Spider-Man: Homeless

Ch. 21: Goodbyes

It had been a week since the battle with the Sinister Six. Mysterio's reveal of being alive had immediately taken all charges off of Peter, and the villains in custody were all locked up. Although Peter's identity was still out, he was no longer framed and could live life again.

Peter stood with Harry and Jessica under an umbrella, looking at Norman's grave. So many things had happened, and it had all happened so fast.

Jessica turned around at the sound of footsteps and saw Gwen approaching the three. Jessica smiled and gave her a hug.

"Peter, Harry, this is Gwen. She helped me get inside Oscorp and get us backup." Jessica said.

"Thank you so much for helping." Peter said, shaking Gwen's hand.

"Of course." Gwen smiled. She turned to Harry who smiled at her.

"So, you're the one who hacked into Oscorps security system?"

"Technically Jessica hacked your system. I just got her in."

"You're still an accomplice." Harry said. "You know, something like that will get you fired." Gwen looked at her feet. "But lucky for you, I own the company now, so I'll let it slide."

Gwen smiled and took Harry's hand as he put it out for her to shake.

Peter smiled at the two and caught Harry's eye, winking. Harry rolled his eyes.

...

Peter had left Norman's gravesite and held a bouquet of roses. He walked and approached a grassy area and stopped.

"Hey, Mr. Stark. I brought these for you." He said, setting the flowers against Tony's grave. Peter took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner, I didn't think I could handle it." Peter paused and kneeled on the grass. He sniffed and looked back up at the tombstone. "There are so many things that I wish I could tell you." Tears fell down his cheeks. "After this whole Mysterio thing and being framed, I didn't know what to do. I felt as though no matter what I did and how hard I tried, I wouldn't truly belong." Peter smiled. "But you were there for me. Even when you weren't. You have helped me find my place in the world. You helped me find a home.

"I've always looked up to you. You were my hero ever since I was young. And meeting you, helping you in Germany, that was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I was so excited to get to help you, and over the years, you've become more than my hero. You also became my mentor. You taught me so much, and you still manage to do so. I always thought that when you left a note saying 'to the next Iron Man,' that there must have been some mistake. I knew that I could never be like you, and I know I won't ever. But because of you, I'm the best Spider-Man that I could be. I'm better because of you." Peter paused again and waited in silence before speaking again, his voice cracking. "When my parents died, it was horrible, but it never affected me to much because of how young I was. My father wasn't around enough for me to connect with him as most kids do with their dads. When I lived with May and Ben, Ben had somewhat filled that position, but it wasn't the same. Something didn't feel quite right, and I didn't know it then, but I know it now. My uncle Ben had never truly understood me. But you did. Looking back on my life, you were the only person who really understood me and what I was going through, and what I needed. You were always there for me, and after what FRIDAY showed me the other day, I know it more then ever. You are the only person I've ever truly thought of as a dad, and I miss you so much."

Peter sat on the ground as tears ran down his face. He continued to cry as he spoke again. "I love you, dad."

...