Author's Notes: First of all, thanks for reading! This is a Spiderman movie-based fic, as I have never read the comics. Sue me, if you wish. I'm not a big comic-girl, but I absolutely loved the new movie. I decided to write a story about Peter, Mary-Jane, and etc., after the events of S2. I really hope you enjoy this! Please review, I love feedback. Also, if you like Harry Potter or Troy, check out my other fics!

Much more Peter in the next chapter, and more plot. This is basically an introduction. Review! ;-)

Disclaimer: None of this belongs to me. I'm just playing in someone else's world.

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Spiderman 3: Legacy

Chapter One

He was gone again. He was often gone when she awoke, but that did not stop the pain. Peter, just like he had told her exactly one year ago, was rarely ever home. He was off saving the world, saving the innocent people of New York. And, as much as Mary-Jane hated to admit it, she had grown jealous and quite resentful.

She understood that Peter had a gift, a remarkable gift that allowed him to do the most amazing stunts. And, as she had come to realize over many nights, those stunts were not just useful in saving the world. But that was completely beside the point, Mary-Jane scolded herself, as she rolled out of bed and padded over to the kitchen area. Using money from her acting career, and Peter's miniscule photograph earnings, the pair had bought a bigger apartment to share in the Village. It had a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen/living area. It was nothing big, but they were proud. After all, life in New York City was anything but cheap.

Mary-Jane put a pot of rosemary tea on the burner, and sat down at the table. She fiddled absent-mindedly with the napkins that lay, virtually unused, in their places. Her mind was never quite the same whenever Peter was out on one of his missions. They could not afford cell phones, so she never had any way of knowing if he was safe or not. Plus, she wouldn't exactly call him in the middle of fighting crime, and ask when he would be home. That was just unseemly!

Searching for something to keep her mind off of the absence of Peter, Mary-Jane shifted through a pile of papers, and found her latest script. It was a movie script, a chance for her to work with the big leagues in Hollywood. Apparently, some famous producer had seen her perform in the latest rendition of Wicked! and enjoyed her work immensely. He had called her with an offer for a job on a new big project, but Mary-Jane had wanted to see the script before she made any decisions. If she accepted the job, she would be torn away from home even more than Peter was. And she wasn't quite sure if she could live without his constant presence for such a long time.

Ever since the events with "Doc Oc", Spiderman had been New York's favorite hero. He even surpassed Derek Jeter on the "Sexiest New Yorker" poll taken by the Daily Bugle. That had surprised Mary-Jane, seeing as how most of New York had never even seen his face. Although, Mary-Jane did have to admit that Peter looked delicious in his suit. However, she wasn't quite sure if he beat out Derek Jeter as the "Sexiest New Yorker". Nothing could compare to seeing the shortstop dive into the stands and emerge, bloodied but grinning.

She mechanically moved over to the stove, and took the teapot off the burner. Mary-Jane had acquired her taste for tea after many visits to Aunt May, the kind mother-figure to her beloved Peter. After she and Peter had begun romantically seeing each other, Mary-Jane had begun to visit the lonely old woman. She found that Aunt May was a ready listener, and able to help and support Mary-Jane when Peter was off on another of his adventures. Peter had told Aunt May of his super-powers a few months ago, so the two women were able to confide in each other their fears for his life. Peter was dear to their hearts, and neither woman could imagine life without him.

MJ heard the bustle of keys and doors in the front hallway. She smiled serenely to herself, knowing that Peter was home at last. She quickly poured another cup of tea for Peter, as he was often tired and sore after his escapades throughout the city. He had developed a strong liking for rosemary tea, which MJ was happy to provide. Heroes needed their rest and relaxation, and if tea helped Peter to sleep, then she would be damned if she did not provide it for him.

"Hey MJ!" Peter's voice echoed throughout the apartment. "I'm home, sweetheart."

She smiled again. She seemed to be doing a lot of that whenever Peter was around. It was a bit annoying, actually. "I'm in here, Peter," Mary-Jane said, trying to look very interested in her teacup. She didn't want Peter to think she worried about him.

He appeared in the doorway, grinning exhaustedly. His hair was standing up in all different directions, and he looked to have a few long cuts on his torso. Peter held his suit in one hand, and a bag of Chinese takeout in the other. "I figured you wouldn't want to cook, so I brought takeout," he said, grinning somewhat sheepishly.

"It's ten in the morning, Peter," MJ said, laughing at his face. He looked down at the bag and then up at the clock, as if surprised. "Honestly, Peter, for a superhero you can be quite absent-minded."

"I'm not a superhero, MJ. I'm just a guy trying to do the right thing."

She frowned, and then gestured to the seat in front of her. "Sit down, I made some tea."

Peter sat, and took a sip of the hot liquid. He sighed appreciatively. "I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," he said, eyes searching her face. "Do you know what today is, MJ?"

"Of course. It's our anniversary."

He grabbed one of her hands. "MJ, I can't imagine a life without you now. Since we've moved in together, I've been happier, healthier… I've even saved the world better. My grades have gone up, and I'm on better terms with almost everyone. My professor says that I will graduate at the top of my class! You've saved the superhero, MJ. You've made me human again."

"Peter…" she began, not quite sure what she wanted to say. Peter wasn't prone to such emotional statements.

"Let me finish. I love you more than life itself, and I'd give anything to protect you… I think what I'm trying to ask is…" he trailed off, locking eyes with her. MJ felt a shiver pass down her spine at the intensity of his gaze. "Mary-Jane Watson. Will you marry me?"

Time stood still. For that moment, all that existed were her and Peter. She gazed at him, recognizing the honesty and integrity on his face. As her eyes roamed his features, Mary-Jane realized that this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. This was the man that she would be happy with.

"All I can say," she began, clearing her throat, "is why the hell haven't you asked me sooner?"

Peter moved back, taken by surprise. He scrunched his eyebrows, trying to understand what she meant.

Mary-Jane laughed. "It means yes!"

The look on his face was priceless. Peter smiled, and ten years were shed from his eyes. The worry went away, and he seemed to be overcome with joy. Caught on an impulse, Peter took MJ's neck into his hands, and pulled her forward into a sensuous kiss. They stayed that way for many seconds, caught in the rapture of the moment. Then, sirens sounded.

The pair broke apart, and Peter looked guiltily at the window. Red and blue lights were flashing like crazy. Mary-Jane sighed, and nodded. "Go get 'em, tiger," she said, moving to clean up the tea.

Peter shook his head, and caught her in another kiss. "Not this time," he murmured, before his lips descended on hers.