CHAPTER THIRTEEN; SPIDER-MAN

❝ for our brief second it the sun it was beautiful while it lasted wasn't it ❞

[ songs to listen to during this chapter ]

❝ burn, billie eilish / sick of losing soulmates, dodie / movies, conan gray / reckless, madison beer ❞

･ ｡ﾟ☆

❝ dc hotel ❞

THE WHOLE WAY BACK FROM 'SPIDER-MAN' saving them Alina avoided Connor. She made sure to sit next to Michelle on the bus ride back, all the while she tried to get a read on Connor. But she couldn't, his mind was shut out to her when she tried to read it and his emotions only ever showed calm. He was always calm, and when she thought back to all their other interactions he was calm then too. Even when he kissed her, he was always keeping a guard up. A guard Alina didn't understand how he was maintaining, but she could feel it cracking.

The longer they sat there and she tried reaching out the more she could see. Glimpses of Peter but not in the suit she knew him to wear, one much worse. It looked like one a child would make to mock the one he had currently. Her mind started to think back to all their interactions trying to piece together the purpose. But she couldn't find any purpose, any reason he would have to lie and hide what he was. None other than, telling her would expose something else he was doing.

The second the bus stopped, Alina used the advantage of sitting in front to quickly exit. No one bothered to stop her assuming she was still shaken up from the accident. Watching as she walked off Gwen looked between Liz and Sabrina saying, "I can't believe she almost died."

"I can't believe spider man came all the way from New York for her," Liz said somewhat begrudgingly. She didn't mean to sound jealous, but she couldn't help it.

Joining them as they exited the bus Flash said, "Well she did say she met him before, maybe he was just swinging by."

Malik with a slight roll of his eyes asked, "How long have you been waiting to use that pun?"

Before he spoke Sabrina said, "Probably for at least a week." There was a moment of silence as Alina vanished and Connor was the last to exit the bus. "Maybe we should do something for her next week? Throw her a 'we're glad you didn't die and helped us win the tournament' party."

Gwen shrugged as the others mumbled agreements, "Do you think she'll like that Connor," she asked her brother.

There wasn't much Gwen didn't know about her brother, including his crush on her and their shared kiss. What didn't make sense to her was how they seemed to be avoiding each other since the accident. If she were honest with herself, the way he was standing told her he was nervous, maybe even scared. Connor was no fool, he knew what Alina was trying to do. Just as he also knew she was on her way to figure out what he was doing, all he could do was slow her down.

Playfully shaking his shoulders Liz joked, "Are you there Connor? Do you think your girlfriend will like the party?"

Snapping himself out of his trance Connor didn't bother to look at any of them reasoning, "She's not my girlfriend." Without another word he too began walking away not caring if any were to follow.

As he stormed off Flash was the first to say, "Trouble in paradise I see."

Malik messed up the hair onto of Flashes head saying, "Like you know what paradise looks like." The others laughed all following suit walking up to their hotel rooms. As the others walked ahead Gwen stayed put her mind seemingly else where when Malik turned back. "Gwen," he called out making her snap out of it, "You coming?"

Gwen nodded admitting, "Yeah..."

Already far ahead of the others, Alina stood knocking urgently on Peter's door. She could hear him rustling around clumsily the room as he wrestled his way towards the door. The second it opened even a little she forced herself in, "Hey..look I know you're upset about me not calling you for help when I got stuck but––"

As he shut the door she demanded to know, "We can talk about that later, I need to know what happened between you and Connor? And don't tell me 'it's not my secret' I don't care. I deserve to know the truth about him, I like- he's my friend."

Peter wanted to keep what he knew to himself, he had been keeping it from everyone for months already. However, when he saw the desperation in her eyes he knew she would figure it out with or without his help. The only question he would have was 'how much could a confrontation between Connor and Alina destroy?' He knew he had no choice, there was only the truth for them now.

Putting down his hoodie as he sat on the bed Peter began, "Can we talk on the roof or something? I just want to make sure Ned or someone else doesn't walk in and hear us."

"We don't have to," Alina assured turning her hand locking the door while adding another spell, "Kráta mas ísychous." Whatever spell she did didn't seem to change anything which made Peter look at her strangely. "No one can hear us, and no one is opening that door just know that and continue."

"When I first became Spider-man I was a little...bad at it," he admitted sheepishly thinking it would come as a surprise but it didn't. "Of course that doesn't surprise you," said Peter.

Being honest with him she said, "You were some random kid who just happened to get superpowers Peter, there had to be a learning curve in there somewhere."

Peter nodded scratching the back of his head as he carried on, "Yeah, well while I was having mine I met someone who helped me. At first we didn't reveal our identities, I went by Spider-man and he went by Karma. He taught me how to stay hidden, we kept each other safe but eventually our differing ideologies...clashed."

She narrowed her eyes puzzled as she asked, "What does that mean?"

"He wanted to help people by violently causing change, I didn't want to hurt people, I want to protect them. One day when he found out this jerk Billionaire had used this man as a fall guy for his crimes...he lost it. He beat him badly and we fought when I tried to stop him. His mask came off and mine was trash so it ripped, we saw each other. That was the first and last time we saw each other like that."

"And Connor was under the mask? Wasn't he," Alina confirmed kicking herself for not knowing the truth sooner.

Peter nodded asking her, "How did you know about him?"

"When I was about to fall I saw the metal moving to try and grab me. Metal doesn't do that without help, once you got me back to the others I felt it. He was hiding his powers from me, concealing himself somehow but in the chaos he let down his guard," Alina explained moving to the couch to sit down.

Moving to sit on the bed across from the couch Peter said, "Concealments kinda one of his things." Alina's face told him to continue elaborating, "His powers let him be unseen and unfindable by anything or anyone. Which makes him unable to be visually, physically, conceptually, and apparently, magically. He can also manipulate technology, make it work for him. Communicate through it, there's no limit to it unless you leave him somewhere he can't access technology, or metal. You saw that one, he can control that too, which a lot more annoying then you would think."

Alina chuckled slightly rubbing her hands across her face exhaustion taking over her more and more. "I'm sorry I never told you about him, especially when Is aw you guys getting closer. It's just, we agreed never to tell anyone about the other and ––"

"And you were protecting yourself, and trying to keep a promise I get it. What I don't get, is what is he hiding from me for," Alina asked moving to sit on the edge of the bed with him. "I mean, how would he know to hide himself from me. He's been doing it since we met or else I would've noticed the difference sooner. Yet I didn't which means he knew before he met me to hide his powers, why?"

Peter shrugged only being able to say, "I'm not sure, he was violent but more like in a Robin Hood, who kept a portion of the money sort of way. He didn't just cause pain for the fun of it, he doesn't do anything without a purpose."

"Exactly, so what is his," Alina asked her mind trying to come up with an answer. But her thoughts of hurt were clouding her judgment. She had grown used to betrayal and could smell when it was growing closer. "Theres a way I can find out without magic," she realized her eyes lighting up, "He wants to trick me so it's only fair I do the same back."

"So your plan," he wondered.

Standing up she explained, "My plan is to act normal, he's watching me but for who is the question, that and why. I don't know enough for a confrontation, not yet. In the meantime, I keep my promise to you. After all, you did save my life and made sure I didn't have out myself as your partner in crime."

"It's no big deal," he assured laying back on the bed tiredly.

Alina move to sit beside him and say, "It was to me. Secret identity may not be as serious to you yet as it is to me, but what you did mattered. I was having a fairly good day and you kept it most intact until, well, the bomb exploded."

Peter laughed propping himself up, "In fairness that wasn't either of our faults."

"I think the monument might disagree," she joked for a brief second forgetting about how upset she was. But as soon as the moment was there, it was gone again. Clearing her throat she said, "We should probably get to packing, we're heading home tonight."

"Yeah, of course," Peter said sitting up more as she made her way towards the door. Just before she left he called out, "Lina?" She hummed turning back to face him, "I'm sorry about Connor, I know you really like him."

The brunette offered a tight smile trying to hide how she felt, "Me too."

. * ✦ . ◍ ∘ . * ✦ ‧ ∘ ⊹

❝ bus stop, dc ❞

"Hey," Connor greeted rushing to join Alina as she and everyone else were getting on the bus. "How are you doing since the whole-" before he finished Alina cut him off finishing, "The whole almost dying thing?"

He nodded saying, "Yes, that whole thing." Alina could feel him concealing himself still, and she could tell he was fishing for some sort of response about earlier.

"I'm shaken, but I'm alight. I just want to go home," she said as they got onto the bus. She could see Peter sending cautious stares her way. The brunette nodded letting him know she was alright as she sat down with him in the same booth.

"Kinda crazy though," he began as she made herself comfortable by the window, "Spider-man coming all the way from New York to save you. I'm grateful for him, of course, especially when I still have to plan our first date."

Making a joke of it Alina replied with a small laugh, "Maybe it should be spider-man themed? Pay homage to the man who made it possible."

Connor smirked saying, "I would but I feel like I'd be stepping on someone else's territory doing that."

"How do you mean?"

He turned in towards her more saying, "He came all the way from New York, Alina, I think it's safe to say that he might have a crush on you. Especially since you guys met before at Stark's internship."

The brunette shrugged seeing not to believe him at all as she said, "Thank you for the compliment but I'm pretty sure he's like 25 or something so I'll just have to say no."

"I wouldn't be too sure. Anyone could be underneath the mask," Connor said looking straight ahead.

Trying convince him everything was fine, at least for her, she grabbed his hand, "It's a good thing I want to go on the date with you, not him."

Connor smiled at her squeezing her hand in return, "How lucky am I."

"Very," she answered leaning her head against him fighting back tears. Two nights ago he was perfect, they were happy and now? Now she doubted they would ever come back from whatever he was doing.

. * ✦ . ◍ ∘ . * ✦ ‧ ∘ ⊹

❝ mid-town high ❞

Connor was holding Alina's hand for a moment before his mother and father had dragged him away. In his moment of distraction she took her chance to slip away and try and leave. She knew no one would be there for her but as she left she saw Flash standing with a driver, no parents, just a driver. Before she crossed the street she heard, "Alina!"

Hearing a woman's voice she turned around puzzled to see the small figure that was May Parker rushing toward her with Peter trailing behind. Before she could ask what she wanted she pulled the young girl into a hug, "Oh sweetie I saw what happened! I'm so glad you're alright." Pulling back May looked her up and down checking to see if she had been cut and no one noticed.

"I'm alright May," the brunette answered with a small smile.

"How are you getting home," the older woman wondered looking around for a car or someone who was there for her.

"I'm just gonna walk," Alina explained.

"Walk? It's 9:30 at night Alina," reasoned Peter peering behind his aunt.

She chuckled assuring them, "I'll be fine, believe me."

May shook her head refusing, "No, absolutely not. You're 16 years old, you're not walking the streets at night when I can drive you." Seeing the hesitation wash over her the older woman urged, "We live in the same building it's okay sweetie, really, it's no trouble. And in the morning, I'm using that number Tony gave me to call him."

Following them towards her car Peter asked, "Call him for what?"

As if it were obvious as she opened the door she answered, "For her! He should've been here and believe me when I tell you, next time, he'll be sending a whole army to pick her up."

Alina couldn't say anything, honestly it just felt nice for someone to care so much. Her whole life for obvious reasons, she never felt maternal love but in this moment she assumed, this was a close as she would ever get. And it felt nice, safe even. "Next time? I don't know about 'Lina but I'm pretty sure I could do without this happening a second time," Peter joked getting inside the car.

"Yeah well if it does she's getting a tank," May assured pointing at the young girl as they got inside.

. * ✦ . ◍ ∘ . * ✦ ‧ ∘ ⊹

❝ alina's apartment ❞

Entering her apartment the teenager dropped her bag hearing it echo through her empty apartment. Second after she entered, her phone began to ring from an unknown caller. "Hello," she greeted her voice puzzled as she answered.

"Alina! Are you alright? Are you home safe," one voice over another she heard Wanda, Sam, and Steve's voices.

She smiled, it been so long since she had last heard their voices, "I'm okay. Peter was there, he made sure I was alight."

Steve sighed saying, "I knew I liked that kid."

Feeling the need to hear them laugh she joked, "You like him more than me?"

This time Sam said, "I don't, only met him that once and he was a pain in the ass."

Alina laughed shutting her eyes tightly, "Is Nat with you guys?" She hadn't heard from Natasha since she left, and that hurt more than anything. Natasha had been the one to save her, the one who taught her how to even begin to feel human again. To be something more than the weapon they made her into, she really wished she could talk to her about everything.

There was silence until Wanda faded Sokovian accent said, "We've been separated since she let us go. We're looking but––"

Cutting them off she knew, "If Natasha doesn't want to be find you're not gonna. Thank you guys for calling, but I'm alright."

"We can't stay on the line long Alina but, if you need us, call this number and we'll be there," offered Steve wanting her to know he was still there for her, even when he couldn't physically be there. After meeting the Avengers Steve took her under his wing, taught her how to fight in her own style, and showed her how to live. Struggling with his own ability to live again, they helped each other do so.

The longer she stayed on the phone with them the easier it seemed to grow sadder. "Thanks," Alina said hearing a creak of her floor boards behind her, "Keep them safe Steve, all of you keep each other safe."

"We will," said Wanda.

"Pretty sure without me they might've already been caught by now," Sam teased.

Saying his goodbye Steve said, "Take care of yourself Alina."

"I always do," said the teenager hanging up the call putting her phone down on the counter beside her. Letting out a heavy sigh she suddenly said out loud, "You're not hiding anymore."

Coming around the corner she saw Connor standing between her kitchen and living room. "I saw your face after you got off the elevator, and Peters when we got on the bus. He told you, didn't he? About me?"

"About Dark Watcher? Which in all fairness sounds like some horrible cartoon villain name," Alina said crossing her arms.

He shrugged nonchalantly reasoning, "I wasn't the one who chose it, got in the paper once and everyone just rolled with it. Figured going by a name I didn't even choose helped the whole, staying covert thing."

"So you knew who I was this whole time," she confirmed putting down her phone. He nodded making her scoff as she covered her mouth, "The only thing I want to know is, why didn't you tell me? And more importantly, why were you purposely concealing yourself from me? I felt you slip your guard when I was falling, why didn't you say something?"

"Why didn't you tell me who you were," he countered taking a step closer.

"Are you serious," Alina asked as if he were clueless, "Did you just ask me why I wouldn't want someone I just met to know about who I really am?"

Immediately Connor interjected, "Hex isn't who you are, you're Alina."

Once more she laughed saying, "No, I will always be hex you heard everything your friends said. They will always see me as her, so does the rest of the world. Why I didn't own up to being her is obvious but it's not for you. Don't deflect, tell me why."

Connor stayed silent and for the first time she could truly feel his emotions. And he was terrified, all she was getting was waves of fear and panic radiating off him. If she wasn't so used to her own emotions his might've been unbearable. "I conceal myself because since I've gotten them its been like autopilot for me," he explained almost immediately telling her he was lying.

He wasn't going to tell her the truth, she understood that much. Whatever his fear was coming from wasn't allowing him the courage. "I need a couple days," she said abruptly ending the conversation, "I have had enough people lie to me and I need a couple days to wrap my head around this."

The raven haired boy tried stepping forward, "Alina I'm sorry I never wanted to lie." This was the truth, he didn't want to lie but he was anyway.

"I believe that," she admitted moving towards her door. Before opening it she said, "But like I said, been lied to a shitload of times so kinda finding it hard to see past that. Leave, before I make you and we can't come back from it." Connor wanted to protest but he understood, he began walking towards the door when a thought crossed Alina's mind. "Did Gwen know about you," Alina asked searching his face.

"No," he lied, he always looked so pretty when he lied. She realized he was never that good at lying, at least not to her, she had just let down her guard. She assumed because it was high school nothing could ever be this serious, no one would be able to figure her out. Yet he had, he had done the same thing she'd been trained to do.

Find your target, find out what they need, and become everything they need. He was acting like a spy, and there would only be one reason for that. Whatever he felt for her, didn't out weigh how much he was getting paid to spy and report back on her.

She forced a smile as she said, "Keep it that way." Opening the door Alina allowed him to walk out not saying another word. She slammed it shut behind him leaning against it. Alina sighed rubbing her hands across her face tiredly, she just wanted to sleep. Opening the palm of her hand she starred at one of his rings she slipped off his finger while on the bus. Part of her wanted to cry, but she was too tired to even do that at this point. She needed sleep, that was all she could do for now. Tomorrow she would use the ring to find out exactly where Connor was going, and who he was speaking with.

Alina's outfit next chapter