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He tried to avoid coming to your place. He really did. But since the moment he allowed you close, it seemed to become much harder.
You didn't know he was Spider-man, and he planned to keep it that way. He didn't want to become your friend either, but dropping by your apartment became an occurrence he couldn't refuse himself.
After so much time, there was finally someone who cared. Your presence became a need.
Especially when he was having an awfully shitty day.
Even though he didn't like sharing things from his life, you still managed to learn to read him like a book. Which meant that the moment he appeared at your door, and you noticed the bruise next to his lip and forehead, you could tell something was wrong.
You tried not to ask –like all the other times you did, and he quickly deflected–you were worried, but offering comfort was the best you could do.
Peter gave you a casual smile and asked about your day as he sat down on your couch, but he looked exhausted. You kindly told him to make himself feel at home, because you still had some things to take care of.
He didn’t speak at all after. He just laid down, scanning through your streaming services with a blank stare. You started making some popcorn and tea without even asking.
“Hey.” You appeared in Peter’s vision after a while, putting down the bowl of popcorn. “Do you want some honey in your tea?”
“Yeah…Thanks.” he shortly answered. You offered him an understanding smile, then left again.
By the time you came back and placed down your mugs, he had chosen a movie. It was a lighthearted one that you watched a few times together before.
You decided that in this emergency situation, cuddles were needed, so you went ahead and laid down on him.
“Is this okay?” You asked, and Peter nodded. You laid your head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around you, letting out a deep sigh he had been holding. He felt like he could breathe again.
You took the remote and pressed play. It didn't take too long for the two of you to make the popcorn disappear. At some point he drank from his mug– refusing to sit up which made things a little bit harder, but at least he didn't have to let go of you that way. Not even for a moment. He hummed in satisfaction as the tea warmed up his throat.
After he settled back, you put your hands against his side. You didn't think much of it, you just needed to fidget with something.
So you started caressing him slightly, up and down on his side. Peter immediately tensed. He tried to hold still, focus on the movie, but you kept brushing against that spot near his ribs that was absolutely the death of him.
He adjusted himself, praying that you wouldn't figure him out. And you didn't. You stopped, only for minutes after to start again. It was really tickling him, but he didn't want to squirm–or say anything. He feared he'd disturb your cuddling, and maybe, just maybe… He didn't exactly want you to stop. The little shocks that your touch sent over his skin felt comforting to him, in a way. He couldn’t even tell when was the last time someone cuddled him –or tickled him at all.
Well, except for you one time, but it was only one poke and he quickly shut it down. He hated how his mind kept wandering back to the moment.
So he tried to suffer in silence, greatful, that you couldn't see his mouth twitching into a smile.
But he couldn't keep it up for long.
He buried his face into your neck, squirming as a chuckle finally slipped out. You gave him a confused look, then realized the problem and chuckled.
“What?” You mused, your pointing finger brushing up and down his ribs, now deliberately. “What’s wrong, Peter?”
“N…Nothing.” His voice came out strained, refusing to look up from your shoulder.
“Really? I thought something was wrong. Why aren’t you watching the movie then?”
He kept giggling nervously as you went back to gently tickle his sides. He was panicking, yet his mind was buzzing with giddyness.
You hummed, like you were calculating your next move, then suddenly slipped your hands under his arms. You were barely tickling him, but this was all it took for him to throw his head back with a loud cackle.
“[Name], waHAIT- NO!!” He was cut off by another sharp laugh as you tried to move your hand. Emphasis on tried, because he absolutely trapped it.
“I’m barely doing anything!” You laughed, a little surprised at how much it tickled him– you weren't even moving your fingers! Would he just straight up die if you did??
“Gehet out! Gehet out!!”He rapidly patted your arm, legs kicking helplessly.
“Okay, okay!” you managed to retract your hands, then plopped back down on his giggly frame, snuggling against him. “You're so cute.”
His cheeks burned red like a tomato at the praise. His skin was still tingling with the ticklish after shock. He mentally cursed himself for shutting you down again. He felt too greedy. He kept coming into your home, eating your food, drinking your tea, snuggling you without even asking, and now he wanted you to-
Peter let out a quiet huff as he started scaressing your back. Could he allow this for himself? He was already doing much more than he planned to. Much more than he allowed himself.
…Would you think he was weird?…Well, there was only one way to find out.
“[Name]?” Peter asked quietly. You hummed in acknowledgement, so he had no choice now, but to ask. “Can you… continue doing that?”
“Doing what?”
“The…the thing you were doing before.” He quickly mumbled. God, this was awkward. You didn't even look up at him. You didn't react at all for a moment. He was about to regret everything when you placed your hands on his sides.
“You mean this?” You gently skittered your fingers against his sides and he flinched, stifling a laugh.
“Mhm.”
You smiled to yourself as you felt him squirm under you, pulling up one leg - like he’d have a chance to curl up like this. Your hands continued their way up to his ribs, scratching at a spot that made him giggle quietly.
You turned your gaze to him, resting your chin on his chest to admire his flushed face. He must have noticed you staring because he buried his face into your neck again, holding you close.
“Aww, don't hide from me!” you cooed, feeling bold enough to reach under his shirt, squeezing around his torso.
He yelped, hands grabbing onto your arms, but making no actual effort to push you away. He was laughing–belly laughter that you barely ever had the chance to hear, and you couldn't help but giggle along.
“Peteeer. Look up, please!”
He shook his head again stubbornly, so you decided to be mean and switch back from squeezing to gentle scribbling. He gasped and flinched, ears turning red from the embarrassment. You were still trying to coax him away from your shoulder, but no matter what, he wouldn’t budge. Your heart fluttered at how sweet the situation was. Just as how sweet his giggles were, especially as they turned frantic when you kept switching between spots to tickle.
“You’re really enjoying this, huh?” You didn't mean to tease. It was a genuine, adoring realization. But as you mumbled against his ear, he squealed, scrunching up his shoulder. You laughed in disbelief. “Don't tell me you're ticklish there too!”
You tried to nuzzle him, but Peter leaned away with a cackle, squirming more violently.
“[Name] noho-! I JUhust- DOHON’T! ” He couldn't form a coherent sentence as you quickly blew a raspberry on his neck. All the while your hands found his hips and started squeezing them rapidly. He literally folded around you, having no other choice but cackle and squeal as you tickled him silly.
You peppered his neck with raspberries until his laughter became wheezy. He started rapidly patting your arm again, and you immediately let up. He still had that big, giddy smile on his face as he tried to steady his breathing. Your gaze softened.
“It’s nice to see you smile like this.”
Peter’s eyes slightly widened, then he let out a nervous chuckle. “Um… Thanks.”
You realized what you've just said, and you grew uncomfortable too. Maybe it was too much for him? You really hoped you haven't crossed a line-
“I mean it, though.” Peter mumbled, shyly searching for your gaze. “Thank you for… Well, everything. Sometimes I feel like you’re too good to me”
You rolled your eyes playfully, feeling relieved. “Oh shut up. I like having you around. I like it when you come to me if something's wrong.”
You felt more comfortable alluding to his bruises, and he seemed to get that. You didn't want to force him. Maybe some time, you’ll learn what's actually going on in his life. You decided to change the subject as you laid back on his chest, tone filled with mischief.
“And I also like that you like tickling.” You heard him sputter, and you couldn't hold back a giggle.
“I just– I don't know, it just feels nice, okay? I’m… I’m sorry it’s weird-”
“I’m just teasing, Peter, I don't mind.” you contemplated the words, ears turning slightly red. “I…think it's fun too.”
You could tell he glanced at you, as there was a pause.
“…Oh, really?”
“Don't even try, I know your weak spots.”
Peter laughed, leaving his revenge for another day. He was tired, but at least his chest felt a lot lighter now. You really were a good influence on him.
You both finished the movie, and you were about to sit up to finish your tea too– which must have gone cold by now– when you heard quiet snoring. You glanced over to see that Peter had fallen asleep. You liked seeing him happy, smiling. But you've just realized how much you loved seeing him peaceful too. It was like all his worry had vanished from his face.
You brushed the hair back from his forehead, then placed a kiss on his bruise. Maybe one day, you’ll know why.