Ultra Responsibility (My Hero Academia X Spider-Man Reader)

Issue 9 - Dual Destinies

I had never felt so out of place in my life. The moment we stepped into the restaurant, I knew I didn't belong. The ceilings stretched higher than some buildings in Queens, chandeliers bigger than Aunt May's entire apartment glittering overhead. Every table was filled with pros in suits and gowns, the kind of people who looked like they belonged on TV, not in the same room as me. I was so busy staring that I didn't hear Norman the first time.

"Mr. Parker?" His voice cut through like a blade.

"Huh?" I blinked, snapping back to the table.

Norman chuckled, adjusting his sleeves as if he'd been humouring me all along. "I asked if you'd been here before. This restaurant prides itself on serving heroes, opening its doors to pros once a year as a gesture of thanks. I'd assume your uncle would have been invited."

I shook my head quickly, stuttering. "N-no, Uncle Ben... he wasn't about that. He always said he didn't need fancy dinners as a thank you. Knowing the people he saved were safe, that was enough for him."

Norman chuckled again, low and sharp. "Of course. There's no bound the Parkers won't go to in sticking to their principles. I respect that." He slid his napkin across his lap with practised grace. "Order whatever you like, Mr. Parker. It's on me."

I looked down at the menu and nearly choked. Prices higher than the monthly rent, if May ever saw this bill, she'd faint. The fanciest I'd been to was the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet with her, where you could drown in fried rice for fifteen bucks. This? This was another world.

My eyes flicked nervously to Norman's security team hovering in the back before I blurted, "Um... when's Harry showing up?"

"He'll be here soon," Norman brushed off with a smile too calm, too practised. He tapped the menu. "Might I recommend the seafood platter? I know the fishermen personally—these fish were caught fresh this morning. Or perhaps the Wagyu beef. Harry's favorite."

I laughed nervously. "I'll... take whatever comes."

Norman gestured for a waiter and ordered for both of us. Two dishes. Only two. My stomach tightened, but I kept quiet.

The food still hadn't arrived when Norman swirled his wine, eyes never leaving me. "Tell me, Mr. Parker, how is U.A. treating you?"

I shrugged. "It's a learning curve. Still settling in, really."

"Hmm." He adjusted his cuffs again, calm as ever. "I hear your punctuality is already under question."

My head snapped up. "What?"

Norman smirked faintly. "Harry told me. That became quite the problem at the end of your middle school days, didn't it? Always struggling to make it to class. If it's still an issue, I could arrange Harry's limo to collect you every morning."

"I-It's not that bad. I just lose track of time sometimes."

"Lose track of time." Norman's hand slid something across the table. My blood froze.

My scorched notebook. My crumpled U.A. student pass.

He leaned back, folding his arms, watching me shrink into my seat. "This was recovered at the scene of the crime. The very same site where a villain was seen battling the Spider vigilante. And the very same Spider who, conveniently, swooped in to save you and your friends at my penthouse party. Care to explain, Mr. Parker?"

My mouth went dry. "Mr. Osborn, I can, I can explain—"

The waiter arrived, setting plates down. Norman didn't look at me as he cut into his meal. "There's nothing to explain. It's obvious. You're connected to him." He dabbed his mouth with the napkin, eyes glittering. "Three times now, the Spider has appeared at your side. Too precise to be a coincidence. I know what's going on."