His Protective Dad (Starker FF)

Behind Closed Doors

As the sounds of laughter and mischief echoed from the rec room, Tony and Steve found themselves in the quiet of the home office. The dim light filtered through the large windows, casting soft shadows as they settled into their respective chairs.

“I can hear the chaos from here,” Tony said, leaning back with a smirk. “Do you think we should intervene, or let them have their fun?”

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. “Let them have their moments. They need to unwind, especially after everything that’s happened with Peter and Hydra.”

Tony’s expression shifted, concern creeping into his features. “Yeah, but sometimes I worry they’re not fully aware of the dangers out there. Morgan is still young, and Peter… well, he’s still adjusting to everything, including his powers.”

Steve leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I understand your worries, Tony. But they’ve been through a lot together. They’re stronger than they think, especially with you and me watching their backs.”

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, but I can’t help feeling protective. Sometimes I wish I could just wrap them all in bubble wrap and keep them safe.”

Steve smiled softly. “You’re a great dad, Tony. You’re doing your best to protect them, and they know that. It’s natural to want to shield them from harm, but they also need to grow and learn from these experiences.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Tony replied, glancing at the door where the kids were. “But there’s a difference between growing up and being thrown into the fire, you know?”

Steve nodded, understanding the weight behind Tony’s words. “Trust me, I understand better than anyone. I’ve seen what the world can throw at our kids, and it scares me too. But they’re resilient. They’ll find their way.”

“Sometimes I wish I had your confidence,” Tony admitted, his gaze drifting to the window. “You have this unwavering faith in them.”

Steve reached over, placing a reassuring hand on Tony’s shoulder. “That’s because I see the love and support they have. They’re a family. And families protect each other, just like we do.”

Tony looked back at Steve, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Steve. I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate you being here. You make this whole parenting thing a lot easier.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Steve replied, smiling. “We’re in this together.”

Just then, the sounds of laughter grew louder, breaking the seriousness of their conversation. Tony chuckled softly, shaking his head.

“They’re definitely up to something,” he said, rising from his chair. “Come on, let’s go check it out before they manage to destroy the place.”

As they made their way to the rec room, the laughter only intensified, filling Tony with a sense of warmth. This was their family—chaotic, loud, and fiercely loyal. He glanced at Steve, who smiled back, and in that moment, Tony knew they would face whatever came their way together.

---

When they entered the room, the sight that greeted them was both amusing and a little chaotic. Peter, dressed as Spider-Man, was attempting to scale the walls while Morgan, clad in her pig costume, was cheering him on. Wade, in his cow costume, was dancing like no one was watching, and MJ was trying to convince him to be more serious.

“Alright, alright, what’s going on in here?” Tony called out, arms crossed but a smile on his face.

The room went silent, and all eyes turned toward the doorway.

“Uh, just practicing some superhero skills,” Peter replied, trying to play it cool but failing miserably as he wobbled slightly on the makeshift wall.

Steve couldn’t help but chuckle. “Looks more like you’re practicing your falling skills.”

“Hey! I had it under control!” Peter insisted, though the way he nearly toppled over suggested otherwise.

Morgan jumped in, hands on her hips. “We’re just having fun! You can’t be mad at us for that!”

Tony raised an eyebrow. “Fun? Is that what you call climbing walls and pretending to be farm animals?”

MJ stepped forward, a sheepish smile on her face. “We promise it’s all in good fun. Besides, we could use some laughter after everything.”

“Alright,” Tony relented, his smile softening. “Just keep it down and don’t break anything, alright?”

“Yes, Dad!” Morgan chimed, rolling her eyes playfully.

As Tony and Steve settled onto the couch, the laughter resumed, and the atmosphere lightened. For a moment, they could forget about the shadows lurking outside, focusing instead on the joy of being together as a family.

Tony glanced at Steve, their silent understanding palpable. No matter the chaos, they had each other—and together, they would keep their family safe.