He Is Mine

"Flash! Could you set the table down over here. I think this will be a great spot!"

"Sure thing Liz. Coming through!"

Ah Spring. What a lovely time of year. The air was getting warmer. The snow thawed out. And so many flowers were in bloom. More importantly, it was Midtown's Annual Spring Festival. For the weekend, the students and faculty at Midtown would be setting up a bunch of booths and stands to help fundraise for various clubs such as the Robotics team, the Football team, the Theater company, and many more. All the students came up with fun creative attractions for everyone to enjoy. Some had games like the classic ring toss or a marksman game with toy arrows. Others went the simple but tasty route bringing in baked goods or exotic snacks such as Japanese Takoyaki. Liz Allan going food route had set up a tamale stand to raise funds for an upcoming dance competition for the cheerleading team.

"Man, I'm starving, Liz. When's the food gonna get here?"

"In a minute, Flash! My brother's coming with all the ingredients. We still have to mix the fillings and then wrap them in the corn husks."

"Wait. We still gotta cook them!?"

"Well, yea! Then we steam them and serve them fresh. That way, they'll taste the best."

"Ughhhhh I need to EAAAT!"

Fortunately for Flash, Liz's brother showed up just in the nick of time with boxes and boxes of tamale essentials.

"Ayo QB1. You mind helping me out here," Mark Allan called out.

"I gotchu bro."

As Flash grabbed a few crates and boxes, Mark scanned around the field checking out the scenery.

"Man, this festival just keeps growing every year. I remember when it was just a handful of stands all selling different types of pie," he commented.

"C'mon bro. Don't act like you're THAT much older. You're only a freshman in college," Liz rolled her eyes.

"Hey, what can I say? College changes you, sis."

As Mark continued looking around, his eyes stopped as he caught a flash of red. Right there a few yards away was the Theater booth selling cake pops and a spin-the-wheel prize box. But he didn't care for the sweets or the little toys for kids. His gaze was fixated on the redhead standing in front of the stand putting up the sign and posters. Mark could not tear his eyes away from the curves on her body, the fiery flowing red hair, and her pink lips.

"Whoa," he finally let out a breath.

"What?" Liz asked.

"Who's that?"

"Who?"

"Her. The red head girl in the white t-shirt with the flannel tied around her waist."

"Oh her? That's Mary Jane Watson. School's premier actress."

"Does she have a show? Did I miss it?"

"Uh well we have a production of 'High School Musical' coming up. She plays Gabriella, the lead role."

"Oh my God, she's gorgeous. I have to go talk to her."

Mark could barely take a single step before walking straight into what felt like a brick wall. As he took a couple steps back, Mark was genuinely surprised to see none other than Flash Thompson standing in front of him. Even Liz was shocked to see Flash move like lightning to block Mark.

"Uhhh QB1? You good bro?" Mark asked.

"You should stay here and help your sister," Flash answered almost coldly crossing his arms.

"And I will…..after I go talk to that supermodel over there."

"No. You're not," Flash said definitively even putting a hand on Mark's shoulder and pushing him back slightly.

"Whoa man. You got a thing with her or something?"

"No. I don't."

"Then what's your deal?"

"She's Parker's girl."

"Parker? Puny Peter Parker?"

Even Liz was confused for a second as she continued watching the exchange between Flash and her brother.

"Mary Jane will not be interested in you," Flash answered again.

"Why? Is she dating Peter?"

"Hang on. Mary Jane and Petey aren't dating!" Liz jumped in.

"They're not? Then dude, what's with the gatekeeping?" Mark turned back to Flash irritated.

"She's Parker's girl," Flash stood his ground.

"Since when do you care about Petey?" Liz asked.

"Since when do you?" Flash fired back causing Liz to pause and recoil.

"C'mon dude. Liz said it herself. Mary Jane is single and ready to mingle. You really gonna cockblock me like this?"

"I'm saving everyone time and trouble. If you're stupid enough to go over there and ask her out, she will reject and maybe even embarrass you."

"What makes you so sure of that?"

In the midst of all this arguing, Mary Jane had moved away from her stand towards another booth. Flash caught a glimpse of that and merely smirked knowing fully well where she was headed.

"Observe," he told the siblings in front of him.

With a bounce in her step, MJ made her way to the Robotics booth. As she got closer, she tiptoed quietly towards an unsuspecting student with brown hair. Seizing her opportunity, the redhead pounced and jumped onto the student's back forcing him into an impromptu piggyback ride. The student flailed around for a second as MJ's hands were covering his eyes. But his body language calmed down. He grabbed her legs and held her closely once he realized who had jumped him. Feeling the tension leave his body, MJ moved her hands and wrapped her arms around his neck to secure her to him. Finally feeling the whimsy, both burst out laughing like little kids on a playground. She whispered something in his ear leading him to take off running. Mary Jane let go of the boy's neck and extended her arms letting the wind brush her face as if she were flying. The trio of Flash, Mark, and Liz could only watch on as Mary Jane and her friend were lost in their own little world.

"That is not-so-puny Parker," Flash pointed out.

"Oh. Wow. I thought you said they weren't dating?" Mark asked his sister.

"T-they're…..not?" she stuttered.

"You must be blind, sis. That right there, screams dating. Phoo man I do not want to get in the middle of that. Thanks, Flash."

"I wasn't doing it for you, man," he grumbled before walking off.

"Look, sis. Even if they aren't officially dating, it's super obvious how close they are. Honestly, just a nudge in the right direction, they'll be all over each other…..well more so than they are now," Mark said leaving Liz to stew on the sight before her.

A few hours later, Liz entered the cafeteria to take a break from all the festival set-up. Right by the window, she spotted Mary Jane sitting by herself enjoying a small bunch of strawberries. With a bit of a scheme, Liz waltzed her way over and sat down across from the unsuspecting redhead.

"Sooo Mary Jane? How ya doin?" Liz cheerfully greeted.

"Uhh hey Liz. I'm doing ok," MJ answered with some skepticism.

"Those look good. Where'd you get them?"

"Oh, these strawberries? Peter brought them for me. He says he got them fresh from the farmer's market yesterday."

"Ohh how cute. Speaking of Petey, I'm just gonna cut to the chase. I like him."

"Ok," MJ shrugged.

"Like really really like him."

"…ok."

"Are you two dating?" Liz asked bluntly.

"W-well no not exactly."

"Oh. Then great. So, you wouldn't mind if I asked him out then."

"…What?" MJ froze dropping her strawberry.

"Can I have him?" Liz asked trying to be sweet.

Mary Jane was speechless. All she could do was stare at the girl in front of her.

"I mean let's be honest. I'm just asking out of common courtesy since you're his friend and all. I'm still gonna ask him out anyway. I mean you spend all this time with him, and you haven't made your move yet. Seems kinda cruel to lead him on like that, don't you think?"

Gears started to turn within Mary Jane's head. Slowly she got over the shock at what Liz was blatantly saying. Rage and fury began boiling inside her. She closed her eyes and took one deep breath before looking Liz straight in the eyes.

"No," MJ answered.

"No, it's not cruel?"

"No. You can't have him," MJ coldly answered.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You cannot have Peter. I won't let you."

"Pft and why's that?"

"Because he's mine," she stated matter-of-factly.

"And who are you to stake claim like that?" Liz leaned back crossing her arms.

"I'm Mary Jane Watson goddammit! I was the girl who sat with him on my first day of school when none of you did. I took him all over Queens to find the perfect birthday present for him. I spent a week embroidering his name into his jacket to make it that much more special to him! I sat and watched the entire Star Wars series with him because I wanted to understand his interests and his hobbies. I listen to him. I let him go on and on about G-protein pathways and how the glenoid labrum has an ultimate tensile strength of 8.8 mega pascals before your arm gets ripped off because I want to know what he's working on. I am his confidant. Whenever he's having a bad day, he turns to me and we talk about it. I support him the same way he'd support me if I ever needed help. Peter is the kindest, sweetest person in the whole world. If anyone is ever in a pinch, he'd do everything in his power to help that person out. Whether it'd be helping with a school project, fixing a bike, or even simply listening and being there. He's even helped out a snooty cheerleader with her grades despite her scoffing at him!"

"That's not fair," Liz flinched at the obvious backhanded comment.

"It's the truth! I've spent more time with Peter in these last few months than you or any of your friends have in the last four years. The Peter you see now is the same Peter all those years ago. He's brave. Smart. Kind. Compassionate. Caring. Loving. But you didn't care. You all stepped on him and judged him. Deemed him beneath you. You were with me when Flash bullied Henry my first day here. You all stood by. Peter stood up! He protected Henry and taught Flash a lesson. Why didn't you fall for him then? Huh? Because I did. I saw a man courageous enough to stand up for what was right. I wanted to get to know him, so I sat with him and never looked back. And it was the best decision of my life. I gained a true friend. A true, honest, loyal companion. I can count on him to be there for me. To encourage and support my dreams just as I would support and cheer him on. Peter is an absolute gem. How dare you sit here and try to stake claim to him when you are just now realizing who he is? You don't deserve him."

"Oh? Is this so?" Liz smirked egging Mary Jane on just a little bit more.

"Exactly. Which is why I will never let you have him. He's mine. I wake up every day excited to see his handsome face. I cherish every moment I have with him: our walks to and from school, our lunches together, our movie nights, t-the way he holds me. Every day I just feel so so happy talking to him. I rush to him all the time because he's all I see and want to see. He makes my heart flutter and my knees buckle. He's such a good person that I want to work and be a better person myself because I want to be by his side. I-I love him."

Mary Jane huffed and panted from her whole soliloquy. She still glared daggers at Liz who surprisingly was just smirking. It was if the cheerleader was absolutely unphased by the whole display put forth in front of her. All this just angered Mary Jane even more. So much so, she didn't even realize what she had just admitted.

"Hmm. Took you long enough," Liz finally answered.

"…..huh?"

"You. Love. Peter. Parker," she smiled.

"I uh um," MJ stammered before finding her resolve, "Yes. I love Peter Parker. I am in love with my best friend who lives next door to me and and spends every waking moment with me. Yes yes yes I am so in love with Peter Parker!"

"Good. So, ask him out to prom," Liz told her nonchalantly getting up from her seat.

"W-wait…..what?" MJ stuttered suddenly losing all the bravado she had displayed earlier.

"You heard me. Ask. Him. Out. Not on one of your casual platonic-friends hangouts. Ask him out on a date. A real date. And tell him how you feel."

"A-am I being punk'd or something? Like what's with the 180?"

"You were right. I have no claim on Peter Parker whatsoever. I coulda made a move or even just got to know him in these past four years. I made no such effort. And yea, I was kinda infatuated with Peter for a hot second, but he never looks at me the way he looks at you."

"There's…There's a look?"

"Oh my god…..YES. There's this look of longing and admiration when you catch his eye. He smile is so damn bright when he's with you, I swear he could light up the continent. How have you never seen this look on him?"

"I-I dunno…"

"Ask Peter out, Mary Jane. I guarantee that it will be one of the best decisions you've ever made in your life second to sitting with him at lunch on your first day here."

After the festival, Mary Jane and Peter walked home like they had done countless times over the school year. Peter was going on and on about all the cool robot battles he had the kids participate in at his booth. Something about being really happy for raising so much money and being able to go to Boston for a New England regional competition. Honest MJ didn't hear much. She wasn't purposely tuning him out, but Liz's confrontation earlier in the day still lingered in her mind. Was Peter really ready to take a step further, a step past just being friends? He had never shown any inclination towards being her boyfriend. They had always just goofed around as friends. But then again, he had always shown such genuine care for her. Like when she was sick, he rushed over and nursed her to health. Even as Spider-Man, she was the first person he'd always save. Whenever he caught her, he'd hold on so tightly and protectively. Others might feel trapped and constricted. She always felt warm and loved.

"MJ?" Peter asked.

"Huh?"

"Uhh your house is over there."

She shook her head to pull herself back to reality. Peter tilted his head in confusion as he watched Mary Jane walk right past her house and even Peter's. She blushed and sheepishly walked back.

"Thanks for walking me back, Tiger."

"I mean of course. I'm headed the same way anyway haha."

"R-right. The same way hah. Good night, Peter."

"Night, MJ!"

She turned around and walked along the pathway up to her porch. Without even looking, she just knew Peter was still there watching her. Something stopped her from climbing the steps into her house. Something stopped him from walking towards his own house. Not wanting to wait any longer, MJ turned around to face Peter.

"Peter."

"Mary Jane."

They both paused for a second realizing they called out to each other at the same time. A second later, they rushed to meet in the middle of the lawn. Their minds raced a mile-a-minute, and they blurt out their heart's desires right there.

"Will you go to prom with me?" they both shouted at once, "Prom? You? Me? You want to go with me?"

Quickly, MJ put her hand on Peter's mouth to shut him up.

"Tiger. Peter, will you go to prom with me?"

Smiling under her palm, he took her hand and held it in his.

"Yes. Nothing would make me happier," he answered sincerely.

"Really?"

"Of course. I'm….I'm really honored you'd ask me."

"Oh, Tiger. There's no one else I would rather be with."

With her free hand, she held his cheek. They inched closer and closer again. Their eyes closing. Their cheeks flushed with excitement. Their lips just barely touching…..

*RING RING*

Shocked and jolted, they jumped away at the last second. Both red in the face, they took a second to let the cool night air calm them down. Peter looked at his phone to see a text from Harry.

Harry: Dude! What's taking you so long? We were supposed to duke it out on Rocket League like 15mins ago!

"Gah Harry!" Peter groaned.

"Hehe it's ok, Tiger," Mj smiled, "We'll get it right eventually. In the meantime, I can't wait for prom."

"Me too."

She leaned forward to kiss his cheek before finally walking up to her door and entering her home. Outside, Peter's smile almost broke his face as he jumped up and ran down the street. He was leaping and hollering disrupting the whole neighborhood.

"WOOOOHHHOOOOOO," he yelled, "I'VE GOT A DATE WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD WOOOOOOOO!"

Inside the Watson's house, Mary Jane rested her back on the front door and slowly slid to the ground. She was giddy and could not stop beaming. Sitting on the floor, she did a little dance with her shoulders and shimmied with glee.

"He's mine. He's really really mine!"

AN: And that's part 2 of our DDDDDDDDDDOUBLE FEATURE! Ahh we're so close guys! Wearethisclose! Oh man Harry either the best or worst wingman hahaha. Anywho, the next chapter is gonna be prom and we've got some fun fun stuff for that! After next chapter, I need to swing back to HTBC lolo. I've left Nightwing and Zatanna alone for too long (if you've read my fic then you know they uhhhh SMASHIN heehe). Anyway, hope yall enjoy!