Peripatetic | TASM!Peter Parker x Reader

04: Skateboards and Butterflies

Y/N STARK (6-2-8)

I woke up the next morning feeling a sense of anticipation coursing through my veins. The sun's gentle rays streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on my face as I stretched and yawned, fully embracing the start of a new day. As I rolled out of bed, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips, eager to see what adventures awaited me. I quickly went through my morning routine, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and getting dressed in some comfortable work out clothes.

I opened my bedroom door, ready to head down to the training rooms, when I nearly walked into new Peter, his hand raised as if he were about to knock. I swore loudly, placing a hand on my racing heart. "Shit!" I exclaimed. "You just shaved, like, four years off of my life."

Peter winced slightly. "Sorry, I was just about to knock." He looked down at my outfit before asking, "Where are you going?"

"Training," I replied. I hesitated, before asking, "Wanna come with?"

He nodded and followed me down to the training floor. Bucky and Natasha were waiting for us, as well as our Peter. As per usual, we went through a warm up, stretching our limbs and doing a bit of cardio. We then entered the HARM room, which created holograms for us to defend ourselves against. New Peter got the hang of it pretty quickly, he and our Peter working easily alongside each other.

And then we moved onto sparring. Bucky took our Peter, and I went up against new Peter, Natasha watching us closely, and offering pointers. I aimed a blow at him but he dodged a split second before I struck, his senses telling him what was coming. He sent his own attacks back, putting me on the defensive as they came at me in rapid fire. I was able to twist away and aim a high kick at his head, but he moved out of the way, resulting in my foot knocking against his shoulder instead, which set him slightly off balance. I used it to my advantage, kicking him in the chest and then wrapping my legs around his middle and throwing him down to the floor. He let out an oomph when he hit the ground, his gorgeous brown eyes staring into mine.

"Shit, you're good," he complimented, taking my hand as I helped him up.

I shrugged. "You're pretty good yourself," I said, trying to ignore the strange feeling I got as I gripped his hand in mine.

He offered me a grin and we entered another round of sparring. He was actually really good, and his enhanced strength aided him in combating me. A while later we called it and headed up to the kitchen, eagerly awaiting food.

"I gotta go," our Peter stated, scoffing down his breakfast. "I said I'd meet MJ."

"Bye, have fun," I replied.

Peter swallowed the last of his breakfast and smiled. "Bye, Y/n. I love you."

"Love you," I called after him as he disappeared into the elevator.

It was silent for a while as new Peter and I ate our breakfast, until he broke the silence. "Uh, who's MJ?"

"Peter's girlfriend," I replied.

"Oh," he said, chewing on his lip. "So... you two aren't...?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "No. He's my best friend, that's all."

New Peter nodded to himself, finishing his breakfast. We decided that we would go buy some skateboards, so that I could take Peter up on his offer to teach me how to skate. With my dad's seemingly limitless supply of money, buying two skateboards was no big deal, but Peter was uncertain. I assured him that it was no big deal, and while he was still hesitant, he agreed to let me buy them, and all of the other bits and bobs that we'd need.

We went back to the tower to assemble the skateboards, seeing as we had tools there. I honestly had no idea what Peter was up to with the skateboards, but he seemed to know what he was doing. He had a screwdriver in hand and his sleeves rolled up, showcasing his extremely muscular arms. I may or may not have missed him asking me for another tool due to those arms, but no one would be able to prove it.

Once our skateboards were assembled, Peter took me to a small skatepark on the outskirts of Queens. It was completely empty, and had a lot of flat space to learn on. Peter showed me how to stand on the skateboard, and how to move my knees and position my feet. After his demonstration, I set my own skateboard on the ground and eyed it warily.

"It's not going to bite you," Peter assured with a playful grin.

I narrowed my eyes at him and stepped onto the skateboard, feeling confident – until it flew out from underneath me. I tumbled forwards but Peter was already there, hands out and grabbing my hips to steady me. My hands landed on his shoulders, and I looked into his eyes, seeing mischief dancing in them.

"Shut up," I said, pushing away from him.

Peter just chuckled. "I didn't say anything." I rolled my eyes at him and he pushed my skateboard over to me. "Try again. I'll be right here if you need me."

His words filled me with a renewed sense of confidence, and with a deep breath, I stepped onto the skateboard, wobbling slightly as I found my balance. Peter stood beside me, offering guidance.

"Alright, now push off gently with your foot and try to maintain your balance," he instructed.

I followed his lead, pushing off and feeling the skateboard glide beneath my feet. Surprisingly, it felt exhilarating — a rush of freedom as the wind brushed against my face. I couldn't help but smile, the worries of the world momentarily fading away.

Peter's encouraging voice pulled me back to the present. "That's it, Y/n! You're doing great! Just keep your focus and go with the flow."

We stayed at the skatepark for a few more hours as he taught me to turn and keep my balance, as well as a few more basics. For a while I just sat and watched him go on the ramps, flying through the air as the wind tousled his curls. Although I would never admit it to anyone, I enjoyed watching him.

WORDS: 1K

NOTES: aw. don't we just love repressed love at first sight<3