The Amazing Spider-Man 3

Chapter 24

Some women preferred pepper spray, some preferred tasers, and others carried guns.

Mary Jane's weapon of choice: a baseball bat.

It was the aluminum stick that she clutched tightly in her hands as she waited just around the corner of her bedroom, ready for whoever or whatever had just come in. She'd come out of the kitchen when she swore that she heard what sounded like footsteps in her room, and had grabbed her bat to investigate. A hard thud-like sound then confirmed that someone was in there that wasn't supposed to be.

To M.J.'s surprise, no one came out, nor was there any more noise coming from inside. Perhaps whoever had entered through the fire escape or whatever had left? No, it couldn't be that easy; besides, in New York City, there was no telling who it could be and why they would randomly sneak into her room in the first place. She also could've just been hearing things, but she was not about to take that chance.

Taking a quiet breath, she gathered her wits.

"Here we go," she thought before she quickly stepped in, only to find...Spider-Man lying on her floor? M.J. relaxed her grip on her bat, though she kept it upright just in case there was more that she wasn't seeing.

"Stay cool, stay cool," she whispered to herself as she carefully stepped towards the body on the floor. She soon got to where she could confirm that his mask was off, and...wait, was that...

Suddenly tossing the bat aside, M.J. rushed over to the body, bending down and turning the unconscious red and blue figure over, the face of the individual now clear as day.

It was Peter. Peter Parker. Peter Parker was Spider-Man.

Oh wow. Oh, WOW.

Mary Jane's mind was suddenly racing faster than a speeding vehicle as her head flooded with so many thoughts and questions that she couldn't process it all. Peter was Spider-Man? She was neighbors with Spider-Man? How had she missed this? Also, what was he doing in HER apartment, lying uncon...

He was unconscious.

What was she DOING?

Desperately trying to rein her thoughts back in, M.J. refocused just enough to steady her ever increasing heartbeat and start to think through what she needed to do. She put two fingers to his neck, greatly relieved when she picked up a pulse. He may have been unconscious, but at least he was alive. However, if that nasty bruise on his head was any indication, he definitely needed medical attention.

Mary Jane pulled out her cell phone from her back pocket and dialed 911. However, she stopped before hitting the call button, her finger hovering over it. She realized that, if Peter had made a point to keep his identity as Spider-Man a secret, then obviously he probably wouldn't want a whole hospital full of doctors and nurses to see his face. Then again, she had no idea how extensive his injuries were. Shouldn't she be more concerned about saving his life than maintaining his privacy?

Could she perhaps take care of him herself? M.J. did have some first aid skills that were likely a bit rusty, but if she had a decent chance at it, shouldn't she take it? Then again, the main thing she was seeing was a wound to his head, which was one of the places a person really doesn't want to be seriously hurt. Spider-Man, er, Peter had probably been through some nasty fights and dealt with serious injuries before though, so he likely had a solid ability to heal himself, so maybe she could trust that.

So... what should she do?

Mary Jane finally put her phone back in her pocket, making a choice that she really hoped she wouldn't regret. Moving around to Peter's head, she stuck her arms under his shoulders and started to lift. She grunted during the effort, having anticipated he'd be at least a little lighter. Instead, it felt like there were a ton of bricks underneath that costume. She managed to get his head and shoulders on the bed before getting back behind him, dragging him the rest of the way until he was completely flat on his back.