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

Peter Goes Too Far

Peter and MJ walked out of Midtown High, the buzz of students rushing to get home echoing around them. Peter's mind was still on the argument he had with Harry earlier in the day. The conversation played on a loop in his head, each word they exchanged echoing louder, making it hard for him to focus on anything else.

MJ glanced at him, noticing the tension in his jaw and the way his hands were balled into fists. "You're still thinking about it, aren't you?"

Peter let out a heavy sigh, not looking at her. "I can't help it. Things got out of hand, and I hate that it went down like that."

"Harry's been through a lot, Peter. You know that," MJ said gently, her hand brushing against his as they walked. "I get that you're frustrated, but he's hurting. He's been hurting for a long time."

"I know, MJ. It's just... he doesn't see the bigger picture. He's so focused on what he's lost that he can't see what he still has."

"And what about you?" MJ asked, tilting her head to study him. "Are you seeing the bigger picture?"

Peter stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, this isn't like you. You're not usually this... harsh. I get that you're under a lot of pressure, but maybe the symbiote is affecting you more than you realize."

Peter looked away, his eyes narrowing. "I'm fine, MJ. I'm just tired of Harry acting like the world owes him something. We all have our problems."

MJ stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "I'm worried about you, Peter. This isn't just about Harry, is it? You've been different lately. More aggressive."

Peter's frustration boiled over, and he snapped, "I said I'm fine, MJ. Just drop it."

She recoiled slightly, hurt flashing in her eyes. "Okay, fine. But you can't just keep pushing people away, Peter. Especially not the ones who care about you."

Peter opened his mouth to retort, but then he saw Harry walking out of the school, his cane tapping against the pavement with each step. His heart sank. Harry looked tired, worn out, as if the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders. Peter could see the anger still simmering in his eyes, and part of him wanted to turn away, to avoid another confrontation. But he knew he couldn't leave things like this.

With a deep breath, he made his way over to Harry, MJ following close behind. "Hey, Harry," Peter called out, trying to keep his tone light. "Can we talk?"

Harry paused, but he didn't turn around. "What's there to talk about, Peter? You said everything you needed to say earlier."

Peter exchanged a glance with MJ before stepping closer. "Look, I'm sorry about what I said. I didn't mean for things to get so heated."

Harry finally turned to face him, his eyes cold and distant. "You didn't mean for things to get heated? Peter, you attacked me in front of everyone. You humiliated me."

Peter's frustration flared up again. "I didn't attack you, Harry. You threw the first punch."

"Because you wouldn't stop pushing me!" Harry snapped, his grip tightening on his cane. "You think you're the only one dealing with problems? My dad's gone, my life's falling apart, and you took the one thing that could've saved me!"

"The symbiote wasn't going to save you, Harry. It would've killed you," Peter shot back, his voice rising.

"How would you know that? And what gives you the right to make that decision for me?" Harry countered, his voice shaking with anger. "You have no idea what it's like, Peter. To feel like you're dying every single day, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

Peter felt a wave of guilt wash over him, but it was quickly replaced by anger. "You think I don't know what it's like to lose someone? You think I haven't dealt with my own pain? You got help from Spider-Man's blood anyway."

Harry's eyes flashed with fury. "I didn't ask for help, Peter. Especially his. I never wanted any of this!"

Peter took a step closer, his voice low and dangerous. "Maybe if you stopped feeling sorry for yourself and started acting like the friend I used to know, things would be different."

Harry's face twisted with hurt and anger. "You're such a hypocrite, Peter. You act like you're so much better than everyone else, but you're just as messed up as the rest of us."

Peter's temper snapped, the symbiote feeding off his rage. "At least I don't have to rely on my daddy's money to keep me alive. Must suck knowing that no amount of cash can cure you!"

Harry's eyes narrowed, his hands trembling with anger. Without thinking, he swung at Peter again, his fist aimed at Peter's face. But Peter, fueled by the symbiote, was faster. He caught Harry's wrist and twisted it, sending the cane clattering to the ground. Harry stumbled, his balance lost, and he fell to the pavement.

The entire schoolyard went silent, all eyes on the scene unfolding before them. Students whispered among themselves, the tension palpable.

MJ gasped, stepping forward to intervene. "Peter, stop! What's wrong with you?"

Peter looked down at Harry, his expression cold and unfeeling. "I'm sick and tired of your whining, Harry. You're not the only one with problems, so stop acting like the world owes you something."

Harry looked up at him from the ground, his face a mix of anger and betrayal. "You don't know anything about what I'm going through."

Peter's voice was sharp, almost cruel. "And I don't care, Harry. I'm done with your pity party. Talk to me when you're ready to grow up."

MJ knelt beside Harry, trying to help him up, but he shoved her away, his eyes filled with tears. "Get away from me," he muttered, grabbing his cane and struggling to his feet. He cast one last, hurtful glance at Peter before limping towards the waiting limo, his shoulders hunched in defeat.

Peter stood there, watching as Harry climbed into the car, his anger slowly fading to guilt. The weight of what had just happened began to sink in, and he realized with a sinking heart that he had crossed a line. The symbiote pulsed against his skin. He just stood there, watching as the limo drove away, taking his best friend with it. The students around them began to disperse, the buzz of whispers growing louder as they moved on with their day.

Peter didn't have an answer. 

By the time MJ turned around to face Peter, he was already on his way out. She chased after him.

She finally caught up to him near a sidewalk, her expression a mix of disappointment and sadness. "What the heck is happening with you, Peter? This isn't who you are."

Peter stopped, "... Maybe I should be."

MJ was confused. "I'm sorry... what?"

He turned towards her, "Maybe I'm tired of being pushed around, being at the losing end of things. All these years, it's been NOTHING but 'With great power, comes great responisbility'. But has anyone ever thought that I maybe didn't even want this power in the first place? I lose and lose again and again and for what? I'm done losing."

She looked at him. She didn't recognize her friend... and she knew why. "It's the symbiote. Take it off."

Peter let out a little laugh, "Funny you think you can give me orders."

"This ISN'T you."

"...It makes me a better Spider-Man, MJ... can't you see that?"

She shook her head, "Not one bit..."

He scoffed, "I thought you'd understand... of course you don't." He turned around and began walking away.

MJ shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "You need to figure out what's going on with you before you lose everyone who cares about you."

Peter remained silent, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. 

"Don't get in contact with us, MJ."

He then ran off as MJ watched the pale reflection of her best friend leave. She quickly realized his wording...

Us...