Variant Strain

- - -

Peter didn't really register how much time had passed. He wasn't sure if he'd drifted off to sleep or if he'd simply been thinking so hard that time had lost all meaning.

He'd come back to himself to find that he was sort of tangled up in MJ. Unlike him, she was only human. She'd been through a lot. She'd been tired. It was no surprise that she'd fallen asleep.

In the process, she had curled up into a fetal ball, the covers in a greedy cocoon centered on her. Leaving him mostly uncovered and out in the cold. Save for a single arm that was caught in her grip. Arms and her legs wound around it tightly.

It was the only part of him that was actually warm and very, very comfortable.

The gray pre-dawn light filtering into the tiny windows near the basement's ceiling gave him an idea of just how long they must've been laying in bed together. He could barely remember it. Any of it. He wouldn't thought something like that would have been more... special. Have some sort of deeper significance.

Okay, it was just sleeping. But still... they'd simply... been.

Well, if nothing else, we've established that I can trust myself not to eat someone when I sleep next to them, he mused.

He tried not to think about how warm she was... or how smooth her skin felt against his arm... or how her shorts and shirt were riding up just a bit... as he tried to gingerly extract himself from her. She made a sleepy little whimper in her sleep and rubbed her cheek against his bicep just before he managed to get away.

He sat up and debated for a long moment, before he leaned in and gave her a kiss on the temple. She made another sleepy little noise, stirred slightly as though trying to move in closer for another kiss before she settled back down.

He gave her a silent glance over his shoulder from the stairs. He still wasn't sure what to do. Maybe he had slept. He didn't know. He certainly felt rested.

More relaxed than he'd been in a long time.

Actually, best night's sleep ever.

He padded silently upwards. The steps creaked pleasantly under his weight. Peter smiled slightly, realizing that part of why he liked it was that it was just so... normal.

It wasn't murderous infected. It wasn't strange conspiracies or missing parents who somehow came back from the dead only to die again. It wasn't a body that could shift from weighing as much as a new car all the way down to the weight of a postage stamp.

It was creaky stairs in an old house.

As normal as brushing teeth.

That just made him realize he left his toothbrush in the Watson house... he hoped he could get a new one.

Worst case he could glide back in there and pick it up.

How casual the thought of just marching across a military quarantine and wading his way through a street full of violent infected had become. That should have bothered him, but it didn't.

He didn't really think anything could bother him at the moment.

It was the distraction of all of that satisfaction that really did him in.

The whiff of fresh coffee should have been a warning.

The stronger lilac scent that followed it should've been an even more obvious one.

Along with a familiar heartbeat.

Peter stepped through the basement door, to find Anna Watson in the living room.

The living room itself had a very feminine slant to it and was open to the kitchen, separated only by a low white counter. Lacy doilies on the furniture, pale pastels for the wall paper. Matching couch, easy chair and coffee table that were all obviously chosen to match walls. The massive television that the couch and easy chair faced, the broken in leather recliner and a few sport shooting trophies in a trophy case to one side were the only items that didn't have the stamp of the pastel-obsessed designer. There were other subtler hints that spelled out their own story. The only photos were of Gwen and George. Her mother wasn't in any of them. There were obvious gaps in the photos hanging on the wall, with discolorations pointing to pictures that had been taken down. Probably more of Mrs. Stacy. He found that sad. He vaguely remembered Gwen's mother as being nice... and quite ready to hand over cookies at the slightest provocation.

Anna had a cup of coffee, a closed and belted robe over ill-fitting pajamas. Both obviously borrowed. She eyed him shrewdly from the reclining chair. One eyebrow quirked as she met his gaze.

Then as Peter began to blush under her attention, she calmly and very deliberately swept her gaze to the couch where a few blankets were spread messily.

Then with silent eloquence, she lifted her chin, pursing her lips slightly towards the basement door behind him, both eyebrows raised in wordless inquiry.

"She's sleeping. Down there. I mean in the basement. Sleeping."

Anna nodded gravely, still not having said a word and put her coffee cup down then got to her feet.

She walked over to him and despite his nervousness he couldn't help but notice the slight sway of her hips as she moved. Taking a step around the little coffee table with casual grace. She wasn't in her little spandex workout outfit, but she still managed to do... something interesting... to that threadbare old bathrobe.

Men. Donna's mental voice said with sudden, vicious disdain into his mind. That snapped him out of his haze of confusion, fear and lascivious thoughts just enough to get him to avert his eyes down to her feet.

Which were bare. And dainty. And surprisingly cute.

She closed the distance between them, a thoughtful expression on her face as she leaned in closer and took a deep breath.

Peter realized that it was possible to feel even more self-conscious than he already was.

When did he last have a shower? He was blanking out on this fact even though he should have known the answer.

Anna straightened up and looked him straight in the eye once more. "So... what happened?"

He blushed and stammered. He'd faced down monsters and guns and had barely blinked. Now he was getting interrogated-- albeit very sexily, Cletus supplied, which was responded to by the mental equivalent of an elbow to the gut by Donna-- by his neighbor and he was completely falling apart. Granted, he'd had a crush on her for years. And he'd just pretty much spent the night with her niece.

He licked his lips and felt his mind go completely and utterly blank.

... I got nothin'. You're on your own, Cletus supplied helpfully.

"Nothing happened!" He blurted out.

She gave him a sly, mysterious smile. "Up til you noticed me, you had an awfully big smile on your face for 'nothing'."

He paled. "I... um... was I smiliing?"

Anna grinned and nodded. "Grab a seat, Peter." She turned then and walked back to her chair.

Despite the temptation to do so, Peter fought down his impulses and managed to sit down on the easy chair across from her without staring at her delightfully swaying behind.

He did feel slightly better, being able to put a throw pillow on his lap to make sure nothing unexpected came up.

I've got complete control over everything else in my body, but somehow that's managing to have a mind of it's own, he growled to himself.

All things considered, that might even be literal, boy, Cletus laughed.

"I just thought we should probably talk about MJ," Anna said looking at him over her coffee, her smile was serene and amused.

"Uh... sure. What did you want to...?" He began to ask, but she interrupted.

"Let me just start of by saying that, I'm reasonably sure nothing happened between you two down there." Anna cut in.

"You are?" He wasn't entirely sure if he should've been offended at that. Was he really that harmless looking? They were a pair of teenagers right after a traumatic experience with raging hormones and the reasonable privacy of a bed where they wouldn't be overheard.

Any other parental authority figure would've probably been livid. Aunt May probably would be once she found out. His mind ammended that to most parental authority figures. Uncle Ben probably would've pretended to be grave and disapproving while Aunt May watched, but then he'd thump him on the shoulder and congratulate him the moment she turned away. God... he probably would've given him TIPS. Explicit, obscene... but probably useful tips.

He managed to swallow down the lump in his throat and keep his gaze on Anna as she replied.

"Pretty sure. First, I hate to say this, Peter, but you have a terrible poker face." She flashed him a teasing grin. "Your reaction pretty much told me you managed to keep it mostly in your pants."

He blushed harder. She laughed, but not unkindly.

"The other was that while you haven't taken a shower... there weren't any..." She paused and made a vague gesture, "Tell-tales signs."

Peter realized what she'd meant and ducked his head, mumbling down at his shoes and wondering if it would be possible for him to melt into the floor. "You mean I don't smell like sex."

She nodded. "So what were you and MJ doing?"

"It was just talking." Peter said after a moment. "We were talking. There was just a lot happening. It was kind of overwhelming. For both of us. Then, I guess we fell asleep." Which was true for the most part. He felt a tiny bit of resentment at the 'no poker face' thing and had a brief irrational need to prove her wrong, but sense won out and it was better to stick to the facts.

What did I tell you about tellin' women the truth, boy? Cletus tsked. Especially this one. She's a tricky vixen, make no mistake.

Anna nodded, taking another sip of her coffee. "MJ's really holding up better than I expected her to," Her voice was friendly, but neutral. "Did she tell you about her dad?"

Peter's jaw clenched. Before he could actually respond, Anna was already nodding. "She did, didn't she?"

"Just... a little of it." Peter forced himself to stop clenching his fists into the pillow. "I... uh... figured out the rest." He looked away. Figured out... tore unwillingly from his still living brain. Same difference. Unbidden, a few of those images flashed through his mind. The few that had embedded themselves in the back of his mind that would not leave. He shuddered and forced his breathing to even out.

Anna misunderstood his obvious agitation and got back to her feet. She sat on the arm of the chair and put a gentle arm around his shoulders. "I'm guessing she must have told you enough if you were able to figure out that much. She must really like you."

He blushed brighter at the contact. His enjoyment of it warred with the other emotions suddenly surging through him, but ultimately it was confused mix of feeling and strange urges running up and down his spine.

His throat tightened and the words were tumbling out before he realized it. "She's hurt. Bad. No one should've... I'm... I think she's gotten attached to me because I've been nice to her." He shivered and her arm tightened around his shoulders. He looked up at Anna miserably. "I like her, you know? Just... friendly like. I mean. Just... she's great, usually. I've never had anyone to talk to like that. Fun. Smart. But then she just... gets these moments when she's just so intense and I have no idea how to deal with that."

Anna smiled gently, "Well, I knew you guys would hit it off if you got the chance. But you're right. MJ is hurt. I'm going to try and get her some help once this whole mess is done, but I'm glad you're watching out for her too, Peter. You're right, though. She's hurt and fragile. It would be too easy to take advantage of that." Anna's expression turned grim for a moment and she shook her head, "But I trust you, Peter. I know May and Ben raised you better than that."

He ducked his head down once more. It wasn't fair. It really wasn't. On the one hand, his old fantasies of having Anna holding him were coming true right that moment... yet she was only doing it to comfort him because he was upset over her niece.

On top of that, she just told him that she trusted him.

With MJ.

Except she was the one holding him.

It still felt so good and he felt guilty that it felt so good.

My hormones are so confused, he thought to himself. I'm going to need one of those cold showers any minute now.

I got my own vote, Cletus volunteered.

Several distinctly feminine voices raised an incoherent roar that drowned him out.

He shook his head to clear it and murmured, "So... um... you're trusting me to not take advantage of her?"

Anna nodded. "Once you get past the shyness, she's really very affectionate."

Peter blushed harder, "Uh... yes."

She grinned, "Oooh. So you know about that part. Well, just..." Her expression was serious once more. "Don't push it. She's... she might... just don't try to go past what she allows, alright? Let her do no more than what's comfortable for her, because if you push," The woman's eyes flashed and he realized hurling murderous looks around was probably some sort of Watson family trait, like the red hair. "She'll let you... but then that would make you no better than her father."

He shivered and shook his head hurriedly, his expression stricken.

"Then I'd have to kill you," Anna continued grimly, her expression hardening. "And it's going to be hell having to explain that to May."

He stared at her in shock.

She touched a finger to her chin and looked thoughtful, "Or I could tell her and she'll kill you for me. I'd watch." She smiled wickedly and her tone chanced to playful, "Would you like me to watch, Peter?"

He stammered out denials hurriedly.

She laughed, half slipping off the arm of the easy chair Peter was in and almost sliding into his lap and hugged him suddenly. "You're so adorable!"

Which made things awkward when Aunt May limped into view from the stairs. She stared at the two for a long moment, with a shocked expression on her face.

Anna didn't even bat an eyelash as she coolly met May's gaze and smoothed down some of Peter's hair. "This is not what it looks like."

"I've heard that before." May replied dryly. "What did I tell you about trying to seduce Parker men?"

"That it's too easy and there's no challenge," Anna replied breezily, toying with Peter's hair and continuing to grin at May.

May in turn lifted her chin and did her best to project cool disdain and haughty disapproval, although Peter could clearly see the beginnings of a smile creasing the corners of her mouth.

Anna grinned even wider. "Oh, please. This wouldn't even make the top five list of compromising positions you've found me in with a Parker."

Peter blurted out in confusion, "That's an awfully specific criteria."

His Aunt May seemed to consider Anna's statement for a moment before replying, "Fine, I concede the point," She replied, leaning on the railing she gestured at them and asked, "So if you're not trying to play Mrs. Robinson, what are you doing?"

"Threatening to kill him if he takes advantage of MJ," Anna said with a wink.

May nodded agreeably at that and limped down another step, "Ah. That's fine. You were doing your whole sexy minx routine to keep his attention while keeping him pliant, confused and obedient, then?"

Anna pouted, "You know it's no fun if you give away the secrets to my womanly wiles."

"Oh, heaven forbid," Aunt May said, rolling her eyes in obvious amusement, "We couldn't have that."

Peter got to his feet. Anna who had slid all the way into Peter's pillow covered lap during the conversation made a little whooping noise as he easily lifted her into his arms, then gently set her down on the chair he'd just occupied.

"Here, let me help you, Aunt May." He said hurriedly as he walked up to meet her on the steps and took her elbow.

"I'm not an invalid, Peter," She chided gently. "It's just a sprain. It'll be fine in no time."

"Yes," Peter replied slowly, assisting her down the steps, "But you should take it easy anyway. Also, I figured this would be a good excuse to get out of more teasing."

She smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Clever boy."

Anna looked at him curiously as he helped May and then suddenly asked, "Where'd you get the pajamas?"

Peter startled at the question and muttered, "Um... I... uh... MJ... she... I guess she must've brought my backpack with her. And stuff. In the car. When you guys... you know... you left."

Anna blinked at that and Peter realized just how suspicious his response had sounded..

May simply patted his arm, "That was thoughtful of her, wasn't it? I hope you remember to thank her."

"I will. I mean I did." He replied hastily.

Once he'd helped Aunt May into a chair, he beat a hasty retreat for the basement for a cold shower.

- - -

May managed breakfast with Gwen and Peter's assistance. When they'd escaped the red zone, May had quite sensibly decided to empty out Anna's pantry and they weren't likely to be hurting for food too soon if they were careful.

Peter had every intention of simply breaking them out of Queens before it ever came to that.

All five of them had eaten the humble breakfast together. MJ had ended up next to Peter through some machination of Anna. She sat on his other side. Gwen was next to her and May between her and MJ around the round table.

MJ ate in silence. She had her hoodie back on once more, clearly uncomfortable with Gwen there. Peter did manage to elicit a smile or two from her when he'd pass her food. Every so often, he'd feel her hand brush against his thigh, just a flitting touch, as though she were trying to reassure herself that he was still there.

Anna had taken it upon herself to play morale officer. Teasing good-naturedly, being bright and cheerful. Peter was grateful for it, even when everyone else was laughing at his expense.

May was quiet and subdued. Her eyes were tight and Peter could tell that even with the painkillers, her ankle was bothering her. She sipped her coffee and did her best to smile for Anna, but her heart wasn't entirely into it.

Gwen simply watched the interplay of her guests curiously. Especially MJ and how... easily close she seemed to be with Peter.

The TV was on in the background. News still showed nothing of any use. There were indications that some of the restrictions on exiting Queens were easing up, but only at a few locations. No one was being allowed into Manhattan, for instance. Which was causing even more traffic as cars began gathering at the spots that were allowing people to leave.

They'd tried to get George Stacy on the phone once more, but once again he hadn't picked up. Gwen had tried to brush it off, but Peter could tell she was getting concerned.

Even for all that, breakfast had been... normal.

Peter could almost ignore what was happening just a few blocks away and pretend that this was normal. That his life wasn't blood and gore and claws tearing through bodies and death.

He helped Aunt May settle into the couch and Anna joined her. If the TV wouldn't serve up any useful news, then at least it could be a distraction.

Gwen helped arrange the blanket around Aunt May and asked solicitously, "Are you sure I can't get you anything else?"

Aunt May patted her hand gently and replied, "Thank you, dear... but I'm fine. Really. You should relax."

Gwen gave a small smile and shrugged. "Sorry... just getting restless. I guess. Nerves."

Anna nodded. "Your dad's going to be fine."

"That obvious?" Gwen asked.

Peter closed his eyes and breathed it all in. He needed this oasis of calm normality... if only because he knew he was going to have to go back to an unpleasant reality all too soon.

On reflection, he might have been a little too obvious about going to the door.

Aunt May glanced over her shoulder at him, "Where do you think you're going, young man?" Her tone had been sharpened by worry and suspicion.

"I just.. I needed a walk, Aunt May."

Her eyes bored into his and he felt himself squirm under her gaze. "You aren't going anywhere near the Red Zone, are you?"

Peter held his hands up in surrender. This at least he'd been ready for. "I just need to stretch my legs, Aunt May. Honest. Maybe see if any of the groceries in walking distance still have anything left."

MJ's reaction was far less subtle. She shot to her feet, chewing her lip. She grabbed at his sleeve and dragged him into the short alcove the led down to the basement door.

May exchanged glances with Anna. Gwen looked at Peter with curiosity that drowned out her anxiety, if only for a moment.

Once they had a tiny modicum of privacy, MJ pushed him against the closed basement door and demanded, "Where are you going?" Her eyes were staring into his through her bangs.

He frowned, but whispered back, "I was going to see if I could do anything for Detective Stacy. Just make sure he's safe. See if I can help him."

The tension eased out of her slightly and she sighed. Her voice was thoughtful. "It wasn't just me, was it? You'll save anybody who needs it."

He wasn't sure how to respond to that. "Well... yeah. If I can. I... I mean, I know I can't save everyone, but I just... I can't sit around when I could be doing something, you know?"

She shook her head and her lips quirked into a small smile. "You know you've got a serious 'saving people' thing, don't you?"

He smiled back at her, "Did you just compare me to--?"

She grinned openly now, her eyes sparkling. "He does end up with a redhead."

"I should be so lucky," He said, grinning back, the words slipping free before his embarrassment could choke them off.

Her eyes widened. Pleased. "You very well could be." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Be careful? I know you've got all of your... advantages... but you can't expect me not to worry, alright?"

He nodded gravely.

She tugged her hoodie back into place and scurried back to her chair, under the stares of her Aunt Anna, Aunt May, and Gwen. She tried to sink deeper into her seat but muttered out. "He'll be careful."

"If you say so, dear." May said with a slight amused smile. Anna's expression was unbearably smug.

Peter managed a small wave to everyone before he slipped away, his face flushed.

- - -