(no subject)

[arachnologist]

... okay, this is -- not okay. At all. This is -- you can't take me away from my dad's funeral and tell me I'm not -- not real, what is....

This is insane. This is the--

No. I'm not okay with this and I don't want to stay here. Do you understand that I have-- places to be? My family --

... no, okay. Fine. I can deal with this. If I have to, I will. So. [ DEEP BREATH. ] My name is Gwen. Gwen Stacy. If we're all -- fictional, I can only assume it's possible that people I know have been brought here too and told the same thing. So, iiiiif my name is familiar to you? Now's the time to say so. Otherwise?

[ DEEPER BREATH. ]

I'm. Going to go sit down. Somewhere. If anyone needs me, I'll just be. Yeah. So. Thanks.

Comments

[unmasking]

And very, very existential.

[He sighs, raising a hand to rub at the back of his neck.]

Or it could be that we're all on a major drug trip. I mean, that's what that book is, right? A metaphor for a drug trip? I think I'd prefer that than the existential awkward alternatives.

[arachnologist]

Actually, no. It was a commentary on abstract mathematics.

[ Said somewhat off-handedly before she mentally gets her shit together again: ]

Um-- yeah. I could stand to hold off on a double dose of existential crises for right now. I mean, it's -- worth figuring out. Absolutely. In fact, it needs to be. But, honestly, right now, what I need more is a place to sleep and a change of clothes. They're, um -- I've been hearing about a hotel, did anyone tell you?

[unmasking]

—You know about abstract mathematics?

[There's an eagerness in his voice, he can't help himself.]

I think I saw someone around talking about it. I was going to follow the so-called hordes of people.

[arachnologist]

[ With somewhat blank surprise: ]

I kind of have to, I work for-- er, I mean, I did work for ... for the foremost mind on cross-species genetics. [ Her expression twists and she shakes her head. ] Um. Let's not talk about that. That's-- you know what, actually, maybe I will join you. Soonish? Like -- an hour?

[unmasking]

[He mouths the "cross-species" genetics thing and holds back the "Was that Norman Osborn?" question, because it seems important to ask. He'll ask ... later. Yes.]

An hour sounds good. I'm gonna go explain almost two-hundred years of technological advances to a guy from 1832 who thinks I got out of the box called his smart phone, but I should be there on time.

[arachnologist]

... wow. Yyyyyou have -- fun with that? I mean. Good luck. I'll text you.

[unmasking]

It can't be that bad, right?

But yeah, I'll look forward to it.

[about an hour later]

[arachnologist]

Hey, Peter.

How'd your talk with 17th century Frenchman go?

[about an hour later]

[unmasking]

It could've been worse. Waaaaaay worse.

[arachnologist]

So how convinced is he right now that we're all wizards? I mean, that's what you told him, right?

[unmasking]

I considered going the Hogwarts route, but I decided against it. I'd have to sort him, too, and I don't know what house he's in yet.

[arachnologist]

You could always just default to Hufflepuff. It's a pretty safe bet.

[unmasking]

Yeah, but Gryffindor sounds way cooler to most people. And if he's a Ravenclaw, he'll be really insulted.

[arachnologist]

Hey, Hufflepuff had Cedric. There's honor in being a Badger.

[unmasking]

... Wait, you think you're a Hufflepuff, don't you? I totally pinned you as a Ravenclaw.

[arachnologist]

I'm just saying I'd be okay with it. I could totally rock being a Hufflepuff.

[unmasking]

I'm getting the idea that you could probably rock anything.

[arachnologist]

Oh. Uh. That's flattering? Thanks.

You still up for meeting?

[unmasking]

Yeah. The lobby?

[arachnologist]

Yup. I'll be there.

[unmasking]

All right. See you soon.

[arachnologist]

[ She'll be seated in a chair in the lobby when he arrives. She's calmer, now, and she's lost the heavy black coat she was wearing when she made her video post. She's checking her phone idly, but mostly glancing around for Peter. Peter v.2. ]

[unmasking]

[The first thing she might notice as he walks in is that he's shorter. Like a good five inches shorter. That's something that video posts don't really catch. On the other hand, she looks ... mostly like Gwen, though her choice of clothing is entirely different. He does realize that might be funeral-inspired, but that doesn't really change the fact.

It's kind of surreal. He wonders how much other-him dresses differently. Is his costume different?

... Oh, right. Girl. Talk to her.]

Hey.

[arachnologist]

[ His voice catches at something in her, something visceral, and she starts. Then shuts her eyes, breathes in through her nose, and tries again. ]

Peter. Hi. [ She gets to her feet. ] Sorry, I -- wow. Please tell me this is as weird for you as it is for me. [ He is shorter. He doesn't wear clothing she really recognizes. His hair is different. But there's something unmistakable about the shape of his face. His eyes. There's just no doubting it's him. ]

[unmasking]

Trust me, it's pretty weird.

[And it is. The way she speaks is absolutely completely different from his Gwen, but their faces are nearly identical. Seeing them side by side would be surreal, but at least he, well, can't at the moment.

The way she dresses is different too. Gwen is Gwen but definitely a different Gwen.]

Should I—uh, sit? Should I sit?