Flower Child (Peter Parker, MCU)

Bravery on Autopilot

This Is Why — Paramore

"No peace," Lila turned around, not even bothering to close the door. She knew Harry would do it after letting himself in. "Not one damn minute."

True to her thoughts, she heard the door close behind her. "I'll say. I'm not gonna be able to sleep after this. What do you mean that shy boy I flirted with is Spider-Man? The boy who's been simping after you since I met him?"

"Yes, Harry," Lila said over her shoulder, and gave her dad a look. "Room for one more?"

"Always," Ted answered.

Harry wore what he called a Princess Diana outfit, consisting of an oversized shirt and exercise shorts. Even still, he looked polished and put together. The only thing that was disheveled about him was his expression, he was genuinely at a loss at what emotion to pick.

Lila would've been worried if she didn't know Harry would gather himself soon. And sure enough, he did, for Harry seemed to find his thoughts again. "Damn, here I was thinking I was the coolest person you've ever been associated with."

She couldn't help herself, Lila rolled her eyes. "I never s-said that."

"I know," He pouted, slumping his shoulders. He waved half-heartedly in Ted's direction before adding, "I thought it was just an unspoken truth. Hey, Ted, how've you been?"

"Hi, Harry," Ted said politely. Lila thought maybe her dad was going easy on Harry, given what all had been happening that day. "I've had better days."

"Right?" Lila was completely forgotten as Harry pulled up a chair on the kitchen island. Harry sidled into the seat like he was a regular at a bar, and sighed heavily. "I mean, what are we supposed to do with her? I'm the first person to say she should have high standards, but superhero standards?"

Ted merely opened his mouth to respond, but Harry had already turned to face Lila. "You have got to include me in your manifestation mantras. Like, what witch sprinkled you with the power to nab Spider-Man—?"

"No w-witchcraft," Lila's eyes widened a little in surprise, but when she saw her dad's curious stare, she sputtered out, "None. I s-swear, I did it the o-old fashioned way."

"Animal sacrifice," Harry stated, nodding sagely.

Lila pinched the bridge of her nose, "No, Harry. I told him h-how I felt. You know, sharing — sharing my feelings?"

"...Telepathically?" Harry asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"No!" Lila shouted, startling herself, but indignantly putting her hands on her hips. "Not that th-this is the point, but I'm a real catch, okay? And it w-wasn't like I — I was aiming for superhero st-status when I started liking Peter, but I could be with anyone I wanted — oh thank god, MJ."

The knock at the door interrupted her, and she gratefully excused herself from the current conversation. She saw Harry throw Ted an exasperated stare before she made it to the door, grumbling. Michelle was on the other side of the door, pocketing her phone, her concern apparent. Lila merely held the door open as MJ walked through, not keen to keep it open for long.

"I saw a video of you on top of the Queensborough Bridge this afternoon," MJ started, and Lila winced. "Are you okay?"

Just like she thought, Ted had stopped cooking, looking over at her with brows raised. "That is not a recurring thing," Lila assured him. "Swear to Thor, that will not be happening again."

Ted just sighed, and turned back to his cooking. Lila turned to face MJ, who looked between her and Ted with apprehension. Lila merely shrugged and ran a hand along the top of her head before she tightened her ponytail.