A Few Days Later:
Deon stands beside Phin in her newly leased office space, a small but sleek area overlooking Harlem. The sunlight streams through the tall windows, reflecting off the scattered tools, blueprints, and screens that already hint at the tech wonders Phin has been building. It's the beginning of Tinkers, Phin's brainchild and the project that could change the future of advanced tech.
"This is just phase one," Phin says, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Right now, it's just me working on prototypes. But soon, I'm going to start bringing in people—brilliant minds who can help build something bigger."
Deon nods, his hands in his pockets, feeling the electric buzz of potential in the air. "I have no doubt this is going to blow up," he says, offering her a warm smile. "And whatever you need, you know I've got your back."
Phin turns to him, her expression softening. "I know. And... I've been thinking about how we can take this further. It's not just about tech, Deon. I want Tinkers to be a company that gives back. Like what Stark Industries does, but better—cleaner, more accessible. I'm not just building gadgets. I want to change the way we think about energy, the way we power cities."
Deon raises an eyebrow, impressed. "You're thinking big. I love it."
Phin laughs, the sound light but determined. "I'm serious. We can use new forms of sustainable energy, Deon. Imagine—tech that can power entire neighborhoods with zero waste, tech that doesn't just make life easier but also fixes some of the damage we've done to the planet."
Deon leans against the desk, looking at the blueprints sprawled across it. "You're really onto something here. I can see Tinkers being huge. You're going to change the game, Phin."
She smiles at him, a spark of vulnerability in her eyes. "I couldn't do it without your support, Deon. Having you believe in this... it means everything."
Deon feels the weight of her words and knows that, no matter how his life as Spider-Man may complicate things, he'll always be there for her, for this. "We're a team, Phin. We're in this together."
With that, they begin brainstorming potential investors, networking opportunities, and how to introduce Tinkers to the world. It's no longer just an idea—it's becoming a reality. And while Phin takes the lead on the tech side, Deon is thinking about ways to make sure the project aligns with his values too—how it can help the people of Harlem, how it can improve the community he's always been so close to.
They decide on their first major step: launching a public demo in Harlem, showcasing Phin's tech innovations to the city and raising awareness about sustainable energy. It'll be part of the upcoming mural event, making it a dual showcase of art and tech—a way to tie their two passions together.
Hailey's Mural Project: A Community Event
The plaza in Harlem is buzzing with energy. Music plays from a local band as people gather to see the mural Hailey has been working on, a massive project that spans the side of a building. The artwork tells the story of Harlem—its rich history, its cultural diversity, its resilience. Community members, young and old, hold paintbrushes and spray cans, adding their own touches to the mural under Hailey's guidance.
Deon stands next to Hailey as she directs a group of kids, showing them how to blend colors to create the sunset effect she's been envisioning for the upper corner of the mural.
"This is amazing, Hailey," Deon says, watching her work. "You've really brought the whole community together."
Hailey grins, wiping a smudge of paint from her cheek. "It's not just me. Look around—everyone's part of this now. That's what I wanted."
Deon glances around, seeing familiar faces—neighbors, families, friends—all pitching in, laughing, creating something beautiful together. It's exactly what Harlem needs, a reminder that even in tough times, they're all connected, part of something bigger.
As the mural starts to take its final shape, Phin arrives, wheeling in a large piece of tech. Deon joins her, helping set it up in the middle of the plaza. It's one of her latest inventions: a holographic display that projects moving images, seamlessly integrating with the mural. The projection shows key moments from Harlem's history—civil rights marches, jazz performances, and community rallies—all coming to life on the mural's painted backdrop.
The crowd gasps in awe as the hologram flickers on, adding a dynamic layer to the mural. It's a collaboration between art and technology, something new and inspiring. Deon catches Hailey's eye, and she nods at him, her smile wide, clearly moved by the impact of the project.
"Everyone's going to be talking about this," Hailey signs to him. "The mural, the tech—it's making people feel something. That's what I wanted."
Deon watches as people gather around, taking photos, sharing their own stories about Harlem, and engaging with the mural. He realizes that this is more than just a project—it's a celebration of everything they've been working toward, individually and together. Hailey's vision has come to life, and Phin's tech is already making waves, showing people what's possible when innovation meets community.
Later That Night:
Deon and Rio sit together in their apartment, looking at real estate listings. After the success of the mural event and the momentum building for Tinkers, they both feel it's time to take the next step.
"This one looks good," Rio says, pointing to a listing for a house just a few blocks away from the heart of Harlem. "It's got enough space for the two of us... and maybe a few guests."
Deon smiles at her, knowing what she's implying. A new home, not just for him and his mom, but maybe for Phin too. And with Hailey and Phin both becoming such key parts of his life, he knows this next chapter will be a balancing act—but one he's ready for.
As they scroll through more listings, Deon feels a sense of peace. He's no longer running from the past, no longer trying to figure out how to juggle everything on his own. With Rio, Phin, and Hailey by his side, he's building something—relationships, projects, a future—that feels solid, real.
"Whatever happens next," Deon says, leaning back in his chair, "I think we've got this."
Rio smiles at him, her eyes filled with pride. "We've always got this, mijo."