Spider-Gwen's My Neighbour

Jack Kadere and Stephen Strange exchanged sharp remarks and dry humor, chatting comfortably in the quiet of the office.

With Strange's career now shifted from neurosurgery to more obscure research and occasional high-profile cases, most patients didn't see him unless absolutely necessary. So the two had time to talk—though, for Jack, this wasn't just casual conversation.

He'd been subtly probing for signs that the Extraordinary Relationship System might react.

But after nearly half an hour of banter, there was still nothing.

Is it because Strange hasn't become Sorcerer Supreme yet? Jack wondered.

"You're awfully quiet all of a sudden," Strange said without looking up, his fingers tapping across the keyboard. "Waiting for something to happen?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Stephen, did you switch to psychiatry on the side?"

Strange scoffed. "Please. I'd rather deal with interdimensional threats than try to make sense of other people's traumas."

He tapped Enter. "By the way, your girl's results just came in. All signs point to excellent health. Strong reflexes, elevated oxygen efficiency… Honestly, she's in better shape than you."

"She's also more charming," Jack quipped, standing up to leave.

Strange smirked. "Might want to start working out. You're not getting any younger—and she might crush you if you're not careful."

"Duly noted," Jack said dryly, heading for the door. "Also, don't speed through Midtown tonight."

"You always say that," Strange called after him. "You sound like an old woman."

"Coming from the guy who argues with his cloak," Jack muttered to himself.

...

"No issues at all, Gwen—you're healthy as ever!" Jessica grinned, waving the diagnostic printout in the air like a victory flag.

Gwen smiled in relief. "Thanks, Jess. I saw the numbers myself, but it's good to hear it again."

Outside the hospital entrance, Jack leaned against his car, arms crossed as he watched them approach.

Gwen's pace quickened. Her blonde ponytail swayed behind her as she reached him—then, without hesitation, she rose on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you, Jack~" she said sweetly.

"Gwen…" Jack smiled and gently brushed a hand through her hair. "You've seemed a little tense lately. Something on your mind?"

"I've just been confused," she admitted, tilting her head playfully. "But I've figured it out now."

She leaned her head into his palm, a small sigh escaping her lips.

"That's all I needed to hear."

Jack wrapped an arm around her shoulder, holding her close. For a moment, time slowed as he leaned down and captured Gwen's lips in a searing kiss.

"Ughh, you two are killing me…" Jessica groaned behind them.

Seriously? How long had they been lip-locked? She faked covering her eyes, but her fingers were wide apart like a curious toddler watching a movie scene she pretended not to like.

Eventually, Gwen broke away first—cheeks red, chest rising quickly. "Jack… that felt kinda nice~"

She gave him a teasing smile and stuck her tongue out slightly.

Jack smirked, half-serious. Honestly, we could've kept going.

BZZT—! His Spider-Sense flared.

Danger!

Jack didn't hesitate. With Gwen still close, he rolled across the pavement, shielding her with his body just as something fast and heavy ripped through the air behind them.

WHOOSH—CLANG!

A winged figure crashed down in a shower of sparks, scraping across the hood of Jack's custom car before skidding to the ground nearby.

Thankfully, the car—reinforced for exactly this kind of insanity—had only suffered a deep scratch. No real damage.

In his arms, Gwen blinked in confusion. Why didn't I sense that? Was I too distracted…?

Jack was already turning, narrowing his eyes at the figure lying crumpled in the street—metal wings twitching and catching the light.

Adrian Toomes. The Vulture.

Jack's mind raced. Former electronics engineer. Went rogue after being screwed by corporate contractors. Built his own exo-suit. Big deal in Peter's world...

Only, something didn't add up.

The Vulture hadn't crash-landed by accident—he'd been blasted. Jack glanced toward a nearby office tower. One of the glass panels was shattered.

In the glow of the broken window, a tall bald man in a black suit turned away and disappeared inside.

Jack stared. Wait… was that Wilson Fisk?

"Jack! Gwen! Are you two okay?!" Jessica sprinted over, eyes wide.

"We're fine," Gwen assured her, brushing some dust off her shirt. "Thanks to Jack."

Jack leaned in and whispered, "We should get out of here before this gets messy."

Gwen nodded. "Yeah. Give me a sec—"

But as she stood, her eyes locked on the Vulture, now airborne again, his wing turbines whirring louder.

Her brows furrowed. It should be me protecting Jack... not the other way around!

Gwen clenched her fists, already preparing to suit up and strike back.

Just wait until I put on the mask, you airborne maniac.

"Kingpin—!" The Vulture screamed, veering mid-air and soaring straight back toward the shattered window.

Jack's expression hardened. So it really was Fisk.

...

Later that night…

Atop a high-rise building, beneath the pale moonlight and neon glow of New York, a solitary figure stood against the skyline.

The wind tugged at his hooded coat, his silhouette sharp and ready.

Jack Kadere, now fully suited as the Knight Spider.

The black-and-white combat suit had a sleek, tactical look—like a more grounded version of Gwen's Ghost-Spider outfit. But Jack's had one unique feature: a long, dark hooded cloak woven into the design, giving him an ominous, street-level edge.

The suit's onboard systems hummed quietly in his ears. Diagnostic updates, target scans—and, inexplicably, a bit of built-in theme music pulsing in the background.

"Great," Jack muttered. "I've turned into one of those over-the-top action movie protagonists. All I need now is a slow-mo explosion behind me."

He adjusted his mask.

No more hesitation. It's time to find out what Kingpin is planning.

And if the Vulture was working for him… Then this city might be facing more than just street crime.