A/N: Hey all How bout
another chapter? :) I knew you'd say yes LOL Or atleast I hope you did!
:) Anywho, next few chapters will be some more character
development for Amber and some more of my favorite emotion- angst for
MJ/P and some slight sap... yes I know the entire story reeks of it but
admit you love it :P I promise there'll be some more action
soon! First time you really get to see much of Harry in this fic
and I try not to make him out to be a bad guy cuz I personally like
him, gotta love a man that destined for disaster. Hopefully I'll
keep pumping the chapters out like this. Hope you guys enjoy and
dont forget my two favorite 'R' words are Read and Review!!! ;)
Jann Arden-Never Give Up On Me
Chapter 12: Round Two: The Startling Truth
I've made more mistakes
Than I can count upon my finger tips
I have been ashamed
And I have felt as guilty as all sin
Counting every tear that drops cannot account for any loss
I'll let the past remain behind me now
Fill it up with goodness
I'll drink it down with love
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh, just look at what we've been through
So far so good
I have wished on every star
That shot across my broken heart
I am still amazed that you came true
I have kissed a hundred lips
But none of them compare to this
I have found myself inside of you
You forgive my sad regrets
And I forgive myself
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh just look at what we've been through
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh just look at what we've been through
I love you
Not too shortly after, Harry Osborn showed at the front door.
Peter greeted him with a hug and a handshake. "How are ya Harry?"
"OK," he shrugged, pulling off his black leather gloves. "Happy to be spending the holidays with you and Aunt May." Harry handed his coat and gloves to Peter.
"We're glad you're here too," Peter smiled.
"My driver 'll bring in all the presents," Harry motioned toward a tall man clad in black from head to toe, opening the trunk of the Rolls Royce. "I hope you guys won't mind. I kinda splurged."
"Oh Harry...." Peter gasped, watching the man carry giant bundles of presents. "You didn't have to."
"Well, you guys are all the family I have left, Pete," Harry clapped his shoulder. "I wanted to. It's no fun being rich and not splurging."
"C'mon in Har... Aunt May and MJ are waiting." Peter paused, trying to catch his friends reaction. "You'll be OK with MJ here?"
"Oh yeah," Harry waved it off. "I understand things just didn't work out with her. We can still be friends, if she wants. I know she's crazy about you, Pete." Harry paused, now studying Peter. "Question is, I know she loves you and I know you've been in love with her since you stopped wetting your bed or maybe even before that; how come you two aren't together?"
Peter's mind spun trying to think of something to say but then the driver came in with the bundles and Aunt May and MJ came from the other direction to greet Harry. He sighed in relief.
"Harry! Happy Holidays!" Aunt May hugged him.
"Merry Christmas, Aunt May," Harry smiled to her after the hug.
"Harry, Merry Christmas," MJ smiled, nodding politely.
"Merry Christmas MJ," Harry reached out to grip her hand in a friendly gesture. He gave her a small wink. "Friends?"
"Of course," MJ smiled, happy to know it wouldn't be uncomfortable for them to spend the day together. Now, Amber was another story.
"Good heavens!" Aunt May stepped out of the driver's way. "Harry Osborn! Did you clean your fathers account out completely?!"
He chuckled despite the mention of his father. "Hardly..."
Peter watched Harry closely, wondering how well he was actually feeling.
"As I was telling Pete, I just wanted to make this year nice. Being in charge of my father's accounts and business since his murder..." Harry paused, a flash of intense hatred marring his handsome features. Before he continued, his face softened and he sighed. "I've been so busy and haven't had time for any of my friends. Now that his accounts are settled and Oscorp is back to running at full steam, and all my business is mostly tied up I had to make up for it."
"Having you here is present enough, Harry," Aunt May smiled warmly.
He smiled back softly. "Thanks. It means a lot to know I have a place to go," he put an arm around Aunt May, with a sad smile. "I really miss him. He wasn't much of a holiday man, but it was the one time of year he made time with me as a family. Even Norman Osborn enjoyed Christmas." Harry's face became a mask of anger again. "Now thanks to some freak in a stupid spider costume, I don't even have that left."
Aunt May patted his shoulder sympathetically. "That Spider-Man is nothing but a monster, Harry. He'll get his, don't you worry dear..." her voice filled with contempt.
MJ watched the two, her heart pounding so loudly she swore everyone could here. *Spider-Man? Kill Mr. Osborn? What?* She turned to Peter in confusion, her heart refusing to believe Peter would ever harm anyone.
Peter frowned, feeling the guilt well up in the pit of his stomach. He gritted his teeth with frustration, wanting so much to clear Spider-Man's name....his name. To hear Aunt May's repulsion of Spider-Man unsettled him too. He never did get her opinion of him. He assumed she'd be unlike everyone else and see all the good he's done.
He assumed wrong.
He felt eyes staring at him harshly. He turned to see MJ's green-blue eyes penetrating him with concern and bewilderedness. Her mouth was slightly agape and her expression was one of fear and shock. His heart went cold and he cocked his head with confusion. His eyes filled with a silent plea, begging her not to give up on him. Of all people, he couldn't lose her faith in him. She kept him sane, made him know what kind of man he wanted to be, with and without the costume.
She continued to stare, unmoving even after Harry and Aunt May left the room.
Peter clenched and unclenched his fists, eyes locked on hers. He could see the doubt and disappointment written all over her. He broke the stare down, eyes finding the floor that his heart fell too and he knew Mary Jane would never trust or believe in him again. The one person who did believe in Spider-Man no longer did. She thought of him, and even with knowing the man behind the mask, as a murderer. He swallowed that thought heavily, feeling his stomach churn. He gave her one last glance, turned on his heel and stalked out the front door, rushing down the steps just as the Rolls Royce pulled away.
The sting of the cold hit his face but had no effect on him; he was burning from the inside out, too angered to be cold. His anger heated him with the fire of the sun. He came to the end of the sidewalk in front of his old home and clutched his heart and gasped a breath of the bitter air. He felt overwhelmed with betrayal and heartache. He grunted, feeling overtaken by the heat of rage. His heart still ached more than any other emotion he felt and it only fueled the anger more. Her lost faith would be his undoing. He growled in protest, throwing his fist full force into a steel trash can. The sound of metal shredding on impact rang in his ears and pulling his hand back he noticed the fist-sized hole now in the can. His hand shook with the effort and it was bright red from the impact. Small streaks of blood dripped down his fingertips from his knuckles.
Broken glass bottles fell from the hole in the can and Peter winced in pain noticing there was a sizable piece of glass protruding from his knuckle. He cursed under his breath and pulled the glass out quickly. He hissed once more, before
taking some very needed deep breaths and controlling his temper. Puffs of white smoke came from his mouth as he breathed out.
He examined his hand, frowning. He shouldn't have let his anger get to him, he couldn't believe how quickly he did just that too. He made a fist, wincing again as his knuckles burned with the effort. "Way to go Pete..." he shook his hand out and sighed. "See what happens when you lose control. Total rage case..." he shook his head, as if having MJ disappointed in him wasn't enough, now he felt disappointed in himself. He just let go of all control and gotten himself hurt; he couldn't imagine if someone had been near him. He might've gone as ballistic as Gobby. He might've hurt someone just because his rage made him see red. For a moment he understood how powerful it was to let rage control him and he shuddered, hoping he'd never lose control of his temper again.
Which would be hard to do if he didn't have MJ to keep him grounded.
He reached into his pocket with his good hand and felt around for the white handkerchief he always made sure to have around when he visited Aunt May. He wrapped it around his knuckles tightly, tying it off with his mouth. He turned to look at the house and felt anger all over again. He'd need a few more minutes to cool off, even as the cold wind chilled his very bones.
"Peter?"
**********
Mary Jane stood still as a statue even after Peter stormed out the room. She only moved when she heard the loud bang outside. It caused her to jump and her heart started moving again. She gasped and put a hand to her racing heart. She replayed the last few moments in her mind and she desperately needed to talk with Peter. The way he looked at her, made her scared. He looked at her with desperation, wanting her to know he didn't kill anyone. Of course MJ was positive he wasn't capable of it, but the shock rendered her confused and he must've misinterpreted her reaction to be one of disappointment and loss of faith in him. It was Harry and Aunt May that had truly shocked MJ. Neither knew Peter was Spider-Man, which would explain their hatred from Spider-Man, but why...how ... could Harry accuse him of murdering Norman? And how did Aunt May not notice the good Spider-Man did? They both knew that he had saved her life on more than one occasion.
MJ jumped into motion, coming to the front door. As angry with him about Amber as she was, she couldn't let him think she lost all hope in him. She remembered him once telling her, that she made him know the kind of man he needed to be, helped him realize that no matter how much all the good he did was thrown in his face, it was still right.
She was about to open the door and chase after Peter, then noticed he was standing right outside the home, and his eyes were fixed on something. Then MJ noticed a blonde head appear into view and she couldn't help but stare knowing this was Amber. She vaguely remembered her from the night Spider-Man saved her, but being this much closer made MJ realize she was very beautiful.
**********
"Amber," Peter managed a smile. "You made it."
"Your directions were great," she smiled. "Happy Holidays, Peter."
He nodded. "Happy Holidays."
"How are you?" Amber came up to within inches of him. She dropped some bags on the ground and held her arms out for a hug.
Peter relented and hugged her close, finding himself engrossed by her perfume once again. He pulled back to look at her. "I'm OK. Not having a great start to the holidays."
"Oh, you hurt your hand!" Amber noticed the white handkerchief bandage, now stained with blood on his left knuckles. "What happened?"
Peter put his hand in his pocket and shrugged. "Neighbor's dog," he tried, shrugging his shoulders.
She raised her brows but didn't question further. "Am I late?"
"Last to arrive but not late," he told her.
"Well, they say save the best for last right," she chuckled, elbowing him gently. "Maybe I can help make your holidays get better from here on out."
He highly doubted it. Only MJ could fix that. Still, he grinned and noticed her bags. "Can I help you with those?"
"Oh sure. I made some cookies," she blushed.
"Aww, that's real sweet of you, Amber. I'm sure they'll be great." Peter lifted the bags.
"I got something for your aunt, to thank her for having me," Amber informed, handing him the other bag.
"You didn't have to do that. I'm sure my aunt will love it anyway. She's being bombarded with presents this year," he smiled, all thoughts of before seeming to evaporate.
"Well, I can't thank you both enough. I miss having a place to go to for the holidays and there's no place I'd rather be," she winked.
Peter blushed as they headed for the house. It was then that the events from scant minutes ago popped back into his mind. He had to put it aside and enjoy the day. So what if everyone he knew hated Spider-Man, most people did. It hurt to think MJ now did too. It did more than hurt. Maybe they could talk, maybe he could explain and she'd believe in him and all would be fine. Or maybe not. He had to let it go, at least for now. He took one last breath, looked at Amber and put his smile back on. "Ready to stuff your face and be buried under tons of wrapping paper?"
"Can't wait!" she bubbled.
*********
MJ left the door just as Peter and Amber headed for the house. She stepped into the living room and sat at the couch.
"Anything wrong, Mary Jane?" Aunt May appeared, a glass of eggnog in hand. She handed it to MJ.
"No, everything's fine," she smiled to the elder woman.
"I spoke with your mother on the phone a few moments ago. She'd love for you to stop over and say hi," May informed.
"I will," MJ sipped the eggnog.
May nodded, knowing the girl was apprehensive. "Excuse me dear, I have to check dinner."
Harry came in with his own glass of eggnog, taking a seat next to MJ. "How are ya, MJ?"
She offered Harry a half smile. "Swell, yourself?"
"Getting by..." Harry nodded. "Listen, MJ... I want to apologize for everything that happened between us. I know now that we weren't meant to be and I'd be grateful for your friendship."
MJ smiled, despite everything Harry said about Spider-Man and her owns feelings at the moment. "I'd like that too."
He grinned, putting an arm around her shoulders, offering a short squeeze. "So why aren't you and Pete together yet? You know he's crazy about you right? All he used to talk about was screwing up the courage to talk to you, and now that you like him ... well I figured you two would be a couple by now?"
MJ huffed when Harry said screwing up. She just shrugged and frowned instead. "Dunno Har... Don't think Peter wants a relationship with anyone right now."
Just then, the front door closed and soft laughter could be heard, getting louder as Peter and Amber entered the room.
Harry glanced at the two, then at MJ. He wrinkled his brow in confusion. The blonde was hanging on Pete's arm and they were both laughing and smiling widely. He looked back at MJ again. She was tense and smiled at the two, the smile of an actress. *Whoa boy...*
"Hey..." Peter set Amber's bags down, setting her white coat on the coat rack. "Guys, this is Amber Dieson. She's a coworker at the Bugle," he turned to look at the two on the couch. "Amber this is Harry and MJ."
"Hello," Amber smiled politely. "Nice to meet you both. Merry Christmas."
Harry stood to shake Amber's hand, entranced by her beauty. She had a cherry red fuzzy sweater and a knee length black skirt on. She was gorgeous! "Merry Christmas."
MJ looked at Peter, who refused to even glance at her, then she shook Amber's hand as well. She noticed Harry staring at the leggy blonde and couldn't help but to admit herself that the girl was even more attractive face to face. "Happy Holidays."
"Dinner's almost ready," May came into the room, her smile dying as she set eyes upon the blonde standing in her living room. Out of courtesy she put the smile back on. "You must be Amber. I'm Peter's Aunt May."
"Pleasure to meet you ma'am. Thanks for having me for the holidays. It's awfully kind of you." Amber smiled brightly at May.
"Your welcome, hope you'll enjoy yourself." May nodded kindly. *What a fake* Something about this woman didn't sit right with May. She didn't like the way she was hovering over Peter. It was as if she owned him. May hoped Peter used his common sense and got rid of the girl soon, or she'd have to beat her nephew over the head with a frying pan till his common sense kicked in. Smart as Peter was, he would never understand women.
"Peter's told me so much about you, but 'm afraid he's said very little about you two," Amber looked from May to Harry and MJ. "Are you married?"
MJ glared at the girl and Harry nearly choked on his eggnog.
Amber raised her brows.
"No, we're not," MJ offered when Harry was still silent beside him.
"Oh, just a couple then?" she pushed.
"Not anymore," Harry now spoke up. "We're just friends."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Here I am being so nosy," she blushed.
"It's OK," Harry smiled at her. "We have the whole night to get to know one another. MJ and you and I, I mean."
Amber nodded, looking at Peter. "I could use a cup of eggnog."
"Here, 'll show you where May stashed it," Harry offered, pointing out the way.
"Oh..." Amber turned from Peter. "Thanks," she followed Harry into the dining room.
May looked at Peter. "She's...lovely dear," she forced. "I'll go see about carving that roast." She smiled at MJ before leaving the room.
Tension sat thickly between the two occupants in the room.
MJ clasped her hands together, eyes locked on her painted nails. "She seems very nice. Pretty too."
Peter's eyes finally fell on the redhead sitting on the couch. Her hands were clasped together, eyes fixated on her own fingers. He knew she did that whenever she was nervous. He nodded. "Yeah."
"I, uh.. I'd like to talk to you-"
"We are talking, MJ," Peter interrupted.
"I don't understand why you're angry with me," her hands folded and unfolded in her lap. "You won't even listen to what I have to say!"
Peter stalked across the room and gripped her wrists.
She gasped and jumped back in fear.
Peter gritted his teeth, letting out a sigh. "That's why," he turned to make sure no one was listening and he leaned in so only MJ could hear. "You think I'm a killer, don't you Mary Jane? You're scared of me."
"When you jump at me like that, yes." MJ bit her lip, holding in tears. "After everything that happened with the Goblin, Pete, I jump at anything."
"Excuses..." he muttered, feeling the anger building up inside him again. He huffed, trying to calm his temper.
She looked at him, her eyes darting confusingly. She wanted to be angry, wanted to slap him fiercely, but she was more shocked than anything. Something was seriously wrong here. "Tiger..."
"Give it a rest, MJ. I saw the way you looked at me before. I saw the disappointment and mistrust in your eyes," he gripped MJ's wrists harder, unable to control the anger again. "How could you even think I killed Norman! You know me! You know Spider-Man!"
Tears welled in her eyes now. She didn't know what hurt worse, his grip or his words. "Peter..." she gasped wide eyed. "I don't think that. I know you could never hurt anyone on purpose. I was disappointed with Harry and Aunt May for doubting Spider-Man. I know him...you... I know what your capable of and it has nothing to do with pain, with murder, with hurt or anger. Which is why I don't understand why you're so angry right now?" she whispered, voice breaking with the tears streaming down her face. "And you're hurting me ... please let go," she squeezed her eyes shut.
Peter swallowed hard, blinking rapidly. He let it happen again. Anger consumed his very body again. This time he took it on the one person he never wanted to hurt. "Oh God, MJ. I didn't mean to." He slumped to his knees covering his face with his hands. "I don't know what came over me. I just need you to believe in me. I need you to have faith in me, and to think you didn't anymore..." he paused. "I just can't think straight until we talk about this. I'm sorry..." he gripped her hands in his.
"I know what you must've thought Tiger. You're letting your anger cloud your actions and I'm sorry I let it happen. I know this isn't like you and we'll work it out. I am scared and confused and I don't know why Harry thinks you killed his father but I wish you'd explain. I know you didn't do it," she sighed, saddened by the state he was in. "I know you're incapable of killing someone," she squeezed his hands.
"Am I?" Peter's blue eyes looked up to her. "Than tell me how I let Norman die."
MJ met his eyes and shuddered despite the warmth in the house. "You feel guilty. You feel its your fault. But you didn't use your own hands. I know it."
Peter looked at her with amazement. "How could you be sure?"
"I love you, Peter Parker. I know you. Right now, you're acting like a big jerk who's about to get the beating of his life time from lil ol' me instead of some super villain if you don't stop acting like a pigheaded male jerk!" she shouted in a whisper. "Tell me what happened..." MJ demanded.
He looked over to see Harry and Amber engrossed in conversation and looked back at MJ's red-rimmed eyes. He reached up to brush back a tear and smiled when she didn't flinch. He had to make things right with her. This day was going to be special for them and he was not going to let his stupid temper or anything else, including a leggy blonde named Amber, ruin it for them. He'd make it up to her and vowed on his webbing never to hurt her again. "OK.. I'll tell you," he stood, pulling MJ from her seat with him. "Not here though."
She nodded, wiping the wetness of tears from her cheeks. "OK, fine."
"We'll be right back everyone!" Peter announced, leading MJ from the house and grabbing the coats.
Jann Arden-Never Give Up On Me
Chapter 12: Round Two: The Startling Truth
I've made more mistakes
Than I can count upon my finger tips
I have been ashamed
And I have felt as guilty as all sin
Counting every tear that drops cannot account for any loss
I'll let the past remain behind me now
Fill it up with goodness
I'll drink it down with love
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh, just look at what we've been through
So far so good
I have wished on every star
That shot across my broken heart
I am still amazed that you came true
I have kissed a hundred lips
But none of them compare to this
I have found myself inside of you
You forgive my sad regrets
And I forgive myself
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh just look at what we've been through
Never give up on me
I will never give up on you
You're everything I need
Oh just look at what we've been through
I love you
Not too shortly after, Harry Osborn showed at the front door.
Peter greeted him with a hug and a handshake. "How are ya Harry?"
"OK," he shrugged, pulling off his black leather gloves. "Happy to be spending the holidays with you and Aunt May." Harry handed his coat and gloves to Peter.
"We're glad you're here too," Peter smiled.
"My driver 'll bring in all the presents," Harry motioned toward a tall man clad in black from head to toe, opening the trunk of the Rolls Royce. "I hope you guys won't mind. I kinda splurged."
"Oh Harry...." Peter gasped, watching the man carry giant bundles of presents. "You didn't have to."
"Well, you guys are all the family I have left, Pete," Harry clapped his shoulder. "I wanted to. It's no fun being rich and not splurging."
"C'mon in Har... Aunt May and MJ are waiting." Peter paused, trying to catch his friends reaction. "You'll be OK with MJ here?"
"Oh yeah," Harry waved it off. "I understand things just didn't work out with her. We can still be friends, if she wants. I know she's crazy about you, Pete." Harry paused, now studying Peter. "Question is, I know she loves you and I know you've been in love with her since you stopped wetting your bed or maybe even before that; how come you two aren't together?"
Peter's mind spun trying to think of something to say but then the driver came in with the bundles and Aunt May and MJ came from the other direction to greet Harry. He sighed in relief.
"Harry! Happy Holidays!" Aunt May hugged him.
"Merry Christmas, Aunt May," Harry smiled to her after the hug.
"Harry, Merry Christmas," MJ smiled, nodding politely.
"Merry Christmas MJ," Harry reached out to grip her hand in a friendly gesture. He gave her a small wink. "Friends?"
"Of course," MJ smiled, happy to know it wouldn't be uncomfortable for them to spend the day together. Now, Amber was another story.
"Good heavens!" Aunt May stepped out of the driver's way. "Harry Osborn! Did you clean your fathers account out completely?!"
He chuckled despite the mention of his father. "Hardly..."
Peter watched Harry closely, wondering how well he was actually feeling.
"As I was telling Pete, I just wanted to make this year nice. Being in charge of my father's accounts and business since his murder..." Harry paused, a flash of intense hatred marring his handsome features. Before he continued, his face softened and he sighed. "I've been so busy and haven't had time for any of my friends. Now that his accounts are settled and Oscorp is back to running at full steam, and all my business is mostly tied up I had to make up for it."
"Having you here is present enough, Harry," Aunt May smiled warmly.
He smiled back softly. "Thanks. It means a lot to know I have a place to go," he put an arm around Aunt May, with a sad smile. "I really miss him. He wasn't much of a holiday man, but it was the one time of year he made time with me as a family. Even Norman Osborn enjoyed Christmas." Harry's face became a mask of anger again. "Now thanks to some freak in a stupid spider costume, I don't even have that left."
Aunt May patted his shoulder sympathetically. "That Spider-Man is nothing but a monster, Harry. He'll get his, don't you worry dear..." her voice filled with contempt.
MJ watched the two, her heart pounding so loudly she swore everyone could here. *Spider-Man? Kill Mr. Osborn? What?* She turned to Peter in confusion, her heart refusing to believe Peter would ever harm anyone.
Peter frowned, feeling the guilt well up in the pit of his stomach. He gritted his teeth with frustration, wanting so much to clear Spider-Man's name....his name. To hear Aunt May's repulsion of Spider-Man unsettled him too. He never did get her opinion of him. He assumed she'd be unlike everyone else and see all the good he's done.
He assumed wrong.
He felt eyes staring at him harshly. He turned to see MJ's green-blue eyes penetrating him with concern and bewilderedness. Her mouth was slightly agape and her expression was one of fear and shock. His heart went cold and he cocked his head with confusion. His eyes filled with a silent plea, begging her not to give up on him. Of all people, he couldn't lose her faith in him. She kept him sane, made him know what kind of man he wanted to be, with and without the costume.
She continued to stare, unmoving even after Harry and Aunt May left the room.
Peter clenched and unclenched his fists, eyes locked on hers. He could see the doubt and disappointment written all over her. He broke the stare down, eyes finding the floor that his heart fell too and he knew Mary Jane would never trust or believe in him again. The one person who did believe in Spider-Man no longer did. She thought of him, and even with knowing the man behind the mask, as a murderer. He swallowed that thought heavily, feeling his stomach churn. He gave her one last glance, turned on his heel and stalked out the front door, rushing down the steps just as the Rolls Royce pulled away.
The sting of the cold hit his face but had no effect on him; he was burning from the inside out, too angered to be cold. His anger heated him with the fire of the sun. He came to the end of the sidewalk in front of his old home and clutched his heart and gasped a breath of the bitter air. He felt overwhelmed with betrayal and heartache. He grunted, feeling overtaken by the heat of rage. His heart still ached more than any other emotion he felt and it only fueled the anger more. Her lost faith would be his undoing. He growled in protest, throwing his fist full force into a steel trash can. The sound of metal shredding on impact rang in his ears and pulling his hand back he noticed the fist-sized hole now in the can. His hand shook with the effort and it was bright red from the impact. Small streaks of blood dripped down his fingertips from his knuckles.
Broken glass bottles fell from the hole in the can and Peter winced in pain noticing there was a sizable piece of glass protruding from his knuckle. He cursed under his breath and pulled the glass out quickly. He hissed once more, before
taking some very needed deep breaths and controlling his temper. Puffs of white smoke came from his mouth as he breathed out.
He examined his hand, frowning. He shouldn't have let his anger get to him, he couldn't believe how quickly he did just that too. He made a fist, wincing again as his knuckles burned with the effort. "Way to go Pete..." he shook his hand out and sighed. "See what happens when you lose control. Total rage case..." he shook his head, as if having MJ disappointed in him wasn't enough, now he felt disappointed in himself. He just let go of all control and gotten himself hurt; he couldn't imagine if someone had been near him. He might've gone as ballistic as Gobby. He might've hurt someone just because his rage made him see red. For a moment he understood how powerful it was to let rage control him and he shuddered, hoping he'd never lose control of his temper again.
Which would be hard to do if he didn't have MJ to keep him grounded.
He reached into his pocket with his good hand and felt around for the white handkerchief he always made sure to have around when he visited Aunt May. He wrapped it around his knuckles tightly, tying it off with his mouth. He turned to look at the house and felt anger all over again. He'd need a few more minutes to cool off, even as the cold wind chilled his very bones.
"Peter?"
**********
Mary Jane stood still as a statue even after Peter stormed out the room. She only moved when she heard the loud bang outside. It caused her to jump and her heart started moving again. She gasped and put a hand to her racing heart. She replayed the last few moments in her mind and she desperately needed to talk with Peter. The way he looked at her, made her scared. He looked at her with desperation, wanting her to know he didn't kill anyone. Of course MJ was positive he wasn't capable of it, but the shock rendered her confused and he must've misinterpreted her reaction to be one of disappointment and loss of faith in him. It was Harry and Aunt May that had truly shocked MJ. Neither knew Peter was Spider-Man, which would explain their hatred from Spider-Man, but why...how ... could Harry accuse him of murdering Norman? And how did Aunt May not notice the good Spider-Man did? They both knew that he had saved her life on more than one occasion.
MJ jumped into motion, coming to the front door. As angry with him about Amber as she was, she couldn't let him think she lost all hope in him. She remembered him once telling her, that she made him know the kind of man he needed to be, helped him realize that no matter how much all the good he did was thrown in his face, it was still right.
She was about to open the door and chase after Peter, then noticed he was standing right outside the home, and his eyes were fixed on something. Then MJ noticed a blonde head appear into view and she couldn't help but stare knowing this was Amber. She vaguely remembered her from the night Spider-Man saved her, but being this much closer made MJ realize she was very beautiful.
**********
"Amber," Peter managed a smile. "You made it."
"Your directions were great," she smiled. "Happy Holidays, Peter."
He nodded. "Happy Holidays."
"How are you?" Amber came up to within inches of him. She dropped some bags on the ground and held her arms out for a hug.
Peter relented and hugged her close, finding himself engrossed by her perfume once again. He pulled back to look at her. "I'm OK. Not having a great start to the holidays."
"Oh, you hurt your hand!" Amber noticed the white handkerchief bandage, now stained with blood on his left knuckles. "What happened?"
Peter put his hand in his pocket and shrugged. "Neighbor's dog," he tried, shrugging his shoulders.
She raised her brows but didn't question further. "Am I late?"
"Last to arrive but not late," he told her.
"Well, they say save the best for last right," she chuckled, elbowing him gently. "Maybe I can help make your holidays get better from here on out."
He highly doubted it. Only MJ could fix that. Still, he grinned and noticed her bags. "Can I help you with those?"
"Oh sure. I made some cookies," she blushed.
"Aww, that's real sweet of you, Amber. I'm sure they'll be great." Peter lifted the bags.
"I got something for your aunt, to thank her for having me," Amber informed, handing him the other bag.
"You didn't have to do that. I'm sure my aunt will love it anyway. She's being bombarded with presents this year," he smiled, all thoughts of before seeming to evaporate.
"Well, I can't thank you both enough. I miss having a place to go to for the holidays and there's no place I'd rather be," she winked.
Peter blushed as they headed for the house. It was then that the events from scant minutes ago popped back into his mind. He had to put it aside and enjoy the day. So what if everyone he knew hated Spider-Man, most people did. It hurt to think MJ now did too. It did more than hurt. Maybe they could talk, maybe he could explain and she'd believe in him and all would be fine. Or maybe not. He had to let it go, at least for now. He took one last breath, looked at Amber and put his smile back on. "Ready to stuff your face and be buried under tons of wrapping paper?"
"Can't wait!" she bubbled.
*********
MJ left the door just as Peter and Amber headed for the house. She stepped into the living room and sat at the couch.
"Anything wrong, Mary Jane?" Aunt May appeared, a glass of eggnog in hand. She handed it to MJ.
"No, everything's fine," she smiled to the elder woman.
"I spoke with your mother on the phone a few moments ago. She'd love for you to stop over and say hi," May informed.
"I will," MJ sipped the eggnog.
May nodded, knowing the girl was apprehensive. "Excuse me dear, I have to check dinner."
Harry came in with his own glass of eggnog, taking a seat next to MJ. "How are ya, MJ?"
She offered Harry a half smile. "Swell, yourself?"
"Getting by..." Harry nodded. "Listen, MJ... I want to apologize for everything that happened between us. I know now that we weren't meant to be and I'd be grateful for your friendship."
MJ smiled, despite everything Harry said about Spider-Man and her owns feelings at the moment. "I'd like that too."
He grinned, putting an arm around her shoulders, offering a short squeeze. "So why aren't you and Pete together yet? You know he's crazy about you right? All he used to talk about was screwing up the courage to talk to you, and now that you like him ... well I figured you two would be a couple by now?"
MJ huffed when Harry said screwing up. She just shrugged and frowned instead. "Dunno Har... Don't think Peter wants a relationship with anyone right now."
Just then, the front door closed and soft laughter could be heard, getting louder as Peter and Amber entered the room.
Harry glanced at the two, then at MJ. He wrinkled his brow in confusion. The blonde was hanging on Pete's arm and they were both laughing and smiling widely. He looked back at MJ again. She was tense and smiled at the two, the smile of an actress. *Whoa boy...*
"Hey..." Peter set Amber's bags down, setting her white coat on the coat rack. "Guys, this is Amber Dieson. She's a coworker at the Bugle," he turned to look at the two on the couch. "Amber this is Harry and MJ."
"Hello," Amber smiled politely. "Nice to meet you both. Merry Christmas."
Harry stood to shake Amber's hand, entranced by her beauty. She had a cherry red fuzzy sweater and a knee length black skirt on. She was gorgeous! "Merry Christmas."
MJ looked at Peter, who refused to even glance at her, then she shook Amber's hand as well. She noticed Harry staring at the leggy blonde and couldn't help but to admit herself that the girl was even more attractive face to face. "Happy Holidays."
"Dinner's almost ready," May came into the room, her smile dying as she set eyes upon the blonde standing in her living room. Out of courtesy she put the smile back on. "You must be Amber. I'm Peter's Aunt May."
"Pleasure to meet you ma'am. Thanks for having me for the holidays. It's awfully kind of you." Amber smiled brightly at May.
"Your welcome, hope you'll enjoy yourself." May nodded kindly. *What a fake* Something about this woman didn't sit right with May. She didn't like the way she was hovering over Peter. It was as if she owned him. May hoped Peter used his common sense and got rid of the girl soon, or she'd have to beat her nephew over the head with a frying pan till his common sense kicked in. Smart as Peter was, he would never understand women.
"Peter's told me so much about you, but 'm afraid he's said very little about you two," Amber looked from May to Harry and MJ. "Are you married?"
MJ glared at the girl and Harry nearly choked on his eggnog.
Amber raised her brows.
"No, we're not," MJ offered when Harry was still silent beside him.
"Oh, just a couple then?" she pushed.
"Not anymore," Harry now spoke up. "We're just friends."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Here I am being so nosy," she blushed.
"It's OK," Harry smiled at her. "We have the whole night to get to know one another. MJ and you and I, I mean."
Amber nodded, looking at Peter. "I could use a cup of eggnog."
"Here, 'll show you where May stashed it," Harry offered, pointing out the way.
"Oh..." Amber turned from Peter. "Thanks," she followed Harry into the dining room.
May looked at Peter. "She's...lovely dear," she forced. "I'll go see about carving that roast." She smiled at MJ before leaving the room.
Tension sat thickly between the two occupants in the room.
MJ clasped her hands together, eyes locked on her painted nails. "She seems very nice. Pretty too."
Peter's eyes finally fell on the redhead sitting on the couch. Her hands were clasped together, eyes fixated on her own fingers. He knew she did that whenever she was nervous. He nodded. "Yeah."
"I, uh.. I'd like to talk to you-"
"We are talking, MJ," Peter interrupted.
"I don't understand why you're angry with me," her hands folded and unfolded in her lap. "You won't even listen to what I have to say!"
Peter stalked across the room and gripped her wrists.
She gasped and jumped back in fear.
Peter gritted his teeth, letting out a sigh. "That's why," he turned to make sure no one was listening and he leaned in so only MJ could hear. "You think I'm a killer, don't you Mary Jane? You're scared of me."
"When you jump at me like that, yes." MJ bit her lip, holding in tears. "After everything that happened with the Goblin, Pete, I jump at anything."
"Excuses..." he muttered, feeling the anger building up inside him again. He huffed, trying to calm his temper.
She looked at him, her eyes darting confusingly. She wanted to be angry, wanted to slap him fiercely, but she was more shocked than anything. Something was seriously wrong here. "Tiger..."
"Give it a rest, MJ. I saw the way you looked at me before. I saw the disappointment and mistrust in your eyes," he gripped MJ's wrists harder, unable to control the anger again. "How could you even think I killed Norman! You know me! You know Spider-Man!"
Tears welled in her eyes now. She didn't know what hurt worse, his grip or his words. "Peter..." she gasped wide eyed. "I don't think that. I know you could never hurt anyone on purpose. I was disappointed with Harry and Aunt May for doubting Spider-Man. I know him...you... I know what your capable of and it has nothing to do with pain, with murder, with hurt or anger. Which is why I don't understand why you're so angry right now?" she whispered, voice breaking with the tears streaming down her face. "And you're hurting me ... please let go," she squeezed her eyes shut.
Peter swallowed hard, blinking rapidly. He let it happen again. Anger consumed his very body again. This time he took it on the one person he never wanted to hurt. "Oh God, MJ. I didn't mean to." He slumped to his knees covering his face with his hands. "I don't know what came over me. I just need you to believe in me. I need you to have faith in me, and to think you didn't anymore..." he paused. "I just can't think straight until we talk about this. I'm sorry..." he gripped her hands in his.
"I know what you must've thought Tiger. You're letting your anger cloud your actions and I'm sorry I let it happen. I know this isn't like you and we'll work it out. I am scared and confused and I don't know why Harry thinks you killed his father but I wish you'd explain. I know you didn't do it," she sighed, saddened by the state he was in. "I know you're incapable of killing someone," she squeezed his hands.
"Am I?" Peter's blue eyes looked up to her. "Than tell me how I let Norman die."
MJ met his eyes and shuddered despite the warmth in the house. "You feel guilty. You feel its your fault. But you didn't use your own hands. I know it."
Peter looked at her with amazement. "How could you be sure?"
"I love you, Peter Parker. I know you. Right now, you're acting like a big jerk who's about to get the beating of his life time from lil ol' me instead of some super villain if you don't stop acting like a pigheaded male jerk!" she shouted in a whisper. "Tell me what happened..." MJ demanded.
He looked over to see Harry and Amber engrossed in conversation and looked back at MJ's red-rimmed eyes. He reached up to brush back a tear and smiled when she didn't flinch. He had to make things right with her. This day was going to be special for them and he was not going to let his stupid temper or anything else, including a leggy blonde named Amber, ruin it for them. He'd make it up to her and vowed on his webbing never to hurt her again. "OK.. I'll tell you," he stood, pulling MJ from her seat with him. "Not here though."
She nodded, wiping the wetness of tears from her cheeks. "OK, fine."
"We'll be right back everyone!" Peter announced, leading MJ from the house and grabbing the coats.