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After hanging out with Annie for about half the day, Jasper and the others all went their separate ways. Since Jasper and Peter Parker happened to be heading in the same direction, they walked together.
They strolled along at a pretty relaxed pace, noticeably slower than the other people on the street. After a moment, Jasper glanced over at Peter and asked,"You've got something to say, don't you?"
The reason Jasper was walking so slowly was exactly because he figured Peter had something on his mind. He was basically waiting for him to speak up.
Peter looked at Jasper, gave him a smile, and said,"Things wouldn't have gone that smoothly today without your help."
Peter had definitely seen Jasper blast the Winter Soldier away in the middle of the crowd. And after that, Jasper had helped restrain the guy during the fight. Without that backup, Peter probably would've had a much harder time dealing with him.
So he felt it was only right to say thank you. After all, Jasper had helped him—no doubt about that.
Even though Jasper didn't really seem like the kind of guy who likes to get involved in other people's problems, he clearly wouldn't hesitate when there's real danger nearby.
Yeah, Jasper could be a bit dramatic sometimes, but Peter didn't find it annoying. In fact… he was starting to understand why she liked Jasper.
It's just hard to dislike someone like him.
Hearing what Peter said, Jasper waved his hand dismissively and replied,"You're the one who's supposed to help write that report, remember? How could I not help you out? So to pay me back, do me a solid and actually put in some effort on my part of the report, okay? Let the teacher see I've got some motivation."
The report he was talking about was the museum observation report their teacher had assigned. Jasper didn't think it was all that useful, but since they had to turn one in anyway… he figured he'd dump the whole thing on Peter.
Peter had protested at first, but he couldn't hold up against Jasper's puppy-dog eyes. Feeling awkward about it the whole time, he eventually agreed to help write Jasper's part of the report.
Peter gave Jasper an exasperated look and said,"Well then, I expect something in return. How about we team up again next time something comes up?"
Team up again, huh? Jasper tilted his head.
Compared to writing a report, he'd definitely rather deal with some bad guys. At least when you're fighting villains, all you have to do is throw punches. Writing takes way more brainpower.
After weighing his options, Jasper nodded."Sure," he said.
Peter smiled.
The two of them parted ways about half an hour later.
After they split up, Jasper took a quiet path home—and that's when he ran into Kobayashi Mari, who was out shopping for groceries. When she spotted Jasper, she froze for a second before marching up to him.
"Help me!" she said bluntly.
Her tone was firm, not the least bit polite like someone asking for a favor.
Jasper didn't move. He just tilted his head and asked,"Why should I help you?"
"Isn't it normal for boys to help girls carry stuff?" Mari replied.
Jasper raised an eyebrow."And what makes you so sure I'm a boy?"
He was clearly trying to get Mari to stop judging people just based on how they look.
"Your appearance!" she said. Though, even as she said it, she started getting the feeling she was walking into a trap.
"Mari, that's gender discrimination. What if I identify as a girl on the inside? Judging someone's gender based only on their looks—isn't that kinda messed up?I'm a girl on the inside, so I don't see any reason why I should help you. And besides, what you just did? That's textbook moral coercion.
Don't do that again, Mari."
After dropping that little pile of twisted logic, Jasper walked off quickly—leaving Mari standing there, completely stunned and at a total loss for what just happened.
"....."