Central Park was a beautiful place. Except for the occasional pieces of newspaper floating around. Tony and Jarvis fed the ducks at the pond. Tony was laughing all the while. Calling them really hungry. Tony ran around the park.
"Come on Jarvis! Don't be such a slow poke."
"I'm on my way sir." Jarvis replied picking up the pace. One could never truly tame the hyperness of a 10 year old.
"Look Jarvis, it's a golden retriever. Do you think...I could pet it?"
"That my dear boy is up to the owners of the dog." Tony nodded and went up to the young couple.
"Um...is it okay if I pet your dog?" He asked. The couple smiled and nodded. His eyes lit up and went over to pet the dog. "What's his name?"
"His name is Rocky." The man stated.
"Yup and he is the nicest dog in the world."
"Really?" Tony went to pet the dog on the head and for a moment he thought that the dog would growl at him. But instead he wagged his tail and rolled on his back so that Tony could give him a belly rub. Tony laughed and started playing with Rocky.
"You must be so proud of him." The man said. "You see my wife and I will be expecting soon and your son seems to be quite the little man."
"Oh, yes I am proud of him. But you see I'm just the boy's...Caretaker." Jarvis watched Tony running around and laughing as he was smothered in dog kisses.
"We're sorry for assuming." The woman stated. "It's just that you seem to look out for the boy and you look so happy."
"Indeed I do and I am." After an hour they departed from the family and went off to get hot dogs.
"How was your day Tony?"
"It was great! We got to do everything I wanted to do." Jarvis bought the hotdogs and handed one to Tony. "This has been one of the best birthdays I've ever had." Tony stated through a full mouth.
"Your birthday still isn't over. And I think your present is waiting back at home."
"Well what are we waiting for!? Let's go!" Tony exclaimed. running home with Jarvis in tow. "Where is it?"
"I believe it's in the kitchen sir." Without think Tony dashed to the kitchen to find his parents waiting for him with open arms a white and red cake set upon the kitchen counter.
"Mom! Dad!" He exclaimed running up to the both of them. They both lifted him up.
"My baby. How are you?" Maria asked kissing his forehead.
"I'm not a baby anymore. I'm 10 now. But I had tons of fun! Jarvis took me to the park and we did all the things I wanted to do."
"That's great son. Make a wish." Jarvis lit the candles of the cake. They sang happy birthday and Tony blew out all 10 of the candles.
"What did you wish for son?" Howard asked.
"I can't tell you, or else it won't come true."
"Alright now...do you wanna come and help me in the lab?"
"Whoa, you almost never let me in the lab!"
"Come on sport it's your birthday. How about you help your old man with a project."
"Do you think we'll really find him?"
"One of these days son, one of these days. We'll definitely find Captain America."
They left to Howard's private lab leaving Jarvis to clean up and wash the dishes. Maria went to get ready for bed. She and Howard had to leave the next day for an important press meeting. They took the night off for Tony but wished they could've stayed longer. She informed Jarvis of the event and he promised he'd look after the young boy. She gave him a melancholy smile. Her boy was slowly growing up without them. She sighed.
Tony had fallen asleep after a few hours of working with his father. Howard sighed and thought of how proud he was of his son. He didn't necessarily show it but he was immensely proud and thankful to have Tony. His son was brilliant with a mind that could easily outmatch his own. He carried Tony to bed and tucked him in. Something he hasn't done in a long time.
He kissed Tony's forehead and went to bed with Maria.
About 7 months later... (A/N: Based off of a post on tumblr...)
The Christmas season rolled around and Tony wanted to make something nice for Jarvis. When they went shopping Jarvis was too busy carrying boxes and bags to notice that Tony had slipped away for a moment and using the money he had on him bought something that he sure hoped that Jarvis would like. If Tony's jacket looked a little more lumpier than usual, Jarvis didn't say.
Upon arriving home Tony ran to his room slamming the his bedroom door which in turn caused Jarvis to shake his head.
"Children." He mumbled with a fond tone. Around dinner time Tony finally came down from his room.
"Jarvis! I know we haven't put up the Christmas decorations yet..and I know it's not Christmas...but...here!" He stated pushing a lumpy and poorly wrapped gift on the kitchen counter. Jarvis slowly opened the present. Inside was a very loud Christmas stocking. Green and red. It wasn't what he expected but it was endearing. "Turn it over J!" Tony exclaimed and he did. There in craft glue, written in the sloppy writing that Jarvis knew all too well was his own name. After what seemed like hours of silence but in reality were only mere moments Tony spoke up. "Do...do you like it?"
"Sir, this is the greatest present I think I have received."
"That's super! Come on we can hang it on the fireplace along with our stockings. It's about time we got you a stalking."
"Are you positive?"
"Of course I am you're a part of my family too." Tony stated giving him a toothy grin. Jarvis was speechless for a moment. But smiled. Tony never could cease to amaze him.