Lost Spiders

Chapter Five

Natasha sat on her bed staring blankly at the wall. The only sounds in the building were the clinks of utensils on plates and side chatter from the others.

How is my little spider? Has he let his past corrupt him? Am I being too clingy? Should I move on... it's been years since I've last seen her.

She scrunched her face. That nursery song was so familiar! The only thing different were the pronouns used.

Was that my little spider singing? Does he still remember me after all these years?! But what if it's a trap... what if she's dead and this is some kind of sick joke?

She growled and clutched the covers at the thought of someone daring to bring her up after all these years.

She closed her eyes and took deep breaths.

But perhaps I can have a little hope for them. Oh, he's certainly grown up. Is he alright?! What if he's struggling with his body and I'm not there to support him!

No, he's strong! He's gotta be alive. He's gotta be okay!

She let a small smile trace her lips.

He's certainly a double agent. No one will be looking for a male. I wonder what name he prefers now?

A knock on the door interrupted her knocks, she waited expecting the usual: Please come out the room, tell us what's wrong, and we promise to help.

"Hey Auntie Tasha." She heard Harley through the door. "Here's your food."

It was quiet and she heard him sit on the ground. "Don't know if you heard but uh... I went on a date. Er... it was set up by my friends though so I don't know if it'll count as a date. Also today was freaking nerve wrecking, I had to come out but they seemed pretty chill with it. But I mean there is Loki but then again her Asgardian cultures or whatever are different."

Natasha listened to Harley tell of his disastrous date. She felt bad upon hearing the theory of Peter, Harley's 'date', losing his family at such a young age.

"Hey Natasha, not sure if I should tell you this, since I haven't told the others but uh... I don't think Peter is normal per say."

This immediately caught her attention.

"He says that he lives with his Aunt May but he never really mentions his home life. Never even mentioned his deceased family until recently. Then again that's probably some traumatic shit so of course he doesn't speak much 'bout it.

And I've been noticing some behavior that kinda reminds me of you. Like he's always on alert. Either he's super quiet or acts like he's training. He doesn't speak unless he's spoken to. Not to mention he hides his feelings so well as if... he's been told not to show any emotions... or weakness."

Harley stayed quiet and sighed. "Then again, I could be over thinking. Well, I'll talk to you later. Love you, Aunt Nat."

Natasha waited and opened the door to grab her meal. She glanced around the hall expecting someone peeking around the corner.

But nobody was there. Were they finally respecting her wishes to be alone this month?

She went back inside and ate her food while looking out the window.

~~~

Peter opened his eyes, groaning and rubbing at his head in pain. He glanced around and looked down at his hands to see them covered with blood. His eyes watered at the metallic smell, slowly trying to back away from what he was seeing.