Day 1: The Beginning of Winter Break
Morning:
Deon wakes up slowly, the soft sound of snow falling against his window. It's the first day of winter break, and the exhaustion of balancing school, Spider-Man duties, and the personal losses he's endured hits him like a wave. He lies there for a moment, letting the stillness of the morning wrap around him. Today, he's promised himself a break—a real break. No patrols, no worrying about the city—just time with the people he loves.
As he gets dressed, he thinks of his mom, Rio, downstairs. She's always been his rock, but lately, he's noticed how the stress of her work and raising him alone has been taking its toll. He's resolved to spend more time with her during this break—real, meaningful time, not just passing moments between responsibilities.
When he walks into the kitchen, the smell of coffee and pancakes greets him, as well as the sight of Rio moving gracefully around the room. She's humming softly, dressed in a cozy sweater, her hair loose and casual. There's something peaceful about the scene that makes Deon smile.
"Morning, mijo," Rio says, glancing over her shoulder with a soft smile.
Deon grins, sitting down at the table. "Yeah just us for a week."
Rio arches an eyebrow playfully while blushing at his words, but there's relief in her eyes. "I'll believe that when I see it. But I'm glad. You've been burning the candle at both ends, Deon. You need this."
Deon leans back in his chair, letting the warmth of her words sink in while amazing at her curvy body. "Yeah, I think we both do."
They eat breakfast together, something they haven't done without distractions in a long time. Rio talks about her recent work with the community and the growing support for her rally against gentrification in Harlem. Deon listens, but his mind is already spinning with ideas about how he could help her more—maybe with funding from his YouTube channel, something he's been thinking about.
Afternoon:
Later, Phin arrives. Deon hasn't seen her as much as he'd like since everything happened with her brother. When he opens the door, they just stand there for a moment, neither knowing exactly what to say. Phin's always been strong, but Deon can see how the loss has weighed on her.
"Hey," she says, her voice quiet, but her eyes searching his.
"Hey," Deon replies, stepping aside to let her in. "You doing okay?"
Phin gives a small shrug, looking around the house. "I'm trying. It's nice to be here, though. It feels... safe."
Deon's mom walks over and wraps Phin in a hug, holding her tightly. "Mi casa es tu casa, Phin. You're family."
The three of them settle in the living room, reminiscing about their school days. There's laughter, but beneath it, Deon can feel the tension in Phin—her grief still fresh, her mind still racing. He watches as she starts to relax, though, as if being here, in this house, helps her feel grounded again.
At one point, Deon pulls Phin aside and tells her about his plan. "I've been thinking," he starts, a little unsure. "You've got that brilliant mind, Phin, and you were always ahead in tech. What if I helped you? Like, really helped. We've got some money coming in from my YouTube stuff... I was thinking we could build something. You could start your own company. Tinkers, or something. You could create tech that changes everything—like nanotech, better suits, stuff that could rival Roxxon."
Phin stares at him, surprised but intrigued. "You'd do that? After everything?"
"Of course," Deon says firmly. "You're family. And I believe in you."
Phin's eyes soften, and for the first time in a long time, Deon sees a spark of hope there.
Evening:
Later that night, Deon finds himself alone in his room, staring out the window at the falling snow. His mind drifts between his mom's rallies, Phin's potential future, and Hailey, who he'll see tomorrow. For the first time in a while, he feels like things could actually get better—not just for him, but for everyone he cares about.
Day 2: Snowball Fights and Art with Hailey
Morning:
Deon meets Hailey at the park, the snow crunching beneath his boots as he spots her sitting on a bench with her sketchbook in hand. She looks up when she sees him, her face lighting up with a smile.
"It's so quiet today," Hailey signs, glancing around the snow-covered park.
Deon nods, grinning. "Perfect day for a snowball fight."
They spend the next hour pelting each other with snowballs, their laughter echoing across the empty park. There's something about being with Hailey that makes Deon feel at ease. She's not part of the world that demands Spider-Man—she's just... Hailey. Grounded, kind, and always seeing beauty in the smallest things.
After their playful battle, they sit on a bench, Hailey pulling out her sketchbook to show him some of her recent work—drawings of the city, her ideas for murals, and abstract concepts. Deon admires the intricate lines and the way she captures emotion through her art.
"You're amazing," he signs, watching her smile grow. "You ever think about doing something bigger?"
Hailey pauses, then signs, "I've thought about starting a project—something that could really impact the city. Maybe a mural series, or an art installation that gets people thinking about community, identity... but that takes money."
Deon's eyes light up. "I could help. I've got some extra money coming in, and I want to invest in things that matter. Your art matters, Hailey."
She stares at him, her cheeks flushing. "You'd really do that?"
"Of course. It's not just about helping—it's about believing in you."
Hailey ducks her head, her hands still for a moment before she signs, "Thank you, Deon. You don't know how much that means."
Day 3:
Morning:
Deon wakes up to the smell of coffee. Rio is already downstairs, making breakfast. He knows his mom has been under a lot of stress, especially with her community work and trying to keep the household together. She's been his anchor, but he can see the toll it's taking on her.
He walks into the kitchen, finding her standing by the stove, humming softly as she flips pancakes. There's a certain calmness in the air that feels almost foreign—like they haven't had this peace in too long.
"Morning, mijo," Rio greets him, smiling warmly.
Deon smiles back, sitting at the table. "You seem... relaxed."
Rio chuckles, setting a plate in front of him. "It's the first time in a while we're both home, isn't it?"
"Yeah, and I want it to stay like this for a bit. Just us."
Rio nods, her smile fading a little. She sits across from him, her eyes soft but filled with an unspoken sadness. "You're growing up so fast, Deon. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing it."
"You're not," Deon says firmly. "I'm here. And I want to help more—with everything. The rallies the ... I've been thinking we could move. Somewhere nicer, somewhere you don't have to worry so much."
Rio's eyes widen. "Move? But this is our home."
"It doesn't have to be. We can make a new one—together. And maybe..." Deon hesitates before continuing, "Maybe Phin could stay with us too. She doesn't have anyone else."
Rio's expression softens. "You'd do that for her?"
"She's family," Deon says simply.
Rio runs across the table, squeezing him in to a hug. "You have such a good heart, mijo. I'm proud of you."
Day 4:
Morning:
Deon wakes up to a buzzing phone. It's a message from Phin.
"Meet me at the lab later?"
The old lab where she used to work on her projects with her brother has become a quiet sanctuary for her. She hasn't invited him there in a while, so the fact that she wants to meet there today feels significant.
Deon texts back, "On my way."
When he arrives, the air is still and cold, the snow falling lightly around him. The lab is tucked away in an industrial part of the city, but Phin has made it her own over the years. He steps inside, the familiar smell of metal and circuitry filling the space. Phin is already there, tinkering with something on a workbench.
"Hey," she says without looking up, her voice calm but focused.
Deon walks over and leans against the bench, watching her work. "What are you building?"
Phin glances up, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Just a prototype. Something I've been working on for a while. If it works... it could change a lot."
Deon's eyes widen as he watches her hands move deftly across the tools. "Nanotech?"
"Sort of," she says, her tone modest, but Deon knows better. Phin has always been ahead of the curve. She finishes her adjustments and steps back, exhaling deeply. "There. Ready to test."
Deon looks at the small device in front of them, impressed. "This is incredible, Phin. You're incredible."
She smiles, but there's a vulnerability in her eyes. "Thanks. I've been... thinking a lot about what you said the other day. About the company, about Tinkers. I wasn't sure at first, but... maybe it's time I stopped hiding and started doing something real."
Deon steps closer, his voice soft. "You're not alone in this. We'll do it together."
Phin looks up at him, their eyes locking. There's a shared understanding between them—one built on years of friendship, loss, and now, hope. Slowly, she reaches out, taking his hand in hers. It's a small gesture, but it feels monumental.
"Thank you, Deon," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "For believing in me."
Deon squeezes her hand gently, feeling the warmth of her touch. "Always."
Day 5:
Afternoon:
Deon and Hailey are sitting in a small coffee shop, the snow continuing to fall gently outside. Hailey's sketchbook is open on the table between them, filled with rough sketches and ideas for her new project. She's explaining her vision, signing quickly, her eyes bright with excitement.
"I want to create something that represents the people of Harlem," she signs, her movements fluid and expressive. "Something that shows our resilience, our history, and our future. A mural that stretches across the entire side of a building, with pieces from different artists—each one contributing to the story."
Deon nods, captivated by her passion. "That sounds amazing. Have you talked to anyone about it yet?"
Hailey shakes her head. "Not yet. I'm still working on the design, and... I need funding. But I don't want it to be corporate. It has to come from the community."
Deon leans back in his chair, thinking. "What if we set up a fundrar? Something grassroots, where people can donate and be a part of it and i could get local businesses involved."
Hailey's eyes widen, her hands pausing mid-sign. "You'd really do that?"
"Of course," Deon signs back. "This is important, Hailey. You're important."
Hailey stares at him for a long moment, her expression softening. Then, she reaches out and places her hand over his, her touch gentle but firm. "Thank you."
Deon smiles, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Anytime."
Day 6:
Evening:
Deon and Rio are at a community center, preparing for one of Rio's rallies. The room is buzzing with energy as volunteers set up chairs and tables, and there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Rio is standing at the front of the room, speaking with a group of community leaders, her voice strong and confident.
Deon watches her from across the room, feeling a swell of pride. His mom has always been a fighter, but lately, she's been taking on more than ever. The rally tonight is against a major development project that threatens to displace hundreds of families in Harlem, and Rio is at the forefront of the fight.
"Hey," she says, walking over to him with a clipboard in hand. "How's it looking out there?"
"Everything's ready," Deon replies, glancing around the room. "Looks like a good turnout."
Rio smiles, but there's a flicker of exhaustion in her eyes. "I just hope we can make a difference. These developers aren't backing down."
Deon frowns, his mind already racing with ideas. "Maybe I could help. I've got some connections now—people who could get the word out, bring more attention to this."
Rio looks at him, surprised. "You'd do that?"
"Yeah," Deon says firmly. "This is important, Mom. And I want to be there for you."
Rio's eyes soften, and she reaches out, pulling him into a tight hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you, mijo."
"You won't have to find out," Deon murmurs, holding her close.
Day 7: Moving Forward
Morning:
Deon is sitting in his room, looking out at the snow-covered city. The past week has been a whirlwind—reconnecting with Phin, supporting Hailey's art, helping his mom with the rally. It's been busy, but for the first time in a long time, Deon feels like things are falling into place.
There's still so much to do—starting Tinkers with Phin, launching the fundraiser for Hailey's project, finding a new home for him and his mom—but he's not doing it alone. He has a team now, a family, and that makes all the difference.
As he gets up to start his day, his phone buzzes with a new message. It's from Phin.
"I've been thinking... about us. Can we talk?"
Deon's heart skips a beat. He knows this conversation has been coming for a while, and part of him is nervous. But another part of him is ready—ready to move forward, not just with Phin, but with everything.
He texts back, "Yeah, let's talk."
As he heads out the door, the snow still falling softly around him, Deon feels a sense of calm wash over him.
When Deon and Phin finally sit down to talk, there's a tension in the air, but also a sense of relief. They meet at the same spot they've been frequenting lately—a quiet café with a view of the snow-covered city. The warmth inside contrasts with the cold outside, but Deon can still feel the chill of anticipation.
Phin looks at him across the table, her eyes serious but kind. "I've been thinking a lot about everything—about us, about Tinkers, and about what's next."
Deon nods, leaning forward. "Me too. I know things have been crazy, but I'm ready to move forward with you. Whether it's Tinkers or... us."
Phin takes a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "We've been through so much, Deon. Losing Rick you losing your dad... I didn't know if I could feel normal again. But you've been there through all of it. You've been more than a friend."
Deon's heart skips a beat, but he stays quiet, letting her continue.
They sit in a comfortable silence for a moment before Phin shifts the conversation. "And Tinkers... I'm so excited, but I'm also nervous. We've got so many ideas—nanotech, advanced suits, everything we talked about—but the competition out there is tough. Stark Industries, Roxxon, and even Oscorp are still dominant forces. And younger tech companies like ours are barely a blip on their radar. But we have something special."
Deon leans in. "I believe in Tinkers, Phin. I've been saving money from my YouTube channel, and I want to invest in it. Not just as a business, but because I believe you can change the world with your inventions. We can do this—together."
Phin looks up at him, her eyes filled with determination. "With your help, we can. But we have to be ready. Stark's tech is still cutting-edge, and other companies are desperate to claim the top spot. They're going to fight us, not just in the market, but maybe in other ways too."
Deon nods, his mind flashing back to some of the battles he's fought as Spider-Man. He knows that competition in the tech world can turn dangerous, especially when big names like Roxxon are involved. "We'll take it step by step. I've got Peter and Genki helping me on the Spider-Man side, and if we need to, we'll make sure Tinkers is protected from anyone who tries to shut it down."
Phin smiles, a small but genuine expression of hope. "With you, I think we can face anything."