natasha romanoff & peter parker oneshots

Peter Parker blinked awake, disoriented and confused. The last thing he remembered was turning to dust on Titan after Thanos had snapped his fingers with the Infinity Gauntlet. But now he was...back?

"Whoa, what happened?" Peter muttered, slowly sitting up and looking around. He was definitely back on Titan, but it looked different. The landscape was charred and damaged, as if a massive battle had taken place here.

Next to him, Doctor Strange, Drax, Mantis and Peter Quill were also waking up, equally confused.

"Strange, what's going on?" Quill asked, rubbing his head. "Weren't we all just dead?"

"It appears we've been brought back," Strange said, frowning thoughtfully. "I suspect the snap has been reversed."

"After 5 years, yeah it has," said a new voice. The group turned to see a portal opening up, with Wong stepping through. "Come on, we need your help. The remaining Avengers are fighting Thanos back on Earth."

Peter's heart leaped. The Avengers...that meant Mr. Stark was alive! And if the snap had been reversed after 5 years...oh god, what about Aunt May? Ned and MJ? Were they okay?

He jumped to his feet. "Is Mr. Stark alright? What about..."

"There's no time to explain, kid," Wong said urgently. "We have to move now."

Strange nodded and began conjuring portals back to Earth. Peter took a deep breath, preparing himself. He had no idea what was waiting for them back home after 5 years, but the Avengers needed their help. He had to be ready.

As soon as they stepped through the portal onto the Avengers compound grounds, it was instant chaos. Heroes and allies from across the universe were locked in fierce combat against a massive alien army, fighting fiercely to protect the Nano Gauntlet.

Peter's enhanced senses were overwhelmed. Energy blasts, gunfire and explosions rang out as the battle raged. But somewhere in this madness was his mentor and father-figure, Mr. Stark. He had to find him.

"Kid, look out!" Quill yelled, blasting an alien over Peter's shoulder. "Get your head in the game!"

"R-Right, sorry!" Peter stammered. He fired webs at the nearest aliens, slamming them away. There would be time to talk to Mr. Stark soon. Right now, he had to focus on the fight.

As Peter battled his way through the alien hordes, out of the corner of his eye he spotted two familiar figures - Clint Barton and Mr. Stark, fighting side-by-side. His heart leaped again.

"Mr. Stark!" Peter yelled, webbing an alien sneakily trying to flank them. "You're okay!"

Tony turned, eyes widening. "Pete? You're alive?"

"Yeah, we just got back!" Peter said. Before he could say more, Clint cut in urgently.

"Tony, the gauntlet! We've got to keep it away from Thanos!"

Tony nodded. "Pete, we'll catch up soon. Stay sharp out there!" He blasted off with Clint, heading for where Captain Marvel was currently holding the gauntlet.

Peter wanted to talk more, but the battle was reaching a fever pitch. First things first - they had to stop Thanos here and now.

As Peter swung back into the fight, his thoughts drifted to the other Avengers. Specifically, Natasha Romanoff, who had become like a mother-figure to him these past few years. He hadn't seen her yet in the chaos. Where was she? Was she safe?

Between punches and kicks, Peter managed to pull Clint aside again. "Hey, uh, where's Nat - I mean, Black Widow? Have you seen her?"

Clint's face fell. He glanced at Tony, who had also paused, looking grim. Dread crept up Peter's spine.

"Kid...Nat didn't make it," Tony said quietly. "She sacrificed herself to get the Soul Stone and bring everyone back. I'm sorry."

It felt like a punch to the gut. Peter stumbled back, shock and grief crashing through him. Natasha, who had taken him under her wing, trained him, encouraged him...gone?

Rage boiled up inside Peter, hot and fierce. If Thanos took Natasha - no, his mom - away from him...Peter would make him pay.

"Thanos is going to regret he ever came back," Peter growled. Before Tony or Clint could react, he swung away, following the battle toward where Thanos was now marching for the gauntlet in Carol Danvers' hands.

Carol was putting up a tremendous fight, but Thanos was an unstoppable force. As Peter landed nearby, preparing to web up the Titan, he noticed the gauntlet lying unprotected on the ground.

Carol had been disarmed. Thanos was seconds away from retrieving the gauntlet and undoing everything. Peter saw his chance - and made a split-second decision.

He scooped up the gauntlet and slipped it onto his hand. Power surged through him, overwhelming in its intensity. Across the battlefield, the fighting ground to a halt as everyone stared in dismay.

"Kid, no!" Tony yelled in horror, zooming toward him.

"Peter, take that off!" Doctor Strange shouted. "It's too dangerous!"

Carol flew at him, desperate. "Give it to me, now!"

But Peter stood firm as Thanos lumbered closer, realization dawning on the Titan's face.

"I am...inevitable," Thanos growled, raising his double-bladed sword. His smug confidence infuriated Peter. This monster had hurt so many, had taken his mom Natasha away...

Peter met Thanos' gaze unflinchingly. "Yeah? Well I...I am...Spider-Man."

Then he raised his gauntlet hand and snapped his fingers.

Agonizing pain shot through Peter as the forces of the stones surged through his body. He was only distantly aware of Thanos disintegrating along with his entire army into dust. Peter sank to his knees, vision swimming.

Had he done it? Was everyone safe now? Where was Natasha? Was she...

Darkness took him. When Peter opened his eyes again, he was in a shallow orange pool, the environment around him saturated in the same hue.

"What...what is this place?" Peter murmured. It felt peaceful, comforting even.

"It's the Soul Stone realm."

Peter whirled around. There, looking just as she always had, was Natasha. Except her normally red hair was now blonde. But it was her - kind green eyes, gentle smile and all.

"Mom!" Peter cried, rushing to hug her tightly. "You're here! Does that mean...am I dead?"

Natasha smoothed his hair gently. "No, Peter, you're still alive. Your body is healing from the effects of the stones. But your soul came here, to me."

Relief washed over him. He wasn't dead or gone - he could go back. But first...

Peter pulled away to look Natasha in the eyes. "Mom, when I snapped...did it bring you back too?" He asked desperately. "Please tell me you can come home now."

Sadness flickered across Natasha's face. "I'm not sure yet, Peter. What I do know is that you saved trillions of lives today. You were so brave." She cupped his cheek. "I'm so proud of you."

Peter's eyes watered. "But I did it for you! I just wanted my mom back." He hugged her again, clinging tightly. "Please don't go away again."

Natasha held him close. "I'm here for now," she murmured. "Just know that no matter what happens, I'll always be in your heart. And you'll never stop being my spider-baby."

They stayed like that for a long moment, drawing comfort from each other's presence. Finally, Peter felt a tugging sensation - he was being called back to the living world.

Natasha seemed to sense it too. She leaned down and kissed his forehead. "You have to go now, Peter. But remember, I believe in you. You're going to do amazing things."

Peter nodded, throat tight. "I love you, Mom," he choked out.

"I love you too," Natasha said, her image starting to fade. "Now go on..."

With a gasp, Peter jerked awake in a hospital bed, tears running down his face. Tony was sitting next to him looking incredibly relieved.

"Oh thank God, you're awake," Tony breathed. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, kid."

Peter blinked groggily. His entire right arm was wrapped in bandages, IVs stuck in the left. "Mr. Stark...did we win? Is everyone okay?"

Tony nodded. "Yeah Pete, we won. Thanos is gone for good thanks to you." His voice caught. "But doing that nearly cost you your life."

Peter glanced down, remembering the devastating power of the stones surging through him. He looked back up at Tony hesitantly. "Did...did my snap bring Nat - bring Mom back?"

Tony's face fell. "I'm so sorry, Pete. It didn't."

Peter's heart shattered. So Natasha was still gone. He closed his eyes, tears leaking out. He had failed her in the end.

Just then, Steve Rogers walked into the med bay, looking tired but relieved. "Hey Queens, you gave us quite a scare. How are you holding up?"

Peter opened his eyes, trying not to cry. "I'm okay, Cap. Just really tired."

Steve nodded sympathetically. "You rest as long as you need." He glanced at Tony. "By the way, I have a surprise for him."

Peter perked up slightly. "A surprise?"

"Yeah, found it when I was returning the stones," Steve said with a small smirk. He stepped aside to reveal...

Natasha. Alive and well, her newly blonde hair framing her face. She was looking at Peter with such love and warmth.

"Mom!" Peter cried hoarsely.

"Hi, spider-baby," Natasha said softly.

In an instant Peter was on his feet, rushing over to hug her fiercely, half-afraid she would disappear. But no, she was real, solid, holding him just as tightly.

The med bay dissolved into shocked chaos around them. Tony and Bruce were shouting over each other, demanding to know how this was possible. Clint looked ready to pass out from sheer joy at the sight of his best friend back from the dead.

But Peter drowned it all out, focused only on the woman who had become his mother. "You're here, you came back," he sobbed into her shoulder.

"Thanks to you," Natasha murmured, rubbing his back. She leaned down to look at him seriously. "Peter, I know what you did was dangerous. The gauntlet nearly killed you."

Peter shook his head adamantly. "I don't care, I had to try to bring you home. I can't lose you again."

Natasha's eyes shone with unshed tears. "Oh, Peter. My brave, selfless boy." She hugged him close again. "I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

The med bay dissolved into joyful reunions and celebrations after that. No one could believe Natasha was back, least of all Clint, Bruce and Tony. But she was real, laughing and crying with her friends again.

Later, after the initial shock had passed, Peter told Natasha about his experience with the Soul Stone. How he'd talked with her and refused to leave until he knew she would return.

Natasha just smiled and stroked his hair. "You have the biggest heart out of anyone I know," she told him. "I'm so lucky you came into my life, Peter Parker. I can never repay you for this second chance."

Peter shook his head. "You don't have to repay me for anything," he said earnestly. "I'm just happy you're home, Mom."

Natasha pulled him close and kissed his cheek. "Me too, baby. Me too."

And together, reunited at last, the spider and the widow looked forward to experiencing many more years as mother and son.

Five Months Later

Five months had passed since the fateful day when Natasha Romanoff came back from the dead after Steve Rogers returned the Soul Stone after Peter snapped away Thanos and his army. In that time, the two had grown closer than ever, with Natasha becoming a true mother figure to the young hero.

Which was why, on a brisk autumn afternoon, Peter clung to Natasha's side as they walked together through the busy streets of Queens. He kept one arm wrapped tightly around hers, as if afraid she might disappear if he let go.

Natasha didn't seem to mind his closeness. If anything, she found it endearing.

"Careful there, spiderling," she said with a smile as Peter nearly tripped over himself trying to stay glued to her side. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."

"I know," Peter mumbled, pressing even closer against her. "I just...I missed you a lot. When you were gone."

Natasha's expression softened. She leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "I missed you too, baby. More than you'll ever know."

Peter smiled shyly up at her, heart swelling. Ever since coming back, Natasha had become an almost constant, comforting presence in his life. After losing so many parental figures already, Peter was terrified of letting her out of his sight.

Natasha seemed to sense his anxiety. She gently steered them toward a cozy looking café on the corner. "Why don't we stop for some hot chocolate, hmm? I think we could both use a warm up."

Peter perked up. "With extra marshmallows?"

"As many as you want," Natasha laughed.

Soon they were seated across from each other, cups of hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows between them. Natasha watched with amusement as Peter chugged his enthusiastically.

"Careful, you'll burn yourself," she cautioned.

Peter just grinned at her, milk mustache across his upper lip. Natasha had to smile - sometimes it was hard to believe this sweet, innocent boy had saved the entire universe.

"So," Natasha began after taking a sip of her own drink, "how have you been doing lately? With...everything."

Peter knew she meant adjusting after being snapped away for five years. He bit his lip, staring down into his hot chocolate. "It's kinda weird," he admitted. "I mean, I literally missed five years of my life. My friends are all in college now."

Natasha nodded sympathetically. She could only imagine how disjointed he must feel. "That must be an adjustment."

"Yeah." Peter traced his finger through some spilled chocolate on the table. "Sometimes it feels like it messed everything up, you know? Like I don't fit anymore." He glanced back up at her. "But having you here...that makes it a lot better."

Warm fondness flooded Natasha's chest. "Oh, Peter..." She reached across to grasp his hand. "I'll always be here for you. We'll get through this together."

Peter's eyes shimmered with emotion. "I'm really glad you're my mom now," he whispered.

Natasha had to take a moment to collect herself, touched beyond words. "Me too, baby," she finally said, her voice thick. "Being your mom is the greatest honor I could have."

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Natasha reflected on how drastically her life had changed in such a short time. She had gone from a hardened assassin to a doting mother. All because of the brave, loving boy sitting across from her.

Her gaze drifted outside, where dusk was starting to fall. "We should probably get going soon," Natasha said gently. "We don't want to be late."

Peter nodded, though he still seemed reluctant to leave the café bubble of warmth and comfort they'd created. But finally he finished the last of his hot chocolate and stood up to follow Natasha back out into the evening air.

Natasha could tell Peter was growing somber and anxious again as they resumed walking. She wrapped a comforting arm around his shoulders, pulling him close.

"Talk to me, baby. What's on your mind?" she asked.

Peter bit his lip. "It's just...this is the first time since I got back that I..." His breath hitched softly. "That I'm going to visit them. May and Ben's graves."

Natasha's heart ached for him. She placed a gentle kiss into his curls. "I know how hard this must be for you," she said softly. "But I'll be right by your side the whole time. You're not alone."

Peter gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom. For coming with me. It really means a lot."

"Of course." Natasha gave his shoulders a comforting squeeze. "There's nowhere I'd rather be."

It wasn't much farther to the cemetery. Natasha felt Peter growing tenser with every step, his nerves palpable. She wished she could take this pain away for him, but the best she could do was be there.

Finally, they stopped before the two modest headstones marked 'Benjamin Parker' and 'May Parker.' Peter sucked in a sharp breath, eyes fixed on his aunt and uncle's names.

Natasha kept a supportive arm around him, letting him take the lead. For a long moment, Peter just stared down at the graves, emotions playing across his face.

Then, his shoulders shook with a sob and he dropped to his knees. Natasha quickly knelt with him, holding him close as he cried.

"I m-miss them so much," Peter choked out. "It's not f-fair..."

"I know, baby, I know," Natasha murmured, rubbing his back. She blinked back her own tears, heart aching for the sweet boy who had lost so much. "Just let it out. I've got you."

They stayed like that for a long time, Natasha providing a steady, comforting presence while Peter grieved. She continued gently stroking his hair and back until his sobs quieted to occasional hiccups.

Finally, Peter pulled back to scrub at his wet eyes. "S-Sorry," he mumbled.

"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for," Natasha said seriously. She smoothed back his hair. "It's okay to be sad. They were your family."

Peter's lower lip wobbled. "I wish you could have met them. I think...I think they would have really liked you."

Natasha smiled softly. "I would have loved to meet them too. They raised an amazing kid." She kissed his forehead, heart swelling with love and protectiveness.

Peter gave a small, bittersweet smile. He turned back to trace his fingers over the headstones, looking thoughtful.

"Can...Can I tell you what happened? To May?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Natasha said. "I'd love to hear about her."

Peter took a shaky breath. "The others told me that...after Thanos snapped and I disappeared, May kind of fell apart. She never gave up hope that I might come back somehow. But it put too much strain on her heart." His voice cracked. "They said she died of a broken heart a few years later."

Fresh tears spilled down Natasha's cheeks. No parent should have to mourn their child like that. She wished desperately that she could have been there for May, could have helped ease her pain even just a little.

"She must have loved you so much," Natasha whispered thickly. "I'm so sorry, Peter."

Peter just nodded, clearly overwhelmed. Natasha gently pulled him into her arms again, holding him close as the last tears fell.

By the time Peter pulled away again, the sky had grown dark. But he looked lighter, less burdened than before. Natasha cupped his cheek tenderly.

"Are you ready to head home?" she asked.

Peter glanced back at the graves once more, then nodded.

Natasha kept her arm wrapped securely around Peter's shoulders as they made their way out of the cemetery. He was quiet, clearly emotionally drained, but leaned into her touch. She pressed occasional kisses to his hair, heart full to bursting.

"Thank you for coming with me, Mom," Peter said softly after a few minutes. "It...it really meant a lot. Having you there."

Natasha squeezed him gently. "You never have to do anything alone again," she promised. "I'll always be right here whenever you need me."

Peter smiled up at her, eyes shining with love and trust. Natasha smiled back, feeling truly at peace.

She may have lost a lifetime with this boy, but they had so many more years ahead of them now. Together, as mother and son, they would make up for all the time missed - one small, precious moment at a time.

Later That Night

It was late in the evening when Natasha and Peter finally arrived back at the Avengers tower after their emotional visit to the cemetery. The rest of the team was already tucked in for the night, the common spaces dark and silent.

Peter paused outside Natasha's bedroom door, suddenly reluctant to leave her. After the intensity of the day, he didn't want her to be alone.

Natasha seemed to sense his hesitation. She stroked his hair gently. "Get some rest, baby. I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay," Peter nodded, though anxiety still gnawed at his stomach. "Goodnight, Mom. Love you."

"Love you too." Natasha leaned down to kiss his forehead before disappearing into her room.

Peter shuffled down the hall to his own bedroom, exhaustion hitting him hard. But as he crawled under the covers, sleep remained out of reach. His mind kept replaying images from the cemetery, of May and Ben's graves. He tossed and turned restlessly.

"Peter," came FRIDAY's sudden voice, jolting him awake. "It appears Ms. Romanoff is experiencing some distress. Her vitals indicate she is having a nightmare."

Peter bolted upright, heart racing. "What? Is she okay?"

"She seems to now be awake, but in a state of panic," FRIDAY reported.

That was all Peter needed to hear. He jumped out of bed and raced down the hall to Natasha's room, worry coursing through him. What was happening to his mom?

He burst into Natasha's bedroom without knocking. The lights were on, but he didn't immediately see her.

"Mom?" Peter called anxiously. "Where are you? Are you alrigh-"

He broke off as his eyes landed on the corner of the room. Natasha was huddled there on the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. Her eyes were open but unseeing, cheeks wet with tears. She was trembling violently.

Peter's heart broke at the sight. He hurried over and knelt next to her. "Mom, hey, it's me. You're safe, I promise."

Natasha flinched away from his touch, seeming not to recognize him. Peter felt helpless, watching her suffer through whatever traumatic visions she was reliving. What could he do?

"Focus on my voice, Mom," he coached gently. "I'm right here with you. No one's going to hurt you."

He kept murmuring reassuring words, hoping something would get through. After several agonizing minutes, the blank look in Natasha's eyes began fading. Her rapid breathing slowed.

"P-Peter?" she rasped.

"Yeah, it's me," Peter said with relief. He took her hand, squeezing gently. "I've got you, you're safe now."

Natasha took a few more shaky breaths, grounding herself in his touch. When she finally met his worried gaze, Peter saw raw vulnerability there. It reminded him of just how much trauma lay in her past.

"Do you...want to talk about it?" Peter asked.

Natasha shook her head, looking away ashamedly. Peter's heart ached for her. He moved to sit beside her against the wall, keeping their hands linked.

"It's okay if you don't want to," he assured her. "But I'm here, whenever you're ready."

They sat in silence for awhile. Peter kept a comforting grip on Natasha's hand, letting her work through things at her own pace. He would stay with her as long as she needed.

Finally, Natasha spoke, so softly he almost missed it. "You died."

Peter blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Natasha took a shuddering breath, eyes distant. "In the nightmare. We were fighting some enemy, and I...I failed to protect you." Her voice broke. "I had to watch you die in my arms. And it was all my fault."

"Oh, Mom..." Peter's heart shattered. No wonder she had been so distraught. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "You didn't fail me. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."

A single tear slipped down Natasha's cheek. The pure anguish on her face made Peter want to cry too.

"I can't lose you, Peter," Natasha whispered. "After everything...you're the one good thing in my life. My purpose." She looked at him desperately. "Promise me I won't lose you too."

Peter immediately pulled her into a fierce embrace. "You won't, Mom. I swear it." He rubbed her back reassuringly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. I'm not leaving you."

He felt Natasha's tears against his shoulder as she clung to him. They stayed locked in a tight hug for a long time, drawing comfort from each other. Peter hoped Natasha could feel how much he loved her through the contact.

Eventually Natasha's tears ceased. But she seemed in no hurry to pull away from the embrace, so Peter kept holding her close.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like this," Natasha murmured.

"Don't apologize," Peter said seriously. "You've seen me have plenty of breakdowns. It's my turn to be here for you."

He felt Natasha's lips turn up in a hint of a smile against his shoulder. She gave him a final squeeze before leaning back, looking beyond grateful.

Peter smiled and used his sleeve to gently wipe the remaining tears from her face. "Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" he offered. "So you don't have to be alone?"

Natasha considered it, then nodded. "If you don't mind. I...I think that would help."

"Of course."

Peter got Natasha settled back in bed before climbing in beside her. She immediately pulled him close, keeping one arm wrapped protectively around him. The simple contact seemed to soothe her residual anxiety.

Resting there with his head on Natasha's chest, listening to the steady thump of her heartbeat, Peter was reminded again how lucky he was to have her.

"I've got you, Мамочка," he mumbled sleepily, using the Russian term for 'mama' she had taught him. "Love you. Get some rest."

Natasha pressed a kiss into his curls. "Love you too, sweet boy. So much."

Finally able to fully relax in each other's presence, they both slipped quickly into peaceful, dreamless sleep.

The Following Morning

When Peter drifted awake the next morning, pale sunlight was filtering through the curtains. Natasha was still asleep beside him, looking content with one arm draped lightly over his side.

Peter smiled and carefully extricated himself without waking her. After the emotional intensity of yesterday, she deserved all the rest she could get.

He padded out to the kitchen, stomach growling. There he found several of the other Avengers already gathered around the table eating breakfast.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to join us," Tony remarked with a smirk. "Have a nice slumber party with Red last night?"

"We're just glad Nat is finally getting more rest," Bruce said in a gentler tone, giving Peter a kind smile.

Peter shrugged, grabbing a box of cereal. "She, uh...had kind of a rough night. I wanted to be there for her."

Clint nodded in understanding. "Nightmares again, huh?" He knew better than anyone Natasha's trauma.

"Yeah." Peter fiddled with his spoon. "It sounded really bad. She was crying and everything."

"Wait, Nat was crying?" Steve asked in surprise.

"I didn't think Agent Romanoff was capable of human emotions," Thor chuckled. But there was empathy in his gaze.

Wanda shot Thor a look. "She has been through much pain. Do not make light of it." She gave Peter a small smile. "I am sure your presence brought her comfort, Peter."

Peter ducked his head shyly at the attention. "I just did what anyone would do."

Right then, Natasha shuffled into the kitchen, hair adorably mussed from sleep. She blinked in surprise at the assembled group before giving Peter a warm, grateful look.

"Ah, there's the spider mum!" Tony announced cheekily. "Good of you to join us. Peter here was just telling us all about your little bonding session last night."

"Oh he was, was he?" Natasha raised an eyebrow at a now very red-faced Peter, but her tone was light. She dropped a kiss to the top of his head before grabbing some coffee. "I hope he didn't exaggerate too much."

"Not at all," Steve smiled. "It's heartwarming to see you two so close."

"Lady Natasha, your dreams need not plague you any longer," Thor proclaimed. "Young Peter shall vanquish them!"

Natasha just shot Peter a wry, amused look over her coffee. But her appreciative smile said it all. However embarrassing the attention was, she didn't regret letting Peter in emotionally last night. Not one bit.

Later, once it was just the two of them again, Natasha pulled Peter into a warm hug. "Thank you for being there when I needed you," she said softly. "I'm still getting used to...opening up. But with you it feels natural."

Peter hugged her back tightly. "Anytime, Mom. I'll always be here."

And Natasha knew without a doubt that he meant it with his whole heart. Her sweet, caring boy who loved her unconditionally, despite her flaws and broken pieces.

She couldn't have asked for a better son.

Later that evening, after the chaos of the morning had passed, Peter and Natasha found themselves curled up together on the living room couch. The lights were dimmed, the TV playing softly in the background, as they simply enjoyed being in each other's company.

Natasha was sitting with her back against the armrest, legs stretched out across the couch. Peter was settled between them, his head pillowed comfortably on her chest as she idly ran her fingers through his curls. The domesticity of it all made Natasha's heart swell.

On screen, the characters laughed together over some silly joke. But Natasha's focus was solely on the boy cuddled up to her, his steady breathing as he dozed against her. She pressed a feather-light kiss to the top of his head, still hardly believing he was really here after everything.

Peter blinked awake at the contact, looking up at her sleepily. "Mm...something wrong, Mom?" he mumbled.

Natasha smiled, touched by his immediate concern for her wellbeing even when half-asleep. "No, baby, everything's perfect," she assured him, brushing back his hair. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you."

Peter's face flushed pink at the praise. But his eyes were bright with joy as he nuzzled further into her embrace. "I'm the lucky one," he insisted.

Warm laughter rumbled through Natasha's chest. "How did you get to be so sweet, hm?" She tickled his side playfully until he squirmed and giggled. The sound made her heart feel so full.

Settling again, Peter traced idle patterns on Natasha's arm with his finger. "Can we just stay like this all night?" he asked hopefully.

"I think that could be arranged," Natasha chuckled, resuming stroking his curls. She never wanted this peaceful moment to end either.

They lapsed back into comfortable silence for a while, attention wandering back to the TV. Natasha found herself reflecting on the wild twists and turns that had led them here. If someone had told her a year ago that she would be cuddling on the couch with Spider-Man like a mother and son, she would have laughed in disbelief. And yet, now she couldn't imagine life any other way.

Her gaze drifted back to Peter's sweet face. He had changed her for the better, in ways she could never fully express. Given her purpose and meaning. Saved her, in every way a person could be saved.

"Hey," she said softly, waiting for him to look up again with those big doe eyes of his. "I just wanted to say thank you. For last night. For...everything, really." She gave him a meaningful look. "You know I'm still getting the hang of this whole 'opening up' thing. But you make it easy, Pete. So thank you for being patient with me."

Peter immediately pushed himself up so he could properly throw his arms around her in a fierce hug. "You never have to thank me, Mom," he mumbled into her shoulder. "I'll always be here when you need me. No matter what."

Natasha had to blink back a few emotional tears as she cradled him close, struck by how purely he loved and accepted her. She placed a kiss into his curls, whispering "I love you, baby."

"I love you too." Peter finally pulled back so he could look at her seriously, eyes bright with conviction. "I mean it. You...you're everything to me. I don't know where I'd be without you, Mom."

Now Natasha did allow a few happy tears to slip free. "Oh, Peter..." She cupped his cheek tenderly. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

Peter just gave her that sweet, lopsided smile of his that never failed to make her heart melt. Then he leaned in to wrap his arms around her in another warm hug.

They stayed embracing for a long moment, basking in the comfort of each other's presence. Natasha wished she could freeze time and live in this peaceful bubble forever, just her and her Spider-baby against the world.

But she knew moments like this were precious and fleeting. Eventually Peter would have to return to his own life, and she to hers. So she was determined to cherish every second they had.

Finally Peter pulled back again, though he remained tucked close against her side. Natasha idly stroked his arm as they turned their attention back to the TV, already missing the contact.

She noticed Peter's eyes starting to droop again. "Getting sleepy, little spider?" she asked fondly, brushing back his hair.

Peter hummed drowsily, leaning into her touch. "Mm, yeah...you're comfy." He shot her a cheeky, sleepy grin. "'S your fault."

Natasha huffed a laugh. "Oh I see how it is." She shifted them so Peter was lying with his head in her lap, giving her better access to continue playing with his curls. "Go ahead and rest then, baby. I'll keep the nightmares away."

"M'kay." Peter was already halfway to dreamland, soothed by the steady motion of her fingers in his hair. "Love you, Mom..."

"I love you too, sweetheart. So much." Natasha kept carding her fingers through his hair as his breathing evened out in sleep. The peaceful look on his face made her own eyelids start to grow heavy.

She allowed them to slip closed, confident that the darkness behind them would remain at bay. Not when her reason for living was right here, his head pillowed so trustingly in her lap. She would never let any harm come to her precious boy.

With that comforting thought, Natasha followed Peter into slumber, a small smile on her lips. They would face whatever came next together, side by side.

But for now, they had this - this quiet bubble of peace and love between a mother and her child. And that was more than enough. Natasha felt her eye lids getting heavier, and she drifted off.

A few hours later, Natasha awoke still on the couch with Peter curled up asleep in her lap. Pale moonlight was streaming in through the windows. She blinked groggily, vaguely recalling falling asleep there a few hours ago after talking to the sweet boy currently sleeping in her lap.

She looks down at him. Peter was sleeping soundly still, chest rising and falling rhythmically. Natasha smiled softly as she carded her fingers through his messy curls. Her sweet boy who loved her unconditionally, despite all the red in her ledger.

Voices approaching made her glance up to see Steve, Tony, Bruce and Clint entering the living room, chatting amiably. They paused at the domestic sight before them.

"Well ain't that precious," Tony smirked, eyeing the way Peter was cradled in Natasha's lap. "The deadly Black Widow's gone soft, eh?"

Natasha just shot him a look, arms reflexively tightening around Peter. "I don't know what you're implying, Stark."

"Oh I think you do." Tony grinned, clearly enjoying teasing her. "Admit it, Red. The kid's made you lose your edge. You've gone full mama spider mode."

Before Natasha could retort, Clint chimed in playfully. "Yeah, who would've thought the infamous assassin would turn into such a helicopter mom?" He chuckled. "Peter's got you wrapped around his little finger."

"Alright guys, that's enough," Steve chided with an eye roll. He shot Natasha an apologetic look. "Let's not poke fun. Peter's been good for Nat."

But Bruce looked amused too as he surveyed the cozy scene. "It is pretty adorable though. Our lethal Widow, tamed by a teenager." His tone was light and nonjudgmental, but the words irked Natasha.

She carefully shifted Peter so she could stand without waking him, casting the group an unimpressed glare. "You know I can still kill you all in your sleep, right?"

Her sharp tone contrasted with the utter tenderness she displayed as she tucked a pillow under Peter's head and brushed back his hair. The dichotomy wasn't lost on the others.

Tony held up his hands placatingly, though his eyes still sparkled with mirth. "Touchy subject, got it. We're just happy for you and the kid."

Natasha eyed them all, debating whether to voice the thoughts swirling in her head. But this was her family, she reminded herself. If she could open up to anyone, it was them.

"It's not just that I've gone 'soft,'" she said at last. "Peter is...he's more than just some kid to me now." She gazed down at him with open fondness. "After everything we lost, he represents a second chance I thought I'd never get."

The playful atmosphere quickly vanished at her heartfelt words. The others shared a look, seeming to grasp there was more going on beneath the surface.

"What do you mean?" Steve asked gently.

Natasha sighed. Glancing back at Peter's sleeping form steeled her resolve. "You all know what I sacrificed to get the Soul Stone," she said quietly. "What that meant, having to sacrifice my life."

Somber understanding dawned in their eyes. They knew how traumatic that must have been for her.

"Leaving Peter behind after bonding with him, becoming his mentor..." Natasha paused to collect herself. "It gutted me, knowing the pain losing me would cause him when he came back. The guilt ate me alive."

She looked up at them all earnestly. "So having this chance to repair things, be the mother he needs...it's beyond a gift. It's my redemption." Her voice grew thick with emotion. "I'll do anything to protect this boy and the trust he's placed in me. He is my purpose now."

A heavy silence followed her words. Then Clint stepped forward to rest a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Nat...I had no idea," he said gruffly. "I'm sorry for the teasing. We didn't understand."

The others quickly echoed the sentiment, looking ashamed. Tony approached to give her arm an apologetic squeeze.

"You're right, what you and the kid have is special," he affirmed. "We just want you both to be happy. And clearly being a spider-mom suits you." This time his smirk was free of mockery.

Natasha gave a small, grateful smile. It had felt good to articulate her feelings, and she was touched by their support.

"Yeah well, just don't go spreading rumors I've gotten soft," she added wryly, making them chuckle. "I've still got an image to maintain, you know."

Further conversation was cut off by a sleepy mumble from the couch. "Mom?"

Natasha immediately returned to Peter's side as he blinked awake. He gave her a dopey, content smile that never failed to melt her heart.

"Morning, baby. Sleep okay?" she asked gently, brushing back his hair.

Peter's eyes slipped closed again at her soothing touch. "Mmhm..." He nuzzled into her hand, still half-asleep. "Stay w'th me..."

The adorably childlike request made Natasha's face soften into an expression the others had never seen before.

"Of course, malen'kiy pauk," she murmured. With effortless strength she scooped Peter up into her arms, cradling him close as he quickly fell back asleep against her shoulder. The pure love radiating from her was palpable.

As Natasha carried Peter from the room back toward their bedrooms, the others exchanged knowing smiles. What they had just witnessed only reaffirmed that this was meant to be.

"Yup, Nat's definitely gone soft," Clint said with an affectionate chuckle.

"Can you blame her?" Steve smiled as they watched Natasha disappear down the hall, her precious spiderling held safe and secure in a mother's embrace.

It was a beautiful thing to see.