A goblin cure

"So what's the verdict, Professor Pete?" Gwen asked, having brought Peter the vials of Goblin serum for analysis.

"I still think that name sounds painfully cheesy..." Peter remarked, cringing slightly.

"Why do you think I keep calling you that?" Gwen teased.

Peter rolled his eyes and gave Gwen a smirk that was equal parts annoyance and amusement. "I'd say either because it annoys me to the point of insanity, or because I like to do the exact same thing."

"I'd say it's both," Gwen joked, "I learned it from watching *you*, Dad."

"Fair enough," Peter conceded as he returned to work. "So yeah, this is definitely Goblin serum. But it's pretty different from the stuff Osborn used... still, we should be able to come up with some kind of counteragent in a few days. Anything else I should know?"

"Not really. I'm still kinda paranoid that Hobgoblin intentionally left this out as some kind of elaborate trap," Gwen admitted. "Swiping it seemed almost too easy."

"If he did, it's a reeeeaaaally stupid trap," Peter assured his protege. "This might be a modified serum, but it's still based off of the original. Even if this stuff's not what Hobgoblin's actually using, any counteragent we make will at the very least seriously weaken your Hobgoblin."

"Did you have a Hobgoblin in your own universe?" Gwen asked. She knew Peter didn't necessarily like to talk about the universe he came from, which was lost to him in an incursion, but she was one of the few people he ever opened up to about his past there.

"Yeah, I did. Guy was a real tool, like pretty much any Goblin. He was a fashion mogul, like the one here. My MJ worked at his agency for a while, before we exposed him..."

Peter smiled sadly as he remembered his first wife. He'd since made a new life in DCM-6969, marrying this universe's MJ's cousin Kristy Watson (an older cousin in this reality), but he'd always carry fond memories of his MJ and Gwen. "So yeah, it's no surprise that this universe's Roddy Kingsley's a total scumbag."

Gwen nodded, noticing the hint of sadness in her mentor's eyes. "I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot. I was just curious..."

Peter smiled softly, patting Gwen's shoulder. "I know, kiddo. And I get why you asked. Maybe I can give you some pointers on kicking Goblin ass..."

Gwen snorted, unable to hold in her laughter. "You said 'Goblin ass'..."

Peter chuckled as he realized the accidental double entendre he'd just made. "Jeez... get your mind out of the gutter, Gwen. This is a totally serious conversation between totally serious adults," he said in a completely serious tone, causing Gwen to crack up again. "In any case, I'll have the counteragent ready way before this fashion show you told me about -- and if you need any help from Spider-Man, just give me a call."

"I doubt we'll need your help. The Looker agency is pretty stacked with superpowered ladies -- besides, you've got big Avengers business of your own," Gwen pointed out. "Still, I appreciate the offer."

"Hey, you're a Spider-Person. Goblin beatdowns are kind of our specialty," Peter reminded her. "I know you've got this."

Gwen smiled and hugged Peter, appreciating the vote of confidence. "Thanks, Pete. I'll let you know how things turn out."

"Be careful out there, Gwen," Peter told her. "And say hi to MJ for me."