The evening air was crisp as Peter stood outside Liz Allan's apartment building, his hands tucked into the pockets of his dark suit pants. He glanced up at the windows, spotting the soft glow of light from Liz's floor. He checked his phone. 5:47 PM. Right on time.
The building's front door opened and Liz stepped out, her heels clicking gently on the stone steps. Peter froze for a moment, unable to stop himself from staring.
She was stunning.
Liz wore a flowing burgundy dress that hugged her curves and shimmered faintly under the dim outdoor lights. A slit up the side revealed just enough leg to be elegant without being too flashy. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face perfectly, and she wore simple but elegant earrings. Her light makeup accentuated her features without hiding them.
Peter's own outfit was sharp—something Liz had helped him pick weeks ago. A Navy Blue dress shirt with matching pants, and a crimson tie that matched her dress. His jacket was a smooth, deep charcoal gray. Clean, simple, and just formal enough.
"Well?" Liz said, standing a few steps away and smiling playfully. "Do I pass inspection?"
"You're… yeah. You're dangerous," Peter said, walking toward her. "There's no way anyone's paying attention to their dates with you around."
She laughed and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Smooth."
Just then, her mom stepped outside behind her.
"Peter," she greeted kindly, folding her arms. "You look very handsome. Thank you for coming on time. Liz's father used to take two hours just to get his shoes on."
Peter smiled politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Allan. I'll take good care of her tonight."
Mrs. Allan raised a brow. "You'd better. No funny business."
"Mom," Liz groaned, already blushing. "Please."
Mrs. Allan chuckled. "I was young once too, you know."
Peter offered his arm and Liz took it. They waved goodbye and headed to the waiting car. Peter had rented it tonight. The driver, an older man with a tired smile, held the door open for them.
The ride to school was quiet, comfortable. Liz leaned into Peter's side as they looked out at the passing lights of Queens.
When they arrived at the school gym, the place was already buzzing. Students were filing in steadily—some as couples, others in groups. The entrance was decorated with string lights, soft music played from inside, and the faint scent of cologne, perfume, and anticipation hung in the air.
Peter and Liz stepped out of the car. Peter offered his hand to help her out, and Liz flashed him another smile.
As they walked toward the entrance, Peter spotted a familiar face near the side parking lot.
"Hey, Harry!" he called out.
Harry Osborn turned around, dressed in a dark blue suit and light gray tie. Standing next to him was a tall girl with dark brown skin and curly hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore a dark green dress with silver heels and a matching clutch.
"Peter!" Harry said. "Liz! You look amazing."
"You too, man," Peter said, shaking his hand.
"This is my date—Chloe Morales," Harry said, gesturing to the girl. "Chloe, this is Peter Parker, and his girlfriend Liz Allan."
"Hi!" Chloe said warmly. "I've heard a lot about you."
"All lies, I swear," Peter replied. Liz laughed, giving Chloe a little wave.
"Let's get inside before the teachers start checking ID like we're at a club," Harry joked.
They all laughed and entered together.
Inside, the gymnasium had been completely transformed. White and gold streamers hung from the ceiling, and a soft golden glow came from dozens of warm light bulbs strung across the space. A DJ had set up a booth at the far end, and the playlist switched from light pop to upbeat dance music. A refreshments table stood to one side, already half-emptied.
Peter looked around. "Gotta admit, this is way fancier than I expected."
Liz leaned close and whispered, "That's because you thought it'd be like an American movie, didn't you?"
"...Maybe."
They mingled, exchanged greetings with classmates, and danced to the faster tracks with the rest of the crowd. Peter, who was normally reserved, actually let himself enjoy it. Liz's energy was infectious.
After a while, the tempo slowed. The DJ switched to a romantic tune, and the lights dimmed a little.
"Shall we?" Liz asked, holding out her hand.
Peter smirked. "I was hoping you'd say that."
They stepped onto the floor. The music wrapped around them like a blanket, and Peter placed his hands gently around Liz's waist as she wrapped hers around his neck. They swayed slowly, their eyes occasionally meeting, sharing looks that said more than words ever could.
"You clean up pretty well, Parker," Liz murmured.
"Yeah, well… I had motivation."
"Just motivation?"
He leaned a little closer. "Okay, strong motivation."
She chuckled, then rested her head against his chest. For the first time in a long while, Peter felt something close to peace. No thoughts of villains, of patrol, of hiding bodies or erasing footprints. Just music, warmth, and her.
After a few songs, Peter gently pulled her aside.
"Where are we going?" Liz asked.
"I've got a surprise."
"You're being mysterious. I don't like mysterious."
"Five minutes," Peter said with a grin. "Promise."
They snuck up the side staircase of the school building and emerged onto the rooftop. The air was crisp, but not cold. A soft wind carried the hum of the music below. Liz blinked as she looked around.
In one corner, Peter had set up a small folding table with two chairs, fairy lights draped around the railing, and a thermos with two cups. A small box held sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, and Liz's favorite brand of sparkling juice.
"Peter…" Liz said softly, genuinely taken aback.
"You said once you liked the stars," Peter said. "Figured we'd end the night right."
She looked at him for a moment before sitting down. "You really didn't have to do all this."
"Yeah, well… I kinda wanted to."
They ate, laughed quietly, and took in the city skyline. For all the chaos Peter lived with, this moment felt simple. Easy.
Eventually, Liz stood up and walked to the edge of the rooftop, looking out over the school grounds.
Peter joined her. "So… did I pass?"
"With flying colors," she said, smiling.
Their eyes met.
Peter leaned in slowly. Liz met him halfway.
The kiss was soft, warm, and unhurried.
When they finally pulled apart, Liz whispered, "Best night ever."
Peter smiled. "Let's make it a habit."