Forever

chapter two

Nico got to his apartment shortly after Peter got home. They went to different schools; Nico said it was because he lived too far away, and though Peter usually trusted him to tell the truth, he had a feeling he just wasn't accepted. Nico didn't live far from him, at least.

May greeted him at the door and Peter came out of his room to join him in the living room. He hugged Nico and turned to face May, tucked into Nico's side.

"Are you staying for dinner, Nico?" May asked warmly, though Peter could tell her smile wasn't as real as it looked. He knew May didn't exactly like Nico—she thought he was too arrogant—but he was glad she let him over anyway.

"I don't know. Are we just staying here, Pete?"

"Yeah, but we can't stay for dinner. I'm going to the internship later to finish up my project."

"Then, no I guess not." Nico smiled, but Peter swore he heard a hint of bitterness.

"Alright then, do you guys want a snack or anything?"

"Oh, uh, yeah sure. That'd be great. I think we're just gonna watch a movie...?" He looked up at Nico for confirmation, who just shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, so we'll just be in my room."

"Sounds good, hun. Keep that door open, okay? No funny business in there," she joked, pointing a finger at him.

Peter could feel a blush rising while Nico laughed. "May!" He dragged Nico out of the room before she could say anything else.

They sat next to each other on Peter's bed and Nico wrapped an arm around him. Peter hesitantly leaned in and grinned. He still wasn't used to it, but it was warm.

Nico picked a movie on his computer—a romantic comedy—and they settled in, lying next to each other. It was all so new to Peter, he had no idea what to expect sometimes, but he enjoyed being with Nico.

"That's something you would do," Nico teased, both of them watching as the main character went to give the other flowers and tripped on the doorstep.

"No way, I'm not that clumsy."

By now, he'd sunk further into Nico's hold and his head rested between his shoulder and chest. Peter could feel his laugh vibrating against his ear, and he smiled.

"Um, yeah you are," he laughed. "I think I actually watched you do that once."

"It was one time! And your steps are uneven!"

"Still."

"Whatever," Peter huffed, smiling again.

Once the movie ended they still stayed there. He'd have to leave to go to the tower soon, but for now, he was content sitting curled up next to his boyfriend.

Nico must have had the same thought, because even though he didn't move he asked, "So you have to go to the internship again?" When Peter nodded against his chest, he continued. "Didn't you just go there yesterday?"

Peter sighed. "Yeah, but I'm super close to finishing my project. We just have to add a few tweaks." He tried to phrase it vaguely so he didn't give anything away, considering his project was just his suit. "Also, Mr. Stark mentioned a new project he wants me to work on with Harley, so I guess we might start on that."

"You mean that new guy you told me about?"

"Yeah, why?" After a short pause, Peter sat up a little so he could see Nico's face. Nico looked down and held Peter's hand with his free one.

"It's just..." Nico huffed. "I don't like that you're working on a new project with him. He sounds nice and I don't want him stealing you away from me."