Midtown High was the same as it had always been. The stone walls and classic, 1950's architecture reminded everyone who went of a simpler time.

Nathaniel trotted up to the front steps, hoping to meet Professor Parker before class would start. He needed some way of being in touch with his mentor other than his cell phone. A month ago, he'd been stopping a crook who stole an old woman's purse and had been thrown to the ground. As a result, his ancient cellphone had smashed into a million pieces. Now he had been forced to use his mom's old flip phone. Nathaniel soon learned, however, that he was quicker at responding with the phones raised keyboard.

"Hey! Nate! Wait up!" He heard a female voice from behind him. His Spidey sense allowed for a heightened understanding of his surroundings.

"Oh, hi Julie."

Julie and Nathaniel had been best friends since middle school. She also happened to be the shortest girl in the senior class, clocking in at five feet exactly. Her long, purple hair was tied into a bun at the back of her head, and she wore her usual brand of Julie-Centric clothing: a black sweater, coloured tights, and high boots. Her features were quite pixie-like in nature. They contested strongly to her, six foot four, dark-haired and tanned skin best friend.

He also had a HUGE crush on her.

"Did you see the news story yesterday? That spider guy? He's so awesome! Like was all like "Take that! Pew Pew!"

Nathaniel laughed and put a hand on her shoulder. "Julie, I don't think Spider-Man uses guns."

"Pfffft. Imagine if he had some sort of nonlethal weapon built into his suit? That would be, straight out of Batman!"

He made a mental note: tell Professor Parker that weapons will help civilians become bigger Spider-Man fans.

"I guess."

"If I ever got into trouble, I'd want Spider-Man to come rescue me."

Nathaniel's face started to turn a bright crimson, but he tried to shove down the emotion as much as he could.

"I'd want him to rescue me, and maybe I'd offer to make him a better-looking suit."

His heart went from beating hard to becoming instantly deflated.

"What, you don't think his suit is cool?"

"No, it's pretty ugly looking. Looks like he bought it online. With my expertise, I could easily make a better-looking option."

He remembered that Julie was quite capable at sewing outfits and costumes. Maybe Spider-Man could send her an anonymous text sometime, and ask for a new suit.

"Julie, class starts in like, ten minutes."

She smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand, in an obvious showing of 'boy, do I feel dumb!'

"Professor Parker will be pissed if we miss chem."

He followed her up Midtown High's stone steps, hoping to avoid the wrath of his mentor. Julie knew that Nathaniel was part of 'extra credit' and hopefully after he graduated, Parker could get him an offer to Empire State. He'd be the first of his family to go to University.

Although, another thought crossed his mind. Would he ever tell Julie about his double life? The true reason why he was Spider-Man? Why he was so close with Professor Parker? It seemed like a whirlwind of questions and ideas. She would definitely have interest in him, but would she be in danger? Professor Parker had warned Nathaniel about the consequences. Not only could he reveal his identity, but the real REASON he had powers.