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Living in New York comes with living with Extra-Terrestrial and magical threats; it's nothing new. The citizens put their trust in the heroes of the world who can fight back and protect them. They have no choice but to trust that the heroes will take care of the powerful threats while they continue their average day.
The only T.V. is on a news channel informing citizens of multiple villainous threats that have suddenly appeared, but (y/n) Parker paid no attention. That's just an average day in New York, after all. The residents at F.E.A.S.T., an organization to aid the homeless that (y/n) 's mother, May Parker, helped orchestrate, were restless and worried, so (y/n) tried their best to calm them.
It was when the news began focusing on a crumbled apartment building due to villains that (y/n) gave the T.V. their full attention. Their heart started pounding far too fast. That's the apartment building where their mother and cousin live. Paramedics arrived on the scene, making (y/n) 's breathing quicken. They begin to pray to any God willing to listen that their family is safe.
It was a small detail that the cameraman didn't notice, but (y/n) saw the well-known Spiderman web shooting away. Alone. (y/n) could relax knowing that their little cousin Peter was okay, but their mother's status was still unknown.
(y/n) started dialing their mother's number as they hurried to leave F.E.A.S.T. and locate their family. A small swear leaves their mouth when their mother doesn't answer, so they call Peter, but it goes straight to voicemail. Tears are swelling in their eyes with concern over their mom's whereabouts. (y/n) had to mourn their father, aunt, and uncle; they couldn't lose their mother.
Martin Li, co-owner of F.E.A.S.T., sees (y/n) 's frantic state as he comes down the entry stairs. "(y/n), is everything okay?" Mr. Li asks with genuine worry.
(y/n) stutters a bit before choking out, "I-I need to find my mom."
Mr. Li nods and encourages the younger adult to go, "Of course, call me if you need anything."
It took 40 minutes to get to their mom's crumbled apartment building, but it felt like hours. Long, tense hours wondering if their mom was safe or even alive. (y/n) flew off the bus and maneuvered around people as they ran to the group of worried citizens, journalists, and officers gathered in front of police fencing.
(y/n) shoves their way to the front of the group, scanning the crumble and surrounding area. They don't see any clues about where their mother is and aren't sure if that's good or bad. An officer is walking down the line of police fencing to organize and control the crowd, so (y/n) climbs over the fence and runs over to him since he's the closest source of information.
When the officer sees (y/n), he goes to yell for them to return to the other side, but (y/n) interrupts with one breath of air, "My name is (y/n) Parker. I can't find my mom May Parker; she lives here."
The officer softens his eyes, recognizing the deceased woman's name his team had identified. He gently puts a hand on the young adult's arm and informs them, "I'm sorry, May Parker didn't survive. It's believed a villain killed her during the collapse of the building."
(y/n) stills. Their mom. No, that can't be true- their mom has to be alive; she's the last parent they have. The one they go to for advice and to laugh with. Her hugs make all their anxieties dissipate. The officer is saying words, but they can't hear. (y/n) stumbles back as they slowly shake their head. They didn't get to say goodbye; they didn't see her compassionate smile one last time.
They then remember seeing Peter leave after the building collapsed. Did he witness their mom's death? A villain killed her; that's what the officer said. Did Peter try to save her but couldn't? Is he okay? Does he blame himself? Is he alone? Is he scared? Peter is a superhero but still a kid who had to witness his aunt's death.
(y/n) runs back toward the bus stop. They don't know where their cousin could be, but they need to start looking and be there for him. Peter's parents had told younger (y/n) to look after their little cousin while they were away, and (y/n) had taken care of Peter since. It's a promise that (y/n) never intends to break.
The three Peter Parkers from different dimensions discussed plans while M.J. and Ned listened. However, they all froze as they heard rushing footsteps in the hall outside the science classroom. Paranoia swells as they all assume it's one of the villains. The three Spidermen put their masks back on and get in fighting positions. M.J. grabs the closest thing to her, a thick textbook, and Ned holds a dramatic pose, ready to use Dr. Strange's magical device.
The door flings open, revealing worried (y/n) Parker. M.J. and Ned visibly relax, identifying the adult. The other two Peters are confused as they don't recognize this new person. Peter, the one that's (y/n) 's cousin, immediately takes his mask off. Fresh tears are swelling in his eyes, remembering May's passing as he looks at his older cousin. He wanted to contact them but was so caught up with disaster after disaster.
Peter bites the inside of his cheek, holding his tears as he whispers, "May she's-"
(y/n) nods, interrupting the boy with a soft teary tone, "I know. That's why I'm here."
Peter immediately breaks down crying. He holds onto (y/n) tightly, afraid to lose them too. "Oh, Peter.", (y/n) whispers as they protectively wrap their arms around him.
The other two Peters are still shaken but understand that this new person is no threat, so they also remove their masks. Peter #2, not wanting to interrupt this moment of grief and healing process, stays quiet.
Peter #3 glances between the two hugging and the two teenagers near him before quietly asking M.J. and Ned, "Who is that?"
M.J. answers simply, "Peter's older cousin. May's kid."
Ned bobs his head as he furthers, "Really more like an older sibling."
Peter #2 and #3 nod slowly as they take it in. Neither have cousins or siblings. So, they don't have a close family member like (y/n) to rely on for support through their respective journeys as Spiderman and Peter Parker. But, they're happy to see that, even in another dimension, a version of themselves is surrounded by loving and supportive people. With what Peter Parker deals with every day, in any dimension, he needs that.
Through his choked tears, Peter says weakly, "I tried, I really tried. I'm sorry."
(y/n) rubs the boy's head soothingly. "It's not your fault, Peter. Don't apologize- You don't need to apologize."
The older cousin leans back and gently holds Peter's tear-stained cheeks. Then, smiling through their tears, (y/n) tells Peter, "It's going to be okay; we'll get through this together. One step at a time."
Peter sniffles but returns the weak smile. "We have each other."
(y/n) nods with a soft smile. The cousins share another hug before joining the group and preparing for the upcoming fight.
They both know this is the only way to stop invading beings from other dimensions. Neither wants it to happen, though. So the two cousins tightly hold onto each other, knowing it'll never be the same after this. Peter will be alone, with nobody. And (y/n) will forget about their little cousin, their little brother.
"I can't hold it for much longer!" Dr. Strange calls out as he uses all his strength to keep their dimension's balance.
(y/n) has a pained look. "Promise you'll tell me everything, Peter."
Peter is uneasy- afraid. "Peter.", (y/n) says, "With everything that has happened in this world, I know I will believe you."
They share a laugh, a small, short-lived laugh. But then, Peter is quiet for a moment. He doesn't want (y/n) to forget him and all their childhood memories. (y/n) is the only family member he has left. But it's the only way to stop the mess he accidentally created.
Peter nods subtly. "I will. I promise." He smiles, "You're the older sibling I've always wanted. I can't lose that."
His words make (y/n) both smile and cry more. "I can't lose my little brother either."-(y/n) kisses his forehead-"I'm so proud of you, Peter. I love you so much."
"I love you too. No matter what."
One last hug. Then Peter leaves his family and friends to help Dr. Strange. It's the last time any of them will remember Peter Parker. The last time they'll remember this kind boy.
Three weeks have passed since May Parker's passing. Last week a public funeral was held, and unsurprisingly many attended. (y/n) has been working to the bone, taking their mother's place as co-owner of F.E.A.S.T. and taking on her entire workload. It's been a good distraction and coping mechanism since they're working in a place their mother put a lot of thought and care into. They have no idea how their mom could work this much by herself. (y/n) asked Mr. Li if he could hire another employee to help divide their workload, which the older man agreed to.
A front attendant hands (y/n) a stack of papers for them to file, but before they can return to their office, the front doors open, and a brown-haired teenager walks in. Mr. Li had informed (y/n) that a young boy named Peter would be coming in today for an interview. It was up to (y/n) if they would like to hire him as an assistant.
(y/n) has a welcoming smile as he asks, "Peter?"
Peter meets (y/n) eyes, confused and hopeful, after hearing his name from his cousin. Yet, that hope shatters once (y/n) continues, "You're the one here for the interview, correct?"
Peter glances down to the floor as he nods. "Uh-Yeah, yeah, I am. That's me."
Unable to shake his hand due to holding the papers, (y/n) bobs their head to the stairs and tells Peter, "Follow me; we'll head to my office."
Peter silently follows (y/n) with anxiety bubbling inside his stomach. He thought he could do this. Peter thought he would be able to find everyone he cared for and explain what had happened, but he's not sure now. He first went to M.J.'s work with a prepared speech in hand, but after seeing her, he chose not to. Ned was there too, Peter could have told them both, but he couldn't. He didn't. They were at peace, and he didn't want to disturb that. Not right now, at least. But Peter can't live without his cousin. (y/n) is the last relative he has left, and they don't even know that. They both need each other.
"Alright, go ahead and take a seat, Peter.", (y/n) tells the young boy as they reach the small office.
(y/n) carefully places the stack of papers on their desk before sitting on their swivel chair. Peter is tense as he sits across from (y/n), which the adult recognizes and assumes is because of the interview. But Peter is anxious about how he'll explain that (y/n) is his older cousin, a sibling figure, and the last living relative he has.
(y/n) has a gentle smile. "Relax, Peter. We're just gonna get to know each other, alright? Is this your first interview?"
Peter clears his throat. "Uh, yeah. This is- this is the first."
(y/n) nods. "I remember my first interview, I was your age, and I was a mess." They chuckle.
Peter remembers this story, which brings a small smile. "What did you apply for?"
(y/n) waves a dismissive hand. "It was some convenience store. I overthought the whole thing and tripped over my words the whole time. You're literally already doing better than me."
Peter chuckled. (y/n) has always been good at picking up how others feel and ensuring they are comfortable. That kindness inspires him to be there for people too.
"So." (y/n) clasps their hands together, "Let's start with the basic question of why you would like to work here."
Peter's gaze is locked in his lap. He opens his mouth but is unsure what to say. He isn't here for the job; he'd always volunteer when he could. However, Peter is sure that (y/n) is overwhelmed taking on May's position as co-owner of F.E.A.S.T., so he wouldn't mind working here to help them.
A past conversation between the cousins plays in Peter's head, and then he knows what to say.
The radio gets turned off. (y/n) finally had enough of hearing J.J.J. bashing Spiderman. Peter looks up from doing his homework at the table, silently relieved that the radio show was turned off; his self-confidence can take only so much.
Peter watches as (y/n) sits across from him at the table, finding entertainment on their phone. He's noticed that (y/n) has been listening to J.J.J.'s radio show recently, which concerns him because he is secretly Spiderman. Does his older cousin despise Spiderman? Despise him?
"Why do you hate Spiderman?" Peter asks with a hint of annoyance in his tone.
(y/n) raises a brow by the sudden question. "I don't hate Spiderman; what makes you think that?"
Peter squints his eyes at (y/n). "You literally listen to John Jonah Jameson's radio show like EVERY day."
(y/n) laughs, as if forgetting they do. "Oh, yeah. I just think his reasonings are absurd and funny. He's so stupid, but I can't stop listening."
Peter was still wary, a little unbelieving. "Then what DO you think of Spiderman?"
As they focus on their phone again, there's a slight smile, a knowing smile on (y/n) 's face. "Well, I think he's a selfless person taking on a lot of responsibilities. He does a lot for other people but should also care for himself."-(y/n) peers at Peter-"And if I knew Spiderman, I would tell him he shouldn't have to struggle alone with his responsibilities. I would tell him to go to someone he trusts and let them help him."
Peter's brows were furrowed, taken back by that response. It felt personal. It was too loving and targeted toward Peter. His heartbeat quickened at the thought that (y/n) may know he was Spiderman. No one in his life knows- it's for their safety. Did (y/n) figure it out?
Noticing the anxious look on Peter's features, (y/n) quickly assures, "But only if Spiderman felt ready to open up to someone else, that is."-they smile-"But if he plans on balancing his double life. . ."-(y/n) points to Peter's homework-"He probably shouldn't write math problems on his English homework."
Peter quickly looks at his homework, seeing numbers written under a question for his English class. He groans as he erases his mistakes. Peter is so sleep-deprived by patrolling each night and early mornings that he struggles with his life as Peter Parker. Just as (y/n) referenced.
Peter, remembering that (y/n) most likely figured out that he's Spiderman, quickly looks back at his older cousin. (y/n) is very subtle by revealing that they know Peter's secret for his anxiety's sake. The two look at each other, having a silent conversation. (y/n) wants to support Peter, and Peter, although afraid to do so, wants that support.
(y/n) smiles gently yet with some amusement. They lean over the table closer to Peter and whisper, "I will do your homework if you promise to actually sleep tonight."
Peter quietly laughs. Yeah, (y/n) definitely knows that he's Spiderman.
The old memory brings comfort to Peter. After that, he opened up to (y/n), and they patiently listened to everything he had to vent about. It deepened their relationship, which made this all the more painful.
Peter takes a deep breath before meeting (y/n) 's eyes, "People shouldn't have to struggle with their responsibilities alone. Opening up to someone and admitting you need help is the most vulnerable but powerful thing a person can do. I want to help you."
The wisdom from this teenage boy leaves (y/n) shocked. Yet, the words seem almost familiar. "I didn't expect to hear such a deep quote."
Peter smiles. "Um, I. . .I actually learned that from you."
(y/n) furrows their brows with confusion. "What? Have we met before?"
Peter can feel tears swelling in his eyes. He laughs weakly, "Yeah, Yeah, we have. You helped raise me."
It sounds absurd, and what Peter was saying was slightly scaring (y/n), but at the same time, this boy seems so genuinely hurt. (y/n) decides to stay quiet and listen to what else Peter has to say, then they'll deem him sane or insane.
Peter sniffles. "I know this sounds crazy-That I sound crazy, but I am telling you the truth. My name is Peter Parker; my parents were Richard and Mary Parker. Ben and May Parker is-was my aunt and uncle, and you, (y/n) Parker, are my older cousin. So we grew up together since I was six- you're like my older sibling."
Hearing the names of (y/n) 's family from this unfamiliar face was alarming, even more so hearing that they share the same surname supposedly. But, of course, living in New York is full of crazy encounters, so this one shouldn't be this shocking or odd.
(y/n) slowly nods, wanting Peter to elaborate more because of their curiosity. "So, if you are my little cousin, and like you said, I helped raise you, how come I don't remember you."
Peter was relieved that he wasn't immediately kicked out of (y/n) 's office and deemed a lunatic. Instead, they're actually allowing him to explain. Regardless if (y/n) does or doesn't believe him right now, they're listening.
"Okay. So, a few weeks ago, I-" Peter pauses, realizing that he will have to reveal that he is Spiderman for this story to make anything close to sense. (y/n) is an understanding person, but now Peter is a stranger to them. Will they protect his secret?
(y/n) tilts their head, wondering why Peter suddenly stopped the explanation. Peter starts bouncing his leg anxiously, silently debating what to do next. Is (y/n) still the same person? No, of course, they are. All that happened is they forgot Peter Parker. Their thoughts about Spiderman should still be the same.
"What do you think of Spiderman?" Peter then asks.
(y/n)'s eyes narrow with confusion at the sudden question and change of subject. "Uh, he's a selfless hero who, I'm guessing, is living a stressful double life."
Peter smiled at the similar explanation from the first time he asked that question. "Yeah, I bet he is. And what advice would you recommend to Spiderman if, hypothetically, his identity was revealed, so he asked Dr. Strange-the superhero- for help, but he accidentally messed Dr. Strange's spell up, which made multiple people from other dimensions into our own, including two other Spidermen? And the only way to stop them all from coming into our dimension was to make everyone forget Spiderman's real identity?"
(y/n)'s mouth was slightly open with bewilderment as they processed the lengthy story-like question. Peter has his mouth clamped shut as he anxiously waits for an answer. (y/n) takes in what he remembers from the past few weeks and tries to connect Peter's story. Some things could make sense, like why the multidimensional people kept appearing and targeting Spiderman. Dr. Strange did fix the problem with magic. It could be the truth. And it may explain the empty feeling (y/n) has. They originally thought it was from losing their mother, but it feels like something different than mourning a loved one. Like knowing you placed your keys on your desk but can't find them anywhere. Like there's someone you love so much but can't remember who.
After a few minutes, (y/n) returns from their deep thoughts and focuses on Peter. Peter Parker. Their cousin. Their missing loved one. (y/n) analyzes the young boy's face, seeing the dark circles under his tear-filled puffy eyes. If this is all true, if this boy is telling the truth about being Spiderman and making a major sacrifice, he suffers a lot by himself.
(y/n) holds a hand out on the desk, and Peter slowly takes hold of it. (y/n) feels their hand tingle, like electricity running from Peter's hand to theirs. And they aren't entirely sure why, but they also start tearing up. Is it their empathy? Are they gullible? Or is it because Peter is telling the truth?
"I believe you, Peter. I believe you."