Unwillingly Heartfelt

*THWIP THWIP*

"C'mon Herman! Can't we cut to the part where I web your hands, and you get picked up by the police?" Spidey groaned as he dodged another blast from Shocker.

"What's the matter, Webhead? You got somewhere to be?" Shocker asked as he fired blast after blast from his gauntlets.

"As a matter of fact, I kinda do!"

The Wallcrawler flipped once again and quickly charged at Shocker head on. Unfortunately, he wasn't quick enough as Shocker simply clicked his wrists together and blasted Spidey right through the bank wall. Down but not out, Spidey dusted himself off and shook his head to regain focus.

"So, after this is all over, I'm sending you the dry-cleaning bill, kay?" he quipped.

"What the? What are you talking about?" Shocker asked.

"I mean someone like you must have a stellar dry-cleaning guy right? Look at that quilting pattern on you. It's spotless. Actually, scratch that, just tell me who your dry cleaner is. I'm sure he'd appreciate the extra business."

"Arrgggh shut up shut up shut up!"

Annoyed, Herman just kept firing in every direction he could see. With all his speed and agility, Spidey just barely dodged the dangerous blasts. Like Neo in the Matrix, he bent back just enough for the blast to pass his face and then he spun and vaulted over yet another blast.

"No seriously. Can I have his number? How does he do on coffee stains? What about grease stains? I made a burger the other day, and the oil splattered on my favorite Spidey apron. I wiped it off as much as I could, but you can still see it."

"If you don't quit your yapping, I'm going to kill you!"

"Buddy, take a number. Actually, since you're such a fan, I'll let you cut in front of a few folks. You can probably jump past a few mobsters here and there, but I can't let you go before J Jonah Jameson. He's got a soft spot in my heart."

With his webbing, Spidey flung a large piece of debris right at Shocker. Easily, the villain blasted the rock to smithereens.

"Pft. That the best you got?" Shocker huffed.

*POW*

From behind, Spidey swung by with a hard kick to the back of Herman's head knocking him out cold and finally ending the bank robbery.

"Hehe made you look! Seriously, Herman, I can't believe you fell for the ol' lookie loo."

As police sirens started to blare, Spidey scurried away from the crime scene. He swung down the street trying to remember all that he needed to get before heading back to Queens.

"Ok uh heating pads, cough syrup, chicken soup, what else am I missing?"

Finally, Peter arrived back in his neighborhood. With large plastic bags in hand, he rang the doorbell to the Watson's residence. Opening the door was one rather annoyed Anna Watson.

"Peter Parker! Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Watson. There was a big subway accident. Lotta lines got stalled. But I got the all the medicine she needs. Cough syrup, antibiotics, ice packs, heat pads, uhhh chicken soup…."

"Peter…"

"Tylenol for the fever. Uh Korean peach tea. I hear that helps. Oh! Cough drops. I wasn't sure what kind so I got Halls and Ricola…"

"Peter…"

"Cuz you see Halls has stronger menthol but Ricola just tastes better. Oh, and I got this Spider-plushie. I don't think it's properly licensed but the little guy looked so cute and…"

"Peter Parker!"

Aunt Anna had to practically shout to get Peter's attention before he continued babbling. He sheepishly smiled realizing his blunder. Aunt Anna merely shook her head and patted his shoulder.

"Thank you, Peter, for coming over to take care of Mary Jane."

"It's no trouble at all Mrs. Watson. She's my best friend. I'm sure she'd do the same for me if I were sick with the flu."

"That she would. Now the reason I needed you here is because I need to go to the market in Brooklyn to buy ingredients for her favorite potato soup. When she's feeling down like this, a thick hearty meal usually does the trick."

"Ohh I see. Like I said, I'm happy to help. I could've brought the potatoes for you though."

"Thank you, Peter. It's quite alright. I mean no offense, but you have to have an eye for the right taters. I've become quite adept at picking just the right ones. Plus I'll have to swing by the butchers for bacon and some chicken stock. I'll be gone for a couple of hours, but I think that chicken soup would do nicely as a little snack for her. You're welcome to heat it up in the kitchen. I better hurry now before all the good potatoes are taken."

"Of course. You've got nothing to worry about, Mrs. Watson."

She grabbed her coat and purse and was just about to head out the door before turning around to warn Peter of one last thing.

"Oh, and Peter, dear."

"Yes?"

"I have to tell you. Normally when Mary Jane is ill like this, she becomes err…..unfiltered."

"Oh?"

"Yes. She'll um just blurt out whatever is on her mind. So just don't take it too seriously."

"Uhhh ok. Sure."

"I mean most of what she'll say is what she really feels in her heart, but um don't think about it too much, ok?"

"Ok? I think?"

"Good! See you in a few."

With that, Aunt Anna left Peter a little bewildered. To his credit, he just shrugged at her odd behavior and went to the kitchen to heat up the chicken soup.

Tray in hand and Spider-plushie tucked under his arm, Peter made his way up the steps and towards Mary Jane's room.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Mary Jane? MJ? It's me, Peter. Can I come in?" Peter asked carefully through the door.

"Wahhhh."

"Huh?"

"Hehehhe"

Was she…..giggling? Concerned, Peter opened the door and had to pause for a second at the adorable sight. Mary Jane was carefully wrapped in a blanket burrito on her bed. Just her little hands and half her face peeked out at the top. A cold moist towelette rest on her forehead.

"Ehhh who is it?" she mildly groaned and squinted at her new visitor.

"Uhh it's me, Red. Peter."

"Ehhh? Peterrrr?"

"Yea. Y'know. Tiger?"

"Mmmmm Spider-Man!"

"Huh? OH! Uh here ya go."

Peter removed the Spidey-plushie from under his arm and placed it next to her. She took the plushie and hugged it closely nuzzling her face to it.

"Mmmm Spider-Mannnn."

"Here, MJ, can you sit up? I brought you some soup."

"Mmmmm."

She shivered a little as she removed the warm comforter. Peter blushed a little realizing she was only wearing a small tank top and some pajama pants. MJ seemed to notice this and tilted her head in concern.

"Spider-Man! Your face is a red…..Are you ok?" she worried leaning forward.

"Huh? No uh I'm fine. Wait I mean I'm Peter!"

"Hmm? Are you sure? Your cheeks look so flushed. Are you sick, Spider-Man?" she asked loopily.

"I'm not uhhh," Peter sighed deciding to let her indulge in her little fever dream, "I'm ok, MJ. Sit up. I've got some warm soup for you."

She did as she was told. She crossed her legs and leaned against the headboard as Peter set the tray on the end table. Oddly, neither really moved after that. Awkwardly, Peter turned to leave but MJ immediately pouted.

"Feed me!" she demanded.

"Huh?"

"Feed me, Spider-Man!"

"I uh I mean….."

"Please…." she pouted with her big green eyes.

"Sigh….ok."

Picking up the bowl, he scooped a small spoonful and blew on it before pointing it towards her. Smiling, she opened her mouth wide.

"Ahhhh."

Peter fed her the soup which she happily gulped down.

"Mmmm tasty. The best ever. You're quite the chef, Spider."

"….I mean it's just Campbell's soup from the can. Not a lot of cooking necessary."

"Noooooo," she whined, "You still had to heat it on the stove and then add like salt, pepper, chives. You still added your love in there!"

"Uh heh right."

Peter awkwardly scratched the back of his head at that remark. Man, Aunt Anna was right. Mary Jane just says whatever when she's sick. Hang on. She never said this stuff when she was around Peter. She kept calling out to Spider-Man. Did she like Spider-Man? Was this how she really felt around Spider-Man? Was Peter just a friend to her?"

*BONK*

"Ow! Huh?" Peter flinched rubbing his head.

"I don't like that look."

"Huh?"

"That look you have on you, Spider. It's that look you have when you're thinking too much about how worthless you think you are."

"Well I…"

"Hush. Peter, you have to know how incredible you are. You're smart, kind, funny, brave, strong. You are so many wonderful things."

"C'mon MJ, you're just saying things. It's the flu talking."

"Noooo. I mean it. You're handsome," she reached out to stroke his cheek, "I love staring into your beautiful brown eyes, Spider. I like how you fill out your tight shirts nicely. I kinda have a thing for well-toned chests…"

She moved her hand from his cheek to the front of his chest. Slowly and agonizingly, she traced her index finger down his sternum. Feeling ticklish, Peter gently pushed her hand away.

"Haha ok that's probably enough for today, MJ."

"Hrrnnnn. You're no fun," she pouted, "Spider. What do you think of me?"

"Huh? Uhh well…."

"Speak honestly! From the heart!"

Peter paused for a minute wondering how honest should he really be. Eh it probably would be fine. She was really loopy and might not remember all of this.

"I um think you're beautiful. I'm not just talking about your looks because….well you're obviously stunning. I'm talking about your heart. Your soul really. You're such a-a firecracker. You're loud and spontaneous. You take what you want regardless of who's in your way. You're funny, witty. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect when you sat down at my table. But you're fun to be around. You laugh at my jokes, and I love talking to you. And somehow, you're so understanding of me. You listen when I'm down. You cheer me up in the best ways possible. And I love how you're so strong. You don't let your past weigh you down. You're Mary Jane Watson and you want the world to know about it. I just…..MJ I really really really lik-"

*SNORE*

Peter looked back at Mary Jane to see her completely fast asleep. Smiling a little bittersweetly at the face that she didn't hear his whole diatribe, he brushed her hair back and made to get up. Sadly (or not) that was his mistake. As soon as he brushed the last lock, Mary Jane latched onto his arm with a vice grip.

"What the?" he exclaimed.

With all her strength she yanked him into the bed. Peter stumbled but thanks to Spider-gymnastics rolled over Mary Jane without placing all his weight on her. However, just as she wanted, he ended up right next to her in bed.

"Uhhh Mary Jane?"

Ignoring him, she scooted over and buried her face in his chest. She shimmied and squirmed a little, but found a comfortable spot where she was hugging him tightly. Peter could only watch as she nuzzled her nose up to his neck.

"MJ?"

"Mmmmm I've always wanted you to hold me like this, Peter. You're so warm and strong."

Seeing as he wouldn't be getting out any time soon, Peter relaxed a bit and hugged her back. He adjusted himself to that he was cradling her and so that he could rest his chin on the top of her head. He chuckled slightly as he felt her lips sucking on his neck.

"Haha. Rest easy, Mary Jane. You'll get better soon."

He was just about to close his own eyes and take a rest before a small realization hit him.

"Wait…..did you say you wanted Peter to hold you?"

*SNORE*

Hours later, Peter was in absolute bliss. He and Mary Jane were cuddling as close as can be. They were warm and felt all fuzzy and happy on the inside. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

"PETER PARKER!"

"Huh?" Peter awoke with a jolt.

"You get out of that bed this instant!" Aunt Anna ordered with authority.

"B-but Mary Jane! She pulled me."

"I don't even want to know. I will have a talk with May about this. A young man taking advantage of a poor sick girl."

"Wait wait hold on! Nothing happened I swear! She pulled me in and kept me prisoner. Honest!"

"Out Mr. Parker! Out! We'll have a discussion with May about the birds and bees with you soon."

"Oh God Mrs. Watson please, not that!"

Anna Watson gradually shooed Peter out of Mary Jane's room and closed the door behind them. In the meantime, Mary Jane couldn't help but smile as she turned in her bed. She clutched the Spider-plushie tightly and took a big whiff of her blanket which still held Peter's scent.

"Mmmmm I love you, Peter Parker…"

AN: Hehe thought this one could be cutesy. I got this idea because me, brooklynvtc , and our friend Emma Skywalker are all sick. So, I based this interaction on that scene from Kaguya: Love is War where Kaguya is sick and acts like a child while Miyuki has to mitigate. Hope yall are enjoying the read!