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𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐓. Of course, he hadn't been seen in the days immediately following his uncle's passing, and no one was surprised. Everyone had been welcome to attend the funeral, and Phoebe and her father felt obligated to come, if only to pay their respects. She had half feared her father would try and get a statement or use the funeral as leverage against vigilantes, Spider-Man especially, but he did nothing of the sort, only using the death as an example, no details necessary; he had limits.
Peter Parker cried softly, but heavily, and Phoebe could hardly pay attention to anything else during the service. He would sniff and wipe his nose with the back of his hand, his leg shaking so furiously it was a wonder that he wasn't falling off. His eyes were puffy and red, and he couldn't stand upright without his knees beginning to buckle, and every time it seemed he had stopped crying, Phoebe would look over just in time to see his face contort, his resolve breaking once more and tears beginning to flow.
His aunt fared no better, but she put on a brave face that made her wonder just how much the woman had been through in her life to be able to even try and crack a smile and a laugh for the benefit of all those who were there to support her, not the other way around; still, in the short time Phoebe was aware of her, she had instantly gained all her respect.
After the service, people went to give their condolences and pay their respects, and Jameson wanted to do so as well, looking for Peter; while he hadn't paid the boy much mind after their brief encounter, to which he was unable to so much as remember his name, he felt it was only appropriate to offer whatever words he could, though he didn't know what help it could be.
Phoebe didn't know either, as she had never been in this situation, and she hardly had any connection with Peter to begin with. Still, he had kept notes for her the whole time she had been gone, the least she could do was show some form of sympathy for a terrible time in his life.
When she finally caught sight of him amongst the shades of black, her father having already found May Parker, patiently waiting for his chance to speak, she found Peter Parker accepting a rather uncomfortable, but well-meaning hug from Flash, the boys taking an involuntary step back as soon as they pulled away, though Peter looked ready to accept another at any moment, leaning in briefly before remembering himself.
"I'm really sorry, Parker," she heard Flash murmur, and she wished she could tune out of the conversation, feeling dirty for listening in, "I'm sure Spider-Man is sorry too."
"Yeah," Peter scoffed, his tone bitter, "I know he is. I don't know why he bothers."
Flash frowned, and Phoebe felt her heart stop, fearful he would make a scene, but he seemed to think before speaking, something he never seemed to do in class. "Spider-Man is still a dude, Parker, he makes mistakes. I mean, don't get me wrong, he should've gotten the asshole that did this, but he's just trying to help."
