To Captain Stacy, Toby's job wasn't just "pest control." On a small scale, he was a "doctor" solving urban health crises. On a large scale? This was work that benefited all of humanity. Every city on Earth struggled with pests; Toby was a soldier on the front lines of a global war for hygiene.
The Captain's skepticism evaporated, replaced by a profound respect. This wasn't just a career; it was a calling no less noble than his own life in the NYPD.
I thought he was the cold one in the Parker family, Stacy thought, but he might be the most selfless of them all.
He looked at Toby with newfound approval. "Toby—or should I say, Dr. Parker—you're here early. I bet you haven't had breakfast yet. Why don't you join us?"
Toby felt his stomach give a faint growl. Thanks to Peter's early-morning "medical emergency," he'd missed Aunt May's breakfast. He didn't bother with fake politeness.
"I'd be honored, Captain. But please, don't call me 'Doctor.' I'm just making a modest contribution to the environment. 'Toby' is fine."
George Stacy, a man who loathed the oily social graces of politicians, loved Toby's directness even more. He clapped Toby on the shoulder. "Alright, Toby it is. Come on in. You're going to love Helen's Mexican-style pancakes."
By the time Gwen emerged from her room—dressed, lightly made up, and looking radiant—she found Toby sitting at the dining table, deep in a laughing conversation with her father.
Gwen froze. What just happened? She'd been in her room for less than ten minutes. How was Toby already inside, eating breakfast, and acting like her "stiff" father's long-lost little brother?
"Hey, Gwen! Don't just stand there," Captain Stacy called out, giving her a mock-stern look. "Toby said he asked you out a week ago. Not only did you oversleep, but you left him standing in the hallway? Where are your manners?"
Gwen's jaw dropped. She'd spent months worrying that her dad would interrogate any boy she brought home. Now, her dad was taking the boy's side!
Then again... it's Toby, she thought, her irritation vanishing. Who could stay mad at him?
She sat down right next to him, leaning in close. Normally, seeing his daughter that cozy with a man would have triggered George Stacy's "Protective Father" alarm. but after his "interrogation," he viewed Toby as a perfect specimen.
The Captain finished his coffee, set his badge on his belt, and stood up. "Toby, you and Gwen take your time. I've got a massive headache of a case—two 'monsters' tore up the Manhattan Bridge last night. The Mayor wants them found yesterday. I've got to get to the precinct."
Toby stood up, offering a respectful nod. "Of course, Captain. Stay safe out there."
Gwen's mother, Helen, followed shortly after to take the younger boys to school. Suddenly, the apartment was silent, leaving only Toby and Gwen.
With the audience gone, Gwen couldn't contain her joy. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck like a blonde sloth. "Toby! I can't believe you came to the door. You didn't text me all week—I thought you'd forgotten about today!"
Toby didn't pull away this time. He caught the scent of her shampoo and let his hand slide down to her waist, pulling her onto his lap.
Gwen's heart skipped a beat. Her pale neck flushed a deep crimson. This wasn't the casual, distant Toby she was used to. This was a man making a claim.
"You..."
Gwen looked up, intending to ask him if this meant what she thought it meant, but Toby didn't give her the chance. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was firm and possessive. Gwen's eyes fluttered shut. She didn't need to ask anymore. After two years of chasing him, the "Apex Predator" of Midtown High had finally let himself be caught. Or rather, he had decided to stop pretending he wasn't the one hunting.
Gwen broke the kiss, breathless and glowing. She felt something hard pressed against her leg. Is he carrying a baton for self-defense? she wondered briefly. That's... inconvenient.
Then, realization dawned on her. Oh. Wait. No...
A while later, Gwen walked out of the apartment with Toby, looking thoroughly satisfied but giving him a mock-pouty glare. Don't get it twisted—she was just finishing her "breakfast."
She swallowed the last of her juice and beamed at him. "Toby, it's still early for lunch. Where are we going first?"
Toby gave her a mysterious, predatory grin. "I'm taking you somewhere familiar. Somewhere you'll have a lot of fun."
Gwen's imagination immediately went to his bedroom. Familiar? Fun? Her face turned even redder.
Ten minutes later...
Gwen stood in the middle of a massive car dealership (Car City), her hands balled into fists. "This? This is the 'familiar and fun' place?!"
Toby shrugged, looking amused. "We walked through here last time. You said you liked the displays. And what's more fun than picking out a new ride?"
Gwen rolled her eyes. "Toby, for a girl, picking out a car is about as romantic as picking out a lawnmower."
Toby laughed and pulled two tickets from his pocket. "As compensation, not only am I buying you lunch, but I'm taking you to the amusement park afterward. How does that sound?"
Gwen saw the tickets and her entire demeanor shifted. Her eyes lit up with predatory intent. She grabbed Toby's hand and started dragging him toward the showroom floor like a soldier charging a trench.
"Move! We're picking a car in record time! I've got a castle to get to!"