Chapter 4: Gwen's Thanks & Nightfall
Ethan Lee and Stephen Strange sat together, casually chatting and teasing each other.
With Strange's current wealth, most people didn't need him for consultations or surgeries, so they talked for a while.
But despite all the effort Ethan put into the conversation, talking until his lips were nearly worn out, there was still no response from the system.
Is it because Strange hasn't become the Sorcerer Supreme yet?
"Ethan," Strange said as he entered some data into his computer, "you seem to be expecting something."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Stephen, are you thinking of becoming a psychologist now?"
"Oh, no. I hate those ghost-like guys the most." Strange pressed the Enter key and smirked. "You just looked distracted."
He turned the monitor toward Ethan. "Your girl's test results are in. She's in perfect health—strong, even. Not that you'd guess from how slim she looks."
He chuckled and leaned back. "Honestly, you should work out more. Otherwise, you might not be able to keep up with younger girls."
Ethan scoffed. "I'm strong enough, Stephen."
He stood up, ready to leave, but before walking out, he casually reminded Strange, "Remember to be careful when driving."
Strange waved him off. "You always say that, like an old woman."
Well, you're on your own.
---
Outside the hospital, Jessica practically bounced with excitement, waving Gwen's test report in the air.
"No problems at all, Gwen! You're in great health!"
Gwen smiled, visibly relieved. "Yeah, I saw. Thanks, Jess."
As they stepped out of the hospital, Gwen immediately spotted Ethan leaning against his car. With a bright smile, she hurried over to him.
Ethan watched as she approached, her eyes shimmering under the city lights. Without hesitation, she leaned in, closed her eyes, and pressed a soft, lingering kiss against his cheek.
"Thank you, Ethan~" she whispered.
Ethan reached out, running his fingers gently through her smooth, golden hair. "You've been worried about something lately," he noted.
Gwen tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just a little confused about something."
She then leaned her head into his palm. "But it's all sorted out now."
Ethan smiled and pulled her into a warm embrace. Their figures intertwined under the city lights.
"Ugh~"
Jessica made a face. "You guys are really overdoing it."
She dramatically covered her eyes but peeked through her fingers anyway.
The kiss lasted long enough that Gwen, slightly embarrassed, finally pulled away.
"Ethan, that felt nice~" she teased, her face flushed. She stuck out her tongue playfully, looking both excited and mischievous.
Ethan, slightly regretful, thought, Actually, I could've gone a little longer.
But suddenly—
Buzz!
His Spider-Sense flared.
Danger!
Ethan reacted in an instant, grabbing Gwen and rolling to the ground just as a figure with metal wings swooped past them.
CLANG!
Sparks flew as the figure scraped against Ethan's car before crashing to the ground a short distance away.
Luckily, Ethan had anticipated the dangers of New York City and had a specially modified car. Despite the impact, there was only a scratch—no real damage.
Gwen, still sitting in his arms, touched her head in confusion. Why didn't my Spider-Sense go off? Did I get distracted by the kiss?
Ethan turned his gaze toward the downed figure. His mind quickly pieced together the identity of the attacker.
Adrian Toomes.
A former electronic engineer turned supervillain. Framed and imprisoned by corrupt capitalists, he eventually became the infamous "Vulture" using his homemade flying armor.
But something was off. He didn't just malfunction and crash—he was hit.
By whom?
Ethan's sharp eyes scanned the area and landed on a nearby building. A tall, bald man in a suit—his muscles unnaturally thick beneath the fabric—stood in front of a shattered window. Without hesitation, the man turned and walked away.
Jessica came running up. "Ethan! Gwen! Are you okay? That scared the hell out of me!"
Gwen finally snapped out of her daze. "We're fine, Jess. Thanks to Ethan."
Ethan leaned in and whispered to Gwen, "We should get out of here."
She nodded. "Yeah, let me get up first."
As she sat up, her eyes landed on the Vulture, now taking off again.
She clenched her jaw. I should be the one protecting Ethan!
She puffed out her cheeks in frustration. Just wait till I change into my suit! That guy's going down!
Meanwhile, Vulture had already set his sights back on his real target.
"Kingpin—!!"
Ignoring the bystanders he nearly killed, he roared toward the building and launched himself forward, wings roaring with renewed fury.
Ethan narrowed his eyes.
Vulture. Kingpin…
---
Nightfall
That night, atop a towering, brightly lit skyscraper, a dark figure stood still, his silhouette sharp against the city skyline.
Ethan was clad in his Knight Spider suit.
The suit's color scheme closely resembled Venom Spider's, but with an added touch—an outer hooded trench coat. It gave the impression of a couple's version of Ghost-Spider's suit, though that wasn't the intention.
Inside the mask, a custom BGM played, setting the perfect mood.
Why does this feel like I just walked onto the set of Kamen Rider?
Ethan exhaled and gazed over the city.
Time to move.