Hey Guys!

Wow-this is awesome. :D

I absolutely adore the reviews. Thank you so, so much!

-Homey :D

Disclaimer: Peter Parker belongs not to me, but to Stan Lee. (IT RHYMES!)

©HomeschoolGirl 2012, or at least this actual post is. The characters, not so much. But anyway, please don't use this as your own. Thanks!

Gwen floated through her classes the rest of the day, slightly prideful. She'd beaten Flash at his own game—and impressed Peter. She could tell.

He caught up with her outside of school, as she was walking down the cement steps to her family car. Captain Stacy had let her drive it, which almost never happened. In New York, walking was the easiest way.

"Thanks for everything today," Peter said.

Gwen turned to him, clutching her last-period science books to her chest. "Oh, yeah. Sure. I mean, he deserved it."

Peter chuckled. "Mary Jane told me he went home early because he was so freaked out. You were awesome!"

There it was again. Gwen chewed her lower lip. At the mention of Peter and Mary Jane even making eye contact, jealousy rose in her throat, an unnecessary evil. They didn't even like each other. She knew that. And yet…

"Thanks, Peter," she said at last. "I feel sort of bad he went home, though."

"Don't. Like you said: he deserved it."

When she didn't respond, his eyes darkened.

"Um…please don't think I'm some sort of psychopath out to get Flash for using me as his personal punching bag all these years. I'm really not. I can take his punches…" He pointed to the growing bruise on his cheek with a wry smile. "Sort of."

Gwen reached out, hesitantly, to touch the spot. "It's cold."

"I put ice on it." He brushed his fingertips against the back of her hand. It sent shivers down her spine. She forced herself to pull away.

"Right. Sorry." He turned. Without words, they began to walk again. "Uh, before I totally screw up everything, I'd like to ask you to have dinner with me."

"Tonight?" Gwen raised her eyebrows. Her insides lurched.

"No. A year from now." Peter grinned, expectant. She couldn't bring herself to laugh, or even respond; she was too shocked.

"Anytime now," he replied weakly. "Not even a giggle?"

"I'll see you at my house," Gwen said instead. "Seven sharp."

"Don't I get to set the time since I asked?"

Gwen smiled. They had made it to her car. She opened the door and hopped inside. Peter bent toward her.

"No," she whispered, leaning close. "You don't."

And then she slammed the door in his face, hit the gas, and peeled out of the parking lot. Mary Jane would be proud.

Peter stared after her. He scratched his neck. Then he sighed.

"Girls."

R u busy tonite? Wanna catch a movie?

Gwen barely paid mind to her cell phone as it buzzed on her bureau. She glanced quickly at the text and typed a fast reply.

Sorry Liz. Gotta date.

Gwen managed to get her lipstick on before it vibrated again.

You never have dates, you liar.

She laughed. It was true. She never did.

I resent that.

And I resent being your biggest fan. God. I'll see it by myself.

Gwen felt a pang of guilt in her chest, even though she knew Liz was just kidding. She sighed, picturing her friend's open, freckled face, and picked up her cell.

"Hello?" She trilled upon answering.

"Hey, Liz. What's up?"

"Oh, Gwen. I was joke-"

"I know." Gwen sighed. "But still, how about you catch a movie with me and Peter?"

"And be the third wheel? Sorry. Nope."

Gwen grinned. "You can take Flash."

"Shut up and tell me how he asked."

Gwen recited the story to her friend, embellishing some parts, but mostly sticking to the truth. When she finished, she inhaled deeply. "So. What should I make of it?"

"Gwen, the man is in love."

"I think I'm in love."

"Not to go all MJ on you, but please, don't even. Let him pine after you."

"What's wrong with loving somebody?"

"Look, he might have killer dimples, but he's nothing special."

Gwen whimpered. "But those dimples…"

Liz sighed with impatience. "But he's nothing special, Gwen!"

"Fine," she relented. "Talk to you later."

Gwen hung up. She knew Liz was wrong. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something very special about Peter Parker. And she intended to find out what it was. *

He appeared on her doorstep at seven o'clock sharp, wearing a blue sweater and tan slacks. Gwen grinned at him as she opened the door.

"Punctual," she noted approvingly.

He nodded. "I try. Sometimes, though, I can be very, uh, late."

She stepped aside and motioned for him to come in. Captain Stacy and Mrs. Stacy sat on the couch, gearing up for another in-home date night.

"Parker," Captain Stacy said with a nod.

Peter forced an uneasy smile. Mrs. Stacy hurried to shake his hand.

"Gwen's been talking nonstop about you. It's so lovely to finally meet you."

Gwen blushed. "Mom! Please."

"Oh. Right." She smiled meekly. "Have a nice time, Gwennie."

"I will." She leaned forward to hug her mom, then blew a kiss to her dad. "You guys have fun, too, okay?"

"Will do." Captain Stacy nodded and turned back to the TV.

Peter shut the door behind them with a soft click. They trotted down the porch steps and into his car. Gwen was finding it increasingly difficult to walk in heels. How in God's name did Mary Jane do it?

"So, where to?" He asked as he buckled his seatbelt.

Gwen exhaled slowly. "Don't leave decision making to me. I'm the worst."

"McDonalds it is then!"

She looked at him with surprise.

"Just kidding!" Peter's eyes twinkled as he started the car. "I know the perfect place."

And then they were off.