If the snow doesn’t stop, at some point, Peter will have all books in this store memorised.
He’s sitting on the floor. It’s not the softest ground to sit on, but this elderly couple is taking up the only couch and he isn’t about to ask two lovely senior people to switch places with him. So he settled down a while ago, slightly leaning against a table with ‘New Releases’.
At this point, he must have held every book on that table at least twice. Boredom had started to set in a long while ago so he moved to reading as many book blurbs as he could.
Now though, he’s just staring at rows and rows of shelves- filled to the brim with books, while snow continues to fall outside. It isn’t a leisurely snowfall either. It’s wild and fast, white covering every surface it can find. The streets are covered, the snow piling on more with every second. The door had been blocked by it over an hour ago.
It was supposed to be a quick stop at the bookstore. Going in and out, it should have taken 5 minutes at most. But now May’s new cooking book- ‘Sushi for beginners’ sits securely in his backpack. The receipt is in his pocket, having paid for it forever ago.
That doesn’t mean he can leave the store though.
Just like the other twelve people in this store, he’s frozen in. A radio plays faintly in the background, weather report updates pass by every fifteen minutes. Nothing changes.
Even if he could go outside, his spider DNA would advise him to stay here, just a little longer. Prosper in the artificial heat as long as he can. Pray the snow disappears before going back home. Do anything that prevents him from becoming a hypothermic-hibernating spider popsicle.
He shudders at the thought of it, memories of close calls creeping up and keeping him seated on the hard floor. Hugging his arms around himself he hopes to generate more warmth, even though his body doesn’t necessarily need it.
Peter’s so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice the boy walking over to him until he’s squatting beside him. The guy stays silent but as their eyes meet each other he offers a little smile and carefully raises his arm- holding a woollen coat.
“You looked cold.” Is all he says, but Peter stays absolutely frozen. Not just because of that, yes, he does feel cold. The temperature from the snow slowly radiates through the gaps of doors and windows. But he’s frozen in place because that’s definitely a southern accent and while he is frozen by this realisation, he starts to feel hot inside all the same.
They stare at each other a moment longer until Peter mutters a quiet “thanks” and slowly accepts the coat. It’s slightly too big but that just adds to the warmth, a feeling of home and comfort accompanying it.
“How long do you think this storm is going to last?” The apparently southern boy beside him says, breaking the ever returning silence.
“Don’t know.” Peter shrugs. “Hope not too long.”
The boy beside him grins. “Seems like we need to find some entertainment in this place, doesn’t it.” He says while helping Peter up.
“If you haven’t noticed yet, we’re in a bookstore.” Peter huffs, voice dropping close to a whisper. As long as he’s been here he’s only heard the radio, mutters and whispers from customers and the cashier ringing up items and answering questions. It’s the kind of quiet you only find in places like this. “There aren’t many options for entertainment here. Definitely not without disturbing others.”
“It’s just a little game.” The taller boy says while dragging them through the fantasy aisle, coming to a stop beside the Harry Potter books.
“Scared?”
Now it’s Peter’s turn to grin.
“You wish.”
“Great. So, first round. Find a fantasy story where you’d want to be right now.” He says and promptly turns around and starts scanning titles. Peter stands there baffled for a second but quickly follows the other’s lead, rushing to another part of the shelf to find the best world possible.
Not much later they meet back up at the ‘New Release’ table, subtly holding their picks behind their backs.
They don’t speak a word, just challenging each other to go first. It almost prompts an intense staring match until the unknown boy gives in with a smile and practically throws his book on top of the table. The title ‘Six Of Crows’ stares back at them.
“I know I picked the first round but I actually don’t read much fantasy.” The boy admits. “This is one of the only ones I know. Honestly though, I’d definitely be a crow. They’re badass.”
Peter laughs and has to admit that even though he doesn’t know him well, actually doesn’t know him at all, he can totally see that.
In return he shyly places his own book over the other. It’s How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell.
“Dragons and Vikings. Great choice. Must admit, I didn't know it was a book.”
Peter barks out a laugh, quickly silencing himself to blend in with the quiet atmosphere again. “Most movies start off that way, you know.”
“Fair enough. Anyways, it’s your turn. What’s the next round.”
He ponders for a moment, but comes with an idea quickly enough. “A book that has your name in it.” He says, wanting to be able to put a name to his face.
“Moving a bit fast aren’t we. Your wish is my comment, meet you in front of the horror aisle.” He says before stalking off to a specific shelf again.
Peter quickly changes course to find ‘Peter Pan’ between the children’s books before making his way to the horror novels, slightly scared but curious about the reasoning.
It only takes another minute before they’re standing next to each other again and Peter presents his book proudly, earning a fond chuckle in return.
“Peter huh, pretty name for a pretty guy.” He leaves no time for Peter to be flustered as he presents his own book which turns out to be- a book about motorcycles? A better look shows him the title, which being “Harley Davidson”.
“Your name is Harley?”
“I mean it’s not Davidson.” The other, Harley, grins back.
“Good. I like Harley better anyway.” Peter says before he’s able to think about it. He quickly moves to wander along the horror books, creepy and mostly dark black covers staring back at him. He completely misses the smirk and raised eyebrow from behind him.
“Alright then Lost Boy. See if you can pick the scariest title next.”
Peter ends up with a book called ‘This Lie Will Kill You’ while not trying to think of the correlation to himself, and his identity.
Harley picked a book titled ‘It’s Behind You’ which made Peter turn around, finding the book ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ which made them laugh, both boys agreeing that that’s the winning book of the round.
They go through many more rounds. From the saddest story to the most relatable one. A person on the cover which looks most like yourself. They get to know each other more and more with every book they show. They’re simple things, like their favourite childhood stories, and obviously their current favourite reads. They become more real as they learn about each other's dreams and memories.
They do some fun ones in between. Like the weirdest title or an author whose first and last name start with the same letter. Harley even comes up with the challenge to find a book most representing the current world. Funnily enough, they both pick a dystopian. (Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.)
They visit the horror/thriller aisle again as they discover each other’s fears. Harley’s is “The Missing” as he explains that he doesn’t want to lose someone again.
Without knowing it, it makes Peter fall for him even more. He chalks it up to having an appreciation for the other’s sensibility and care. He sees a real person, not just a handsome boy with, an admittedly, sexy voice.
With each book, Peter wants to know more. Learn more. He doesn’t want this game to stop. Wishes the snow never melts away. Just wants to get closer to the person he’s getting to know.
And getting closer they do. It’s like they just connect, being pulled together like magnets. Or pages being bound together in a book. The story incomplete if one is missing. As their minds and hearts drift closer together, so do their bodies.
They stand closer every round. Dragging each other to a certain aisle turns into simply holding hands. At some point, Peter loses sight of Harley, only for the latter to surprise him from the back. He greeted him with a jump, hands on his shoulders. They quickly enough moved down, the surprise attack softly turning into a back hug as Peter continued to scour the titles.
They practically run through the store together, hearts and hands intertwined together. Peter knows some people have started to look at them. Finding entertainment in their fun as they giggle through the rows of shelves. For once, he doesn’t mind the attention.
He only registers Harley anyway.
They burst out laughing again as they both try to pick up the same book. It’s about Tony Stark, and they bond over their experiences with the man.
They swap phone numbers using page numbers. It’s the most fun they’ve ever had.
The storm outside hasn’t settled yet. The snow slowly becomes visible at the edge of the windows. The radio doesn’t report much insight on it still, only estimates. The whispers of being stuck for at least two more hours float around as everyone gathers at the cash register. The employees are handing out cups of coffee and tea freshly brewed in the staff's break room.
The warmth of the beverages catches Peter’s attention and he starts to move towards it. He doesn’t get far before a hand latches onto his again, a warm feeling that feels so right, he doesn’t know how he lived without it previously.
He questioningly looks up at the other, meeting beautiful blue orbs that look down at him with a small glint glancing in them.
“One more round okay? Then we can take a break.” Harley softly says, a smile accompanying his words. Peter simply nods and waits for Harley to say the new challenge, it’s his turn after all.
“Find the perfect love story.”
He immediately brightens and rushes off, having read this beautiful story only a few weeks ago.
He meets Harley near the cash register, as close as they can get to it between the people swarming the desk with hot drinks in their hands.
Eagerly Peter holds up his book. ‘Dash & Lily’s Book Of Dares’ the title reads. It’s a Christmas love story that started in a bookstore. It felt awfully fitting. Harley’s grin widens to a broad smile, recognising the story.
“I’ve only seen the Netflix show, but can’t say it doesn’t seem a little familiar right now.” He says, removing his hands from behind his back to grab the book. He looks at it in wonder for a moment before putting it on a nearby table.
Peter’s so lost in Harley’s gaze that he doesn’t notice that the hands behind Harley’s back were empty.
“What story did you pick?” He innocently asks, peeking at Harley through his lashes.
The glint in those gorgeous blue eyes turns into a sparkle as he grabs Peter close.
“Ours.” He says before grabbing his face and softly pressing their lips together.