Ned sat hunched over the map, taking up far too much of the bench with all of his things. He had packed too much for a day trip to the zoo. Peter said they went every year and Ned was still a horrible packer. I crossed my arms and grumbled impatiently. Beside me, Peter snatched the map from his best friend and started walking. "Hurry up, Ned."

"Gosh, I'm coming! I'm coming!" He waddled up behind us as we began our brisk walk to see all of the animals.

My arms went from crossed to holding my stomach as I subconsciously scooted closer to Webs. He noticed, and wrapped an arm around my waist. "I'm right here." He whispered to me and I just nodded.

I glanced to and fro, making sure people didn't linger to much when they looked at me. Mentally I was challenging them all to come at me, but physically I was shaking.

"I just want to see the giraffes." I grumbled as the boys pulled off to look at a giant snake. I snuggled up into Peter's side, hiding away from the rest of the world.

And the snake.

He spun to face me, his brown hair flopping as he did so. It brought a tiny smile to my face as he offered a piggy-back ride and I placed my head atop his.

"Map-man Ned! Please find the location of the giraffes!" I proclaimed, feeling better now that I was above all of the shoving bodies. Ned pulled his hat down further on his head and snatched the map back from Peter.

"This way, my lady." With a spin on his heal, Ned flounced off on a path way and with a laugh from both Peter and I, we followed.

"Baby, look! It's so cute!" I squealed as we promptly marched up to the long necked giraffes. Webs giggled and pushed me up further on his back so I sat on his shoulders now. The giraffe reached over the side of its enclosure to look at me. I stuck out a hand and in return, the animal smacked it with its long purple tongue.

"Ew it's purple!"

"Of course it is."

"Oh shut up, dude."

"Sorry."

I giggled at the boys and reached down so Ned could pour some zoo provided snacks for the animals into my cupped hands. I didn't care what the boys said, but it was all going to be fed to the giraffes today.

I stretched up again as the giraffe licked the kibbles of my hand. In my stupor over the beautiful creature, I barely heard the boys muttering beneath me.

"She seams really happy today."

"Apparently giraffes are the coolest things ever. She did have a bad episode last night, though."

"Still. How'd you get a girlfriend first, dude? We both agreed I'd be the first to achieve being taken. And you got War Machine's daughter!"

"I love her. More than anything."

"Dude. Ew."

I giggled once I caught up with what they were saying. "You're so weird, Ned."

Even from on his shoulders, I could see Peter's face flush red once he realized I had heard them talking. Ned just tipped his hat to me and I laughed.

The bus ride back was bumpy and gross. Peter laid his head in my lap, complaining from a head ache. I grumbled as the turbulence of the vehicle shook us and probably made it worse for him. I just played with his hair in the meantime.

"Hey, Webkins?" I questioned and he tilted his head up to look at me, eyes half closed. "Would listening to music make you feel better?" He tilted his head back and forth, unsure. I took it as a yes and barely managed to finagle my earphones out of my backpack at my feet. "Sorry not sorry." I handed him a headphone and slipped the other into my ear.

He laughed, sliding over so he was laying on his back. "Really?" He cocked an eyebrow at me and I frowned.

"Don't judge my Shawn Mendes."

"I wasn't! I just didn't expect you to like him." I shrugged in response and he closed his eyes. I went back to playing with his hair, braiding the long curly pieces.

I softly hummed to the song playing in my ears.

Cuz everything means nothing if I can't have you.

Peter scoffed at my soft humming and looked up to smile at me. "You're cute."

"Shut up, Peter." I growled and he sat up just enough to press a kiss to my lips.

His eyes flickered from mine to outside as he shivered. I followed his eyes and felt the color drain from my face. "Peter, no-"

He frowned and shook his head. I tore my eyes from him and back to the giant space ship outside. "Oh my gosh..." I breathed and he took my hand in his.

"You know I have to." I met his eyes and shook my head.

"Please. Please just come home and let Tony and Dee deal with it." I breathed squeezing my eyes shut. "Please, Peter."

"I can't. You know I can't. I'm protecting you. I love you." He pulled me close to his chest and held me close. When he pulled away, I pressed my forehead to his.

"Just come back. I'll be waiting."

"Of course. Tonight's movie night and you promised we would watch Star Wars again." I scoffed at his remark and he gave me one last desperate kiss before he turned to Ned.

"I need you to cause a distraction." Ned stood and Peter turned to me. "I love you. More than anything. I'll be right back."

Peter Parker kissed me one last time.

"I love you too."

Ned stood and flew to the back of the bus.

"We're all gonna die!"