His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

A Day in Stark Tower with Joey and Max

The Stark Tower was bustling with activity, but today, things were a bit different. The usual hum of productivity was frequently interrupted by the loud cries of two tiny babies. Joey and Max, the younger twins of Peter and MJ, were a month old and already making their presence known in the household.

MJ, now a full-time mom, had become a pro at juggling the needs of her two little ones, but today, with both of them crying at the same time, even she was finding it a bit more challenging than usual.

Tony and Steve, ever the doting grandparents, were doing their best to help MJ, but it seemed no matter how much they tried, the little ones were determined to make things difficult. The pair was already used to juggling their responsibilities as the heads of Stark Industries and Avengers, but now, they had a new role to take on: keeping their grandsons calm and happy while also helping out with the household.

"Shh, come on, Joey, it’s okay," Tony murmured, cradling his grandson in his arms, rocking him gently back and forth. Max, on the other hand, was being fussy in Steve’s arms. Neither of the babies seemed interested in being calmed down.

Steve, who had never been one for delicate baby talk, shifted Max into a more comfortable position. "I don't know how Peter does it," he muttered, trying to soothe Max with gentle back rubs.

MJ, juggling a bottle in one hand and attempting to soothe Joey with the other, shot them both a tired but affectionate smile. "I think it’s going to take more than just the two of you to calm these guys down," she teased, even though she could hardly keep her eyes open herself.

"Peter's probably living it up in Wakanda," Tony grumbled. "The lucky guy gets to avoid this."

Steve shot him a pointed look. "I thought you were enjoying being a grandparent," he said dryly, even as he struggled to calm Max, whose cries were growing louder.

Tony snorted. "I am, but it’s just... it’s a lot." He looked down at Joey, whose tiny face was scrunched in frustration. "These little guys sure know how to make an impact, don’t they?"

"They're probably just hungry," MJ suggested, feeling the growing pangs of exhaustion. She carefully positioned Joey and Max in their cribs after feeding them. Tony and Steve looked on, their hearts swelling with pride as they watched their daughter-in-law tend to their grandsons with so much love and patience.

Just then, Ned, who was back in the tower for a quick visit, as he couldn't go to wakanda because of some family problems, walked in with a cup of coffee. Seeing the chaos in the living room, he raised an eyebrow. "Is it always like this when you have the twins?" he asked with a teasing grin.

MJ sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Sometimes, yes. It’s mostly okay when Peter’s here to help, but with him gone, it’s a bit... overwhelming."

Tony handed Joey to Steve and stretched out his arms. "It’s all about multitasking," he said. "Like when we’re managing the Avengers, right, Steve? A little work here, a little baby duty there. We'll get the hang of it."

Steve rolled his eyes but smiled. "Well, they’re not exactly asking for a briefing on how to save the world."

Ned chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. "You guys sure know how to handle this whole grandparent thing. Don’t think I’m ready for that just yet."

MJ smiled softly, watching Tony and Steve fuss over the twins. "You’d be great," she said. "You already treat them like your own."

Just as she said that, Max began crying again, and Steve stood up quickly to calm him, while Tony grabbed a second bottle from the kitchen.

"Okay, how about we swap," Steve suggested, "You take Max for a bit, and I’ll keep Joey entertained."

"Deal," MJ said with a grateful sigh. She had been doing most of the work since Peter and the others left, and while she loved her sons dearly, she couldn’t help but appreciate the help. It felt like a bit of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Meanwhile, in Wakanda, Peter, Morgan, and Harley were having a completely different experience, with the peacefulness of the royal palace and a fun, relaxing time with the class. Peter wasn’t missing the stress of the Stark Tower at the moment, though he missed MJ and the twins more than he would admit.

Back in the Tower, though, the atmosphere had settled a little. Joey and Max were both resting now, the room quiet once again. MJ collapsed onto the couch with a relieved sigh, her eyes closing for a brief moment as she allowed herself a few seconds of peace.

"You know," Tony said, walking over to sit beside her, "we've got this. We'll be fine. And you’re doing a great job. Peter might be the one with the Spidey powers, but you’re the one keeping everything together."

MJ smiled softly, leaning her head on Tony’s shoulder. "Thanks, Tony. It’s nice to have you and Steve here. I don’t know how I would do this without you guys."

Steve came over and sat next to her. "You're part of the family, MJ. We’ve got you, always. And we’ll be here for Peter too, when he’s back. So no matter what, we’re in this together."

The sound of the twins’ soft breathing was the only noise in the room now, and for the moment, everything felt calm. MJ felt a warmth fill her heart as she looked at Tony and Steve, knowing they were always there for her, for Peter, and for the whole family.

"Yeah," MJ agreed quietly. "Together."

And as they sat there, the feeling of family surrounding them, everything seemed right in the world. The Avengers may have a lot of responsibilities, but their biggest and most important job was always going to be loving and protecting their own.