Spider-Man/Peter Parker One-Shots

{AU} (HC) The Hero Curse

Since at least two people liked this AU, I'm bringing it back: Peter's a bad boy (please tell me if you want me to make more of this AU or if you'd rather me spend my time on anything other than these)

Sometimes he hated being Spider-Man, and this was one of those times. Peter watched you stumble through your words, face flushed red as you tried to tell him how you felt. "I, um, like you, like, more than a friend, and so I was wondering if maybe you'd want to, ya know, go on a date sometime? If you're free that is, no pressure." You hesitantly met his eyes to find no emotions at all. On the inside, however, he felt like melting into the floor. You were going to be absolutely heartbroken.

"No." You blinked.

"N-No?" Had you been reading the signals wrong this whole time? You put your face in your hands and groaned. "This is so awkward, I shouldn't've said anything." If you could choose any superpower right now, it would be to reverse time.

"You'll find someone else," he said, not sounding all that encouraging despite his best efforts.

"Can we just...pretend this never happened?" You peeked at him through your hands. He nodded. "Great. I'll, um, see you later." You couldn't get away fast enough.

As you walked away, Peter shoved his fists into his pockets. He had feelings for you, but as Spider-Man he'd always have enemies. If you got hurt because of that...well he wasn't sure what he'd do. What was that stupid phrase? If you love someone, you have to be able to let them go? Well in his case that was true. Plus he couldn't bring himself to have 'just a short fling' with you just to see what it felt like; he wouldn't be able to let go.

He watched you leave, his steeled expression breaking apart. "Sorry (Y/N), you deserve better than me."

ーーー

"I'm such an idiot," you groaned into your pillow.

"You're not an idiot, I'm just surprised you thought Peter could like someone other than himself," Ned said, shrugging as he took a bite out of a cookie. Your mom had made them not 5 minutes ago and the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip was enough to make you pry your face out of your hands and grab one from the plate.

"He's not that bad," you said in between bites.

"We used to be friends. I know." He took a break from eating cookies to send you a serious look. After his Uncle Ben died and Peter changed, Ned and him had grown apart. Ned didn't take well to losing one of his only friends and has resented Peter ever since. You, on the other hand, remained Peter and Ned's friend. Sometimes you felt like they were playing tug-of-war with you.

"Well if it makes you feel better he shut me down really fast."

"I told you he would. He has no redeeming qualities." You wanted to disagree but held your tongue; Ned didn't know Peter was Spider-Man. The maroon and black suited hero had done a lot for Queens, and you knew deep down Peter cared a lot about others (even if he had a funny way of showing it).

"He's smart," you pointed out. "And funny."

"I've never seen him make a joke."

"Well that's probably because you're never around him."

Ned leaned toward you. "He's had at least 5 flings in the last 3 months."

"So?" You crossed your arms.

"Why do you think you'll be any different than them?" As much as you didn't want to admit it, Ned had a point.

"Let's get off this topic." You didn't want to keep thinking about the boy who broke your heart.