14

Pov Jessica

Jessica woke up to the sound of the alarm clock and felt the warmth of Peter's body next to her. He was cuddled up to her, his arm around her waist and his face buried in her hair. She turned to look at him and smiled when she saw that he was still fast asleep. She snuggled closer to him and kissed his chest, feeling his heart beat. She remembered the night before, how he had made her feel things she had never felt before. He was so loving, so attentive, so passionate. She felt like the happiest woman in the world.

He opened his eyes slowly and saw her face smiling at him. He returned the smile and pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. He said softly:

Peter - Good morning, my love. You look beautiful, did you sleep well?

Jessica - I slept very well. Did you?

Peter - I did too. You tired me out last night, you know that?

Jessica - Me? And you, who wouldn't leave me alone?

Peter - I can't resist you. You're irresistible.

They kissed passionately and held each other tightly.

Peter got out of bed and went to the kitchen to prepare a delicious breakfast. He put everything on a tray and went back into the bedroom. Jessica was lying on the bed, looking at him with admiration. He put the tray on the bed and said.

Peter - I'm going to school, stay at home and rest.

Jessica - Okay.

Pov Tony Stark

Tony stands on the tarmac of a private airport, next to a luxury jet. He is wearing an expensive suit and carrying a briefcase with important documents. He approaches Pepper who is waiting for him with a tablet in her hand.

Pepper - I hope your trip goes well.

Tony - Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'm going to Afghanistan to demonstrate the new Jericho missile and I'll be back before you know I've left.

Pepper - Yes, sir. But be careful, Afghanistan is a dangerous place. There are many armed conflicts and terrorist groups.

Tony - That's why I'm going with my secretary, Natalie, who is an excellent translator. And also my friend James, who commands an elite army troop. They will ensure my safety and that of my money.

Pepper - I understand, sir. But even so, keep an eye out. And don't forget to call me when you get there.

The two say goodbye. Tony walks towards the jet, where Natalie and James are waiting for him with smiles. They board the aircraft, which soon takes off for Afghanistan.

Pov Peter

Peter is driving down the road on his way to school when Brainiac speaks.

Brainiac - Sir, I have some news for you. Tony, you've just boarded a plane bound for Afghanistan.

Peter - Keep monitoring Tony's every move and let me know if anything happens.

Brainiac - Yes, sir.

Peter - Do you have any games ready for release?

Brainiac - Yes. I have 4 games ready.

Peter - You can release another game online, AND let the world know that I own the company that produced the game.

Brainiac - Right away, sir.

Pov Rogue

Kitty - Hi, Rogue. How are you feeling today?

Rogue - Hi, Kitty. I'm terrible. I can't take this life anymore.

Kitty - What happened? Do you want to talk about it?

Rogue - You know what happened. You know what I am. A freak who can't touch anyone without hurting them.

Kitty - You're not a freak. You're a special person with an incredible gift.

Rogue - A gift? You call it a gift? I call it a curse. I'll never be able to hug someone, kiss someone, feel the warmth of another body. I'm condemned to loneliness.

Kitty - Don't say that. You're not alone. You have me, and I love you very much.

Rogue - I love you too, Kitty. But you know it's not the same. You know I need more than friendship.

Kitty - I know that you have desires, that you want to fall in love, that you want to be happy. But you can't give up hope. Maybe one day you'll find someone who can accept you as you are, who can love you without fear.

Rogue - Do you really think that's possible? Do you think there's anyone in the world who can touch me without getting hurt?

Kitty - I think so. I think love is stronger than anything.

Rogue - You're very optimistic, Kitty. You always see the good in things. But I'm a realist. I know that reality is cruel. I know I'll never find that love.

Kitty - Please don't talk like that. You're a wonderful, intelligent, beautiful, kind person. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to have everything you dream of.

Rogue - Thank you, Mariana. You're an incredible friend. You always support me, console me, make me laugh. You're the only person who understands me.

Pov Peter

Peter and Gwen were kissing passionately against the wall. They were out of sight of the other students and teachers.

Peter - You're so beautiful, you know that?

Gwen - I know, and you're beautiful too.

They kiss again.

Gwen - (moving away a little) Where's Jessica? Didn't she come today?

Peter - Oh, she's very tired. She preferred to stay at home.

Gwen - Tired of what?

Peter - She's been up all night.

Gwen - (suspicious) Really? You didn't do... that?

Peter - Yes, we did. Do you feel bad about it?

Gwen - A little. I'm afraid of losing you because of it.

Peter - You know I respect your decision, right? And I'll wait until you feel ready to... you know.

Gwen - Really?

Peter - Of course. I want our first time to be special, and for you to be happy and safe.

Gwen - You're so sweet, Peter. Thank you for being so understanding.

Peter - No need to thank me. I just want to do right by you.

Gwen - You're the best boyfriend in the world.

Time skip

Peter and Felicia are sitting side by side at a desk, talking quietly.

Felicia - Doesn't that girlfriend of yours come to school?

Peter - No.

She approaches him and touches his arm.

Felicia - You mean I'm going to have you all to myself?

Peter - Aren't you ashamed? You know I'm dating and you act like this with me.

Felicia - You have to be faithful, not me.

Peter - True, but that doesn't take a significant part of the blame away from you.

She moves closer to him and looks into his eyes.

Felicia - And if you were the one who had been betrayed, what would you do?

Peter - There are certain things that shouldn't be said, you just do them.

Felicia - Mysterious, I like that.

During the conversation, Ned approaches.

Ned - Excuse me, can I talk to you for a minute?

Peter - Sure, go ahead.

Ned - Sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to say that I'm a big fan of yours. I didn't know you owned Parker Industries, I thought the name was just a coincidence.

Peter - Thanks, but...

Ned - No, really. I love your games. They're amazing. How do you do it? How do you create these stories, these graphics, these characters?

Peter - Well, it's a trade secret, I can't reveal it.

He realizes that Peter doesn't want to talk to him. Ned walks away and returns to his seat. Felicia looks at Peter with an expression of surprise and admiration.

Felicia - Wow... I didn't know you owned a game developer.

Peter - Yeah... I don't usually talk about it.

Felicia - It's funny that just as Harry has lost everything, I find out that you own a game developer.

Peter - Coincidence, and how do you know that Harry lost everything?

Felicia - Hearing my mother talking on the phone about how some idiot heir signed some papers without reading them and lost everything, I hope I never make that mistake.

Pov Mary Jane

Liz - Did you see what happened to Peter? He's dating Jessica. And what's more, he owns a company.

Mary Jane - Yes, I did.

Liz - He's a nerd, he's always been the butt of our jokes.

Mary Jane - I've never made jokes about him.

Liz - Oh, stop it. You never defended him, so you're innocent now?

Mary Jane - No, I just want to say that I'm sorry I was so mean to him and that I let him down.

Liz - Are you serious? Give me a break. You're jealous of him. You wish you were in Jessica's shoes.

Mary Jane - No, I'm not jealous of him. I'm happy for him. I just wanted to apologize to him. I wanted to say that I regret everything I did.

Liz - Then go and talk to him. Maybe he'll forgive you and give you a chance.

Mary Jane - Do you think he'll want to talk to me? After everything I've done?

Liz - I don't know. There's only one way to find out.