Holding The fort

1 0 0
                                    

Days turned into weeks, and the initial shock of Peter, Tony, and Steve’s sudden departure began to settle into a constant, quiet worry. The Avengers Tower, usually buzzing with the banter and laughter of friends and family, now felt heavier, as if the walls themselves missed their presence. Morgan, MJ, Wade, Ned, and Harley, along with the other Avengers, tried to keep life as normal as possible, but every empty chair or unoccupied room served as a reminder of those missing.

Morgan took to training more rigorously, spending hours in the gym or on the training floor with Natasha, who helped her channel her anxiety into strength. She masked her worry with determination, but everyone could see the fear in her eyes. Natasha often caught her glancing out the windows, hoping for some sign of her family’s return.

MJ, on the other hand, kept herself busy by taking on responsibilities in Peter’s absence. She helped coordinate efforts with SHIELD and other team members, making sure the Tower was secure. Late at night, she’d find herself alone, re-reading old messages from Peter, reassuring herself that he’d come back to her, just as he always did.

Harley and Wade, inseparable as ever, found comfort in tinkering together in Tony’s workshop. They spent hours building devices, running tests, and, sometimes, just sitting in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Occasionally, they’d share a laugh, but it always felt a bit hollow without their friend and mentor there with them.

Ned kept everyone’s spirits up the best he could, making jokes and attempting to lighten the mood, but even he found it hard to keep his worry at bay. He’d taken to learning more about Stark Tower’s security systems, hoping he could contribute in some way if trouble came their way.

One evening, as the group sat together in the common area, Wanda and Pietro joined them, sensing the heaviness hanging in the air. Wanda gave Morgan a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, while Pietro offered a small smile to MJ.

“We’ve all been through our share of missions and separations,” Wanda began softly. “But I want you to know they’re strong—they’re fighters. And so are we.”

Pietro nodded. “And remember, we’re not alone. We’ve got each other, and they’ll come back to us.”

As the night deepened, they shared stories, laughing about old memories and silly moments with Peter, Tony, and Steve. For a moment, the worry faded, replaced by the warmth of shared memories and the hope that soon, their family would be whole again.

---

Days Later

A month had passed, and while the anxiety lingered, they were starting to adjust. Just as the sun dipped below the skyline one evening, F.R.I.D.A.Y. alerted them to an incoming message.

“Message from Mr. Stark,” the AI chimed, and everyone froze, hearts pounding with anticipation.

MJ stepped forward, her voice steady but soft. “Put it through, F.R.I.D.A.Y.”

Tony’s voice filled the room, sounding tired yet steady. “Hey, everyone… I know it’s been a while, but we’re almost done here. Just a little longer.”

Behind him, Peter’s voice broke through, cheerful but clearly exhausted. “We’re okay, guys. Can’t wait to see you all soon!”

Steve added, his tone warm, “Stay safe. We’ll be back before you know it.”

As the message ended, the room erupted with relieved cheers and hugs, a wave of hope washing over them. They knew they’d have to wait a little longer, but now, with renewed spirits, they could face it together.

The days passed slowly after the message, each one stretching with anticipation. Everyone counted down to their loved ones’ return, preparing everything they could to welcome them back. But just as the excitement reached its peak, F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s voice cut through the Tower with a sharp, unexpected alert.

“Warning: Quinjet compromised. Incoming on emergency protocol. Significant injuries detected.”

The air in the room grew cold as everyone processed F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s words. MJ’s hand flew to her mouth, her heart pounding. Morgan’s face went pale, a mix of shock and dread in her eyes as she clutched at Harley’s arm for support. They all rushed to the rooftop, fear and worry racing through their minds.

The Quinjet’s approach was rough, its hull battered and smoking, as if it had been through a warzone. The hatch hissed open, and there they were—Tony, Steve, and Peter—each leaning on the other, their clothes torn and faces bruised, but alive.

Tony staggered out first, holding his side, a gash running along his forehead. Steve followed, his right arm in a makeshift sling, his face etched with exhaustion. But it was Peter who looked the worst. His face was marred with cuts, bruises covering his arms and neck, his breathing labored. His enhanced healing had clearly helped him stay on his feet, but the marks on his body were raw, a testament to the fierce fight they had barely survived.

Peter noticed everyone’s horrified looks and managed a small, tired smile. “We’re here. We made it.”

Morgan ran to her dad, carefully wrapping her arms around him, her voice trembling. “Dad, are you okay?”

Tony gave a faint smile, wincing as he patted her head. “Hey, sweetheart. Just a few scratches. You know, nothing a little rest won’t fix.”

Steve, grimacing as he adjusted his injured arm, tried to reassure them. “Peter… Peter got us through. He… he saved us out there.”

Peter’s gaze softened as he glanced between his dads. Despite his visible injuries, he reached out to steady Tony and Steve, his voice filled with quiet strength. “I couldn’t let anything happen to them. Not after everything.”

MJ took Peter’s hand, her fingers brushing over his bruises, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I’m so glad you’re back. We were all so worried.”

Peter gave her a gentle squeeze. “I told you… I’d come back to you.” His voice, though soft, held a resilience that echoed the bond they all shared.

Natasha stepped forward, guiding the trio toward the Tower’s med bay, her expression soft with relief but lined with concern. “Let’s get you patched up. You’ve all done enough.”

As they moved inside, the rest of the group gathered around, their hands resting on shoulders, sharing looks of relief and admiration. They watched as Peter, Tony, and Steve leaned on each other, their injuries visible but their spirits unbroken.

---

Later That Night

After hours of treatment, Peter, Tony, and Steve were finally settled in the lounge, wrapped in blankets, bruises cleaned and bandaged. Though exhausted, they were surrounded by their family, the room filled with quiet conversations and gentle laughter.

Peter sat between MJ and Morgan, his arm around his sister, while Tony and Steve sat close by, each resting but always casting protective glances toward the other. For a moment, the pain and exhaustion faded, replaced by the warmth of being home.

Morgan rested her head on Peter’s shoulder, her voice soft. “I knew you’d make it back. All of you.”

Peter nodded, his eyes heavy but full of resolve. “We promised, didn’t we?”

The night passed slowly, the weight of their mission easing as they realized that, despite the battle scars, they had each other. And together, they would face whatever came next.

His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓Where stories live. Discover now