Chapter 99: Stacy Family Dinner -2

As the meal progresses, Uncle George starts reminiscing about how he met you years ago.

You had met the Stacy family at a charity event where your Watson Group and the NYPD had collaborated on community safety and support for underprivileged children.

There, MJ and Gwen, who were not in the same school yet, had started talking, being of similar age, and Uncle George himself was astonished to see Pepper, the then CEO of Watson Group, stand behind a 15-year-old kid.

You smile wryly and shift the conversation to Uncle George's work, prompting him to share his woes. "The gang wars in the city are getting out of hand," Uncle George remarks, his tone serious. "Especially in Hell's Kitchen. It's a mess out there."

"Is it really that bad?" you ask curiously, not having had much contact with your blind friend since that night, although you do get some updates from Karen regularly and could check the Index for his activities if needed.

"It's very bad. Our jail cells are filled with criminals ready to be processed, and if not there, then it's the hospital. The crazy thing is that it's not because of the rival gangs, but because of that 'Devil of Hell's Kitchen' running around," Uncle George says with an annoyed face.

"Is he the same person you mentioned who saved like 50 women a month ago?" Gwen asks curiously. "You still don't know who he is? Does he have superpowers too?"

"We don't know, and that month ago case, the surviving Russian members and the rescued women were adamant that there were not one but two Devils that night. I don't know about powers but he is always one step ahead of us, making it very hard to catch him," Uncle George says with frustration.

"But he seems to be helping out, though. Can you not arrest him?" Gwen inquires, raising her eyebrow.

Uncle George shakes his head. "Help or not, vigilantes always complicate things. Just look at the Fantastic Four. Their battles cause so much damage, even yesterday night's fight had so much property damage."

Helen rolls her eyes. "George, can we please not talk about work for once? Let's hear about Gwen's studies instead," she suggests, looking towards Gwen. "Gwen, why don't you tell Luke about your school?" she asks with a smile.

Gwen smiles at you. "School's been going great," she replies simply, giving you another serving of her spaghetti, seeing as you were going to reach for it.

"Tell him about your internship," Uncle George prompts, drinking a glass of water.

Gwen gives her dad an annoyed look before turning back to you. "I have applied for an internship at Oscorp," she admits, looking at you sheepishly. "I thought about Watson Group, but I didn't want it to be awkward since I know you and MJ so well. But I would still love to visit Watson Tower from time to time."

"You are always welcome at the Tower, Gwen. And I am sure you will do great at Oscorp," you assure her, already knowing about her internship from MJ.

Just then, Uncle George's phone rings. He answers it with a frown, and after saying "I'm coming," he looks back at you all. "Sorry, duty calls. You guys enjoy your dinner, and especially you, Luke, you have to finish all of Gwen's dish, as she made it especially for you," he says as he stands up, wiping his hands with a napkin.

"Dad!" Gwen pouts, blushing.

"I was planning to," you reply with a smile.

Uncle George smiles at you and then looks at Helen. "I will be coming very late tonight. It will take a lot of time at the precinct," he says, heading out.

Helen sighs, clearly used to George's absences. "Be safe, George," she says as Uncle George nods at her and leaves.

Once Uncle George is gone, Helen and Gwen turn their attention back to you. "So, Lucas, what have you been up to lately?" Helen asks.

You try to keep your response focused on your civilian life. "Mostly work. The company's keeping me busy, but it's rewarding. We're working on some exciting new projects."

Gwen's eyes sparkle with curiosity. "What about last night? The terrorist attack sounded terrifying. And you haven't answered my previous question about Aeon and Iron Woman!" Even Helen looks at you curiously.

You sigh and give them a carefully crafted version of events. "I was behind the stage with Pepper for most of it. It was chaotic. The terrorists came out of nowhere, and there was this giant mech too, but Toni, known as the Iron Woman now, tackled him out of the building," you recount dramatically.

"So is Toni really the Iron Woman? It's not a joke or a publicity stunt, right?" Gwen asks excitedly.

"Yeah, it's all true," you nod, acknowledging that there is no point in hiding Toni's identity now when she had just declared it on national television.

"So she didn't take out all those other terrorists then?" Helen asks curiously.

"No, it was another person. A man entered shortly after, who people are now calling Aeon, and took care of the thugs pretty quickly and easily," you describe your own deeds concisely.

You were surprised by your first superhero name. It made sense, as your main powers utilized were the temporal ones, and your golden-white getup increased the likelihood of accepting a grand name like Aeon.

Gwen leans forward, clearly interested. "I have seen so many pictures of them online. Aeon and Iron Woman. Toni Stark was there because it was the Stark HQ. Does that mean Aeon also has a connection to Stark Industries?" Gwen asks curiously.

"I have no idea," you say, shrugging as you finish your plate.

Helen steers the conversation back to you. "Thank God both of them were present there. I don't even want to imagine what those terrorists wanted from you!" Helen says with a concerned face as she looks at you.

"I think they must be after money or something along those lines, but still, I am thankful that these heroes were present there," you say with a smile.

"Luke, you know both Toni and Susan, don't you? Can you bring me an autograph from both of them? They are my favourite heroes!" Gwen asks you with puppy dog eyes.

"Sure, but I thought you would be more interested in Aeon or The Torch?" you tease with a mischievous smile.

"Uhm, Iron Woman and Invisible Woman are strong female heroes! Obviously, they will be my idols!" Gwen explains with a dreamy look.

"What about you, Helen? Who do you like the most?" you ask intrigued.

"Oh, a 42-year-old woman like me is too old to keep up with all these hero things," Helen says, shaking her head.

"Old? You, Helen? If you go out with Gwen, people will think you are her beautiful older sister," you compliment with a charming smile.

"You and your sweet mouth," Helen blushes, averting her gaze from yours.

"Uhm, Mom, so who is your favourite among them?" Gwen interrupts, asking her.

"I don't know about these new heroes, but I have grown up hearing about tales of Captain Carter, so she will always be my favourite," Helen replies with a smile.

"That is not fair. You can only choose from these five!" Gwen whines at her mother.

You smile at her antics. The conversation continues with more small talk and expressions of concern for your safety. Eventually, it is time to say goodbye. Helen and Gwen walk you to the door, and Gwen gives you a tight hug.

"Take care, Luke," she says softly. "I will come to visit you at the Tower. Don't say you are busy then, alright!"

"Of course, Gwen. You take care too," you reply, returning her hug.

You go forward and hug Helen too. "You should come by our house more often," she says to you as she hugs you back.

"I will try!" you say as you bid both of them goodbye.

As you walk out of the Stacy apartment, you feel relaxed. Despite the chaos in your life, moments like these remind you of the importance of connections and the people who care about you.

You resolve to cherish these moments!