Chapter 392: Insecurity

Chapter 392: Insecurity

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As the conversation between Peter and Andrew continued, Andrew's attention was suddenly drawn to a figure lurking in the far corner of the room.

Dr. Curt Connors, also known as the Lizard, stood behind a thick pane of unbreakable glass, his eyes fixed on Andrew with a burning intensity. The memory of their past encounters flashed through Andrew's mind, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

"Uh, guys," Andrew called out, diverting everyone's attention toward the imprisoned reptilian figure. "Why is Dr. Connors here? And why is he... well, lizard-like... again?"

Tom, who had been silently observing the conversation, stepped closer to Andrew, his gaze fixed on the Lizard. "Again?"

"In my universe, I cured him," Andrew replied, his confusion evident in his voice. "I mean, I'm pretty sure I did. But this... this is like a step back."

The group eyed the glass, their curiosity piqued by Andrews words. The scaly creature paced restlessly behind the barrier, emitting low, rumbling growls that reverberated through the room.

Peter examined the Lizard, pretending to come up with an idea. "Maybe the spell grabbed him further back in time?" He let a bit of his movie knowledge out.

"Spell? Like a magic spell?" Andrew asks as they haven't explained anything to him yet.

"Well..." Tom quickly gives him a rundown on his and Doctor Stranges major f*ck up.

Andrew nodded his head slowly, a mixture of shock and worry in his eyes. "Right... So Magic exists?" He muttered as he walked up to Dr. Connors.

Approaching the glass, the Lizard's eyes fixed on him with a mix of anger and animosity. The reptilian creature hissed, its long, forked tongue flicking out menacingly.

"Dr. Connors," Andrew began, his voice calm yet filled with questions. "Do you recognize me? It's Peter... Spider-Man. We've met before, and I gave you my fathers research..." N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

The Lizard's response was a guttural growl. "Yes, but you forget the part where you stood in my way, traitor! If it wasn't for you, everyone in the city would know the joys of my transformation."

Andrew's confusion deepened. "I don't understand. We fixed you. We saved you. Why are you like this again?"

Suddenly, Peter stepped up. "I think I have a way to confirm my hypothesis." He says as he turns to Dr. Connors. "Can you tell me today's date?"

The caged doctor raised a reptilian eyebrow. "March 23, 20** why?" He asks in confusion.

"No reason." Peter says as he motions for everyone to follow him away from the cells. "Am I right?" He asked as they got out of hearing distance.

Andrew nodded his head. "Yeah, that was a while ago. He's from the past." He seemed even more shocked than when they explained magic.

He ran a hand through his hair, processing the information. The Lizard continued to snarl and thrash against the glass, annoyed that they left before explaining anything.

Tom sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I guess I can't hide it very well. It's just... seeing Peter, my doppelgänger, with all his confidence, accomplishments, and abilities, it's made me question myself."

Andrew's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Tom's voice dropped to a whisper. "I've always felt like I was doing a good job, but as soon as Peter arrived, I realized that I'm struggling to measure up. I mean, I'm Spider-Man, but compared to Peter... I feel like a failure. He's got it all figured out, and here I am, just trying to get by."

Andrew's heart went out to Tom as he listened to his every word. He placed a hand on Tom's shoulder, offering support.

"Listen, I get it. I've had my fair share of insecurities over the years," Andrew admitted, his voice filled with empathy. "But we're all different versions of Spider-Man, each with our own unique strengths and weaknesses. Just because Peter seems to have it all together doesn't mean you're any less capable or important."

Tom's eyes glistened with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. "You really think so?"

Andrew nodded, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "Absolutely. Besides, I doubt Peter's the perfect clone that you think he is. Everyone has problems and difficulties in life. And we're Spider-Men, after all. Adversity might as well be our middle name."

Tom's shoulders relaxed, and a flicker of determination returned to his eyes. "You're right. I can't let jealousy and doubt hold me back. Besides, just like you said. Nobodies perfect, not even Peter."

(A/N: You blind fools. My Spider-Man is a perfect god of all Spider-Men. He stands at the peak of all Parker's in existence. Your feeble minds couldn't begin to comprehend his mere presence! Hahahahaha! Cough... Cough... Please excuse my outburst.)

Andrew grinned, clapping Tom on the back. "Exactly. Now, let's go back out there and kick some a*s!"

Tom chuckled, the tension lifting from his features.

With renewed confidence and a strengthened bond, Andrew and Tom leaped off the building, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. As they swung through the city, their shared determination and support for each other propelled them forward.

Little did they know that their mask were transmitting that entire time...

...

Peter was about to make Ned a communicator as well, but he stopped as he heard Andrew and Tom having what appeared to be a heartfelt conversation. And after listening to the whole thing, he didn't know how to feel.

On one hand, he was happy that Tom had such a high opinion of him, but on the other hand, he felt bad for making him feel inferior. 'Our universes are pretty similar, so he could try to use some of my methods to catch up to me... Even if it's only a little bit.'

The question was would Peter be willing to share those methods. And sadly, for Tom, that answer was no.

If Tom wasn't known as being a bit of a f*ck up at times, then Peter might be willing to share some knowledge with him, but that just wasn't the case. Look at their current situation, for example.

Although the blame could be equally placed on Doctor Stranges shoulders, that doesn't change the fact that Tom wanted to erase the entire worlds mind just so he and his friends could go to the same school together. And he didn't even try to appeal his case with the school beforehand.

He skipped straight to a world wide mind wipe. Truly, he is a dumba$s. A lovable dumba$s, but a dumba$s nonetheless.

'Sorry, kid. You'll have to figure it all out on your own. Though maybe I can drop some small hints and help him with stuff I know he can't f*ck up? After all, he is a nice guy.'

A/N: 1728 words :)

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