𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤

Puppy Love

Parings → Peter Parker x Reader

Warnings → Fluff, mutual pining, casual flirting, puppies, soft!Peter Parker, pet store setting, awkward sweetness.

Summary → Peter visits the pet store twice a week "for the puppies," but really, it's the girl behind the counter he loves.

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You're cleaning the puppy pen when you hear the jingle. The bell above the front door has become your unofficial soundtrack every Tuesday and Friday afternoon.

You don't even have to look up. "Hey, Peter."

"Hey," his voice is soft and shy, like always. "You, uh... got new puppies?"

You turn to face him, already smiling. "Three. Just came in this morning. Two labs and a German shepherd. Wanna meet them?"

Peter's already toeing off his shoes and stepping onto the padded play area before you finish. His face lights up like Christmas morning as two wiggly lab pups tumble into his lap.

You lean on the gate, watching him laugh as one puppy gnaws on his hoodie strings. "Still can't take one home?"

He sighs dramatically. "Nope. Aunt May says if I bring home one more living thing, I'll be the one sleeping in the crate."

You laugh. "That's tragic."

He glances up at you, cheeks slightly pink. "At least I have you guys. And I mean... you. And the dogs. But like-also you."

Your brows lift. "Smooth."

"I try."

Peter visits twice a week. Sometimes he stays twenty minutes. Sometimes an hour. Always with the same excuse: "I needed a puppy fix." But lately, you've noticed he spends more time watching you than the animals.

You pretend not to notice, even though it gives you butterflies.

"So," he says as one puppy clumsily climbs onto his shoulder, "I don't think I ever asked this before, but how'd you end up working here? You like dogs?"

"Nah, I hate 'em," you deadpan. "I'm here for the free fur in my mouth."

He laughs, genuine and unguarded. It makes your chest ache a little.

"I started in high school," you explain. "Needed a job. Stayed because it's hard to leave when you fall in love with every single tail-wagger that walks in."

Peter nods. "I get that."

There's a pause. The puppies have started dozing off, and Peter's stroking the ears of the German shepherd with the gentlest fingers.

"I like it here," he says quietly.

"I like it here," he says softly, still petting the sleepy puppy in his lap.

You tilt your head. "Yeah? The puppies are that good, huh?"

Peter bites his bottom lip, then glances at you, nervous but determined. "I mean... yeah, they're great. But I-uh-kinda mostly come to talk to you. I like... you."

Your heart gives a little jump. "Me?"

"Yeah," he says quickly, looking down. "I mean-you're just-you're always so nice, and funny, and you know everything about these dogs, and your smile's kinda... um, really nice. And I just thought-if you ever wanted to hang out sometime, like outside of the store, maybe... I could buy you coffee? Or something?"

You're smiling now. A full grin. "So you don't come here just for the puppies?"

He rubs the back of his neck, cheeks pink. "Okay, like... 70% puppies. 30% you. Maybe 40%."

You giggle. "That's fair. I guess I can spare a coffee date for the guy who keeps my pups entertained twice a week."

Peter blinks. "Wait-really?"

"Yeah," you nod. "But only if you keep coming back."

He nods fast. "Oh, I will. I definitely will."

You smirk. "And you don't get to name one any weird names just so we're clear."

Peter gasps dramatically. "Okay, wow. Personal attack."

You shrug, trying not to laugh. "Just looking out for the puppies' dignity."

He grins, his eyes crinkling. "Fine. I'll save a weird name for my own dog. Someday."

You smile. "Planning ahead, huh?"

He rubs the back of his neck, gaze dropping. "I mean... maybe. Just sounds nice, y'know? A dog. Someone to come home to. Someone who's happy to see you."

You pause. "That does sound nice."

He meets your eyes then, earnest and a little shy. "Yeah. But for now, I'll take coffee with you."

Your heart flutters. "It's a good start."

He grins, cheeks pink, hope glowing behind his awkward charm.

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