Work Text:
Strong Emotions (Rio & Peter: Give It a Try Part 2)
Dating Peter was easier than Rio thought it was going to be. Three months of quietly dating had been some of the best times of Rio’s life. It was also true for Peter, but Rio had been scared to ask, as she was just thrilled to be with him and still didn’t want to jinx things. Though, the more time they spent together, the more Rio felt that fear of jinxing going away. Peter was kind, considerate, a great listener, and one of the sweetest people Rio had ever met. He really did possess all of the amazing qualities Jefferson, Miles’ father, had. But Rio didn’t let those qualities make her see Peter as a “replacement.” Peter was his own person and was making every effort to just be there for Rio. He made no attempts to make his role in her life or Miles’ life any bigger or more important than it had been. Rio was thrilled with that fact alone; Peter wasn’t trying to replace Jefferson or force himself into any place in their lives. He was just being a good man.
However, ever since learning Peter’s secret, any news of Spider-Man already added an extra weight of worry to Rio. She already had a hard enough time knowing Miles was in danger every day. Now, with their relationship, Rio felt that worry for Peter increase.
When news of Scorpion escaped prison hit the news, it immediately occurred to Rio the heights that worry had grown to.
The prison breakout happened at about 11 in the morning. The news reported Scorpion and Spider-Man battled around 12:00 PM with the fight ending in about 20 minutes in Spider-Man’s favor.
Rio exhaled in relief when the news of the fight ended. A part of her knew Peter would win. Another part was scared to death. But his victory and a text from Peter later eased her mind. Rio couldn’t help but flashback to the days when Jefferson would be on patrol. New York was never the safest place; the rise of supervillains only exacerbated that condition to insane levels.
Rio got another text and saw it was from Peter, asking her to meet on the roof of her office. Rio, as calmly but quickly as she could, hurried up to the roof. Once there, she looked around, whispering, “Peter?”
“Right here,” Peter walked around the air conditioner unit in his civilian clothes.
Rio looked at him in relief. “Pete…” She hurried over and hugged him. “Are you alright?”
Peter chuckled, hugging her back. “I’ve been through worse. Sadly.”
“You didn’t have to change.”
“If we’re caught hugging, that’s one thing. You caught hugging Spider-Man, that’s another story.”
“Well. Thank you for that.” Rio held the hug. “Am I being clingy?”
Peter chuckled, “Nope. Any time Scorpion shows up, I’ll take all the hugs I can get.”
Rio giggled softly. She released the grip but kept her arms around his neck. She gazed into Peter’s eyes, “I’m just… glad you’re… okay.”
Peter was lost in her gaze, as well. “Y-yeah. Thanks.”
Rio’s focus never left Peter. A single thought was going through her mind. She kept glancing down at his lips. She almost felt guilty at the single thought running through her mind. But, at the same time, the desire was overcoming the guilt. “Peter… I… really… I-I really want to… to…”
“Not stopping you, Rio.”
Rio moved closer and pressed her lips to his. It felt amazing, for them both. It didn’t take long to be overcome by the feeling of the kiss. Again, Rio felt some guilt but not enough to make her stop. Peter had often wondered if he and Rio would get to this stage, and, if they did, how would they handle it and how would it feel. Being no stranger to uncommon situations, Peter thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Rio on a romantic level. And this kiss was something he had wanted for a while. Now he had it, and it was everything he hoped for and more.
After the kiss, they separated and stared at each other, both taking a deep breath as they accepted this new level of their relationship.
“That…” Rio said, nervously, “wasn’t… wrong… was it?”
“Not for me,” Peter smiled. “You?”
“Not at all.” Rio beamed. “This… really is working. Right?”
Peter had already contemplated that, and he knew the answer, responding without hesitation, “Yeah. Rio, it really is.”
“Good.” She gave him another quick kiss, causing them both to laugh.
“Okay, okay,” Rio managed to slow her laughs down. “We really need to tell Miles.”
Peter chuckled. “You’re sure about us, now?”
“Ohhhhhh, I’m sure!”
“Lucky me.”