Disclaimer: Please don't sue me. I have $0 money to be able to afford the lawyer's fees that would result. This is just a story. I have no stake or anything investment-wise in Marvel. Whew! Okay. That done…

Trigger: Since this is just a sweet, little fluff piece… Maybe get some tissues? IDK.

Warning: I had a very restless night before getting up to write this.

Premise: Just a little spur-of-the-moment One-Shot based in the Alternmate Universe in Navigating the Curve.

The Sweetest Treat

By Juliette Lyst

Snacks.

Sunsets were so nice. Even though he knew it was dangerous to look directly at the sun, it still didn't dismiss the appeal. He had plenty of time to think while sitting on the apartment steps outside. Often… there were so many questions that swirled around in his head. Am I doing the right thing? Shouldn't there be more than this?

Frequently, his reverie turned up with no results.

The overhead clouds were a mixture of differing shades of blue and gray. The billowy patterns made him think of watching her as she worked on a watercolor painting. Her brushstrokes were definitive and sure. She was never afraid of making mistakes. He'd watched as she got paint on her hands… only to flick her fingers right at the canvas.

An accident, but as positive reaction.

The results were always dazzling to him.

Could he be the same way someday?

Leaning back on his hands, he squinted at the glow of burnt sienna he could see peeking from under the cloud cover.

Everything he saw filled him with both awe and tension. Bright blue was still visible in part of the sky, burnished gold licking around the lower edges.

The breathtaking view made him feel very small in comparison. It also made him curious—about many things.

Wha was the true size of those clouds? Just how faer away was the sun behind them?

Just how much dynamic energy shone down on them each and every day? Could it ever be measured by anyone?

From a scientific point of view, he knew some of the answers to these questions.

But…

How accurate were they?

No human had ever touched the surfacer of the sun.

How could they?

So how did they know how hot it was?

"We're all so small and feeble really," he spoke under his breath. Inhaling deeply, a small smile crossed his lips. Being a 'superhero' had its limits. He had certainly learned that lesson.

The hard way.

"What are you doing out here so late in the evening?"

Hearing the voice behind him, he looked up, twisting just a bit to see her. "Hi Jenny!" he piped up in response.

Folding her arms, she waited for his answer.

"Just enjoying the sunset," he added after a long pause.

Hearing his words, she lifted her head, eyes widening when she saw it.

He struggled to stifle a laugh at her expression. "Nice, huh?"

Lowering her eyes, she took a seat next to him on the steps and turned her gaze towards the sky again. "Yes Pete," she finally responded, a broad smile in place. "It's beautiful."

Peter's entire focus was on her. "Beautiful? No… it's stunning," he replied. He wasn't looking at the clouds at all. Reluctantly redirecting his attention, he continued to watch all of the colors up above as their brilliance intensified.

Amber-hued eyes lowered to her lap, and Jennifer stared at her hands. She turned the right one up, her fingers quivering a little. Sliding her hand to her belly, a bloom of color suffused her cheeks.

"She'll love it too, Jen," Peter assured her.

"She will," she agreed, raising her eyes to his bearded face.

Peter offered a beaming smile and wrapped his left arm around her shoulders, hugging her to his side. "We'll show her, together."

Jen's breath caught in her throat. Whenever Peter looked at her like that… Her eyes widened, pupils dilating. Goosebumps rose on her flesh.

"I promised you, remember?" He asked. His brows lifted a bit, his own eyes reacting to seeing hers. He wasn't sure what he was feeling right there and then… but it was welcome.

Jen's mouth moved in the affirmative, but no sound could be heard s

He understood all the same.

Words didn't need to be said.

As one, they both resumed watching the sun disappear—only choosing to go back in as more and more stars began to gleam in the sky.

The two of them traveled back and forth between the kitchen and dining room area—for two totally different reasons.

In Jennifer's case, she was pacing… trying desperately to come to terms with her burgeoning feelings for her friend. He hadn't been there long at all.

Yet.

Her arms were loosely crossed under her breasts, a nearly blank expression on her face. Once in a while, she appeared irritated, but it didn't last long.

Peter was busy setting up their dinner that night. He'd been delight to find out that his friend loved the foods he ate too. Her reluctance to eat sometimes was down entirely to the nausea that clung to her like a wet blanket. He noticed Jen walking back and forth, but did his best to stay out of her way. Her thoughts seemed to be in turmoil—if her aggravated demeanor was any indication. Something must have happened… he thought. But when?

For all intents and purposes, Jennifer was home from work to recover from her hospital visit. He was working alongside one of her coworkers to keep an eye on her.

It did hurt that she hadn't felt comfortable enough with him to confide about her current problem.

Eventually, they nearly walked into one another.

Freezing in place, Jennifer stared up at Peter.

"Sure you don't want to sit down?" Peter asked, brows furrowed in concern.

Rubbing her eyes, Jennifer grunted softly in response and took her seat. Walking around so much wasn't doing anything to help her anymore... and she could fret just as easily while seated.

Peter stepped back into the kitchen for a moment to retrieve their plates. "Here's dinner for the madam," he spoke, smirking. He was amused to see her unconsciously licking her lips.

"Sloppy joes," she whispered, her mouth hanging half open.

"And baked beans, yes," he replied.

"When did you fix this?" she asked, eagerly reaching up for her plate.

While you were pacing all over the place, he thought. "In the last thirty minutes or so," he responded.

Blinking, her brows scrunched together. "Wait, you were handling raw meat?" Jennifer had found out quite by accident that she couldn't handle particular smells at all. Raw meat was one of them.

"Uh… You were a bit distracted," he noted. Handing off her plate, he sent his own down. "Going to get us drinks." Returning to the kitchen, he grabbed water bottles from them out of the fridge. Turning around, he laughed.

Jennifer already had sauce all over her mouth and hands. Hearing him, she looked up, raising both brows high.

"It's good, huh?" he asked.

Mouth full, but managing a sauce covered smile, Jennifer nodded.

Grinning, he cracked open one of the bottles for her and handed it over.

"Mm," she managed through the mouthful. Once she was done, she thoroughly licked her finges clean. "Yeah," she added. "But…" her voice trailed off, a look of concentration on her face.

Peter paused, waiting to hear what she would say. After a while, he cleared his throat. "Is something wrong?" he asked in concern.

Blinking and jerking just a little, Jennifer shook her head. "N…N—No," she asured him. "But something is missing." Brows furrowed, she pushed back from the table and stood up.

"Missing?" Peter asked. Biting into his own sloppy joe, he hummed in approval. Nothing seemed to be missing from it, and nothing tasted off either.

Nodding quickly, Jennifer walked into the kitchen. "Yeah… but I think I know what it is."

Confused but not about to argue, Peter resumed eating, glancing up when Jennifer returned. His eyes narrowed faintly as he recognized what she had in her hands. "Wait…" Swallowing his mouthful, he sat up straighter. "Is that what I think it is?"

Cheeks reddening a little, Jennifer nodded. She peeled back the bun's top and liberally sprinkled something else on the meat.

Nostrils flaring a little, Peter set his sandwich down and cleaned his fingers. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asked.

Putting the top back in place, Jennifer looked at him and nodded. She lifted her sandwich and bit in. Eyes rolling closed, she shivered at the taste that danced on her tongue.

The rumbling moan she let out was a sound he'd never heard from her before. Grabbing his spoon, he started eating the baked beans.

"I should have bought more chocolate chips," he said in a lowered voice."

Chewing her mouthful with relish, Jennifer nodded slowly. After swallowing, she opened her eyes and let out a short laugh. "Sorry. Pooh wanted it."

Struggling to keep a straight face, he resumed eating.

2 Hours Later…

Sitting on the couch, Peter looked up when Jennifer handed him a massive salad bowl.

"Popcorn's here!" she announced.

Not looking too closely, he turned on the moving as she sat down.

They were both pretty quiet for some time, engrossed in the film.

At some point, Peter reached for a bit of popcorn and popped it into his mouth. His eyes widened comically, and he nearly spat it out—nearly jumping forwards from where he was seated.

Startled, Jennifer turned to him. "What's wrong?" she asked, trying to calm her racing heart.

Slowly, Peter turned to her and help up his right hand. His fingers were slick and stained just a little… "Did you put chocolate chips in the popcorn, Jen?" His tone wasn't accusatory, but he wasn't very happy at all. His fingers were liberally coated with salty butter and melted chocolate.

Guilty, Jennifer looked down before nodding ligtly.

"… Why? he asked then, trying to understand.

"Umm," she swallowed. "The baby—"

"Pooh is not the correct name for her," Peter interrupted her. He set the bowl of chocolate popcorn down on the floor.

Brows pinching together, Jennifer blinked at him. "Mmm… maybe Yogi?" she asked, thinking of the brown bear in old cartoons she'd watched as a child.

Lifting her shirt with his free hand, he addressed her belly. "Why do you want chocolate so much?" He tilted his head, as if listening for the answer. "Hmm? What was that?"

Jennifer blushed.

"I see," he said, lowering his head to hear better. Hazel-hued eyes rose to meet Jen's.

"W… What did she say?" Jennifer asked, joining in.

Dropping the shirt, his lips curled up at the corners. "Chip says she likes sweets, Jenny." Looking at her belly again, he resumed speaking. "While I can understand the appeal, candies and other snacks are good all the time."

"Chip?" Jennifer asked, confused. "Who is Chip?"

"She's right here," Peter replied, pointing at her belly.

"No. She's Pooh. O—Or Yogi. I haven't figured out which one yet."

"But," he spoke, holding up one finger. "She doesn't eat honey, so she can't be a Pooh."

One of Jennifer's dark brows rose at that.

"And…" At this, he looked back down and gently pat the soft surface. "I can't imaging her running off with anyone's basket."

"But… Chip?" Jen asked.

"Since she desires chocolate chips so much…" he trailed off, grinning at her wide-eyed reaction.

"You're naming her after food?" the petite brunette asked, working her jaw a little. It's really funny… but… "That's not really fair, Pete," Jen added, pouting.

"It describes her so well," he responded. He nudged her a little. "Scoot over a bit, please."

Obligingly, Jennifer slid over further on the couch.

Without warning, he readjusted his position, resting his head in her lap. Staring up at the ceiling, he crossed his legs at the ankles.

Large amber eyes stared down at him. "Uhh… Pete?"

"Shh," he replied, pressing his ear to her lower belly. "I can hear her again."

"Umm, Pete," Jen began, uncertain as to where to put her hands now. "That's just my stomach."

"Nah, it's Chip. She says she liked the name. Or is asking for more of them. I'm not entirely sure."

Pursing her lips, Jennifer's expression turned very serious, her legs unconsciously tensing up. She felt uneasy. "I'm not sure, Pete," she began. She swallowed hard as he stared up at her. "I mean… it's cute and all. But I don't want it to be a joke about the baby."

His eyes were half closed. "But it's true Jen. It's what she is," he replied. Inhaling deeply, he was careful not to put too much weight on her legs. He also felt himself growing so comfortable there. He felt it when the muscles in her thighs grew slack.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"She's one of the sweetest ones, Jenny. Why wouldn't she be called Chip?"

"Peter, it's chocolate chips. They're just a treat."

"And she's the sweetest treat of them all."

His words had a stronger effect on her than expected, tears welling up in her eyes. "Pete," she began, salty drops slowly trickling down her cheeks.

Alarmed, Peter moved to sit up.

"No," Jen said, finding a place for her hands at last. Resting her right hand on his chest, the fingers of her left hand tried to wipe away the tears. "Don't worry."

"I didn't mean to upset you Jen," Internally, he began berating himself. Does she think I'm trying to forcer this on her? His ego wasn't so fragile that he would badger her to change her decision.

And in all reality, he shouldn't have inserted himself into this. Even though he expressed a desire to help her, he wasn't the baby's father.

Not by a long shot.

The baby was so precious though. Peter would never understand how an alternate version of himself could have walked away from this.

In all honesty, his words were a reflection of how he genuinely felt about the baby. He'd only known about her for a few days, but he could already feel the tendrils of an unbreakable bond forming in his heart. "If you prefer Pooh, that's nice too." He offered her a faint smile. "Even if she doesn't steal any pots of honey."

Jennifer sniffed, trying to compose herself.

"O—Or," he continued. "Or Yohi. We can get her a stuffed bear a sidekick."

Jennifer shook her head, trying and failing to stop her tears. "No," she rasped. "I think Chip… is fine." Sniffling loudly, she looked down, locking eyes with him. Her countenance was wild, eyes turning just a little red. Lips upturned, she beamed at him—in spite of the tears—joy visible on her face.

"You're really okay with that?" he asked, surprised.

Nodding, Jen sunk further into the couch cushions. "No one's said that about her before."

"You hear that Chip?" Peter asked, gently poking her belly. "Your mama thinks it's okay!"

Jennifer laughed.

Between the two of them, humor easily transferred over and Peter found himself chuckling too.

Calming down, Jennifer nudged Peter's shoulder. "Can you get up?"

As if on command, the young hero sprung into a seated position on the couch. "Sorry about that," he said.

"I'm not," she replied. "And uhh… Pete?"

Lifting a brow, he spoke. "Yeah?"

"Do me a favor?" she asked.

He quickly stood up! "Sure! What do you need?"

"Pass over the popcorn," she spoke, grinning. "Now that you're standing up, you shouldn't have a problem getting it."

Soundlessly Peter handed her the bowl and sat back down. "I guess I have to get used to this."

Curious, Jen grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved some of it into her mouth. "Hmm?"

Reaching for the popcorn, Peter lightly shrugged at her bewildered expression. "Unexpectedly finding chocolate chips everywhere."

Jen grinned around her mouthful.

Author's Note: I'm sorry! I'm so obsessed with NtC and these characters. So, I wanted to write something very sweet with them. Something that wasn't 40 pages long…

Hope you enjoy!

Thank you so much for being patient with me.

Oh… I'm back too, by the way! I definitely got some rest while I was gone. My wrists did not though. I'm amazed they haven't staged a protest and fled my arms.

Till Next Time!

~J. Lyst

Additional Author's Note: This note is dated February 12, 2025. I've revised and am re-releasing this short. It's absolutely adorable. I hope that any errors are minimal.

If I have to do any additional revisions—as you all know—I always make a dated note of it at the bottom of the document itself.

I have plans on making more shorts of this fanfic.

Fanfic of my fanfic?

Yes, please!

XXO

~J. Lyst