**Chapter 2: "Burning Resentment"**

The tension between them was palpable as they stood side by side, surveying the aftermath of the fire. Peter's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You can't just barge in without a plan, Johnny. You could have gotten yourself killed." Johnny snorted, his grin faltering for a moment. "And you can't just web-sling your way around the problem, Parker. Sometimes you need to take a risk and trust your instincts." Their argument was a familiar dance, one they'd been performing for years. But today, the stakes felt higher, the air thick with unspoken resentment. "You're always so reckless, Johnny," Peter accused, his voice low and even. "You don't think about the consequences, about the people who could get hurt." Johnny's eyes flashed with anger. "And you're always so controlling, Peter. You think you can anticipate every possible outcome, but you can't. You need to learn to trust others, to trust me." The words hung in the air, a challenge to Peter's very way of being. He took a step forward, his fists clenched. "I'm just trying to protect people, Johnny. I'm trying to make a difference." Johnny snorted, turning away. "By suffocating them with your web of rules and regulations? No thanks, Parker. I'd rather make a difference my own way." The distance between them seemed to grow, the air charged with unspoken words. For a moment, Peter wondered if he'd ever truly understand Johnny Storm, if he'd ever be able to reach the person behind the bravado. "Whatever," Peter muttered, turning to leave. "Just be careful next time, okay?" Johnny's laughter followed him, a mocking sound that only fueled Peter's frustration. He web-slinged away, leaving Johnny to his own devices. As he swung through the city, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that Johnny's carefree facade was hiding something more. He'd seen glimpses of it before, a flash of vulnerability behind those piercing blue eyes. But whenever he tried to probe deeper, Johnny retreated, leaving Peter with more questions than answers. The city blurred around him, a kaleidoscope of sounds and colors. Peter's mind, however, was a maze of conflicting emotions. He'd always prided himself on being a hero, on being the one people could rely on. But Johnny Storm had a way of pushing his buttons, of making him question everything. As he landed on a rooftop, Peter caught a glimpse of Johnny soaring through the skies, his flame-patterned suit a fiery blur. For a moment, their eyes met, and Peter felt that jolt of awareness again. He quickly looked away, unsure of what to make of it. The rivalry between them was a shield, a barrier that kept people at bay. But what if it was also a smokescreen, hiding something more? Something that could change everything. The city lights twinkled around him, a reminder of the world beyond his own little bubble. Peter took a deep breath, pushing aside the doubts and fears that had been simmering beneath the surface. He knew one thing – he couldn't let Johnny Storm get under his skin. Not now, not ever. But as he gazed out at the city, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was already too late.