time stops for no man

Peter's breath fogs up the mirror until all he can see is mist. The clock in the bathroom ticks by the seconds (onetwothreeonetwothree) and two long minutes have gone by before he stirs and wipes down the glassy surface with the heel of his hand.

Peter Parker stares back at him.

There are the scars - one, two - and the bruise. The sharpened nose and freckles. The eyes in the mirror are dark and small and red. The dim light coats his skin in shadow.

Peter looks away and takes a long breath. Counts to ten. The clock ticks the hour (onetwothreeonetwothree). He turns back.

Spider-man stares back at him.

There are the scars - one, two, pale and pink and oh-so-brave - and the bruise. The knife-edged nose and cheekbones. The eyes in the mirror are fierce and wild and sharp. The dim light makes them glow.

Peter's hand meets the mirror in a loud crash and shattering of glass. The fragments fall harmlessly to the ground and no blood is spilt, but still Peter twists the faucet handle and lets the cold water run over his hands until they wrinkle.

He is shaking.

The clock in the bathroom ticks by (onetwothreeonetwothree) and the sound is unbearable.

Peter stops the water flow and just breathes. In, out. The shards of mirror crunch underfoot as he fetches a broom to sweep up the mess. The wind whistles past the open window.

In, out. (Onetwothreeonetwothree.)

Peter empties the dustpan into the trash, then walks out and closes the door behind him.

The clock ticks on.

AN: Well, this is awkward. Is there anyone home? I am legitimately upset by how long a hiatus I've taken on here, but...my muse has been silent lately, and school is ridiculously hectic. This one has actually been in my drafts for a while, and I was never sure if I should publish it or not, since I haven't seen all the Tobey Maguire movies, nor read the comics, but I am a fan of Andrew Garfield, and it always seemed to me that being a superhero wasn't all it was cracked up to be. So...here you go. A meagre attempt at fanfic and a genuine apology for being out of the loop. xx