Chapter Fifteen: Who

Jean opened her eyes and found she was looking through heavy dark spectacles, she was a little confused at first wondering where she was. But the feeling of misplacement faded and she found herself thinking that nothing was really off about her current situation. The day was bright and sunny and she was looking at a crowd of students, they were crowded around a large yellow bus with the words "Midtown High" written on the side. Somehow she already knew that this day was going to be a very special day.

They were going to watch the first-ever genetically modified animals! Scorpions, Spiders and they even had some electric eels that had recently been genetically amplified to be superior. The science they were going to see today was literally decades ahead of any other in the world, and the reason they actually got to see such a thing was all thanks to their recent addition to the class, Harry Osborn.

Harry was a well-liked guy since he recently started at Midtown High just a few days ago. The absolute best thing about his arrival was she was no longer alone. The day Harry arrived in class they had hit it off, they had even become such good friends that he spend the weekend at her house. He turned out to be very similar to Peter, he liked Star wars and playing computer games and they both liked anime a little. He was more like him in other ways as well... more tragic ways. Harry had lost his mother five years prior, just like he had lost his parents around the same time. He soon realized that Harry's father was a genius biologist that ran his own company, OsCorp. Harry spoke with his father and got the entire class a tour of the lab at his father's company.

Suddenly time sped up and she realized her hand was hurting from a spider bite, she was looking around at her classmates that were pointing and laughing at her predicament. Horrified at their response she wanted to ask why it was so funny, but before she could the world went dark. What seemed like hours passed and before she was waking up at her Aunt's house. The faces and names of this life appeared into her brain and she knew this life like it was her own.

Quick images flashed before her eyes. She decided to become Spider-Man to make money. Then because she was cheated by the guy she worked for she decided she wouldn't save him from getting robbed. It was a turning point in her life, she was going to be rich and wealthy and she was planed to make her guardians proud of her.

Like a river, images flowed their way into her mind implanting themselves. Her Uncle's death, what that meant to her, making the decision to live by the words he had always repeated 'With great power, comes great responsibility'. Then she managed to live through battle after battle before she was even seventeen years old.

Those sweet innocent moments in life that made her positive it was all worth it! Like when she fell in love... her love's name was Gwen. Super smart blonde with oddly shaped glasses, she was smart and funny and she knew even at sixteen years old she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. Having a giant fight with his best friend Harry... and the guilt she had faced when it had been three months since she last spoke with him.

Oh God! Harry killed Gwen as the supervillain Green Goblin! There was anger... so much anger she was staggering from the rage that was building up inside her. Then she nearly killed Harry. More regret and hurt finding a small piece of solace after years passed when she met someone. She was so kind and beautiful she had a way that seemed to soothe the ache inside her heart. The figure of a red-headed girl briefly flashed in her mind.

Suddenly the images started to break apart, she was being pushed out of that world of hurt, anger, and responsibility.

And then she was on the floor gasping for breath, back inside the briefing room beside the little red couch.

"What... was... that..?" Ben gasped out of breath.

"That… was your memories? Oh, god, Peter... I lost control!?" Jean said in a horror-stricken voice. She hadn't lost control like that since she was ten years old! Back when she had just developed her powers. She needed to speak with the Professor! She had to...

Suddenly strong arms were grabbing her by the shoulders and pushing her against the wall. She looked at her attacker to see it was Ben he had a hard look in his eyes as he had just met a great enemy.

"What did you just call me?!" He demanded in a serious and aggressive voice that left no room for mercy. She never thought she would be this afraid of anyone, but looking down into those deep chocolate eyes. She realized she didn't really know him at all... Then a thought struck her. That wasn't really true, was it? She had spent the last thirty minutes living part of his life. No, she actually knew him better than anyone else here.

"Ben you are hurting me... Let me go." She tried to push him back but instead of moving backward he pushed closer. Their bodies were pressed so tightly together that if someone saw them now, they might get the wrong idea. Choosing to answer his questions Jean spoke more confidently, "Ben. I called you Ben?"

"No, you didn't." He said with a deadly serious tone.

He wasn't really sure what he planned to do at this point. He had just reacted, but she wasn't admitting it which seemed even more off.

Thinking back at what she said she realized he was right! What had she called him again?...

"Peter... that is your name." She whispered.

Releasing her he stepped back it was the name he realized. Yes, he wanted to protect his original and his family and friends... But he had acted aggressively because she had called him that name. It just brought out so many mixed emotions that he lashed out.

"No... I'm not Peter... I never really was..." Sinking down into the couch he put his head in his hands and tried to calm his racing heart.

"I'm sorry," Jean said realizing the truth what she had done and what this meant for Ben. He has experienced everything Peter had. The friendships, love and even the loss... And he carries it all with him. She knew if she realized there was someone else living her life instead of her, she didn't know if she could go on as he had.

Being much more careful to hold her barriers in place she placed her hand on Ben's shoulder. Flinching at her touch he looked up and met her eyes. Looking at the fairy-like face in front of him he only saw kindness in her eyes. He felt a little warmer at her actions.

"I'm sorry I hurt you..." Ben said looking back at her.

"I don't usually lose control of my powers like that, I'm not really sure what caused such a reaction." Moving closer she wrapped her arms around him in an embrace.

"Ben, I got to see the world from your eyes and I know how much you feel alone... How much you've have always felt alone. But I want you to know. If you want a friend, I'll be your friend. If you want a family we will be your family! You don't have to be alone anymore Ben Reilly Parker!"

He felt his heart warm at her words and before he could help it tears were falling from his eyes and he was returning her hug. He didn't know what came over him, she somehow spoke to a part of his soul that he'd pushed aside. He never expected these words, and they meant more to him than he ever expected they would.

They embraced for a few minutes before he broke the hug. Not fully stepping back he looked down at the deep green eyes, feeling a twinge in his heart, without realizing what he was doing or why he was doing it. He bends down and pressed his lips against hers.