「Sunflower」a Spider-Man/Miles Morales fan-fiction ☆

Chapter 1.

It's been some weeks since the burial. The snow covered flowers and small figurines still decorate the strong tombstone marked with my friend's name. It almost feels unreal, but there's no denying it when I get home.

The neighborhood is deadly quiet due to some neighbors' desertion. The news of Peter Parker's dual identity shocked many and struck fear in the hearts of the residents. His death became a bad omen which resulted in a collection of Rent signs aligning the doorstep of every few houses down the block. Others acknowledged Peter's generous acts by paying tribute and sympathizing with Aunt May especially.

I have been visiting her every morning ever since that day. Her house is now empty except for her so I try to fill it up with what I have. When we talk, it's never about him. We distract ourselves with the weather or news. But never about him.

Usually my visits occur in the morning right before heading to school. Aunt May knows this and always packs a small lunch for me. I've told her I wish not to inconvenience her but she prefers it this way. She claims this purpose helps her in the morning when she could just laze around in bed. Aunt May has always been a strong and independent woman since I first met her. Her nephews death has without a doubt taken a large toll on her, but she holds her head up high each morning when she answers that door.

Mary Jane and I have never truly been close. Our only mediator was her boyfriend, and my best friend, Peter. My attempts to check up on her have failed so far either because she's in a hurry for work, or I've simply missed her.

Either way, I found her quite courageous for being able to proceed with all her demands. In her I see that same spark in Aunt May. These women find the strength each morning to hold their head up high to the possibility of a better future. They carry that same light and promise I've seen in the bug-eyed hero.

These admirable acts were praiseworthy but it could not save the innocent residents trapped inside a burning building. It would not fight off the bad guys trying to take over the city. New York City may remember Spider-Man and all valid hard work that helped this city countless of times. There was no way he could be replaced.

At least that's what I thought until the news broke out about the new kid on the block.

"Have you been living off the grid again? It's been all over the news," said Liz, perhaps the closest thing I've ever had to a friend.

Liz could be described as the typical teacher's pet found in the movies. This stereotype was however, not enough to describe her.
Like a coin, Liz was on one side a true geek. Our conversations would always be about Spider-Man or the X-Men or anything remotely related to it. Her knowledge in the field surpassed my own experience within that world she dreamed of.

On the other side, Liz was the popular school girl. Active in so many school activities, she was the ideal of a virtuous student. She was involved in many friend circles which often conflicted with our own relationship. Liz and I have managed though and have always spent lunch time together.

"You should really pay attention to the news." She pulled out the phone she's been flashing off since the beginning of school. Her parents were very wealthy but recently there's been some complications. She hasn't told me though. "What else do you use your phone for?"

I shrugged at her comment. "You know I'm not into that stuff. But can you please go back to that article?"

"Apparently," she complied with my request, turning her screen at an angle facing us. "Last week's major glitchy eruptions happening around town were caused by 'you-know-who', and -"

"You mean KingPin?" Liz slammed her sweaty palms against my face, silencing me before anyone at our table overheard.

"Shhhh!" She hissed, "Don't go telling it out there for the whole world to hear."

I never understood her need for secrecy, especially concerning villains but I complied and held my tongue.

"Thank you," her hands drop, "As I was saying, those catastrophes were prevented by this vigilante who calls himself Spider-Man."

"What?!"

The cafeteria almost went silent for a moment. Luckily my voice wasn't loud enough to reach the far sides of the room so slowly the chattering swarmed in the air. Liz alone had to handle my craze.

The girl clicked on an icon and displayed a terrible photograph. The lighting was very dark but I could make out a figure in a tight spandex suit, exactly what Spider-Man wore. The only difference was the lack of the traditional red and blue. The costume was seemingly black with some remmenants of red. Over the suit was a worn hoodie but again, it was nearly impossible to make out anything from the bad picture.

"V," Liz called out, but she refrained from making physical contact. "He's a hero, another Spider-Man. Aren't you glad?"

I relaxed my muscles under the layers of the school uniform. "He's a fraud, and I want nothing to do with this." Before the conversation turned into an argument, I stood from the table and wished Liz goodbye.

I tried to ignore the bad buzz feeling while heading for the exit. Before reaching the doors, a boy from my own grade stumbled upon my path. He was an infamous klutz, always starting accidental fights or damaging school property. Yet he was kindhearted, always smiling when we crossed each other.

I caught his heavy History books before they found themselves on the dirty cafeteria lunch bin.

"Thanks..." he kept his head down, gratefully accepting my service.

"Sure, Miles. Just be careful and tie your shoe laces next time."