The Void

Chapter 28 - Gingerbread

(Your POV):
The following day, I woke up still wearing the necklace that Peter had given me the night before. A smile twitched at the corner of my lips when I felt it hanging around my neck, a strange surge of happiness passing through my body. However I knew that if my parents were to see it they would flip, so I made sure to conceal it under my shirt as I got dressed for the day.

I still felt guilty about him having given me a present and I hadn't got one for him, so I decided to go shopping after breakfast to see if there was anything left in stores that I could give him. After fighting through throngs of last minute shoppers, I finally found the perfect gift for him: a Luke Skywalker Battle Simulation Helmet. I knew how much he loved Star Wars and judging by the price, I doubt that he already owned this particular toy.

After making the purchase, I went directly over to his apartment, not even bothering to text him beforehand. As I approached the door, however, I began to worry if I was doing the right thing. Was I supposed to have checked with him before coming over or was the surprise something he was going to enjoy? This wasn't something that I was trained in and I was terrified of making a mistake.

However, I had gotten as far as I had and I was determined to carry out my plan, even if by just sheer stubbornness. I knocked on the apartment door, glancing down at the gift that I brought and only praying that he would enjoy it. Before I had a chance to fall down the rabbit hole of what Peter would think of the gift, the door was opened by a slightly confused looking May.

Upon seeing me, her confusion melted away and a smile spread across her face, "(Y/N), come in! I wasn't aware that we were expecting you, but it's a wonderful surprise! Peter, you have a visitor!"

"Who is it, May?" I heard Peter's voice reply from his room, the fluttering in my stomach worsening. He emerged a second later, running his hand through his gorgeous curls. He froze as his eyes met mine and a look of excitement filled them. "(Y/N), wh-what are you going here? I-I didn't know-"

"I'm sorry for dropping by unannounced, but I wanted to give you this," I replied, holding out the gift bag for Peter to take.

He stepped forward, "(Y/N), I told you that you didn't have to get me anything."

"I know, but I felt bad not getting you anything after you gifted me such a beautiful necklace," I spoke, touching the necklace and smiling. "I just hope that you like it as much as I love your gift."

Peter opened the bag and removed the present, his mouth falling open in shock. I rubbed my palms on my pants, realizing how sweaty they had become due to my nerves. When Peter gave no verbal response to the gift, I sighed, "you don't like it, do you? I can take it back and get you something else-"

"No, i-it's perfect. But, (Y/N), this must have cost you-"

"Don't worry about the cost, Peter. Or must I remind you that both of my parents work at Oscorp. Besides I've never had anyone this close, friend or more, to give a present to, so I don't care about the price," I assured him with a smile and placing my hand on top of his. I chose to withhold the knowledge that I had never received or given any sort of Christmas gift before in my life, he needed to think that my household was a normal one.

Peter returned my smile and gently squeezed my hand, "thank you, (Y/N). This is absolutely amazing, Ned is going to flip when he sees this."

"I-I should probably get going," I replied, not knowing what more to do in the situation. I felt like giving him a kiss, but I wasn't sure that we were there yet and I didn't know what else was appropriate in the moment.