Spider-Man lingered in place, clearly debating whether to press further, but your patience was wearing thin. With a sharp nod in his direction, you waved dismissively. "Sure, Spidey, whatever. Get out of my house, and who knows? Maybe I'll consider joining SHIELD. Then we can see each other more, talk about all this superhero stuff, and really bond."

Your tone was laced with sarcasm, your focus already shifting back to the open book on your table. You didn't spare him another glance, letting the dismissal hang in the air.

Spider-Man hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by your abrupt shift. Finally, he sighed, muttering something under his breath before turning and hopping onto the window ledge. With a flick of his wrist, he shot a webline and swung off into the night, disappearing into the skyline.

The room fell silent except for the faint buzz of the city outside. Venom's voice broke the quiet, a low, satisfied purr rippling through your mind. "Well done," it murmured, its tone carrying an almost proud edge. "You handled that better than expected. Kept him guessing, sent him packing. I approve."

You chuckled softly, closing the book and leaning back in your chair. "Yeah, well, I wasn't about to let him play the hero in my own space," you replied, glancing toward the now-closed window.

Venom chuckled, its dark amusement resonating through you. "He's persistent, though. Be ready, L/N. That spider will come sniffing around again."

"Let him," you said with a smirk, the edge of defiance in your voice. "I've got bigger things to worry about than a guy in tights."

Venom's chuckle deepened, and you could feel its presence settle back into the recesses of your mind, content for now.

SCENEBREAK

A week passed with no sign of Peter Parker pestering you, just as you'd predicted. It suited you fine. You found your rhythm at school, making a few friends among the girls and drawing the attention of a handful of guys—not that you let anyone get too close. Flash Thompson, ever the persistent jock, tried his luck now and then, but you'd already filed him away as one of your "best annoying friends." He was harmless, in his own loud, bumbling way.

That afternoon, you were sitting on the steps outside school with Ayala, a fellow classmate you'd grown comfortable around. The two of you were mid-laugh over some ridiculous story she was telling when Danny Rand and Luke Cage approached. Danny had his hands shoved casually into his pockets, while Luke carried himself with his usual easy confidence.

"Hey there, L/N," Luke greeted with a broad grin. "You up for some training after school today? Could use someone with your... energy."

You raised an eyebrow, smirking at his playful tone. "Training, huh? What, you need someone to make you feel like a big shot when you win?"

Luke let out a booming laugh. "Nah, just trying to keep things interesting. Besides, I figured you could use a workout to blow off steam."

Ayala interjected, her laughter blending with yours. "Seriously, dude? We've got homework to do at home, remember?" She nudged Luke with her elbow, her teasing grin matching her words. "Not everyone's got time to play superhero 24/7."

Luke sighed dramatically, tossing his hands in mock defeat. "True enough, Ayala. True enough." He looked back at you with a shrug. "Offer's still open, though. Think about it."

Danny, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, his voice calm but warm. "No pressure. Just thought it might be fun to see what you're capable of. You've got an edge about you—felt it since day one."

You glanced at Danny, his words striking a chord. There was no mockery in his tone, just a genuine curiosity that made you pause. Venom stirred faintly in the back of your mind, muttering something unintelligible, but you ignored it.

With a grin, you leaned back on the steps and shrugged. "I'll think about it. Maybe next time, Cage."

Luke chuckled, holding his hands up in surrender as he started to walk away. "Fair enough. Don't wait too long, though. We don't keep spots open forever."

As the two boys headed off, Ayala gave you a sideways glance, her smirk knowing. "You really know how to keep people guessing, don't you?"

You chuckled, flipping a lock of hair out of your face. "It's a gift."

SCENEBREAK

The rain poured relentlessly, the sound of heavy drops pattering against the pavement as you trudged through the wet streets. You grumbled to yourself, pulling your hood tighter over your head, trying to shield yourself from the relentless downpour. "I hate rain," you muttered, frustration lacing your words as you pulled your jacket tighter.

Venom, ever the loyal presence in your mind, chuckled darkly. "No need to suffer, L/N," it said, and before you could protest, its black, slick form unfurled around you like a protective barrier, shielding you from the rain. Its tendrils stretched, forming a protective canopy over your head and shoulders. "Better now?" Venom purred.

You smiled, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, Venom," you said softly, grateful for the symbiotic partnership, even if it was a bit strange at times.

The rain didn't bother you as much now, the chill of the wet air less of a concern under Venom's cloak. You made your way home, the familiarity of the route comforting. But as you walked, something felt off.

You stopped mid-step, narrowing your eyes at a lamppost just ahead. Perched atop it was a figure, crouched in a spider-like pose. Instinctively, your senses sharpened. You took a moment to assess, noticing the subtle differences. It wasn't Spider-Man. His suit was older, a little more worn, and there was something about the scent that caught your attention. Not the usual clean, almost antiseptic smell of Spidey's suit, but something... different. Something like aging soap, mixed with the faintest trace of musk.

You blinked, unsure of who or what you were looking at. Before you could make another move, the figure leapt off the lamppost in one fluid motion and disappeared into the shadows of the night, blending into the rain-soaked cityscape.

"Well... that was weird," you muttered to yourself, eyes scanning the darkness in case the figure returned. But nothing.

You shook your head, a slight frown crossing your face. You couldn't quite shake the feeling that whoever that was, they weren't someone you should ignore. But at the same time, you had bigger concerns. Shrugging it off, you continued on your path and made your way into your apartment.

As the door clicked shut behind you, the comfort of your own space wrapped around you. But in the back of your mind, that strange encounter lingered, gnawing at the edges of your thoughts. What was that all about? Who was that spider figure? And why did it feel like you were being watched in a way that made your skin crawl?

Venom's low voice murmured, almost contemplative. "Interesting... someone else in the city with a spider theme. Wonder if they're friend or foe..."

You didn't have an answer. Not yet, anyway.