natasha romanoff & peter parker oneshots

Natasha looked up from her book, instantly on alert, when the elevator doors slid open and Peter stumbled out. One look at his flushed, tear-stained face had her on her feet and across the room in seconds.

"Peter? What happened, what's wrong?" she asked urgently, grasping his shoulders.

Peter just shook his head, not meeting her eyes. His slender frame was rigid with tension under her hands.

Natasha gently led him over to the couch and eased him down before sitting beside him. She kept one arm wrapped firmly around his shoulders. "Talk to me, мой паучок. Are you hurt?"

Peter hesitated before mumbling almost inaudibly, "No, not hurt."

Natasha frowned, alarm bells ringing in her mind. Gently she reached out to tilt Peter's chin up. The shame and embarrassment swirling in his eyes made her heart ache. "Peter, please tell me what's going on. I just want to help."

Peter's lower lip wobbled dangerously. He stared down at his lap. "I-it's stupid," he forced out.

Natasha squeezed his shoulder. "If it's upsetting you this much, I promise it's not stupid." She ducked her head, trying to meet his downcast eyes. "I've got you, malyutka. You're safe here."

Something in her gentle tone seemed to crack through his distress. Peter crumpled against her side, fresh tears falling as words tumbled out in a shaky rush.

"I-I was walking home and these guys drove by and - and they were yelling stuff like 'hey baby looking good' and I j-just felt so helpless and disgusted, and they saw me as a g-girl and I'm not, I'm not!"

He dissolved into breathless sobs as Natasha's gut churned with fury. She wrapped both arms around Peter, cradling the back of his head against her chest. "Shh I've got you, just breathe," she soothed, tamping down her anger. She had to be calm for him right now.

They sat entwined as Peter cried himself out. Natasha whispered soft reassurances, keeping up a steady rhythm of stroking his hair. Finally his tears slowed to occasional hiccups. Natasha gently eased back to meet his eyes, still red-rimmed and swimming with shame.

"Those men were despicable excuses for human beings," she said vehemently. "But you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, Peter. Nothing."

Peter just looked down, wiping roughly at his cheeks. "I shouldn't let it get to me. But when they called me those names, like I was just some..." He trailed off with a pained noise, curling in on himself.

Seeing him so distraught ignited a fresh wave of fury and protectiveness in Natasha's core. "Listen to me," she implored, taking his face in both hands. "You are so much more than the cruel words of some strangers. You are kind, and brilliant, and wonderfully made as you are."

She offered a tremulous smile. "I know the world can feel harsh and unwelcoming. But never doubt your worth. And never forget you have me, always."

Peter's eyes shone with emotion. He clung to her again desperately and Natasha held him close, rocking him gently. She wished fiercely she could shield him from the ugliness and judgement, but the best she could do was remind him he wasn't alone. They had each other.

"I've got you, мой храбрый паук," she murmured into his hair. "I promise you can get through this. And I'll be by your side every step."

They stayed entwined until Peter's breathing evened out, emotionally spent. He sat up slowly, scrubbing the remaining tears from his face. "Thank you," he said hoarsely after a moment. "For...everything. I'm really glad I have you, Nat."

Warmth bloomed in Natasha's chest. "And I'm thankful every day that I have you," she replied honestly. She gave his shoulder one last comforting squeeze before leaning back to meet his eyes. "Why don't I make us some tea? We can talk more if you need to. Or just watch a movie if you'd rather take your mind off everything."

Peter managed a watery smile. "Tea sounds really nice."

Natasha busied herself in the kitchen brewing chamomile, keeping half an ear tuned to the living room in case Peter's distress returned. But she heard only his steady breaths, the faint rustle of him shifting on the couch. She allowed herself to relax slightly knowing he was calm for now.

Bringing two steaming mugs over, she passed one to Peter before retaking her seat beside him. He cradled it in both hands, staring pensively into the golden liquid without drinking.

Finally he spoke quietly. "I really thought it would stop getting to me so much by now. The stares, the comments. But it never does." His voice cracked on the last word.

Natasha ached to take his pain into herself. "You have nothing to be ashamed of," she reiterated gently. "But I know that doesn't make it hurt any less." She waited until he glanced up to meet her eyes. "Building up those emotional calluses takes time. But I have faith you'll get there. You're so much stronger than you know."

Peter bit his lip, eyes glistening again. "I don't feel very strong right now," he admitted in a small voice. "But thanks for believing in me anyways."

"Oh мой храбрый мальчик, you are so strong," Natasha affirmed, taking his hand and squeezing firmly. "And I'll remind you as many times as you need to hear it."

Peter's expression crumpled. He set his tea aside so he could wrap both arms fiercely around her again. Natasha held him close, rubbing his back. "I've got you, I'm here," she soothed.

They stayed entwined until Peter's tears stopped flowing, the tension slowly easing from his slender frame. Natasha kept up a steady mantra of reassurances until she felt him breathe deeply against her shoulder, emotionally spent but calm.

"Why don't we watch a movie?" she suggested gently once he finally pulled back, not ready to let him from her sight just yet. "Whatever you want. I'll make popcorn."

Peter scrubbed at his face, managing a hint of a smile. "Yeah...yeah, a movie sounds really nice, actually."

While Natasha busied herself in the kitchen, she mulled over ways she could help bolster his confidence and shield him from cruelty. But she knew even her fiercest protective instincts couldn't entirely erase the world's harsh edges. Still, she could remind him he never faced it alone.

Returning with a bowl of popcorn, she was relieved to see some of the distress had faded from Peter's eyes. He immediately tucked himself against her side after she sat down. Smiling, Natasha wrapped a protective arm around him, drawing him close.

They queued up Back to the Future, one of Peter's favorites. As the familiar opening sequence filled the screen, Natasha felt some of the awful tension from earlier finally unwind from the boy nestled trustingly against her.

Tomorrow she would need to have a conversation with Tony about improving Peter's suit to keep him safer walking home. But for now, curled up in their bubble of comfort and familiarity, the darkness of the outside world couldn't touch him.

Natasha pressed a fierce, lingering kiss to the top of his head. However cruelly the world tried to diminish his light, she would remind him of his strength until he saw himself as she did - her brave, beautiful boy.

FLASHBACK TO THE DAY HE CAME OUT: ONE MONTH EARLIER

Peter paced back and forth in his bedroom, heart pounding. Today was the day. After weeks of agonizing, he was finally going to tell the Avengers—his family—the truth about who he was.

Terrifying what-if's raced through his mind. What if they rejected him? Stopped trusting Spider-Man? Or worse, forced him to keep pretending to be someone he wasn't?

Shaking his head sharply, Peter tried to shove down the doubts. No, his family cared about him. They would understand. At least, he desperately hoped so.

A gentle knock at the door made him jump. "Sweetie? Everything okay?" Natasha's muffled voice called out. "Can I come in, baby?"

Peter started towards the door on instinct before hesitating. He knew Natasha would be the most difficult to tell, and the most painful if it went badly. The woman had become like a mother to him this past year. Her approval meant everything.

Taking a deep breath, Peter steeled himself and opened the door. Natasha's brows pinched in concern as she took in his obvious anxiety.

"What's going on, малыш паук? Talk to me." She guided him gently over to sit on the bed, keeping one steadying hand on his shoulder.

Peter stared down at his lap, trying to gather the courage that seemed to be crumbling away under Natasha's kind green eyes. Finally he forced out in a whisper, "I n-need to tell you something. All of you. Can you get everyone together?"

Natasha's frown deepened, but she nodded. "Of course. Meet us in the living room in ten minutes?"

Peter could only nod jerkily. Natasha gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze before reluctantly standing to leave.

Alone again, Peter dropped his head into his hands. He could do this. He had to do this. Wrapping his trembling arms around himself, he pushed to his feet and shuffled out to face his family.

Soon the Avengers were all gathered on the couches, looking concerned. Peter noticed Natasha standing protectively apart from the group, eyes fixed on him. He drew strength from her solid presence.

"What's going on, kid?" Tony spoke up first. "Everything okay?"

Peter opened and closed his mouth soundlessly before finally forcing out, "Actually, no. Everything's not okay." He saw Natasha tense, but plowed onwards before he lost his nerve.

"You all know me as Penny Parker, Spider-Girl, but I don't want to be known as that anymore. But I don't want to be Penny anymore." He wrapped his arms tighter around himself. "I want to be known as Peter now. I'm a trans guy."

Stunned silence met his confession. Peter's pulse roared in his ears. Any second now, they would start to judge, condemn, reject him—

Suddenly he was enveloped in slender but surprisingly strong arms. Blinking back tears, he realized it was Natasha hugging him fiercely, one hand cradling the back of his head.

"Oh мой храбрый паук, thank you for trusting us with this truth," she said thickly. Drawing back, she met his eyes earnestly. "I'm so proud of you."

Emotion flooded Peter's chest. Natasha wasn't rejecting him? She was...proud?

He became aware then of the other Avengers gathering around, echoing her support. Tony clasped his shoulder. "You'll always be Peter to us, kid. Nothing changes that." Murmurs of agreement followed.

Peter's vision swam with tears. They still wanted him, all of him. The relief was dizzying.

Later, after the others had drifted off, Peter found himself alone with Natasha. He glanced over hesitantly. "So you're really okay with me being...you know, trans?"

Natasha's expression softened. "Peter, of course. This doesn't change how much I care about you." She wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I'm honored you trusted me enough to share this."

Peter leaned into her embrace, a few traitorous tears slipping free. Natasha made a soft distressed noise and pulled him closer.

"Hey, it's alright, мой паук," she soothed. "Let it out. I know that took so much courage."

"I was just so scared you'd all see me differently," Peter admitted shakily when he found his voice again. "I can't lose this family."

"Oh baby, you could never lose us," Natasha assured gently. She took his face in both hands, brushing away his tears with her thumbs. "We love you for exactly who you are. Nothing will ever change that."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Peter collapsed into her arms. Natasha held him as the last of his fear melted away, replaced by an all-encompassing sense of relief and belonging. He was loved fully, for all that he was.

Later, once the tears were dried, a peaceful quiet settled between them. Curled against Natasha's side, her steady heartbeat grounding him, Peter felt only safety.

"Thank you," he whispered finally. "For everything."

Natasha just pressed a kiss to his temple. "You never have to thank me, Peter. What matters is that you feel free to be yourself here. No judgement, no expectations—just love and support."

Her voice grew thick with emotion again. "And I will always, always be so unspeakably proud of you, my brave boy."

Peter nestled closer as her words settled over him like the warmest blanket. He had found his way home, to family who loved him. With Natasha standing guard beside him, he could face the future without fear. She would help him stay strong.

"Love you, Mom," he mumbled against her shoulder.

Natasha's arms tightened around him. "Love you more than you know, мой храбрый паук," she whispered fiercely. "Always."

Curled safe in his mother spider's web, Peter smiled and let his eyes drift shut, weariness overtaking him. The love surrounding him was like armor. No matter what came next, he would be ready.

END OF FLASHBACK: BACK TO PRESENT DAY

Peter came back to himself slowly, Natasha's reassuring voice guiding him. Blinking back to the present, he met her knowing gaze. The same fiercely protective love shone there as the first day he'd told her his deepest truth.

Some things never changed, he realized. The web of family wrapped around him was as strong as ever. With Natasha guarding fiercely over her spider son, he could weather any storm.

As Peter's head eventually came to rest heavy with sleep against her shoulder, his features finally smooth and peaceful, Natasha was overcome with gratitude and protectiveness. She would move heaven and earth to shelter this child who had become her very heart. The world may not understand him, but she did, wholly and completely.

"Sweet dreams, мой храбрый паук," she whispered into his curls. "I've got you now."

Whatever this complicated world threw at him, her little spider would never have to face it alone. Wrapped in his mother spider's embrace, he was safe.

In the weeks following the traumatic encounter on his walk home, Peter clung to the routines and affection Natasha provided, slowly regaining his confidence. Most days after school now, Natasha met him outside the building so they could walk back to the Tower together. Peter always lit up seeing her waiting there, tension easing from his shoulders at her comforting presence.

Natasha lived for those special moments together, chatting lightly about their days as Peter relaxed in the safety of her company. The simple act of walking beside him, keeping watch, made her feel like she could actually protect her child from the world’s harsher edges, if only briefly.

One afternoon Peter emerged from the school entrance and made a beeline for Natasha as usual, his face brightening. “Hey Mom!”

Warmth bloomed in Natasha’s chest at the familiar nickname. “Hi малыш,” she greeted, pulling him into a quick hug. “How was school?”

As they set off down the sidewalk, Peter launched enthusiastically into a story about his chemistry lab experiment as Natasha listened attentively. She kept one eye on their surroundings, hyperaware as always, but allowed herself to relax into the comforting familiarity of just spending time with her boy.

They were only a few blocks from the Tower when Natasha caught sight of a slowing car out of the corner of her eye. Her senses flared in warning when the vehicle pulled up alongside them. Before she could react, a chillingly familiar voice called out.

“Hey cutie, where you walking off to so fast? Why not come have some fun with us?”

Every muscle in Natasha’s body seized with outraged recognition. Not daring to look at Peter, she reached out to grip his arm in what she hoped was a reassuring squeeze as furious adrenaline surged through her veins.

Peter had gone rigid, his excited rambling cutting off mid-sentence. Natasha chanced a quick glance at him and her heart clenched—his face had gone sheet-white, eyes wide with renewed panic and shame.

Seeing that wretched anguish resurface in his expression ignited something primal and ferocious inside Natasha. Without thinking, she released Peter’s arm and whirled to face the car, every line of her body radiating lethal intent.

“Leave. Him. Alone,” she bit out, glaring icy death at the offenders. “Or you will sincerely regret it.”

The group of young men recoiled, faces paling at whatever they saw in her eyes. One stammered, “S-sorry ma’am, we’ll be going now.” They peeled away from the curb tires squealing.

Pulse still hammering, Natasha turned swiftly back to Peter. The poor boy stood frozen, chest heaving as he stared after the retreating car. Natasha hastened to envelope him in a fierce, protective embrace.

“It’s alright, you’re safe now,” she soothed, stroking his hair as she felt him shaking against her. “I’ve got you, мой храбрый мальчик.”

After a few moments she felt Peter’s rapid breaths start to steady as the tension slowly eased from his taut frame. He sagged against her, face pressed into her shoulder.

“I can’t believe that was them again,” he finally mumbled, voice muffled. “I thought maybe they’d forgotten...”

“I know, I know,” Natasha murmured, heart aching for him. “I’m so sorry, Peter.” She pulled back just far enough to meet his eyes, still shadowed with unease. “But listen to me. Those pathetic excuses for human beings are the ones who should be ashamed, not you.” She cupped his face in both hands. “You have done absolutely nothing wrong, do you understand?”

Peter nodded shakily, a sheen of tears visible in his eyes. Overcome with fierce protectiveness, Natasha drew him close again, cradling the back of his head as she felt his tears dampen her shirt. They stood wrapped together for a long moment, the busy sounds of the city fading away until it was just the two of them in their bubble.

Finally Peter drew a deep, steadying breath and eased back, scrubbing at his face. He offered her a tremulous hint of a smile. “Thank you. Again. For everything.” His voice was hoarse but sincere. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you, Nat.”

Emotion clogged Natasha’s throat. She had to blink and swallow hard before she could respond. “Well you never have to find out. I’ll always be right by your side.” She squeezed his shoulder, smiling softly. “Now come on, let’s go home.”

Peter hesitated, brow furrowing. “But what if they’re still around?” He eyed the sidewalk warily as if the offenders might reappear from the shadows at any moment.

Seeing his lingering fear reignited Natasha’s fury, but she kept her voice calm and steady. “Then they’ll be very sorry they stuck around.” She met Peter’s uncertain gaze. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. But we don’t have to take this route home ever again if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Peter chewed his lip but finally nodded, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Okay.”

They set off again down the sidewalk, Natasha hyper alert to their surroundings. But the street stayed blessedly empty save for the usual pedestrian traffic. Still, she stayed on high alert until the Tower came into view. Only once they were inside with the doors sealed securely behind them did Natasha feel her hackles finally lower.

Peter surprised her then by turning and wrapping her in a sudden, fierce hug. “Thank you for protecting me,” he mumbled into her shoulder. “You’re the best mom ever. I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Unexpected emotion flooded Natasha’s chest. She clutched him tighter, fiercely grateful she had been there to shield him today. “Oh мой маленький паук, I will always protect you,” she whispered fervently. “No matter what.” She drew back just enough to meet his eyes, still shadowed with the trauma of past and present, but beginning to clear. “You never have to face the darkness alone again. Not as long as you have me.”

Peter managed a real, if slightly watery smile then. “Love you, Mom,” he said simply.

And just like that, the last icy tendrils of Natasha’s fear and fury melted away, eclipsed by the warmth glowing in her core. She pressed a fierce kiss to his forehead. “Love you too, my brave boy. Always.”

Arm in arm, they made their way inside, leaving the lingering ghosts of trauma at the door. The healing road ahead would have its challenges, but wrapped in his mother spider’s fierce embrace, Peter walked forward without faltering. Whatever darkness tried to steal his light, she would stand guard, a bulwark against the shadows.

Her little spider had spun his web around her heart, and she would protect him until her last breath if need be. He made her feel brave too.