"we look out for each other"
Natasha Romanoff awoke with a start, her heart racing as images flashed through her mind. A young boy with brown hair and eyes full of warmth. His awkward, endearing smile as he called her "Mom" and she ruffled his hair. The fierce protectiveness she felt for this child, this boy who had wormed his way into her heart when she had thought it closed off for good.
Peter.
As quick as they came, the memories faded, leaving Natasha shaken and confused. Who was this Peter? Why did she feel such a strong connection to him? Try as she might, she could not conjure up his face or their moments together again.
Over the next few days, Natasha found her thoughts consumed with this boy. Peter. She had no context for him, no clues to put the pieces together, but she could not shake the feeling that he was important to her. That she had loved him like...like a son.
Natasha confided in Wanda Maximoff, the only other Avenger close to Peter's apparent age. To her surprise, Wanda's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Peter...I know that name," she murmured. "I can't see him, but I feel..." She placed her hand over her heart. "I feel love. He was special."
Wanda closed her eyes, red energy dancing at her fingertips as she delved into the recess of her own mind. Suddenly, she gasped, tears shining in her eyes.
"My brother," she whispered. "He was like my little brother. How could I forget?"
Natasha grabbed Wanda's hands, hope and fear rising within her. "Can you unlock my memories too?"
Wanda nodded, determination set in her jaw. As her magic flowed into Natasha, images erupted in Natasha's mind.
Peter disintegrating in her arms on the battlefield of Thanos' snap. The hollowness as she realized he was gone.
Their reunion five years later, Peter barreling into her arms, both of them shedding tears of joy. Natasha ruffling his hair and whispering "My tough little spider."
Taking Peter under her wing, mentoring him in hand-to-hand combat. His youthful admiration of her skills that she found oddly touching.
Peter leaping onto the tarmac at the German airport, eager and excited to fight alongside the Avengers.
Late night talks under the stars as they hid out in Wakanda following the battle in Germany, Peter opening up to her about losing his parents so young and the pressures he faced. Natasha sharing parts of her own past, feeling a kinship with this orphaned boy.
FLASHBACK
The quinjet touched down in Wakanda, marking the end of a long and tense journey from Germany. Natasha glanced over at Peter in the co-pilot seat beside her. The young teen looked weary but resolute after their harrowing fight at the airport and decision to go against Tony by letting Steve and Bucky escape.
"You doing okay, Spidey?" she asked gently.
Peter nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, just...taking it all in. I can't believe we're really here in Wakanda. And that we're fugitives now." He gave a hollow laugh.
Natasha squeezed his shoulder. "It was a difficult choice, but we did what we believed was right. That's what matters."
As they disembarked, T'Challa awaited them on the landing pad. His expression was serious but not unkind as he regarded the new arrivals.
"Welcome to Wakanda," he greeted solemnly. "These are troubled times between allies and friends. But in the interest of truth and justice, Wakanda will offer you sanctuary."
Natasha inclined her head. "You have our gratitude, Your Highness."
As T'Challa led them inside the palace, Natasha noticed Peter's eyes going wide as he took in the gleaming technology and sprawling vistas around them. She had to admit, it was impressive.
"Hey! You're the Spider-Man!"
They turned to see a young Wakandan girl approaching, eyes bright with curiosity as she studied Peter.
"Oh wow, you're T'Challa's sister Shuri!" Peter said eagerly. " I've been hearing all about your tech innovations here, they sound amazing!"
Shuri beamed. "Finally, someone around here who appreciates genius! Come, I will show you my lab."
She grabbed Peter's hand and all but dragged him down the hall, chattering a mile a minute about her gadgets and inventions. Peter hurried to keep up, firing questions back just as rapidly.
Natasha watched them go, a hint of a smile on her lips. She was glad Peter seemed to find a fast friend in the princess. She had a feeling the two young geniuses would get along well.
Over the next few days and weeks, Natasha observed Peter and Shuri becoming nearly inseparable. In Shuri's brightly lit lab, they worked together on improving Peter's web fluid formula and tinkering with all manner of technology, their brilliant minds perfectly in sync. In the evenings, they explored the city, Peter gaping in awe at the magnificent skyline while Shuri proudly showed off her country's great beauty.
At night, Natasha sometimes spotted them under the stars on one of Wakanda's grassy plains, heads bent together as they chattered away. She was happy Peter had found someone his own age to connect with amidst their uncertain circumstances.
One calm evening, Natasha went looking for Peter and found him sitting with Shuri in a secluded corner of the palace gardens. They were sprawled on the grass, gazing up at the spangled sky above. Natasha hesitated, not wanting to intrude, but their voices carried softly to where she stood.
"My dad died when I was little too," Peter was saying quietly. "I still miss him so much. And then I lost my Uncle Ben..." His breath hitched, and Shuri slipped her hand into his.
"I am sorry, Peter. I know it hurts to lose those you love." Her voice held a wisdom and empathy well beyond her years.
Peter was silent for a moment. "Yeah. I guess I've lost a lot of people. Sometimes I feel like...like I'll never be good enough, you know? That I don't deserve..."
He trailed off, but Natasha's heart ached at the vulnerability and doubt in his words. She never wanted this good, brave boy to feel unworthy.
Shuri squeezed his hand. "You are enough, Peter. More than enough. Never believe otherwise."
Peter exhaled shakily. "Thanks, Shuri. I'm really glad you're my friend." He nudged her shoulder. "But enough depressing talk. What constellations are we looking at again?"
As Shuri began enthusiastically mapping out the night sky, Natasha quietly slipped away, thoughts heavy. She wanted to comfort Peter too, but did not wish to embarrass him by revealing she'd overheard his private conversation.
Later, as Natasha drank a cup of tea in the kitchen, Peter wandered in looking for a snack. His face lit up when he saw her.
"Hey Nat! Fueling up after another marathon training session with T'Challa's guards?"
Natasha smirked wryly. "If by training you mean getting my ass thoroughly kicked, then yes. The Dora Milaje don't mess around."
Peter chuckled as he grabbed an apple. But his smile soon faded, a contemplative look entering his eyes. "Hey, can I...ask you something?"
"Of course." Natasha gestured for him to sit.
Peter fiddled with the apple, not quite meeting her gaze. "Were you ever scared? When you first joined SHIELD, I mean. Going on dangerous missions, putting your life on the line. Weren't you worried you'd fail or...or not make it home?"
Natasha considered her response carefully, sensing the deeper meaning behind his questions. "I was scared, yes. I think anyone would be in those situations." She tilted her head, studying the boy who had come to mean so much to her. "But more than fear, I felt purpose. That my skills could be used to help people, make a difference. Focusing on that purpose helped me push past the fear."
Peter absorbed her words thoughtfully. After a moment he spoke again, voice soft. "Is it hard? Not having a...a family?" He glanced up at her uncertainly. "I don't mean to pry, just...I know you've been on your own a long time, like me. Does it ever...get lonely?"
Natasha felt her heart constrict. She reached out and gently brushed back his hair. "Yes, little spider. Sometimes it gets very lonely."
Peter bit his lip. "But not as much anymore?" His brown eyes were so warm and hopeful that Natasha found herself unexpectedly blinking back tears.
She pulled him into a fierce hug that he readily returned. "No, not so much anymore," she whispered. Because somehow this extraordinary boy had become the family she never expected to have.
They stayed up talking late into the night, a new depth and understanding flowing between them. Peter spoke of his deepest pains and fears, and Natasha found herself opening up in kind, sharing parts of her past she'd never revealed to anyone.
When Peter finally nodded off, his head resting on her shoulder, Natasha gazed down at his sleeping face with overwhelming love. In just a few short weeks, he had utterly captured her heart.
Natasha carefully shifted, laying Peter's head in her lap and gently stroking his hair as he slumbered.
"Goodnight, malen'kiy pauk," she murmured. "Sweet dreams."
Peter stirred slightly, a contented smile on his face. "G'night...Mom," he mumbled before sinking back into sleep.
Natasha went very still, breath catching in her throat. Mom. One simple word, and yet it meant everything.
She had never dreamed of having a child of her own. Her past and life as a spy made the possibility seem absurd. But here, in the quiet of the night, listening to the soft sounds of Peter's breathing, Natasha realized perhaps it wasn't so impossible after all.
This sweet, brave, kind-hearted boy had chosen her. And she found with stunning certainty that she would gladly spend her life loving and protecting him, for as long as he wanted her.
Natasha gently caressed Peter's cheek, joy and lightness swelling in her heart. "Sleep well, my little spider," she whispered. "Mom's got you."
END OF FLASHBACK
Memory after memory flooded Natasha's mind until she knew without a doubt - Peter Parker had been family to her. And somehow, she had forgotten him.
"Wanda," she said urgently. "We have to find him."
It took weeks of searching, following the faintest leads and whispers of sightings. For a time, Natasha feared Peter had been one of those lost permanently in the snap. But finally, a tip took them to an apartment building on the outskirts of Queens.
Natasha knocked firmly on the worn door, Wanda gripping her hand tightly. When it opened, Natasha's breath caught. There he was - older, a little more haggard, but those same warm brown eyes looking at her in shock.
"P-Mom?" Peter stammered. "Wanda? How do you...how do you remember me?"
Natasha surged forward, pulling Peter into a fierce embrace, tears stinging her eyes. "Oh Peter, my brave boy. I could never forget you."
Wanda threw her arms around both of them, laughing and crying. "Little brother. We found you."
They stayed locked in their emotional reunion for long moments until Peter led them inside. Perched on the edge of a sagging couch, he haltingly told them of the spell Dr. Strange had cast to make the world forget Spider-Man's identity.
"Everyone forgot, even Dr. Strange and the Avengers," Peter said miserably. "I'm all alone now except for you two."
Natasha's heart broke at the pain in his eyes. She smoothed back his hair. "Not anymore. We're here now, Peter."
Wanda held his hand, her voice gentle. "You're not alone. We remember, and we love you."
Peter's shoulders shook as he finally released the lonely heartache he'd carried for so long. Natasha and Wanda held him, offering wordless comfort until his tears slowed.
As Peter drifted off to sleep, his head pillowed on Natasha's lap, she shared a solemn look with Wanda. They would keep Peter safe, no matter what. And Natasha knew exactly where they needed to start.
The next morning, despite Peter's protests, Natasha and Wanda marched him right up to the Sanctum Sanctorum and pounded on the door. When Dr. Strange opened it, surprise flickered across his face.
"Can I help you?"
"I believe you can, Doctor," Natasha said coolly. "May we come in?"
Dr. Strange nodded warily and led them inside. His gaze drifted curiously over Peter before returning to Natasha. "How can I assist you ladies today?"
Natasha crossed her arms. "You can start by reversing the spell you cast to wipe out Peter Parker's existence."
Dr. Strange's eyes widened in alarm. "How do you know about that?"
Wanda stepped forward, red energy wreathing her hands. "Because he is our family. And we know you wronged him greatly with that spell."
"Now wait a minute," Dr. Strange protested, holding up his hands. "That spell was only cast as a last resort. Parker came to me for help, there were no other options-"
"No other options?" Natasha cut in angrily. "What about trusting your allies and fellow heroes? The Avengers could have protected him, protected his loved ones. Instead, you robbed a teenage boy of everything and everyone he knew!"
"Mom, it's okay," Peter tried to intervene.
But Natasha advanced on Dr. Strange, eyes flashing. "No Peter, it's not. This man owes you an apology and needs to make this right. What kind of hero strips a child of his entire support system? His friends? The woman he loved?"
Dr. Strange had the decency to look abashed. "Believe me, I took no pleasure in crafting that spell. But the multiverse itself was at stake. Parker's identity had to be erased to prevent further threats."
"And what about afterwards?" Wanda demanded. "Why did you not seek to undo the spell once the threat was dealt with? Peter has been completely alone for weeks because of you!"
"I..." Dr. Strange faltered, guilt creeping into his eyes. "Everything happened so quickly, and then I no longer remembered the boy or my promise to him."
Peter stepped forward earnestly. "Doctor Strange, I don't blame you. I agreed to the spell because it was the only way. But...but now I have a family again." He smiled softly at Natasha and Wanda. "If there's any way to restore things, even just for the people closest to me, I'd be really grateful."
Dr. Strange considered the three standing united before him and sighed. "I owe you an apology, Peter. You showed tremendous courage and sacrifice, and you did not deserve to bear this burden alone. Give me some time, and I will see what I can do to undo the spell's effects upon your loved ones."
Peter's face lit up with hope. "Thank you, sir."
As they turned to leave, Natasha gave Dr. Strange one last piercing look. "See that you make this right."
Back at Peter's apartment, Natasha could see the optimism returning to the boy's eyes. She cupped his cheek gently. "No more loneliness for you, little spider. We're staying right here."
Peter hugged her tight. "Thanks, Mom."
Wanda ruffled his hair affectionately. "That's what family is for."
Natasha held both of them close, feeling that her family was finally complete. She had her children back. And she would move heaven and earth to keep them safe, always.
A few days later, Dr. Strange returned to Peter's apartment, an apologetic look on his face as Natasha eyed him warily.
"I'm afraid I have not been able to find a way to fully reverse the spell," he admitted regretfully. "The magic required was extremely intricate and powerful. However, there may be another solution."
Natasha crossed her arms. "Go on."
"Though I cannot restore the memories I erased, it may be possible to...jog them, recreate connections through shared experiences," Dr. Strange explained. "Your bonds with Peter were strong. If you interact with those you were once close to, spend time recalling moments you shared, his presence may gradually come back to you."
Wanda looked thoughtful. "Like how spending time with Peter helped restore our own memories of him."
Dr. Strange nodded. "Exactly. Obviously it is not a perfect fix, but it could help return some of what my spell stole."
Natasha frowned, not fully satisfied, but Peter spoke up eagerly. "It's worth a try! I know our friends at the Compound must have tons of great memories with me from missions and training and movie nights." He turned pleading eyes on Natasha and Wanda. "Can we go see if it works?"
Unable to resist Peter's hopeful gaze, Natasha relented with a small smile. "All right, malen'kiy pauk. Let's go help our friends remember the amazing boy we know and love."
Peter beamed, throwing his arms around her. "Thanks Mom!"
Wanda laughed, ruffling Peter's hair. "I've missed movie nights at the Compound. I bet watching Star Wars will stir up all kinds of memories of you fanboying with them, little brother."
Peter's cheeks flushed. "Hey, I don't fanboy that much!"
Linking her arm through his, Wanda winked. "Keep telling yourself that."
After the long drive upstate, Natasha could see Peter growing anxious as they approached the Compound. She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's going to be okay. They love you, even if they don't remember right now."
Taking a deep breath, Peter nodded. As they entered the Compound, Steve Rogers looked up in surprise. "Natasha, Wanda, welcome back. And who's this?" He studied Peter with a quizzical frown.
"An old friend you've forgotten," Natasha said. "Steve, meet Peter Parker."
Steve's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? But that's impossible, I think I'd remember..."
He trailed off as Peter began recounting stories - pulling gummy bears out of his suit on the tarmac in Germany, getting overly competitive with Steve during training exercises, rambling excitedly about his Captain America comic collection.
With each memory, understanding dawned on Steve's face. "My God...Peter?" He engulfed the boy in a bear hug. "I can't believe it! What happened?"
As Peter explained Dr. Strange's spell, the other Avengers gradually filtered into the room, curiosity piqued. One by one, their memories were jogged - Clint recognizing Peter's terrible form during target practice, Bruce remembering late night chats over cups of tea, Thor laughing heartily at the tale of Peter accidentally webbing him to a door.
Within hours, it was like Peter had never left. They ordered pizzas and had an uproarious movie marathon, laughter and camaraderie filling the Compound again. As Peter dozed off nestled against Natasha, surrounded by his reunited friends, she breathed a sigh of relief. Some wounds could still be healed.
Over the next few days, Peter happily settled back into life at the Compound. But Natasha could tell he still missed Ned and MJ deeply. She knew the time had come to help restore those friendships.
"Wanna take a trip into the city tomorrow, little spider?" she suggested one evening. "I happen to know a certain coffee shop where your pal Ned likes to hang out after school."
Peter's eyes went wide. "You mean it?" At Natasha's nod, he whooped and threw his arms around her. "Yes please, yes please! I miss him so much!"
Wanda laughed as she joined their hug. "And I'll bet your princess MJ might just happen to stop by too." She winked at Peter's blush.
The next afternoon, they parked outside the coffee shop, peering in the windows until Peter caught sight of Ned and MJ chatting at a table inside. Taking a steadying breath, he turned to Natasha and Wanda.
"Okay. I can do this."
Natasha ruffled his hair and then shooed him toward the door. "We'll be right here. Go get your friends back."
Settling into a back booth with Wanda, Natasha kept a watchful eye on Peter as he hesitantly approached Ned and MJ's table. Though she couldn't hear the conversation, she could tell from their shocked and disbelieving faces that Peter was explaining the situation.
Finally Ned gasped "Dude!" and pulled Peter into a tight hug. MJ looked stunned, then increasingly upset as Peter kept talking. Natasha tensed, ready to intervene, until she realized there were tears glinting in the girl's eyes.
MJ suddenly leapt to her feet. "Peter Parker, you absolute idiot!"
"Little help here?" Peter yelped.
Natasha waved him off. "You're on your own, Spider-boy."
She chased a yelping Peter out of the coffee shop.
Ned burst into laughter. "Classic MJ. That girl sure knows how to keep our spider on his toes!"
Natasha chuckled as Peter and MJ reappeared outside the window, MJ berating him heatedly though her hands were gentle on his face. After a moment, she pulled Peter into a fierce kiss.
"Looks like she forgives him," Natasha said with an approving nod. She watched as Ned hurried outside to join the happy, laughing group. Her little spider had his friends back.
As Peter let himself get caught and tickled by MJ, his laughter echoing bright and clear, Natasha felt her heart swell. Their family was whole once more. And she would move heaven and earth to keep Peter's smile shining just like this.
As they walked to the car, Peter kept his arms wrapped around MJ and Ned like he was afraid to let go. His eyes shone as he turned to Natasha and Wanda.
"Thank you both, for everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Wanda tweaked his nose. "You're stuck with us now, little brother."
Natasha hugged Peter close. "That's what family's for. We look out for each other."
Finally, with his loved ones restored and Natasha and Wanda's steadfast support, her little spider didn't have to face the world alone anymore. And Natasha knew that together, their unconventional but loving family could overcome any obstacle, as long as they had each other.
Two Weeks Later
"Peter, hold still! Your hair is sticking up everywhere," Natasha chided affectionately, trying to smooth down the unruly brown locks.
Peter squirmed away from her fussing hands, cheeks flushing pink. "Mom, come on, you're messing it up more!"
Natasha clicked her tongue. "I'm just trying to make you look presentable for your big date!"
It was Peter's first official outing with MJ since regaining his place in her and Ned's lives. Naturally, his extended family at the Avengers Compound had eagerly jumped in to help him get ready.
"Dating was so much simpler in my day," Steve reminisced from where he leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest. "You just brought a nice dame some flowers or took her dancing."
"This is the 21st century, old man," Wanda teased. "I think Peter's plan for dinner and a movie is perfectly fine."
"Assuming he survives Nat's motherhenning," Clint chuckled from his perch on the desk.
Natasha shot him a mock glare before turning back to fuss over Peter's outfit, brushing away imaginary lint. Clint had been the first to start jokingly referring to her as Peter's 'Avengers mom,' but the nickname had stuck among the team. And Natasha found she didn't actually mind.
"Don't worry Mrs. Romanoff, I'll make sure the young spider looks most dashing for his lady," came a lively voice. Princess Shuri sauntered into the room, a garment bag draped over one arm. "I brought a little something from Wakanda I think will do the trick!"
She unzipped the bag with a flourish, revealing a smart, stylishly-cut suit in shades of red and black. Peter's eyes went wide. "Whoa! Shuri, you didn't have to do that."
Shuri waved a hand airily. "Nonsense, what are friends for? Now go try it on! We must make sure you look like a proper prince."
Peter shook his head but accepted the suit with a grateful grin. A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom looking quite dapper and grown-up. Natasha had to blink back sudden tears at the sight. When had her little spider become such a handsome young man?
"Looking good, kid!" Clint gave Peter an approving thumbs up. "MJ's a lucky girl."
"Thanks, Clint," Peter said, cheeks flushing again.
Natasha stepped forward to gently adjust his collar, pride shining in her eyes. "You look wonderful, Peter. Now remember, compliment her outfit, open doors for her, pull out her chair..."
"I know, I know!" Peter laughed, ducking his head in embarrassment. "You already gave me the whole dating advice rundown, Mom."
Natasha ruffled his hair. "I just want your first big date to be perfect."
Peter surprised her by pulling her into a tight hug. "It will be," he said softly. "Cause this time I don't have to hide anything. I can just be me, Peter Parker, on a date with the girl I really care about."
Natasha had to discreetly wipe a stray tear as she hugged him back. Her little boy was growing up so fast.
Too soon, it was time for Peter to leave to pick up MJ. Natasha walked him out to the car, straightening his collar one last time. "Have fun tonight, malen'kiy pauk. Don't worry about patrol, I'll take care of it."
Peter's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thanks, Mom! You're the best."
He sped off with a last wave out the window, leaving Natasha feeling wistful but proud. Her little spider was embarking on his next big adventure.
"Come on, Mom, let's go bust some bad guys," Wanda said, linking her arm through Natasha's. Together, they headed out into the city for the night's patrol.
Meanwhile, Peter pulled up outside MJ's apartment, nervously fiddling with the corsage on the seat next to him. He had missed her so much during their separation, and now finally had a chance to take her on a real date. He desperately hoped he wouldn't mess it up.
Taking a deep breath, Peter walked up to the door and rang the bell. A moment later it swung open, and he saw MJ standing there in a pretty green dress, curly hair falling softly around her face. She looked amazing.
"Wow, hey, you uh...you look really pretty," Peter stammered out.
MJ ducked her head almost shyly. "Thanks, dork. You clean up pretty nice yourself."
Grinning happily, Peter presented the corsage with a flourish. MJ rolled her eyes but allowed him to pin it on her wrist.
As they drove to the restaurant, conversation flowed easily. Peter told funny stories about Shuri's antics in the lab, while MJ caught him up on school gossip. It already felt just like old times.
Over dinner, they laughed and talked for hours, the connection between them as strong as ever. Peter was able to share parts of himself and his life as Spiderman that he'd always held back before. It felt freeing and right to finally have no secrets between them.
After dessert, they walked hand in hand to the movie theater down the street. When Peter shyly stretched his arm along the back of MJ's seat, she snuggled right into his side, head resting on his shoulder. Peter's heart soared.
The movie passed in a blur as Peter simply basked in the joy of being on a normal date with the girl he'd fallen for. No supervillains to fight, no emergencies to run off to, just him and MJ and the chance to explore their feelings for one another, once again. It was perfect.
When she kissed him, Peter felt like he was floating among the stars.
Later, as they approached the Compound hand in hand, MJ raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Time you met the family?" Peter said with a lopsided grin.
MJ nodded a bit nervously beside Peter. But her anxious expression melted into a smile as Peter slipped his hand into hers.
Inside, the Avengers looked up eagerly from their movie night as Peter led MJ in.
"Michelle Jones, meet Natasha Romanoff - she's basically my mom."
Natasha stepped forward to embrace MJ. "It's wonderful to officially meet you, dear."
MJ's lips quirked in amusement as Natasha, let go of her, winking.
"My dad, Clint Barton."
Clint waved. "I provide terrible jokes and life advice."
He then wrapped MJ in a quick hug. "Any girl who can put up with this knucklehead must be something special."
Peter chuckled and continued. "My best friend - don't tell Ned, Shuri - we cause absolute chaos together. She's also basically my little sister."
Shuri bumped fists with MJ. "I'm the woman behind your boyfriend's best tech. At last I meet the young maiden who has captured my best friend's heart!"
MJ laughed as Shuri pulled her into an enthusiastic hug.
"My lovely big sis Wanda, who apparently helped patrol tonight?" Peter raised an inquiring eyebrow at Wanda's disheveled appearance.
Wanda shrugged, red wisps of magic fluttering around her fingers. "What are sisters for? Had to make sure the city survived without its friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
Peter continued on, introducing MJ to each of the Avengers in turn, all regarding her with instant warmth and welcome.
MJ smiled slowly. "It's really nice to meet you all." She tucked herself against Peter's side. "Thanks for looking out for my guy."
"Anything for our family," Steve said warmly as the others nodded.
Natasha watched the sweet scene, love for her makeshift family swelling in her heart. After so much hardship, her little spider had found his way home. And Natasha knew she would move heaven and earth to protect the joy and peace he had finally found.
Later, as MJ headed home and Peter got ready for bed, he found Natasha, Wanda, and Shuri waiting to say goodnight.
"Soooo, how'd it go?" Wanda asked eagerly. The others quickly gathered around, eyes alight with curiosity.
Peter couldn't stop grinning. "It was amazing. I think...I think MJ could be the one."
"Young love!" Shuri sighed happily. "You two make the most adorable pair."
Natasha ruffled his hair, pride shining on her face. "I'm so happy for you, malen'kiy pauk."
"Thanks for all your help getting me ready, guys," Peter said earnestly, looking around at his family.
"So, you did have a nice time, little spider?"
Peter beamed. "The best. Thank you again for everything, Mom."
Natasha cupped his face fondly. "Seeing you so happy is all I need." She kissed his forehead. "Sleep well, malen'kiy pauk."
Settling into bed, Peter hugged his pillow tight, reflecting on the amazing family he'd found.
Natasha - once a lone wolf spy who now lovingly called him her son.
Wanda - the big sister who always had his back.
Shuri - his partner-in-crime and brilliant best friend.
Clint - the doting father figure full of sage advice.
And all the rest of the Avengers, bonded by love and memories regained.
With these remarkable people standing beside him, Peter knew he could face whatever the future held. As long as they stuck together, he would never be alone.
Smiling, Peter drifted off to sleep. He was truly home.