章節 17: The Spider Couple in the Spotlight

The Spider Couple's acts of heroism had become the talk of the town. Across multiple news channels, their exploits were being discussed, analyzed, and praised—though not without a few detractors.

One of the leading news networks, NYC Today, aired a montage of the Spider Couple's recent feats.

The anchor, a composed woman in her late thirties, smiled warmly at the camera. "The Spider Couple continues to capture the hearts of New Yorkers. From saving a child from a burning building to stopping a robbery without any casualties, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman have become a beacon of hope in our city."

Clips of their heroics flashed on the screen: Gwen using her bioelectricity to disarm armed robbers, Peter saving civilians from a collapsing scaffold, and the duo swinging through the city side-by-side.

"They're young, brave, and selfless," the anchor continued. "In a city that can sometimes feel overwhelming, these two remind us that heroes don't always wear capes—they wear masks and swing on webs."

A video clip of Peter and Gwen saving a child from a fire played on one of the leading news networks. The footage showed Spider-Man cradling the toddler as he leapt through the smoke-filled window and handed the child to the mother.

Another clip showed Spider-Woman leading an elderly couple to safety, her bioelectricity sparking faintly as she neutralized sparking wires.

The anchor's voice was filled with admiration. "The Spider Couple has once again shown the city what true heroism looks like. Their quick thinking and bravery saved lives last night. It's no wonder they've become symbols of hope for New York City."

The channel aired interviews with some of the people they had helped.

"They're amazing," said the young mother whose child had been saved. "They didn't hesitate for a second. They risked their lives for us."

An older man, rescued by Gwen, added, "They're not just heroes—they're good people. They care about the little guy."

...

Over on Cityline News, another channel featured a segment titled "The Spider Couple: New York's New Guardians".

"Every night, they're out there, risking their lives for people they don't even know," the reporter said, his tone filled with admiration. "And they're not just fighting crime—they're helping in ways that go beyond punches and webs. They've been spotted assisting with disaster relief, delivering food to those in need, and even comforting victims of accidents."

A clip showed Gwen helping a stranded elderly woman cross a flooded street while Peter repaired a broken water pipe with makeshift webbing.

"These two are redefining what it means to be a hero," the reporter concluded.

...

But not everyone was singing their praises, though. Over at The Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson was on one of his infamous rants.

The screen showed Jameson pacing in his studio, his finger jabbing at the camera. "Don't let those web-slinging menaces fool you! Sure, they saved a kid and helped a few people. But have you noticed the real problem? Crime rates are going up! And why? Because Spider-Man and his so-called Spider-Woman are making it worse!"

He pulled up a doctored chart showing a slight increase in crime. "Criminals are flocking to the city because they want to take on these so-called heroes. It's like a game to them! And Spider-Man—oh, don't get me started on him! He's dragging that poor girl, Spider-Woman, into his web of lies and harassment!"

Jameson leaned closer to the camera, his voice dripping with disdain. "Wake up, New York! This so-called Spider Couple isn't saving the city—they're destroying it!"

The next segment was even worse. A crudely edited video clip showed Peter and Gwen during one of their patrols, manipulated to make it look like Spider-Man was intimidating Spider-Woman. Jameson seized on it.

"See? Proof! Spider-Man is harassing Spider-Woman. She's fallen into his trap! How long before he turns on the rest of us?"

...

Social media was flooded with posts defending the Spider Couple.

A facebook comment: "JJ is ridiculous. Spider-Man and Spider-Woman are literally saving lives, and he's blaming them for crime? What a joke."

Another user posted: "Spider Couple forever! They're the heroes we need. Ignore the Daily Bugle's nonsense."

One user commented:

"Spider-Man and Spider-Woman are literal lifesavers. NYC doesn't deserve them. #SpiderCoupleForever."

Another post featured a candid photo of the duo swinging together, captioned:

"The city's new favorite power couple! Who needs rom-coms when we have them? 🕷️❤️"

Not all posts were positive, though. A sarcastic tweet from a Bugle fan account read:

"Yeah, let's all cheer for the 'Spider Couple' while they ruin property and create more chaos. #JamesonWasRight."

But the overwhelming majority were supportive, with hashtags like #SpiderCouple, #HeroesWeNeed, and #TeamSpidey trending citywide.

...

Despite Jameson's tirade, most people weren't buying into his narrative. Some news anchors from other channels called out Jameson's bias. One anchor quipped, "It's a slow news day at The Daily Bugle when Jameson isn't blaming Spider-Man for everything from crime to bad weather."

...

On Good Morning New York, a panel of journalists discussed the phenomenon of the Spider Couple.

One journalist, a middle-aged man in glasses, said, "While it's true that the Spider Couple's methods aren't conventional, you can't deny their impact. They're stopping crimes and saving lives daily."

A woman on the panel nodded. "Exactly. And they're doing it with no expectation of reward. If anything, they're making the city safer."

Another journalist chimed in, "But is it sustainable? They're teenagers at best. What happens if they get hurt or overwhelmed? Who's holding them accountable?"

The conversation turned heated as the panel debated the risks and benefits of having vigilante heroes.

Inside the bustling offices of the New York Police Department, Captain George Stacy sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on the TV mounted in the corner of his office.

The screen displayed a segment about the Spider Couple, their recent acts of heroism once again making headlines.

"Spider-Man and Spider-Woman, or as the public affectionately calls them, the Spider Couple, have been instrumental in reducing crime rates across the city," the news anchor stated. "But questions remain: Are they vigilantes, or are they heroes the city desperately needs?"

George leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. Across from him stood Detective Yuri Watanabe with her arms crossed as she watched the broadcast.

"They've been making waves," Yuri commented with some curiosity.

George nodded and gestured at the screen. "The crime rate has dropped significantly in the past few days. They're out there every night, doing what we sometimes can't. But it's complicated."

Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Captain, they've done more in a week than some of our units manage in a month. What's your take on them?"

George sighed while resting his elbows on the desk. "From a cop's perspective, they're vigilantes. Operating outside the law, no accountability, no oversight. It's not how we do things."

Yuri smirked slightly. "And your personal opinion?"

George hesitated before responding. "They're saving lives. Spider-Woman—formerly Ghost Spider—has brought in multiple criminals directly to our precinct. She's cleaned up areas we've struggled with for years. I've seen the surveillance footage. Her methods are unorthodox, but her intentions seem genuine."

Yuri nodded before stepping closer to the desk. "So why not work with them? They clearly have skills we don't. Imagine what we could achieve if we coordinated efforts."

George tapped his fingers on the desk while considering her suggestion. "You're suggesting a partnership? Officially or unofficially?"

"Unofficially," Yuri replied. "At least at first. Let's be honest, Captain. The city benefits from what they're doing. We'd be fools to turn them away if they're willing to cooperate. And if the higher-ups see results, maybe we could make it official."

George leaned back thinking about it deeply. He couldn't deny the impact the Spider Couple had on the city. Reports of their interventions consistently ended with lives saved and criminals apprehended.

Still, the idea of partnering with vigilantes went against the grain of his law enforcement instincts.

"I'll bring it up with the higher-ups, I don't want an unofficial partnership with them," he said finally. "But for now, keep this between us. If the media catches wind of us working with them, it could create a whole new set of problems."

Yuri smiled faintly. "Understood. I'll leave the politics to you, Captain. But if you ask me, those two are exactly what this city needs."

George turned his gaze back to the TV, where a clip of Spider-Woman helping evacuate civilians from a burning building played.

"Maybe you're right," he murmured with his mind already racing with the possibilities.

As Yuri left the office, George had a small smile. The Spider Couple had managed to win over the hearts of the public—and perhaps, just perhaps, the trust of a seasoned cop like him.

For George Stacy, the line between right and wrong was clear. But for Spider-Man and Spider-Woman, he realized, the line wasn't as rigid. Perhaps it was time for the NYPD to adjust its perspective too.

**Peter's house, Queens**

It was a quiet weekend at Peter's house, the perfect time for a break. After the chaos of their nightly patrols and school life, Peter and Gwen decided to relax, curled up on the couch as a stack of movies played on the TV.

Aunt May went on a trip with some of her friends and since Gwen told her mother about her relationship with Peter, she didn't say anything about them spending time together.

For a few hours, they were just two teenagers, free from the responsibilities of being superheroes.

Laughter and playful banter filled the room as they shared popcorn and commented on the cheesy dialogue of an old action movie.

After the last movie ended, Peter switched to the news since he is curious to see if there were any updates about the city.

He stopped using his powers since morning and decided to spend one day as a normal guy. It will be beneficial to take breaks once in a while from the training and relaxing.

One by one, the channels praised the Spider Couple while showcasing their heroic efforts in reducing crime and helping civilians.

Gwen sat up straighter with her chest swelling with pride as she watched the positive coverage. "It feels good, you know," she said, a radiant smile on her face. "Seeing people appreciate what we're doing."

Peter who is sitting beside her also had a small, "Yeah, it's nice," he admitted.

But then, the screen switched to The Daily Bugle. J. Jonah Jameson's familiar, booming voice filled the room.

"Spider-Man is a menace! And now, he's dragging Spider-Woman into his web of lies and deceit! Mark my words, folks—this so-called Spider Couple is nothing but trouble! Crime rates aren't going down because of them; they're going up because of them!"

Gwen turned to Peter with a wary smile as she raised her eyebrow. "Did you owe that guy money or something?"

Peter sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose. "I literally have no idea why he's like this."

'In every reality, JJ seems to hate Spider-Man. It's like a universal constant. And now, in this one, he even blames me of intimidating Gwen. The hell is wrong with this guy.' Peter thought with a frown on his face.

Gwen saw his face and had a smirk on her face as she leaned closer. "Be careful, Spidey," she teased in a playful voice, "This guy says you're intimidating me. You better treat me nicely, or else…"

Peter's eyes glinted mischievously as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto his lap. His smile widened as he looked up at her. "Or else what?"

Gwen looped her arms around his neck and her smirk widened. "Or else I'll report you, Web-Head."

Peter chuckled while tightening his hold on her waist. He leaned in as their faces are inches apart, a playful tension crackling between them. "Report me, huh? What exactly would you report?"

Gwen's breathing quickened and her cheeks flushed as she met his gaze. "I'll report you for—" she paused and then her lips curling into a sly grin. "Oh, screw it."

Before Peter could respond, she closed the distance, capturing his lips in a rough, passionate kiss. Peter responded just as eagerly with his arms pulling her closer as their world momentarily melted away.

For a moment, there was no JJ, no responsibilities, no city to protect. Just the two of them, lost in the comfort of each other's embrace.

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