*How the Avengers get a Therapist*

Chapter 8: The Things We Know

I know, I know. Its been forever. But! I had the SAT, AP, and CAASPP testing. I also had prom. And final projects to start. And then I was sick. But I promise I'll be more consistent. While I haven't been posting, I have been writing. So, I'm finishing up this book today. I'm also posting the first few one-shots I have done. So... Here you go.

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There were many things that Peter knew. He could recite the periodic table from memory, Star Wars was the greatest movie of all time, and Ned could not be in the presence of the Avengers without freaking out. And he used to know that Michelle "MJ" Jones was the one girl in the whole world that could make him tongue-tied and nervous. He used to know that she was the prettiest girl around. He used to know that he liked the way she would call them losers and act like she didn't care. Peter Benjamin Parker used to know all this, now, he wasn't so sure.

Now he would see MJ and it was like nothing. Nothing happened. No butterflies, no stuttering, no nothing.

So Tuesday lunch found him sitting in the back of the library with Ned having a debate with himself and Ned. And himself was being very annoying. It went something like this.

(Italics is Peter's brain)

Peter: I don't know Ned, I don't think I like her anymore. It's just like overnight, POOF, crush gone.

Ned: Sorry man, I don't know what to say. Is there someone else you like now?

Peter: Not that I know of. It's really confusing.

Peter's Brain: *images of the last Sunday play in his mind, Dakota's smile and laughter as she accepts his hand after tripping over her own feet. The light in her eyes as she sings along to a song. Dancing to Battleships.*

Peter: ...

Ned: There totally is! Who is she? Do I know her?

Peter: I don't know. I just don't know, do I like her? I didn't, but now I do? She just...

Peter's Brain: Is the most amazing person you've met. She talks to you. She understands you. She is easy to approach, doesn't care if you mess up, she loves to laugh, and she handles your stupidity. Her laugh, her smile, her eyes, her everything.

Peter: MJ does those things too!

Peter's Brain: Does she?

Peter: YES!

Peter's Brain: When?

Peter: ...

Peter's Brain: MJ doesn't care. She puts on a mask, she isn't a talking or hugging person, she calls you loser...

Peter: It's an endearing nickname.

Peter's Brain: For you? Or for everyone? Besides, does it feel good when someone calls you a loser? You barely know anything about her.

Peter: ...

Peter: Ned. I think I'm over MJ.

Ned: Cool. I think we established that. Now, who is this mystery girl?

Peter sighed. "Ned, I think I like Dakota."

"Dakota?"

"Yup. But she doesn't like me back."

"Have you asked her?"

"Well... no."

"So, how do you know?" Ned asked eyebrow raised. "Ask her on a date. And if it flops, she is the last person it would become awkward with."

Peter sighed and as he was falling asleep that night, he realized that he knew a few things. He could recite the periodic table from memory, Star Wars was the greatest movie of all time, and Ned could not be in the presence of the Avengers without freaking out. And he knew that he had fallen irreversibly, inevitably, and unconditionally in love with Dakota States.

---Line Break---

Dakota knew that she liked Peter. He was cute, funny, loved to laugh, and didn't judge her past or her interests. But as she thought more about him, she realized that she knew a few things. She could list every song Jon Bon Jovi had ever written. She knew that Ivy should never be left in the same room as Avery and Grant. She knew that Carl and Ellie were the cutest movie couple ever. And she knew that she had fallen irreversibly, inevitably, and unconditionally in love with Peter Parker.

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Here is the chapter. Now, before people start getting on my case about MJ - let me explain. I know I kinda turned her into the villain here, but I promise she isn't. I will not be pairing her with Peter, but I will try and give her a role in future one-shots and stories. I do like her, just not for this story. Sorry if you don't like it, that's how it's gonna be.
 

See you on the next page.