Hi, Again | Peter Parker/ Spider-Man | ✔

s i x

"Have you seen Peter?" Aunt May asked, "He wasn't home this morning and I didn't see him in the church."

It was the day of Uncle Ben's funeral. The ceremony had just finished up, everyone now standing outside of the church before we left to attend the burial. Just like Aunt May had said, Peter wasn't in the church and now that I look around, there was no sight of his brunette mop of hair.

"No, I haven't." I replied quietly with a shake of my head, "I haven't heard from him since the night it happened, actually."

"He's been distant. More distant than normal." she told me. I could see the dried tears on her cheeks, her glassy eyes continuously looking around the crowd of people, "Let me know if you see him, dear." she  managed a faint smile, squeezing my wrist gently before walking off.

I looked down at my black high heels as I let out a breath of air. I had kept my composure throughout the ceremony, even when Aunt May was speaking about how he was gone too soon and how their lives at home will never be the same again. I'm sure if Peter had been in there and had spoken, that's when I would have lost it. Uncle Ben had been a father figure to Peter, considering his lost his parents at a very young age, and now to lose that figure..

"Sweetie, are you okay?" I heard my mother's voice ask.

I turned to her and nodded, smiling softly, "I'm fine. Have you seen Pete?"

"No. I would think he'd be with you."

I shook my head, "Are we leaving?"

"Getting ready to," she nodded, "You can head to the car."

- * - * -

I stood between my parents, my eyes on the flowers that sat atop of the closed casket. Peter still hasn't showed up, Aunt May sitting in the front row of the foldout chairs, her hands covering her mouth as the priest spoke. I glanced around, seeing a figure a few feet from the group, staring down at his feet. I nudged my parents, nodding in the direction I was going before slipping from the crowd, quietly walking over to them.

"Hi." I whispered once I stopped beside of him.

Peter never looked up, his hands in his black pant pockets. I could see his eyes glossing over, causing him to blink rapidly. I frowned and laid my right hand on his back as I moved closer to him, resting my head against his shoulder as my left hand gripped his forearm. Peter took in a shaky breath and carefully leaned his head against my own.

I moved my hand, wrapping my arm around his waist instead, "You're going to get through this, Peter," I whispered, "I'll be here with you the entire time."

He moved away from me before wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. I hugged him back, my arms around his shoulders tightly, "Thank you," he told me shakily.

I smiled slightly and pulled away, looking up into his eyes, "I'm sorry for leaving you at the beginn-"

"Don't-" he started, shaking his head, "Don't. I understand, it's okay. It's in the past. Let's just focus on now. You're coming to my place after this, right? I'm sure everyone has made some kind of food."

I laughed quietly and nodded, "Of course."

- * - * -

I sat on the Parker's couch, watching as Peter spoke to Aunt May for a few minutes before she pulled him into a hug. I looked away, feeling like I was invading some kind of moment between them. Peter had stayed by my side after our own moment back at the graveyard. He kept a strong grip on my hand until we had to leave and come here, only to repeat those actions once we got inside of his apartment.

Not that I was complaining; I've missed my best friend.

"Want anything else?"

I looked up at Peter, who was now standing in front of me. He motioned towards my empty plate, causing me to shake my head, "No, I'm stuffed."

He nodded in response, taking my plate from me and disappearing into the kitchen. Moments later, he came back and sat beside of me, "What have I missed in school?" he asked.

Once his Uncle died, almost two weeks ago, he stopped showing up to school. I'm sure Harry, who shared more classes with him than I do, had brought by any assignments that he may have missed. I shrugged, "The usual; nasty lunch food, Flash fighting anyone he can."

"What about in photography?"

I shrugged, "Nothing I'm sure you don't already know. I've been filling the scrapbook with whatever I could. You can add different ones if you want."

"I'm sure whatever you put in there is great." he smiled gently, "I'll be back Monday; I can't miss anymore if I want to graduate next year."

I nodded and stood up, "Let's go to the rooftop."

"Why?"

"The sun's going to be setting here soon; that's the best time to be up there."

Peter nodded and stood also, following me out of the door. We made our way to the elevator, quickly stepping inside of it. I pressed the top button and glanced over at Peter, seeing him fidgeting with his hands. I reached over and gently took the one closest to me, squeezing it gently, "You holding up okay?" I asked him gently.

"I am now."

=*=

this will be the last update

until I come back from the beach next week ;)