His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

Unraveling Secrets

Morgan tapped her pen rhythmically against the kitchen table, her mind wandering to the peculiar nickname F.R.I.D.A.Y. had for her—Baby Shark. She always thought it was Tony’s doing, one of his playful gestures, but lately, something didn’t sit right with her. There was a mischievous spark in Peter's eyes every time the AI used it. It made her curious.

Across the table, Peter pretended to be engrossed in his homework, though his occasional sideways glance toward Morgan didn’t go unnoticed. Tony, on the other hand, was busy tinkering with a holographic blueprint, his genius brain lost in some new Stark Industries project.

Finally, Morgan couldn't hold back her suspicion any longer.

"Peter," she said, her voice full of faux innocence, "you didn’t by any chance… program F.R.I.D.A.Y. to call me Baby Shark, did you?"

Peter froze, his eyes wide for a split second before he quickly looked down at his notes. "Me? Why would I do that?"

Morgan raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Because it sounds like something you would do."

Tony glanced up from his work, his face wearing an amused grin. "You know, Kid, she's got a point. You do have a thing for programming nicknames."

Peter sighed dramatically, slumping in his chair. "Okay, fine! It was me. But come on, Morgs, you love it!"

Morgan shot him a playful glare, though the corners of her mouth twitched up. "Yeah, I do. But you're so busted."

Before Peter could come up with a defense, Tony chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "Good job, kiddo. You're officially part of the Stark legacy—annoying nicknames and all."

Peter grinned, relieved that Morgan wasn’t truly upset. But deep down, he was thinking about a more serious secret—one that Morgan knew about but had never brought up. His history with the bullies at school. The other Avengers were still clueless, and Peter preferred to keep it that way, at least for now.

Just as Peter was about to change the subject, F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s voice filled the room.

"Boss, Captain Rogers is approaching with Mr. Barnes. ETA five minutes."

Tony raised an eyebrow, a sly grin forming on his face. "Ah, Pops and the Winter Soldier, coming for a visit. Perfect timing."

Morgan and Peter exchanged knowing looks. "Pops?" Peter asked teasingly. "You gonna call him that to his face, Dad?"

Tony shot him a playful glare. "Not a chance. That’s your job, kid."

Morgan giggled as Peter laughed. The banter between them always lightened the room, but even with the upcoming visit, Peter couldn’t shake the weight of what Morgan knew. He trusted her completely, but he also knew that secrets had a way of unraveling. And with the Avengers always nearby, it felt like only a matter of time before someone else found out.

As the sound of Steve and Bucky’s approaching footsteps echoed through the hallway, Peter’s anxiety simmered beneath the surface. He had always been good at keeping his emotions in check, especially in front of the other Avengers, but with Morgan knowing everything about his past… it felt different. What if she accidentally let something slip?

The door to the kitchen swung open, and in strolled Steve and Bucky, both looking as if they had just stepped off a battlefield. Bucky’s metal arm glinted under the bright lights, and Steve’s familiar, reassuring smile instantly filled the room with warmth.

“Pops!” Morgan greeted cheerfully, jumping up from her seat and racing over to give Steve a hug.

Steve chuckled, lifting her off the ground effortlessly. “How’s my little troublemaker doing?”

Morgan beamed. “Not causing too much trouble. Peter’s the one you should watch out for.”

Peter shot her a mock glare. “I’m innocent.”

Bucky smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Sure, kid. And I’m a choir boy.”

Tony snorted from the back of the room, not looking up from his work. “You’d better believe it, Tin Man.”

As the room buzzed with laughter, Peter found himself relaxing, even if only for a moment. The Avengers had always been his family, and seeing them together like this made him feel safe. But that security always came with a price—he’d been carrying the weight of his secret struggles alone for so long. He glanced at Morgan, who gave him a small, knowing smile.

Suddenly, Steve’s voice cut through the laughter. “So, Pete, how’s school? Still acing those science classes?”

Peter’s heart skipped a beat. The question was innocent enough, but it was also a reminder of the very thing he had been trying to keep hidden. He quickly forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah, everything’s good. No complaints.”

Steve gave him an approving nod, but Bucky narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, as if sensing that something wasn’t quite right. He didn’t say anything, though, and Peter silently prayed that the topic would drop.

“Good,” Steve said. “Just remember, we’re here if you ever need anything—whether it’s school, patrol, or anything else.”

Peter nodded again, though his mind was racing. The Avengers were always there for him, but he wasn’t ready to let them in on this part of his life. Not yet.

Bucky seemed to be studying him, and for a moment, Peter wondered if the former Winter Soldier could see right through his facade. “You sure everything’s good, kid?” Bucky asked, his tone more serious than before.

Before Peter could respond, Tony chimed in, walking over with a drink in hand. “Barnes, leave the kid alone. He’s a Stark, remember? We handle things.”

The room filled with lighthearted banter again, but Peter’s nerves were still on edge. As Steve and Bucky settled in, Peter took a moment to excuse himself, heading toward the hallway. He needed a break, a moment to breathe.

Morgan followed him, her voice soft. “You okay?”

Peter leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah… I just—there’s so much I’m not saying, Morgs. What if they find out?”

Morgan frowned, her big brown eyes full of concern. “They’ll understand, Peter. I know they will. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Peter exhaled, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. He knew Morgan was right, but the idea of opening up to the rest of the Avengers still felt overwhelming. Especially when he had spent so long trying to keep it buried.

“I’ll think about it,” Peter mumbled. “But for now, can we keep it between us?”

Morgan nodded solemnly. “Of course. But if you ever change your mind…”

“I know.” Peter smiled faintly and ruffled her hair, just as Tony called from the other room.

“Hey, Peter! Pops and Tin Man want to run a sparring session with you tomorrow. Hope you’re ready.”

Peter rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “Guess I’ve got no choice.”

Morgan smiled too, but as they headed back into the kitchen, the weight of Peter’s secret lingered between them, waiting for the day when it would finally come to light.