Peter and Wanda didn't know how they settled into this routine. He knew her favorites, and she knew his. They enjoy each other's company. All they knew it started on a chance meeting as the Parker luck struck Peter.

Hugs? Late-night talks? Eating out, together? Holding hands? Nope. Not a chance.

They're not dating, promise.


Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel or the characters. I own nothing here except for the plot.

Please read and review.


A Broken Heart

A tall, muscular brunette man stood in the exterior of a house. He was standing underneath the rain. In front of the door of the house was a woman, she was statuesque, and her hair dyed red. They were both talking, arguing.

"Break-up?"

It seemed the world intended to mock him. The rain was pouring hard against the pavements. His whole body was wet. The fortunate thing was that it masked his tears.

"I'm sorry, it's not working. Peter, you're a great guy, and I couldn't ask for more. Things are- it's not working between us. It's time for us to break-up," MJ told him. She was also crying like him. Something was in her curled up hand.

"Why? Is it because of Spider-Man? The Avengers? Or MIT? Stark Industries? Please, one more chance," Peter begged. His hands trembled in a clasp, almost praying. "One more chance, MJ. I promise I'll be a better boyfriend. I'll spend more time with you."

MJ avoided his gaze. Her heart already set. She took Peter's hand, holding it. She was giving it back to him. The cold metal on her fingers felt heavy, she knew, he knew what it was. It was time for them to part ways.

"It's not that. You're a wonderful a guy, Peter. But. I'm sorry my feelings changed. They changed," she stated with strength. "We both changed. But I did love you. I did. Goodbye, Peter."

She wiped the tears from her cheeks as she turned her back to him.

"MJ, please. Please, give us a chance. One more chance..."

He tried to stop her. But.

She walked away from him. Her back was resolute. He felt stuck, unmoving. Click. The door of her home closed. He wanted to scream, to rage out. But he held on. The rain drowned out his misery. The Black Dahlia clenched tight in his grasp.


"Hey, dude. Where are you? It's Star Wars night. It's the 6th time you canceled. Call me back, okay."

"Peter, honey, Annie told me about you and MJ. You can talk to me. I'm here for you. Please call, Peter."

"Mr. Parker, this is Dr. Connors. I need your dissertation next Monday. Don't be late again, or no more considerations."

"Hi, Peter. Happy told me about it. If you want to unwind, to be alone, the cabin is always open. Morgan's asking about you. We're worried. Peter, please, call back."

"Spider-boy, we got training on Friday. The Guardians, Thor, and Danvers will come this Sunday for the bi-annual meeting. No more being late."

Peter stopped the voicemails. His life was spiraling out of control. Problems after problem kept piling on him. He knew it was coming, the break-up, he tried so hard to save their relationship. Their dates became less, and less- they'd barely talk for a month. It was too much for them to take, college, internships, and his super-heroics. After high school, they were both optimistic in making it work. They scheduled dates that work for their times, but it kept getting harder to find the time.

Time.

It seemed that he was running out of time. There wasn't enough time for his internship, schooling, friends, MJ, and Spider-Man. He looked at his messed up apartment. Dirty. Aunt May would have a heart attack seeing the place. He remembered how she cried as he moved out while MJ and Ned helped him. The pictures on the wall were full of their faces, along with Morgan, Pepper, and Happy. He had placed the portraits of Uncle Ben and Mr. Stark's near his Star Wars memorabilia. There were too many memories of MJ with him here. The days when he felt he failed the two men who influenced him, MJ was there. She was there. The late nights and highs of his life, they were together. They would watch movies at his battered couch together, laughing at the silliness of it. Together. They were happy together.

He felt tears coming up again. The room was suffocating Peter. Them. Him. Her. The memories of their relationship were haunting him.

He couldn't stay here- every corner of his apartment was full of her.

The vibrant lights of New York called him. The rain had stopped pouring for a while. Grabbing a new set of clothes, he changed his wet clothes. He needed to go out.


The happy music in the bar was grating. It seemed tonight was the night couples and lovers were going out. He was downing his 12th shot of tequila for the night. They all looked so happy. And here he was alone.

"Another," Peter ordered to the bartender. He drank it down quickly and again he motioned for one more.

Another song started it was their favorite song to dance. He gripped the glass tight. There were many strangers in the bar happy with their partners. He wanted to leave.

"A glass of your best scotch, Martin," a British accented woman from his right ordered. It was familiar. He turned to glance at the owner of the voice.

She was blond with quite a long hair. The lights of the bar obscured the color of her eyes, were they blue or green? Unlike all other patrons in the bar, she looked like she had come from a high-society party before going to the bar. His spider-senses had not registered her as dangerous. But he felt like he knew her.

Martin filled the glass with expensive scotch for the woman.

"Cheers!" she thanked. Then she caught his gaze, and she smiled. Peter felt his cheeks redden from embarrassment.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here. It's quite unlike you..." The woman addressed. Peter glanced to his left and right. She was talking to him.

"I thought you'd be swinging up there, Parker," she sipped the scotch. Her eyes glowed red in a brief second.

It was Wanda Maximoff the Scarlet Witch. Then he remembered that she and Bishop were in England for a mission for a week. But she was here at a bar in New York.

"What... What are you doing here?" He questioned.

"We managed to finish earlier than expected. And I should be asking you that. I never thought I'd see you here," Wanda continued the British accent. She swirled the scotch in the glass with a slight motion as she observed him.

"Is it a crime to go someplace unexpected?"

"Not with the way you're trying to empty the bar. Where are your friends? MJ?"

The memories of pouring rain and MJ's crying face flashed through his mind. He bit his lip in contemplation. No more crying, no more crying, yet he felt a tear streak down his cheek. He gestured for another drink. He avoided Wanda's gaze as he downed another shot.

"You look different before you went away you're hair was brunette. Also, where's Kate?" Peter changed the subject. "Again, you come here often?"

She raised her eyebrow at the apparent deflection, but she conceded.

"I thought I'd go blond for this month, besides it was for the trip. Oh, and Kate's back uptown with the others. Jetlag. She bitched about the long hours. I think she'll take some time off. The last question, hmmm..."

"It's okay if you won't answer it. It's nothing..."

"I'll answer. I go here after my business trips alone. Nat showed me the place before. Yeah, before. That's why I'm surprised to see you here. I never saw you drink once back then."

"I thought I'd try it if it does taste good. Science."

"I don't recall drinking shots of tequila is science," Wanda voiced her disbelief. He requested a glass of bourbon, thinking. She called for the bartender again for another glass of scotch as Peter went silent. There was loneliness engraved on his figure. It was prominent.

They both drank in silence. The crowd was getting rowdier. Applauses erupted in the corner of the bar. Peter and Wanda saw a man kneeling, proposing to his boyfriend.

"Stephen, the first time I saw you in this bar, I knew you're the one. I love you forever. Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Jim! Yes! I love you!"

"Yes!"

The bar exploded with cheers and applause. She joined in to clap the newly engaged couple. Peter. Peter went back again to drinking- he was getting more uncomfortable.

"Hey, I know I quiet place. Wanna go out from here?" Wanda asked him. He nodded his head in answer. "Martin, our tab, please."

"I'll pay for mine."

"I've got it, Parker. They do pay me well."

"My internship pays great too."

The two stared at each other waiting who'll give up first. Peter readied his card as Wanda took out some bills from her purse.

"Your tab is 26-"

"Keep the change, Martin," Wanda shoved the cash to the bartender. The notes were all a hundred bucks. Peter tried to protest when he felt Wanda's hand, pulling him away from the counter. It surprised him how strong she was.

Martin sighed as they walked out of the bar. The cash totaled 600 hundred dollars, more than their bill. Well, she was always an excellent patron. He'd owned this place for two decades, then the blip happened. But he remembered her and that redhead coming to the bar. After he blipped back again, he rebuilt the bar, but only the younger woman came back. He knew who they were and respected them and the sacrifices they made. That's why he never questions the heroine's frequent patronage. He's just glad she had a new friend with her in the bar.

"Who's that rich chick, boss?"

"None of your business, Mack. Get back to work!"


The streets were alive and full of people. Bright lights lit up each block of the city. Tonight was a quiet night for New York, unusual. But. It seemed the rain and cold deterred the criminals for the night. Peter and Wanda were talking about the weather as they walked.

"So, where are we going?" he asked her. They had turned to an empty alley.

"For a moment," she replied, her usual accent was back. Scanning the area, she confirmed that they were the only people in the alley. Her hand reached something in her purse, a sling ring. She weaved her palm in a circle, and a portal opened, bright lights flooded the alley.

The sound of crashing waves and seagulls startled him. A long strip of white sand beach appeared before them. Crystal blue skies completed the backdrop. It was beautiful and peaceful. So far away from New York.

"Let's go," Wanda strolled to the other side. Peter followed her. The portal closed behind them.

He took off his coat and loosened his shirt from the gentle warmth. Wanda waved her hands for another spell. Her clothes changed from a cocktail dress and heels to a simple summer dress and sandals.

They were alone on the beach.

"Do you need help?" She noticed sweat pouring out from him like buckets.

"No, I'm okay," he replied, masking his discomfort.

She frowned at his lie. With a wave of her fingers, she changed his clothes to something more comfortable. Then she conjured a parasol and two chairs. She gestured for him to sit down.

"What happened between you and MJ?" Wanda questioned him straight. The ocean was always a calming influence.

Peter did not answer immediately. He stared at the rolling waves. The hole in his chest was getting bigger. He cried.

Minutes passed between them in stillness.

"We- we broke up, she broke up with me... I knew. I knew..." Peter sobbed. "Fuck. I tried. We both tried. But..."

He appreciated her silence. He wanted to vent it all out. It might be the alcohol talking or not, but he knew he wanted someone to listen.

"You know that after Mysterio we got together. We entered some rough patches in high school, yet we love each other. Or she did. I thought we were going to have each other forever. She accepted me as Spider-Man and Peter. And..."

He stopped to find the right words. Wanda observed him.

"I still love her. I love her."

"So, what went wrong?"

"Time, it seemed I'm running out of time. Every run, swing, and leap feels like I'm too slow. Or was I too selfish? I'd probably break-up with myself for all the missed dates and me. Yeah, we couldn't compromise. Then before I knew it, we were fighting. It was about her and me. Who screwed up. Who was more often late."

Peter stood up from his chair. He stilled for a while, introspecting.

"I'm the last person that should say this, cause I don't know much about your relationship. But. Give it time, then talk to her. Hey, Peter, if you believe truly your for each other, it will happen. It's another obstacle, a detour," Wanda advised gently. He glanced at her. She smiled at him.

"You're right, I won't give up," he responded.

"That's the Peter Parker we all know. Come on, Spider-Man, don't give up. I'm here to listen. Besides, Morgan will be sad if you're sad. It's another obstacle, and that's life."

"Thanks, Wanda. For listening."

It felt good to have someone listening to him.

He smiled at her, the first genuine smile of his that day. The sun was setting down, orange, purple, and red hues began to streak across the sky. It was time for them to go home.

"Where do you want me to drop you off?" Wanda inquired.

"Yeah, how about Central Park? I'll swing from there. Uhmm, can you change my clothes again?" Peter requested. In a flash, he was back again on his previous outfit.

"Ready to go home, Peter?"

"Yes, see you again this Friday at the compound. Also, hey, Wanda can I talk to you again?"

"Sure, I'm here to listen. You have my number right. See you next time, spider-boy."

"Yeah! I've got it," Peter looked at his contacts. It was a private contact list(Avengers and Fury) made by Shuri that they installed. It also came with the highest security available.

The portal opened in a secluded part of the park. Peter jogged to the other side as he waved goodbye to her. He had a new destination in mind.


Swinging from New York's high-rise building always exhilarated him. Below him, some of the tourists stopped to take a picture of the superhero. He leaped mid-air and twisted his body as he released another strip of webbing.

He was near.

Peter jumped down to an isolated street.

"KAREN, please scan the area."

"There are no surveillance cameras nor persons in the vicinity, Peter."

He breathed a sigh of relief. Safe. He was more careful with his secret identity. The Mysterio fiasco caused him and Aunt May a lot. He didn't want to repeat the experience.

"Okay, disengage the suit, KAREN. Please," he commanded. The nano-tech suit began to unravel and stored itself to his web-shooters. He groomed himself to be presentable.

His hands were sweating.

Peter began to walk towards some row of houses. There it was MJ's house. Yesterday's memories came flying through his vision. He stopped in front of her door, shaking. His enhanced hearing began to pick up some sounds someone was talking behind the walls.

"Yes. It hurt, but it was the best for the two of us, for me. I'm choosing myself now. I never thought I'd lose myself in this relationship. Yeah. I tried. But it felt like I was the only one giving time. I know. Thanks. Maybe, when we were in high school. I did cry. I did. But it was freeing..."

Freeing, he choked. His senses were going haywire. Was this how MJ felt in their relationship? The five years of their relationship? Did their relationship hold them back, her back?

"Peter? What are you doing here?" Annie, MJ's mom, opened the door. Shock and confusion were visible on his face. His eyes were reddening from emotion as he waved hello. There was tension in his body.

"Uhm, Hi Mrs. Jones..." he mumbled.

"Michelle went upstairs just now. Do you want to talk to her?" she asked him. He could see the kindness and understanding in her eyes.

"No. No, I. Please tell her that I'll drop her things tomorrow," he fretted. "Thanks, Mrs. Jones. I'm going now. I have to go to work. Bye."

He ran. He ran as far as he could.


Peter threw himself to working and patrolling the streets of New York on the next days. He avoided Aunt May, Ned, and Pepper. He knew it was cruel to ignore them, but he wanted to be alone. His phone was full of their messages except hers.

MJ and he were not talking since that day.

He tried to call her a million times until she blocked him. There was finality from her end.

The break-up was taking a toll on him. It was the second time his heart broke: Liz and her. He would catch himself thinking about her, crying. And. After he went home from MJ's house, he boxed her things in his apartment. He still hadn't dropped it to her house. Focus. He was finishing the last touches of his dissertation for Dr. Conners. His bags already packed for MIT.

Two more months and he's going to graduate.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

He stood up to peep at the peephole of his door. There was Aunt May and surprisingly Wanda? He unlocked and opened the door.

"Aunt May? Wanda?" Peter felt confused. Why were they here?

"Good morning, Peter. Good morning, Aunt May and Wanda," Aunt May chided. Her smile was bright. Then her hands clasped on his face, searching for something.

"Good morning, Aunt May and Wanda..." he repeated. Wanda laughed behind them. She was holding some bags of food.

"Aren't you going to invite us in?" Aunt May questioned.

"Yes, yes. Come inside. I'm sorry this place is a mess."

Clothes, papers, and boxes were all over the apartment. Peter covered his face with his hand from embarrassment. He was going to clean the place this afternoon, but he was busy. He could hear Aunt May sighing in disappointment. Wanda would think of him as a slob.

He was not a slob. Just a bit busy.

"Honey, what did I taught you?" Aunt May took his laundry basket, and she began to dispense the dirty clothes inside the basket. "Can you open your curtains? You're not Dracula, are you?"

"Yes, Aunt May. Oh, Wanda, you could place the bags on the table over there. Again, sorry," Peter said while adjusting the curtains. Warm light shone through the windows, reflecting the pictures on the wall.

"You got a cozy spot here in the city, Peter. I see why you don't go at the compound often," Wanda complimented. She was taking out the groceries from the bag. "I'll start prepping."

"The knives and pans are over there. Yeah, it's much closer to the city. Pepper and Happy helped me set this up," he explained to Wanda. "Spider-Man needed to be the near the little guys, you know. He's the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. My rogues are human criminals with extra flavor. I mean, I often don't deal with intergalactic nor inter-dimensional threats. I mean that's what you do with Dr. Strange, right?"

"Yeah, but don't sell yourself short. I remember you bravely taking down some of those monsters. The threats we dealt with is a bit different from yours. It might be small or big, but Steve told me once that every help counts. You're doing quite a great job," she proclaimed. She then found some of Peter's cooking utensils.

"She's right, Peter. Every time you're back in MIT, the neighborhood is sad. I know it first hand. But I'm so happy that you'll graduate in the next couple of months," Aunt May interrupted. She grinned at him with pride. "Ben would have been so proud to see you up on that stage. Richard and Mary, too."

His chest swelled with genuine happiness. He rushed over to hug Aunt May. The loneliness he felt these past days lightened up. Tears streamed down from their cheeks, not sadness, but joy.

Wanda stopped chopping the fruits, watching the heartwarming moment. Her fist clenched in remembrance of her departed family and mentors. Their memories and this reaffirmed her decision to continue being an Avenger, a hero. She was a hero so that others could go back home to their families.

"Thank you," Peter wiped his tears while saying it to Aunt May. "Sorry, Wanda. God, I'm crying too much."

"Don't, don't apologize, everyone treasures their families. Besides, we all cry. Speaking from experience, I've cried a lot," Wanda confided. "Trust me, so don't apologize for crying."

"Yeah, I still remember when you were a child you cried after watching Star Wars. Ben and I kept on wiping your snotty nose," Aunt May giggled. Wanda laughed at the story while Peter was flushing red from it.

"May. Let's keep the stories down. I don't want the Avengers to know about that, especially Sam," Peter pleaded. "Also, why are you here, Wanda? How did you accompany my aunt?"

The two women looked at each other. Wanda lowered her head and continued prepping the food.

"You were not answering my calls or messages. Sam called me that they haven't heard from you since Monday. They sent Wanda to ask for you because Happy is in Malibu with Morgan. I'm, we're worried for you, Peter."

"May."

Peter reflected. He stared at his aunt. She moved next to him, her hand on his shoulders.

"Listen, Peter. I'm not going to say anything about you or MJ. You're still young, love comes, and love goes. Don't bury yourself alone from us. There are still people who love you. Baby steps, okay," Aunt May advised. The young man nodded in response. "Now, I'm hungry let's help, Wanda, prepare some breakfast."

"No, no. I'll do the cooking with Wanda. Remember that one time?" Peter protested. Talking with Aunt May eased his heart. Aunt May was right, baby steps, he can move on.

"Peter Parker? What are you insinuating?" she gasped at his protest. Before they could farther argue, they heard a sizzling sound. They looked at Wanda frying something at his kitchen. The scent of coffee hit them.

"I'm frying some bacon. Ahh, I don't know where are your plates. Can you get them?" Wanda conveyed. She set the bacon into the corner of the pan as she broke some eggs.

"Sure," Peter replied. The aunt and nephew went over to help the Avenger. They were sharing stories now and then.

The apartment was busy and full of laughter, unlike the past few days. After they had breakfast, the two women helped Peter cleaning up his place. Things were getting brighter for Peter. Before Aunt May and Wanda left him, he assured Wanda of his attendance for Friday's training. There were still people who care for him.


Sam was unforgiving with the team drill exercises. His body battered with bruises and cuts, thankfully he heals fast. The Avenger's roster was expanding with many heroes. Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Natasha Romanoff would be proud how far the team had come. Peter couldn't often believe that it was five years since the battle. It was near twilight when they finished training. Wanda and Dr. Strange left, Kate went practicing, Cassie rushed to her lab, and he also went out from the compound.

Peter worked for an hour patrolling the streets. He stopped a couple of muggings, shoot-outs, and burglary here and there. Then KAREN informed him about Ned.

He's not going to hide anymore.

Currently, he was waiting for Ned in a coffee shop. It felt weird to be the one waiting because he was the one that was always late. He continued sipping his coffee. Bitter. He dropped another cube of sugar in it. He drank once more. There it was the sweet spot of bitterness and sweetness.

"Peter? Dude, you're early," Ned gaped. The years had been both kind and unkind to his best friend. Ned had gained a fitter figure over the years, but he was balding early. Peter was there when Ned decided to shave his hair up. They still had the pictures on their phones after it was all done.

"I'm surprised, too," Peter agreed. He gestured for Ned to sit down. "Coffee?"

"No, I'm okay. How are you? Peter, you didn't answer my calls. You canceled Star Wars night. Then Betty told me about you and MJ breaking-up. You didn't answer again. No calls, nothing. What happened?" Ned recounted. Worry was evident in his tone.

He sipped his coffee, thinking. His best friend across him gazed at him, examining his face.

"Time. We drifted apart, me and MJ. That's it," Peter started as he clasped his hands for forgiveness. "I'm sorry, Ned, I've been an awful best friend. I'm sorry."

"Dude, it's okay. I'm just glad to see you. We're all heading to different directions sometimes. You have my back, and I have yours, that's our constant. But next time a simple text would be okay. Okay?" he assured his friend. Peter nodded his head in agreement. "So if you and MJ broke up, you're both in MIT? School's back this Monday."

"MIT has a big campus. I could avoid her, KAREN would help me. I'm still not ready to face her. I love- we were together for five years. Five years, Ned. It's still, enough about that. How are you?"

Sensing Peter's reluctance speaking about MJ, Ned allowed the subject to change.

"Yeah, I'm good. Betty and I had been taking things seriously. We both see each other often in ESU. You know, third's time the charm. It's true, Peter. But I've been working some interesting mechanics under Dr. Octavious."

"Cool! Dr. Octavious is brilliant. I've been to his science camp once. He had this passion for helping the world. Congrats man!"

The two best friends continued to catch up. Their topics varied from Star Wars, school, and friends. Both laughed at each other's antics while far from each other. Ned skirted away from the subject of MJ. It was baby steps for Peter, talking about MJ and the break-up. As they headed into the night, the two performed their signature handshake. It would be a couple of months since they'll see each other again.

Peter was beginning to take control of his life.

He suited up, protecting his neighborhood. He swung across the tall buildings, leaping, and twisting.


Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Peter tossed the pillow to his left. He glanced at the clock at his bedstand, 6:57. It was Sunday and too early for him to wake up.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

He covered his ears with another pillow.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Someone was ringing the doorbell of his apartment. He stood up, feeling sleepy still. He peeped to see Wanda. Again?

He opened the door. Wanda flushed red and turned her gaze away from him. A flicker of red pushed him inside his place. She closed the door.

"Wanda?" Peter asked in confusion. He then yawned.

"Get dressed," she answered. Her response was short and concise.

"What?"

...

"You're naked."

Peter was suddenly wide-awake. He ran towards his bedroom and shut the door. There were only three women who'd seen him naked, two as a baby, and one as a teenager. Wanda would think of him as a depraved pervert. That was awkward he couldn't face her again. His spider-senses could save him from danger, but not humiliating scenarios.

"Hurry up, Peter. Sam told me to fetch you. I didn't see anything, okay. Hurry up, because we'll be late," her muffled voice explained. Then he remembered Sam telling him about the meeting. Sam was strict, very strict.

"I'm sorry. I'll be there."

He grabbed some athletic clothing, black, and put them on. Then he grabbed his web-shooters housing his latest suit. Nine quick seconds later, he finished brushing his teeth. A pair of black trainers completed his outfit.

Peter stopped before he opened his door. How could he face her?

"Peter, we're already late. Let's go."

"Okay, in a minute," he replied. He willed himself to act cool, act normal. He stepped out the door.

Wanda was standing near his Star Wars memorabilia. She was looking at the pictures of Uncle Ben and him. Peter watched her- there was sadness in her.

"I'm ready," Peter called. She turned her head towards him. Her green eyes met his hazel.

"Let's go."

Wanda waved her hand in a circle to open a portal to the compound. The two of them step on towards the empty training room. It then closed behind them. Peter could see Benatar II and some other spaceships by the large windows. Wanda tugged his hand, leading him to the meeting room.

Heads turned as they arrived in the meeting at the middle of Sam's speech. They both lowered their heads until they found some seats. Peter could see the frown on some of their faces. He was notorious in his lateness. He squirmed in his chair. Nervous. Wanda squeezed his hand in comfort.

"Now that we're finally all here we could start. Great job everyone on the rescue efforts. The past months had been quiet, but let's not ease up. SWORD and Fury alerted me the other day about a threat. It's still far from Earth. So all heroes must be vigilant. Now, Thor, Vision, and Danvers since you three are up..."

The meeting continued outlining the possible threats in and out Earth. Some heroes, like Peter, beamed at the commendation on the street level vigilance. Kate and Cassie felt happy for their efforts. Wanda and Dr. Strange along, with a new guy, reported about the magic side of things. Dr. Strange's part was reluctant, cryptic even. But everyone was tense with the galactic threat coming. The last galactic threat had killed Iron Man and Black Widow.

"Peter, let's talk. Not you Quill, Parker," Sam called out. The rest of the superheroes left them. Some wondered on why was he called. Sam sat next to him.

"May told me about MJ. I know you do your best with your schooling, internship, and being Spider-Man. Kid, if managing your time is hard," Sam began. "I could lessen your schedule. You're graduating within two months. Relationships, trust me, needs time. If you and that girl want to continue, I'll give you enough time. Besides Murdock and Cage, will take care of New York."

Sam surprised Peter. He thought he would receive another scolding yet again. However, the older man looked at him with understanding.

"Sam. I don't think I'll need that time off. She. We've been drifting apart. I love her, but I guess we need to let go sometimes. Maybe, I'm still holding on to the part of forever. We vowed in high school, after graduation that we'll be forever," Peter lamented. It was so embarrassing. "She's my first girlfriend. And it hurts so much. I tried stopping it but. I can't stop the pain. I can't."

"We don't luck out the first time. Some are lucky, and some are not. I dated a girl once in high school. I thought she was the one. Like you, I thought it was forever. But, after I returned from the army, we found each other too different. Don't worry, you'll find love, or you'll have a chance again with MJ. That's life," Sam rubbed Peter's shoulders. The younger man smiled in appreciation. "One day, Peter, it'll ease-out, and you'll find yourself moving on.

Peter contemplated his options.

"You know with the threat coming. I'm not taking some time off training. I promise I'll manage my time better. Besides I'm graduating soon."

"If that's what you want, okay. But I'll pair you up with Wanda."

"Why, Wanda? Uhm, shouldn't she and Dr. Strange team up?"

"It's simple, kid. You're always late, and she's the most punctual. I'm quite impressed that she managed to bring you here only four minutes late. You've had a much worst record than that. You made me wait for three hours."

Peter sheepishly lowered his head. Sam laughed at his expression. They stood up sharing stories of patrolling and missions of the past few days. The other Avengers huddled by catching up with each other as they passed by.

"Peter!"

It was from Morgan. She was here. Sam patted him on his shoulders, leaving him with Morgan. The young girl rushed to hug him. He was happy to see her.


After meeting and playing with Morgan, Peter went out to patrol one last time in the city. The night was slow, and there were few criminals. So he went back to his apartment earlier.

Peter felt his cheeks ache and swell. A mugger had hit him with a sucker punch. He splashed his face water, again and again, washing it. His eyes were not red from crying anymore. As he walked towards the kitchen, he noticed the box full of MJ's things. He stilled.

He hadn't returned it yet. The night enveloped the city. But it was still early enough. It was his final day before he goes back to school. Away. He scoured his contact list for support. There was no one to call.

He didn't want to bother Aunt May, Ned, or Happy. Then he stopped on Wanda's contact. Hesitation flitted on his mind, but she told him to call if he needed help. He pressed the button to call.

It rang for a few seconds.

"Hello, Wanda? Yeah. Can I ask you a favor? Am I bothering you? No. No, thanks."

Peter put on a sweater and dark jeans. He grabbed the box and headed out once more to the city.


Wanda patted his shoulder. They were both standing in front of MJ's house. He nearly ran away as they had gotten closer. But Wanda kept him firmly standing. She gestured for him to ring the doorbell.

Peter breathed in and out.

His fingers pressed the button twice, ringing. They waited for someone to open the door. Peter was trembling with anxiousness, glancing everywhere.

The door opened.

"Peter," it was MJ. "What are you doing here? Scarlet Witch? I thought you're in outer space."

"Hi, we hadn't had met, yet, I'm Wanda. Nice to meet you," Wanda stretched her hand to shake MJ's hand. Peter remained still.

"These are your things, from my apartment. I've boxed them. Here," Peter handed the box to her. It was weird to see her smile at him. When the last time he saw her, she was crying. Then the phone call he overheard.

He turned away and fled.

"Peter! Wait, I'm sorry," Wanda apologized and ran up to catch him.

Thunder boomed loudly, a thunderstorm.

The rain drizzled down on him. The droplets were pouring harder as he stopped near a tree. His sweater was getting wetter by the moment. In his frustration, he punched the tree over and over again. Then he couldn't feel the rain dripping down.

He turned to see Wanda holding an umbrella near him. Blood was trickling down his fists. She took one of his hands and healed it. Then the other.

"Come on," she grabbed his hand, leading them out from the street. Peter. Peter followed her.


"How do you work with Vision?" Peter asked. "He's your ex, right."

Wanda stopped eating her shawarma. She grabbed her soda and drank from it. The small bistro was empty save for the two of them.

"You don't have to answer," he added.

"There was an incident before- before he was back again. I was lonely. We tried to make it work in short. But we were different people after certain events. It's hard. Things got weird between us. Then I realized that if I acknowledge our past, it's okay. Okay. I moved on as I saw how incompatible we became," Wanda concluded. Then she met his eyes. "It happened."

"Yeah..."

"I'm not gonna tell you it's going to get better. It's not, one day you'll find yourself you're fine with it. Just. Don't. Don't rush it, but take your time," she reiterated.

He thought about MJ. But maybe love wasn't enough. He's still in love with her, maybe one day it would change to love. Not in love, merely love.

They continued finishing their meal. The rain was already winding down. For Peter, he had to return to MIT, away from New York. Both had parted ways when the rain was gone.


Peter settled in his bed. His bags and projects were ready. Ready. Tomorrow was a new day. Spring break was eventful for him. Somethings in his life changed, for worse or better, he didn't know.

He was glad for all the support of his friends, and family. Aunt May was right. Baby steps.

He picked up his phone to see the messages. MJ used to text him goodnight always before. It would take time getting used to the fact she won't be texting him or calling him. He got five messages in his inbox. He read them.

"Dude, good luck for tomorrow. If you need someone to call, call me."
-Ned

"Peter, don't be late at the compound. The jet will be ready by seven. Also, it was Pepper's orders, so don't try to say no. Night."
-Happy

"Peter, honey. I love you, and I hope you best tomorrow. Call me if you need anything."
-Aunt May

"Thank you, Peter. Morgan was so happy that you got to play and talk to her today. The Stark branch near MIT was applauding your work there. Tony would be so happy seeing you graduating in his alma mater."
-Pepper

Peter looked surprised to see the last message.

"Hey, if you need a friend I'm here. Sam told me that we're partners for some missions. So partner, keep your head high and keep swimming. Night."
-Wanda

Wanda was someone he was getting to know better. They've worked together in the past, but this week they had slowly become fast friends. A chance meeting. He was looking forward to seeing her. Together they might become close friends.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Slow burn. Like a burning candle that flames on for hours. Like a bomb fizzling away slowly till it gets in the end, then explosions.

Thanks for reading.