storm | peter parker

VII | ultimatum

Do you make your own decisions, or let others make them for you?

—

A SIGH ESCAPED HER LIPS, hand picking up a small pool of rainwater in her palm. She swirled it around, watching the droplets move into the crevices of her hand, swimming down a tiny river. Y/n swung her legs back and forth on the tall building, glancing up at the sky every so often as another sigh came out of her.

"I think my spring break could use a bit of sunshine instead of this much rain."

She blinked at him, tilting her head as her legs swung back and forth on the edge of the roof. "It's hard to bring light into a dark place, Spider-Man. Besides," The girl grinned at him cheekily and Peter would be a liar if he said that it didn't make his heart skip a beat and turn his cheeks a bright pink. "I didn't think that superheroes ever got breaks."

He smiled at her, climbing on top of the building fully. "What happened to calling me Peter, huh? I've been dialed back down to my superhero identity?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, making her laugh softly. Rainwater flew off the ends of her h/c hair strands as she shook her head, smiling slightly. 

Y/n glanced back at him occasionally, still playing with the rainwater in her hand. "No, not at all. I'd just rather not get so attached easily." Her mouth spilled the truth, hand instantly coming up to clamp over her lips. She didn't understand. He was making her smile and laugh left and right, confusing her further as to why she spoke the truth so easily to him instead of lying.

His brows furrowed at that, gaining a concerned and soft look in his eyes as he stared at her. "Attached? I'll always be by your side, Y/n." Her hands gripped at the edge of the rooftop as she swallowed harshly. "I don't want to sound like that person. I'm grateful for everyone; I really am. I-It's just, others have said it and it doesn't mean shit. Besides, you have others."

He grew even more confused, watching her slowly stand up. "You have other friends. You have your Aunt May. I-I do have people, but they don't need me. Not to mention, take me as a fleeting moment. Here I am, spilling everything and giving you a burden you shouldn't carry. I'll leave, if you want. I'll leave soon, in fact. It's better that way, isn't it?"

Peter quickly grabbed her and spun her around, brown orbs darting at the different spots on her face. Taking a look at her, it seemed that she'd been contemplating this for a while. Her eyes were dull compared to how they sparkled just two days ago. Her hair was slightly greasy at the top and eye bags had grown unfashionably underneath her eyes.

Y/n avoided his eyes, looking to the side. "I'll leave," Her voice was a quiet whisper, oddly scaring Peter as he shook his head rapidly. "No, don't. I don't want you to leave, please. You're amazing to hang around. Yes, you're a bit complex and puzzling, but what human isn't? I want to get to know you. I don't mind carrying this burden if getting to know you is the result."

She stared at him blankly, as if she didn't believe anything that just came out of his mouth. She gently shook her head, prying herself from his arms. "I can. I can, but I'm not sure if I will. I have someone else looking for me and he'd be able to find me easily. Not to mention that he's probably watching me right now."

Peter guessed that it was something connected to her past, but didn't want to pry too far into it since it always made her so monotone and depressed in the end. Y/n moved back her gray hood, revealing her incredibly wet h/c hair. She tilted her head back, letting the rain race down her face and drench her clothes further.

"Is he dangerous?"

He plopped down beside her, debating on taking his mask off. It was getting hot and sweaty in between his skin and the actual material of the suit, but stopped when he realized that there were people on the street below. "He can be. It depends on the side of him that you're on." She shrugged, pulling her knees to her chest.

Peter tilted his head, "What is he? An Avenger?"  He guessed, but didn't get an answer from her. She silently clicked her tongue as if refusing to answer the question entirely. Peter didn't bother questioning more about it, keeping a careful watch on her as he was afraid that she'd actually run off. 

Then again, he had his Spider-Man abilities. He could easily just web her and bring her to him, but that sounded oddly barbaric and Peter is nothing, but a shy and polite little nerd. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer into his side and giving her a light hug.

"You're not alone," He reminded her, a reminder that she desperately needed. Y/n leaned into his warmth, eyes fluttering closed slowly. Peter peeked at the sky, seeing the clouds cover the sun and prevent any remaining sunlight from hitting the ground. He turned to his head, brushing some hair behind her ear and smiling gently.

Within minutes, she adjusted every now and then, fidgeting before relaxing again. Her head rested against his shoulder comfortably, eyes closed in a calming manner as soft breaths left her lips. Her snores were barely audible while Karen informed him about the recent weather, something that he insisted on her reminding him of. 

Y/n's head fell forward from his shoulder to his lap. He giggled softly, running his covered hands through her wet hair as he looked around at the city below. People were talking a lot, thick New York accents popping out as others slowly put their umbrellas away in confusion, glancing up at the sky as Peter followed their gaze.

For once, the sun peeked out.