How about we take some time away from Spider-Man and focus on MJ?

Enjoy.

Please leave a review after reading. Give me your full, honest opinion. I'd really, really appreciate it.

I'd like to thank the following users for reviewing the previous chapter: Spawn Hades, gammaxmen80, josephguy217, Safffzz, lindleya1, Guest(s), Guest 2099, ZOE, Emilly, seireidoragan

To Spawn Hades: Yeah, it sucks there wasn't a Spider-Cop costume. Fingers crossed it will happen one day. LONG LIVE SPIDER-COP!

To lindleya1: Actually, in the beginning of the game, we can see sticky notes that Peter puts up to remind himself of things. One of the sticky notes says "Find out Yuri's B-Day" which probably means he doesn't know what day is her birthday. In this story, he just happened to find out the date of Yuri's birthday barely in time. That's why he had to rush to get a gift. Oh, and thanks for understanding the purpose of the normal chapter. I try to take things less crazy, reminding myself that New York doesn't have to have a hug crisis every day.

To Guest 2099: I'm still working out on when and how Yuri will find out, though I say it's too soon for Silver to know. I wanna keep exploring her relationship with "Spider-Man", not Peter Parker (not yet, at least).

To ZOE: Ah, I'm not so sure about your idea. Don't get me wrong. It sounds like fun drama to write, but... oh... But I guess I could try thinking of something similar. Thanks.

To Emilly: I'm not exactly THAT kind of romantic writer (last time someone asked me to get very steamy with a couple, I hated writing it so much I deleted the story). There's pleasing the readers and then there's me being comfortable with what I'm writing.

MJ wakes up after goodnight sleep. She heads to the living room of her apartment to see that the couch was empty, and the window was open. Obviously, Peter Parker had to dress up as Spider-Man and leave immediately, without even having or cooking breakfast. After shutting the window, MJ turns on the TV as she prepares breakfast for herself. Sure, she doesn't mind cooking, but ever since Peter moved in, he kept on insisting that he does the cooking. It helped MJ focus on other things in the morning.

"What will I do without you, Peter Parker?" MJ thought out loud.

As MJ cooked, she looked at the TV to see what's new. The latest news report actually caught her attention. She turned up the volume as she tried to make sure she didn't overcook the egg.

"... the criminal gang known as The Russians have raided Wilson Fisk's auction house and stole unspecified valuables. Chief archivist Rose Rosemann refused to comment on what was stolen, but she did reveal that The Russians sneaked in without setting off any silent alarms. Witnesses have claimed that men who fit the description of The Russian drove off in a white van..."

"I smell a story," MJ said excitedly.

Unfortunately, in her excitement, she overcooked her egg. It's just a piece of plastic now.

"Well done, MJ," MJ scolded herself.

MJ tosses the egg into the trash can and settles for a PB&J. She wanted to get started on this story right away. But first, she had to go to the Daily Bugle to clock in for work. After that, she's heading straight to the auction house to ask some questions. She grabs her coat, her camera, her ID, and, most importantly, her stun gun. Bringing a weapon to work is a one-way ticket to being fired, but she made sure to keep it hidden. It's helped her many of times and she's not about to give it up now.

"Ready for another day of crime-fighting journalism?" She said, talking to the stun gun.

After hiding her stun gun in her coat, she turns off the TV and prepares to head out. Before that, she had to say goodbye to a certain someone sitting on the living room table. A Spider-Man plushie. Peter thought it was cute that she bought one and kept it after all this time. MJ promised she'd never throw it out.

"I'll see you later," MJ said to the plushie.

MJ kisses the plushie and places him on the couch before leaving.

MJ arrives at the Daily Bugle just in time. Unlike Peter with everything, she always arrives on time. Only a handful of workers were at the place, all having decided to come to work early like MJ. MJ goes over the files on her desk, filled with stories that she planned to look into. But for today, she was going to help Spider-Man and the police find The Russians. Even though Robbie is already aware of her constant searches for dangerous stories, she had to ask him for an assignment that she can work on along with her personal project.

"Hey, Betty," MJ greeted the chief editor's secretary.

"Early as always, MJ?" Betty replied.

"You know me," said MJ. "Is Robbie in?"

"He should be coming in a few minuets," said Betty. "Why, are you gonna ask for an assignment that you're just gonna blow off again?"

"Hey, I don't do that... all the time," MJ said awkwardly.

Eddie Brock shows up and says, "You should be lucky Jameson doesn't run this place anymore. I mean, Robbie can be forgiving, but Jameson would fire you after so many lawsuits against the Bugle."

"Well, then I'm lucky Jameson isn't here anymore," said MJ.

"Speaking of Jameson," said Eddie.

Eddie just got a notification on his phone saying that the latest episode of Jameson's talk show, Just the Facts, is live right now. He listens to it with MJ and Betty.

"Welcome to Just the Facts with J. Jonah Jameson," Jameson started. "Today, we're gonna talk about a very simple topic. Photography. As former editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, I know all about the importance of photography. It's an activity that allows you to appreciate the brighter pictures of the world and cherish special moments with your friends and family. Then there are those who do it just to get attention on the internet, Spider-Man included. Ever since he started this one-man crusade, he's been seen taking pictures of New York's most famous landmarks. And I can't believe it took me this long to wonder this... what if Spider-Man pursued a career in photography instead of vigilantism?" Calmly and casually, he says, "Well, then all the property damage and crises we've suffered for the past eight years would've been averted. Maybe I should've offered him a job. In fact, I could use a new intern... JARED, GET OUT OF MY BREATHING AREA!"

"Poor Jared," MJ said sympathetically. "Maybe we should offer him a job here."

"And face Jameson's wrath after five of years of not being yelled by him? I say, let Jared suffer for all I care," Eddie said half-jokingly.

"Imagine if Spider-Man did work for the Bugle. With his powers, we could've gotten some cool shots for the paper," said Betty.

"Well, he's got better things to do, like keeping our city safe," said MJ.

"Eh, he's not all that," said Eddie. "If you ask me, that web head's nothing but a show-off."

"He's saved my life more than once, Eddie. I can tell he does this out of the goodness of his own heart," said MJ. "You're just salty 'cause he broke your camera that one time."

"Hey, that camera was really expensive," said Eddie.

"Be glad Robbie pays you better than Jameson," said MJ.

"Yeah, if you ask me, Parker picked a bad time to quit," said Eddie. "He'd make more cash working for Robbie than he ever did with Jameson."

"Well, he's okay with what he can earn at Mick's," said MJ.

"How are you two, by the way?" asked Betty.

"We're, well, we're doing fine," said MJ.

"Is he planning to propose yet?" Eddie teased.

"Whoa, we only just got back together a month ago. Too soon to be thinking about marriage," said MJ.

"Hey, at least you two get to spend some crazy nights together, if you know what I mean," Eddie said as he winked in a teasing manner.

"He sleeps on the couch, FYI," said MJ.

Robbie finally shows up. He greets his employees a good morning before heading into his office, which was once Jameson's office. The Bugle has gotten a better reputation and better feedback from the staff ever since Robbie took over. It's like no one misses Jameson.

"Morning, Robbie," MJ greeted as she entered his office.

"Chasing a new story, Ms. Watson?" Robbie guessed.

"Hey, I promise I'll actually do it this time," said MJ. "So, what do you got for me?"

"Well, just in case you're gonna go rogue again, you can go to the NYPD and get a work from Captain Watanabe about the Demon shootout yesterday," said Robbie. "Think you can handle that."

"Well, I do have a friend who really helps me get close to the police," said MJ.

"Just try and stay out of trouble, MJ," said Robbie. "You're one of our best reporters. I don't want to have to be forced to fire you one day."

"One of the best, Robbie? I'm offended," MJ joked.

"When Jameson ran this place, he ran it the way he published newspapers. With toughness, intensity, and a no-holds-barred mentality," said Robbie. "But I'm not Jameson. I want to publish papers that capture the people's attention and keeps the Bugle as a trusted source of information. Having an extremely nosy associate editor isn't a good look for us."

"I know that, Robbie," said MJ. "That's why I only stick my nose in important and necessary."

"Look, MJ, I know you're a big Spider-Man fan and I know he's an inspiring figure, but don't go using that inspiration for dangerous means," said Robbie. "I would hate to look at Peter in the eye if I let something bad happen to you."

"It's nice that you care, Robbie, but I'm just doing my job," said MJ.

"You're my associate editor now. You don't have to do this anymore," said Robbie.

"I know, but I want to," said MJ. "Sitting here proofreading, choosing which story to prioritize, and yelling at Eddie are all worth it, but I want to be my own kind of associate editor."

"Then remind me why you're the future of this building," Robbie said with a confident smile.

"No problem, Robbie," MJ replied.

MJ heads to Wilson Fisk's auction house to talk to Rose Rosemann. Some officers were present at the scene and there was no way they were gonna let MJ just walk in. So, she sneaked her way in. Fortunately, Rose was alone in backroom. Using one of Peter's special lures (beeping devices) to lure two guards away from the door, she sneaks her way inside to see Rose on the phone with Craig, her DA friend.

"I don't care if you have to go to the meeting. Just make sure the police don't dig too deep into this," Rose said. "If word gets out..."

Rose stops when she saw MJ, who just waves and smiles casually at her.

"I'm gonna have to call you back," Rose said to her DA friend.

Just as Rose was about to call security, MJ reaches into her coat and threatens to pull out her stun gun. To scare Rose, she only kept the handle and trigger in view so that the curator would think it's an actual gun. Rose puts her phone down and puts her hands in the air. MJ didn't want to do resort to threats, but Rose's hostility towards her due to their previous encounter left her no choice.

"I could have you arrested for threatening me with a firearm," Rose said threateningly.

"I know, but right now, I need you to cooperate," said MJ. "The Russians. What did they steal?"

"I am not at liberty to say," Rose said firmly.

"You could've just told the police what was stolen to make their search easier. You didn't," said MJ. "Which can only mean that Wilson Fisk didn't want you to tell anyone about it. It must be something important. Something worth billions, A weapon of some sort, it could be anything."

"You are aware that there are a dozen cops outside waiting for me," Rose pointed out.

"True, but I heard them say that you told them not to come in here without your consent, so we're safe here," said MJ. "Now, what did The Russians steal?"

"Even if I wanted to tell you, I can't," said Rose.

"Wilson Fisk is in prison, and he's not coming out, like, ever," MJ reminded. "Let me cut you a deal. If you tell me what the Russians stole, I won't reveal the info in the paper. I'll just tell them that the stolen item has been retrieved but you still refused to comment about it."

"How can I be sure you'll keep your work and keep your mouth shut?" asked Rose.

"That's where the second deal comes in," said MJ. "If you agree to an exclusive interview in the future, then I won't say a word."

"This is ludicrous," said Rose.

"I need info. You need me to keep my mouth shut. You tell me what I want, I don't shoot you. You agree to a future interview, I don't tell anyone what The Russians stole," MJ recapped. "Deal?"

Rose sighs and says, "Deal."

"Okay, then let's get to the answers," MJ said as she started video-recording.

"The Russians stole a golden Greek vase that is sealed shut. Whatever is inside must be worth a lot to them," said Rose. "I swear, I don't know what Wilson Fisk kept in that thing, but it must be worth a fortune if these terrorists want to get their hands on it."

"Did the Russians mention anything that could give me a hint where they could be?" asked MJ.

"They mentioned something about Yorkville," said Rose.

"Must be where they're hiding," MJ guessed.

"I am trusting you to keep that big mouth of yours shut, Ms. Watson," Rose said threateningly.

"As long as you don't tell anyone I came to you with a gun, I won't tell anyone about what's inside that vase," said MJ. "Now... I need to sneak out, but the guards will see me walk out the door. Do you mind helping me get outside?"

Rose sighs, annoyed, but reluctantly agreed.

MJ takes a cab to Yorkville. During the ride, she decided to contact Spider-Man. Just as she was about to text him, she gets a news notification on Spider-Man's latest activity. He was recently seen dealing with a hostage situation at the Brooklyn Bridge involving the Russians. This was clearly a distraction to keep Spider-Man away from what's really important. The vase.

"Oh, Peter," MJ said worriedly.

MJ is dropped off at Yorkville. She started looking around for places where the Russians could have hidden. Remembering that the Russians were said to have fled the scene in a white van, she looked around for a vehicle matching that description. Clearly, the Russians wouldn't have stored their white van somewhere where it can give away their location. But that begs the question, where is the white van?

Fortunately, an answer showed in the form a burning white van that seemed to have crashed into a building. People were all over the scene, wondering how it could've happened. There was only one dead body in the scene. The driver.

MJ takes pictures.

"Okay, so if the Russians planned to stage this van crash to keep the cops off their trail, then where would they have placed themselves before executing the plan?" MJ wondered.

MJ takes a look around the whole area. There's no way the Russians could have abandoned the white van in this area without being seen. It took her almost half an hour, but she found something.

Three white vans parked in a very wide alleyway.

"Gotcha," MJ said.

MJ takes out her phone and takes a picture of the vans. She sent the picture and a text message to Spider-Man, saying "Yorkville. Come quickly once you're done at the bridge."

MJ then searched the area for any possible Russian hideouts. She came across a rusty old warehouse. Given how criminals like to use warehouses as bases of operation, MJ knew the Russians had to there. Plus, there are five armed thugs outside speaking in a language she can't speak.

"Razve eto ne brosayetsya v glava?"

"Zatknis i sledi za politseyskimi!"

"Nache otvlecheniye srabotalo. Ne nuzhno volnovat'sya."

Obviously, the Russians. The rest must be inside the warehouse guarding the vase that they stole from Wilson Fisk's auction house. With Spider-Man still occupied at the Brooklyn Bridge, MJ knew she had to go in there herself.

"Okay, Mary Jane Watson, time to go all Super Spy on these guys," MJ said to herself.

Keeping a tight grip on her stun gun, she sneaks in and hides behind a crate to keep herself hidden from sight. Seeing two Russians just around the corner, she uses a Spider Lure to lure them away from her path. She race-walks passed the two Russians and hid behind a car.

"These things work like a charm," said MJ, referring to the Spider Lures.

MJ sees/hears a Russian heading her way. She had to hide until the Russian walked passed her. Fortunately, he didn't see her. Not willing to risk him turning around and spotting her when she sneaks away, she tasered him with her stun gun. She dragged his body under the car so no one will notice.

"Imagine if they made a video game about me. It'd be so cool. Mary Jane Watson: Super Spy. Maybe they could put me in a super cool spy suit with some pretty cool gadgets," MJ imagined. Looking at her stun gun, she says, "But for now, this works just fine for me."

She then sneaks her way pass the other two Russians, who were distracted by their fellow distracted comrades, and to the front door. She checked the nearest window first to make sure no one would see her walk into the door. MJ rushed inside while trying to not make any noise. The door squeaked a little. She quickly hid behind a pile of crates to avoid detection.

"Agent MJ infiltrates the enemy base. Now, to accomplish her mission. Retrieve the golden vase," MJ narrated. Shen then realized she sounded like Peter, who loved narrating his adventures. "Huh? I can see why Peter loves doing this. It really boosts your confidence and makes the adventure more worth it."

MJ takes out her phone and records the conversation between six Russians.

(The following conversation is spoken in Russian in the story, but will be written in English subtitles)

"Have you gotten that darn vase open yet?" Russian #1 asked impatiently.

"I used a blowtorch, a chainsaw, and a freakin' wrench. It won't even crack," said Russian #6.

"We have to move. Our distraction won't work forever," said Russian #2.

"Our boys at the bridge are gonna make sure Spider-Man stays there," said Russian #3.

"I just got a call from Maks. Our ride to Williamsburg Bridge is ready," said Russian #4.

"Good. Let's pack up and get moving," said Russian #5.

"Not on my watch," MJ muttered.

MJ stops her recording and hides again, planning her attack. Until Spider-Man comes, MJ is on her own. Besides, there are four Russians outside who will spot her if she just leaves. All she can do now is try to stay undetected and keep the Russians in the warehouse until the man in the red spider-themed suit arrives.

"I hope you're done at the bridge, Peter," MJ hoped. "If things go bad, I might need to be saved. But for now, Agent MJ must push forward and complete her mission."

MJ takes out another one of her Spider Lures and throws it near the Russians. Three of them went to check the noise while the other three continued preparing to move the vase.

"Okay, I can't sneak up on them and tase them without drawing attention," MJ said to herself. "Think, MJ, think. What would a secret agent do?"

MJ looks up and sees that the warehouse has a sprinkler system. Looking around for things to set on fire, she finds a box of matches and some newspapers lying on the floor. After crushing the newspapers together, she lights it up with the match. She quickly ran to another hiding place as the smoke from the fire reached the sprinklers, causing them to automatically turn on.

"Kakogo cherta?" Russian #1 wondered, confused.

"Kto vklyuchil sprinklery?" asked Russian #4.

And it worked. All the Russians are scattered. MJ throws two more of her Spider Lures just in case. Using the noise of the sprinklers and the lures, MJ sneaks her way through the Russians to get to the vase. Unfortunately, it was heavy. In her attempt to lift it, she ended up dropping it on the floor, causing a loud metallic thud that attracted attention.

MJ quickly hides just as the Russians turn their attention back to the vase.

"Okay, Agent MJ, what now?" MJ asked herself.

Just when it looked like MJ was doomed to be spotted, one of the Russians was kicked in the back by...

"Did someone leave the water running?"

Spider-Man. A great entrance followed by his trademark humor.

The Russians started shooting at Spider-Man. Spider-Man does a series of back-flips to avoid the bullets. He slipped a bit due to the wet floor, but he stayed up and fought.

"I don't mean to sound offensive, but... ty vonyayesh!" Spider-Man said, trying to speak Russian.

Spider-Man webs up Russian #1 and then web-zips himself towards him, kicking him down to the ground. Spider-Man keeps dodging bullets and then reaches Russian #2, jumping off the wall and punching him hard in the face. Spider-Man webs up Russian #3, hits Russian #4 during the wind-up, and then throws Russian #3 at Russian #5.

Russian #6 is the only one left. Spider-Man dodges his bullets until he was all out.

"I've been working on a new move. I think I'll try it on you," said Spider-Man.

Russian #6 attempt to reload quickly. Spider-Man slingshots himself into the air by webbing the ceiling, does two 360s in the air, and then finishes with an outside kick to the face, knocking out Russian #6.

"I learned that from a soccer TV show," said Spider-Man.

MJ quickly runs towards Spider-Man and hugs him.

"Okay, your suit's all wet," said MJ.

"I can say the same for your hair," said Spider-Man.

Spider-Man moves a wet streak away from MJ's eye so he can look at both of them.

"I got your message," said Spider-Man. "I had to finish up at the bridge as fast as I can. Looks like I arrived just in time."

"Believe me, I had things under control," said MJ. "But then I almost got caught because of that."

MJ pointed at the golden vase on the floor.

"It was what the Russians stole from Wilson Fisk's auction house," MJ explained. "Don't know what's inside it. Not even Rose Rosemann knows. But whatever's inside must be worth the Russians trying to steal it. They couldn't open it, though. Blowtorch, chainsaw, wrench, that didn't work."

"Well, whatever it is, we better give it to the police," said Spider-Man.

"Ooh, that's not gonna help me get that interview with Rosemann," said MJ.

"What did you do?" Spider-Man asked with a scolding tone.

"Let's just go," said MJ. "I'm gonna be charged with blackmail and battery."

Spider-Man sighs with annoyance as he puts his arm around MJ and swings out of the warehouse through a hole in the ceiling.

Back in MJ's apartment, MJ was bracing herself for the police to come barging into her door and arresting her for sneaking into a crime scene and threatening a citizen (Rose Rosemann) with a lethal weapon. MJ hugged the Spider-Man plushie and held it very close to her like a little girl. Peter sat next to her and rubbed her shoulders gently in an attempt to calm her down. The two watched the news just in case the call for MJ's arrest is reported.

"Hey, relax. Maybe Rosemann will come to her senses," Peter said positively.

"I walked into her auction house illegally, snooped around, and played the nosy reporter's version of 20 questions while recording her face. I don't think there's a chance she and I can be on good terms," said MJ. "I promised her that the police would never find out about the vase, but now they have it."

"Well, if we're lucky, you'll be in jail for less than a month," said Peter. "I'll come visit you daily so you won't feel alone."

"Thanks, Pete," MJ smiled.

So, they waited and waited and waited... all that showed up on the news is MJ's story of Spider-Man recovering the golden vase that belonged to Wilson Fisk's auction house. Nothing about Rosemann pressing charges on MJ.

"Whew," MJ sighed with relief.

"See, it all worked out in the end," said Peter.

"But we still don't know what's in the vase," said MJ. "Some kind of WMD or something? And for it to be stored in Wilson Fisk's auction house of all places?"

"Hey, another time," Peter pleaded. "Right now, let's celebrate. You did pretty well out, apart from dropping the vase, that is."

"Celebration can only last long. Special Agent MJ's mission is never done. There are other secrets in this city just waiting to be exposed," MJ narrated.

"Are you... narrating your adventures?" Peter asked, surprised.

"I can see why you think it's fun," said MJ. "Your story is called Spider-Cop. Mine is Mary Jane Watson: Super Spy."

"Wow!" Peter exclaimed cheerfully. "Finally, someone who understands how I feel."

"Don't get used to it," MJ warned playfully. "But since Mary Jane Watson: Super Spy is a thing now, I think I need a partner."

"I thought we were partners," said Peter.

"Oh, I wasn't talking about you," said MJ. "I'm talking about this little guy."

MJ gestured to the Spider-Man Plushie.

"Agent MJ and Agent SP, fighting crime and writing stories together," MJ said in narration mode.

"SP?" asked Peter.

"Spider Plushie," MJ clarified.

"Oh, come on! What does he have that I don't?" asked Peter.

"He's super soft and fun to cuddle with," MJ said, cuddling the plushie.

"I can be fun to cuddle with," said Peter. Realizing how that sounds, he says, "I-I mean... i-i-i-if you want to cuddle... only if you want to, I swear, I wasn't gonna do it without permission, I swear... wait, did I already say, I swear?"

MJ giggles as she hits Peter in the cheek with Spider Plushie's little hand.

The golden vase has been returned to Rose Rosemann. She made sure to keep it somewhere extra secure this time and somewhere hidden. She then gets a video call from the Raft. It was her boss, Wilson Fisk. His unhappy face graced the screen of her phone.

"You almost cost me my only piece of Stark's Repulsor tech," Fisk said unhappily.

"I swear, I will never let it get taken again," Rose promised.

"You better hold on to that," Fisk said threateningly. "I'm still stuck here while that infernal Spider-Man continues to loot from my empire. Pray I don't hear about your blunders on the news again."

So, what do you think? Give me your full, honest opinion.

Notes:

- Yup, a near fourth wall break moment occurred with MJ wishing she could be part of a video game. She is, after all, a playable character in the Spider-Man PS4 game.

- SPIDER-PLUSHIE! (So cute!)