The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Peter Parker walked across campus, his backpack slung over his shoulder, as he made his way to his favorite study spot. He had just finished a long morning of classes and was looking forward to a quiet afternoon of reading and homework. As he turned a corner, he spotted Johnny Storm lounging on a bench, his feet propped up on the railing. "Hey, Johnny," Peter said, trying to sound casual. "What's up?" Johnny looked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Not much, Parker. Just enjoying the sunshine. What about you?" Peter shrugged, taking a seat beside Johnny on the bench. "Just trying to get some studying done. But I'm having a hard time focusing." Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What's on your mind?" Peter hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something about Johnny that put him at ease. "I've just been having a lot on my plate lately," he said vaguely. "School, work, and...other stuff." Johnny's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Other stuff, huh? You mean like a girl?" Peter laughed, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks. "No, nothing like that. Just...stuff." Johnny grinned. "I think you're hiding something from me, Parker. But I'll let it slide...for now." As they chatted, Peter found himself opening up to Johnny in ways he never had with anyone before. He told him about his Aunt May, his friends, and his passion for photography. Johnny listened intently, asking questions and making Peter feel like he was the only person in the world. But as their conversation flowed, Peter's protective instincts began to stir. He caught himself watching Johnny's every move, making sure he was okay. It was a habit he'd developed as Spider-Man, always on the lookout for potential threats. Johnny seemed oblivious to Peter's watchful gaze, chatting away about his own life and interests. But as they talked, Peter started to feel a sense of unease. He was getting too close to Johnny, and it was making him nervous. "Hey, Johnny?" Peter said, trying to sound casual. "Can I ask you something?" "Shoot," Johnny replied, looking at him with a curious expression. "Do you...have any secrets?" Peter asked, his eyes locked on Johnny's. "Anything that could put you in danger?" Johnny's expression changed, and for a moment, Peter saw a flash of something like fear in his eyes. But then, Johnny's face relaxed, and he smiled. "Secrets? Me? Never," Johnny said, laughing. "I'm a pretty open book, Parker." Peter's instincts were screaming at him that Johnny was hiding something, but he didn't push the issue. Not yet. As they parted ways, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that he was in over his head. He had just revealed a little too much about himself, and now he was worried that Johnny would think he was weird. But as he watched Johnny walk away, Peter's protective instincts kicked in once more. He felt an overwhelming urge to keep Johnny safe, to shield him from harm. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a complicated and wonderful journey with Johnny Storm. And Peter's overprotectiveness would soon cause tension between them, leading to tears and apologies. As Peter walked back to his dorm, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. He had a feeling that his life was about to get a lot more complicated. And he wasn't sure if he was ready for it. The sun was setting over the campus, casting a golden glow over the buildings and trees. Peter felt a sense of peace wash over him, and for a moment, he forgot about his worries. But as he turned a corner, he spotted a group of rough-looking guys eyeing Johnny from across the quad. Peter's instincts kicked in, and he quickened his pace, his eyes locked on the potential threat. "Hey, Johnny," Peter said, trying to sound casual. "You okay?" Johnny turned around, a confused expression on his face. "Yeah, I'm fine. What's up?" Peter nodded towards the group of guys. "Just making sure you're okay. You don't want to mess with those guys." Johnny followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "You think I need your protection, Parker?" Peter's face went red, and he felt a surge of defensiveness. "I'm just looking out for you, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you." Johnny's expression softened, and he took a step closer to Peter. "I appreciate it, Parker. But I can take care of myself." Peter's eyes locked on Johnny's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, without warning, Peter's emotions got the better of him. "You're not taking this seriously enough," Peter said, his voice rising. "You're not thinking about the consequences. What if something happens to you? What if you get hurt?" Johnny's face fell, and he took a step back. "Whoa, easy does it, Parker. I'm not a kid. I can handle myself." Peter's words hung in the air, and for a moment, he realized he had gone too far. Johnny's eyes welled up with tears, and Peter felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Johnny," Peter said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I don't want anything to happen to you." Johnny shook his head, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. "You don't have to protect me, Parker. I'm not fragile." Peter felt a lump form in his throat as he watched Johnny walk away, tears streaming down his face. He realized he had hurt Johnny, and it was a feeling he couldn't shake. As he stood there, frozen in regret, Peter knew he had to make things right. He had to find a way to balance his protective instincts with Johnny's need for independence. And he had to do it before it was too late.