Funnel-Web (Y/N x Gwen Stacy)

Chapter 6: Night in New York / 1st Months

Gwen POV

I found myself spending the day with Y/N, our plans unfolding spontaneously. Initially considering a group hangout, I realized that Peter and Miles were deeply engrossed in uncovering more about Dark Weaver, leaving Y/N as my sole available companion. Without a specific agenda, Y/N and I decided to explore the city, letting laughter and conversation guide us through the bustling streets.

During our leisurely walk, we stumbled upon a quaint antique shop as I turned to my left.

Gwen: Do you want to go inside?

Y/N: Sure, why not.

Gwen: Cool.

Stepping into the shop, I immersed myself in a world of history and charm. Despite my inclination towards science, there's a part of me that cherishes reflecting on history. The air carried the distinct scent of aged wood, furniture wax, and a faint hint of nostalgia. Creaking wooden floorboards beneath our feet added a tactile sense of time-worn authenticity, as if each step echoed the footfalls of generations past. Sunlight streamed through vintage lace curtains, casting a warm and gentle glow on the myriad treasures lining the shelves and display cases.

As Y/N and I explored the store, antique furniture took center stage, ranging from intricately carved Victorian sideboards to gracefully aged Chippendale chairs. The patina of time bestowed a unique character to each item, enhancing their beauty with subtle wear and tear. Delicate porcelain figurines shared space with tarnished silverware, and intricately designed tea sets evoked an era of refined elegance.

The shelves held forgotten tales, with weathered leather-bound books beckoning book lovers to embark on literary journeys through the ages. Vintage cameras, with polished brass and leather casings, evoked a bygone era when capturing a moment required patience and skill.

In one corner, an assortment of pocket watches and grandfather clocks marked the passage of time with a rhythmic ticking, creating a soothing ambiance. The walls adorned with framed black-and-white photographs captured moments from the past, transporting visitors to a different era of fashion, technology, and daily life.

Further exploration revealed antique maps, globes, and compasses offering glimpses into the geographical and navigational knowledge of yesteryears. The shop's proprietor, with a discerning eye for the rare and exquisite, was often found amidst the curiosities, ready to share anecdotes and histories that breathed life into each piece.

The overall atmosphere was one of curated nostalgia, where every item had a story waiting to be discovered. The antique shop became a haven for collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking a tangible connection to the past, meandering through the aisles surrounded by the whispers of time.

I informed Y/N that I was going to get some ice cream from the shop next door and told him we could meet there when he finished exploring the store.

Y/N POV
As Gwen exited the store, I scanned for the old man, finding him seated at the front counter engrossed in the news. A subtle sound caught his attention, and he looked up at me.

Old man: Well, young man, is there anything I can help you with?

Y/N: You can drop the act now, Caesar.

Old man (Caesar): (looks up, feigning innocence) Act? What act, my boy? Just an old man minding his business in this little shop of wonders.

Y/N: (smirking) Don't play games, Caesar. I know it's you.

His demeanor shifted, a sinister undertone emerging. You see, Caesar's quaint antique shop concealed a hub for illegal information and a black market for criminals. In my earlier years in the underground world, I helped him escape a precarious situation, indebting him to me. Despite his eccentricities, he was like a crazy grandpa to me. However, the illicit dealings were another matter.