When the unexpected happened

The old brownstone in Queens hadn't changed since he was a kid - same creaky steps, same wind chime tinkling in the evening breeze. But approaching Aunt May's door felt different now, especially with the symbiote nervously shifting under his hoodie.

*Are you sure about this?* the symbiote asked. *We could say we got stuck in traffic.*

"During an alien invasion that shut down all traffic?" he whispered back. "Besides, she probably already knows. Aunt May knows everything."

As if on cue, the door opened before they could knock. Aunt May stood there, silver hair in its usual bun, glasses perched on her nose, and an expression that could make the Hulk think twice.

"So," she said, arms crossed. "I see the aliens didn't eat my favorite nephew."

"I'm your only nephew, Aunt May."

"Don't get smart with me, young man. Inside. Both of you."

Both boy and symbiote froze. "Both...?"

She rolled her eyes. "Please. I was married to Ben Parker for thirty years. You think I don't know how to spot someone hiding a secret identity? Inside. The meatloaf's getting cold. Again."

The apartment smelled like home - herbs, garlic, and that indefinable scent that was purely Aunt May. Photos lined the walls: him as a baby, his mom's graduation from nursing school, Uncle Ben teaching him to ride a bike. And there, prominently displayed on the mantel, today's evening edition of the Daily Bugle.

"Sit," Aunt May commanded, pointing to the dinner table. "You too, um... what do I call you?"

The symbiote emerged partially, forming a small face. *Antivenom, ma'am.*

"Well, that won't do for family dinner. How about Venny?"

The boy snickered as the symbiote rippled in what might have been embarrassment. *If... if you wish, ma'am.*

"Now then," she said, placing a plate of meatloaf in front of them, "explain to me why my nephew is swinging around New York playing general to the superhero community when he hasn't even finished his science project."

"How did you-"

"Peter called."

The boy groaned. "Spider-Man ratted us out?"

"Peter Parker has been looking out for this family since before you were born," Aunt May said firmly. "And he's worried about you. Both of you." She sat down, fixing them with her patented 'tell me everything' stare. "So am I."

Over slightly dried out meatloaf (still delicious), they told her everything - including their conversation with Nick Fury and his mom's reaction.

"Good for Sarah," Aunt May nodded, referring to his mother. "That woman has more sense than most of the costumed crowd put together." She studied them both. "You know this won't be easy. Being a hero never is."

"We know, Aunt May. But we can handle it."

"Can you?" she asked softly. "Peter was about your age when he started. I watched what it did to him. The missed dinners, the lies, the weight of responsibility..."

The symbiote spoke up. *He's not alone. Like Peter had you and Uncle Ben, he has us. His mother. You. And now... others.*

Aunt May's expression softened. "Yes, he does." She stood up, walking to a cabinet. "Which is why I made some calls."

She pulled out a folder - much thicker than Fury's had been. "Peter's coming by tomorrow. So is Reed Richards. If you're going to do this, you're going to do it right. Training. Proper costume design - no offense, Venny dear. And..." she smiled, "a few other surprises."

"Aunt May, you didn't have to-"

"Hush. Family takes care of family. Even if some of that family is a white alien goo."

*Symbiote,* Antivenom corrected gently, but there was warmth in its voice.

"Now then," she continued, serving dessert, "tell me about this spider-sense Peter mentioned. And why haven't you been using it properly?"

The boy blinked. "What spider-sense?"

Aunt May and the symbiote shared a knowing look. *We have... much to learn,* the symbiote admitted.

"Good thing you have good teachers," she smiled. "Now eat your pie. Both of you. You're too skinny."

*Symbiotes don't actually need-*

"Eat. The. Pie. Venny."

*Yes, ma'am.*

As they enjoyed Aunt May's famous apple pie, a new text arrived from his mom: "Fury called. Training starts tomorrow. Don't be late. And bring Aunt May's leftover meatloaf home."

The boy looked at his unusual family - his protective aunt, his alien partner, and thought of his strong mother at home. Maybe being a teenage superhero wouldn't be so hard after all.

Then another text arrived, this one from Peter: "Wait until you see what Cap has planned for training. 😈"

*Perhaps we should have stayed in space with the Chartori,* the symbiote muttered.

Aunt May just smiled and served more pie. After all, growing heroes needed their strength.