(Alright, this is an AU of sorts, Peter isn't Spider-Man, and Tony doesn't make an appearance, so it's a Peter, May, and MJ centric chapter. Hope you guys like it, I had fun writing it.)

Anyway, on with the story.
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It was always Peter and Maisie, Maisie and Peter, that was until MJ entered the picture and rocked Peter's world. Peter had known her since their sophomore year of high school but rarely interacted and by their junior year they had become friends. What MJ didn't know was that Peter had a daughter named Maisie.

Who he was raising after his ex wanted nothing to do with either of them after she got pregnant in her sophomore year. She signed over custody to Peter and took the next flight from New York to some other state. Peter had no idea how to take care of himself, much less a tiny newborn, but when he laid his eyes on his daughter she became his everything in that instance.

Years passed and Peter was now working two jobs to support him and Maisie, she was able to go to school, and while he wasn't going to colleges out of state he was going to online courses and doing pretty well. But between work, school, and taking care of Maisie, he couldn't slow down.

Somehow, through it all, MJ stood by him and helped whenever she could. Babysitting when Peter had work, bringing over groceries, and generally being an absolute saint. Peter couldn't thank her enough, MJ always brushed it off, telling him she wanted to. Slowly, but surely, Peter started falling head over heels for his best friend, and soon they found themselves dating the other. When college came around, MJ was accepted to CalTech in their criminology program, Peter was beyond happy that his girl was living her dream.

He never got angry when she couldn't talk or was tired, they made long distance work between their hectic schedules. MJ felt guilty she wasn't able to ask Maisie about her school day, or watch as Peter made dinner for the both of them. Peter told her; "It's your turn to fill out your bucket list Michelle, CalTech is amazing and we're happy you're living out your dreams right Mais?"  That made her grin every time, she felt so blessed to have such a supportive boyfriend and amazing little girl in her corner.

Everything came to a halt when Maisie woke up with a one hundred and one degree fever, good thing Peter wasn't supposed to go into work. Peter had just gotten Maisie to sleep after she cried and cried from the early mornings of 3.A.M to 7.A.M. Once Peter finally got her to sleep he found his phone had been blown up with missed calls from his boss.

He frantically picks it up and calls his boss who immediately answers and starts berating Peter. Peter clenches his fist in frustration, unable to get a word in until his boss pauses and he speaks. "Sir, I can't come in, it's my day off. My daughter is sick with a really high fever, and I have no one to take care of her." Peter explained.

"I. Don't. Give. A. Crap! You're written on the schedule and need to come in, or else you'll be fired." Peter couldn't afford to lose his job, he needed to be able to put food on the table, and send Maisie through school. He quietly sighed, "I... I'll see what I can do." He replied, his boss scoffed and then hung up.

Peter broke down, sobbing in frustration, he couldn't leave his daughter alone by herself. He guessed he'd have to lose his job, so he refused to not take care of his daughter. His phone rang once again, but the caller I.D was different, it was May calling him. He tried collecting himself and answered. "Hey May, what's up?" He asked.

"Hey sweetie, how are you?" That was the wrong question to ask because Peter began to cry again and May kept asking him what was wrong.

"Peter, sweetie, take a deep breath and tell me what happened." Peter did what he was told and tried to relax, then he explained what went on minutes before she called. Her blood was boiling Peter's boss had been mistreating her nephew ever since he started working there. She told Peter she would be coming to help him with Maisie, and whenever he said he would be fine May retorted; "I didn't ask, I told you."

When May got off the phone with Peter she dialed someone else, "Hi, do you think you can get on the next flight to New York? Yeah, he's having a hard time." She finished talking on the phone and left her apartment heading to Peter's place and knocking on the door. Peter answered and to say he looked like a mess was a massive understatement.

She saw the tear streaks and Maisie clinging to her father, May's expression softened. She came in and took Maisie into her arms, shushing her and rocking her side to side. Once Maisie calmed down a little May spoke to Peter, "Go take a shower and get some rest. I've got her Pete."

Peter tried to protest: "M.. May." May put her hand up to stop him, Peter got the hint and went to take a shower. The warm spray of water was quick to soothe the knots away from his neck. But did nothing to ease the tension at the back of his eyes, or the ache in his bones. He had never felt this tired before, not even when he worked a full twenty four hours at the diner.

He knew he was fired, so he turned off his phone to ignore his boss's ridiculousness. Peter soon got out of the shower, and changed into pajamas. The sounds of Maisie's whimpers and cries were gone. He walked by her room and saw May cuddling with her as the two were asleep. He sighed in relief and then went to his room and fell asleep.

For the first time, Peter had the best sleep of his life. May let him sleep in, and boy did it feel like he was on cloud nine. He stretched his arms and yawned, walking out of his bedroom and seeing May in the kitchen cooking up some breakfast. She gave him a small smile which Peter returned, she passed over a cup of decaf coffee with a little cream and sugar the way he always had it.

"How did you sleep?" May asked as she flipped the ready pancake.

Peter sighed, "Pretty well, thank you for helping me. I was beyond stressed out."

"No problem sweetheart, I'm always a phone call away." Peter took another sip of his coffee when he heard the small steps making their way towards him. He turned and saw Maisie, he could tell she still wasn't feeling good, once she got closer he picked her up. Maisie laid her head on Peter's shoulder, cozying herself in his arms.

"Hi Mais, did you sleep well?" He questioned, Maisie nodded her head in response.

"Her fever finally broke earlier, if you two are still tired go ahead and lay back down. Breakfast is done and I gotta head out, but I called someone to come over and help." Peter thanked May again and took Maisie back to his room, both of them got into bed and Maisie was already starting to doze off. He kissed her forehead and took a book sitting on his nightstand and began reading it.

May soon came to check on them and told her nephew she was heading out but someone was here to help out. And who stood beside her was MJ, Peter hadn't seen his girlfriend in a few months because of school and how busy their lives were. Peter slithered out from under Maisie and went to hug MJ.

She hugged him back and they just stood there in each other's embrace, Peter was in near tears seeing that she was here. Ecstatic about being with her instead of over a screen. Once Peter pulled away and spoke in a soft tone as to not wake Maisie up. "Ho.. How are you here? I thought you were doing your classes?"

MJ smiled, "I should be, but May said you were feeling overwhelmed so I decided to hop on a plane and get here. Plus I missed you and my Maisie." My Maisie, he loved hearing that, he missed hearing that.

"M, you didn't have to, I don't want to keep you from your stuff at uni." Peter replied.

"I know. But you two are my priority over anything else, it'll be much easier when I transfer to NYU during winter break. My professors are okay with it." That caught Peter's attention.

"Wait, you're transferring to NYU? Please tell me I didn't influence you."

"Okay I won't, but I'm tired of being away especially when you're struggling. I've been homesick for a while anyway, you and Maisie are just an added bonus." As if on cue Maisie stirred awake, rubbing her eyes and mumbling out Peter's name.

"Hey little love, guess who's here?" Maisie finally caught a glimpse of MJ and her eyes lit up, she held her arms out as MJ went and sat down pulling into lap.

"Mama, you're back!" She exclaimed.

"Hi my Mais! I missed you so much." MJ held her close and kissed the top of her head. Peter loved this sight, seeing MJ and Maisie together was so heartwarming he loved every second of watching his girls.

"I love you mama and daddy."

Both Peter and MJ smiled, "We love you too, Maisie."
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The End of Chapter 166