Disclaimer: Spider-Man and all associated characters are all property of their respective owners.
Chapter 23
"So, have you and Peter finally hooked up?"
Mary Jane choked on her orange juice, trying to cough quietly as to not draw the attention of the other patrons of the restaurant. "Aunt Anna," MJ scolded her chuckling aunt in between coughs.
"What," said Aunt Anna, defending herself, "I honestly want to know."
"That's a really personal question," said an uncomfortable MJ
Aunt Anna shrugged, "I mean you told me you had moved in with him and you've been around each other for so long that I was certain you would have done something by now. Maybe like a quick heat of the moment thing..."
"Oh god, Aunt Anna," exclaimed MJ, not wanting to allow her to finish the embarrassing sentence. This is not what she thought she would be talking about when her aunt had invited her out to brunch.
"Does he still live with May," asked Aunt Anna curiously.
MJ hesitated, "Yes."
"So he still doesn't have his own place yet," deadpanned Aunt Anna.
"He has a place," MJ hastily lied, "He just... let's Aunt May stay there. You know so she doesn't have to struggle with expenses herself."
"Oh, well that's nice," said Aunt Anna as she forked some of her food, "So, where is it?"
"Upper East Side," replied MJ with a grimace.
It was Aunt Anna's turn to choke. "He can afford a place out there," Aunt Anna gasped, "What does he do?"
"He... uh... does jobs for the government," answered MJ, trying to put on a convincing smile.
"What kind of jobs," probed Aunt Anna.
"That's confidential," said MJ, shrinking under the gaze of her incredulous aunt and that stupid cocked eyebrow of hers. It wasn't like MJ could tell her aunt that Peter was Spider-Man and that SHIELD had given him the penthouse because Doctor Octopus and his goons destroyed the house in Queens. She technically wasn't lying, it just wasn't the entire truth. She didn't know how Peter was able to do this since he was 15.
"Are you planning to settle down with him," Aunt Anna finally asked after a lengthy pause.
"You're asking a lot of questions," said MJ, trying to deflect the question.
"Well are you," Aunt Anna asked again.
MJ thought about the situation she had with Peter and the two other women she shared him with. "I don't know," she answered softly.
"Well you need to know soon," said Aunt Anna, "Yeah the partying and shacking is fun for now. But you're not getting any younger."
"Aunt Anna, I'm only 20," said MJ
"And in 10 years you'll be 30," replied Aunt Anna, "Time flies when you're having fun. And one day, you'll wake up and those 10 years will have come and gone. Peter's a good guy with a fine head on his shoulders. You know, you two getting together was the main reason May and I introduced you to each other." The words of her aunt resonated in the mind of MJ. So far, everything was smooth sailing with Peter, Gwen and Felicia. It was fun fooling around with them. But, her aunt was right. MJ loved Peter deeply and she knew he felt the same about her. And about Gwen. And about Felicia. That's when reality puts a spike in the heart of their fairytale dream love triangle... or square... whatever it is. He can only be with one of them in the end.
In high school, MJ had her whole future planned out: successful journalist, married to a loving husband, have a kid or two, and live happily ever after. Where did Gwen and Felicia fit in this scenario? They didn't. She loved Gwen and Felicia to death but they weren't part of the plan. MJ shook her head, clearing it of the stress inducing thoughts, "Can we talk about something else, please?"
Aunt Anna sighed, "Fine. Well you'd never guess what the couple next door has been up to since you left." MJ listened silently to her gossiping aunt, occupying her mouth with food and drink.
-Parker Residence-
Gwen sighed as she typed away on her laptop, trying to work on a paper for her biochemistry class but a certain someone was making it difficult to work. The blonde looked up at the ceiling to see Peter pacing back and forth. He had a textbook in his hand, drilling himself on various chemical compounds. "Pete, you need to relax," Gwen admonished, "You're going to track foot prints on the ceiling and those are going to be impossible to explain to May."
Peter fell gingerly onto the bed next to Gwen. "Finals are coming up," Peter explained, "I've already missed a bunch of lectures because to my Spidey duties. If I don't ace this, I'm gonna flunk."
Gwen rested her head on Peter's shoulder, "You'll do fine. You're in league with Curt Connors plus you're sleeping with the top of the class."
Peter cocked an eyebrow at her, "Did you really just refer to yourself as 'the top of the class'?"
"Hey, I worked my butt off for that title, I will throw it around as much as I want," Gwen bragged.
Gwen let out a surprised yelp as Peter scooped her up into his lap. Peter nuzzled her neck, his warm breath sending chills down her spine, "That's a shame, I really liked your butt."
Gwen giggled as Peter's hands began to roam her body, "Pete, what are you doing?"
"You said I needed to relax," Peter replied simply, peppering kisses along Gwen's exposed skin.
Gwen bit back a moan, "But, I need to finish my paper..." Peter didn't speak, only responding with a light kiss behind her ear. "...and you need to study," Gwen continued, half-heartedly trying to squirm from her lover's clutches. A gasp escaped Gwen's lips as Peter rubbed the crotch of her leggings, her feeble protests falling on deaf ears. Gwen sighed and glanced back at a grinning Peter, "You know we're going to regret not working later." All remaining hesitation was thrown out of the window as soon as his lips met hers. Gwen melted into Peter, pulling him closer to her and deepening the kiss.
With speed that rivaled that of Quicksilver, Peter had Gwen on her back beneath him. Peter planted kisses along Gwen's neck, trailing down to her collarbone. With swift, fluid movements, Peter managed to rid Gwen of her top and bra. If she was being honest, she was probably too enthralled in his lips to notice his hands. Gwen was writhing in pleasure; Peter's teasing of her supple body coupled with the feeling of his leg grinding against her yearning entrance sent waves of tantalizing electricity coursing through her. Ok, Gwen had to admit that this was much better than... what were they supposed to be doing? Well, as long as it didn't involve getting Peter out of those clothes, it didn't matter. She reached between their bodies and stroked the outline of his erection.
Gwen made quick work of Peter's zipper, releasing his throbbing arousal. A deep groan rumbled in Peter's throat as Gwen stroked him through his boxers. Gwen gripped the back of Peter's head and pulled him into her cleavage. She nipped at his ear, soothing the tender spot with a loving lick. Peter shuttered at the assault on his senses, making Gwen smirk. "You're not the only one who can play dirty," Gwen whispered huskily, toying with the head of Peter's rock hard member. The smirk was quickly swept away as Peter took a nipple into his lips. Gwen moaned as Peter kneaded her sensitive bosom, his meticulous fingers teasing her nipples until they were hardened peaks.
Gwen wrapped her legs around the hero's waist, rocking her hips against his. A deep groan rumbled in Peter's chest; he could feel the wanton heat emanating from Gwen's mound, his hips bucking back against hers instinctively. Gwen gasped as Peter's length pressed against her, coaxing a moan to escape from her lips. It wasn't long before she noticed the crotch of her leggings was soaked. Damn, she wanted him so bad. Gwen pushed her superpowered lover from her body, much to his dismay. Predictably, he started to whine, but Gwen could care less about what he was saying. All she cared about in that moment was the tent in his tugged the waistband of Peter's underwear, releasing his engorged member. She licked her lips in anticipation. She had to have him. Gwen shoved Peter on his back and straddled his head. Just as she predicted, all of his yammering stopped. Gwen's fingers daintily wrapped around his pulsing monster, her soft hand gliding along the rock hard shaft. Gwen cooed quietly as she slowly stroked him, making the Webbed Avenger's breath hitch. Gwen bit her lip; if she was being honest, the sight of Peter squirming under her was such a turn on. The sight of the Amazing Spider-Man's toes curling from a simple handjob was just too hot.
Leaning forward, Gwen took him into her mouth, enveloping him in a warm, wet vise of pleasure. Peter gasped audibly, Gwen's tongue was like velvet against his skin, slithering around his head like a snake. Gwen quickly picked up her pace, bobbing her head along his rod, each time taking him in deeper. She hollowed her cheeks, bringing him closer to the edge. Peter moaning her name was music to her ears and see wanted to hear more.
Peter couldn't hold himself back any longer. His hands came up and tore away the crotch of Gwen's leggings revealing her glistening lips. No panties? Nice. Peter immediately began to lap at the dripping well above him, his tongue burrowing into her. Gwen shivered as Peter's tongue sent waves of ecstasy through her body. Peter ate her out like it was his last meal and she had no objections. His tongue lashed at her snatch in a feverish frenzy, attacking her clit with unrelenting passion. She couldn't stop the flood pouring from her mound even if she wanted to and she definitely did not want him to stop. Gwen found it hard to continue her service to Peter, her mind going blank as he pushed her toward her climax. Peter sat up, bringing Gwen's lower half with him.
His fingers joined in the fun, probing the blonde's wet channel. Gwen bit her tongue, fighting the urge to scream Peter's name until her voice gave out. "P-Peter, please g-give it to me," Gwen barely managed to croak, her legs going numb from the onslaught on her senses.
Peter hastily changed positions, laying Gwen down on her stomach. A hungry stare honed in on Gwen's radiant rear. Wasting little time, Peter straddled her hips and aligned himself at her entrance. A choked squeal flew from Gwen as he plunged into her. She buried her face into the bed, hoping the mattress would drown the sounds of her moans. Peter plowed relentlessly, the sound of flesh on flesh joined his rhythmic grunts. Gwen always enjoyed Peter's gentle, loving touch; how he would take his time and make her feel like the most important person in the world. This was different. This was carnal, this was savage. This wasn't love making, this was hot-blooded fucking. And she loved every second of it.
Peter's cock rammed into her sopping cunt, driving Gwen closer to her limit. She moaned into the mattress, finding it impossible to stifle her lustful cries any longer. He took hold of her shoulders, forcing her body to match his strokes. Gwen clenched the sheets, desperately trying to hold on to anything as her grip on reality began to slack. Peter draped himself over Gwen, diving deeper into the blonde's tight pussy. Bottoming out in the bombshell under him, Peter felt as if he would explode at any minute. Her dripping walls clung to him, refusing to let go until he was milked dry. Gwen whimpered as Peter ravished her hungry snatch. She felt so full, he was driving her crazy.
His cock was intoxicating, the damn thing persistently hitting the right spots. Again and again, wave after wave of pleasure racked her body. Peter ground his hips into Gwen's pert posterior. Gwen shivered in ecstasy as she felt Peter's lips attack her neck, a devilish grin forming against her sensitive skin. Gwen threw her head back to let out a high pitched moan. Just as she was about to let loose, a hand quickly covered her mouth. Gwen screamed into Peter's hand, unable to contain herself. It was just too good. He felt so damn good. Gwen pulled Peter closer to her, "P-Pete, I'm- ngh... I'm gonna..." Peter lifted Gwen from the bed and sat her on his lap, never losing pace. His fingers immediately targeted her clit, rubbing the bundle of nerves with fervor.
That did it. Gwen's body stiffened as the onslaught of pleasure from her climax overwhelmed her. Her mouth opened but no sound escaped it, only whimpers and desperate gasps. Her walls clamped around him like a vise. Soon, her body went limp and she collapsed onto the bed. Gwen gasped for breath, trying to regain what was left of her composure. There were so many words to describe what she felt, the pleasure she had experienced that made a few fleeting moments feel like an eternity, but only one came out, "Fuck."
Peter kissed Gwen's sweat covered skin, making the blonde moan involuntarily, "Glad you enjoyed it. Think you could help with mine?"
Gwen tiredly glimpsed at Peter's still engorged shaft, waiting for its relief. Her head fell back to the bed in a huff, "Fuck." Peter turned her over to her back and plunged into her still spasming slit. The two lovers were so enthralled in their activities that they didn't notice the door opening. MJ stopped in surprise at the sight of her friends going at it like animals. That surprise was quickly dismissed, she should have expected as much.
"I see you two are having fun," mused MJ as she put her things away.
Peter looked over his shoulder to greet his lover with a smile, "Hey, how did brunch go?"
A dreadful expression overtook the redhead's features, "I'd rather not talk about it."
"Is that MJ," Gwen asked desperately, her speech slurred, "You think you can take over for me?"
MJ could feel her body grow hot. The sight of Peter having his way with Gwen had definitely affected her. How could it not? She bit her lip as she reach for the hem of her shirt but stopped short. Her aunt's words echoed in her head, how long did she see herself doing this? MJ's face fell, "I don't think-"
Suddenly, a web strand attached itself to her waist. With his superhuman strength, Peter pulled her to him. MJ yelped as he caught her and began to kiss her neck. "C'mon, what happened to the more the merrier," Peter teased, his lips dancing across MJ's flesh. Peter's hands found their way underneath MJ's skirt, rubbing the crotch of her panties. Mary Jane let out a barely audible moan, pressing her body against Peter's chiseled form. MJ let out a sharp hiss as Peter's digits managed to dip into her longing hole. Damn, he was so good. MJ knew it was almost impossible to resist his charms. He knew what she liked, where to touch her, how to touch her. They were completely compatible.
A hoarse moan brought her back to reality. A moan that wasn't her own. MJ glanced at Gwen lying on her back, taking Peter's length as if she weren't there. And there it was again: the sobering truth. Peter didn't belong to her. He didn't belong to Gwen. He didn't belong to anyone.
MJ pushed away from Peter, despite how much she wanted to be closer to him. Peter gave her a puzzled look, "MJ?"
Mary Jane backed away from the couple, straightening her clothes, "I'm sorry, I just... I can't." MJ fled from the room much to the confusion of Gwen and Peter.
What the hell was that? MJ cursed under her breath as she made her way to the balcony. How could she let her aunt's words get to her that much? She was with the man she loved and her best friends in an amazing apartment having fun. She was happy with her life. Wasn't she? "Mary Jane?"
MJ peered over her shoulder to see her beloved in question, a worry stricken expression perverting his usually cheerful face. She admonished herself for even looking at him, she knew she would be ensnared by those big puppy dog eyes. "MJ, I'm sorry if I forced myself on you," Peter apologized meekly, "I thought you-"
"It's not you Peter," MJ reassured him, bringing her vacant gaze back to the beautiful view from the balcony.
Peter came to stand beside his childhood friend, "Is it the webs? That is a new outfit right? I really wasn't thinking with my head. Well, the big one anyway."
Predictable Peter Parker: always making a mountain out of an ant hill so he could add it on the the mounding pile of guilt resting on his shoulders. MJ scoffed to herself, she shouldn't have expected anything less. At least he cared. Unfortunately for her, he cared way more than she liked.
She didn't know what came over her in those next moments, but whatever it was refused to be silent, "When was the last time we hung out together?"
Peter was visibly taken aback by the sudden shift her tone, noticing a sense of determination in her eyes. "Well, there was last night," Peter started before MJ cut him off.
"Not like that," MJ frowned, tapping Peter on his temple, "Think with your big head Parker."
"I guess it would've been when we went to that weird bar Felicia told us about," said Peter, scratching his head, "I can't remember the name of it."
"But that was with Gwen and Felicia," replied an exasperated MJ, "I mean when was the last time we hung out together? Just us."
Peter opened his mouth to answer but found himself running a blank. It couldn't have been that long ago could it? As much as he hated to admit it, Peter couldn't recall the last time he and MJ were alone to enjoy each other's company. When he first became Spider-Man, Peter's time with her and Harry was already waning but after Fury recruited him into SHEILD the only things he had time for was school, training and missions. Up until now, he's spent more time as Spider-Man than he did Peter Parker.
"I guess it has been a while huh," Peter finally replied, his brows furrowing in concentration.
MJ bit on the tip of her thumb as if fighting inwardly on her next course of action. Throwing out all of her reservations, she grabbed Peter's hand, "Let's change that." Peter gave her a confused look as she continued, "Let's go out, just the two of us, you and me." The redhead began pulling her lover back into the apartment with a newfound fire, there was still time to make her "happily ever after" a reality and she was going to do everything in her power to make it so.
"OK, where are we going," asked Peter, still confused by MJ's spontaneous idea.
"It's New York, we'll find something to do," MJ quickly replied, "Now go clean up, you smell like a brothel."
The mall was just as busy inside as the streets of New York were outside. The walkways were flooded with patrons and the stores were filled wall to wall, but none of that mattered to MJ as she walked arm in arm with Peter. MJ couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for trying to steal Peter from the other girls but that feeling would always quickly dissipate every time she would look up at his warm smile beaming back at her. If wanting to have the love of her life and the best friend she ever had all to herself was wrong, she didn't want to be right. MJ shook her head, pushing the intrusive thoughts from her mind. She can't think about that, right now she had a hunk in her arms and a whole day of fun ahead of her.
"Well where to first, Tiger," asked MJ, "We could try one of those new van Dyne shops. I could model some stuff for you."
Peter grinned like a mad man at the possibility of the fiery haired woman putting on a show just for him. He cleared his throat as he tried to hide the growing blush on his cheeks, "That would be nice, but Janet's stuff is kind of out of my price range."
MJ playfully poked Peter in his side, "What? Did SHIELD give you a dock in pay for the apartment?"
"I wish, that place is probably the only thing I've gotten in terms of pay for missions," replied Peter, "Then again, getting paid kind of goes against the idea of being a 'selfless hero'."
MJ giggled as she pulled him toward the store, "Well, there's nothing wrong with a bit of window shopping, is there?"
"I'd beg to differ, Red."
The pair turned to the source of the voice and MJ's heart immediately sank. Toting armfuls of shopping bags was another woman vying for Peter's affections, Felicia. The cat burglar strolled over to the couple, "In my experience, once I see something I want, it's almost impossible not to take it." Felicia eyed the two lovers inquisitively, "So where's Gwen?"
"Hello to you too, Felicia," replied MJ dryly as she subtly tried to pull Peter away, "No Gwen, just us today. Speaking of which-"
"Well that's no fun," said Felicia, taking Peter's other arm in her own, "Wouldn't it be better if you guys join me? Besides, I'm going to need some super strength to carry all of these." Felicia caught a glimpse, as fleeting as it was, of frustration in MJ's eye. The mirth lift in the corner of her lips was quickly masked by a pout, "Please, Spider? I'm sure Red and I could give you quite the show."
MJ's patience with her friend was wearing paper thin. She opened her mouth to out right reject her offer but was surprised when Peter spoke up, "I mean, I don't mind, if it's OK with you Mary Jane."
A tinge of hurt shot through the young woman but she quickly buried it. "Only if she's paying," MJ joked, forcing a smile on her face.
It was hard for MJ to hide her annoyed expression as she and Peter strolled through Central Park, but she was sure she hadn't tipped off her beloved vigilante. Felicia promised Peter a show and she did more than delivered, putting on a pageant for the awe struck Parker. Though she did get some extravagant outfits from the spree, they were little solace for all the time alone with Peter she was robbed of. Had it not been for an urgent call Felicia had to take during her escapades, she'd probably be walking with them now. MJ let out a tense huff, what could have been wasn't what was important. She had him to herself now and that was all that mattered.
"I can't believe that they had Spider-Man themed swimsuits," exclaimed an exasperated Peter, "That has to be some sort of copyright infringement!"
MJ chuckled at his manic ranting, "You can't give the rights to someone they don't know the name of."
Peter's comically fell, "Maybe Stark was onto something when he did that press conference."
MJ shook her head in amusement, "Now that it's finally just us again, where to now? We've got the whole day to ourselves."
Peter wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him, "I'm sure we can find some trouble to get into." Suddenly, an all too familiar tingling sensation began to rattle away in Peter's skull. His entire body tensed as he tried to anticipate where the danger was coming from. Before he could make heads or tails of the sudden feeling, something strong bumped into him from behind, knocking him off balance. Peter quickly caught himself and the person that ran into him. It was odd, not many things could take him off of his feet like that. "Woah, are you OK," asked Peter, as he help the person, a blonde woman, steady herself.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm fine, I'm just in a rush," replied the woman, lifting her gaze to meet his, revealing her face.
Peter was taken aback by the surprise, "Carol?"
"Peter," she replied, a smile growing on her face. Carol Danvers, known to the world as Ms. Marvel, felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Am I happy to see you," she sighed gratefully, "Can you do me a favor and hide me?" Peter nodded and scanned the area, a grin crossing his face as he spotted a souvenir shop nearby. It only took a matter of moments to retrieve a cap and pair of sunglasses from the kiosk to give to his fellow Avenger. As soon as she donned the makeshift disguise, a horde of clambering fans and paparazzi flooded the park. "Thanks again," said a relieved Carol, "Is it too much to ask for a quiet day off?"
"Don't mention it, saving people is what I do," replied Peter, "Then again, Jonah might blow a gasket if he knew I missed a chance to catch snapshots of Ms. Marvel."
"Hope there's a way I can repay you," Carol winked at the Webhead before quickly turning to the redhead standing next to him, "Oh.. uh... sorry, I didn't know you were on a date." Carol extended her hand to MJ, "Hi, judging from the red hair, you must be Mary Jane. I've heard a lot about you."
"Well I can't stop hearing about Ms. Marvel," MJ replied amicably, "Didn't think I'd get the chance to thank an Avenger personally for helping Pete out with the Goblin."
"No need, Spidey 'thanked' me more than enough himself," Carol quipped, giving MJ a quirked eyebrow. Her face faltered when she saw that MJ was far from amused. "Uh... what I meant was," Carol stammered, "I just thought that... he had said your... relationship was an... uh, open one."
"It is," MJ reassured the uneasy superheroine, "I just wasn't expecting to know how open it was."
Carol could feel the tension radiating from her new acquaintance, it's weight coming down harder than anything her superhuman strength ever had to support. "Thanks again Spidey for the help," Carol awkwardly waved, backing away from the couple, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Watson."
Peter chuckled nervously as he turned his attention back to MJ, "What are the chances huh?"
MJ gave him a questioning eyebrow before muttering a reply, "What are the chances?"
There was no way someone could ruin a movie. It should be impossible. There's very little chance to bump into somebody when you're sitting down in a dark room engrossed in the film on screen. No Felicia, no Gwen, no other random one night stands or flings that Peter had kept to himself. Perfect. MJ, in a desperate attempt to salvage the mood, picked the sappiest, mushy, lovey-dovey flick on the marquee. She was determined to make some progress in her endeavor, other women be damned.
"Alright, give it here," MJ demanded, earning a confused look from Peter. "Your phone," she elaborated, "We don't need anymore distractions for you today."
Peter chuckled as he placed his phone into MJ's waiting hand, "Guess our time alone hasn't really gone as planned has it?"
"What do you mean," replied MJ sarcastically as she silenced their phones, "Everything went exactly like I drew it up."
Peter drew her close to him, kissing the top of her head, "Well, you've got my full attention now. I'm all yours."
The movie, predicably was a cheesy travesty. However, if she were to be honest, there probably wasn't a better way to spend her night than laughing at a cliché mess of a movie in the arms of her beau. While it was part of a crackpot plot to make Peter hers alone, MJ honestly missed the times she spent with him. It hurt when he had stopped hanging out with Harry and herself as often in high school. Of course it was due to him being Spider-Man but it wasn't like he could tell her at the time. In fact, not knowing made it worse. When she was with him, all of her problems seemed to just fade away. Whether it was school, work, the uncertain future or even that irritating beeping coming from Peter's wrist. OK, maybe not that last one.
"What is that," asked MJ, giving apologetic looks toward the other occupants of the theatre.
Peter pulled his shirt sleeve back to reveal a cloaked communicator mounted on his wrist. He gave MJ a worried look, "I'm getting a transmission."
"Is it serious," MJ asked, now just as worried.
"I'll be back," Peter reassured her as he navigated his way through the congested row.
Turns out there was a way to ruin a movie: SHIELD. MJ would have to get in touch with that Director Fury guy and give her a piece of her mind. Of course she would have to figure out how to do that first. The last act wasn't nearly as funny, not with the thought of Peter in danger fighting some lunatic in spandex looming over her head. She probably should have expected something like this to come up. Peter put his responsibility as Spider-Man above everything else, something she understood but could never fully accept. Most days, she would wish that, for at least once, he would let another of the dozens of superheroes in New York would handle the bad guy. Was it selfish? Maybe, but she would watch the whole world burn if that meant Peter would be safe and come back to her. MJ couldn't stomach the movie for another minute and settled on waiting outside for Peter to come back. She ignored the crowds of people as the filed out of the building, skimming over the area to find the familiar sight of her best friend.
"So how did it end?"
MJ lifted her head to see Peter, still clad in his costume, perched on the lamppost above her. "She ended up marrying the other guy," MJ joked, walking away from the crowd to as not to draw attention, "Turns out, they locked the doors to the church so no one could object."
Peter hopped from the lamppost and onto a neighboring wall, "Oh no, I was really rooting for 'Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome'."
"And how did it go with you," asked MJ, a hint of concern crossing her face.
"The Shocker was upset about something, wouldn't tell me what," answered Peter, "I asked him to nicely stop blowing stuff up and that turned out just as well as you'd expect." The arachnid themed hero offered a hand to his lover and lifted her up. The couple soared over the city in silence as Peter gracefully swung through the towering buildings of New York. "I'm sorry," said Peter softly, his low voice finally breaking the deafening silence.
"Don't be, the city needed you," replied MJ, burying her face into his shoulder so he wouldn't see her disappointment.
"So did you," Peter retorted, catching MJ off guard, "I just hope this would help make up for it." MJ gave Peter a puzzled glance as he landed on a rooftop below. She couldn't help but smile at the sight before her: a box of donuts and two cups of coffee placed on a makeshift web pallet all illuminated by a single candle.
"Coffee Bean," asked a hopeful MJ.
"Only the best," replied Peter as he took off his mask, "We might want to hurry before the webs dissolve." The pair split the box of donuts as they reminisced on their misadventures in their childhood. Peter's smiled faltered as he took her hand in his, "What's been bugging you?" MJ tried to appear confused but, of course, Peter knew her too well, "You were acting weird this morning at home and when were at the mall too. What's up?"
MJ tried to look for an avenue out of the topic, an escape from the heaviness she knew this talk would bring. They were having such a good time, why would he pick now to be insightful? The more she fought to bury her anxieties, the harder it became. For the second time that day, something overcame MJ that refused to be silent.
"Have you ever thought of quitting Spider-Man?"
MJ was just taken aback by her question as Peter. They sat in silence for what felt like hours but couldn't have been more than a few moments. Peter's pursed tightly as he considered the jarring question, "Yes, I have... a long time ago."
MJ sheepishly met his gaze, "Would you?"
"Now," Peter uneasily asked.
"No not now... no," MJ clarified, "I mean... in the future?"
Peter dropped his eyes to their joined hands, "I don't know."
"How long do you plan on doing this," MJ asked, feeling a bit bolder. The flood gates had opened and there was no stopping it now.
"Until there's no need for me to, I guess," replied Peter, "Until the world doesn't need Spider-Man."
"And if that never happens," MJ pressed. She knew what she wanted to know but was not sure if she could ask.
Peter's brow furrowed as he looked back up at MJ, "Where is all this coming from?"
Was he willing to just commit to her? She needed to know. Gwen and Felicia probably weren't taking their relationship seriously with Peter, but she was. MJ could see sharing her life with Peter, building a family with him, growing old with him. But she wasn't sure that she would be able to do so knowing his heart didn't belong to her alone, whether it was the other women in his life or his life as his alter ego. MJ wanted to just dump all of this worry and confliction but was afraid it would scare Peter away. Despite her reservations, her mouth began to open, her voice began to escape and words threatened to flow out.
Suddenly, the thundering roar of an explosion ripped through the air. The pair whipped their heads in the direction of the sound to see a dark plume of smoke in the distance. Peter wasted little time pulling his mask over his face and scooping MJ in his arms. He leapt over the side of the building and gingerly landed on the ground. "Head straight home," Peter instructed as he zipped into the air, "We'll finish this later."
Now Spidey knew why it was called "Hell's Kitchen": it looked like the apocalypse out here. The NYPD was already on the scene but were under heavy fire by a band of thugs wearing awful tracksuits. A large armored truck had been toppled over and was dangerously close to a quickly growing inferno. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, emerging from the smoke were what appeared to be another gang all dressed in suits and creepy masks.
Spider-Man nimbly dodged the swarm of bullets whizzing through the air and landed next to the distressed police officers. Almost immediately, their guns were trained on the hero. "Woah, I know people hate spiders, but this one's friendly guys, I swear," Spider-Man quipped, raising his hands in defense, "Who's in charge here?" The frightened officers pointed in the direction of an older brunette woman barking out orders to her deputies. Spidey quickly made his way to the woman, perching next her much to her surprise, "You the boss?"
"Unfortunately, yes," the woman answered, ducking as a stray bullet ricocheted off of the roof of the patrol car they were hiding behind.
"That fire is growing and fast. Tell your men to get those people out of that truck," Spider-Man instructed, "I'll draw their fire and buy you some time." With that, Spider-Man flipped over the car and dove into the mayhem. He shot a strand of webbing at the gun of one of the guys in tracksuits, yanking it from his grasp, "Isn't it a bit warm to be running around in those things?" Spider-Man flung the weapon into the face of one of the thugs, before dealing out a few swift kicks to a few others, "Hate to say it guys, but no amount of cheap cologne is gonna cover up that B.O."
"Shit, first the Demons now the Spider," cried one of the tracksuit gang members through his thick Russian accent, "Tell the boss that the plan's gone to shit!"
"Yeah, I know, I'm a real party pooper," joked Spidey as he slammed two of the thugs' faces together, "That's probably why I don't get invited to any." Spider-Man dodged a fist coming at him from behind and faced his attacker. The assailant stalked him like he was prey, his expression hidden beneath the black and white mask. "So what's your schtick," asked Spider-Man as the rest of the gang began to encircle him, "Because if it's this spooky, Halloween themed thing, I suggest changing it. I've got enough goblins and ghouls in my rogues gallery."
The Demons charged Spider-Man in a frenzy, punching and kicking in an organized attack. Spidey narrowly dodged the flurry, taken aback by their speed, "Not much to say? That's cool." He webbed the closest to him to a cruiser and caught the punch of another, "From what I've been told, I'm sure I can talk enough for the both of us." Spider-Man laid in a solid hit to the Demon but to his surprise, the hit didn't even phase the thug. "That's not right," said Spider-Man as he dodged a swing from another Demon. One Demon drew a sword from his back, and swung it at the Webhead. Spidey slipped under the attack, allowing it to connect with a lamppost behind him.
The sword cut through the lamppost like butter, slicing it in half. "Uh-oh," Spider-Man whispered to himself. This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. Taking a que from their ally, the rest of the Demons unsheathed their swords. They swarmed the wall crawler, each looking to deliver a fatal blow to end the Spider. Punches and kicks were flying in all directions from Spider-Man in a desperate attempt to fight back. As soon as he put one down, three more took their place. It was times like these where Spidey would miss his teammates. He glanced over at the armored truck, the officers had made it but were struggling to get the occupants out of the cab as the fire inched closer. He needed to end this and fast. Spider-Man tossed one of the Demons into a group of his allies and webbed them all to the ground. Turning to a pair of Demons raring to attack, he shot a strand at each of them and sent a strong current of electricity through them.
"Taser webs: the greatest invention since sliced bread," Spidey quipped as he flung the Demons into another group before webbing them together. Spider-Man leapt over the truck and called for everyone to stand clear. Punching through the reinforced windshield, he pulled the two guards out of the truck and tossed them to safety. His spider sense flared intensely but he wasn't fast enough to move away from the exploding truck. Spider-Man groaned hoarsely as crawled away from the burning remains of the vehicle, his body racking with pain. A swift kick to the gut caused him to turn on his back.
Staring back at him was a barrel of a gun and the Tracksuit that was holding it. The Tracksuit gave Spidey a bloodied grin, "The Kingpin sends his regards."
Before he could pull the trigger, a red club clocked him in the back of the head. The thug collapsed on the ground next to Spider-Man, much to the Webslinger's confusion. A symphony of gun fire rang out in the air as a dark figure flipped into view and began dispatching of the gangsters. The figure moved as gracefully as he, if not more as it expertly knocked out every thug that dared to challenge it. It was then Spidey had connected the dots on who is guardian angel was. Or, more accurately, guardian devil. Luke and Danny had told Spidey about the fabled Devil of Hell's Kitchen, but he never actually saw him, despite being a crime fighter from years. Being in his turf, Spider-Man could only assume that the Kitchen's guardian would come to its rescue.
"Damn it now Daredevils' here," cursed one of the Tracksuits out loud before he was given a solid punch to the jaw. Daredevil delivered a combination of chops and punches to a pair of Tracksuits, knocking them out as a third aimed a gun behind him.
Just as he was about to open fire, a red club bounced off of his head, knocking his lights out. Daredevil turned to the direction of his attacker before bringing his attention to a limping Spider-Man.
"Thanks for the assist," said Spidey as he handed the fearless man his billy club. Without a word, Daredevil darted into the shadows, disappearing without a trace.
"I should be telling you the same thing."
Spider-Man turned around to be greeted by the brunette woman, "I would have lost my men if it wasn't for you."
Spidey nodded in response, "All in a day's work Officer-"
"Captain DeWolff," the woman corrected Spidey.
"Well, Captain, any idea why two gangs would want to steal that truck," asked Spider-Man as he examined the blazing wreckage in the street.
"That's confidential information. And please, call me Jean," replied Captain DeWolff as she slipped a card into Spidey's hand, "And call me personally if you see anymore of those goons. Can you do that for me handsome?"
Spidey smiled at the police captain under his mask, "I'll be sure to remember that, Jean."
To be continued...