two sided | peter parker

XI | release

『re·lease | noun | allow something to move, act, or flow freely』

RINGING SOARED THROUGH HER EARS, eyesight a blur of colors as they fluttered open before wincing at the bright lights on the ceiling. Squinting, she let out a low moan and blinked slowly, breathing steadily as she tried to move her hand. Y/n managed to squeeze the rim of the bed, the instant curling of the top of her finger sending waves of pain throughout her body.

She screamed loudly, unable to hold it in as the burning sensations took over her figure. It felt like she was on fire, the embers piercing her at an insane speed as it mimicked multiple needles stabbing her at once. Peter and Tony sprinted in, Peter panicking as he tried to get through to Y/n with his own scared yells.

Tony moved closer to her, holding her hands down as he watched a dark red substance crawl up to her wrists before sinking to her fingertips and going out of sight. Y/n winced, her eyes rolling back for a fraction of a second, her control regaining after a brief moment. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She apologized multiple times, tears running down her cheeks.

Mr. Stark pulled back, sending a curt nod towards Peter. "I-It's alright, kid. Peter'll keep you company." The nerd complied almost instantly, his hands hesitantly going towards hers as his index finger drew a light circle on the top of her hand. Her breath hitched slightly before going back to its normal pace. He sweetly asked, stuttering. 

"C-Can I hold your hand?"

She didn't say anything, effortlessly entangling their fingers together as he let out a shy smile and a breath of relief. Quietly, Y/n replied with another wince of pain. "You don't have to ask, Peter. I-Is Chip awake?" Peter shook his head, a frown now gracing his lips as he gently squeezed her hand and stole a glance at her best friend. "N-Not yet. He's fine though."

Her head relaxed against the pillow, fingers maneuvering for the control so the hospital bed would rise a bit. Finding it, she pressed the up arrow until she was practically sitting up with no effort. Tingles of flames traveled up and down the back of her spine, but she ignored it willingly. "That's good," She whispered, the boy smiling at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You got me so worried about you. I'm proud of you, Y/n." It was a genuine appreciation, the girl giving a weak smile of recognition and sighing. Her eyes closed, Y/n mumbling softly as Peter listened silently. "When I opened the windows for him, it said. 'I am Midnight.' I wonder what mine will be named." Her eyes fluttered open, sparkling with interest.

He brushed a piece of her hair back, "We'd need a trigger word of some sort. Something to activate it at least, other than instinct." He excused, answering her question while his fingers traced comforting patterns on her palm and back of her hand. Tony, who had come in with a tray of food for Y/n, overheard the words. 

"Eddie uses 'mask', maybe that'll work. For now, just eat and rest. We'll start trying tomorrow or whenever you feel ready enough." He spoke up, passing the tray filled with the usual hospital food. A cup of applesauce, pudding, a glass of water, and two different plastic spoons. "Don't bother her too much, Peter. Be sure to go home on time, too." 

He referenced, checking the clock. It was five in the evening and Peter had to be home around six for dinner and his usual Spider-Man duties. The teen gave a reassuring nod towards his mentor, turning back to his girlfriend and offering her a cheeky smile. "As reckless as you are, please don't try to get out of bed too early." He laughed softly.

She rolled her eyes and tapped his cheek, "Real funny, Peter. Don't worry, I did all I could for Chip. Now, I have to do this for myself, y'know? Besides, who knows? Maybe I can join you on your little night surveillance." Y/n joked, a cheeky smile imprinted on her own lips as he let out a shaky breath. "I hope not. I don't want you to get hurt."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "And you think it doesn't hurt me to see you hurt? By the time I join you, I'll be sure to know how to control whatever this virus thing is. Being a hero. . . getting hurt just happens to be a part of the job, whether you're human, hybrid, or something unnatural in general." 

Peter moved the tray downwards, closer to her thighs as he looked into her eyes, averting them back to her lips, and back to her eyes. With a hesitant breath, he moved closer and enveloped her lips in his. Y/n cupped his face, placing both hands on each cheek. Resting their foreheads against each other, she pecked his nose as he pulled away. 

"I might be bed ridden for a while, but don't think that means that you can't break into this place at four in the morning for a scary chat. My genes may be a little fucked up now, but I'm definitely not. I'm still here for you, okay?" She knew he had a lot of problems that he preferred to hold inside, there were numerous things running through his mind he never really talked about.

Peter nodded, letting out a small sigh. "I don't know what I'd do without you." "Stop buses, pull ferries together, and take back stolen bikes." She replied in a jested manner, a giggle escaping her lips as she gently tugged the brown curls near the nape of his neck. Affectionately, she kissed him again and pulled away as quickly as she went closer.

"Now, c'mon, Spidey. You have the neighborhood of Queens to save, don't you?" A breathy chuckle came out of him, the boy standing up and looking at her with love struck eyes. A smile was stretched across his face as he fixed his sweater, tugging the ends to go over the waist of his black jeans. 

"God, I love you."