Chapter Text
You were getting sick and tired of Betty and Ned mutually pining for each other while also simultaneously denying their feelings. You had made a resolution with Peter to get them together by the next New Year, but it was December 18th and you were running out of ideas.
You went over to Peter’s place a little after lunch to figure things out, sitting down by his bed with a sigh. “I just don’t understand why they won’t give in and start dating each other.”
“I know,” Peter says, fiddling with one of his web shooters at his desk. “They obviously like each other, but any time I bring it up Ned finds some excuse about how she doesn’t want anything and neither does he.”
“Yeah, Betty too.” You blink, coming to a sudden realization. “I’ve figured it out! She won’t date Ned because she’s afraid of leaving me all alone! She thinks if she gets a boyfriend I’ll be stuck as a third wheel!”
“You may be on to something there,” he says, snapping his fingers. “So all we have to do is get you a boyfriend!” His face falls. “But how are we going to do that?”
“Ouch.”
I mean when we’re off school? There’s nobody around.”
“Well,” you say, the beginning of an idea starting to form in your mind. “It would have to be someone I know.”
“Yes, that generally helps.”
“Somebody smart, funny and brave.” You lean back on your hands.
“I mean if we’re going all out, why don’t we add attractive and nice?” he says, rolling his eyes.
“Of course,” you agree.
“But even if we were still in school, how would you find such a, I don’t know, a Prince Charming?”
“Don’t be so modest,” you say, smirking slightly.
“I mean guys like that don’t just fall out of the-” He stops talking as he processes what you said. “Wait, me?”
“Well you’re not literally a prince but you’re awfully available,” you grin.
“Wait wait wait.” He holds up his hands. “Are you sure you’ve thought this through? I’m not exactly what girls think of when someone says ‘boyfriend’. Or ‘attractive.’”
“So?” you ask, avoiding his eyes. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it’s just me. And besides, it doesn’t need to be permanent or anything, just long enough for them to start dating.”
“Right, right, of course.” He clears his throat nervously. “So, when and what are we going to tell them, exactly?”
“We’ll tell them that we realized that we liked each other and so we decided to start dating. And as for when, we can always do it at your Christmas party when we’re all coming over.”
“Oh, yeah. Um, should we tell anyone it’s fake or just pretend for everyone?”
“I think it’s best kept between the two of us.” You stand up, grabbing your bag. “I’ll see you Tuesday!”
🎁🎁🎁
You show up early to help Peter and May set up and make treats (nothing with peppermint though, since Peter was allergic). Within thirty minutes the whole apartment smells like cookies and chocolate. Soon Betty shows up, then Harry and MJ, and finally Ned. Everyone’s laughing and chatting about what Christmas presents they want.
You nudge Peter. “I think we should do it now.”
He grimaces. “Does it have to be such a big deal? I mean, it’s not like we’re getting married or anything.”
“Well I don’t know, how do you propose we do it?”
“What are you two whispering about?” Betty asks teasingly.
"Nothing!" you exclaim in unison, jumping apart. She raises an eyebrow.
"Okay…"
Peter sighs. "I guess we might as well come out and say it. Could you turn the music down?"
She shrugs, moving to the volume controls. Peter clears his throat, drawing the attention of the five other people in the room.
"So, um, Y/N and I, I mean we're, uh,"
You roll your eyes, cutting him off. "We're going out together."
"Ugh, finally. That was getting painful," MJ sighs.
Whatever reaction you had been expecting, it wasn’t this. "What?" you ask, confused.
“The long, lingering glances? How you couldn’t stay three feet away from each other whenever you were in the same room?” Harry says, coming up behind MJ. “I mean, I don’t know what you see in him, but he’s lucky to have you.”
"Oh my gosh, I'm so happy!” May wraps you in a tight hug, causing a pang of guilt to run through you. You hope she’s not too disappointed when you ‘break up’. “I'm just surprised it's taken him this long, he hasn't stopped talking about you since you did that group project in English."
“Back in 10th grade?” you ask, glancing at Peter.
"May," he groans, the tips of his eyes turning pink.
"No, it's true," Ned agrees, nodding. "Why is she so pretty, Ned? I don't know why I even try, she probably likes-"
"And on that note," Peter interrupts, looking like he wants to disappear. "Why don't you go talk to Betty? I mean, look at her all alone!"
He's not being subtle at all, but honestly at this point anything more vague would fly over his head. Although to be fair, she was by herself in the kitchen, where she had gone to get a drink. Ned looks at you nervously and you nod encouragingly.
“Okay…” he says doubtfully, making his way over to the kitchen. You lean against Peter slightly.
“At this rate they’ll be together by Christmas Eve.”
“And then you can break up with me.”
“Oh, right.” You clear your throat uncomfortably. “Maybe we should stay together a bit longer, just so they don’t get suspicious. Like at least a month?” You hope you don’t sound too worried about it, just logical.
“Right, that sounds good.” Is it just you, or does he sound relieved?