Peter Parker Imagines

Lie To Me [Female!Reader]

What if..

You were so used to him clambering into your room through your window- to him showing up at the latest hours of the night to give you a little recap of his day. When it first began, you had kind of liked it. He was so animated when he told you he caught a mugger. So bright and cheery as he told you that some little kid cheered him on as he swung by. Those nights were ones you cherished deeply. They were from a better time- an easier place that you took for granted. He used to only come to you with small cuts and scratches- maybe one bruise or two. Soon the cuts became gashes in need of stitching (something you had to learn because of him). The bruises got bigger and darker- his usual cheery demeanor grew tired and sometimes bleak. Instead of stories of cheering children and sweet elderly ladies- he had stories of those he'd been forced to lose. Stories of crying Mothers and grieving siblings. The criminals he fought grew bigger and stronger- and some nights he couldn't even talk to you. He was either that tired or he had his jaw broken (again).

What if you'd known how bad things would get? Could you have stopped him?

Your worries for his wellbeing grew bigger and bigger with each passing night. Everything seemed to just go downhill and you longed for the nights where he'd come to you unscathed. Where he was tired only because it was late and not because he'd been flung around like a rag doll by some new villain. Peter was strong- so incredibly strong and you knew this. Everyone had a breaking point though- every one had limits. Iron-Man had them. Captain America had them- every hero this world has ever known had them. Not a single person on this earth was invincible- but god, you wished so badly that he was.

What if you demanded that he stopped? Would he have stayed?

You still remembered the night he came to you unscathed for once. The relief that fell over you was wonderful and refreshing. Your world was okay- he was unharmed- but the look on his face was heartbreaking. He looked distraught- had he lost another life?, you wondered. He looked like he had- like something so horrible happened-

"Something really crazy is going on, okay? I don't want to tell you everything and- I don't want you freaking out but- I have to go.", he had said.

"Go?", you asked.

"Yeah. I might be gone a few days- but I promise I'll be back. I swear. Can't leave the girl I love waiting for long, can I?", he offered you a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. You wished you had known that he was scared- that he knew exactly what he was getting into. Maybe then..

"A few days? Peter- what do you mean- we have- you know classes? And- And May-"

"I have to go. You know I do. I can't just do nothing-"

"You can-"

"I can't. You know this. I have to leave now, okay? I love you. I'll be back before you know it-"

"Peter please don't-"

"I love you.", he said it again, waiting for you to return the words. He had needed to hear them that night. One last time..

"I love you too, Peter. I love you so much- just please-"

"I love you more than anything in this world, please remember that."

Your brows furrowed, "Don't talk like that- you don't have to go anywhere. I don't care what Tony says-"

"I'll be back soon. I'm sorry."

What if you had pulled him back in the room? What if you dragged out the conversation? Would you have broken his resolve?

It was full on war. Something about some aliens- it was always aliens. You didn't care what the war was about or why it was happening- you just wanted it to stop. You wanted the screams to stop- the pure terror and panic- you wanted it all gone. You wanted him back here with you- safe and sound. He wasn't supposed to be up there fighting those things. He was supposed to be down here- with you. He was friendly neighborhood Spider-Man- and that was it. He could be more and you knew that, but you didn't want him to. The bigger the hero, the bigger the dangers. It was a selfish thought and you knew it- but who wouldn't think the same way?

This war went on for what felt like forever. So much panic- so many deaths and destroyed land- it was pure chaos. Parents were grieving, children were screaming- it was all over the news. You, your family and May had been picked up by some sort of security and were taken away from all the mess. You knew it was Peter's doing- probably something he'd asked of Tony. You were grateful for it- but you still wished that instead of these nameless men, he was here. You wished he was the one watching over you- wished he was holding your hand and keeping you close.

In the midst of all this madness, you just wanted him..

It was one fifteen in the morning- you remembered the time exactly. It was stamped into your brain. His name lit up your phone and you scrambled to answer it.

Finally.

"Peter? Oh my god- are you okay? When will you be back? May is worried sick- and god, I'd be a damn liar if I said I haven't been crying since you-"

"[Y/n]..", a voice cut you off- a voice you weren't expecting to hear.

"Tony?" No- god no- please..

"[Y/n] I-"

"Lie to me.", you said quickly, heart already hammering away in your ribcage.

"What?"

"Lie to me. Whatever you're about to say- make it a lie. Make it a big fat lie- please."

"I don't think-"

"Lie. To. Me."

You heard a shaky sigh from his end. He was debating- thinking. Lie lie lie- say he's hurt- say he's not coming back and make it be a lie.

"He-.. He'll be home soon. He's okay.", the words came out strained and you could tell that he wanted to believe them too.

God- the scream you let out could probably be heard worldwide. It was loud- blood curdling and so awfully broken. Tony had to hold the phone away from his ear- trying to tune out your piercing cries while he stared at the lifeless face of the man you were crying for.

He wanted to be lied to as well.

He wanted to not have to shakily hand you his mask when you came by the tower- demanding another lie from him. He wanted it to be a dream- wanted to not have to see you like this. He wanted to not have to listen to countless voicemails from an angry Aunt. A crying, broken down and left with nothing Aunt. He regretted ever telling him anything- hated that he allowed this young man to come into this war and sacrifice his life.

The city of Queens was bleak and hopeless without their Spider-Man- and you and May were so much worse without Peter. Neither of you cared for Spider-Man the way the city did. You only cared about Peter Parker. About the sweet boy you'd met Freshman year of High School and was completely head over heels for by the time Junior Year rolled around. You were both supposed to graduate from College within a few months. Supposed to start careers and lead a happy life together- and what now? What do you do from here?

You live a lie.

"Tell me another lie.", you said into the phone, holding it with a shaky hand.

"Please- you shouldn't-"

"Lie.", you hissed, jaw trembling.

"He's coming home.."

Oh god- you wanted to believe it.