𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟【 001 x Reader 】

𝗖𝗛. 𝟰 - 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲

You and Peter are sitting next to each other, leaning back against the rock.

The sky quickly became dark after you both agreed on the plan. You took the darkened sky as a sign to try to fall asleep, but it seems as though both of you are having the same problem.

You're completely wide awake, staring at Peter's chest as he steadily exhales and inhales. His eyelids are slightly shaky, but other than that, he's so peaceful. 

Peter's eyes suddenly snap open, immediately locking into yours, and it startles you so much that you let out a hushed curse. You weren't expecting him to still be awake.

"God, Peter, please do not do that ever again," you tell him as he only tilts his head slightly, confused on why you're so perturbed by him simply opening his eyes.

"Can't sleep?" you ask him, and you watch as he nods, giving you a sorry smile.

You hum, biting at your nails, as you try to think of some way to both get you to rest.

"Ah! How about we just talk to each other until we feel really sleep?" you suggest, and you see a hint of interest flash across Peter's eyes.

He agrees, and you think of a couple things to talk about. You can talk about Greek mythology again, but if you're being honest, you're starting to run out of gods/goddesses that you can fully remember. 

"Hmm, now that I think about it.. I hardly know anything about you, Ballard," you start, and Peter raises an eyebrow.

"What's your favorite color?" you ask, and you see Peter let out a quick exhale as he playfully rolls his eyes.

"..Really?" he exasperates only to receive a determined nod from you. 

"I don't have one," Peter flatly states, and you groan.

"Uhm, okay, what do you like to do in your spare time?" 

Peter actually takes some time to ponder an answer for this question, and you grin. 

Even though this dark, red place was literal hell, you at least get to spend some quality time with Peter. Plus, in the laboratory, you two never really got the opportunity to learn about each other personally. It was always small talk about each other's shifts, and now here you two are.

"I like to observe—observe the things that most people cannot comprehend. Other than that, I very much like challenging myself," he truthfully answers. His eyes are steady on yours, meticulously watching your reaction.

His wording is a little odd, you admit, but you just shrug it off. 

"Interesting, but what do you mean about the observing thing? What could Peter Ballard possibly have noticed that no one else in the whole world has?" you teasingly remark, and you swear you can see Peter's smile falter a little bit.

You notice how his fingers start rubbing against his palm.

"Black widows are very.. interesting creatures."

You stay quiet, thinking he'll continue, but he just leaves it off at that. You suppress a laugh, knowing that it would upset Peter if you do.

"Ah, okay, well, you have a point. I normally don't find myself observing arachnids, black widows at that," you say.

"What about you? What do you do in your spare time?" Peter bounces the question back, and you beam.

"As you already know, I read a lot of stuff about Greek mythology, but honestly, that was pretty much it when it came to books. I mean, I guess I watch a lot of television in my spare time? It's been a while, obviously, but I remember I would get home from school and put on any random movie that a classmate would recommend," you answer.