Every Day ── PETER PARKER²

34. Inmate Visit

— • —

The moment Luna laid eyes on the guard, she realized she was a fucking amazing actress.

         She could pretend to be as strong as she wanted, but she was always going to be terrified. There was no way for her to rid herself of the scared feeling, not until it was over. She was quick to tuck her shaking hands into her pockets before Diana had the chance to notice, her older sister still looking forward, teeth latched onto her bottom lip. Peter and Liz had decided to stay in the car, most likely going back and fourth about wether or not they should have gone in.

          Luna could already picture Peter trying to unlock the door, just for Liz to immediately lock it again. Of the three people she brought with her, Peter was the most wary of her speaking alone. She couldn't blame him, after all, he was the only one present for all the assaults, it was enough to scare anyone shitless. But seeing it happen to your own girlfriend, then being forced to let her see the man alone, if it wasn't for Liz's presence, he would have bursted into tears.

           He loved Luna dearly, and if anything happened to her while he was just outside the building, he would never be able to forgive himself.

           Luna was snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of a door, the officer leading them now gesturing towards the heavy metal door. Shooting a look to Diana, Luna stepped in first, Diana trailing in behind her. Before she could take two steps into the room, she was being spun around, eyes locking with Diana's.

          "If you want to back out, you still can," she told the girl softly, swallowing harshly. "Don't feel obligated because we're here, Little. I can easily take you and your friends back home now, and we can do this another day."

           The statement was enough to plant a seed of doubt in her. But she knew herself. If she didn't do it now, he'd be transferred, and she'd never be able to do it. So she shook her head, Diana's frown deepening, as if she'd been hoping Luna would back down.

           "I have to do this now, Di," she breathed out. Her head snapped to the side when another heavy door sounded, breathe hitching at who was being lead in on the other side of the glass. It's been months. And yet, he hadn't changed a bit. He wore a glare, directing it to the guard as he tugged at his restraints, a scowl etched across his lips as he muttered complaints. Luna watched as he was lead to the chair, hands immediately shooting up to flip off the guard once they were freed.

           Before Diana could utter a word, Luna was crossing the room, making a beeline for the seat across from him. She was prepared to chase after the girl and make another attempt to take her home, but stopped herself when Luna sat herself down. There was no take backs now, it was going to happen wether she liked it or not.

          Ernie's scowl quickly tilted up into a smirk as the small girl sat herself on the other side of the glass, his dark eyes scanning over her features. Looked as amused as ever, he picked up the phone, gesturing with a raise of his brows for Luna to do the same.

          Luna hesitated for a moment, hand not leaving her lap. The sick feeling in her stomach intensified with each second his eyes spent looking her over, and her fingers unconsciously curled around the hem of her shirt, memories rushing back to her. Do something. Peter from her dream's voice rang in her head, reminding her she was there to get rid of her fears, not make them worse. So with a shaky hand, she picked up the phone, a sigh of content sounding from the man across from her at her actions.

           "Good to see you again, Princess," he chuckled lightly. Luna couldn't help but shiver when he inched closer to the glass, his voice dropping an octave lower. "Miss me that much?"

             Diana was gnawing on her nail as she watched Luna squirm in her seat, the girl's obvious discomfort bringing her closer and closer to tears. She was a child. She shouldn't have to do this. Nobody should have to do this.

             "No," Luna breathed out, clearing her throat immediately after. He raised his eyebrows as the girl straightened up, releasing a shaky sigh. "I came to ask you why. Why me?"

            "Why you?" Ernie repeated, amusement laced in his tone.

             Luna's eyebrows furrowed. "Does this amuse you?" He let out a soft laugh in response, only frustrating her more. "You're sick, do you realize that? You're a sick piece of shit, and you're gonna rot in your cell." Her eyes widened as she realized what she just said, his laughter immediately silencing at her words. Her plan hadn't been to insult the man, but seeing him laughing at her, after the months of hell she faced, her anger had gotten the best of her.

            "You wanna know why?" He moved close to the glass again, making Luna swallow harshly. "Because you were easy. A defenseless, little, innocent girl in a little skirt, you were just asking for it."

            Luna's expression hardened. "I asked for it? My skirt didn't give you jurisdiction to try to sexually assault me!" Diana flinched at the harsh tone of her younger sister, heart beating out her chest as she watched her cheeks redden with anger. "I hope you rot in that cell, because you sure as hell deserve to."

           His smirk widened. "Watch your words, princess, because I've got people on the outside who'd just jump at the chance to help me out."

           "Like who?" Luna snapped, hand curling into a fist as her side. "Mario? Because he got arrested this morning for aiding and abetting! Or are you talking about Danielle? Because she's right here with you, waiting for a court date for stalking me."

           That's all it took for Ernie, his eyes darkening at the mention of his daughter. "You wait until I get out of here"

           "And what the hell are you gonna do?" The adrenaline was coursing through her veins now, words coming out before she could think. "Violate your probation and get thrown back in here, or violate my restraining order and get thrown back in here? Either way, it ends with you in there, and me out here."

           Despite the confidence she felt, she still flinched when Ernie shot up from his seat, hand slamming down on the table. "You bitch!" Diana was already by Luna's side when guards rushed to Ernie's side, tugging on the man's arm to get him back into custody. "If I can't hurt you, I'll hurt your little spider boyfriend!"

           Diana frowned at the muffled words, only able to make out the words spider and boyfriend. Disregarding the information, she went to grab Luna's arm to lead her away, only for the girl to immediately pull herself away.

          "You touch my boyfriend and you'll be in here for the rest of your miserable life!" With a harsh tug, Diana led Luna away from the glass, leaving Ernie to fight against his guard.

           Luna couldn't bring herself to care that Diana was looking at her with concern, or that the guards were glaring at her for causing a scene. Despite the scene ending in chaos, she felt exhilarated. She's never yelled at anyone like that before, let alone a man in jail. Every word came out of her mouth without a second thought, and finally, she felt like some of the weight was lifted off of her shoulders.

           That is until they got outside and Diana forced her to face her, hands gripping her shoulders. "Your spider boyfriend?"

          Ah, shit.

— • —

luna gets rid of one problem and another pops up sux for her