It was too late, by the time she had second doubts, the elevator opened.

She hadn't seen him in awhile, since the hospital.

His smile lighting up his face, almost amused she was there.

A sincere smile.

She felt like one of those mixed drinks he drank. Fruity, tangy, clouded with darker substance. It was too late.

What have I gotten myself into…

She knew the answer already, she was getting out. She craved conversation, not butchered cordial 'hello's' and then a speedy 'goodbye'. She missed the relaxed, ease.

Not wondering if he was even paying attention.

No rush.

It was always there, even when it was quieted, at the time she hadn't minded. With every conversation, it was a strain. Separating, pulling them further apart. The intercom disturbing all their forgotten peace. If it was ever there.

It was always something…

If it wasn't business, it was school. His head immersed in books, rattling off science facts, equations. Telling her about labs, class, coming tests. He never asked her anymore about herself. What was going on, how her day was. Life centered around him, for awhile it was fine.

Until…

She got fired, breaking her dreams, confidence. As he listened to her worrying how she did, he offered half-hearted assurances. "You were great." "It'll be fine." Half-hearted assurances didn't ease the blow of rejection. It hit. Hard.

She'd never forget seeing her role, recast. Humiliation struck her, repeatedly. As if she had to settle for second best. Fulfilling everyone who told her she couldn't do it. And now? Were they right?

Is this how it feels? To never be good enough?

The job she'd taken hadn't been ideal. It'd been a last resort, after the fact. Yet- it was money. Money she desperately needed. Needed to keep her apartment, they'd almost turned off her electricity.

Look at her.

The words of Norman Osborn kept replaying in her mind. Hearing him outside, lecturing Harry about the kind of girl she was. How all she wanted from him was money.

Now, she felt guilty, had he been right?

No.

And as Harry offered her food, she hesitated, would he remember? See himself as a meal ticket?

No.

His smile; the incline of his head, silently encouraging her to come in. She made a face, and abandoned the insecurity in the elevator.

She was glad she did….

A/N: Hoping more MJ Harry fics get out there! Hope you enjoyed, I'm working on something else, so we'll see.