N i n e
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Peter practically had the route to Calliope's apartment memorized after so many visits. But, he was slower getting there than he was every other time. Peter's shoulder had gotten a nasty cut on it during a fight, and it stung every time he swung, making it a painful trip to Calliope's window.
He had been so in pain that he didn't notice when he knocked on Calliope's window, her "Come in!" sounded a lot more strained and choked up than usual.
But, when Peter got inside, the first thing he noticed was Calliope's blotchy cheeks and her sniffling as she helped him inside. Seeing the streaks of tears on her cheeks, Peter felt like even more of an asshole that he was showing up like this.
He had no idea how to handle the situation or how to comfort her. So, what was likely against his better judgment, Peter found himself saying, "Oh God, I'm so sorry I showed up tonight. I don't want to make you deal with me right now, I hope you feel better I'm so sorry for barging in on you like this. I'll just...I'll just go."
Peter had already started climbing out the window when he heard Calliope call out, "Don't leave!"
Still perched on her window sill, Peter turned his head around slowly so he could look back at her. He could see her wiping her cheeks furiously and standing up, already reaching under her bed for her first-aid kit. "That looks like it'll get infected disgustingly fast," Calliope continued. 'Let me take care of you. Just stay. Please."
Even though he still wasn't entirely sure, the look in Calliope's eyes made Peter finally listen. He sat down on the bed and let Calliope treat the shoulder wound.
Peter was the first to break the silence. "If I would have known, I wouldn't have–"
"It's fine, Spidey," She reassured softly as she wrapped the bandage tightly around him. "This is a nice distraction, actually."
"Are you sure? Because I jump out this window right now and leave you alone and–"
"Spidey," Calliope interrupted, sounding more sure of herself. "Stay here. Please."
So, Peter nodded and went quiet once more as Calliope finished bandaging the wound. When she finished, Calliope's hand lingered on his shoulder for a second before she came to her senses and removed it quickly.
Peter didn't know if Calliope was wanted to talk to him or not, but he figured he would take a chance anyways. "Do you want to talk about it? I don't know if I can give the best advice, but I can listen to you rant about it. If you want to, at least."
"I want to. Maybe it will help," Calliope eventually mumbled. "I rejected this guy when he asked me to Homecoming, and he didn't take it well," When she saw Spider-man immediately straighten up, she quickly added, "Not in a really bad way. Just...said some stuff to me that further solidified that I made the right decision."
"What did he say to you?" Peter quickly asked, then saying, "You don't have to tell me what he said. But...again...if you want to."
"He somehow just couldn't comprehend the fact that my ideal night didn't consist of awkward conversations and him inevitably trying to feel me up on the dance floor. The worst part though was that he kept treating me like shit for what I'm studying and saying stuff like it wasn't 'serious' or some stupid shit like that," She sniffled. "I know I shouldn't be listening to guys when they say stuff like that. But I don't know...I think it's just all really getting in my head."
"Well...what are you studying? Not that I agree with him because he's clearly an asshole, I'm just curious."
Peter knew fully well what Calliope was studying. But if Spider-Man knew about it, Calliope would start asking more than a few questions.
"I really want to make animated movies," Calliope explained, her face beginning to light up. "I've always loved movies. But with art and animation, you can create this whole new world that might not exist as well if you tried to create it on a movie set."
"Really? How so?" Peter asked. While a part of him was curious, another part of him wanted to get Calliope to smile after what seemed to be such a terrible day.
"With animation, I can imagine our own world, or even make something entirely different. But even if these worlds are so wildly different from the world we know, I can create themes and stories that people can still relate to. They allow me to express myself creatively in a way that's so difficult for me to do in other mediums. I know this makes me all sound ridiculous and it doesn't even make sense, but I want to give people those same feelings I get while watching movies."
"You don't sound ridiculous."
Calliope let out a breath of air she hadn't realized she was holding. "I don't?"
"You don't sound ridiculous," Peter repeated. "There's a lot of different ways to help people."
Feeling exceptionally brave that evening and wanting to comfort her, Peter hesitantly reached over and held her hand in his gloved one. He almost breathed a sigh of relief when Calliope didn't pull away, and instead held his hand more firmly.
Talking with Calliope felt so much easier than when he was in school because he could hide behind his mask. Peter felt free to say what he wanted to her and didn't have that fear he would judged because of how everyone else at school saw him.
A part of him always felt nervous that Calliope only ever kept him around because he was Spider-man, and she wouldn't be so kind to him if he wasn't in that suit. Yet, Peter still felt like Calliope could still see him as more than the costume and the powers.
"I don't know if this means anything to you, but I think you're going to make some incredible movies," Peter told her. "Just from the way you talk about them...I don't know...I think you're going to make things with a lot of love."
Calliope could feel tears welling up in her eyes once more. But, for the first time that night, they weren't tears of sadness and anger. "You really think so?"
"I really do," Peter reassured. "Screw what guys like him think. Also, I have super strength, so I could really beat up that guy for you if you want."
"Sweet, but I don't think it's your job to beat up basketball-playing, immature assholes."
"My whole job is to protect the neighborhood, so beating up assholes who make you feel like this falls under the job description."
Calliope couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "You're sweet. Mind showing up to my high school and being my Homecoming date?"
Despite the fact she seemed to be joking, Peter nearly fell off her bed. He managed to collect himself together and joke, "The first time we met I literally crashed into your window. Frankly, I think that should show my complete lack of coordination. Plus, you're the cheerleader here. You probably have more than a few moves you can show me."
"Even more of a reason for you to be my date to homecoming," Calliope laughed. "I think we'd have fun together."
Peter could feel his cheeks burning red at the thought of dancing with Calliope. Before he had a chance to respond, the sound of a loud police siren whirring down the street distracted him. Peter looked out the window and back at Calliope. "I should probably go..." Peter found himself saying, despite him wanting to do anything but. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"I'm sure, Spidey. Thanks for listening to me."
Peter nodded, and he couldn't help but wish Calliope could see him smiling at her from under his mask. "I hope tomorrow is better for you, Calliope. Have a good night."
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a/n:
hi guys !!
midterms Kicked My Ass, and life hasn't been the absolute best lately, but i am trying to live life the best i can and try and let things go a little more :)) idk y'all i'm trying to stay true to my life motto "whatever's meant to happen will happen, and you'll end up where you're meant to end up."
i know i've been a little slower in all my venus updates (and all my other books), but as mentioned, life has been a little overwhelming. i'm trying my best to keep updating consistently, but sometimes that gets a lil difficult. i will keep working on all my books, but it just may be a little slow.
i hope you all enjoyed the chapter and have a lovely day !! i'll see you at the next update !!
- g ♡