Gwen and I were leaving the Stark Tower when I noticed Mary Jane walk by, on the sidewalk. Our eyes met for a few seconds, and she scowled at me. Her eyes darted from me to Gwen as she walked, and then she grunted, quickening her pace. Finally, she turned a corner, no longer in sight.

"What was that all about?" Gwen asked.

"She, um, she doesn't like me," I told her.

"That's kind of obvious."

"Yeah."

"Why doesn't she like you?"

"I don't know."

Gwen stopped, staring at me. She crossed her arms. "You know, you're a terrible liar."

I sighed. "She used to like me."

"She did? And what happened?"

"Well, we became lab partners. Then, one day, we went to the hardware store..." I stopped, dreading the next few words.

"Peter?" Gwen looked into my eyes. Her eyes were so bright and innocent. How could I do this to her?

"She kissed me," I said, looking down at my feet.

"She what?" Gwen gasped. "And why did this happen? Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I...I..." I stopped, then tried again. "I wasn't expecting it...and I..I was embarrassed, and I..."

"Peter! You kissed her back! How could you do this? I thought you loved me!"

"Gwen, you may not understand this, but..."

"No. I understand completely. You cheated on me!"

"Look, I didn't kiss her back because I don't love you."

"Then why did you do it?"

"You may not understand this, but I actually kissed her back because I do love you."

"But how is that even possible?" Tears were forming in her eyes.

"I missed you, Gwen," I explained. "My brain turned her into you. I don't understand how, but, before I knew it, I felt like...I thought she was you. And...I'm really, really sorry."

Gwen was silent, wiping away tears. For a while, I didn't think she would respond. Finally, she spoke again. "I forgive you. We're all human. Well, mostly."

"Thanks, Gwen. I promise, it will never happen again. I'll make it up to you! I'll take you back here, I'll get you some more flowers, I'll take you back to your favorite restaurant..."

"Just shut up," Gwen said, silencing me with a kiss. I laughed through her mouth, then wrapped my arms around her. I felt people's stares boring into us, but I didn't care. I loved Gwen. She loved me.

No one could change that.

No one will.