The Sensational Spider-Man - Volume Five: The Sting Of The Scorpion

Chapter Five: Fall Formal Pt. 1

Friday night; the night of the Fall Formal dance at Midtown High. Harry and I haven't spoken since the funeral, yesterday but I'll give him his space for now. Actually, maybe I'll be able to talk him at the dance. Gwen's dad is picking me up in half an hour, so I shower and put on my suit. After many unsuccessful attempts, I get Aunt May to tie my tie.

"Thanks, Aunt May," I say, after grabbing a corsage I bought with some spare money I had. "See ya later!" I exit the house, as Captain Stacy pulls into our driveway.

"Hey, Pete," Gwen smiles at me when I get in the backseat with her. "You look great."

"Thanks, Gwen. You look...beautiful," I say, noticing her grey dress. She thanks me, with another smile.

"Hey, Peter," Captain Stacy greets me. "I haven't seen you in a little while. How've you been?"

"I've been pretty good, sir. Currently looking for a job; I've got an interview at the Daily Bugle in a few days, actually. How've you been, Mr. Stacy?"

"I've been getting by with Simon and Gwen, just sort of living life," He shrugs.

"Is it true you're working with the Spider-Man?"

He nods. "Yeah, I've worked with him a few times. He's good at what he does and has a good attitude towards everything."

"Awesome!" I exclaim as we pull up to the school.

"Thanks for the drive, dad," Gwen says, as she opens her door.

"Yeah. Thanks, sir," I say, as I exit the car. Gwen and I start walking towards the school, as her dad pulls away. "Here, I got you this."

I grab her arm, as she sees the corsage. I slip it onto her wrist and she kisses me on the lips. "Thanks, Peter. You're doing a great job making up for that date."

"Ha, thanks, Gwen," I say, grabbing her hand to hold. "I still feel really bad. We should get lunch tomorrow, or something."

"Ok, I'm fine with that," She smirks at me. We enter the school, show our tickets and then enter the gym, as loud dance music plays. "Harry and Liz might already be here if you want to look for them."

"I haven't talked to Harry since last night," I tell her. "I think he's still mad at me."

"Oh, that sucks. I'm sorry, Pete," She replies.

"It's fine. Maybe if I talk to him, we can sort things out."

"Yeah, maybe. So, do you plan on doing any dancing?" Gwen chuckles.

"Ha, you know I'm not much of a dancer, like, at all. I'll probably dance with you, though, if you want."

"I might just have to take you up on that offer," She jokes. "I'm gonna grab some punch, do you want some?"

"Yeah, I'll come with you," I tell her. She nods and we walk over to the punch table, to see Liz getting two cups for her and presumably Harry.

"Gwen!" Liz greets. "Petey! How's it going?"

"I'm pretty good, Liz."

"Yeah, I'm doing fine," I smile at Liz.

"How's Harry holding up?" Gwen asks.

"He's...Happy to be here, at least. But he's still torn up," Liz replies. "Pete, he's still pretty mad about yesterday."

"Crap, maybe I should talk to him. Where is he?" I ask. Liz points to a corner and I see him. I take my hand away from Gwen's. "I'll be right back."

"What is it, Pete?" Harry asks, in a tone that illustrates how much he doesn't want me there.

"I want to talk, Har," I say to him. "I'm really sorry I was late, but I couldn't have made it any earlier."

"But you promised, Peter. You gave me your word and you pretty much missed the service."

"I still came, though, Harry," I reply. "I messed up by being late but I still came, like I told you I would."

"I--Yeah, I guess but I just thought you would've been there."

"Harry, come on, man...I'll always be there for you," I say, pulling him into a hug.

"Th-Thanks, Pete."