Spider-man: Christmas with Two Hawks

Entering With No Breaking

The next day was kinda bland for Peter. Clint went to investigate Kazi while Kate went to retrieve the trick arrows that had been taken as evidence by the police after the warehouse fight. This left Peter with nothing to do so he did what he always did. Patrol New York.

The citizens have taken note of the increase in sightings of Spider-man but didn't think much of it. They chalked it up to him having more time due to the winter holidays. Oh if only they knew.

During the evening, Clint sent him a text with only an address, time and the message, "Be there."

Spider-man was not going to go against the orders of a respected Avenger, so when the cover of the night fell, he was there.

Spidey, Clint and Kate we're positioned on the roof of a relatively short building by New York standards. Clint was using a pair of binoculars to stake out their target.

"Mind telling us what we're doing here?" Kate asked since she and Spidey were out of the loop.

Not taking his eyes off the apartment that he was watching, Clint explained, "Something very important to me is pinging inside that apartment. It was stolen from a black market auction. I need it back."

Spider-man and Kate thought back to their first encounter, although only Spidey knew it was their first encounter. They both had a relatively good idea about which black market auction Clint was talking about. 

"No lights, no movement. This is our chance." Clint declared.

"This would be easier if we were on a higher rooftop," Kate muttered.

"That's what you think."

"Yeah, exactly. That's why I said it." Kate sassed with an eye roll. 

Spidey had to choke back a laugh. He used to think that as well. Sure, the height of buildings usually didn't mean anything to him, but his web shooters ran out or jammed enough times in his early days for him to understand why Clint chose this location. Kate really was a lovable rookie.

"Kate, you always wanna prioritize a quick exit over a quick entrance so when things go sideways, and they usually do, you have an exit strategy. That's why I chose this spot. It's got good sightlines for all my exits. Entry should be easy. Think it should take me about three and a half minutes to get in. So if you two see anything out here, just give me a signal. Alright?"

Clint put down his binoculars to look at Spidey and Kate. Kate was still standing beside him, but Spider-man wasn't. Clint scanned the roof. He wasn't there. "Where's the Webhead?" he asked Kate.

Kate shrugged with her arms crossed and pointed at the building that they were staking out without taking her eyes off her feet. Clint turned around and was surprised to see Spider-man already at the target. The New York waved at the two archers from the balcony. Kate happily waved back. 

"What are you doing, Spidey? You're supposed to be on lookout with Kate." Clint asked over an earpiece.

"I know but I decided not to be," Peter said as he opened the balcony door. It was unlocked which he found strange awfully convenient but chalked it up to whoever lived there wanting a quick escape. He could have easily picked it if he had it.

"Wow, this is a nice place," Spider-man said as he entered the apartment. Way nicer than the one he currently lived even. It might even be nicer than the one he used to live in with... his... aunt...

"What am I looking for?" Spidey asked quickly, wanting to distract himself from the potential spiral of trauma that he couldn't afford to fall into.

Before Clint could answer Spidey was assaulted by a barrage of flashing lights. He hadn't had the time or resources to instal any protection into his mask for his sensitive senses so each flash was like a knife stabbing into his rental. He could hear Kate and Clint asking him what was wrong in a panic but he couldn't make out what they were saying.