𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤

Safe With You

Parings → Peter Parker x Reader

Warnings → fluff, introvert! Reader

Summary → Peter's your safe place.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★

The cafeteria was loud-louder than usual. The buzz of overlapping conversations, the clatter of trays, and the occasional burst of laughter made your head spin. You hated crowds. The sheer amount of people, the noise, the pressure to navigate social situations-it was exhausting. You kept your head down, gripping your lunch tray tightly, your heart hammering in your chest. You wished you could disappear.

But then you spotted him.

Peter Parker, sitting at your usual table near the window, already looking at you. The moment your eyes met, he smiled-warm, familiar, safe. The tightness in your chest eased. Your feet moved on their own, weaving through the chaos, straight to him.

"Hey, Y/n/n! There's my favorite person," Peter greeted, scooting over to make room for you.

You sat down with a soft sigh, placing your tray in front of you. "You always say that," you murmured, but there was no real complaint in your voice.

"Because it's always true," he shot back, grinning. "Rough morning?"

You poked at your food, hesitating for only a second before sighing. "Mrs. Thompson made me answer a question in front of the whole class."

Peter winced. "Yikes. Did she at least pick something easy?"

You shook your head. "Nope. It was about the Industrial Revolution, and my brain just... shut down. Everyone was staring, and I could feel my face burning. I swear I forgot how to speak English for a second."

Peter laughed softly, nudging your shoulder. "I bet you did fine."

"You weren't there. It was a disaster."

"You know what's a disaster? Me trying to cook," Peter said, leaning in conspiratorially. "Last night, I thought I could make grilled cheese, and somehow, I set off the smoke alarm. May banned me from using the stove for a week."

You snorted, unable to help the small laugh that escaped you. "You set bread on fire?"

"Apparently, I have a talent for it," he said, looking proud of himself.

"You're ridiculous," you muttered, shaking your head, but you were smiling. Around Peter, it was easy. The anxiety that normally weighed you down seemed lighter. You could talk freely, ramble without overthinking every word.

Peter rested his chin on his hand, watching you with an affectionate smile. "You know, I love hearing you talk."

Your face heated instantly. "Why?"

"Because you're quiet around everyone else, but with me, you're yourself." His voice was soft, genuine. "I like that."

You stared at him, feeling a lump form in your throat. He always did this-said things so effortlessly that made your heart squeeze. "I-um." You cleared your throat, focusing on your tray. "It's just... You never judge, so, I feel safe with you."

Peter's smile widened. "Good. Because I'd fight off all the scary teachers and public speaking assignments for you if I could."

You rolled your eyes, but the warmth in your chest remained.

Safe. That's what Peter Parker was to you. Safe.

And maybe, just maybe, that was the best feeling in the world.

‎∗ ࣪ ˖༺ 𓆩☆𓆪 ༻˖ ࣪ ∗