Ms. Stark [Peter Parker]

Chapter 26| Peter's Place

PETER
4:11 pm; Monday- Avenger's facility

Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.

The word repeated in my mind like a ticking bomb, able to burst at any moment. Fear filled my face at my own thoughts and I stumbled my head back. Where did that come from? Maria, who was once smiling, was now confused by my aghast expressions.

Why did I think Maria was beautiful?

"You okay, Peter?" Maria asked, genuinely concerned but trying not to show it. It shined through though, but I could understand why.

"Yeah... I'm fine. Why?" I questioned her like I had no clue what she was talking about. She tilted her head slightly, but then faded back to her poker face.

"Oh, uh just wondering." Maria turned back to face the window, but I kept my eyes on her.

Maria is beautiful, I confirmed to myself.

I always knew she was pretty, no doubt, but anyone could look at Maria and know she is pretty whether or not they were attracted to her. But this... this was something else. I couldn't see one flaw in her now, both her looks and personality. Her hair twirled down her back, with curls in every right spot. The deep brunette shined through the lights from the windows. She had big, brown, shimmering eyes that always seemed filled with curiosity. Her nose was pretty adorable, especially when she scrunched it up. Her body... well, I probably shouldn't be thinking about that. And her lips, a vivid pink, like the strawberry ice cream I used to get from down the street when my parents were still alive.

My eyes gazed all over her until she took notice of my silence and turned back at me. I quickly turned back to face the window, trying not to be caught.

"Well, thank you for letting me tell you about the deal, " she tittered with a slight smile, "we probably should be heading back though." I nodded quickly and itched my nose to act natural.

"I'll be back soon. You can go ahead, " I say.

"Alright. I'll see you soon bug boy." I flash her a smile as she gets up and leaves. I sit in the empty silence now with my own thoughts. I needed it though, after the few past minutes of my biggest realization.

I liked Maria Stark.

•••••

"And I was like- why would you ever eat twenty-one shrimps while drunk?" Ned rambled on.

"Uh huh," I mumble in a daze. I stirred my salad around with a fork while leaning my head on my left fist. I couldn't seem to get my mind off Maria, not really her herself, but my feelings towards her. Everything felt wrong, like a misplaced puzzle put into the puzzle. Ned still remained oblivious as he told his story on.

"So he said, 'because if you eat so many shrimp, apparently-" Ned stopped his rapid talking and hand gestures as he observed me in a deep glare. "Are you even paying attention to me? What's been up with you dude? You've been like this all day!" Ned finally burst out.

"I'm fine, it's just hard to explain-"

"Hey boys!"