4

George met Ben's eyes as he extended a hand. "I'm George Stacy. Gwen's father. I hear Peter's quite the young inventor."

Ben chuckled warmly, shaking George's hand. "He sure is. I'm Ben Parker. Nice to meet you. Peter and I come to the library often for his projects."

As they continued to talk, Peter and Gwen were engrossed in a conversation about their favorite projects nearby.

"So," George began as they sat down in a quiet corner of the library, "Peter mentioned a remote-controlled car. Sounds impressive for a seven-year-old."

Ben smiled proudly. "Peter's always been a bit of a genius. He's been building and tinkering with things since he could walk."

Peter's cocky side started to show as he overheard the conversation. "You know, I built my first computer when I was five. All from parts I found at the junkyard."

Gwen's eyes widened. "No way! That's incredible!"

George raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed but also skeptical. "A computer at five? That's hard to believe."

Ben chuckled. "Believe it, George. This kid has a knack for making the impossible possible."

Peter leaned back, looking smug. "Well, you know, being a genius can be lonely. But it's great now that I've met Gwen."

Gwen blushed slightly, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm glad I met you too, Peter."

George cleared his throat, trying to hide his unease. "So, about this remote-controlled car... I'd like to see what Peter has been working on."

Ben nodded. "Why don't you and Gwen come over to our house tomorrow? Peter would be thrilled to show you his projects."

George smiled, accepting the invitation. "That sounds great. Here's our address, and we'll see you tomorrow."

Peter nodded eagerly. "Sure thing! It'll be fun."

As they exchanged addresses and parted ways, Peter and Ben walked home with Peter collecting some parts he had picked up from the junkyard earlier. When they got home, the familiar sounds of Aunt May setting the table for dinner filled the air.

At dinner, the conversation turned light-hearted. Uncle Ben, always the joker, couldn't resist teasing Peter. "So, Pete, made your first girlfriend, huh?"

Peter rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide his smile. "Uncle Ben, it's not like that. Gwen's just a friend."

May chuckled. "A friend who happens to be a girl. Sounds like a girlfriend to me."

Peter shook his head, laughing. "Alright, alright. Can we focus on dinner?"

After dinner, Peter went to the basement to work on his project and train his body. He knew he had to be strong, both mentally and physically. He started with push-ups, his determination growing with each count.

"88, 89, 90..." he counted, sweat dripping from his forehead.

"99, 100!" Peter finished, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He knew that every bit of strength he gained would help him in the future.

Next, he moved to pull-ups. Gripping the bar firmly, he hoisted himself up with a smooth, controlled motion.

"1, 2, 3..." he counted, his muscles straining but his resolve unwavering.

"28, 29, 30!" he concluded, dropping down and shaking out his arms.

Without missing a beat, Peter transitioned to sit-ups. He locked his feet under the weight bench and began, his core muscles tightening with each lift.

"45, 46, 47..." he counted, focusing on his form and breathing.

"99, 100!" Peter exhaled, lying back for a moment before sitting up and preparing for the next part of his routine.

Martial arts were next on the agenda. He moved to the center of the basement, where a training dummy and a heavy bag waited. Peter started with shadowboxing, his fists flying through the air with precision and speed. His movements were fluid, a mix of punches, kicks, and blocks, demonstrating a high level of skill for his age.

Peter shifted to the heavy bag, unleashing a series of powerful strikes. "Hiyah! Hah!" His fists and feet made solid contact, the bag swinging with each blow.

After a rigorous session, Peter stood, breathing heavily but feeling invigorated. His current body was beyond normal for a seven-year-old, his strength and agility allowing him to go head-to-head against a full-grown adult.

Sweat poured down his face as he wiped it with a towel, looking around the basement with a sense of pride and determination. He knew he had to keep pushing himself, both in mind and body, to protect those he loved.

Exhausted but satisfied, Peter went to his room. He lay on his bed, his thoughts drifting to Gwen. Meeting her felt like a serendipitous moment, a chance to make things right in this timeline. He smiled to himself, feeling hopeful for the future.

The next morning, George and Gwen arrived as promised. Pleasantries were exchanged, and Peter led them down to the basement once more. The sight of the opened machines and the half-built car left Gwen and George in awe again.

Peter pointed to the PC. "I built this when I was five. Helps me with all my projects."

Gwen's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible, Peter."

George was visibly impressed. "You have quite the talent, young man."

Peter couldn't resist a bit of cockiness. "Yeah, I'm pretty smart. But it's hard work too. Gwen, want to see how the car works?"

Gwen nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. Peter explained the components and their functions, his explanations detailed and clear. George watched, his skepticism replaced by admiration.

As Peter and Gwen worked on the car together, Peter couldn't help but flirt a little. "You know, Gwen, with your help, this car might turn out even better."

Gwen blushed, smiling shyly. "Thanks, Peter. I'm glad I can help."

George, though initially wary of Peter's boldness, found himself impressed by the boy's intellect and passion. He realized that Peter was indeed a special kid, capable of achieving great things.

By the time they were done, Gwen and George were fully convinced of Peter's abilities. George patted Peter on the back. "You've got a bright future ahead of you, Peter. Keep up the good work."

Peter grinned. "Thanks, Mr. Stacy. And thanks for letting Gwen come over. We make a great team."

Ben, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of pride. Peter had not only shown his brilliance but also built a strong bond with Gwen.