Start of Something New
"Shit!"
For being an agile, crime-fighting superhero, Peter Parker still manages to trip over his untied shoelaces. And almost tackle Michelle Jones.
Which sucks, because she kept her balance, making him awkwardly fall into her chest. Which sucks even more because now he's beet red and mumbling twenty thousand apologies.
She lightly pushes him off of her, looking down at his sneakers. "Alright Parker, you're now officially classified as incompetent in my book."
"You're book?"
"Yeah. Michelle's Guide to Losers and Nimrods. You should be proud, there's a full chapter dedicated to Peter 'Inept' Parker." She punches his arm with her free fist that's not holding any books or binders.
That's a thing they've been doing recently. A lot. It was shocking enough when Michelle decided to sit four seats (rather than seven) away from him and Ned at lunch. Then two.
Next thing he knew, she was insisting they call her "MJ" because that's what her friends did (Peter and Ned decided it's best to trust her word regarding other friends who called her that).
But the touching thing was new. Peter first considered it a part of his step-by-step plan to make MJ come out of her shell, but now he's not so sure.
Now, the light shoves and high-fives and punches and laughing-into-the-other's-shoulder-because-what-they-said-was-so-damn-funny made his face go red. And his heart speed up.
And sometimes he can swear to Thor that he sees a hint of pink on her darker complexion.
"And what was I before that?" Before Peter can stop her, Michelle is on the ground tying his shoes for him with her books pushed off to the side. "Uh, what're you doing?"
"A favor? And I had at least assumed you'd be able to use basic human motor skills on your own, but I stand, well... kneel, corrected."
"Yeah, but could you maybe not do this in the middle of the hallway? I don't want Fla-"
"Woah! Keep it PG Penis Parker!" Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Michelle rolls her eyes as she picks her book up from off the ground and stands by Peter.
Flash walks past them, turning around in the process to see them as he goes. "Are you kidding me? You had to get Michelle's help with tying your shoe? Is she carrying your books too?"
"Shut up, Flash. You don't know what you're talking about."
"For someone who's interning with Tony Stark, you're pretty shit at comebacks."
The only progress that's been made with Peter and Flash's relationship is that now he believes Peter when it comes to the Stark Internship. When Happy Hogan showed up at Midtown School of Science and Technology to pick up 'the kid' and take him to the Avengers Compound, Flash managed to convince himself that Peter's story might not be a complete lie.
"For someone who's not interning with Tony Stark, you're pretty shit in general." Peter doesn't know whether to smile at MJ's quip or get offended at the insult to his mentor. He knows she probably doesn't mean it (and if she did, she definitely wouldn't say it to his face), so he sniggers.
Flash is baffled for a moment, but recovers to scoff and turn the corner.
"I'm going to let that comment about Mr. Stark slide because the look on Flash's face was priceless."
"Oh, he's had worse blows to his ego then that. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"I'll take those, if you'd like," he offers, gesturing to her full arms. He didn't have to ask her twice. She dumped the books into him and he followed her to her locker.
MJ is one of the only high school students that not only use their locker, but leave their backpacks in it as well.
She opens it and trades a few binders with the ones in Peter's hands, piling them into her bag. "So, you got any plans this weekend, Parker?"
"Besides homework and seeing Mr. Stark on Friday, not really. May said she has to call an electrician because there was some we-"
"Do you wanna see movie?"
"-ird smell in the pipes... wait, what?"
"That new Star Wars movie came out, like, last week? I think. And, I don't know if you've seen it yet, but I was wondering if you'd want to go? See it? With me? Maybe?"
Call him crazy, but MJ was blushing? And stuttering. And asking him out.
Never in a million years would he think Michelle Jones, the woman who's read Michelle Obama's autobiography three times, would ask Peter Parker, the boy who went to school without his right shoe once, to go see a movie.
Let alone Star Wars!
"Yeah, yeah I've seen it a-already. But, but, yeah, I could see it again. I could, yeah, with you. Totally. That's the, that... like a, well, you know."
"A date?" MJ cocks an eyebrow. Peter scolds himself.
Couldn't get out one sentence, could you?
"Yep, that's the word." Michelle giggles. Giggles. "When were you thinking of going on the... well, the..."
"The date, Peter. It's called a date. And I was thinking Friday night, but if you have the Stark Internship, then I could-"
"No, no, no, no, no." Peter cuts her off. As much as he loves tinkering with Tony, he can take off early for a date, right? Oh god, he's got to get a suit. Wait, do you wear suits on dates? Maybe to eat, but for a movie?
May is going to have a long afternoon.
"Friday is okay. I usually don't stay longer than six o'clock anyway, so, Friday is fine. What time?"
"The movie starts at eight-fifteen, but if that's past your bedtime then-"
"Har har, very funny. I'll have to ask May, but I think I can make that. And dinner, of course." MJ gives him a curious side-glance.
Oh, does she not want dinner?
"Dinner is fine."
Did I say that out loud?
"Yeah, you did. But, just so we're clear, I'm paying for the movie. You can buy dinner but I'm paying for something."
"MJ that's not-"
"Nope. I'm buying the tickets and the drinks and the popcorn and you can't convince me otherwise." She pokes his chest and he nods, dumbfounded. "Is seven okay? For dinner?"
MJ scrunches her nose and Peter smiles. "I love watching previews so if you think an hour is enough time to eat and drive to the theatre then sure."
"We could go to The Door, that's close to a few theatres."
"Yeah, but that place is way too upscale. Dining with more than one fork isn't my speed. Can't we go to Applebee's? It's much closer, cheaper, and faster. And 'there's no place like the neighborhood.'"
It's Peter's turn to roll his eyes. "If that's what you want to do. Seven then? Meet at Applebee's?"
She swings her backpack over her shoulder. Peter bounces on the balls of his feet while she checks her phone.
I've got to tell Ned, now.
"Yeah. And that's seven sharp, Peter Parker. I know how much of a flake you can be so I expect you to be there not a second late."
"I won't, I promise." MJ smiles lightly. Though he's never given it too much thought, MJ's genuine smile was nice.
Something he's hoping he'll get the privilege of getting used to.
"My mom's outside. So, I'll see you tomorrow Peter! And if Friday doesn't work for you, then," she points at her phone. "Yeah, text me."
"Bye, MJ."
"Later, loser." And she's gone around the corner.
Peter's mind reels. He felt his heart beat getting louder and louder with every second he stood there, staring at the hallway MJ disappeared behind.
His brain finally catches up with himself and he begins moving toward his own locker.
Peter can't find it in himself to focus on school.
The only homework he technically needs to finish before the next day is a few memories from The Things They Carried and a Spanish worksheet. Both of which might take him an hour total. "Are you okay, Peter?" He jumps and his head whips at Ned's voice. "Oh, sorry man. I thought you saw me."
"Yeah, no. I didn't. I was just," he points down the hall. "Staring at your locker?"
"Ha, no. Um, I'm thinking."
"About?"
"MJ." Ned's eyes almost bug out of his head.
In hindsight, Peter should have provided context to that instead of leaving it open for Ned's interpretation.
"What do you mean, MJ? Like as in, 'I gotta talk to MJ so we can work on that civics presentation due next week'? Or does MJ like you? Oh my go- or do you like MJ?! Does May know, does MJ know? When did-"
"Ned!" Ned's lips clamp and lock together. Peter can swear this is the most he's ever had Ned's undivided attention.
Better make use of it while he can. "MJ asked me out. On a date. Friday. To see Star Wars, of all things!"
"Wha- you and MJ? Seriously? That's, that's great! Oh my god! Oh my- MJ? When did that happen? You said yes, right?"
"Duh, I said yes! It's MJ. She's awesome... and if I said no, I'd probably have to sleep with one eye open for the rest of my life."
"And when you're dead, that girl would haunt you in the afterlife."
"You're the weirdest hype-man. I'm supposed to be excited for my date, not scared." Ned wiggles his head around.
It wouldn't be a surprise if he was dreaming. He did hit his head on that subway bar this morning... "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You're right. Sorry. It's just, this is your first date. Our first date, collectively, man. We're taking a step into adulthood."
"Geez, Ned. I realize that you're one of six people who've read and enjoyed Great Expectations, but you're taking the whole 'coming of age' idea way to literally. And what do you mean 'we're'? Did MJ ask you on a date too?"
"No, but I've been considering asking Betty out and you're taking the plunge first, so maybe I should too." Peter's heard plenty when it comes to Ned's crush on Betty.
Maybe 'crush' is too small a word. Peter has heard Ned obsess and gush over Betty Brant for over a month.
He's seen it too. They've both been flirting relentlessly and he wouldn't be surprised if they were going on a date by the end of the week as well. "Dude, absolutely. She's totally into you."
"No, she doesn't... You think?" Peter groans. "Uh, yeah! What's there not to like about you? You're smart, and funny, and nice, and you've got one of the coolest best friends in school. Hell, I'd date you if MJ didn't take me first."
Peter feels strange mentioning himself being 'taken' by MJ. Not that he doesn't like it. It sounds nice.
"You should go for it man, the school years almost over. We're about to be Juniors. Then Seniors. Then, we're graduating, buddy. Do it now, before you get old."
"Are you calling eighteen old?"
"Yeah. Us becoming legal adults? That's scary. Going to college? Getting a job and all that."
"So, you're back on board with college?"
"Mr. Stark has been talking so much with his pull at MIT and NYU that I'm sure he'd disown me if I skipped out on college."
The boys make their way outside and onto the football field. And it's hot. After months of cold and dealing with the New York winter, having a warmer day in felt alien and, naturally, Peter was wearing one of his hoodies.
"Tony Stark is talking to colleges for you? Peter, you could go anywhere you want with a recommendation from him."
He knows. Peter wasn't exactly jumping for joy when Tony said he'd help with college. Being Spider-Man alongside taking care of Aunt May, Peter figured college was off the market.
But when his acute sense of hearing caused him to "accidentally" overhear Tony talking on the phone with some university in Germany, Peter knew Tony was serious.
Very serious.
"I know. But I don't think I want to go anywhere out of state. Queens still needs Spider-Man and May needs me too. It's a lot to think about."
"I'm not trying to take our friendship for granted, but could you maybe convince Tony to give me a hand in college admissions? That would be so dope."
"Y'know what Ned? Sure, I'll talk to him." The combination of Ned's elated face and bear hug made Peter type a reminder into his phone:
Fri, April 19
Mr. Stark- Ned college
Needless to say, Peter embarks on his long, yet bearable journey home with a slight skip in his step.
---
"Hey, Aunt May. I need your help." May's head perks up over the edge of the couch, settling the book she was reading in her lap.
Peter gets déjà vu of another time he was asking May for help with a girl.
(He finds himself wondering how Liz is doing every so often).
(But when he does, he feels bad).
(So, he tries not to).
Nowadays, Homecoming feels like ages ago. "Holy s-, what's that smell?" Peter waffs his face to relieve his nose from the odor, but it doesn't do much of anything.
Peter can feel the ever-so-slight tickle at the back of his neck. It's so small he nearly misses it.
Nearly.
"It's apparently a pipe leak. Neighbors smell it too. Someone's coming on Friday to hopefully fix it. I can light some candles, if you'd like."
"I'm okay."
"Anyhow, what's up?"
"Um, well, long story short... I have a date with MJ on Friday at seven and I have no idea what to do."
"Oh my, are you serious? Michelle?" May climbs to her feet and gives Peter a quick hug and her full attention. "Yes! Why does everyone have a hard time believing I have a date?"
"Sorry, Pete. That's fantastic. You've never talked about liking Michelle, so I guess I'm a little shocked that you asked her."
"She asked me." May laughs, her hands fitting onto the edges of her hips. "I'm not surprised. That girl's gonna be the one to propose too."
Peter steps back, arms flailing in front of him. "Woah, who said anything about marriage?"
"I'm not saying she's going to marry you, Peter. She's a perceptive young women, and I don't doubt she'd do it."
"Before I have an aneurysm, can you help me decide what I'm going to wear? If I've got to buy anything for her? I should get her flowers, shouldn't I?" May waves Peter over to follow her into his room.
He's remodeled a bit ever since May found out he was Spider-Man, which was a very long and laborious conversation. Things were said, tears were shed, and May insisted that he would get some curtains over his windows.
And that was that.
She shuffles through Peter's shirts and jeans, throwing some out and onto his carpet.
He gets especially embarrassed when she starts pulling out his boxers. "Aye, aye, aye, I got that." He takes over her job and May filters the pile on the floor. "Do you know what she's wearing? Or where you're going?"
"No- I don't know what she's wearing. And we're going to Applebee's and then a movie."
"Ooh, which movie?"
"Star Wars."
"She likes Star Wars?"
"I didn't think so. She used to call us losers when we talked about it. Still does. But, maybe I don't know her well enough."
"That's what the date's for. Why Applebee's? Here, try this on." She hands him a blue button-up.
Peter promptly removes his shirt and replaces it with the new one. It fits him semi-snug, but not too tight. "MJ's choice. It's close to the movie and The Room is too classy for her liking. She also forced me into letting her pay for the movie, so I need to like, buy her flowers or do something extra besides paying for dinner. "
"That's cute," May says, tugging down on the edge of his shirt.
He's ninety-percent sure she's not listening anymore, so he shuts up. "Could you wear those navy dress pants I bought you last Christmas?"
"May, I think those are two sized too small now." She looks at him, curiously.
The Spider-Man thing must've gone super over her head. He keeps assuming that May knowing means she's' accustomed, but there's still a lot she doesn't know.
A lot he doesn't tell her. "Okay... maybe tucked in those black jeans you packed on the decathlon trip?"
"If I can find them, they might look good." Peter continues the search in his dresser. "What time did you say?"
"Seven sharp, not a second late, MJ says."
"Have you told Tony?"
"Oh, yeah," he remembers, pulling his phone from his pocket. Almost forgot. "I'll text him now."
Another new element in the complex life of Peter Parker. He not only had Tony's personal number, but the man himself responds. That little tidbit made him feel all the more special.
Hey, Mr. Stark!
I've got plans on Friday at 7:00, so I might need to leave early, if that's okay with you.
I can reschedual if you need me too.
Maybe.
reschedule***
Peter will bask in the day he sends one text that isn't so freaking awkward. He wishes iMessage had the handy 'unsend' button Instagram has.
"As for the flower," May starts, sitting on the rolling chair alongside his desk. "Don't get a rose, those are too normal. I'd say go for simple but unusual. Does she have a favorite color?
Peter shrugs. "I was thinking about getting her a Black Dahlia. There’s this famous murder that MJ fawns over and the victim was called... ‘Black Dahlia’ so I thought it’d be good.”
"That’s... oddly specific and terrifying. But, touching, in a way. Swing by the florist on your way home tomorrow and see if they have anything. Not literally, of course."
"I'll have to do it after my patrol."
"Whenever you have time, Pete." She goes to leave, uncoiling her lose ponytail and leans on the frame of his door. "Are you wanting anything for dinner? I was thinking sushi. Do you have homework?"
"Sushi's fine with me. And not much, I'll get started now and we can leave in an hour or so."
"Sounds good." She shuts the door behind herself and leaves to continue reading, Peter assumes. He shouts, "Aye, May?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for the help!"
"No problem."
---
Tony finally responds around eight o'clock at night. And evidently, it doesn't take long at all for the genius to figure out what's going on.
Who's the girl?