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gourmetburgers2021-05-13 07:44 pm
declaw) wrote in gourmetburgers2021-05-13 07:44 pm
[peterfel] ride or die
It had to be ninjas. No weird otherworldly aliens. No crazy Nazi zombies.
[ They were such a headache. At least the other ones were what they were on the tin: ninjas were lurking in shadows, blending in for their own espionage. Felicia was pissed she abandoned her evening, where glitz and glamour of the New York Elite allowed her to move through the crowds while she tried to hunt down a sold painting her Father once owned. When she gets a text, it takes her a bit to stop and read it.
Her ex.
It's always her ex, and she would move the whole damn island to help him.
God, she needed to get a blind date. ]
Don't worry, I got you.
[ Peter makes it clear what's going on: Matt's favorite body part, the Hand, seems to have some operation in Brooklyn under the guise of a construction demolition. Blahblah, something about an ancient relic and unless Felicia can appraise it? The morally grey former thief isn't too concerned with the repercussions, right? ...That's what she keeps telling herself as she reads more of Peter's messages for her. No one knows the area like Felicia, no one knows infiltration like Felicia. There's reasons he reaches out – it's business, and she was a fool for always tying the personal side back to it.
Her cocktail dress was gone before the elevator reached the rooftop, replacing it for leather and fur easily and gave her the freedom to scale the rooftop like a cat out on the prowl. It wasn't a record to get to him – he wasn't on death's door or anything, so by the time she sees a crouched form on the building south of the construction, she had time to stop for her supplies.
A ceremonious toss slams her bag into the ground next to him and Felicia makes herself known in the most typical way possible – a damn crawl on the ledge down to him. ]
One day you'll send me a text asking me for a coffee date instead of getting my hands dirty with Daredevil business.
[ But.. that's the thing about Peter that Felicia grew to love – far past her own infatuation with a masked arachnid. He cares about his friends, would die for them, and this was no different. Bitterly, she wonders if he'd still go to this length for her? If she was an insecure 20-something again, she'd think not. But, there's fondness in her eyes and a small, cocky smirk. ]
Some things never change, though. What's going on, Spider?
[ They were such a headache. At least the other ones were what they were on the tin: ninjas were lurking in shadows, blending in for their own espionage. Felicia was pissed she abandoned her evening, where glitz and glamour of the New York Elite allowed her to move through the crowds while she tried to hunt down a sold painting her Father once owned. When she gets a text, it takes her a bit to stop and read it.
Her ex.
It's always her ex, and she would move the whole damn island to help him.
God, she needed to get a blind date. ]
Don't worry, I got you.
[ Peter makes it clear what's going on: Matt's favorite body part, the Hand, seems to have some operation in Brooklyn under the guise of a construction demolition. Blahblah, something about an ancient relic and unless Felicia can appraise it? The morally grey former thief isn't too concerned with the repercussions, right? ...That's what she keeps telling herself as she reads more of Peter's messages for her. No one knows the area like Felicia, no one knows infiltration like Felicia. There's reasons he reaches out – it's business, and she was a fool for always tying the personal side back to it.
Her cocktail dress was gone before the elevator reached the rooftop, replacing it for leather and fur easily and gave her the freedom to scale the rooftop like a cat out on the prowl. It wasn't a record to get to him – he wasn't on death's door or anything, so by the time she sees a crouched form on the building south of the construction, she had time to stop for her supplies.
A ceremonious toss slams her bag into the ground next to him and Felicia makes herself known in the most typical way possible – a damn crawl on the ledge down to him. ]
One day you'll send me a text asking me for a coffee date instead of getting my hands dirty with Daredevil business.
[ But.. that's the thing about Peter that Felicia grew to love – far past her own infatuation with a masked arachnid. He cares about his friends, would die for them, and this was no different. Bitterly, she wonders if he'd still go to this length for her? If she was an insecure 20-something again, she'd think not. But, there's fondness in her eyes and a small, cocky smirk. ]
Some things never change, though. What's going on, Spider?
no subject
Way to save yourself. I was just about to text you "I miss you" with a winky frown.
[ I miss you ;(, Peter would say... in a worse continuity. Maybe the Ultimate one?
Then Felicia asks about the welfare of the egg, probably relieved to see Peter so hyperfocused on the mission. He hardly suspects she's copped anything. But if he knew she disregarded some of the more antiquary stuff, things he actually finds kinda cool, there'd be hell to pay. ]
None that I can tell. If there really is any chocolate, it stinks too much in here for me to catch a whiff.
[ They're not even wading through the sewage, but Peter knows he's gonna have to wash the suit. Is he gonna suggest hitting the showers after this, too? God, he's thinking about it. And the more he thinks about it, the harder it becomes not to think about it. Would Felicia say yes? He already knows the answer, and the idea hastens him through the sewers. Because the sooner he can get this egg get to safety... ]
Hey, there's the ladder to the construction site.
We should take a moment to give the egg a look. Then after, we can stop by the Sanctum Sanctorum to get it appraised?
Because I know we technically stole it from the museum, but it's probably worth asking where the museum stole it from.
[ Seems implausible there'd be a who in all this. It's not like whoever laid this egg is gonna come crashing down demanding custody over it, right?
Peter steps aside and offers the ladder to Felicia. ]
You go first. I'll climb too slowly carrying this thing in one arm.
[ He initially thought of wrapping it in webbing and strapping it to him like a backpack, but what if he falls? What if he can't fit through the manhole cover at the top, and the attempt to squeeze through breaks the egg? Totally not justifications he's rehearsing in his head, in case he's ever accused of wanting a front row seat to Felicia's behind.
Then again, she hardly complained back in the vents. ]
no subject
[ Did they just become parents to an egg? Yes. She can make the joke after they had the frantic ninja fight they just did – she's still catching her breath from that. They had little time to stand around, so moving things along quickly ensured they'd keep their schedule. Felicia didn't know what Spider wanted to do until he brought it up, her face scrunching up a little bit at the suggestion. He knows she doesn't run with the magical crowd or those worthy of paling around with the Avengers – but he's right. If there's a string of truth to her theory about it being mystical, that's the guy. ]
Sounds pretty boring, may leave that part to you. You didn't ask if I wanted to take a trip over to Greenwich. [ She's teasing, a wry smirk on her face as she scoots past him. She's already thinking of her list of contacts – art sharks, procurers of ancient goods, and ... the ones willing to pay the biggest price for it. Silently, of course, she plays by his game. By the time they make it to the ladder, she's already one foot on the railing, tugging herself up. ] Sensing a trend here.
[ Of course, she knows deep down, she likes when his eyes were on her. That was a rush that was too hard to ignore. Makes her think of old time – and how chasing each other across rooftops landed only one stolen thing between them: their feelings for one another.
It was hard to deny that even when they're at odds, they make a good team. She climbs, maybe a bit slower than usual so he can practically see the tension of leather giving way to the shape of her thighs – but, by the time she gets to the top... she uncovers the manhole, scoots up and immediately lowers her hand. ]
C'mon, I got you.
[ There's another trend. ]
no subject
Look, I can get it appraised myself later on. Doesn't have to be right away.
Still gotta contact Daredevil and hear back from him, anyway.
[ Best part of his sticky hands and feet is not having to worry about falling off the ladder the moment his free hand separates from one of the bars. It's almost a leap of faith, letting go of the ladder to take Felicia's hand... and Felicia actually does take his. Who'd have thought, right? Well, it would be a waste to go through all this effort and let the egg get destroyed that easily. The notion stops Peter from outright swooning, though he wonders if Felicia can tell he's smiling beneath the mask. ]
Thanks.
[ As they both ascend through the manhole, Peter clambers back into civilization with the egg in tow. He slides the cover over the hole and gently places the egg on the floor, then sits down cross-legged right in front of it. Keenly, he inspects the surface with his gloved hands, careful not to desecrate the ornate, sculpted protrusions decorating its surface. It's all some evocative dragon imagery, not unlike what comes to mind when Peter thinks of places like K'un-Lun. If this actually is from K'un-Lun, retrieving this just might make Danny's day.
Peter and Felicia tampering with it just by lugging it around, though? Not so much. But taking it was far more preferable to letting the Hand have it... for whatever reason.
Yeah, Peter regrets doing the favor without asking Matt enough questions. Now he's too curious. ]
So what do you think this thing is, Cat?
As much as I want to believe it's got chocolate inside, this ain't a perfect world.
Maybe it's just purely decorative. Seems to be too heavy to be anything else but some kind of fancy stone.
[ He has half a mind to examine the materials with his own lab equipment, but there's an eeriness to it that really does call for Strange's expertise. ]
If it is a literal egg, surely whatever's inside it has to be long dead... right?
[ Felicia and Peter aren't aware of it yet, but live reports in international news stations detect unusual movement across the Atlantic ocean. A consistent force had emerged from the waters of the East China Sea, passing at uncanny speeds through the coasts of Southeast Asia towards the Indian Ocean, yet still persisting further westward. Reports disclosed that the most visible sightings of this unidentified submerged object happened early on, as it passed Madripoor. Notably, experts' estimations of its considerable mass dwarf descriptions of the Loch Ness monster.
Freeing the egg seems to have triggered something. Compounded, no doubt, by the efforts of the Hand.
But what? ]
no subject
[ Teasing, light – she hoists him up with only a slight difficulty. No joke about him packing on a few pounds because of the egg this time. The constant back and forth will definitely leave them thinking about the wildness of the night – it always happens. Wanderlust? Nah, too hipstery. Maybe it was just right, like the stars aligning or some big dragon being summoned. Who knew.
She takes a knee next to him, leaning over as if trying to parse anything she may have picked up in her years of thievery. The colors... the patterns... the decor? Nothing seems familiar – it looks too organic, too.. ]
Well, if my Valyrian is still fresh, it's not a dragon egg, so don't get any ideas to yell Dracarys. [ AHAHAHAHAHA. Oh how wrong she is. ] But it is expensive. Anything that goes into that vault has to be worth over a million, easily. I just... wonder how long it's been down there and why it's never been up on display.
[ She removes her gloves – those bare hands pressing into the side of the egg to feel the texture. Stone? No, it's still malleable with the right amount of force. ]
Maybe? It's ... not stone, there's give. You got any idea, science geek?
[ Whatever the hell is going on is so oblivious, she takes a moment to grip his hand and press it down onto the side. Her hand pins his down, palm to the siding of the egg. With all of the craziness, maybe they both didn't notice. There's no warmth, but the texture... hm.
The movement causes concern already, reports being sent to military units to prepare for an attack – toting something from Prince Namor, since the relationship was rocky at best right now. But, too bad they don't have any idea. ]
I was joking, by the way. So long as you make it three coffees, I am thoroughly invested in this cliffhanger now. I don't mind tagging along.
no subject
[ Matt's so damn easy to roast. But he laughs at the rest of Felicia's teasing, having embraced his own kookiness long ago. You don't come out of getting buried alive by Kraven, getting confused about who's actually who amongst your own clones, and wearing a costume that turns you into an asshole then moves on to an even bigger asshole... only to remain the picture of sanity. But at least he's not Deadpool. ]
I heard the last season sucked, so excuse my illiteracy in all things "Thrones."
Must be that whoever brought this egg into the museum knew what it's all about. We may need to tie that loose end later.
Hell, I doubt Matt even knows the full story, and might have gotten a vague tip from the Chaste or something.
[ Peter joins Felicia in further palpating the egg's surface. He'd already been doing that, but now removes a glove to avail himself a more precise touch. ]
There's give, alright. And I'm no eggspert, but it's still firmer than any ostrich egg, not to mention bigger.
Don't ask me how I know that.
[ He knocks on the egg now, to discern from the resulting sound and sensation if there's any hollowness. There's not. ]
Maybe it was cooked sometime before it was painted over. There's Southeast Asian boiling methods that could have led to solid gel protein forming inside. In other words, rock hard egg white and yolk matter.
That would also mean the embryo is still intact, but surely calcified by now.
[ He knows that's still all speculation, though. What he doesn't know is how quickly the unidentified submerged object is advancing through the South Atlantic Ocean, careening northward. It's become such a point of concern that S.H.I.E.L.D. is now monitoring its movements, and it seems like it won't be long before it reaches the Eastern Seaboard. Fury's already confirmed that Namor has nothing to do with this, that the Atlanteans are equally mystified by this strange presence.
Time will tell what this has to do with the egg. ]
If I wanna make one of these dates a breakfast, please say yes. I hate to admit it but I'm kind of craving eggs.
no subject
I don't even know what your day gig is anymore. [ Or even much of their lives outside of costume. Not that she minds it now that she's older... wiser... and still having a special place for him in that hot/cold heart of hers. They just don't cross paths (unfortunately) enough in this busy city when the leather and spandex were off. ] But, apparently you don't even have time to binge a season or three. Typical.
[ They were onto business, though. Puns and all. Eggcelent puns. ]
...You learned that from Trivia Night, didn't you?
[ Or Facebook, one or the other. Either way. She's curious on something – why would something that was seemingly not an expensive jewelled egg or piece of art be here? It had to have its place in history and it frustrates her that she doesn't know off the top of her head. Felicia leans back on her legs a bit, silently musing over the options. In reality, it's just luck being unkind and giving them some more reason to stick around here – for, y'know the inevitable. There's no sirens blaring, no crazy sense of urgency. They were two NY heroes, usually hating dealing with the mystical and more along the lines of crime and stupidly animal-themed baddies.
Not including them. ]
Sounds plausible enough. So long as whatever is inside doesn't become a facehugger, I think we're okay. Could just be the fact this is still around that makes it worth something. Lots of things get lost to history. An old Mayan fork sold for close to half a million a few months back... people like the novelty.
[ Ugh, she preferred fine art and jewels, but hey – she doesn't shame.
She gives him a glance through the corner of her eyes, a smile on her face isn't so easy to hide. What is it with cat burglars liking breakfast? ]
Making it sound like old times. Are you still into wheatcakes or are you hoppin' on the keto trend?
[ A light tease, but... they can take a break for a few moments of eggvestigating. ]
no subject
[ He wasn't gonna let Logan win trivia night. Though he was surprised to learn the depths of Wolverine's knowledge in a disturbing number of categories: nothing even this narration can willingly disclose. ]
My attachment is probably misplaced, but I'm not about to let this egg fade into obscurity.
It'll be worth it, seeing it restored to its rightful owners.
[ It wasn't what he was expecting to take away from this experience, but he feels like the egg represents something big. Something important. It has a value he's not equipped to appreciate, but it has value to someone out there, and that's all that matters.
When it comes to lost or stolen artifacts, especially those kept in museums where they don't actually belong, Peter's got the principle of the matter down pat. But he's going to learn very quickly that it has little bearing on the actual matter at hand. The encroaching presence that's touched down on the shores of the Eastern Seaboard has made waves on the edges of Manhattan-- quicker, in fact, than anyone at S.H.I.E.L.D. was anticipating. Faster than anyone could mount their forces and respond to.
So then came a boom. It began to rain. Drops of water pattered blocks upon blocks of Manhattan's streets.
Something had burst out from the waters, soaring to the clouds high above New York City. In its velocity, the massive object brought a ton of water with it.
When the rain eventually stopped, and all was clear, the figure blotted out the sunrise.
Peter's spider-sense was debilitating. He collapsed briefly before he could speak any further, then instinctively rose to stand in front of Felicia-- to stand between her and whatever was hovering above the construction site. He can see it high in the sky, making direct eye contact at him. ]
Fin Fang Foom.
I was off about this whole thing.
[ He sounds like he's repudiating himself for not suspecting. The dragons inscribed on the egg looked familiar enough, but Peter really wanted to assume plausible deniability. Anything, after all, but Fin Fang Foom. ]
This is his egg, Cat.
We need to lead him out of the city. I know a way.
[ After putting one of his gloves back on, Peter feels around a thin utility belt lined in his suit-- the same thing that allows him to cast a spider-signal in dark places. Instead of that, he presses a button that triggers something, but he neglects to say what. ]
Just give it a minute.
[ A minute they might not have. Fin Fang Foom, roaring thunderously at the sight of the egg, begins his descent towards the construction site. ]
A minute, I said!
[ But much sooner than that, the Spider-Mobile arrives, windshield opening automatically for access. ]
Hop on! I'll need you to hold the egg for me!
[ It's good that they do manage to get inside and drive away from the grounds of the construction site, Peter passing the egg to Felicia in the process. A second slower and they would've been caught in Fin Fang Foom's collision with the place, levelling the entire structure. As Peter begins his escape, he starts driving the Spider-Mobile across the walls of buildings, making a slow ascent to (hopefully) divert Fin Fang Foom from rampaging on the streets below. ]
Now I just need a way to make him target us without jeopardizing all these buildings.
What Foom needs... is a distraction.
Can you take the wheel?
no subject
[ When he talks about rightful owners, she scratches at the side of her neck a bit awkwardly. The fluff of her costume tugs up against her cleavage a bit more, as if trying to better hide the necklace smuggled away. Oh, come on, Felicia. It's not like you stole Aunt May's necklace! He'll live, he'll be fine. But would she? There's doubt there, even as she has her thoughtful few seconds of guilt – she doesn't like lying to Peter more than she had to. This...? She didn't have to. This was just because something pretty caught her eye. Whatever, she doesn't linger.
She didn't have time to even deal with her back and forth. The boom happens - sure, if they weren't busy maybe they'd have reacted quicker. Not Quicksilver quicker, but more than having Peter interject himself between her and certain
doomFin Fang Foom. She isn't stupid, but she feels it. Of course, she was wrong. ]Okay, not going to ask – how it's his egg – but we were both wrong. It is a dragon egg.
[ At least Peter isn't alone in the miscalculations. It was a little too on the nose – to really suspect a dragon inside or to suspect it was anything but decorative or historical if collecting dust in the dark. The fact she gets an answer doesn't settle well with her – because now they had to deal with this.
She's waiting, thinking he'd call in the big guns like maybe one of Stark's auto-pilot suits.. maybe a favor from X-Men? The guy had contacts but then again... he also had – ]
Seriously?!
[ Felicia doesn't have to argue with him, he can totally anticipate her roasting him for a week after bringing this from storage. It's less buggy and more savior at this point. She pulls her weight, fumbling to pick the heavier egg up and getting herself safe and tucked away – just in time. That could have been bad – but fortunately, it'll get authorities to the area quicker. The disturbances were causing quiet a scene. As they begin to ascend, Foom has to contend with that SPEED, boy. He gets a gain on them, zipping forward as if to block off the buggy.
Felicia isn't one to let them fuck their insurance up. Her hands grip onto the wheel and tugs it harshly to the left, sending them shooting up over the side of the rooftop and coming crashing down into another one – wallriding was not as fun as it seems? They dodged Foom, though. ]
Whatever you're doing, hurry! No less than 15 coffees for this!
[ Her thighs are thoroughly clutching this fucking egg right now and regretting not buckling it up, she is owed coffees. ]
no subject
HIT THAT BUTTON AGAIN!
[ He has no time to look and see if Felicia does just that, slinging his web to once again get in Fin Fang Foom's way... for all that it's worth. The beast utterly dwarfs him, making Peter feel what it's like to have the proportionate size of a spider. Or as certain journalistic outlets might put it, "the experience really makes you feel like a spider." 7/10 too much water ]
So what is it, Foom? That your egg?
Do you want it back??
[ Peter's heart is racing. For all his gifts, he's not sure if he can meaningfully hold off a heavy hitter like Foom. While speaking, he's swung to a building's wall and burst into a run to scale it, then firing webballs directly at Foom's face. Each kind of patters onto him like droplets of rain, seemingly failing to catch his attention... until he ceases his forward movement and flaps his wings in place, stationary and suspended mid-air as his eyes gravitate towards the puny Spider-Man.
Now, Spider-Man has reached the top of the building, commanding Foom's attention from its edge. ]
If it's yours, Foom, it's only what you deserve.
We're trying to mitigate civilian casualties, here, property damage... so if you can calm down and explain yourself, you'll get what you want!
Everybody wins.
[ This is the most Peter's had to project his voice, and it's honestly more exhausting than all his quipping. He can expect to his throat to be sore from exhaustion before long.
But Foom, despite appearances... is listening. Even huffs in contemplation, seeming to heed Peter's words. He glances onward, though, at the Spider-Mobile distancing itself further and further away from the fray. ]
That's my friend, Foom. She's taking your egg to a rendezvous point, if you can believe me.
Do you believe me?
[ He receives, telepathically, a message from Foom. Foom understands. But the moment he even suspects a double-cross, like the forces of S.H.I.E.L.D. coming to take him away, he will eat the Spider and do to New York what was done to Atlantis. The Great Cataclysm of old, though-- not anything Namor's done with the place recently. ]
Okay. Good. Thank you.
[ Peter's entire posture, initially taut with the tension of averting an apocalypse, utterly slumps. He relaxes before pulling out his phone. ]
Chill, Foom. I'm just texting my friend. The one I was talking about.
[ So, then-- ]
Felicia, if you're getting this, you can stop running. I'm sending you coordinates to the nearest pier.
Drive the Spider-Mobile there. I'll lead Foom to you.
We need to give this thing back to him, and hopefully he'll return to his hidey hole. He really just wants what's his.
[ Peter cringes at himself for not just offering the egg from the start. But then again, Foom did give them no choice, looking ready to eat them and the egg along with it, back when he swooped down from the sky.
Before Peter's done, though, he raises his hand at Foom. ]
Now I need to make a call, Foom!
[ Foom rolls his eyes. But someone needs to tell S.H.I.E.L.D. to hold their fire. Then hopefully someone at S.H.I.E.L.D. will tell the Avengers to do the same. ]
no subject
[ She didn't want to play driver. This wasn't her speed, but sometimes it's nice to add to the resume, at least? Felicia hits the button, the Mobile secure and she's left trying to slide carefully over so she can step on the gas and properly keep her and Eggbert from crashing. Yes. It has a name now.
This was far from the craziest not-date they've had – and like usual... Felicia is ready to get out of the hot-zone. She works best with no sense of impending doom or stress breathing down her neck! Her mind is going a mile a minute as the stupid vehicle makes itself a home across apartment buildings, office spaces, and even another construction site. The egg is sturdy enough, but Felicia doesn't have her Class SM license for this terrain – it is pretty damn rocky.
She trusts Spider, but the sense of concern still rushes over her. She shouldn't text and drive – so the message goes ignored for a few minutes. The goal was to try and get the egg away from the very bad dragon (://///) wasn't it?
He picks up where she would fail. She didn't think she'd be able to have a heart-to-heart with a drunken Rhino, but this was in its own league. The joyride was cut short when she finally answers her text, cursing under her breath. ]
We were just bonding! Darn.
So, you mean to tell me, the second we touched this egg, that's when he got territorial and was ready to Kaiju us!? Pretty sure the news choppers are about six blocks over, but – I'll get there. We may just have company.
[ But. She has him. There's a little bit of learning, but she pops into reverse and peels out – launching the vehicle on the clearest path towards the coordinates near the pier. ]
Y'know... as stupid as this is... Thanks. Better way to spend my night with good company. [ A pause. ] Sorry. Him, not you. No offense.
[ And there's some silence, her forehead nearly hitting the steering wheel as she pools from the side of a building onto the road leading down to the pier. ]
Really has me talking to a damn egg...
[ Whatever!! She'll pull her phone up: ]
Siri says 2 minutes and I'm there. Hurry up!
no subject
But these speculations remain half-formed in Peter's mind while adrenaline courses through him. Knowing exactly where he set the coordinates, he leads Foom away from downtown, relieved to look over his shoulder and see the beast hovering over New York's buildings instead of, well, bulldozing them. Eventually Peter reaches the edge of the city, dotted with piers. Beyond them lies only water, obviously, and it's above the water where Foom hovers while tailing Spider-Man. ]
Thank god he's cooperating...
[ Peter mutters to himself, not as much in a quipping mood as he wants to be. Fortunately, every excruciating minute is made up for by the distant sight of Felicia, reaching the designated pier in the Spider-Mobile. She'll get a phone call through the Spider-Mobile's speakers, Peter's grating voice blaring through the inside of the car. ]
You probably see him coming, Cat, but this is a courtesy call. Do you mind taking the egg with you to the edge of the pier?
I'll sweeten the deal. Double what you said, okay? 30 coffees.
[ He knows he's asking a lot of her. She really didn't have to stick around for as long as she has, putting up with all of Peter's... eggscapades, but here she is. Peter knows that must mean something; hell, he sure wants it to. But even now, with a giant monster who could swallow him whole at any time looming directly behind him, Peter wants to ensure Felicia doesn't feel like she's being used. That she's not just an extra pair of hands Peter's dragging around for his convenience.
he's got wade for that]Be seeing you!
[ He ends the call pretty quick, though, not wanting to yell too much and risk confusing Foom. Felicia will find the two of them careening towards the three (make that four including the egg)'s shared destination. For all intents and purposes, she and Peter are preventing the wholesale destruction of New York.
Just another Tuesday, then. ]
no subject
When she got dressed tonight, slinked into her sexiest gown – low-cut and overflowing to the ground in her best, uncomfortable heels... she didn't expect to now be eggscorting something to the piers. Felicia has a habit of bringing bad luck, but this? Takes the cake. She isn't clued in on all the tech in the mobile, still annoyed she has to learn to drive it – she's a New Yorker, so driving isn't her specialty. When the tires on on a typical road, things smooth out – but the sudden incoming call across the speakers of the car makes her groan. She peers through the rear view with a confirming nod to herself. ]
Yup. I see the big, annoyed dragon. Not sure how he's not breathing fire and burning the city down, but – [ No, she holds the Game of Thrones reference about him being the Spider of Dragons. It's too lame. ] 35. Final deal.
[ They hang-up without another word. Nothing else was needed. Felicia was a ride or die, one willing to get messy when the time came to it. Messy right now was comedically pathetic. No bullets, no warfare – literally just a pissed off dragon. The vehicle comes to a stop at the end of the pier next to oversized crates for shipment, the buzz of a helicopter zipping by too focused on going more towards Peter.
Doing what she's told has never been a thing with her, but she listens. The egg was transported with care, hefty and weighed down but it reaches the end of the pier where the flicker of dying pier lights show how nasty the surrounding bays were. Felicia was left babysitter, sure, but she sets the egg down with the care as if it was her own. Crouched down next to it, she looks down the portway – awaiting the view of a very fast moving dragon and faster spider? ]
no subject
Wallet's gonna regret this, but I don't care. I have a responsibility to this city, and a responsibility to Felicia.
[ Having hung up, Peter's just muttering to himself at this point. But Foom somehow caught that, and telepathically asks him what he just said. ]
Unrelated, Foom. Just some coffee stuff. Mostly.
[ And then Foom actually asks what is coffee. At least that's all that caught his attention. ]
You like spending a lot of time in some deep slumber, right? Then let's just say coffee's not for you!
[ Peter's got his eyes on the prize, still, swinging ever closer to the edge of the pier. But his commitment to making progress towards the rendezvous point means he isn't looking back over his shoulder. Because then he'd see that for all the rage Foom promised to rain down upon New York... he looks a little sad.
Are you sure you will not tell me? ]
Look Foom, we can have this conversation after you get your egg. And preferably when you're further out in the Atlantic Ocean.
[ The dragon is pleased. ]
Finally!
[ Indeed, one last swing and Peter lets go of the web at the apex of his momentum, backflipping as he descends to the side of the Spider-Mobile. After landing on his feet, he goes ahead and sprints to the end of the pier, though with his spider-endurance it feels more like a light jog. Foom, meanwhile, descends into the water just in front of the edge of the pier, where Felicia and the egg happen to be waiting.
Foom looms. With his feet on the floor of the river, he is only knee deep in it while standing upright. He crouches to not absolutely tower over Felicia, but creepily, he doesn't break eye contact the entire time. Eye contact with Felicia? Or--
No. The egg.
Placed beside you is something of mine, Foom says. Though directed at Felicia, Peter can somehow hear it as he's making his way to the edge.
When Peter finally reaches Felicia, it becomes quite easy to imagine his relief beneath the mask. He sighs, not from the sprint, but from the blissful understanding that New York just might live to get attacked by something else another day. ]
Cat-- thanks for holding on to that. I really really owe you.
[ So then he turns to beseech Foom, looking up at the colossal dragon as he stands on the edge of the pier. Peter had also reached down to pick up the egg, and now holds it high like its destiny is to rule Pride Rock. ]
Well, Foom? Take it! It's yours!
[ And so... Foom does. Foom reaches down with his inestimable hand to collect the egg between the tips of his thumb and index finger. Delicately, he lifts the egg away from Peter's hands, only to take it to eye level, carefully appraising the artifact. ]
Nothing but gel protein and a calcified embryo. That's my theory, Cat, but--
[ Foom just throws the thing into his scaly maw. Starts chewing. Choppers that have converged, even key Avengers personnel now waiting by the Spider-Mobile, are all present to bear witness alongside the Cat and the Spider.
The pleasure this brings to Foom releases a telepathic signal everyone in the vicinity can hear in their minds. The first sound is almost too loud in everybody's heads.
Aaaaah... aged to perfection since the twilight of the Qing dynasty, mystic preservatives cultivated by the finest artisans in K'un-Lun... this is everything I have ever wanted, and more.
THE FINEST CHOCOLATE! ]
no subject
Take better care of it next time! It's been collecting dust for who knows how long!
[ She had to at least sass back, only Felicia would, but hey. At least the Foom was less fuming. The thief stands up as Peter takes the damn egg and offers it like Rafiki to the dragon. She's left watching things unravel – her mind already trying to parse if she'd need to zip away if this was all a ruse to get closer. Bad habits, etc.
What comes next has her feel uncomfortable. Too much attention – the rip of choppers through the sky, the sirens joining in from street-level patrols... the Avengers personnel wasn't appreciate either. Some people don't have the same appreciation Peter has for morally gray costumes, okay. The scene unfolds with not a reunion, with no happy ending – it was shattered ....... with something almost rage-inducing. Science can't beat culinary in this instance and she's left with a scrunched up face in disgust. ]
Oh... ew. You're kidding me!
[ She wasted her night for this?! For a midnight snack? She shoots a glare worth a million words to her Spider, good grief. ]
no subject
The laughter proves to be a mixture of mirth and relief. The fact this all amounted to a wild goose chase over something as trivial as chocolate is actually a good thing. But fortunately, it's not like Peter's lost it. He only laughs for a few seconds, enough to really absorb what he just witnessed, before falling to his knees. He's exhausted, stressed like he's had to take his SAT while juggling on a unicycle over hot coals. That, to him, represented the enormity of potential failure if Fin Fang Foom actually bothered to level the city. Something, it now seems, that the mere presence of ancient chocolate made a difference in averting.
It might be kind of pathetic, seeing Peter beside himself like this. Wouldn't be the first time Felicia's seen him come undone, though. Maybe Matt's been more embarrassing in general, but Peter's stomaching enough embarrassment for both himself and Felicia. ]
Cat, I want a coffee date, like... stat. For my sanity.
[ As he speaks, Fin Fang Foom doesn't even thank him. Doesn't even address the looming presence of the paparazzi, the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D.... no. They're all too small for him, now that he's had his snack. He simply turns around, Godzilla-like with his unreadable intentions, drifting away from the pier. He spreads his wings, flaps them a bit, and flies - flies until he's nothing but a featureless speck in the sky, taking the danger that came with him to a distance beyond sight. ]
I have literally never been more enthusiastic to treat someone.
Least of all myself.
[ He decides that's enough moping and gets back on his feet, turning to briefly regard Felicia before facing the entrance to the pier. There, he sees Daredevil. Wolverine, too. Other Avengers seem to have left already, but of all people, Logan wants to hear it all directly from Peter.
Peter, though, is dead set on not inviting either of them to coffee. He sighs deeply, perhaps more than he did at anything Foom had done today, at the possibility of having to interact with those guys. With his heightened senses, how can Daredevil stand to be beside Wolverine? ]
After we deal with those two... mind if we still use the Spider-Mobile?
[ He shrugs a tad sheepishly. ]
It's got a lot of mileage left.
no subject
Sounds like you need decaf.
[ And to go to sleep after this. Felicia closes the distance between them, even if they have a little bit of an audience by now and gives him one of those lingering gestures – a pat against his bicep to calm her own annoyances down. He had no clue... she had no clue... made sense that their luck combines was some Captain Planet-level misfortune.
She lets her nails drag down the texture of his costume's arm, indicating that it was fine. She got him in debt to her, so not all bad! And... heh, that necklace tucked away between the best cleavage New York had to offer? Don't forget that. They can address that later.
For now, they have the one final piece of their follow-up – until Peter mentions that damn mobile. She'd hate to admit it, but it had its charm at times. Maybe, someday, there will be a rare occurrence when bringing that baby out would yield him massive swag points. Not tonight, though. But – what the hell. ]
You just don't want the battery to go dead. [ Teasing, she'll be waiting by the mobile while he deals with the fallout. She walks backwards, her eyes on him and even after all this, she smirks that confident little grin of hers. Not the only thing with mileage, she wants to quip back to him but... that's pretty forward for the first coffee date. ] Hurry up, I need a cat nap after this too.