Spider-Man Beyond

Dead Man's Hand

Hamilton High, Afternoon...

The school bell rang as all the students started piling out to go about the rest of their day either studying or partying, mostly the later. It was the weekend, after all, and that gave every student the perfect excuse to cut loose and have fun.

Nick, however, was not in the mood to relax as he walked out of the school building on his phone. "Mr. Fireheart, please, there's got to be something we could do about that article. Can't you, I don't know, make a second one that says what a good guy he is?"

"I want to, kid. From what you've told me about him, this Dr. Connors does sound like a good man, but I was under a timecard, and Brock brought me a front page worthy story. Yours about Willy Watt was good, and I managed to find a column for it, but Brock just had a better scoop."

"Yeah, but that article made him lose his job!" Nick exclaimed in exasperation. "He showed me his research after school. He became the Lizard by accident because he wanted his arm back! Didn't Eddie do his research after he took those pictures?!"

"I'm sorry, son. I know Brock should've have worded it better, and if I would have more context, I would have ordered him to paint the article in a better light. Look, the article is out now and there is nothing we can do about it. I promise you I'll talk to Brock about how he needs to have a clearer picture before publishing a story."

"Okay... okay, thanks." Nick said with a sigh before he hanged up the phone. It was then that Terry walked up from behind and could see the frustration on his face.

"You okay?" Terry asked in concern. "Let me guess. They're not gonna post a retraction."

"Not when everything in the article is still technically true. Like the fact that the best teacher this school ever had turned himself into a giant lizard." Nick said with a sigh as he pocketed his phone. "Because of that article, he got fired."

"Hey, he found a better job at Gothcorp. That's got to count for something." Terry said with a light smile.

"Yeah, I guess. Just can't believe Brock just posted that article without a second thought and ruined his career here." Nick said with a job.

"Sometimes the journalist world is cutthroat. I mean, you should see all the articles that were on the old man when he was in his prime." Terry said with a chuckle as the two of them walked out of the school's vicinity. "Speaking of, you coming with me on afternoon patrol?"

"Can't. Me and Melanie are gonna go see a movie before we meet up with you and Dana at the club." Nick said with a smile before his phone started ringing again. Eh pulled it out and saw the caller ID was of his girlfriend herself. He answered instantly with a smile. "Hey, Melanie. Wow, I just mentioned you."

"Well then, you must be psychic." Melanie said with a chuckle over the phone.

"Must be. I was just talking to Terry about our date. I'll be heading over to the movies to meet up with you after I drop my stuff off home." Nick explained.

"Actually... save yourself the trip and money for the tickets. I'm not gonna make it to the movie. I don't even know if I'll make it to the club either to meet up with Terry and Dana." Melanie said and Nick could hear the regret I'm her voice.

"Really? Something come up?" Nick asked in surprise as he was the one who usually canceled their dates because of time as Spider-Man,  ut she always never minded.

"My family. Now that we're officially moved in, they want me around more. I'll try to make time for you, it's just... I'm not sure if I'll be able to make some of our future dates." Melanie said with mix of regret and exasperation.