This is the first in this series of one-shots that I'm doing about Tony's childhood! Yes, I'm still writting my other fan fiction, but I really wanted to do this as well! So please enjoy! The order in these one-shots might not always make sense so just pay attention to the beginning date. Yes, sometimes it will be story-esk, but mostly its a collection of memories! Tell me what you think! Disclaimer: Do not own the Iron Man....:(
The year was 1974…
A young couple, Howard and Maria Stark, cuddled together on the living room couch of their ridiculously large sized mansion. It had been in the news for months now…almost nine months to be exact. It was all over the media and beyond that Maria Stark, the wife of the world famous weapons manufacturer and CEO of Stark Industries, Howard Stark was pregnant. There was now to be an heir or heiress to the weapons manufacturing throne.
The couple was in a panic, even though from the outside point of view it didn't seem that way. Their worries were that Mrs. Stark was due any day now and the soon to be parents had neglected to chose a name. They didn't even know the gender of their child.
Speaking of which, the gender issue connected to why the Stark's had put off the name conversation. Howard wanted their baby to be a boy. He wanted a son to be able to invent with, he wanted his own little protégée. He wanted someone who would be interested in creating weapons to save their country just as he was. He wouldn't mind a girl, it's just that a boy was of more interest to him.
Maria on the other hand, was not having it. She had to have a girl, no exception. Mrs. Stark had referred to her baby bump over these last few months as a 'she'…the soon to be mother claimed that she sensed it was a little girl. She wanted someone to dress up in little dresses, bring to dance and cheerleading classes, teach all her secret recipes to, and to have girl talks every now and then. Her daughter would learn how to invent if she wanted to, but it wasn't a necessity.
Therefore, the two had managed to forego the arguments of what names to pick so the gender issue would not come about. They both had pretty set opinions, so naming would be difficult.
"How about Julia…" Maria whispered softly as her husband rubbed her bump lovingly and kissed the top of her forehead. He chuckled. This was the first time names have ever been brought up, it was surprising.
"It's a pretty name." Howard began. "But, since this is our son, his name should be Howard Jr."
"Never would I have him be a Jr." Maria shook her head. "Besides, it's a gi- oh god." Maria's tone sounded anxious all of a sudden. Her calm and relaxed attitude suddenly tensed and her soft smile quickly dropped to a frown. She looked as if a sudden pain had taken over her whole body. It was a realization.
"What's wrong?"
"My water broke." Maria breathed in heavily. "It's coming."
At the hospital…
"One more push, Mrs. Stark." The nurse said with confidence. "We can see your baby's head!"
Howard clenched onto his wife's hand with a stronger grasp. She seemed like she was in the most pain she ever felt in a long time. How he wished he could stop it…how he wished the baby would finally come.
"Come on Maria." He encouraged her, kissing her hot and sweaty forehead. "Almost there."
Wincing, screaming, Mrs. Stark gave it one last effort. Out the baby came…it was over. And there he was.
"It's a boy." The nurse said triumphantly, cleaning off the newborn son.
Maria remained shocked for a second, disappointed at what the nurse had said, but then was overcome with eternal love and yearning for her new born son. The urge for a girl was completely forgotten and she couldn't imagine anything other than her little boy. The magic of parenthood took hold.
Maria smiled up at her husband, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. He smiled back at her…they were parents.
"Mr. Stark would you like to hold your son?" One of the nurses asked. Howard was still speechless, so he just nodded in agreement. The nurse handed him his baby…and he was beautiful.
The small fuzz of hair that the baby's head possessed was definitely the color and texture of Howard's, a dark brown, almost black. His face shape was the one of Maria's however. Unfortunately, his eyes were closed. Howard then passed their son to his wife. She looked down at the baby with more love and devotion than anything. Then, a name stuck out at her, one that seemed to fit her son.
"…Anthony…" She whispered, marveling at the sight of her child. "I like the name Anthony…"
"So do I…" Howard whispered also. "Anthony…Edward Stark…"
She grinned. "Our little Tony Stark…"