SMLMJ One-Shot: Friendship
Title: Friendship
Fandom: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (Mckeever-ish version)
Rating: PG
Genre: Slice of Life
Characters: Mary Jane Watson, Liz Allan, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man
Words: 3,263
Summary: For her 16th birthday, Mary Jane receives a thoughtful gift that gets her thinking about her friends.
Story Notes:
***
She was late.
Hurdling over a pile of dirty laundry on the floor, Mary Jane Watson did her best to ignore that her first class started thirty minutes ago and rushed to finish getting dressed. It wasn't her fault she was so tired she slept through her alarm, and didn't rouse until her mother's incessant banging of her bedroom door a little while later.
She figured it was fate last night that she found herself with a small tub of mint chip ice cream and a marathon of The Office on TV. Who could resist the chance to re-watch Jim and Pam come together as a couple even if it meant staying up past midnight? Mary Jane couldn't. They had a dreamy chemistry that made Mary Jane sigh and forget about her own dating drama she experienced at the beginning of the school year with Harry Osborn.
If only real life relationships could be scripted too,” muttered Mary Jane, tossing her hairbrush down onto her dresser.
Her mother's yell from downstairs broke through her thoughts. “Mary Jane, get a move on girl!”
“Coming, Mom!” she shouted back, making sure to slip on her grey hoodie and grab her backpack before stepping out of her bedroom sanctuary.
She hurried down the stairs, into the kitchen and pulling her hat off the backdoor hook, to place it on her head before turning around to face her mom. “I'm all set!”
A warm embrace welcomed Mary Jane. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”
Her mom stepped back, flashing a wry smile with twinkling eyes.
“What's up? Did you get me something?” asked Mary Jane, impatiently glancing around the kitchen for any package she may have overlooked during her arrival.
“Now, you know we have your birthday dinner tonight,” chided her mother. “But there might be something in the car, now that you mention it.”
Mary Jane disappeared out the door before her mother could react, skidding to a stop by the passenger door of their compact car. There, sitting on the passenger seat was a medium sized box covered in newspaper. Unfortunately, the car was locked and she had to wait for her mom to exit their home and get in the car before she could.
Once her mom unlocked the door, Mary Jane quickly lifted the box from the seat and sat down in its place, putting on her seat belt while inspecting the newspaper for any clues.
“Interesting choice of wrapping paper,” commented Mary Jane.
“Oh, did I mention I found it stuck to our front door this morning,” added her mom, glancing over while she drove. “If it wasn't for the sticky note saying 'Happy Birthday!' on it, I'd have called the police.”
Mary Jane looked at the box in her hands again and this time noticed the small piece of paper containing a hurriedly scribbled 'Happy Birthday!' on it. She didn't recognize the handwriting.
The idea that one of her friends thought enough to surprise her like this sprouted warm feelings throughout Mary Jane.
“Well, are you going to open it before you get to class or are we going to sit here all day?” questioned her mom.
Mary Jane glanced up from the box and noticed they were parked right in front of her high school. She hadn't even noticed when the car had stopped moving. “Yeah, sure. Opening, I mean.”
Ignoring her mother's laughter, Mary Jane quickly removed the newspaper wrapping and lifted the lid of the box. To her surprise she found a brand new Paddington Bear staring back up at her. It was wearing its traditional floppy hat and blue coat, and even had a sticky note on it with the same scribbled handwriting from the previous one that read:
Please look after this bear. Thank you.
Mary Jane's eyes got a little misty but she held back the tears that threatened to fall while showing the bear to her mom.
“Isn't that so sweet?” her mom remarked. “It's just like the one you lost during our move two years ago.”
The bear Mary Jane lost had been one of the first presents she could remember receiving as a child and she always wished it hadn't been left behind when the Watsons had moved into their new home.
“You have a very thoughtful friend,” added Mary Jane's mom. “Any idea which friend it is?”
“No idea, mom,” she answered, wiping her eyes. “But I'm going to find out.”
***
After getting her mom to sign her in, Mary Jane made it to her second period class just as it was starting. She found her usual seat in the back next to her best friend, Liz Allan, who looked at her questioningly.
“And where were you this morning?”
Mary Jane blushed and pushed a few strands of hair away from her face. “I stayed up watching the Office last night and woke up late.”
“Well, for a second there I thought your parents were going to let you celebrate your birthday with a day off from school,” laughed Liz. “Happy Birthday, by the way.”
“Thanks, Liz, but you're dreaming. My parents would kill me if I missed a day and I wasn't missing a lung or something,” said Mary Jane. “I think the only reason I avoided any damage today was because it was my birthday.”
Their History teacher gave the two girls a stern look from across the room, but both Mary Jane and Liz just huddled their desks together and lowered the volume of their conversation.
Liz handed Mary Jane a white envelope. “Here's your present,” she said.
Inside the envelope was two tickets to The Smiths Reunion Tour concert in Central Park.
“Wow!” Mary Jane exclaimed, embracing her friend. “How did you get these? It's been sold out for months.”
“I know some people,” shrugged Liz. She had asked Harry Osborn for help, but she wasn't going to tell Mary Jane that. Talk about ruining the gift. “The important thing is that my best friend's favorite band is reuniting for the first time ever and she has to go to their one visit to New York.”
“You're simply amazing,” Mary Jane gushed, thoughts of asking Liz about the bear completely forgotten. “You're going with me, you know that?”
“I was hoping,” smiled Liz.
***
Not even the dullness of History could wipe the smile of Mary Jane's face thanks to how her birthday had started. Of course, when Liz's jock boyfriend, Flash Thompson stopped by their lockers after class, the happy day seemed to hit a sour note.
“Is that blood on your jacket?” asked Liz, inspecting the arm of her boyfriend that was currently around her shoulder.
“Probably,” muttered Flash offhandedly. At his girlfriend's look of worry, he continued. “Don't worry, it’s not mine.”
Liz punched his shoulder. “When is it ever yours, Flash?”
Mary Jane rolled her eyes and averted her gaze away from the bickering couple. Down the hall she noticed another of her friends, Peter Parker, being helped to the Nurse's office by Gwen Stacy.
“Did that blood have anything to do with why Peter's limping, Flash?” asked Mary Jane, turning back to the couple.
Flash tried to ignore the redhead's question but soon enough Liz stepped out of his embrace and turned to him with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised waiting for an answer.
“Don't blame me,” defended Flash. “It's not my fault Parker is a clumsy geek. Coach had us play flag football and he tripped.”
“Sure, Flash,” answered Mary Jane sarcastically. “And I'm sure you just happened to be in the area he tripped so his blood landed on you.”
“Exactly!” agreed Flash.
Liz elbowed him hard in the stomach. “You dumbbell, she doesn't believe you and I don't either.” She turned to her best friend. “I'm sorry about him, Mary Jane. But you know boys will be boys.”
Mary Jane sighed. “I know. It's just Peter is harmless, I don't get why Flash gets his jollies off on messing with him.” Grabbing her books from her locker, she gave Liz a hug. “I think I'm going to see if he's okay. I'll see you later.”
Liz waved her friend away and felt her boyfriend's arms come around her. “Can't you be a little nicer to Peter?”
Flash let out a frustrated sigh. “C'mon, Liz. I'm dating you, not her. I don't see what she sees in that dweeb.”
Liz turned in the embrace and brought her hand to Flash's cheek. “Dweeb or not, Peter is Mary Jane's friend and Mary Jane is my best friend. So if you leave Peter alone, Mary Jane will be happy and if Mary Jane is happy, then I will be happy.”
Flash opened his mouth to reply but instead found Liz's lips on his for a wonderfully sweet kiss. Thoughts of messing with Parker quickly disappeared from the jock's head and instead all thoughts led to Liz.
***
Unfortunately the school nurse had ushered Mary Jane out nearly immediately after she arrived, once it was clear she was not ailing and she did not catch a glimpse of Peter or Gwen. So lost in her thoughts as she entered her English class Mary Jane did not notice someone in front of her and ended up colliding right into them.
“Sorry,” offered Mary Jane, pushing some hair behind her ear before looking up to find that she had run into her ex-boyfriend, Harry Osborn.
“Don't let me get in your way,” Harry replied, moving to the side. “I don't need you to actually prove I'm invisible to you now.”
“Harry,” Mary Jane sighed, “You're not invisible. You're just not around.”
“Peter's not around either and that doesn't stop you from hanging out with him,” snapped Harry.
“Peter has nothing to do with this,” answered Mary Jane.
“Doesn't he?” persisted Harry.
“Who I hang out with is none of your business, Harry Osborn,” shouted Mary Jane, her good mood completely gone now. “That was the problem when we were dating, Harry. I am not a possession that can be owned and told who I can and cannot be friends with. Get over yourself.”
Harry saw red and looked to retort but a cough from behind made both turn around to discover that the rest of the class along with their teacher was staring at them. “If you two are done showcasing the latest episode of teenage drama, maybe class can finally begin.”
Harry stormed off to his desk, sitting down with a slam of his chair. Mary Jane blushed and nodded to the teacher. “Sorry, Mr. Campbell.”
Taking her seat, Mary Jane could only sigh as her classmates were already whispering about her latest encounter with Hurricane Harry. What started out as a great day now couldn't end soon enough.
***
Mary Jane's last class of the day was Drama, and spending her last hour in the school's auditorium prepping for the next school play seemed to be the perfect answer to getting her birthday back on track. It also didn't hurt that she shared the class with Gwen Stacy, who could probably answer some questions she had at the moment.
Once the drama teacher directed the class to separate into groups to prepare and practice their lines, Mary Jane made her way over to the petite blonde. “Hey, Gwen,” she said greeting her friend.
The blonde looked up and flashed Mary Jane a bright smile before giving her a hug. “Hi, Mary Jane. Happy Birthday.”
“Thanks,” said Mary Jane. “I tried to see you and Peter in the Nurse's office but she kicked me out.”
Gwen frowned. “I'm sorry we missed you, but I was so focused on getting Peter checked out. The nurse might be stubborn but you need someone like her to make Peter get looked at. He had a bloody nose and a sprained ankle and he didn't want to go to the Nurse!”
“Boys can be so stubborn,” agreed Mary Jane, thinking back to the day's events. “Speaking of Peter. Do you know if he sent me a present?” At Gwen's puzzled look, Mary Jane rambled on nervously. “I mean, I know you two are ... you know ... but he's a good friend and there was this box left at my door this morning and it was the same type of bear I used to have but lost and he's heard the story of what it meant to me and-”
Gwen put her hands on Mary Jane's shoulder stopping the redhead's speech. “Calm down, MJ. I know how close Peter is to you, I'd like to think we're that close to. And getting you that bear does sound like something he would do, but he hasn't mentioned a thing to me outside of reminding me it was your birthday.”
“Oh,” said Mary Jane softly. “Well at least he didn't forget. I haven't seen him all day.”
“Peter got sent home by the nurse unfortunately. If his Aunt May doesn't tie him up in his room, I'm sure you'll hear from him before the day is done,” assured Gwen. “And before I forget, I wanted to give you my present.”
Taking something out of her backpack, Gwen placed it into Mary Jane's hands.
“A bracelet?” asked Mary Jane, while inspecting the gift.
“I know it's not much,” replied Gwen, “but I gave one to Peter, and now I'd like to give one to you. You two have been the nicest and friendliest people I've met since I transferred here and become really good friends of mine. I'd like you to have this friendship bracelet; it matches Peter's and mine.” Gwen brought up her arm and flashed the one she was wearing.
“I love it,” whispered Mary Jane before embracing her friend. “Thank you, Gwen.”
“Hey, what are friends for?” smiled Gwen as she helped Mary Jane with putting on the bracelet.
***
Dinner with her parents ended up being fantastic for Mary Jane, as was the promise from them to start teaching her how to drive. It was something she had expected but was still nice to hear. Upon arriving home, Mary Jane checked the answering machine but found no messages left for her. So she settled for spending the rest of the evening in her room, clutching her new bear and watching the latest heroics of Spider-Man on the local news.
A while later, a knock on her bedroom window broke Mary Jane from her reverie. Looking over, she saw the wall crawler himself hanging upside down outsider her window. She stared at him for several minutes until Spider-Man waved and pointed at the lock on the window.
Mary Jane quickly jumped from the bed and unlocked the window, letting in her superhero friend. “Hey, Spidey. I saw you had a busy night.”
Spider-Man leaned back on the windowsill and reached back to scratch his head. “Oh, you know, it was just the usual villain trying to take over the city type of deal.”
“And I'm sure it was a piece of cake for you, huh, Mr. Big-time superhero,” smirked Mary Jane, giving Spider-Man a friendly shove.
“Easy as cherry pie, actually,” replied Spider-Man. “It reminded me to visit my favorite redhead.”
Mary Jane blushed but refused to give in. “I guess Firestar was busy then?”
“Ouch,” commented Spider-Man clutching his chest. “You don't pull your punches, do you?”
“Never,” answered Mary Jane. “And you like me for it.”
“Well, I hope that's not the only reason I like you or else my next meeting with the Rhino is going to be very awkward indeed,” shuddered Spider-Man, bringing out a laugh from Mary Jane. “That's what I like to hear. I think my job is done here. I don't like seeing you bumming about in your room on a day like this, it's not every day you turn sixteen.”
“You knew it was my birthday?” asked an astonished Mary Jane. “Of course you would. You're Spider-Man.”
“And I'm also you're friend,” added Spider-Man. “It's what friends do ... you know ... giving Birthday wishes. Nice bear, that's new right?”
“Yes it is,” Mary Jane said, turning her attention to the bear sitting on her bed for a moment before returning her gaze to her visitor. “Did you send it?”
Spider-Man looked shocked at the question. “There wasn't like a, uh, note in there with a name on it or something?”
“Yes, but no name,” shrugged Mary Jane. “So?”
“Oh, well, it's a great bear, but it didn't come from me,” denied Spider-Man. “I don't really profit from the whole crime fighting gig, I think this visit here pretty much is my present.”
“But you visit me all the time!” Mary Jane pouted outrageously before switching to a knowing glance. “I think you can do better than that.”
Spider-Man fidgeted in his spot and rubbed his neck while Mary Jane looked on. “Well, I'm no genie but I think I can handle one birthday wish. Maybe.”
“I'd like to know who gave me the bear, but,” Mary Jane blushed and looked away for a moment before returning to meet Spider-Man's gaze. “I'd settle for a kiss.”
Spider-Man coughed nervously. “Well, you know. That bear, I'd like to help but I'm more of a fighter not a detective. And that kiss, I shouldn't ...”
“Just a small one,” prodded Mary Jane. “Between you and me. Your girlfriend won't have to know.”
Spider-Man ducked and glanced at the window like he was afraid they were being watched. “There's no girlfriend,” he denied. “No time. All fight every day and other things like that.”
“So there isn't a problem with a harmless kiss then, right?” said Mary Jane.
“You win,” Spider-Man sighed, moving closer to her. “Close your eyes.”
Mary Jane sat straight up, tilting her head up as she closed her eyes.
Spider-Man seemed to hesitate for the moment before lifting the bottom of his mask to uncover his mouth. Leaning in, he moved towards her lips until she could feel his breathing against her mouth. Mary Jane licked her lips but waited just a moment longer before impatiently moving up to close the gap between them. However, instead of touching lips she found only air.
Before she could open her eyes though, she felt Spider-Man's breath by her ear. “You should trust your gut, you know, about the bear. You know your friends better than you think.” He then gave her a quick kiss on her red-stained cheeks. “Happy Birthday, Mary Jane.”
Mary Jane opened her eyes and could only wave as Spider-Man jumped out her window and waved goodbye. She lifted her hand to her cheek and watched Spider-Man swing away from her house, thinking over what he said. The masked superhero always seemed to know when she needed a friend to talk to and she couldn't think of a better one. Other than the other purely honest boy in her life.
Reaching across her bed, Mary Jane picked up her cell phone and noticed a text message waiting to be read.
Sorry I wasn't around to say it. Happy Birthday, MJ! Did u like the bear?
Smiling uncontrollably, Mary Jane grabbed her bear and squealed excitedly. Her hunch was proven right. Picking up the phone she had dropped in her excitement, Mary Jane quickly scrolled through the address book until it landed on the name she was looking for. Selecting the number, she lifted the phone to her ear to hear the line ringing.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mrs. Parker. This is Mary Jane Watson. Is Peter feeling up to talking?”
Fandom: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (Mckeever-ish version)
Rating: PG
Genre: Slice of Life
Characters: Mary Jane Watson, Liz Allan, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man
Words: 3,263
Summary: For her 16th birthday, Mary Jane receives a thoughtful gift that gets her thinking about her friends.
Story Notes:
- Written for sandoz_iscariot 's birthday (Happy Birthday!), also why I backdated it, took a little longer than I thought to finish it. Tried to throw in few of your interests into the story. Hope you like it! ♥
- Slightly AU but really, not that hard to make it work in the SMLMJ universe.
***
She was late.
Hurdling over a pile of dirty laundry on the floor, Mary Jane Watson did her best to ignore that her first class started thirty minutes ago and rushed to finish getting dressed. It wasn't her fault she was so tired she slept through her alarm, and didn't rouse until her mother's incessant banging of her bedroom door a little while later.
She figured it was fate last night that she found herself with a small tub of mint chip ice cream and a marathon of The Office on TV. Who could resist the chance to re-watch Jim and Pam come together as a couple even if it meant staying up past midnight? Mary Jane couldn't. They had a dreamy chemistry that made Mary Jane sigh and forget about her own dating drama she experienced at the beginning of the school year with Harry Osborn.
If only real life relationships could be scripted too,” muttered Mary Jane, tossing her hairbrush down onto her dresser.
Her mother's yell from downstairs broke through her thoughts. “Mary Jane, get a move on girl!”
“Coming, Mom!” she shouted back, making sure to slip on her grey hoodie and grab her backpack before stepping out of her bedroom sanctuary.
She hurried down the stairs, into the kitchen and pulling her hat off the backdoor hook, to place it on her head before turning around to face her mom. “I'm all set!”
A warm embrace welcomed Mary Jane. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”
Her mom stepped back, flashing a wry smile with twinkling eyes.
“What's up? Did you get me something?” asked Mary Jane, impatiently glancing around the kitchen for any package she may have overlooked during her arrival.
“Now, you know we have your birthday dinner tonight,” chided her mother. “But there might be something in the car, now that you mention it.”
Mary Jane disappeared out the door before her mother could react, skidding to a stop by the passenger door of their compact car. There, sitting on the passenger seat was a medium sized box covered in newspaper. Unfortunately, the car was locked and she had to wait for her mom to exit their home and get in the car before she could.
Once her mom unlocked the door, Mary Jane quickly lifted the box from the seat and sat down in its place, putting on her seat belt while inspecting the newspaper for any clues.
“Interesting choice of wrapping paper,” commented Mary Jane.
“Oh, did I mention I found it stuck to our front door this morning,” added her mom, glancing over while she drove. “If it wasn't for the sticky note saying 'Happy Birthday!' on it, I'd have called the police.”
Mary Jane looked at the box in her hands again and this time noticed the small piece of paper containing a hurriedly scribbled 'Happy Birthday!' on it. She didn't recognize the handwriting.
The idea that one of her friends thought enough to surprise her like this sprouted warm feelings throughout Mary Jane.
“Well, are you going to open it before you get to class or are we going to sit here all day?” questioned her mom.
Mary Jane glanced up from the box and noticed they were parked right in front of her high school. She hadn't even noticed when the car had stopped moving. “Yeah, sure. Opening, I mean.”
Ignoring her mother's laughter, Mary Jane quickly removed the newspaper wrapping and lifted the lid of the box. To her surprise she found a brand new Paddington Bear staring back up at her. It was wearing its traditional floppy hat and blue coat, and even had a sticky note on it with the same scribbled handwriting from the previous one that read:
Please look after this bear. Thank you.
Mary Jane's eyes got a little misty but she held back the tears that threatened to fall while showing the bear to her mom.
“Isn't that so sweet?” her mom remarked. “It's just like the one you lost during our move two years ago.”
The bear Mary Jane lost had been one of the first presents she could remember receiving as a child and she always wished it hadn't been left behind when the Watsons had moved into their new home.
“You have a very thoughtful friend,” added Mary Jane's mom. “Any idea which friend it is?”
“No idea, mom,” she answered, wiping her eyes. “But I'm going to find out.”
***
After getting her mom to sign her in, Mary Jane made it to her second period class just as it was starting. She found her usual seat in the back next to her best friend, Liz Allan, who looked at her questioningly.
“And where were you this morning?”
Mary Jane blushed and pushed a few strands of hair away from her face. “I stayed up watching the Office last night and woke up late.”
“Well, for a second there I thought your parents were going to let you celebrate your birthday with a day off from school,” laughed Liz. “Happy Birthday, by the way.”
“Thanks, Liz, but you're dreaming. My parents would kill me if I missed a day and I wasn't missing a lung or something,” said Mary Jane. “I think the only reason I avoided any damage today was because it was my birthday.”
Their History teacher gave the two girls a stern look from across the room, but both Mary Jane and Liz just huddled their desks together and lowered the volume of their conversation.
Liz handed Mary Jane a white envelope. “Here's your present,” she said.
Inside the envelope was two tickets to The Smiths Reunion Tour concert in Central Park.
“Wow!” Mary Jane exclaimed, embracing her friend. “How did you get these? It's been sold out for months.”
“I know some people,” shrugged Liz. She had asked Harry Osborn for help, but she wasn't going to tell Mary Jane that. Talk about ruining the gift. “The important thing is that my best friend's favorite band is reuniting for the first time ever and she has to go to their one visit to New York.”
“You're simply amazing,” Mary Jane gushed, thoughts of asking Liz about the bear completely forgotten. “You're going with me, you know that?”
“I was hoping,” smiled Liz.
***
Not even the dullness of History could wipe the smile of Mary Jane's face thanks to how her birthday had started. Of course, when Liz's jock boyfriend, Flash Thompson stopped by their lockers after class, the happy day seemed to hit a sour note.
“Is that blood on your jacket?” asked Liz, inspecting the arm of her boyfriend that was currently around her shoulder.
“Probably,” muttered Flash offhandedly. At his girlfriend's look of worry, he continued. “Don't worry, it’s not mine.”
Liz punched his shoulder. “When is it ever yours, Flash?”
Mary Jane rolled her eyes and averted her gaze away from the bickering couple. Down the hall she noticed another of her friends, Peter Parker, being helped to the Nurse's office by Gwen Stacy.
“Did that blood have anything to do with why Peter's limping, Flash?” asked Mary Jane, turning back to the couple.
Flash tried to ignore the redhead's question but soon enough Liz stepped out of his embrace and turned to him with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised waiting for an answer.
“Don't blame me,” defended Flash. “It's not my fault Parker is a clumsy geek. Coach had us play flag football and he tripped.”
“Sure, Flash,” answered Mary Jane sarcastically. “And I'm sure you just happened to be in the area he tripped so his blood landed on you.”
“Exactly!” agreed Flash.
Liz elbowed him hard in the stomach. “You dumbbell, she doesn't believe you and I don't either.” She turned to her best friend. “I'm sorry about him, Mary Jane. But you know boys will be boys.”
Mary Jane sighed. “I know. It's just Peter is harmless, I don't get why Flash gets his jollies off on messing with him.” Grabbing her books from her locker, she gave Liz a hug. “I think I'm going to see if he's okay. I'll see you later.”
Liz waved her friend away and felt her boyfriend's arms come around her. “Can't you be a little nicer to Peter?”
Flash let out a frustrated sigh. “C'mon, Liz. I'm dating you, not her. I don't see what she sees in that dweeb.”
Liz turned in the embrace and brought her hand to Flash's cheek. “Dweeb or not, Peter is Mary Jane's friend and Mary Jane is my best friend. So if you leave Peter alone, Mary Jane will be happy and if Mary Jane is happy, then I will be happy.”
Flash opened his mouth to reply but instead found Liz's lips on his for a wonderfully sweet kiss. Thoughts of messing with Parker quickly disappeared from the jock's head and instead all thoughts led to Liz.
***
Unfortunately the school nurse had ushered Mary Jane out nearly immediately after she arrived, once it was clear she was not ailing and she did not catch a glimpse of Peter or Gwen. So lost in her thoughts as she entered her English class Mary Jane did not notice someone in front of her and ended up colliding right into them.
“Sorry,” offered Mary Jane, pushing some hair behind her ear before looking up to find that she had run into her ex-boyfriend, Harry Osborn.
“Don't let me get in your way,” Harry replied, moving to the side. “I don't need you to actually prove I'm invisible to you now.”
“Harry,” Mary Jane sighed, “You're not invisible. You're just not around.”
“Peter's not around either and that doesn't stop you from hanging out with him,” snapped Harry.
“Peter has nothing to do with this,” answered Mary Jane.
“Doesn't he?” persisted Harry.
“Who I hang out with is none of your business, Harry Osborn,” shouted Mary Jane, her good mood completely gone now. “That was the problem when we were dating, Harry. I am not a possession that can be owned and told who I can and cannot be friends with. Get over yourself.”
Harry saw red and looked to retort but a cough from behind made both turn around to discover that the rest of the class along with their teacher was staring at them. “If you two are done showcasing the latest episode of teenage drama, maybe class can finally begin.”
Harry stormed off to his desk, sitting down with a slam of his chair. Mary Jane blushed and nodded to the teacher. “Sorry, Mr. Campbell.”
Taking her seat, Mary Jane could only sigh as her classmates were already whispering about her latest encounter with Hurricane Harry. What started out as a great day now couldn't end soon enough.
***
Mary Jane's last class of the day was Drama, and spending her last hour in the school's auditorium prepping for the next school play seemed to be the perfect answer to getting her birthday back on track. It also didn't hurt that she shared the class with Gwen Stacy, who could probably answer some questions she had at the moment.
Once the drama teacher directed the class to separate into groups to prepare and practice their lines, Mary Jane made her way over to the petite blonde. “Hey, Gwen,” she said greeting her friend.
The blonde looked up and flashed Mary Jane a bright smile before giving her a hug. “Hi, Mary Jane. Happy Birthday.”
“Thanks,” said Mary Jane. “I tried to see you and Peter in the Nurse's office but she kicked me out.”
Gwen frowned. “I'm sorry we missed you, but I was so focused on getting Peter checked out. The nurse might be stubborn but you need someone like her to make Peter get looked at. He had a bloody nose and a sprained ankle and he didn't want to go to the Nurse!”
“Boys can be so stubborn,” agreed Mary Jane, thinking back to the day's events. “Speaking of Peter. Do you know if he sent me a present?” At Gwen's puzzled look, Mary Jane rambled on nervously. “I mean, I know you two are ... you know ... but he's a good friend and there was this box left at my door this morning and it was the same type of bear I used to have but lost and he's heard the story of what it meant to me and-”
Gwen put her hands on Mary Jane's shoulder stopping the redhead's speech. “Calm down, MJ. I know how close Peter is to you, I'd like to think we're that close to. And getting you that bear does sound like something he would do, but he hasn't mentioned a thing to me outside of reminding me it was your birthday.”
“Oh,” said Mary Jane softly. “Well at least he didn't forget. I haven't seen him all day.”
“Peter got sent home by the nurse unfortunately. If his Aunt May doesn't tie him up in his room, I'm sure you'll hear from him before the day is done,” assured Gwen. “And before I forget, I wanted to give you my present.”
Taking something out of her backpack, Gwen placed it into Mary Jane's hands.
“A bracelet?” asked Mary Jane, while inspecting the gift.
“I know it's not much,” replied Gwen, “but I gave one to Peter, and now I'd like to give one to you. You two have been the nicest and friendliest people I've met since I transferred here and become really good friends of mine. I'd like you to have this friendship bracelet; it matches Peter's and mine.” Gwen brought up her arm and flashed the one she was wearing.
“I love it,” whispered Mary Jane before embracing her friend. “Thank you, Gwen.”
“Hey, what are friends for?” smiled Gwen as she helped Mary Jane with putting on the bracelet.
***
Dinner with her parents ended up being fantastic for Mary Jane, as was the promise from them to start teaching her how to drive. It was something she had expected but was still nice to hear. Upon arriving home, Mary Jane checked the answering machine but found no messages left for her. So she settled for spending the rest of the evening in her room, clutching her new bear and watching the latest heroics of Spider-Man on the local news.
A while later, a knock on her bedroom window broke Mary Jane from her reverie. Looking over, she saw the wall crawler himself hanging upside down outsider her window. She stared at him for several minutes until Spider-Man waved and pointed at the lock on the window.
Mary Jane quickly jumped from the bed and unlocked the window, letting in her superhero friend. “Hey, Spidey. I saw you had a busy night.”
Spider-Man leaned back on the windowsill and reached back to scratch his head. “Oh, you know, it was just the usual villain trying to take over the city type of deal.”
“And I'm sure it was a piece of cake for you, huh, Mr. Big-time superhero,” smirked Mary Jane, giving Spider-Man a friendly shove.
“Easy as cherry pie, actually,” replied Spider-Man. “It reminded me to visit my favorite redhead.”
Mary Jane blushed but refused to give in. “I guess Firestar was busy then?”
“Ouch,” commented Spider-Man clutching his chest. “You don't pull your punches, do you?”
“Never,” answered Mary Jane. “And you like me for it.”
“Well, I hope that's not the only reason I like you or else my next meeting with the Rhino is going to be very awkward indeed,” shuddered Spider-Man, bringing out a laugh from Mary Jane. “That's what I like to hear. I think my job is done here. I don't like seeing you bumming about in your room on a day like this, it's not every day you turn sixteen.”
“You knew it was my birthday?” asked an astonished Mary Jane. “Of course you would. You're Spider-Man.”
“And I'm also you're friend,” added Spider-Man. “It's what friends do ... you know ... giving Birthday wishes. Nice bear, that's new right?”
“Yes it is,” Mary Jane said, turning her attention to the bear sitting on her bed for a moment before returning her gaze to her visitor. “Did you send it?”
Spider-Man looked shocked at the question. “There wasn't like a, uh, note in there with a name on it or something?”
“Yes, but no name,” shrugged Mary Jane. “So?”
“Oh, well, it's a great bear, but it didn't come from me,” denied Spider-Man. “I don't really profit from the whole crime fighting gig, I think this visit here pretty much is my present.”
“But you visit me all the time!” Mary Jane pouted outrageously before switching to a knowing glance. “I think you can do better than that.”
Spider-Man fidgeted in his spot and rubbed his neck while Mary Jane looked on. “Well, I'm no genie but I think I can handle one birthday wish. Maybe.”
“I'd like to know who gave me the bear, but,” Mary Jane blushed and looked away for a moment before returning to meet Spider-Man's gaze. “I'd settle for a kiss.”
Spider-Man coughed nervously. “Well, you know. That bear, I'd like to help but I'm more of a fighter not a detective. And that kiss, I shouldn't ...”
“Just a small one,” prodded Mary Jane. “Between you and me. Your girlfriend won't have to know.”
Spider-Man ducked and glanced at the window like he was afraid they were being watched. “There's no girlfriend,” he denied. “No time. All fight every day and other things like that.”
“So there isn't a problem with a harmless kiss then, right?” said Mary Jane.
“You win,” Spider-Man sighed, moving closer to her. “Close your eyes.”
Mary Jane sat straight up, tilting her head up as she closed her eyes.
Spider-Man seemed to hesitate for the moment before lifting the bottom of his mask to uncover his mouth. Leaning in, he moved towards her lips until she could feel his breathing against her mouth. Mary Jane licked her lips but waited just a moment longer before impatiently moving up to close the gap between them. However, instead of touching lips she found only air.
Before she could open her eyes though, she felt Spider-Man's breath by her ear. “You should trust your gut, you know, about the bear. You know your friends better than you think.” He then gave her a quick kiss on her red-stained cheeks. “Happy Birthday, Mary Jane.”
Mary Jane opened her eyes and could only wave as Spider-Man jumped out her window and waved goodbye. She lifted her hand to her cheek and watched Spider-Man swing away from her house, thinking over what he said. The masked superhero always seemed to know when she needed a friend to talk to and she couldn't think of a better one. Other than the other purely honest boy in her life.
Reaching across her bed, Mary Jane picked up her cell phone and noticed a text message waiting to be read.
Sorry I wasn't around to say it. Happy Birthday, MJ! Did u like the bear?
Smiling uncontrollably, Mary Jane grabbed her bear and squealed excitedly. Her hunch was proven right. Picking up the phone she had dropped in her excitement, Mary Jane quickly scrolled through the address book until it landed on the name she was looking for. Selecting the number, she lifted the phone to her ear to hear the line ringing.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mrs. Parker. This is Mary Jane Watson. Is Peter feeling up to talking?”