After dropping a huge bombshell on the group, Shuri and T’Challa left to give the group some space. While Gwen was at work, and Felicia had yet to return from her evening with Emma. Carol had groggily woken and was eating breakfast while skimming over the scrolls.

As she ate, “Yeah. I'm not touching this until everyone is here,“ but the look she was giving Peter let him know exactly how she felt. It was a mix between angry and happy. So far nobody had said anything but the mood was still one of disapproval.

Peter sighed and picked up his phone. Sending out a mass text, he let everyone know,

Family emergency. It's not dangerous, so it can wait until after work but everyone needs to be here.

Followed by a text to May and Curt, and Laura sent one to Logan as well.

Shit Peter thought, there’s a powder keg, even if he was more worried what his mom would say.

The day was quiet. Liv and Carol went through the scrolls and took notes. There was a lot of legal or vague wording, and Liv was constantly checking her phone. Every minor detail was checked with Shuri. This was important, and it paid to make sure there were no misunderstandings.

As the day slowly turned into evening, the family started to gather around the table. Peter had made sure that no one who was present said a word. This wasn't news to be blurred out. He also made food, pasta again.

Felicia arrived, looking worn out and tired but she just shook her head. “Don't ask, the locals are being assholes.” As she sat Peter put a cup of coffee in front of her and she nodded and grunted in thanks.

“So, I get why they are here, but why me?” Logan asked.

Peter stood at the head of the table, making sure there was nothing behind him, just in case.

“Princess Shuri of Wakanda has made an official request to join the group.”

Gwen's face scrunched up, “That's it? Another one? Shit Pete, I've been worrying my ass off all day.”

He shook his head, “Royalty has rules,” and he nodded at Liv.

"We took notes, and made sure what you’re reading is what to expect." She handed out copies to everyone. Each one detailed what the scrolls said but without the flowery language.

The room fell silent as they read. Several faces had knowing looks. Several were angry, and several had small, badly hidden smiles.

Logan balled up his paper. “So tell me why I ain’t gonna kick your ass up an’ down this warehouse for the next day an’ a half?”

Laura batted him. “Bad, no fighting.” He frowned as he looked at her, “No.” and she pointed a finger at him.

“Mom,” Peter asked her, he already knew what she was going to say, and this would hurt the most.

May put the paper down and sighed. “I think I don't have the right to speak first. You knew this would happen and yet you still went ahead with it. Personal feelings aside, polygamy is illegal in the US.” A few of the women nodded.

“I’ll go first,” Felicia stood and stretched. “Get the mats out, no powers, 'cause you are so fucking dead.”

Peter sighed and stood. As he moved the thick rubber mats out onto the warehouse floor, Felicia began her tirade,

“What the fuck were you thinking? Pete, I'm twenty-three and not getting married, and not to her. Your stupid dumbass, too busy thinking with your dick to see this is a setup.”

“Wait, a setup?” Wanda asked. As far as she could see it was a good deal. Peter had a lot of freedom after they were married, as long as Shuri agreed. It was no different to what they had now.

Felica nodded. “Provisionally, if Peter agrees he must declare himself to the royal council. A full powers check and compatibility check, financials and everything.” Gwen raised an eyebrow and grinned. “What, you look at records all day and not learn something.” As she laughed Felicia did turn slightly red. “Still stands though, they can come in, run a fine-tooth comb through our lives and then say, oh well, don't fit, bye.”

Peer sighed, “So, they got us legally rather than just spying.”

“Yeah, I'm not mad at her, she's hot as hell. I'm mad as you finally fell for a honey trap and fucked us all. So, ass-kicking, no powers, but no holds barred." Felicia paused and looked over at Logan. "Wait, Logan yeah? Matt mentioned you a few times, something about Japan and a rabid healing mutant.'' Logan raised an eyebrow. “Dumbshit holds back when it's us, as he figures he might hurt us. Super healing right?” He nodded. If Matt was one of Sticks, he'd have words about the dumbass spreading rumours. He'd been cleared of being rabid years ago. “Good, so does he. He can cut loose and so can you.”

Logan grinned, “Yeah, you didn’t mention that one.”

Peter slumped, “Because I know you’d want to fight me,” he said exasperated.

“Too late kid, Laura’s been sittin’ there vibrating and I figure she’s okay with it, but I ain’t. So Miss?”

Felicia nodded, “It's Felicia, or Huntress.”

“Huntress here says you’ve got a healing factor. Why don't you let me go first, soften him up a bit, while you ladies discuss just how much trouble he’s really in.” As the group looked around, they nodded. “An’ ma’am, I promise not to hurt him too much,” and as he cracked his knuckles, May nodded.

“As long as he can still talk. I think the rest is open to negotiation,” Peter gave her a look of disbelief at her utter betrayal. “Oh yes, young man you are in trouble, and I agree with them so far. You’ve had your fun and now it's time to make good on your little, family.” and as May turned her back and the group settled around the table Logan nodded at the mat.

“No groin or eyes, they heal but takes too long. An’ no powers.”

Peter sighed, “My powers are always on, so no armour or weapons?”

Logan nodded and began to stretch. “Ain’t the only one with super abilities, an’ plus, I got a couple a’ hundred years on you.”

“Fine, but even if I lose you have to agree with Laura's decision.”

Logan laughed. “This ain’t about her, she’s got her own life. I just think you need taken down a peg or two.”

Peter smirked and shook his head, “Couple of hundred years? Then bring it on old man.”

As Logan snorted they moved onto the sparring mat. Peter shifted his clothing into thinner shorts and t-shirt. “Uh before we begin, I need to hit the air-con.” Logan frowned. “Pheromone. Uh, my mom is here, not testing that theory. Ever.”

Logan barked out a laugh. “Ever tried it on a gay man?”

As Peter stood and gave Logan a surprised look, Logan dived, rolled, and punched Peter in the gut. “Yeah, talkin’ during a fight gets you sucker punched.”

Peter staggered back, holding his stomach he shook his head.

Peter grinned though. The punch had been a surprise but it was also a favourite move of Laura. The stomach was soft, it was easy to gut someone stupid enough to go toe to toe with a clawed Augment. Peter rolled his shoulders and they began.

Logan was faster and more agile than Laura and Peter could feel the years of experience rolling off him. Each attack was blocked with perfection. Even as Peter tried his best to even lay a finger on the man, Logan, with calm precision, took him apart.

Fighting Natasha was nothing like this. She went for killing moves, fast and dangerous but fighting Logan was like fighting water. He would put Peter in a joint lock in one moment or numb a limb with a nerve strike the next. It was only Peter's enhanced healing that stopped him from being crippled. Even Elektra was not as deadly.

As the group moved from talking to watching the spar Peter began to get into a rhythm. He knew Logan wasn’t punishing him, he was trying to teach him. As he blocked, rolled, kicked, and punched he showed him that powers were a complement to his ability.

As he slipped under Logan's guard, lifted him and slammed him into the ground, the girls cheered. They had stopped talking and were now watching. Felicia was almost shaking with anticipation. She wanted to fight next, screw the stupid argument, Logan was a master and she wanted to learn.

“Enough, come talk,” Gwen shouted and he rolled back and stood, extending a hand to Logan, who smiled and took it.

“Good fight kid, I’ll be back for more though.”

Peter nodded. He could see the look of disappointment on Felicia's face as Laura brought over towels for them both. With powers, they needed somewhere bigger and sturdier. The warehouse next door was up for sale, and Peter would ask Liv to make enquiries. Plus, it would give him another block of four homes, which it seemed he would need.

“So, uh,” May moved so Peter could sit down. “The adults are done. Mr Logan, may we speak?” Logan finished towelling himself down and nodded. May, Curt, and Logan all moved away from the table.

“We aren't happy. This stinks of a trap but, before we say anything, you need to explain, and we want the truth.” Gwen stated.

Peter nodded and took a breath. “I’m sorry, we just usually accept what happens, I didn’t really think that dating another girl would end up as a huge thing. She just plays by different rules than we do and well, I got caught off guard.”

While that was an answer, it apparently wasn’t good enough as the women continued to stare at him,

“Is Shuri attractive?” He paused, “Yes. Am I interested, also a yes.“ and as he slumped back. “Am I worried this is all a huge trap, yeah of course, but if it's not, I can really marry you all. I mean, I know we're all young but, it's kinda nice knowing we can, even if it's years away, right?” As he looked hesitant at the group they remained blank-faced.

“So, yes, I would marry each of you if I could. Would I marry Shuri to do that?” He looked down at the table. “No, and as we agreed, if someone doesn't like this then we send it all back, vibranium rights, offers, the whole lot. I love each and every one of you, but you’re not things I own, or chips to bargain with.”

Gwen tapped a finger on the table, “Are you sure that's your answer?”

He looked at them all and nodded.

“Good. Shuri will be accepted as a trial until we know she isn’t lying to get her hands on a Symbiotes.“ Gwen looked at Liv, who nodded. "Pete, we know there could be more, but this is marriage, and laws, and a huge thing. This changes everything. Please, just, make sure we're all safe okay?"

Peter nodded and took a breath, “I’m sorry. Shuri sprung this on me, I had no idea royalty would move so fast. We only spoke yesterday.”

Felicia sat down in her chair, popped open a bottle and took a swig. “And that didn't clue you in? What were you thinking?”

Peter shook his head and took a swig of his own bottle, “I wasn't. Who expects ‘Do you want a date?’ to turn into ‘We should get married’.”

“It's more than that Pete. We agreed, no more,” Felicia said huffily.

Peter raised an eyebrow, “Emma?” Felicia looked away guiltily, “yeah, that's what I thought.” He stared at the bottle in his hands, “but I didn’t say yes. It's all just ceremony and talk right now. It's just more than we usually have to deal with, no dates are set, and nothing set in stone.”

He also needed to nip this in the bud. It was fun when it was something stupid, forgetting laundry or dishes, but they had been really mad. So, as he looked at the table of women, he spoke calmly but with purpose.

“I get crap for a lot of things, but this time. Talon. Shuri was fine with a bit of flirting until you decided to bond her with Talon. Even her Dora were under the influence of a pheromone. You are partly responsible for this mess.”

Laura just shrugged but Wanda at least looked guilty, “how were we to know?”

Liv looked at her. “Didn't you just go through the same thing? Peter does have a point. We should make sure anyone being bonded with a symbiote is well aware of what effect they can have.”

In fact Liv was making more than just a small plan to make sure. If any Symbiote created by Peter seemed to be naturally attracted to him, they needed to be very careful. It was all fun and games until someone unsuitable ended up pursuing Peter. Especially if it was against their wishes.

Peter nodded, “I can make new Symbiotes without any residual memories. Helios was a blank, even when Jean took her, it's everyone else's we need to watch out for. So no sharing without the group.” He realised Jean was missing, “Uh, where is Jean anyway?”

Liv frowned, “At the mansion.” Peter just rolled his eyes. It was probably another of Charles’s attempts to coerce her to come home. He also had the job of explaining to Jean about Shuri. As she was a lot more forceful these days, she would probably see it as a slight.

Liv saw his expression, and she rolled the scroll back up, “But you are right. After a quick look, you have five years. To prove you are worthy so to speak. Not just physically fit, but mentally and financially too. Every part of our lives will be gone through by Wakanda with a very fine tooth comb.”

“So we say no?” Peter asked, He could see May and Logan laughing in front of the bathhouse, which was never a good sign.

Liv shrugged, “I would say yes. I rather like the idea. So far the only person complaining is Felicia, even Gwen is quietly reading.”

Gwen looked up from her scroll, “Oh I’m in, five years is fine.” She looked over at Laura who was grinning, “And you?”

“BABIES!” she yelled excitedly and even May and the other adults looked over. And as she grinned and nodded, Peter laughed.

“So, just MJ and Nat to speak to, as well. I’ve not been exploded by Carol or Wanda so.” He looked over at her,

“I am still thinking. It has only been a short while since we started dating Peter, I am not ready.” Wanda admitted, “But in five years I might be and while I do not wish for his interference. I think my father may want to have words with you as well. The same kind Logan had.”

Peter grinned and shook his head, “Carol?”

Carol came over and touched his arm, smiling,

If your parents weren't here I would be showing you how much I want this. I am never going to say no to the man I love.

Wanda tutted, that is cheating. How can we say no after that?