#cuz my mom wouldn’t drop me off alone at the mall but also didn’t want to go at all

[area51-escapee]

Realizing that because I spent the ages of 11-21 almost exclusively in my bedroom on my computer I don’t really get nostalgic for being a teenager or being in middle school or whatever I just get nostalgic for internet history and what was going on online throughout the years

[kwj-jojo]

Monday

QUOTE - “I love you.” “What?” “wHAT?! NOTHING!”

words: 1,597

Genre: Fluff Warnings: I’m a mobile writer so I don’t know how to do the page break thingy I’m so sorry! If someone could tell me how that would be great. It’s also my first scenario so I’m sorry if it isn’t the greatest. Feedback and critiques are appreciated!

Authors note: This is part of @ugh-supersoldiers 1k writing challenge!

The Academic Decathlon was as stressful as could be, especially since Peter was living a double life. After witnessing not only his incredible talent, but also his stress, during a competition, you decided to ask Aunt May if it would be okay for you two to spend the rest of the day in each other’s company— with your friend Ned, of course. She of course gave you permission, understanding that he needed to be a teenager and spend time with his friends.

This is why all three of you are in your car, singing ever-so-beautifully to Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer

“I swear your voice will break my ears,” You noted sarcastically to Peter’s screeching.

“Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear, WOAH, LIVIN ON A PRAY— Take exit 2B,” He continued as if you never said anything.

Ned continued the song, being the only one who knew all the lyrics, while you and Peter encouraged him. Peter’s phone vibrated, indicating he got a message.

”It’s from Flash” Peter sighed

“what’d he say?” Ned questioned

He stared at his phone for a second before erasing the message, ”nothing important”

You could tell he was lying and made a mental note to ask him about it later. You had to keep your eyes on the road for another 10 minutes to get to the mall where you would secretly fantasize about being on a date with him, only to be brought back to reality whenever Ned would engage in your conversations. Not that you disliked him, you loved Ned. Just not in the way you loved Peter.

Because I mean, jeez. Peter was everything you ever wanted. Talented, handsome, smart, funny, the list goes on. It hurts to love him when he doesn’t return the feelings. You know all of the late night extensive phone calls are nothing more than friendly and that Liz has a better chance with him than you do.

After arriving at the mall, you all stood outside of your car, laughing hysterically at Ned’s parking. He insisted he knew how to park, but after seeing how far he was away from the lines, it was clear his confidence got in the way of reality.

“You’re not even in the box!” You said between breaths, before falling to the floor in laughter

“I’ve done this before!” Ned exclaimed, “except the last time I did it I hit a tree” He finished

“I was there. His mom got so mad,” Peter added, before bursting out in laughter

“I didn’t know it was that close!” Ned exclaimed, in futile attempt to defend himself

“When’s you get your lisence, tell me so I can warn everyone to get off the streets” you teased, before patting him on the back

-

You all decided on pizza at the cafe after about an hour of walking around. Ned had to use the restroom, resulting in you and peter being left at the table. alone.

“So, how’s decathalon been treating you?,” You attempted at small talk

“It’s been pretty good, pretty stressful,” He replied after taking a sip of his soda

“What was that text you got from Flash about earlier?” you suddenly questioned. It happened a while ago that even he forgot about it.

“W-wha— oh— that was nothing,” he hesitated. You furrowed your brows in doubt.

“You sure?,” you pressed, hoping he’d spill

“Yeah. It was just about you know— what happened at the competition earlier,” he sighed

“You seemed a little stressed at the end of it. I don’t know why, though. You know almost everything in the world,” you said non-chalantly. But to Peter, your words meant everything

“T-thanks, (y/n),” he sighed. You waved your eyebrows in response.

After a moment of silence, Peter spoke up, “So… what do you think of Flash?”

“Doucebag.”

He snickered at your retort, then continued, “You know, he was actually gonna ask you to homecoming,”

Your eyes grew wide, “Oh hell no, not happening. Nope.” you wavered your hands in exaggerated fear.

“Imagine, you two slow dancing,” Peter teased, swaying while closing his eyes dreamily.

You gagged, “I’d rather die”,

He laughed. It was a sound you loved so much that you kind of just watched him until he eventually stopped, and looked into your eyes, before you awkwardly caughed to break the contact.

“But yeah— no. Tell him he’s terrible and I’d never go with him,” you continued

He smiled, “Go with Ned, then. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have a date.” The smile didnt seem genuine, though. It was more like he was beating around a bush.

“I’ll ask Ned if you ask Liz,” you suggested. His eyes grew wide, as if you just did the most flamboyant thing in the world.

“No. No way. She’ll never say yes.” He stated

“Dude. Yeah, she would.” You teased, pushing his shoulder in encouragment.

“Nah.. I don’t think I’d want to go with her anyways.” He dismissed with a wave of his hand. You furrowed your brows.

“ ’Fuck you mean you don’t want to go with her? You’ve been crushing on her for like, forever!” you exclaimed, hands wavering around like a madman.

“pshh… I mean, m-maybe we could go together?” He shrugged, as his voice kept getting quieter.

Your face went blank.

what?

“I mean— only if you want to. You don’t have to– I know you’d wanna go with Ned probably cuz— He’s like your best friend—” He rushed, after not getting a response

“n-no! No— I’m down to go with you like— like as friends,” you established.

Peters face shown brighter than the sun, until he heard you say that word.

Friends

Of course, he thought. Why would you go as something more?

“Yeah—yeah totally. friends.” He inhaled, “Cuz y'know… we’re friends”

“Right.” you nodded.

You two sat in silence once again. Checking your phone, you realized Ned’s been gone for about ten minutes now.

“Either Ned ditched us, or he’s taking a huge shit.” you stated. Peter snickered.

“I hope he’s not taking a huge shit because that would be disgusting,” he said, laughing.

“But what if he is?” You pressed

“Pretend we’re not friends?” He shrugged

You sarcastically gasped, covering your mouth in feign surprise, “You wouldn’t defend him for taking an inevitably huge shit?”

“Shut up!” You both laughed.

Ned texted you two that he’d be at Gamestop. You assumed he sent it earlier, but you never got it because of the bad reception at that part of the mall. You and Peter threw your trash away and sought out to meet him.

You passed by a store that was selling Avengers costumes. Excitedly, you grabbed Peters hand and ran in pulling on a Spiderman mask and pretending to web him. He played along, though this adventure was short-lived after an associate kicked you out for not purchasing anything.

“Wait-no! I’m actually gonna buy this,” You defended, before taking the spiderman mask and gloves up to the cashier and paying.

Peter snickered, “You actually bought it?”

“I mean, yeah. Spidey’s cool. And he helps people,” You gushed.

“Yeah, he seems like a pretty cool guy.” Peter added. You nodded in agreement.

“Of course he would be. I mean, he’s obviously not perfect, but he does a lot of what we can’t. Like honestly, without Spiderman, I just wonder, like, how man criminals wouldn’t have been caught.” You turned to him to find him staring intently at you, “He’s kind of a hero we really nee—”

“I love you” he spilled

“wha—”

“whAT NOTHING!” he exclaimed, his steps getting faster and faster.

“Peter wait!” You snapped out of your trance, running to catch up to him.

-

After dropping off Ned home, you were left with Peter and inwardly cursed at yourself for not dropping off Peter first. No other words were exchanged between the two of you after his confession, but Ned was oblivious to the awkward tension between you two.

“Thanks for the ride, (y/n)!” Ned waved with a contagious smile

“Anytime, bud!” you replied, backing out of his driveway

-

After parking in front of Peter’s apartment complex, none of you said a word. You heard him sigh, then turn to you.

“I actually don’t really want to leave…” He confessed

“What will Aunt may say? It’s already 8:00…” You sighed

He pressed his lips in a tight line, “You’re right.” He paused for a moment, before picking his backpack off the back seat. As he was reaching for the door handle, you interjected.

“wait.” You said, a hand on his shoulder. Confidently, you pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“I’ll see you Monday.” You smiled.

He snapped out of his trance, “Y-Yeah. I’ll see you then.” He said, opening his door and finally exiting.

He was already out the door but in a split second was tapping on your window. You had not even put your car in reverse, let alone let your doors lock, but open the window anyways.

“Can I call you tonight?” Peter asked, a goofy smile plastered on his face.

Your grin grew larger than you thought it could, “yeah. of course.”

“Cool.”

“Cool.”

“I’ll see you on monday”

“That, you will.”

“Alright…”

“okay..”

“Bye”

you chuckled, “Bye, Peter”

“Bye, (y/n)”

“Peter?”

“yes?”

“get off my car”

“Oh shoot— sorry I totally forgot” He scratched the back of his neck, before walking up to his doorstep, in front of your car, waving until you were gone.

You were both smiling goofily, and stared into each other as long as you could. Ah, young love.