storm | peter parker

VIII | alter

If you could choose just one thing to change about the world, what would it be?

—

"JUDGMENT," She popped a piece of popcorn in her mouth. He raised an eyebrow, defeated at understanding what topic she was pointing out. Peter looked back at the hotel TV, getting distracted by the rain shortly before glancing back at her. "What do you mean by judgment? How could you possibly change judgment in the world?"

Y/n crossed her legs, adjusting her position. She chewed on the kernel of the popcorn, some of the salt and butter sticking and laying over the top of her teeth. "How they judge themselves and others. It's odd, but there are a lot of people that hate themselves and hate others for no apparent or stupid reasons."

Peter licked his lips, collecting some salt and remnants of the snack with his tongue. He blinked, nodding in understanding. "That. . . makes sense. It isn't odd, just distant to what the usual answer is, I guess." He tried his best to explain it, but ultimately failed as he gave a nervous smile instead.

She returned one, placing another piece of popcorn in her mouth. "Well, is there even a right answer?" Her question made him knit his brows together in a questioning and confused manner, contemplating over what she had just said. Y/n cracked a smile at his thinking expression, giggling softly.

Peter whipped his head towards her, cheeks turning pink. She brushed back a piece of her h/c hair strand behind her ear as she turned back to the TV. He watched her, sighing softly before averting his attention over to the window outside. Droplets of rain traced from the sky to the ground, dotting umbrellas, windows, and people.

"Peter?"

Y/n snapped him out of it, turning around to look at him. He quickly realized that he was oddly positioned on her bed, practically doing a side plank on it. She smiled at him, tilting her head at him while scrunching her nose. "What are you doing, you weirdo?" He laughed softly, sitting back up. "Sorry, got distracted."

She hummed, scooting backwards. Her back hit the pile of pillows as she sat directly next to Peter. The red bowl full of popcorn shifted, dropping a few kernels before coming to a stop once she quit moving. Peter reached a hand out, fingers brushing the edge. She smirked teasingly at him, wiggling her brows. "Get it with your webs."

He looked out quickly, making sure nobody was there. He sent a web as it latched onto the web, bringing it closer. It landed on his thigh as he unstuck the web from the bowl and popped some of the popcorn in between his jaws. "I didn't think you'd do it, but turns out shy Peter Parker isn't afraid to show his other side." She teased, snickering.

The boy rolled her eyes at her with a light scoff. "Hardly at all. I'm just too lazy to grab the bowl and so are you." She didn't bother arguing, knowing he had a point there. Instead, she took the remote and changed the channel once the old cartoon ended. Y/n ran a hand through her hair, setting the cheap black TV remote down. 

Y/n turned to stare out the window, another flash of lightning darting through the sky as she stared. Y/n swallowed harshly, licking her lips and turning back to the TV. Peter noticed the simple action, brows furrowing in concern as he placed his hand on top of hers, making her flinch in shock.

"Easy, easy. What's bothering you so much?" He asked in a soothing voice, obviously worried and concerned. She shook her head, mumbling softly. "Nothing, nothing. Just forget about it." He frowned at the statement. Peter debated on accepting her answer, but ultimately refused stubbornly, looking at her directly.

The power of his gaze forced her to avert his eyes with a linger of guilt staying in her e/c orbs, "You can't just keep lying your way out of it, Y/n." He spoke, stating the ultimate truth. Y/n sighed softly, pulling her knees up to her chest. She put her hand out, stretching her fingers and staring at them as she bent and messed with her fingers.

"You're right," The girl softly spoke. "However, it's far out of your scale. There's no way you could understand." His brows knitted together in frustration. A small huff left his lips as he turned his attention back to the TV, sneaking another piece of food in between his lips as he chewed on the popcorn.

Y/n felt slightly guilty for saying that and speaking about it so harshly. She gulped and looked away, making him become more concerned and worried about her. Running a hand through her hair, she went over to the window and pulled the curtains. Peter watched her, pinning his bottom lip with his top front teeth.

"You have something against lightning?"

His voice must've struck a nerve. He watched her muscles stiffen as her hands fell to her sides, letting go of the curtains. Y/n's voice grew a slight edge as she responded, "It's none of your business." Peter's eyes instantly looked down, hand gripping the end of the bed. His fingers curled at the touch of the blanket, balling up the cloth in her hand.

Y/n turned, eyes visibly softening at Peter's tense and nervous structure. A coil of anxiety tugged at the bottom of his stomach, eyes fluttering back and forth between the flashing TV and floor of the hotel room. She approached him, her feet popping out as he continued to stare down at the ground.

Her hands went towards his shoulders, pressing gently against them. "I-I'm sorry," He looked up, realizing that she was equally as hesitant and nervous. Her h/c hair moved again as she tilted her head up to look at the curtains that covered the previously visible windows. "Again," She traced a finger down his cheek, making him hitch a breath out of shock.

Peter stared up at her, feeling her grip on his shoulders loosen slightly. "It's out of your control." Y/n finished.