The Spider and The Flame (Peter Parker)

Part 16- Inside

Pete runs again to attack the dummy while I watch quietly. I know that Cap is here to rescue me, but I'm not sure if now is the time to run. With Vision here keeping an eye on me, theres no way I could get away without causing a huge scene. I'll have to wait until Pete brings me out here alone.

I don't want to leave this place, but I know that I have to. I gave my word to Cap that I'd fight with him, and staying here is blatantly betraying my word and what I believe in. I don't agree with the accords, I would like to be able to choose when and where I should be fighting.

But what if I stay? I know that it might ruin my relationship with Cap, but it would save my relationship with Peter. He'd never have to see the USB and he'd never hate me. It would save me from returning to how I used to be.

Ever since I got these powers I've been very isolated from the world. I've never had any real friends and I tried my best to keep my head down in crowds. I never pictured myself as a superhero, knowing that my powers do more damage than good. I've hurt too many people to ever truly be forgiven.

When Peter came in to my life, he changed my aspect of everything. He's a boy from Queens who's had it harder than some. He told me about how he's been bullied for being too smart, and how he's only really ever had two friends. When he got his powers, powers that could've been used for all kinds of harm to those that had hurt him, he immediately turned to saving the city from problems and "sticking up for the little guy". He kept a level head and stayed true to who he was, he even avoided playing sports because he didn't want to be seen as different than before. I have complete and utter respect for Peter, and I'll never lose it.

"Ash!" I turn my head and find Pete, still glistening in sweat. "Are you going again?"

"Going?" I ask, my heart beating faster and faster.

"To hit the dummy?" He raises an eyebrow and smiles.

"Oh, right. Umm, no, I think I'm good for the day. Could we go back inside?"

"Yeah, yeah" Pete nods his head and takes my hand, leading me back inside.

"Thanks Vision!" I yell as Pete and I head back in. I turn my head and find Cap's shield still in the bushes. I stare for a couple of seconds, then enter the building.

-

"What's your favourite food?" Pete asks, propping himself up on his elbows. The plush carpet on the floor of the tv room is a comfortable place to lay about.

I lean my weight on my arm and flip my hair over my shoulder.

"Uhhh, I'm not sure. Maybe noodles?" I laugh.

"Noodles? That's your favourite food in the whole world?"

"Sounds pretty bland if you put it that way," I laugh, my cheeks turning red.

"You're adorable," Pete smiles, reaching his arm out, gesturing me to lay with him. I lean down and rest next to Pete on the carpet, his arm around my shoulder. We both stare at the ceiling and sigh.

"I think I love you..." Pete mumbles, avoiding eye contact with me. For a moment I stop breathing. My eyes widen and my stomach drops.

Pete telling me he loves me is exactly what I've been waiting for, but somehow I feel like crying. Now that I know how he feels it makes everything so much harder.

The ceiling begins to fade from my vision, as tears begin to fill my eyes. The tip of my nose tingles and sends a shiver through my face. I take a very deep breath in with my nose and open my mouth to speak, licking my lips.

"I love you, Pete," I cry, turning towards him and smiling. Tears roll down my rosy cheeks.

"Ash? Why are you crying? What's wrong?" Panic sweeps across his face and he pulls his arm out from under me, propping himself up on his elbow again to look me in the eyes. My tears are wiped away by his thumb.