Act 1: Preordained
Chapter 1: Intention
Secrets
February
Birds were tweeting and flying around as the sun basked over Forest Hills. A place in Queens in the city that never sleeps, New York City. Forest Hill exhibited a natural beauty to it with the likes of natural life and the physical environment mixed with another. Along with habitats, the architectural places we're able to have space and balance with one another. Much of New York boroughs such as Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx although have areas like Queens, most parts of those areas make up more places for people than nature to accompany it.
In one of the many houses that Forest Hill had, two young adults lay slumbering amongst each other. A man, behind a woman, a woman who had her back against his, just so the man could have his arms around her body. And they're partially nude amongst the cover that barely hid them. The Caucasian man's only source of clothes was an upper red and blue costume he wore, having web pattern and a small black spider at the center while having a large boulder red spider on the back, but he had nothing covering his legs except the bit of his bed sheets. The Asian woman wore something akin yet different to the male; while it was more torn that showed off her lighter skin, medium size breast, and her muscular legs, she was wearing a white and black costume with similar web pattern that formed an s on the center.
It didn't help with how close they were to each other that these young adults were fairly active with one another at one point for who knows how many hours before they ended up exactly where they were at now. But soon enough, something in their skull, a sort of six sense, starts tingling them awake. They were used to this tingle, a six sense of sort that was their way of knowing danger was nearby. Yet, for the past five months, it started to work differently because of how close they are to each other.
They let out moans, irritated groans as they became conscious. Their bodies ache for one another; the male hands start exploring her body as he lightly kisses the base of neck. The woman found herself feeling his touches, his kisses, sparking up the feeling of pleasure that her lips couldn't help but gasp from the interaction alone. She herself began motioning her body behind him, gently grinding her butt to his lower region that began to become firm and swollen. Feeling his erection, she reached behind her and began stroking it gently, causing him to whimper in gratification behind her ears. Her breathing fluctuated, her breathing began halting, gasping at the pleasure. Her skin sent shivers down her body, just as his skin began feeling sensitive from her touch. And while they're eyes kept close.
They felt everything, everything from the slightest touch, the smallest of gestures, one that brought a silent excitement between them that neither wanted to admit.
The woman guided her partner's penis inside her. Slowly, the mere length got her to bite her lip, let out a moan, just as he did the same, and it was so easy for it to slide in as if they've done it so many times. Both man and woman couldn't help but release the sound of pleasure more loudly. In response, the men, out of instinct, covered her mouth as he buried his face in the back of her hair.
It was intense the first time he entered inside. The woman's own womb was able to grip his penis with ease as if she wanted it to stay in. Soon as he ground himself from the amount of pleasure he felt entering, that's when he gently began thrusting himself inside her. Soon enough, they let their sense of pleasure overtake them. The woman's short, ebony spiral hair helped muffled the sound of his groan just as his own hand took great care of muffling her moan. But he also took his time thrusting himself, in and out when inside her.
Too fast would increase the joy of it.
A bit harder would increase the need to do it more.
But slow, gently, like an ocean, allowed for consistency.
But every thrust he did, or every time she wiggled herself behind him, it just made it a struggle not to do more.
The two couldn't explain why they were doing this, or why they have to feel the urge to fuck each other till they're satisfied. Other than an easier for a simple was that they're horny and needing to complete the urge to fuck each other. Yet it was more than that, more than just being young adults who find one another attractive enough to have a good fuck. No, it had to do with their costumes, their senses, their hormones, everything involving who they are and what they do.
Because they aren't exactly normal people, but neither knew what normal is nowadays anyhow. And just like the costume they wore; this was one of the not so normal things that has been going on with them for the last five months.
Their senses gave off a different reading, allowing their eyes to open wide, stopping their sexual activity, looking at the door, as if their senses were screaming at them to, 'LISTEN THIS TIME!' The male quickly covers up each other, taking his own self out of her as the door open up to reveal an older woman who just so happen to have laundry bin in her hands, "Peter you're gon-"
The man named Peter, hid his and the women's own costume with the help of his bedsheets. He also was happy that God was somehow looking out for him since the other half of his costume lay on the floor being hidden by his school bag. But it didn't mean he truly escape since the woman he was fucking with wasn't truly hidden like their costumes. The older blond hair woman that had gray streaks, displaying her age, not only had a disappointed expression, but also had her own hand helped avert her eyes just a bit from seeing something.
Something she didn't expect he would be doing so soon, "Uh…This isn't what it looks like…Aunt May…" Even his own voice was slightly terrified at the prospect of his aunt finding out about his particular situation with the woman near him.
Yet she still hid under the covers, oddly enough, "Young man! And misses! You both have school today. Just because you only have five months of school, doesn't mean either of you will slack off. So! Unless you want to have something to eat, get both of your butts out of bed and freshen up!" May would close the door, but not a second later, she opened it again, "AND NO MORE HANKY PANKYS! I have a lot to talk to you about Mr. Benjamin Parker," Now she closed the doors, and two highschoolers could hear footsteps walking away from his bedroom but also the loud mutters of the fact that her nephew hid this from her of all things, "AND CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM FOR GOD SAKE! YOUR EIGHTEEN PETER! GOING ON 19 IN A FEW MORE MONTHS!" She shouted, traveling from somewhere leading to downstairs.
Peter groaned in annoyance as his head lay flat back on his pillow, "We gotta figure this out. We almost got caught again like last time! And five months hasn't helped us at all! We're lucky my aunt doesn't know about us being big time superheroes Cindy, or she'll faint from that!" Peter spoke in frustration.
Cindy would push her covers off her, just as frustrated as Peter, "You're telling me? At least she knows we're doing the "Hanky panky?"" she added with air quotes, "Better now than later. And hey, at least it makes it easier for her to know than to keep sneaking around her."
"You know why I'm not comfortable telling her about our relationship Cindy," Peter responded with a frown.
"Which I get but look at how she reacted! Pissed off sure, but she took it freaking well compared to say my parents if they ever found out. My dad isn't fond of superheroes while my mom is sure as hell, isn't fond of the notion that I already lost my virginity!" Cindy sighs, blowing a piece of hair away from eyelids as she stared up at the ceiling in Peter's room. It wasn't quite the sight and nothing extravagant to note; his room was indeed messy as his Aunt loudly said, having the occasional poster of the likes of Einstein or other important scientists and tech enthusiasts. The messy part comes where a bunch of clothes lying around, gadgets and equipment alike litter out on his computer and desk computer, and even some scraps of papers or foil paper laying away from the trash basket he had near him. Yet with how his room illustrates how unbalanced he is, Cindy doesn't know Peter like that beyond those little things.
Though, with their relationship it meant she should. They are having sex, they fight villains on a semi-daily basis, they have similar themes and powers, yes, powers resembling that of a spider thanks to the bit of clothes that's still on them. Why shouldn't she know more about him?
But the truth is, even after five months of receiving her powers, five months that had her life flip upside down because she now has powers, and five months of constant need to fuck Peter, she doesn't really want to know Peter. Not because she didn't like him, she tolerates him to a degree, but because she wants to put as much distance from him as possible.
Sadly, it's hard to put into action with them already being active minutes ago.
They've done it before in terms of not being around one another, having their own distance, and being part of different social groups in school. But things change in a way where they're in a circumstance where they'll be close to one another, where they can't be distant, or ignore their presence. To that end, Cindy long accepted her normal life is over; she long accepted that most of the things that brought joy and happiness to her life in the past were now out of reach. And as graduation was fast approaching, Cindy is unsure where her path lies outside of high school, "Wish our senses weren't so inconsistent… That way we could've avoided other shitty situations in the past..." She mentioned under her breath, filled with anger and a hint of sorrow.
"You know…" Peter sat up, resting her hand on her shoulder, "Its not-"
"Don't say that," she said, slapping her hands off his shoulder, her tone of voice already becoming irritated and now being more recognizable, "I'm tired of hearing you say that it's not my fault because it is Peter!"
Peter frown deepened as he grew tired of her always attacking his act of kindness, "Well I don't know what to do to make you feel better Cindy! I'm trying here but you don't make it easy!"
"Then don't!" They were now face to face with each other, both eyebrows knitted together and glaring hard against one another, "I'm not your responsibility outside of what we wear!" she mentions while jabbing her and Peter's costume, "Besides the floating head little that likes to use her telepathic wombo jombo, no one else asks you to mentor and look out for me."
"I…!" Peter wanted to respond back to her, something, anything, yet his expression softened under Cindy's heated glare because he didn't have anything to return. She had a point that outside of the costume they wear, what she did wasn't his problem to worry about. But due to who Peter is, he has a hard time looking the other way, even when he doesn't entirely need to, "..I can't do that Cindy," he added a shrug in his settle down tone, "I can't turn my back on something, or someone, knowing I can at least try to help. Not even a certain blindfolded woman should feel the need to tell me that it's my responsibility to help you out, even if there's quite a few things I wish you didn't do, or that I suck at the whole teaching thing..."
Cindy scoffed, she hated that, hated his utter kindness, the need to help, the need not to turn away when someone else says so, the need to always be good in and out of the costume. Her gaze went back to looking at anything but him as she felt herself becoming less heated, less angry at Peter's good intentions. But still, she just hated how he has to make almost everything his responsibility.
What happens to her? What she does when she's not helping Peter fight the villains of the week? That's on her. It also included the situation that happened in the five-month span that alluded to not only Peter's involvement, but why she detested her powers, 'I can't blame him,' she told herself, 'I want to, but I can't. He didn't ask for our powers to make our hormones out of whack…Hell, he was better off on his own for the past three years when he didn't need to worry about me. Even I'm in the same boat, feeling I was better normal than what I am now. Sure, I'm angry at how he can just move on so easily, but my anger is more towards the fact I couldn't stop myself from hurting the person I liked, or from having just about a number of people know what we do behind closed doors, to then dropping everything, and to focus on controlling my powers…All that shit because of some derange scientist wanted to take my blood and use it to create some…Shit…! I wish I could've done something, anything to make sure I kept everything in order… But this stupid power keeps egging us on, and on to fuck the day lights out of each other! I JUST WANT IT TO STOP!'
In her raging thoughts, Cindy didn't even know that her hands were touching Peter's own, that the tingling in her skull was egging, begging to fuck one another once more. Her own thoughts and most likely Peter thoughts made it so easy to not be aware of what they're trying to do again. Because it was that easy to get distracted, to not resist the temptation of sex. That's how powerful this thing was between them; it becomes so instinctual that sometimes neither noticed their body wants more from each other.
That their primal instinct to fuck is right there for the taking.
However, Peter did something she didn't expect him to do, roll off the bed, "Ow…. Ugh…." Cindy had her eyebrow raised, peaking to see him in slight pain.
He was, since he fell, along with his penis that was hardened taking the impact from the fall.
Cindy wouldn't lie to herself that it was slightly amusing, "..You ok?" She asked without trying to let out a giggle, but snort came through as this little moment helped get her head out of self-loathing.
"..Probably… Might wanna shower first since you can…Make your own clothes…Just make sure you use a new soap behind the mirror…Ow…." he said while rolling on his back.
"Was that really the only thing you could've thought of?" She asked, sliding off the bed as she would then use her fingertips to essentially retool and weave herself a towel that was made of her organic silk, and taking away the suit she once had on showcasing more of her muscle both arms and legs, and the slim but athletic figure the spider powers has given her.
Like any man would when seeing a naked woman in his room, Peter couldn't help but stare at her athletic body that looked to be more in line with both a woman who runs and yet lift weights to define her muscles. "Honestly...? Yeah…" When answering, he made sure to stop gawking so he wouldn't make her uncomfortable, "And I'm still jealous that the spider bite gave you your own webbing while I have to resort to these," Peter gestured to the two devices on his wrist; at first glance it looked like a metallic strap around his wrist, but without anything hiding its full form, it showed off a linear attachment to the base of Peter's palm. And if he were to press it, then his own self-made web shooters would come out.
Cindy again snorted, "If it helps, I'm jealous that the spider bite gave you your powers early," she then frowned, "At least my life would've come crashing down much earlier than now."
Peter didn't respond to her yet again moody comment as she walked out of her room and entered the bathroom that was close to both his and his aunt's room. He found himself sighing to himself, "You really don't make it easy Cindy Moody…Then again, you never asked to get your powers just like me. I guess God wanted to torture someone else for a change as he did for me," he muttered to himself.
In the meantime, Peter got up from the floor. He smelled himself; his nose didn't scrunch as he thought it would from his nightly patrol. All he needed to do was add some light deodorant to take away the smell of Cindy and him for what they had been doing then he should be good. Like Cindy, but more vibrant due to his longer experience of having his powers and using it for good, Peter's muscle, form, body was defined as a mix between an Olympic swimmer and to a degree a weightlifter.
In technical terms, the balancing is what most people would categorize him as a mix martial artist than anything
His costume though, smelling the lower body, he just took off as he already had on a boxer, probably needed some extra touches to it, 'Gonna need some baby powder. Especially for the upper suit, eventually that is.'
Quickly grabbing a shirt from the drawer, he would put his costumes, including his mask, both in his bag, zipping it just before he headed downstairs to have an important conversation with his aunt.
Peter's Aunt was focused on cooking some breakfast by the kitchen area; it was small to have the necessities like fridge, stoves, microwave, but not big enough to have more than a few people in the dining area. However, it had a huge heart to it with the love Peter's Aunt puts in when making anything.
Peter would help her out, gathering the fact that she decided to make French toast with eggs and bacon. He decided to go with bacon, adding the necessary seasonings before using the extra frying pan to cook it. Peter noted that while May was focused on cooking, she wanted him to start the conversation.
Her disappointment still lingers on her face that only added to Peter's displeasure of hiding something like this from her. Therefore, it was his responsibility to address the elephant in the room, even though there was a bigger secret he's hiding, and he can't afford to tell her, "We're…Not actually together Aunt May," he said, slowly as possible when opening up the topic at hand.
If his brain had a mind of his own like his senses, then it would degrade Peter for choosing something as stupid as going with that opening, "My goodness Peter! I never expected you to flirt with the idea of doing the whole friends with benefits thing!" May responded, her eyes widened at the mere shock of now knowing her nephew was someone who would be open to that environment.
Peter cringes, monitoring the bacon, but also keeping up the conversation with his aunt, "It wasn't exactly our idea…" He rubbed his neck sheepishly. There was so much of it that he couldn't exactly just explain to his aunt. From how their relationship started, to the constant sex that has a mind of its own, to him wearing what others see as spandex when taking down crooks and larger than life foes. He was hiding a lot more from his aunt with how complicated his life had gotten in the span of three years since becoming who he is, "Its kind of…Happened."
"Nothing just happens Peter," she moved to put some of the plate full of French toast on the table. She had to also use another egg, cinnamon, and milk to have another batch for more French toast to make. May took a deep breath in and out, deciding to calm herself. This was something very unexpecting, but she knew eventually her nephew would be doing those types of activities. She just didn't think it would come in a form such as this, 'It could explain why he's late when coming home, or why he skips classes. But Peter wouldn't throw away his education for…Sex of all things…! Ben and I raise him better than that!'
Just thinking about it aggravated May a little more, but she had to calm down and let Peter explain more instead of jumping to conclusion, "..But I get it... You're young and have urges that need fulfilling," she looked to Peter, just when he looked at her, "You should have been honest with me Peter. I mean after all we've been through without Ben…?" she sighs, the disappointment becoming even more prevalent at the mention of her late husband.
"I know I know I know!" He flipped the bacon, noticed it just in time, it was good enough to focus on the other side, "I should've told you and I wanted too… I just didn't know how to tell you."
May nodded, understanding how awkward it can be to bring up a relationship such as this when she of all people strive to make sure Peter knows from the rights and wrongs about being in relationship with the other gender, "Well for starters," she went back to making more French toast, "How long has this been going on?"
His hand rubbed the back of his neck once more, gearing up for the reveal, "...Five… Months..."
It seems today was one of those days for May to simply be disappointed by Peter's choices, and finding out this was more recent only made her question to herself what else is Peter hiding from her? "Peter…"
"I'm sorry, sorry. I'll make it up to you!" he put his one hand out, "I solemnly swear I will be honest and good from here on out, capeesh?"
May wanted to stay upset, by God, she wanted to stay this way because all there was where more questions with few answers. Like, if this only has been going on for a short while, then what else makes him skip classes? Get home late if he's not working? Comes and goes in the middle of the night if she's either half asleep, or comes back home from working?
Yet seeing her nephew, trying his best to not only be honest, but make light of the situation only serves to make May bring a smile on her face. The reference only added more to why she loves her nephew and why she couldn't stay mad from his many secrets. It reminded her of her late husband every time he's put in a predicament and uses lighthearted comments to weasel himself out of it.
She doesn't like that all these secrets started happening after his death.
So, she could only trust that Peter will one day be more and more open, especially after today. It's all she can hope for, and she prays to God that he isn't doing anything dangerous beside his job of taking pictures of the web swinging hero of New York City, "Look, I know you technically have been a legal adult for six months Peter, and that means giving you more room to do your own thing. But just make sure you keep that vow, ok? No more secrets between us. If there's anything else you want to tell me, you know I'm always here," she said sincerely.
And that was the hardest pill to swallow for Peter. Secrets run deep in him due to being a hero of New York City. It meant lying and also being tight-lipped about the things he does besides finishing up school and working. He doesn't want anyone to worry, but most importantly, he doesn't want his own Aunt to know what he does. Because he's afraid of her being put in a position where his enemy's may try to find out more about him and kidnapped her while doing uncomfortable things to get information out of her.
But he's more afraid of how she'll react when she knows the real reason why he even decided to help people. To make up for not saving his uncle, for being selfish just for a single moment, to turn his back on something he thought was beneath him and it wouldn't bite him in the ass for it. But it did, and his uncle paid the price for his mis action, "Ok Aunt May."
"And by the way Peter," she pointed to the bacon, "You should let me continue doing this."
He then noticed the overcooked bacon, "Ah crud! For one second?! How do you multitask so easily?!"
May shoo her nephew aside, again finding his reactions and to whom he is a fresh spot in her life, "Years and years of practice that you desperately need."
"You're telling me," Peter would instead grab a few cups for him and Cindy. He doesn't know what she wants, but maybe with the desired choices of various juices, milk, water, or even some coffee and tea would help. Though, that's if she cares to want to eat some breakfast with the two Parker's.
Speaking of Cindy, she would come downstairs, freshly clothes that she spun up when she finished showering. As winter was slowly waning, but still ever present with it being the early part of February; she wore a jacket and pants, a bit baggy one that hides her physiques just as she had some extra clothing on to keep her nice and warm. He noticed her shoes were flimsy on her meaning she also had to make one as well.
'I remember Cindy brought up at one point that she got the hang of making clothes, but shoes were something that required more work,' Peter observed in his bumbling thoughts. But his eyes weren't focused on the little flaws in her clothing, or how messy and wet her hair still was, he was focused on her. The soft cheekbones, her slinging her bag behind her back, her small nose, how her lip dances between frown and not so, how rambled her ebony hair was that almost hid her brown eyes, but those same eyes stared at him even before she could see him from her perspective.
Just as she too, was focused on his bed, brunette hair, ruffled similarly to her more semi longer hair. How his home clothing didn't hide his physique unlike Her's, how his doey hazel eyes held onto her, how slightly red his nose is from the cold, and how elated he looked compared to earlier.
The pair of somewhat young adults knew their senses was pulling, tugging, had their heart racing, with their own body and mind would like nothing more than to take each other back upstairs and do away those clothing so both can go back to fucking each other brains out. But then they wouldn't be able to go to school on time, be late to their classes, and for Peter's part, disappoint his aunt so much more.
"Oh..." Cindy might of had her eyes on Peter but the breakfast his Aunt was cooking for not only him but for her didn't go unnoticed, "It was sweet of you to do that for me Misses Parker, but I can grab my own bite to eat," she said, trying to dash out of Peter's house do to the increase tugging of her senses.
Hell, she can notice the bulge in Peter's boxers starting to grow, something she had gestured by tapping her own pants to get Peter to notice. He did so and quickly put his whole body in the fridge just before his aunt could turn around, "Nonsenses, you're here now and you will eat. I can't have a young girl like you head to school on an empty stomach," May responded with kindness and open heartedness. Acting like she didn't just find out her own nephew was having sex under her nose for the past five months.
"Uh May! I don't think that's th-"
"She's here now Peter," her stern, parental voice coming through, "And as your own Aunt, I'll do my part of at least making sure someone's own daughter is well fed and nourished. And get your head out of there before you catch a cold again!"
For both Peter and Cindy, this was already gonna be a rough start to their day. But what was new about their complicated life?
Normal (Cindy)
That breakfast…Was so awkward, probably way awkward then any breakfast that I was a part of. Then again, the more awkward breakfast I had involved my parents on other particular topics, one being a boyfriend I had. But I can't forget that my grandparents on my dad's side were too awkward when I last went to Korea when I was ten.
Unlike with Peter and his aunt that mostly came from the hormones crap, my parents were simpler in the awkward department; involving arguments about my grades or whoever I was dating behind their back without telling them. Those particular awkward breakfast moments mostly had to do with my mom causing it compared to my dad silently watching the scene unfold. My mom always wanted the best for me and is always pushing me to be the best so I can be very successful, more successful than her and dad. Just thinking about her and knowing that if she finds out anything with what's going on between Peter and I will drive her up the wall.
My dad however is a different story, but he's more tight-lipped about my relationships with guys. Yet, his eyes would say much more than what he can say. My mom was sure vocal, not above who I dated of course, but was vocal on wanting who she would prefer me dating. My dad on the other hand is old school, preferring that I simply date someone of the same race as me.
So, imagine your own Korean daughter having casual sex with someone she's more of an acquaintance with than a boyfriend? And add to the fact he's not Korean at all. My mom would probably try to ground me for life just because I'm doing this more than keeping up my grades or planning to go to an excellent prestigious college. And my dad likely would be more vocal than he ever was if he found out about Peter. They could try grounding me, or whatever punishment comes my way, but they don't know their daughter has spider base powers that can make any normal punishment impossible.
And even if breakfast with the Parker's was awkward due to the fact my head was buzzing, prodding, and pushing me to fuck Peter right beside me, and by God, if it wasn't for him heading to that shower fast enough, we'll probably have gone done it somehow. All that small experience….Was refreshing. More refreshing than waking up all the other times, realizing how different I am, and how different everything and everyone is around me nowadays.
Taking away our six senses making us sex crazy, it was nice to eat breakfast with someone else who's parental figure was very kind, very caring, who asked about me and how I'm overall doing and feeling. From that to how school is going, or how is being a senior treating me, to the hobbies I used to indulge in, friends I talk to, Peter's Aunt was interested in learning more about me, while at the same time again, showing so much care and openness.
My parents don't do that, or at least not how Peter's Aunt does. Sure, my mom in particular does similar things, but she didn't find caring about what I do with my friends, or how good I'm at with the hobbies I do. If it isn't my health, school, educational, side activities to make other colleges more aware of me then it's none of her concern. Since I've been fumbling more on my senior, my mom purely only cares about me doing well to get into a good college only. My father though… Yeah, he does care, more than my mom, but he's often busy with work half the time, which sometimes makes it hard to sit down and talk with him half the time. It's only really my brother who cares about my well-being specifically more than anything else.
I could always chalk it up to my mom and dad giving me my own space and not wanting to bother me about much other than my education…Since I didn't get these powers the normal way. Being kidnapped for something I didn't think I had, just because I was bitten by the same spider as Peter three years ago, only ended up not only changing me for the worst but also changing my relationships with just about everyone.
It's infuriating how I didn't get powers on the spot like Peter. I was fine! Normal! But then he…Ugh…The less I remember that day, the better anyhow…
Anyhow, it was nice to know Peter's Aunt was the kind of person that was open minded and open arms when it came to socializing. It made me at ease when my hormones were going out of whack. I even ask if I could help clean up which would've likely encouraged me to go fuck her nephew, but luckily, she told me she could handle the rest and that her door was always welcome.
She just needed to remind Peter to tell her if we were up to hanky panky so she doesn't become a bother when coming back home from work. To which I could only give small laughter at her comment since again, it was awkward with how calm and easy-going Peter's Aunt took the situation between us.
And…It's just different and unexpected to know someone like her can accept a bit of what's going on with me. A small gesture like that kind of helped my mood for today if I'm being honest.
I felt myself sighing as I took in the air of Forest Hill. Not my neighborhood since I live in upper Manhattan, close to Harlem but in a district called Washington heights. It's nothing like over here with the amount of trees, natures, small habitats, and residential houses that occupies the area.
Washington Heights is part of the big apple; one that has buildings upon buildings that can touch the sky, and has less nature occupying the spaces that people would walk around in.
The type of houses in Forest Hill is similar in scope with how expensive New York's homes are in general. The architecture, the garage they had, open space for a garden, and the fact it was relatively quiet where the many reasons why Forest Hill especially was not cheap to live in. But then you have people like Peter and his aunt who aren't so rich, and it seems like often, they're barely surviving to keep the house afloat from the few rare times I caught a bill lying around in Peter's room. It's mostly because those types of home's are for people who had them for years and never gave it up.
I try not to think about it too much since it's none of my business but today is one of those days that comes to my mind. I think Peter mentions briefly that his aunt is a surgeon, and it's likely why they're house at the very least is keeping afloat. Yet here and there, I wonder how long they can keep the house they have with only him and his aunt paying for everything? Even I know with the rise of taxes and the economy itself means I will have to work sooner than later to help my parent's out just like Peter does.
Though…It didn't help that he lost his uncle three years ago. That changed…Well everything from the bare details I know of. Peter rarely talks about it; if anything, he always talks about his uncle positively in terms of whatever wisdom he passes onto him. But it comes and goes really quick, and I never ask what had happened that led to his death. All I knew is it put him in the right path.
That's when I also wonder how he balances everything as well? School, job at a newspaper called the Daily Bugle that hates him more than me, spending time with his aunt, and being a superhero? I always wonder since knowing who he is, how the hell does Peter do it? Yet acts like nothing really fazes him? I mean how can I be like that? How can I be like someone who has it figured out?
How can I be someone who has the power to do good, but can also have some semblance of a normal life that can ground me in reality?
I felt myself sighing as I stopped on a sidewalk I was walking on. I won't find the answer, not through him since he isn't quite good at teaching, which funny enough, he knows that. And I personally don't really want too anyhow. I just gotta keep my distance, try to ignore the urges, and only really be near him when busting some bad guys if it comes down to it.
Just six more months Cindy, then graduation and you can just start fresh. Somehow at least…
With all these thoughts in my head? Might as well take a faster way to school. Walking away from the streets to the back of a house, from each of my fingertips came a plethora white silk as I then used its intricate strings to naturally create a hoodie over my jacket. Because the clothing was naturally made by my webbing, the hoodie was able to be developed without a hitch, something I had to understand its mechanics in the past. I turn on my phone that was in my pants pocket, slide on my ear plugs.
And then I was moving. Bumping to a classic kpop song by 2NE1.
Jumping on top of a nearby house, leaping to one house and another. I added graceful flips, used my webbing to pull me closer to the houses, flip off tree branches, and kept flowing with the speed I was moving at.
I felt myself smirking, smirking as I was hopping and running along the Forest Hill houses so I could make it to Midtown High. I wasn't subtle with my acrobatics, probably waking up some people due to my paddingness. But what do I care? I'm long gone anyhow.
I made sure to keep my hood latch on top of my head when moving with such speed by using my stickier powers. I don't know the exact science behind it but Peter theorized it has something to do with electromagnetic that our body can do, hell, he theorized that my finger has the same make up of protein type fibers like regular spiders, and with the combined usage of eating a lot of food, I can spin, make, or deconstruct my own silk with however I choose.
He's more of a science wiz than me while I reside in the likes of physics and mathematics, doesn't mean I'm a slouch though, but it also means there's someone who's smarter than me about something.
Keeps me humble if anything.
It wouldn't take long for me to reach there without using my webbing to swing since Forest Hill wasn't a great spot to swing on, at least until I reached where there were more larger buildings. Peter lived at 20 Ingram Street so he wasn't so far off from Midtown High, like a good mile from the school. Ok, actually to the normal people that's a long walk, like thirty minutes tops?
But for people like me? I can make it there in seconds without the usage of my webbing.
I leapt.
I ran.
I flung along the trees.
I wave at some animals that I startled
And cause I don't care eee eeee ee.
I don't care eee eeee ee.
And now, I saw that my brother, Albert, just texted me that my mom is pissed that I didn't come home while I parkour over the small rooftops in Forest Hill Square; a smaller city with various stores and food places compared to the residential side of Forest Hill. I texted him to tell her I was over at a friend's house studying.
And like we both know, my mom, and even my dad wouldn't believe that since I never used to study over a friend's house all the way till the next day. Sure, there was Hector… But they knew I never stayed as long as I do with Peter.
For a moment I stared at my phone screen, still having the wallpaper of me and Hector on it from a few months ago. He was a Hispanic guy, a year younger than me being seventeen, had fluffy brown hair that he sometimes tends to put too much gel on to impress me, also had stubbles under his chin so he can grow a goatee, and that smile…That simple smile where I can see, no, know he was gonna giggle...
I miss him…I miss us.
Thinking about him and what I had with him made me realize I leapt wrong, if it wasn't for my senses blaring like the school bell, with the words like, 'A BUILDING DUMBASS!' Screaming at me, I would've crashed into a window, but I snapped out a webbing from my fingertips and swung, moving and weaving past cars and flipping myself on a building.
Rather clumsy with my back as I roll, and now I was looking at the sky. I felt my eyes squeeze shut for a second and groan at how terrible it was. That could've been so much worse, but at least my phone was still in my hands.
However, when I looked at it, it was a different story… My strength cracked the screen.
I sigh, not again, but at least this time it is still functional at least and I don't need to explain how I fuck up this one up to my parents. Just simply tell them I dropped it like every iphone people have. Oddly enough, the crack displayed exactly how my relationship with Hector is.
A fragmented mess.
All because of my stupid spider powers. If I can just be normal again, if that stupid mad scientist hadn't kidnapped me and tried to experiment on me like the clones he did with Peter's blood, I would be normal. I would give anything to go back five months ago where I was normal, where I was expected to go to Oxford, where I'd continue being top of my class, top around my social group, and being the top player in my former hockey team.
I would give anything to be normal again, but I know that's impossible. As I put my phone back into my pants pocket, I rolled back up to my feet, and made a headfirst dive that allowed me to swing with my webline for a brief second before I let go, letting myself fly to another building as I went back to running along the rooftops of queens. The further I got away from Forest hill square, the more I had to maneuver to back the houses and trees that mostly occupy Queens.
I really don't like moving around these boroughs where the buildings are small and it's difficult to not bring attention to my movement. Essentially, screw Queens and Brooklyn.
Yet there was a reason why I was jumping and moving like a mad woman that can be related to the Hulk, and it's because there was beauty in these powers I hated. The freedom it gives me is always alluring and therapeutic when I feel too stressed out with just about…Everything in my life.
I hate it and love it.
The underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine, homie, until my heart stop
Oh, fuck me, my shuffle playlist has hilarious timing. And thanks mom, you and your interest in hip hop is always odd. But it says a lot about how easily she integrates herself in this country, more specifically New York compared to my dad.
I made it to Midtown High; more dub for science and engineering. I was across the street from the track field area where it also had clear room for football practices where I can see some older or younger students where either training or playing around. Landing right near a truck, I took a look around and underneath the truck to see if anyone was nearby where I could just be Cindy Moon.
Since it was clear and my senses weren't going off, I let my fingertips spin out webbing, literally sucking away the hood I made, letting my jacket out in the open once more. I think part of my body was eating the webbing? Or…I don't know, I never try to look too deep into my powers. I feel like if I do, then I wouldn't like what I find. Would be surprising if the spider bite I got three years ago gave me cancer just as five months ago it gave me powers.
A part of me scoffed and giggled at the same time as I walked to high school with my hands in my pocket. Would be ironic that the spider bite not only delayed my powers from coming out unlike Peter but also brought about potential cancer cells too. Speaking of the more Spider-Man; I can feel him not nearby, swinging towards Manhattan instead of school. A woman who kind of helped get me adjusted to my senses mentioned the spider bite made us connected in a way.
Meaning all the shit we're dealing with, and including the part of having an idea where we're at? It's all because of the spider bite three years ago.
The guy is lucky that we, as seniors, have a free period or two. And yet somehow, he still comes late ironically enough from what I hear.
Again, how the hell does he do the hero thing and find time for school? Meanwhile I just pick and choose instead of balancing. I mean, that Oxford ticket is gone anyhow. What sucks is how much work I put into my education to showcase everything I am capable of.
Yet I didn't get accepted. It just meant all the stuff my mom put me through was for nothing after all.
Doesn't matter, my focus should be on doing something with these powers as this city needs more heroes like Peter. Not those who focus on bigger threats, or dimension threats, or outer space threats, or even a single block or borough, just hero's that can help in day and night. I guess that's why part of me subjected myself to that. It beat's not using my powers or using my powers to get something to gain.
For the time being, this morning would just be me being a senior since it's the first week of the second term, and the last term before we graduate. I briefly sat around the benches of the track and field, finishing up my homework that I hadn't got done because I was so busy last night helping Peter fight an Iguana, a freaking Iguana.
He joked that Lizard was a far different beast than him, and the way he carried much of the fight says it.
Me on the other hand?
Shittttt…
I mostly was focused on webbing him, getting a few licks in, and trying not to let it chew my arms to dust. I still don't know how Peter can do all that, all this, and not be scared or fumble, or something entirely. It's like he's made of steel, that the hero's life doesn't faze him. He might've mentioned it does phase him, but he sure as hell doesn't show it.
The jokes, the mask, the way he moves so nonchalantly like his hormones aren't eating him up as well, all that shit and he just reacts like it's all normal.
It just…Irks me how he…Shrugs it off and moves on. Maybe it's because I don't know him like that because I choose not to. The woman who helped me, Cassandra Webb, or floating head lady I call her, mentioned when I started out all this, I should get to know him, that I should learn from him.
But I rather just bump shoulders with him just enough to learn how he does all the spider stuff and leave the Peter part where it's at. I just feel like getting to know him will only reeve up our fucking to a point we won't stop.
Cause I want to stop. I want to stop thinking about him. I want to stop thinking about fucking him. But then every time I don't think about him and I fucking, I get reminded of what happened that screwed everything up in school, that screwed me up in more ways than one! Then the fucking kidnapping, the powers, everything! I just…
… I JUST WANT TO BE NORMAL! WHY DID I HAVE TO BE THIS…THIS MUTANT?! I JUST WANT TO GO BACK…!
….Fuck…
I squinted my eyes shut, knowing full well I can't even focus on my homework because of all this shit! I've been staring at the questions in front of me, not answering any of them. And the crazy part is I know the answers! Or at least some! But I can't fucking focus on this, I can't focus on the normal things anymore!
BECAUSE WHAT'S THE POINT OF IT WHEN ALL I EVER THINK ABOUT IS TRYING TO GAIN CONTROL OF MYSELF! MY POWER'S! AND WHATEVER LIFE I STILL HAVE! OR JUST THINK ABOUT SEX!
In all this raging, stressful thought, I snapped my pen, letting ink spill over my hands, and a bit of it went on my homework. I ended up sighing and shaking my head. You know what Cindy? Guess the damn thing.
And I did so when using the remaining bits of the pen. I then packed it in my bag, wiping the ink off on my clothing, and headed to the entrance so I could at least grab an extra pen from my locker.
Midtown High was just like any other high school you can think of but just New York City to it. With the type of budget, it was a pretty big school, having stairs that lead to seven floors for different levels of classes, and had decent enough security upon entering so no one could try something stupid.
That begs the question how Peter ever snuck his web shooters in? Or his costume? Oh yeah, he probably sneaks up on the rooftop or something like that.
Midtown also had the tendency of having a variety of posters that encourage exploring hobbies, promoting helping others rather than bullying, recommending on talking to guidance counselors for college stuff, the usual sort of school social stuff to put out to encourage students to get in tune with the school. Something I used to be a part of before the powers came through…
Then you also had the students, like guys being guys; both the ones who are physically active and the ones who aren't talking about various things. Some mix well with each other since we're in the 21 century, there's none of that status shit where if you're a nerd, you're below, and if you're a jock you're on the top. Although, I won't lie, the stigma is somewhat there to a degree.
Especially the girl's side; the cheerleader squad, the girls who have all that makeup and have their breasts out, the ones who are shy just as the guys. That social status is still in the area, but at the very least, not many people would pick on you for that.
Unless you're weird, or something about you is just weird that they want to mock you. It just depends on who is an asshole in general. That's where the real problem comes from.
Whoever is just an asshole.
Speaking of the cheerleading squad, they were eyeing me like if they glared hard enough, they could send lasers out of their eyes like that guy Cyclops from the X-men. One in particular, a girl who tries to stand out so hard with that black and blond hair, the way she showed herself off both make up wise and body wise no matter if it's cold, and even going so far to have contact lenses to make her eyes violet.
The one and only Sally Avril. Once a…Friend, complicated one, but a friend, nonetheless. Now the bane of my existence that always has it out for me.
I simply pay no mind to her as I feel the bare bones of my senses telling me, 'That bitch still wants to murder you for cheating on your ex.' Like I had a choice whether I could've stopped myself from cheating on Hector, not when at the time my powers were just starting to come out.
Hell…Those first weeks when Peter and I were getting used to our senses sending sex signals to each other was…Hectic, brutal…Fun… To a point, but I can't look at the fun part when I hurt someone because of it. When it led to just about everyone that was my friend, or probably, everyone in school knowing what we do behind closed doors.
Sex isn't fun. It's something that can destroy relationships and hurt your reputation. Those movies that those elements were right on the money show how devastating it can be when you mix sex into a situation you want no part of. But unlike those characters, Peter and I never had a choice when it comes to sex. Once our senses get to the point it annoys us to where we can't resist.
It's over, and I hate it with a passion. It's to the point the consequence our sex had still gets to me, and I know it's something I can't ever change no matter what I do.
Even before I went to open my locker, not even near it, my senses went off, stronger, letting me know it involved my locker 'YOU OPEN THAT SHIT, YOU BETTER DODGE GIRL!' I scoffed at the warning, what's new in Midtown High anyway? I put my combination in the lock, opened it, and immediately ducked so quickly to avoid some type of smelling paint being blasted to my face.
Instead, someone got caught behind me, "Great…Just…Great," I stood up, seeing that a guy who now looked to have brown paint… No, shit as predicted thanks to my senses, smeared on his clothing, at least his glasses and faces didn't get on him.
"Whooweee! Moony must've let Charlies take one for the team to not get shit on her!"
I found myself scowling harder as my eye's darter to the taller, white boy whose jawline was thicker than probably any student of Midtown high, "How about you go fuck yourself Jason!" I yelled viciously at him.
Jason had that shitty smug look on his face as he walked past to where Sally and her girlfriends were giggling. It was the kind of smug look he gave off every time he knew I can't do shit.
Because if I do, I'll end up getting suspended again, or worse, expelled, "Maybe if I wasn't with someone," he put his arms around Sally, her own two face, evil fucking smirk also pissing me off at the same time, "You would do it for me," he taunted with an erotic undertones, jabbing at something I can't fucking control. His friends all ooooee'd around him, getting the attention of some people in the hallway.
You would think the teachers, principal, or security officers would come and help. But no, that's not always the case here. I've learned every since with what happen to me because of my powers; from cheating on my ex that wasn't my fault, people leaking Peter and I having sex, to quitting every hobby or task I was part of because of my powers or my time as a work in progress hero, I've truly learnt that as an outsider, no one really would come to defend you when you really need them too.
People will watch like a bystander.
Adults won't always be around.
And if they are, they'll blame you for standing up for yourself.
But this was school after all, a taste of how the adult world would work in a sense.
It's not fair, not fucking fair…
I felt my fist clenching so hard, ready to throw something to knock that look off his face, but again, the consequence would be severe or worse compared to last time. Then my parents would have to handle the situation again, even paying for unnecessary hospital bills. I don't need that, nor them coming into school to be embarrassed by me not controlling my anger.
But I fucking wanted to bury Jason, I wanted to throw Sally out a window, hurt them so bad because they had a play into how totally fucked my social life had become. Through the anger I was dealing with because of those two, I started feeling something pinch through my skin at the base of my hand, it made me wince as I then quickly realized what just happened.
My eyes steadily widen when my fucking claws in my fingertip retracted. A power unlike says my strength I have yet to learn to control or use in better circumstances. I quickly had to pocket my hands just so no one would pay attention to my bleeding hands. I can feel warm liquid making my hands feel wet, slippery, and dripping in my pockets.
God damn it… I gotta take care of it, another problem that I had to deal with today. At the very least, the bell rang, and my mini stare off with Jason and his pals wore off as they all went their way.
Laughing and giggling while pointing out my vein being shown on my temple.
Poor Charlies on the other hand was trying to take off some shit with a towel he got from his bag, "And then Jason mocks me…What's new anyways, " Charlies muttered as he went to whatever class he went too.
I didn't have time to tell him sorry. But the saddest part was how could I be sorry? That I should've taken shit all over me? Charlie is similar to Peter when it comes to being not only being an outsider, but a person who's intelligent and gets harassed by people like Jason. However, Charlie was known to hang around with the bad crowd that gave ammunition to why some picked on him. And what sealed the deal was because of a prank he did back in the end of freshman year to go against those who bully him, only deepening the harassment. From time to time, Peter tries to stick up for him, also to make up for how even he at one point harassed him when he was a basketball player.
What ended up happening was Charlie viewing Peter as a backstabber and is a selfish person at the end of the day. Whatever friendship they had at one point, went away in sophomore year.
Either way, with how Sally is, I didn't want to give her any more reason to harass me. She knows I can fuck her up because I did the same to her boyfriend when he was bothering Peter, taunting not only him, but me because of the leak between us that spread around.
And so, this was her way of dealing with me, psychological, mental torment. Hell, my money is on her for recording and leaking what Peter and I were doing that day. And she probably did too!
It doesn't matter anyhow. I'm not Peter who would literally take that shit to keep himself from standing out. It makes me cruel, but I don't want to deal with a pile of shit that I'm already dealing with. I head to the bathroom so I can at least clean up my hands and wrap them up with my webbing until it heals just enough that I don't need it.
I won't lie to myself…Deep down…I deserve how people like Sally treat me. I cheated on my ex, distanced myself from everyone beforehand, quit all my hobbies including hockey because I couldn't and still can't control myself, and not to mention especially around Peter. Even when he's far away, I find myself thinking about fucking him right here and right now.
I had to grit my teeth, shake my head, and splash some water on my face. It didn't do jack shit, but I kind of hope it did.
I found myself staring at the mirror at myself, seeing a poor reflection of who I once was in the process.
I once had nice, longer black hair, that can be braided to whatever degree my mother wanted it to be, now it was a bit shorter, all over the place, and had no care for it.
I once had more of a positive expression, one that everyone pointed out. Now I see total rage, stress, a poker-like expression that was waiting for the day to end.
Then I looked at my hand, unwrapping the bit of webbing to see my skin easily healed, and then I'm reminded how different, how truly different I am from who I once was.
…Then a thought came to my head, of how much of a terrible person I become because of having these powers. That I'm just meant to not only hurt people but let down those that once counted on me.
I deserve what's coming from me.
I do, and no one can tell me otherwise.
Classes passed by, coming and going with ease. The usual English lessons, the usual AP physics that I'm bombing because to avoid Peter, the usual history lesson that I find myself easily distracted by the known fact that I couldn't even take notes.
Since I still haven't got a pen, and didn't bother to ask anyone for one. But luckily, it's the rinse and repeat history of economic growth in America.
I once thought of using my webbing to take down notes with the lack of a utensil, but I know that's a very terrible idea in the nutshell. Least my mathematics teacher was kind enough to lend a pen when he noticed the fact we had a quiz to take care of. It made math better to deal with compared to the three other classes.
Depressingly enough, Peter was here.
From the beads of sweat dripping from head to toe, him rushing into class as well, and apologizing loudly as he somehow slipped and fell, I bet people assume he was in gym class. But unlike them, I knew better it had to be related to him being Spider-Man. With how his hair was all over the place compared to earlier, my senses already were dreading that I would have to deal with him.
The classroom had a small moment to laugh at Peter's incident. The teacher eyerolled and pointed out how late he was, and he had 20 minutes to complete his quiz. And to which as ever, he went right to it, apologizing again for his lateness, and acting like he didn't bust his ass earlier.
As ever, he was nonchalant and kept on with business.
As much as I wanted to dip, I couldn't, not when it means I'll get more of a lower grade in math. The likes of physics and philosophy were already in place of failing, and math is something I can't let slip.
Mostly, because of my mom, and I don't wanna hear from her about how I should be acing it with ease.
In doing so, I had to try to ignore it, resist the urge coming through. I can feel my senses going off again, tingling just lightly enough that it was not about being in danger, but in a way where it had me biting my lip, making my legs squirm and tangle together.
Essentially… Telling me, urging me to have sex with the person near me.
Fuck…
I felt myself quiver at the prospect of what Peter and I can do in a time like this; how between my legs was starting to feel hot, achy, and just this throbbing feeling of wanting him inside me again.
I hate it, I just hate this shit.
And I hate that I want it.
I want it so badly, and I can tell, no, I can feel him staring at me. I can somehow feel what he wants too, and I can also feel his need to ignore those urges just as much as I do. But this was always the hard part, ignoring the urges because at the end of the day, it'll lead to us finding a place to fuck the urge out of us.
Or my worst nightmare, doing it in front of everyone…
I wouldn't understand how people are just sex crazy, it feels disgusting and terrible to want to have sex with someone on a daily basis. I can't believe I've become that type of person because of my powers.
And the worst part is no matter how hard we try, it ended up us having to fuck; individually, we asked permission to go to the bathroom, went through our respective windows, to the rooftop and just to fuck our brains out. At the very least, we weren't stupid enough and had some sense to be aware of the fact to avoid places where people likely would come in and definitely record what we do.
Never again…
Again, It made me feel disgusted, it made me feel terrible, I hated it, hated it so much, and I just wish I wasn't in this position that I am now. For whatever reason, it didn't take long anyhow, we managed to finish up like it was nothing and then get back to class afterwards. Peter went back to class first while I let a few more minute's pass by before I came back.
It…Dampen it, but I know we wanted to do more, go longer.
But I guess, somewhere in between all that, we can have some level of control. Knowing when to stop or…I don't know, I really don't fucking know. And thank God, the bell rang ending math class. I was the first to skaddle out of the classroom and head straight to lunch where I took to the point of sitting at a table and just…Breath. I can still feel him, he's not near me as he himself is putting some distance between us, but there is always that stupid nudge.
That little nudge that wants me to find him again.
Wants me to do all sorts of things with him again.
That wants to implode, implode on him again.
And again, I can feel him wanting the same.
Wanting to be inside me, wanting to feel me once more.
And if he could, cum inside me, where I can feel his semen just enough that it can drip out of-
UGHHH….I groan so loud because of these ranging hormonal feelings. Fuck these thoughts, fuck this feeling! I bang my head hard enough that I made a small dent on the table I sat at.
I hated how deep these six senses are; it isn't just a danger sense; it's also a radar and some type of feelings machine when it comes to Peter. I know where he's at, I can feel where he's at, and I can feel the bit of intention that I guess it's on the surface of his mind? I don't know since that part is complicated, but I do know how badly he wants to fuck me, and at the same time, wants to put as much distance from me as possible.
It goes at odds with my opinion of him being nonchalant. And I guess he is just good at keeping things to himself more than showing it. But I also detest a bury feeling I felt off and on with him, that there's not much to do, and whatever happens, happens.
It was aggravating dealing with this shit that I don't want to deal with it. And I keep asking, why me? Why must I go through all this? Why can't I, maybe just have spider powers and not the pheromones part of it? But then I also kept asking and bitching to myself for the past five months about this one topic.
Why couldn't I stay normal?
I bury my head in my arms, trying to drown out the thoughts and drown out my senses bothering me. It's a good thing I already plan on skipping my last class later so I can just…Swing around the city for a bit and find some crime to deal with. It's better that way so I can just not be around Peter and let the urges die out properly. Suddenly, I heard a tray being put in front of me, a tray full of food. Raising my head, I saw that lunch was serving some chicken, vegetables, and mashed potato, and it was given to me by someone I know very well, "Forgetting lunch again?"
I look to my right to see auburn hair, blue-eyed girl, giving me a small smile and a concerned look, "Just trying to get some sleep is all," I answered as my arms hid the dent I made. I was really glad my hands healed so fast that I didn't need the webbing to hide it.
This was Liz Allen, a good friend from childhood who somehow is still with me till this day. As she sat by me, she couldn't help but lose the smile she had on, "Sure it had nothing to do with shit almost getting thrown on you? Poor Charlies got the end of it that he's wearing his gym clothing again."
I shrug my shoulders as I took a bite out of my chicken, not bad, but too chewy and has a lack of seasoning, "It's a usual Tuesday with Sally. I'm just tired and trying to catch up with my classes."
Even with my eyes more painted towards looking at what's in front of me or looking at the various people that were coming and hanging in the lunchroom, Liz's concern for me didn't go unnoticed. Knowing each other since pre-K; she always felt it was her duty to be concerned with whatever is going on with the people she cares about. Although she briefly moved away from NYC when we were ten due to her parent's divorce, coming back didn't deter her need to care about her friends and family.
It's her greatest quality, but also something I dislike. I don't deserve her friendship because I feel as if I'll crumble it to pieces any time soon.
She didn't bother to ask if my statement was true of why I'm really tired. She's like that, knows when to ask, but knows not to invade people's space, "Isn't Peter still helping you?"
In the middle of me eating, I looked at Liz with a sideways glance, and my eyebrow raised, "Not…Necessarily," I said when I finished chewing on the chicken. There were also moments like this where Liz noticed things that some would either over analyze or not care. Instead, she asks out of curiosity to hear the person's perspective on what she noticed, but still, finds ways not to invade their space depending on it, "Been trying to keep a distance for both our sake after the shit storm that happened to us."