Aleatha
It had been a year since I saw Peter in that little coffee shop. I had been there since to see MJ and Ned, but I tried to avoid Peter. Though I didn't do a great job because every night I sat upon my roof watching out for Spider-Man. I wanted to make sure he was safe. His suit was no longer made of the nanotechnology from Tony. I was sad when he died, but I'm glad he wasn't here. I don't know how Peter would be if Tony didn't remember who he was. I saw a flash of red and blue. I smiled and glanced down at the street below me. He was okay after a night of fighting crime. It was a peaceful night.
"Hey, you're not planning on killing yourself or anything, right?" I looked up.
There was Spider-Man. I wanted to tell him right then and there I knew who he was. I shook my head.
"You don't have to worry about me doing that, Spidey. I'm actually up here cuz I watch you every night." He laughed.
"Oh, so are you a secret admirer." I bit the inside of my cheek.
I mean he's not wrong.
"Sure, we'll go with that, Spidey." He tilted his head.
"You don't like the sound of that," I laughed, "it's complicated, Spidey. I wouldn't even know where to begin."
He sat down next to me, "well I have all night."
I bit my cheek. I missed him, but I couldn't let him know I knew who he was. I had to act like a normal civilian. I turned back to him and kissed him on the cheek.
"It's better we don't become acquainted Spidey," I stood up, "stay safe."
I turned away from him, "wait!"
I stopped in my tracks. I knew I shouldn't have, but it hurt a little bit every time I saw him and could never tell him the truth. I heard footsteps come towards me. Then he was in front of me.
"Did I make you uncomfortable?" My heart clenched in my chest.
No. Just that my crush on you hasn't gone away.
I shook my head, "no Spidey. You didn't, but we can't be friends. I watch you every night just to make sure you're safe. It's the least I can do for everything you've done for the world and for Brooklyn."
I smiled at him. I turned away and headed for the roof door. I missed him, but there is a reason no one remembers that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. It was too dangerous. I had to live like everybody else and pretend like I never knew. I stopped at the door. I wanted to tell him so bad.
"Aleatha?" My heart stammered in my chest.
Don't, Aleatha.
I couldn't help it though. He had been through so much. Lost everyone he ever loved. Losing Aunt May was the hardest. I spun around and faced him. I couldn't hide my emotions on my face. In that moment I wished that I could see his face. Take the mask off and just be honest with him. I had liked Peter when we went to Midtown. I still liked him, even if people were supposed to forget him. I didn't. It still confused me to this day. I never did bother to find out why I remembered. I didn't want to damage the spell. I didn't know what someone remembering who Peter was could do to the universe. I was so trapped in my thoughts that I didn't pay attention when he came closer. Hands cradled my face, tilting my head up. The white eyes on his mask narrowed. I bit my lip.
Does he know that I remember? He can't know! I don't know what it will do! It could unravel Strange's spell, right?
Him being this close made me nervous.
"P-Spidey, what's wrong?" I slipped up.
"You know who I am, don't you?" I shook my head.
I closed my eyes tightly, "even if I did I wouldn't admit it! I know what you sacrificed to save the world! I know what it's been like for you since everyone forgot who you are! I!"
He slipped his hand over my mouth. My eyes shot open. His other hand reached for his mask. I pulled away and started running. I couldn't be the reason he shared his identity again. I felt something attach to my back and yank me backwards. My body hit what felt like a brick wall, but it had some give.
"Aleatha," I held my breath, "do you remember me?"
I heard the crack in his voice at the end of his question. I let my head rest on his chest. I couldn't lie to him. He sounded so broken. I had to tell him the truth.