( the catch of her lips to his cheek isn't gonna make that grin go away, Rey. officially not happening. it's a weird relief that she cut through the awkwardness of knowing and not knowing all at once. they'd had a great night, and Peter is already quite intimate with what it's like to kiss her and then some. still, that had been with all inhibitions lowered, both of them operating on instinct and what felt good. this is different and finding the lines of what she likes and what makes her uncomfortable in a public setting is important. knowing some PDA is okay is an instant relief, as Peter struggles greatly with being entirely detached with someone he likes.
though the mention of it seeming like he ran here does get Rey an awkward laugh. half because, well, she's not wrong and he did rush to get here, and half because Peter is utterly terrible at keeping secrets and how does all of New York not know he's Spider-Man again? )
Ha, I... no, I'm okay. Maybe I need some extra cardio. We could play more of the Floor is Lava? ( he lifts his eyebrows hopefully, especially knowing how their game had ended. he isn't suave enough to land suggesting they burn calories together, but the idea is in there somewhere. ) I'll catch my breath when we sit down. I called ahead, didn't wanna risk this place being too happening.
( and maybe he could let go of her and maybe they could walk in just fine unattached but instead he grabs her hand and heads in that direction. )
Never ruling Floor is Lava off the menu, no. [Saying that with a straight face? Not something she could hold for long. Letting out a short heartfelt laugh, she practically beamed at him as he felt his hand wrap around hers. Immidiatly, Rey twisted her palm, her fingers slipping through Peter's, entwined as they held onto each other.
Frankly, there had been a time when she had not been comfortable with this sort of touch, not even something that now seemed as simple as holding hands. Too many years on her own, too many years without basic contact with other people, without receiving affection. But things had changed recently for her and she had sort of found a family in her now close friends. It was probably thanks to them that she'd dared opening up to Peter with such ease. Why she dared think that, just like he often stole smiles out of her as she sneaked into her thoughts, maybe she too could become someone dear to him.]
It was a smart thing to call ahead. [Rey pointed out as they walked in, the place packed and service busy. They were soon guided towards a little table at the back, the light dim and a candle burning inside a glass centerpiece. It was quite romantic, the sort of thing she'd only seen in movies.]
You've been here before? It's very nice. [Taking off her bag and coat, she placed them on the third chair by their table, right away thanking a waiter as they were handed the menu.] I have no idea of what to order. Do you? Do you have anything in mind?
[Settling down, her leg touched his briefly under the table. It was a knee jerk reaction to pull back. Briefly. Letting out a sigh, Rey allowed herself to relax, her shin resting against Peter's.]
( well, there is something intrinsically hilarious about a game called The Floor Is Lava. and considering Peter's usual reaction to intimate questions is uncomfortable laugher and turning the color of a lobster, he can't hold the laugh against her. look, he's not great at talking about sex. Peter is more of a little less talk, a lot more action when it comes to intimacy. he's not shy about doing — talking is a bit of a different story.
it's something unfortunate, that loneliness when they were little being something they have in common. Peter knows he's lucky, that his aunt and uncle, and now just his aunt, keep him from being entirely alone in the world. he hadn't been great about reaching out to find family outside of them, though, besides Gwen. and safe to say he'd struggled for a long time to try again after that.
this is uncovered ground, and truthfully Peter doesn't entirely know what he's comfortable with and ready for, either. he does know that her palm twisting in his, her fingers knotting with his — that feels pretty good. his thumb dusts across her knuckles in an unspoken note of appreciation and almost awe, that this is actually happening. and then he's back, focused on pulling out Rey's chair and greeting a waitress that he's seen plenty of times, since he's definitely a regular here.
once they're seated, he lets too-long legs gangle under the table. it'd be hard for Rey not to run into them, but he squeezes her hand before he releases it to let her know he doesn't mind the bump, or the choice to linger. he grabs a menu, drumming his fingers over the laminated paper before he points out his favorite. )
I swear I'm not thinking of Lady and the Tramp. This one really is my favorite. ( he drums on spaghetti and meatballs, which also happily announces it comes with endless breadsticks. ) But if you like seafood, the shrimp pasta is good too.
[With her elbow on the table and chin on her palm, Rey leaned forward as much as the table would allow her while they both checked out the shared menu. She considered the options Peter pointed out, but it wasn't that hard of a choice.]
I've never tried seafood, to be honest. I mean, aside from fish. [And even then that was not something she usually found on her diet. Not counting fish sticks, that sort of dish always sounded like something far too fancy for the sort of meals she could either afford or even prepare comfortably at the little place she had set up to become her home.] But I haven't had pasta in a while either and I'd really like to try your favourite, Peter.
[A cute, nice guy. A photographer that is lanky and far more flexible that you'd expect. A sweet boy who enjoys pasta and meatballs and that is always worrying about not making his partner uncomfortable.] The breaksticks totally sold me. And the possible reendition of Lady and the Tramp. You'd make a wonderful Lady, Peter.
[She wrinkled the bridge of her nose as she teased him, finally leaning back on her seat again. It wasn't long before that waitress he'd greeted and that had been so lovely to the both of them returned, taking their order. Rey couldn't be more thankful of how comfortable she was, what a nice atmosphere there was both in this place and in his company.
She had definitely spent too much time overthinking this date, worrying for no good reason. It all seemed to flow really naturally so far.]
So, I guess its the appropiate time to ask about you? You take photos for a living or are you just very, very good over your hobby?
Oh, I love it. Kalamari is my favorite. But uh, my aunt says I will happily eat anything, so maybe my judgement isn't the most trustworthy. ( and while it is true Peter has a forgiving stomach, and has once eaten a hotdog that he dropped on a busy New York sidewalk. he also thinks he has decent taste when he bothers to be fancy about it. being a freelance photographer relaxes his standards, because good food wasn't necessarily always cheap food. Peter would be happy to broaden Rey's culinary horizons, if she's interested — though they might have to pair it with low-brow fair. or he'll need to work a little more to keep up with the habit.
for now, though, he thinks she made a good call with the spaghetti. Peter asks for his second suggestion (maybe he can convince Rey to try some of the shrimp) and from there laughs at the assertion he would make a good lady. ) Wow. I have hair like this and don't land the role of tramp? You're being way too easy on me.
( truth be told, both of them seem more rough and tumble, street worn creatures, but maybe that wouldn't be as cute a story.
Peter is not sure he's good at talking about himself, but that does seem fair first date fare, doesn't it? so he better try. ) Right, I do. I work for the Daily Bugle. Honestly they don't expect particularly skilled photography, but I still like it. I do a lot of people pieces right now, like, taking pictures of kids at the science fair. Nice to meet people on the street, you know? ( Peter doesn't make a lot, granted, but it does allow some freedom for his other, even worse paid work. ) What is it you do?
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