This past week my mind has just been in scrambles. My mom's illness continuing to worsen, Peter MIA half the time and us not making much progress in our "friendship", I haven't talked to MJ or Spiderman in a hot minute, and just all together I haven't been feeling the best. I just feel drained, like the world is just resting on my shoulders- in a high schooler's world, I know this could be way worse though. The bags under my eyes are getting darker, and it's hard to sleep. I'm taking melatonin for Christ's sake. A good way to describe my mood is like listening to a Cigarettes After Sex album.

The day went by slowly, but finally it's over and it's Friday so that's a bonus. I asked my art teacher if I could paint in the studio after school and since she literally doesn't care, she said yes. I've really wanted to paint for a while now, it's kind of like meditation. Drawing is great and all, but paint can be more expressive. The brush strokes, the colors and how they mix on the canvas. The bell rang and I didn't rush to my locker even though I was excited to paint and have a distraction. I wanted to get in the mood of feeling relaxed and mellow, listen to slow and borderline sad songs, but hey, sad songs are the best songs, right? So, I took my time packing my things us and walking down the flights of stairs. Making my way to the studio I walked differently, more graceful, and brushed my finger tips along the grooves of the wall. It was soothing.

As I got to the studio the door was unlocked, and my teacher had even set an easel up for me on the table. I opened some of the windows to create airflow, letting in the dirty smells of New York and the sounds of taxis honking. I liked it though, it's a vibe. Thinking of the image I want to create in my head, I grab all of my supplies- the brushes, paint palette, oil paint, rags, smock.

Getting lost in the paint brush dancing across the canvas, I was completely unaware of my surroundings, and almost my consciousness. Swirls like Van Gogh make up blue, brown, and green eyes across the painting. Teardrops repeated over the eyes, and now I'm embellishing the background. I had no plan going into this painting, but I'm satisfied with how it's turning out. I shut my eyes for a second to take in the music that has helped guide my hand the whole time, mesmerized by the sounds in my ears. This was the first time in a while where I wasn't distracted or had thoughts racing through my mind.

The moment broke though as I felt hands slide around my waist, a chin on my shoulder, and an exhale on my neck. I shoot my eyes open, drop my paintbrush, and I let out a little yelp because I was so zoned out. Take any guesses as to who it was? Non other than the spider himself. I turn around and look at him, questioning if I should jokingly lecture him on startling me or just be happy to see him- I was feeling both. I looked at him and tilted my head, shaking it in disapproval, smiling at the same time though.
"Why are you smiling like that? I surprise you and shake your head at me?" He remarks.
"You definitely surprised me," I say with a laugh, "Shit, did I get paint on you?" I ask, looking at his leg. There it was, a periwinkle stroke of paint now on his suit. Oil paint isn't easy to get out of clothes, and I don't want to mess up his suit.
"Crap, erm, hold on, I'll try to clean it off," I say, getting up from my chair and grabbing a rag from the supply shelf.
"Hey don't worry about it," He says as I'm sitting back down in my chair, prepared to wipe it off.
"Are you sure? Oil paint doesn't dry and it won't come out. The oils and chemicals in it are super pesky and really don't like to cooperate with peopl-"
"Amelia, it's okay. I like it, something different from red and blue and the usual rips I have to repair."
"Alright, I'll just put this back." I said, going back to the shelf to put the rag back.
I didn't mind him being here at all, but I was kind of confused as to why. I mean, the art studios definitely couldn't compare to our rooftop and I didn't understand why he would want to visit me? Like I'm not nearly as important as saving lives and monitoring the city, so why was he here? Don't get me wrong, it's not like I haven't missed him and his corny jokes, our midnight talks that don't involve a phone, and the way he kissed me the other night- it's been over a week since we've seen each other, and I don't know about him, but it's felt like forever. As if he was reading my thoughts, he looked at me and asked
"Are you happy that I came here?" He asks, actually sounding nervous.
"I would kiss you if I could," I replied. I really would. The kiss from the other night... there aren't words, and it's one of the only things that has kept me smiling.
"Why can't you kiss me?" He said, stepping closer, placing an arm on either side of me. I was still sitting on my stool, looking up at his tall figure.
"I mean, there are cameras in here, I really don't want the janitor walking in on us, I'm gross and have paint on me, and I still don't know why you would want to kiss m-" I was saying, looking and pointing around the room. As I turned back to him, S had pulled up his mask without me seeing and pressed his lips against mine. King of surprises today I guess. Oh how I missed him.

His hands cupped my cheeks as he peppered kisses on my lips, cheeks, even near my neck-though he didn't go too far. They were kisses that were fun and sweet, yet still respectful and romantic. I ran my hands up from his torso onto his chest, feeling him inhale and exhale.
He stopped and looked at me, smiling shyly.
"Sorry," he said, blushing nervously.
"Oh there is nothing to be sorry about," I replied smiling, missing the feeling of us being connected.

"I haven't seen you in a bit and I've been thinking of you all week— I missed you.
I kept smiling. I don't know what to say. His words resembled my thoughts, I feel a warmth in my chest grow.
"I know we are still getting to know each other, but I really want whatever this is to keep going." He said, looking down at his feet and shifting his weight back and forth.
"I do too." I said, beaming from ear to ear. I know I had to have looked like a little kid on their birthday, but I haven't had something this amazing said or happen to me in a while. My mom, school, new city, Peter- it has all been so much, and has felt like a roller coaster that has just keeps going down.

"Would you maybe wan-" I was cut off by the sounds of the wheels rolling across the floor of the trash can and janitor coming into the studio.
I turned on my stool to face the janitor, Mr. Shively.
"Hey Mr. Shively! I'll be cleaning up in a couple minutes," I greeted.
"Hi Ms. Lancaster, I'll be quick in here, take as much time as you need."
I nodded snd smiled, mentally freaking out since I have no idea where S is. I spin around in my chair and go back to my painting. I reach for my brush and realize it's still on the floor.
Reaching down to the floor I pick up the paintbrush, and as I move my body back up to sit properly, I am met by the big white eyes and red mask of a boy using sticky fingers and toes to stick underneath the table. He takes his hand and puts his index finger over his lips, signing to be quiet.

My eyes are wide and out of too quick of movements I hit my head on the bottom of the table. My heart started racing because I have now drawn attention to myself and the table, and I am praying that Spider man is still out of sight.

Mr. Shively looks in my direction with a concerned expression.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm all good, just hit my head under the table. Clumsy me." I said laughing, trying to not draw any more attention to myself.
He nodded and went back to what he was working on. 
I went on painting, adding more details to the eyes. Sadly, I'm not as relaxed as I was earlier simply because I know there is a man right above my feet, yet under a table, but in terms of the painting itself I'm really happy with how it's turned out. I came to a stopping point and began to clean up the mess I created. I moved my supplies over to the sink and began the cleaning process, wiping the brushes on rags and scraping the paint pallet.
I watched Mr. Shively leave the studio and give me a wave goodbye, and I let out an exhale.
"You can come out now you know!" I said to the air, still having no idea where the spider was.
"I know," he replied, dangling from the ceiling a few feet away from me.

I dropped the brushes in the sink and hit my elbow on the counter out of being startled.
"Would you stop doing that!" I said laughing, catching my breath at the same time.
"Your reactions are too good to stop," he said while chuckling.
I laughed and went back to cleaning.
"What were you going to ask me earlier before Mr. Shively came in," he said, while crawling across the ceiling.
"Oh- that," I said nervously, remembering what I was going to ask him but suddenly getting nervous to ask it.
"Um, I was just wondering if you maybe wanted to hang out sometime?"
He looked at me and fell to the floor, gracefully, but stopped moving.
Shit- why the hell would I ask that, I should know better. There is no way I can hang out with him because
A. He's not going to reveal his identity to me
and
B. He definitely not going to want to hang out with me during the day because he'll be seen with me.
Not that that's a bad thing, but I can understand why he probably shouldn't have a random chick flying around with him for no reason.
"That's a stupid question. You're busy and can only hang out with me at night, and last time that happened, well.." I said, now staring at my shoes and shifting back and forth.
"Hey, erm, no, don't say that. We'll figure it out." He said, swinging towards me.
"Well I know for sure that The Avengers probably don't want you swinging around with a random girl during the day who didn't come from a crime scene, and last time we hung out on the roof it ended poorly- you have any ideas,"
"Plenty," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Okay, let's here em,"
"How about I just pick you up, tomorrow night. Meet me on your roof like usual, but I promise we'll do something good. Something different."
I chuckled and shook my head lightly, secretly having butterflies bloom in my stomach since he has something in mind.
"I guess I'll continue to trust you and your surprises then," I replied, walking my paint over to the drying rack and putting the easel away.
"Good, erm, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to run," He said apologetically.
"Okay! I'm on my way out too,"
"How about I give you a lift?" He asked. I would be inclined to say yes, but I'm going to turn him down.
"That's okay, I actually want to walk. Nothing against you and your swinging skills, I just kind of want to enjoy the fall weather and New York," I replied pleasantly.
"Yeah, cool, I-I'll pick you up at 7:00 tomorrow."
"I'll be waiting," I smiled.
"Okay...okay- this is good, are you sure you don't want a lift, it's not that far-"
"S it's okay, seriously, go on with your afternoon. You've already made my day."
I walked with him to the windows, me closing all but one so he could fly out. He hopped up and squatted so we were almost eye level.
"Bye Amelia." He said, giving me a kiss on the cheek. Here we go again, butterflies are just having a field day! He shot a web and gave a small solute, falling out of the window.
"Wait! What am I supposed to wear?" I yell, but that flash of red and blue was already gone. Looks like I'm going to have to wing it with the outfit.

How was that? In all honesty this made me love the characters again and I might write the chapter of Amelia's and Spider-Man's date, but I can't guarantee when I'll post it.
Hope you guys enjoyed this, and thanks again for 10k luvs.
Xoxo,
Ava :)