Chapter 56: Side Story: The Amazing Spider-Man (Part 9)
New York City had finally returned to its normal bustling self. The once-ruined streets had been restored, and life carried on as if the chaos never happened. Yet, everyone still spoke of the unknown heroes, Patronus and Black Flash—the two who not only defeated the invaders but also saved countless lives.
Statues had been erected in their honor in Central Park, symbols of gratitude and respect for the mysterious saviors who vanished as quickly as they appeared. Many tried to uncover their identities, but every search led to dead ends.
Despite the city's peaceful surface, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of my mind—something was coming. Something big.
But I couldn't focus on that right now. No, I had an even bigger problem to deal with.
I was surrounded. Aunt May stood at the forefront, her disappointed gaze boring into me. On either side of me sat Gwen Stacy and Baobhan Sith, each offering their own defenses on my behalf.
"Peter Benjamin Parker," Aunt May began, her voice calm but sharp, "since when have you become a womanizer? I certainly don't remember raising you to be this kind of man."
"Aunt May, please don't be mad," Gwen said quickly, her voice soft but firm. "We've already talked about this. It's not what it looks like. Peter didn't betray anyone—we agreed to share him."
Baobhan Sith, ever composed yet possessive, wrapped her arms around me. "Mother-in-law," she said sweetly, her crimson eyes softening, "Peter is someone we both love dearly. We're not competing—we're sharing him. I already consider Gwen my sister-wife. Please don't misunderstand."
I winced, feeling Aunt May's disapproval grow sharper. Mother-in-law? Sister-wife? They weren't exactly helping my case here.
"I—uh—" I stammered, desperately searching for words, "they're both very important to me. Rejecting one of them would've hurt them deeply, and I just… I couldn't do that."
"Peter," Aunt May cut in, her voice still stern, "do you hear yourself right now? You're saying you chose this? You're seriously okay with this… arrangement?"
I took a deep breath and looked her directly in the eyes. "I know it's unusual, Aunt May. But I promise you—I'll take care of them. I'll make sure they're happy. I'm not being irresponsible. I chose this path because I love them both, and I won't let them down."
Gwen smiled softly, touched by my words, while Baobhan beamed like she'd already won this argument.
Aunt May pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly trying to process everything. "Even if—and I mean if—I accept this… relationship, what about the world around you? Society isn't exactly forgiving of things like this. You do know polygamy is illegal, right? How do you plan to explain this to everyone else?"
"That's true," Gwen admitted quietly. "It… won't be easy."
"And another thing," Aunt May continued, turning her gaze back to me. "Are you ready for the responsibility this brings? Loving one person takes work, but two? Equal treatment, emotional support, and don't get me started on the financial side of things. Do you have any idea how much effort it will take to care for two families?"
Her words hit me like a webbed punch to the gut, but I didn't flinch. I straightened my posture and met her stare with as much confidence as I could muster.
"I'm ready, Aunt May. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll work harder than ever to give them a happy, comfortable life."
"And marriage?" Aunt May pressed. "You're not getting out of this without an explanation. How do you plan to marry two women when the law doesn't allow it?"
"I've got a friend who can help," I said, smiling nervously. "He's got connections. He said he could make it official in a way that won't cause any trouble."
Aunt May raised an eyebrow. "A friend? Who's this friend?"
I hesitated. "His name's… Satria."
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Satria? So he's the one who corrupted you into this nonsense?"
"N-No, it's not like that!" I stammered, waving my hands defensively.
"I want to meet this Satria," Aunt May said firmly. "Anyone who convinced my pure, sweet boy to pull something like this deserves a serious talking-to. And Peter—don't you dare associate with that weirdo again!"
Gwen and Baobhan exchanged amused glances, while I slumped back in defeat. This wasn't going well.
"Sure, Aunt May," I muttered, already dreading that meeting. Satria could talk his way out of just about anything, but even he wouldn't escape this.
Baobhan grinned mischievously and leaned closer. "Don't worry, Peter. I'll make sure Mother-in-law loves me soon enough."
Gwen nodded with a smile. "We'll win her over. Trust us."
Aunt May sighed heavily, shaking her head as she muttered to herself. "Polygamy… sister-wives… what in the world has my boy gotten himself into?"
Side End.