PETER PARKER POV
It was ten in the morning, and sunlight poured straight through the kitchen window.
I was sitting at the table beside Gwen, trying to focus on whatever was on TV, but honestly, my mind was somewhere else.
Aunt May moved around the kitchen, shifting pans and putting together sandwiches.
"So you're spending the day at Harry's?" May asked without stopping her buttering.
"Yeah," I replied, absentmindedly pushing a bread crumb across the table. "I'll be back around eight tonight."
She set the knife down and turned to look at us, studying us in silence for a moment.
"And how are you getting home? I don't want you walking around late, Peter. The area near Harry's mansion is quiet, but the trip back here isn't."
Gwen set her coffee cup down and answered before I could.
"Don't worry, May. Harry promised he'd drive each of us home. He's dropping us off right at our doors."
May nodded, seemingly reassured, and went back to what she was doing.
"That's fine. You're young, you should enjoy Valentine's Day. But please, no alcohol. I don't want strange phone calls at midnight."
I felt my ears start to burn.
"May, seriously… we don't drink."
She let out a dry little laugh and leaned against the counter, looking at us like we were ten.
"Peter, believe it or not, I was your age once. And I told my parents the exact same thing before going to a party."
Gwen gave a soft laugh, shaking her head.
"Really, May. We won't touch a drop."
"I trust you," my aunt said, patting my shoulder affectionately. "Just be careful."
I watched her finish laying out a clean tablecloth and carefully place two porcelain cups beside the tray of sandwiches. This wasn't exactly a quick breakfast setup.
"Are you expecting someone?" I asked, puzzled.
May smiled as she adjusted the edge of the cloth.
"Yes. An old grouch coming to brag that she finally has a 'grandson.'"
I raised an eyebrow and mentally went through my aunt's list of friends. It didn't take long.
"Olivia?"
May nodded.
I thought about it for a second.
"But… how does she have a grandson if she never had kids?"
"That's exactly why she's coming today," May replied in a mysterious tone that clarified absolutely nothing.
Gwen, who had been listening closely, set her backpack on the chair and joined in.
"Maybe it's an adoption? Or maybe she's taking care of a neighbor's kid she got attached to."
May considered it for a moment.
"Yes, it could be something like that," she murmured.
Right then, the doorbell rang through the house.
"Speak of the devil," May said with a smile, wiping her hands on her apron as she headed for the door.
Gwen and I stayed in the kitchen, finishing up with our bags.
"I'm glad to see her like this," Gwen said quietly, and I just nodded.
After Uncle Ben died, it took time to adjust to the silence he left behind. He was always fixing something, or cracking a joke when you least expected it.
May is strong. She took care of everything without complaint, without shedding a single tear in front of me. But when I looked into her eyes, I could see it. The pain. How much she missed him every single day.
With time, even though the sorrow never truly disappeared, she learned to carry it. Visits from friends like Olivia helped. They distracted her.
These days, moments like that are rarer, but seeing her go out, have lunch with her friends, help people in need… it makes me happy. She's managed to move forward despite everything.
Voices from the hallway drifted down the corridor, cutting through my thoughts.
"How have you been, you old witch?" a woman called out with a raspy laugh.
"Much better than you, you fossil," May shot back instantly.
They both burst into laughter, the kind only lifelong friends share.
May asked something about Daisy, and the other woman explained that the dog was at the park with the others, but she hadn't come alone today.
"I brought someone else," she announced.
"Oh? Is it the grandson you mentioned?" May asked.
"Yes. This young man helps me around the house and with errands. May, this is Nicolás."
That's when I heard a pretty young voice greeting my aunt respectfully.
What made me grin was hearing him whisper to Olivia, "I didn't know I was your grandson now…"
"Be quiet! I have to show you off," she snapped immediately.
May thanked him for helping her friend and invited them in.
Footsteps approached as the boy politely asked permission to enter.
"What a well-mannered kid," May commented. "Come in, please."
"That's because I raised him right," the woman boasted.
"What are you talking about? You just have me running errands and cleaning," the boy joked, though she cut him off before he could finish.
Gwen and I stood just as May and Olivia stepped into the kitchen.
Olivia looked a little more hunched than the last time I'd seen her, but she still had that sharp gaze and that same arrogant grin. The moment she saw me, her eyes lit up.
"You little brat, how've you been?" she barked, marching straight toward me. "You've grown a lot. All grown up now, huh? You don't ask May to wipe you anymore?"
Before I could react, she grabbed my cheeks and started squeezing and shaking them.
I tried to respond, but with my face crushed in her hands, all that came out were muffled noises.
Gwen couldn't hold it in and covered her mouth, letting out a quiet laugh that definitely didn't go unnoticed. Olivia finally released me and turned toward her, narrowing her eyes for a better look.
"And you're that little know-it-all, right? What was it… Gwen?" she asked, sizing her up.
"Hello, Olivia. It's been a while," Gwen greeted her, still smiling.
Olivia gave her head a rough pat, almost fond despite the force.
"I barely recognize you. You're a beautiful young lady now. Nothing like when you were little and wouldn't stop rambling about dinosaurs and scientific facts."
Gwen smiled and nodded.
Just as Olivia seemed ready to keep digging up embarrassing childhood stories, May stepped in.
"Leave the kids alone," she said playfully. "They don't need to endure the ramblings of a cranky old woman."
Olivia clicked her tongue, waving a dismissive hand.
"Glad to see it's not just me," a voice chimed in from the doorway.
Gwen and I froze when we saw him walk past.
It was the same guy from the ice cream shop, the one who paid for our dessert that night. He looked way better now. Clean face, neat clothes. Nothing like last time.
He stepped in with an easy smile and greeted us with a nod.
"Well, well. The happy couple," he said, glancing between us. "How was the Banana Split? Hope you liked it."
May looked at each of us, completely lost.
"You already know each other?"
"Yeah. Peter gave me a hand a while back when I had… a small issue," the guy explained casually.
Olivia raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, scanning him up and down.
"A small issue? You barely leave your apartment, kid. What could've happened to you? Clogged toilet or something?"
Nicolás widened his eyes dramatically, feigning offense just to mock her.
"What's it to you, busybody?"
Olivia didn't hesitate. She stepped forward and pinched his arm sharply, making him jump.
"That how you talk to your grandmother? Huh?" she scolded while he rubbed the sore spot.
"Ow! You never stop, do you?" he muttered, stepping away.
She shot him a look and gave his shoulder a light shove.
"Introduce yourself properly. Don't be rude."
He exhaled but didn't argue.
Walking up to us, he held out his hand.
"Nicolás Keller. Nice to meet you," he said with a half smile.
"Peter Parker," I replied, shaking it.
Then he turned to Gwen and offered his hand. She took it without hesitation.
"Gwen Stacy. Nice to meet you formally."
He nodded, keeping that calm, steady demeanor.
"I didn't know Olivia had a grandson," I said, looking between them.
Olivia was about to answer, but Nicolás beat her to it with a sigh.
"She doesn't. She just decided to start telling everyone I'm her grandson."
Olivia silenced him with a quick gesture and looked at May.
"It wasn't planned. I ran into this boy on the street and decided to adopt him," she said matter of factly.
Nicolás raised an eyebrow.
"That's not what happened."
"Well, that's how I remember it," she concluded, waving it off.
May shook her head and pulled a chair out for her friend. Sitting across from her, she smiled at Nicolás.
"Don't mind her, young man. She's been like this her whole life."
Gwen and I nodded automatically. We knew Olivia's personality well enough.
Suddenly, a horn sounded from the street.
"That must be our ride," I said, pointing toward the door.
Olivia looked at May for context, and my aunt explained we were spending the day at a friend's place with some classmates. Olivia clapped excitedly and turned to Nicolás.
"Perfect opportunity! Why don't you go with them?"
He grabbed a cookie from the tray and took a bite, giving her an unimpressed look.
"What's wrong with you? Do I look nine? I can't just show up to a group like that. They didn't even invite me."
"Don't be antisocial," Olivia shot back. "That's why you don't have friends."
May looked at me and raised an eyebrow, silently suggesting it wouldn't hurt to bring him along. I glanced at Gwen, who shrugged with a small smile.
"I don't think Harry would mind… much?" she said, not entirely confident.
"Well, if you want to come, we don't have a problem with it," I added, trying to be polite.
Nicolás went quiet for a moment, as if weighing the offer. Olivia didn't give him the chance. She tossed a cookie straight at his head.
"Go on!" she ordered.
He let out a long sigh and shook his head, clearly used to her temperament.
Turning to us, he shrugged.
"If you're really okay with it, I'll gladly join."
Gwen and I nodded.
May walked us to the door, reminding us to call if anything happened, while Olivia shouted at Nicolás not to be weird and to find a pretty girl to take out to dinner.
He covered his face with one hand as we headed outside, while Gwen and I laughed under our breath.
Outside, the limousine practically took up the whole block. The driver greeted us and opened the rear door.
"Young Mr. Harry is expecting you," he said.
When Nicolás tried to step in behind us, the driver blocked him with a hand.
"My apologies. I was only informed I'd be picking up two passengers."
"He's a friend," Gwen cut in immediately. "We invited him. I doubt Harry will mind one more, right?"
The driver looked at Nicolás, who met his gaze without flinching.
After a moment, the man nodded and stepped aside. Nicolás got in and sat across from us. As soon as the car started moving, he began inspecting the interior.
"Your friend's loaded," he commented.
"His father, actually," Gwen corrected.
"And who would that be?"
"Norman Osborn," I answered.
Nicolás nodded, recognizing the name.
"Having a rich friend has its perks, huh?"
"Not as much as you think," I said. "Mr. Osborn is strict. He doesn't like Harry wasting money. Honestly, I have no idea how he convinced him to allow this… gathering."
Nicolás caught something in my tone and looked at me curiously.
"Why do you say it like that?"
"Well," Gwen stepped in, "it's because of how Valentine's Day went yesterday. Harry wanted to do something special and suggested a double date at his mansion."
"I see," Nicolás nodded. "And who's his date?"
Silence.
It stretched for several long seconds before Gwen spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"With me."
Nicolás raised an eyebrow. He stared at us as if we had just announced we were moving to Mars.
"That's a terrible joke," he said at last.
"It's not," I muttered.
His expression twisted in disgust as he looked straight at me.
"I didn't peg you as the type who enjoys watching his girlfriend go out with someone else."
Gwen and I practically jumped out of our seats.
I started waving my hands frantically, trying to shut down whatever image had formed in his head. Heat rushed to my face. That was the last thing I wanted anyone assuming about me.
"No! Absolutely not! It's nothing like that. I'm not into that," I rushed out.
"We're not together," Gwen added quickly.
Nicolás fell quiet again, eyes shifting between us.
"You've got to be kidding."
She shrugged and lowered her gaze, clearly embarrassed.
He studied us a moment longer, then sighed and reached toward one of the limo's side compartments, grabbing a bottle of water.
"This is going to be a long day," he muttered.
He twisted the cap open, took a long drink, and leaned back against the leather seat, staring out the window.
The rest of the ride passed in complete silence. Gwen kept her eyes fixed on her hands, and I focused on the streets of Manhattan flashing by.
=====
POV GENERAL
The limousine rolled to a stop in front of the mansion's main entrance.
A butler stepped forward and opened the door with a polite bow. Peter and Gwen climbed out first, thanking him with a quick nod, while Nicolás took his time.
As he passed the man, he slipped a ten dollar bill into the pocket of the butler's jacket and gave him a friendly pat.
The butler froze, staring at him without a word as Nicolás kept walking. Gwen moved closer, puzzled.
"You know people here earn five figure salaries, right?" she whispered.
Nicolás nodded with smug satisfaction.
"Yeah. I've just always wanted to do that."
The mansion doors opened and Harry stepped out, hands tucked into his pockets, radiating the confidence his last name afforded him.
"Hey! Finally," Harry said with a grin, which faltered when he noticed Nicolás. "And he is…?"
"Harry, this is Nicolás," Peter cut in quickly. "He's the grandson of one of Aunt May's friends."
"Nice to meet you. Nicolás Keller," he said, extending his hand.
Harry glanced at Peter and Gwen for clarification. They both lifted their shoulders in a helpless gesture.
With a reluctant nod, Harry shook his hand.
"Harry Osborn. I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but this was supposed to be a double date."
"Don't worry," Nicolás replied with a smile. "You won't even notice me. I'll be a gentle breeze drifting through the romantic atmosphere."
Harry did not look reassured, but he motioned for them to come inside.
Once in the foyer, Harry approached a small table holding a bouquet of red roses and a heart shaped box. He stopped in front of Gwen and offered them to her.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Gwen," he said warmly.
"Harry… you didn't have to," she murmured, taking the bouquet with visible discomfort.
"It's the least I could do. Try them. They're some of the finest chocolates in the world."
He then signaled a maid to take the flowers.
"Put these away. I don't want Gwen carrying them around all day."
Peter and Nicolás watched from the side.
Parker noticed the younger man glancing at him with unmistakable disappointment.
Peter returned the look, silently asking what was wrong, but Nicolás just shook his head, as if Peter were committing an unforgivable mistake by standing there doing nothing.
Gwen opened the box and saw the chocolates perfectly arranged in their wrappers. She picked one and tasted it.
"It's delicious. Thank you," she said.
Before the maid could close the box, Nicolás stepped forward. In one swift move, he scooped up nearly half of the chocolates, already popping one into his mouth.
"I love chocolate. This is amazing," he said while chewing. "You don't mind, right, Gwen?"
Harry stiffened instantly.
"Actually, that's a personal gift for her," he said, irritation creeping into his voice.
Nicolás raised an eyebrow at Gwen. She glanced between them, tension clearly building.
"I don't mind sharing. There's plenty," she replied nervously.
He slipped another piece into his mouth and stuffed the rest into his pockets. Locking eyes with Harry, he added through a mouthful,
"You heard the lady."
Harry clenched his jaw, fighting to stay composed in front of his guests.
Suddenly, another door opened, drawing everyone's attention. Liz entered the foyer with vibrant energy that immediately filled the space.
"Hi, guys!" she exclaimed brightly.
She went straight to Peter and wrapped him in an enthusiastic hug, pressing him against her.
"Hi, Petie. Happy Valentine's Day," she said sweetly.
Peter tensed and returned the greeting with a strained smile, clearly uncomfortable with the physical closeness in front of everyone.
Beside Gwen, Nicolás observed the scene carefully, noticing how the blonde lowered her eyes toward the floor for a brief second.
The maid still stood there holding the chocolate box. As she prepared to leave, Nicolás quietly extended one of the pieces he had "rescued."
She looked at the candy, then at Harry, who was busy greeting Liz. Taking advantage of the distraction, she accepted it with a quick nod and gave Nicolás a grateful smile before walking away.
Liz loosened her hold on Peter but stayed very close, gazing at him expectantly.
"So? What did you bring me, Peter?" she asked with curiosity.
He froze.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he avoided her eyes.
"I'm really sorry, Liz… I completely forgot to buy anything," he stammered, mortified. "I'm so sorry."
She let out a light laugh and waved it off.
"Don't worry, Petie. It's fine. You can give me something later," she said in a tone that only made Peter more nervous.
Harry decided that was enough small talk and took control.
"Well then. I've prepared several games and activities designed for couples," he explained, casting a sideways glance at Nicolás. "It's unfortunate, but you won't be able to participate without a partner."
Nicolás did not so much as blink.
"That's fine. Don't stress. I can watch."
Only then did Liz seem to notice the extra presence.
"I thought it was just going to be the four of us today," she said, puzzled.
"So did I," Harry replied, staring directly at Peter, "but apparently someone brought a surprise guest."
Peter offered an awkward apologetic expression, unsure how to respond. Liz, still hooked around his arm, introduced herself warmly. Nicolás greeted her back and, with smooth timing, produced one of the chocolates from his pocket.
"Want one?"
"Oh, thank you!" Liz accepted it eagerly, took a bite, and closed her eyes for a second. "Wow, that's delicious."
Harry's eyebrow twitched. Watching the gift he had bought for Gwen end up in Liz's hands, courtesy of a stranger, required heroic restraint.
Nicolás, fully aware of the irritation brewing inside the young Osborn, flashed him a shameless grin while savoring his own piece.
Harry shut his eyes briefly, inhaled, and reopened them with a flawless smile.
"Well," he announced, spreading his arms, "formally, welcome to the Osborn mansion. As I mentioned yesterday, I planned all of this so today would be special. You'll rotate through different challenges where you can have fun and, of course, compete."
He led them down a vast corridor into an even grander hall. As he continued outlining rules and surprises, Peter lagged slightly behind. Liz still clung to him, but he managed to lean toward Nicolás and whisper,
"I get the feeling Harry doesn't like you very much."
Nicolás smiled, hands in his pockets, eyes forward.
"No, not at all. That's entirely in your head," he replied in a tone that suggested the exact opposite.
Peter frowned.
"You really think so?"
Nicolás turned his head just enough to look at him from the side, expression sharpening.
"One glance was enough to see what you and Gwen feel for each other, Parker. I seriously doubt Harry is unaware. The fact that he ignores it and tries to force something else… that annoys me."
Peter shook his head quickly, warmth creeping up his neck.
"N no, Gwen and I are just… longtime best friends. I don't think she's interested in me like that."
Nicolás pivoted fully now, locking eyes with him as they walked.
"You also annoy me. Your cowardice. Your refusal to admit what you feel. And your blindness to how that girl melts when she looks at you."
Peter opened his mouth. Nothing came out.
Nicolás faced forward again, casual mask slipping back into place.
"This is the last time I help you. So grow up and do something about it. Unless you enjoy the idea of watching the girl you love with someone else. Think about it. Could you handle that image, knowing you never had the courage to be honest?"
The words struck deep.
Peter fell silent, the thought of Gwen with someone else twisting his stomach in a way he could not ignore.
Liz turned toward them, curious.
"What are you two whispering about?" she asked with a bright smile. "Boy stuff?"
Nicolás laughed lightly.
"Exactly. Classified information. Sorry, Liz."
"That's fine," she replied. "There are girl secrets you're not allowed to know either."
Harry stopped in front of tall double doors and swung them open. Inside waited a large salon filled with game tables, archery targets, and neatly arranged competition stations.
He strode to the center and pointed at an elegant crystal vase resting on a pedestal. Inside were several silk ribbons of different colors, carefully arranged so only the ends were visible.
"To avoid any accusations of favoritism, chance will decide," Harry declared with a smile that never reached his eyes. "Each of you will pull one ribbon. Matching colors form a team for today's challenges."
Peter noticed Harry's fingers subtly adjusting the strands. It was obvious he had memorized their positions.
Just as Harry invited them forward, Nicolás let out an explosive sneeze.
"Ah choo!"
He stumbled dramatically, bumping into Harry's arm. The vase wobbled dangerously.
"Careful!" Harry snapped, trying to steady it.
"Sorry, pollen from the garden," Nicolás apologized, grabbing the vase just in time… and giving it a vigorous shake that thoroughly scrambled the ribbons before setting it back in place.
Harry peered inside. Any pattern was now hopelessly lost.
Gwen stepped up first, eager to ease the tension, and pulled one free.
"Blue," she said, holding up the shimmering strip.
Harry prepared to reach in, concentrating hard, but Nicolás slid directly in front of him.
"Quick question, Harry," he said casually. "Is this from the Ming dynasty? Looks expensive."
"What? This isn't the time for—"
Every time Harry tried to move, Nicolás shifted with him, blocking the path with uncanny precision.
Then, in one swift motion, Nicolás grabbed Peter by the shoulder and nudged him toward the vase.
"Peter, I've always wanted to see how rich party ribbon draws work. Mind if I grab one for you?" he said, not waiting for an answer.
His hand darted inside. He pulled one out.
Blue.
"Well, would you look at that," Nicolás said, handing it to a stunned Peter. "Fate has a sense of humor, don't you think, Harry?"
Peter and Gwen immediately locked eyes.
A small, shy smile passed between them.
Liz sighed dramatically.
"Oh no! I wanted to team up with you, Peter," she teased, then winked. "But that's okay. Get ready. I'm going to crush you in these games."
Peter and Gwen laughed at her competitiveness, which only tightened Harry's fists further.
The perfect date blueprint was unraveling thread by thread.
Noticing the murderous glare aimed his way, Nicolás reached into his pocket and produced one last chocolate. He extended it toward Harry with exaggerated innocence.
"Want one? You look tense. Sugar helps."
Harry turned his back without a word.
Nicolás popped it into his own mouth, a slow smile spreading across his face.
====
HELLO EVERYONE, HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING? I HOPE YOU'RE WELL.
This special ended up being more complicated than I expected. Some things didn't turn out exactly how I wanted, but I managed to make it, at least in my opinion, decent. Sorry if the quality dips a little 😓
Anyway, this is where we wrap up the second part of the Valentine's special. The double date has been interrupted by the presence of a fifth wheel.
Harry, in an attempt to "hide" his interest, proposed a random draw for the first game, not counting on a meddling young troublemaker stepping in and ruining his advantage.
The next chapter will be the final part of this special. We'll see how everything unfolds from here.
As always, I truly appreciate your comments and all your support.
With that said… a little kiss 😘