"Wow, not only sexy, but smart too," Cat purred seductively as she edged closer to Wallcrawler, hips swaying with purpose. "Tell me, darling, why fight? I'll share the spoils if you want."
"A tempting offer, but stealing isn't my thing," he replied.
"Too bad," she said with fake disappointment, her glove claws flashing out as she struck unexpectedly.
Spider-Man's senses, already alert, caught the motion easily. "At least tell me you stole it. If these are bills from a children's hospital, it would ease my conscience if I had to injure a lady," he said.
The girl abruptly halted her attack and flinched, genuinely offended."Do you think I'd steal from children?" Hardy said sadly, turning away.
"Sorry, that's not what I meant." He stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Cat twisted away, grabbing and rotating Spider's arm. "Don't be naive, handsome. And by the way, I would never steal from the innocent." Pushing off his body, she leaped from the rooftop and disappeared behind the building.
______________
[Peter's POV]
Yeah, Parker, great first conversation. Accused an innocent girl of stealing from kids. Although... she isn't so innocent. But that's no excuse. Alright, I'll beat myself up later—I need to get home.
[Fifteen minutes of swinging later]
Ah, my dear Queens.
I slipped in through my bedroom window—leaving it open always seemed wise with these late-night forays. After changing clothes, I headed downstairs.
"Hey, everyone. I hope I'm not late for dinner?"
"Peter, I'm glad you made it, but why are you wearing those clothes?" my aunt asked.
"Um, what should I wear to a regular dinner?"
"Have you forgotten? We're going to Anna's celebration—her niece Mary Jane arrived today."
"So hurry up, champ," my uncle said.
Without hesitation, I ran upstairs at top speed. MJ has arrived! She's already in New York. Today I met Black Cat. Coincidence? Maybe, but I won't dwell on deeper meanings right now.
I grabbed my best (and only) tux from the closet. Back when I was scrawnier it looked ridiculous, but now my new muscle made it look alright. I actually looked cool. Satisfied, I hurried back downstairs.
"You look great, Peter," Aunt May remarked.
"I see you decided to prepare properly for meeting young Miss Watson, huh?" Uncle Ben winked.
"Was it the hair that gave it away?"
"You always used to have such shaggy hair."Joking, we walked the short distance to the Watsons' house and knocked.
"May, Ben, Peter—nice to see you," Anna greeted us.
"Hello, Anna."
"Good evening, Mrs. Watson."
"Come in." The Watsons' house wasn't much different from ours, maybe except for the décor. Small houses in Queens were all somewhat similar.
"Peter, MJ's in her room. Could you go up and get her?"
"O-of course."
"Parker, why did you just stutter?" Aunt May teased as I went upstairs, face burning slightly. If the layouts are similar, then Mary's room matches mine. There it is. The temptation to barge in was strong, but I'm a gentleman first—so I knocked.
"Come in," a soft voice called.Opening the door, I froze. Standing before me was a true beauty. She had the pretty face of a model—and it was all natural, no plastic surgery. Velvety, lightly tanned skin; a face dusted with adorable freckles; bright green eyes; and, most captivating of all, a mane of rich, almost fiery red hair.
"Honestly, I thought we'd meet a little differently, but it looks like you hit the jackpot, Tiger," she said, her smile sparkling with life.
"Seems so," I replied, unable to keep from smiling.
"Mary Jane. I hope you remember—we played together a lot as kids. My friends call me MJ."
"Peter Parker. Of course I remember. Hard to forget such a beauty," I said, trying for a soft smile.
"Very sweet," she chuckled. "They're probably waiting for us. Let's not give the grown-ups time to imagine odd things. Come on, tiger." MJ grabbed my hand and led us out. Suddenly, I knew I'd do anything just to see that smile again.
"Ben, May—meet my niece, Mary Jane."
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Parker," MJ greeted sincerely.
"You've grown into a real beauty, dear. I haven't seen you since you were six," May said, hugging her warmly.
"You've really grown up. Just six months ago, I'd have sworn Peter still had a lot of growing up to do," Uncle Ben added, smiling.
"In another life, I might be insulted, but today I'm just too happy."
Everyone laughed at our playful banter.
"We've already set the table. Let's sit down," Anna said, and we all took our seats.
Anna sat at the head, Ben and May at the far end, and Mary Jane and I closer to the living room door as the meal began.
"So, Mary Jane, what made you transfer to New York?" Uncle Ben asked.
"Ben—Mary..."
"I haven't exactly decided what I want to do yet, but New York has a better variety of clubs and programs, so moving here just made sense," MJ answered cheerfully. The way she interrupted Anna, and the momentary sadness on her face, made me think. Maybe Aunt May and Uncle Ben missed it, but I caught it.
The rest of dinner passed like any ordinary family meal. The awkward moment faded away.
"You're applying to Midtown High?"
"Yes. But because of paperwork delays, they won't enroll me until the end of October. I'll have to catch up."
"If you need help, I'll be there. I'm more into science, but I'd still hold a bowl of fruit if you need help with art history."
"That's very sweet, Pete. I'll remember it," MJ replied with a wink.
"You mentioned clubs?"
"I've been singing and dancing since I was ten. I'd really love to try acting."
"Then you're in luck—our school has New York's best drama studio."
"Really? That's amazing."
After dinner, the conversation grew light and easy. I finished my meal and tried not to stare at MJ too much.
"It was delicious, Aunt Anna. May Pete and I take a walk before dessert?"
"Of course, but come back soon."
"I promise," I said, as MJ took my arm and we headed out.Five minutes after we left, Anna turned to Ben and May. "What do you think?"
"Everything seems great. Anna, I'm so glad our kids get along so well."
"Peter is clearly interested in Mary."
"Ladies, let's not jump to conclusions," Ben said kindly. "The kids are just starting to talk. Hold your devious plans," he joked—but in his eyes, you could see the pride.
Anna just smiled."I don't know, Ben. Maybe you can't see it, but I think something beautiful is starting right before our eyes."
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Thank you all for reading, it means alot.
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Btw, tell me your favourite original novel.