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There are some nights that Peter cannot handle being alone.
Those are the nights that he holds Mary Jane close. Those are the nights that he hides away from the idea of being Spider-Man and needs someone with him. The nights that his past, his dreams, haunt him and keep him away from rest.
MJ hugs him back, her hair spread out behind her, her forehead pressed to his.
"Never let me go," He whispers, not wanting to lose her too.
Like Ben.
Like Norman.
Like Otto.
Like Harry.
Like every other person he has not been able to catch, to save, to hold, and make sure they are alright.
With great power comes great responsibility.
It's a responsibility that Peter cannot handle sometimes.
"I never will," MJ replies, her voice somewhat calming in the dark room, "I'll never let you go, Pete."
Those nights are always the worst, but Mary Jane is the one who gets him through it.
Peter cannot lose MJ. It's the one thing he tells himself, day after day after day. He cannot lose her. She is his lifeline, his other half.
They visit his Aunt May often and she'll ask, sometimes, if he's in need of the ring anytime soon. He cannot bring himself to say yes. He's trying to get better first.
They still haven't talked about the first attempt or any other attempt in the future.
Peter is alright where they are now.
He's living with MJ, now, though. Paid his last bit of rent to Mr. Ditkovich, said goodbye to Ursula, and moved all his things to her place.
The suit has its own drawer in his dresser.
MJ only forces him to wash it.
Peter takes professional photos for some of the theatres around Broadway, a job found by MJ. He applied super quickly, and he's one of the few freelancers that are often taken in. He still takes photos for the Bugle, though, as it's another supply of money.
MJ has been in a few more shows, and she's been in the whole run of multiple. She's doing better.
They're both doing better.
Peter slides in easily through the window, pushing it closed behind him. MJ is in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in her hands. She smiles at him tiredly. "Early morning run?"
He pulls off the mask, smiling back, albeit lopsidedly. "There was a robbery."
She clicks her tongue, not saying anything else. He knows that she still somewhat disapproves of him sneaking off out of nowhere to be Spider-Man. But, she's still here, and he's been listening and... He runs a hand through his hair.
"You know I can't-"
"It's not that," She places the mug down on the counter and walks up to him. Her hair is still a mess from sleep and she's still in her pyjamas, but she's gorgeous. "I was just worried." She places her hand on his cheek. "I woke up and you weren't in bed."
Last night was one of those nights are the words that she leaves unsaid.
"It's alright," He hums, placing his hand on hers.
MJ hums softly, watching him closely. She pulls her hand away. "Ursula's visiting today, if I might remind you. She's coming around noon and we're going out for lunch."
"Yeah," He voices, before hugging her suddenly. Pulling her close.
"I'm never going to let you go."
MJ laughs at this, but he's serious, in a way.
He never wants to let her go.