When MJ returned home to his family’s small apartment, he was greeted by the scent of cigarette smoke, and alcohol. MJ’s heart sank as he entered the dimly lit living room, where his father sat slouched on the couch, a half-empty bottle of whiskey in hand.

Phillip Watson’s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of his son, his expression a mixture of disappointment and barely contained rage. “Took you long enough.” he growled, his words slurred. “Where the hell have you been?”

[color=red]“I was out with friends, Dad.”[/color] he replied, trying to keep calm despite the fear he was feeling. “I told you I’d be back soon.”

Phillip scoffed, taking a swig from the bottle in his hand. “Friends? You call those losers you hang out with friends? You’re wasting your time with those good-for-nothings, Matthew. You should be focusing on something useful, like getting a job or helping me pay the bills around here.”

MJ kept his mouth shut. He knew all too well it was useless trying to reason with his father when he was like this. Years of living with his unpredictable outbursts had taught him that it was better to keep his head down and avoid confrontation.

But despite his efforts to remain calm, MJ could feel his anger and resentment bubbling to the surface. He clenched his fists at his sides, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “I am trying, Dad,” he said, his voice trembling with frustration. [color=red]“I’ve been looking for a job, but it’s not easy, you know?”[/color]

“Don’t you dare talk back to me, boy!” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Especially when I know that’s bullshit. You spend all your time on that social media crap. You think you’re so smart, don’t you? Well, let me tell you something. You’re nothing but a worthless brat who’ll never amount to anything.” Bullshit!” Phillip shouted.

Then he reached out his hand, and slapped MJ’s face.

MJ recoiled from the sudden blow, his cheek stinging from the impact, he staggered backward. 

“You’re a failure, and always will be. Just like your mother…”

At this point, MJ had enough. [color=red]“Oh come on dad! That’s not fair. It’s not my fault mom left your drunk ass years ago because you couldn’t keep a job!”[/color] As soon as the words left his mouth, MJ instantly regretted it.

“DON’T YOU DARE TALK BACK TO ME BOY!” Phillip shouted, as he grabbed MJ’s shirt. “Let me remind you who’s really in charge here.”

But just before Phillip could deliver another blow, there was a tap on the window, and a familiar pink masked superhero on the other side. [color=pink]“Oi, you might want to keep it down. I can hear your screaming for miles!”[/color]

MJ’s eyes widened as he turned to see Danny… uh… Spider-Man outside the window. It was to know someone familiar was nearby.

Phillip released his grip on MJ’s shirt, momentarily distracted by the unexpected visitor. His expression twisted into a sneer as he glared at Spider-Man. “Who the hell do you think you are, interrupting me in my own home?” he snarled.

But Spider-Man remained unfazed, his posture relaxed as he leaned casually against the window frame. [color=pink]“Just a concerned citizen, making sure everything’s alright.”[/color] he replied. [color=pink]“But it sounds like you could use a reminder about how to treat your family with respect.”[/color]

Phillip rolled his eyes at the implication, his fists clenching at his sides. “You think you can lecture me about respect, you masked freak? You don’t know the first thing about—” He starred slurring and passed out. 

MJ ran up to the window to open it, and let Danny… Spider-Man in. [color=red]“Thanks for the save bro. I knew I could trust you!”[/color]

[color=pink]“No problem, MJ. Just doing my friendly neighborhood superhero duty.”[/color] he replied stepping into the apartment. He glanced around at the scene before him, of Phillip passed out on the couch. He turned back to MJ sympathetically. [color=pink]“You okay, buddy?”[/color]

MJ let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. [color=red]“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just another day in the life.”[/color] he said with a chuckle, trying to play off the seriousness of the situation.

Spider-Man nodded understandingly. [color=pink]“Well, if you ever need someone to talk to or a hand with anything, you know where to find me.”[/color]

[color=red]“Thanks, Spider-Man. I appreciate it.”[/color] And then, in an impulsive move, MJ, lifted Spider-Man’s mask a little, to reveal his lips, and gave Spider-Man a passionate kiss.

This was not how Danny was expecting to get his first kiss, yet here it was happening. He was surprised by the sudden gesture, but put his arms around MJ’s shoulders, and returned the gesture. Was it unprofessional? Especially with what MJ is going through? Probably. But that didn’t change the fact that Danny was getting to kiss a cute boy, and it was amazing. Especially with his situation with Chase.

They kissed for a good five minutes before Spider-Man pulled away. [color=pink]“Well that was unexpected… Not that I’m complaining…”[/color]

[color=red]“Sorry, Spider-Man.”[/color] MJ said, his voice tinged with embarrassment. [color=red]“I don’t know what came over me. It was… uh… impulsive.”[/color]

Spider-Man chuckled softly. [color=pink]“Hey, no need to apologize. I’m flattered, really. But maybe we should save the kisses for when there aren’t unconscious dads in the room.”[/color]

MJ couldn’t help but laugh. [color=red]“Yeah, probably a good idea.”[/color]

With a final nod of understanding, Spider-Man turned to leave, but not before casting one last reassuring glance back at MJ. [color=pink]“Take care of yourself, MJ.”[/color] he said sincerely. [color=pink]“And remember, I’ll always be here if you need me. Oh, and I better not see this on Social Media with the caption “I kissed Spider-Man, not clickbait.” Let’s keep this between us ok?”[/color]

MJ nodded. [color=red]“Of course, Spider-Man. Your secret is safe with me.”[/color] He made a zipping motion across his lips for emphasis.

Spider-Man returned the gesture with a playful salute before swinging gracefully out of the window and disappearing into the night.

With a deep breath, MJ turned back to his father, still slumped on the couch, and began to contemplate his next steps.