Thankful For You | Peter Parker x Male!Reader
Genre: Male!Reader x Peter Parker/Spider-Man | Marvel/Insomniac’s Spider-Man (PS4) Thanksgiving Special
Summary: “You can’t make it home for Thanksgiving this year, so you volunteer your time at F.E.A.S.T to help Peter with the shelter’s festivities. It might not be the Thanksgiving you expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less wonderful.”
Author’s Notes: Hope you guys had a happy Thanksgiving. It’s currently 12:30 am and I’m getting ready to go black Friday shopping. Sorry this one’s a little long but I was just having so much fun I had to cut myself off. I hope you guys enjoy this little Thanksgiving Special and if you’d like to see a sequel/Christmas Special in late December please let me know down below :)
You arrive at F.E.A.S.T promptly at one o'clock, just as Peter had asked. It looks more busy than usual, most likely because of it being Thanksgiving and all. But as crowded as it is today, it almost seems brighter - in more ways than one. You see the golden light of the afternoon glimmer through the windows, illuminating everyone in the shelter. Everyone looked comfortable - happy. The word 'thankful' even comes to mind as you think of a way to describe it all, but that would be too cheesy. F.E.A.S.T has always been a warm and inviting place, that's the way Mr. Li ran things. But even now, today just seemed better.
"Hey (Y/N), you made it!" it was Peter. You were so lost in the moment you didn't even notice him. He hurries to you, happily throwing an arm around your shoulder as he leads you further inside.
"I told you I was coming, Pete," You playfully shove him, Peter mocking you as he pretends as if you hurt him, "Have at least a little faith in me!"
"Sorry I know, I'm just really stressed out." You come to a stop in the center of the room; Peter's back now to the window. For a brief moment, you're a little taken back by him. The light shining from behind him, the soft glow of the room on his face, his goofy smile - you can't help but stare, even if it's just for a second. You quickly catch yourself, and Peter is none the wiser.
"Busy day today?" That was a dumb question and you knew it. You can visibly see how hectic it is in here, but it was the first thing that came to mind.
"You know it!" Even now, Peter glances around to see if anyone needs anything, "Homeless shelters like F.E.A.S.T always get a lot of traffic around the holidays."
"Well, you can take a load off, I'm here now!" You pat him on the shoulder, bringing his gaze back to you, "Where should I start?"
"Well, I don't think we need kitchen help right now so..." Peter struts over to the coffee station, returning with two pots labeled 'Regular' and 'Decaf', "Do you think you could go around and just see if anyone needs a refill on coffee?"
"Right away, boss." You give Peter a playful wink and take the pots from his hands. He laughs and rolls his eyes.
"Hey, don't call me that!" The two of you laugh, but when it's over, you two simply look at each other for a moment. It's just that - a moment, but you can feel just a little bit of awkwardness as if he was wanted to tell you something - or perhaps waiting for you to say something. Finally, he speaks up.
"Uh, I-I'll be in the kitchen checking on the food. Let me know if you need anything." With a final smile, he's gone through the sea of people. You exhale, steaming pots still in hand. You begin your route through the mass of beds and tables, offering fresh coffee to every patron you see. After a while, it becomes so routine that you let your mind wander a bit.
You think of your family and what they're up to right now. With work being so busy this year, and your schedule just not lining up correctly, you and your family decided that you'd, unfortunately, sit this Thanksgiving out this year - but you'd drive home in about a week to have a Late-Thanksgiving get together when you were freer. All n' all, you weren't too broken up about it, and at least you're here doing good for the homeless, surrounded by friendly faces - as well as Peter's.
You'd been telling yourself for the last few months that you didn't have a crush on Peter. You guys were best friends, college pals, a dynamic duo - and that was it. But as of late, you just can't help but think of him all the time. The way he carries himself, the way he cares for others, and that beautiful smile that's always on his face - It took a while, but you finally came to terms with your feelings. It made hanging out with him just a little bit more difficult, but as long as you kept your mouth shut nothing would change - and you wouldn't have to worry about him rejecting you.
Soon enough, you've gone about halfway throughout the shelter. Most people take you up on your offer for a refill, and after about ten minutes and three coffee pot refills later, you find yourself at a card table where Cam and Eileen are in another one of their heated games of chess. Honestly, are these two ever not playing?
"Hey, you two. Does anyone need a refill on coffee? I've got decaf and regular." The two barely look up from the board, clearly planning out their next strategies, but they still manage to send smiles your way. Eileen is the first to slide her mug your way.
"Yes, please, honey! Regular too." You oblige, filling her mug, "Top Cam off too, (Y/N). He's gonna need the caffeine considering how hard I'm whooping him." You chuckle as she gives you a wink. Cam rolls his eyes.
"You guys still at this game?"
"Of course! Gotta make sure I don't lose my edge!" Cam brings his cup to you, pointing at the regular pot, "...and you are not whooping me!" You and Eileen let out another laugh as they each place their mugs down, focused once more.
"Thanks, (Y/N)." Cam thanks you for the coffee, moving one of his own pieces as Eileen groans, "Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving."
"Thanks, you too," You watch as Eileen makes her move, with Cam being the one to let out a sigh under his breath this time, "So what are you guys thankful for this year?"
"I'm thankful for having a friend who still plays with me even though I hand his ass to him every game we play." Eileen lets out a hearty laugh as Cam fidgets over his side of the board.
"I'm thankful for this crazy old lady who keeps playing with me even though I can feel her dementia setting in as we speak." Cam snaps back, finally deciding on a place for his queen piece. Watching these two was always fun - never a dull moment.
"You guys are lucky to have each other." You poke fun at the two.
"You could say that," Eileen says sarcastically, Cam simply tips his hat to her "And what are your plans for Thanksgiving, hun?"
"I'm not gonna make it home this year," You try to laugh it off, not wanting to sound like a pity-party, "So I'm dedicating my time here instead."
"Yikes, some holiday." Cam cracks, Eileen kicking him under the table. You just laugh again.
"Oh stop, I love it here with you guys." You smile when you see their faces light up after you say that. Eileen finally turns away from the game, placing a hand on your arm.
"Well regardless, thanks for helping out here all the time. It doesn't go unnoticed." You've never heard Eileen say anything so sweet to you before. You knew she and Cam cared, but it was still nice to hear that they appreciated you. Honestly, it warmed your heart to listen to that.
"Happy Thanksgiving, guys. You have fun." And with a final nod, the three of you go back to what you were doing.
You decide to next make your way over to the television station. The spot is full as people sit around the screen mounted on the wall, all eyes glued to the parade on channel 5. Slowly, you lean down between seats, quietly offering coffee without disturbing anyone. Again most people take you up on the offer - you're surprised there's ever any coffee left in this building the way everyone drinks it around here. Once you finish, you notice Ernie by the television, leaning against the wall.
"Hey, Ernie. Coffee?" you flash him a smile and show him the coffee in your hands. Ernie nods and holds out his mug.
"Fill 'er up, kid. Regular." He grumbles.
"On it, and Happy Thanksgiving." You fill his mug, but Ernie looks at you with indifference.
"Meh." Ernie mumbles and sighs, and while this is usual behavior for Ernie, you decide to probe him a little bit. He seems a little more 'Ernie' than usual.
"What? No holiday cheer?" You try to joke with him.
"You try being cheery on Thanksgiving without a home or family." Ernie leans against the wall again, taking a sip from his fresh cup. You feel a little sad, almost like a pit in your stomach. There's a brief moment of silence until you finally think of something to say (also praying it also sounds as good out loud as it does in your head).
"You got a point there," You begin, "But you know what I think?"
"What?" Ernie looks up from his cup, still looking disinterested.
"I know things are hard for you Ernie, but you've got a home in F.E.A.S.T and a family in me, Peter, May, and everyone else here," You lean in, speaking a little quieter this time, "I get it's not the ideal portrait of the holidays, but I think it's still something to be thankful for." Ernie looks at you, and you can't quite make out what he's thinking. Is he pissed at me? Did that come off as condescending? Lots of these kinds of thoughts run through your head as you wait for him to answer.
"You know what, (Y/N)." He begins, and you visibly gulp, "You're right. Maybe now you're the one with a point. Happy Thanksgiving, kid." He gives you a little smirk. You can't believe it, Ernie actually smiled at you and said you were right - and you thought miracles only happened on Christmas. You give him a final nod and finish the rest of your route.
It took about thirty minutes to go through the whole shelter, but now you're finally done. You remember Peter saying he'd be in the kitchen, so you place down your now empty pots at the coffee station and make your way into the kitchen. As you walk through the swinging doors, you can hear quiet laughter over by the cutting boards. It was May and Peter, having a good laugh about something while cutting vegetables.
You watch them for a few seconds before you make your presence known. It was always kind of nice to see Peter hanging out with May. You weren't family or anything, but May always made sure you felt welcomed. She's an incredibly nice woman, and it made you feel good seeing her and Peter enjoying each other's company. Eventually, May turns just enough to see you in the doorway.
"(Y/N) I didn't know you were here!" She puts down her knife and quickly walks over to you, enveloping you in a motherly hug, "Peter, why didn't you tell me (Y/N) was helping out today?"
"I thought you knew!" Peter rubs the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed he forgot to tell his aunt of your arrival.
"Well, I'm glad you're here. Come here, honey," May leads you over to the cutting boards, "I haven't seen you in so long!"
"I know, and that's my fault. I've just been so busy with work." You did feel bad, the last time you saw May was when Peter invited you over to her house for dinner as a thank you for letting him crash on your couch. Peter had just been evicted, but you were more than happy to help him out. That must've been at least a month ago now.
"Why aren't you with your family this year?" May snaps you out of your thoughts.
"Things just didn't plan out right schedule-wise, so I'm seeing them in a few weeks for a late Thanksgiving dinner." Again, you try to spin it in a light so that May doesn't feel bad for you.
"Oh well that's good at least, and in the meantime, you get to spend the holiday with us!" She gives you another hug, Peter winking at you over her shoulder. You wink back, forever joking with Pete that May liked you more than him.
"So how'd coffee go?" Peter begins cutting a head of lettuce as May clears a spot for you.
"I think I've covered all my bases at least for a bit. I'll go out again and check in a bit." May places a tomato in your left hand, and a knife in your right.
"Nonsense, I'll switch shifts with you," She slips her apron off over her head and onto your shoulders, "I've been cooped up in this kitchen all day and could use some fresh faces."
"Hey!" Peter stops to look at May, raising his eyebrow and scoffing at her. You can't help but laugh.
"Oh you know I love you." and with that, May leaves the kitchen, the doors swinging shut behind her. There's another silence between you and Peter - almost exactly like the one before. He looks at you, his lips slightly parted as if he was about to tell you something. Eventually, he returns his gaze to the lettuce and he resumes chopping.
"So... the turkey is in the oven, potatoes and yams are in the heating box, and pies are just cooling on the stove. All we gotta do is cut these vegetables for the salad bar." Peter avoids looking at you, and you begin to wonder if maybe this time he actually did want to say something.
"Sure, sounds easy enough." You ignore it in the end and begin slicing the tomatoes in front of you. After a few minutes, Peter speaks up again.
"Hey, don't get mad. But..." You can see Peter smirking out of the corner of your eye, "I overheard what you said to Ernie."
"Eavesdropping again?" You playfully bump into his shoulder, not once looking up from the cutting board.
"No!" He explains as he grabs another head, "I was helping out Mr. Hodges when you walked by."
"Oh. And?" You're a bit confused, what was Peter getting at? It's not like you exposed some secret or anything while you were pouring coffee.
"What you said - about May and me being like family - that was really nice." You look up from your station, and Peter's no longer cutting. Instead, he's looking at you with that goofy grin you love so much. You feel your cheeks start to pinken just a bit.
"Well of course, Pete. You know I care about you." You try not to look at him, knowing your face will surely turn red the moment you turn your head.
"I care about you too." He leans on the counter, clearly waiting for you to turn to him. You're too embarrassed to do so, so you try to change the subject.
"So, Pete. I've asked pretty much everyone. What are you thankful for this year?" At last, you finish slicing the tomatoes and bring yourself to look in Peter's direction.
"Me? Well, I..." Peter shifts his weight from foot to foot as he thinks, "I mean the usual stuff, right? Friends, family, good health and all that."
"What a lame and generic answer from Peter Parker." You poke fun at him again.
"Hey, well you put me on the spot!" He swats at your arm.
"Excuses, Excuses." You chuckle and just swat right back at him.
"Okay, okay, fine..." There's a brief pause as Peter physically turns you to look at him, "I've got one."
"Promise not to laugh?" Peter wags his finger in your face; you just swipe it away.
"We'll see." You loved picking on Peter, and while he'd never admit it himself, he enjoyed the torment every now and again.
"I'm... thankful for you." Peter's voice skipped for a moment, but you heard him loud and clear.
"Y-Yeah. I mean, you've been there for everything this past year..." Peter lifts his hand to your shoulder, "You were there when Dr. Octavius was having trouble with paying me. You've been covering my shifts here when I can't make it. You were there when I got evicted from my place. Hell, you even let me sleep on your couch till I got back on my feet."
"What are friends for, Pete?" You let your hand rise to touch Peter's on your shoulder. He doesn't pull it away, letting his thumb rub in small circles - something you knew Peter only did when he was nervous.
"I know I don't say it enough, or ever really, but I'm lucky to have you in my life." You can't help it anymore. Your face is bright red and you know it, but Peter was standing here saying the sweetest stuff and you're willing to suffer mild embarrassment to enjoy the moment. You don't know what to say, so you just smile - maybe the biggest smile you've had all day. Peter stands motionless again, just staring at you. Again, he looks like he wants to add something. Without realizing it, you finally say something about it.
"I... I mean... I just..." you can feel his grip tighten on your shoulder just a bit. Without warning, Peter leans in, his soft lips pushing gently against your own. You stand there frozen, silent and still as a statue, completely stunned by what's happening. Peter is actually kissing you. While it's short, barely feeling like a full second, it almost seems like the entire world stops around you to take notice. He pulls away fast, his face now the one cast in a crimson hue. He bites his lip, scanning around the room, doing whatever he can to avoid eye contact with you.
"I... I-I'm sorry," Peter stutters, barely able to force out a coherent sentence. You've never seen him like this before. He was so shy, so nervous - you'd even go as far as to say he looked scared. The look in his eyes made you feel like he could take off running at any moment. He starts to speak again, "I shouldn't have--"
But you don't let him finish his sentence. You place your hand on the back of his head, letting your fingertips glide over his brown curls. You still say nothing, hoping the look on your face says it all for you. Slowly, you bring his head towards your own, letting your lips touch once more - this time the right way. You feel Peter tense up for just a second, but then he relaxes. His breathing slows, his eyes close, and his hands move to your waist - holding you close. It lasts just for a moment - but it's certainly one hell of a moment. Finally, you break away.
"No, I'm glad you did," You bring your hand to his face, letting your thumb graze over his cheek, "I-I've been hoping you would do that for some time now." You feel your voice jump just a bit when you hear your confession out loud.
"You...?" The little bit of shock on Peter's face surprises you, but also makes you laugh just a little under your breath, "Why didn't you say something earlier?" You can feel his fingers lock together on your lower back.
"I was too chicken-shit." You chuckle out your response. It sounded stupid, but it was true. You've cared about Peter for a long time. You don't remember the exact moment you began thinking of him as more than just a friend, but you do remember that at every instance those thoughts came to your head, a little voice would tell you 'he won't feel the same way, so don't bother.' But now here you stand, having just kissed the man you've thought about for months now - having him hold you tenderly in his arms. For a moment, you fear a tear might well up in your eyes, so you hug him close to hide your face.
"I'm thankful for you too, Pete."
