Grant

Chapter Three-Destiny

"This is a bad idea." Peter says and I sigh. We're on the roof above the pawnshop, waiting for Destiny Jones to show up. I'm in normal clothes while Pete is spidered up.

"How am I supposed to introduce Peter Parker to a potential super? 'This is my best bud, who I continually try to woo, and I just drag him around with me despite his status as a civilian.'" I poke fun and he rolls his eyes. Damn he cannot take a hint to save his life.

"Seriously, Grant. Wish you wore your suit." He mumbles and I unzip my sweatshirt a little to reveal the black and yellow nanotech. Peter looks at me accusingly under those spider eyes.

"Course I'm wearing my suit. Just don't feel like showcasing it to the world. Besides, popping down with the two of us in our suits would scare the shit out of anybody. Best to be subtle." My eyes look back down at the street below us to look out for the girl. "Hey." I hit Peter's chest and he leans forward to see.

"Yeah, that's her. Karen says so." Peter confirms and I pop up.

"Alright. I go in first. Signal you later."

"Got it. Go!" He encourages and I shift as I jump, fluttering to the ground as a dove. I shift back in the alley and slip out just before she walks by. I fall into step beside her.

"Hey." I greet her with a smile and she looks at me skeptically.

"If you hit on me, I'll punch your teeth out." My feet nearly stumble over a bike rack as her words hit me. The corner of her mouth turns up.

"No, no. I just wanted to talk for a minute. I'm Grant Redhallow." She stops and I hold out my hand. She looks at it and back at me with a raised eyebrow. My hand drops.

"Redhallow. Like Victoria Redhallow." She repeats and looks over my face. "What the hell do the Avengers want with me?" Now my eyebrows raise.

"You can't guess?" I ask and her amber eyes narrow. "Can I know your name?" Yes, I know her name but I'd like a bit of her trust.

"Destiny Jones. Des." She responds and we move out of the way of foot traffic.

"Des." I smile and her lips curve up a bit again. "Well, Des. The Avengers have seen what you can do and it's impressive. Wanted to meet you."

She scoffs. "And why would I want to meet them?" Shock runs through me.

"Right. Well, it would be an opportunity for you to-"

"If you're going to give me the 'I can be more' speech I'm going to have to puke on your dirty tennis shoes." She shakes her head at me and once again my brain stalls for words. Blinking, I drop any pretense I may have.

"Fine. Based on your clothes and the fact you visit this pawnshop every other day, I'd say you're homeless. While you may be able to conjure up whatever the fuck you want, pretty sure a house is a bit too big. We can get you a hot shower, clean bed, and good food. Maybe even teach you something." I tell her bluntly and she puts a hand on her hip as she considers this.

"For the record, you look homeless too in that sweatshirt." She returns and I chuckle, grinning brightly at her. Crossing her arms, she looks me up and down. "I'll be back here in two days. If you're here then I'll go with you. I want an Avenger with you, though. Proof you're not some crazy look alike full of shit." Shooting my arm out, I wave up and she follows the motion.

"Brought Spider-Man. Does that count?" Peter waves and she purses her lips before looking back at me.

"Two days." She repeats and my brows furrow.

"Why?" I ask and the corner of her lips pulls up again.

"I'm not going to be picked up on the first try. Come again in two days and maybe I'll decide you're worth it." She turns and puts a hand on the pawnshop doors.