Spiderman retires

After the two finished shopping for clothes and toys, they returned home to find that Leah was still resting.

Peter and Rio sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee. Breaking the silence, Peter spoke with some concern, "She sleeps a lot. Do you think that's good for her?"

"Don't worry, Peter," Rio replied, dismissing his concern about Leah's frequent sleeping. 

"For someone like Leah, who lived in an inhospitable environment for a long time, it means she probably hasn't had proper sleep in ages. Now that she's comfortable here, it's not surprising that she's giving in to sleep."

Peter exhaled in slight relief while Rio smiled at him. "Actually, Peter, it amazes me how much you care about her, almost as if she's your daughter. It really shows your character, and I'm glad you were Miles' mentor for a while. You're a great role model."

Peter scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I-I don't know what to say. But I do feel responsible, Rio. I feel like I'm the reason she's in this state."

Rio placed her hand on Peter's, which held the coffee cup. "Listen, Peter, none of this is your fault. You didn't even know about her. How could you have?"

Peter sighed, looking down. "Actually, I was the one who saved her when the Avengers were fighting. The building was on fire and collapsing. She was the only one I could save."

Rio gently rubbed Peter's hand, trying to comfort him. "Even so, Peter, this isn't your fault."

Peter slowly withdrew his hand from Rio's, causing a small frown to appear on her face. "Don't try to make me feel better, Rio. It was my duty to ensure her safety when I saved her, but instead, I failed. She ended up in an orphanage with an abusive headmistress. Which reminds me-I need to look into that orphanage."

Rio sighed and, in an attempt to change the subject, asked, "So, what will you do now, Peter? What's your next step?"

"As I told you, I need to adopt Leah. I'll head to the lawyer now since you're here and can watch over her while I'm gone," Peter replied determinedly as he stood up.

Rio smiled at the responsible man before her, her mind swirling with thoughts admiring him, which made her blush at herself.

While lost in her thoughts, she snapped back to reality, shocked and flustered, as she found Peter hugging her. "I really appreciate you, Rio. You've been such a great help. Thank you so much."

Without hesitation, Rio returned the hug once she cleared her mind.

She could feel every inch of his body, and unconsciously, she pressed herself closer to him.

This caused Peter to stop the hug and pull back, slightly embarrassed.

Realizing what she was doing, Rio quickly left the kitchen. If her skin were fairer, she would've looked like a tomato. 

Mentally, she thanked her parents for her dark complexion. "Well, I'll let you go to the lawyer now," she said hurriedly.

Rio exited the kitchen in a rush, while Peter stood there frozen, thinking, What on earth is happening here?

Peter's phone began ringing, snapping him out of his daydream. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the caller ID. It was Susan. "Hello, Susan."

[How are you, Peter?]

"I'm fine. And you?" Peter replied calmly.

[I'm fine, thank you. I noticed you haven't called or visited the center in three days. Are you sure everything's alright?]

"Don't worry, Susan. I've just had some things to sort out and think through, so I haven't had the time to visit or call." Peter now ran a hand through his brown hair.

[I understand, Peter. But you know you can talk to me anytime. Also, the kids have missed you.]

Peter nodded. "I get that. Thanks, Sue. Tell the kids I love them, and I'll visit as soon as I can."

[Alright, Peter. I'll let them know. And remember, I'm always here if you need anything.]

Peter smiled, feeling genuine happiness knowing someone cared about him. "I really appreciate that, Sue. Don't worry. I'll visit soon."

[Okay, Peter. Take care.]

"Goodbye, Susan." After hanging up, Peter put his phone in his pocket, grabbed the car keys from the table, and left the kitchen.

He could hear the sound of the shower running, which meant Rio was bathing. 

He found it odd since she had already showered that morning but didn't dwell on it. 

He left the house and took Rio's car, heading to the lawyer.

He was already thinking about needing a good lawyer to help him secure custody and adopt Leah.

Matt Murdock crossed his mind but was quickly dismissed.

Peter didn't particularly like that guy, especially after what happened between him, Felicia, and Matt.

Speaking of Felicia, they hadn't spoken since last night. He didn't have her number, and she didn't have his. Thankfully, she had a spare key to his apartment, so if she needed to see him, she could let herself in. "I wonder how Felicia will take the news about Leah," he thought.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Peter said to himself, "It doesn't matter. Felicia wanted to know the man under the mask, and this is who I am. The man under the mask won't abandon Leah."

With Matt off the list due to past grievances, Peter decided to pursue the next best option and seek help from another top lawyer he knew-even if it meant revealing his identity as a superhero.

After all, she was also one of the heroes, even if they didn't get along well. She would understand his situation.

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