A/N: Wow, Chapter 11
right after 10! I must be on a roll LOL Well I hope you guys
continue to enjoy and please continue to give more reviews. I
truly do live for them. I appreciate all the kind and honest
feedback you've given me. Its what keeps me going so keep them
coming, ok? ;) One of my fav songs to be the intro for this chapter,
try looking at it from an insane persons POV, it may scare you!
LOL And don't worry, Amber's behavior and 'powers' will be
explained soon!
Katie Ann: Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you like the story so much :)
M.Q.: Amber's reasons/behavior will be explained further soon, but her reasons for going after Peter are simply desire. Amber's not too heathly in the sane department, as 'm sure you'll see. She's got something against men, and women who hurt or get in her way. She sees Peter as being different, as someone who would not hurt her. Ok, so she just met him and doesn't know that for sure but shes not exactly sane! So once she's decided she wants something, she'll stop at nothing to get it, no matter what. You are correct, she is not aware Pete is Spidey just yet. And her 'powers' will be explained soon. I will tell you its more about the power of human's emotion than any power given by radioactivity or something like that, but that will be a part of it. You'll just have to keep reading and see ;)
Starlight1534: Thanks for thinking the story awesome and that I am talented. I humbly accept your praise :) I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Now onto chapter 11!
Sarah McLachlan- Black
Chapter 11: Round One
As the walls are closing in
And the colors fade to black
And my eyes are falling fast and deep into me
And I follow the tracks that lead me down
And I never follow what's right
And they wonder sometimes when they see all the
Sadness and pain the truth begins to light
'Cause I can't see no reason
What is blind cannot see
'Cause I want what is pleasin'
All I take should be free
What I rob from the innocent ones
What I'd steal from the womb
If I cried me a river of all my confessions
Would I drown in my shallow regret
As the walls are closing in
And the colors fade to black
And the night is falling fast and deep into the sea
And in the darkness all that I can see
The frightened and the weak
Are forced to cling to mistakes they know nothing of
At mercy are the meek
'Cause I can't see no reason
What is blind cannot see
'Cause I want what is pleasin'
All I take should be free
What I rob from the innocent ones
What I'd steal from the womb
Christmas Eve was hectic enough without having to stop at the Daily Bugle. But, Peter took a moment to do just that when he heard about the attack on Betty. He ran into Glory Grant, one of the only people on the staff for the holiday. The building was distinctly quiet with Jameson's noticeable absence. It was such a strange setting: the quiet of the newsroom, the tapping of the keyboards, a small 13' inch TV playing the local news off in the distance, and even the sound of the percolating coffee pot could be heard. It was almost unnerving; it was most certainly abnormal. Peter chuckled with glee. Boy, he never thought he'd miss the sound of JJJ screaming.
"Hey Glory!" Peter shouted before he jogged up to the young black woman.
"Peter, what are you doing here?" she smiled sweetly, shocked.
"I heard what happened to Betty from Ben. I wanted to come down and see if anyone knew the whole story. Ben only knew that Betty was attacked." Peter informed, a frown upon his features.
"Oh, yeah," Glory frowned as well. "I'll tell you as much as I know myself. Poor Betty..."
"Yeah..." Peter swallowed a lump of guilt having not been there to help or stop it.
"She was found behind the building in a snow drift. It turns out that Ned Leeds and Betty had been dating secretively -- not much of a secret anymore," Glory paused to give a half smile at the tidbit of newsroom gossip was leaked to another member. Frankly, she was happy for them both and had a strong suspicion about them. Shaking the gossip from her mind, she concentrated on Peter's saddened face and remembered the rest of the story. "Ned got worried when she was hours late for their dinner date. So, he came back here to the Bugle to look for her and he found her in the back alley, buried in snow. He said she was as cold as ice and unconscious. Other than that there were no signs of a struggle and she still had her purse. He rushed her to the hospital and she awoke late last night, but couldn't remember who attacked her or why. Turns out she's battling a rough case of hypothermia but other than that she's fine. She's upset about spending the holidays in a hospital and scared that she can't recall the attack. If you ask me, I'd be more scared that nothing was stolen. That could only mean it wasn't your random mugging."
Peter, being the man-or the super hero he was-was determined to find out what happened to his good friend and why. "We'll all do our best to help her out. I only wish I had time to stop by today to see her, but I'm in quite a rush. Thanks, Glory for the info and have a wonderful holiday."
"You too dear," she smiled with a nod, nose back in papers before he disappeared from her sight.
Before he left, he wandered to Betty's desk to see if it held any clues.
He slipped into her seat and sorted through the notes atop her desk. All he could find were stories she'd been working on now, along with a ton of paperwork from Jameson. Any one of these stories could be why she was attacked, any one of them dangerous if someone didn't want the story leaked. On top of the paperwork for Jameson-which consisted of bills and more personal info-was a CD that caught Peter's eye when the light hit it from the window. He picked it up, eyeing it with care before something else caught his eye. He reached out and flipped open the laptop before popping in the CD. After the computer loaded, an old archive of a Boston newspaper lit the screen. Peter skimmed the pages, hoping there was some kind of clue as to how come Betty was attacked. Maybe she was getting too close to a story? Maybe it had to do something with this CD full of archived stories? But from Boston? He sifted through the pages, coming to the next day's paper and about 4 pages in, his spider sense tingled at the base of his neck then grew stronger by the second.
But before he could read the page, the laptop screen went black and powered down.
Peter groaned in annoyance, seeing the blinking battery light on the laptop's base. The battery had died. He closed the laptop and made a note to ask Betty about any new stories involving these archives. He didn't have time to wait for the battery to recharge and there wasn't even time to let it run off the a.c. adapter. He pondered taking the laptop with him, but now his common sense was making his head buzz. It was nearly late afternoon and he still had to travel to Queens for Aunt May's dinner, besides picking up MJ's gift and gathering everyone else's presents.
He sighed staring at the laptop, deciding to bring it with him to see Betty after the holidays. He pounced from her chair and head out the Bugle building in a rush to his apartment. Time for round one.
**********
May Parker hummed softly, trying to keep her Christmas spirit chipper for the arrival of the nephew that was like a son to her and his friends. She planned all she could, trying to keep the holiday alive for her and Peter. She knew without a doubt it would be hard without Ben Parker this year and every year that would follow. But Ben would never want May or Peter to be miserable for the holidays or any day for that matter. May was determined to make this a nice holiday and maybe the Lord would help out and bring his nephew and the girl next door together.
She sang softly, turning the Christmas lights that decorated her tree on. The festive decorations scattered throughout the home reflected the twinkling colorful lights of the tree. She smiled proudly at her work. The presents were laid out under the tree, the lights twinkled like rainbows, the aroma of good food filled the house and the smell of pine and fresh poinsettia flowers gave it a touch only Christmas could bring. May chuckled with a gleam in her eye as she toyed with the mistletoe planted throughout the house. There'd be nowhere for Peter to hide from Mary Jane if May got her way.
"'Tis the season to be jolly..." she sang, off into the kitchen.
***********
Amber beamed brightly as she walked down the empty street towards her bus stop. Her head was filled with a million thoughts, preparing herself for dinner with Peter. She snickered as she thought how easy it was to guilt him into inviting her to dinner. It would not take much to win him over soon. All she had to do was get rid of that Mary Jane girl, who she saw as the only thing standing in her way. Then Peter would forget all about her next victim and fall in love with her as it should be. And whatever Amber wanted, Amber got. The Widow Maker saw to that. *Don't we?* she asked her reflection in a store window as she breezed down the street. Her smile grew wicked and devious as her eyes flashed with total blackness.
And Peter really did seem like the perfect man. He was honest and sweet and kind. He wasn't like other men, and that was why Amber was so sure this time it would be different. He wouldn't mislead her and hurt her. He didn't hurt women, didn't force himself on them, orally or physically.
Peter Parker was everything Amber had been looking for since ... since she discovered men were nothing more than monsters! Monsters that did not deserve to get away with what they did to her, to women, and did not deserve to betray her! Never again. She would not allow it. No, Peter would never do the things other men had done to her ... force her to hurt them ... destroy them, and anyone else who got in her way. Just like that Mary Jane girl... No, she would not be a problem. Once she was gone, she was certain Peter would forget all about her. He just had to. And if he didn't...
Just another fly caught in the Widow's web. Another mate killed. It mattered not, there was always another mate out there. But this time, this time... Peter is the one. The one who would make it all different.
Amber took a controlling breath as she felt the anger and bitterness flow through her veins and she grit her teeth controlling her appearance. In the store windows, she could see the reflection of her white blonde hair grow dark as her roots grew black and her hands shook with the effort. Her eyes rested on her fingertips, turning green with the poison venom flowing through her tips. She dug her fingernails into her palms and forced her body to calm.
"Hey beautiful. Don't you know its dangerous to walk the city all by your lonesome?" a loathing male voice, drenched in the scent of alcohol hit her face.
Amber raised her eyes to see a man her age staring her down on the empty street. He was leaning in closely, advancing on her. That familiar fear filled her body at his close proximity. She felt her heart rate double with the slap of terror she longed never to feel again. Her lips twitched as he snarled and started chuckling darkly, a pocket blade flipping out in his hand. Insanity soon took its toll and the once fearful Amber allowed the tainted adrenaline flowing through her to take over. Her lips widened as she joined his laughter, her voice richer and even more maniacal. Within one motion her hand swept out knocking the offensive object from his grasp and she had his throat in her black grasp.
The man yelped as she began choking the life out of him. His eyes were widened in terrified fear as the features of the blonde women morphed into darkness, her hair black as pitch, her eyes black leaving no color to them and her lips were a blood red. He reached up to grip her hand away but her other hand came to his cheek and he then realized she had knives for fingers, or daggers.
"It is quite dangerous to walk the streets alone. I assure you." Amber hissed, the darkness of the Widow Maker taking over form. "Are you frightened?"
The man whimpered childishly, tears forming at his eyes as he gasped for the air she would not allow to his throat.
"Not nearly enough!" she snarled and gripped the man by the throat with both hands as they disappeared into an alley and he couldn't even let out a final scream of terror as her nails dug into the flesh of his throat, ten long needle-like nails pumped black widow venom into the man.
His lifeless form slumped to the ground only when she released her nails from his throat. His face was swollen, filled with the venom. She leaned down over his body, spotting the band of gold wrapped around his finger. She plucked it from his possession. "Another widow, such a shame..."
Her eyes flashed black once more, grinning at the horrified fright forever locked in his gaze. She would never wear the same frightened expression as her victim did, never again. She would be the cause for it.
**********
Peter, despite his stop at the Bugle was still the first to arrive. Of course he has the advantage of web-slinging half the way there, which cut down on his travel time a great deal. He managed to bundle his presents protectively in a web sack. He couldn't help letting the Christmas spirit get to him as he thought he resembled Santa with a giant sack of presents as he skimmed the skies.
Arms filled to the brim with packages, he lifted a foot to ring the doorbell of his old home.
May rushed to the door with a smile that could almost compare to Mary Jane's. Almost. "Peter!" she shouted with joy.
"Aunt May," he grinned, walking in with care. Though the presents were stacked, Peter's balance wasn't even affected, he still gave a slight wobble and teetered in order to throw his aunt off from his inhuman ability to be so coordinated, as he once wasn't.
"Dear Peter! Be careful!" May directed him towards the tree. "My heaven's! Peter, how did you ever get here with all these presents and land's sake child how did you afford it?"
"Oh, don't worry bout me, got here just fine." He chuckled privately. "Mr. Jameson bought a lot of pictures last week Aunt May..." Peter set the presents down near the tree. "So I had to splurge on you and my friends."
Aunt May grinned knowingly. "How many of those are for Mary Jane?"
Peter blushed. "One or two," he couldn't help but chuckle at her matchmaker expression. He pulled her into a hug and gave her a stern look afterwards. "Now don't you go giving me that look, Aunt May."
"I don't know what you're talking about dear..." she feigned innocence.
Peter just grinned. He heard a car door slam outside and he peered over Aunt May's shoulder to see a glisten of red in the dim light of the late afternoon. It reminded him of a beacon of light in a storm. MJ...
May looked outside as well and gripped her nephew's arm, pulling him to the door. "Go on and help her. And don't you dare let her pay for that cab!"
Peter nodded, feeling his stomach knot up and his tongue tie in anticipation of seeing her again. He moved without thought and came to meet her as she prepared to pay for the cab. He handed the cabbie the fee before MJ could pry her money out between carrying all her bags.
"Pete..." she said looking almost dumbfounded.
He felt his heart cease to move when he met her eyes. Her flaming red hair was twisted back in a green clip and the rest of her hair cascaded over her shoulders like wisps of bright red silk. Her eyes twinkled brightly. She was gorgeous, even more gorgeous than usual it were at all possible. "Hey Red, you look amazing..." he winked. Then he glanced around wondering where that had come from as his face grew warm and red.
She chuckled at his puzzled expression while the cabbie drove off. Her heart flip flopped at his compliment and she no longer felt the bitter chill of winter around her but filled with warmth from his gaze. She smiled warmly. "Lemme pay you for that..."
"Don't be silly MJ. You're a guest," Peter waved it off, offering a hand to help her carry bags.
"Always there to rescue you me, aint'cha Tiger?" she winked. "Here, these aren't for you, so you can't peek..." she giggled, sliding a few bags to his waiting grasp. She wished it was herself that she slid into his waiting grasp. She covered up her thoughts by looking to his home. "Am I too early?"
"Not at all," Peter shook his head, still unsure where his voice was coming from. Two minutes ago he was worried about speaking at all.
As they descended up the sidewalk, MJ stopped to look at her own former home with a frown.
Peter instantly felt for her. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like for her. He didn't have parents of his own anymore, and with Uncle Ben gone now, he couldn't dare dream what life would be like if Aunt May didn't want to be part of his life or treated him horrible. He wondered for a moment if it sucked even more to have the parents and them not wanting you, than it did for them to just be dead. Still, part of her must still want to see her mother at least... "Did you wanna go see-"
A sharp, cold wind rustled her hair and she shivered. "No," MJ shook her head sternly. "He's in there."
Peter nodded, knowing immediately she was speaking of her father. He wanted to wring the man's neck for ever hurting MJ. He silently wondered if there was more than verbal abuse but decided it wasn't his business to pry. Yet, an overwhelming sense to protect her at all costs filled his heart and all he needed was a reason to tear the man apart.
"If he leaves, 'll go see my Mom, but not with that bastard in that house..." MJ's voice was filled with such anger, Peter flinched. He'd never heard her speak with such hatred before.
"MJ..." he had to know now. He had to make sure. "I..." he paused. "I, your dad...."
"Was nothing but a drunken, stupid man who insulted me and continues to insult my mother and as far as I'm concerned, I'm dead to him..." MJ finished.
"I know he hurt you MJ, but... "
MJ searched Peter's eyes trying to see what he was having such trouble saying. They sparkled with an intensity she assumed was filled with the want to protect her from harm and wondering just how far her father went to hurt her. She fell in love with him a little more in that one moment. "It's OK Pete. You don't have to kill him for me..." she teased lightly.
Growing more serious, she took one last look at the house then met his eyes again. Immediately, she felt safe and protected again. The way only Peter could ever make her feel. "He was a selfish bastard when he was drunk, but he was never more abusive than with his words."
Peter nodded, feeling for her anyway. No one, especially MJ deserved to be treated like less than she was.
She smiled at him, trying to force away bad thoughts. The day held too much potential to let her spirits be dampened. "Besides, no one puts me down anymore." She shifted her presents in her arms. "C'mon, lets go put these down before I drop all your presents..."
Peter chuckled, his boyish smile returning to his face. "Aunt May's gonna flip! I don't think she's seen this many presents in her entire life!"
MJ grinned back at him. "I'm glad she invited me. There's no one I'd rather spend the holidays with." She met his eyes, letting him know she was glad to be there with him.
Peter blushed softly, stepping into the living room where the tree sparkled. "We're glad to have you here too..."
"Mary Jane!" Aunt May greeted. "How are you child?" she hugged the young redhead affectionately.
"Merry Christmas Aunt May!" she smiled warmly. "Thanks for asking me to your dinner."
"Oh your welcome dear. Peter and I are delighted to have you. Aren't we?" Aunt May looked to her nephew.
Peter glared at her in warning again. Then smiled so MJ wouldn't pick up on the look the two shared. "Of Course..."
MJ giggled, not lost on the look Peter gave his aunt.
"Lemme take your coat for you," Aunt May offered, helping her out of her coat. "Peter, I'll take yours too."
Peter inched his arms out of his coat, handing it to his aunt, eyes transfixed to MJ. He was almost sure he was gaping and drooling. The woman only got more beautiful with each passing minute. She was dressed in a tight fitting velvet green wrap around top and a long black skirt with a small slit in the side, showing off her perfect figure. As far as he was concerned, she was the perfect person to be a model and an actress. No matter what she wore, she was gorgeous and it made whatever she wore look great. Peter was quite sure she could model men's clothes and still be amazingly beautiful. Her eyes sparkled with light, her gorgeous red hair was almost glowing against the green in her shirt. It wasn't the clothes that made her attractive though: it was her radiant smile, the bounce in her step, the way she looked at him like no one else mattered, it was her laughter, her tears, her dedication and devotion that made Peter's soul ache for her and cause his heart to pound right out of his chest. She was beyond the word gorgeous, a step beyond beautiful, she'd make Venus herself jealous. Peter continued to stare, unable to voice his thoughts. He was quite sure the loud pounding of his heart would drown out any verbal noise he could possibly make anyway.
MJ met Peter's eyes, sucked right in to their ocean blue twinkle. She nearly gasped catching full sight of him. He looked so handsome that she almost slapped herself for not seeing this under the geeky glasses and nerdy behavior in the first place. And as much as the bulge of muscles prominent under his gray button down were only a plus in his looks; it wasn't what made his so utterly breathtaking in her eyes. It was his boyish smile, his baby blues and his courage and heart. Sure, he was sexy and absolutely hot and she yearned to run her fingers over every inch of muscle under those clothes, and through those brunette locks, but nothing could compare to the sense of comfort and care he made her feel when he was around. She was safe, protected and cared for. No one had ever made her feel that way before. It was precious.
OK and he was devastatingly sexy in the smoky steel gray shirt and the black slacks he was dressed in.
Almost as sexy as he was in that skin tight Spider-man outfit. She felt her face grow hot when she allowed her mind to wonder what he would look like without any clothes. She broke eye contact with him, her face burning with embarrassment. She looked up after a moment to see him still staring at her. Now she blushed for a different reason and giggled. He was gaping at her, practically drooling. She grinned feeling powerful and recharged at his reaction.
She reached out to finger the shiny fabric of his shirt. Her other hand came to his other shoulder, almost holding him in a loose embrace. She gave him her best sexy grin, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She leaned in closer to him, amused that he still hadn't moved or blinked, not even a muscle twitch. "You look great Tiger," she paused, losing herself in his scent. "Smell good too...."
He grinned goofily, dimples showing.
"Mmmhhmmm..." she tilted her head, brushing her cheek along his, her lips coming to his ear. "You're driving me wild, Parker...."
Peter came alive with that, gasping and stepping back a bit, but not out of her grasp. "MJ..."
She giggled, winking at him. "It's OK Tiger... I know, I know. Can't a girl just give ya compliment?"
"You..." he ignored her wink, cupping her soft cheek. He became possessed by her scent, intoxicated with the sight of her. She was giving him a high he couldn't even begin to explain. All he knew was his heart pounded irregularly, his stomach was doing wonderful flip flops, his throat felt constricted and he was light headed and he loved every minute of it. "You are radiant. You look amazing."
She warmed from his attraction and reveled in the feel of his touch on her cheek. She leaned into his caress, afraid to blink. She was afraid it would end any second now. She leaned forward again, her lips lightly brushing his in a feather light press. "Thanks."
He was sure he was going to explode from her softest touch and he gasped for a breath when she stepped back. He tried to take a step back, looking stunned and unsure. She held him by the shoulders. He gave her an apologetic look and his hand fell from her silky soft skin.
She massaged his shoulders, feeling the webbed fabric of his Spider-man costume underneath his shirt. She grinned wryly knowing the spell had already been broken, so she felt the urge to play with him. "Be careful Tiger... I wouldn't let anyone else hug you too close today."
Peter misinterpreted her comment as a threat. He looked strangely at her, stunned. He chuckled nervously. "Huh?"
She giggled at his despair. Her hands massaged him harder. "I mean cuz ... although you can't see your costume through your shirt, I can still feel Spider-Man under those clothes of yours."
"Oh." He replied simply.
"Good to know if I tried to seduce you later there'd be another layer of clothing to go through," she winked teasingly.
"Maybe I'll change," he chuckled back, face still aglow with a blush.
MJ giggled, pulling him into a hug. "Don't ever change, Pete." Then she danced off to help Aunt May set the table.
Peter's heart still skipped a few beats even after she was gone.
May grinned like a Cheshire cat as she began to set the table. She peeked in on the two, shortly after hanging their coats and caught the small kiss they shared. She chuckled happily. They didn't even need the mistletoe.
MJ came in to grab some napkins and began to help setting the table.
"Don't be silly dear, go on and relax!" Aunt May waved her off, hoping to give her more time with Peter before Harry arrived.
"Oh, its OK Aunt May, I love to help," MJ sat napkins at four settings.
Peter came into the dining room looking a bit stunned and a whole lotta happy. Aunt May wondered just what happened, but decided to wait to later to pry. "Peter dear ... you're looking a bit red in the face, is it too hot in here?" May teased.
Peter coughed, wiping his brow. "No. No..." he mumbled.
MJ only smiled, her business set about preparing the table.
"Oh...." Peter rubbed the base of his neck, looking alarmed at MJ.
"What's wrong Peter?" MJ panicked, wondering if he had to make a hasty exit due to Spider-Man.
"Uh, MJ... Can I talk to you a second?"
"Sure," she stepped back into the living room where the tree was.
May watched them with care, noticing MJ had only set 4 places. She frowned. Peter didn't tell her about that Amber woman coming to dinner yet. May looked heavenward. *Help them.* Her frown only progressed at the disappointed look on MJ's face as they whispered in the other room.
"Uh... I want this to go better than the last time," he started.
"Huh?"
"I want to tell you so you're not surprised, but I don't want to..."
"What is it Peter?"
"Well, the thing is, I don't want to disappoint you..." he continued.
She crinkled her brow in confusion. "Tiger, what can you possibly say that you haven't already?"
He let his eyes fall to their feet. "The thing is... I invited someone. She doesn't have anyone to spend the holidays with and I felt so bad for her. She's really nice and she was so excited when I asked her, I just had to MJ." He spoke in a rush, hoping not to get decked.
MJ's heart plummeted but she refused to let it show on her face.
Or so she thought.
Peter caught the momentary shadow of disappoint across her features and cringed, expecting a punch to the face.
"Amber," she stated. She nodded trying to sound approving. She swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. "That was nice of you to do, Pete. I'm not disappointed. I have no reason to be."
"Mary Jane, I-"
"No," she cut him off, still smiling. "Don't apologize," she said.
He reached out to brush her arm. He lingered there for a moment, caressing the softness of her shirt. "Thanks for being so understanding. She really is a great person," he squeezed her arm affectionately. "But she can never compare to you..."
MJ wanted to believe him, and she wanted to be big about this. All she could muster was another plastered smile and a short nod. "Lemme go finish the table..." she informed and as she passed him by, she gritted her teeth in anger and threw her shoulder into him, knocking him back a few small steps. Not bad considering he was like a 100 times more powerful than her. Never underestimate the power of a pissed off woman. "Whoops, sorry," she snapped, not even bothering to turn her head his way.
Peter sighed, rubbing his shoulder as she walked away. Oh man. Next time he was sure to get decked. "Ding ding... Round two."
***********
Katie Ann: Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you like the story so much :)
M.Q.: Amber's reasons/behavior will be explained further soon, but her reasons for going after Peter are simply desire. Amber's not too heathly in the sane department, as 'm sure you'll see. She's got something against men, and women who hurt or get in her way. She sees Peter as being different, as someone who would not hurt her. Ok, so she just met him and doesn't know that for sure but shes not exactly sane! So once she's decided she wants something, she'll stop at nothing to get it, no matter what. You are correct, she is not aware Pete is Spidey just yet. And her 'powers' will be explained soon. I will tell you its more about the power of human's emotion than any power given by radioactivity or something like that, but that will be a part of it. You'll just have to keep reading and see ;)
Starlight1534: Thanks for thinking the story awesome and that I am talented. I humbly accept your praise :) I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Now onto chapter 11!
Sarah McLachlan- Black
Chapter 11: Round One
As the walls are closing in
And the colors fade to black
And my eyes are falling fast and deep into me
And I follow the tracks that lead me down
And I never follow what's right
And they wonder sometimes when they see all the
Sadness and pain the truth begins to light
'Cause I can't see no reason
What is blind cannot see
'Cause I want what is pleasin'
All I take should be free
What I rob from the innocent ones
What I'd steal from the womb
If I cried me a river of all my confessions
Would I drown in my shallow regret
As the walls are closing in
And the colors fade to black
And the night is falling fast and deep into the sea
And in the darkness all that I can see
The frightened and the weak
Are forced to cling to mistakes they know nothing of
At mercy are the meek
'Cause I can't see no reason
What is blind cannot see
'Cause I want what is pleasin'
All I take should be free
What I rob from the innocent ones
What I'd steal from the womb
Christmas Eve was hectic enough without having to stop at the Daily Bugle. But, Peter took a moment to do just that when he heard about the attack on Betty. He ran into Glory Grant, one of the only people on the staff for the holiday. The building was distinctly quiet with Jameson's noticeable absence. It was such a strange setting: the quiet of the newsroom, the tapping of the keyboards, a small 13' inch TV playing the local news off in the distance, and even the sound of the percolating coffee pot could be heard. It was almost unnerving; it was most certainly abnormal. Peter chuckled with glee. Boy, he never thought he'd miss the sound of JJJ screaming.
"Hey Glory!" Peter shouted before he jogged up to the young black woman.
"Peter, what are you doing here?" she smiled sweetly, shocked.
"I heard what happened to Betty from Ben. I wanted to come down and see if anyone knew the whole story. Ben only knew that Betty was attacked." Peter informed, a frown upon his features.
"Oh, yeah," Glory frowned as well. "I'll tell you as much as I know myself. Poor Betty..."
"Yeah..." Peter swallowed a lump of guilt having not been there to help or stop it.
"She was found behind the building in a snow drift. It turns out that Ned Leeds and Betty had been dating secretively -- not much of a secret anymore," Glory paused to give a half smile at the tidbit of newsroom gossip was leaked to another member. Frankly, she was happy for them both and had a strong suspicion about them. Shaking the gossip from her mind, she concentrated on Peter's saddened face and remembered the rest of the story. "Ned got worried when she was hours late for their dinner date. So, he came back here to the Bugle to look for her and he found her in the back alley, buried in snow. He said she was as cold as ice and unconscious. Other than that there were no signs of a struggle and she still had her purse. He rushed her to the hospital and she awoke late last night, but couldn't remember who attacked her or why. Turns out she's battling a rough case of hypothermia but other than that she's fine. She's upset about spending the holidays in a hospital and scared that she can't recall the attack. If you ask me, I'd be more scared that nothing was stolen. That could only mean it wasn't your random mugging."
Peter, being the man-or the super hero he was-was determined to find out what happened to his good friend and why. "We'll all do our best to help her out. I only wish I had time to stop by today to see her, but I'm in quite a rush. Thanks, Glory for the info and have a wonderful holiday."
"You too dear," she smiled with a nod, nose back in papers before he disappeared from her sight.
Before he left, he wandered to Betty's desk to see if it held any clues.
He slipped into her seat and sorted through the notes atop her desk. All he could find were stories she'd been working on now, along with a ton of paperwork from Jameson. Any one of these stories could be why she was attacked, any one of them dangerous if someone didn't want the story leaked. On top of the paperwork for Jameson-which consisted of bills and more personal info-was a CD that caught Peter's eye when the light hit it from the window. He picked it up, eyeing it with care before something else caught his eye. He reached out and flipped open the laptop before popping in the CD. After the computer loaded, an old archive of a Boston newspaper lit the screen. Peter skimmed the pages, hoping there was some kind of clue as to how come Betty was attacked. Maybe she was getting too close to a story? Maybe it had to do something with this CD full of archived stories? But from Boston? He sifted through the pages, coming to the next day's paper and about 4 pages in, his spider sense tingled at the base of his neck then grew stronger by the second.
But before he could read the page, the laptop screen went black and powered down.
Peter groaned in annoyance, seeing the blinking battery light on the laptop's base. The battery had died. He closed the laptop and made a note to ask Betty about any new stories involving these archives. He didn't have time to wait for the battery to recharge and there wasn't even time to let it run off the a.c. adapter. He pondered taking the laptop with him, but now his common sense was making his head buzz. It was nearly late afternoon and he still had to travel to Queens for Aunt May's dinner, besides picking up MJ's gift and gathering everyone else's presents.
He sighed staring at the laptop, deciding to bring it with him to see Betty after the holidays. He pounced from her chair and head out the Bugle building in a rush to his apartment. Time for round one.
**********
May Parker hummed softly, trying to keep her Christmas spirit chipper for the arrival of the nephew that was like a son to her and his friends. She planned all she could, trying to keep the holiday alive for her and Peter. She knew without a doubt it would be hard without Ben Parker this year and every year that would follow. But Ben would never want May or Peter to be miserable for the holidays or any day for that matter. May was determined to make this a nice holiday and maybe the Lord would help out and bring his nephew and the girl next door together.
She sang softly, turning the Christmas lights that decorated her tree on. The festive decorations scattered throughout the home reflected the twinkling colorful lights of the tree. She smiled proudly at her work. The presents were laid out under the tree, the lights twinkled like rainbows, the aroma of good food filled the house and the smell of pine and fresh poinsettia flowers gave it a touch only Christmas could bring. May chuckled with a gleam in her eye as she toyed with the mistletoe planted throughout the house. There'd be nowhere for Peter to hide from Mary Jane if May got her way.
"'Tis the season to be jolly..." she sang, off into the kitchen.
***********
Amber beamed brightly as she walked down the empty street towards her bus stop. Her head was filled with a million thoughts, preparing herself for dinner with Peter. She snickered as she thought how easy it was to guilt him into inviting her to dinner. It would not take much to win him over soon. All she had to do was get rid of that Mary Jane girl, who she saw as the only thing standing in her way. Then Peter would forget all about her next victim and fall in love with her as it should be. And whatever Amber wanted, Amber got. The Widow Maker saw to that. *Don't we?* she asked her reflection in a store window as she breezed down the street. Her smile grew wicked and devious as her eyes flashed with total blackness.
And Peter really did seem like the perfect man. He was honest and sweet and kind. He wasn't like other men, and that was why Amber was so sure this time it would be different. He wouldn't mislead her and hurt her. He didn't hurt women, didn't force himself on them, orally or physically.
Peter Parker was everything Amber had been looking for since ... since she discovered men were nothing more than monsters! Monsters that did not deserve to get away with what they did to her, to women, and did not deserve to betray her! Never again. She would not allow it. No, Peter would never do the things other men had done to her ... force her to hurt them ... destroy them, and anyone else who got in her way. Just like that Mary Jane girl... No, she would not be a problem. Once she was gone, she was certain Peter would forget all about her. He just had to. And if he didn't...
Just another fly caught in the Widow's web. Another mate killed. It mattered not, there was always another mate out there. But this time, this time... Peter is the one. The one who would make it all different.
Amber took a controlling breath as she felt the anger and bitterness flow through her veins and she grit her teeth controlling her appearance. In the store windows, she could see the reflection of her white blonde hair grow dark as her roots grew black and her hands shook with the effort. Her eyes rested on her fingertips, turning green with the poison venom flowing through her tips. She dug her fingernails into her palms and forced her body to calm.
"Hey beautiful. Don't you know its dangerous to walk the city all by your lonesome?" a loathing male voice, drenched in the scent of alcohol hit her face.
Amber raised her eyes to see a man her age staring her down on the empty street. He was leaning in closely, advancing on her. That familiar fear filled her body at his close proximity. She felt her heart rate double with the slap of terror she longed never to feel again. Her lips twitched as he snarled and started chuckling darkly, a pocket blade flipping out in his hand. Insanity soon took its toll and the once fearful Amber allowed the tainted adrenaline flowing through her to take over. Her lips widened as she joined his laughter, her voice richer and even more maniacal. Within one motion her hand swept out knocking the offensive object from his grasp and she had his throat in her black grasp.
The man yelped as she began choking the life out of him. His eyes were widened in terrified fear as the features of the blonde women morphed into darkness, her hair black as pitch, her eyes black leaving no color to them and her lips were a blood red. He reached up to grip her hand away but her other hand came to his cheek and he then realized she had knives for fingers, or daggers.
"It is quite dangerous to walk the streets alone. I assure you." Amber hissed, the darkness of the Widow Maker taking over form. "Are you frightened?"
The man whimpered childishly, tears forming at his eyes as he gasped for the air she would not allow to his throat.
"Not nearly enough!" she snarled and gripped the man by the throat with both hands as they disappeared into an alley and he couldn't even let out a final scream of terror as her nails dug into the flesh of his throat, ten long needle-like nails pumped black widow venom into the man.
His lifeless form slumped to the ground only when she released her nails from his throat. His face was swollen, filled with the venom. She leaned down over his body, spotting the band of gold wrapped around his finger. She plucked it from his possession. "Another widow, such a shame..."
Her eyes flashed black once more, grinning at the horrified fright forever locked in his gaze. She would never wear the same frightened expression as her victim did, never again. She would be the cause for it.
**********
Peter, despite his stop at the Bugle was still the first to arrive. Of course he has the advantage of web-slinging half the way there, which cut down on his travel time a great deal. He managed to bundle his presents protectively in a web sack. He couldn't help letting the Christmas spirit get to him as he thought he resembled Santa with a giant sack of presents as he skimmed the skies.
Arms filled to the brim with packages, he lifted a foot to ring the doorbell of his old home.
May rushed to the door with a smile that could almost compare to Mary Jane's. Almost. "Peter!" she shouted with joy.
"Aunt May," he grinned, walking in with care. Though the presents were stacked, Peter's balance wasn't even affected, he still gave a slight wobble and teetered in order to throw his aunt off from his inhuman ability to be so coordinated, as he once wasn't.
"Dear Peter! Be careful!" May directed him towards the tree. "My heaven's! Peter, how did you ever get here with all these presents and land's sake child how did you afford it?"
"Oh, don't worry bout me, got here just fine." He chuckled privately. "Mr. Jameson bought a lot of pictures last week Aunt May..." Peter set the presents down near the tree. "So I had to splurge on you and my friends."
Aunt May grinned knowingly. "How many of those are for Mary Jane?"
Peter blushed. "One or two," he couldn't help but chuckle at her matchmaker expression. He pulled her into a hug and gave her a stern look afterwards. "Now don't you go giving me that look, Aunt May."
"I don't know what you're talking about dear..." she feigned innocence.
Peter just grinned. He heard a car door slam outside and he peered over Aunt May's shoulder to see a glisten of red in the dim light of the late afternoon. It reminded him of a beacon of light in a storm. MJ...
May looked outside as well and gripped her nephew's arm, pulling him to the door. "Go on and help her. And don't you dare let her pay for that cab!"
Peter nodded, feeling his stomach knot up and his tongue tie in anticipation of seeing her again. He moved without thought and came to meet her as she prepared to pay for the cab. He handed the cabbie the fee before MJ could pry her money out between carrying all her bags.
"Pete..." she said looking almost dumbfounded.
He felt his heart cease to move when he met her eyes. Her flaming red hair was twisted back in a green clip and the rest of her hair cascaded over her shoulders like wisps of bright red silk. Her eyes twinkled brightly. She was gorgeous, even more gorgeous than usual it were at all possible. "Hey Red, you look amazing..." he winked. Then he glanced around wondering where that had come from as his face grew warm and red.
She chuckled at his puzzled expression while the cabbie drove off. Her heart flip flopped at his compliment and she no longer felt the bitter chill of winter around her but filled with warmth from his gaze. She smiled warmly. "Lemme pay you for that..."
"Don't be silly MJ. You're a guest," Peter waved it off, offering a hand to help her carry bags.
"Always there to rescue you me, aint'cha Tiger?" she winked. "Here, these aren't for you, so you can't peek..." she giggled, sliding a few bags to his waiting grasp. She wished it was herself that she slid into his waiting grasp. She covered up her thoughts by looking to his home. "Am I too early?"
"Not at all," Peter shook his head, still unsure where his voice was coming from. Two minutes ago he was worried about speaking at all.
As they descended up the sidewalk, MJ stopped to look at her own former home with a frown.
Peter instantly felt for her. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like for her. He didn't have parents of his own anymore, and with Uncle Ben gone now, he couldn't dare dream what life would be like if Aunt May didn't want to be part of his life or treated him horrible. He wondered for a moment if it sucked even more to have the parents and them not wanting you, than it did for them to just be dead. Still, part of her must still want to see her mother at least... "Did you wanna go see-"
A sharp, cold wind rustled her hair and she shivered. "No," MJ shook her head sternly. "He's in there."
Peter nodded, knowing immediately she was speaking of her father. He wanted to wring the man's neck for ever hurting MJ. He silently wondered if there was more than verbal abuse but decided it wasn't his business to pry. Yet, an overwhelming sense to protect her at all costs filled his heart and all he needed was a reason to tear the man apart.
"If he leaves, 'll go see my Mom, but not with that bastard in that house..." MJ's voice was filled with such anger, Peter flinched. He'd never heard her speak with such hatred before.
"MJ..." he had to know now. He had to make sure. "I..." he paused. "I, your dad...."
"Was nothing but a drunken, stupid man who insulted me and continues to insult my mother and as far as I'm concerned, I'm dead to him..." MJ finished.
"I know he hurt you MJ, but... "
MJ searched Peter's eyes trying to see what he was having such trouble saying. They sparkled with an intensity she assumed was filled with the want to protect her from harm and wondering just how far her father went to hurt her. She fell in love with him a little more in that one moment. "It's OK Pete. You don't have to kill him for me..." she teased lightly.
Growing more serious, she took one last look at the house then met his eyes again. Immediately, she felt safe and protected again. The way only Peter could ever make her feel. "He was a selfish bastard when he was drunk, but he was never more abusive than with his words."
Peter nodded, feeling for her anyway. No one, especially MJ deserved to be treated like less than she was.
She smiled at him, trying to force away bad thoughts. The day held too much potential to let her spirits be dampened. "Besides, no one puts me down anymore." She shifted her presents in her arms. "C'mon, lets go put these down before I drop all your presents..."
Peter chuckled, his boyish smile returning to his face. "Aunt May's gonna flip! I don't think she's seen this many presents in her entire life!"
MJ grinned back at him. "I'm glad she invited me. There's no one I'd rather spend the holidays with." She met his eyes, letting him know she was glad to be there with him.
Peter blushed softly, stepping into the living room where the tree sparkled. "We're glad to have you here too..."
"Mary Jane!" Aunt May greeted. "How are you child?" she hugged the young redhead affectionately.
"Merry Christmas Aunt May!" she smiled warmly. "Thanks for asking me to your dinner."
"Oh your welcome dear. Peter and I are delighted to have you. Aren't we?" Aunt May looked to her nephew.
Peter glared at her in warning again. Then smiled so MJ wouldn't pick up on the look the two shared. "Of Course..."
MJ giggled, not lost on the look Peter gave his aunt.
"Lemme take your coat for you," Aunt May offered, helping her out of her coat. "Peter, I'll take yours too."
Peter inched his arms out of his coat, handing it to his aunt, eyes transfixed to MJ. He was almost sure he was gaping and drooling. The woman only got more beautiful with each passing minute. She was dressed in a tight fitting velvet green wrap around top and a long black skirt with a small slit in the side, showing off her perfect figure. As far as he was concerned, she was the perfect person to be a model and an actress. No matter what she wore, she was gorgeous and it made whatever she wore look great. Peter was quite sure she could model men's clothes and still be amazingly beautiful. Her eyes sparkled with light, her gorgeous red hair was almost glowing against the green in her shirt. It wasn't the clothes that made her attractive though: it was her radiant smile, the bounce in her step, the way she looked at him like no one else mattered, it was her laughter, her tears, her dedication and devotion that made Peter's soul ache for her and cause his heart to pound right out of his chest. She was beyond the word gorgeous, a step beyond beautiful, she'd make Venus herself jealous. Peter continued to stare, unable to voice his thoughts. He was quite sure the loud pounding of his heart would drown out any verbal noise he could possibly make anyway.
MJ met Peter's eyes, sucked right in to their ocean blue twinkle. She nearly gasped catching full sight of him. He looked so handsome that she almost slapped herself for not seeing this under the geeky glasses and nerdy behavior in the first place. And as much as the bulge of muscles prominent under his gray button down were only a plus in his looks; it wasn't what made his so utterly breathtaking in her eyes. It was his boyish smile, his baby blues and his courage and heart. Sure, he was sexy and absolutely hot and she yearned to run her fingers over every inch of muscle under those clothes, and through those brunette locks, but nothing could compare to the sense of comfort and care he made her feel when he was around. She was safe, protected and cared for. No one had ever made her feel that way before. It was precious.
OK and he was devastatingly sexy in the smoky steel gray shirt and the black slacks he was dressed in.
Almost as sexy as he was in that skin tight Spider-man outfit. She felt her face grow hot when she allowed her mind to wonder what he would look like without any clothes. She broke eye contact with him, her face burning with embarrassment. She looked up after a moment to see him still staring at her. Now she blushed for a different reason and giggled. He was gaping at her, practically drooling. She grinned feeling powerful and recharged at his reaction.
She reached out to finger the shiny fabric of his shirt. Her other hand came to his other shoulder, almost holding him in a loose embrace. She gave him her best sexy grin, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She leaned in closer to him, amused that he still hadn't moved or blinked, not even a muscle twitch. "You look great Tiger," she paused, losing herself in his scent. "Smell good too...."
He grinned goofily, dimples showing.
"Mmmhhmmm..." she tilted her head, brushing her cheek along his, her lips coming to his ear. "You're driving me wild, Parker...."
Peter came alive with that, gasping and stepping back a bit, but not out of her grasp. "MJ..."
She giggled, winking at him. "It's OK Tiger... I know, I know. Can't a girl just give ya compliment?"
"You..." he ignored her wink, cupping her soft cheek. He became possessed by her scent, intoxicated with the sight of her. She was giving him a high he couldn't even begin to explain. All he knew was his heart pounded irregularly, his stomach was doing wonderful flip flops, his throat felt constricted and he was light headed and he loved every minute of it. "You are radiant. You look amazing."
She warmed from his attraction and reveled in the feel of his touch on her cheek. She leaned into his caress, afraid to blink. She was afraid it would end any second now. She leaned forward again, her lips lightly brushing his in a feather light press. "Thanks."
He was sure he was going to explode from her softest touch and he gasped for a breath when she stepped back. He tried to take a step back, looking stunned and unsure. She held him by the shoulders. He gave her an apologetic look and his hand fell from her silky soft skin.
She massaged his shoulders, feeling the webbed fabric of his Spider-man costume underneath his shirt. She grinned wryly knowing the spell had already been broken, so she felt the urge to play with him. "Be careful Tiger... I wouldn't let anyone else hug you too close today."
Peter misinterpreted her comment as a threat. He looked strangely at her, stunned. He chuckled nervously. "Huh?"
She giggled at his despair. Her hands massaged him harder. "I mean cuz ... although you can't see your costume through your shirt, I can still feel Spider-Man under those clothes of yours."
"Oh." He replied simply.
"Good to know if I tried to seduce you later there'd be another layer of clothing to go through," she winked teasingly.
"Maybe I'll change," he chuckled back, face still aglow with a blush.
MJ giggled, pulling him into a hug. "Don't ever change, Pete." Then she danced off to help Aunt May set the table.
Peter's heart still skipped a few beats even after she was gone.
May grinned like a Cheshire cat as she began to set the table. She peeked in on the two, shortly after hanging their coats and caught the small kiss they shared. She chuckled happily. They didn't even need the mistletoe.
MJ came in to grab some napkins and began to help setting the table.
"Don't be silly dear, go on and relax!" Aunt May waved her off, hoping to give her more time with Peter before Harry arrived.
"Oh, its OK Aunt May, I love to help," MJ sat napkins at four settings.
Peter came into the dining room looking a bit stunned and a whole lotta happy. Aunt May wondered just what happened, but decided to wait to later to pry. "Peter dear ... you're looking a bit red in the face, is it too hot in here?" May teased.
Peter coughed, wiping his brow. "No. No..." he mumbled.
MJ only smiled, her business set about preparing the table.
"Oh...." Peter rubbed the base of his neck, looking alarmed at MJ.
"What's wrong Peter?" MJ panicked, wondering if he had to make a hasty exit due to Spider-Man.
"Uh, MJ... Can I talk to you a second?"
"Sure," she stepped back into the living room where the tree was.
May watched them with care, noticing MJ had only set 4 places. She frowned. Peter didn't tell her about that Amber woman coming to dinner yet. May looked heavenward. *Help them.* Her frown only progressed at the disappointed look on MJ's face as they whispered in the other room.
"Uh... I want this to go better than the last time," he started.
"Huh?"
"I want to tell you so you're not surprised, but I don't want to..."
"What is it Peter?"
"Well, the thing is, I don't want to disappoint you..." he continued.
She crinkled her brow in confusion. "Tiger, what can you possibly say that you haven't already?"
He let his eyes fall to their feet. "The thing is... I invited someone. She doesn't have anyone to spend the holidays with and I felt so bad for her. She's really nice and she was so excited when I asked her, I just had to MJ." He spoke in a rush, hoping not to get decked.
MJ's heart plummeted but she refused to let it show on her face.
Or so she thought.
Peter caught the momentary shadow of disappoint across her features and cringed, expecting a punch to the face.
"Amber," she stated. She nodded trying to sound approving. She swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. "That was nice of you to do, Pete. I'm not disappointed. I have no reason to be."
"Mary Jane, I-"
"No," she cut him off, still smiling. "Don't apologize," she said.
He reached out to brush her arm. He lingered there for a moment, caressing the softness of her shirt. "Thanks for being so understanding. She really is a great person," he squeezed her arm affectionately. "But she can never compare to you..."
MJ wanted to believe him, and she wanted to be big about this. All she could muster was another plastered smile and a short nod. "Lemme go finish the table..." she informed and as she passed him by, she gritted her teeth in anger and threw her shoulder into him, knocking him back a few small steps. Not bad considering he was like a 100 times more powerful than her. Never underestimate the power of a pissed off woman. "Whoops, sorry," she snapped, not even bothering to turn her head his way.
Peter sighed, rubbing his shoulder as she walked away. Oh man. Next time he was sure to get decked. "Ding ding... Round two."
***********