Chapter Text
Betty knew she made a really fucking good investigative journalist. She wasn't trying to brag— it was true. She was incredible at unearthing mysteries and finding clues until it revealed the truth like an extremely satisfying puzzle.
And Peter Parker?
Peter Parker was the biggest mystery of them all.
Betty was going to be late to gym.
Normally, she couldn't have cared less, but her parents were getting on her case about her absurd amount of (seven) tardies.
Apparently, it was going to ruin her entire post-high school career. Really, she would definitely regret missing the first two minutes of 11th grade gym.
Rolling her eyes, she set her bag on the bleachers and joined the rest of her class where they were milling around just before the bell rang. The talking faded into muttering as she joined Cindy, waiting for Coach Wilson to take attendance.
They started walking around the edge of the gym, discussing the latest chem test.
Her attention was diverted, however, as Ned and Peter walked in. It wasn't quite like them to be late, but that wasn't what caught her attention. What did draw her focus, though, was the way Peter was trailing behind Ned, as if he was hiding from the rest of the class.
What…
She nudged Cindy, pointing at Peter. "What do you think he did?"
Cindy followed her gaze. "Huh. I dunno. It is weird that he's acting that shy, though."
Betty nodded in agreement. While Peter wasn't the most outgoing, he would typically be walking alongside Ned, talking animatedly about something nerdy.
They kept an eye on Peter, waiting for him to reveal why he was hiding behind Ned.
Come on, Parker. You can't lie for shit.
Her wish was granted a few minutes later, when Coach Wilson split them into groups to do a quick activity. Betty and Cindy got paired up with Peter, Ned, and (of course), Flash.
Why did Coach Wilson hate them so.
But instead of boasting about how he should be in charge and would be the best at… whatever it was they were doing, Flash seemed almost… withdrawn.
Huh. Why would he be…
She shook her head. Some things needed time to be revealed. Besides, there was a much more pressing mystery just a few feet to her left.
Turning back to Peter, her eyes widened in shock.
Peter had finally stepped out from behind Ned, his hand rubbing the back of his neck and his face flushed.
And his shirt…
Holy fuck.
Betty glanced over at Cindy, trying to make sure she wasn't hallucinating, but Cindy seemed just as shocked as she was.
Returning her attention back to Peter, she looked him up and down. He was wearing an almost skintight gym shirt— something Betty had never seen him wear before— and holy fuck, he was ripped.
Not like bulging biceps, 800g of protein a day, lives at the gym ripped— Betty would have noticed before if it was like that. No, Peter looked like he had the strength of an Olympic gymnast. He was all slender frame and graceful movements, but his muscles still strained against the too-tight shirt as he started the activity.
He looked like he spent all day doing acrobatics or some shit.
Betty snapped out of her shock as she noticed Flash's expression— he looked gobsmacked, staring at Peter in a stupor— and Betty had to stop herself from doubling over in laughter. Really, she could not be talking. She had done the exact same thing not even thirty seconds ago.
Speaking of…
"What the fuck, Parker?" She blurted out.
He looked over at her, his expression one of innocent confusion. "What?" He asked.
She shook her head. How could someone so smart be so stupid?
Ned seemed to catch on to what she was referring to and nudged Peter, pointing to his shirt.
Peter flushed a truly impressive shade of red and looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh. I— uh— forgot to wash my normal gym shirt so I had to wear one of my old ones."
Betty gave him a look, channeling her inner MJ. That explained literally nothing. Gods, she had to hit him in the face with it, didn't she.
"How the fuck did you get so ripped, Parker?"
There.
He glanced at Ned, who just shrugged, giving him a "you're on your own" gesture. He looked back at her, sticking his hands in his pockets and trying to act nonchalant.
Keyword, trying.
"I… uh… gymnastics. Uh-huh. I do gymnastics. A lot of gymnastics."
Wow. Very convincing.
She raised an eyebrow at his flimsy excuse but chose to not push it. She would figure it out herself.
Sure, most (if not all) of the rumors surrounding Peter Parker were absurd if not outright impossible, but one had to wonder, especially after seeing that…
So now Betty was determined to get to the bottom of Peter Parker's lies. There was something more going on there, she could feel it. And she would figure it out, no matter the amount of flimsy excuses and dodged questions.
Really, it couldn't be that hard.