- What's up, guys? I trust all of you are well. I really do appreciate the love that this story has getting...my heartfelt thanks to all of you, I mean that.

- I've been wanting to do this idea for a while. If nothing else, it's a way to pay some respect to a pivotal character in Peter's life: Gwen Stacy. Now I know there are those who will tell me that I'm insane for getting so emotional (not sure that's the right word.) over a fictional character but I don't know...the fact that her life was cut short in such a tragic way got to me. Not that I cried or anything but it did leave me speechless.

I seriously doubt my writing did her any justice though but...I'll leave that up to you guys. Enjoy!

...

Once a year...Peter promised himself that he would visit her once every year and yet it was difficult as it had always been for him to make the trip.

It wasn't because he didn't want to come...Peter just wasn't sure if he deserved to show his presence here after what he failed to do. It was a good thing that his need to give the proper respects always won out in the end.

The single rose in his hand was carefully placed in front of the grave as he kneeled down and looked at the name with a sad smile. His fingers gently traced the carved letters of her name. His lips were eager to say something, after all...he couldn't just show up and not utter a single word to her.

It just didn't seem right for Peter as he finally managed to find his voice.

"Hello, Gwen."

The moment he said her name, Peter shivered as he fought to keep the pain swelling up in his heart from overwhelming him. Though it had been years since her passing, the memories of the love he shared with her still played out vividly in his mind and unfortunately, so did the memory of her untimely death.

Even now, he didn't understand what exactly it was that Gwen saw in him. They both shared a love for the sciences but that was about all they had in common. She was beautiful while he was lucky enough to be considered average in looks. She knew how to be quite sociable with people whereas Peter still found it a small struggle to talk with others when he's not in costume.

Peter shook his head to clear away such thoughts...Gwen wouldn't want to see him undermining himself like this.

Drops of water began to fall down from above, making it clear that it was going to rain but it made him wonder on whether the sky itself still mourned the loss of such an innocent soul.

"...It's been years." Peter said softly, "When you died...I didn't think I'd be able to love someone else as strongly as I did for you."

He felt a hand gently wrapped around his own, bringing a small smile to his face.

"I thought wrong though and I'm glad. I usually come alone to visit but this time...there's someone I want you to meet."

Sable tightened her grip on Peter's hand as she stepped forward. "Hello, Ms. Stacy. My name is Silver Sablinova."

She paused for a moment to look at him, who only nodded for her to continue.

"It's unfortunate that I'll never get to meet you in person. No doubt the amazing man that Peter grew to be today is due in no small part to your influence and I came here to give my thanks...for taking care of him when you were able."

The small bouquet of flowers in Sable's free hand was gently placed in front of her grave. "Rest assured, I will take good care of him because just like you...I'm very much in love with Peter myself."

She stood back up with a smile. "...I have no doubts that you'll continue to watch over Peter from above."

He grinned at the kind words of his girlfriend as his hazel eyes stared at the etched name on the grave.

"Are you alright?" Sable asked, embracing Peter around his waist.

"Yeah...I'm just wondering what Gwen would say to me now if she could."

She looked up and saw drops of water streaming down from his eyes...whether or not it was his tears or the rain falling down, she didn't know but it worried her nonetheless.

"I wish I knew." Sable said as she cupped Peter's face, "But I believe Ms. Stacy would be proud of you...for having the strength to move on with your life for her sake."

Peter leaned in and pressed his forehead against Sable's. "...You think so?"

"Call it female intuition." She stated with mirth before giving Peter a quick kiss. Peter affectionately kissed Sable back, his heart comforted by the fact that she was here with him. Gwen would've definitely gotten along well with her...that was just the special kind of person that she was.

Their lips remained locked together for some time until the sound of a loud growl rang out. At first, she thought they were about to be attacked but it turned out to be Peter's stomach making his hunger known.

"Uh...sorry. I guess I'm a little hungry." He apologized with a sheepish grin.

Sable simply chuckled at Peter's embarassed behavior. "Why am I not surprised? Let's go back to the embassy, I'm sure Sofia's prepared lunch already."

Peter nodded as he held her hand and began to walk the way back to the parking lot. Just as they were about to exit the cemetery, he turned his head to look at her gravestone one last time with a small smile.

"Rest well, Gwen...I'll be back next year." Peter whispered. Sable's ears caught his words and she smiled as well, making a promise in her heart to always accompany Peter on his yearly visit to the first woman he ever loved.

It was only right to give her proper respects for a departed kindred spirit after all.

...

- I think we've all been there, right? To be able to hold the person we've lost and loved just once more because sometimes our memories aren't enough to ease that pain of loss from the heart.

- It was a bit short but here's hoping that you folks enjoyed reading it and whenever possible, keep the reviews coming. Til next time, friends!