𝐏𝐀𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝟔 | 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐖𝐍

—♟—

"𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 George and Lennie share?" Peter read out from the flashcard in his hand, the thick, black sharpie able to be seen from the back of the card.

The two were studying for the English test they had the next day on the first three chapters of Of Mice and Men at her house. They had invited Ned to join them, but he said he had to go to the doctor's, so he wasn't able to make it.

"They share the dream of buying a small farm together and working it. On this farm, Lennie said that he will tend to the rabbits and pet them whenever he wants to," Kara answered lazily, resting her chin in her hand with her elbow being propped up on the desk.

Peter gave her a small nod before flipping to the next flashcard and asking, "What does George tell Lennie to do if he gets in trouble at their new job site?"

"George tells Lennie to come to a spot where they were camping and to hide in the bushes until George comes for him," she replied, her eyes fluttering to a close as her breathing slightly slowed.

He moved on to the next flashcard, his eyes scanning over it. "Where did the bus drop George and Lennie off?"

"The bus dropped them off two miles from the ranch near Salinas River." She buried her head in her hands, letting out a small groan as she shook her head. "This book is so boring, oh my God. And I'm saying that. Me."

"We've only read three chapters," Peter pointed out with a laugh, his eyebrows raised at her.

She lifted her head, an incredulous expression on her face as she asked, "And do you like it?"

He paused, thinking about it seriously for a moment.

Kara felt a smile drawing onto her lips as she watched him; he always looked so cute when he was in thought. The adorable furrowed eyebrows, how he pursed his lips, the way he sometimes scrunched his nose when he was really deep in thought . . .

"No," Peter decided, bringing her out of her little moment of adoration.

"Exactly." Kara nodded as she rested her chin on her hand again. "Okay, continue quizzing."

They spent about two hours continuing to quiz each other, taking turns as they handed the flashcards back and forth. With that and a few breaks in between for snacks and random conversations, they were more than prepared for the test.

"Okay, done!" Kara grinned as she set the last flashcard down, stacking it on top of the other cards before sliding it to the back of her desk.

"Finally." Peter sighed in relief, leaning back in the chair as he folded his arms. "This is actually the worst book I've ever read. And I've read Twilight!"

"You've read—why did you read Twilight?" She crinkled her nose in disgust at the name. Sure, a lot of people liked the story, but . . . the vampires sparkled in the sun! In what world was that a realistic feature of vampires?

"It's a popular book! I wanted to see what it was about!" Peter protested, his hands raised in defence as he gave a small shrug. He was quick to reassure her as he shook his head, "I didn't like it though."

"All right, sure," Kara laughed at him before a serious look dawned on her face. "But the real question is, are you team Edward or team Jacob?"

Oddly, Peter answered her question rather swiftly. "Oh, team Jacob, for sure."

"Team Jacob?" Kara let out a dramatic gasp, holding her hand over her heart. She quickly shook her head as she corrected him, "Oh no, no, no, team Edward is better!"

Peter tilted his head in confusion, a look of puzzlement coming over his face. "I thought you didn't read Twilight?"

"Oh, I didn't." She shook her head and shrugged. "But the dude who plays Edward—Robert Pattinson—plays Cedric Diggory, and you know how much I love that man."

"Oh, I know how much you love him," Peter laughed, shaking his head. "Is there any Harry Potter boy that you don't have a crush on?"

She thought for a moment, unsure. Draco Malfoy was cute, Ron was cute, Neville was cute . . . hell, even young Voldemort was a stud . . . but there was one character she would never date. "Probably Harry himself."

"What? He's the main character!" Peter furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Out of everyone, I'd expect it to be him!"

"Well, do you have a crush on Harry Potter?" She raised her eyebrows in challenge. Harry was just one of those characters whom she loved, but wouldn't be in love with.

"I don't have a crush on anyone in Harry Potter!" he chuckled as he shook his head.

Kara let out a gasp of shock. "What? Not even on Hermione?"

"Meh." Peter shrugged, scrunching his face.

She ran a hand through her hair, shaking her head rather wildly. "Wow. Wow. Wow. How are we dating?"

"Wait, so let me get this clear: The fact that I don't have a crush on a fictional girl," he said slowly as he squinted his eyes in confusion, "is making you question why we're dating?"

Kara paused for a moment before giving a large nod. "Yes. And it's quite—"

She was cut off by the chime of Peter's phone, which he then dug out of his pocket. His eyes read over the text message that he had received, and he quickly texted a response.

He looked up at her and gave her a small grin. "Aunt May's here, and she said to hurry because she doesn't wanna miss the newest episode of 90 Day Fiancé."

"Oh, that's a good show," Kara giggled as the two got up.

Peter grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder before the two of them headed down the stairs and toward the front door. After opening it for him, Kara followed him out onto the stone porch, closing the door behind her as she leaned on it.

It was the last day of February, and the weather was just as chilly as usual as a cool breeze blew her hair to the side. She folded her arms, shivering slightly as Peter turned to face her. "You think you're good for the test tomorrow?"

"I hope so," he chuckled, running a hand through his messy hair. "You?"

"Probably not, the information is so boring that it's definitely gone from my brain now," she laughed, shaking her head (although she knew that that statement was the furthest thing from the truth). "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Peter smiled. He stayed still in his spot as he gazed at her, seeming as if he was thinking about something.

"You know," she giggled, "people usually leave after saying goodnight."

He stayed silent for another few moments. He swallowed, his cheeks reddening before he blurted out, "Can I kiss you?"

Kara was taken by surprise for a moment. "Oh, uh . . . yeah," she said softly, smiling.

Butterflies inhabited her stomach as he leaned closer to her, and it felt like a million years passed until he placed his lips upon hers. The movement was awkward at first but soon became more enjoyable as the seconds passed.

She cupped his cheeks, his soft skin warm to the touch. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him, the space between their bodies now being almost non-existent.

He quickly pulled away for a breath before pressing his lips against hers once more, his grip on her waist only growing tighter. He took one hand off and used it to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, leaving his hand on her cheek.

The slight chill she was feeling was now gone, her insides now seeming as if they were on fire as they kissed.

Suddenly, the honk of a horn sounded. The pair quickly broke apart, their cheeks instantly reddening as they realized that May had been watching them the whole time from the driveway.

She rolled down her window and stuck her head out. "Yes, Peter, good job! Proud of you two!" She gave a thumbs-up. "Don't let me stop you! Continue! I'm definitely not filming!" She rolled the window back up, a sly grin on her face as she raised her phone toward them.

"I'm sorry, Aunt May is—ugh." Peter groaned as he looked back at Kara.

"Don't worry about it," she laughed, giving him a reassuring smile. "See you tomorrow."

"See you." He gave her one last adorable smile before turning and walking over to May. She could hear his faint voice as he got into the car. "Aunt May, why did you . . ."

She waved as the car backed away, waiting until it was out of sight to go back inside.

After locking the door, she went back to her room, sighing dreamily as she collapsed onto her bed. She thought about the kiss for a few moments before remembering that she had an English test that she needed to study for.

Dammit, she hated this book.

—♟—

"Kara," Ned exhaled as he turned to her, ignoring the blank math worksheet that sat in front of him, "I need to ask you something I've been wanting to ask forever."

Her eyebrows furrowed as she turned towards him. "What?"

"Do you like raspberries?"

Kara shrugged, her nose wrinkling slightly as she answered, "Not really."

Ned breathed a sigh of relief, placing his hand on his chest as he nodded. "Thank God. They suck."

"Hey!" Peter stopped filling out his worksheet as he leaned forward and protested, "Raspberries are great!"

Ned scrunched his face as he shook his head and turned back to his work, muttering, "Typical noob."

"Wha—" Peter scoffed, rolling his eyes in amusement before shifting his attention back to his paper.

Kara felt her phone buzz in her pocket and quickly took it out, her eyebrows furrowing when she saw that Nat had texted her.

happys on his way 2 pick u up

Her lips pressed together as she tried to think. Did she have training today? No, she had had it yesterday, and Steve had said that there was no need for any today. She texted back:

I don't have training today

Nat was quick to respond.

i know i wanna meet parker so happy is gonna pick u 2 up

Kara's eyes widened.

What?! No!! Auntie Nat, I can't bring him to the compound!!!

She sighed as Nat replied.

dont care if u dont bring him ill just kidnap him
c u soon ;)

"Shit," Kara mumbled under her breath, letting out a soft groan. She knew Nat wasn't bluffing; she was an assassin after all.

"Peter," she murmured as she leaned towards him, glancing up at the teacher to make sure she wasn't watching. "You busy after school today?"

"Hm?" Peter pursed his lips together for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I don't think so."

"Cool," she sighed. She had been hoping that he had already had plans. "Do you . . . wanna come to the Compound?"

His eyes lit up as he nodded furiously. "Yeah!" He faltered as he noticed her reluctant tone and his eyebrows furrowed. "Unless you don't . . . want me to?"

"It's not that," Kara quickly reassured him, sending him a smile. "It's just that Auntie Nat wants to meet you, and she . . . Well . . ."

"You mean Black Widow?" he asked astonishedly, his eyes wide. "She wants to meet me? Wait" —his expression grew nervous— "is she gonna kill me?"

"No," she laughed, shaking her head. "At least, I don't think so."

The bell rang, and the two of them quickly got up, bidding goodbye to Ned and promising that they'd join their shared Minecraft server (named 'Ned's Empire and the two peasants') later that evening.

They swiftly stopped by each of their lockers to collect their things, and when Peter was closing his locker, Kara got a text from Happy saying that he had arrived.

"Well," she sighed as she readjusted the straps of her backpack, "let's go. Don't get too nervous, it'll be fine."

"Mhm." Peter nodded, though his anxiousness was clear on his face.

Kara slipped her hand into his as they walked towards the front of the school, giving him a reassuring squeeze, and he gave her a small smile in return.

She quickly spotted Happy's usual car parked at the side of the street and waved to him as they approached.

"Hey, Uncle Happy," Kara greeted as she entered the back seat, sliding to the side so that Peter could come in.

"Hey, Kara." He nodded. "How was school?"

"It was okay." She shrugged. "Anyway, uh, this is Peter Parker."

"Your boyfriend," Happy stated, his eyebrows raising as he peered at the boy through the rearview mirror.

"Uh, hi!" Peter said nervously, outstretching his hand before realizing that Happy had already started driving, and quickly retracting it. "N-nice to meet you!"

Happy disregarded the greeting as he pulled out of the school's parking lot and merged onto the road.

Keeping his eyes in front of him, he asked, "Tell me, Parker, what do you want to be when you're older?"

"Oh, uh . . ." Peter glanced at Kara before giving a small shrug. "I-I'm not really, um, sure yet. Probably something with science."

"So you haven't thought about your future yet?" Happy rebutted with unimpressed eyebrows. "You don't know how you're going to support yourself?"

"Uh . . ."

"Uncle Happy, I mean, we're only in grade nine," Kara chuckled nervously, giving Peter a reassuring smile. "We have plenty of time to figure it out."

Happy changed the topic. "What do you imagine yourself doing in five years?"

"Uncle Happy, this isn't an interview," Kara pointed out, "you can go easy on the questions."

Happy did not go easy on the questions. He spent the next forty-five minutes demanding Peter's plans for the future, his financial plans, his intentions with Kara, and about his morals, all of which Peter answered through nervous stutters.

Finishing off with Happy delivering him a threat that involved some not-so-pleasant things if Peter were to ever hurt Kara, they arrived at the Compound.

After thanking Happy for the ride (and grumbling under her breath about the whole situation), Kara threaded her fingers through Peter's.

She then led the way toward the living room where she usually chatted with Nat in, figuring that she'd be there.

And she was right; Nat was sitting on one of the couches, a small smirk on her face. To Kara's dismay, Wanda was sitting next to her.

"Wanda's here, too?" Kara asked incredulously as they walked in.

"Well, hello to you, too," Wanda said stiffly, a small scoff escaping her lips.

"No, not—" Kara sighed. "I'm very happy to see you, Wanda."

Wanda grinned. "Yeah, I know."

"And me?" Nat raised her eyebrows, her eyes flickering between Kara and Peter while an amused smile played on her lips.

Kara narrowed her eyes. ". . . Sure."

"Why don't you two take a seat?" Nat suggested, gesturing to the couch that was situated across from them.

With an untrusting smile on her face, Kara nodded and sat down, Peter sitting down right next to her.

Wanda looked back to Peter, a smile on her face as she nodded. "Anyway, pleasure to meet you, Peter!"

"Y-you too." Peter gave her a nervous grin, glancing over at Kara for comfort.

She gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, she won't threaten you."

"No, I will. Peter, if you hurt Kara, I will kill you." Wanda nodded, her smile dropping as she stared at Peter, whose face paled.

"Wanda!" Kara exclaimed with wide eyes, though the corners of her lips tugged upwards.

"Too much?" Wanda asked before shrugging and correcting herself, "Okay, I won't kill you, but I will hurt you. Badly."

"Hey, same here." Nat grinned as she held her fist out towards Wanda, who gladly bumped it with her own.

"I'm just—I'm never gonna—gonna hurt Kara, don't worry." Peter's face broke into an anxious smile as he nodded.

A satisfied smile crept onto Wanda's face. "Good."

Nat leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she raised her eyebrows and challenged, "Anyway, Peter Parker, I don't know you too well. Let's see if you're a good fit for Kara."

Kara sighed and leaned back in her chair. She wasn't all too sure this would go well.

Nat started, "Where did you and Kara meet?"

"S-school," Peter responded nervously, nodding to himself. "On the first day."

"Hm." Wanda narrowed her eyes at him and quirked an eyebrow. "What's Kara's favourite food?"

Peter gulped nervously. "Oreos."

"What's her favourite book?" Nat questioned.

"Harry Potter."

"That's way too easy." Wanda leaned back, her eyes still narrowed. "What's something she's afraid of?"

Peter shrugged. "Failing a test."

Nat raised her eyebrows. "Okay, that was the easy round; anyone who knows Kara would know those answers. Let's go deeper. What's her lifelong dream?"

"To become the head of U-GIN."

"Name the order of Harry Potter books from her favourite to least favourite," Wanda challenged, a smirk growing on her face.

"Goblet of Fire, Prisoner of Azkaban, Philosopher's Stone, Order of the Phoenix, Chamber of Secrets, Half-Blood Prince, and then Deathly Hallows." Peter grinned, having heard Kara list this many times.

"Impressive," Nat commented before a smug smile came onto her face. "Name her favourite composer."

"Aram Ilyich Khachaturian."

"Oh, that's impressive." Nat nodded, exchanging a look with Wanda as she straightened. "All right, Mr. Peter Parker. You pass. For now."

Wanda squinted her eyes at the boy, who was giving the two of them a small smile. Her eyes widened slightly after a moment, and unsettlingly, she asked, "Parker. What do you think of the Spider-Man?"

"Oh, uh . . ." Peter's eyes widened. "He's . . . pretty cool, I'd say. I don't know much about him, though, heh."

Kara's eyebrows furrowed. Why did Wanda care? And what did Spider-Man have to do with anything?

"Yeah . . . I guess." Wanda's eyes were still narrowed as she leaned back in her spot. "Do you know him?"

"What?" Peter chuckled nervously as he glanced over to Kara, who was completely baffled by this point. "No, of course not."