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disclaimer: do not own mcu or their characters
restart my heart
the tingle
time frame; September — next day
Parker Residence
midtown school of science
Sophia groans and rolls closer into the cushions of the couch. She's wounded tightly in a ball with her knees to her chest. Huddling and clutching the comforter over her head as hard as she can. Trying to block out the noise of running water and phone alarms.
Trying and failing to ignore the rising guilt of her fight with Harley that lasted hours after the facetime call. Angry texts and words full of snark and pain and desperation to be heard were exchanged back and forth until inevitably she couldn't fight to keep her eyes open anymore. Collapsing in a heap with her phone clutched tightly in her hand.
"If you get up now you'll have time for a caffeine stop." May sings as she walks by. Sophia can hear her opening and shutting the fridge.
Sophia groans louder in response. Wishing the couch would swallow her whole. Let's see Peter try and save her against that.
"You're going to regret not getting your latte." May warns from the kitchen.
Sophia just scoots closer to the back of the couch. Caffeine can wait. Sleep is very much more important. There's no way she can survive a school day with just nine hours of collective sleep in the span of two days.
She'll never understand how Peter functions on so little sleep.
"Peter! Time to wake up!" May hollers. A cabinet creaks open along with the ding of the silverware drawer.
"Brushing my teeth, May!" Peter's voice is muffled but still energetic.
Why do these people have so much energy so early in the morning, Sophia mentally complains. She sticks her hand out to blindly reach for a couch cushion to hopefully block out the noise. Or to smother herself into oblivion. Whichever helps her gain more sleep the fastest.
"I'll give you fifteen more minutes but then I'm kicking you off Sophia. I don't want you to be late." May places the pillow Sophia was looking for in her hand. "Peter, don't forget to take the lunches please. They're in the fridge. Middle shelf. Can't miss them."
"Got it, May! Thanks! By the way, did you see they dropped the new season of Nailed It last night? We should binge watch it this weekend."
Sophia lets out another moan and mumbles a quick thanks under her breath. Pressing the couch pillow as hard as she can against her face. These people are absolutely insane.
"Hey, Soph, what do you want for breakfast?" Peter asks. She could just feel his presence on the other side of the couch radiating chaotic energy.
"Sleep." Sophia replies. Not bothering to move from her cocoon.
"Sophia, honey, we have cereal, frozen waffles, strawberry pop tarts." May calls out from the kitchen.
Sophia can't help but wonder what happened to allowing her fifteen more minutes of sleep. This feels like a form of torture.
"You look like a burrito." Peter jabs her through the blanket. "A thick burrito. Can you even breathe in there?" He jabs her again.
Sighing, Sophia tosses off her comforter and sits up. She glares up at him through the stray hairs that have fallen over her face. "Why?"
"Because you were rolled up like a five layer beefy burrito?"
Sophia closes her eyes and does a slow exhale. Digging far, far down to find any sort of patience. "No. Why the hell do you have so much energy when you've only had three hours of sleep?" She hisses. Eyes flying open to scowl at the brunette standing behind the couch.
No patience was found.
"Used to it, I guess. I go patrolling four to five days a week. At some point you just learn to function with less sleep." Peter shrugs.
Sophia takes the couch pillow in her hands. Playing with the corners. "Yes, well, I need a bare minimum nine hours."
"You didn't have to come with me. That's your fault. But I'll make sure next time I'll keep you on a better sleep schedule, your highness." Peter teases. Not a trace of fatigue showing.
Sophia chunks the pillow at his head. Only to be disappointed when he easily dodges and catches it in one hand. He smirks. Tossing the small pillow between his hands.
"I hate you." Sophia grumbles before forcing herself to stand up and walk towards the bathroom to brush her teeth. A pink toothbrush labeled with her name sits in a holder next to Peter's green one.
May really is the best for going above and beyond for her. The act of kindness sparking a little bit of life back into her. Sophia smiles to herself and starts brushing her teeth. The Parker's really know how to make someone feel special and right at home in their presence.
Looking up at herself in the mirror, Sophia cringes. Her braid has mostly fallen apart from her tossing and turning. Her brown hair is frizzy, wild, and knotted. She leans forward to probe at her skin. Using her pointer fingers to pull at the dark circles under her eyes with a groan.
"Don't let him fool you, Sophia. He'll crash by mid day. You'll probably have to drag him back home." May loudly laughs. A clunking noise of items being tossed in the sink shortly follows. "Just be careful. He tends to get highly emotional and teary eyed right before the crash."
Sophia's phone vibrates in her pocket.
Harles 7:23AM
I'm going to miss the first
part of the day.
Meet after 3rd?
Sighing, Sophia tries her best to squash her rising anxiety and fear. Chest painful throbbing with the poor attempt. They didn't leave off on good terms last night and they have never fought like this before. Everything used to be so easy with them. They used to be able to just sit in a room in complete silence. Each doing their own thing comfortably.
No small talk needed. Always co existing without words, just a physical comfort.
Sophia would always quietly trail behind Harley and her dad. Sitting alone and observing in silence. Forever on the sidelines. Seen and not heard. She was content with that. Happy with it even. Letting Harley and the sounds of tinkering tools be her only companions in life.
She didn't have a need for anything beyond that. Not until recently. Courtesy of one heavily adamant stupid pesky spider.
She doesn't know how to tell Harley that's not what she wants anymore without sounding like she's replacing him or tossing him like trash. She wants more. She wants to be normal and free. Sociable and fun. Expand her circle and be more than just a Stark locked away in a tower.
"May, I do not." Peter's exasperation carries through the thin walls. "Soph, I'm putting a couple of V8 energies in your bag."
Sophia comes out of the bathroom and walks to the kitchen. May loading the dishwasher and Peter zipping up her school bag. He gives her a bright grin and pushes a poptart towards her. She mouths a thanks.
"Last week you were inconsolable over getting locked out of your dogs of New York instagram." May pats his shoulder as she walks by him and to the front door.
"May! Stop being embarrassing." Peter throws his head back and groans. Face flushing.
Sophia starts laughing and reaches for her bag. Her fingers brushing his. "So did the super level of emotions come with the super strength or did you always have it?"
Peter waves her off with a weak glare. Taking a huge bite of his own pop tart with his free hand. She couldn't help but feed off his energy and come alive in her own way despite her previous annoyance at being woken up early. Sticking her tongue out at him, she pulls her arms through the straps of her bag.
"I'm family. It's my legal right to embarrass you." May taunts, keys jingling in her grasp. "I'm off to work. You guys need to leave in the next ten minutes to get to school in time. No swinging, Peter." May gives them both a pointed stare.
Sophia gives a thumbs up and shoves a small piece of poptart in her mouth. Peter rolls his eyes and waves goodbye to May as she walks out. "Yeah yeah, I know. Bye, May. Love you."
"I mean it, Peter." May's voice has a slight edge to it. "I love you guys too. Be safe and have a good day." May gives them one last wave and inspection before making her way out the door.
Sophia looks towards Peter. His hair ruffled with little to no product and a wide grin on his face. Hands shoved in his jacket pockets. He's practically vibrating in place. Just seeing this amount of energy radiating off him in waves was enough to make Sophia want to crawl back to the couch.
Screw feeding off his energy. The more electricity he radiates the more she feels being zapped out of her. It was like he sucked back all the energy she thought she was stealing for herself.
Sophia can spot a red muscle-like shirt shining through from underneath his powdered blue collared shirt. She quickly checks to see if the silver bands against his wrist are visible. Narrowing her eyes, she clicks her tongue when she takes in that they are in fact not visible. Meaning his nanosuit is very much out and ready for action underneath his clothes.
"You're going to swing me around the city, aren't you?" Sophia asks flatly.
"I mean…" Peter trails off with a shrug. Positively radiating mischief.
"Okay," Sophia drags out the syllables. "Just let me pin my hair in place first. I don't want to look like I walked through a tornado when we get to school."
"This is going to be awesome."
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sophia stands in front of her locker. Fingers tapping against her forearm and watches the students slowly begin to fill the halls. All of them chatting and playfully shoving each other. Some carrying bags and others just holding a book or two.
The school's bell chimes above their heads, signaling the end of a class. More students begin to pour out. Majority of them keep as much of a distance as they can from her. Due to her past associates and the trouble that usually followed them, most people are too afraid to get close to her out of safety for their well being despite being the infamous daughter of Iron Man. As isolating as it is, she exactly can't blame them.
"Thanks for meeting me after your class." Harley starts. The corner of his mouth slightly lifted. "I really wanted to apologize in person."
Harley takes a moment to blow out air from his lips. "I got carried away. I'm sorry, Sophia. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I should have respected your boundaries and dropped it."
Sophia glances up uncomfortably at Harley. Pangs of guilt makes her stomach ache. "No, Harley. I'm sorry. You are right. I haven't seen you as much and I'm sorry for pushing you away."
Sophia rubs her forearms. "I finally feel like a normal teenager and I just got so lost in the whirlwind of it that I put you aside like a discarded overused toy. I'm sorry."
"I just — I felt, do feel, forgotten and lonely. You are the one that brought me here. Begged me to come even. Moved mountains for me because you wanted me at your side but we've barely seen each other since school started. You really hurt my feelings, Sophia."
Harley shoved his hands in his front pockets. Looking every which way but her.
"I really am sorry, Harley. You're completely right and justified in your feelings. I haven't been a good friend to you. I promise to hang out with you more and value your time. In person. At school, at home, your home. Wherever." Sophia tugs at the ends of her hair.
She hates heart to hearts. They make her uncomfortable in her own skin. She misses the days she felt more comfortable throwing money at her problems.
Pepper just had to make sure she grew a conscience.
"Are you sure? Because I don't want to get my hopes up and have you make promises you can't keep. You know how much it sucks to not have seen my best friend in weeks but I have to see her face plastered all over magazines with her new friends?" Harley's words have pain and jealousy in them. A hard edge that she can't ignore.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I'll do better. Let's hang out after school today, yeah?" Sophia brings her head up. Looking Harley into his green eyes. His eyes lit up before darting around. Taking in their environment.
"Just the two of us?" He asks. Eyes flashing with an emotion she couldn't make out.
"No, yeah. I mean. Yes, it can just be the two of us." Sophia fumbles out. The anxiety that had her in a chokehold slowly fades away as the tension in Harley's shoulders begin to ease.
"Perfect." Harley brings her into a hug. His arms wrapped around her and gave a small squeeze. "I was thinking we could go to this new donut place. They have all kinds of crazy combinations. I think you'll love it."
Sophia gently places both hands on either side of his arms. The top of her skull tucked underneath his chin. His hug is not as warm and protective as it used to be, she thought with a frown. Not that it was bad but it's not something she was yearning for just a few weeks ago.
His arms now feel like a cage. Tightly wound and unmoveable. Keeping in her place.
It feels forced on her end and the guilt comes back and eats her up. Has she spent so little time with that the presence of her best friend is no longer comforting?
"That sounds nice." She says slowly. Patting her palm flat against his bicep. She's unable to truly focus on what he's saying. Thousands of questions racing through her mind. All starting with 'why does this feel so off?'
She's a horrible friend, Sophia winces internally.
"Then, don't get mad and take this the wrong way. Hear me out first. I think we should check out these sunglasses your dad had. Going through the files I saw they have this cool AI connected to them separate from his suits and the house."
"Harley." Sophia warns. Pulling out of his arms and taking as much of a step back as she can with the lockers behind her.
"You just said you would respect my boundaries." She groans. Rubbing her hands down the side of her face in exasperation.
"I am! It's just that…We can go back to being normal teenagers together. That's what you want right? To be normal. Well, that's our normal. We're partners in crime, remember? Let's go back to you and me against the world. Pre-blimp. Spending hours in the workshop and tinkering. Before him." Harley's words are bitter.
Him. Peter.
"What's wrong with Peter, Harley?" Sophia asks tiredly. Fingers rubbing circles on her temples. She could feel a headache coming. Either from the lack of sleep, the wounding tension steadily growing, or both; she wasn't sure. Maybe she should skip free period with Peter and hit up the nearest coffee shop.
"Oh, nothing much." Harley scoffs. "Except he's the reason I never see my best friend anymore. You totally replaced me. Every time I even get just a glimpse of you he's right there."
"He's just my friend, Harley. I already said sorry and I'm making plans with you. I promise I will give more to our friendship. We'll have donuts and watch a movie or something. Just the two of us." Sophia takes his hand in hers and gives it a squeeze . Forcing out her unease and attempting to bring him down at the same time.
Harley takes a pause. Green eyes searching her face with a tilted head.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I'm getting hot headed again. Just missed you, you know? Let's meet here after school. We can stop by at this donut place I found not too far from here. The donuts will be the best donuts you'll ever have. Promise." Harley nudges her with his shoulder and winks. "You know I love you. This transition is just hard to deal with."
"Yeah, I know, Harles." Sophia makes note that the butterflies, despite the unease she felt, flutter around her heart strongly when his eyes roam her up and down. Green eyes shining brightly.
The warning bells rings. Echoing down the halls. Students move at a hurried pace. Desperate not to be late and get a write up.
Peter will be making his way to find her, that she has no doubt.
"Want me to walk you to class?" Harley asks, taking a step back and adjusts his bag. One strap on his shoulder and the other dangles.
"Actually, I have study hall right now. I'm headed towards the library. You can go ahead though." Sophia waves her hand forward. Itching to move him along as fast as possible to avoid a dog fight.
"Then let me walk you to the library. I'm not ready to let you go yet." Harley grins ear to ear.
"It's the opposite direction of your class. You'll be late, Harles. Just go." Sophia tilts her head to the side and motions for him to move. Desperate to have him get going before Peter comes and finds her.
"I don't care if I'm late. Come on, let's go." Harley takes her bare arm in his hand and takes a few steps forward.
"You are here on a scholarship, you'll —"
"Sophia!"
Sophia wasn't sure if she should laugh or cry. Luck seems to never be on her side lately. She nibbles at her bottom lip and turns her head towards the source of interruption. Peter comes at them with a light jog. His hair tousled wildly and shirt buttons not aligned.
Any other time a sight Sophia wouldn't hesitate to tease him for but in the moment his presence puts her on edge. The few times Harley and Peter have interacted has always left her in a bundle of frazzled nerves.
"Hey, Parker." Harley greeted him stiffly.
Peter comes to a slow stop in front of the two. Eyes darting between the two with uncertainty.
"Hey, Harley." Peter says slowly. His posture changes. No longer free and lanky but instead his shoulders roll back straight, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Fingers twitching at his side.
Sophia recognizes the stance. It's one she's seen in her dad and Aunt Nat. The stance of someone ready for battle. He's just not as subtle as the other two.
He has a long way to go.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Soph. But are you ready to head to the library?" Peter looks towards her. "We can stop for a snack at the vending machine on the way. You didn't really eat your breakfast this morning."
"It's okay. I was just talking to —"
Harley's nails dig into her upper arm. Pinching and tugging at her skin under the pressure of his tight grip.
"Ow, Harley!" Sophia snaps. Ripping her arm away and bringing it across her chest. Flakes of skin are raised, red and angry.
"Are you okay?" Peter questions as he moves towards her. Placing himself between herself and Harley and gently nudging her off to the side. Placing her behind his shoulder. Harley being put slightly out of view; blocked by Peter's shoulder.
Looking up, Sophia noticed Peter never took his eyes off Harley. Peering at him intently. Not of anger but confusion. Brows furrowed in concentration. As if he's trying to figure out a difficult math problem.
"Sorry, Sophie. Just had a hand spasm is all." Harley shakes his hand out for both to see.
"I'm okay. It was an accident." Sophia looks around Peter to lock eyes with Harley to attempt to give him a small smile. Doing her best to ignore her body's urge to want to just run away from the awkward, tense air.
She could practically see fire igniting behind Harley's green eyes while Peter's gaze is wary and calculating.
"Really, it's okay." She repeats again, taking a step outside of Peter's protective barrier. Eyes dating between the two boys. Neither one is willing to stand down.
Peter shifts again, much to her annoyance. Now cutting off her entire view of Harley. Sophia twists her lips to the side. She doesn't need his alter ego protecting her from Harley of all people.
"Peter, stop it." She glares at him and steps out from his side once again.
"But Soph," Peter starts.
"Since your bodyguard is here, I'll get going. I have to get to class anyway. See you later, Sophia." Harley cuts him off with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Giving the two a quick nod before turning on his heels.
Sophia watches Harley walk off. His curly blonde hair bounces with every step he takes. Maneuvering through the crowded halls, he throws up a wave before rounding a corner, disappearing completely from sight. Sophia lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. That could have gone a lot worse.
"Hey Sophia," Peter starts to fidget. Shuffling in place with his hands tucked under his armpits. Teeth pulling at his lower lip.
Sophia lets out a hum in acknowledgment. She slumps backwards into the lockers. All her remaining energy is gone. Mentally preparing to see Harley and actually surviving through the tense conversation was more draining than swinging through the city late at night. She's desperately craving caffeine and kicking herself for not getting up when May told her to.
She doesn't even have it in her to scold him for bringing out the Spider-Man side of him. And in public at that.
Peter kicks his feet against the tile floor. Turning his back to her so it faces the few stragglers of students running trying to get to class. The last bell ringing overhead. His gaze never wavering from the corner Harley disappeared behind.
Always in hero mode. Sophia rolls her eyes.
Giving him time to put his thoughts together, Sophia pulls out her phone to shoot a quick text in the group chat and check the time. They should have met Ned and MJ at the library five minutes ago.
"I don't…I'm just saying. Try not to take this the wrong way. Please don't get mad." Peter stumbles over his words. He finally looks back at her, flexing his hands against his bag straps.
"What is it, Peter? Just spit it out." Sophia sighs. Her patience is running thin. She's going to need a lot of caffeine if this is how the day is going to go. They aren't even halfway done and it's been exhausting. Maybe she should stop at the vending machine on the way to the library to see if there's an energy drink inside it.
"Something is wrong with Harley." Peter says with unease. His brown eyes flickering back and forth between the space Harley once was and her own blue eyes. Peter shuffles a little closer.
Sophia drags herself onto stand straight. Eyebrows draw together in confusion. "What do you mean? He seemed as fine as he could be all things considered. We were just talking to him."
Peter visibly hesitates. "It's just a feeling. Like when a bad guy is trying to sneak up on me or when someone tries to seriously harm me. It's like an intense warning overloading my senses."
"Oh, your Peter-Tingle is going off? Are you sure it's Harley causing it? We are in a school with hundreds of people." Sophia whispers with an eye roll.
Harley couldn't even throw a punch properly. He's the farthest thing from a threat to a kid with superhuman strength and ability.
Peter's jaw clenches and unclenches. Rolling his shoulders back as if he has an ache. Shifting slightly from side to side, he looks like he's debating if he should fight or flight.
"Are you okay? You look like Morgan when she desperately needs a nap."
Peter shakes his head. Body still tense. He blindly reaches for her hand and gives it a light tug. A signal to start moving the same direction Harley went but to also stay close behind him. Whatever spider-sense he was feeling was clearly fierce and unmoving. Putting the teen on edge.
"Soph, I'm serious. Something isn't right."
Before she could take more than four steps forward, Peter whirls around to face her. Not realizing the two got so close together, his cheek grazes her nose when he turns. His eyes widen but he doesn't take a step back.
Sophia could feel heat rise to her face. Burning in embarrassment and other mixed emotions. She swears she feels her heart stop when Peter's chest brushes against hers. All she can see is him. Everything blurs and falls around them. Leaving Peter to stand brightly against the blurred background.
His bath and body work body spray invades her space and, she swears but will never admit to anyone, it's so intoxicating she can't think straight. Soft citrus and rich sandalwood. Bold, smooth, and crisp. Feels like home.
She can't bring herself to take a step back or even push him away. Her inner voice, the voice of reason, screams at her to move away. It's inappropriate. It's wrong. He'll leave you just like Iron Man. The suit will always be more important.
What are you doing?
She forces those voices away. Pushing away her very rational thoughts with such ease that it slightly scares her. She tossed her morals away so easily just because she craves Peter's presence.
Closer. She wants closer. He's warm. He's comforting. It's okay to be selfish sometimes, the other part of her whispers. Tempting her.
Don't do it. Stop it, Sophia.
Leaning forward, Sophia tilts her head up to inspect him. Placing her free hand on his forearm. She is not the type of person to back down. Even if it's weirdly in connection to herself.
His brown eyes have honey sheen to them. Holding such an intense pure warmth in them that Sophia could stand here and bask in them all day. He has a flurry of freckles littered across his (very red) nose and cheeks that she's never noticed before.
He leans his forehead gently against hers. The edges of his hair curl around the tip of her nose. Peter takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. Placing one hand on her mid back. Even through her jacket she could feel his warmth radiating from his palm.
He slumps towards her. Completely relaxed and oozing such a peaceful light aura that Sophia couldn't help but just absolutely melt into.
"Peter," Sophia softly says. Moving her pointer finger against his knuckle.
He lazily opens his eyes and flexes his fingers against hers. Once. Then twice.
"You smell like oranges."
Sophia leans back. Mind reeling. "What?"
He quickly slips out from her. The world slowly fading back to place. Peter tugs at his hair and looks anywhere but her. "Not in a weird way! I have a heightened smell so I could smell you. A lot. Your smell was so strong and my senses were already overloaded from earlier when I left plus that thing with Harley and then your smell was just, it made me feel so and and — you smelling the way you do made it so much worse." Peter breathes out but quickly freezes.
Sophia raises a brow and clicks her tongue. Not sure what to make of the stuttering mess in front of her. Peter drops her hands and waves his own in front of her face back and forth. While his face got brighter Sophia could feel hers return to normal from the whiplash of the change in atmosphere.
A little relieved that Peter awkwardly broke the tension. She wasn't sure what was going to happen or if she wanted anything to happen but she knew it wouldn't be good. For her and him.
"Not that you smell bad! You smell like daisies and oranges. We were just close. Like really close and all I could see and feel was you. My Spider Sense went into overdrive and I could hear your — and all I wanted was to — maybe it's the lack of sleep and and…and oh god. I'm so sorry, Soph. I don't know why it happens. It's a spider thing. I just get so overwhelmed sometimes with it. I'm just going to stop talking now."
They stare at each other. Silence falling over them like a thick, heavy blanket.
Peter moves several steps backwards. Out of her space and giving her much needed air. Sophia slumps against the lockers once again. Even though the heat in cheeks are long gone, her heart is hammering against her chest.
An itchy, uncomfortable blanket.
Peter's hands are held together behind his back. His brown eyes analyzed her. Taking in every inch of her. Her heart drops into her stomach and does somersaults. A mixture of dread and heat pool and swirl around with her heart.
She thinks she's going to vomit.
The halls are empty and quiet yet her mind is buzzing with white noise so loud she could feel a migraine coming. This is what she gets for skipping out on breakfast and coffee.
"Coco Mademoiselle." She breathes out. Voice cracking. Right hand flat against her stomach and left hand on her hip.
"What?" Peter questions. A puzzled look crosses his face.
"My perfume. It's CoCo Chanel Mademoiselle." Sophia states again. Voice more normal. The air is less tense. "It's supposed to be a mix of citrus and flowers."
"Oh…Oh! Yeah that makes sense." Peter's shoulders slump a little. The tension easing out. "It smells really nice."
"You smell nice too." Sophia smiles.
Peter laughs and jerks his head to the side. "Thanks. We should get going. I'm sure Ned and MJ are wondering where we are."
"Only if we can stop and see if the vending machine has an energy drink. I'm barely functioning. I don't understand how you're even standing." Sophia complains. Following after him down the empty halls.
"I packed our energy drinks in your bag, remember? There should be three." Peter says over his shoulder.
Sophia perks up. Swinging her bag to her front, Sophia begins digging through to find the silver can. "I lied earlier. I love you."
"Hey, who said you two could go on a side quest without us?" Ned hollers from down the hallways. MJ quietly trailing behind him along with a blonde girl sporting a thick black headband.
Sophia gives a short wave to the trio. "Sorry. That's my fault. We got caught up talking with Harley."
The blonde stops directly in front of her with a hand raised. "Hi, I'm Betty Brant. I'm the one that does school news reports in the morning."
Reaching out, Sophia takes the blonde's hand in hers. Giving a firm shake. "Nice to meet you."
"Hey, Ned. Let's go grab some snacks. Anyone want anything? Chips? I'm getting chips. Let's get chips." Peter points his fingers at everyone. "MJ? What about cookies?"
"I'm good but thanks." MJ raises a brow.
"We'll meet you guys at the library. Come on, Ned." Peter grabs Ned by the back of his polo shirt. Dragging his shorter friend down the hallway against his will.
"Well, okay then. That wasn't weird at all." Betty states. Looking between Sophia and MJ. "What happened before we got here?" The question poised at Sophia.
Sophia laughs nervously. "We just talked with my friend Harley. We were on our way to meet up with you guys when you found us."
"Harley Keener, right? I have him in a few classes. He's always so quiet. I didn't know he could talk." Betty jokes.
"Yeah, sounds like Harley. He's not really a social person." Sophia shrugs. Harley was never one to reach out to others or go out of his way. His focus is only ever on science and engineering. Most of their hangs out is just them sitting in a room in silence.
The three start moving down the halls in a line. Sophia and Mj at the end with Betty in the middle. Sophia loosely holds her energy drink to her chest. The boys have long disappeared and Sophia has a feeling they won't see them the rest of their free period.
"I have to ask though and don't take this the wrong way." Betty starts.
That is an unfortunate theme today for her, Sophia thought warily. Betty was looking at her with such calculated intensity it put her on edge.
"Are you and Peter dating? Or is it true he's your babysitter turned bodyguard? Is that what he did for his internship at Stark Industries?" Betty questions.
Sophia flips her hair over her shoulder to frame her face. Hiding behind a curtain of curls. "It's complicated."
Sophia herself isn't even entirely sure of what's going on anymore.
"Just ignore her. She just wants to fill out her portfolio for her internship at the Daily Bugle." MJ interrupts. Giving Sophia an exasperated look.
"That's not…entirely true. I do want to be a journalist but I wouldn't just blurt anything you say to the press. I actually have different ulterior motives. It's for the greater good this time." Betty rebuts and gives Sophia a wink. "Nothing bad I promise."
MJ snorts. "Oh yeah. Greater good for you or us? Aren't you working on being bumped to a paid internship?"
"Greater good for you, actually MJ. If you must know." Betty stares down the tall dark haired teen. "I know you are just as anxious to know the details yourself."
Leaning forward, Sophia questions MJ. Yearning to get in her good graces with Peter's friend circle. "Is there something you need to know specifically? I'll be happy to try and answer to the best of my ability. Given that it is not confidential of course."
"Oh, it's nothing Avenger related. Although, I do have a mountain of questions about that."
Betty nudges MJ with her elbow. "Come on, it's so obvious I'm sure even Sophia has noticed."
"Noticed what?" Sophia tilts her head to get a better look at the two.
"She has a huge crush on Peter. She tries to play it cool and mysterious but she's down bad." Betty whispers to Sophia. Mouth hidden behind her hand.
MJ scoffs and glares at the short blonde. "Betty, I do not. He's such a nerd and a loser. Always late to everything and falling asleep in class. It's a miracle if he graduates or doesn't become a drop out. Who would be attracted to that?"
Sophia squashed the urge to argue back and defend her friend. MJ is technically right. Peter takes his Spider-Man duties too seriously to the point he's skipping classes or sleeps completely through them. Falling so far behind that he should start to worry about his spot in the school. STEM schools such as this one are notorious for being hard to get into and Sophia is slightly worried her friend would get himself removed and put into a different school.
"See that's what I'm talking about! You pay so close attention to Peter you might as well be stalking him." Betty jabs a finger towards her friend.
"It's called observing my environment. I could care less what Parker does." MJ rolls her eyes. Trying to give a nonchalant stance but the light pink hue dusting her cheeks says something different.
Sophia feels something inside her churn. The nauseous feeling she had earlier comes back in full force. Sophia takes a small sip from her V8 energy. Maybe she does actually need some chips.
"Uh uh." Betty gives MJ a pointed look. "No one believes that. You're lucky Peter is too oblivious to notice. You're like those boys on the playground that bully the girls because they think they're cute."
"Ugh. That's so misogynistic. All you're doing is reminding me why I hate men."
"I can ask Peter." Sophia offers. Despite the knots in her stomach starting to flare and grow. She knows if something was to make Peter happy, after everything they went through with Thano's, Sophia would do anything in her power to make it happen.
As selfish as she is and can be; he deserves peace and happiness.
MJ stares down at her. Brown eyes guarded and unwavering. Making Sophia more nervous with each passing second. Did she say something wrong? Does MJ not trust her? Sophia taps her fingers against the silver can.
"No. There's nothing to ask, anyway." MJ finally answers. Giving Sophie a smile.
Sophia sucks in a big gulp of her energy drink. Hiding her face behind the silver and purple can. Unsure why or when she got so on edge.
"Come on, MJ. Take a risk. The worst he will say is no. Sophia over here can be your wing-women." Betty cheers.
She would really rather not.
"Let me know if you change your mind. You never know what he could say." Sophia says from behind her drink.
"I live by if you expect disappointment you never get disappointed. I have no interest in knowing his answer." MJ looks away. Facing the library door and giving its handle a pull.
"No interest for now." Betty corrects MJ. The blonde leading the way inside. "We'll get you there eventually. You just need some confidence. Right, Sophia?"
Sophia nods her head along. "Right."
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Deleted Scene
leaving parker's residence
"Come on, Soph. You're trailing behind!" Peter races down the stairs inside the apartment building. His bag thumping up and down against his back with speed while her pink one dangles from his left hand.
"Have I told you that you have way too much energy for me to deal with right now?" Sophia yawns, trailing behind Peter at a much slower pace.
There's no way that damn spider didn't give him a super amount of energy. An inhuman amount of energy.
"About five times I think? Maybe six." Peter stops at the bottom steps that lead into the lobby. Face beaming as he looks up at her. "Keep going at that pace and we won't make it to Latte Da."
"There is always time for caffeine." Sophia takes the last step down. Walking past the energizer bunny of a friend.
"Remind me again why we had to walk all the way down here instead of using the fire escape to swing off?" Sophia stretches her arms above her head. Back popping with the movement.
"It was only three flights of stairs, Soph." Peter moved ahead of her. Hand resting on the front door of the lobby. Patiently waiting for her. "I've seen you walk miles in heels inside Stark Industries. I think you can handle some stairs."
Somewhat patiently.
"It's not the stairs. It's the fact I have no make-up and my hair is barely presentable. The photos that will come out will be awful." Sophia stops in place and tugs at her flat hair for emphasis.
"Look, absolutely no volume to it. I wanted to avoid being seen."
"Is it really that big of a deal? I think you look fine." Peter rolls his eyes.
"You don't understand. I'll be plastered over every magazine and picked apart for weeks." Sophia huffs. "I can't look just fine. I need to look great. There is a difference."
She needs to look perfect. A role model. The dutiful daughter of Iron Man. Staying in the lines of the role she was given.
To go out and look even slightly less is just asking for the rumor mill to spin and to be ridiculed from her chipped nail polish to the flyaway hairs by people all too eager to throw her down further into the ground.
"I promise no one will care if you aren't wearing spiders on your eyes and if they do then they aren't important anyway. In my personal opinion, do whatever makes you happy."
Sophia smiles. Making her way to the lanky brunette's side. "I'm just saying one time off the fire escape won't hurt."
"Well I can't leap us off the building I live in. It would be a bit obvious who I am if Spider-Man is seen leaping everyday from one specific apartment building." Peter pushes the front door open. Holding it open for her to walk through. "I need to switch it up every once in a while."
"I don't say that it didn't make sense. I understand why you do it. I'm just surprised you thought of it and actually sticking to it."
Sophia steps outside. Fallen leaves swirling around her feet due to the many New Yorkers rushing by.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Peter nudges her to walk to the left.
"You gave up on the no swinging me around for late night snacks rule pretty fast." Sophia strolls ahead. Dodging and squeezing in between the crowd of people. "Figured you would end this rule pretty fast too."
"And, thankfully, you stopped wrapping me in as many layers of clothes as humanly possible. I can actually breathe and move my arms on our trips now."
Looking back, Sophia realized Peter stopped walking. Frozen a couple feet behind her with his head tilted and mouth slightly open. Eyes moving rapidly but not seeing what's in front of him.
Sighing, Sophia crosses her feet one of the other. "Don't make me wait too long, Parker."
Peter shakes his head and gives a quick, single nod before handing her their bags and taking off in the opposite direction.
Stupid spider, pesky Parker. Sophia chuckles to herself. Leaning against the apartment building wall.
Hopefully no one with a camera comes by and sees her waiting like a dutiful puppy for its owner.
end of the tingle
word count 6.971
New Story Alert!
chapter two preview
restart the multiverse: Just as there are a multitude of Spider-Man's across the multiverse, there are also several versions of Sophia Stark. Each one painstakingly similar and different at the same time.
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"So, I see you've found your Sophia."
"My what?" Miles' eyes widen and face flush. "No, no! It's not like — I mean what?"
"Your Sophia." Gwen shrugs. The hope that swelled inside her chest since coming back here has quickly turned to ashes. "There's always a Sophia."
"What do you mean there's always a Sophia? Like I always have a friend Sophia?" Miles' words drift to her, laced with confusion.
Sighing, Gwen brings her hands to her chin. Overlooking the city. "You. Peter Parker. It doesn't matter. There's always a Sophia to pick up the pieces of Spider-Man and put him back together before they ride off into the sunset together."
She picks at the metal beneath her arms. Moving debris beneath her fingers in slow circular motions. "Then they go and live happily ever after. Every universe. Every time without fail. It's Sophia Stark and Spider-Man. A match made in heaven. Some would even call it soul mates." Her tone takes on a dark, bitter edge.
She's met with silence.