Peter's crush on Ned started as a hug.
A friendly hug, by the way, given by his bestfriend on Peter's birthday.
And if anyone asks him why his heart started racing when his Ned, well not his, hugged him he would probably deny it. Not because he's embarassed but because he's confused.
He always liked girls and the boys area has always been a maybe for him. He did liked staring at Harry Styles but like everyone does that, okay.
So he will keep this to himself for a while. Until he figures out how to stop liking his bestfriend because he would actually get stabbed before ruining his friendship with Ned.
Ned, he smiles at the name. Ned's always been kind to him. Ned's smart, he always knows what to say to handle a situation that's beyond messed up. He's always there for Peter when he needs him.
So even if Peter does like Ned he would never destroy their bond for a maybe relationship.
He won't.
He will keep it to himself.
He can do that.
####
Turns out, he can't do that.
He's at school staring at his friend in a way he doesn't think a friend would do that. But he can't help it. He can't control his feelings and for the first time he doesn't want to control them.
Ned's rambling about his physics exam tommorow which he is really worried about but Peter knows Ned will ace that exam. Even if Ned doesn't believe it.
"Peter." Ned makes him out of his consuming thoughts.
"Yes." Peter answers in a second.
"Are you sure you're okay? You're acting weird." Ned's confused face is kinda adorable, Peter thinks.
Stop saying those sweet things, Ned, or I swear I'll fall in love with you head first with no one there to catch me. No stop thinking about Ned, Peter Parker. He scolds himself in his head.
"Yes I'm perfect. Totally fine. Like always." Peter mentally facepalms himself. Why are the words coming out all squeaky. "Anyways, you'll do so good in your exam Ned. Stop worrying." See now that's normal.
"Thank you." Ned passes him a smile.
Which Peter returns eagerly.
Now that he thinks of it, he would do anything to make his bestfriend smile. Like anything.
He's worried this will change when his feelings don't stop. They have to. There's no other choice.
####
They never stop. Peter still gets something fluttering in his stomach when he sees Ned.
But when he sees Ned's room's lights on at 1 am while he's patrolling, he can't help but go in that direction.
Why is Ned awake at this time? Is he still worried about his exam?
Peter taps on his window. He's relieved to see Ned opening the window. Ned looks fine except the dark circles under his eyes. That happens when you stay awake for far too long, Peter guesses.
"Dude, why are you still awake?" Peter hisses slowly coming in through the window seeing Ned's messy room with all the books here and there.
"I was studying. Why are you still awake? Isn't it your curfew to go back before 1 am?" Ned says getting back to his study table.
"Ned, c'mon you'll do fine tommorow stop studying now. You know everything." Peter sits on the bed which is across the study table.
"I know. I just... don't know?" Ned sighs.
"Just sleep. Whatever going to happen will happen cmon?" Peter requests and Ned obliges. Probably because he's also sleepy.
Peter gets off the bed as Ned lays down and within a moment Ned's asleep fast. Peter turns off the light. Before going out of the window, he looks at Ned.
If Peter could stop time right now, he won't complain to stay in this moment forever. Looking at his bestfriend being peacefully asleep.
But for now he gathers the books of Ned laying here and there, sets them carefully on his table cleaning the mess before swinging over the S.I..
By which, Oh Mr. Stark will be so mad. Please god may he be asleep.
####
Tony Stark was not asleep.
He was across the door with his hand folded waiting for the spidey.
Remind him why he thought unofficially adopting a chaotic spider was a good idea?
"Look who's back." Tony claps his hand and Peter groans coming in.
"Sorry. I'm late." Peter smiles sheepishly.
"We'll talk while sitting. Follow me, spiderbaby." Tony goes to the living room and sits on the couch. Peter does too.
"I like Ned." Peter says all of a sudden looking at his mentor.
"Congratulations? Were you late because you were figuring this out what I knew like ages ago?" Tony raises his eyebrows.
"What do you mean?" Peter frowns.
"I mean honestly kid I was expecting you to realise that much sooner. I see the way you look at him like he's your whole world. Like if you realised it like a month ago I would've won a bet with Rhodey." Tony shrugs.
"Oh." Peter sighs. "So like question, you have no problem with me liking a boy do you? Cuz you know you're from like an older generation and all?"
"Hey! I'm hurt by that. I'm not that old kid. You can love whoever you want to. I'm always right by your side." Tony smiled softly.
"I don't want to ruin our friendship by saying anything remotely weird. Ned's always been wonderful to me yknow." Peter says.
"I know it's scary but you can never live with what ifs in your mind, underoos. It's better to tell him now." Tony states.
"What if he doesn't like me back?"
"What if he does?"
####
Peter doesn't sleep that night.
One way mirror by Ricky Montgomery plays in his headphones.
No embrace, No one to kiss me when I end my days.
Tried so hard to run and now, I wanna get back
I wanna get back, wanna run to you.
He sits up with those lyrics playing and takes the photoframe Ned gifted him on his birthday. A photo of him and Ned in science lab laughing at the blue liquid in front of them.
But why do I feel like a stranger behind a One Way Mirror?
Like someone listening in.
I haven't felt like myself since I can't say when.
But I wanna get you back.
What if Ned does like Peter back?
That would be a dream come true for Peter. Emphasis on dream.
####
He doesn't go to school next day.
It rains heavily outside.
He doesn't know how he founds himself drenching on the road in his Spiderman suit. He doesn't care if he'll catch a cold.
He waits on the street where Ned passes through walking to his home.
When he sees Ned holding a umbrella he smiles at the sight.
If he does ruin his friendship he will never forgive himself but if he doesn't it will be worth it. Worth everything.
Ned runs to him and puts his umbrella on his head sharing the umbrella. "What are you doing here? Aren't you cold? Oh my god how long have you been here?—"
Peter takes off his masks breathing heavily.
The rain pouring on them makes a peaceful sound.
Peter holds Ned's hands confusing the boy further.
Then he kisses him.
Turns out it was worth it after all.
The End.