Peter Stark Oneshots

Short Story VI: Interrupted

Ship: Peter Stark/Michelle Jones

Summary: MJ can't start her end of year college project because her anxieties have become to much.

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"Alright is there anything else you want to discuss or do you have any questions? I know I've been rambling at you for a bit."

"Um no I don't think so, I think this will be really helpful." MJ answered, flicking over her page of notes.

"That's good, if you have any questions between now and our next chat, then email the office and someone will pass it along to me."

"I will, thank you."

"Of course, how is 3rd of June? Two weeks time."

"Um yeah, I think so."

"Well if you need to move it, just email in good time and let us know."

"I will, thanks, again."

"No problem, Michelle. Goodbye."

"Bye." MJ replied, letting the phone fall down beside her as her counsellor ended the call.

MJ slid down against her propped up pillows, breathing out deeply as she processed the appointment. "Why did I thank her twice?"

Looking across the room, her eyes fell on Peter's desk but more so her open notebook on top. A notebook full of her plans, notes and to-do lists, all for her end of year project. A project she would love to be doing, but one MJ just couldn't. Every time she sat down her laptop to make a start, her body tensed up and she focused solely on what if's and could be's. She always ended up leading herself down a path of no exits, only panic.

Thankfully a gentle knock and her own name said so softly, bought her out of the spiral.

"MJ?"

"Yeah?" Which Peter took as his que to open the door.

"Hi." He said, making his way over to his bed and sitting beside his girlfriend. "How was it?"

MJ sighed again, slipping down to rest against his shoulder. "Helpful, I think but. Emma thinks I should speak to my Professor about interrupting my project, while I, you know, sort myself out."

Peter nodded, and as she glanced back up at him, he asked, "Well what do you think?"

"I don't know, Pete, I want to do my idea but I just can't. Each time I try and start it, I just panic. What do you think?"

"I cant decide for you Em-"

"I know, I know you can't." She said, her agitated hands finding Peter's leg and begin their tapping. "But I trust you, what would you do if it were you?"

"I would see about pausing my project, at least for the time being."

"I'll email Ben now then." MJ said going to reach for her phone, but noticing her hands. She curled her fingers tightly into fists, and willed herself not start crying.

"Here." Peter said, handing MJ her phone, "I think I was sitting on it, sorry."

MJ smiled as she took it, distracted from her worries albeit briefly, "Thanks for keeping it safe."

"Don't mention it, Em." Peter said, smiling at her.

"What?" MJ asked looking up, already tapping away at the email, "I can feel you staring."

"I really like your smile is all."

"Well savour it, Stark, I gotta keep up my scary persona." MJ joked, holding her phone out, "How's this so far?"

"You know when you call me Stark, I think of Dad. I'm not that old yet."

"I meant cause you're such a charmer, don't worry your grey hairs are barley noticeable. MJ added, pretending to look through his hair.

"Do you want me to read this?"

"Yes please." MJ said curling further into him.