His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

Healing and Hope

The following days after the terrifying ordeal were spent in a mixture of rest and recovery. The events that had transpired had shaken everyone, but Tony, Peter, and MJ were determined to keep going—for their family, and especially for the new life growing inside MJ.

Tony, still haunted by what could have happened, remained incredibly overprotective. He wouldn’t let MJ out of his sight, hovering over her like a hawk, making sure she was always resting and well-cared for. Every time MJ got up to do something, Tony would stop her, his face etched with concern.

“You need to rest, MJ,” Tony would say, his voice unusually gentle yet firm. “No more moving around for you. I’ll take care of everything.”

MJ smiled softly at his overbearing concern but couldn’t help but appreciate the care he was giving her. She knew that Tony loved her like his own daughter, and that love showed in every word he spoke. But there were moments when his protectiveness became overwhelming.

“Dad, I’m fine,” MJ would gently remind him, though her voice always held a hint of exhaustion. "You don't have to worry so much."

Peter, now the most protective husband imaginable, would watch these exchanges between Tony and MJ with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. He knew Tony was worried, but it was starting to feel like everyone in the house was walking on eggshells. MJ had barely been able to do anything for herself. Even when Peter offered to help, Tony would intervene.

“I’m fine, Peter,” MJ would sigh, sending a soft smile his way. “I promise. Just... let me breathe a little, okay?”

Peter could only smile in return, but deep down, he understood why Tony was acting this way. The near-miss with MJ’s health had left them all on edge. Tony, in particular, was trying to deal with the realization of just how fragile life could be.

---

Meanwhile, Steve, always the calming presence, had been quietly observing from the sidelines. He could see how much Tony was struggling with the experience. The fear in his eyes, the constant hovering—it was all because Tony loved MJ, and now, the thought of his grandchild and daughter-in-law facing another threat had become a nightmare that haunted him.

“Tony,” Steve called out one evening as they sat together in the living room, Tony fiddling with his gauntlets as if he could somehow control the future by keeping busy. “You need to give her space. She’ll go crazy if you keep this up.”

Tony glanced up at Steve, his eyes tired but still sharp. “I don’t know how to let go. Not after what happened.”

Steve’s gaze softened as he placed a hand on Tony’s shoulder. “You don’t have to let go, Tony. But you have to trust that she’s strong. Trust that she knows what’s best for herself and for our grandchild.”

Tony sighed deeply. “I know. It’s just... I keep thinking about how close we came to losing her.”

Steve nodded, understanding Tony’s pain. “It’s normal to feel like this. But she’s okay now. We’re all okay. We need to trust that things will be alright.”

---

As the days went by, MJ slowly regained her strength, though her body still ached from the ordeal. She kept a close eye on her health, not wanting to take any chances with the baby. Peter, though protective, was her rock during this time. He would sit with her in the evenings, holding her hand and whispering sweet nothings in her ear as they talked about their plans for the future.

"I was thinking," Peter said one evening, his voice soft, "once everything settles down, we should go on a vacation. Just you and me. Away from all the craziness, you know? Maybe a little cabin in the mountains. Somewhere quiet."

MJ smiled faintly, her hand resting on her belly. "That sounds perfect. Just us... and the baby."

Peter’s heart swelled with emotion. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, his hand gently caressing her stomach. “I can’t wait to meet him—or her. Our little one.”

MJ smiled up at him, her eyes filled with love and hope. “We’re going to be great parents, Peter. I know it.”

---

As time passed, things began to feel more normal. Tony had started to loosen up a little, allowing MJ to move around more and even helping her pick out baby clothes with the same excited energy he had shown when Peter and Morgan was born. It was a far cry from the man who had once been so afraid of the future.

One evening, as they all sat together for dinner—Peter, MJ, Tony, Steve, and even Morgan and Harley—there was an atmosphere of relief. After everything they had been through, the family was finally together again. MJ’s pregnancy was progressing smoothly, and everyone was happy to see her gaining strength each day.

Tony, glancing around the table, finally allowed himself a moment to breathe. He realized that life, though chaotic and unpredictable, was still beautiful. His family was safe. His daughter-in-law was safe. And soon, they would have a new addition to the family—his grandchild.

“So,” Tony said, his voice light but filled with warmth. “I was thinking we could start planning the baby shower soon. Any ideas?”

MJ’s eyes widened slightly. “You’re planning the baby shower?”

Tony grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Why not? I’m going to be a grandpa. I think I deserve some fun.”

Everyone laughed, and for the first time in days, the weight of everything seemed to lift. Tony’s protectiveness was still there, but it had started to feel more like the protective love of a father, not a man terrified of losing everything. He had come to terms with the fact that life could never be entirely controlled, but he could cherish every moment he had with his family.

---

Later that evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Peter sat alone with MJ in their room. She had fallen asleep with her head resting on his chest, a peaceful smile on her face. Peter ran his fingers through her hair, reflecting on everything they had gone through.

“We made it,” Peter whispered softly, kissing the top of her head. “We’re going to be okay.”

As he drifted off to sleep beside her, the weight of their trials was replaced by a sense of hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. They were a family—and nothing could tear them apart.