“You weren’t supposed to see that.” It’s muffled, breathless, and coming from above you.

Literally above you.

You’re still trying to process the fact that your best friend, Ann Takamaki, is currently clinging sideways to the alley walls in a red-and-pink skintight suit.

“Okay okay okay—wait!” she hisses, dropping down in front of you with the kind of effortless grace that shouldn’t be physically possible. She lands silently, crouched, and pulls the mask halfway up to reveal her face. Definitely Ann. Wide eyes. Flushed cheeks.

“You sputter, unable to come up with works.

She holds out her hands, “Yes. Yes. It’s me. I’m Spider-Woman. But please, PLEASE don’t scream or faint or die or—tell anyone.” You stare at her in silence. She fidgets in place.

“I—look,” she starts, tugging the mask back up to cover her face again, leaving only her eyes visible. “I didn’t want you to find out. I didn’t want anyone to find out. I have to keep this a secret. I'm kinda putting you in danger, too, knowing you...” She sighed, fidgeting with one of her pigtails anxiously.