His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

Unmasking The Weight

The following day, Peter felt a bit lighter, as though a burden had been lifted after finally confiding in MJ. He still had his worries, but the realization that he didn’t have to bear them alone brought a small, steady comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time.

As he arrived at school, he spotted Ned and Morgan waiting by his locker, deep in conversation. When they saw him, they exchanged a quick look, one he’d seen a hundred times before. They were worried about him. No matter how much he tried to hide it, his friends knew him too well to be fooled.

“Hey, Pete!” Ned greeted him, attempting his usual enthusiasm, though Peter could see the hint of concern in his eyes.

Morgan chimed in, nudging Peter with her shoulder. “Ready to actually hang out with us instead of brooding?”

Peter couldn’t help but chuckle. "Yeah, I think I can manage that."

They headed off to class together, and for once, Peter allowed himself to relax, enjoying the simplicity of just being with his friends. Despite his lingering fears, he couldn’t deny that sharing some of his burden with MJ had eased the tension that had been gnawing at him. He hoped that, bit by bit, he could trust his friends with the things that haunted him.

---

Later that Evening

Peter sat in the Stark Tower living room with Tony and Steve. Tony was glancing over some schematics on his tablet, while Steve skimmed through a newspaper. They didn’t notice the distant look in Peter’s eyes at first. But as he sat there, watching his dad and pops, he realized how much he truly cared about them—and how much he feared letting them down.

Tony looked up, catching Peter’s expression. He set the tablet down and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Something on your mind, kid?"

Peter hesitated, instinctively wanting to brush it off, but the recent talk with MJ had made him more open to the idea of sharing. He took a deep breath, his fingers tracing patterns on the sofa.

“I know you both have a lot on your plates,” he started, his voice quiet. “But… sometimes, I feel like I can’t keep up. With everything. I feel like I’m always one step away from messing it all up. And if I do… it’s not just me who gets hurt.”

Tony exchanged a glance with Steve, concern softening the usual sharpness in his expression. Steve leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Peter’s shoulder.

“Peter, you don’t have to carry that weight alone,” Steve said gently. “We’re here to help you with anything—whether it’s about college, life, or something else. That’s what family’s for.”

Tony nodded, his gaze steady and serious. "Trust me, kid. There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t feel overwhelmed sometimes. You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s what your family’s here for—to catch you when you need it."

Peter looked between them, his heart both aching and comforted. He wanted so much to live up to everything they’d done for him, to be strong for the people who believed in him. But maybe Steve and Tony were right; maybe he didn’t need to do it all on his own.

“Thanks, Dad… Pops.” He gave a small smile. “I guess I just didn’t want you to think I couldn’t handle it.”

Tony’s expression softened, and he ruffled Peter’s hair, something he’d always done since Peter was a kid. “We’re your parents, Peter. We know what you’re capable of—and we know you’re human. It’s okay to stumble, as long as you let us help you get back up.”

Peter felt a warmth spread through him, an anchor grounding him amidst all the doubts he’d been carrying. He didn’t know if he could always keep the weight from resurfacing, but he was starting to see that he didn’t have to shoulder it alone.

The three of them sat together for a while, talking and sharing stories, the weight lifting a little more with each laugh and every reassuring smile. And as Peter headed to bed that night, he felt a newfound strength, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he had a family who would be there, ready to support him.

The next few days felt different. Peter still had the same responsibilities, the same challenges, but the pressure didn’t feel quite as crushing. He wasn’t carrying everything alone anymore, and while his struggles weren’t over, having MJ, Ned, Morgan, and now his dads’ support had eased some of the tension that had been building up inside him.

In the afternoon, Peter, MJ, Morgan, Ned, and Harley were at their favorite spot in the campus café, where they often gathered between classes. Today, though, they could all sense a shift in Peter. He seemed more present, even cracking jokes and laughing without the cloud of worry that usually followed him around.

As they sipped their coffee and shared stories about their recent projects, MJ leaned over and gave him a small, knowing smile. “You seem… lighter.”

Peter shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Guess I’m finally getting better at taking your advice.”

Harley grinned, leaning back in his chair. “About time, Parker. You’re usually too stubborn for your own good.”

Morgan raised her mug in a mock toast. “Here’s to Peter finally listening to the people who care about him.”

They all laughed, clinking their coffee cups together. For the first time in a long while, Peter felt like he could truly enjoy these moments, free from the weight he’d been carrying alone.

---

That Evening at Stark Tower

After finishing up some assignments, Peter found himself in the kitchen with Tony. His dad was tinkering with a small gadget, his focus intense but a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Peter hesitated, then cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Dad, I wanted to say… thanks. For everything. I know I can be a bit of a handful sometimes.”

Tony looked up, smirking. “Oh, ‘a bit’ of a handful? Kid, you redefined the word.” He chuckled, then softened, setting down his work. “But you’re worth every bit of trouble, Peter. You’re my son. I’d do anything for you. Just remember, you’re never alone.”

Peter felt his chest tighten, gratitude overwhelming him. “I’ll remember that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Tony gave him a reassuring pat on the back. “Good. And don’t worry—Steve and I will keep reminding you if you ever forget.”

That night, as Peter went to bed, he felt a sense of peace he hadn’t known in a long time. His family, his friends—they were all there for him. And for the first time, he was letting himself believe that he deserved it.