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Peter scrolled through his contact list on his phone as he hugged his pillow, listening to the soft pattering of rain outside. He still felt a small beam of pride as he passed Happy's name, glad to have such an important person's number. But the feeling was gone as soon as he saw Theo's. The boy considered sending him a text to see if he was alright but chickened out with a shake of his head.
Peter felt as if every thought he had revolved around Theo. He recalled that night they had on the phone, the time he saved Bia, those days he'd helped him with his homework, and the mortified look on his face as he stood in the doorway of his bedroom.
Ty's promise to Peter earlier did little to calm his nerves. There was no way he'd be able to focus on tracking those bad guys or even patrolling tonight. He buried his face into his pillow and released a loud groan, glad that May was currently working her night shift. Why did he forget to lock his bedroom door? One person knowing was enough, but four people? He mashed his face deeper into his pillow.
There was a sudden knock at his front door. Peter lifted his head weakly, feeling too tired to answer it. He hoped that if he pretended that no one was home, the stranger would just go away.
Unfortunately, the knocks persisted until it felt like they were bouncing around the inside of his head. He reluctantly stood and pulled on a shirt before approaching the door to look through the peephole.
He did a double-take, his breath suddenly catching in his throat. A soaking Theo stood outside, dripping on his porch as he waited anxiously at the door. He bit his lip as he shifted his weight, raising his fist once again to knock.
There was a click as the door unlocked and swung open. Theo's eyes widened as his gaze met Peter's and he lowered his hand, taking in his appearance. His lips formed a tight line, his brown hair was a standing, curly mess, and he was wearing a wrinkled punny science t-shirt with plaid pajama pants.
"Um... hi," The blonde greeted awkwardly, his face slowly heating up. His shoes squelched as he leaned on one side.
"Hey..." Peter said timidly, "er, sorry, come in, please." He opened the door a bit wider.
Theo slipped off his wet shoes and stepped inside Peter's home, trying not to drip everywhere. "Sorry, the rain was unexpected, and I didn't bring an umbrella."
"N-no worries, it's fine. Uh, do you want a change of clothes?"
Theo shook his head, "No it's fine, I wasn't going to stay for long-"
Peter suddenly cut him off, "I-I don't want you to get a cold." The two stood silently, studying each other for a moment. Theo finally relented with a small sigh, "Um, alright. If you don't mind, that is."
"It's fine!" Peter said before quickly pacing back to his room, hoping that the blonde was following. Fortunately, he was, though his movements were stiff and his eyebrows were pinched together as if he were uncomfortable.
