Grant

Chapter Two-Hospital

"We're really happy you came by today. Damien has had really bad reactions to all the treatments lately and he needs a pick-me-up."

"Well, that's why we're-I mean I, that's why I'm here." Peter stutters his reply and I roll my little mouse eyes from within his pocket. Can't lie worth a shit. "I, uh, I think I've got it from here. Thanks, doc." They shake hands and he leaves Pete alone. He pauses outside the door and looks down at me in his shirt pocket. "You know I hate this." He murmurs.

"Then why do you agree to do it?" I ask and he sighs.

"I know you'd find a more stupid way to do this." He says a little loudly and I swallow a laugh as I hear someone walk by.

"That's right, I would. Look, it's for the kids okay? This isn't that big a deal. Besides, you need a little sneaking around as Peter instead of your slick alter-ego." A little flick from his fingers tempts me to bite him, but I resist. Sighing, he walks in the room. A little gasp warms my heart nearly as much as the smile on the kids face. I know it does the same for Peter.

"Peter!" He shouts and both his parents look up, tired eyes waking up a bit at the excitement in their little boy's voice.

"Hey, Damien. Heard you were having a rough time?" Peter asks, walking over to him and rubbing a hand gently over his bald head. Kid used to have the coolest afro I'd ever seen, but the cancer took that away too. Glad Peter decided to wear a thin shirt today so I can see the outline of stuff.

"A little." He coughs and Peter takes the moment to talk to his parents.

"Ms. Johnson, hey. This must be Mr. Johnson?" He asks. Haven't met that guy yet. She nods, but when Pete offers his hand the guy doesn't take it. Something's off about the guy. I can sense it. Peter drops his hand.

"You know what? I'm sick and tired of these stories you've been telling my wife and kid." The guy suddenly speaks and it's hostile. I'm tempted to shift when I feel Peter tense.

"Trey, please-"

"No, D. He's been lying to you this whole time and I've had enough!" He whisper shouts at her and I do my best not to wiggle. Peter turns towards Damien instead.

"Damien, what would you like to see today?" He asks nicely and the boy lights up.

"Could it be a fox today?" He asks while Denise continues trying to control her husband.

"Sure, hold on." Pete and I duck into the bathroom so I can shift without the cameras. He scoops me out of his pocket and onto the floor as I shift. Peter shakes his head at me and opens the door so I can trot out and hop on the bed with Damien. I'm gentle as possible when I lay down next to him, giving a speechless Trey a pointed look.

"I told you! I don't know how he does it but look at your son! How happy he is!" Denise scolds Trey as Damien's little hands pat my head gently and feels my big, fluffy ears. Trey's firm shoulders relax and he rubs Damien's shoulder.

"I...okay. Whatever. I need a cup of coffee." He shakes his head and walks out. I stay until Damien falls asleep and disappear back into Peter's pocket before we leave. We visit the worst of the children before we've got to get to Tony's, so Pete takes me to the first-floor bathroom to change. I come out of the stall and shoot him a smile.

"Still don't know why you have me do this." He says with a pout and I toss my arm around his shoulders.

"Can't fool me, Pete. You live for the looks on the kids and parent's faces. Gives you that warm fuzzy feeling spider guy gives you." I tell him factually and straddle my baby. He rolls his eyes and hops on behind me, sliding close because of the slope of the seat. It may or may not have been a contributing factor when I bought it. "And I like my anonymity, so it's a win-win."