His Protective Dad Completed ✓

Quiet Moments and Growing Bonds

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the vacation lodge, casting a soft golden light over the living room. Peter, MJ, Tony, and Steve had just finished a light breakfast, the sound of laughter and casual conversation filling the air. Morgan and Harley had yet to join them, but the day felt peaceful, a rare moment where the group could simply relax without the weight of the world hanging over their shoulders.

MJ sat next to Peter, her head resting on his shoulder as they flipped through a magazine together, the comfort of their quiet companionship filling the space between them. Peter’s hand found hers, and he squeezed it gently, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin.

“I’m glad we’re finally getting some downtime,” Peter murmured, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her temple.

MJ smiled, her eyes flicking to him as she nudged him lightly. “I know, right? It’s nice to just be... normal for a change.”

Peter’s lips curved into a grin. “Normal? You mean, without fighting villains and saving the world?”

“Exactly,” MJ said with a wink, leaning in to kiss him back, her lips soft against his.

The kiss was gentle, unhurried, a moment of peace they could cherish. When they pulled away, MJ rested her head back against his shoulder, closing her eyes with a content sigh.

Tony, sitting across from them with Steve, couldn’t help but smile at the sight. The love between Peter and MJ was evident, and despite everything they had been through, they were still able to find comfort in one another. Steve leaned over, his hand brushing against Tony’s as they exchanged a knowing glance.

“We’ve raised some good kids, haven’t we?” Tony said quietly, his voice filled with pride.

Steve smiled softly, his fingers tracing the outline of Tony’s hand. “Yeah, we have. They’ve turned out better than we ever expected.”

As the moments passed, Morgan and Harley finally entered the room, their laughter ringing out as they joined the others. Harley’s arm draped casually around Morgan’s shoulders as they walked to the table, a playful exchange between the two of them filling the air.

Peter’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed them, noting how close they were. Harley’s hand rested just a little too casually around Morgan’s shoulders, his smile a little too easy as he looked down at her. Peter’s suspicions began to rise.

“Is it just me, or are those two a little... cozy?” Peter murmured to MJ, his voice low.

MJ followed his gaze and frowned slightly, her expression thoughtful. “They’ve always been close. Harley’s just... Harley, you know?”

“I don’t know,” Peter muttered, his brows furrowing. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

Tony, overhearing the conversation, looked over at Steve, a slight smile playing on his lips. Steve just shrugged, his gaze flicking to Morgan and Harley. They were sitting a little too close, their conversation too animated, but there was no mistaking the warmth in their eyes.

“They’ll figure it out,” Steve said quietly, his voice carrying just enough for Tony to hear. “Let them enjoy their moment.”

Tony chuckled, his gaze softening as he watched Morgan laugh at something Harley said. “I guess you’re right.” He leaned back in his chair, feeling surprisingly at ease. Despite the lingering concern over the two of them, he trusted Morgan’s judgment. She was smart, and she knew her boundaries.

Still, he couldn’t resist a quick glance at Harley. The young man seemed oblivious to the tension in the room, happily chatting with Morgan, completely unaware of the watchful eyes on him.

Meanwhile, Steve reached over, resting his hand on Tony’s knee. “They’re growing up, Tony. That’s what this is all about.”

“I know,” Tony replied softly, his hand briefly covering Steve’s. “But it’s still hard. I’ll always see them as my little kids, even when they’re... well, not so little anymore.”

“I know,” Steve said, his voice gentle. “I feel the same way.”

---

As the day progressed, the atmosphere in the house lightened. The group played games, told stories, and enjoyed the simple joy of being together. But for Peter, the image of Morgan and Harley lingered in his mind. Every time he caught them laughing or exchanging glances, his suspicions grew stronger. He wasn’t sure why, but something felt off. He trusted Harley, of course—he had to—but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be protective of his sister.

Still, as the day wound down, Peter decided to keep his thoughts to himself—for now. Instead, he found himself stealing glances at MJ, who had since returned to sitting close to him, her hand once again intertwined with his.

“I know something’s bothering you,” MJ said quietly, her voice soft but steady. “What’s going on?”

Peter hesitated for a moment before answering. “It’s just... Morgan and Harley. Something doesn’t feel right about them.”

MJ looked at him, concern etching her features. “You’re just being protective. I get it. But maybe they’re just... having fun. Harley’s a good guy, Pete.”

“I know,” Peter sighed, leaning back and running a hand through his hair. “It’s just... I don’t know. Maybe I’m overthinking it.”

“You always do,” MJ teased gently, nudging him with her shoulder. “But if something’s really wrong, we’ll figure it out.”

Peter looked down at her and smiled, grateful for her calmness. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

MJ smiled back, her eyes sparkling with affection. “That’s what I’m here for.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group gathered outside to watch the stars twinkle above them. Tony and Steve stood close together, enjoying the peaceful evening. Morgan and Harley were a few feet away, sitting on the porch swing and talking quietly.

Peter’s gaze flickered toward them once again, but this time, instead of suspicion, he felt a quiet acceptance. Maybe he was being paranoid. Or maybe he was just afraid of his little sister growing up too fast. Either way, he knew he couldn’t protect her forever.

For now, he’d just watch from a distance—and trust that whatever happened, he’d always have her back.

And so, as the stars began to blanket the sky, the family found peace in their togetherness, their hearts beating in sync, even as new relationships bloomed quietly in the background.