Best Bug Brother
It was one of the good days.
Morgan could tell it was going to be a good day the moment that the two of them woke up that morning in her bed. He did that sometimes. He never went to bed with her but would sometimes wake up in her bed, and every time, Morgan knew it was going to be a good day.
Daddy sometimes teased that he should just put Petey’s bed in with hers to save them the trouble.
They had pancakes for breakfast too made by Uncle Rhodey and that was also a sign it was going to be a good day. She didn’t like to admit it in front of her daddy, but Uncle Rhodey made the best pancakes.
“Petey, can we play in the snow today?” Morgan asked cheerily, swinging her legs underneath her stool happily as she watched her brother finish the last of his breakfast. He was on his second helping - another sign it was going to be a good day. He was always happier on the days he ate more food.
He blinked at his plate a few times before finally turning to her with a smile. “That sounds fun. But not for too long, okay? I don’t really like the cold.” He shivered dramatically and she couldn’t help but giggle before turning very serious.
”I understand, most bugs don’t like the cold.” She shrugged matter-of-factly, then jumped off her stool to go fetch their hats and coats just as she heard her mom and aunt May both call out for them to dress warm.
“I’m not a bug!” Peter called after her, at the same time.
”I know!” She laughed, replying to all three of them.
***
”Is your hatred of snow really a spider thing?” May asked, once Morgan was out of earshot, cocking her head to the side as if she was trying to remember something.
”Definitely not. I’ve always not liked the snow. But I guess the whole spider thing probably doesn’t help.” He mused, though he was smiling as he got up, preparing himself to go out and play in the snow with Morgan who had been full of energy since the moment they woke up.
“She’ll be fine, Peter, if you don’t want to go out. I can call over to the guest house to see if Alya wants to come play?” Pepper asked gently, taking Peter’s plate to set it in the sink along with Morgan’s.
“It’s fine, I -“ He started, until he was abruptly interrupted by Rhodey.
”Pepper! Sorry, Pete - Pepper, you will not be doing those dishes. This is my mess. I’ll clean it up. Go watch the kids play in the snow with your husband.” the colonel ordered, pointing his finger accusingly at Pepper.
Peter snorted at the affronted look on Pepper’s face and quickly turned away the kitchen just in time for Morgan to come bounding back with a handful of their winter clothes.
***
“Hey!” Peter laughed, wiping snow from his face, and all he could hear was the bubbly sound of laughter coming from Morgan as she took off running. “I’m so going to get you!” And with a huff, he took off after her. He only made it two steps before his foot got caught in the snow and went tumbling down into the pile of snow.
Face now completely full of wet snow, he rolled over and just laid in it.
”Is my bug brother okay? Is it getting too cold?” Morgan asked seriously, laying in the snow next to him, with her legs arms completely sprawled out as if she were going to make a snow angel, but didn’t move, just squinted up at the bright sky.
”Did you just call me your bug brother?”
”Yep! You’re the best bug brother ever!” She beamed, rolling over onto her side and flicking some more snow at Peter with a laugh.
”I’m not a bug,” he reminded, though there was clear amusement in his own voice, and he was pretty sure Morgan was only calling him one because she’d figured out it drove him crazy. “Spiders aren’t insects.”
”Sure they are. And you’re the best one.”
“If you say so. How about we go get some hot chocolate now with extra whip cream?” Peter suggested, sitting up and tossing snow towards Morgan as he did.