Gwen's old mentor

"All right, class dismissed. Remember to read chapters 6-8 in the textbook for next week... Gwen, can I see you for a minute?" Peter announced.

Peter Parker, better known as Spider-Man, was not originally from this universe, perhaps even from a different multiverse. He had dated his world's Gwen Stacy before losing her at the hands of the Red Goblin, Norman Osborn possessed by the Carnage symbiote; following that, he had married his world's Mary Jane Watson. Sadly, that was all lost in an incursion for him, and he eventually found his way to DCM-6969; Upon arriving, Peter became this world's Spider-Man, a role he'd now played for 15 years. Although he was now as respected and beloved as the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Captain America, he was haunted by his failures, even well into his new life; he was unable to save this world's Peter Parker, Gwen's childhood friend, from the Green Goblin, an event that shook Gwen as deeply as Peter losing his Gwen did. Still, he carried on, growing close to this world's Aunt May and meeting his new wife through her; Kristine Watson, who happened to be MJ's older cousin. Upon meeting Gwen, Peter bonded with her over their mutual losses, developing a strong mentor-protege friendship.

"Hiya, Pete. How're Kristy and Benjy doing?" Gwen asked.

"Pretty great. Ben's learning how to crawl. On walls, of course. He actually learned how to crawl years ago..."

"Considering I've seen the kid walking, I figured he'd learned how to crawl. Still, that's gotta be exciting... and terrifying," Gwen pondered.

"It really is... Kris and I hate the idea of him doing the superhero thing, but we know it's coming. I just hope he's ready for it."

"Yeah, well, if you need anyone to show him the ropes, just call me. I know Miles would be happy to help, too," Gwen offered.

"I know, and I appreciate it. So, getting down to business, you seemed kind of distracted today. Anything wrong?"

"Uhhhh, no..." Gwen said, in no way interested in telling her Spider-mentor about what she'd done the past couple of nights with her lesbian lovers. Still, she felt she had to tell Peter something, and she didn't want to outright lie. "I guess I was kind of distracted thinking about my new girlfriend."

"OK, I totally get that. So, you're dating someone? That's awesome."

"Yeah, she's really great... I mean, *really* great. But I'm sure you don't want me to bore you with the details of my love life. Especially since I kinda get the feeling you've got important Spider-business you need to tell me."

"First of all, I'm happy for you," Peter smiled, offering Gwen a fist bump. "And secondly, you're right. I had a run-in with Kraven the other day..."

Gwen furrowed her brow in frustration. Not Kraven and his stupid hunting games. "...Crap. I knew things were going too well for me lately. So Elmer Fudd's back in town, huh?"

"Yeah, and he's got a new hunting buddy. You ever run into Cheetah?"

Gwen scratched the back of her neck as a feeling of dread crept up on her. "Hot cat-lady? Kinda like Tigra, but evil? Uh-oh."

Peter nodded in agreement. "Uh-oh indeed. Uh-oh Spaghetti-o's, even. Anyway, Kraven said that starting next week, it's 'metahuman season'. Apparently he and Cheetah plan on turning New York into one huge hunting ground. I doubt he'll do anything before then, but you're gonna want to prepare... and watch your back."

"I will, Pete. Thanks for the heads up. Tell Kristy I said hi," Gwen said, turning to leave the classroom.

"Anytime, Gwennie. Say hi to MJ for me."