The Unexpected [1]

Chapter 6

"Um, hi. Uh- how are you?" He was leaning against the rail of the fire escape and the eyes on the suit kept moving, like he was trying to read me. I laughed quietly and moved to sit criss-cross. "I'm ok now. Thanks for getting me out of there." He looked down and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's, uh, no problem. Just doing my job." He moved away from the railing and sat down next to me. The two of us just sat there, enjoying the sounds of the city. "Aren't you supposed to be off saving the city or something?" After a few moments with no response, I turned my head to see him just looking at me. I waved my hand in front of his face and he chuckled. "You're not from around here, are you?" I glared at him. "Hey mister, you don't get to ask a question without answering mine." He laughed and raised his hands in surrender. "Well, uh, I just uh, it's been a slow crime day." I giggled and looked out at the city. "Isn't that a good thing?" He turned towards me. "I mean yeah but- hey! I shouldn't have to answer that because you didn't answer mine." I put my hands up in surrender. "Ok, ok, ok. Yes, I'm not from here. My cousin and I transferred schools." He nodded. "Are your parents cool with you sitting on your fire escape after what happened last night?" I froze. I completely forgot to tell my aunt and uncle what happened. Not that they'd be extremely worried about me. They know I'll be fine, especially since they think Stark is watching over me.

"My, uh, my parents died when I was 5. So I've been living with my aunt and uncle since. And no, I haven't told them yet." I looked down at my lap and started to play with my hands. "Oh, I'm sorry. That's terrible." I was about to tell him it was alright when he jumped up. "Hey, I gotta go. It was nice talking to you but I really have to go." I stood up. "It's ok. Go do your job." He jumped off the fire escape and left. I climbed back inside and saw Carter standing in my doorway smirking. "Getting cozy with Spiderman, huh?" I pushed past her and walked into the kitchen. "Oh shut it, Carter." She laughed and followed me. "Did you tell him through? That you're a superhero too?" I turned around to look at her. "1) Why would I tell him that? I don't even know the dude. And 2) I'm not a superhero." Carter placed her phone on the counter and crossed her arms. "Oh yeah, because having a suit that protects you, a mask to hide who you are, and a cool name like Flames doesn't make you a superhero. And, you know, it's not like you used to sneak out of the house at night to save people or anything." I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'm a superhero. But no one knows who Flames is so it doesn't matter. Anyways, how was school?"

"It was super boring. It's really hard being the only smart one. Ned was worried about you though. Apparently the news broadcasted who was hurt so people kept asking if you were ok. I told Ned and Peter what happened, besides you using your powers, and Peter kept asking if you woke up and if you were ok. It was kinda like how Spiderman was freaking out when you didn't wake up. But, we got invited to a party at Liz's house. I know parties aren't your thing but I think I'm gonna go." I nodded. "Ok, have fun. Just call me if something goes wrong." She nodded and went into her room to get ready. I grabbed a cup of water and went back out onto the fire escape to watch the city once more.