As the movie played on, Peter drifted in and out of sleep, the comforting atmosphere of the room lulling him into a state of relaxation. Occasionally, he would catch snippets of the film—a thrilling chase scene, a clever one-liner from Tony, the soft laughter of his family echoing around him. It was everything he needed to push aside the heaviness of their recent mission.
During a particularly intense moment in the movie, Peter felt a light nudge against his shoulder. Blinking awake, he turned to find Natasha leaning closer, a playful grin on her face. “Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Missed the best part. You need to keep up, or I’ll have to start narrating.”
Peter chuckled, wiping the sleep from his eyes. “Sorry, aunt Nat. Just... tired, I guess.”
She studied him for a moment, her expression softening. “You know, it’s okay to be tired after everything. You don’t have to put on a brave face all the time.”
Peter looked down at his hands, realizing how much he had tried to push aside the weight of the mission. “I know. I just... I want to be strong for everyone. Especially after what happened.”
Natasha nodded, understanding. “You are strong, Peter. You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders alone. Remember, we’re a team. We face everything together.”
He smiled at her reassurance, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “Thanks, Aunt Nat. That means a lot.”
“Anytime, kid,” she replied, her voice warm and encouraging. “And I may not wear a cape, but I’ll always be here if you need me.”
As the film continued, Natasha shifted slightly, making space for Peter to snuggle closer. She placed a protective arm around him, mirroring the way Tony and Steve held each other. “You know, I used to think I had to be invincible to fit in with the Avengers. But it turns out, vulnerability is part of being a hero too.”
Peter tilted his head, considering her words. “Is that why you’re always so tough on us?”
“Partly,” she admitted with a chuckle. “I push you all because I see the potential in each of you. But I also want you to know it’s okay to lean on others. We’re all in this together.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, watching the film unfold. Every now and then, Natasha would comment on the action, adding her own witty remarks that had Peter chuckling.
Eventually, during a quiet scene where the heroes shared a heartfelt moment, Natasha turned to Peter. “What’s it like, being a hero and a kid at the same time?”
Peter pondered the question. “It’s kind of crazy. Sometimes, I feel like I have to be both. Like, I want to enjoy being a kid, but I also feel this responsibility to help people. It can get overwhelming.”
Natasha nodded, her expression thoughtful. “That’s normal, you know. Even the toughest heroes feel that pressure. Just remember, you don’t have to face it alone. Your family is here to help you shoulder that burden.”
“Thanks, Aunt Nat,” he said, his voice sincere. “I really appreciate that. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this.”
“Never,” she replied, pulling him a little closer. “You’ll always have me, Peter. And we can fight our battles together.”
As the movie drew to a close, Peter felt a warmth spread through him, knowing that even in the chaos of their lives, moments like these—filled with laughter, love, and understanding—were what truly mattered. And as he nestled closer to Natasha, he felt grateful for her presence, realizing she would always be a steady anchor in his life.
The movie ended, and the credits rolled, casting a soft glow across the room. The Avengers exchanged playful banter about their favorite moments, but Peter remained focused on Natasha. He could see the fatigue in her eyes, a reflection of the battles they all fought.
"Aunt Nat,” he said softly, drawing her attention, “I know we all have our moments where we doubt ourselves. But... you’re really one of the strongest people I know. You’ve faced so much, and you still stand tall.”
She smiled at him, her expression a mix of pride and humility. “Thanks, kid. But remember, strength isn’t just about how many battles you’ve won. It’s also about how you deal with the aftermath, how you support others through their struggles.”
Peter nodded, absorbing her wisdom. He admired Natasha for her resilience and her ability to navigate through darkness while still finding light. “You’ve taught me that. I guess that’s why I feel like I can come to you when things get rough.”
“Always,” she affirmed. “And don’t forget that it’s okay to ask for help. We’re all here for each other. Even when things seem impossible, we’re stronger together.”
As the laughter in the room began to subside, Natasha stood and stretched, a satisfied smile on her face. “I think it’s time for a snack break. Who’s with me?”
“I’m in!” Peter jumped up, eager to join her. The thought of food, especially after the intense day they’d had, sounded like the perfect remedy. He followed Natasha into the kitchen, where the scent of popcorn lingered in the air.
They rummaged through the cabinets, pulling out chips, fruit, and whatever else they could find. Natasha expertly maneuvered around the kitchen, filling bowls and pouring drinks, while Peter admired her efficiency.
“You know, I can’t wait until I can cook like you,” he said, grabbing a handful of chips.
Natasha laughed, shaking her head. “You’re already doing great, Spider-Boy. Just don’t burn the kitchen down when you try.”
Peter grinned, recalling the last time he attempted to make dinner. “It wasn’t that bad! Just a little smoke… okay, maybe a lot.”
“Exactly. So, let’s stick to snacks for now,” she teased. “You can practice your culinary skills when you have more time.”
They set up a small feast on the living room table, returning to the couch to join the rest of the Avengers, who were already diving into a heated discussion about the film.
“Did you see how they pulled that off?” Clint exclaimed, gesturing animatedly. “I mean, that was classic teamwork!”
Peter and Natasha settled in, sharing their snacks and enjoying the lively discussion. Every laugh and shout made Peter feel more at home, more part of something special.
During a lull in the conversation, Peter turned to Natasha, who was watching the group with a fond expression. “You know, I really appreciate you. You’re always there when I need you.”
She glanced at him, her gaze softening. “You mean a lot to me too, Peter. I might be tough on you, but it’s because I see how capable you are. I believe in you.”
“Thanks, Aunt Nat,” he replied, feeling a rush of gratitude. “It means everything.”
As the night wore on, the Avengers continued to reminisce about their battles and triumphs, but Peter’s focus remained on the small moments—the way Natasha would throw in a clever remark or the way Tony and Steve exchanged knowing glances, full of love and support.
Finally, as the hour grew late, Natasha leaned back against the couch, looking at Peter. “You know, I might not say it enough, but I’m proud of you. For everything you’ve faced and how you keep pushing forward.”
Peter beamed at her words, feeling a swell of warmth in his chest. “I’ll keep fighting, just like you taught me.”
“Good,” she said, her tone serious but warm. “Just remember, it’s okay to take a break too. You don’t have to be the hero all the time.”
“Got it,” Peter replied, smiling at the thought. He felt grateful for the reminder, the reassurance that even in his superhero world, he could embrace both his strengths and his vulnerabilities.
With the night winding down and everyone sharing stories and laughter, Peter knew he was exactly where he belonged—surrounded by family, ready to face whatever came next, with Natasha always by his side.
YOU ARE READING
His Protective Dad Completed ✓
FanfictionA story of Peter Parker (Stark) and his sweet, dangerous yet loving dad Tony Stark. A story where a 16 yrs old boy loves his father dearly, who can do to make his son smile. But what happened when his dad found out about him (peter) getting bullied...
