▻ word count: 1165
▻ title: you are the reason (insp. by Calum Scott's song 'You Are The Reason)

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"I don't understand why you can't just let this go! It happened two years ago, Peter!" There was a slight strain and your voice was starting to get raspy.

What you thought was going to be an amazing night, had turned into something that you completely wanted to skip and forget about. It's not what you would expect to hear from your friends when they were talking about their anniversaries.

You surely never thought that you would ever experience the scenario outside of your dreams. But here you were, arguing about something that happened years ago with Peter. Of course, it was about her, it always was. You got it, Liz was technically his first love, but that didn't give him the excuse to practically compare her to you every five minutes.

That's how the whole arguing situation started. He may have said it without thinking, but your heart broke at that fancy table; twenty minutes ago. You honestly wouldn't have minded on any other night, but it was your two-year anniversary; two years since he had asked you to be his girlfriend on graduation day. It hurt to hear another girl's name on a huge day for you two. "Liz would have liked this."

Throwing off your shoes, you left them scattered in front of the door. You started to head towards your shared bedroom, but not before flipping him off. By the time you had entered the hallway, Peter was close on your tail. Before he could start another argument, you shut the door and started to look for a pair of clothes that you could wear for the night. You weren't leaving, but you were moving to the guest room for the night. You didn't want to end up practically five feet apart from each other in your bed. Besides, it was best if you two cooled off before the talking started.

"I don't get why you're so pressed about this, y/n," Peter's voice came through the door, a hint of sadness laced in his voice. The small crack in his voice brought stinging tears to your eyes, always hating whenever he was heartbroken. But you had a reason to keep that door shut. Remembering what happened at dinner, you immediately forgot about him being on the other side of the door. You got up from your back being pressed up against the wall to grabbing a pair of Peter's night clothes instead.

"I'm not leaving this room," you paused, opening the door and throwing his clothes through the small crack. The subtle hopeful smile that he had on his face enough was to completely shatter your heart, again. "I'm staying in here, and you can go sleep in the guest bedroom. We can talk about this in the morning."

Without a complaint from Peter, you shut the door and were silent enough to hear the small footsteps of his traveling down the hallway. Maybe you had been too harsh, or maybe you didn't. You didn't feel like talking or even fight for one more second on the day that was supposed to be directed towards appreciation and love. So, you decided to just try and forget about it by sleeping it off. Maybe tomorrow morning would be easier.

***

The night was rough, hardly getting enough sleep to manage a few hours worth of energy. All night, you stared at the ceiling, debating whether or not abandoning Peter with his own thoughts was a good choice on your part or not. Plus, the fact that his side of the bed held just the exact opposite of heat was slightly worrying and heartbreaking. It felt horrible not to have his warm and protective arms around your body. It was terrible, and you desperately hoped that you wouldn't have to go through the same emotions again tonight.

A cold touch was placed on your cheek, making your body turn over; not wanting to wake up to face the existing problem you had. Your eyes opened, and they focused on a tired Peter Parker. His eyes were all red and puffy. He clearly had been crying for some time now. Parts of you wanted to turn around and ignore his loving touch, but your mind pleaded for you to listen to him.

"Good morning, love," he whispered, pushing back a stray piece of hair behind your ear. "I'm so, so sorry for last night. I've truly been trying to forget about her ever since she left, but it just slipped out. Can we talk about this now so I can make it up to you throughout the whole day?"

You tilted your head to the side, looking at the clock next to you. He woke you up at five in the morning. As much as you wanted to be mad at him, you loved the boy in front of you, and you wanted to hear what he had to say. Nodding, his face lit up, your favourite smile on him. You heart started to beat faster, feeling like the first time he asked you out.

"I would go to the ends of the world for you, y/n. I would go anywhere to fix what I've broken with you, I love you with all my heart. If I could, I would certainly go back and fix what happened last night." He whispered. You were now fully sat up in your spot on your bed, looking straight into his brown eyes. "I love you, y/n. So much that it's unmeasurable, off the scale! My heart will never stop beating for you."

By the time Peter stopped with his little speech, tears were welling in your eyes. You loved this boy for so many years, you weren't just going to give up on the two of you in a matter of, not even, twenty-four hours. You were going to accept his proposal of making it up to you throughout the day, though.

"I forgive you, Peter," you exhaled the long breath that you were unknowingly holding in. "I love you too, sometimes more than others. But we can get through anything. You're a super-hero for God's sake! And I'm a genius who just so happened to upgrade your web-shooters. You aren't going anywhere without me, buddy."

Peter let out a little laugh, his hands now holding yours. "Yeah, well, I wouldn't want to be anywhere without you, my love."

You pulled his hands towards you, making him lay down on his side of the bed. Your head fit perfectly on his shoulder, desperately missing his protective hold on you. He was the reason your heart was still beating, and you were the reason why his heart was still beating. You are the reason why he still continues with his crime-fighting legacy.

He just wants to keep you and your growing baby boy safe.