Marvel: Master Of Role-Playing

With the joint approval of Fury and Pierce, S.H.I.E.L.D. began reaching out to Richard in secret.

This time, their approach was far more aggressive than usual.

* * *

"Coulson, I've already made my stance clear. Last time, handing over Reed's research files was the final thing I did as a former agent. From now on, there shouldn't be any ties between us. That includes Mary. Our family is retired."

Inside his home in Manhattan, Richard saw Coulson to the door.

Both of them had known each other for a long time and Coulson was one of the few in S.H.I.E.L.D. with real capability. But when it came to the future of his family, Richard had no hesitation. Sentiment from their days as colleagues wasn't enough to sway him.

"Richard, this situation is different."

"Different? I don't see it."

Coulson wanted to warn Richard. This time was serious. S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't coming to talk. If he refused, there was no telling what Director Pierce might do next.

Richard could see it too.

The agency's tone had changed. They were being forceful. But he knew that if he gave in now, they would just keep coming back, again and again, whenever they needed something.

The line had already been crossed.

S.H.I.E.L.D. believed that for the sake of their ideals, Richard's family could be sacrificed, but he wasn't willing to let that happen.

His son was growing up and Richard wanted to give him a normal life. He didn't want Peter's parents to still be out there, working dangerous jobs like spies.

"I understand."

In the end, Coulson didn't push harder. He wasn't that kind of man. After Richard refused once more, he left quietly.

"Richard, what do we do now?"

When Coulson went away, Mary stepped out. Her feelings were the same as her husband's. There was no going back to the way things used to be.

Working at LexCorp and enjoying the years ahead was their dream now. Besides, the company had never done anything to harm them. On the contrary, they'd been generous, even offering the couple shares. Neither of them had any desire to return to the life of a spy.

No matter how noble S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ideals sounded, they were unwilling to betray LexCorp for them.

"Don't worry. They'll probably try something else next. If it comes to that, we'll do whatever it takes to keep Peter safe," Richard replied firmly as he gently brushed his wife's cheek.

"Go get Peter ready. We're having dinner at Ben's place tonight."

Richard's older brother, Benjamin Parker—better known to the internet as Uncle Ben—had invited the family over for a home-cooked meal that evening.

There was nothing wrong with getting ready early.

* * *

Soon, Mary picked Peter up from school. Together, the family drove out from Manhattan to a house on the edge of Queens.

As they pulled up, Benjamin, hearing the sound of the car outside, opened the front door just as the family was getting out.

He spread his arms wide with a grin.

"Richard, my dear brother, you're finally here. May's already cooked up a feast. Come on in. Let's enjoy the evening together."

Richard immediately pulled his brother into a warm embrace.

"Congratulations, Ben. You and May finally completed your dream of traveling the world."

Benjamin and May had been married for years, but during most of that time, they were rarely in New York.

Though the Parker brothers were close, they were also respectful of each other's space. Benjamin had never tried to cling to Richard just because he held shares in LexCorp. Instead, he and his wife lived life on their own terms.

Over the years, they saved up bit by bit, and ultimately, they achieved their dream of circling the globe and returned to New York.

Tonight's family dinner was their way of celebrating that achievement.

"Looks like the two wayward Parkers, Ben and May, are finally ready to settle down," Richard joked with a smile.

The savings alone wouldn't have been enough to fund the entire journey. For the past few years, Benjamin and May had worked part-time jobs wherever they went, lived simply, and used every opportunity to move on to the next destination. At last, having returned home, they were ready to build something permanent.

"It's more than just settling down. May and I are thinking about having a child of our own." Benjamin said as he looked at his wife.

The two exchanged a loving glance. They'd enjoyed years of adventure and romance. Now, it was time to welcome the next chapter—starting a family of their own.

Richard and Mary were more than supportive. In fact, for the first time, the former offered to help his brother out directly.

He planned to use his influence to get Benjamin a job at LexCorp that suited his skill set.

The role wouldn't be minor. Not only because of Richard's connections, but also because Benjamin was no fool. He wasn't a genius like his brother, but he was well-educated and capable.

The man accepted the offer with a smile. He believed he could handle the job. And if that was the case, why not lean on his brother a little?

* * *

Afterwards, the dinner went smoothly. Peter also got to know his uncle and aunt properly.

But just as the meal ended, with May and Mary heading to the kitchen to clean up, and the two men relaxing on the sofa talking about the future, there was a sudden knock at the front door.

"Who could that be?" Benjamin frowned and stood up to check.

He and his wife had only just come back to New York. The neighbors had stopped by and said hello a few days ago, but no one else should be dropping by tonight.

Richard, however, instantly sensed something was off. He glanced out the window, and there they were. Several unmarked sedans, all too familiar.

Those were S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles. Specially modified, no logos, used only during missions. There was no mistaking them.

"Ben, wait," Richard called out quickly, standing up and stopping his brother from opening the door.

"They're here for me. Let me handle it. You go check on the others."

Benjamin saw the look on his brother's face. Even though he had never known the full details of Richard's past with S.H.I.E.L.D., he could tell something serious was going on.

Without arguing, he nodded and turned back toward the kitchen to stay with the two women.

Meanwhile, Richard took a breath and opened the front door.

Standing outside was a fully geared agent.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Brock Rumlow," the man greeted, his voice steady. "I've heard a lot you, Agent Parker."

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