-1If That's What It Takes- Celine Dion

You're the bravest of hearts, you're the strongest of souls
You're my light in the dark, you're the place I call home
You can say it's all right, but I know that you're breaking up inside
I see it in your eyes
Even you face the night afraid and alone
That's why I'll be there

When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day without end
Every second I live, that's the promise I make
Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes
If that's what it takes

You can sleep in my arms, you don't have to explain
When your heart's crying out, baby, whisper my name
'Cause I've reached out for you when the thunder is crashing up above
You've given me your love
When your smile like the sun that shines through the pain
That's why I'll be there

When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day without end
I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break
Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes
I will risk everything, I will fight, I will bleed
I will lay down my life, if that's what you need
Every second I live, that's the promise I make
Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes

Through the wind and the rain, through the smoke and the fire
When the fear rises up, when the wave's ever higher
I will lay down my heart, my body, my soul
I will hold on all night and never let go
Every second I live, that's the promise I make
Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes

If that's what it takes
Every day
If that's what it takes
Every day

That evening, Peter made his way to the studio Harry had set them up with for MJ's photo shoot. He was feeling almost a hundred percent again. There was still a dull ache in his shoulder and lovely scar left from the Widow Maker's claws. Aside from that, he felt like he never had a near death experience a little over twelve hours ago.

He knew MJ could hardly wait to get these photos taken and he finally had the time, so no time like the present. She had agreed to meet him here after her mid-shift at the Moondance Diner.

Peter set his stuff down on an empty table inside the studio and looked around. He whistled low and long. This place was a photographers dream come true! All the right lighting equipment, props, backgrounds, lens, cameras and tripods one would ever need was right at hand for use. In the corner of the room, there was a darkroom for developing the film. Along the walls just outside the room were large, metal shelves filled with endless supplies of film and developer. He smiled happily. He would be able to take some great shots of MJ that would do her portfolio proud. He silently envied the people who could afford to rent this place on a regular basis. It would be great to have a darkroom all his own he didn't have to rush using because he was forced to share with Eddie and the other Bugle photographers.

He started setting up his cameras and wondering if he should have even brought his. The technology here was far more advanced than his. He wandered around the room, wondering what would be best to use as MJ came bursting in, carrying multiple bags in her hands.

"Hey tiger, keep you waiting?" she rushed out, storming into the room quickly. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and her nose was almost as red as the hair she had hidden under a green, knitted wool cap.

"Hey, MJ," he smiled. "Just got here a few minutes ago." he replied, finding it funny that he was on time and she was running late for a change. "Help you with those?"

"Huh?" she replied, distracted by his relaxed smile. "Oh, no. I got them. This is everything I need for the shoot." she set the bags down and shed her coat. "Do you have everything you need?"

"And then some. There's so much here I don't know where to start…" he answered, looking around in awe once more.

"Well, I do. First you need something or someone to photograph. That would be me," she grinned, growing excited. "So I am going to go get ready. Take your time setting up, I'll be awhile."

Peter grinned, finding her excitement infectious. He was glad to see her happy and smiling. He hadn't seen her like this in a long time. At least where the feelings she displayed were genuine. He'd seen enough of the fake, party- happy go lucky MJ to last him a lifetime. He liked the real deal much better. "Go on."

She gave him a smile in return as she passed by him. She stepped into the changing room, leaving the door open just a crack so she could talk to him as she prepared. "Any luck with the Widow?"

Peter went back to setting up the equipment, checking the angles against the backdrop cloth. "Nothing yet. After you left, I got some more rest-"

"Good," she cut off.

"I thought you'd say that," he chuckled. "Then I went to get a new costume and came straight here."

"Where exactly does one go for a spider-man costume?" MJ asked curiously.

Peter ignored her question, playing with the lights.

"Right, so… I brought along some other costumes of my own. This way we'll have some variety of shots. Think that will be ok?" MJ asked after realizing she wasn't getting an answer.

"Sure, that'll be great," Peter answered, finally happy with the lighting. He sat down, happy with the way everything was set up. It was all up to MJ now. "Ready when you are."

MJ groaned. "Few more minutes. Damn Enrique and his damn deep fryer… I'm covered in grease…"

Peter leaned back grinning at her complaint. His eyes traced the light pouring out from the crack in the door where MJ was changing. "So after we've developed the photos, what happens?"

"I am going to bring them to my agent tomorrow. From there, I don't know. But the sooner I get them to her, the better my chances of getting a job," MJ answered as she touched up her make up.

"Even with the holidays, she'll be working?" he questioned, hearing her rustle around.

"Yeah. She may even find me something right after New Year's. That be great!" she replied.

Peter was about to reply when a vibration in his pocket startled him. He fished his cell phone out of his jeans, not recognizing the number. He flipped open the phone. "Hello?"

"Peter?"

"Who's this?"

"Hey, it's Amber," a happy voice replied.

"Amber?" Peter questioned, the name not ringing a bell.

"From the Bugle," her tone grew an edge.

"Oh, sorry," he apologized, feeling awful for forgetting her. "Hey," he replied, stepping out of the main room and away from earshot of one nosy redhead.

"Are you all right?" Amber asked. "You sound shaky."

"Yeah, yeah I'm good. Just a little after Christmas cold. What's up Amber?" Peter turned around to make sure MJ was still changing.

"Oh, well I hope you feel better. Sorry to bother you on your cell, I just went to visit Betty at the hospital. She said you were investigating the black widow attacks," Amber informed. "Anyway, I was hoping I could help you investigate. Betty mentioned something about her laptop… and before you say no, I won't take no for an answer." she demanded.

"Amber-"

"It would finally get me some recognition. I know I can help," she interrupted.

Her tone had such a strong presence, it struck Peter as slightly odd. His spider sense rumbled gently and he shook his head, getting the webs out. First MJ, now Amber wanted to be put in danger. But, what harm could looking at Betty's laptop with Amber cause?

"I can feel you thinking about it. How 'bout I sweeten the deal? I'll share what information I have got with you if you let me help investigate. I'll even buy you dinner while we discuss what information we have…"

Peter's interest was piqued. He wondered what info she dug up. The dinner he could pass on. It sounded like Amber was interested in more than his information… But he had thought she hit it off with Harry? MJ would kill him if she found out he went to dinner with her. He rolled his eyes. It was just dinner between colleagues. He was probably over thinking the whole dinner. He suddenly remembered he had left his camera in the alleyway and would have to go retrieve it once he was finished here with MJ. He hoped he remembered how to get to the alley, his mind was still foggy.

"Peter, are you there?"

"Oh, sorry. Bad connection. Let's make it lunch tomorrow afternoon. Meet me at my apartment. We'll look over what we got then grab lunch," Peter answered before he could change his mind.

"Sounds great, call you tomorrow for directions," Amber shouted enthusiastically.

"All right, goodnight," Peter hung up, slipping his phone back into his pocket quickly. As he stepped back into the main part of the room, MJ emerged from the changing room.

Amber glared at the phone in her hand. He had just hung up on her after a quick goodbye! Her anger boiled dangerously. Her hand squeezed her cell phone tightly, and she stopped only when she heard a crack. She would need the phone to contact Peter again tomorrow, so breaking it would only hinder her plans. She stepped out into the night recalling the past hour's events.

It hadn't been hard to get in to see Betty. A concerned colleague was more than an applicable excuse to visit the hospitalized woman. She had to make sure her serum worked and to cover any tracks that she may have left unhidden.

The look on Betty's face when Amber walked in the door gave Amber an indescribable thrill. At first, she was worried by the look of terror on the bedridden woman's face, thinking she recognized her. But the terror quickly turned into confusion.

"Ms. Dieson? What are you doing here?" Betty asked, allowing her confusion to color her tone.

"Hello Betty," she smiled, attempting to be warm. She stepped into the room further, studying the sick woman. "How are you feeling?"

"Recovering…" Betty answered cautiously. "What do I owe for a visit from you? We barely know each other."

"Now Betty, is that anyway to talk to a fellow colleague? I was quite concerned for your well being when I heard what happened. I only came to offer my concern and well wishes," Amber slid coolly around the seat beside her bed.

"Well that's very kind of you. However, I am quite tired. Perhaps you can come back another time?" Betty told more than asked. She felt very uncomfortable around Amber and she couldn't quite place why, which made her discomfort increase.

Amber pursed her lips and sat down ignoring Betty's request.

Betty glared at her, taking the newspaper she was reading off her lap and sat up straighter. "Amber, I want you to go."

"But, we haven't had a chance to talk about what happened to you yet. I heard you were poisoned with Black Widow venom. You know you're not the only one this has happened to. Do you remember what happened?" Amber's eyes went to the paper where the headline was about her alter ego.

"Now why would I even discuss that with you. I barely know you," Betty crossed her arms.

"Because it could happen to anyone, even me! And because I want the exclusive for the Bugle. You wouldn't want to make Jonah mad, would you?" Amber's patience were wearing thin.

Betty smirked at her. "Ned and Peter are already covering the attacks." she lifted the Bugle newspaper for Amber to see. "Obviously, you haven't read today's paper. With the commentary side column by our own J. Jonah Jameson." Betty raised a brow of triumph at the look on Amber's face. As Amber grabbed the paper. Betty allowed her mood to be dampened by the heading of Jonah's column. "Of course, Jonah has gone and blamed Spider-Man for it all and without a picture of this psycho, he can continue to get away with blaming him."

At the mention of Spider-Man's name, Amber ran cold and a dull ache in her ribs came back to life from her battle with the fellow arachnid the night before. Her teeth grit together and she clenched her fists in an attempt to keep the rage bottled up as the cork threatened to pop and her anger would spill out. "Spider-Man?"

"Yes," Betty replied as Amber coiled up the newspaper, gripping it in anger. She studied Amber closely, her mind a fog of frustration. What was it she couldn't put her finger on. "He's the logical choice for Jonah. Whenever anything goes wrong, Jonah blames Spidey. However, this time it seems too coincidental that this relates to spiders."

"Do you think Spider-Man is involved?" Amber asked, her voice taking on a dark tone.

"Oh, don't worry, I am sure your hero is not to blame," Betty waved off the suggestion.

Amber dropped the beaten newspaper and gripped the arm of the chair tightly. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to control the beast. Hero indeed. Spider-Man may have saved Amber's life but as far as the Widow Maker was now concerned his interference last night made him the enemy. She grinned at Betty, remembering the piercing of his flesh as her venom seeped into his veins. Spider-Man was dead. He would no longer pose a threat.

Betty was disturbed by Amber's grin. She reached for the call button beside her bed. "So you see Amber, the story is already being covered. Peter has my laptop so he will be able to search for any information uploaded from the Bugle archives. Ned is searching the actual Bugle's archives looking for something Peter couldn't find in his search there the other night. We already have enough coverage for the paper so… You may as well find something else to concentrate on."

Amber's smile did not break. "Well, I appreciate your advice but I think I will see if Peter needs any help with the investigation. He isn't a reporter after all. I am sure there is lots of research to go through and all on his own…"

"I already told you, Ned is investigating as well," Betty sighed, growing tired. "He is a great reporter, he'll get down to the bottom of this."

"I think Ned has enough on his mind, what with worrying about you and all. I think I will go give Peter a call on his cell phone. Sure this is nothing you can remember to help us?" Amber got out of her seat, ignoring Betty's comments. She had to make sure there was nothing implementing her on Betty's laptop. Plus, any opportunity to spend time with Peter was worth it.

"Amber, leave Peter alone," Betty warned.

Amber turned, glaring at Betty long and hard. "He needs me." she replied simply. And she needed to make sure he didn't find out her secret. Or she wouldn't be able to protect him from the Widow Maker anymore.

Betty watched Amber with suspicious and concerned eyes. What was wrong here?

"Feel better Betty. I am glad to see you weren't another victim of the poison. So many have suffered already, and who knows how many more. Don't worry, I will make sure everything gets taken care of. Bye." Amber left the room and whipped out her cell phone ignoring the signs on the wall requiring cell phones be turned off.

Peter jumped back a bit, taken aback by her sudden entrance. Then he was stunned into place, unable to move, he forgot how to breathe, forgot how to blink and his knees locked, the only thing holding him upright.

MJ flushed, a shade darker than her hair and she self consciously swayed back and forth. She brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and straightened up. "Well?"

Peter was still incapable of speech continuing to stare at the vision before him. There was MJ in that cream colored satin dress she got for Christmas, her shoulders bare, the soft material wrapping around the tops of her arms and one of her long, luxurious legs peeking out the slit of the dress, allowing Peter's mind to jump into motion. Then she spun around, the skirt billowing out and her hair whipped off her back revealing the crisscross strings along her exposed back.

She faced him again, still waiting for a response. She giggled, watching him stand there ramrod straight with an indefinable expression upon his face. "I guess this means you like what you see, tiger?"

Peter finally managed a nod. At least he thought he bobbed his head. He didn't remember. All he would remember of this moment would be exactly how gorgeous she was and how beautiful her smile was when she was this happy.

"Well…" she paused, hoping to see him react to her voice. He didn't. "Maybe we should get started?" she leaned out and poked him, hoping to get a reaction this time.

He finally snapped out of it. "Right, of course… we should." He held out an arm, showing her where to stand. "I suppose we'll start with a couple classic shots."

"I think that would be good. I want to tie my hair up for some too. Then I'll change clothes," she made her way over to where he ushered her to. She faced him and ran her fingers through the waves of her hair, brushing some to the side and some over her shoulder. She turned to her side, tilting her head in preparation. She smiled at him and let out a breath. "Ready."

Peter smiled back and lifted one of the cameras not screwed down to a tripod. He looked at MJ through the lens, adjusting the focus and was about the snap the first shot when MJ made a squeak and went out of focus. He lifted his head over the camera, wondering what was wrong.

"Don't make me look ugly," she told him, a huge grin coming across her face.

Peter allowed the nostalgia of her words sink in a moment and he felt a tingle work it's way through his system as he reflected on the memory. He grinned, surprised she remembered that moment. If she had any idea how close she was getting to about the truth and origin of Spider-Man that moment was, she was would be sitting on it. But, that didn't matter because that was not what that moment was about for Peter or MJ. It was the events previous to the spider bite that they were now reflecting upon. "Impossible." he replied before lifting the camera up again.

The flash went off and it was not nearly as bright as that thousand watt smile the film captured. Nor was it as bright as her future would soon be.