"we both know the real you is still in there."
The Quinjet glided smoothly through the bright blue sky, swiftly making its way towards the coordinates Fury had sent them. Natasha sat near the front of the jet, checking and rechecking her Widow's Bites as she mentally prepared for the mission ahead.
It was supposed to be a simple reconnaissance mission, scoping out an old Hydra base that had recently shown signs of activity again. Natasha wasn't too worried, she had gone on countless missions just like this one, but today felt different. Because today, it wouldn't just be her and the other Avengers. Today, her son Peter would be joining them for his first official mission as an Avenger.
Natasha glanced over her shoulder to where Peter sat, dressed in his brand new Spider-Man suit that Mr. Stark had designed for him. He was bouncing his leg up and down rapidly, a clear sign of his anxious excitement. Natasha felt a swell of pride looking at him. Her tough, brave, kind-hearted boy was growing up.
She stood up and made her way over to him, sitting down in the seat next to his. "You doing alright, Spidey?" she asked.
Peter nodded, the eyes of his mask wide. "Yeah, totally! Just, you know, ready to kick some Hydra butt and take some names, right?"
Natasha smiled softly. "This is just supposed to be a stealth mission to gather intel. We get in, look around, and get out. No butt kicking required today."
"Oh, right," Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "Got it."
Natasha studied him for a moment. She could tell how badly he wanted to prove himself today. "But stay sharp," she added. "Things can always take an unexpected turn out in the field. Just listen to my lead and you'll do great."
Peter nodded again, sitting up a little straighter. "I'm ready."
Natasha gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. "I know you are. I wouldn't let you come if I didn't think you could handle it."
Peter smiled at her praise. "Thanks, Nat. That means a lot coming from you."
Natasha winked at him before standing up as the Quinjet began its descent. She made her way to the back of the jet, Peter following close behind. The other Avengers - Steve, Tony, Clint, Sam and Wanda - were doing their own final checks and preparations.
Steve turned to address the team. "Alright, we're nearing the drop zone. Tony and Sam will hit first, get a aerial view of the landscape and perimeter. Natasha and I will take point at the ground entrance we've identified here," he gestured at a holographic map projected from his wrist device. "Clint, Wanda, you two enter through the north side ventilation system. Spider-Man, you'll be with Nat and I, staying close and alert."
Peter nodded, standing up a little straighter. Natasha hid a smile. She knew how much it meant to Peter to have Steve Rogers himself giving him a crucial role on his first mission.
"Everyone clear on the plan?" Steve asked, looking around at each of them. A chorus of "Yes, Cap" and "You got it" echoed through the jet.
"Alright Avengers," Steve said as the jet hovered right over the drop zone. "Let's get this done."
The bay door opened, cold wind whipping inside, as Sam and Tony jumped out first. Natasha watched them fly off towards the Hydra base, which was nestled amongst some rocky hills a half mile away. She, Steve and Peter made their way to the edge of the ramp, waiting for their cue to jump down.
After about a minute, Tony's voice crackled over their comms. "All clear around the perimeter. No signs of activity that I can see. You're good to go."
Steve nodded at Natasha and Peter. "Let's move." He leapt gracefully from the jet, using his shield to slide smoothly down the rocky slope below. Natasha followed right after, using her widow's bite grapple to control her descent.
She glanced up to see Peter shoot out a web, swinging down easily to land crouched right beside her and Steve. She gave him another proud smile before signaling to Steve she was ready to proceed.
Steve took point, stealthily making his way towards a rusted side door they had noticed during their aerial scans. It looked unused, but was their most likely entry point that would avoid detection. Natasha followed close behind, senses alert for any signs of trouble. She could hear Peter's near silent footsteps right behind her, and was impressed with how well he moved. Clearly her training had paid off.
When they reached the door, Steve tried the handle first, finding it locked as expected. He looked to Natasha, who nodded and pulled out a small laser cutter. She quickly cut through the aged lock, allowing Steve to wrench the stiff door open. He entered first, shield ready, but no alarms were triggered.
"Looks like this place really has been abandoned," Steve said over comms. "Proceed inside, but stay sharp."
They all slipped in through the door, finding themselves in a long vacant hallway, dust and debris scattered across the floor. Steve took point once more as they began methodically clearing each room they passed, looking for any clues or intel that might still remain.
After nearly half an hour of finding nothing but empty offices and storage rooms, Steve sighed. "This place is a ghost town. Widow, have you and Spider-Man found anything useful?"
"Negative," Natasha replied into her comm. "This base looks like it's been deserted for years."
"Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, what's your status?" Steve asked.
"Same over here," Clint replied. "Whole lot of nothing. No recent activity that we can see."
Steve scratched his head in frustration. "Alright, let's start heading back to the rendezvous. Seems like this intel was a dead end."
The team began making their way back towards the entrance they had come through. Natasha watched as Peter's shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment. She came up beside him, giving his arm a sympathetic pat.
"I know it's not as exciting as you were hoping," she said quietly. "But missions often turn out like this, with dead ends and bad intel. It's still good experience."
Peter nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Still glad Fury let me come along."
They continued moving through the halls, nearly reaching the door, when a faint noise in the distance suddenly caught Natasha's ear. She paused, holding up a hand to stop Steve and Peter behind her. She tilted her head, straining to hear where it had come from.
"What is it?" Steve asked urgently.
"Thought I heard something," Natasha replied. "Sounded like voices down that way." She pointed down an adjacent hall they hadn't explored yet.
The three of them fell silent, listening hard. Then they all heard it - distant voices and the unmistakable sound of a heavy door sliding open.
"There are people here," Natasha whispered.
Steve's jaw hardened. " HYDRA must have newer areas we didn't detect. Let's check it out - carefully."
They crept down the hall towards the sounds, soon coming to a large metal door that was cracked partially open. Natasha peeked through the opening, seeing a cavernous room filled with computer stations, lab equipment, and several uniformed agents milling about.
"You were right," she reported softly. "This looks like a main control room. And it's definitely being used."
Steve's eyes narrowed. "Alright, here's the new plan. Spider-Man, I want you to stay here and keep watch. Let us know if anyone else approaches this area. Widow and I will slip in there and try to access one of the computers, download anything useful off their system. We'll maintain radio silence unless absolutely necessary. Got it?"
Peter nodded, moving into position by the door as Steve had instructed. Natasha could tell he was trying not to look disappointed at being left out again. She gave him an encouraging nod before slipping through the door behind Steve.
They moved silently along the edges of the room, ducking behind lab stations and equipment to avoid the handful of agents inside. As they neared an unmanned computer, Steve turned and began signing rapidly to Natasha.
I'll download the intel. You watch my back.
Natasha signed back in agreement and took up a protective position as Steve inserted a flash drive into the computer. His fingers flew across the keys as he worked to hack into the system and copy any files.
After several minutes, he gave her a thumbs up to indicate he had gotten what they needed. Natasha was about to signal they should retreat, when suddenly alarms began blaring loudly from the computer terminals around the room.
"Intruder alert! Lockdown initiated!" an automated voice announced over loudspeakers.
"Time to go!" Steve shouted, all attempts at stealth forgotten now. Natasha ran after him, firing her widow's bites at two guards who tried to block their path to the door. She saw Peter still waiting there, holding the door open for them.
"What happened?" he yelled over the chaotic noise.
"Run now, explain later!" Natasha ordered, shoving him along the hall ahead of her and Steve. More shouting voices could be heard behind them as a troop of guards spilled out in pursuit.
Natasha, Steve and Peter sprinted through the complex, following the route they had taken earlier back towards their entry point. Natasha tapped her comm as they ran.
"Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, we've been compromised and are making our way to the rendezvous point! Be ready for a fight!"
"Copy that, we're already on our way," Clint responded tersely.
They were nearly to the side door they had entered through when several armed guards suddenly appeared, blocking their path.
"There's more coming behind us!" Peter shouted as he glanced over his shoulder. "We're trapped!"
Natasha cursed under her breath. "Cap, give me a boost!" she called, sprinting towards him.
Steve instantly crouched down, shield held over his head. Natasha leapt up onto the shield and Steve launched her upwards with all his strength. She grabbed onto some pipes running along the ceiling and swung herself up into the narrow space.
"I'll find another way out and double back to you!" she called down before crawling swiftly through the cramped metal vent system.
She could hear the sounds of fighting erupting behind her as Steve and Peter engaged the squad of guards. The tight space allowed her to move much quicker than she could on foot, and soon she found another vent cover leading out into a vacant hallway.
She kicked it open and jumped down, checking her location. She was on the opposite side of the compound from where she had left Steve and Peter. But the sounds of battle told her they hadn't made it out yet. She had to get back to them.
Breaking into a run, she sprinted down halls and stairwells, winding her way back towards her teammates. As she drew closer, the sounds of punching, grunting and repulsor blasts grew louder.
Bursting into the room, she found Peter and Steve confronted by ten armed guards, with more pouring in by the second. Steve had lost his shield and was fighting hand-to-hand while Peter tried to web up as many guards as he could. But they were quickly being overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
Natasha leapt into the fray, her widow's bites taking down two men instantly. She fought her way over to Steve and Peter, watching their backs as they pressed forward as a unit.
Steve managed to reclaim his shield, using it to bash his way through the mob of attackers. "Get to the exit!" he roared. "We're out of here!"
The trio moved together, Natasha and Peter picking off guards on their perimeter as Cap cleared a path ahead. They had almost made it when a blast suddenly shot past Natasha's shoulder, missing her by inches.
She whirled to see a uniformed man on a catwalk above them, taking aim with some kind of advanced assault rifle.
"Look out!" Natasha shouted in warning, seeing the gun's barrel swivel towards Peter. She reacted on pure instinct, diving and tackling Peter to the ground just as another blast erupted from the weapon.
Natasha felt her side erupt in fiery pain a moment before she heard the deafening boom. She had taken the shot meant for Peter.
"Widow!" Peter cried out in anguish. He scrambled out from under her, pulling her behind a concrete pillar before the shooter could fire again.
"Nat!" Steve yelled, rushing over and crouching down to check her injury.
Natasha grit her teeth against the searing pain in her ribs. She could tell the shot had hit high and gone clean through. She just needed to slow the bleeding.
"Cap, bandage," she panted, keeping pressure on the wound. Steve instantly tore a long strip of fabric from his uniform and handed it over. Peter took it and together they wrapped it tightly around Natasha's torso.
She waved off their concerns as soon as the bandage was secured. "I'll be alright now. We need to move!" Adrenaline and SHIELD training had kicked in, allowing her to compartmentalize the pain for the moment.
Steve hesitated, but knew they didn't have time to argue. "Stay close to us, Romanoff." He picked up his shield and turned back towards their escape route. It was still another hundred yards to reach the door outside.
Peter pulled Natasha's arm over his shoulders, taking her weight as they moved together as quickly as she could manage. Her breath was coming in short, pained gasps but she focused all her energy on putting one foot in front of the other. She just had to make it to the jet.
More guards moved to block their path but Steve barreled ahead like a battering ram, clearing their way with his shield while Peter helped Natasha along behind him.
Finally the exit was in sight. Just as they were about to reach it, the metal door suddenly slammed shut, locking them inside.
"No!" Steve bellowed in rage, slamming his fist against the now sealed entrance.
Natasha felt her legs starting to buckle, her strength fading as blood continued soaking through the makeshift bandage.
Peter eased her to the ground, leaning her against the wall and pressing his hands over her wound. "Just hang on, Mom. We're getting out of this, I promise!" His voice shook with desperation and fear.
Through the fog of pain and blood loss, Natasha realized with surprise that it was the first time he had called her Mom in front of the others. But she didn't have time to dwell on that now.
Steve was still battering vainly at the door when salvation arrived from above. With a massive crash, the Hulk came smashing through the brick wall to their left, roaring furiously. Behind him, Natasha could see Tony blasting at the guards still swarming after them.
"Guys, we gotta go!" Clint called from where he was firing arrows at the oncoming forces from his position atop the Hulk's shoulders.
Steve instantly came back to Natasha and Peter, shielding them as Tony grabbed Natasha and the Hulk scooped up Peter. Within seconds they were all retreating out the massive hole the Hulk had created, fleeing towards the Quinjet parked on a ridge above.
Tony got Natasha on board first before turning back to lay down covering fire with his repulsors. Steve helped get Peter aboard while Clint and Wanda continued driving back those in pursuit. As soon as they were all on board, Tony took off, ramp closing behind them as they accelerated into the sky.
Natasha leaned heavily against the side of the jet, clutching her bleeding side. Peter quickly tore off his mask and was at her side again, fussing over her worriedly.
"Lay her down flat," Bruce said, back in his normal form now as he ripped through cabinets for medical supplies. "I need to get the bleeding stopped and fluids into her."
Peter gently helped Natasha lay on her back, cradling her head in his lap. He looked pale beneath his mask, clearly afraid for her. Natasha gave him a weak smile, reaching up a hand to brush his cheek reassuringly.
"I'll be ok, Peter. Don't worry."
Peter turned his head, kissing her palm as he gripped her hand tightly. Natasha saw Steve come stand behind him, resting a hand on Peter's shoulder.
"She's the toughest one here, son," he said bracingly. "Romanoff will pull through this."
Peter met Steve's gaze, relief washing over his face at Cap's calm confidence. Natasha felt herself relaxing as well. She was surrounded by her team, her family. She was in good hands.
She lay back, focusing on her breathing as Bruce treated her injury, letting the Quinjet's gentle hum soothe her as they raced towards safety. There would be questions to answer and secrets to reveal when she woke. But that was tomorrow's problem.
Today had been Peter's first mission, and he had performed admirably. He had proven himself an Avenger in her eyes many times over. And Natasha knew without a doubt that she had chosen well when she'd decided to bring her spider boy into this world of heroes. No matter what came next, she had never been prouder to call him her son.
The Quinjet landed smoothly on the tower's launch pad. As soon as the ramp lowered, medical personnel swarmed on board, carefully transferring Natasha onto a stretcher. Peter hurried along beside them as they swiftly brought her inside and down to the med bay.
The rest of the team followed close behind. Peter felt like his heart was in his throat as he watched the SHIELD doctors begin working to treat Natasha's injury. There was so much blood...
"You need to give them space to work, kid," Steve said gently, resting his hands on Peter's shoulders and guiding him back a few steps. "She's getting the best care possible now."
Peter nodded, unable to tear his eyes away as the doctors cut Natasha's uniform and cleaned the bloody bullet wound in her side. She had passed out on the jet ride back, though Bruce said her vitals had remained stable.
Peter's stomach churned with fear and anguish. Natasha had taken that bullet for him. If she hadn't shoved him down when she did...
Steve squeezed Peter's shoulders reassuringly. "Why don't you go get cleaned up? We'll stay with her."
Peter wanted to argue, to refuse to leave Natasha's side, but he knew Steve was right. He was still covered in dust, sweat and blood from the mission. He reluctantly allowed Steve to steer him from the room, casting one last anxious look at Natasha's motionless form.
"She's gonna be okay, Pete," Clint said as he fell into step beside them. "You know how tough your mom is."
Peter nodded, clinging to Clint's words. He knew Clint was Natasha's closest friend, and was grateful for his calm presence.
After a quick shower to rinse off the grime of battle, Peter suited up again and hurried back down to the med bay. The rest of the team was gathered there outside the room where Natasha was still being treated.
"How is she?" Peter asked urgently, looking between their faces.
"Docs are just finishing up now," Tony said. "Should be stable. That was some damn good field work you two did wrapping up her injury. Kept it from being a lot worse."
Peter breathed a small sigh of relief. "So she's gonna be okay?"
"She'll be just fine in a few days," Bruce said with a tired but reassuring smile. "She's still asleep from the pain meds, but you can sit with her now."
Peter was through the door before Bruce had even finished speaking. Natasha lay in the hospital bed, hooked up to IVs and monitors. But the steady beeping was rhythmic and strong, and her face looked peacefully resting.
Peter grabbed a chair and pulled it right to her bedside. He took her hand in both of his, holding it gently as he watched the slow rise and fall of her chest.
After a few minutes, Steve came in and quietly took up a spot standing behind Peter's chair. Peter glanced up at him before looking back at Natasha, preparing himself for the conversation he knew was coming.
"So," Steve finally said, his voice calm and non-accusatory. "You called her Mom back there today."
Peter nodded, rubbing his thumb over Natasha's knuckles. "I did. She is my mom, Steve."
He heard Steve let out a slow breath. "Does anyone else know?"
"Just Uncle Clint," Peter replied. "Mom didn't want word getting out about me. It could make me a target, put me in danger. But she's been my mom since I was born."
Steve was quiet, and Peter finally looked up to meet his gaze. The captain looked thoughtful rather than angry or judgmental.
"Why all the secrecy?" he asked after a moment.
Peter hesitated. He and Natasha had never told anyone the full truth about his origins, about being genetically engineered by Hydra using her DNA. He wasn't sure how much to reveal now.
But before he could reply, a soft voice spoke up from the bed. "Because the Red Room made him. He's essentially my clone."
Peter and Steve both snapped their heads towards Natasha in surprise. Her eyes were open now, gazing steadily back at them.
"Mama, you're awake!" Peter exclaimed, relief washing over him.
"Took a bullet to the ribs, not a brick to the head," she said dryly, though her voice was still weak. "Of course I'm awake."
"How are you feeling?" Steve asked gently.
"Like I've been shot," Natasha replied with a wry quirk of her mouth. "But I'll live, thanks to my spider boy here." She gave Peter's hand an affectionate squeeze.
Peter carefully leaned in to hug her, trying not to jostle her injury. She kissed his hair before settling back against her pillows with a pained wince.
"You should really rest," Peter fretted, but Natasha waved him off.
"I need to explain things to the team. It's time they knew the full truth about us."
She looked over at Steve. "Can you gather everyone, bring them here? Peter and I will tell you all everything."
Steve nodded, giving them both a supportive smile before slipping from the room to carry out Natasha's request.
Peter fidgeted nervously with the edge of Natasha's blanket. "Are you sure about this, Mom? What if they..."
Natasha reached out and took his hand again. "It will be okay, Peter. They're our family. They'll understand."
Peter searched her face, then nodded slowly. She was right. The Avengers had taken him in, trained him, made him one of their own. He had to trust that the bonds they had formed were strong enough for this.
A few minutes later, the rest of the team filed quietly into the med bay room, gathering around Natasha's bed. Clint came straight over to Natasha's other side, and she reached out and took his hand too. Having her two closest people near seemed to strengthen her resolve.
She looked slowly around the room, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "I'm sure you all have questions after today," she began. "So Peter and I want to explain everything fully. No more secrets between us."
The team waited silently and attentively for her to continue. Natasha took a breath and plunged in.
"As I told Steve, Peter is...of my genetic material. The Red Room forced me to have him as an attempt to replicate my genetics. They hoped he would grow to be an asset they could control." Her jaw tightened angrily at the memory.
"To them he was just an experiment, not a child. But to me..." Her eyes moved to Peter, softening. "He was a miracle I never expected. My son."
Peter blinked back the tears stinging his eyes. Hearing Natasha acknowledge him so openly as her son, after years of hiding, brought an overwhelming rush of emotion.
"I knew I had to get him away from there," Natasha continued quietly. "So I took him and disappeared. Only Clint knew, in case I ever needed help keeping him safe."
Clint nodded somberly. "Tasha knew she could trust me. So whatever they needed to stay hidden, I helped provide."
"Why all the secrecy even after you brought him to us?" Bruce asked, although not unkindly. "You know we'd protect Peter if we'd known."
"It wasn't about trust," Natasha said. "I didn't want any hint of Peter's origins getting out, in case Hydra ever tried looking for their lost asset. The fewer who knew his connection to me, the safer he'd be."
Her team all nodded slowly in understanding and agreement.
"Well your secret is safe with us, Nat," Tony pledged sincerely. "We'd do anything to protect our little spider kid." He gave Peter a playful smile which Peter returned gratefully.
"Peter is part of this family now," Thor declared, pounding his fist against his chest. "We shall shield him as our own."
Wanda came over and squeezed Peter's shoulder warmly. "We won't let any harm come to our family."
Peter felt his anxiety fading away, replaced by a deep sense of belonging. These people had taken him and his mother in, and now knowing the truth, still saw him as one of their own.
"Thank you all," he said sincerely. "Your trust and acceptance means everything." He looked around at his teammates, his friends...his family. "I'm proud to call myself an Avenger."
Natasha smiled up at him, love and pride shining in her eyes. She gave his hand one more squeeze before shifting uncomfortably and suppressing a grimace.
"You need to rest now," Peter said worriedly, gently stopping her from trying to sit up any further.
Bruce came over to check Natasha's vitals and IVs. "Your son's right, you should get some more sleep. We'll let you recover."
The others murmured agreement, each squeezing Natasha's arm or shoulder comfortingly as they filed from the room. Soon it was just Peter and Clint remaining at her bedside.
Natasha's eyes were already starting to drift closed from the pain medicine pumping into her system. But she fought to stay awake a moment longer.
"Clint," she murmured drowsily.
"Yeah, Tasha?"
"Keep an eye on my boy for me?"
Clint smiled affectionately at her. "Always do, you know that."
"Hmm," Natasha sighed, finally relaxing back into sleep. "My boys..."
Peter and Clint stayed by her side as she rested, keeping a steady vigil over their most important person. Eventually Clint convinced Peter to go shower again and get some food, promising to alert him instantly if Natasha's condition changed at all.
Peter returned an hour later to find Clint still standing watch in the exact same spot. Peter had to smile, knowing how protective Clint was over Natasha. He was grateful she had someone like him by her side all these years.
"How's she doing?" Peter asked as he resumed his bedside post.
"Vitals staying strong and steady," Clint assured him. "She woke up for a minute earlier, asked for you."
Peter perked up in hope. "She did? Was she in pain?"
Clint shook his head. "She seemed pretty comfortable thanks to the good drugs they've got her on. Just wanted to make sure her spider boy was taking care of himself."
Peter chuckled fondly. Even laid up in a hospital bed, Natasha's first thought had been of him.
"Why don't you try talking to her?" Clint suggested. "Lets her know you're here even if she's sleeping."
Peter agreed it was worth a try. He scooted his chair even closer and softly began telling Natasha about the sandwich he'd eaten and the dog he'd seen someone walking outside. Just idle ramblings, but it made him feel better to talk to her.
After a few minutes, her eyelids fluttered and she turned her head towards him. "Peter?" she rasped.
"Mom!" He jumped up, leaning over so she could see him. "I'm here, how are you feeling?"
"Like I should start charging the Avengers every time I get injured saving their butts," she said with a hint of her usual wry humor.
Peter laughed, more relief flooding through him at seeing her awake and alert again. "I'm pretty sure you'd make a fortune off that deal."
Natasha gave a tired smile, then her expression turned more serious. "You doing okay, Peter?"
He knew she was asking about more than just his physical wellbeing after the mission. She was checking that he was coping alright with their secrets now out in the open.
He nodded, taking her hand. "I'm good, Mom. Really good. It feels...freeing having everyone know. Like we're really a family."
Natasha's smile grew. "We've always been family, Peter. Now it's just official."
He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Get some more rest, okay? I'll be right here if you need anything."
"Love you, baby spider," she murmured, already drifting off again.
"Love you too, Mama Spider," Peter whispered back, settling in to resume his watchful vigil over the most important person in his world.
Peter fidgeted anxiously with the hem of his shirt as he sat in the medlab, waiting for the results of the DNA test he had just undergone. Natasha sat beside him, her presence comforting and steady despite the nerves Peter knew she had to be feeling too.
It had been Peter's idea to do the test. Now that the truth about his origins was out, he had become curious if there was any way to identify his biological father. Natasha had warned him that the odds were extremely low - the Red Room scientists had certainly never told her whose genetic material they had used to engineer Peter.
But Bruce had gently suggested they at least run Peter's DNA against known samples in SHIELD's database, on the off chance of a match. After discussing it thoroughly with Natasha, Peter had agreed it was worth a try, even if it led nowhere.
Steve, Tony, Clint, Wanda and Thor had all gathered in the medlab as well, everyone eager to support Peter however this turned out. Peter was grateful for their solidarity. Having his whole family present gave him courage.
At last Bruce came back into the room, a tablet in hand and an odd, conflicted look on his face. Peter gripped Natasha's hand tightly as Bruce came over to them.
"Well?" Peter asked anxiously when Bruce didn't immediately speak. "Did you find anything?"
Bruce hesitated, then nodded slowly. "We did get a match. To one of the DNA samples on file."
Peter's heart leapt into his throat. A match. He had a father. Someone real, someone out there...
"Who?" He rasped, almost afraid to hear the answer now.
Bruce met his eyes sympathetically. "James Buchanan Barnes."
Stunned silence filled the room. Steve went pale, sinking down onto a nearby bed. Tony cursed under his breath. The others all wore similar looks of shock.
"Bucky..." Steve murmured in disbelief. "He's..."
"My father," Peter finished, feeling like all the air had been sucked from his lungs. His thoughts were spinning too fast to grasp onto.
Natasha's hand tightened on his, pulling him back to the present. He looked over at her uncertainly.
"Are you okay, Mom?"
She gave him a soft, bittersweet smile. "I'm alright, Peter. Are you?"
He chewed his lip for a moment before replying honestly, "I don't know. I just...never imagined..."
Natasha wrapped an arm around his shoulders and Peter leaned into her embrace, comforting and familiar. At least he had his mom steady and certain at his side, whatever this revelation meant.
Bruce stepped forward, clearing his throat gently. "I'll give you both some privacy to process this. But I'm here if you need to talk through anything."
Peter managed a grateful nod. Talking it all through was the last thing on his mind right now. He needed time for the shock to fade before he could make sense of it all.
Bruce slipped discreetly from the room. As the door slid shut behind him, the others seemed to shake free from their stunned states. Tony came over and gripped Peter's shoulder.
"You doing okay, kid?"
"Yeah, I think so," Peter replied honestly. "Mostly just...confused."
Tony nodded in understanding. "Take all the time you need. But we're here for you, whatever comes next."
Peter gave a small, appreciative smile. He was endlessly grateful for the support of his family surrounding him.
Steve had also approached, though he still looked deeply shaken. "I can't believe Bucky has a son..." he murmured. "And that it's you, Peter. My mind is still trying to wrap itself around this."
"You and me both," Peter said wryly, though not unkindly. He knew this had to be even more of a shock for Steve, learning his best friend had a child he'd been unaware of. A child who was now part of their found family.
Steve met Peter's eyes questioningly. "Are you going to try and find Bucky, tell him?"
Peter hesitated. He hadn't had even a moment to consider what he wanted to do next. The idea of tracking down the infamous Winter Soldier, this lethal ghost who was apparently his father, made Peter's spider sense tingle warningly.
Sensing his uncertainty, Natasha spoke up. "I think we should all take a little time to let this settle before making any decisions." She looked around at the others. "It's been a big day for everyone."
Murmurs of agreement answered her. Peter shot her a grateful look. Discussing it all as a family would help, but later when the shock had worn off.
One by one, the others came over to briefly squeeze Peter's shoulder or pat his back comfortingly as they headed out to give him and Natasha space. Soon it was just the two of them left sitting in the medlab.
Peter turned towards Natasha, emotions swirling through him as the reality of it all started to sink in. "Bucky Barnes is my father," he said softly.
Saying the words out loud somehow made them more real. Made that infamous name take shape into an actual man who was biologically tied to Peter, had helped give him life.
Natasha searched his face. "How are you feeling about that?"
Peter considered the question seriously. "Mostly...curious, I guess. Who he is as a person, not just a historical figure. Whether he'd even want to know me, or care..."
He trailed off, brow furrowing. He couldn't begin to imagine how the notorious Winter Soldier might react to suddenly having a son.
Natasha wrapped her arm around him again, guiding his head to her shoulder. "This doesn't change anything about us, Peter. Whatever happens with Barnes, you're still my son. My family."
Peter hugged her tightly. "I know, Mom. You'll always be my real family." He had never doubted that, not from the moment Natasha had chosen him as her own.
They sat together in comfortable silence for awhile, taking solace in each other's presence as they adjusted to this new shift in their reality. Eventually Natasha pressed a kiss to Peter's hair.
"Why don't you go clear your head up on the balcony for a bit? I'll come get you when dinner's ready."
Peter nodded, suddenly desperate for some fresh air. He squeezed Natasha's hand gratefully as he stood. "Thanks, Mom. For everything."
She smiled up at him with endless love and understanding in her eyes. "Always, baby spider."
Peter made his way up to the rooftop balcony, taking deep breaths of the brisk evening air. The sun was just starting to set over the city, casting everything in hues of orange and pink.
Peter settled on the edge of the balcony, letting his feet dangle off the side as he watched the bustle of the city below. He wasn't sure how long he sat there, caught up in his swirling thoughts, before a voice spoke up.
"How you holding up, kid?"
He glanced up to see Tony coming over, two mugs of something steaming in hand. He passed one to Peter as he lowered himself to sit beside him.
"Hot chocolate," he explained. "Seemed appropriate for the occasion."
Peter took a small sip, letting the sweet warmth soothe him. "Thanks, Tony."
They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, gazing out over the city as the sunset colors slowly faded to twilight. Finally Peter spoke again softly.
"I don't know what to feel right now. Or what I'm supposed to do."
Tony considered that, taking a thoughtful drink of his cocoa before replying. "You're not supposed to feel any one way, Pete. And you certainly don't have to do anything you're not ready for. Take your time to process it all."
Peter nodded slowly. That had been Natasha's advice too. Maybe it was okay that he felt conflicted and unsure right now. This was uncharted territory.
"Have you talked to Steve at all?" Peter asked after another lingering silence. "I know this has to be weird for him too, finding out about Bucky."
Tony sighed, rubbing a hand over his goatee. "I checked on him briefly. He's pretty overwhelmed. That was his best friend once upon a time. He wants to believe the old Bucky is still in there somewhere."
Tony's voice held no accusation, just contemplation. Peter appreciated him putting aside the lingering tensions between Tony and Steve where Bucky was concerned.
"Part of me wants to meet him," Peter said eventually, voicing aloud the thought that had been slowly growing in his mind. "But I'm also..."
"Wary?" Tony supplied gently. "That's understandable, considering his history."
Peter nodded, glad Tony seemed to get it. "I don't know if he'd even want anything to do with me. I don't want to get my hopes up just to..."
He trailed off, but Tony seemed to understand. The man squeezed his shoulder.
"For what it's worth, I think he'd be glad to know you, Pete. But take it at your own pace, and we'll be there to support you either way."
Peter managed a small, grateful smile. Tony always knew what to say. They sat together as the city lights began flickering on around them, content in their quiet companionship.
When Peter eventually returned inside, he wasn't surprised to find Natasha and Clint deep in hushed conversation at the kitchen table. They both glanced up as Peter entered, offering him warm, comforting smiles.
Peter grabbed a glass of water before taking a seat across from them. "I'm guessing you two have been talking about the you-know-what," he said wryly.
Natasha acknowledged this with a tilt of her head. "Of course we have. It concerns someone very important to both of us." Her tone was gentle rather than reproachful.
Peter nodded, touched by the care and concern flowing between his mom and uncle. They had supported each other through everything, long before Peter was ever in the picture.
"Thank you for always being there for my mom," Peter said sincerely, looking between them. "For being her family first. I'm really glad she's always had you, Uncle Clint."
Clint looked mildly surprised, but pleased by Peter's words. "Your mom's the strongest person I know, kid. But family's always got each other's backs. However this plays out with Barnes, that won't change."
"He's right," Natasha said, her sharp gaze tender as she watched Peter. "I chose you as my son long before genetics entered the equation. That will never change either."
Peter reached across to grip her hand, overwhelmed with love and gratitude. "I know. You and the Avengers will always be my real family, no matter what."
Natasha squeezed his hand, her eyes shining. They would face whatever came next together, as a family. Just like they always had.
Over the next few days, Peter took things slowly, talking through the situation more with Natasha, Steve, and Tony. The more he processed it all, the more he realized he did want to at least meet Bucky, if that possibility existed. He deserved the chance to know his own father.
When Peter told Tony this, the man nodded understandingly. "I figured you might get there eventually. And if you decide to reach out to him, we'll all support you."
So one week later, when Steve came to Peter saying he'd received a coded message from Bucky asking to meet, Peter knew he had to take that leap. With Natasha at his side for support, he joined Steve on a Quinjet heading to the remote rendezvous location.
Peter's knee bounced anxiously the whole flight. He kept glancing between Steve and Natasha, drawing calm from their steady presences. They would have his back, no matter how this went.
When the jet landed in a rugged forest clearing, Peter hovered close beside Natasha as they descended the ramp. He wasn't sure what to expect, if Bucky would even show himself with others present.
But after a few moments of tense waiting, a lone figure emerged from the treeline. He had long, unkempt hair and a baseball cap pulled low, but it was undoubtedly Bucky Barnes. Peter's breath caught at the sight of him.
The man's gaze moved warily between them before settling on Steve. "You said you needed to tell me something." His voice was gravelly with disuse.
Steve nodded. He appeared calm, but Peter noticed the muscle ticking tensely in his jaw. "There's someone you should meet, Buck. This is Peter."
He gently guided Peter forward. Peter pulled off his mask, trying not to fidget nervously under the intense stare now leveled at him.
"Hi," he managed to say, offering a weak smile.
Bucky's eyes narrowed in evident confusion and suspicion. "Who is this, Steve?"
Steve rested his hands on Peter's shoulders. "This is your son, Bucky."
Absolute shock flashed across the rugged face. Bucky stared at Peter wordlessly before dragging his eyes back to Steve. "What are you talking about? I don't have a son."
Patiently, Steve explained everything they had learned about Peter's genetic origins. Bucky listened silently, eyes repeatedly flicking to study Peter's features. Peter tried not to squirm self-consciously. After living his whole childhood in hiding, having these dangerous eyes on him put his spider sense on high alert.
When Steve had finished explaining, Bucky just shook his head in disbelief. "Hydra engineered a kid...using me?" He shuddered violently. "I don't remember any of this."
"We know," Steve said gently. "But the DNA test confirmed it. Peter is your son, Buck."
Bucky stared at Peter again, conflicting emotions warring across his face. Peter wished he could tell what the man was thinking. Did part of him want to accept this impossible truth?
Finally Bucky spoke, his voice rough. "I'm no father, kid. The things I've done..." His metal hand clenched into a fist. "I'd only put you in danger."
Before anyone could respond, he turned abruptly and strode away, disappearing back into the trees. Peter watched him go, an odd mixture of sadness and relief swirling through him. At least now he had met the man who had helped give him life, even if nothing else came of it.
Steve looked stricken, clearly tormented by his best friend's pain.
Peter stared after the spot where Bucky had disappeared, his heart sinking. He had thought, had hoped, that maybe...
But no. Bucky wanted nothing to do with him. The man seemed tormented by his own past, unwilling or unable to accept the idea of having a son.
Peter shouldn't have gotten his hopes up. He had a family, people who loved him. That would have to be enough.
He felt Natasha's hand slip into his, warm and comforting. "Let's go home," she said gently.
Peter knew she was right. Bucky had made his choice clear. There was nothing left to do but walk away.
Steve looked equally crestfallen, dismayed by his friend's reaction. "I really thought he'd want to know you, Peter. I'm so sorry."
Peter tried to shrug it off. "It's okay. I still have you guys."
But even as he turned with them to head back to the jet, Peter felt something holding him there. A tug in his chest, a whisper in his mind. Don't give up on him yet.
Peter hesitated, causing Natasha to turn back questioningly. He met her eyes, seeing the concern and care shining there for him. But also understanding, if he explained what he was feeling. She would support him no matter what he chose.
"I...I need to go after him, Mom," Peter said quietly. "I have to at least try talking to him myself."
Natasha searched his face and then nodded slowly. But Peter could see the worry lurking in her eyes.
"Peter, I don't know if that's wise," Steve cautioned gently. "Bucky is in a fragile state right now. Unpredictable."
"Which is why I need to do this," Peter insisted. "Before he disappears again. I just want a chance to talk with him, try to understand him better."
He knew they both only wanted to protect him. But Peter couldn't ignore this newfound connection he felt to Bucky, fragile as it was. He had to give it one more chance while he had the opportunity.
Finally Natasha stepped forward and pulled Peter into a fierce hug. "Be careful," she whispered, the order clear beneath the concern. "Your safety is what matters most."
Peter hugged her back just as tightly. "I will, I promise."
As Natasha released him, Steve came over and gripped Peter's shoulder, meeting his gaze intently. "If anything concerns you at all, get out and radio us. We'll come get you immediately."
Peter nodded, immensely grateful for their support despite their hesitance. Natasha and Steve both cared for Bucky too, he knew. They wanted this reunion to go well, if it could.
With a deep, bracing breath, Peter turned and headed into the trees where Bucky had disappeared. He moved slowly at first, all his senses alert for any signs of the former assassin.
After about ten minutes, Peter paused and closed his eyes, tuning out the normal forest sounds. He focused on picking up anything that seemed human-made.
There. Faintly, from deeper in the trees, came the rhythmic thud of something being hit. Peter headed towards the sound, soon coming upon a small clearing where Bucky was viciously attacking a large tree, metallic fist pounding over and over into the battered trunk.
Peter hesitated at the edge of the clearing, unsure whether to announce himself. But Bucky must have heard or sensed him, because he suddenly went still before whipping around, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Why are you following me?" he demanded harshly.
Peter lifted his hands in a placating gesture. "I just want to talk..."
"I told you, kid, I'm no father," Bucky cut him off. He turned back to the tree, hitting it again as if to punctuate his words.
Peter chewed his lip. This wasn't going well. But he couldn't give up yet.
"Can you just...tell me about Hydra?" he asked tentatively. "Did they ever say anything about me?"
That made Bucky pause again. When he looked back at Peter this time, his eyes were haunted rather than hostile.
"Hydra only saw you as an experiment," he said roughly. "A weapon to control." His gaze dropped. "That's all they ever saw me as either."
Peter's heart ached for the pain he could hear in Bucky's words. He took a cautious step closer.
"Is that how you see me?" he asked softly. "As a weapon? Or just an experiment gone wrong?"
Bucky flinched, looking uncertain now. His hands flexed agitatedly at his sides. "I don't know you, kid. But no child should be made into a tool for evil. What Hydra did..." His voice broke off with a shudder.
Peter moved slowly closer, encouraged by Bucky's obvious remorse. "But we beat them," he said gently. "We got away, made our own lives. We're more than what Hydra tried to make us."
Bucky just shook his head wearily. "You got away young. Before the damage was done. But me..." His eyes took on a faraway look of despair. "I'm still what they made me. Dangerous. Unstable."
"That's not true," Peter argued, surprising himself with the fierceness in his voice. "What Hydra did doesn't define you. You're still you, underneath it all."
Bucky looked at him for a long moment, seeming torn. "You really believe that, kid?" he asked hoarsely.
Peter nodded without hesitation. "I do. The fact that you feel guilt for your actions proves there's still good in you."
Bucky slowly sank down to sit on a fallen log, clearly wrestling with Peter's words. Peter stayed where he was, watching him hopefully. Maybe he was finally getting through.
"Steve believes in you too," Peter added gently. "We both know the real you is still in there."
Bucky glanced up sharply. "If there's one thing I know, it's that Steve Rogers believes in people even when he shouldn't." His tone held a hint of sad fondness now rather than bitterness.
Peter remained quiet, sensing Bucky was slowly letting his guard down. He just needed time to process, to work through decades of trauma and conditioning. Peter could relate, even if his own struggle to find himself had been far shorter.
After several long minutes of silence, Bucky spoke again without looking up. "You really think I could be saved, kid?"
Peter moved over to sit beside him on the log, encouraged when Bucky allowed it. "I really do," he said earnestly. "Because if someone like me can find a family and purpose, there's hope for anyone."
Bucky considered him thoughtfully. "Steve said your upbringing was rough too. That Natasha raised you herself." At Peter's surprised look, he gave a small shrug. "I listen, even when I seem not to."
Peter ducked his head with a wistful smile. "Yeah, Nat - Mom - she protected me and gave me a chance at a real life. I owe her everything."
Saying that out loud seemed to crystallize something in Peter's mind. He looked back up at Bucky intently.
"That's why I want to try and help you too. Because everyone deserves a chance to start over. To find people who believe in them."
Bucky just gazed at him silently. But Peter was sure he saw the sheen of tears in the man's eyes.
After another lingering moment, Bucky cleared his throat gruffly. "You've got a noble spirit, kid. Guess I shouldn't be surprised...you being Steve's people and all."
Peter smiled, warmth rising in his chest. That was quite possibly the highest compliment Bucky could have given him.
Bucky considered him thoughtfully for another minute, then sighed. "Alright, I won't run off again. Not yet anyway. Suppose we could...talk some more."
It wasn't exactly enthusiastic agreement, but Peter would take what he could get. This was still more than he had ever expected after Bucky's initial reaction.
"Thank you," Peter said sincerely. "I'd really like that."
Bucky gave a small nod, looking almost startled by his own concession. But he didn't take it back.
They walked back through the trees together towards where Natasha and Steve were waiting anxiously. Peter gave them both a subtle thumbs up and conspiratorial grin as they emerged, making it clear things had gone alright.
He saw Natasha's shoulders relax slightly in relief. Steve just looked between Peter and Bucky with open longing and hope in his eyes. Peter knew how much it meant to Steve to even have this fragile connection with his old friend again.
They returned to the tower, where Peter convinced Bucky join them with the promise of letting him keep his own private space. Peter could see Natasha's veiled tension at having the infamous assassin staying under their roof. But she didn't protest, for Peter's sake. He made a mental note to do something special for her later in thanks for being so understanding.
Over the next several weeks, Peter spent time with Bucky whenever the man felt up to it. They took things slowly, just talking or playing simple card games as Bucky grew more comfortable. Peter was always careful not to push too far if he sensed Bucky becoming overwhelmed. Patience and understanding were key.
At first, Bucky kept their conversations surface level, clearly still hesitant to get attached. But gradually he began opening up more about his past, his years with Hydra, things Peter knew he had never shared with anyone else. It seemed almost therapeutic for him.
In return, Peter told him about his own childhood being raised by Natasha, the lonely times but also the happy memories. He could see Bucky softening more and more, his guard coming down bit by bit.
One afternoon over a relaxed game of Gin Rummy, Bucky finally brought it up directly.
"You really think of me as your old man, kid?"
Peter looked up to see Bucky watching him curiously, as if still baffled anyone could feel that way about him.
"I'd like to," Peter said honestly. "If that's okay with you," he added. "No pressure if you don't..."
"No, no it's...it's okay," Bucky assured, sounding surprised by his own answer. "I'm still getting used to it, but..." He shook his head as if at himself. "Never thought I'd be anyone's father. But could be nice to give it a try."
He said the last part cautiously, almost shyly. But Peter's heart swelled hearing it.
"I'd really like that," he said, unable to keep the grin off his face.
Bucky gave him a tentative smile in return. And later that day when Peter spontaneously hugged him after winning a game, Bucky only hesitated a moment before carefully hugging back.
Over the following weeks, the rest of the Avengers began slowly interacting with Bucky as well, instead of just giving him space. Peter started joining Steve and Bucky on short mission assignments, both to act as a comfortable buffer for them and to get used to working together.
To everyone's relief, it seemed to go smoothly. Bucky remained wary around the other Avengers, but no longer actively avoided them at least. It was clear he felt most at ease when Peter was around, depending on him as a touchstone.
Natasha kept a subtle but watchful eye on the trio's interactions, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble. But even she seemed cautiously optimistic with how things were progressing.
The first time Peter accidentally called Bucky 'Dad' while suited up mid-mission, he was afraid he'd made a mistake. But after freezing briefly, Bucky had just cleared his throat gruffly and said "Let's go, Spider-Man. We've got work to do."
His tone was soft though, and Peter smiled beneath his mask. It was his way of accepting the title, even if he wasn't ready to reciprocate it yet himself. Peter knew with more time, he would.
There were still hard days of course, when the trauma of Bucky's past overwhelmed him. But he was trying, working hard to find himself again and build new connections. Peter was endlessly proud of his efforts, and told him so often.
And on the good days when things felt easy between them, when Bucky laughed or hugged him spontaneously, Peter treasured those moments most of all. Those were the times he felt they were really becoming family in every way that mattered.
He knew Bucky still felt unworthy of being called a father figure. But Peter hoped that in time, his faith would help the man see himself the way Peter did - as someone inherently good, ready to leave his past mistakes behind and start a new life. As someone Peter was grateful and proud to call Dad.
One Month Later
Peter crouched silently between Natasha and Bucky, peering through the gloom of the deserted warehouse. They were on a mission to retrieve some stolen Chitauri weaponry before it could be sold on the black market. The rest of the team was covering the perimeter and other access points to the warehouse while the three of them slipped inside.
"See anything?" Bucky murmured, eying the stacks of crates lining the main floor.
Peter flipped through vision settings on his suit, looking for heat signatures or other clues. "Some faded heat spots but no current activity I can see. Could be in a shielded area though."
"Let's do a sweep, stay sharp," Natasha directed, moving out cautiously between the rows. Peter and Bucky followed, senses hyper-alert.
They cleared the first few storage bays without incident. But as Peter peered around a stack of crates, his spider sense suddenly blared. He whirled just as an armored guard appeared from behind a crate, some kind of alien rifle raised.
"Intruders!" the guard shouted. "We have company in sector four!"
"So much for stealth," Natasha muttered, springing into action. Bucky was already grappling hand-to-hand with two other guards who had emerged. More were rushing in from side doors, drawn by the alarm.
Peter leapt and twisted to avoid sizzling energy blasts from the rifle as the first guard fired at him. He shot a web to yank the weapon away, then used his momentum to flip and kick the man hard in the head.
Whipping around, he saw Natasha skillfully disarming and shocking two more opponents with her widow's bites. On Peter's other side, Bucky had just dispatched his attackers and was now grabbing one of their weapons, a hefty alien-looking handgun. He chucked it towards Peter.
"Here kid, catch!"
Peter snagged it out of the air, nodding thanks before dropping to avoid another barrage of enemy fire. He took cover behind some crates, firing blasts from the scavenged weapon to give Natasha and Bucky time to grab more gear from the fallen guards. They were quickly becoming surrounded.
"We need to find that weapon stash and get out!" Natasha said tersely as she ducked behind Peter's crate. "Cap, we've engaged hostiles in the southeast quad!" she added into her comm. "Could use some backup!"
"Copy that, we're en route to your position now!" Steve responded at once.
Peter peered around the stack of crates they were using as cover. "I think I spotted a shielded room at the back corner," he told Natasha. "Let's try and push through!"
She nodded and turned to Bucky. "Think you can clear a path?"
Bucky hefted the alien shotgun he had acquired. "With pleasure." He gave them a fierce grin before barreling straight at the clustered guards, firing shockwaves that sent them scattering.
Natasha and Peter moved in his wake, weaving through the chaos Bucky was causing to fight their way closer to the back storage room. As they neared it, the sound of the main bay doors crashing open heralded the arrival of the rest of the team joining the fight.
"We'll buy you some time!" Steve called over comms. "Get the weapons secured!"
"On it, Cap!" Peter responded, spider sense tingling as he twisted to avoid another readied shot from a guard's rifle. Natasha smoothly took the man down with her widow's bites before he could fire.
They reached the shielded room, and Peter set to work hacking the electronic lock while Natasha and Bucky defended their position. After thirty frantic seconds, the thick doors slid open.
Peter's eyes widened at the stockpile of dangerous Chitauri weapons filling the small space. "Jackpot," he muttered.
Natasha quickly moved to the nearest crate, attaching a small S.H.I.E.L.D device that would disable all the weapons. Peter kept glancing over his shoulder, monitoring the ongoing fight behind them.
Most of the enemy forces seemed to be focusing their attack on Steve, Thor and Hulk, who were making the biggest ruckus. But Peter noticed a pair of guards trying to stealthily circle around the chaos to come at them from the side.
"Two more incoming on our six," Peter warned Natasha and Bucky. They both spun, ready to engage.
What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion. As the two guards raised their weapons to fire, Peter saw a third slip in behind them, taking aim directly at Bucky's unprotected back.
Peter didn't hesitate, immediately throwing himself towards Bucky while firing a web shot at the same time. He impacted hard, knocking Bucky down and out of the line of fire.
A millisecond later, pain tore through Peter as the guard's shots slammed into him instead. Peter cried out, collapsing forward. He was dimly aware of Bucky catching him, lowering them both to the floor.
"Peter!" he shouted in alarm. Natasha was suddenly there too, having taken down the other hostiles.
"Peter, look at me!" Her voice was tight with fear as she pulled Peter's mask off, tapping his face urgently.
Peter blinked up at her, his whole torso burning where the multiple shots had hit. "M'okay Mom," he mumbled, trying to give a reassuring smile.
Natasha's expression stayed tight with worry as she examined his injuries. But her voice was all business as she tapped her comm. "Cap, Spider-Man is hit - we need immediate extraction!"
"Oh god, Peter..." Bucky breathed in horror, helping Natasha put pressure on the wounds. "Here, hang on, kid!" He yanked off his jacket, bundling it under Peter's head as a pillow.
Peter gazed up at him, watching Bucky's fierce determination to help his boy, to protect his son. Summoning his strength, Peter reached up and grasped Bucky's flesh hand.
"It's okay...Dad," he whispered.
Bucky froze, staring down at Peter with eyes full of fear and anguish. But also resolve, and at last, acceptance. He squeezed Peter's hand tightly.
"Stay with me, son," he pleaded urgently. "You're gonna be just fine. I've got you now."
Peter managed a weak smile, keeping his eyes locked on Bucky - his father. Natasha maintained pressure on his injuries with one hand while gripping Peter's with the other. Between these two deadly, loving assassins, the only family he'd ever known, Peter felt completely safe.
The rest of the team came rushing in then, Tony and Thor helping get Peter carefully loaded onto a stretcher. As the Avengers hurried back out, surrounding their injured youngest member protectively, Peter kept his focus on Bucky and Natasha.
Natasha maintained a soothing litany of "You're okay, baby spider" while Bucky stayed right at Peter's side, flesh hand gently cradling his head. The terror of possibly losing his son had cracked through the walls Bucky had maintained about attachment, about deserving a family. Peter could see it in his eyes.
As the Quinjet raced them urgently towards medical help, Peter gave Bucky's hand a weak squeeze. "Told you...you were good," he breathed.
Bucky let out a choked laugh that was half sob. He bent and gently kissed Peter's forehead. "Yeah you did, kid. My brave, stubborn boy." His voice shook with emotion but his hands were steady, keeping pressure on Peter's injuries.
Peter smiled, letting his eyes drift closed. He had never felt safer than in this moment. Cradled between his two deadly, lovingly lethal parents. At last he truly had the family he had always longed for.
The steady beeping of monitors slowly filtered into Peter's awareness. He became conscious of hushed voices nearby as he drifted towards wakefulness.
"How much longer until he wakes up?" That was Bucky, tense and worried.
"Any time now," Bruce's voice replied gently. "His healing factor is incredible. The wounds are nearly closed already."
Peter pried his eyes open, immediately wincing at the bright medical lights above him. He was in the Avengers med bay, he realized. The mission must have gone bad after he got hit.
Turning his head, he saw Natasha seated at his bedside, clutching his hand. Bucky stood behind her chair, flesh hand on her shoulder. At the foot of Peter's bed, Steve, Clint, Wanda and Tony all looked up with relief as Peter woke.
"Hey guys," Peter rasped, his throat dry.
"Peter, thank god," Natasha breathed, squeezing his hand. She helped prop him up with pillows as Bruce came over to check his vitals.
"Gave us a pretty bad scare there, kid," he said gently, inspecting the mostly healed bullet wounds scattered across Peter's chest and torso. "But seems your enhancements are doing their job. I'd say full recovery in another day or two."
Peter sagged back against the pillows, relief coursing through him. If Bruce wasn't too worried, then he really would be just fine.
Natasha stroked a tender hand over his hair. "How do you feel, baby spider?"
"Okay, I think," Peter said. "Just sore and tired." His whole body felt strangely heavy and weak.
"That's the mild sedatives we gave you to help with pain and healing," Bruce explained, adjusting Peter's IV. "We'll ease off them now you're awake."
Peter nodded groggily. Now that the panic of battle had faded, everyone looked beyond exhausted, still in their rumpled and bloodstained uniforms.
"You should all get some rest," Peter fretted. "I'm okay now..."
Natasha shushed him gently. "We'll rest soon. Right now we're just glad you're alright."
The others echoed her sentiments, crowding in closer around the bed now Peter was awake. Tony gripped his arm briefly.
"Gave us a real scare, Underoos. But nothing can keep our spider kid down long."
Peter smiled tiredly at them all, warmed by their obvious care and concern. He really was lucky to have this family.
After a few more minutes of reassurance that he was healing well, the others started reluctantly shuffling out at Bruce's urging to finally clean up and get some sleep. Soon it was just Natasha and Bucky remaining with Peter.
Natasha moved from the chair to sit on the edge of Peter's bed so she could be closer to him. Peter leaned contentedly into her side as she wrapped an arm around him. Her steady presence was pure comfort after his ordeal.
"I'm really okay, Mom," Peter said again softly.
Natasha simply bent and kissed his hair, holding him close. Peter knew she had been terrified of losing him. They stayed like that in easy quiet for several minutes until Peter looked up curiously at Bucky hovering nearby.
"What happened exactly?" Peter asked. "After I got hit, things are kind of a blur."
Bucky's jaw tightened, haunted look flashing across his face. "You knocked me out of the way and took those shots meant for me," he said darkly. "Foolish, brave kid."
Despite the gruffness of his words, Peter could hear the emotion behind them. He gave Bucky a small, reassuring smile.
"Had to protect you. Couldn't let my dad get hurt, right?"
Bucky went very still, and Peter realized that was the first time he had directly acknowledged Bucky by that familial title since the battle. His calling Bucky 'dad' in the heat of the moment hadn't been discussed yet.
Peter bit his lip uncertainly. "I mean, I know we hadn't really said...but I thought it was okay for me to..."
Bucky held up a hand, stopping Peter's rambling explanation. He met Peter's gaze openly.
"It's alright, son. More than alright." He cleared his throat gruffly. "Hearing you call me that, seeing you willing to sacrifice yourself..." His gleaming eyes were fierce with emotion. "Made me realize how much I want to be a father to you."
Warmth bloomed in Peter's chest, affection for this deadly, damaged man who had given him life and was now letting him into his heart.
Natasha reached out and clasped Bucky's flesh hand, drawing him down to sit on Peter's other side. "You already are his father, Buck," she said gently. "In every way that counts."
Bucky had to glance away, blinking rapidly. But his bionic hand came to rest ever so carefully on Peter's leg. Peter covered the deadly metal fingers with his own hand, squeezing gently.
After another few seconds, Bucky looked back at him with a gruff half smile. "Guess you're stuck with me now, kid. No getting rid of your old man that easy."
Joyful emotion clogged Peter's throat, leaving him unable to speak. He leaned over instead and wrapped both arms around Bucky in a fierce hug.
Bucky tensed in surprise for a second before his arms came up to slowly hug Peter back, tentative at first and then almost crushingly tight. Peter felt Bucky press a featherlight kiss to the top of his head.
"Love you, Dad," he whispered into Bucky's shoulder.
Bucky's breath hitched, his embrace tightening even further. "Love you too, son. So damn much." His voice was choked but strong with conviction.
Peter had never felt safer or more loved than in that moment, cradled between the two deadly assassins who had defied their pasts to become his parents. Natasha stroked his hair with one hand while still clasping Bucky's with the other, bonding them all together.
Finally pulling back, Peter scrubbed at his suddenly wet eyes. Natasha kissed his cheek before rising gracefully from the bed.
"I'll give you two a little time," she said. "I'm going to clean up and then it's my turn to keep watch over our spider boy." She brushed Peter's hair back once more before exiting to the adjoining room.
Once she had gone, Bucky moved his chair right up next to the bed so he could be close to Peter. His metal hand resumed its gentle grip on Peter's leg.
"You really had me terrified today, kid," Bucky admitted quietly. "When you went down like that..." His jaw flexed at the memory.
"I'm sorry for scaring you," Peter said contritely. "But I'd do it again to keep you safe."
Bucky huffed a pained laugh. "I know you would, my son. Just like Steve." He shook his head with a melancholy smile. "A couple of reckless punks I gotta look after now."
His tone was gruffly affectionate. Peter grinned, knowing this was Bucky's way of saying he accepted his new role as Peter's father and protector from now on.
Bucky regarded him somberly. "But please, try not to leap in front of any more bullets for me huh?" His hand came up to gently cup Peter's cheek. "Don't think your old man's heart could take it."
Peter turned his head, kissing Bucky's palm. "I'll try. No more unnecessary risks," he promised.
"Good." Bucky drew Peter forward to press a lingering kiss to his forehead before sitting back with a deep, weary sigh.
Peter could see the bone-tiredness in his father's face now that the crisis had passed. "Get some rest, Dad," he urged. "I'll be fine now."
Bucky nodded slowly, but didn't make any move to leave. Instead he shifted to stretch out on the thin med bay bed beside Peter, boots still on the floor.
"I'll rest right here," he said firmly. Metal fingers came to rest over Peter's wrist, monitoring his pulse.
Too tired himself to argue, Peter simply nestled closer to Bucky's side and let his eyes sink closed. Just before he drifted off, he felt the press of lips against his hair once more.
"Love you, son," Bucky's voice whispered again, wonderingly. Like he was testing this new reality where he got to be a father.
Peter sighed in contentment, safe in the shelter of his dad's presence. "Love you too," he mumbled.
They both slipped easily into restful sleep, recovering together from the ordeal that had cemented their new family bond. And as Peter dozed, he knew any future dangers they faced couldn't break the powerful protections of a parent's love shielding him now.
Three Weeks Later
Peter bounded into the communal kitchen, following the aroma of something amazing cooking.
"Mmm, that smells so good!" he exclaimed. "What's cooking, Mom?"
Natasha turned from the stove with a smile. "Syrniki. I know they're your favorite."
Peter's face lit up. Syrniki - Russian pancakes - were the comfort breakfast food Natasha had made for him since he was small. She still made them on special occasions, and just because she knew Peter loved them.
He came over to peer into the pan where the sweet, fried dough was browning. "You're the best mom ever," he declared, kissing her cheek.
Natasha laughed. "And you're my favorite spiderling." She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Can you grab the sour cream and jam to go with these?"
Peter moved to pull the items from the fridge, filling the kitchen with domestic chatter as they cooked and plated up the syrniki together. Before long, the rest of the team began drifting in, drawn by the appetizing smells.
"Oooh, what's all this?" Clint asked, snatching a bite as soon as Natasha's back was turned.
"Special breakfast," Peter explained. "Mom's homemade syrniki."
"Lucky you," Sam said enviously. "Natasha never makes those for us."
Natasha pointed her spatula at him in mock warning. "That's because you're not my favorite." Peter grinned proudly.
Soon the whole team was gathered around the kitchen island, enjoying the syrniki fresh from the pan along with coffee and juice. The room filled with satisfied hums and words of appreciation for Natasha's cooking.
"Lady Natasha, you have truly been blessed with a gift from the gods," Thor declared.
Natasha just smiled, leaning back contentedly and sipping her tea once everyone had been served. Her gaze met Peter's, full of quiet love and pride in their family.
After the meal, Peter offered to wash up the mountain of dishes it had produced. As he stood at the sink, focused on his task, a familiar metal arm slipped around his shoulders for a quick half hug.
"Morning, kid. Breakfast smells like it was a hit."
Peter leaned into his father's embrace with a happy sigh. "Mom made syrniki. You gotta try some, they're the best."
Bucky chuckled, moving to ruffle Peter's hair. "Alright, save your old man a few."
Peter quickly pulled a couple leftover pancakes from the fridge to heat up for him. He loved these peaceful family moments with his parents. Once Bucky had devoured his breakfast, he squeezed Peter's shoulder and planted a quick kiss to his temple.
"Thanks, son. Delicious as promised."
Peter beamed. Helping make food for his loved ones filled him with satisfaction. "No problem, Dad."
Bucky gave him one more smile before heading off to meet Steve for their usual morning workout. Peter finished the last dish then decided to seek out Wanda. They didn't have training or missions scheduled today, making it the perfect opportunity to spend time with his favorite teammate outside of 'work'.
He found her curled up reading in the library area, cozy beneath a blanket. She looked up with a smile as he plopped down beside her.
"Here to keep me company, little spider?"
"You know it," he grinned. Wanda always indulged his playful, affectionate side in a way the others didn't quite, besides his mother and father, of course. He stretched out and laid his head in her lap like a content cat, making her laugh.
"Did you eat enough breakfast you have energy to spare?" she teased, smoothing his unruly hair. Her Sokovian lilt and the way she called him little spider never failed to make Peter feel cared for.
He hummed happily. "Mhm, Mama made syrniki."
Wanda's eyes softened. "Natasha made her special pancakes? You are lucky." Her fingers carded slowly through his curls.
They sat chatting quietly together about books and other content topics until Peter dozed off with his head still pillowed comfortably on Wanda's legs. He awoke later to find a blanket tucked around him and Wanda still sitting there, reading peacefully. The safe, loving atmosphere made him want to purr.
When Peter finally sat up and stretched, Wanda marked her page and set the book aside. "Ready for some lunch, I think?" At Peter's eager nod she laughed fondly. "Growing spider boys and their appetites."
After eating, Peter coaxed Wanda into joining him for a movie in the living room. They were debating what to watch when Bucky wandered in fresh from a shower, his long hair damp.
Peter eagerly waved him over. "Dad, come watch a movie with us! Please?"
Bucky allowed himself to be tugged down onto the sofa on Peter's other side. soon Peter was comfortably ensconced between his two favorite Avengers. He munched popcorn and provided a running commentary on the movie while Wanda and Bucky exchanged indulgent, amused looks over his head.
Towards the end when Peter had settled down, Wanda tilted her head thoughtfully. "You seem very happy today, little spider. More so than usual."
Peter considered that, then shrugged. "Guess I'm just feeling really grateful for our family lately." He glanced between her and Bucky with a contented smile.
Bucky wrapped an affectionate arm around him while Wanda took his hand, giving it a warm squeeze. "We are grateful for you too, Peter," she said sincerely. Bucky hummed agreement, dropping a kiss to the top of Peter's head.
Happy emotion swelled in Peter's chest. However their unusual family had come together, he wouldn't trade it for anything.
Over the next few days, Peter made an effort to spend quality time with each of his extended "aunts" and "uncles", wanting them to know how much he appreciated everything they did for him.
Movie nights with Wanda, lab time with Tony and Bruce, video games with Sam, philosophical talks with Vision. He soaked up the individual love and attention each team member offered in their own way.
And each night he was able to fall asleep feeling safe, content, and so very loved cradled between Natasha and Bucky's watchful presence. They both still kept close tabs on their boy, affectionately hypervigilant after his near miss.
One evening as Natasha combed gently through his curls and Bucky's steady heartbeat sounded under his ear, Peter thought again how lucky he was.
He had been created and raised in violence. But this hodge-podge family had given him a home full of light and laughter he never could have imagined. And lying here wrapped in his parents' unconditional love, he knew they would never let that light go out.