DC: The Amazing Spider-Man

Two weeks had passed since Ben Reily had embraced the mantle of Spider-Man, spending his nights swinging across New York City, stopping crimes, and saving lives. The city buzzed with stories of the masked hero, but not all the news was uplifting.

As Ben returned home late one night, sweat still drying on his skin from a busy patrol, he collapsed onto the old, worn-out couch in his tiny apartment. He flicked on the TV, searching for something to unwind with. His fingers froze on the remote when a breaking news segment caught his eye.

"This just in—multiple bodies have been discovered throughout the city in the last two weeks. Each victim was found pale, with two puncture wounds on the sides of their necks. Authorities remain baffled by the cause of death and have not ruled out foul play."

Ben leaned forward, eyes narrowing as the anchor continued. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in his chest. Two puncture wounds… like fangs. He made a mental note to investigate later.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to reality. The name Johnny flashed on the screen. Ben answered.

"Yo, did you ask her out yet?" Johnny asked, skipping any kind of greeting.

Ben chuckled. "Yeah, I'm going to. I've got a plan."

"You better," Johnny teased. "I can't watch you pine after Felicia Hardy for another day."

The Next Day – Midtown High Lunchroom

The school cafeteria buzzed with chatter, trays clattering as students moved between tables. Ben and Johnny sat at their usual spot, but Johnny was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Alright, bro," Johnny said, placing both hands firmly on Ben's shoulders. "This is your moment. You've fought armed robbers, swung through the city, and stopped a car chase—this is way harder, but you got this!"

Ben let out a shaky breath and nodded. He spotted Felicia Hardy sitting alone at a corner table, her head buried in a book. Her platinum-blonde hair shimmered in the cafeteria lights, falling perfectly over her shoulders.

He stood and began walking toward her, every step feeling heavier than the last. His heart pounded like he was swinging into danger without a web.

"Hey, Felicia," he said, voice cracking slightly.

She looked up, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Hey, Ben."

"Uh… I was wondering… would you… maybe want to hang out on Saturday?"

Felicia smiled wider, tilting her head playfully. "Took you long enough. I've been waiting for you to ask me."

Ben blinked in confusion. Before he could respond, she leaned in close, her voice a sultry whisper in his ear.

"Did you forget your promise?"

His mind reeled, and he suddenly remembered—a memory from before Felicia moved away. They were kids, sitting on a park bench. He promised her that if she ever came back, he would ask her out.

She kissed him gently on the cheek, slipping something into his pocket. "I'm free Saturday. Call me."

Ben stood frozen as she walked away with a sway in her step. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper with her number scrawled across it.

Johnny sprinted up, wide-eyed. "How did it go?"

Ben held up the number. Johnny stared for a moment before tackling him in a bear hug. "We have to get you some new clothes."

Saturday Night

Johnny had taken charge of Ben's wardrobe, handing him a sleek beige tracksuit with orange stripes running down the sleeves and pant legs, paired with a clean white t-shirt and fresh white sneakers. The outfit hugged his athletic frame well, and even Ben had to admit he looked good.

Johnny crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. "Lookin' sharp, champ. You got this!"

Ben gave him a grateful smile, grabbed his phone, and headed out the door toward Felicia's apartment.

When Felicia opened the door, Ben nearly forgot how to speak. She wore a black leather crop top and matching jacket with a fluffy white collar, paired with high-waisted, distressed jeans. A choker adorned her neck, and her glasses rested perfectly on her nose.

"You… you look… really good," Ben stammered, his cheeks burning.

Felicia giggled, stepping closer. "And you look cute."

Before he could say anything else, she gently linked her arm through his. "Come on, hero. Let's make this a night to remember."

The Date

Their first stop was the arcade downtown. The place was lit up with neon lights, the air filled with the sound of clattering tokens and buzzing game machines.

Felicia playfully dragged Ben toward the racing games. "Bet you can't beat me," she teased.

They played fiercely, Felicia laughing every time she bumped Ben's car off the track. When she won, she shot him a triumphant smirk and playfully poked his chest.

"Better luck next time, Spider-Man."

Ben's eyes widened. "W-what did you just say?"

Felicia giggled. "Relax, I'm kidding… unless…?"

Before Ben could respond, she tugged him toward the prize counter. "I want that stuffed cat."

After several attempts, Ben finally won the prize, handing the plush cat to Felicia, who beamed with joy. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "You're full of surprises, Ben."

After the arcade, they had dinner at a cozy little diner. Felicia teased him endlessly throughout the meal, resting her chin on her hand as she asked questions about his life.

When Ben admitted he sometimes felt out of place, she gently squeezed his hand. "You're more special than you think."

Their final stop was Central Park, where they walked slowly under the stars, the city's lights glowing softly around them. They talked about old memories, childhood games, and promises made long ago.

Felicia suddenly stopped, turning to face Ben. Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the playful teasing faded.

"I never forgot you," she whispered.

Ben felt his breath hitch. Slowly, she leaned in, and he did too, their lips meeting in a tender, lingering kiss. The world seemed to melt away.

When they finally pulled back, she smirked, brushing a finger down his jaw. "You're a really good kisser."

Before he could respond, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, frowning. "I have to go… but we are doing this again."

She kissed him one last time, then playfully smacked his rear as she walked away. "See you around, hero."

Ben stood there, dazed and blushing furiously. When he finally composed himself, he leaped into the air, shouting, "YES!"

Later That Night

Ben burst into Johnny's apartment, practically glowing with excitement. Johnny jumped up from the couch, eyes wide.

"How'd it go?!"

Ben grinned. "She kissed me. Twice!"

Johnny whooped, pulling him into another hug. "We're celebrating! Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, now!"

Ben laughed, grabbing a controller as they launched into the game.

Elsewhere…

In a dark alley, a terrified woman stumbled, panting heavily. She tripped, landing hard on the cold, wet pavement. Trembling, she looked back—only to see two gleaming red eyes and sharp white fangs emerging from the shadows.

Before she could scream, they lunged—and the only sound left was her final, piercing cry.