Peter called in sick to the Bugle for the rest of the week. Aside from the obvious superhero-mentality of not wanting to further involve any of the people at his job, he didn't think he could accept the knowledge that he was being watched and then be expected to go about his day normally.

Which he didn't. Things were far from normal now, even for a spider-human mutate like himself. Because of the screwed up nature of the entire situation, Peter holed himself up in his apartment, keeping all the windows closed and doors locked. Even then, he isolated himself to his room, only leaving when he needed to go to the bathroom or wanted something from the kitchen, which was already almost empty, so he didn't have many reasons to venture past the hallway.

And if that wasn't a testament to his reintroduced paranoia, then his impulsive sweeps of the apartment to look for hidden cameras and listening devices was. His paranoia had become his new weighted blanket, only without the warmth and comfort and safety it provided. This one was a lot heavier and suffocating and impossible to ignore.

So, he didn't try to ignore it. He sat at his desk, fidgeted with his web-shooters, and thought.

He always did his best thinking when he was working with his hands or webs-slinging through the city. It gave his hands something to do while his brain went on overtime. He wanted to go web-slinging, mostly because it would be near impossible to track him on foot and he liked the idea of leaving this stalker of his far, far behind. But he worried that she'd find his absence sketchy and do something to take the spandex off the table, and he wanted Spider-Man on the table in case he needed him.

So, his options were limited to one other thing: hunched over his desk, screwdriver in hand, and web-shooters in pieces at his fingertips. Thinking.

If he wanted to find this person, this stalker, then he needed to be smart about it. The only advantage she had was that she knew his secret identity and had a direct line of attack towards his family. If this were just some power-crazed supervillain like Venom or Goblin, Peter could punch his way out of this first. But she's not as brash as they were. She wasn't knocking down his door and trying to cut him to ribbons. No, she was cunning. It's obvious she doesn't want a physical confrontation if the way she's been avoiding a face-to-face conversation was an indicator. She kept their interactions in crowded areas so he couldn't do anything that would draw attention because a 25-year-old man kicking a seemingly innocent woman across the subway platform wouldn't be very good for his image.

Which meant he needed to do the opposite of what she was doing. He needed to isolate her. Get her somewhere away from crowds, where she can't run and she can't hide her face. But that wasn't as easy as it sounded. Given how long she's been at this, she probably had a system down pat.

But there was a teensy flaw in her plan: him knowing that she's out there.

Now that he knows, she doesn't have the element of surprise. She made it seem like she was watching him all the time, and their confrontation on the subway only added to that. But because she had photos of his family, that meant she couldn't be with him 24/7. She had to take time to watch them as well, and that was without knowing what her personal life was like and whether or not she had her own job and family. Judging by how much time she put into watching his, he seriously doubted it.

The first thing he needed to do was get a window of time by himself. A way to know for certain that her attention was away from him.

She was watching MJ and Aunt May too, which meant she was spread out pretty thin already, and it was an option to use them as a distraction. But Peter immediately vetoed that idea. Knowing those two, they'd jump at the chance to help catch this motherfucker, but that was under the circumstances that a) his stalker allowed him the time and opportunity to explain the situation and come up with a plan, and b) if he was going to involve them at all.

He promised MJ that he'd stop distancing himself, but this was completely different. This threat could harm both her and Aunt May if Peter so much as sneezed wrong. Yes, the woman said she wasn't going to hurt them, but she couldn't show him pictures of his loved ones, vulnerable and alone in their homes, and claim she was harmless. Didn't work that way.

So, even in the off chance that he did involve Aunt May and MJ, it was only a last resort, and even then the option was so far on the backburner that Peter didn't even consider it a real option.

Point was, his stalker had to be close to him a majority of the time without it looking suspicious. Someone was bound to notice someone else shady loitering in the halls and darkening doorsteps. There were good people in this building, families, and couples, and middle classmen who kept to themselves and just tried to get by. Yes, the landlord could be a bit of a hack sometimes, but even she got off her butt and did her job when it came down to it. Besides, this was all ignoring the fact that he had a literal danger sense, which was supposed to give him a knock on the head every time something remotely harmful was nearby.

Huh. Peter's tinkering froze, the screwdriver half planted into the underbelly of the web-shooters. The sudden realization was like a rock dropped in a puddle, creating a big splash that stirred ripples in the water. That's the thing, wasn't it? His spider-sense has been going off around his neighbors. Just the other day it went off around that little girl, but what if it hadn't sensed the girl at all. Would if the woman had just been nearby, maybe even behind the door the little girl was standing by.

Maybe she was in one of the apartments.

Instead of settling, the ripples expanded, creating waves that rolled through his brain. It would explain how she kept such a close track of him, and how she knew which fire escape to climb through to get to his room. How she could've robbed him without anyone being the wiser. But he didn't recall seeing her in the building at all. Not once. There was a man who lived by himself at the end of the hall, and a woman and her girlfriend not too far from his room. The old man across from him, and the single dad and his two kids next to the old man.

Which one was holding a psycho stalker woman? And did they know he was Spider-Man too?

Whichever it was, he needed to check their apartments. There had to be a way to get people out of their rooms, either one by one or all at once without being seen himself. Once that happened, it became a simple game of hide and seek. But how to go about it without tipping her off that he was looking for her? If she thought he was closing in, she could just destroy the evidence, or back it up on a server he didn't have access to and play innocent until she could act on the threats.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. At the sprinklers in the middle of the room that didn't work. At the barren mattress devoid of blankets sans one. At the closet where his and Wade's gear sat hidden. His eyes flitted over to his phone, where a text from MJ was sitting on the screen.

He didn't like it, but he had an idea.

{LINE BREAK}

MJ looked surprised to see him and Peter can't blame her. All he'd sent prior to showing up was "Where r you rn" via text message and hadn't responded when MJ replied " home. Why?"

There was always the chance he was being followed now that he was aware of his stalker. So he had to be quick about this. He had to be careful.

"Peter?" MJ sputtered, following him back into her apartment as he scoped out the windows to make sure no obvious people were watching from buildings or rooftops around. He debated closing the curtains, but if the woman was out there, it might alert her that he was going to try telling MJ what was going on. Her threats were clear enough when they said he wasn't allowed to spill the beans.

What are you doing?" MJ demanded, the long wool shirt she was wearing swept up with her arms as she put them over her chest.

"I just...wanted to check on you," he said, going for an airy smile that MJ saw through immediately.

She squinted and flattened her lips into a line before asking, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing" Peter insisted, having his hands in front of himself as if she were being silly, "I just wanted to check on you. Weren't you the one who said I needed to branch out more and visit you guys?"

"Yeah, but you're supposed to give us a heads up first. No reason to ignore common decency.

Peter pointed to the doors putting on the kicked puppy look that MJ was 'oh so kind to point out, "So do you want me to leave?"

Her pursed lips twitched and she scoffed around the smile she was trying to suppress, rolling her eyes, "Never should've told you about that face. No, you don't have to go. You're lucky I have today off, but I'm heading out with some friends tonight, so I don't know how long you plan on staying."

Peter blinked at her, "You have friends? I mean, other friends?"

MJ snorted as she wandered into the kitchen and opened the fridge, "Unlike you, I do have a social life," she snarked, rummaging through Tupperware, "Pretty sure I'm the only friend you have though."

Peter shrugged, not exactly disagreeing, "I could have friends," is what he went with, "If I tried."

"Uh-huh," she said with her back turned, 'But you decide not to because of Spidey reasons? Classic Peter. What was your excuse in High School beforethe powers?"

Peter scowled at her as he leaned against one of the cupboards, "Meanie. I had friends. I had Harry too."

"Me and Harry," her grin was wry as she turned and set down a plate of left-over bean dip - how did she know he was hungry? "Quite the friend list you've got there."

Peter hmphed, but took one of the chips she offered, "Well, I take quality over quantity."

MJ scooped up a large amount of bean dip and stuffed it into her mouth, "Don't diss my friends if you haven't met them," she said around the mouthful and Peter smiled despite himself. "But seriously," she continued, "Why are you here? Don't give me a shitty excuse."

"Really, I'm just here to say hi," he said, and the look she gave him could've toppled cities.

"Fine, if you're going to lie to me at least make it interesting. I wanted to steal your fridge, MJ. I wanted to transfer my powers to you, MJ. I want to confess my undying love for you, MJ."

"Hey," Peter pointed a finger at her, "That only happened once."

She wrinkled her nose and spit her tongue out at him, but it was all in good humor and they both let it off with a chuckle.

"Just...tell me about your day," Peter said, going for nonchalance as he helped himself to more of the dip.

MJ considered the question, "It's been...good," she settled on, "Nothing much today. Just been lounging at home. Read a good review on the show I've been on, and it was good. Said I looked too stiff in some areas, but whatcha gonna do?"

"Oh, poor TV star MJ," Peter crooned, laying his head in his hands, and she flicked a stray bean at him that had fallen on the counter.

"Oh shush, you weren't complaining when this TV star bought you dinner last week," she settled back against the counter, nibbling on a cracker as she continued, "But things have been pretty good. Got a little bit of fan mail the other day, and that was kind of cool. Someone even sent me some roses," she nodded toward the vase sitting on the table, most of the flower tips were darkening from rot, "Oh, and I did get the sweetest gift. I mentioned on a talk show that Spider-Man was one of my favorite heroes," she winked at him, "And someone sent me a Spider-Man plushie to 'watch and keep me safe,' she laughed it off but Peter felt an ever familiar chill wash down his back. He wanted to attempt a chuckle, at least, but his chest was so tight he didn't think he could spare the breath.

"Oh really,' he said as calmly and nonchalantly as he could force it, "Hahah, that's cute. Where'd you put it?"

"Oh, put it in my room, didn't know where else," was he too stiff? He was acting too stiff. Why else would MJ squint at him more closely and asked, suddenly skeptical, "Why?"

Peter shrugged, "No reason. Just curious," and stuffed his mouth with dip to avoid answering any more questions.

MJ didn't look nearly as convinced as Peter wished she would, but she was always perceptive. But it didn't matter because that plushie was exactly where he needed to look. He couldn't explain it, but the stalker had this...humor about her. All the trinkets she gave him, the camera and the spider-doll and ceramic hotdog to name a few, followed the same theme: him. And this plushie followed it.

That's where he needed to check. But if the woman was watching MJ, she might have the room bugged as well, and there were plenty of places to hide a microphone. He couldn't just stride in here and tell MJ that her "fan" might not be a fan at all.

"Well, as a certified Spider-Man, I think I should judge all plushies of myself to make sure they're up to standard," Peter said in mock seriousness, putting something lighter in his tone. It might've worked because MJ rolled her eyes.

"How do you fit that ego through the door?"

"I tilt sideways."

"Come on, if you really need to see it."

She led him into the bedroom and waved toward the small Spider-Man sitting on the dresser. It was simple but well done, with a few cheap jewels bedazzling the black area of the plushies eyes. Peter picked it up, lifting his nose as if were a distinguished scientist looking over a new report. He turned it around in his hands and his eyes narrowed at the black jewel in the corner of the plushie's eye lens. Except it wasn't a jewel at all. The difference was so small that no one would notice if they weren't seeking it out.

A camera, as he suspected. He set it back down. "I guess it'll do," he shrugged, "But it can't compare to the real thing."

"I don't know," MJ teased, "This one's a lot quieter. I think I enjoy his company more."

Peter laughed, nodding again. "Rude, but fair. Hey, do you think I could borrow your washing machine again? I have a lot of laundry and I don't want to spend money at a laundro-mat."

MJ's amusement immediately fell in favor of the dead look she gave him, "Again? Really?"

"Please, I promise this is the last time."

"You said that last time."

"This is the LAST last time."

"You're impossible," she muttered, massaging her forehead.

Peter grinned cheekily, "And I don't suppose you could show me how it works again?"

She looked ready to whack him upside the head, "How many times do I need to show you?"

"Just this last time."

"You said that last-"

'"Yes, but this is the for real last time."

"Fine, but I swear if you ask me again, I'm charging your broke ass. Come on." She led him down the hall to a small, enclosed laundry room that came with her gigantic apartment - the perks of being a star, he supposed. She muttered and shook her head all the while, "He has a degree in science and engineering and can't work a washing machine."

"Okay," she slapped the top of the washing machine, "First things first, this is where you put things in to WASH them,"

"Yep," Peter said and reached behind her to the dryer and turned it on.

"Those are already dry-" MJ started but Peter put a finger to his lips. She quirked an eyebrow but Peter waited until the rumbling of the dryer filled the room before he spoke. It was good and loud and the microphones wouldn't be able to pick up any conversation over it.

"Okay listen carefully," Peter said, dropping the facade, "I need you to do something for me and then I need you to get out of here."

"Peter, what are you-"

"This is a code blue, MJ."

Her eyes widened and she clutched the side of the washer, "A code blue?"

'"Yes, someone's been watching me and I think they've been watching you. That Spider-Man plushie in your room has a camera in it."

"A camera?"

"Yes. I need you to get rid of that plushie, but you need to do it in a way that isn't suspicious. Make it look like an accident, but as soon as you do I need you to go somewhere. Anywhere but here or Aunt May's. Leave the city if you can."

"Peter, what is going on?"

"I don't have time to explain, it's probably already suspicious that we've been talking over here for this long. I need you to trust me, alright. Get rid of the plushie, and then get out of here. We need to move fast if I'm going to catch this one. She's very tricky."

MJ's eyes widened in surprise, "She? Is she a new one?"

"I don't know," Peter admitted, running a hand down his face, "But she's got me backed in a corner, MJ. I need you to do this for me. Can you do it?"

MJ nodded, her red hair bouncing around her shoulders, "Yeah, I can do it."

Peter nodded, "Okay. Good. Then we need to move fast."

She nodded again, this one more determined as she entered what he referred to as "Terminator Mode" and together they left the laundry room. The moment they stepped outside the range of noise MJ had her exasperated look back and was talking again, "Don't put too much detergent in the washer, and for heaven's sake don't forget to switch it. Your clothes are going to stink if you leave them sitting in the washer all day, and I don't need that smell in my apartment either. Got it?"

It still amazed Peter how good she was at getting into character. Not even a slip or clue that something was askew. "I got it," Peter said, hoping he sounded just as convincing. Years as Spider-Man should have given him some skills in playing a part.

"Honestly, you give me such a headache," she sighed, stopping next to the minifridge in the corner of her room, "Do you want a beer? Or Mikes? I don't normally day-drink but it's been a while since you've sat down with me and had a drink. Still sitting with that stick up your ass?"

Peter gave her a hard look, "I drink, MJ. It just doesn't do much for me."

She shrugged and uncapped a bottle, tipping her head back to take a long guzzle. She hissed at the burn but gave it a satisfying hum. "Maybe we can test it sometimes. We'll buy a whole bunch of beer and drink all night. See how long it takes for you to get a buzz going."

"Wade and I already tested that," Peter smirked. "The buzz only lasts a few minutes. 15 at most."

MJ blew him a raspberry, "You're no fun. You really need to-" that's when it happened. Just as she was walking near the dresser she stumbled, tripping over something that wasn't there and spilling her drink over the dark wood where it splashed onto the plushie. "OH fuck," she cursed, immediately pulling it into her hands to twist it side to side and assess for damage, "Dammit."

"That's what you get for day drinking," Peter laughed and she flipped him a rude gesture.

"Whatever. Hey, do you think these are machine washable?"

Peter had to bite back his grin, "Um, yeah I think so."

"Good. If it wrecks it though, you're buying me a new one."

"With what money?"

"Figure it out, bug boy," MJ called as she returned to the washer, stuck a few of the dirty rags piled on the ground inside and dumped the plushie alongside it. She grinned as she closed the lid and started the machine. "That should do it."

Peter shoved her suitcase into her hands the moment she stepped back in the room, "Good, now you need to get out of here. Leave right now and try not to let anyone see you."

"Peter, tell me what's going on," MJ demanded, throwing the suitcase on the bed and planting her hands on her hips.

Peter put his hands together as if in prayer and pressed them against his lips, "We literally have no time, MJ. Whoever had that camera on you is probably on their way over right now to plant a new one and you can't be here when they arrive. I need you to leave, okay. Look as inconspicuous as possible. Don't tell anyone where you're going."

"That doesn't sound sketchy at all," she drawled, and Peter took a deep breath, grasping her shoulders.

"I will explain everything as soon as I catch this person, okay. I promise. But there's no time right now, I need you to go. Please, MJ, I wouldn't be asking you to do this if it wasn't serious."

MJ studied his face for a few precious seconds before conceding, "Fine. Alright, I'll go. But you will tell me everything once this is over," she strode to her dresser and furiously began stuffing clothes into the suitcase.

Peter debated staying with her until she was out of the building and in the nearest cab, but he was on the clock too. While the stalker was here, he needed to be back at their apartment building. Besides, MJ was resourceful and after dealing with Spider-Man shit for years, she knew how the system went.

"Okay, be safe," Peter said, pausing long enough to give her a hug, "Don't talk to strangers."

He could feel her smile on his shoulder as she returned the hug, 'Right back at you."

"I need to go; I don't have much time."

"Then get out of here. I'll be out in 10 minutes tops."

He nodded and left.

Leaving her here, knowing that the stalker was on her way right now made Peter uneasy, and he wanted more than anything to plant himself in MJ's apartment and wait for her to show up. He could do that, but she might be expecting it. She was clever. Besides, if she could sneak into his apartment while he was asleep, without him knowing about it, then she could probably do the same here.

Maybe he should just stay and confront her. But he wouldn't have any evidence that she's been stalking him if he did that, and he needed to destroy every picture she had on him. So no, this needed to go smoothly.

He walked out into the streets and turned into an alleyway, slipping into his Spider-Man suit. He took all the quick routes that avoided the more heavily populated streets, not wanting to be seen. He needed to be quick, he could feel the seconds ticking on without him.

Hey guys, this was supposed to be posted 2 days ago, but things came up and I was only able to finish it now. But yeah, here you go! Hope you enjoyed! The next chapter will either be out tomorrow or the day after.