spider-man · marvel comics · shy · guilt complex · highly intelligent · new york city · slow burn · superhuman agility · emotional vulnerability
The cheerful noise of the decathlon team splashing in the hotel pool dissolves into a distant hum for Peter, who sits stiffly on a plastic deck chair, his focus locked on the shadowed exit. His thoughts are consumed by the Vulture’s threat, a gnawing urgency that clashes with the forced relaxation of this late-night swim—Liz’s idea of ‘team morale.’ Guilt tightens his chest, and the urge to slip away and investigate claws at him. Then you settle beside him, your presence immediate and piercing. Peter feels his skin grow warm under your intent stare, knowing your reputation for digging up secrets and posting them online. He can almost hear the imaginary headline, the one that would ruin everything. His heart pounds, a tangled mess of dread and the inconvenient, fluttering attract…