Chapter 29: Moonlight and Mischief

Peter stepped into Oscorp Tower, the grand lobby buzzing with guests arriving for the charity ball. The receptionist greeted him with a polite smile and handed over his invitation.

"Fancy paper, huh? Could've just texted me."

He sent a quick message to Harry:

[I'm here. Where you at?]

A reply came almost instantly.

[Go on ahead. I'll be a little late.]

Peter raised an eyebrow.

"That's weird. He was the one who invited me."

Still, no reason to stand around. He adjusted his tuxedo, smooth as a secret agent, and strolled into the ballroom.

The Oscorp charity ball was a spectacle of wealth and science. The grand chandeliers sparkled like stars, the music hummed in the background, and the waiters moved swiftly with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Peter's eyes scanned the room for familiar faces.

Dr. Otto Octavius and his wife, Rosalie, were deep in conversation with a few high-level scientists. Otto spotted Peter and waved him over.

"Ah, Peter Parker! How's the genius in hiding?" Otto grinned.

Peter smirked. "You tell me, Doc. Last time we talked, you told me brilliance can't stay hidden forever."

Otto chuckled. "And I stand by that! Come by the lab sometime, I'd love to discuss some new ideas."

Rosalie gave Peter a warm smile. "It's good to see you, Peter. We always enjoyed having you around."

Peter nodded. "Likewise, Mrs. Octavius. You two make a great team."

Otto beamed. "Like peanut butter and jelly!"

Peter grinned. "More like Tony Stark and his ego."

Otto laughed. "Touché."

Peter excused himself and moved through the room, greeting other familiar faces. Until he spotted Dr. Connors and his wife, Martha.

Peter's eyes narrowed.

Dr. Connors looked… different.

The last time Peter saw him, the man was worn down, stressed, barely holding it together. But now?

His posture was strong, his face brighter, his entire aura oozed confidence.

Martha, on the other hand, looked tired. Dark circles under her eyes, her smile just a little forced.

Peter approached. "Dr. Connors. You look… well."

Connors turned to him, smiling. "Peter! It's been a while. How have you been?"

"Fine. But you?" Peter's gaze flicked to the new arm. "All good?."

Connors chuckled, flexing his fingers. "Absolutely."

Peter nodded. "Any side effects?"

Connors laughed. "None! I feel healthy." He leaned in with a smirk. "A little more than healthy, if I must say."

Peter arched a brow. That was a loaded statement.

Peter's attention drifted away from Connors when he heard a soft, almost musical chuckle from across the ballroom. It wasn't loud, but something about it commanded attention.

Then he saw her.

Felicia Hardy.

She moved through the crowd with effortless grace, dressed in a silvery gown that shimmered under the chandelier lights. The fabric hugged her figure, the deep slit along her leg making it clear she didn't just walk, she glided. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded over one shoulder in soft, carefully styled waves.

But what truly set her apart wasn't her looks.

It was her eyes.

Sharp, intelligent, playful.

She wasn't just attending the ball. She was studying it, reading every movement, every conversation.

That's when Peter realized, I'm a simp!

Felicia Hardy didn't belong here. Another realization.

Felicia Hardy belonged anywhere she wanted.

She turned slightly, and their gazes locked.

Peter barely had time to react before she was already walking toward him, champagne in hand, a half-smirk playing on her lips.

"Peter Parker." Her voice was smooth, teasing like she knew something he didn't.

Peter arched a brow. "Felicia Hardy. Never expected to see you at a party like this."

Felicia took a sip of her drink. "And why is that?"

Peter smirked. "Oh, you know. This is the 'Oscorp Charity Ball' doesn't seem like your scene. Thought you preferred places with… more fun!"

Felicia laughed softly, the kind of laugh that drew people in.

"What can I say?" she said. "I have layers, Parker."

Peter hummed. "Like an onion?"

Felicia tilted her head, amused. "More like a diamond. Expensive, well-polished, and hard to resist."

Peter chuckled. "Good to know you're humble."

Felicia leaned in slightly. "You should try it sometime."

Peter sipped his own champagne, mirroring her movement. "Nah. Confidence is much more fun."

Felicia studied him for a second, as if she were sizing him up.

"I like this new side of you," she said. "Last time I saw you, you were… quieter. A little too polite."

Peter shrugged. "Maybe I'm learning from bad influences."

Felicia smirked. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Peter gave her a mock-thoughtful look. "So… does that include dinner?"

Felicia pretended to think. "Friday evening."

"Seven?"

"Better."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Just Better?"

Felicia's lips curled. "It'd be purrfect..."

Peter grinned. "Guess I'll have to dress my best, then."

Felicia took another sip of her champagne, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, don't worry, Parker. I don't mind a little rough around the edges."

Peter chuckled, shaking his head. "Noted."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, like a well-rehearsed dance neither of them had practiced but somehow knew by heart.

After a while, Felicia reached for his arm, smoothly linking her elbow with his. "Come on," she said, leading him toward the balcony, away from the noise and the crowd.

The night air was crisp, the city lights stretching far beyond them. The distant hum of New York's streets blended with the soft, elegant music still playing from inside.

Felicia turned to him. "You dance?"

Peter smirked. "I improvise."

Felicia raised a teasing eyebrow. "Good. Let's see what you've got."

She took his hand, stepping in closer. The music played, slow and rhythmic, and they moved effortlessly in sync.

Felicia's touch was light, but there was something about the way she moved that told Peter, she was always in control.

And she knew it.

Peter, of course, wasn't about to just follow along.

He adjusted his steps, rapidly adapting and subtly leading the rhythm. Felicia's eyes flicked up, her smirk widening.

"Oh," she said. "Look at you. Trying to take charge."

Peter grinned. "I'm full of surprises."

Felicia chuckled. "I'll bet."

For a moment, it was just them, the night, and the slow sway of their dance.

And Peter realized another fact, he was actually having fun.

Not chasing bad guys. Not solving mysteries. Not pretending to be 'someone' else.

Just him, dancing with a beautiful girl under the moonlight.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

Peter turned to see Harry and MJ walking in.

Hands interlocked.

Peter blinked. "Huh. That's new."

MJ grinned. "Well, well. Peter Parker, in a tux, dancing under the moonlight. Didn't know you had it in you."

Peter smirked. "I contain multitudes."

Felicia raised an eyebrow at Harry. "And you? Finally found someone who can handle you?"

Harry laughed. "You could say that."

Peter leaned in, whispering. "Dude. Spill."

Harry chuckled. "Let's just say… I finally stopped being an idiot."

Peter nodded. "About time."

The four of them stood together, chatting, teasing, enjoying the night... Until...

BOOM!

The entire building shook.

Glasses shattered. The lights flickered.

People screamed.

Peter spun around. His Spidey-Sense tingled... hard.

A deep, sickening feeling settled in his gut.

His eyes darted around, scanning the room. Only to find Dr. Connors gone.

Peter's senses immediately locked onto the source.

The danger was coming from one of the underground labs.

He exhaled sharply.

"Party's over."

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Bonus chapter for hitting 750 power stones last week.

Keep the stones coming (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧