As You Wish

Chapter One - The Anniversary

Being in a relationship with Spider-Man was definitely unlike anything I had ever experienced. It had only been five months since we started dating, but it felt like no time at all. I loved that Peter was Spider-Man, even though the constant worry for his safety definitely had me drinking a bit more.

Thankfully my cast was taken off and my arm was completely healed. It took a bit longer to heal my paranoia that the Rhino was going to come crashing through the wall next to me, but visits to a local therapist and John Jameson helped tremendously.

John was slowly becoming one of my very best friends. The shared trauma we experienced made him easy to talk to and his dry sense of humor matched mine perfectly. I felt as safe with him as I did with Peter. Unfortunately though, John was currently orbiting the earth on a scientific mission, making it impossible to talk to him. He was due back in a few days and I was looking forward to his return.

One day when the air was finally starting to feel like something resembling a summer (I was still used to the heat of the California Sacramento Valley), Peter asked me to come with him to a graveyard before going to his aunt's house for dinner. I wasn't too sure about the idea, but agreed nonetheless. I had a feeling I knew who we were visiting. The fact that he asked me to accompany him meant he was willing to open up even more, something I still craved in our relationship.

I followed his lead through the graveyard, holding his hand in what I hoped was a comforting way and adjusting my hold on the bouquet I bought in my other. My stomach twisted uncomfortably, nervous about "meeting" someone who had been so close to Peter.

Eventually, he stopped in his tracks. I looked down and read the name "Gwen Stacy" on the tombstone we stood in front of. I turned to look at Peter, whose face was carefully blank as he stared down at the name. I waited for him to speak, but when he didn't I detached my hand from his, bent down and placed the white lilies on her grave.

"Hey Gwen," I started softly. I looked back at Peter who was gazing at me with confusion and wonder. I turned back to the tombstone. "My name is Emily. I'm Peter's new girlfriend." I hesitated before continuing. "I know this is probably weird, but I feel like I knew you with how much everyone talks about you. They all miss you so much. I wish I had been able to meet you properly.

"I just wanted you to know that Peter is okay. And I will take care of him and make sure he stays that way, I promise. I will never be able to replace you, but I hope I can deserve him like you did." I placed a kiss on my fingertips and touched her gravestone gently. I was about to stand when I saw Peter's hand extended to me out of the corner of my eye. I took it gratefully and he helped me to my feet.

Once I was upright, Peter enveloped me in a tight hug. No words were spoken, but his meaning was clear. He was thanking me for saying something when he couldn't find the words. I rubbed his neck softly, kissing his cheek before leaning back. I smiled encouragingly and he nodded. Slowly, he too knelt in front of the cold gravestone.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, almost too quietly for me to hear. "I miss you." He stayed motionless for a few moments.

"Do you want some time?" I whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. He reached up and held my hand.

"No," he said finally. "I need you here." My heart warmed at his words and I nodded, even though his back was to me. After a few more minutes, he stood. I gave him another quick hug before he stood back. "There's one more place I want to show you." I had a feeling I knew where he was talking about.