His Protective Dad (Starker FF) Completed ✓

A Quiet Moment Before Departure

The evening sun was setting over the royal palace, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling gardens as the group made their way back to their rooms. Tomorrow, they would leave Wakanda and return home, their hearts full from a week of unforgettable experiences. For now, though, they were focused on packing their bags, the excitement of returning home slowly mixing with the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind new friends and memories.

Inside their suite, the trio—Peter, Morgan, and Harley—were gathered around, folding clothes, securing travel bags, and checking off lists. Laughter echoed from their room as Harley struggled to fit one last pair of shoes into his already overstuffed bag.

Peter, however, had his mind elsewhere. The past week had been an overwhelming whirlwind of adventures, pranks, and bonding moments. But the one thing that had stuck with him, more than anything else, was the conversation they were about to have that night. A moment he’d been eagerly anticipating, but also one that brought a slight nervousness creeping up his spine.

It was a quiet night, the type that seemed to settle the soul. The sounds of the city below hummed softly in the distance, and the soft rustling of the wind outside was the only noise that interrupted the peaceful silence in their suite. Morgan, noticing the shift in Peter’s demeanor, raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk pulling at her lips.

"Something on your mind, Peter?" she asked, leaning against the wall, arms crossed in that way she always did when she was teasing him.

Peter snapped out of his thoughts, flashing her a wide grin. "Just thinking about tomorrow. I’ll miss this place. But... I’m also really looking forward to seeing MJ and the twins."

Morgan’s smile softened, and she nodded knowingly. "I can tell. You've been glowing every time you talk about them. I swear, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were already halfway back home."

Peter let out a soft chuckle, eyes twinkling. "I just can’t help it. Joey and Max—they’re only a month old, but it feels like they’ve been part of my life forever. I’m just... so proud of them, and MJ. I can’t wait to get back and spend more time with them."

Morgan’s gaze turned warm, almost thoughtful, as she watched her younger brother. She had known Peter her entire life—well, more like ten minutes longer than him. But she knew him better than anyone, and she could see how much his heart had changed since becoming a father. It was a love that was unlike anything else in his life. The love for his children, for MJ, was rare and exceptional—a deep, unwavering bond.

Peter's love for Tony and Steve, for her, was unshakable, but this was different. His love for his family, his new little world with Joey and Max, was something that not even the most powerful forces in the universe could tear apart.

Just as Morgan was about to speak, the sound of a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Before Peter could react, Shuri’s voice called out from the hallway, filled with excitement.

"Peter! Morgan! Harley! Can we come in for a moment?"

"Sure!" Peter called back, his face breaking into a grin. "Come on in!"

The door opened to reveal Shuri and T'Challa, both carrying smiles that radiated warmth and curiosity. T'Challa was as composed as ever, but Shuri, with her ever-present energy, was practically bouncing on her feet.

"We wanted to check on you before you all head back tomorrow," T'Challa began, glancing over at Peter. "I also wanted to ask... How are your kids doing? I’ve heard so much about them from Shuri, but I’d love to hear it directly from you."

Peter’s heart swelled at the mention of Joey and Max. A big, genuine smile spread across his face as he walked over to them. "Oh, they’re doing great! They’re only a month old, but they’re already so... so perfect. Joey, the older one, is already showing signs of being a little troublemaker. And Max, well... he’s more quiet, but just as stubborn. They’re both keeping MJ on her toes, but we’re managing."

Shuri’s eyes sparkled with delight as she asked, "And what about MJ? How is she holding up with the twins?"

Peter’s smile softened, his voice full of admiration. "MJ’s incredible. I swear, she’s made for this. She’s balancing everything so well, and I just—" He paused, his emotions rising. "I just couldn’t be more grateful for her. For all of them."

Morgan watched her brother with that same knowing look. She knew how much Peter adored his family, but hearing him speak so passionately, so honestly, about them always filled her heart. She was proud of him. Proud of the man he had become, not just for the world, but for his children.

T'Challa, sensing the depth of Peter’s emotions, gave him a nod of respect. "You’ve got something special, Peter. Family is everything. And it’s clear that you hold yours very dear."

Shuri, never one to hold back, added with a mischievous smile, "I hope you’re ready for all the sleepless nights and tantrums. But also, all the joy that comes with it."

Peter laughed, a little breathlessly, as he sat back down. "I’m ready for it all. Every bit of it. I just... I can’t imagine life without them now."

Morgan’s smile turned slightly softer, her gaze flickering to T'Challa and Shuri. "You know, Peter’s not just all talk when it comes to his family. He might joke around with you guys, but he’s incredibly protective of them. Don’t mess with his kids."

Peter flushed slightly, a little embarrassed, but Shuri chuckled. "I’m sure we can handle a little protective father energy. After all, we’ve got an entire nation backing us up."

The mood shifted then, as T'Challa’s expression grew more serious. "I can see how much they mean to you, Peter. Family is not just about blood, but about those who you choose to share your life with. And it’s clear you’ve chosen wisely."

Peter nodded, his eyes meeting T'Challa’s. "I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life."

Morgan’s heart warmed at the exchange, watching as Peter and T'Challa shared a quiet understanding. It wasn’t just about being superheroes, or even about being part of a royal family. It was about love, commitment, and protecting those you cared about.

"Well, we’ll be here when you’re ready to visit again," Shuri said with a wink, standing up. "Just don’t wait too long next time, okay?"

Peter grinned. "I promise we’ll be back soon. And I’ll bring the twins with me next time. I think they need to meet their Grandpa T'Challa and Aunt Shuri."

Shuri’s eyes lit up at the mention of the twins. "I can’t wait! We’ll spoil them rotten."

The group stood in companionable silence for a moment, the bonds of friendship and family stretching between them in a way that felt almost unspoken. Tomorrow would come soon enough, and with it, the return to their own lives. But for tonight, they savored the moment—a quiet pause before the journey home.