Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Vol. 2

Chapter 10

Gripping his latest web, Peter also adjusted his grip on Matt, trying his best to keep him in a stable position. Though his ally's lack of consciousness gave away that the primary blow had been to his head, he couldn't rule out any potential damage in other areas, so he needed to keep the man as steady as possible, which wasn't the easiest thing to do using only one arm. Still, Peter pressed on, trying to go as fast as he could as he entered Harlem.

The only fortunate thing about the situation he was currently facing was that Peter at least knew of someone he could take Matt to that would both properly care for him while also maintaining his secret identity. Claire Temple was someone who had taken care of not only Matt and himself, but she'd also treated injuries for the likes of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and she'd even given Captain America a quick patch job during the heat of an alien invasion once to help him keep going. The woman had seemingly become the go-to superhero repair lady without intending to, but she always seemed graciously willing to do so, no matter the intrusion on her own life. If Peter was completely honest, he'd call her one of the most selfless and inspiring people he knew.

Finally spying the building to her place, Peter quickly changed direction, opting to come in along the side. One thing he and Matt especially had always done as much as possible was to try and be as discreet as possible for the woman's sake. Granted, this was much harder to do in the daytime, but Claire's window facing the alley would still at least be more helpful than if she was facing the street, where prying pedestrians or even nosy journalists could more easily spot them.

Quickly entering the area as quickly but cautiously as he knew how to, Peter landed just to the side of Claire's apartment window, giving a few firm knocks against the glass. Almost immediately, he heard what sounded like a TV turning off followed by the sound of quick footsteps heading their way. A couple of seconds later, the window slid open, the woman poking her head out, her expression indicating she wasn't surprised by their presence.

"I saw what happened on the news," she said, moving back and allowing Peter to slip in. He then gently set Matt on the bed, taking special care as he laid his head down on the pillow.

"Do you know what happened?" Claire asked.

"He tried to get one of the cops out of harm's way from the explosion," Peter answered. "All I know is that he hit his head."

"Get his helmet off, gently," Claire instructed, her feet already starting to lead her out of the room. "I'll get my kit."

Peter did not hesitate to follow directions, carefully removing his friend's mask. It wasn't the easiest task; the material, though providing a thick layer of protection on the outside, practically stuck to the man's face on the inside. Eventually, however, he peeled it off without having to move Matt's head significantly. It was right as he'd finished the task that Claire returned, sitting down next to him. After checking his pulse, she placed an ice pack on his head and began doing her thing.

As he waited, Peter had to fight to maintain his patience. Multiple dumb, probably-not-tension-easing jokes or comments came to the tip of his tongue, but he withheld from uttering them, not wanting to do anything to break Claire's concentration. Fortunately, after what seemed like an hour to him but was likely only about five to seven minutes, the woman rose from her spot on the bed, turning to Peter.

"He hit his head pretty hard, but the swelling is already starting to go down," she explained. "There doesn't seem to be any damage to his neck or vertebrae. He likely has a concussion though, which for a normal person would mean they would have to take it easy for a while, but then again, when have any of you people listened to the sound advice of a medical professional?"

Peter let out a faint snort through his mask.

"Thanks, Claire," he said. "Tell Matt that I've got this for now, and I'll keep him updated."