The fact MJ just cuts cleanly through what Peter has been trying to build toward and dodge in equal measure isn't a surprise really. MJ is observant, far smarter than anyone else Peter knows. She also knows Peter well enough to not hesitate to just get to the heart of things.

She deserves better than this. Peter snuffs out any brief frustration with himself to stay focused in the moment, awkwardly crossing his arms over his chest.

Peter cycles through what he wants to say. Guilt obvious on his face, an underlying discomfort at needing to address things like this. He can't just string her along pretending things are the same, Peter refuses to even indulge that thought. The situation sucks enough already, he's not going to hurt her worse. The emotions boiling over means his halo manifests behind his head. A glowing circle that ripples with a web pattern.

"I had thought, I was never going to see you again. That there was not a way to go back. I made peace with that." He starts carefully, unaware of the halo, trying to just get his thoughts in order. He isn't going to drop all the reasoning as to why on her. MJ doesn't need that right now.

"So, I started dating someone else." Saying it is almost a relief, one that is short-lived as he fidgets with the sleeve of his shirt. "I'm sorry."