View source for 12350/A Wilde Time in the Parker Basement

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2022/08/08
|Location=Basement - 20 Ingram Street - Queens
|Synopsis=Gwen and Peter decide to watch a movie. Don't ask either of them what happened in it.
|Cast of Characters=172,40
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>To say that Peter was possibly overthinking this particular occasion is an understatement. He had had to track down the last remaining video store in the world, it seemed, to obtain the DVDs, and when he asked them for a stuff movie of an Oscar Wilde play, they had laughed at him profusely. But he had walked out with two selections (just in case - NOT to be a double feature), _The Importance of Being Earnest_ starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth and what he was TOLD was a version of the play _Salome_ starring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain, but he was not so sure about that one. He had stowed that one away just in case, but was ready to give into mistaken identity between two stuffy Brits who as near as Peter could tell may have been the same person so of course people would confuse them. <br><br>The home theater downstairs was setup and ready - the DVD was queued up, and there was some popcorn in the microwave just awaiting to be started. He had grabbed two glass bowls, and then put it back for one glass bowl, and then got two out again, and could not decide. Eventually he went with one glass bowl, deciding that if that seemed awkward he could just eat out of the bag. Sure, it would get greasy butter on the back of his hand, but he could wipe that off. And maybe Gwen would want to share a bowl. She had shared _more_ than a bowl the other day, so maybe he was worrying too much about things? <br><br>But this was GWEN, and somehow that added gravity to every bit of the situation. Peter could not remember having been this nervous in quite some time, and he just wanted everything to be perfect. PARKOUR had been an activity, and a costumed one, and although it ended in a kiss, it didn't really count as a date. Air hockey - was that a date? Did kissing later retroactively make that a date? Hard to say. But whatever that was, having Gwen over to watch a movie at his place AFTER they had actually kissed was almost certainly going to be considered a date no matter how he looked at it.<br><br>So with everything arranged downstairs, Peter was perched in the attic. Why the attic? Because he did not want to have another mishap where he somehow chose the absolute wrong clothes for the occasion. He had a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt on - nice enough, but house pants, in case she came in cozy clothes. He had a nice shirt and nice pants folded up to the side, in case she came dressed for a date. And a few other items set out. Luckily, his years as Spider-man had trained him in the art of the quick change, and Aunt May was out tonight, so he was very confident that once he saw her approaching, he could change into whatever the perfect outfit was to match her level of casual (or not!) and get to the door to let her in.<br><br>Peter promises himself that after tonight, he will just relax and let it be. Reminding himself that Gwen seemed just as interested in this as he was, and he did NOT have to impress her. But all of that did not change the fact that his heart started thumping whenever he thought of her. And he was not sure if that would ever go away. Or if he wanted it to to. <br><br>He glances at his watch. Should be any time now...<br><br>It is only then that he starts to panic and wonders what happens if Gwen decided to swing here instead, and found him in the attic. TOO LATE!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>Overthinking was apparently the name of the game for this particular meeting. And in Gwen's case it had been on what to DRESS. Because where it comes to choosing a movie to watch? That she had left to Peter with the following message:<br>&gt; So there's a few to select from. I am sending you a list &lt;list attached&gt;. Read the synopsys and then ..., choose WISELY.<br><br>Such ominous messaging. But it also left her free for the important questions of life. Like, should she bring the dark red college socks or the black ones? And what about the top? The one with the open cleavage? No, it's not -that- hot for her to be going in that kind of clothing. And it might send the wrong kind of message. But then again, what message exactly did she want to send? It was the kind of question she would only be able to answer later as she was perhaps not sure on it herself.<br><br>And was it a date? Technically it might be considered it considering the kiss after the PARKOUR, but what if she had misread things? She was fairly sure she hadn't considering she had known Peter for virtually two lifetimes yet there was always that doubt...<br><br>But finally time has come and those doubts must be put aside. And it's with an apparent confident stride that Gwen is seen walking down the street leading to Peter's place. She went with the black and white long college socks in the end. The type that go up to her knees. Around her waist is a plaid flared college skirt, one she often wears to college so it counts as casual, right? As for the top she has a loose blouse of a black and purple color, finishing it off with a purse to her shoulder.<br><br>Not appearing to have noticed the oggling Peter at the attic she approaches the door and rings.<br><br>*Ding ding*<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Peter's plan had been impeccable. He even had just the right outfit sitting next to him to match Gwen's - a nice pair of khaki pants and a shirt sleeved collared shirt. The problem is that once he spots Gwen coming and sees the skirt and long socks combo - and, frankly, just seeing Gwen - he completely forgets about his plan. Or what he is doing. Or anything, really, until she vanishes from sight and he remembers that she is about to ring his doorbell. <br><br>He changes quickly enough and makes it down to the front door to answer with a bit of a delay, only slightly breathless. Maybe Gwen won't notice. "Hey Gwen!" The excitement is not concealed as he opens the door and waves her in. "I found what sounds like a good one, so I hope I chose wisely." He grins a bit and steps back to let her in and then closes the door behind her. <br><br>"I have popcorn and some other snacks if you want, and some drinks. Not sure what you like, so..." Then the unavoidable moment comes up. The actual greeting that he puts off slightly by rambling about snacks. They had the hug mambo at the arcade. They had an incredibly poignant kiss after PARKOUR. They hadn't talked about what they were. If anything. And so this might set the tone for the night, and the night light set the tone for... <br><br>Peter leans in to offer a brief, light, quick kiss to Gwen's lips. And hoped he had it right.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>Time for those last minute checks while Gwen waits at the door for ..., what is a really long time? But fine, it gives her just enough to adjust her skirt, check that her long hair isn't a mess. Also to get the headphones off her ears that are still blasting some Garbage (her favorite band one will note). She is just tucking the earbuds on her purse when the door opens to reveal a breathless Peter.<br><br>And yep, she noticed it.<br><br>"Were you parkouring all the way to open the door?" She inquires, a finely trimmed brow arching up in that mix of curiosity but also amusement. She does make her way in though and grins. "Well, it was a trick question. Any of them would be a wise choice.." such a deceitful Gwen!<br><br>She has made her way in but is still lingering by the hallway. It's not as if she hasn't been over countless times before. Even if the circumstances might had been different.<br><br>It's when Peter leans in at last that she lets those doubts dissipate. It seems they were both right on what this meant to them now. So when Peter reaches for that tentative, light kiss Gwen's response is anything but light. Lips part and she kisses him fully with the same kind of warmth they had shared after the parkour. She lets the kiss linger for a time until finally breaking it up and smiling, a faint color to her cheeks.<br><br>"Lead the way." her turn to be a touch breathless.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>"Um, yes, sort of," replies Peter, desperately hoping that he wasn't wearing something backwards. He does realize he is only wearing one sock, but surely he can find a way to correct that by the time she might notice. How hard can it be to subtly drag a foot and slip out of a sock on their way down the stairs? "I've been parkouring down the stairs here since before parkour was a thing." He steps back and looks at her, and from the way his shoulders deflate it's clear that he spent way too long debating the merits of which film. Always keeping him on his toes!<br><br>As Gwen seizes the opportunity to make a statement about what they were, Peter closes his eyes and just lets himself enjoy the kiss, easily willing to let it shift into something more than just a polite greeting between friends. When she breaks it, his eyes are still closed, and his breath is still warm against her face. <br><br>He opens his eyes as she speaks again, as if it were breaking the trance, and he bears witness to her cheeks flushed the same way his were. "Basement," he says softly, knowing that he can use some short hand here. She knows the way. She has been there before. And, frankly, he likes the idea of following her down. <br><br>He slowly recovers his breath as he moves along with her, hoping to dispatch that one sock if he has a moment. And his mind already swimming with the fact that she was here, to watch a movie. And it was absolutely, positively, most certainly, a date.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>This will all depend how truthful Gwen was being about what she said before on ALL the powers her spider senses have given her. Was one of those augmented spatial awareness? She did mention it. Among a few other more ludicrous powers she said she had. Not that there's any word about that sock being out of place. Maybe she didn't see anything. Even if there is quite the mischievous, amused look on her expression. But it might had just been something to do with the kiss.<br><br>What else could it be about?<br><br>And does she know her way around Peter's place. Literally with her eyes closed. Not that she closes them but starts walking towards the basement. A right, then another right. A small corridor and the door to the basement to the left. She opens it, casting a glance over her shoulder. And did she do it right when Peter might had been going to get rid of the sock? Maybe. Or it could just be one BIG coincidence! "Oh, should I go greet Aunt May? Is she in?"<br><br>Gwen clearly unaware about May not being in tonight. But then she is walking back downstairs, the skirt flaring about those long legs as she elegantly goes down. She doesn't look back again. Great chance for Peter to get rid of that evil sock!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Whatever other powers Gwen might have, her smile is definitely Peter Parker's kryptonite. _He_ almost loses track of the way down to his own basement, nearly missing a step as he follows her down. He has forgotten to try to dispense with the sock until Gwen is at the door, and his foot is up in an awkward position when she turns around. "Uh, no, she's out, actually." His cheeks start to flush. "She said she had mah jonng or something, and would be out late, and to not..." He trails off, and suddenly realizes. He had told Aunt May that Gwen was coming over to watch a movie just to let her know, because aside from one really big one, he never kept secrets from her. And she had found herself an excuse to leave for the evening. Aunt May really was the best. <br><br>Also, Gwen's legs are Peter's kryptonite, as he is so thoroughly entranced by watching her descend the stairs that he does not remember the sock until he feels one bare foot and one socked foot hit the floor of the basement. The sock is just going to have to stay until another opportunity presents itself. Frankly, good trade in his mind.<br><br>The tv is already on and cycling through the menu and some scene of two stuffy British guys talking to each other. There is a blonde who flows into the scene and then out again as it repeats. "So, popcorn, or..." He looks over at Gwen and smiles, thinking to himself that the one bowl was definitely the right approach. "Grab a seat if you want while I get the snacks," he offers, indicating the sofa.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>"Mah Jong?" Gwen's curiosity seems to peak, along with her amusement. Does she realize *why* Aunt May would decide to stay out tonight? Probably. Because while Peter may be the more intelligent of the two of them Gwen has the woman smarts about her! And an unbiased outlook of Aunt May. Well, sort of unbiased, as in one reality and the other they were always friends. And she just loves Aunt May's cooking. "I love me some Mah Jong. Almost as much as I love air hockey.." a throwback to the earlier 'date' they had been on..<br><br>And then some more of that kryptonite smile as she perhaps remembers that time at the arcade. Gwen puts her purse on the pool table, gets out of her shoes so as to be only on those long college socks and starts on her way to the sofa, "Bring on the snacks!" she tells Peter, sliding down to sit on the couch. One leg slides over the other, revealing a bit more of her thigh but a moment later she adjusts her skirt to not look as bad.<br><br>"I like what you did to the basement, Peter." she says of the look, reaching to take the remote and going through the options. "I see you went with the importance of being Earnest." she comments. Is she judging the choice? She did say earlier that any choice would be good! But who knows ...<br><br>If only it wasn't for that mysterious smile ever present on her expression maybe she would be easier to read.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah, she and our next door neighbor, Mrs. Watson, play as a team against a couple of other ladies in the neighborhood. I think there is a league, too?" Peter shrugs a bit as he heads over towards the microwave, already with some popcorn near it. And one glass bowl. One. Quite the decision early. The reference to air hockey gets him to look back at her, but he manages to maintain his composure this time as he sets the bag in and hits the button.<br><br>"Two minutes away," he tells Gwen as the microwave hums behind him. He watches the entire act of her moving to the couch, the removal of the shoes, and her settling down. He is acutely aware of his one bare, one socked feet. And despite every bit of him trying to warn him away from it, his eyes cannot resist following her legs and that glimpse of thigh, so he is definitely caught looking at she adjusts her skirt. He takes some solace in the fact that they know each other well enough that she will not think him a total lech. Hopefully. <br><br>"Thanks, it's a bit better of a hangout spot now," he says. "Uh, not that I hang out here a lot, but, you know, when I do, which is..." The microwave bings and the popping of corn stops, which saves Peter from the hole he was digging himself into. He pulls out the bag and dumps it into the bowl and then rather than walking over like a normal person he makes a leap over towards the couch as only a Spider-man can, landing with a bit of a thump next to Gwen, the bowl of course remaining perfectly still in his Spider-grip as he does so. <br><br>Does he end up such that his leg is leaning up against hers by the time he lands? Yes. Whether intentional or not, he is certainly not going to call attention to it by moving it now. "So. Do I need to know anything before going into this, or should we just watch and follow along?"<br><br>As he settles in next to her, he slides one hand back along the back of the couch behind her, so she can lean against him if he wants. The bowl of popcorn rests on his lap, but in one hand so he can easily offer her the entire bowl if she wants it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>That's one smooth move out of Peter. It has Gwen quirk her brow in that familiar manner of hers that mixes curiosity and amusement. And of course that she asks, "Were you practicing that move before I arrived?" she could almost bet he must have had! Or at least that he spent way longer than he should had trying something of the sort out. Because if anything she knows Peter quite well, "It's a good one." she then says in approval, and if she notes the legs touching she makes no motion to move away, remaining close.<br><br>"No need to know anything but ..." and Gwen gestures to the screen, "I disabled subtitles, so you will have to make an effort to understand the way they talk." at least if they are going to be paying attention to the movie. And she hits play, the movie finally starting.<br><br>She is resting comfortably back on the couch, perhaps not having noticed the arm around the couch... Or did she? Because then she is leaning in? Maybe it's all working and Peter will get to have Gwen resting against him throughout the movie. Things are looking up and-- "You only got one sock in.." uh-oh, someone noticed the faux pas at last!<br><br>And not giving much of a chance of a comeback she leans down, slender fingertips felt wrapping around Peter's ankle gently to lift his foot up. Her other hand slowly takes that sock off, fingertips brushing just so over the sides of his foot before she puts the sock aside.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>There is a bit of a flush on Peter's cheeks. "It wasn't a move," he is quick to defend, with a certain degree of earnesty. "It was a happy accident?" He smiles at Gwen, relaxing as they remain close. "I know, I've been a bundle of nerves." May as well call out the elephant in the room. "Just take it as a compliment, ok?" he says with a laugh, leaning to the side to bump her a bit.j<br><br>He turns his attention to the screen, narrowing one eye as the movie starts. "Wait, I thought this was in English?" Then the dialogue starts, in English, albeit British English, and he sighs in relief.<br><br>Peter does start to relax as Gwen settles in against him. It is working, and at least this part was not really so much a plan, as what felt right. Then comes the sock comment. Peter laughs it off. "What can I say, it's my favorite sock in the world and the other one has a hole in it, and I didn't want you to make fun of the sock with the hole because then it makes his friend feel bad, and I'd have _two_ sad socks." When in doubt, go more ludicrous.<br><br>As she leans forward to retrieve the sock, as she feels her fingers gently against his foot, Peter's hand drifts over from the back of the couch. It is too hard to resist, and he runs his fingers gently down along Gwen's back, a feathery touch along her spine.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>There are a lot of things Gwen could say now about Peter admitting being a bundle of nerves, or even laugh it off and ask why. But the reality is that she has been the same. So she brushes some hair out of her face, "You have?" the tone and the way she looks away perhaps her own confession on not exactly having been real calm and smooth so far. Which she really has no idea why, because it's Peter! She has known him since forever. Well, she may have an idea why..<br><br>"You shouldn't keep those socks separated, they will be sadder when apart from one another." Nothing like joining in with the fun. She does smile up at Peter as she is getting the sock off but then there's that touch down her spine. It makes her breath catch on her throat and there's a subtle shift to her expression, the kind of look that gives no pretense of this being simple friendship but more, a lot more.<br><br>She shifts her posture on the seat after, her knee against Peter's leg and her attention completely away from the movie instead her focus being Peter. Her fingers reach up and she brushes them over his cheek, almost as if in invitation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Breathing out slowly as Peter looks at Gwen, watching her shift her hair, he nods in answer to her question. He can read from her tone, and he breathes easier, sensing that she was the same. It was both easy, but also nerve-wracking. Not that it was hard, but the stakes...<br><br>"I'll make sure that nothing ever comes between them again," he intones seriously. The phrasing of the statement sounds funny after it comes out, but it is almost already forgotten as soon as it is voiced. He sees the look, and it makes his breath fall short as well. His hand lingers at her back as she shifts, and he turns slightly her way as well. Leaning his cheek into her fingers, his eyes fall closed, if just for a moment, savoring that touch.<br><br>Then he leans forward, closing the distance between their faces, a slight tilt of his head as his lips search for hers. If there was an invitation, it was accepted.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Gwen Stacy (40)}} has posed:'''<br>When their lips finally meet it's when Gwen knows the elephant in the room is being scurried away, her nervousness lifting, accepting that this is what they both want. What they have both wanted for a time now. A faint sigh is heard out of her warm breath and then she is giving herself in to the kiss, eyes close, body relaxing against Peter's, her curves felt against him.<br><br>It's almost a pity that such a good movie is ignored but there is no way that Gwen can even understand what they are saying now, it just being a droning sound on the background as her whole focus is on Peter. Besides, there is also the matter of their quiet kissing being mostly what she can hear now, intimate.<br><br>"I think they deserve it, don't they..?" She whispers in-between kisses, her faint floral scent now very noticeably with their proximity. And is she talking about the socks?<br><br>Or something else?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Ejecting the elephant with the same vigor as he might the Rhino, Peter relaxes into Gwen as well, letting that tension free. Easy enough to do when distracted by Gwen's lips against his, returning that kiss. It may have been long awaited to feel that connection, have that understanding, but it was well welcomed.<br><br>There is a movie on, that is true. For a brief moment Peter wonders if the idea of having such a dull movie was part of Gwen's master plan - no distracting explosions or jokes to take away from what it is, in essence, them finally coming together and recognizing how they want this to be. But that thought is fleeting as the only thing that Peter can think about, or focus on, is Gwen. The feel of her body against his, the smell of her hair, the taste of her lips. The soft, pleasant sounds of her breath. <br><br>"They do," he answers. He probably wasn't talking about the socks either before. He definitely isn't now. <br><br>His hand runs along her back to wrap his arm around and he pulls her closer to him as he settles back against the couch, holding her tightly as if to evoke that very notion that nothing would come between them. His pulse races as his lips press tighter to hers. There is no force that could separate them now unless they wished for it to be.<br> <br>
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