stars around his scars

he always liked sunsets

Peter looked at the crumpled up piece of paper in his hand. Dorm room 209. Easy enough to remember, and the dormitories weren't too far from the science building. He was a chemistry major. It was either that or biology, but Peter found chemistry more interesting. Plus it was his best subject. He had applied for a scholarship but was rejected. The college only offered one science scholarship and it went to someone else. He was upset about it, of course he was. But it only motivated him to work harder. Maybe if he did well this year, there'd be another opportunity.
He knocked on the dorm door quickly before walking in. He let out a small sigh of relief as he found he was alone. It gave him some time to settle in, maybe practice introducing himself some more before his roommate got there. Plus, he got first pick for what bed he wanted.
The room was relatively empty. There were two twin sized beds, one closer to the door and one closer to the window. Peter put his bag on the bed closer to the window. That way he had a quicker way out if Spider-Man was needed.
There was a nightstand beside each bed, a desk against the wall, and two dressers. Beside the desk there was a door, leading to the bathroom. Peter walked in and looked around. Jesus, it was cramped. A sink and a toilet faced each other, barley enough room to stand between them. A square shower was next to the sink that looked about 100 years old.
Well. Welcome home.
Peter sighed as he left the bathroom, crashing onto his bed. He figured he'd do some unpacking later. Right now he just wanted to lay down, sleep off the embarrassment from earlier.
She traveled into his mind again. Gwen Stacy. Pink dusted his cheeks as he thought about her. He could've sworn he felt his heart pound out of his chest when they had first made eye contact. He had never seen anyone as beautiful as her.
And she had actually talked to him. In high school, girls never talked to Peter unless they wanted something. Help with homework or some free pictures. Even after Peter completely wiped out in front of Gwen, pulling her down with him, and on top of that rambled for what seemed like ages, she gave him a smile and introduced herself. And Peter couldn't figure out why.
Maybe the fall gave her a concussion, maybe she wasn't thinking straight, was the only logical explanation Peter could come up with. But he hoped it wasn't true. He hoped she talked to him because she simply wanted to.
Peter must have fallen asleep at some point, because he woke up to a crash and an unfamiliar voice.
"Aw man."
Peter rubbed his eyes and looked over at who he could only assume was Edward Leeds. A box was on its side on the ground in front of the boy, its contents spilled out. It was mostly comic books, or Star Wars related items.
Peter got up and instinctively started helping Edward pick his things up.
"Oh you don't have to- thanks." The boy smiled at Peter. Peter nodded before picking up an action figure, examining it. He noticed the uniqueness of the figure, his eyes widening.
"Dude.. this is limited edition." He looked up at his roommate, whose eyes lit up immediately.
"I know! Isn't it cool? I got it at a comic con."
Peter's body had felt like a weight had been lifted off of it. His roommate liked the same things as he did. He wouldn't have to deal with judging stares when he was trying to read the newest Star Wars book. He even had someone to discuss it with.
"You're Edward, right?"
The boy nodded, "Yeah. Everyone calls me Ned, though."
Peter picked up the last of Ned's things and handed them to him. "I'm Peter Parker."
The boys stared for a few awkward seconds, having nothing more to talk about. Peter looked around the room, scratching the back of his neck.
"I took the bed by the window, I hope you don't mind."
"I don't." Ned gave a small, awkward smile.
Silence filled the room again before Peter made his way to where he left his bag. "I should.. unpack."
"Yeah, yeah. Me too." Ned agreed.
The boys unpacked their things in silence, both too shy to strike up a conversation.
Peter finished putting his things away and sat on his bed. He looked out the window. The sun had begun to set, pinks and oranges painting the sky. He always liked sunsets. It was a beautiful reminder that the day was coming to an end. That he'd have a fresh start the next day.
"It's pretty." Ned spoke softly.
Peter looked over at the other. "Hm?"
Ned pointed out the window, looking at the view as well. "The sunset. And you can even see stars out here. There's no light pollution like in the city."
Peter looked back out the window at the blanket of night slowly beginning to cover the sky. He could already see some stars. He lived in the city his whole life, he barely ever saw stars. He smiled softly, feeling somewhat calm for the first time since he had arrived.
"It is pretty."
He wondered about the upcoming year. It had certainly started out interesting. He worried that it would just be a repeat of high school. Just trying to make it out alive, head low and eyes down.
But he looked at the sunset and reminded himself he could try again tomorrow. Maybe the first day wasn't ideal, but he had the rest of the year to make up for it.