The Amazing Spider-Man of Young Justice (Season 1)

A Date With Artemis

14:24 PM; 24 September; Queens

Peter Parker's small Queens room was unusually crowded that afternoon. Mary Jane Watson, his longtime friend and confidante, sat perched on the edge of the sofa, while Rogue and Iceman from the X-Men leaned against the kitchen counter, each holding a cup of coffee. The room was abuzz with advice and playful teasing as Peter tried to prepare for his date with Artemis.

"Okay, Peter, you can't just wear your usual plaid shirt and jeans combo," MJ said, eyeing Peter's open wardrobe with a critical eye. "This is a special date. You need to impress."

Peter, standing amidst a heap of clothes he had pulled out, looked helplessly at MJ. "I don't know, MJ. I don't want to overdo it. Artemis isn't really into flashy stuff."

Rogue chimed in, her Southern accent thickening as she got more animated. "Sugah, it ain't about flash. It's about showing you care enough to put a little effort in. How about that nice blue button-down you wore last Christmas? It brings out your eyes."

Peter nodded and picked up the shirt, considering it. Iceman, or Bobby as they usually called him, was next. "And dude, you've got to plan something unique. No dinner and a movie cliché. You're Spider-Man; use that to your advantage."

"Yeah, I was thinking about that," Peter replied, warming to the ideas.

"What I don't understand is you've dated before. Why are you struggling with this?" Iceman asked.

"That's Gwen. She was special, different. believe it or not, we didn't really go on dates much." Peter shook the thought of Gwen out of his head before he started thinking too much about her. "I thought about maybe a picnic on a rooftop you know. It's got a great view of the city."

MJ smiled approvingly. "That's perfect. Romantic but low-key. You can show off your city in a way only Spider-Man can."

Rogue suggested, "And maybe add a little adventure to it. Artemis ain't the type of person that's gonna enjoy just that. Isn't there a botanical garden nearby? You could take her there after the picnic. Walking through the gardens could be really romantic."

"And while you're at it, make sure you pack her favorite foods in that picnic basket. Does she like anything special?" asked Bobby.

Peter scratched his head. "Well, I know she likes Greek food. Maybe some spanakopita or baklava?"

"Perfect!" MJ exclaimed. "It shows you know her tastes. We'll work with May to make some homemade tzatziki sauce. It's easy, and she'll be impressed. Just say where we have to set it."

"Now, what about music?" Rogue asked.

"NO." Peter quickly said and Rogue was taken back. "Sorry. It's just she isn't really a fan on that."

"Did you ask?" Bobby asked.

"No... but she just doesn't seem like the type."

As Peter made notes on his phone, Iceman piped up, "Hey, and don't forget to bring something to keep warm. It might get chilly up there. Maybe a blanket? That way, if it does get cold, it's a perfect excuse to snuggle up a bit."

"Good point," Peter acknowledged, jotting it down.

The conversation then moved back to what Peter should wear. MJ had taken the blue shirt and was now rifling through Peter's closet for a jacket. "This," she said, pulling out a lightweight, casual blazer. "It's smart but not too formal. Wear it with the shirt Rogue suggested."

Outfit settled, the friends moved on to grooming. "Make sure you shave, Pete. And wear that cologne Aunt May gave you last birthday. It's subtle but nice. Worked on me after all." MJ advised, winking at him.