A connected thread (Spider-Man X enby OC)

Chapter 9: An Amazing Revelation

Walking into school, I sit down for my history lesson, hoping I don't get kept behind during lunch, and see Pete and MJ walking in, laughing about something, and I can almost feel a piece of my heart rip.

Everyone in school already assumes that Pete and MJ are dating, and I can see why. They're always around each other, talking to each other, and just generally being close with each other. I know it's stupid, but a small part of me does genuinely believe that Peter is into me, and it's the only reason I haven't tried it with Spidey, despite how many hints he drops.

I decide to walk up to them and try to engage in the conversation, hoping to get a better idea of whether or not they are actually a couple. "Hey Pete, MJ, how are you guys? I'm sorry I didn't reply to your messages super quickly, but I'm looking forward to hanging out with you two more, especially you MJ, I feel like we don't hang out enough."

"Hey Hito, great to see you, no problem about the messages, we understand how stressful it is to be engaged in a spider incident as a bystander, especially with Rhino, we're just glad you're okay." MJ responds with a smile.

I'll be honest, the level of gender envy I get from MJ, despite not wanting to be a woman, is insane, not that I'd ever tell her that.

"Yeah, don't worry about it Hito, we'll see you at lunch. Did you want to head to the cafeteria, or go out somewhere?" Pete continues with a huge smile.

"I'm happy to follow your plan. We have an extended lunch break today anyway right?" I question.

"I'm pretty sure we were gonna go to that café we go to together right Tiger?" MJ says to Peter, the loving nickname sends a skewer straight through me, but it does give me a chance to ask a question to clarify some things.

"Oh, I didn't know you two were planning a date, I wouldn't have intruded if I knew."

"Oh? Haha, we're not dating Hito, why does everyone think that? Me and MJ grew up together, we're neighbours, always have been. MJ and I are just super close, she knows pretty much all of my secrets, so I have no choice at this point." He says with a sly grin.

"You got that right. If Peter here ever does anything bad, I'll tell the whole school about his old nickname." MJ responds with a wink to Peter.

I almost don't want to ask, but curiosity gets the better of me. "You can't drop a hint like that and then not tell me. Don't hold out on me guys."

"If you really wanna know, you'd better hope I mess up one of these days." Peter says with a smirk.

We get through the rest of the lesson, quietly chatting amongst ourselves before the lunch bell dings and the three of us begin to walk towards what Pete and MJ call the best café in the city, admittedly they look a little bit lost to begin with, which is weird if they go here all the time, but I decide not to dwell on it.

We arrive after a roughly 15 minute walk and sit in a booth together, MJ sitting on the opposite side of the booth from me and Peter, and we begin to order. When our food arrives we eat and talk about our lives, I hear from Pete and MJ about their childhood and how MJ was one of the first people Peter came out as Bi to (Get in), and how for the longest time, Pete's Aunt May and MJ's Mom would try and set them up over the years. The conversation soon turns to me as they both ask about my accent, I was born, and spent the first 12 years of my life, in London until Dad had to move for a job opportunity here in the states, and even after 5 years here in the States, I guess the accent just stuck. the conversation continues, occasionally interrupted by bouts of laughter, before MJ's phone suddenly rings.

"Ah, shoot. I've gotta take this, I'll be back in a minute." MJ says, upon looking at the caller ID

"No prob MJ, we'll be right here when you get back." Peter says with a smile.

We keep our conversation going, mostly talking about shared assignments we have due, but I do try and bring up Arachnid, just to gauge Peter's reaction to the new look. "So, Peter, have you seen Arachnid's new suit?" I ask tentatively.

"Not much yet, but from what I have seen, I reckon you absolutely adore it. It seems like it's totally your style, the half mask is a weird choice though."

"Oh, really. why'd you think that?"

"It just seems like, compared to the previous iteration, having less of your face covered would give people more clues to your identity, it almost feels like they want someone to figure it out, but that'd be stupid right? I mean, it would just put the people you love in danger. If it were me I'd be a little bit more responsible."

"I get that, but not every hero covers their face, take Iron-Man for instance, everyone knows that he's Tony Stark."

"The difference being that those heroes tend to operate on a much higher level, whereas both Arachnid and Spider-Man are more low-level. I know Spidey has helped out the avengers a few times, but he's always been more of a street level hero."

The conversation follows this thread for a few more minutes until MJ sits back down, looking slightly exasperated.

As an aside, hearing Peter's opinions on this should have tipped me off, but what can I say, I'm extremely oblivious.

"Is everything OK, MJ?" I ask as she sits back down.

"Not really Hito, that was a call from my agent, I didn't get the modelling gig I've been really excited for, so I'm a little bit bummed."

"Oh, no. That's terrible MJ. I thought you'd definitely get it." Peter says with genuine care.

"They said that I didn't fit their brand image, which I think is totally ridiculous." MJ replies, looking dejected. "I know I said I didn't want to ask Harry to put a good word in, but maybe I should've"

"There's no point in dwelling on that now." I say, trying to be supportive. "I'm sure you could always ask this Harry guy, whoever he is, to try and make them change their minds."

"Maybe." Peter continues. " I was planning on going to see him after school today anyway, so I can always ask him for you, if you want?"

Peter then quickly pulls me for an aside and tells me that harry is an friend of theirs from middle school, but that he got sent to a fancy private school because his dad is Norman Osborn, CEO of Oscorp. Hearing Peter say that reminded me that I needed to ask Spidey for his help later on tonight, so I need to find an excuse to get away for a moment so I can message him.

"Sorry guys, I just need to go to the toilet quickly, I'll be back in just a second. Seriously though MJ, I hope you can get this sorted out."

"Thanks Hito, I'm sure Harry can help me work this out." MJ replies, looking somewhat hopeful.

I then head into the restroom, quickly ducking into a stall and pulling out my phone, sending Spidey a message that simply reads 'I'm looking into a warehouse that might be connected to the incident with Mysterio and the one earlier today with Rhino, and was wondering if I could count on you for backup.' It takes only a couple of seconds for Spidey to type out a reply, 'ofc, I've been meaning to look into that myself, so you having a lead already is extremely helpful. just send me the time and the place and I'll be there.' I quickly shoot back, as I walk back to the booth 'awesome, always great to get the chance to work with you Spidey.'

I hear Peter's phone go off as I sit back down, but he tucks it away before I can sit down.

"Ooh, who's texting you?" I ask, cheekily.

"No one important, just a work colleague." Peter quickly gives me a sly grin and continues "Did you think I was 'talking' to someone? Why'd you wanna know? You jealous?"

"Only if you want me to be, Tiger." I say, deciding to use the nickname, turning the joke back onto Peter while still actually flirting. It managed to get a laugh out of MJ, and a very flustered look from Peter.

We spend the rest of our time at the café just laughing and enjoying each others company. We all head back to school, with me eagerly awaiting the evening and the recon mission with Spidey. I'm hoping that we find something to answer the question of why Osborn knows about the Klyntar and how to harm and disable them.