Archive of Our Own ^beta

The sterile corridors of Stark Industries buzzed with the usual energy of innovation and productivity. Tony Stark was deep in a meeting, discussing the latest advancements in tech with his team, while Morgan played nearby with her toys. Peter had been given the important task of keeping an eye on both of them.

“Can I show you something?” Morgan asked Peter, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement as she tugged at his sleeve.

“Sure, what is it?” Peter replied, kneeling down to her level.

“I found this cool spot with a big window! You have to see it!”

“Alright, let’s go!” Peter said, glancing back to ensure Tony was still occupied. He followed Morgan as she dashed down the corridor, her tiny feet pattering against the sleek floors.

Just as they reached a glass wall showcasing the bustling city below, Morgan stopped abruptly. “Wow! Look at all the cars!” she exclaimed, pressing her nose against the glass.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” Peter said, chuckling at her fascination. “But we should probably head back before your dad notices we’re gone.”

“Just a few more seconds!” she begged, her gaze glued to the view.

Peter glanced over his shoulder, noting the conference room door still firmly shut. “Okay, but let’s make it quick,” he relented, allowing her a few moments of wonder.

After a brief moment, he glanced back toward the meeting room. “Hey, we really should—”

Before he could finish, Morgan was off again, darting down another corridor. “Morgan, wait!” Peter called, his heart racing as he chased after her.

“Come on!” she shouted, turning a corner and disappearing from sight.

“Seriously?” he muttered, quickening his pace. “Morgan!” Panic started to bubble in his chest as he rounded the corner, his mind racing with thoughts of what Tony would say if he found out. The usually busy hallways felt eerily empty now, the hum of machinery providing the only sound.

After a frantic few minutes, Peter finally found her. Morgan was crouched down, peering into a display case filled with various tech gadgets. “Look, Peter! Can I touch it?” she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“No, no, sweetie, don’t touch that,” he said, rushing over and gently pulling her back. “You can’t play with those. They’re important.”

“But they look so cool!” she protested, her little hands reaching for the glass.

“I know, but if you break something, your dad will have my head,” Peter said, trying to keep his tone light, even as anxiety gnawed at him. “We should go find him, okay?”

“Okay,” Morgan replied, though she didn’t move.

Peter sighed, feeling a wave of dread wash over him. He had lost sight of her, and that made him feel responsible. “Dad!” he called, feeling slightly ridiculous but knowing Tony would be worried.

Just then, Tony emerged from the conference room, his brow furrowed and his eyes scanning the hallway. “Peter? Morgan?” he called out, his voice laced with concern.

“Right here!” Peter shouted, waving his arms as he led Morgan back toward Tony. The relief on Tony’s face was palpable as he rushed over.

“Where were you two?” he asked, kneeling to Morgan’s level, his voice softening.

“Morgan wanted to see the window!” Peter explained quickly. “But then she found the tech display, and I—”

“Peter,” Tony interrupted, looking at him with a mix of gratitude and exasperation. “Thanks for watching her, but we really need to stick together in this place. It can get hectic.”

“I know, I’m sorry,” Peter replied, running a hand through his hair. “I just—”

“Morgan’s my responsibility, too, right?” Tony said, glancing at Morgan with a gentle smile. “So what do we do if we get separated?”

“Stay together?” Morgan chimed in, her little voice brightening the mood.

“Exactly!” Tony said, giving her a high-five. Then he looked at Peter and added, “And we need to trust each other. That goes for you too, kid. You’re part of this family now.”

Peter’s heart swelled at Tony’s words. “Thanks, Dad,” he said without thinking, surprising himself.

Tony raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting between amusement and pride. “Dad, huh? I can get used to that.”

Morgan giggled, clapping her hands. “Yay! Dad and Peter!”

“Alright, how about we all grab some ice cream now?” Tony suggested, standing up and ruffling Morgan’s hair. “And this time, we stick together.”

“Yay!” Morgan cheered, bouncing on her toes.

As they made their way to the elevator, Peter felt a wave of warmth wash over him. In that moment, surrounded by the chaotic brilliance of Stark Industries and the love of his makeshift family, he knew he belonged.

Once they reached the ground floor, the smell of ice cream wafted through the air from a nearby shop. Morgan’s eyes lit up as she pointed. “Look, Daddy! Ice cream!”

“Alright, ice cream it is,” Tony said, holding the door open for Morgan as they stepped outside. The sun was shining brightly, a perfect day to celebrate being together.

As they approached the ice cream stand, Morgan bounced in place, her excitement palpable. “Can I have chocolate? Please?” she begged, her hands clasped together.

“I think we can do better than that,” Tony said, giving Peter a knowing glance. “How about we all get something different and share?”

“Great idea!” Peter replied, grinning at Morgan. “I’ll get mint chocolate chip!”

“I want strawberry!” Morgan exclaimed.

“Perfect! And I’ll take cookies and cream,” Tony decided, stepping up to the counter.

Once they had their cones, they found a small table under a bright blue umbrella. As they sat down, Morgan started digging into her strawberry ice cream, the pink streaks smearing across her cheeks.

“Look, I’m a strawberry monster!” she giggled, her laughter infectious.

“Yeah, and I’m the ice cream king!” Tony declared, holding his cone high.

Peter couldn’t help but laugh along, feeling like he was part of something special. “Well, then I guess I’m the minty knight!” he chimed in, striking a pose with his ice cream.

After they finished their cones, Morgan’s eyes suddenly went wide. “Can we go to the park next, Dad?” she asked, bouncing in her seat.

Tony exchanged a glance with Peter, who nodded enthusiastically. “Why not? A little fresh air will be good for all of us.”

With ice cream still lingering on their lips, they made their way to the nearby park, where Morgan ran ahead, her laughter echoing through the trees. Peter and Tony walked behind, enjoying the sight of her playing freely.

“You know, it’s great to see you like this,” Tony said, turning to Peter. “You’ve really taken to the whole ‘big brother’ role.”

“I love it,” Peter replied, a smile breaking across his face. “Morgan’s awesome. And it feels good to be part of a family like this.”

Tony nodded, a look of appreciation on his face. “You’re one of us now, Peter. Just remember that.”

As they reached the park, Morgan was already climbing up the jungle gym, her little figure silhouetted against the sky. “Look at me, Dad!” she shouted, her voice filled with joy. “I’m a superhero!”

“Of course you are!” Tony called back, a grin spreading across his face. “Just like your Uncle Peter!”

“Hey!” Peter protested, but he was laughing.

Morgan swung from the monkey bars, her energy boundless. Peter couldn’t help but admire her spirit. He joined her, climbing up beside her on the jungle gym. “Race you to the top!” he challenged, and they both scrambled upward.

Tony watched from below, his heart swelling with pride. .

After a while, they all collapsed onto the grass, panting from their adventures. Morgan lay sprawled out, staring up at the clouds. “What if we found a cloud shaped like a dragon?” she asked, her imagination running wild.

“Then we’d have to be brave knights and save the kingdom from the evil wizard!” Peter added, catching on.

“Yeah! And I’d be the princess who helps!” Morgan chimed in, her eyes sparkling.

Tony smiled, lying back next to them. “And I’d be the wise king who gives you all the magic potions.”

“See, Dad? You can be the best king ever!” Morgan exclaimed, rolling over to look at him.

“Absolutely,” Tony replied, a warmth filling his chest. “But you two are the real heroes here.”