... But compared to the day's other current events, I'd say this qualifies as a pick-me-up.

seriousfic had already posted, not just one or two, but three installments in his (or her) metafictional "One-Man Spider-Marriage Ficathon," but the fourth, and latest, installment is the most moving of all.

Do yourself a favor and read it. It's a funny, clever, heartfelt and ultimately upbeat affirmation of fandom.
__________

Title: We’re Not Lovers (We Just Play Them In Comics)
Author: seriousfic
Rating: R
Characters/Pairings: Peter/MJ, Joe Quesada, the Marvel Bullpen and Spider-Man supporting cast (yes, Virginia, there is one)
Word Count: 5,488
Summary: Editorial says the spider-marriage has to go. Peter and Mary-Jane don't take it very well.

( Mary-Jane was struggling to keep it together. Her own trailer would probably be full of sympathy cards and flowers. Not that they were together, but they had a bond from working together so long. They knew each others’ cues, always read through their scripts together and made suggestions (MJ had a wicked sense of humor to bring to bear on Spidey’s quips), and they were just … partners. In just about every sense of the word. )