Ms. Stark [Peter Parker]

Chapter 42| Secrets

PETER
12:47 am; Thursday- New York building

We sat on top of the building with our feet dangling over. Maria was hesitant at first to let her feet hang over, but I assured it will be okay. The lights from city gave us a beautiful view that overlooked a large portion of the busy streets. I've stopped here before, but never with anyone else. Oddly, though, it felt more peaceful with Maria here.

She laid her head on my shoulder as we stayed in silence, just enjoying each other's company.

"What's it like?" she suddenly asked, quietly.

"What's 'what' like?" I reply, confused. She lifted her head off my shoulder but continued to stare off into the city as she spoke.

"What's it like being a hero and no one knowing?" I was taken back by her question. It was a strange thing to ask, but I figured she was just curious. Yet, it made me think hard about it myself.

"Well... I guess it's something you never really think about. Sometimes I think I would be more... popular if I would tell the world. But for right now, I'll remain a mystery, " I smiled, "Although, I think it's weird how many people don't realize they know me when I'm Spiderman. It's kind of funny, actually." I wait for Maria to respond but she never does. She seems suspiciously quiet.

"Why do you ask?" I ask and turn to her.

"Sometimes I wonder if my mom will ever reveal herself. Like... what if she's literally right in front of me and I have no clue? Or what if I already had met her and never even knew? I don't know. Sorry, Peter, I brought it up, " she states, gloomy.

I stare at Maria, now having an understanding of why she had asked me that question. I felt guilty. I then snaked my left hand through her right hand and gave it a squeeze to comfort her.

"Don't apologize. I understand. But your dad, the Avengers, our friends, and I all care about you. So don't overthink everything with your mom, it isn't your fault, " I tell her. I lifted her chin to look at me with my index finger.

"I know you do, " she gave a weak smile, "but it's just hard sometimes without a mom... and I know a lot of kids don't have mothers, but it's even harder when your father is Tony Stark I guess."

I couldn't tell if it was because she's tired or what, but I never saw the vulnerable side of Maria. She never really spoke about her feelings like this, but it made me oddly happy she trusted me. Pain hit me hard though. Not physically, but mentally. I get what she means.

"I lost my parents too. And my Uncle Ben-"

"Oh, Peter, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to sound so selfish now that-"

"No, no, no." I put my finger to her mouth.

"What I'm saying is I understand. But you have to realize I'll always be here for you, " I smiled lightly at her, "Even when it feels like I'm not. Even when I'm an idiot- or out kicking ass. I'll still always care, protect, and try to understand you."

Although the dark night hid some of her features, I could see through the city lights reflecting that she was beaming at me. She was about to say something, but I thought this was my chance.

"And..." I slowly pull out my poptarts box, "I-uh- I know this is kind of cheesy and all, but here..." I handed her the box. I saw the confused face she now had as she took it, which made me nervous.