Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Getting A Weight Off
The soft morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Peter's bedroom. He woke slowly, his mind still wrapped in the lingering comfort of the night before. His eyes drifted down to the woman nestled beside him, her platinum hair spread across the pillow and her expression completely at ease. In sleep, Sable's face held none of the hardened determination or focus she always carried; instead, she looked gentle, almost vulnerable.
Peter felt a surge of tenderness wash over him as he took in the peacefulness on her face. She stirred slightly, her eyelashes fluttering before she opened her eyes, catching him staring. A smile spread across her face, drowsy yet delighted.
"Enjoying the view?" she teased, her voice husky with sleep.
Peter chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss her. "Can't help it. You look... happy."
Sable's smile softened, and she brought her hand to his cheek, brushing her thumb over his skin. "I am," she murmured, a quiet satisfaction in her tone.
They lay in a comfortable silence for a moment, the only sounds their soft breathing and the faint hum of the city outside. Then Peter shifted, propping himself up slightly. "What do you say we get out today? Take a break from the chaos and just... enjoy ourselves."
Sable's eyes sparkled at the thought. "You're proposing a real day off?"
"A real day off," Peter promised, smiling.
They stayed wrapped up in each other's warmth a little longer before Peter finally stretched, preparing to leave the comfort of the bed. As he did, Sable winced slightly, shifting her weight as she tried to sit up. He noticed her cheeks turn pink as she hesitated.
"You alright?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sable sighed, brushing a hand through her hair with an embarrassed look. "I'm fine. Just... sore," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. She shifted her legs to the edge of the bed, wincing as she stood up, clearly feeling the aftereffects of the night before.
Peter's chuckle bubbled out before he could stop himself. "I didn't realize I'd, uh... worn you out that much."
She shot him a playful glare, her cheeks red. "It's not funny, Peter." Her mock indignation was betrayed by the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
He laughed, holding up his hands. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he said, though his grin only widened. But before she could protest further, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her like a princess.
"Peter!" she gasped, her face flushing as she looked up at him, both embarrassed and secretly charmed. She swatted at his shoulder lightly. "Put me down!"
He just grinned down at her, his grip firm but gentle as he carried her toward the kitchen. "Not a chance. Gotta take care of you, right?"
Sable huffed, but couldn't suppress the warmth in her gaze as she looked at him. Resigned, she let herself relax in his arms, resting her head against his chest as they moved through the apartment.
They shared a quiet breakfast together, Peter's teasing never quite letting up, and Sable's occasional blush only adding to the gentle, playful rhythm of their morning. It was a rare, cherished peace, just the two of them, tangled in laughter and small moments of affection, relishing a brief escape from the world outside.
---
After breakfast, Peter led Sable back to the bedroom, excitement in his eyes as he went to the closet. He began selecting pieces for the day ahead, carefully pulling together an outfit with a look of cool determination. The ensemble he chose was striking yet sophisticated, perfectly fitting for their day out.
He slipped on a fitted black double-breasted blazer, the dark fabric tailored to accentuate his frame, giving him a refined yet formidable presence. Underneath, he wore a crisp white dress shirt and a slim black tie, neatly knotted, adding an element of formal elegance to the look.
Next, he layered on a long, double-breasted trench coat in a muted gray tone, the coat flowing down to his knees with a slight flare, giving him an air of mystery. The high collar added a dramatic touch, framing his face and contrasting nicely with the dark suit underneath.
For his legs, Peter opted for sharply tailored black trousers that tapered neatly to his ankles, adding a modern edge to the classic outfit. He paired these with sturdy, brown leather boots that laced up to mid-calf.
To finish off, he put on a pair of round, red-tinted sunglasses, adding a touch of flair and mystery, as well as a subtle nod to his Spider-Man roots. He slung a brown leather satchel over his shoulder, a functional yet stylish bag, which matched his belt and boots.
(If you want a picture find the story on my Wattpadd)
Sable watched him with an amused smile, clearly appreciating the care he put into his appearance. He looked up at her with a playful smirk, giving a little spin to show off his outfit. She laughed, shaking her head, but there was no hiding the admiration in her eyes.
"You clean up nicely, Mr. Parker," she teased, reaching up to straighten his tie with a satisfied smile.
"Only the best for our date," he replied with a grin, offering her his arm as they prepared to head out for their day together.
As Peter offered Sable his arm, she gave him a sly smile and stepped back toward the closet, beginning to select her own outfit for the day. Peter watched, a bit mesmerized, as she effortlessly put together a look that was bold and stylish, perfectly suited to her confidence.
Sable slipped on a long, crisp white shirt with a soft sheen to the fabric, leaving several buttons undone at the front. The open neckline added an alluring touch, revealing just a hint of her collarbone and giving her outfit an elegant but daring edge. She tucked the shirt neatly into her high-waisted pants, which hugged her figure and shone in a sleek silver hue that perfectly complemented her style. The silver material caught the light with each movement, making her look both powerful and radiant.
She completed her look with a pair of gleaming silver heels that added a few inches to her height, accentuating her long legs. As she moved, the heels clicked with a confident rhythm, exuding a sophisticated edge to her ensemble. For her accessories, she chose a small, matching silver handbag with a subtle metallic finish, just big enough to carry her essentials but small enough to keep the look sleek and refined.
(If you want a picture look on my wattpad)
When she turned to face Peter, his gaze softened as he took in her appearance. Sable looked both fierce and stunning, her hair framing her face, and her eyes carrying that familiar glint of determination mixed with affection.
"Wow," Peter murmured, unable to hide his admiration. "You're...you look amazing, Sable."
She arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Only the best for our date, right?"
Peter chuckled, repeating her words back to her. "Right." He extended his arm again, and this time, she slipped her hand into his, letting him guide her toward the door. As they walked out together, Peter couldn't resist a quick joke, glancing at her heels.
"Think you'll be able to keep up with me in those?"
Sable gave him a confident look. "Try me, Parker. These heels have seen more action than you know." Her tone was playful, but there was a glint of truth in her words, a reminder of just how capable she was, even in heels.
With that, they headed out into the city, ready to enjoy the day together, looking every bit like a power couple that commanded attention and respect.
---
Peter and Sable strolled through New York City, enjoying a rare day off from their usual high-stakes lives. The fall air was crisp, and the city was alive with its usual hustle and bustle. Peter looked sharp in his tailored trench coat, his whole outfit exuding a mysterious allure. Women passing by couldn't help but cast lingering glances his way, captivated by his refined yet intense look. They quickly shot envious glares toward Sable, annoyed that she'd managed to snag someone so alluring.
Meanwhile, Sable was a vision of elegance and strength in her fitted white shirt, silver pants, and heels that echoed confidence. Men stared at her with a mix of admiration and lust, some even glaring at Peter, envious of the striking woman at his side. The two noticed the attention and exchanged a knowing look.
"I see you have some admirers," Peter teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Should I be concerned?"
Sable smirked, leaning into him a bit more. "Only if I should be worried about yours," she replied, her voice laced with humor. They shared a laugh, both appreciating the momentary escape from the complications of their lives.
The couple eventually found a cozy restaurant, tucked away from the main streets, and settled down at a table for lunch. They browsed the menu, throwing playful remarks at each other, savoring the simplicity of the moment. Just as Peter was about to order, a familiar voice interrupted them from behind.
"Peter?"
The soft, surprised tone made Peter's hand freeze on his coffee cup. Slowly, he and Sable turned to see Mary Jane Watson standing there, her face a mixture of shock and something else, perhaps regret.
Peter felt his heart harden instantly, memories flooding back in a wave he'd fought so hard to suppress. The joy of holding his daughter Mayday, gone in an instant. The betrayal of losing his second daughter, Annie, after Mephisto's cruel bargain during the Civil War. And then, after everything, MJ had chosen someone else, Paul Rabin, despite knowing Peter was coming back for her.
Sable's reaction was immediate, a cold fire lighting in her eyes. Seeing the woman who'd caused Peter so much anguish made her fingers itch to reach for the pistol hidden in her bag, but she restrained herself. She knew Peter needed her calm support, not a confrontation. MJ, meanwhile, took in the scene.
Peter, dressed sharply, sitting with Silver Sable. The sight seemed to unsettle her, and emotions warred within her as she processed seeing him happy with someone else.
After a tense pause, Peter turned back to his coffee, refusing to even acknowledge MJ. The silence was heavy, but it was clear he had no words for her. Undeterred, MJ took a tentative step forward.
"Peter... can we talk?" she tried, her voice small and regretful.
Sable cut in, her voice steady but biting. "He doesn't want to talk to you, Ms. Watson. Don't try to emotionally blackmail him just because you can't handle seeing him happy without you."
MJ faltered, but before she could respond, Peter placed his coffee down with a firm, decisive clink, drawing both their attention. He turned to Sable with a gentle smile, though it was tinged with a hint of fragility. "Sable, darling, I appreciate you standing up for me, but please, let me handle this. I don't want to fight your battles, and I'd rather you didn't fight mine."
With that, Peter stood, facing MJ fully, his expression unyielding behind the tint of his red glasses. MJ's face softened as she looked at him, trying to find the man she once knew, the one who loved her with a fierce, unguarded heart. But all she saw was a man she'd never quite known, cold and mature in a way that felt like a barrier.
"Hi, Peter... how are you?" she asked, the words shaky.
"Happy," he replied flatly, making her flinch.
She forced a small smile. "Good, that's... that's good. I'm happy for you."
Peter's lips twisted into a dry, humorless smile. "Oh, are you now? That's a first. But then again, I guess things have changed quite a bit since we last saw each other."
The hurt registered on MJ's face, and she swallowed hard. "Peter... what happened to you?"
"I gave up pretending I was content," he replied, his voice cutting. MJ seemed to shrink under his gaze, but she pressed on.
"But Peter, you were happy with me... with us. This isn't you." She gestured to his attire, his demeanor, desperate to reach the part of him that still held any affection for her.
Peter's jaw tightened, and he reached up, removed his glasses, and pinned her with a look that was direct and unyielding. "What do you want, Mary Jane?"
She looked at him, hoping for a glimpse of the warmth she remembered. But his gaze was steady, devoid of the softness she was hoping to find. "I just... I just wanted to see you."
He tilted his head, a slight edge to his smile. "Well, as you can see, I'm fine. Now, please leave."
MJ stood there, refusing to move, her face a mixture of defiance and desperation. "I'm not going anywhere, Peter," she said, her voice trembling slightly, but she held her ground.
Peter's gaze sharpened, his expression hardening as he looked at her. "Really?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And where was this commitment when I came back for you, only to find you with Rabin?"
The words landed like a slap, making MJ flinch, her defiance faltering. Peter leaned back, folding his arms, studying her with a look that was both cold and calculating. "Let me ask you something. What exactly did you think would happen here, hmm?" He tilted his head, his eyes piercing through her. "Did you think you'd just show up, throw a few empty apologies and some half-hearted promises my way, and I'd be putty in your hands again?"
MJ's lip trembled, but she held back her response, her gaze falling to the floor. Peter continued, his voice quiet but unyielding. "News flash, Mary Jane, I've grown up. My life has been a lot happier without you in it."
"But, Peter—" she began, her voice catching as tears gathered in her eyes.
"But nothing." He cut her off sharply. "And besides," he said, gesturing to Sable, who sat silently watching, her expression calm but alert. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm on a date right now. I know the idea of loyalty might be foreign to you, but to me, it's very important."
Peter looked at MJ, an ironic smirk tugging at his lips. "Besides, I thought you'd be happy."
MJ's face crumpled, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Happy? Happy for what?" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Happy that I'm burning the script," Peter replied, his tone blunt.
"The... the script?" she asked, confusion mixing with her sadness.
Peter let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, the script. You know, the one where you and I play out this twisted, predictable mess of a relationship, like some poorly written romance novel with the same ending every time."
MJ's brow furrowed as she struggled to understand. "What do you mean?" she asked, more tears spilling down her face.
He sighed, the weariness evident in his voice. "It's simple, Mary Jane. Our relationship always follows the same damn pattern. We get back together after some dramatic reunion. At first, everything's great. We go on dates, we make out, we have a ton of sex. You make excuses to your friends and family because you can barely walk after I'm through with you." His voice was low, keeping their conversation private, but his words were relentless.
"And then," he continued, "things start to fall apart. I'll come home hurt from fighting villains, and you'll yell at me instead of asking if I'm okay. I'll be out there risking my life so you and the rest of the city can sleep safe at night, and somehow, I'm still the bad guy. You'll get insecure over every woman I work with, accusing me of cheating, as if I'm not one of the few superheroes who's actually faithful. Or some random guy looks at you funny, and suddenly, it's my fault."
MJ's face turned pale, her tears flowing freely now, but she stayed silent, absorbing the weight of his words.
"And then we break up," Peter went on, his voice steady but laced with bitterness. "I'm miserable for a while, and you... well, you go off with anyone who throws a few bucks your way. Then you come back to me, claiming you 'love me' and begging to start over. And like some masochist, I agree, letting myself go through the same heartbreak over and over."
The silence that followed was thick and painful. MJ stood there, stunned, her tears reflecting the harsh reality Peter had laid bare. She had no words, no defense. Everything he'd said was true, and she knew it.
The silence lingered, each second stretching painfully as MJ stood frozen, her heart shattered by Peter's final words. She could only watch as Peter took a deep breath, as though shedding years of unresolved pain, finally setting down a burden he had carried for too long. There was a calmness in him now, a peace she hadn't seen in years.
He reached down, sliding his red-tinted glasses back on, obscuring any trace of emotion in his eyes. Then, with quiet deliberation, Peter opened his satchel, pulled out his wallet, and left enough money on the table to cover their coffee. Every movement was careful, deliberate, as if each action held a significance MJ couldn't understand.
Peter turned to Sable, extending his hand. Sable looked at him, her face softening, and she rose to take his hand without a word. There was an understanding between them, a silent unity that stung MJ even deeper. This wasn't the Peter she remembered, the one who had always looked back, always reached out. This Peter had finally moved forward.
He looked at MJ one last time, his expression softened, yet firm. "I'm happy, Ms. Watson," he said quietly. "After everything that's happened, after everything I've been through... I'm finally happy."
His tone was sincere, almost gentle, yet it carried an undeniable finality. "I hope you have a good life. I really do. Just be sure to keep it out of mine."
With that, he turned, his hand still entwined with Sable's, and together they walked away, not once looking back. Their footsteps echoed softly as they left the café, a sharp contrast to the silence that settled over MJ like a weight.
MJ stood motionless, her mind reeling, trying to process his words. She had always thought Peter would be there, that he'd be hers to come back to, whenever she wanted, no matter how much pain they'd caused each other. But now, she saw the truth: he had moved on, found someone else, found happiness she could no longer be a part of.
The realization hit her like a tidal wave, and her legs gave out beneath her. She sank to her knees, her hands covering her face as the tears came freely. Wracked with guilt, regret, and an overwhelming sense of loss, MJ sobbed quietly in the empty café, mourning not just the man she'd lost, but the life she could have had if only things had been different.
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