I'M IN MARVEL

If Gwen had no moral compass, she could have easily made money using her extraordinary abilities. But to her, Spider-Woman (or Ghost Spider, as some called her) was more than a superhero identity—it was a symbol.

Betraying that symbol would mean betraying her late best friend, Peter Parker, and the trust her father, Captain George Stacy, placed in her. In her universe, Spider-Man was the embodiment of courage and justice. In this world, she believed it should remain the same.

"Of course, Gwen," Russell said, breaking her thoughts. He added with a friendly smile, "If you haven't found a place to stay yet, why not move in with me for now? I live on the seventh floor of the bookstore. There are a few empty rooms—you can pick whichever one you like."

"Thank you so much, Russell." Gwen's smile brightened, grateful for his generosity.

Knock, knock.

"Hello? May I come in?" a suave voice interrupted, accompanied by a light knock.

Before Russell could respond, the door swung open.

A man with neatly trimmed facial hair, wearing tinted sunglasses and a sharp suit, strode in like he owned the place. Following him was a tall, blonde woman with a single ponytail, dressed elegantly, and a stocky man in a suit who appeared more like a bodyguard than a guest.

"Tony. Tony Stark," the man introduced himself with casual flair, flopping onto the couch without bothering to shake hands.

"Hmm, this sofa—mediocre fabric, bad breathability, poor texture…"

"Tony!" the woman interrupted, exasperated.

Smiling politely, she extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Pepper Potts, Tony's assistant."

The bodyguard, Happy Hogan, stayed silent, his arms crossed as he stood behind Tony with a stoic expression.

"Russell," he introduced himself, shaking Pepper's hand.

"Gwen. Gwen Stacy," she said, her tone slightly guarded.

Russell immediately had a hunch about why they'd come. Gwen must have been caught on camera during last night's battle. The fact that it wasn't S.H.I.E.L.D. knocking on the door suggested that Stark had asked J.A.R.V.I.S. to intercept the footage.

Although he was curious about their visit, Russell decided it was better to be a gracious host. "Mr. Stark, Miss Potts, and… Mr. Bodyguard—would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea?"

"Got any whiskey?" Tony quipped.

Russell chuckled. "Afraid not."

"Then I'll pass," Tony said with a dismissive wave.

"Tea for me, thank you," Pepper interjected.

Russell paused. "I… don't actually have tea right now. Give me a moment, and I'll grab some."

Before anyone could respond, Russell excused himself and left the lounge, heading for the front desk.

Buy tea? He smirked. He wasn't actually getting tea. He just didn't want to linger while Tony and Pepper had their discussion with Gwen. Besides, with his enhanced perception, no door could block out the conversation.

---

Inside the lounge, Tony leaned back and muttered, "Is he always this 'helpful'?"

"I don't know him that well," Gwen replied with a laugh, distancing herself from Russell's antics.

Pepper cleared her throat, steering the conversation back on track. "Ms. Stacy, we're here about last night. Thank you for saving Tony and me."

Gwen waved it off. "It's what Ghost Spider does."

"Ghost Spider? Is that what you call yourself?" Tony raised an eyebrow. "I figured it was more like… Pajama Kid."

"Tony!" Pepper glared at him.

"Ghost Spider. Agile, stealthy—fits you," Tony mused aloud, his teasing tone softening slightly.

Gwen smiled but didn't elaborate on what her alter ego truly stood for.

"For the record," Tony added, crossing his arms, "I didn't need saving. I had a plan. As altitude increases, the air pressure drops, and the temperature decreases. My Mark III is upgraded for sub-zero temps, but Obadiah's armor wasn't. I could've flown him high enough to freeze his systems."

"Tony!" Pepper pinched the bridge of her nose.

Gwen thought for a moment and nodded. "That's actually a solid plan."

Tony shot Pepper a smug look before turning back to Gwen. His voice softened. "Anyway, you helped us a lot. I owe you one. Name your price—anything you want."

Gwen shook her head. "I didn't do it for a reward."

"Gwen," Pepper interjected, "economists argue that good deeds should be rewarded to encourage more altruism. It's not just about your bravery—it's about setting an example for others."

"I understand," Gwen said, her voice calm. "But I don't need anything right now."

The truth was, her only wish was to return to her own universe—a wish even Tony Stark couldn't grant.

"Well, if you think of something, call me or Pepper," Tony said firmly.

Pepper smiled. "In the meantime, we have a small gift for you."

As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Russell returned, carrying a cup from the bubble tea shop next door.

"Ms. Potts, here's your tea: green tea, light ice, three sugars." He placed it in front of her with a theatrical flourish.

Pepper's smile twitched. She knew full well that he'd left deliberately, but his effort was… unique.

After wrapping up, Pepper and Tony prepared to leave.

"Russell," Pepper said warmly, "thanks for the hospitality. We won't take up any more of your time."

"Take care, Pepper. Goodbye, Mr. Stark."

As Tony and Pepper left, Russell turned to Gwen. "Alright, it's dinner time. Let's grab something to eat."

Gwen blinked, surprised. "You're not going to ask what we talked about?"

"Why ask something I can guess?" Russell replied with a knowing smile.

Gwen crossed her arms. "You know, men shouldn't be this smart."

"Plenty of people have told me that."

"Like who?"

"You."

Gwen rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips.

—