Adam POV
Guess what, guys? I got a new pair of shoes! Sure, they're a bit dookie-looking, but hey, I'm still grateful. Clothes, though? Yeah, no luck there. George's—Gwen's father—shirts were way too tight on my shoulders, and the pants? Don't even get me started. Right now, I'm at the police station, and honestly, I'm not sure what these normal people think they're going to do about a "supervillain." But hats off to them for their bravery, I guess.
Well, not much danger here. It's just Gwen, trying her hardest to play hero.
I kept my voice shaky and meek, playing the part of the traumatized victim perfectly.
"Yes, officer, it was a woman in a weird, skintight suit. She had this creepy costume—like, super creepy."
The officer's pen scribbled furiously on his notepad as I continued, piling on the drama. "And she was so strong! I barely got away alive. I think she's some kind of mutant or… alien?"
The officer looked up, alarm flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, Mr. Adam. We'll notify the heroes about this new threat and make sure justice is served."
I forced a weak, watery smile, nodding in gratitude. "Thank you, officer. Truly."
George gave me a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "You're a brave man, Adam. You can go ho,e now, Just stay safe, alright?"
"Oh, sir…" I hesitated, trying to muster the right amount of hesitation in my voice. "I, uh… I can't go back home."
His brow furrowed. "Why not?"
"Well…" I scratched the back of my neck, letting out a nervous chuckle. "I guess you could say I'm, uh… homeless."
His face shifted, concern replacing suspicion. "I see…" He let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head.
"Well.....I suppose you can stay at my place for now. At least until we can find you somewhere more permanent."
I didn't waste a second. I threw my arms around him in an overly dramatic hug, nearly knocking his hat off. "Thank you, sir! Thank you so much!"
Safe from the femboy… for now.
Gwen POV
My mind was still buzzing from yesterday's disaster. Adam. How did he know my name? How? Was he some kind of villain? Had I been targeted all along? Were all of those run-ins just coincidental, or… were they orchestrated?
I shook my head, trying to dismiss the spiraling thoughts as I walked through the front door. My bag hit the floor with a dull thud, but the sound of laughter from the living room immediately put me on edge. My parents never laughed that much.
I crept forward cautiously, peeking into the living room… and froze.
There he was. Adam. Sitting comfortably on my couch, chatting with my dad like they were lifelong buddies. My mom was practically in tears from laughing at whatever lame joke he'd just cracked.
"WHY IS HE HERE?!"
The room fell silent. Three sets of eyes snapped to me, and my father frowned.
"Gwen, what's the matter? Do you know this man?"
Adam turned to me, a sly, knowing smirk plastered across his face.
"Oh, we know each other. I met her yesterday," he said, his tone almost mocking.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I forced a stiff, awkward smile, my voice coming out more strained than I'd intended. "Oh! Uh, yeah. I… uh helped him with directions yesterday."
Dad raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Then why did you shout like that?"
"I, uh…" My mind scrambled for an excuse. "I was just surprised! Haha, what a coincidence, right?"
My dad's gaze lingered for a moment before he sighed and shook his head. "Alright, if you say so. Anyway, meet Adam. He's going to be staying here for a week."
A week?!
"Wait, what? Why?"
Adam answered smoothly, leaning back into the couch. "I don't have anywhere to stay right now. I guess you could call me a bum."
"You're not—" I stopped myself, biting back the words. Instead, I forced a polite, "I thought you were staying with your friend."
"Oh, well, there's a little… problem there. I'll go back once it's sorted."
I narrowed my eyes. "I hope it gets sorted soon."
He just gave me a fake, awkward laugh, then turned back to chatting with my parents like I wasn't even there.
I bolted upstairs, slammed the door to my room, and screamed into my pillow.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
This couldn't be happening. I couldn't handle this pressure. What was I supposed to do? Kick him out? How would I even explain this to my parents? Would they even believe me?
_________________________________
As Gwen moved hurriedly along the sidewalk, the cold evening air prickled her skin. The lampposts above cast a pale golden glow on the pavement, but even their light couldn't chase away the storm raging in her mind. Adam. In her house. Laughing with her parents. How? Why? And how could they not see how dangerous he was? He knew her secret—he knew her name. Every time she thought about it, a chill snaked down her spine.
The street was quieter now, the occasional sound of a passing car or a distant bark breaking the silence. Gwen's sneakers scuffed against the pavement as she turned a corner too quickly, too distracted to pay attention to where she was going.
And then it happened.
She collided into someone with enough force to make both of them stumble back slightly.
"Oh! Sh—Sorry! Are you okay?" Gwen blurted, steadying herself. She instinctively brushed off invisible dust from her jacket, her words spilling out faster than her brain could process what had just happened.
"It's alright," came a soft, melodic voice.
Gwen looked up and froze.
Standing before her was a woman who seemed plucked straight out of a high-fashion magazine. Her pink hair was cut into a sharp, chin-length bob, its glossy edges catching the faint light and framing a face so delicate it seemed carved from porcelain. High cheekbones, a slender nose, and lips painted in a deep burgundy gave her an almost ethereal beauty. But it was her eyes that struck Gwen the most—large, almond-shaped, and framed by thick lashes that gave them a smoky allure.
The woman wasn't tall but her posture was regal yet effortless. She wore a long coat, the hem swaying slightly in the breeze, and beneath it, glimpses of a sleek black outfit peeked through. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she tilted her head ever so slightly, studying Gwen with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle but with an undertone of bemusement.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Gwen stammered, feeling oddly self-conscious. She cursed herself for how awkward she sounded. Straightening up, she forced a polite smile onto her face. "I wasn't looking where I was going. I'm sorry about that."
"It's okay…" The woman's smile widened just a fraction as she extended a hand.
"Oh, uh…" Gwen hesitated for half a second before taking the offered hand. It was surprisingly soft, her grip firm yet elegant. "Gwen. Gwen Stacy."
"Gwen...." Ashley's gaze lingered for a moment, almost like she was trying to commit Gwen's face to memory.
There was something about her—an aura, a presence—that made Gwen's stomach twist in an unfamiliar way. It wasn't fear, not exactly, but unease mixed with intrigue. Ashley's beauty was captivating, but her calm confidence, her almost predatory grace, set Gwen on edge.
"I'm really sorry again," Gwen said, trying to fill the silence. "I've just been…distracted."
Ashley chuckled softly, a sound that sent an inexplicable shiver through Gwen. "Well, I hope whatever it is, you figure it out. And…" Her voice dipped slightly, almost teasing. "Watch where you're going next time."
Gwen flushed. "Right. Sorry again."
With a final nod, Ashley stepped around her and continued down the sidewalk. Gwen watched her go, the faint click of her boots fading into the distance.
As soon as she was out of sight, Gwen exhaled deeply and leaned against the nearest wall.
"Who was that?" she muttered to herself.