Bonds That Strengthen

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Peter took a deep breath as they stepped through the familiar halls of Stark Tower, his thoughts still lingering on the day’s events. It was good to be back, surrounded by everyone he loved. Tony had already made his way to the lab with Steve, likely strategizing on Hydra’s next steps, while MJ gave Peter’s hand a last squeeze before heading off to join the rest of the Avengers.

Peter was making his way to his room to rest when he felt a small hand tug on his arm. He turned to see Morgan standing there, her eyes wide with worry and relief.

“You okay, little bro?” she asked, a smirk tugging at her lips. She always emphasized “little,” despite only being five minutes older, and it was a running joke between them.

Peter grinned back. “More than okay. Thanks to you and everyone.”

Morgan rolled her eyes. “You know, I had to keep ‘Pops’ from pacing a hole in the floor while you were gone. You owe me.”

They shared a laugh, each finding comfort in the other’s presence. Moments like these reminded Peter just how much his sister meant to him.

Peter chuckled, ruffling Morgan’s hair. “Alright, alright, I owe you. Maybe I’ll even let you beat me in Mario Kart.”

Morgan raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a smirk. “Let me beat you? As if you even stand a chance!”

Peter rolled his eyes, amused. “We’ll see about that.”

As they walked down the hall toward the rec room, the weight of the recent battle slowly lifted, replaced by the familiar comfort of their sibling banter. Morgan led the way, practically bouncing with excitement, and Peter couldn’t help but smile, his worries fading as he focused on their shared moment.

Once inside, they each grabbed a controller and settled onto the couch, the screen lighting up as the game loaded. The world outside disappeared, and for a while, there was only the thrill of the race and their laughter filling the room.

Morgan elbowed him lightly as she pulled ahead in the game. “So, are you going to tell me how you got yourself into trouble this time?” she teased, her tone lighthearted but her eyes full of concern.

Peter hesitated, then gave her a half-smile. “Long story. Let’s just say Voss wasn’t too happy with me.”

Morgan frowned, her hands stilling on the controller. “I know you’re Spider-Man, Peter, but… sometimes I just wish you didn’t have to go through all this. You know?”

Peter felt a wave of warmth at her words, touched by her concern. “I know, Morgs. But I wouldn’t change it, not when it means protecting you and everyone I care about.”

She gave him a small, understanding nod. “Just promise me you’ll be careful? I kind of like having you around.”

Peter grinned, nudging her. “Promise. Can’t let you win every time, right?”

Morgan rolled her eyes. “You’re just scared of losing.”

They dissolved into laughter, the game forgotten as they teased each other, the bond between them growing stronger in the quiet comfort of their shared moment.

As Peter and Morgan continued their playful banter, the door swung open, revealing Harley with his signature grin plastered across his face.

“Hey, losers! Mind if I join your Mario Kart championship?” he called out, bouncing on his feet.

“Sure, but just know you’re stepping into the ring with the reigning champ,” Morgan shot back, her competitive spirit igniting.

Peter raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “I thought I was the champ!”

Harley laughed, plopping down on the couch next to them. “In your dreams, Parker. Let’s be real; I’ve seen you lose too many times.”

Morgan and Peter exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with mischief. “Alright, Harley, let’s see what you’ve got,” Peter said, tossing him a controller.

The three friends settled in, and the atmosphere shifted to one of friendly rivalry. As the race began, laughter filled the room. Harley was animated, shouting commands at the screen, while Morgan and Peter strategized how to block him from taking the lead.

“Watch out for that banana peel, Harley!” Morgan called, her finger hovering over the button to unleash her own item. “Get ready to eat dust!”

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” Harley replied, swerving wildly as he barely avoided the impending obstacle.

Peter couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the camaraderie wrap around them like a warm blanket. He loved these moments when the weight of their lives faded away, leaving just friendship and fun.

As they raced, Morgan managed to zoom past both boys, her character crossing the finish line first. “Ha! Victory is mine!” she exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and striking a victory pose.

“Not fair! You totally cheated!” Peter protested, but he was grinning ear to ear.

Harley shook his head, panting dramatically. “Okay, okay, let’s reset and go again. But this time, I’m putting you both in your places!”

After a few rounds filled with laughter and the occasional friendly argument, Morgan suddenly said, “Hey, what do you think would happen if we teamed up against the adults?”

Peter raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You mean like a secret mission?”

“Exactly! We could outsmart them!” Morgan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “And I bet they wouldn’t see it coming.”

Harley nodded enthusiastically. “I’m in! We could pull off some classic sibling-style mischief. You know, like pranking Tony and Steve while they’re busy planning their next ‘big strategy’ meeting.”

“Count me in,” Peter said, his competitive spirit ignited by Morgan’s idea. “But we need to plan this carefully. We can’t let them catch us.”

Morgan’s grin widened as they began brainstorming ideas, their laughter echoing through the room. Peter felt a swell of gratitude for the bond they shared, especially after everything they had just faced. In the midst of chaos, it was these moments of lightheartedness that reminded him of what they were fighting for—each other and the laughter that filled their lives.

As they plotted their playful coup against their parents, Peter felt a sense of normalcy return. He knew that no matter the battles they faced, they would always have each other—and that was the strongest weapon of all.

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