Chapter Text
Peter watched with wide eyes as his family suited up, excitement bubbling inside him. As they prepared to leave, he hid behind his favorite chair, peeking to see them walking tall and proud. The word that suited them best was mighty.
As they stepped outside, Peter dashed out from his hiding spot, trying to mimic their proud stride. He giggled when his dad scooped him up and held him by the shoulders.
“Look at my little superhero!” Steve chuckled, and Peter giggled back.
“Daddy, I’m super mighty!” he declared, puffing out his chest.
The quinjet was waiting for them, and as they made their way outside, Peter felt a mix of excitement and sadness. He knew they had to go, but he didn’t want them to leave.
“I’m gonna miss you, Avengers!” Peter cried, his little voice full of feeling.
Natasha kissed his forehead gently. “We’ll miss you too, sweetheart.”
“Be good for Uncle Bucky, okay?” Steve said, ruffling Peter’s hair.
“I will! I will! I love Uncle Bucky!” Peter nodded hard.
Bucky crossed his arms, smirking down at Peter. “Don’t worry, we’re gonna have a blast, right, little man?”
“Yay! Party time!” Peter squealed.
“Just remember, no sneaking cookies!” Clint chimed in with a wink. “We need some for our secret agent training!”
“Uncle Clint, you silly!” Peter giggled, tongue peeking out. “I love you!”
“Watch out for the cookies, champ!” Tony teased, crouching down to Peter’s level. “I might need you to save some for me when I get back!”
“Okay, Uncle Tony! I’ll save a big cookie for you!” Peter promised, bouncing on his toes.
“Make sure to have some adventures while we’re gone!” Sam added, giving Peter a playful nudge. “And don’t let Bucky turn you into a soldier just yet!”
“Yeah! I’m not a soldier, I’m a superhero!” Peter said proudly.
Sam chuckled, gently ruffling his curls. “Of course, you are a superhero, buddy”
“Don’t forget to call me if things get too crazy, alright?” Bruce said with a smile. “And I mean it—no Hulk smash until I get back!”
Peter giggled. “Okay, Uncle Bruce! I won’t smash anything!”
T’Challa approached with a soft smile. “Remember, little one, you are strong like the heart of Wakanda. Be brave while we’re away.”
“I will, Uncle T’Challa!” Peter said firmly.
“Aunt Carol is counting on you to keep Bucky in line!” Carol added, grinning down at him. “He might need a little help.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt Carol! I’ll help Uncle Bucky!” Peter promised, looking around with big, innocent eyes.
As the Quinjet's engines roared to life, Steve knelt, concern etched on his face. “You’re sure you’re going to be okay, buddy?”
Peter nodded, grinning. “I’ll be the best! You come back soon, okay?”
“We’ll be back before you know it, champ,” Steve assured him, squeezing his shoulder gently. “Just promise me you will look after yourself and Uncle Bucky, okay?”
Peter nodded.
“Don’t worry, punk. We’ve got this,” Bucky smirked, adjusting Peter in his arms as the little boy giggled. “With Alexei and Yelena around…they’ll be like a couple of overgrown puppies fighting for his attention. Just wait.”
Natasha chuckled, arms crossed as she watched them. “They’ll be fine with him. If anything, Peter’s the one they’ll have to keep up with.”
Steve let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “Alright. Just don’t let him wear you out too much,” he teased, ruffling Peter’s hair. “Take care, and we’ll see you in a few weeks”
With one last wave, the Avengers boarded the Quinjet, leaving Peter standing proudly, a small superhero in a world of giants, as he watched his uncles Thor, Tony, Sam, and Aunt Carol soar into the skies.
Peter’s smile nearly faltered as he watched the Quinjet carry his family away, his uncles and aunt soaring into the sky. But his frown quickly turned to a loud giggle when he felt arms wrap around his waist. Bucky lifted him effortlessly, a playful smirk on his face.
“Was that a frown I spotted with my little eye?” Bucky teased. “Do I need to launch a tickle attack to banish that frown from your handsome face?” His grin was mischievous as he felt Peter squirm with laughter.
“No!” Peter shouted, clutching Bucky's black leather shirt as he giggled uncontrollably.
“Hmmm...that's what I thought,” Bucky replied, chuckling as he hoisted Peter onto his shoulders.
Together, they strolled back into the tower, eagerly anticipating the new day that lay ahead while the Avengers were away.
Bucky slept soundly, the weight of his recent therapy sessions lifting some of the burdens he carried. A soft creak at the door broke the morning stillness, but he merely smirked in his sleep, blissfully unaware of the tiny intruder making his way toward him. He felt the familiar sensation of little fingers crawling onto the bed.
“Good morning, Uncle Bucky!” Peter said, bouncing a bit.
Bucky responded with a sleepy grin, burrowing deeper into the blanket. He let out a theatrical groan, pretending to sleep. Peter squealed with delight, then yanked the blanket off, planting his tiny hands on his hips. “Wake up, Mister!” Peter said, hands on his hips.
“Mmm...five more minutes,” he mumbled, feigning sleep again.
“Wake up, Mister!” Peter insisted, his tiny arms crossed over his chest as he tried to look stern. In a swift move, he was grabbed by Bucky by the waist and flung himself onto the bed beside him, giggling as Bucky's fingers began their usual tickle attack.
“You sneaky little spider!” Bucky laughed, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Do you dare disrupt my beauty sleep? There’s going to be punishment for that!”
Peter erupted into a fit of giggles, squirming as Bucky continued to tickle him. The sound of Peter’s laughter filled the room, pure and innocent, wrapping around Bucky like a warm hug. Once Bucky finally ceased the tickling, Peter scooted closer, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Now...what’s the big idea of waking me up, huh, squirt?” Bucky asked, ruffling Peter’s hair.
Peter clapped his tiny hands together, his face lighting up. “Grandpa! Aunt Yelena is coming!” He bounced a little, squealing with joy, his excitement filling the room.
“Oh, right! I totally forgot!” Bucky chuckled, the thought of them coming and staying bringing a genuine smile to his face. He just hoped that things would turn out well. “Especially your Aunt Yelena.”
Peter giggled again. “Uncle Bucky and Aunt Yelena are going to give kisses!” He said it super serious, like a big secret.
Bucky gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “Peter! Who told you that?” he asked, feigning shock.
“Mommy! Daddy! Uncle Sam!” Peter said, eyes wide with excitement.
Bucky smirked, shaking his head. “Of course! Well, I might need to talk to them when they get back. But since you mentioned it…there must be punishment!”
Peter giggled and wriggled as Bucky tickled him again. Bucky’s heart melted, thinking of Becca and the fun times with Steve.
When they were normal.
When everything revolved around that one simple word: normal.
Bucky hummed to himself as he made breakfast, while Peter chirped happily, staring out the large window at the vast city below. The bright morning light streamed into the tower, illuminating the room and making the clouds look fluffy and white.
“Alright, buddy! How about some pancakes and eggs?” Bucky smirked, placing a kiddie plate of food in front of Peter. The little boy bounced in his seat, clapping his hands with excitement.
“And cookies!” Peter squealed, hopping with excitement.
He chuckled. “Now, now, not until after you eat your meal. Remember the biggest cookie? It’ll be waiting for you!” He held up the spatula playfully, making Peter giggle.
After they finished their breakfast, they settled on the large couch to enjoy some peaceful TV time, with Peter resting contentedly on Bucky's lap. The morning was cozy and filled with the delightful aroma of breakfast.
Suddenly, the elevator went ding! Peter gasped, eyes wide. “They’re here! Grandpa! Aunt Yelena!” He bounced, wiggling to get off Bucky’s lap.
Bucky gently grabbed him around the waist, eliciting a giggle from Peter. He held him by the shoulders, guiding him to the entrance. Kneeling down to match Peter's level, Bucky's expression turned serious.
“Now, Peter,” he said firmly, “your auntie and Grandpa are fine, but remember what I, your daddy, Uncle Sam, and even Mr. Fury told you about the others on my team, okay?”
“Okay, Uncle Bucky!” Peter nodded, his little face all serious.
Bucky smiled, appreciating Peter's understanding. He stood up just as the elevator doors opened, revealing Bucky's team.