ⒾⓇⓄⓃⒹⒶⒹ/ⓈⓅⒾⒹⒺⓇⓈⓄⓃ & ⓈⓊⓅⒺⓇⒻⒶⓜⒾⓁⒺⓎ ⓄⓃⒺ ⓈⒽⓄⓉⓈ

Chapter 168: Some Superheroes Don't Wear Capes

(This may be my favorite one of the new year y'all, I love writing wholesome stories like this one, and the family dynamic between Peter, MJ, & Maisie is adorable. Do you want to see more chapters with these guys?)

Anyway, on with the story.
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Being married to a superhero has its ups and downs, patching him up after injuries, hearing the latest praises of his accomplishments, and seeing how he's helping the little guy. That was the life of Michelle Parker-Jones, she couldn't be prouder of her husband for protecting the world, when Maisie entered the picture Peter vowed what he was doing was keeping the world safe for his daughter. And although arguments would come about, Peter and MJ figured it out like they always do.

The sacrifices Peter made in order to be Spider-Man would never compare to those he made as a father, in the later years, he's found a balance and always made it on time before Maisie had to go to sleep. Tonight though, he was running a tad bit late, but once he entered their apartment by his and MJ's bedroom window he could finally relax. He heard voices out in the living room and knew his girls were still awake waiting up for him.

Hearing snippets of their conversation Maisie says something that made Peter's heart drop, "But Mommy you don't have super powers! So you can't be a superhero!" Of course Maisie probably didn't mean to say it in a harsh light. But it still broke Peter's heart when he saw the look on his wife's face.

"Sorry I'm late you two." He said, Maisie whipped her head around and held a massive grin on her face.

"Daddy, you're back!" She exclaimed, MJ smiled as she saw Peter.

"Alright Mais, it's time for bed." Maisie protested in disappointment and turned to Peter.

"But Daddy tells me a story! Please Daddy?" The six year old pleaded, of course Peter couldn't say no, but he came up with a condition.

"Alright, but you have to be ready and in bed by the time I get out of the shower. Or no story." Peter set the condition, as Maisie's eyes widened, she rushed off the couch trying to run until MJ spoke up.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" She asked as she was holding her arms out, Maisie ran to her and hugged her as Michelle kissed her forehead.

"I love you Maisie."

Maisie smiled, "Love you too Mommy." Getting out of her mother's hold she rushed to her room, Peter glanced at her and gave the look of 'We'll talk later' and left to take a shower, in the meantime it gave him time to come up with a story, and he knew the perfect one. Once Peter changed into more comfortable clothing, he entered his daughter's room seeing her all tucked in.

"Ready to hear the best story of all time Mais?" Maisie nodded her head quickly and as Peter settled beside her his story began.

"Once upon a time I met an incredible woman some years ago, we were teenagers and didn't know each other all that well. But soon we became friends."

Maisie has always been intuitive and observant, she knew who her father was talking about. "You're talking about Mommy aren't you?" Peter nodded her head in response and continued.

"When we were done with college, she wanted to become a lawyer, which I supported a thousand percent. And that's what she did, one day a man came into her office begging for help. Y'know what Mommy did?"

"What'd she do Daddy?" Maisie asked.

"She took his case! The man had gotten into an accident at his job, it could've been prevented but his boss said he wouldn't do anything and for the man to get back to work!" Maisie gasped audibly in response.

"That's not nice!" She exclaimed.

"Mommy worked day and night to help the man, and once they went to court she argued the boss knew there were problems and purposely refused to address them. And then guess what?"

Maisie was hooked, "What?"

"They won! And the man got money to pay for his surgery and medical bills, he didn't have enough money to pay Mom. But Mom said it didn't matter, and she did the case for free."

"Wow, good job Mommy!"

"Exactly, and Maisie, not every superhero wears a cape. And they don't need superpowers, what makes them a superhero is their good heart and willingness to help others no matter what." Peter explained he wanted Maisie to know her mom was the best woman he'd ever met, and make sure she knew Michelle was a superhero just not the kind people usually think of.

"So Mommy is a superhero, but doesn't save the world like you do?" Maisie asked.

"Yeah, she and others like firefighters and police officers help the little guys in ways I as Spider-Man can't. What they do is just as important as the stuff I do. Does that make sense?"

Maisie grinned and nodded, "In a way you can help, is when Mommy goes into her office, is to be extra quiet because she's talking to clients."

"Okay, I will Daddy. That was the best story ever."

Peter kissed her cheek, "I'm glad you liked it sweetheart, goodnight Maisie. Sweet dreams." Peter went towards the door and flicked the light switch off. When he shut the door behind him he met his wife's eyes, he whispered. "I'm assuming you heard everything?" MJ nodded her head in response.

They went to their room and settled in their bed, Michelle leaned closer, laying her head on her husband's chest. Hearing his steady heartbeat always seemed to put her at ease, even when they were teenagers. She liked to think Peter was the fun parent but when it came to disciplining their daughter he stood firm. Usually Maisie had Peter wrapped around her tiny little finger, but as always Peter proved time and time again the techniques Maisie was using, he invented.

It was evident Maisie was both her mother and her father, and although she looked more like MJ, Peter's shy and intuitive curiosity shone through like a beacon. And it wasn't to say she wasn't proud of her daughter but their conversation earlier ran through her mind and made her question everything. "Why did you tell Maisie that story?" She asked, Peter knew he had to be honest. For starters he wasn't the best liar, and two he would've told the truth regardless.

Peter sighed, "Because it was important for her to know that not every superhero wears a mask or has an alter ego. They're regular everyday people, they deserve recognition and respect. I heard what she said to you, and I saw the look on your face. I know she didn't mean to hurt you, but I couldn't stand knowing you were hurt."

"Besides I love telling anyone who will listen how amazing my wife, Michelle Parker-Jones is. I'd even scream it from the tallest rooftop." Michelle giggled at Peter's reply.

"Thank you, my web slinging hero." Peter smiled upon hearing that and kissed her forehead.

"You're welcome, my amazing lawyer hero." He said back.

Michelle looked up at him, "I'm your hero?" She questioned.

"You always have been." And with that Michelle blushed shyly and closed her eyes before falling asleep in Peter's arms. She was his hero, somehow, that's the best thing he's ever said to her. She was lucky to be married to such a good man as Peter Parker-Jones, and she couldn't ask for anyone better. Never in her wildest dreams.
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The End of Chapter 168