Title: May Never Be

Author: November02

Pairing: Peter/OC, Peter/Mary Jane later

Warnings: Some Spider-Man 2 spoilers in later chapters!

Rating: PG-13 to be safe and R later on

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I am just a fan of the Spider-Man movies and a newbie to his comic book world. I only own my character Nicole Stewart.

A/N: Thank you A-M-G-4-evr I'm going to try and keep this updated.

Thanks jjonahjameson I hope I can! I really hope I can!

tHnX Rehsh Let's hope I can get to the wonderful finish!

And lastly thank you Queen of the Nile I updated...not very soon but it's here!

Also...this isn't proofread. Sorry!

Chapter Three

I had gotten over the blue eyes within a month. It was nothing short of a miracle but it happened. Peter had finished up his Chess meeting and I was waiting for him. My Literary Magazine meeting had ended a few minutes ago. I was going to take him home and we were going to collaborate on the latest school newspaper issue.

"As Literary Advisor, I order you to hurry up." I called into the chess classroom.

Some of his fellow members laughed and shouted back greetings. I liked most of them in there and they were definitely better company than Flash Thompson was.

"Just because you have amazing luck on your side doesn't mean that you can boss me around."

"You're standing next to me though."

"Oh, come on."

We headed out to the parking lot and went off to Peter's house. I knew the way rather well since I had given MJ rides every once in a while.

"I love Wednesdays. They signal the week is almost over."

"Me too. But I prefer Fridays. Oh, did I mention I hate Karma?" I pulled up at the stop sign.

"That was quite random." Remarked Peter who was holding his books in his lap.

"That's Nicole for you. I was always getting rides from my best friend in Jersey. He always complained about how I had my own license and car. But we had fun. Now I'm giving out rides."

"You always mention this best friend. Will he ever come up to visit?"

My mood sunk to an all time low – now at least. "He died. He killed himself."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wouldn't have brought him up."

Pete's sincerity was breathtaking. Most people would have said that and it would have sounded mechanical. With Peter, however, it sounded so heartfelt that I wanted to breakdown right there. "You're alright. You're good people. Remember that always, kiddo. Okay? Promise me you'll remember."

"I promise." He whispered as I finally crossed the intersection that lead to his neighborhood.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence. It wasn't awkward at all. It felt as if Peter was quietly contemplating or praying or grieving with me. I swear that hallway meeting a month ago was a godsend. I love that kid.

I pulled my car up to the sidewalk, got out and maneuvered to the trunk, without getting hit. With my pack in hand, Peter led me to his front door and held it open for me, like a true gentleman. His aunt and uncle raised him right.

I couldn't wait to talk to Aunt May and Uncle Ben (They had insisted that I call them that) so that we could catch up while sipping tea. I had a real liking to peppermint tea and Aunt May only strengthened that love affair.

"Hello, dear." Aunt May's voice lilted. She was setting up the cups while Uncle Ben read the paper.

"Hello Aunt May. Uncle Ben. How's the rice today?" I joked as I sat in the chair to his right.

"It stuck to the pot." He grumbled. In other words: A lousy day at the plant.

I looked across the table at Peter who was adding a touch of milk to his tea. I drank mine straight. I took in the sights and smells of Peter's home. It was quite smaller than my house but it was homey, lived in, and filled with pride. He had two almost parents who were a wonderful substitute to his biological parents while mine felt as if they were subbing. I always thought my biological parents would come and get me. That was never going to happen.

My heart sank as I thought of the torment he received at school. I highly doubt that his aunt or uncle knew a thing about it. He was a noble young man and I felt like I was falling. I knew I never stood a chance compared to his lovely, red-haired, girl-quite-literally-next-door crush but a girl could pine, couldn't she?

"So, are your parents back from their business trips?" Aunt May questioned politely.

"No. They won't be back until Saturday."

"Who are you staying with?"

"Myself. They left me the family credit card. I'm perfectly capable."

Uncle Ben laid the newspaper down. "You should stay here."

"I couldn't. I wouldn't want to impose."

"It's not imposing if we ask." Peter said timidly.

He is too cute. "You too! You raised this boy right." I directed that statement to Aunt May. Everyone knows the woman runs the show.

I watched Peter as he gazed at his aunt. He had such love and admiration for her. For both his uncle and aunt. I may have gotten over his eyes but I couldn't get past his integrity. I had such a crush on Peter.

"I would love to stay but I couldn't impose. I just entered your lives recently. I wouldn't feel right mooching off of you." I sipped my tea.

"I don't like the idea of you by yourself. I don't like Harry doing it and I certainly don't like you doing it either." Aunt May protested. The woman had fire.

"Next time around. Maybe after Christmas break."

"Okay but you can come over anytime, dear."

"Don't tell her that. We don't want another teenager in the house." Uncle Ben commented.

"Hey! Weren't you the one who first suggested my staying here? And besides, what are you trying to say about our lovely Peter? He is an upstanding teenager. Or is he?" I chuckled lightly. I loved this family. "Maybe you could convince me to stay and eat dinner. I could help prepare something seeing as how me and Pete have to work on the newspaper layout which is due tomorrow."

"It's settled. You can stay for dinner. You don't have to cook. Just get the paper done." Aunt May insisted.

"If that is so, then I must clean dishes. No 'ifs', 'ands', or 'buts' about it."

"Deal." She collected her cup and saucer along with Peter's. I took my set into the kitchen.

"We need to get started. Remember your-" Peter perked up.

"Of course! Carried it in my bookbag the whole day!" I interrupted. I hated doing that but it was a must for me.

We rumbled up the steps and entered his fairly tidy room. It was cramped to my standards especially with the random books, notes and other Peter memorabilia strew about the desk and surrounding floor. I pulled out my laptop and plugged it in. I sat at his desk while he either hovered over me or sat on his bed. Whenever I could, I peeked at different aspects of his room. I noticed that his window was directly across from May Jane's. That sly, cunning, and adorably sweet boy! I wondered what he did when he saw her in her nightwear or daywear or coming out of either. I was a bad girl!

Time passed by rather quickly for the newspaper. Our combined talents were sufficient enough to get us through the layout, extra editing and a few answers to homework questions. I had packed up my things and the succulent smells of Aunt May's cooking treated us.

"I just want to thank you Peter for letting me into your home."

"Don't be ridiculous. I wasn't going to leave you outside."

"I mean allowing me into your family. It's great here. Very cozy and inviting and warm and everything that my life had been missing as of recently." I stood, stretching. I then flopped onto the bed, lying next to him as he sat up. He was so considerate of females and their proper space. He didn't move away from me; he just sat up so I wouldn't be placed so intimately near him...even though I wanted to be, secretly.

"You're my friend. You helped me before."

"I'm glad I did." I whispered as I closed my eyes.

"Me too." He replied. "I want to hear about your friend. If you think you can handle it."

"Malek was his name. He killed himself. In front of me. He jumped from a building. I tried to talk him down but his torment was more important to break. He was like you in many aspects. Quiet, intelligent, thoughtful and considerate...a real joy once you go to know him." I trailed off. I couldn't think of him right now. "It's been almost four months."

I felt a warm hand gently pat my shoulder. "I'm sorry for your pain. Do your parents know?"

"Of course. His death is why I left my first school, then we moved out here and the expulsion from my second high school."

"Oh," he murmured gently. I opened my eyes and all I saw was his glasses. Why those, I don't know. I think it was because of his eyes. I still loved them.

"Let's get off this morbid subject! I want to hear about you, Mary Jane and how long you've been in love with her."

I'm a very abrupt and straightforward person.

I watched as Peter sputtered. "I, uh...huh? What are y-you talking about?"

"Oh Pete! It's so obvious. I wouldn't doubt it if Mary Jane knew about it. Don't be ashamed of it at all. I think it's rather touching. Now spill!"

"Fine. I've been in love with her since I was six, that's when she moved in next door. When I saw her, I thought I had seen an angel. I've been pining for her for years. We were really good friends up until seventh grade. Popularity started to become a factor and we began to split apart. It was hard at first but I saw that my status would not be the best thing for her. I stepped aside. I made her promise to go and be happy and to someday be friends with me. We're getting back to talking again." He was staring in front of him.

I sat up, scooted next to him, wrapped my arm around his shoulders, and leaned my head against his. "You are a good man. A stupid one but good nonetheless." I muttered against his ear. He patted my hand.

"You seem to be the only girl who thinks that."

"You're Aunt May thinks that. I'm sure."

I laughed softly. "You know what I mean."

"I bet my car that MJ feels the same. Most girls would if they gave you a chance or if you spoke up and put yourself out there. I do believe that Amanda is having a holiday party during the break. She said I could invite someone. I was thinking Harry but I'm sure he could weasel his way into the mix somehow. So, what do you think? Wanna go to the party with me?" I was going out on a limb here but I had to try. I could try and get MJ and Peter together.

"I don't think so."

"Please." I whimpered.

Peter turned and faced me full on. I continued to plead with him silently, my eyes begged.

"I'll think about it. That's the best you can get."

"Thank you!" I hugged him, forcing him to fall back on the bed. "And who said I couldn't act!"

Aunt May peeked inside, clearing her throat. "Excuse me, dears but it's time to eat."

I quickly got off of him. "We'll be down soon, Aunt May." Peter said.

"Okay. Hurry now." She left, keeping the door open further than it was originally.

"Sorry if I got you into any trouble."

"Don't fret. Now let's go." He closed my laptop.

I followed him downstairs and we sat to a great meal. I sat in silence, putting my two cents whenever proper. I couldn't wait to start on my new project. I would get those two together since MJ deserved a good man. Flash was a Neanderthal while Peter was a Renaissance Man.

It was soon time for me to clean up. It was the most pleasurable time I had ever experienced in dealing with a chore. The whole family sat in the kitchen and talked, joked, laughed and commented. It was nice.

"Today was great." I said as I embraced Uncle Ben. Peter had gone to collect my things, to Aunt May's suggestion.

"It was...the second half at least." He winked. "I heard about the little incident upstairs. Why didn't either of you tell us that you were together?"

"Oh, sir, no. We were just hugging."

"Sure."

"We were. There is nothing going on between us. He likes someone else and I'm determined to get them together. For now at least. I may have even convinced him to go to a Christmas party."

"Good idea. He needs to get out more but don't discard yourself with Peter. He talks fondly of you."

Not as fondly as he looks at Mary Jane, I thought.

"You would be a good match for him."

"Okay. I'll keep that in mind. 'Night."

I said my farewells and, with my things in my hand (on my shoulder), I left Pete's house, wishing I had stayed.