Peripatetic | TASM!Peter Parker x Reader

06: More Skateboards and More Butterflies

Y/N STARK (6-2-8)

Just like yesterday, I met Peter in the training rooms and we worked out together and sparred, before getting ready to go to the skatepark. I was getting much better at skating, and Peter even suggested that I could try a slope today, rather than just flat ground.

I stood at the top of the slope, looking at Peter, who stood at the bottom. The slope wasn't steep, but I was still partially hesitant. All I needed to do was give myself a little push, but I couldn't seem to do it. I was scared. I almost scoffed at myself. I was an Avenger, and I was afraid of riding down a small hill. I wasn't sure if I was more afraid of getting hurt, or embarrassing myself in front of Peter.

"I'll catch you if you fall," Peter promised, clearly sensing my hesitance.

I took a deep breath, his words offering a small amount of comfort. But it was just enough, because I pushed off, and started the decline. It was a bit faster than I'd gone before, but I was fine. A smile began to grow on my face, which halted as I began to wobble. Before I could stop, I toppled over, but Peter was there to catch me. There was a flash of pain at my knees, but it became irrelevant the moment I realised how close I was to Peter. His hands were gripping my waist, and for a moment I wished he would never let go. I liked the way his hands felt on me – so much so I felt my face warming.

I looked into his eyes – and boy was that a mistake. I found myself captivated by Peter's eyes, losing myself in their depths as time seemed to stand still. They were pools of warmth and tenderness, drawing me in with their rich hues and gentle sparkle. In those mesmerising eyes, I saw a kaleidoscope of emotions reflected back at me. There was unwavering affection, as if I were the most precious person in his world. I saw a hint of playfulness in those eyes, a mischievous glint that danced like sunlight on water. It hinted at the adventures that awaited us; it was an invitation to embrace spontaneity and create memories together, reminding me of the exhilaration that came from being by his side. His eyes held a quiet strength, like the unwavering anchor amidst life's storms. In their depths, I saw unwavering support and unwavering trust, reassuring me that I was never alone. They were windows to a soul that would stand by me through thick and thin, offering solace and understanding.

But above all, I saw passion in those eyes — a fire that burned bright and fierce. It was a reflection of the depth of his feelings, the intensity of his love. They held promises of stolen glances, tender moments, and a future filled with shared dreams. In those eyes, I glimpsed the unspoken desire to protect and cherish me, to be the one who made my heart skip a beat.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to say yes, but remembered the pain in my knees. I looked down and winced — that was a lot of blood. Peter followed my gaze and swore softly before rummaging through his backpack and pulling out a bottle of water, bandages, and some alcohol wipes. He moved back over to me and began to clean up my wound.

"I can do that," I said, feeling my face warm in embarrassment.

"It's fine," he replied, wiping away the blood.

I shut my mouth, although my mind screamed at me. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die — for some reason, this seemed to be the most embarrassing thing that had ever happened to me.

"I'm sorry you got hurt," Peter expressed. "It's not too bad, though. You should have seen my knees and elbows when I first started out."

I smiled slightly, trying to imagine Peter falling off of his skateboard. He was so talented at it now, that it seemed impossible that he was once bad at it. Once he'd finished, my knees only stung a little, but I'd had worse.