The Daily Bugle's New Take

J. Jonah Jameson

"Err, hello, sir. My name is Peter Parker, and I'm here for the Spiderman Photography internship?" 

These were the words that began Peter's internship at the Daily Bugle. He did have the "internship" at Stark Industries, but he needed a job that paid. Mr. Stark had offered to pay him for his "Spider-Man-ing", but Peter refused, saying that being a friendly neighborhood Spider Man was not a job. It was a choice. So, here Peter was, trying to get a job photographing Spiderman aka himself, not that anyone knew that.

"So, kid, you think that you're a real photographer? Let me tell you that I deal with all the fakes in a swift and punishing manner. If you're just trying to get some quick cash..." J. Jonah Jameson said.

"No, sir, I would never try to trick anyone. Especially not you, sir." Peter said earnestly.

J. J. Jameson looked at this boy. He was a little on the scrawny side, but he had a kind face, and eyes that told the truth. This was an honest kid.

"Alright, kid, let me see those pictures." He said.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

"Peterrrrr! Get yourself in my office now!" JJ Jameson said.

Peter rushed over from his small desk with his pictures of the most recent battle that Spiderman was in. The airport battle in Germany.

"Alright, Peter." JJ said as Peter closed the door. "What pictures of the Spider-Menace do you have today? Also, are you ok, son? You have a bit of a bruise on your face."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Jameson. I had a bit of an accident when I was trying to take the photos. I walked into a pole." Peter said nervously. He had forgotten his preplanned excuse and hoped that this would work. He handed the photos over. "Here's the pictures, sir."

JJ looked at the photographs. "Ahh, I can just see the headlines now. The Spider Menace steals from war veterans, kicks black people, and attacks elderly people with prosthetic arms. Good work, Parker. I'll see you next time."

Peter smiled. Yeah, Mr. Jameson hated Spider Man, but Mr. Jameson was also a good person who valued hard work. He said, "Ok, sir. Have a great day."

"You, too, Peter."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

"Ah, Peter, good to see you again. I heard you were among the Blipped. Are you okay, son? It was a rough time for all of us." JJ Jameson said sympathetically.

"Yes, sir. I'm okay. It's just hard without Mr. Stark not around anymore." Peter admitted.

"I understand that he was your hero, and that you had grown close while interning under him. Peter, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you, kid." JJ said. JJ really liked Peter and had missed him while he was Blipped. JJ thought of Peter as a son and didn't want him to be hurt.

"I know, sir. I really appreciate it. He was one of the closest things I've ever had to a father, and... and I feel like I'll never be as good as him." Peter said, tearing up slightly.

JJ looked at this young boy and saw him as he truly was. A child going through a tough time, just trying to live as best as he can. He held open his arms and hugged the boy. Peter accepted the hug and continued crying for a bit. Then he sniffled and said, "Thank you sir. It's hard to try to be strong for everybody else, even when I'm not feeling like it."

"It's ok Peter. There comes times when a person is unable to be strong for others, and at that point, it's when others have to be strong for you. Do you understand, son?" JJ asked.