The End.
-epilogue/end:
Waking up in a cold hospital bed a day later, alone and hurting wasn't what you were hoping for. You couldn’t help the tears that spilled from your eyes as you finally remembered everything. The blood. The man. Gwen. It was all too much. You covered your face, trying to drown out you sobs. But it wasn't enough, Peter woke from the chair beside you. Leaning in quickly to you.
”Darling, its okay.. I’m here.” He moved to touch your hand, holding it tight as he apologised, “I'm sorry. It’s my fault. I didn’t get there in time. Because of me.. Gwen..” he bit his lip, concern across his face as he didn't finish the sentence. He cups your face. “I.. thought i lost you.” His voice broke and he leaned down to gently press his forehand to your hand as he held it.
“It’s.. it’s not your fault, Peter. You know that.” You mutter as you gently reach over to touch his hair, trying to be comforting. “You got there as fast as you could..” you pause, looking over him. “How.. did you get there so fast? You should have been at school.”
He slowly looks up at you, sheepishly.
”Peter?”
“I.. ive been..erm,” he speaks slowly as he rubs the back of his neck, sitting up straight, “looking out for you.”
”stalking me?” You gasp.
”no! No..” he panicked, trying to back track, “not stalking. More like.. research..?”
”what?”
“I..” He sighs, looking down, “i couldn’t believe it was you. Since the glass, I’ve been.. following you, to make sure it was true. That you were my soulmate.” He finally admits. ”but, that’s not it. I.. wanted to make sure you were safe too, always.” He said, more shyly. His hand back to holding yours, much more gently.
Peter explained himself, how he heard the shot and rushed to you. How his senses didn't catch the bullet going off in time. How furious he was with himself for it.
“And Gwen, is she..?” You interrupted him, hopeful but his saddened expression already told you she was gone. Really gone.
Gwen was in love with you, ad now that you really had a moment to think about it, you realised that was the reason she was really upset you had met Peter. You told Peter the truth of what happened, how she kissed you.
In return, he explains himself. Gwen already knew his identity and when they met behind the alley, where you had caught them, Gwen was actually telling Peter about you. Since they were still friends even after dating in the past, she wanted to help. And you, you were only thinking about yourself.
Not being able to apologise to her almost broke you. Gwen was so selfless. Now, she was gone.
Losing a loved one was hard, but losing someone you hadn’t even had a chance to experience was worse.
Gwen’s funeral went by quickly, though for you, it felt like time had stopped entirely since her passing. Harry and MJ came over from time to time when Peter couldn't be with you, you knew he asked them to. He was worried, but you couldn’t help being cooped up in your room. Not leaving your bed.
Peter brought flowers whenever he came back from missions, hoping to bring a smile to your face. It worked sometimes. He stayed with you most of the time, not wanting to be away from you for even a moment.
Any injuries healed in no time with Peter’s powers, and he was trying to be much more considerate of getting hurt whilst fighting. Even installing a safety net into his suit in case he even accidentally fell to his death.
As more and more time went on and you started to think about Gwen more often. She would always cross your mind. Her last words leaving an open scar on your heart and psyche.
What ifs ran through your mind. What if she hadn’t died? Would she have ever confessed? What would you have even said? Yes, she was smart and beautiful. But, she was meant to be going to England to study, and you had already met Peter. You knew you shouldn't dwell on such things, but her words were always on your mind. Love. Love? You love Peter.. could you love her too?- a groan knocked your train of thought. Peters arms wrapping around your waist. You had almost forgotten you were in bed with him. He stayed with you most nights.
You sighed quietly as you relaxed into his arms. None of it mattered anymore. Gwen was gone, all that was left were Polaroids.
Months passed. Finding her grave stone was common knowledge now, buying flower was second nature. Anytime you had anything on your mind, your feet found their way to the graveyard. Peter tended to find you there often. He didn't mind. He enjoyed visiting with you or even just watching as your face softens, talking to the air.
Peter knew, and so did you. You love her, he loves you. So, he just smiled as he watches you placing another bouquet of flowers on her grave. You sat, talking a big breath in and sighing it out. A cloud of your warm air fogging around you as you rub your hands together to keep from the cold of the next winter.
you talked about your day like you would every day since it happened.
A whole year, you couldn't help the tears, telling her how much you miss her and how much it hurts now that she is gone.