Work Text:
Peter somehow intertwines himself into her and Ned’s life. It’s a gradual transition. Sometimes when she comes home he’s already there. He’s befriended Ned quickly, it’s like muscle memory.
“I’m home,” she calls, putting aside her purse and setting foot into her apartment. Paul’s been asking to take the next step and move in together. It’s like pulling teeth. She doesn't necessarily want to break up but—
“MJ,” both Peter and Ned call in union, like a harmonious instrument already in tune. They seem happy, carefree in a way that she hasn't remembered since their teenage years. If she even remembers those right…
“Did you bring leftovers?" Ned’s already eyeing her, scanning her for any bags. “You know that restaurant has the best Pad See Ew.”
“I’m sorry,” she rolls her eyes, plopping herself down on the couch. Closer to Peter, just coincidentally. “Didn’t know I was UberEats.”
Ned groans while Peter laughs. It’s a nice laugh; comforting and warm. Her hands itch. She watches Peter smile in her side vision.
Is Peter still in love with her? His thigh is lined up against hers. They're almost touching. It could mean nothing.
It’s been months since the reveal, yet Peter respected her boundaries. He never pesters or expects anything else of her, solemnly friendship.
Sometimes it feels like something is under her skin. It is like an itch so deep that it makes her skin crawl and unwearable. It separates her brain from her body. It feels like she’s living in a stranger's skin. How does the body remember while her mind forgot?
MJ can't stand it. It makes her sick.
“So,” Ned starts with a mischievous look, “It’s Friday and…”
“And?” MJ slouches into the couch.
“I’m thinking we should go out! Common guys, all we do is sit in this apartment—”
Peter laughs but he doesn't seem opposed, “Anything in mind?”
“For the amount of rent we pay, I think we’re trying to get our money’s worth,” MJ doesn't think it’s a bad idea necessarily, but she's already exhausted from her outing with Paul.
“Let’s hit the club, nights still young. Peter can be my wingman,” he clamps him on the arm, “I gotcha too, bro.”
Peter and MJ never told him that they used to be together. It’s too awkward. It might be weird… MJ tenses at Ned's words. God. Has Ned ever been Peter’s wingman… to get her? For some reason her heart skips a beat.
“--I don't think my girlfriend would like that very much.” Huh? What.
“Girlfriend?!” Peter blushes, MJ can tell the red hue from his cheeks are spreading all the way up to ears. “Care to share with the class?”
“It’s kinda new,” Peter sounds so shy, it’s endearing, “She’s really smart, kind…”
“Damn, where'd you meet her?”
“Work,” he says a bit sheepishly.
“Is she a cop?” God. Ned keeps quizzing him on.
“I thought spiderman was more volunteer work,” MJ teases back, “you got a side hustle you haven't mentioned?”
“Uhhh…”
“Maybe you sell pictures of yourself to the tabloids,” a smirk builds on her face, she almost forgets the topic of conversation, “Spiderman caught in action.”
“No no,” Peter shakes his hands almost comedically, his thigh feels warm against hers. “She’s like.. She's like me.” He pauses for a second, “It’s actually uh, Jean. Remember, the one that kind—”
“Kinda destroyed the whole city a few months ago?” Ned isn't serious, maybe.. Partially.
“She didn't mean it!”
“Sorry, sorry, I know that’s your girl.” The man shoves his playfully, “Okay, guess it’s another night in.”
She's the one that rejected Peter, after all. She shouldn't feel so upset, so why does it feel so wrong?
━
Taking the subway takes a little bit longer than swinging home. Peter is starting to like normal things.
Normal is good. He’s enjoying being just some guy sometimes.. He just left MJ and Ned’s apartment a while ago, tapping the screen he reacts to Ned’s meme that he sent over instagram.
It’s a reel of a couple, some guy in a dentistry office, ‘When your husband is under laughing gas and forgets he’s married to you’ the caption reads. Ned simply writes “Us”. Peter rolls his eyes fondly.
His mind briefly rolls over to MJ. He came to the understanding that it’d hurt. It’ll always hurt but he has to grow and work past it. His past is entwined with who he is, but he’s also the one in charge of shaping his future.
The screen times out because he’s stared at it too long, so when he taps again it’s on his lockscreen. A picture of him and Jean is set as the background image. It’s a bit of a corny photo, but he loves it.
Something about her feels like a spark of electricity but also a calm understanding. He passes by the local convenience store and buys some flowers, some pink roses and lilacs.
“I’m home,” it was a bit difficult finding a common ground, especially living with another person after so much isolation. Sometimes he’s stuck in his own head, at work, or in his thoughts, but Jean snaps him out of it. They're good for each other.
“Good,” she’s curled up on the couch, “I thought you'd almost miss our episode." It’s some reality tv nonsense they've both become addicted to.
“Why never,” he pulls the flowers in front of him like an offering, “for you.”
“Peter,” she rolls her eyes but it’s kind and he can tell she doesn't mind, “the last one still hasn't wilted.”
“I’m sorry, I just can't help it,” there’s a low giggle coming out of his mouth, as he hovers over her, pecking her on the cheek. “Let me put these in water.”
“Hey,” her hand grasps his shirt, “where do you think you're going?”
His hands go up defensively, but he’s not worried in the slightest. “Okay, I know… a proper kiss first.”
Jean’s lips feel warm. They're always inviting, he can't get enough of her. She always tastes like cherries and vanilla, it’s kinda strange because Peter was never a fan of sweets but he'd drown in sugar if that meant kissing her.
He deepens the kiss and bites down on her lip. “Peter,” her whine interrupts him, her hand finding his hair and pulling him closer.
“You are so so so beautiful,” he manages to push away their lips for a moment before he trails down her neck with kisses.
“You’re okay too, I guess,” but she kisses him again, the love is unmistakable. Somehow, amongst the chaos, he’s found a home again.