His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

Facing The Consequences

Tuesday morning dawned with a clear sky, but Peter felt a weight in his chest as he prepared for school. The events of the weekend and the aftermath had left him drained, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to face the stares and whispers waiting for him. Beside him, MJ looked equally tense but gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Remember, we’re in this together,” she said softly, her gaze steady. “Whatever happens, we’ll handle it.”

Peter took a deep breath and nodded, grateful for her strength. Knowing she’d be there with him made it a little easier to face the day ahead.

---

As they walked into the school building, it was clear Tony’s statement had done little to quiet the gossip. Everywhere they went, people paused, eyes widening, and hushed conversations followed them down the hallway. Some students offered polite smiles, while others stared in blatant disbelief. A few murmured questions reached his ears, and he could even make out snatches of sentences like “Stark’s actually married?” and “Did you hear who he’s with?”

Morgan, who had walked ahead of Peter and MJ to her own class, glanced back, giving them an encouraging nod. She wasn’t about to let her brother and sister-in-law face this alone.

Just then, Jason and Rachel walked by, a satisfied smirk plastered on Jason’s face. Peter clenched his jaw, holding back a retort as Jason called out, “Enjoying the attention, Stark? Guess that little secret of yours couldn’t stay hidden forever.”

Ignoring him, Peter turned his gaze forward, determined not to give Jason the satisfaction of a reaction. But MJ wasn’t so easily swayed. She stepped forward, her voice calm but sharp.

“You might want to be careful, Jason. Messing with people’s lives doesn’t tend to end well.” She gave him a look that spoke volumes, and Jason faltered, though he quickly masked it with a sneer.

“Whatever you say, Mrs. Stark,” he shot back, sarcasm dripping from his tone as he walked away with Rachel.

Peter glanced at MJ, admiration in his eyes. “Thanks.”

She shrugged, offering a small smile. “They’ll get bored eventually.”

---

Throughout the day, Peter endured more questions, whispered conversations, and the occasional probing look from classmates. He kept his head down, focusing on his work and staying close to MJ whenever possible. By lunchtime, the attention was beginning to subside, and some of the novelty seemed to be wearing off.

As he sat with MJ, Morgan, and a few friends, he felt a sense of relief. Being surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him, who saw beyond the gossip, made all the difference.

---

After school, as they made their way home, Peter checked his phone to see Tony’s official tweet still gaining traction online. People were commenting their support, and the media had begun to respect Tony’s request for privacy.

When they arrived at Stark Tower, Tony and Steve were waiting, their expressions warm and proud.

“You handled today well, both of you,” Steve said, pulling Peter into a hug. “Not many people your age could deal with this as gracefully as you have.”

Peter smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. Tony ruffled his hair and added, “Now that it’s all out in the open, you can focus on what matters—your family and your future. Let the rest fade into the background.”

Peter nodded, glancing at MJ with a renewed sense of peace. Together, they’d face whatever came next, knowing that their family had their backs.

As they settled into the comfort of Stark Tower, Peter felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The whirlwind of emotions from the past few days had taken its toll. He glanced at MJ, who was already engaged in a light-hearted conversation with Morgan about school, and he couldn’t help but smile. Despite everything, they had each other.

Tony cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “So, I was thinking,” he began, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “maybe we could have a little family gathering this weekend. Nothing like a few burgers and some quality time to remind everyone who the real Starks are.”

Steve chuckled. “Just keep the grill away from Peter, okay? We don’t want him trying to cook again.”

“Hey! I’ll have you know my last attempt wasn’t that bad,” Peter protested, a playful pout forming on his lips.

“Yeah, if you’re into charcoal-flavored hot dogs,” Morgan chimed in, giggling.

MJ rolled her eyes, laughing. “Let’s just stick to what we know best: ordering takeout and letting Tony burn the burgers.”

“Fine, fine, takeout it is!” Tony exclaimed with mock defeat. “But you’re all missing out on my culinary genius.”

As the banter continued, Peter felt the tension of the day slowly dissipating. The warmth of family surrounded him, reminding him of the love and support that defined his life. He appreciated the sense of normalcy that was returning, even amidst the chaos.

After dinner, as they all gathered in the living room, Peter took a moment to reflect. “You know, I didn’t think I’d feel okay after everything that happened with Jason and Rachel,” he admitted, his voice contemplative. “But I realized today that their opinions don’t matter. What matters is you guys and how we support each other.”

Steve nodded, pride evident in his expression. “Exactly, Peter. You’re learning an important lesson. People will talk, but those who truly care about you will always be there.”

Tony leaned back in his chair, a proud smile on his face. “And remember, this family is always ready to back you up. No one messes with a Stark without facing the consequences.”

Just then, Peter’s phone buzzed with a notification. He picked it up, his heart racing as he read the latest comment on Tony’s tweet. “Looks like some fans are actually being really supportive,” he said, sharing his screen with everyone. The comments ranged from heartfelt messages congratulating them to a few playful jokes that eased the tension in the room.

“See? You’re already winning the internet,” MJ said, nudging him playfully.

As the evening wore on, laughter filled the air, and they shared stories, reminiscing about moments that had solidified their bond. Peter knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he had a family that loved him unconditionally. And with MJ by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next.