Someone more dangerous than the police. Someone they feared far more than jail time.
George questioned them for nearly an hour, but they wouldn't break. Eventually, he had them locked up and turned his attention back to Gwen.
"Come on," he said gently. "Let's go home. Your mother's waiting."
---
Dinner at the Stacy household was unusually quiet at first. Helen had prepared a warm meal — but the tension from the evening's events hung in the air like a heavy fog.
Gwen picked at her food, her mind still replaying the attack.
The way Leo had moved. The way the bullets had simply fallen harmlessly to the ground. The calm certainty in his voice when he'd told her he could handle it.
"So," George said finally, breaking the silence. "This mysterious superhero who saved you — did you get a look at him?"
Gwen hesitated. "Not really. He… he wore a mask. I couldn't see his face."
George frowned, clearly dissatisfied. "And he just disappeared afterward? Didn't stick around to give a statement?"
"He left before you arrived," Gwen said quietly. "But Dad, he saved me. He stopped those men when they had guns. He protected me."
George set down his fork, his expression hardening. "Gwen, I know you're grateful. But vigilantes operating outside the law are dangerous, no matter how good their intentions seem."
Gwen felt a spark of frustration flare in her chest. "How can you say that? He saved me. If he hadn't been there —"
"If he hadn't been there, you would have called 911 and we would have responded," George interrupted firmly. "That's how the system is supposed to work."
"But he was faster!" Gwen shot back. "By the time the police arrived, those men could have already taken me. He stopped them immediately."
George's jaw tightened. "Gwen, people who take the law into their own hands set a dangerous precedent. What happens when one of these so-called heroes decides they get to decide who's guilty and who's innocent? What happens when they make a mistake and hurt someone who didn't deserve it?"
"He didn't hurt anyone who didn't deserve it," Gwen said, her voice rising slightly. "He protected an innocent person. That's what heroes do."
George exhaled slowly, clearly trying to keep his own frustration in check. "Gwen, I understand you're shaken up. But you need to understand — I've seen what happens when people think they're above the law. It doesn't end well."
Gwen stared at her father, feeling a growing distance between them. She loved her father. She respected him. But in this moment, she couldn't understand how he could be so blind to the good that had been done.
"I'm not hungry anymore," Gwen said quietly, standing up from the table. "I'm going to my room."
Helen reached out gently. "Gwen —"
"It's fine, Mom. I just… I need some time alone."
Gwen left the table and retreated to her room, closing the door behind her.
---
Inside her room, Gwen sat on the edge of her bed, her heart still pounding. The argument with her father had left her upset, but it wasn't the only thing occupying her mind.
She couldn't stop thinking about Leo.
The way he had stepped in front of her without hesitation. The way he had moved with such confidence and precision, as if danger didn't even register to him. The way he had looked at her afterward, his eyes calm and reassuring, as if saving her had been the most natural thing in the world.
Gwen's heart beat faster just remembering it.
It was really Leo. He saved me.
She picked up her phone, staring at his contact information on the screen. Her thumb hovered over the call button.
She wanted to talk to him. She wanted to thank him properly. She wanted to hear his voice.
But what would she even say?
Gwen practiced in her head, rehearsing different opening lines. "Hi Leo, thank you for saving me." No, that sounded too formal. "Hey, so you're a superhero now?" No, that sounded too casual.
She groaned quietly and flopped backward onto her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Finally, after several minutes of internal debate, she sat up, took a deep breath, and pressed the call button before she could second-guess herself again.
The phone rang once. Twice.
Then Leo's voice came through, warm and familiar. "Hello, Gwen."
Gwen's heart skipped. "Hi, Leo."
There was a brief pause. Leo's tone shifted, becoming gentler. "What's wrong?"
Gwen exhaled slowly. "I wanted to say… thank you. If it wasn't for you, I would have been taken away by them."
Leo's voice was calm, almost teasing. "Gwen, is it just to say thank you?"
Gwen froze. "Ah… I…"
Before she could think of a new reason, Leo continued — and his next words completely derailed her thoughts.
"Gwen, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Gwen's mind went blank.
She had known, on some level, that Leo was interested in her. She had felt it in the way he looked at her, the way he always seemed to find reasons to spend time with her. And she had felt herself growing more and more drawn to him over the past weeks.
But hearing him say it directly — hearing the sincerity in his voice — was something else entirely.
Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst out of her chest.
The last time — at the coffee shop — when Leo had been honest about his feelings, Gwen had been able to stay calm. She had liked him, yes, but it had been a small, manageable feeling. Something she could think about rationally.
But now?
Now she was in love with him. Completely, undeniably in love.
And being suddenly confessed to by the person she loved left her completely overwhelmed.
"I…" Gwen started, her voice catching.
She was about to say yes — the word was right there on the tip of her tongue — when there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Gwen, can I come in?"
It was her mother's voice.
Gwen's eyes widened in panic. She felt like a little girl who had been caught secretly calling her boyfriend — even though, technically, she didn't have a boyfriend yet.
"My mother is here," Gwen whispered urgently into the phone. "I'll hang up first."
"Gwen, wait —"
But Gwen had already ended the call.
She took a quick breath to compose herself, then walked over and opened the door. Her mother, Helen Stacy, stood in the hallway with a gentle, concerned expression.
"Come in, Mom."
Helen entered and sat down on the edge of Gwen's bed, patting the space beside her. Gwen sat down as well, still feeling flustered from the phone call.
"Gwen," Helen said gently, "I know you're still in shock from what happened tonight. I just wanted to make sure you're really okay."
Gwen nodded quickly. "I'm fine, Mom. I wasn't hurt. But I'm worried about Dad. Those people must have been there because of him."
Helen smiled softly. "It's okay. Trust your father. He has a lot of experience, and he knows how to handle situations like this. He'll be fine."
Gwen relaxed slightly. "Okay."
Helen reached over and gently tucked a strand of hair behind Gwen's ear. "Also… don't be too angry at him for not liking superheroes."
Gwen looked down at her hands. "I'm not angry. It's just… I know that superhero was a good person. He helped me. Why can't Dad see that?"
Helen's expression softened even further. "Maybe he just needs a little time. Your father is a good person too, Gwen. He's seen a lot of bad things in his work, and that makes him cautious. But I think eventually, he'll understand."
Gwen nodded slowly. "Okay."
Helen glanced toward the dinner table visible through the open door. "You only ate a little food earlier. Do you want me to prepare some bread and milk for you?"
Gwen shook her head. "No, thank you, Mom. I'm fine."
Helen didn't push. Instead, she leaned back slightly and gave Gwen a knowing smile. "Well then. Since we're here, why don't we talk about that phone call just now?"
Gwen's face immediately turned bright red.
Helen laughed gently. "I may be your mother, but I'm not blind, sweetheart. You look like someone who's fallen in love."
Gwen groaned and covered her face with her hands. "Mom…"
Helen's smile widened. "It's okay. I think it's wonderful." She paused, then added, "But it would be better if you brought him here sometime. Let your father and me meet him. We could have dinner together."
Gwen peeked out from between her fingers. "You… you really want to meet him?"
"Of course," Helen said warmly. "You're my daughter, and I trust your judgment. But I'd still like to know who's captured your heart."
Gwen slowly lowered her hands, feeling both nervous and excited. "I'll… I'll need to discuss it with him first."
"That's fine," Helen said. "You decide the time and let me know in advance. I'll prepare a nice dinner."
Gwen smiled genuinely for the first time since coming home. "Thank you, Mom."
Helen stood and gently squeezed Gwen's shoulder. "Now then. Tell me about him."
Gwen's shyness melted away as she began talking. "He's… he's really kind. And he's very handsome. He's also incredibly smart — he can answer questions I don't even understand."
"He's good at fighting too," Gwen continued, her voice growing more animated. "He defeated Flash Thompson — the school bully — really easily, without even breaking a sweat."
She went on, listing quality after quality, her face lighting up more and more with every sentence.
Helen listened with a warm smile, clearly delighted to see her daughter so happy. "He sounds wonderful, Gwen. I believe in your judgment. I'm looking forward to meeting him."
"Me too," Gwen said softly.
After a while, Helen stood to leave. "Get some rest, sweetheart. It's been a long day."
"Okay, Mom. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Gwen."
Helen left, closing the door gently behind her.
---
Alone again, Gwen picked up her phone and stared at it, her mind racing.
Should I call Leo back and tell him my decision?
Or should I tell him in person?
She glanced at the clock. It was getting late.
Leo must have gone to bed by now, right?
Gwen sighed and set the phone down. I'll just wash up and go to bed early.
But just as she stood up, her phone buzzed.
A message from Leo.
Gwen's heart skipped. She picked up the phone and opened the message.
"I love you. Good night."
Gwen stared at the screen, her heart pounding all over again.
She made her decision.
She called him.
The phone rang once, and Leo answered immediately.
"Leo, are you asleep?" Gwen asked softly.
"Not yet," Leo said, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "I've been waiting for your answer. I was worried I put too much pressure on you."
Gwen's heart melted.
She didn't hesitate this time.
"Leo, I love you too."
On the other end of the line, Leo sat up in bed, unable to suppress his smile. From the first moment he had seen Gwen, he had been waiting for this.
And now it was finally here.
"Gwen," Leo said, his voice warm and genuine, "I can't wait to see you."
"Me too," Gwen whispered.
They talked for a while longer — about small things, about school, about nothing in particular. Just the sound of each other's voices was enough.
Eventually, Leo reminded her gently that it was late and she should get some rest. Reluctantly, Gwen agreed and hung up the phone.
But even after the call ended, Gwen was far too excited to sleep. She lay in bed, tossing and turning, her mind filled with images of Leo and anticipation for tomorrow.
Finally, unable to settle, she got up and went to her desk. She pulled out a sketchpad and a set of pencils and began to draw.
The image took shape quickly under her skilled hands — Leo's face, his calm expression, the way he had looked at her when he saved her.
When she finished, she stared at the drawing for a long time, her heart full.
---
The next morning, Gwen arrived at school early, practically buzzing with excitement. She walked into the classroom and looked around, but Leo hadn't arrived yet.
She returned to her seat and waited, glancing at the door every few seconds.
Finally, Leo walked in.
Gwen stood up immediately, her heart racing.
"Hi, Gwen," Leo said with a warm smile. "You don't look like you're in a good state. Did you have trouble sleeping?"
Gwen blushed slightly. "Yes. You know what happened last night — I was so excited."
Leo stepped a little closer, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "So, you greeted me normally. Shouldn't we do something else?"
The hint was clear.
Gwen's face turned even redder. She glanced around the classroom, suddenly very aware that people were watching.
Betty Brant, sitting a few rows away, stared at the two of them in shock. Leo and Gwen… are they boyfriend and girlfriend?
Then Betty's eyes shifted to Mary Jane, who was sitting quietly at her desk, her expression complicated.
What about Mary Jane?
Peter Parker, sitting near the back, also noticed. His expression was a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Isn't Leo with Mary Jane? Why is he so close to Gwen now?
What happened? Did they break up?
Peter's gaze shifted to Mary Jane, and he saw the sadness in her eyes.
Does that mean I still have a chance?
But before Peter could process that thought further, he looked back at Leo and Gwen, and his mood became even more complicated.
When Leo returned to his seat, Peter couldn't hold back anymore. He leaned over and whispered urgently, "Leo, aren't you dating Mary Jane? Did you break up with her?"
Leo glanced at Peter calmly. "It's a bit complicated. I'll find time to talk it over with Mary Jane and Gwen."
Peter frowned. A bit complicated? What does that mean?
A terrible suspicion began forming in Peter's mind. Could it be that Leo and Mary Jane haven't broken up yet? Is Leo… on two boats at the same time?
The thought made Peter's blood boil. "Leo, how can you do this? Why would you do this to Mary Jane?"
Leo sighed. "Mary Jane and I will deal with this matter. And she has no objection, does she?"
Peter felt like the ground had dropped out from under him. She has no objection? How is that possible?
He couldn't understand it. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became — but there was nothing he could do. He was just Mary Jane's classmate. Not even a close friend.
---
After school, Leo invited Gwen and Mary Jane to a nearby coffee shop. Betty decided to join them as well, curious about what was happening. Peter, unable to help himself, followed at a distance and sat in a corner booth where he could overhear.
The four of them sat down at a table near the window. Leo ordered drinks for everyone, then took a deep breath.
"Gwen," Leo began, "you know that when Mary Jane and I first started dating, it was just pretend, right?"
Gwen nodded. "I know. I won't mind that."
Leo continued carefully. "And you know that we went on a date after that — dinner once, a musical once. Nothing else. But at the end of that evening, Mary Jane asked me a question."
Gwen's expression became a little nervous. "What question?"
"She asked me to choose," Leo said honestly. "Between you and her. Who would I pick?"
Gwen's breath caught. "And… what did you choose?"
Leo looked directly at her. "I told her… both of you. I like you both."
Betty's eyes went wide. Gwen stared at Leo in shock.
"So you're a playboy," Betty said flatly. "Just like Tony Stark."
Leo shook his head. "No. I'm not like him. Tony Stark is romantic — he loves someone, then moves on to the next person. I'm not like that. I don't want to leave either of you. I want to be with both of you."
Gwen took a sip of her coffee, trying to process this. Then she looked at Mary Jane.
Mary Jane had been quiet this entire time. She had already known Leo's answer. She had been thinking about it for days.
"Mary Jane," Gwen said carefully, "what are your thoughts?"
Mary Jane finally spoke, her voice steady but vulnerable. "When I first heard the answer, I was very resistant. But I love Leo very much. When I saw you two together… when I saw you kiss him… I admit, I was very envious. And very jealous."
She paused, then looked directly at Gwen.
"But I don't want to leave him either. So… I might agree."
Gwen's heart wavered. She didn't want to leave Leo either. The thought of losing him — of watching him be with someone else while she stood on the sidelines — was unbearable.
Leo's heart raced. This is really happening.
He thought ahead — to Pepper, to Betty, to Natasha, and even to Wanda, who hadn't appeared yet.
Gwen spoke up quietly. "I have one condition."
Leo looked at her, puzzled. "What condition? I'll definitely agree."
Gwen leaned in close and whispered something into Leo's ear.
Leo's heart suddenly pounded even harder.
Mary Jane and Betty leaned in curiously. Gwen quietly told them the same condition.
Betty's eyes widened. Mary Jane blushed slightly.
Gwen pulled back and looked at Leo with a serious expression. "You must prove your ability before I can fully agree to this."
Leo grinned. "No problem. Anytime. How about Saturday afternoon? In the morning, we can visit Oscorp Industries for the school trip. Then afterward, you can all come to my house as guests. We can go swimming and relax."
Gwen thought about it. She and Leo had already arranged to meet her parents on Sunday. Going to Leo's house on Saturday afternoon seemed perfectly reasonable.
"I think that works," Gwen said.
Mary Jane nodded. "I haven't gone swimming in a while. I have no objections."
Leo turned to Betty with a smile. "Betty, what about you?"
Betty blinked in surprise. "Me too? This is your business."
"I'm just inviting you to my house as a guest," Leo said smoothly. "To swim and sunbathe. Nothing complicated."
Betty hesitated, then smiled. "Okay. Count me in."
---
And just like that, Leo's relationships with Gwen and Mary Jane had been settled.
The outcome was better than he could have hoped. And Leo was confident that soon, he would complete the final step.
After finishing their coffee, they agreed to meet at Leo's house on Saturday afternoon. Then they chatted for a while before heading home.
Peter, who had been sitting in the corner booth the entire time, finally found an opportunity to stop Leo outside.
Leo saw Peter approaching and already knew what Peter was thinking.
"Mary Jane and Gwen will both be my girlfriends," Leo said simply. "And I won't hurt them. Don't worry, Peter."
Peter stared at him, his young heart experiencing violent emotional whiplash.
"This… how is this possible?" Peter stammered.
"Why not?" Leo said calmly. "I like them. They both like me. I'll treat them well and never hurt them."
He patted Peter on the shoulder. "Goodbye, Peter."
Peter returned home feeling completely disheartened, as if life itself had lost all meaning.
---
Time passed quickly.
Finally, Saturday arrived.
It was time for the school field trip to Oscorp Tower.
Everyone in the class was required to attend. The students gathered at the school gate and boarded the school bus.
Leo, of course, drove himself — taking Gwen, Mary Jane, and Betty in his car. The sight of him leaving with three beautiful girls drew envious looks from nearly every other student.
Oscorp Industries Tower wasn't as high-profile as Stark Tower, but it was still an impressive, luxurious building.
Leo and the others got out of the car and, under the guidance of staff members, entered Oscorp Tower.
"Welcome to Oscorp Industries," a cheerful guide said.
The tour began.
The activity was, in reality, just a form of publicity for Oscorp. The tower displayed many cutting-edge scientific research products, all designed to look impressive and futuristic.
At one point, a distinguished-looking scientist stepped forward to give a presentation.
"Hello everyone," the man said. "I am Dr. Otto Octavius, and this is our latest research project here at Oscorp Industries — a nuclear energy model."
He gestured toward a large, glowing apparatus behind him.
"This model is completely different from Stark Industries' Arc Reactor. I call this design the Artificial Sun."
Leo looked at the device, under development.
"If successful," Dr. Octavius continued, "this will be a major breakthrough in nuclear energy research."
One of the students raised his hand. "Dr. Otto, Stark Industries has already created the Arc Reactor and mastered nuclear energy. Doesn't that make your research pointless?"
At this point in time, Otto Octavius was still a scientist with great ideals. He hadn't yet become the tragic villain he would one day be.
Otto smiled patiently. "Student, your statement is very wrong."
"We still know far too little about nuclear energy. The Arc Reactor is just one method of using nuclear energy — not the entirety of it. We need to explore more possibilities, more applications. Science is about discovery, not settling for what's already known."
The student nodded, looking a little embarrassed.
The group continued through the facility.
But what Leo was most looking forward to was yet to come.
The genetically modified spiders.
Finally, they reached the laboratory wing overseen by Professor Curt Connors.
Connors stood near a large display case, wearing a white lab coat. He was missing his right arm — a detail that didn't escape Leo's notice.
"Welcome, students," Connors said warmly. "I'm Professor Curt Connors, and I specialize in genetic research and regenerative medicine."
He gestured toward the display case behind him, where several small spiders were visible, each contained in individual enclosures.
"These," Connors said, "are genetically modified spiders. We've been studying their enhanced abilities — strength, speed, regenerative properties — in the hope of one day applying similar principles to human medicine."
Leo's eyes locked onto the spiders.
There it is.
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