secret identities
Peter bounced excitedly in his seat as the school bus pulled up outside the Avengers Tower. He couldn't believe his class was getting an all-access tour of the facility today. And not just any class - his own, with MJ and Ned along for the adventure. This was going to be epic!
"Dude, this is so awesome!" Ned whisper-shouted as they filed off the bus. "We're gonna see where you work every day!"
Peter grinned. Ned and MJ were the only ones who knew his "internship" was really him being an Avenger. And that his "foster parents" Natasha and Bucky were actually his biological parents. To everyone else, he was just Peter Parker, normal high school kid.
Well, almost normal. As they walked inside, Flash's annoying voice piped up from the back of the group.
"There's no way Puny Parker actually works here. He probably just made that up to seem cool."
Peter rolled his eyes but didn't respond. He was used to Flash's harassment, but the jerk had no idea just how wrong he was.
They were greeted in the lobby by a perky tour guide. "Hi everyone, welcome to Avengers Tower! My name is Becca and I'll be your guide today."
As she started leading them towards the labs, Peter's enhanced hearing picked up Tony's unmistakable voice from around the corner.
"I'm telling you, Barnes, the nanotech interface needs an upgrade if we want it to sync properly with..."
Tony halted as he and Bucky rounded the corner, nearly colliding with Peter's group.
"Peter!" Tony exclaimed with false surprise. "Fancy seeing you here! Playing tour guide for your little friends?"
Peter suppressed a groan. So much for keeping a low profile today.
"Mr. Stark!" Flash immediately exclaimed, his voice going syrupy and eager. "Wow, it's such an honor to meet you! I'm a huge fan."
Tony raised an eyebrow at the boy's transparent sucking up before turning back to Peter. "So these are all your classmates then?" His gaze took in Ned and MJ with a knowing twinkle. "Some look more tolerable than others."
Before Peter could stop him, Tony strode forward to stand right in front of Flash, arms crossed intimidatingly. "And you are?"
"Eugene Thompson!" Flash said quickly. "But everyone calls me Flash. I gotta say, Mr. Stark, your work is just so inspirational-"
"Save it, kid," Tony cut him off. "I don't go for butt-kissers." He gave Flash a disdainful once-over before stepping past him to throw an arm around Peter's shoulders instead.
"Ignore this one, Pete. Guys like him aren't worth your time. Now who wants a tour from someone who actually works here, not just the welcome wagon?" He pointedly steered Peter away, beckoning the others to follow.
As they continued on, Peter noticed Flash glaring after Tony with a baffled, irritated look on his face. But Peter was too excited to care. Tony rarely came along on tour days, so this was an epic surprise.
Tony proceeded to show them some of the coolest non-classified tech in development, like new StarkPhones and a prototype for solar-powered motorcycles. The class oohed and aahed over everything.
"I helped design the battery pack for those bikes," Peter offered when Tony prompted him. His classmates looked duly impressed, even Flash. Peter hid a smug grin.
They had just reached the Avengers' costume display wing when quick footsteps approached from behind. Peter turned and immediately tried to hide his cringe.
"Peter! There you are, I've been looking for you." Natasha strode up in full intimidating Black Widow mode. But Peter could see the mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Uh oh.
"Your father wanted me to ask if you were still joining us for dinner tonight?" She reached out to ruffle Peter's hair affectionately. "You know how grumpy he gets when his spiderling is late."
Peter winced internally as the entire class froze, staring between him and Natasha in shock. So much for secrets.
Before Peter could try to casually extricate himself from the situation, more footsteps approached. Oh no.
"Nat, did you find...oh hey, Pete." Bucky's grin was downright devious. "Playing tour guide for your friends today?"
MJ was poorly concealing a snicker behind one hand. She and Ned were clearly enjoying Peter's suffering way too much. He was so getting them back for this later.
Meanwhile, Flash's eyes looked dangerously close to popping out of his head. His gaze bounced rapidly between Peter and the two Avengers.
"Wait, you - and her - and him-" he sputtered in disbelief.
Bucky smirked and turned his attention fully on Flash. "Let me guess, you must be that punk Eugene. The kid's told me about you." His eyes narrowed, glinting dangerously.
Flash visibly gulped. "Oh, uh, he has?"
Bucky smiled, but it wasn't friendly. He leaned in close to Flash, who shrank away instinctively. "I know high school punks like you. All talk, no substance. So let me give you some advice." His voice lowered.
"Leave my boy alone, and we won't have any problems. Got it?"
Flash nodded so fast Peter thought his head would pop off. Bucky clapped him hard on the shoulder, making Flash wince.
"Good man." Bucky straightened, his smile now cheerful. "You kids learning a lot today?"
Their stupefied tour guide finally seemed to regain her senses. "Yes, Mr. Barnes! So good of you and Ms. Romanoff to stop by. We should really keep the tour moving now..."
She quickly herded the group away down the hall. Peter glanced back to see Natasha winking at him while Bucky waved, looking extremely proud of himself. Peter just groaned internally. So embarrassing, but also kind of sweet.
After his parents' little stunt, Flash seemed to be in a state of permanent shock. He kept shooting bug-eyed looks at Peter anytime Natasha or Bucky were mentioned, which was often. Peter almost felt bad for the meltdown he could see happening in Flash's brain. Almost.
At lunch time, they took a break in one of the facility's cafeterias. The tour guide seemed immensely relieved to hand them off to another supervisor for the meal. The poor woman was probably ready to quit after wrangling Peter's chaotic class all morning.
Peter was waiting in the buffet line with Ned when he felt eyes on him. Glancing up, he noticed Flash watching him, gears clearly turning. Uh oh. Peter had a bad feeling about whatever was brewing in Flash's scheming mind.
His suspicion was confirmed when Flash suddenly strode over with a casually hostile look. "So. Black Widow and the Winter Soldier, huh?" He gave Peter a disdainful once-over. "Why would badasses like them bother with you?"
Peter shrugged, keeping his tone neutral. "They've just always looked out for me."
Flash crossed his arms. "Right. Because Puny Parker needs all the help he can get." He leaned in menacingly. "But you don't fool me. I'm gonna figure out what your deal really is."
With that not-so-veiled threat, he sauntered off, leaving Peter glaring after him worriedly. What was Flash planning? The last thing Peter needed was him sniffing around for information about Spider-Man or Peter's true identity.
The solution struck Peter immediately - he'd get Tony to draw up NDAs for the class to sign. Confidentiality agreements would ensure Flash and everyone else stayed silent. Crisis avoided.
Peter managed to subtly pass along the request to Tony, who agreed easily. "Good thinking, kid. I'll have the NDAs drafted up to hand out before you all leave. That should muzzle any troublemakers." He shot a dark look towards where Flash was holding court with some other boys, clearly loving the attention.
Peter relaxed after that. The NDAs would keep his secrets safe, no matter what suspicions Flash might have. The rest of the afternoon passed enjoyably as they toured the Avengers' living quarters and hangout areas.
Finally the end of the trip arrived, and the class gathered by the lobby entrance waiting for the bus. Tony came walking over holding a stack of papers.
"Alright kids, before you leave, I need you to all sign these non-disclosure agreements. Standard procedure for tours."
The class murmured curiously but took the forms and pens Tony handed out. Peter noticed Flash scowling down at the document like it had mortally offended him.
Just then, Natasha's voice carried down the hall from the nearby kitchen. "Peter, your dad wants to know if you're hungry! We're making sandwiches."
Peter winced as Flash's head jerked up, his eyes narrowing at Peter in fury and suspicion. Not good.
"So it's true!" Flash burst out. "You actually are their kid! What, is your real name Peter Romanoff-Barnes or something?" He let out a mocking laugh. "I can't believe Puny Parker managed to fool us all this time. Wait until everyone hears this! You'll be trending by end of school today."
He made to grab his phone but Peter was faster, webbing it out of his hand before he could unlock it.
"Dude shut up!" Peter hissed desperately. "You can't tell anyone!" This was bad, this was so bad...
Just then Tony stepped forward, face like a storm cloud. "What did I just hear you say, Mr. Thompson? Because it sounded like you making threats against my family."
Flash faltered, clearly intimidated by Tony's palpable fury. "What? No, I didn't..."
Tony cut him off, getting right in Flash's face. "Let me make something very clear. If you spread one word about Peter outside what is in that NDA, my legal team will destroy you." His eyes flashed dangerously. "And if you so much as look at my nephew wrong again, you'll answer to me. Got it?"
Flash nodded rapidly, his tan skin going pale. Tony stepped back with a cold smile. "Fantastic. Now everyone sign your documents so you can be on your way."
Everyone hurried to finish signing, not daring to speak after Tony's scathing tirade. Peter met MJ and Ned's impressed gazes, giving them a subtle thumbs up. Crisis definitely averted thanks to his awesome honorary uncle.
Once all the NDAs had been collected, Tony's expression smoothed back into charm and good cheer. "It's been so great hosting you all today. I hope you learned a lot about what we do here, and that you'll keep today's experiences to yourselves. Peter deserves a normal school life."
The class murmured understanding, avoiding Tony's suddenly hawk-like gaze. Peter knew no one would dare cross Iron Man after the tongue lashing Flash had received. Speaking of Flash, the jerk wouldn't even meet Peter's eyes now, clearly cowed. Peter had to work to suppress a gleeful smirk.
After a few more parting words from Tony, the class filed out to their waiting bus. Peter started to follow, but Tony gently drew him aside.
"Sorry if we caused you any trouble today, kid," he said sincerely. "We just wanted to give your classmates a little show."
Peter grinned, clasping Tony's arm. "Are you kidding? This was the best field trip ever!" He laughed, feeling lighter than air now the stress of discovery had passed. "Making Flash sweat was worth any embarrassment. Thank you, Uncle Tony."
Tony's eyes softened fondly at the title as he pulled Peter into a quick hug. "Anytime, nephew." He nudged Peter towards the doors. "Now go on, your chariot awaits."
Peter ran out to join MJ and Ned on the bus, settling into a seat with a happy sigh. Ned immediately leaned over, questions bubbling out of him.
"Dude! Did that really just happen? Tony Stark called you his nephew! And Black Widow and the Winter Soldier-"
"Shh!" Peter hushed him quickly, conscious of listening ears all around them. But he was still smiling, chest warm with love for his strange, wonderful family.
MJ shook her head with a smirk. "What a freaking day. Those NDAs were clutch, Peter. Nicely handled." She reached across the aisle to bump his fist.
Peter relaxed back in his seat, exchanging amused looks with his two best friends. Everything had worked out, thanks to the Avengers. His secrets were still safe.
As the bus began pulling away, Peter glanced back to see Natasha and Bucky standing on the tower steps together. Bucky had an arm around Natasha's shoulders, and they both waved fondly to Peter as the bus passed.
Peter smiled and waved back happily. Maybe his family wasn't so secret anymore. But he was glad his classmates had gotten to see who his parents truly were - deadly former assassins who loved their spider son more than anything.
A giddy warmth was still flowing through Peter. Today had been epic. His classmates now knew his parents were Black Widow and the Winter Soldier, and Flash had finally been put in his place.
Speaking of Flash, Peter glanced over to see him slumped sullenly near the back of the bus, pointedly not looking in Peter's direction. Peter suppressed a grin. Seeing the bully cowed by Tony had been extremely satisfying.
The rest of his classmates were casting Peter awed and curious looks, clearly dying to discuss the revelations of the day. MJ and Ned flanked Peter protectively, blocking anyone from approaching. But the NDAs meant his classmates couldn't actually ask him anything outright.
Peter debated keeping quiet and not addressing it further. But honestly, now that the cat was out of the bag, part of him was thrilled to finally be open about his family. And he realized there was one more secret he could share, if he wanted to.
Leaning over to Ned and MJ, he whispered "How mad would you guys be if I told everyone else about the spidery thing?"
MJ raised an eyebrow while Ned's eyes lit up eagerly. "Dude, are you gonna do it?? That would be epic!" he whispered back excitedly.
MJ just shrugged. "Up to you, Tiger. Might be cathartic to flex on Flash again." She smirked in anticipation.
Peter grinned and stood up. "Hey everyone! Since I know you're all dying to talk about my parents, I thought I'd share one other fun fact about myself."
All eyes turned to him curiously. Peter backed up the aisle towards the rear door, talking as he walked.
"So obviously Natasha and Bucky are pretty badass. But did you know I can do this?"
In a smooth move, he leapt up and stuck himself to the ceiling of the bus, eliciting gasps and shrieks from his classmates. Peter had to bite back a laugh at their gobsmacked expressions.
"As you can see, I have slightly better than average abilities," he continued casually. "I may have forgotten to mention I'm also..." He flipped down, landing nimbly on the back seat behind a petrified Flash.
"Spider-Man!" Peter yelled, shooting web fluid onto Flash's back.
For a long moment, stunned silence filled the bus. Peter made intense eye contact with Flash, whose mouth was opening and closing wordlessly in shock. Then the bus erupted into excited chaos.
"No way!"
"Peter is Spider-Man??"
"That's impossible!"
"I don't believe it!"
Peter grinned and flipped back towards the front, landing with a bow. His classmates' excited questions tumbled over each other.
"When did you get powers?"
"Can you show us your webs?"
"Have you really fought alongside the Avengers?"
"Do Black Widow and Winter Soldier know you're Spider-Man?"
Peter held up his hands, laughing. "Okay guys, remember the NDAs! But yes, my parents know I'm Spider-Man and help train me. The Avengers are like family."
His schoolmates stared at him with new eyes, clearly re-evaluating puny Peter Parker. But their questions had been friendly, curious rather than cruel or skeptical. Well, all except Flash.
Peter turned to where the bully still sat rigidly in the back, covered in Peter's web fluid. His face was pale with shock and what looked almost like fear. Served him right.
"Oh and don't worry, that webbing will dissolve in an hour or so," Peter said airily. "Might want to sprinkle some water on it."
Flash finally found his voice, although it came out strangled. "Y-you...how...I don't..." He faltered, shaking his head in overwhelmed disbelief.
Peter just smiled innocently. "Cat got your tongue, Flash? Thought you'd be excited to have Spider-Man in your class."
That seemed to snap Flash out of his stunned stupor. He glared and straightened up, clearly trying to regain some bravado.
"You may have weird powers or whatever, but you're still just Puny Parker," he sneered, although it lacked his usual venom. "Don't think this changes anything between us."
Peter raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Actually, it changes everything, Flash. Now you know I could flatten you like a pancake if I wanted to. So if I were you, I'd quit the bullying routine real quick."
He grinned sharply. "Unless you want me to demonstrate my abilities again? I'm sure I could web your mouth shut too if needed..."
Flash paled, gulping audibly. "You wouldn't! That's...that's assault!" But he looked uncertain, clearly realizing Peter held all the power now in more ways than one.
Peter's smile turned sweet. "Oh I won't, don't worry. I don't use my powers against people who don't have any. But lucky for you, I'm not a bully." His gaze hardened. "I'm a hero, like my parents."
Flash stared at him a moment longer, then dropped his eyes, properly cowed. Murmurs of approval came from the other students at Peter's declaration.
Peter nodded in satisfaction and returned to his seat by Ned and MJ, trading delighted grins with them. That had felt good, standing up to Flash for once instead of just taking his crap. Maybe he should have revealed his powers ages ago if it got these results.
Cindy leaned over from the seat behind Peter to tap his shoulder. "That was awesome, Peter! Flash has had that takedown coming for awhile. We're all on your side."
Sounds of agreement came from their other classmates. Peter smiled, touched by their support.
"Thanks, guys. And remember, secret identities, okay?" They all nodded, miming zipping their lips.
As Peter settled back comfortably, MJ gave him an approving smirk. "Nice job, Tiger. Think that permanently took Flash down a peg or ten." She popped earbuds in, settling against the window to doze the rest of the ride home.
Ned was still vibrating excitedly. "Dude, so epic! No one is gonna mess with you again after this. And I can't believe you actually told them..." He trailed off into pleased murmurs about Peter's awesomeness.
Peter just smiled out the window, feeling good about his choices today. His secrets were still safe thanks to the NDAs. Now his classmates saw him as more than just Puny Parker. And Flash had finally learned actions had consequences.
Things felt different now, in a good way. Peter knew Flash likely wouldn't risk bullying him openly after this, at least not anytime soon. And his classmates seemed to have gained new respect for him.
Peter felt freer somehow, like a weight had been lifted. He no longer had to pretend or hide who he was. His weird, wonderful family was a source of strength, not shame. After today, he could hold his head high as Peter Barnes-Romanoff, son of two Avenging assassins and a hero in his own right.
As the bus rolled on into the city, Peter daydreamed happily about grabbing dinner with his parents later and telling them every detail of the wild field trip. He knew they'd get a huge kick out of hearing how he'd put Flash in his place.
Today had turned out better than Peter could have imagined. He leaned back, closing his eyes with a contented smile. For once, it felt really good to be him.
Four Hours Later
Peter bounced on his toes as he rode the elevator up to the Avengers living quarters. He was vibrating with extreme excitement to tell his family all about the wild bus ride home from his class field trip today. The elevator doors slid open and Peter dashed inside.
"Mom! Dad! Everyone, wait until you hear what happened!" he yelled enthusiastically.
Natasha and Bucky looked up from their relaxed cuddle on the couch, both raising eyebrows at Peter's eager entrance.
"Clearly something exciting, if it's got you this riled up," Natasha said with amusement.
Peter launched into the story at rapid-fire speed, barely pausing for breath as he described revealing himself as Spider-Man and sticking to the bus ceiling and webbing up Flash.
"It was epic! You should have seen their faces when I flipped onto the roof. Flash looked like he was gonna pass out, it was hilarious." Peter had to stop as laughter overtook him at the memory.
By now, the rest of the team had wandered in to see what the commotion was. They all wore matching looks of surprise as Peter described his antics.
"Damn, kid, you just went all in, secret identity be damned huh?" Clint said with an impressed chuckle.
"While I admire your courage, was that truly wise?" Steve asked, ever the voice of reason. "What if your classmates tell others what they saw?"
Peter waved a hand. "No worries, we all signed NDAs at the beginning of the tour. No one's allowed to talk about anything that happened or they'll get smacked with a big lawsuit."
Natasha nodded thoughtfully. "That was good thinking ahead. Although..." She raised an eyebrow at Peter. "It still sounds like you took quite a risk, little spider. I'm surprised you were so open with your abilities and identity."
Peter went over and squeezed onto the couch beside her. "I know, it was kind of spur of the moment. But it felt right, you know? I was tired of hiding and letting Flash walk all over me." He bumped her shoulder lightly. "Plus it was nice to show off a little, for once."
Natasha smiled and kissed his temple. "Well I'm glad you stood up for yourself. And that Stark had the NDAs as backup." She ruffled Peter's hair. "My brave boy."
Peter grinned and leaned into Natasha's side. He really had missed being openly affectionate with his parents in public.
Bucky reached over Natasha to squeeze Peter's shoulder. "Proud of you, son. Takes guts to stand up to bullies like that. And making the little punk pee his pants in fear seems like a fitting punishment." He smirked in satisfaction.
Peter laughed. "You should have seen his face, it was priceless! I think he'll be leaving me alone from now on."
He noticed Steve frowning thoughtfully. "Still, Peter, revealing your abilities so casually could have consequences down the road, intended or not."
Peter's good humor dimmed slightly. He knew Steve had a point, but didn't want to dwell on potential what-ifs right now.
Thankfully, Wanda spoke up in his defense. "Let Peter enjoy his triumph today," she chided gently. "His secret is still safe for now thanks to the NDAs. There is no use worrying excessively."
She came over and squeezed onto the couch on Peter's other side, wrapping an arm around him. "I think you were very brave, little spider. And clever to outwit your bully so creatively."
Peter shot her a grateful smile. He could always count on his sister Wanda to have his back.
"Yeah, it sounds like you handled the situation spectacularly, kid," Bruce agreed from his armchair. "I probably would have just hid in the bathroom the whole ride if it were me at your age. Standing up to a bully like that takes guts."
"Verily, young Peter's courage rivals the great warriors of Asgard!" Thor proclaimed approvingly. "I am certain his shield-brothers are most impressed by his mettle!"
Tony threw an arm around Peter's shoulders from behind the couch. "That's our Underoos. A real hero, in and out of the mask." He ruffled Peter's hair affectionately. "Good for you for putting that Flash punk in his place."
Peter basked happily in the praise of his family. He knew Steve's concerns came from a caring place, but he agreed with Wanda that there was no use stressing over hypotheticals. They had taken necessary precautions with the NDAs. He had just wanted his classmates to see him as more than meek Peter Parker for once. And it had felt great, being his true self openly, abilities and family connections and all.
"Who's hungry?" Natasha spoke up after the recounting and reassurances had run their course. "I'm thinking we celebrate Peter's eventful day with a pizza movie night."
A chorus of eager agreement answered her. As everyone split up to grab drinks and pick movie options, Peter went to help Natasha order the pizzas.
"Thanks for having my back today, Mom," he said sincerely as they looked over the menu options. "I know it worries you and Dad when I'm reckless with my identity. But it just felt right in the moment."
Natasha smiled and pulled him into a one-armed hug. "Of course, little spider. Your dad and I will always worry because we love you. But you're growing up, and we trust you to make the right choices."
She kissed his temple before handing him the phone to place their massive pizza order. Peter smiled to himself as he relayed the details, warmth blossoming in his chest. He really did have the most understanding, supportive family ever.
Soon they were all once again crowded onto the sofas together, boxes of hot pizza covering every surface as the opening credits of Star Wars rolled. Peter found himself squished comfortably between Natasha and Bucky, with Clint and Wanda wedged in on either side.
As Peter took a contented bite of gooey pepperoni goodness, he looked around at his gathered family, his heart feeling ready to burst.
He was endlessly grateful to have people who loved every side of him - not just Spider-Man, but Peter Parker too. People who supported him if he decided to embrace all parts of himself openly for once.
Today had been a giddy rush, but Peter knew his family would have his back if it led to any complications down the road. For now, he was just happy to bask in their pride and get to be his full, true self without hiding, at least for one day.
Peter snuggled into Natasha and Bucky's sides, feeling their arms automatically come around him. No matter what challenges he had to face with his abilities or identity, this unconditional love would continue to give him the courage and confidence to stay true to himself.
The credits rolled on the final Star Wars film as the Avengers lounged together in contented fullness. Empty pizza boxes littered every surface after their feast.
Natasha sat curled against Bucky's side, Peter a warm weight against her other shoulder. Glancing down, she realized he had drifted off to sleep at some point during the marathon. She smiled softly at his relaxed, boyish face.
"Looks like someone partied too hard today," she said quietly to Bucky, nodding her chin towards Peter.
Bucky's eyes softened as he took in their sleeping son. "Can't blame the kid after the day he's had, standing up to that punk bully." He brushed a gentle hand over Peter's curly hair.
By now the others had noticed Peter's sleeping form. A chorus of "awws" went around the group at the endearing sight.
"Aww, Pete conked out on us," Tony said affectionately.
"Growing boys need their rest after adventures," Clint teased with an indulgent chuckle.
"He reminds me of when my brother Loki was small, falling asleep after feasting and frolicking," Thor reminisced fondly.
Steve smiled and stood, gathering empty plates and boxes. "We should let Peter get to bed. I think we could all use a good night's rest after today's excitement."
The others murmured agreement, slowly rousing themselves to help clean up. Bucky slid carefully out from under Peter, easing him down to lay along the couch. Peter didn't so much as stir.
"I'll take him up," Bucky said softly. "Don't want him waking up disoriented if he nods off more before making it to his bed."
He gently maneuvered his arms under Peter's shoulders and knees, lifting him bridal style with ease. Peter instinctively curled into Bucky's broad chest, still fast asleep.
Bucky's expression melted into one of pure adoration and tenderness as he gazed down at the son he was still learning to care for. Natasha's heart swelled watching them. She knew Bucky was trying his very best, despite struggling sometimes to feel deserving of fatherhood. But moments like this showed he was a natural when it came to nurturing their boy.
On impulse, Natasha leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Peter's forehead, brushing back his unruly curls. "Sleep well, little spider," she murmured.
Peter sighed softly in his sleep, nuzzling closer to Bucky's shoulder. Bucky looked back up at Natasha, eyes gleaming. "Come up with us?" he asked hopefully.
Natasha nodded, heart overflowing with love for her little family. She bid the others goodnight before following Bucky towards the living quarters elevator.
In the gentle quiet of the ride up, she gazed at Peter's sleeping face, still round with boyish softness. He was growing up so fast, as today had proven. But like this, cradled safe in his father's arms, he was still her precious baby boy.
They reached Peter's bedroom and Bucky moved slowly over to the bed, trying not to jostle Peter awake. But as he attempted to lay Peter down, the boy immediately whimpered in distress, hands fisting tighter in Bucky's shirt.
"Shh, it's okay, I've got you," Bucky soothed softly. But Peter continued to cling desperately even in sleep, clearly not wanting to be separated from his dad's comforting hold.
Bucky looked helplessly over at Natasha. She came and sat on the bed beside them, running a gentle hand through Peter's hair and down his back.
"Peter, baby, you're home now," she murmurred. "You're safe in your bed. You can let go, sweetheart."
Peter turned his head towards her voice but didn't loosen his clingy grip on Bucky. If anything, he tucked himself tighter to Bucky's chest, seeking comfort and contact.
Natasha continued stroking his hair soothingly. "Come on, little spider. Relax for me. Mama's here."
At her familiar nickname, Peter finally cracked his eyes open halfway, gaze bleary and confused. "M'ma?" he mumbled drowsily.
Natasha's heart melted. Peter only slipped into calling her Mama at his most vulnerable, seeking maternal comfort. She cupped his cheek, offering a soft smile. "There's my sweet boy. Let's get you into bed."
Peter blinked slowly before his eyes focused on Bucky holding him. He made a noise of sleepy protest, trying to burrow impossibly closer.
"Shh, I know, you want your dad," Natasha said gently. "He'll stay with you. But you need to let go so he can tuck you in."
After another moment of sleepy resistance, Peter reluctantly detached from Bucky. But the second Bucky laid him on the bed, he reached out pleadingly again. Natasha could see he was still in that hazy, needy headspace between sleeping and waking that brought out his childlike clinginess.
Bucky quickly toed off his boots before stretching out on top of the covers beside Peter. At once Peter rolled over and reattached himself to Bucky like a starfish, head pillowed on his broad chest and legs tangled with his.
Bucky gathered him close, smoothing a broad hand up and down Peter's back. "There you go, kiddo. Dad's got you now."
Peter hummed in contentment, already drifting back to sleep in Bucky's secure hold. Natasha smiled softly at the precious sight.
She moved to get up and give them space to rest, but Peter's eyes blinked open again, seeking her out this time. "M'ma, stay," he pleaded softly, reaching out for her.
Unable to deny such a sweet request, Natasha settled herself on Peter's other side atop the covers. Peter immediately snuggled back against her, keeping one leg and arm flung over Bucky while pressing close to Natasha. She wrapped an arm around his waist, holding both her boys near.
"That's my good boy," she praised gently. "Get some sleep, little spider. We'll stay right here with you." She kissed his forehead before meeting Bucky's fond gaze over Peter's head.
Bucky leaned in to give her a soft, lingering kiss. "Our sweet boy," he murmured against her lips. "Still needs his mama and dad to chase the bad dreams away."
"Always," Natasha whispered back. "He'll never stop being our baby, no matter how big he gets."
Peter gave a soft, contented sigh between them, already drifting back into deep sleep surrounded by the comfort of his parents. Natasha's heart overflowed with warmth, cradling her child alongside the love of her life.
Moments like this healed her soul, reminded her that love could still grow even in the most broken places. That something beautiful and pure could come from ashes. The Red Room had tried to make her a monster, but being Peter's mother remade her as something far greater.
As Peter's breathing evened out, Bucky met her eyes again tenderly in the low light. "Sweet dreams, Natasha," he whispered, squeezing her hand where it rested on Peter's back. "I love you both so much."
"And we love you," she whispered back. Snuggled safe with her family, it wasn't long before Natasha too slipped into peaceful dreams, the most content she had ever been.