Caught in the Cat's Web

Chapter 11

Nueva York, Earth-928

Within the hidden sanctuary of the Spider Society, Felicia moves through the atrium with effortless confidence, her footsteps echoing along with the laughter and chatter of her peers. The familiar red of a passing Spider-Man's suit caught her eye, and she reacted instinctively, hoping to evade recognition. But it was too late.

"Really?" Spider-Man scolded as he watched Felicia actively avoiding him, the note of disappointment in his voice unmistakable.

With a heavy sigh, Felicia turned on her heels to face him, her expression a mix of exasperation and frustration. "You're the last person I want to talk to, Peter," she admitted, her words laced with bitterness.

Peter's eyes, usually warm and friendly, now burned with an anger that he couldn't contain. "We've known each other for how long? Over four years, now, and what? It means nothing to you?" His voice grew louder, drawing the attention of those around them.

Felicia glanced around, acutely aware of the curious eyes shifting in their direction. She put her hands out in a calming gesture, hoping to diffuse the tension. "Shhh!" She whispered sharply, her frustration mounting. "Oh my god, can you shut up? I don't want to talk about this right now."

"Yeah, and when are we gonna talk about this, Felicia?" Peter's frustration matched hers as he raised his voice once again.

Felicia turned around and began to walk away. "I have a meeting; I have to go," she said as she retreated.

As Peter watched her go, his anger unabated. "Go ahead! We all know how important you've become after exploiting me." His words made Felicia grit her teeth together. "Keep walkin' like the bloodsucking leech you are!"

At her wit's end, Felicia stopped in her tracks, her emotions boiling over. She turned around and, without words, grabbed the front of Peter's mask, her grip firm and determined. "You want to talk? Let's talk," she said, her voice a mixture of resolve and exasperation. She dragged him by the face to a more secluded area, far enough from the prying eyes of their peers, where they could talk.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" She shouts, shoving his chest in anger, causing the Spider-Man to stumble back into a wall.

Peter's hands ripped off his mask, his usual expression, twisted into a sneer. "Haven't you missed this?" he taunted.

Felicia rolled her eyes and paced back and forth in front of him. "You're fucking disgusting," she spat out, her voice laden with frustration. "Why are you so obsessed with me? I've told you a million times that we're done."

Peter's arrogant grin began to fade, and he collected his thoughts, his desperation giving way to vulnerability. "I... miss you," he admitted, his voice tinged with raw longing.

"Awww," Felicia mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I see someone's remembered how toxic MJ is." She imitated MJ's voice, her tone exaggerated. "Spend time with me, Petey! Stop ditching our dinner dates to save the burning orphanage, Petey!"

Peter tried to pout but couldn't help a small smile from escaping. "Come on, Felicia," he sighed. "You can't say you don't miss this, us."

Felicia dropped her smirk, her expression earnest. "I can, Pete," she asserted firmly. "I mean it when I say that I've moved on."

"One more chance..." Peter pleaded, his voice cracking with vulnerability. "Please."

Felicia shook her head. "You really don't get it, do you? When was the last time you saw MJ?"

Peter's eyes began to wander as he searched for an answer. "Why's it even impor-"

"When?" Felicia pressed, her voice demanding an answer.