stars around his scars

a spilt coffee and a beautiful girl

Peter Parker was never the type for romance. He certainly wasn't good at talking to girls, but none of them liked him anyway. Once he became Spider-Man he had an excuse to avoid that part of his life. He was too busy, had too much responsibility. He couldn't settle down.
Peter sighed softly as he looked out the passenger seat window. He was on his way to college. Nerves plagued his thoughts. It wasn't even college he was worried about, he'd be fine. He never struggled academically. He was worried about May being on her own. He looked over at her driving, noticing a tear form in her waterline.
"May.." Peter started. He knew if she started to cry, he would too.
May wiped her eyes with her hand, shaking her head as she drove. "I'm fine, Peter. I'm just proud of you. That's all."
The ride to school wasn't very long, just about an hour away. Most of it Peter spent watching the scenery out the window, listening to music. He could hear his heart rate pick up as May pulled into the campus parking lot. Peter stayed put.
"We're here."
"Yeah, I know." Peter nodded.
May sighed, reaching over to take his hand. "This is a fresh start for you, Peter. You can make some friends- maybe even meet a girl. This is good."
Peter looked over at her and forced a small smile. "Promise you'll be okay on your own?"
May nodded. "I promise. You shouldn't be worrying about me, it should be the other way around."
Peter shrugged and got out of the car after a moment of silence. The air wasn't cold, but he still shivered as a breeze gently blew at him. He went to the trunk and opened it, taking his bag and slinging it around his shoulder. He shut the trunk and stood there for a moment, debating just getting back into the car and asking May to take him home.
May pulled him into a tight hug, kissing his forehead. "Call me if you need anything. I love you, Peter."
Peter felt a lump form in his throat and he nodded stiffly, mumbling that he loved her too. He stepped back as he watched her get into the car and drive off. His eyes were stinging.
Great way to start off college, Parker. Crying in front of everyone.
He cleared his throat and started making his way to the dorms. He kept his head down, looking at his phone for the building number. His roommate was someone named Edward Leeds. He practiced introducing himself in his head. If he was going to make some friends, might as well start with his roommate.
Hey.. uh. Hi. I'm Peter. Hey, I'm Peter Parker. You're Edward. I mean- that's what the sheet says, so I'm assuming-
He was forced out of his thoughts as he felt a blunt force hit his chest. He cursed as he fell, realising he had completely ran into someone while he was walking.
"Shit- shit, I'm so sorry I wasn't looking where I was-"
He looked up. He was met with a striking pair of green eyes. All of his senses dulled and he felt a warm tingling grow in his body.
"..going."
The girl had light hair, framed around her face in effortless curls. Peter felt like he couldn't breathe for a moment. But he quickly was snapped out of his trance as he realised the girl had spilled coffee on herself.
"Oh my god- you- I'm sorry! I really should have been looking- I'm just going to-"
He got up and started to walk off before kicking himself internally. He went back and started to pick up the girls books.
"I should help you with this. I'm really sorry."
He handed her the books, blood rushing up his neck to his face. Great first impression on quite literally the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He watched as she slowly stood up, a puzzled look on her face, and took her things.
"Thanks.." The girl looked down.
Her voice shot through Peter's body like a shiver down his spine. Her voice was so soft, so beautiful. It sounded like music. He realised he was staring. Shit, he was staring. Without another word he walked away again. Then turned back around. Again.
"I can buy you a new coffee if you want- did it burn you? I'm so sorry- really- do you want my jacket? You- got some on- your shirt-" He was rambling, but he couldn't seem to shut himself up. His cheeks burned as he was suddenly aware of stares from other students. Great. He had already completed ruined any chance at friends, and he hadn't even been there for an hour. Against all of his better judgment, he spoke again.
"Peter Parker."
Peter almost died of embarrassment right then and there. He meant to try and introduce himself, maybe ease some of the tension, but he just made himself look like more of an idiot. He just stated his name out of nowhere.
"I meant- I'm Peter Parker, and I'm going now. Sorry."
Peter turned around, biting the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood.
"Gwen Stacy."
Peter's head perked up and he looked over his shoulder slightly. The girl had a small smile on her face.
"I'm Gwen Stacy."
Peter thought he was dreaming. He couldn't believe she was actually talking to him after quite possibly the worst first interaction ever. He raised his eyebrows and nodded. He opened his mouth to respond, but decided against it before he embarrassed himself further. He simply turned and jogged to the dorm building.
God, Gwen Stacy. He wouldn't be able to get her off of his mind for a long time.