Both, but your apology is graciously accepted. ( She speaks so seriously with a furrowed brow before breaking into a wider grin because, well, Gwen likes a Peter, what can she say? )
And while I try to be a lady, I think I can handle a lewd joke.
( So Gwen's a bit of vocabulary connoisseur. She's the sort of person who reads her Word of the Day emails, even after taking the SAT's and SAT II's. Nerdy is good, Peter. Nerdy is very, very good by Gwen Stacy. )
Peter Parker (not used to hearing his full given name)...oh yeah! Pete's in American Lit with me, we've been in study groups together. If I recall it's not his favorite class, but he digs Kafka. How d'you know him?
( Gwen laughs softly. Of course, Parker, of course. )
Right, American Lit. I usually met him after my bio class. He's my boyfriend. ( That's such a lovely word. She feels a swell of pride whenever she tells anyone, even if she can't reveal all the details. )
(Really hope Gwen doesn't think she's interested in Pete. She's been that road too many times with girls. He's a bit too nerdy for her anyway. Cute but nerdy. Still, let's make it clear: NOT interested.)
Yeah, our professor makes us study in groups at the library. Peter's definitely the most tolerable member of the group. He seems like a great guy, how long have you guys been together?
Edited 2012-07-29 23:43 (UTC)
so proud! (and happy) - generally out of character comments are here.
[ ooc: Or you could just stick them here if that bothers you. Yaay. ]
( Gwen feels no need to defend or prove anything. She's confident in her relationship with Pete, especially at this point in their lives, especially since she was the first person to know of his second identity. She remains friendly. )
He's the best. We actually went to Midtown Science together? But didn't date until senior year.
Re: so proud! (and happy) - generally out of character comments are here.
(MJ knows she should do the polite thing and chat more about the boyfriend, but she just can't relate to tying yourself down to one guy. Seems limiting to her. Or maybe she just hasn't met the right guy. She'll be polite for a little longer.)
Cool. (Sees Gwen's bio book) I'm assuming you're into science like Pete? Do you guys ever get tortured with jokes about how you have good chemistry?
... You're actually the first. ( She lets out a quiet laugh in amusement, shaking her head. They've both been more into the biology and genetics side of things for both obvious and not so obvious reasons. Peter once said that Gwen had a smile that could cure cancer, which was certainly not the last, or the cheesiest, of the nerdy science jokes between the two of them. ) So I have to give you props for that.
Are you from the city? ( Which was a reasonable question, since ESU had many students from out of state. )
Oh -- wow, no that deserves props if not the comment. Yeah, the thought of getting up on stage. That kind of makes my throat go dry at it is, I kind of clam up if I even think about performing...
( Which is interesting considering how good of a public speaker Gwen is. She had given many Oscorp tours and spoken in front of numerous class rooms in the past. But acting? Dancing? The thought of her own involvement is too overwhelming. ) What's your -- passion, I guess is the word?
(Okay...she's a really nice square. And this is the longest conversation MJ's had with another girl in...well a while. She must begrudgingly admit, it's kind of nice.)
Yeah, people tell me that. I don't know...I guess the idea of being someone else makes it easier? Like it's not really me up there? I'd say acting is probably my primary passion. Trying to work on my singing. Oh and I've been told I should maybe go into modeling. I've never done it but getting paid to look good in front of a camera sounds good to me...if guys are gonna stare at me, I may as well start getting paid for it, y'know?
( She listens and nods appropriately, her smile unwavering. ) I can see how that would make it easier, sure. It's also good to dip your hands into different pots so you can figure out what you like the best. Or if you want to do them all.
I'd be completely out of my element. I - well, I think I can speak most eloquently about my passions, just like you can get up there and recite a monologue.
(MJ realizes there's no real way to feel inadequate around a girl she seems to have very little in common with. Maybe the can be friends beyond this conversation...?)
Wow. That's...wow. You must be really smart. I mean I remember a little bit about genetics from eighth grade but I'm sure it goes way beyond dominant and recessive genes and all that? What got you interested?
( Gwen feels about the same way. She's already envious of qualities Mary Jane has that she doesn't, but she is also of the mindset that you should always have friends with differing tastes. )
I'm smart enough. ( Top of her class, but she won't say that. Anyway, Peter gave her a run for her money. ) Humans are so complex internally. Genetics, like history, religion, and the like, helps us figure out who we are and where we came from. And who we could be.
(The last thing MJ wants is to be another deadbeat like the rest of her family. Gwen's just struck a chord with her...maybe if she worked hard enough and focused enough on what she wants she could really be different.)
Hmm...I never thought about it that way. That's pretty cool. I'm sure you've done some work in a lab, right?
I was the head intern at Oscorp before graduation. ( She's quite proud of that, despite the bad rap the company had momentarily after Dr. Connors's desperate mental break after a genetic experiment. Working with him had been a wonderful experience until that point. )
Whoa, that must have been a great experience for you! I hate to be that person, I'm sure you get asked this like all the time but...were you there? For the incident with that Dr. Connors guy?
That's...amazing. So, really you helped save so many lives! And you met Spider-Man! I mean I won't spread that around or anything. I'm sure you don't want people hounding you.
And that's good to know. Dr. Connors was clearly a brilliant man, and the police said he went without a struggle...not gonna lie, that was one of the few nights I was happy to be in Queens.
The thick of the action is no picnic. ( As weird as it was, she knows she helped, but she doesn't feel as if she saved anyone. No, that was Peter - and her dad. But she does smile graciously and nods, brushing her fingers through her bangs. ) It was Spider-man and the police force or New York who really saved the day.
But. We all have demons, I mean - some people let it get the better of them.
(MJ can't help but really think...she's never done anything nearly as amazing. Not even as a character on stage. She also can't help but secretly admire Gwen. Maybe she'll have an adventure someday too. Maybe...then as her mind wanders, MJ remembers something she wanted to ask Gwen since she found out she was Pete's girlfriend, now how to ask it tactfully?)
Okay okay fine. Be modest, Gwen. I won't spread it around but I won't forget what you told me either.
Yeah...I guess there's something to learn from Dr. Connors. Maybe someday he can continue his work for good..?
( It's a matter of being in the right place in the right time, she wants to tell her. But that would sort of be a lie. She's a supergirlfriend now and she's sworn to keep Pete's identity a secret, too. )
Well ... ( A laugh and a small shrug. She won't brag. )
I hope so. It would be a loss to the field. And - ( She adjusts the book in her arms and checks her watch. ) my next class is in an hour?
(MJ takes a deep breath while placing her hair behind her ear)
Yes, MJ. Okay so...you know I mentioned Pete and I having American Lit together? And how we're in the same study group? Well...he has this friend, they seem like best friends actually and...well, I guess I just figured I'd ask you since you're Pete's girlfriend...his friend is like, always staring at me....so...what is that? Or more importantly, who is he? Is this just something he does? I mean I'm used to guys looking at me but this is like all the time when he's not taking to Pete.
(By the end of her mini tyrade, MJ is slightly flushed. She's making the choice to act annoyed, but really she's more intrigued. Who is this guy? Gwen has to know...)
( Gwen dips into her memory bank, scanning through faces. There was someone Peter had gotten off on the wrong foot with, but they had since gotten over themselves. )
Harold Osborn? Sorry - Harry. That's him, I think.
I don't know him that well, to be honest. Pete's been busy lately, so. ( A chuckle. ) It sounds borderline, uh, creeper. Just a little. But endearing, I guess, depending on his intentions.
(Harry Osborn...Harry Osborn...hmmm...at least she had a name to put to the face, their teacher never took attendance and Harry hardly ever talked in their study groups. In fact, it seemed like his main reasons for coming to class were to joke around with Pete and look at MJ.)
Well, okay maybe I'm over-exaggerating the creepy element of it. I mean, when I notice him looking back at me, he does kinda try and smile at me, but it never really works, he always just kinda looks away mid-smile. Sorry, I don't mean to be weird about it, but how can I not be curious about this Harry and his deal, y'know?
( Gwen is unaccustomed to both unloading and receiving all this information with someone she's just met, but she takes it in stride, as always. )
If it's been on your mind, then it's totally fine getting it off your chest.
I don't think I've ever been in that kind of situation - ( No, Peter "touching up" her photo is a story for another day! ) but I think he's probably just as curious about you.
(MJ appreciates Gwen listening, especially considering they've only just met. However she won't admit that she kind of likes Harry's staring...not just yet.)
Well, I do appreciate you listening, really. And are you sure? I'm sure you've been in that situation, you probably just haven't realized it. I'm sure Pete got his fair share of looks in before you were dating...
(Checks her watch-uh-oh!)Oh! I actually have rehearsal in like twenty minutes, I gotta run! But hey, we should hang out sometime, like off-campus?
(She doesn't wanna make this seem like an isolated thing where she just used casual conversation to gather answers about a boy. Plus...much to her own surprise, she really does like Gwen)
Sure! We can meet here and grab coffee or something?
(MJ gathers her things and starts to go, walking backwards)
See ya later! By the way, cute boots!
(Aaaaand off she goes, very happy to have made a new friend, somehow looking forward to her next American Lit class, and hoping she didn't talk too much.)
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[Awkward. Awkward smile.]
...Sorry. Uh.
Hi.
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( Gwen rolls her eyes at the joke, but she still purses her lips into a small, shy smile in greeting. )
Hi, Parker.
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[Smile smile smile look she's smiling at you! Oh, he lives for that smile.]
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And while I try to be a lady, I think I can handle a lewd joke.
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Or, rather, it would have, except she said the word "lewd."] Ha, ha, "lewd." That's such a great word.
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You think so? I also like "tawdry" and "garish." "Off-color."
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[Wince. Killed it, Parker.
Wait, wait, this is Gwen--Gwen likes it when you're brainy. Right?]
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( So Gwen's a bit of vocabulary connoisseur. She's the sort of person who reads her Word of the Day emails, even after taking the SAT's and SAT II's. Nerdy is good, Peter. Nerdy is very, very good by Gwen Stacy. )
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(Wow maybe Gwen isn't as square as MJ thought she was...)
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( She nods, satisfied with that answer. )
And you can call me Gwen, if you want?
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(she's just being honest...)
Hey Gwen, I'm Mary Jane! Call me MJ!
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Yeah, I've seen you 'round. I think you might know Peter Parker?
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Peter Parker (not used to hearing his full given name)...oh yeah! Pete's in American Lit with me, we've been in study groups together. If I recall it's not his favorite class, but he digs Kafka. How d'you know him?
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Right, American Lit. I usually met him after my bio class. He's my boyfriend. ( That's such a lovely word. She feels a swell of pride whenever she tells anyone, even if she can't reveal all the details. )
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Yeah, our professor makes us study in groups at the library. Peter's definitely the most tolerable member of the group. He seems like a great guy, how long have you guys been together?
so proud! (and happy) - generally out of character comments are here.
( Gwen feels no need to defend or prove anything. She's confident in her relationship with Pete, especially at this point in their lives, especially since she was the first person to know of his second identity. She remains friendly. )
He's the best. We actually went to Midtown Science together? But didn't date until senior year.
Re: so proud! (and happy) - generally out of character comments are here.
Or maybe she just hasn't met the right guy.She'll be polite for a little longer.)Cool. (Sees Gwen's bio book) I'm assuming you're into science like Pete? Do you guys ever get tortured with jokes about how you have good chemistry?
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Are you from the city? ( Which was a reasonable question, since ESU had many students from out of state. )
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Oh no, I deserve no props, that was so lame of me. Ew-I mean not to say you guys aren't a cute couple or anything...yay science...
(MJ feels awesome when she thinks she looks like an idiot. Which sometimes happens a little too often.
Thanks, Dad.)Yeah, yeah...I grew up in Queens. I went to the performing arts high school.
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( Which is interesting considering how good of a public speaker Gwen is. She had given many Oscorp tours and spoken in front of numerous class rooms in the past. But acting? Dancing? The thought of her own involvement is too overwhelming. ) What's your -- passion, I guess is the word?
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Yeah, people tell me that. I don't know...I guess the idea of being someone else makes it easier? Like it's not really me up there? I'd say acting is probably my primary passion. Trying to work on my singing. Oh and I've been told I should maybe go into modeling. I've never done it but getting paid to look good in front of a camera sounds good to me...if guys are gonna stare at me, I may as well start getting paid for it, y'know?
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I'd be completely out of my element. I - well, I think I can speak most eloquently about my passions, just like you can get up there and recite a monologue.
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And what is your passion, Gwen?
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Which are, ah, focused in biology. Genetics.
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Wow. That's...wow. You must be really smart. I mean I remember a little bit about genetics from eighth grade but I'm sure it goes way beyond dominant and recessive genes and all that? What got you interested?
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I'm smart enough. ( Top of her class, but she won't say that. Anyway, Peter gave her a run for her money. ) Humans are so complex internally. Genetics, like history, religion, and the like, helps us figure out who we are and where we came from. And who we could be.
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Hmm...I never thought about it that way. That's pretty cool. I'm sure you've done some work in a lab, right?
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I was the head intern at Oscorp before graduation. ( She's quite proud of that, despite the bad rap the company had momentarily after Dr. Connors's desperate mental break after a genetic experiment. Working with him had been a wonderful experience until that point. )
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With big eyes.
Whoa, that must have been a great experience for you! I hate to be that person, I'm sure you get asked this like all the time but...were you there? For the incident with that Dr. Connors guy?
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I gave the antidote to Spider-man, a-actually. But Dr. Connors saw me there in the labs and he didn't even try to attack me. ( A beat passes. )
He's a good man, still. I believe that. I think Spider-man thought so too.
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That's...amazing. So, really you helped save so many lives! And you met Spider-Man! I mean I won't spread that around or anything. I'm sure you don't want people hounding you.
And that's good to know. Dr. Connors was clearly a brilliant man, and the police said he went without a struggle...not gonna lie, that was one of the few nights I was happy to be in Queens.
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But. We all have demons, I mean - some people let it get the better of them.
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Okay okay fine. Be modest, Gwen. I won't spread it around but I won't forget what you told me either.
Yeah...I guess there's something to learn from Dr. Connors. Maybe someday he can continue his work for good..?
When's your next class?
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Well ... ( A laugh and a small shrug. She won't brag. )
I hope so. It would be a loss to the field. And - ( She adjusts the book in her arms and checks her watch. ) my next class is in an hour?
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Cool...soooo...look I know we just kinda met but I just had a question...
(Ugh this is SO embarrassing...but she's gotta know)
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I'm listening, Mary Jane -- um, MJ. MJ, right.
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Yes, MJ. Okay so...you know I mentioned Pete and I having American Lit together? And how we're in the same study group? Well...he has this friend, they seem like best friends actually and...well, I guess I just figured I'd ask you since you're Pete's girlfriend...his friend is like, always staring at me....so...what is that? Or more importantly, who is he? Is this just something he does? I mean I'm used to guys looking at me but this is like all the time when he's not taking to Pete.
(By the end of her mini tyrade, MJ is slightly flushed. She's making the choice to act annoyed, but really she's more intrigued. Who is this guy? Gwen has to know...)
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Harold Osborn? Sorry - Harry. That's him, I think.
I don't know him that well, to be honest. Pete's been busy lately, so. ( A chuckle. ) It sounds borderline, uh, creeper. Just a little. But endearing, I guess, depending on his intentions.
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Well, okay maybe I'm over-exaggerating the creepy element of it. I mean, when I notice him looking back at me, he does kinda try and smile at me, but it never really works, he always just kinda looks away mid-smile. Sorry, I don't mean to be weird about it, but how can I not be curious about this Harry and his deal, y'know?
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If it's been on your mind, then it's totally fine getting it off your chest.
I don't think I've ever been in that kind of situation - ( No, Peter "touching up" her photo is a story for another day! ) but I think he's probably just as curious about you.
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Well, I do appreciate you listening, really. And are you sure? I'm sure you've been in that situation, you probably just haven't realized it. I'm sure Pete got his fair share of looks in before you were dating...
(Checks her watch-uh-oh!)Oh! I actually have rehearsal in like twenty minutes, I gotta run! But hey, we should hang out sometime, like off-campus?
(She doesn't wanna make this seem like an isolated thing where she just used casual conversation to gather answers about a boy. Plus...much to her own surprise, she really does like Gwen)
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Oh -- yeah, that - that would be really nice, yeah. We can definitely do that. I'm free - Wednesday afternoon, if that works out for you.
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(MJ gathers her things and starts to go, walking backwards)
See ya later! By the way, cute boots!
(Aaaaand off she goes, very happy to have made a new friend, somehow looking forward to her next American Lit class, and hoping she didn't talk too much.)