Nathan stood in front of his bedroom mirror, tugging at the lapels of his black tux. He straightened the bow tie for the fifth time and exhaled slowly. The room behind him was quiet except for the hum of the city outside. His Spider-Man suit lay folded carefully on the dresser, like a second skin he wasn't wearing tonight. Not for prom. Not for her.
He gave himself a once-over. "Not bad, Drake. You clean up alright."
He grabbed his cologne, gave it one quick spray then turned toward the door. Time to roll.
Outside, a pristine 1967 Chevy Impala, sleek and black with chrome trim, waited like a beast ready to purr. Courtesy of Johnny Blaze, who had tossed him the keys with a smirk. Nathan slipped into the driver's seat, hands brushing over the leather wheel like it was made of gold.
"This is gonna be a night to remember," he muttered, starting the engine. It roared to life.
Nathan pulled up to the curb in front of a small but stylish brick townhouse. He killed the engine and stepped out, adjusting his jacket one last time before heading up the steps. With a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
It creaked open a few seconds later. Standing there was a broad-shouldered man with a greying beard and piercing eyes that could probably see straight through him.
"You Nathan?" the man said, tone sharp as a blade.
Nathan nodded, trying not to flinch.
But then like a storm clearing the man's face broke into a warm smile. "Nice to meet you. I knew your father. We worked together on a few projects back in the day." He extended a strong, calloused hand. "Hector Ayala."
Nathan took it, and for a moment felt like he was shaking hands with history.
"It's an honor, sir. My dad used to talk about you."
Just then, a voice called from the staircase inside. "Dad, stop interrogating him."
Nathan looked up and forgot how to breathe.
Ava descended the steps in a sleek silver dress that shimmered with every step. Her curls were pinned up elegantly, and her heels clicked softly against the hardwood. She looked like she'd just walked off a red carpet.
Nathan's mouth dropped open.
Ava raised a brow. "Close your mouth before flies fly in."
Nathan snapped his jaw shut, cheeks going red. "You look… amazing."
Ava smirked, linking her arm with his. "I kinda figured that out from your reaction."
As they turned to leave, Hector gave Nathan one last look.
"Eleven o'clock. No later. Or I'm hunting you down."
Ava rolled her eyes. Nathan nodded like his life depended on it. And somehow, in that moment, it kind of did.
The Impala rumbled to a stop outside Peters house in Queens. Nathan honked once. A moment later, Uncle Ben and Aunt May waved from the porch.
"Hey, Mr. & Mrs. P!" Nathan called.
"Drive safe, Nathan!" Aunt May said, giving him the classic mom look.
Peter and MJ stepped out, looking like prom royalty. Peter had slicked his hair back very awkwardly and MJ's red dress practically made the night brighter.
"Okay, okay, we clean up good," Peter said, sliding into the back seat.
MJ elbowed him. "You clean up okay. Nathan and Ava look like magazine covers."
Nathan laughed as he pulled away from the curb. "This car makes us all look better."
OSBORN LABS – MEANWHILE
Far above the streets of New York, in the towering glass and steel of Oscorp, Norman Osborn stormed out of an elevator, his suit unbuttoned, eyes wild with obsession.
A nervous lab tech followed him. "Sir, the serum isn't ready. There could be side—"
Norman spun and grabbed the man by the neck, lifting him slightly off the ground.
"I said… is it ready?"
The tech choked. "Y-yes. But the risks—"
"GIVE IT TO ME."
The tech scrambled to a console and activated a large, circular pod in the center of the lab. "Step in, sir. We'll handle the rest."
Norman stripped off his coat, shirt, and tie, then stepped inside. The pod hissed shut, and a green gas began to flood the chamber.
At first silence.
Then screams.
Violent shaking. Bones snapping. Skin bulging and muscles tearing themselves larger.
The pod cracked. The glass shattered.
An unholy roar filled the lab. The figure inside exploded outward now ten feet tall, hunched, skin green, eyes yellow, and claws burning with flame. His face was twisted into a monstrous version of Norman's more goblin than man.
The monster looked down at its trembling creators and let out a guttural snarl.
"Spider-Man… Nathan… SPIDER-MAN!!!"
It smashed through the wall like paper and leapt into the night, roaring.
Inside the high school gym, the lights were low, the music was thumping, and the decorations actually didn't suck.
Nathan and Ava swayed in the middle of the floor, bathed in soft neon colors. Her hand rested against his chest. For once, things felt… normal. Like maybe the superhero life didn't have to ruin every good thing.
"I still don't get how you pulled me into this dance," Ava teased, her eyes twinkling.
"I used the ancient and powerful technique of 'asking nicely,'" Nathan said.
She chuckled. "You're lucky I like guys who talk too much."
They laughed, turning slowly, enjoying the rare moment.
A few minutes later, Nathan headed to the drinks table and spotted Peter and Harry deep in conversation.
"Hey," Nathan said, grabbing three sodas. "What's the topic?"
Harry took a sip from his own cup. "College talk. Since we graduate in a couple weeks."
Peter beamed. "I got accepted to Empire State University. Full ride, baby."
Harry nodded. "I'm staying close. Going to work under my dad. Learn the ropes."
They both looked at Nathan.
He shrugged. "I'm taking over my dad's construction business. Figured it's time to build something permanent, you know?"
Peter grinned. "You? With a tool belt? That's a sight I gotta see."
But then Nathan's head jerked back.
A ringing. No but a burning in his skull. Like someone driving a nail into the base of his brain.
His spider-sense screamed.
Suddenly, the gym roof exploded.
Students screamed. Dust and debris fell. Lights flickered.
From the gaping hole above, a massive green shape dropped to the ground with a thunderous BOOM.
Everyone froze.
Flames licked from the creature's hands. Its yellow eyes locked onto Nathan, and it roared one word that shook the entire gym.
"SPIDER-MAN!!!"
Peter and Harry looked at Nathan in shock.
He stared up at the beast.
"Oh shit."