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With a tired sigh, I wipe down the counter around the espresso machine one final time. Tossing the rag back into the bucket filled with soapy water, I begin to untie my apron. Finally finished with the closing process, I was ready to be back at my dorm so I could take a quick nap before studying for my biophysics exam with my lab partner. Hanging my apron on the hook I claimed in the back, I emerged from behind the counter with my backpack and headphones for the final time today. Turning the lights off, I finally close the door behind me and lock it.
I began the quiet walk to campus instead of waiting on the bus today. The sun is starting to set as I weave my way through the crowds of people on the sidewalk. Passing a quiet alley, I’m suddenly pulled into it. A hand covers my mouth before I can shout, and two more hands hold my arms against my side.
“You’re going to stay quiet,” a rumbling voice tells me. “No need to disturb those nice people’s day,” the man pointed at the opening to the alley with a knife, “don’t you agree?”
All I can do is nod, hoping that if I cooperate they’ll let me go faster.
“I’m so glad you agree,” his voice mocks me. “Now, I’m going to keep an eye on you while he takes your bag. Got it?”
Before I can nod again, my backpack is ripped off my shoulders. I look past the man holding the knife toward the mouth of the alley, debating if I can make it back into the crowd before he could catch me.
“This shit’s useless,” the guy behind me grumbles. “It’s just binders and textbooks,” he complains as I hear my things being dropped to the ground. “This kid has nothing.”
“Well she’s gotta have something ,” the man in front of me slowly drags his eyes over me. “Empty your pockets or we’ll–”
He cuts himself off while looking over my shoulder. I hear a faint thwip followed by a choked shout. As the man in front of me turns to run I see webs stick to his feet and the ground.
“What, can't you stick around?” A voice comes from above me.
I stay frozen in place, unsure what to do. In a streak of red and blue, Spider-Man lands in front of me. He quickly webs the knife to the wall before trapping the man’s hands to himself.
“Are you okay?” He automatically asks while turning to face me.
My tongue feels like lead. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Obviously I knew of Spider-Man, but never thought I’d need to be saved by him. I was stunned by this hero, that he happened to notice what was happening in the alley.
“Hey, it’s alright. You’re safe now, did they hurt you?” His tone softens.
I can’t see past the white lenses of his mask, but I feel his eyes searching me for some kind of injury. The thought of having his attention focused on me snaps me out of my shocked trance.
“I’m fine,” I blurted out, “thank you. I, uh, yeah. I’m fine.”
I nod to myself while mentally slapping myself over the word vomit that just escaped me. Looking down, I suddenly remember my bag dumped behind me. I turn around, hoping to hide the embarrassed flush on my face, and crouch to grab my textbooks. Shoving them into my bag, I pick up my binder. As soon as it leaves the ground all my notes start to float out of it into the wind.
“For fuck’s sake,” I mutter while rushing to grab the papers.
“Here,” Spider-Man offers me some pages.
“Thanks,” I squeak out.
“No problem.”
Finally zipping my bag shut, I hear sirens approaching. The flash of red and blue lights reflect at the mouth of the alley.
“Did you let them know they needed to come here?” I groan once again, not wanting to deal with the police.
“I, uh, it’s just–you were being mugged.” I was shocked to hear Spider-Man fumbling over his words. “I reported it before I stopped it. Don’t want these two mugging more people. Y’know the whole ‘friendly neighborhood’ thing isn’t just to describe me.”
I sigh heavily, “I get it. I just don’t want to deal with the cops today. I need to get home soon and don’t have the time to deal with this.”
“The cops don’t like me–”
“ Then why did you– ”
“So I can swing you home before they arrive.”
Spider-Man holds an arm out to me. I don’t have much time to think as I hear the sirens get louder. Slinging my backpack on, I step closer to him. He wraps his arm around my waist.
Keeping me facing him he warns, “Close your eyes and hold on as tight as you want,” before he leaps us into the air.
I quickly bury my face into where I have my arms wrapped around his neck. The rush of us swinging through the air has my head spinning and my stomach dropping. Within minutes I feel him stand on steady ground, my feet landing moments after his. I don’t move yet as my head continues to swim. I feel a warm touch against my hands as he gently pries my hands away from behind his neck. He doesn’t move to push me away from my hiding place in his neck, but he does slowly guide us to sit on the ground.
“You’re okay,” he reassures. “The head rush is intense the first few times. Putting your head between your knees helps with the dizziness.”
I nod at his guidance, not moving yet. “I feel like I’m gonna be sick.”
“That’s normal, too. Putting your head between your knees also helps with that.”
I slowly unbury myself from him and carefully place my head between my knees. The spinning sensation lets up a little, but I still can’t move from my position. I look at the gravel beneath my shoes, focusing on the pebbles to keep my vision steady.
“Thank you,” I whisper out, barely audible.
“No problem,” Spider-Man chuckles, “just part of being the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”
“Where are we?”
“We’re on top of the Saratoga children’s museum.”
“ How ?” I incredulously demand. “That’s like a mile from the coffee shop. And it’s been only, what, a couple of minutes?”
Spider-Man shrugged, but I heard his amused snort. “It’s the same as if you would have driven here.”
I shook my head in disbelief, finally lifting my head to look at him. I couldn’t believe the nonchalance of his answer. He casually swings through the city at like forty miles an hour. And he acts as though that’s nothing.
“Where do you need to go? Spider-Cab can drop you off wherever you want to go in New York. Free of charge,” he jokes around his offer.
“Empire State college. Back toward the coffee shop. Then another half mile and you’ll be at the dorms there,” I explain. “But I can get a cab there. You’ve already saved me, and I’m sure someone else out there could use the assistance.”
“I can take you. It’s part of the job. Saving them from danger and keeping them safe. If that means taking you to your dorm, then I promise to keep you safe until then.”
“Alright,” I concede. “Do you have to swing that fast though? I don’t think I can take it.”
Spider-Man stands and offers me a hand, “I’ll go slower this time.”
Taking his hand, Spider-Man pulls me to my feet before pulling away. He turns his back toward me this time and squats down a little.
“What are you doing?” I tilt my head.
“Hop on,” he looks over his shoulder. “It won’t be as bad if you’re facing where we swing.”
I hesitate a moment longer before putting my arms around him. His hands grab behind my knees and he shrugs me higher onto his back. He moves one hand to my ankle and crosses it around his waist. Understanding what he’s suggesting, I wrap the other around him.
“Hold on tight. We’re going to be slower, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hold on tight. I’ve got you, but it’s a bit trickier with someone on my back. Are you okay with this?” He places his hand on top of mine across his chest.
“I trust you,” I admit.
I barely hear him say, “I’m glad,” as he stands on the ledge. “Here we go!” He shouts.
And just like that we’re swinging through the city again. I squint against the rushing wind, but keep my eyes open. The city looks so different like this. We’re soaring through the air, people below us unaware we’re here. The sounds of traffic can’t be heard over the wind. It’s peaceful.
All too soon it comes to an end. Spider-Man swings us past the coffee shop again, and soon we’re at the college campus. I shout over the wind which dorm building is mine and laugh as he gently lowers us to the roof. I feel adrenaline rushing through me alongside the excitement of having swung through the city.
“Here we are,” Spider-Man announces.
“I don’t think I can move,” I giggle out.
I feel him laugh more than I hear it. He once again carefully pries my off of him, unwrapping my legs from his waist before turning in my hold. I don’t feel as dizzy this time, but with how close he is my head is spinning for a different reason.
“Home safe and sound,” he murmurs. “Just like I promised you.”
“Thank you,” I sigh.
I finally release my hold from around him, but he doesn’t move. Remaining close to me, I try to imagine what he’s doing behind the mask. If his eyes are searching me the way mine are him. With a lot of courage (and reckless abandon) I kiss him on the cheek.
“Good night, Spider-Man,” I whisper against his cheek. “Thank you again for saving me.”
I turn away before he can respond, opening the door to the roof access.
“Good night,” he calls after me.
I turn to look at him. He hasn’t moved from his spot, but now his hand rests over his cheek. I wave as the door shuts behind me. I feel like I’m floating as I make my way down the stairs to my floor. Unlocking my door, I flop onto my bed with a sigh. Looking at the alarm clock near my head, I see the lights blinking ‘5:45 PM’. I smile in relief that I made it back before my study session at six. I lay still as the feeling of excitement fades away with the adrenaline. Soon, I hear a knock on my door through the haze of a nap creeping into my mind. I look at the clock again to see it’s only been five minutes. Getting up, I crack the door open to see who it is. Recognizing Peter, I quickly close the door and remove the chain before opening it up all the way.
“Hi,” Peter cheerily greets.
“Hey,” I smile, “you’re early for a change.”
“I’m usually on time. I’m just chronically late to classes,” he jokes.
I laugh at his comment. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. You ready to cram for this exam?”
“This professor’s exams are the worst. At least I brought snacks this time,” he groans.
I close the door as he enters and lock it. Turning on my laptop I opened the study guide the professor emailed us. As we study, I turn the radio on low, smiling as the voice of J. Jonah Jameson starts to bark on about the most recent Spider-Man sighting earlier tonight.