His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

Finding Solace

As the day faded into evening, the clearing was filled with the remnants of their earlier confrontation with Hydra. Peter stood quietly, his mind racing with everything that had just transpired. Despite Morgan’s steady recovery, a lingering heaviness settled in his chest, a weight that threatened to crush him under its pressure.

“Peter,” Morgan called softly, her voice a gentle reminder of the bond they shared. “I’m okay, really. Just focus on yourself for a moment.”

He turned to her, trying to smile, but the effort felt monumental. “I just…” His voice faltered, caught in a web of emotions he couldn’t untangle. “I can’t stop thinking about what happened. You were… you were gone, Morgan. I thought I lost you.”

Morgan reached out, her hand warm and reassuring. “You didn’t lose me. I’m right here.” She paused, studying his face. “But you need to let it out, Peter. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.”

Peter nodded, but the words felt stuck in his throat. What he really wanted was to hide away from the world, to escape the chaos that had seeped into their lives. As if sensing his turmoil, he looked toward the direction where he knew Tony would be, his heart aching for the comfort only his dad could provide.

“Can we… can we find Dad?” Peter asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Morgan’s expression softened. “Of course. He’ll know how to help.”

With a shaky breath, Peter turned and started walking toward the nearby cabin where Tony had settled after ensuring Morgan’s safety. Each step felt heavier than the last, the fear of losing his family mingling with the relief of having Morgan back. When they reached the cabin, Peter hesitated for just a moment, the door feeling like a threshold between his emotions and the comfort he desperately needed.

“Hey, Dad?” he called out, his voice wavering as he opened the door.

Tony looked up from where he was examining some equipment, his expression instantly shifting from focus to concern. “Peter! What’s wrong?” He dropped everything and rushed over, his eyes scanning Peter for any signs of distress.

“Can I… can I just be with you for a minute?” Peter asked, his voice small, barely able to mask the storm of emotions inside.

“Of course,” Tony replied, his tone immediately soothing. He opened his arms, and Peter didn’t hesitate. He rushed into Tony’s embrace, burying his face against his dad’s shoulder, feeling the warmth and security wash over him.

Tony wrapped his arms tightly around Peter, holding him as if he were a fragile glass ornament. “Hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “You’re safe now.”

The floodgates opened as Peter let out a shaky breath, tears spilling over. “I was so scared, Dad. When they had Morgan… I thought I wouldn’t see her again. And I didn’t know how to help her.”

“I know, buddy. I know,” Tony replied, his voice thick with emotion as he rubbed soothing circles on Peter’s back. “You’re so brave for everything you’ve done. You helped bring her back. You fought for your sister.”

“But what if I hadn’t?” Peter choked out, his voice breaking. “What if I couldn’t save her?”

“That didn’t happen, and you need to remember that,” Tony said firmly but gently. “You did everything you could. You’re stronger than you think, Peter. We all are. This family—” he gestured to the cabin and the clearing outside, “—we face our battles together. No one fights alone.”

Peter felt his heart swell with the comfort of Tony’s words, but the weight of what had happened still pressed down on him. “I just feel so lost sometimes,” he confessed, his voice muffled against Tony’s shoulder. “Everything’s so overwhelming.”