Spider-Man swung from building to building in the dark until he reached the block he was looking for. Dropping down into the alley, he glanced around, making sure he wasn't seen before dropping into a sewer. His feet splashed in the water, as his eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness. His backpack hit his back as he also adjusted it.
Looking around all seemed quiet. Taking a deep breath, he started walking to the tunnel that sat to his right. The moment he reached the opening, a tingling and buzzing sensation filled his left side. He ducked out of the way just as a rock flew past his head.
His eyes fell on her. She stood in the dark, along the edge staring at him with wide eyes. Her brothers stood behind her, staring at him from around her.
"Nice throw," Spider-man commented.
"Oh my God, Spider-Man! I am so sorry. I didn't know it was you." Savannah whispered.
Chuckling, he walked closer to her. "Who else would it be?"
"The police."
Spider-Man frowned at that. "Why would the police-"
"Some officers came down this morning, looking for us. Apparently one of the kids who left told them we were staying in the sewers."
Rage boiled in the pit of Spider-Man's stomach as he listened to her but kept a lid on it. The last thing he needed was for the kids to be scared.
"Don't worry. We hid just like you taught us," Seth said with a smile.
Spider-Man smiled down at the kid, even though he couldn't see it though the mask.
"Did you?"
The six year old nodded seriously. "Good job." The boy beamed at the praise. Kneeling down to the boys height, he whispered. "Go get the other kids, I have a surprise."
Seth nodded before running down the tunnel, looking for the other's. Standing, Spider-Man looked up only to see Savannah raising an eyebrow at him.
"Patience." She rolled her green eyes at him before detaching herself from Gabriel. The nine year old was never a fan of spider-man after hearing the news before they left their foster home. The sound of multiple feet alerted the mutant of the arrival of the others.
"Okay, everyone, get in a circle around Savannah," he instructed and the younger children all did as they were told. Savannah frowned as she watched the teenage hero pull something out of his backpack.
"Savannah, close your eyes. No peeking." After a moment of hesitation and coaxing, she did and Spider-Man pulled a box of cupcakes out of his bag. The kids gasped in surprise but quickly went quiet when the older one put a finger to his lips.
Pulling one out of the box, he placed a single candle in the center of the pink icing. After lighting it, he held it out in front of her face. The glow of the candle flickered around the cave as the light danced off her face.
"Open."
Savanna opened her eyes and they all watched as they went wide. "Oh!"
"Happy birthday, Savannah." They all yelled. Tears sprang to her eyes before she blinked them away. A smile graced her face, one that hasn't been there since last year.
"Make a wish and blow it out," Jacob instructed. She smiled down at them, closed her eyes for a moment before blowing the fire out, leaving them in darkness again. It didn't last long though. Spider-Man walked over to a lamp and lit it, bringing back the light.
Walking back over to the kids, he handed the cupcake to the birthday girl, then passed out the rest. The younger kids rushed over to the wall, sat down and started devouring the sweets. Spider-Man jerked away from watching them when a pair of arms encircled him.
HIs spider senses never went off as he saw the mop of brown hair in his face. Reaching around, he hugged Savannah back.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Don't mention it. I told you guys I would look after you."
She released him, looking down at the ground. Her bottom lip went between her teeth as she looked anywhere but at him. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing, um…"
"Savannah, if there's something you need all you have to do is ask," he reminded her.
"You already do so much for us, I hate asking for anything."
"Vannah," he said softly using the nickname he gave her when they first met.
"I need tampons," she whispered quickly, her face turning red. She wasn't the only one. Spider-Man's did as well only his was covered by his mask.
"Okay. Um... well...Yeah. I can do that."
She nodded in relief.
"Uh...I don't actually ...um know what…" he trailed off and she looked at him from under her lashes. "Size."
Realization found her as she blushed deeper. "Super." Nodding quickly, he started towards the exit. "I'll bring them by when you guys are sleeping. Around midnight. Also get prepared, we have to move soon. Can't risk the cops finding us."
She nodded while joining the others. He turned and started to leave but her voice stopped him. "Spider-Man."
Turning, he saw her rush up to him. "Yeah?"
"Can I ask one more thing? A present if you will."
"Sure."
"Can I know your real name?"
He hesitated before shaking his head no. "Sorry, that's one thing you can't have. It's for your own safety." The lie fell from his lips so easily and he could tell she believed it.
"That's fine. Thanks again," she said as she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. Turning, she ran back to the cupcakes. Spider-Man smiled under his mask after getting over his shock and left hearing the other kids singing, "Savannah and Spider-Man sitting in a tree…"
