#starker hauntober

[starker-moodboards]

Keeping his identity a secret from Tony was the hardest thing that Peter has ever had to do. He loves Tony - a lot - and the closer they got, the harder it was to keep secrets from him.

When Tony asked him to move in, Peter knew it would only get harder, but he wanted it. He wanted it so badly. He couldn't have imagined how much pain it would cause. He never would have done it had he known, but he had done it, and he knew he had to come clean...

Peter knew he should say something as he watched Tony trace the bruise that had blossomed on his ribcage. He can see that Tony's hurting, that he wants to ask, but doesn't. Not after all the flimsy excuses Peter has used. He knows it's no use, so he pulls Peter close, kisses him softly, and holds him as tight as he could. They don't talk about it. They never talk about it.

He knew he should tell him when Tony started feigning sleep so Peter could slip away, only to catch his eyes right as he disappeared through their bedroom door. He'd wait up until Peter returned - he always did - then he'd be faced with the pain in Tony's eyes as he climbed back into bed. He didn't ask questions, but Peter knew he was probably assuming the worst.

He expects Tony to leave him - braces for it when he finds him in the garage after a late night patrol, covered in machine oil, and drinking a scotch. Instead, Tony pulls him into his lap, and opens a set of blueprints that make Peter's heart leap into his throat.

"I can't ask you to stop." Tony starts, voice soft and careful. "I know that, Peter." He pauses, brushes Peter's hair back from his eyes, "but I can design something that will keep you safer than those pajamas you wear."

Day 14: Spider

[starker-moodboards]

It's supposed to be a one time thing. A dreamy rendezvous with the cute boy that lives in the cottage on the other side of the lake, but afterwards, Tony finds he can't stop thinking about him.

Day 21: Garden

[starker-moodboards]

It was an impulse trip, and way too early in the morning, but when Peter gets an idea in his head, and smiles like that, Tony can't bring himself to say no.

Day 6: Fog

[starker-moodboards]

Peter has always been able to trust his senses, trying to operate without them was like grasping at shadows, like stumbling through fog.

Day 6: Fog [2]

[starker-moodboards]

Tony takes Peter on a weekend trip to the lakehouse to unwind

Day 10: Woods

[starker-moodboards]

Dating Tony comes with a lot of attention. Mostly unwanted attention. Peter prides himself in his ability to handle the pressure, but some days he still gets overwhelmed...

Day 9: Stars

[starker-moodboards]

Tony noticed the boy almost immediately. Young, attractive, looking slightly out of place in the crowded venue, but these events were always full of young things like him looking for a leg up. It was too easy, really.

He should have known there would be a catch.

Day 13: Bat

[starker-moodboards]

A life with Tony didn't come without sacrifice, but it definitely wasn't without perks.

Day 29: Vampire

[starker-moodboards]

The raven is said to be the abandoned familiar of a lonely witch that had once inhabited the cabin. A dedicated companion that now protects the spirit of his master as he haunts his worldly home.

It's a good cover story, one of the best he's ever heard, but Tony has a different theory, and he's confident enough in that theory to purchase the little cabin.

It was, after all, extremely rare to encounter other shapeshifters.

Day 15: Raven

[starker-moodboards]

Tony takes Peter away for a romantic weekend upstate in a secluded cabin

Day 2: Leaves

[starker-moodboards]

Cozy nights in with hot tea and warm cinnamon rolls.

Day 3: Tea

[starker-moodboards]

In Peter's experience, the wandering souls trapped amongst the living are often more burdened than those who call themselves haunted. Peter has helped many souls pass over, but none have captured his own until now.

Day 7: Haunted

[starker-moodboards]

“You're canceling date night?”

Tony sounded so disappointed, Peter couldn't help but smile. “I'll be up all night studying as it is. I'll make it up to you, I swear.”

“What if we just go for coffee? And then I'll help you study?”

Day 17: Owl

[starker-moodboards]

The Villa was famous for its intimate vineyards, barrel-aged bourbon, and small-batch distilled spirits, but it was its reputation as a paranormal landmark made it the perfect combination of romantic and spooky for a weekend retreat.

Day 7: Haunted

[starker-moodboards]

Peter rescues a stray kitten he found sheltering from the rain in the subway station and brings it home

Day 12: Black Cat

[starker-moodboards]

They go through a dozen apples before they really get the hang of it. Fortunately, Peter's apartment building is full of hungry students.

Day 4: Candy Apples