The Recluse •{Spider-Man}•

Chapter 7: Parker Pancakes

🔹Peter's POV🔹

To say I was surprised when Hailey broke Flash's jaw would be a major understatement. She brings a whole new meaning to tiny and mighty.

I can't help but stare as she bounces off on her toes when we leave. This girl is something totally different than most girls I know.

She stops at the doors to wrap her scarf around her neck and looks over at her shoulder. Her eyes meet mine and she quickly averts her gaze. "Hurry up, Parker. I want churros."

I roll my eyes and look at Ned next to me. The look on his face says he would gladly buy Hailey all the churros in the world if she asked him to. His new LEGO set is long forgotten as he looks at me excitedly. "Can I come over?"

I shrug. "Sure."

"Yes!" He pumps his fist in the air and speed walks ahead of me to walk beside Hailey. We leave the building and the biting cold wind stings my face. The sky is gray with big fluffy clouds heavy laden with snow.

Ned is talking animatedly about his newest LEGO set to Hailey and is so into it he doesn't even notice when she slows her pace. She drops back to walk beside me. "Is he always like this?"

"He has his moments. But Ned's a great guy. He's my best friend."

"I can see why. Nerds gotta stick together," she jokes, bumping me with her elbow.

It takes a good three minutes before Ned realizes Hailey isn't beside him anymore, and the poor guy deflates. His face brightens when we get on the subway and he gets a seat next to Hailey. I stand in front of them, watching the two of them talk about old PS games.

"Ratchet & Clank games are hands down the best games I ever played," Hailey says, a dreamy look on her face. "Steven and I used to play Ratchet & Clank Deadlocked multiplayer together all the time. We beat Up Your Arsenal at least a dozen times and got all the bonuses. We never liked Size Matters. Clank is a pain to play. He doesn't have a good double jump or cool skills. He does have a cow gun though..."

"Steven?" Ned asks.

Hailey pales, the smile disappearing from her face. "Um, he's one of my friends from Chicago. My gaming buddy and all that stuff."

"Oh. So not a boyfriend?"

"It was...complicated between us. Anyways, Sly Cooper games are amazing too. I beat one through three, I still haven't had a chance to play the newer ones since they don't work on my PS3," Hailey continues with a smile, but her smile doesn't reach her eyes. Her gaze flickers up to mine. She's starting to look uncomfortable with Ned inching closer and asking more questions. The subway lurches and she takes the opportunity to scoot towards the doors, putting more space between her and Ned.

Ned doesn't notice. Instead, he starts talking about the one level of Crash Bandicoot that he never could beat without my help.

At the mention of me, Hailey looks up at me. "You play on a PlayStation?"

I shrug. "A little."

"We should play Deadlocked multi sometime. I can't clear some of the hell levels by myself. I brought my PS3 system with me from Chicago with all the games. It's ancient, but it works beautifully."

I give her a genuine smile. "Sounds fun."

"Can I play too?" Ned butts in, scooting closer to Hailey yet again. "I've never played Ratchet & Clank before."

"Um, sure? But not today. I haven't got it all set up yet." Hailey sends a wary glance towards Ned and fidgets in her seat.

"We have stuff to talk about anyways, Ned," I add.