HEARTSTRINGS ▹ P. PARKER [✔]

two.

Ever since she was a child, Gwen loved experimenting with different substances, creating new things, just like she did with Shuri when she visited Wakanda. Her friend helped her build the vibranium uniform she uses for missions - much to Tony's envy and dismay. He once tried to bribe her into letting him study the suit, but she knew better than letting him.

Her other friend, Michelle Jones - or MJ -, was also pretty cool. She was smart and didn't take shit from people. Plus, her favorite pastime was to mock everyone, which was a bonus. Gwen's and Michelle's sense of humor paired up perfectly, and they've been friends since Gwen's first day at Midtown High.

The only problem was that MJ was observant and knew that Gwen was hiding something, yet didn't question her about that - much. She knew about Gwen's family problems, that she lived by herself, and had a high-paid job. But Gwen still couldn't share with her friend many details, neither about her superhero activities nor her abilities, and even less about her crush on Peter Parker, although she pretty much guessed that the curly brunette must've figured that out by now.

Despite all the secrecy, MJ and Gwen had a great friendship, to the point of having sleepovers at each other's homes and study sessions to help the chocolate-skinned girl with her decathlon competitions. Being avid bookaholics, they'd often engage in discussions about their current readings and would constantly recommend books.

Basically, after meeting Michelle, Gwen didn't think she needed any other friend - everyone else seemed like they were trying too much. Except for Ned and Peter. They were dorky and funny.

During their lunch break before the decathlon practice, MJ and Gwen shared the same table Ned and Peter were, though each friend duo sat on opposite sides and ends of the table. Ned and Peter were pathetically drooling at Liz Toomes, who put up a banner for the upcoming homecoming dance.

Personally, Gwen thought Liz was pretty but bland. Something just lacked in her personality. And her opinion wasn't based on the fact that Peter had a crush on the older girl.

"Did Liz get a new top?" Peter asked, almost dream-like, making Gwen roll her eyes.

"No," Ned answered, equally enchanted, "we've seen that before, but never with that skirt."

The blonde closed her eyes and shook her head. Sometimes, it was better to pretend she didn't know them.

"We should probably stop staring before it gets creepy, though," Peter acknowledged, yet didn't make any effort to follow his own words.

"Too late," Michelle and Gwen said simultaneously, making the two boys turn to them, finally taking their eyes off of Liz.

"You guys are losers," MJ deadpanned, without putting her book down.

"Well, then why do you sit with us?" Ned snarked.

"I don't sit with you. I sit with Gwen, who happens to sit with you," she reasoned before turning to her friend, "why do you sit with them?"