One Dance 3: Illusions

5.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! (Happy Holidays for those who don't celebrate <3)

The next day at school was dragged out as long as possible. You couldn't seem to focus on anything but Peter sitting across the room and looking completely fine.

You hoped with all of your heart that he was just putting on a brave face. You knew it was so selfish to think like that, but you didn't care. You hoped he was just as hurt as you underneath whatever expression he was wearing now.

Luckily, Peter wasn't in your last period. You hurried out as quickly as you could but you were stopped by Sam.

"Y/n! Hey. You okay? You didn't talk to me at all yesterday and you've been seeming down—"

"Do you want to come over?"

Sam didn't hesitate before answering, "yes."

***

Peter took the subway home alone, again. He used to not mind it, but now he hated it. There were always so many people; it was always crowded.

He took a breath of relief as he stepped off the subway and got up to the sidewalk he took home.

As he approached his apartment, a sleek black car with the license plate 'TNY STRK'.

His breath stopped and he began to freak out. Either Tony was going to tell him how much he hated him or he was going to—

No, he though. Calm down. Just keep walking.

He walked past the car and headed towards the stairs.

Peter jumped at the sound of a car horn and turned around.

Tony rolled the window down and stared at Peter.

"Why don't we go for a ride?" he asked.

Peter fiddled with his backpack straps before answering, "I don't know, May's been worried about me going out lately—"

"Already talked to her. You don't have to get in, but...I'd really like you to."

Peter looked around and finally gave in. He went to open the back door when he heard, "Come on, kid. You get to ride shotgun today."

Any other day or time, Peter's legs would be shaking with excitement that Tony Stark had just asked him to ride shotgun; But now they were shaking with fear.

Peter hung his head down. "Mr. Stark, I'm really sorry—"

"Nope. I don't want you to talk. I just want you to listen right now, okay? I'll let you talk in a minute. But I want to get something straight."

Peter's wide eyes stared forward and he nodded silently.

"You broke y/n's heart, Peter. You know that. And if you were some punk from school like Tyler I'd probably be ambushing you with every suit I've ever made. But I know why you did what you did and I just want to talk to you."

Peter nodded, his hands tight around the hem of his shirt.

"I'm not mad. Look at me, Peter. I'm not mad."