Work Text:
“Please work, c’mon!” She groaned, frustratedly putting her grocery bag on the ground. Her hair was soaking wet, clinging to her neck in a way that made her shiver.
“I’m done, I’m so done with these damn keys!” She shivered , finally inserting the key into the lock before her shaky hands compromised her efforts.
The key fell onto the ground with an echoing clink that fueled her anger.
Her day hadn’t gone the way she wanted. She rushed to register for classes, then she went to the grocery store to pick up some food for the new apartment. Then, it started down pouring outside and now her damn keys wouldn’t work.
“Woah, uhm…. You need help with that?” A hesitant voice called from by the elevator. She turned instantly, her hair almost whipping at the intensity.
“Y-Yeah, that’d be a lifesaver. Thanks.” She shivered again briefly before handing the keys to the approaching young man. Their fingers brushed slightly, and hers were freezing against his.
He pushed the key into the lock and turned it before opening the door. “Thank you, you’re such a lifesaver. I mean, it’s down pouring outside and I’m freezing and I have to unpack and I just couldn’t get the key in, I was scared my milk would go bad.” She rambled slightly, her words coming out fast.
“Oh, uhm you’re good.” He rubbed the back of his neck slightly. “So, you’re new around here?” She nodded slightly, fixing her jacket slightly. “Yeah, I just moved in last week, or some time around then. I’m kinda loosing track of time.” She offered a small, apologetic smile.
“Do you live here? I mean, you probably do because you’re here, but do you? I haven’t seen you around yet…” she ran her fingers through her soaking wet hair, trying to make it look a little nicer, more presentable. “Oh, uhm yeah. I live a floor up. I mean, the elevator just opened and I saw you and I wanted to help. I promise I’m not a freak.” She smiled, her green eyes twinkling slightly. “And I promise I’m not a weirdo who curses when her keys won’t go into her door.”
He offered a small smile, which made his tired face look more alive. “I’m Peter, Peter Parker.” “I’m Mary Jane, but people call me MJ. I mean, it doesn’t really matter. But Peter is a nice name, I had an uncle named Peter. He was weird, but that’s off topic. Sorry, I talk a lot when I’m nervous,” her voice lowered in volume like she was talking to herself. “Am I nervous?”
“Oh, you’re good. Well, I better be off, I mean my apartment is a mess, and I wouldn’t want to keep you from your unpacking.” He peered into her apartment, noting the towers and towers of boxes. “Oh, yeah…” She nodded, rubbing her forehead as if suddenly remembering she had to unpack.
“Well, it was really nice to meet you,” She smiled and this time it was shy, and had much less restless energy then a few moments before. “You too,” his lips curved slightly before he retreated back to the elevator, offering a small wave.
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The dim light from the apartment caught MJ’s red hair as she sat at her small, round table that her and Gwen had managed to put together. Though, it had taken hours of struggle and looking at the directions, they had succeeded.
The smell of the Chinese food containers wafted through the kitchen as they ate enthusiastically. They had been unpacking all day with minimal breaks and coffee since MJ refused to pay 8 dollars a cup from some local cafe. She was a college student and she was broke. So, no coffee until they set up the kurig.
“Have you met any neighbors yet?” Gwen questioned, sipping a glass of tap water. “Yeah, there were like two I’ve met so far. This one girl named Kenzie who looks like the only meat she eats is… well, Y’know, and this guy named Peter.” Gwen laughed, which sent water through her nose, which made MJ laugh in return before sipping her own tap water.
“What’s the deal with Peter? Is he like, a manly guy or what?” Gwen questioned, watching MJ closely. MJ always showed her feelings on her face, which made it easy for Gwen to know what she thought.”I don’t know, I mean he seemed awkward, and sweet… but I don’t really know him well yet.” MJ sighed, poking a spare rib before guiding it to her mouth.
“Bring him cookies.” Gwen stated, her own face deadpan in seriousness. “Why exactly…?” MJ shot her a confused look. “You can always tell someone’s personality by bringing them cookies. And you make killer cookies.” MJ nodded slowly. “Alright, I mean I guess so…”
Gwen nodded, her seriousness fading into a goofy grin. “So, is he cute?” MJ laughed, swatting her hand playfully at Gwen. “None of your business, Gwen. Maybe you’ll see. I’ll give you updates.” Gwen pointed a playful finger at her. “You better.”
MJ’s green eyes crinkled slightly from her smile, and she nodded once. “I will.”