Can I Have This Dance?

"Ok so I think it's up and around and…"

"No no Peter. It's up and over and then you slip it through the hole."

"Are you sure, Aunt May? I thought we had to put it through the loop first then we tighten."

"Let's just watch the video again. I think we can get the hang of it."

"I hope so. We need to hurry. MJ will be here any minute!"

Such anxiety and hustle were indeed justified as in probably ten minutes, Mary Jane Watson would be right at the door. Meanwhile, Aunt May and Peter were immensely struggling to tie a bowtie to complete the tuxedo look.

"Peter, stop fidgeting! Here let me see if I can get it nice and straight."

"Sorry, Aunt May. It's just….I'm really excited but also terrified at the same time. This is prom! With Mary Jane! I really want this night to be perfect. She deserves a perfect night."

"Hmmm, I think you're in your own head a little too much, dear. The night is already perfect because she's going to be with you."

"Yea but what if I ruin her expectations or something? What if…what if….." (What if I have to leave her and go Spider-Manning?)

"Peter. She is your best friend. Honestly you two are so clingy together it's a miracle you part ways and sleep in separate houses…..Don't get any ideas young man."

"I wasn't I wasn't!" Peter immediately threw hands up in surrender.

"Hmmm. But really, Peter. Mary Jane's expectation of you is to be yourself and have a good time. That's all she asks."

Finally, Aunt May was able to successfully straighten out the bowtie. Peter looked so dashing in the tux despite holding a nervous expression. He sat down on the big armchair and slumped for a second. Before immediately getting up not wanting to crinkle to the suit.

"Y'know your Uncle Ben was probably an even bigger wreck on our first date," May sighed.

"...Really?"

"Mmm hmm. He was supposed to pick me up at six. He arrived at five. His car was parked right outside my family's lawn and he just sat there stewing or contemplating how to come up and say hi. Course my parents didn't even notice. But I'd recognize that old mustang anywhere."

"Uncle Ben drove a mustang?!"

"Peter. Your uncle Ben was the hottest man in town. He was a real salt of the earth kind of guy. His summer job was working in car garages, and he had the physique to show it. Honestly, that's how he paid for some of your father's science camps. But anyway, I'm getting distracted. Ben showed up on our date with the mustang he built wearing a cute sports jacket. His hair was all nice and combed and he had a bouquet of roses in his arms. Oh, they were beautiful."

"Uhhhh so Uncle Ben was cool? Not really helping me here, Aunt May."

"If you'd let me finish, we'll get to the point faster! Now, as beautiful as the roses were, I never got the chance to hold them."

"How come?"

"Poor Ben. He tripped on the sidewalk and fell face first into the lawn crushing the roses under him."

"No!"

"Yes. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the sprinklers came on absolutely drenching him!"

"What!"

"Yes hahaha. My father denied it for the rest of his life, but I don't think it was a coincidence the sprinklers came on right when Ben fell. Anyway, Ben was so distraught he got up and sulked to his car in shame."

"Wait. I thought you said you two went on a date?"

"We did. Because I ran out the door and caught up to him just before he got in his car. I convinced him to come into the house and let us dry his clothes for him. So, he borrowed some of my dad's shirts and shorts and we sat down to watch 'Gone with the Wind'. The plan was to sit and wait for his clothes to dry and then we'd go out. He had movie tickets, but I honestly don't even remember the movie we were supposed to go to see. We sat and watched all four hours of 'Gone with the Wind', and we practically talked for as long as my parents would allow us. It was the best night of my life."

"T-that's it?"

"Yep. That's it. We just talked and hung out. And I was so happy. Do you know why?"

"I have a feeling you're going to tell me."

"Because he was just being himself. That fall on the sidewalk basically destroyed any façade he tried to build up. When he was just in a t-shirt on my couch, he was just Ben. And I fell in love with him pretty quickly after that."

"Wow. I never knew that was your first date."

"Yup. Pretty simple and straightforward. And honestly, people haven't changed that much since then. Mary Jane asked YOU out because she wanted to spend time with Peter Parker. It's as simple as that."

*DING DONG*

"Ohh there she is. Ok ok showtime, Peter," May got excited as she smoothed out Peter's tux and combed his hair.

"Wait wait! No! I forgot to order a corsage!" Peter freaked.

"Well then…..isn't it nice that Mary Jane called in advance and helped me pick up a custom one from the florist."

"Wait…..what?!"

"Mmm hmm. She knew you'd be a little scatterbrained. And that's ok. Here have a look."

May handed him a clear plastic box. Inside was a beautiful rose corsage with blue ribbons and white baby's breath all around. Peter tilted his head slightly as the very coincidental color scheme. His mind wasn't given much time to ponder on it as the other part of his brain reminded him that Mary Jane was still at the door.

"Thank you, Aunt May. I don't know what I'd do without you," he smiled taking the corsage.

"Oh sweetie. You got this!"

Peter took a deep breath as he walked towards the door. Shaking off any remaining jitters, he turned the knob to greet his date for the evening. Unfortunately, one look at her sent all the jitters screaming back at him.

"H-hey, Tiger," Mary Jane shyly greeted.

Peter's jaw practically fell to the ground. Standing in his doorway was indeed Mary Jane and her beauty was turned up to eleven (which honestly Peter didn't think was even possible. She was always beautiful to him). There she stood wearing a tight satin black dress with a halter top that left her shoulders bare. Peter worried she'd be cold but at the moment she seemed fine given her long black sleeves that covered her arms. Seeing him stunned actually lit a fire in Mary Jane. Her confidence suddenly expanded inside her. She put her hands on her hips and struck a pose smiling gleefully. That finally broke Peter from his spell as his face lit up with excitement.

"Jackpot," he said aloud.

"Hehehe I'm glad you like it," she felt relieved as she wiped a bit of drool from the side of his mouth.

"You're beautiful."

"You're quite the handsome man yourself, Tiger."

"Ahem. Peter. Corsage!" Aunt May subtly whispered.

"Oh right! MJ, would you mind if?"

Smiling, she extended her right hand. Quickly, Peter opened the plastic box, and wrapped the blue ribbon on her wrist.

"My turn," MJ said as she pulled out her own box from her purse revealing a matching red and blue boutonniere, "May I, Tiger?"

"All yours, Red," Peter sighed as he turned his left side forward so MJ could affix the flowers onto his lapel.

"Well now, Mr. Parker. I'm allowing you to take my niece out, but you best have her home at an appropriate time!"

"Aunt Anna!"

Apparently, Anna Watson had be standing at the bottom of the porch this entire time. Poor Peter was too starstruck to even notice.

"Oh hush, Anna. They're good kids. Everything will be fine!" May tried to reassure her friend.

"Humph. You didn't catch them in bed."

"You're right…..I caught them on the couch."

"GUYS!" Peter and MJ shrieked in horror.

"Hehehe mild teasing you two. Now come come. Let's get good lighting for a few pictures," May laughed.

MJ and Anna finally entered the Parker residence as May guided Peter and MJ where to stand. They settled on a spot in the living room near the fireplace. Feeling a little shy and self-conscious, Peter merely stood next to Mary Jane with his hands behind his back.

"Peter! Don't be such a stiff. Put your arm around her!" May ordered.

Shyly Peter put his arm around her shoulder but still kept a bit of distance between them.

"Closer!" May again ordered.

He shuffled to close the space a tiny bit.

"Oh here, Tiger. This is how she wants it!"

Guiding him into place, MJ stood in front of him wrapping his arms around her waist. Peter freaked out for a second as his hands hovered over her waist. She tapped his knuckles telling him it was ok. Only then he relaxed and fully embraced her.

*SNAP SNAP SNAP*

"Perfect. Just perfect. Now run along you two. Have a good time," May said as she handed Peter the keys to the car.

"Remember Mr. Parker. Home by 10."

"Aunt Anna!" MJ protested.

"Oh, come now Anna. It's prom. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Let them have their fun," May also pleaded.

"Sigh. Fine. 11."

"Thank you, Aunt Anna," MJ hugged her before grabbing Peter's arm.

"Home by 11. Got it," Peter reassured.

With that, Mary Jane practically dragged Peter out of the house and threw him into Aunt May's Toyota Camry. Off they went leaving the two aunts watching from the doorway.

"You want some wine?" May asked.

"Oh God yes!"

As Peter parked outside the country club where prom was being held, he immediately got out of the car, ran around to the other side, and opened the door for Mary Jane.

"Peter! You didn't have to."

"Yea but I wanted to."

"You're sweet."

Taking his arm again, they both happily walked to the entrance and found their way to the ballroom. It was still relatively early in the night and others were still arriving. Various tables were scattered around the large venue with a big wooden dance floor in the middle. As Peter and MJ walked in, whispers started to spread. Gradually, heads began turning and all eyes were on them.

"Holy shit she's gorgeous."

"Look at that dress. My god it fits her curves perfectly."

"Man, Parker cleans up nicely though."

"How did Parker ever score a girl like her?"

Peter blushed wondering himself what he did to deserve Mary Jane hanging on his arm like she was now. MJ was slightly embarrassed, but she reveled in the attention. Proudly she held her head high and gently tugged on Peter's arm to pull him forward so they could find their table. Gleefully she smirked giving off vibes and a clear message of "Yea, this is my man. What are you going to do about it?" With her hand, she guided his head closer to her so she could kiss his cheek.

"Relax, Tiger. The night's still young. And I intend to dance all night wrapped in your arms," she assured him.

"Y-yeah. That would be great."

"So, this is the infamous Mary Jane Watson," another voice chimed in.

Peter and Mary Jane faced forward to see a confident Harry Osborn striding over in his dark olive suit. He ran his fingers through his curly hair before stopping in front of Peter. Jokingly, Harry grabbed Peter and put him into a headlock.

"Haha! I told you she'd say yes to blithering baboon," Harry laughed giving Peter a noogie.

"Uncle! Uncle! Hahah geez Harry."

Eventually Harry let Peter go to get a good look at his date for the evening.

"Mary Jane Watson. I can see why Peter can't take his eyes off you. Pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Harry, Peter's BEST friend."

"Nice to meet you too. Kinda feels like a passing of the torch. Always a pleasure to meet the previous incumbent before moving into the office. Mary Jane Watson, Peter's CURRENT best friend," she teased back as she shook Harry's hand.

"Ahhh she's sneaky this one. Well don't expect me to leave you a handwritten note wishing you best of luck on the job, Ms. Watson. Cuz I ain't moving out of office just yet!"

"We'll just have to let the constituent decide then, won't we Peter?" she retorted once again grabbing Peter's arm.

"No fair. You've got boobs!"

"Harry!" Peter cried out.

"You bet I do. And I fully intend to use them," she laughed squeezing Peter's arm hard so that he could feel her breasts under her dress.

"ANYWAY! Ha ha ha uhhhh Harry! You crashing this party or something?" Peter nervously changed the subject.

"Of course! I did attend Midtown for two years y'know. Ya boi showed up unannounced ready to mingle."

"Well playa, you're welcome to hang out with Peter and me when you strike out," MJ teased again.

"When? Excuse me lady. You ain't never seen the Osborn charm."

"What charm? The one girl who went out with you over in London was more in love with Spider-Man hahaha," Peter joked.

"Oh man don't remind me…" Harry groaned.

The rest of the evening went by pretty well. Peter and MJ sat down and got a caricature together from one of the artists stationed at the activity's booth. Later, everyone sat down and enjoyed dinner from the catering company. Mary Jane wasn't too impressed as the chicken was a little dry. But the banana pudding really hit the spot for Peter. Flash surprisingly came over and sat with Peter for a bit. He had a few questions about introductory courses he should take at Empire State in the upcoming fall. Obviously gracious Peter Parker sat with Flash for nearly forty minutes helping the jock plan out his future. Mary Jane didn't mind one bit. Helping people was what made Peter Peter. Liz to the shock of everyone actually came alone to prom. Mary Jane wanted to ask but thought the better of it and let Liz enjoy the night floating from friend group to friend group. Harry on the other hand figured two singles would make a perfect double. MJ smiled as those two seemingly never separated for the rest of the night.

All conversations stopped though as the lights dimmed and a dance beat gradually picked up before blaring into a full-blown song. Invigorated by the beat, MJ yanked Peter off his chair and practically flung him to the dance floor. Peter to his credit took it all in stride and danced with MJ. With the music blaring and the lights flashing, they swayed and jumped to the beat. Peter wanted to test the waters a bit by reaching out and taking her hand. Gleefully, she accepted and let him spin her a few times. However, on the last turn, she made sure to spin right into his arms with her back nestled right into his chest. Surprised but glad, Peter hugged her close as they swayed to the beat. While Peter was a little shy with how far he could go with contact, Mary Jane was definitely not. With one hand overlapping his on her waist, she moved her free hand to cup his neck. She craned her head up to meet his eyes and held him tightly so that he wouldn't run off. Gently, she arched her back and pressed her ass right up against his groin letting her hips roll against him. Peter to his credit remained calm…while his mind was going berserk. Mary Jane, his best friend, was actually grinding against him. And she held him in place too. She wanted him there right where he was so they could dance….provocatively like this. His eyes met hers and he couldn't tear them away. His heart raced like crazy. Her ass just kept smushing up against him. Surely, she'd feel his growing erection, but oddly he didn't care. Her green eyes were just so mesmerizing. Her lip gloss made her lips so much more tantalizing. He had never wanted to kiss her more than he did right at this very moment.

"HOLY SHIT!"

Peter and MJ along with a fair amount of people around them turned their heads to see Henry freaking out over whatever was on his phone.

"Guys! The police are in a firefight downtown. They're trying to bring in L. Thompson Lincoln. They're saying he's Tombstone!" Henry explained.

Suddenly, everyone started pulling up their phones to see the live feed.

"Breaking news here on Channel 8. The NYPD have surrounded Crown Towers and have a warrant for the arrest of Mr. L. Thompson Lincoln under multiple charges including drug trafficking, bank robbery, extortion, and possibly murder. Over the past few months, the police have been gathering immense evidence suggesting Mr. Lincoln is the rumored mob boss Tombstone. At this moment there are hundreds of officers and SWAT team members desperately trying to gain access to the building, but Lincoln's own men have set up some kind of fortress. His men are heavily armed with what looks like military grade weaponry. No one has been allowed in or out of the building, even some of Lincoln's civilian employees."

It felt like all of the air was whooshed out of the ballroom. Everyone from students to faculty were glued to their phones either awaiting updates or watching the firefight unfold. Murmurs and whispers began circulating amongst the crowd.

"Oh man my dad works near Crown Towers I hope he's ok."

"Those people inside. They're innocent. What if they get caught in the crossfire?"

"My mom's a cop. I hope she wasn't assigned to go there."

Mary Jane felt the fear and worry emanating from all around her….except for one person. Next to her, Peter was oozing anger and conflict. He and MJ were the only ones who didn't pull out their phones. Instead, Peter just stood there gritting his teeth and clenching his fists. He wouldn't even look at her knowing the choice that awaited before him. Luckily for him, he didn't have to make that choice alone.

"Huh? MJ?" Peter exclaimed as she grabbed his wrist, "Hey! What's going on? Where are we going?"

She didn't answer him until they were near the door and out of earshot from everyone else. Peter though had had enough and used just barely a fraction of his spider strength to stop her in place.

"MJ is something wrong?"

"Yes! You…..you have to go."

"Go? Uhhh what are you talking about hehe. I mean uh I guess it's a little moody in there with the news, but y'know it doesn't affect us, right?"

"Sigh but it's affecting you. It's ok. You can drop the act."

"Act? What act? You're the actress hehe."

She bit her lip and scrunched her eyes. This was hardly the way she wanted this conversation to go. She wanted him to trust her enough to tell her himself. But some things just don't happen the way you want them to.

"Peter, I know."

"Know what?"

"Peter, I know you're Spider-Man."

"…..whaaat? Nahh c'mon MJ," Peter nervously tried to play it off.

"Peter, stop it. We're neighbors. Your window faces mine. You didn't think I'd one day see Spider-Man climbing in and out of your bedroom?"

"I-I uh," Peter panicked.

Sensing his unease, she put her hands on his shoulders to steady him.

"Hey hey. It's ok. You're ok," she assured him.

"You-you never said anything."

"I-I wanted to earn your trust first. I wanted you to be comfortable enough to tell me your biggest secret."

"Wait. My birthday present. The corsage…."

"….ok maybe I was being a little cheeky with the knowledge, but still, I never wanted to push you. Spider-Man is a huge part of your life and I was hoping one day….you'd share it with me."

"MJ I'd…..I never wanted to hide anything from you."

"Tiger it's ok. And as much as I'd love to have a really great moment to go with this conversation, we gotta get a move on."

"Wait wait whoa we can't just go."

"We not only can. We have to."

"But the dance! Prom!"

"Peter. I've known you for almost a year now. I know it would eat you alive if you just sat here pretending to dance and enjoy yourself while you know there is a crisis happening, especially a crisis that you can help with. It's ok."

"No, it's not ok! This is exactly what I was worried about. What kind of a friend would I be if I bailed on you every time there's a disaster? How could I ever be there for you if I'm never actually there? MJ this was supposed to be one of the best nights of our lives. T-this was supposed to be perfect. I can't just abandon you here like MMPH!"

What was happening? What was going on? What was this feeling? Peter's ears were warm. Her hands. Mary Jane was holding his face. What was this sensation? It felt….good. It felt so soft. Melting, Peter closed his eyes and held MJ by her waist. His mouth moved in sync with hers as they finally finally shared their first kiss together. Gradually her hands shifted to behind his neck. Her fingers gently played with his hair. His own hands couldn't stop rubbing her back. This was the bliss they had been aching for. Mary Jane tried to pull back for some air, but Peter wasn't having it. He hugged her even tighter, and she happily obliged. Eventually, she tapped the back of his neck asking for release.

"MJ, I-"

"Hush," she put a finger on his lips, "Here's the plan. We're going to leave together. After the weekend, if anyone asks, I got tired and you took me to IHOP for waffles. But in reality, you're gonna get your spider butt over to Crown Towers and save the day."

"But the car. And you?"

"Don't you worry. I'll be fine. I'll take the car and actually go to IHOP."

"…..Ok. But you go straight there. And here, I don't have much, but I can pay for a waffle or two," he said handing her his wallet.

"Fine. Do you have your suit?"

"Uhhh I don't think so. I didn't expect to leave and do hero work."

"Well, we can't circle back to your house!"

"Wait wait. Aunt May's car. My backpack is still in there. I think my suit is still in there."

"Then let's go!"

MJ immediately grabbed his hand and rushed out the door. Quickly they got to Aunt May's car and Peter popped open the trunk.

"Yes! It's still in here! Along with my suit," he exclaimed.

"Perfect. Get changed!"

"Uhhh."

Peter looked around at the openly spaced parking lot. There was barely any cover to get undress despite it being night.

"Well?" MJ asked hurriedly.

"Um could you uh turn around?" Peter shyly asked.

Rolling her eyes with a smirk, MJ obliged and turn her back to him. She could hear some slight rustling and curiosity got the better of her. Slyly, she turned her head for a quick peek. Disappointment came down on her as Peter had already changed into his spider pants. But fortunately, she did catch a glimpse of his bare-naked chest. She couldn't help herself and bit her lower lip.

"Ok good to go. Remember, take the car, go straight to the IHOP. Stay there until I call, ok?" Peter ordered while holding his mask in his hand.

"Got it. Easy breezy. Be safe, Tiger."

"Don't worry MJ. I will."

Normally at this point, Peter would jump up and swing off to fight off crime. But instead, he stayed behind fidgeting. He clutched his mask awkwardly and his eyes were darting all over the place. MJ raised an eyebrow unsure of why Peter was still here.

"Tiger? Is everything alright?"

"Well, I um uh."

"Are you hurt? Is there something wrong with your suit?"

"….CanIkissyouagain?" he mumbled.

"Peter? What did you say?"

"Sigh. Can I kiss you again?"

Her cheeks immediately flushed bright red. Oh how much more adorable could he be? Answering his question, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck. He in turn hugged her waist and moved in for another sweet kiss. Now not taken by surprise, Peter was a bit more aggressive and hungrier with this kiss. He held onto MJ possessively not wanting to let her go. Again, MJ had to signal for them to stop by nipping his bottom lip a little.

"There'll be more of that later, ok? So long as you come back to me," she whispered.

"Absolutely. I promise to come back to you."

"Well then, go get 'em Tiger," she pecked him again on his lips for luck.

With that, Peter put on his mask, and swung away.

*BOOM BANG CRASH*

It was absolute mayhem outside Crown Towers. Snipers and gunmen all lined up at the windows and rained fire down upon the poor police officers below. Many were hiding behind cars and riot shields, but none were able to make any headway towards the building entrance. At one point, one of Tombstone's men pulled out a rocket launcher and fired at a cop car.

*BOOM*

As the fiery heap of metal crashed upon the police perimeter, many of the officers scattered.

"Fall back! Fall back!" one of the commanding officers ordered.

"Hold your positions! Hold your positions!" a voice called out from above.

*THWIP THWIP*

Like a red and blue savior from above, Spider-Man swung past the police perimeters and began dealing with the window gunmen. Quickly and efficiently, he fired sticky web bombs at every window, jamming all the rifles and heavy artillery. Mid-air, he shot a web out at the rocket launcher. With a yank, the devastating weapon fell out of the thug's hand and harmlessly down to the street. Picking his spot, Spidey fired another web line at the building and pulled himself forward to crash through a window. Down below, the cops stood in awe.

"Hang on. He took out the guns…..EVERYONE STORM THE BUILDING!" the commanding officer ordered.

Inside, Spidey managed to reach the atrium only to get swarmed by more armed men.

"Oh, is this the welcome committee? Dang, and I forgot to bring a bottle of wine to this party. How rude of me," he quipped.

"Get him!"

All the thugs unleashed a bullet storm onto Spidey. Like water, he jumped into the air twisting and turning to narrowly dodge all the bullet fire. Firing a web line, he yanked away one of the guard's rifles and swung it around to hit another guy. Never staying in one place, Spidey bounced up in the air, kicked another guy in the face. He webbed up another unsuspecting thug and yanked him close to punch him in the face. Soon, the front doors exploded allowing the whole army of cops to swarm in. Taking his cue, Spidey jumped up into the vents and started his climb up the building. He passed by one of the main offices and spotted a bunch of office workers huddled up in one area while armed guards patrolled the floor.

"I gotta get those people out of there," he thought to himself.

As the guards continued walking around the floor, two of them converged by the water cooler.

"Ay Mitch, you know why all the cops in the city decided to storm in like this?"

"I dunno. But if you ask me, I think the boss has every right to be a little on edge."

"Eh? How so?"

"I mean that Spider freak has been raiding warehouse after warehouse. The whole operation is nearly kaput. He's probably been handing over evidence this whole time. Plus, supposedly there's a new guy coming to town."

"A new guy?"

"Yea. He's the baddest of the bad. Stewie told me at the bar the other night. Folks call him Kingpin."

"Kingpin? I thought he was a myth."

"Nah nah he's real."

"The stories say he's a true blue New Yorker. What do ya mean he's coming to town."

"I dunno all the details man. I'm just relaying the gossip."

*THWIP THWIP*

"Huh?"

"What the?"

"Hey where'd Ritchie go?"

*THWIP THWIP*

"Carlos? Oh man Mitch we gotta stick together….Mitch?...MITCH!?"

And just like that, there was only one thug left in the room. Trembling he looked left and right for wherever the intruder might be. His hands were shaking barely about to hold the gun properly. Sweat dripped profusely down his forehead. His heartbeat rapidly staggered his breath.

"Boo," a whisper cut through the air.

*POW*

"Now then. If you'd all make a nice orderly exit to the stairs," Spidey cheerfully suggest.

"I'm getting out of here man!"

"Thanks Spidey!"

"Out of the way Grandpa, I gotta take a leak!"

Not surprisingly the hostages all scrambled away the second they got their chance leaving Spidey to awkwardly watch them rush out the door.

"Orrrr rush out the door screaming wildly. That works too."

Meanwhile…

"I'll uh have a stack of strawberry waffles and a blueberry muffin. Oh, and a side of bacon. And could you grill the muffin and make it nice and toasty?"

"Sure thing, hon. More coffee?"

"Yes please. Thank you, ma'am."

"I gotta ask. What's a cute girl in a beautiful dress doing at an IHOP by herself on a Saturday? Lemme guess. Your date ditched you?"

"What? No! No of course not," Mary Jane answered shaking her head, "I uh went to my school dance alone. I thought it'd be fun, but things can get awkward when everyone else has a date and you're just awkwardly standing by yourself."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that sweetie. But that's ok. Someone as pretty as you will surely have men lining up all around the block," the nice waitress assured her.

"Uhh thanks. But I already found a really sweet guy. I would've loved to have gone to the dance with him, but he's uhhhh kinda on assignment."

"Ahhh I hear ya. Military."

"Uhhh something like that yea."

"Well don't you worry missy. I'll pray that your boyfriend will come home safe and sound. After all, if he's got gal like you, I'm sure he'll fight God himself to see you again."

"Thank you," MJ blushed as the waitress walked away, "You and me both. Be careful, Tiger…."

A few floors and saved hostages later, Spider-Man managed to fight his way up to the top. After dispatching Tombstone's elite guard, he cracked his neck and stretched a bit before confronting the head honcho himself. The door to Tombstone's office was enormous and pretty thick.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Mr. Tombstone? Are you available? I've got the police on line one!" Spidey quipped.

With his strength, the hero opened the large door and casually walked in. The office itself was relatively bare, but it was long and narrow. Looking around, Spidey realized the whole room was in the shape of a coffin. At the far end was a desk with Tombstone himself standing and looking out the large glass windows.

"Gotta say, Lincoln, you really took the whole Tombstone gimmick to heart. You sure you don't moonlight as a gloomy French food critique?" Spidey continued quipping.

"You have been a thorn in my side for quite some time you insolent buffoon," Tombstone growled.

"I wouldn't say thorn. I'm more like the pea under the bed. Was I irritating enough for ya, princess?"

"You realize that regardless of what happens tonight, they won't be able to keep me imprisoned for long."

"I dunno. The police have got some pretty pretty incriminating evidence against you…Lonnie."

"ArrrrrgggRAHH."

In a fit of rage, Tombstone flipped his desk across the room with one arm. As he stepped into the light, more and more of his burly features were revealed. Spidey was actually in awe of Lonnie's six-foot-seven frame. The man's shoulders were broad and could probably hold up a Greek column. His skin was a sickly pale blue with jagged edges here and there. His knuckles were clenched as he stomped towards the wallcrawler.

"I don't suppose we can settle our differences over a plate of ratatouille? Don't know if I can make it like Mama Lincoln does, but I can try!" Spidey smirked.

"I'm going to bury you-"

"Oh lemme guess! And put a TOMBSTONE over me! Hahahha."

Angered, Lonnie swung his fist and smashed the ground where Spidey stood. In the nick of time, the hero dodged the first attack and spun to kick Lonnie in the face. While the kick landed, the recoil actually hurt Spidey more. Meanwhile Tombstone was unphased by the attack.

"Ahhh what the hell?" Spidey cried out in pain.

"That a tickle?" Lonnie smirked.

Quickly, Spidey got up and charged a punch right at Tombstone's abdomen.

"Arhhh!" the webslinger cried out again.

A stinging pain spread all throughout from his wrist all the way up to his shoulder. It felt like punching a solid brick wall. Tombstone only yawned completely unaffected by the attack.

"My turn," Lonnie grinned before slapping Spidey across the room.

*CRASH*

With just one attack, Tombstone was able to fling the hero and send him smashing into one of the paintings on the wall. Groaning, Spidey dug himself out of the rubble with aches and sores all over. Looking behind him, he could only marvel at the crater he made on the wall.

"Not so talkative now, are you?" Lonnie mocked.

"*pant* *pant* What what the hell are they feeding you Lonnie?"

"Come now, Spider-Man. Is that the best you can do?"

"Look man. I do push-ups, sit-ups, and drink plenty of juice. I'd like to think I'm stronger than your average spider, but what you got? That's unnatural."

"I'm hurt, Spider-Man. But alas you are correct. Not everyone is blessed enough to be exposed to toxic gas giving them boundless strength and rendering their skin impenetrable. Also, you're paying for that painting you destroyed."

"*pant* *pant* you uh…..you take IOUs?"

Quickly, Spidey hurled some nearby debris right at Tombstone's face. As expected, the wood and rock shattered upon impact. Though Lonnie wasn't affected, Spidey bought enough time to dodge and gain a little distance. He fired a web line past Lonnie's head and pulled with all his might so that he'd fly towards the big brute. Using his momentum, Spidey landed a punch to the face before landing on the ground, flipping up and kicking Tombstone again. He needed to maintain speed and agility, so the hero just kept jumping and landing quick hitters all of Tombstone's face. Though slightly staggered, the thick-skinned villain remained mostly unaffected by the onslaught of attacks. Thoroughly annoyed, Lonnie elbowed Spider-Man hard in the abdomen breaking the hero's rhythm. After he fell to the ground, Spidey was picked and harshly dragged across the stone walls. Continuing to release his rage, Tombstone slammed our weakened hero again and again against the thick walls. Satisfied with the damage, he flung the limp body across the floor watching his foe roll along the tile.

"I expected more from you Spider-Man. For someone so feared across the city, you are nothing but a mere irritation. You were correct in your assessment earlier. You are indeed a mere pea in my royal bed. Easily remedied."

Tombstone was about to turn away thinking he had successfully killed the hero. Instead, he heard soft groaning coming from the body. Shakily, Spidey pushed up with his arms and put up his knee to lean against. His joints were screaming in pain. His costume torn to shreds and scratches at cuts all over his torso. His masked was slightly ripped revealing the bottom of his mouth. One of his eye lenses was cracked.

"You are resilient. I'll give you that," Lonnie smirked.

"Buddy. I'm missing my prom to be here. I'm not leaving until I kick your ass and leave you with the cops."

"Oh? How intriguing."

"What? Now you want to sit and talk over ratatouille? Sorry pal. That offer's off the table."

"Hahahaha I can't believe it. I genuinely can't believe it haahahhaha," Lonnie cackled and howled.

"What's so funny?"

"You! Under all your bravado and fast-talking jokes, you are just a boy."

"Huh?"

"Prom. You slipped up. You just revealed to me that you are a mere high school boy. HAhahhahah."

Spidey froze in horror. How could he have been so careless? How could he have given the bad guy even a mere glimpse into who he is? He could be ruined. He just narrowed down the search parameters for the most dangerous man in New York.

"Hahahhah oh this is delightful. You may as well unmask yourself here and now. Because I'll find you. Don't think I won't. I'll hunt you down like a dog. Then, I'll kill your whole family. Your mother, father, brother, sister, girlfriend whoever you hold close and dear!"

That was the last straw. No more quips. No more thinking. Just action. Angered, Spidey shot a web and anchored it to the thrown away desk. Yanking the line, he pulled the desk hard hitting Tombstone in the back. The heavy wood actually knocked Tombstone forward a bit. Taking advantage of the opening, Spidey sprinted forward and launched into an uppercut giving the punch his full power. Feeling the full force, Tombstone was actually lifted in the air. Quickly grabbing his leg, Spidey turned and swung the man smashing him against the walls creating more and more craters. Looking around, the webslinger grabbed any object he could find in the office and smashed it against Tombstone's head.

*SMASH SMASH SMASH*

Everything from a random vase to a chair to another painting shattered against the man's impenetrable skin. Furious, Lonnie jumped up and tried to tackle Spider-Man. With lightning-fast reflexes, Spidey hopped over Lonnie but not without anchoring two web points behind him. Lonnie got up and stood in front of his large office windows. He turned around to face Spider-Man, but it was too late. The webhead had set up a human slingshot with his two web lines on either side of the office windows. Stretching them as far as he could, Spidey didn't waste a second more. He lifted his feet, and the elastic webs hurled him at great speeds towards Lonnie. With a hard kick to the chest, Spidey pushed both him and Tombstone right out the top floor window sending them hurling down to the ground. As they were both falling down nearly twenty stories, Spidey tried to jump off Lonnie but instead was grabbed by the leg. Panicking, Spidey furiously and repeatedly kicked Tombstone in the face with his free leg. Finally, the mob boss lost his grip freeing Spidey. Down below, all the cops scattered not wanting to suffer the brunt of the impact. With a huge crash, Lonnie fell and crushed a police car sending glass shards everywhere. Just before impact, Spidey was able to fire a web and swing away. However, he had fallen too far too fast and was still a little dizzy. In his rush, he didn't plan out his trajectory properly and hit his head on a fire escape sending him crashing down into a nearby alley. Since most people were more focused on big ol' Lonnie, no one really noticed an unconscious Spider-Man laying in an alley. Well….almost no one.

"Hrrrrngggg," Peter groaned.

His body ached, squeaked, and cracked all over. There was stinging pain running up and down his body as if thousands of tiny needles were prodding him. It hurt to even move. Not that he wanted to, anyway. Thankfully, he was lying comfortably in a soft bed. Wait. Bed? Slowly he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry but slowly it focused in on a familiar wallpaper. As he looked around, he started noticing familiar objects, but none were his. That wasn't his desk. That wasn't his ceiling fan. He didn't own a Spider-Man plushie. And what was this light weight gripping his arm?"

"Peter? Oh my God, Peter you're ok! Thank God you're ok!"

To his left, Peter spotted a tired and sobbing Mary Jane holding his hand. Apparently, she changed into a t-shirt and shorts and had been resting her head on his arm praying this whole time. As his senses started to reactivate, Peter could feel bandages all over his chest. There was also a faint hint of alcohol in the air, but he couldn't exactly identify it.

"I was so worried, Peter. I was so so worried. When I saw you fall from the top floor, I couldn't breathe."

"…MJ? Y-you saw?"

"Yea! You were lucky you fell near me. I might not have nabbed you in time before the cops found you. They were too busy arresting Tombstone. He's one tough son of a bitch. I can't believe he survived that fall."

"Y-you….you were supposed to be at the IHOP."

"I was at IHOP!...the one only a couple of blocks from Crown Towers."

Sighing in disappointment, Peter laid his head back on the pillow scrunching his eyes.

"MJ! You shouldn't do that!"

"And why not! I saved your life just now!"

"Yea but you could've been in danger! You could've gotten hurt!"

"But I was careful, Peter. Honest! I was a safe distance away. I only got close because I saw you fall in the alleyway."

This time, Peter sat up. He was strained and still sore, but he needed to look MJ in the eye.

"But you might have gotten lucky this time. Who knows what'll happen if you stay close to me. This has to stop."

"W-what are you saying?" she whimpered with tears brimming in her eyes.

"I-I'm saying…..we need to stop seeing each other."

"P-Peter?"

"I'm serious MJ. You know I'm Spider-Man. You've become a target. Tonight made me realize that I live a dangerous life and everyone around me could get hurt or even killed. I slipped up and gave Lincoln a hint about who I am. He swore that he'd find and kill everyone I loved. I can't let that happen to you MJ. If I lost you, I don't know what I'd do. We can't see each other anymore. You have to get away from me. I love you, Mary Jane. Truly I do. And because I love you, I have to let you go."

"Peter stop and think for a second."

"I have thought about this! I'm no good to you MJ. All I'd do is bring you trouble. Whether it's bringing criminals to your doorstep, or showing up in your room bloodied, or even just my inability to be there for you when you need me most. You deserve someone better. Someone who won't put you in danger. Someone you don't have to worry about night after night. Someone who makes you happy. I don't think I can be that person. Please, Mary Jane. I want to protect you. I want to MMPH."

Again, wanting to shut him up for the umpteenth time, Mary Jane grabbed his face and pulled him in for a kiss. He tried to resist and pull away, but his muscles were too weak to do anything about it. Gently, she leaned more forward pushing him down onto the bed. Finally relenting, Peter grabbed her waist and started to kiss back. This may be their last kiss so he might as well enjoy it. MJ climbed over and straddled him never breaking lip contact. He could feel her tongue licking and begging for entrance. Lost in the moment, he obliged and could feel the muscle trace his mouth before twisting with his own tongue. Once again not using his brain, Peter let his hand wander a bit tracing her sides before settling on her thigh and gripping it. MJ meanwhile could not just stop playing with his hair. Her fingers got tangled within his curls as she just kept kissing and nipping at his lips. Gradually her hips joined in the fun as they grinded against his groin. He in turn couldn't help but buck up and move in rhythm with her. Neither of them could believe how good the other tasted, how good they made each other feel. This was only their third kiss ever and it felt so heated. Ultimately, it was MJ who broke the kiss for air. Peter needily bit and hung on to her lower lip as she slowly pulled away leaving a thread of saliva connecting their tongues. As they caught their breaths, MJ put on a serious look giving Peter a stern glare despite the hot make out session.

"You listen to me, Peter Parker. Don't you ever try to assume what would make me happy. I get to decide what makes me happy. The only thing I want, Peter, is your love. I want to be with you. I want to be with the hero who's brave enough to face this city's worst night after night. I want to be with the kind heart that will stick up for the little guy. I want to be with my best friend who has never judged me once for my looks or my past. I want to be with the man who loves me for who I am, who supports me, who cherishes me just like I cherish you. Don't take this away from me over something silly like keeping me safe."

"But Mary Jane. Spider-Man-"

"-is a part of who you are. I love Spider-Man just as much as I love you. I would never ask you to give up being Spider-Man. Never. Because I know you have that urge to do good. Like tonight. Tonight, it was tearing you apart not being able to go out and stop Tombstone. But you saved so many people tonight. I couldn't live with myself if I kept you from doing your duty. And besides, you say that you'd never be there for me because of Spider-Man but that's not true. You simply holding me in your arms is more than enough for me. And for all those criminals gunning after me? Screw them. Let them come. I will gladly be your shield and protect you so long as I get to call you my love. It's a risk, sure. But it's a risk I would take over and over again if it meant I could love you and you could love me."

"But MJ, if you died-"

"Then I die loving you with all my heart. You don't think I worry about you? You're in greater risk every single day. You really think I could just sit in that IHOP scarfing down waffles until you called? I was in shambles Peter. I could barely hold myself together. When I saw you in that alley my heart nearly stopped. I only barely relaxed when I felt you breathing. It's going to be a tough road I'm sure, but it will be worth it. Because you're worth it to me."

Reaching up, Peter wiped the tears from her eyes. He honestly wasn't sure what to say. Here she was pouring her heart out to him desperately fighting to be with him. How could he ever think he could push her away to keep her safe?

"Do you really mean it?" he asked.

"Of course I mean it you dolt! If I didn't love you, would I have dragged your fat ass into your car, drove you back here, cleaned your wounds with Aunt Anna's whiskey, and bandaged you up?"

"Hehe I guess not."

"Well?"

"I love you. I really really do. But I just feel like the responsible thing is to keep you safe."

"Stop. Please just stop. Please, Peter for once in your life just be a little selfish. Please don't break my heart. You want this just as much as I do. You shouldn't have to live alone in misery."

He continued to hold her face and look deep into her green eyes. His breathing evened out as his senses took in the moment. He could smell lavender emanating from her shampoo and a slight tinge of said whiskey that was used to disinfect his cuts. Tears were still streaming down her cheeks. Her red lips pursed in anticipation. Her hair felt so smooth like silk. He wanted this memory to last forever. He wanted to engrain this image into his mind. This was a life-changing moment, he was sure of it.

"Mary Jane, do you know how I was able to defeat Tombstone?"

"How?"

"It wasn't easy. Honestly, he was kicking my ass. Throwing me around like a ragdoll. I felt overmatched. Luckily, he paused to gloat. But in that moment, I thought about you. I was bleeding, probably bones fractured or whatever. But with my heaving breath all I could think about was you. I wanted to come back to you. I wanted to be stronger. You were my motivation to push forward, gather whatever strength I had left, and beat Tombstone because I knew you would be that much safer if I won. Mary Jane you are my reason to keep fighting. I fight so that we could live in a world where you'd be safe, and I could see you smile. You make me want to be a better person every day because you fuel my desire to do good. So, as usual, you're right."

"I am?"

"Yes. I so desperately want to be with you. And I don't think I could keep you on the sidelines anyway."

"So does that mean?"

"Mary Jane Watson, will you be my girlfriend?"

Peter may probably never see a brighter, more beautiful smile on Mary Jane's face. Tears were still flowing freely but this time they were joyous. MJ could barely contain herself as she peppered Peter's face with kisses from the nose to the forehead to the eyes to the chin to the cheek and so much more.

"Yes mwah yes mwah yes yes yes mwah mwah mwah! A thousand times yes!" she squealed relentlessly kissing him.

"Heheh would you believe it. I got together with the girl next door," he smiled.

"Would YOU believe it. I'm dating Spider-Man."

"Bahahahahahha."

After a good laugh, fatigue was starting to set in for the two. They shifted so they were laying on their sides. Their legs intertwined with her thigh wrapping around his waist.

"Hehe come here, Tiger," she purred gently guiding his head towards her chest.

Too exhausted physically and emotionally to think rationally, Peter let her press his face into the valley of her breasts. He sighed and relaxed into her softness. His arms hugged her closely. She felt something poking at her thigh, but she didn't mind. She was certainly eager for that step in the relationship as well, but that would be for another night. Peter's breath tickled her skin as she continued to brush his hair.

"Hehehehehe," she giggled.

"What?"

"I just…..I can't believe I brought a guy home on the first date. And he's in bed with me! How easy must I be?"

"Hahahahaha Mary Jane where have your standards gone? You can't just let any schmuck like me climb into bed with you. What would Aunt Anna think? How could you ever maintain your good Catholic schoolgirl image hahahha."

"Oh, hush you. We've cuddled before."

"Hehehe yea. Wait a minute," he realized, "I'm shirtless…and in shorts."

"Uhhh hehehehe."

"….Mary Jane? Where's my costume?"

"I uh so I may have had to a strip you. But But that was so I could tend to your wounds! I didn't peak! Honest!"

"Uh huh."

"I'm serious! You're still in your underwear!"

"Sheesh, you are easy. First date and you've already stripped me down. Tsk tsk Ms. Watson."

"Shut up! Hahahah. Would you have rather I'd left the glass shards in your open wounds?"

"Haha no ma'am. Thank you, MJ. I really appreciate your help tonight…..even if our first date was totally ruined."

"Mmm I wouldn't say that. While I had hoped we could have enjoyed our night dancing, I wasn't totally surprised Spider-Man pulled you away. As such, this wasn't the worst first date I've ever been on."

"Really?"

"Nope. One time a few years ago, a guy took me to a hockey game. Now I'm not that huge a fan of hockey, but I thought it could be a neat experience for me. Boy, was I wrong."

"What happened?"

"Pft. We ran into a group of his buddies. It was all downhill from there. He completely ignored me and just kept talking to his friends. And you know what the worst part was? He completely forgot about me! He even left me at the stadium to go play pool with his buddies."

"No!"

"Yes! Ugh it was the worst! I never spoke to him again. And he tried so so many times to get a second date."

"Yeesh. Guy sounds like a tool."

"Bleh the dullest of the dull. How about you? What was your worst first date experience?"

"Uhhhh well. Uhhhh. Unfortunately, it would have to be this one by default. Cuz uhhhh I had never been on a real date before uhhh tonight."

MJ blinked a few times to make sure she was awake. Peter lifted his face from her boobs to sheepishly smile and look into her eyes. She bit her lips to stifle a little giggle, but she had no shot of stopping her cheeks from flushing red.

"Really? I was your first date ever?" she asked.

"Y-yea. Spider-Man took up a lot of my time and well you made such a first impression."

"Oh God you are so adorable! Come here!"

She brought him closer to once again kiss him. This was by far her new favorite activity: kissing Peter senselessly. He kissed her a few times before shifting a little and kissing her neck.

"Ahh P-Peter…." she moaned as he bit her gently before sucking on her pulse point.

Correction. This may be her new favorite activity: letting Peter mark her as his. All of a sudden though, he stopped. His body tensed up. She knew this feeling. Danger was near.

"Peter?"

"We gotta hurry…"

Meanwhile….

"It's getting late, May. Where could they be!?"

"Oh, Anna would you calm down. It's barely even eleven yet. Let the kids have their fun."

"Now May I understand you love Peter. I have no doubt you and Ben raised him to be a fine young man. But he is still a man. I don't trust that primitive brain of his. I've caught them canoodling many times."

"Ok that was one time, and she was sick and delirious. She pulled him in."

"And what about the time on this very couch?"

"They were having a movie marathon and they got tired. It happens. You're overreacting, Anna."

"Am I? It's now ten past eleven and I don't see either of them walking through that door!"

In a huff, Anna got up to look out the window.

"That's odd," she commented.

"Hmm?"

"May. Is that your car on my driveway?"

"Huh?"

May got up to peer out the window beside her friend. To her surprise, her Camry was indeed parked over at the Watson's driveway.

"Huh? I wonder when they got home," May asked aloud.

The two friends kept scanning the house next door only to see light shining from Mary Jane's bedroom window.

"Ohhh no. I will not have Peter Parker taking advantage of my niece!"

"Wait, hold on Anna let's think about how to approach this!"

Anna stormed out of the Parker house with May following in tow. The two friends marched up the porch and into the Watson home.

"Anna hold on. We need to figure out how to approach this delicately. If we go in guns blazing, it could traumatize both of them!"

"To hell with that. I'm not letting my little girl get pregnant when she's so close to finishing high school!"

"We don't even know if they're having sex! They could be watching a movie!"

Ignoring May's pleas, Anna stomped up the stairs towards Mary Jane's bedroom. As she got closer, she could hear gentle creaks coming from presumably Mary Jane's bed. Gripping the doorknob, Anna pushed open the door ready to unleash fury on the two youngsters.

How do you lose a woman?!

…You forget to cherish her.

"Bahahahaahahhahaha!"

Well, Anna and May did in fact catch Peter and MJ in bed. However, they weren't doing anything inappropriate. Far from it. In fact, they were sitting apart from each other watching an episode of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" on MJ's TV.

"Peter? Mary Jane? What's going on?" Anna asked turning on the lights.

"Aunt Anna! Aunt May! What are you doing here?" MJ asked.

"Oh Peter! What happened?" May worried as she saw the scratches and band-aids on Peter's face.

"It's nothing Aunt May, really! I just fell," Peter explained silently thanking Mary Jane for hiding his other bandages under an oversized New York Mets t-shirt.

"Yea. Peter tripped and fell onto the drinks table at prom. So, we left a little early. I patched him up here."

"But why didn't you let us know you were home?" May asked.

Awkwardly, Peter and MJ looked at each other. They both blushed and quickly looked away. Peter scratched his neck while MJ rubbed her arms.

"Well, you see…" Peter started.

"Peter and I are uh…." MJ continued.

"We decided that um…."

"Peter and I are…..official," MJ said definitely.

"Y-yea. We're dating now," Peter added.

"And we didn't want our first night together as a couple to end on a sour note."

"So, we've just been watching TV up here and hanging out for the time being. That's all," Peter smiled.

"Oh, how precious! It's about damn time you two got together, isn't that right Anna?" May squealed.

*THUD*

"Anna!?"

"Aunt Anna?!"

"…..Oy vey."

AN: Yay! We did it! We finally got there hahahahaha! Oh how I love it when love blooms. I hope yall enjoyed this super big action packed romantic chapter! I'm genuinely really proud of this one. Sadly, I shall be taking a small break from this fic. I have to switch modes and add more content to my main Nightwing/Zatanna fic "How to Be Chalant". But don't worry, this Spidey fic is far from finished. There's still all the fun fluff to be had now that Peter and MJ are a couple! I plan to go past high school and into college so there's that to look forward to.

Incidentally, I've been wondering if you all are ok with the format this fic has gone. I've keep them to "one shots" but they're all part of the same timeline/universe. I just sorta kinda skipped details here and there because most of my head is planning details for my Nightwing fic. Also also, I'm considering upping the rating to maybe or maybe not add some smut and sexy scenes. If I were to do so, would you rather I include them in this fic, or make a separate story solely for smut. Up to yall haha. Either way, thank you for your support and hope you're enjoying the read.

P.S Yes, I know I've used this High School Musical 3 song for prom for Dick and Zee already. But it's a good song!