James sighed as he glanced at Mother Hana, sensing her hesitance. She wasn't outright opposed to the idea, but he could tell she was weighing his feelings carefully, concerned about the potential disappointment for Clarice.
After all, being adopted by that woman seemed like a far better option for Clarice than remaining in the orphanage.
"Let's hear your thoughts first," Mother Hana continued, her voice steady yet gentle. "This woman seems nice. She holds a high position and appears to be the assistant to the CEO. The conditions she could provide are undoubtedly better than what we can offer here. Plus, she's unmarried. If Clarice goes with her, she wouldn't be mistreated."
"Assistant to the CEO, Miss Potts?" James raised an eyebrow. "Is her full name Pepper Potts?"
Mother Hana nodded. "Yes, that's her name. Do you know her?"
James rubbed his chin in thought. "Pepper. Why would she suddenly want to adopt a child? Does she have time for that with all the chaos Tony Stark creates?"
"Miss Potts is genuinely kind," Mother Hana insisted, clearly in favor of Pepper's intentions.
Not wanting to oppose Mother Hana's kindness, James nodded thoughtfully. "If she's as you described, it could indeed be a blessing for Clarice. As long as Clarice is willing, I have no objections."
The following morning, James met Peter at their usual spot by the lockers.
"James, I… I think I might be sick…" Peter said weakly, leaning against the wall for support.
James placed a hand on Peter's forehead. "You don't have a fever."
"No, you don't understand," Peter whispered, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "This morning when I brushed my teeth, something snapped. Not like a break, but… I could hear the faucet and doorknob creaking, and I swear I heard ants crawling in the wall."
"You're kidding, right? I feel stronger now, like…"
"Like you're becoming Captain America?" James interjected with a smirk.
"Exactly!" Peter nodded enthusiastically.
James recalled the subway incident from the previous night. "Didn't you change like that in the subway and accidentally tear someone's clothes?"
"That was an accident!" Peter defended, not wanting that rumor to circulate through the school.
"Think about it, Peter. When did these changes start? Have you encountered anything unusual lately?"
James hesitated to mention the spider, opting instead to guide Peter to his own conclusions.
Peter rubbed the scar on his neck and murmured, "Could it really be the spider? A world without the weak, where everyone is equal. Using zebrafish genes to regenerate dopamine-secreting brain cells for Alzheimer's patients. Is it even possible?"
"James, what's zebrafish dopamine?" Peter's confusion was evident.
"I see!" Peter suddenly snapped his fingers. " Genetics is Dr. Connors' field. Yesterday, I visited the Osborne Group for one of his experimental projects."
James clapped his hands together, a smile forming. "That might be the issue. Dr. Connors has been working on research that can enhance physical fitness, like Captain America's. You could be a beneficiary of that project."
Peter turned to him, surprised and excited. "Are you serious?"
"Can you think of any other explanation?"
"Hey! What are you two talking about?" Thompson interrupted, walking over and slapping Peter on the back.
"Peter, why didn't you stay until the end of the match…?"
Before Thompson could finish, Peter, startled, instinctively grabbed Thompson's wrist and twisted to the side, causing Thompson to yelp.
"What the—!" Thompson's shout echoed through the corridor, drawing the attention of curious classmates. His reputation as a school bully was crumbling before his eyes.
Gwen entered the school just in time to see the commotion. She nudged her classmate Jessica, who stood nearby. "What's going on?"
"Huh? I… um," Jessica stammered, blushing and looking away. "I wasn't watching…"
Seeing Jessica's awkwardness, Gwen couldn't help but tease her. "Oh really? Were you peeking at James just now?"
Jessica's face turned crimson. "No! There's nothing special about James. I didn't see anything!"
"Come on," Gwen pressed, pointing to the scene unfolding. "You used to like guys with slender figures. If it's not James, then who—oh, I get it, it's Pa—"
"Gwen, don't!" Jessica pleaded, grabbing her friend's arm. "I don't want him to know!"
"Why not?" Gwen asked, genuinely puzzled. "We're about to graduate. There's no better time than now! Don't you want to apply to the same university as him?"
Jessica shook her head vehemently. "Just don't make me think about it. And by the way, don't abandon me. What about you? Do you like James?"
Gwen's expression flickered. "Why is it on me? For now, I don't want to be involved with anyone."
Jessica relented, sensing she had won this round. With the crowd dispersing, the two girls walked into the classroom together, hands intertwined.
Meanwhile, Thompson rubbed his wrist, bewildered. "What's wrong with me? How are you guys stronger than me now? I thought you were easy targets."
James and Peter exchanged knowing glances and shared a smile, then shrugged in silent camaraderie.
As Gwen and Jessica entered the classroom, they caught sight of James and Peter's exchange, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.
Could things be changing? Were these boys not the same ones they had known for years?
Thompson looked up and spotted Gwen. "Gwen, you're here! About that tutoring…"
Gwen tossed her things onto her desk, barely acknowledging him. "Aren't you joining the military? There won't be any more tutoring now or in the future."
Thompson's face fell. In less than three years, his life had plunged from the pinnacle of popularity to the depths of despair. Two boys he once bullied had become stronger, while he felt the ground shift beneath him.
No, this couldn't be happening.
'I can't just let this be my fate. I must be the best when I join the Marines. I can't let those two surpass me.'
Thompson vowed silently, determination hardening in his heart.
As James glanced back at Jessica, he felt a flicker of recognition. She wasn't just another face in the crowd; she was a survivor, much like Peter. They were linked by their pasts, two stars waiting to find their paths in a chaotic universe.