Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 109: The Loom

Not too far from New York, in this chill park, Alvin was just lounging on a chair, messing around with a basic fishing rod by a tiny lake.

Ginny was all over the place with a plastic shovel, digging up worms for her dad. She was having a blast, especially when she’d slap a squirmy worm on her sister Jessica, who’d let out this hilarious scream every time!

The hot lady next to Dad? She didn’t scream. She’d just cheer Ginny on, telling her to show Dad the catch.

Cross was in a tent, patching up James. Alvin didn’t even bother checking in; James was hollering loud enough to know he was fine. If it was serious, they’d be calling for a coffin, not a band-aid.

Jessica was sulking next to Alvin, tossing stones into the water, trying to mess up his fishing.

Alvin sighed and handed the rod to Ginny, letting her have a go. Fishing was a lost cause with all this chaos.

He ruffled Jessica’s hair. He knew she had a crush on him, but come on, she was just 19! Did she even know what love was? Plus, she wasn’t really his type.

Alvin had lived over 40 years in his past life. Falling for a teenager? Yeah, not happening.

In the real world, an older guy with a younger girl usually meant one was after money or the other was just lusting. Not always, but mostly!

Alvin believed if you’re in it for the cash or the looks, it’s not gonna be a happy ride.

Why couldn’t people just find someone who fits and live a real, honest life together?

Jessica was a knockout, sure, but her figure wasn’t the issue. Alvin just had his moral lines. If you don’t love her, don’t sleep with her. It’s messy and ends badly.

He could tell Jessica’s “love” was more like gratitude and admiration for a father figure.

She lost her parents young, and Alvin saved her from that “Purple Enigma” creep. He gave her a job at his restaurant and helped her out of her nightmares.

It was normal for her to like him, but it wasn’t pure love; it was mixed with gratitude.

You gotta live for yourself. The world’s huge, and while you’re young, you should explore it. Fall in love a few times, dive in deep. It might hurt, but the joy is worth it. Otherwise, life feels incomplete.

Even though Alvin was in his twenties now, no one on Hellfire Boulevard saw him as a young guy. A young girl dating such a mature man? Not cool.

Jessica was just too young. Her thoughts were all over the place, mixing up family love with romantic love.

If she really loved Alvin, Megan would’ve been toast by now in this wilderness.

Yeah, when a woman truly loves someone, her possessiveness is scary! It shows up in different ways, though.

Don’t buy into the “I just want a place in your heart” crap. That’s a lie! Believe it, and you’ll pay for it.

Looks-wise, the kind of woman Alvin liked was tied up next to him. But he didn’t know if she was good or bad yet. He’d wait for Cross to finish up before deciding what to do with her.

Right now, Alvin needed to sort out Jessica’s issue. A ten-day trip with this drama? He’d lose it!

After thinking for a bit, Alvin patted his thigh, signaling Jessica to sit on his lap.

Jessica responded with a heavy punch, almost making Alvin jump up.

Holding his aching ribs, Alvin grinned and said, "Hey, I just wanted you to see what you really feel, no BS!"

Jessica, hearing Alvin's invite, got even more jittery. But she was determined, bit her lip, and plopped down on Alvin's lap.

The poor lounge chair creaked under their combined weight, wobbling like it was about to give out.

Alvin looked at Jessica, who was awkwardly perched on his lap, not knowing where to put her hands. He wrapped his arms around her waist, feeling her tense up, and said with a chuckle, "Go ahead, try kissing me. See how it feels. Seriously, no offense!"

Jessica stared at Alvin with her big, beautiful eyes, shocked that he’d even suggest that.

After a long internal battle, Jessica, a bit reluctantly, gave Alvin a quick peck on the lips and then jumped back like she’d been shocked. She instinctively wiped her mouth with her hand, smudging her lipstick without even noticing! She’d kissed Alvin’s cheek before, but this felt totally different, super weird!

Alvin spread his hands and said with a smile, "See? That’s not how you react when you kiss someone you’re in love with."

Ignoring the thoughtful Jessica, Alvin caught the pouncing Ginny. The little girl giggled and pulled on her dad’s ears, planting a big kiss on his lips.

Jessica might be annoyed with Alvin, but Ginny wasn’t. To her, Dad was the best!

Alvin was over the moon with Ginny’s antics. He didn’t care that her dirty little hands were all over his face. He hoisted Ginny onto his shoulders and ran around the lawn by the lake, trying to make her laugh even louder!

The fish were a no-show, so they’d have to settle for bread or something for lunch. Seeing Jessica’s expression, Alvin moved closer and took a couple of playful punches. Seeing her refreshed look, he thought he might catch a few fish in the afternoon. The fish in Celestia Federation should be easy to catch. Alvin decided to do his bit for America’s environmental protection!

Cross, who had no idea what he’d said to James, had them crying and laughing alternately. James’ face was a mess of snot and tears, making people want to laugh, with no sense of pity!

Cross settled James and plopped down next to Alvin, looking at the calm lake, smiling with emotion, and said, "Thanks, man! Alvin, you pretty much saved my life!"

Alvin glanced at Cross and smiled, "Hey, neighbors gotta stick together! But you better fill me in on what’s going on so I can figure out what to do with this beauty."

Megan glared at Alvin and said, "You don’t know what you’ve done? You’re helping a demon!"

Alvin looked at Megan and smiled, "That’s not a reason for you to kidnap a demon’s kid, right? Though I really don’t see what’s so special about that guy!"

Megan didn’t argue with Alvin anymore. She turned to Cross and said contemptuously, "Just kill me! You traitor who betrayed your faith, someone will come soon to kill you and send you to hell to repent!"

Cross looked at Megan with a complicated expression, full of pity, hatred, and nostalgia!

"I used to be like you. I believed the Loom of Fate could keep the world on track. I still believe that! So the Assassin’s Guild should disappear from this world!"

Cross looked at Megan with a martyr’s gaze, like he wanted to use her as a sacrifice, which made Alvin uncomfortable.

Alvin liked devout believers because they were generally kind! But he didn’t like overly fanatical believers, especially those who didn’t value their own lives. Because usually, such people didn’t value others’ lives either!

Alvin impatiently frowned and asked Cross, "What’s this Assassin’s Guild all about? What kind of leader picks a dumb nickname like 'Loom'?"