Spider-X: A Spider-Man Story

Chapter 32: Determination

Two Weeks Later

When Peter drops onto the edge of Jean's balcony, he doesn't expect her to be standing right in front of it. He also doesn't expect her to shriek in surprise and almost fall over. He doesn't expect it, but after he makes sure she doesn't fall on her butt, he almost laughs himself over the edge.

Jean scowls and flicks her wrist, sending Peter off the balcony. He catches the underside of it with his foot and walks back up, still laughing. "Sorry," he offers sheepishly.

Jean holds a hand to her chest. "I feel like I just had a heart attack." She shoots him a glare when he just shrugs. "What are you doing here anyway?" She asks him.

Peter sits down on the rim of the balcony, swinging his feet. "I just wanted to check in. Haven't seen much of you since you've been discharged from the infirmary."

Jean hops up next to him with her good wrist. She glares again when he raises a hand to catch her if she should fall backwards. He drops his hand. "Technically I'm still on bed rest," she says, "I can't believe how much I've slept in the last two weeks."

"Safety will do that."

"How are you doing? I see you swinging around out here sometimes."

He can't help but smile. He's been using his powers every chance he gets, so happy he has them back. If he's not in the Danger Room helping the other kids train with their powers, he's out on patrol in the city at night, or swinging around the trees near the Institute. "I'm good."

"But?"

"But what?"

Jean narrows her eyes.

Peter sighs and looks out at the treetops, and farther at the Manhattan skyline in the distance. "But I have to do something soon."

He hears Jean take a sharp breath, "something like confront Mesmero?"

Peter smirks. "Something like that."

"Peter that's insane. Or don't you remember how it turned out last time?"

Peter shrugs, "what choice do I have, Jean? Hydra is out of commission for the moment but Mesmero is still trying to bring Thanos to your earth and if he does-"

"-that doesn't change the fact that you can't beat him on your own." Her voice could cut steel. "You have super strength not super mind powers."

"Is that what you call yours? Super mind powers?"

"That's not funny."

"It's a little funny."

"How are so glib?" Jean demands.

Peter shrugs, "it's my only option. I have to try. If not for the fate of your world, for the fate of my friend. Wanda is a prisoner in her own mind right now, being forced to be a villain. I have to help her. Sure, I might lose, but I've faced worse. I think."

A breeze blows and Jean tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. "Has anyone ever told you you've got a hero complex?"

Peter grins, "I most people just fawn over me and offer to build statues of my greatness."

Jean snorts a laugh and shoved him with her casted arm. Peter pretends it hurts. "Hey! You've got a brick attached to your arm, not fair!"

Jean wields her cast menacingly. "I've got a built in weapon now and super mind powers!"

Peter laughs and hops down from the balcony. He pulls a pen out of his pocket and walks to stand in front of her. "Can I sign it?"

Jean holds out her cast and Peter finds an open space. It seems like most everyone else has made a trip to her room to sign it. He signs it and puts the cap back on his pen. "Jean..."