Mastermind
Peter Parker x f!reader
Synopsis: Peter has a crush on you from afar. One day you ask him to tutor you and things go from there.
Note: This really doesn't follow any specific canon from the movies.
"You know staring at Y/N won't make her like you."
Peter's head shot up at the sound of a voice behind him, that of MJ's.
"W-what are you talking about?" Peter chuckled awkwardly, doing a horrible job of lying.
"Me and Ned notice how much you watch Y/N. You always bring up any interaction you two have- and so much more! You like her. Just admit it, nerd," MJ explained amid the noisy school cafeteria.
"So what if I do?" Peter shrugged as MJ sat next to him.
"You should make a move- oh wait- you're too scared," MJ said with a sly smirk, begging him to fight back, which he did.
"Nervous? I'm an Avenger! I don't get nervous!" Peter hissed.
"Then go talk to her, Avenger" MJ shrugged like it was the only obvious option.
"Well- I- I just don't want her to think I'm weird."
"Well, then you're out of luck in that regard," she joked dryly. "You two used to be close. Why can't you spark up a conversation about, like, the past?"
"'Cause it's random, and also, we were friends in middle school! That was a while ago, MJ!"
"OK, Parker, I give up. Enjoy your futile people-watching."
Peter watched as MJ walked away to the lunch line. She wasn't wrong. He was too scared to even consider being near Y/N.
The boy sighed, going back to eating his lunch after you left the room.
___
"Alrighty!" Mr. Harrington clapped his hands together. "We have a new member for this semester's Academic Decathlon!"
The club whispered among themselves in anticipation of who it could be. Peter glanced up from his book when, of course, you entered the classroom with a new copy of the textbook.
"I'm sure you all know Y/N, so welcome her into the club and help her get acquainted with the material for today's practice."
You smiled shyly at the group, waving and going to take a seat in the open chair next to Flash.
Peter silently groaned, letting his head fall onto the desk. Of course, it was you, and of course, you had to sit next to Flash. Flash had an obvious crush on you as well.
"Peter. Wanna start off today's practice?" Mr. Harrington asked, staring directly at Peter as he lifted his head off his desk. Everyone was looking at him.
Peter sighed, standing up with his textbook to go to the podium to call the questions.
The first round went by fast. You answered three times, getting all answers right. Peter could feel himself smile every time you rang the bell.
Peter tried his best to compliment you when you answered during the second round.
At one point, Peter asked a question the Flash rang in for. Peter watched as the boy mouthed to you: watch this.
Flash got the question wrong, making you slightly giggle. Peter chucked, as did the rest of the class, at Flash's misplaced confidence. However, Peter wasn't laughing at Flash this time- he was laughing because you laughed. Peter wanted to cling on to any bit of you he could. He was glad Flash's terrible attempt to show off failed.
After a few more rounds, Peter traded off with another student. Peter didn't want to be like Flash and do a flashy show-off of his skills, but he did want to impress you.
Peter heard the first question- ringing in as soon as he could. He wasn't confident with his odds but gave a shaky answer, which was revealed to be correct.
Peter smiled slightly. When he glanced to the left, you were smiling at him, presumably because he aced the question. He smiled back at you, hoping this was some sort of connection. You were noticing him!
If that was what it took, he could do it. Peter answered every question he could, getting almost all right. He got a thumbs-up from you once after a question!
___
After practice ended, he was packing his bag to leave when you approached him. Peter felt his heart speeding up dramatically.
"Hey, Peter. Love the jacket," you started things off, making Peter smile and examine his jacket, vowing to wear it more often.
"Thank you. I... like your shirt. Um- you did good on your first day," Peter gave a tightlipped smile, trying to act normal.
"Thanks, but you were on fire! Like seriously, some of those questions were insane," you gushed, grinning the whole time.
"Oh, wow, uh, thank you!" Peter stuttered out, causing you to giggle. "You gave great answers, too!" He rushed to follow up.
"Yeah, about that... those were the bare minimum. I joined this club to help raise my grades. Clearly you know your stuff, so... I have the biggest favor to ask."
Peter raised his brows. "Uh, yeah, what's that?"
"So, it's OK if you say no because it's so random, but could you tutor me in some of the subjects covered here? I could really use the help, but again it's OK if y-"
"I'll do it," Peter agreed quickly, blushing at how eager he sounded. You grinned largely.
"Seriously? 'Cause I could pay you if that's necessary."
"Y/N, you don't have to pay anything. Honestly, I mean, it's the least I can do for the girl who defended me from Jose in 8th grade," Peter recalled a memory from their past, mentally punching himself for saying something that most likely meant nothing to her.
"You still remember that? Wow, I didn't know I could even make an impact like that," you said, surprised in a good way.
Peter decided to roll with it. "Uh, yeah, I mean, Jose was a jerk, so I was just glad someone stood up for me. So, uh, yeah," Peter awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
You shrugged nonchalantly. "Anytime. But yeah, thank you so much for agreeing. When are you free to go over the material?"
Peter supposed one evening without Spider-Man wouldn't hurt. "Tonight," he said right away. "Um, like five?"
"Can do. At the library?"
"Absolutely."
"See you then, Peter. Thanks again," you waved at him as you left the class to go to your next.
___
"So, you're telling me that all you had to do was be nerdy, and she just came up to you?" MJ recounted Peter's story in a tone laced with disbelief.
"Yes! Seriously. If you didn't have to miss today's practice for your re-do test, you would've seen it! So, believe it or not, I've gotta get to the library soon and tutor Y/N," Peter said cockily, standing up from the barstool at the cafe MJ part-timed at.
MJ just rolled her eyes but gave a genuine smile. "Good luck. Don't screw it up."
"Thanks? I'll try not to."
With that, Peter slung his bag onto his back and left the shop, library-bound.
___
The library wasn't awfully busy that weekday, making it easy to find a table in a corner. Peter laid his books and notebooks out, realizing you wouldn't know where he was, nor did he have your number to text you.
Everything worked out, however, when you wandered into the back section he was sitting, looking lost. Your eyes lit up at the sight of him, making Peter's stomach churn in a good way.
You walked with a purpose over to the table, sitting your stuff down. "I was looking all over for you," you grinned, not meaning it in a guilt-tripping way.
Peter realized he actually had to reply instead of staying in a daydream. "Oh- yeah. I sat here and realized you might not be able to find me, but luckily you did."
"Yeah, it only took like, seven different aisles," you laughed before opening your notebook.
Peter couldn't tell if he was just nervous or if he just loved the sound of your laugh, but his heart raced.
"So, I was thinking... we could piggyback off what we did in practice today?"
"Sounds good. I'm sure whatever I learn will be good when you're teaching it," you said, laying your chin on the palm of your hand.
Peter could feel his face heat up. He ducked his head down to the textbook and chuckled. "Yeah... I- uh- just start in on page five right here."
For thirty minutes, Peter was able to impart some knowledge your way. After you two finished a chapter, you turned to Peter with a closed-mouth smile. "This has been really helpful, thank you."
Peter frowned. "You're done?"
You continued smiling. "Just for today, yeah. But I'm really hungry... do you wanna get something to eat?"
Peter perked up at the invitation to continue spending time together. "Yeah, I'd love to!" He said very excitedly, to which you just giggled.
"OK, c'mon. I'll show you this really good Thai place I like down the block."
You and Peter collected your things, exiting the library together to walk down the sidewalk to the restaurant of choice.
"So, you had that Stark Internship, right?"
"Yeah- still do, actually. I'm still just the young guy, though."
"Hey, they'll realize what a dedicated worker you are, and when they do, they'll have to give you more opportunities."
"You think so?"
"You seem like you have a great work ethic, Peter, so yeah, I do think so."
Peter just grinned, looking down at the sidewalk. You were making him nervous.
___
The restaurant you two entered was moderately nice for a casual New York City restaurant.
You both ordered at the counter and then sat at an empty table.
Peter wanted to try and flirt, but he knew he'd be super awkward and make things weird. Nevertheless, he still attempted to gain your favor.
"You caught on really fast with the Academic stuff. It was like you already knew it! So, I guess you're a natural."
You looked away and grinned. "Thank you. I- um- guess I just needed a few reminders, is all."
Peter cocked a brow, but their food was placed in front of them at that moment. The two ate, sharing conversation about middle school and how annoying some of their classes were now.
Somehow, the topic got moved on to Flash.
"You know Flash has a thing for you," Peter decided to throw bait into the water as the pair left the restaurant, being that they had finished their food.
You furrowed your brows. "Yeah, I know. We actually have two classes together- three counting Decathalon now. He hits on me every day. It gets tiring really fast."
"What?" Peter exclaimed in fake shock. "You don't appreciate all his futile attempts to be a womanizer?"
You laughed and shook your head. "Crazy, right? I might be the only one who doesn't. I just- I just already have my eyes on someone else."
"Oh," Peter mumbled aloud, regretting how disappointed he sounded. "Um... is it weird to ask-"
"Who it is?" you cut him off. "Yeah, I was hoping you would've guessed by now," you stopped walking, Peter doing the same, peering at you with confusion.
"I-I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be invasive. I-"
"It's you, Peter. I've been trying to flirt with you and give you hints, hoping you'd make a move," you chuckled to fill the air.
"Oh... Oh!" Peter put a hand to his chest. "You," he pointed at you, then back at himself. "Like me?"
"Yes!" You desperately hoped he felt the same.
"I- woah. I really like you too, Y/N," Peter sputtered out.
"Really? Because I was starting to think my plan failed."
"Plan?"
"You said it yourself in the restaurant... I already knew that stuff we were learning. I don't need tutoring. I just decided to ask you so... I dunno," you looked away embarrassed. "So we could do something outside of school."
When you looked back up, Peter was grinning widely. "You made a plan just to be with me?"
You nodded.
"That's- wow. I was trying to drop hints all day too, but I suck at anything flirting-wise. I was just excited you kept asking to do stuff, but you planned this all along. You made the dominoes fall until we were here."
"I didn't know this would be how I confessed, but yeah. I don't need tutoring when I'm the mastermind," you joked and shrugged.
"Maybe it's my turn to do something..." Peter looked into your eyes, searching your face. "Can I kiss you?"
You leaned in, letting that be your answer. His lips met yours as you two kissed in the darkening evening. The cool Queens air hit the side of your face as you pulled away, catching your breath.
"Was that good? Because I'm definitely not an expert."
You just giggled. "Yes, it was great, Peter."
"Can I walk you home?" Peter pursed his lips, waiting for an answer.
You nodded and thanked him graciously with another kiss. With that, you two set off toward your apartment as the street lights flickered on in the chilled air.
___
"...And then we kissed. Boom! In your face!"
MJ rolled her eyes and laughed while Ned clapped Peter on the back.
"Dude! You got a girlfriend!"
Peter chuckled at Ned's enthusiasm. Peter's phone dinged at that moment. It was a text from you.
"Gotta go, guys. Peter has a second date today with Y/N."
"Did you just refer to yourself in the third person?"
"Yep, deal with it!" Peter called, already out the door of the cafe.
___
You were waiting at the subway station. Peter jogged down the stairs, joining you to enter the train and go ice skating.
You reached your hand out, Peter taking it as you two entered the train.
It was only the second date, but you knew Peter was going to make you happy. You simply looked up at Peter, smiling, which he returned with his signature grin.
The train's doors shut, and you two were carried away down the tracks, ready for what was to come.
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https://x.com/astralbaes/status/1771601120026079297?s=20
this is cherry when she unlocks makeouts and isn’t scared of peter anymore fnnfnfnd
peter wobbles when you wrap your arms around his neck, appearing from nowhere and hanging off him. he's in the middle of talking to a brother, but still holds an arm around your back to steady the both of you.
'right, right, uh huh. it's like- wait, did he fucking tell you about,' peter's brain lags slightly when a wet kiss is placed at the base of his neck. '- the car? not only did he dent the fucking bumper but then he tried to tell...' his voice cracks at the end, peter was unprepared for the light nibble you'd give him.
peter clears his throat and continues, he tightens his grip around your waist. he's telling you to calm down without words. '-tell ryan it was there when he took the car that morning.'
conversations over. you waste no time and bounce up on your toes to meet his mouth, peter's caught off guard but he shouldn't have been, kissing him has been your new favorite thing. especially because he gets so pliant when you're the one initiating.
'hey, c'mon, you had him all week. let me get ten minutes with parker.' peter thinks that's fair, you've been all over him recently and he’s had zero complaints. his brothers on the other hand... are starting to notice his absence from the group.
peter pushes at your hips, he's pushing you away, he's revoking his kisses. it won't do, you turn to glare at his brother, you keep peter tight against you.
'he's mine.' you hiss out the words and peter almost drops to the ground because he's never had a girl so possessive over him and having it be you was the hottest thing he's ever witnessed.
'there's enough of me to go arou-'
'no.' it's just as cold as your earlier statement, no one is going to take your favorite thing away from you. peter flashes his brother a weak smile and holds his finger up, then he brings his head down to whisper in your ear.
'give me a few minutes with my friend. i'll come find you in a second.' you tug at his shirt, 'no.' peter kisses your temple and gently brings his hand around his back to try and gently pry you off.
'c'mon, cherry. your friends are here, go say hi for a minute.' you latch down when peter tries to grab your wrist, you've got a vice grip. 'no! i wanna kiss you.'
peter's brother is watching him fall right into your hands, he channels some of that frat boy edge from last year and breaks your hold. it's like he just committed a cardinal sin. 'we're in public. no more kisses, go find your friends.'
you turn into a grumpy mess and cross your arms over your chest. 'you never wanna do things when i want! it's always you and what you want and your rules and your game and... and... you suck! find someone else to kiss tonight!'
you stomp off, then turn right back around and point at him. 'that's me being upset. if you kiss someone else tonight i will fucking kill you. but- go kiss someone else cause it won't be me!'
peter watches you leave his eyesight and closes his eyes when his friend snorts at him. 'well, you know what? i've never seen a girl so desperate to makeout with you.' he punches peter’s shoulder as he jokes around. 'i thought you were better than a 'put something in her drink' type of guy.'
peter rolls his eyes. 'yeah, yeah, yeah. like you wouldn't be first in the lineup if you woke up with tits.' his brother raises his hands up, 'i dunno, man. that 'he's mine' comment has me second guessing it.'
'fuck, i know. where the fuck did that come from?'
'no idea. it was kind of hot though.'
'okay.' peter's done with this part of the conversation and what his brother finds hot about you. peter moved right back in on the semi- car thief and was filled in on what he missed out on while he was mia. peter doesn't think he missed much, you were much more entertaining than an arm wrestling competition.
ten minutes later and his brother nods towards the party behind them. 'go find your girl, i'm gonna go try to find my own possessive princess.'
you're still upset when peter approaches, he aims for a kiss on the cheek, it's a bad move and you're swatting at him to back up. 'oh no, not happening, no sir. you told me no more kisses and i said it's always up to you when it's convenient and you let me walk away.'
peter frowns, 'did you want me to run after you?'
'yes! i wanted you to tell me that wasn't true and you respect what i want too.' peter cups your cheeks to force you to keep your eyes on his.
'i respect what you want. and i'm sorry, cherry, but i'm not going to run after you. part of a relationship is communication, when you walk away from me i assume you want space, not that you want to be followed. if you have an issue you need to hash it out with me, not expect me to fill in the blanks.'
'so you don't care?'
'i do care. i care a lot, cherry. but i also have other friends and obligations and i can't always drop them for you. but that doesn't mean you have to stomp off and expect to get your way.'
you look to the side, you're bad at this relationship stuff and you're glad you have peter here to guide you. it doesn't mean you always like it. 'but you're mine.'
you have no idea how that makes him feel. 'i am?' he's craving more of your possession, he wants to know just how much you need him. 'of course you are! you're mine and i'm yours and when i want a kiss i want you to kiss me, it's very simple.'
peter perks up, 'is it?' you huff up at him, your hands wrap around his wrists. 'yes.' peter would be very, very dumb to disagree. but he also has some boundaries.
'alright, i hear you and i'm glad you're communicating with me. personally, i'm not a huge fan of pda, but you are. if you want a kiss, i'll give you a kiss. but no makeouts or groping, can we agree on that?'
you almost blind peter with your smile, you nod quick and fast. 'yes, yes, yes! look at me go, petey! communicating and compromising! i'm gonna freaking rock this girlfriend stuff.' you brush a hand over his shirt, smoothing out a small wrinkle.
'all thanks to my practice boyfriend.'
peter feels numb. 'practice boyfriend?' you grin, 'yeah. you're the pop quiz before the test, so, thank you.' peter drops his hold, you frown and reach for his hands but peter crosses them over his chest so you can't.
'i'm not doing this to pass you off to another guy, cherry.'
you raise an eyebrow, 'then who are you passing me off to?' peter's not the best at communication either because he still can't get the 'i'm in love with you' off his tongue.
'i don't know. what was all of that about i'm yours and you're mine?' you 'ooh' at him and do a little spin, peter feels his heart thump three times as hard.
'not ready to give me up yet, parker?'
you don't have to ask for a kiss, peter's already doing it for you. you're breathless when he pulls away.
'never.'
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