A/N: Sorry I've taken so long to update, but I've been busy. Rest assured, that I am not quitting this story at all! I'm still very much attached, but you'll just have to be more patient with it comes to updates! People give lots of ideas through reviews, and I'll attempt to include some, but it'll take a bit.
Chapter 51: Christmas
Peter's POV:
It was three minutes to midnight, and I grinned widely, sitting up in my bed and looking at Anthony. "It's time," I told him, and his tail wagged happily, the bells I'd tied on them ringing loudly. I turned on the flashing lights on both our Christmas sweaters. "Let's go wake the old folks," I stated, and we both jumped off the bed.
With blinking lights and jingling bells, I headed in the direction of my parent's bedroom. When I was right outside, I signaled to Friday with a hand held up, slowly counting down the seconds until midnight. It was fortuitous that both parents were actually asleep at this hour. Usually one of them was up at this hour working (Pepper) or playing (Tony), so when Friday had told me both of them were sleeping, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do this.
It was something I'd started with my aunt and uncle. Every year at midnight on Christmas, I'd burst into their room as loudly as possible, singing Christmas songs at the top of my lungs to signify the start of one of my favorite days of the year. When I was little, I'd done it because I wanted to open presents, but then it'd turned in to a tradition. They always knew it was coming, but they always made sure to be asleep, so that when I burst in, I'd delight in seeing them jump in happy surprise. They humored me like that.
5
4
3
2
1
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" I hollered as I burst into their room. Multiple loud tracks of holiday music blared through the speakers, and lights flashed on and off, all Friday's doing. Anthony and my sweaters flashed with Christmas lights and jingled loudly as Anthony barked loudly and I sang a modified version of Jingle Bells.
"Jingle Bells, Rhodey smells, Natasha laid an egg, the Maserati lost a wheel, and Happy played ballet!" I sang obnoxiously as I jumped on to the end of the large bed. My parents gave two startled shouts as they were jolted out of their sleep. I suddenly ducked, letting out a startled yelp of my own when a repulsor blast was aimed towards me.
"Son of a bitch!" Tony shouted as Pepper screamed, covering her ears as a small portion of the ceiling fell onto the floor.
"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, eyes wide in shock as I looked at the damage.
The music cut off at this point, and the three of us exchanged wide-eyed looks. Anthony just wagged his tail, looking delighted with the turn of events.
"Merry Christmas?" I said, giving my parents a sheepish grin. Dad was the first to recover, bursting into laughter that Mom soon mirrored. I watched them for a few seconds before beginning to laugh myself at the ridiculousness of the situation. Sooner than I'm sure my dad hoped, Pepper regained control and slapped him hard on the arm, the smack causing both Dad and I to wince, him in pain and me in sympathy.
"What in god's name are you doing blasting that thing in this house?!" she shrieked. "You could've killed Peter!"
"What?" Tony cried in shock as he rubbed his injured arm. "That blast wouldn't have killed him, just-just burned him…a little," he explained, his voice going quiet as Mom's glare didn't lessen. I couldn't help but start laughing once more, volume increasing when Mom's glare darkened after Dad had aimed a kick at me I easily avoided.
Anthony, having had enough of being ignored, hopped onto the bed and put himself in between my parents, licking Pepper's face affectionately. Her ire seemed to melt, and she sighed heavily as she kissed the dog's head and then looked to me. I grinned widely, giving her a little wave.
Dad, who was pouting, aimed a weak glare at me. "Any particular reason you barged into our room at, uh, what time is it, Friday?" he asked aloud.
"It's 12:15 AM, sir. Merry Christmas," she answered cheerfully, and he grumbled as he shot me a pointed look that requested I explain myself.
"Just wanted to wish you guys a merry Christmas," I explained with a nervous grin. "I used to do this to my aunt and uncle every year," I added, blushing when both their eyes softened.
"Your tradition was to barge into their room at midnight as loudly and obnoxiously as possible?" Tony asked, and I nodded my head, gesturing to the sweaters Anthony and I were wearing.
"Yup, and after I scared the daylights out of them we'd each open one present," I declared, a large cheerful grin on my face, eyebrows raised in anticipation.
"This just keeps getting better and better," Tony remarked, throwing Pepper a smile. "So, not only do you get the joy of scaring the crap out of us, but you get to open a present too!"
"Not just me, but you guys as well," I corrected. I had their presents in my room, and I wanted to give it to them in private since I'd written them both heartfelt letters. I didn't want the others judging my presents since they weren't that great. I was hoping the letters would make up for how lame they were. "Wait here," I told them, not waiting for a response as I quickly ran into my room and grabbed their presents. As I ran out I passed Anthony who'd been trying to run after me, and upon seeing me, his paws skidding on the hardwood floor as he quickly turned himself around to follow me back to my parent's room. I ran on in and jumped on to their bed, tossing them each their present before I lost my nerve. Anthony lay himself down next to me, and I began to take off his sweater.
Their eyes flicked to mine before down to the presents in their hands. "I-it's not, um, I know you guys can just buy whatever you want, so I wasn't sure what to get you, so it's nothing, uh, special," I explained nervously. "I also wrote you each a letter cuz, uh…just because," I added in a near whisper, my face heating up. Suddenly, I was regretting doing this. Maybe it would've been less embarrassing with other people to distract me or them.
"Peter, you have no need to be so nervous," Mom stated reassuringly. "We'll love whatever you've gotten us."
"And you don't need to get us anything, pal," Tony stated softly.
"It's Christmas, though!" I protested. "Of course, I have to get you something. I mean, I wanted to get you something. It wasn't because I felt obligated," I rushed to explain. "I just, um…just open them."
They exchanged a quick glance before beginning to unwrap their gifts. I avidly watched their expressions, relaxing some when I saw grins appear on their faces. They were small, simple gifts. Gifts I found childish and probably embarrassing, but they were smiling, and the smiles looked genuine.
"This is my new favorite shirt," Tony remarked simply, pulling off the one he was wearing before putting on the new one. It was a red shirt with the words Iron Dad on the front along with a picture of Iron Man. I smiled widely and blushed at how pleased he look. My eyes flicked to Pepper then, who was happily admiring the personalized travel mug I'd gotten her with pictures of her, Dad, and I.
"Oh, how cute!" Pepper exclaimed, showing the cup to Tony. He smiled before rolling his eyes and scoffing.
"Why does Anthony take up one-third of that cup?" he asked in mock annoyance.
I grinned, shrugging lightly before saying, "He's the baby of the family, and the cutest one."
Dad groaned theatrically while Pepper laughed and said, "Well, I love it! Thank you, Peter." She then held her arms out to me, and I eagerly went in for a hug, ecstatic and relieved that they both seemed to genuinely enjoy my gifts.
"You guys are hard to buy for," I complained when I broke apart. "I mean, you can buy whatever you want, and you," I addressed Dad, "can just make whatever you want."
"Like we said, pal, you don't have to get us anything," he repeated.
"But I wanted to," I argued. "Anyways, I, um, wrote you guys letters too just…just because," I added, once more feeling nervous as both of them opened up their envelopes. I'd written them partially because I felt like my gifts were kinda crappy, but also because I wanted to express to them how much I loved and appreciated everything they'd done for me now just since I'd been adopted, but before that as well. By writing it in a letter, it'd allowed me time to think everything that I wanted to say carefully. I wasn't so worried as embarrassed by the letters. I knew they'd love them, but I was kind of embarrassed by how sappy I got.
Tony's POV:
I opened the envelope, curious as to what my spiderling could've written to me and Pep. A quick glance showed an eager, yet embarrassed face, so my curiosity mounted. Pulling out the envelope, I took in my kid's messy scrawl, noting that it looked like he'd erased and re-written several parts over and over again. That thought alone brought a small smile to my face as I realized how much thought Peter must have put into this.
Dear Tony/Dad,
I'm not great at writing letters. In fact, I don't know how to start this letter, but I had loads of stuff I've wanted to say, but haven't been able to get out. We've known each other for a year and a half already, and while sometimes I feel like all that time has flown by, I also feel like I've known you forever. Life before you and Pepper seems like it was so long ago. It's like I have two eras in my life: Pre-Spider man and Post-Spider man, and when it comes to my life as Spider man, you've been there nearly every step of the way. I may have put on that homemade suit (NOT a onesie!) and decided to fight crime on my own, but you've shaped me into a real hero.
I paused, unable to stop from thinking that Peter had been a real hero long before we met. All I did was give him a better suit and teach him how to better protect himself. His heart and passion were all him.
I love you, Dad. It strikes me odd at times to call anybody dad. Uncle Ben was always "Uncle", and while I'm sure I called my birth dad, "Dad", I don't remember. I know nobody ever thought the great Tony Stark could ever be a dad, you especially, but you've been the best dad I've ever had. You're everything Uncle Ben was to me and more. You get me in ways that he never would've been able to. You understand tragedy and what it's like to lose those closest to you. You understand what it means to be a hero, and the trials and hardships that it can bring. And, like every other dad, you're there for me in every way: talking, joking, playing, helping, guiding, and teaching. I appreciate all of it, even if I don't always show it, say it, or realize it at the time.
I swallowed back the lump that formed in my throat as I read, not wanting to start bawling. A glance to my side showed Pepper with tears in her eyes. If her letter was anything like mine, then she'd no doubt be crying by the end. I knew Peter loved me. I knew he appreciated what I'd done for him, but hearing it like this…it still got to me.
I can't imagine my life without you in it. Funnily enough, at the same time I still can't believe you're actually in my life. I mean, you're you, and I'm me. We're from two different worlds, or at least we were. I wake up sometimes and marvel at the fact that you're my dad and how incredibly lucky I am; and I don't mean lucky because you're Tony Stark, but lucky because you're an amazing dad. You get me. You always know the right thing to say, and I know you'll always be there for me whenever I need you to be. I can talk to you about anything, and I know you won't make fun. I know I make a lot of dumb decisions at times, and you get angry because you think I don't trust you or something like that. I'm sorry for being an idiot. I can't promise I'll never screw up again, but know that I really do try. I want you to be as proud of me as I'm proud of you.
I am proud of you, little spider. Every day I'm proud of you. You don't have to do anything to gain that.
I've got a lot of baggage. I'm insecure. I'm needy. I'm stubborn. You never give up on me, though. You're always there to help and comfort me. I remember how things used to be between us, and I'm amazed at how far we've come. There used to be a time where neither one of us knew how to act around the other. I was too in awe and nervous to say anything, and you just didn't know how to act around kids. I remember how complimenting and hugging me used to be so difficult for you, not because you didn't want to, but because anything involving outward shows of emotion were hard for you. You made the effort, though, and I want you to know that I saw that. I saw you push yourself to be what I needed you to be, and I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate and admire that. I've seen and heard about who you used to be, and I don't know if you even realize how much you've changed. You're not just a good person, but a great person. You've got such a big heart that I can't believe people don't see it, or maybe you don't want them to. Point is, I've seen the things you've done for me. I've seen you change yourself. I've seen you strive to make things easier for me, whether it's moving closer to my school, shortening the amount of hours you work, or allowing the media to attack you so that I'll be left alone. I've noticed it all, and this is me saying, thank you.
Love,
Peter Stark
Aw, crap, kid, you're seriously gonna make me cry. I swallowed back the lump in my throat once more as I read through the letter once more, committing each word to memory. Looking to my boy with loving eyes, I held out an arm and said, "C'mere, pal." Without hesitation, he came and wrapped his arms around me, and I wrapped mine around him, placing an affectionate kiss on the side of his head.
"Thank you," I whispered emotionally. "You have no idea how much joy you've brought into my life. I have changed for you, and I don't regret any of it. Every day I'm proud of you, and every day I think I love you even more. You're the best thing to have ever happened to me, so I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life."
His hug tightened, his head burrowing into the crook of my neck. I could feel tears beginning to soak through my shirt, but I didn't care. I caressed the back of his head, placing another kiss to his temple. Noting that Pepper was in tears as well, I released my hold on our teen as she placed her hand on his back. She held her arms out to him, and he shifted, wrapping his arms around her now.
Pepper's POV:
I noticed the nervous anticipation in Peter's face as I pulled out the letter he had written me. I was curious as to what he'd written, and completely unprepared for the amount of gratitude and love he'd put into this.
Dear Pepper/Mom,
I wrote Dad's letter first, so hopefully this one doesn't sound as disjointed as his.
I never in a million years thought I'd be calling someone Mom. I mean, Aunt May was a mother to me, but she was still my aunt. We've only known each other about a year and a half, but in that short time, you've become as important to me as she was. Even while she was alive, you fully accepted me into your life from the moment we first met. You were loving, compassionate, and kind, and I am grateful. You also helped me understand the complex person that Tony is, and I am grateful for that as well.
You are amazing, Mom. Everything you do, you do perfectly, whether it's running a company, managing Tony, or being my mom. You are everything I need and more. Loving, caring, kind, and attentive. You are someone who I love to be around, and someone who I can depend on for whatever I need. I love you so much, and I just can't find the words to express how grateful I am to you, and how much you mean to me. You've made my life better. You make me happy. After Aunt May died, I never thought I'd be able to smile, let alone be happy. You and Dad changed that. From the minute Dad brought me to you guys that day, you guys were a comfort to me, and a pillar to hold me up. You didn't hesitate to welcome me and take me in as your son, probably because I already was a son to you by that point, and you were already a mother.
I know you worry for me constantly, especially when I'm out as Spider man. It can't be easy for you to let me do that, yet you let me anyway. You've never once tried to stop me or change my mind. In fact, you've been nothing but supportive and understanding. Maybe it's because of Tony. Whatever the reason, I am thankful. Spider man is a part of me. It's who I am, and I can't imagine my life without that. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being there as a comfort when things have been hard or when I've complained about all Dad's restrictions. I know you agree with him, but you've been a sympathetic ear that I've needed.
I know I can be difficult, and not just because I'm a teenager. I can be clingy, needy, overly emotional, defiant even, but you've never made me feel like a burden. I've never felt that I've been an annoyance to you, even when you've had to make changes or adjustments to having a kid around. You can't know how much that means to me as I've always feared you'd get tired of me.
Thank you, Mom, for being who you are, and for loving me as your son.
Love,
Peter Stark
Tears trailed down my face unnoticed as I read the letter over again. So many emotions flowed through me, love being the most prominent. He was grateful for having me in my life, and I was just as grateful for having him in my life. I never thought in a million years that I'd be a mother. Even when dating Tony, knowing that one day he would propose, I never once considered having a child. With how busy we both were, and with how much danger Tony's super-hero duties brought to our lives, how could I subject a child to that? It would be selfish. Not to mention, I never thought I was the maternal sort.
Having Peter, though, I found motherhood come naturally. It was so easy to love everything about him. It was so easy to be that caring, supportive mother he needed. I'd never set out to be his mother, but it happened anyways. From the moment I met him, I instantly found myself feeling protective of him. It was both because of how adorably good he was, but because of what he'd done for Tony. He'd brought a spark to his eyes that I hadn't seen in years. He brought out nothing but the best in him, and I couldn't be more grateful. He'd shown Tony the man he could be.
I watched as Tony pulled in our son for a loving hug, whispering something into his ear that had Peter crying. Looking at Tony's face, I saw glistening eyes, and I realized he was fighting back tears. His letter had no doubt been as emotional as mine had been.
I reached a hand out to Peter, needing to have the boy in my arms, and was overjoyed when he promptly turned around and wrapped me in a tight embrace. I placed several kisses on his head, hugging him as tightly as I could before speaking.
"I love you so much, Peter. Thank you for that lovely letter, it means the world to me. You must know that you've brought just as much happiness to my life as I have to yours. I am honored to be your mother, and beyond proud of the young man you are." I couldn't bring myself to say anything else, as I became overwhelmed with emotions, my throat tightening.
"Love you too," Peter murmured, and I buried my head in his soft hair.
Peter's POV:
I was thrilled by how much they both enjoyed my gifts and letters. Writing those letters had been extremely difficult because I'd wanted to express to them how much they meant to me, and how grateful I was for everything they'd done. It seemed I'd succeeded, though.
"So, I take it you want your gift now," Dad remarked rather than asked once Mom and I had stopped hugging. I hastily wiped at my face before nodding emphatically.
"Well," he drawled slowly, a smirk on his face, "I think you should follow me."
My curiosity spiked as I got off the bed and made to follow. Pepper trailed behind us, and from the look on her face, she clearly knew where we were headed. "Why can't you just tell me what it is? Why do I have to see it?"
"You'll understand when you see it, kiddo," Dad responded patiently, and my curiosity mounted. I was surprised when we headed to the elevator and took it down to the Commons. It must be something big, I surmised. I eagerly followed Tony as he led me towards his lab. As we neared it, I noticed a huge difference. They'd been doing construction there for the past several weeks, and there had been boards hiding what was being done. Dad had said he was expanding, and I hadn't pushed. My heart was beginning to pound in excitement as I began to figure out what he'd been up to.
"This present is from everybody, because we all pitched in," Dad began to explain as he pulled a large plastic tarp off a glass wall. "Seeing as you're indefinitely banned from my lab, but knowing that one shouldn't squash a budding scientist's desires, we decided to build you your own lab."
My mouth fell open as I took in the sight of my own personal lab. Oh my god. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! I was nearly jumping up and down as I looked from my parents to the lab.
"Put your thumb here," Dad directed, a large, knowing grin on his face as I followed his directions. My thumb print was scanned, and I was granted access. I walked in and immediately began to run all over the lab, oohing and aahing over every little thing.
"This is amazing! I can't believe it! I can't believe you made me a lab! Oh my god, look at this! Look at that! This is the coolest thing ever!" I exclaimed before throwing my arms around both parents. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"You're welcome," they both said, and I immediately yanked on Tony's hand, asking him to show me everything this lab could do.
"Not tonight, pal," he said, giving me an empathetic look when I pouted. "We'll have plenty of time tomorrow to go through this place. I need you to know, though, that while this is your lab, I have final say on what goes on in here. Your materials are all regulated, and if you need anything, you've got to run it by me first. You can't be in here earlier than 5AM and later than 10PM, you got it?"
I nodded my head up and down emphatically. "Yeah, yeah, I got it, Dad, I swear. This is so awesome," I continued to gush, so overjoyed by having my own lab that the rules didn't phase me at all. I'd just gone from no lab privileges to having my own lab, so if he wanted to set restrictions, then I was okay with that.
"Thought you might like that," Dad stated, an arm wrapped around my shoulders as he guided me back to our floor.
"That was the best present ever! Thank you, guys so much!" I repeated, unable to stop from grinning widely. We arrived outside my bedroom, and Anthony was sitting outside my door, giving me a look that clearly stated he was upset about having been left behind.
"Get some sleep," Mom said, giving me one last kiss and hug.
"And for god's sake, don't you dare wake us up before 9AM or I won't miss next time," Dad threatened, and I laughed when Mom shot him a venomous look.
I walked into my room and threw myself onto my bed, feeling completely elated and at peace. This was a great start to Christmas, I couldn't help but think…
…Morning came, and when my eyes opened I was greeted with the sight of two large brown eyes along with the smell of dog breath. "Ugh, Anthony, remind me to get you some breath mints," I complained, and he just responded by giving me a lick on the face. I yawned widely, stretching my muscles before checking the time. It was nearing ten, so I hopped out of bed, threw on some clothes and then ran out of my room and into the kitchen where both parents were sporting cups of coffee.
"Presents!" I shouted joyfully, and Pepper smiled brightly while Tony just rolled his eyes. "Merry Christmas to you too, spider elf," he greeted, and I shot him a cheeky grin before grabbing hold of his hand and Mom's and leading them to the elevator.
"Is everybody else up, Friday?" I asked the AI, and she responded that everyone was already gathered in the Commons and just waiting for us. "They haven't started opening gifts yet, have they?" I then asked, alarmed, and she quickly assured me they hadn't. Pepper and Tony chuckled at my concern and excitement, but I ignored them. The elevator doors opened and Anthony and I burst out.
"Merry Christmas everybody!" I hollered loudly before rushing around and giving everybody hugs.
"Didn't think you lot were ever going to get up," Rhodey complained from his seat on the couch. "If it wasn't for Friday, I would've woken you up hours ago."
"Well, we would've gotten up earlier, but somebody decided to wake us up at midnight," Dad complained theatrically, throwing himself onto the couch, his head resting in his friend's lap. Rhodey just laughed loudly before looking over at me. "I take it you like Christmas?"
"I love it!" I exclaimed, agilely jumping over the couch and in front of the tree. The adults, all with coffee in their hands (except Vision), settled themselves around the tree, most on couches, and some on the floor (Tony, Nat, and me).
"Alright, I say we start with the baby of the family as I'm sure he's got the most presents," Tony announced, and I shot him a mild glare for being referred to as a baby, while at the same time blushing at how everybody had gotten me presents.
All in all, by the time I'd finished opening my presents I'd ended up with a cacophony of gifts. By far, my favorite was still the lab, but I also received a cool addition to my Spider man suit.
"They're tranquilizer darts that you can shoot out in case of emergencies," Natasha explained. "They're non-lethal, just meant to knock someone out if they're giving you some trouble. It'll take a couple minutes to take effect, and depending on how big the idiot is, it may take more than one tranquilizer."
"Wow," I exclaimed, "these are awesome! Thank you, Natasha!"
"Well, your old man helped as well, attaching it to your suit, and finding a way for you to launch them like you do your webs," she added with a small smile. I threw my arms around her, feeling as she stiffened, but it took only seconds before she relaxed and returned the hug.
"Thanks, Dad," I then threw out, and when I didn't give him an immediate hug, he pouted, holding out his arms to me like a wounded puppy.
"You've used up your quota for hugs today," I joked, laughing loudly when Natasha leaned over and caressed his hair, muttering, "Poor baby." Dad continued to pout, throwing me big, sad eyes until I went over and gave him a hug.
Other presents that I received were clothes, most notable of which was an Iron Man hoodie where the hood could zip up over my face like a mask; and no, it wasn't from Tony.
"Figured you'd make an adorable little iron kid," Rhodes stated with a large grin, and while I rolled my eyes at his comment, I also immediately put the sweater on, absolutely loving it. Dad looked immensely pleased by my actions, and I was also pleased as I noticed he was still wearing his Iron Dad t-shirt. I'd blushed furiously when he'd proudly shown it off to everybody earlier. Even when he'd been teased mercilessly by Rhodey, he'd retorted by just saying Rhodes was jealous.
From Happy and Ned, I'd gotten a new load of Legos. Happy had gotten me the newest Star Wars sets, while Ned had gotten me Avenger themed ones. Ned had even managed to paint over a dog Lego to make it look like Anthony.
MJ had gotten me a photo album filled with pictures of me hanging out with her, Ned, and even Flash on different occasions. In addition, there were pictures of me with different members of my family. I wondered how she'd gotten them, but then I figured Mom must've helped her out. I flipped through it, grinning widely as there were photos where I didn't even know there were cameras…Friday! Duh! Friday had footage of everything that went on in all our homes. The more I thought about it, the creepier that seemed. She saw everything. Huh.
After I'd opened my gifts, it turned into a free for all, the others grabbing their gifts and opening them all at the same time. I rolled my eyes as I munched on some peanut brittle, wondering why they all wanted to watch me open mine one by one, but they all opened theirs at the same time.
"Really, Rhodes?" Bruce drawled as he held up a Hulk sweater, a similar style to mine. Rhodes smiled back widely as Tony barked out a laugh.
"Put it on, Brucie!" he crowed, and Bruce huffed before putting it on. While he looked annoyed, though, I could see he was also amused.
"Looks good on you," Natasha remarked, a faint smirk adorning her face. That smirk turned into a small smile, her eyes lighting up when she opened a box and pulled out a new set of widow's bite. Her eyes went to Tony's, who was sporting a Cheshire grin.
"These are a new pair," he began. "I know better than to steal yours without asking," he explained sheepishly, and I notice Nat sporting a very satisfied smirk. "They're a little bulkier and longer, but that's because you can control the amount of charge for anybody you're holding onto, and I've also increased the amount of bites you can unleash. You can control the charges on those as well," he explained, eagerly bouncing from one foot to another like an excited puppy. Natasha looked over the devices carefully before gracing my dad with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Tony," she said simply, and you'd think she'd have yelled with excitement and hugged him by how pleased Dad looked. He puffed his chest out proudly in response to her simple thanks. I sometimes forgot how odd their relationship was.
Presents were opened, and everyone sported some new shirt or sweater, even Anthony. Everybody had gotten the spoiled mutt gifts, his favorite being the new Captain America chew toy, which he promptly began chewing on happily. He got several new sets of clothes, each Avenger, including Vision, attempting to put their own costume on him. After several intense battles of rock paper scissors, Rhodey won, and Anthony now sported a War Machine sweater. Rhodey was extremely proud.
The rest of the day seemed to pass quickly, all of us spending time together here in the Commons, watching as many holiday movies as we could. We lounged about, ribbing each other good naturedly, telling stories and just enjoying each other's company. Unlike Thanksgiving, where we'd had a formal dinner and get together, we ordered in Chinese food. I couldn't believe anybody was open, but apparently they'd ordered from this place before on Christmas. I didn't care. I was delighted just being with everyone and being like every other family. Even as Vision floated in the air, Natasha tried her new widow's bite on Tony, and I made a web hammock for mom and I to hang out from above from the chaos of everyone else, we still were your average family. Okay, maybe we were a little different, I thought, watching as Dad and Rhodey arm wrestled with their Iron Man/War machine arms, but that just made things all the better.
Tony's POV:
We were finishing up How the Grinch Stole Christmas when my phone went off. Surprise and concern flooded through me as I'd told Friday to ban all but emergency calls. A glance at my phone revealed it to be Steve calling. My eyebrows rose, and I quickly got Natasha's attention, shifting the phone as to show her who was calling. She gave barely a tilt of her head before I stood up and excused myself. Groans and ribbing followed my declaration that I had to take the phone call, but nobody stopped or followed me.
I stepped outside, relishing the feel of the fresh air on my face. Despite how cold it was, it felt nice after being cooped inside all day. Lifting the phone to my ear, I answered it. "Dominos Pizza, how can I help you?"
A soft chuckle greeted my words. "Hey, Tony, Merry Christmas," Steve greeted, and I gave a small smile. It was good to hear his voice.
"Merry Christmas, Cap, although, where you're at, it's already the 26th, but whatever," I responded, and he responded with another short laugh. I noticed how tired his voice seemed to be, and I wondered how they've all been doing. I was just about to ask when Steve began to speak again.
"Listen, Tony, I'm calling because I've got a favor to ask, if you don't mind," he stated, and I raised an eyebrow, wondering what he could possibly want from me?
"Everybody here's been feeling a little homesick," he began, and I furrowed my brow, "and I was wondering if it'd be at all possible for us to come home for a day or two?" I blinked, shocked by his question. It wasn't that I didn't understand, it just wasn't something I ever expected him to actually ask me about.
"I know it's dangerous and stupid," Steve rushed to say, sounding both embarrassed and apologetic. "It's just…things have been hard for everyone, especially Clint and Scott, who have families over there. If it's not too much trouble, at least help so that they can see their families…please, Tony. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. I know the position I'm putting you in," he continued, but I cut him off.
"It's fine," I interjected softly. "I'll figure something out."
There were several moments of silence before he replied with some incredulity, "Really?" I couldn't help but be offended.
"Rogers, why would you ask if you thought I'd say no?" I couldn't help but gripe irritably, stung that he didn't have faith in me. "I know I can be an uncaring, selfish jerk, but I'm not heartless."
There were several more moments of silence before Rogers let out a long, weary sigh. "I'm sorry, Tony," he apologized, "and thank you." I could hear several unsaid comments in that sigh and those simple words. He was really tired of everything. He was sorry for having doubted me, but after everything that he'd been through, he was more than a little jaded. And, he was grateful for whatever help I could give him.
"Look, Cap," I stated with as much weariness as he was feeling, "despite all the shit we've been through or done to each other, we're still the Avengers. We're still…" I trailed off, not quite comfortable at saying the next word out loud. Steve, on the other hand, didn't seem to have the same difficulties.
"We're family," he finished, and I was pleased to hear his voice coming out stronger and happier.
"Yeah, so, let us take care of this. I'm not sure if bringing you here will be the best idea, but what if I could fenagle it so that we could meet you somewhere in Europe?" I asked, and he immediately responded, "That's fine. That's great. We just want—we all want to see some friendly faces, and Clint and Scott are desperate to see their families. Anything you can manage, Tony, we'll make it work."
"Leave it to us," I stated, "we'll work something out. Maybe do a little New Year shindig. I can fly Clint's family, and Scott's over and we can all meet somewhere private. Hmm," I thought aloud, mind going through a multitude of possibilities. "I'll get back to you when I figure this out."
"Tony, thank you," Steve stated, sounding oddly choked up. I wasn't quite sure what to say, so I just responded with a simple, "You're welcome."
"Maybe, when you're here we can start to talk some things through…like about the Accords," Steve suggested, and I could sense how difficult it was for him to say that. He was still adamantly against the Accords, but as a thank you, he would be open to discussing them.
"Might not be the best time," I replied, "but thanks for the offer."
The atmosphere seemed to turn a little awkward then, neither one of us knowing what to say. I longed for the days where'd conversation had come easily, and silences were comfortable.
"I should go," I eventually stated. "The others are probably wondering what happened to me."
"Yeah, same here," Steve responded, and we bid each other good-bye before hanging up. I heaved a sigh as I stared at the phone, pondering over our short conversation and all that was said and unsaid. A knock sounded on the door, and I looked up to see Natasha staring at me with a raised eyebrow. I motioned for her to come out, and when she did, I explained the conversation.
"They must really be having a hard time for Steve to have asked this of you," she remarked.
"They've been away for nearly two years," I said in sympathy. "Clint and Scott have kids, and they're growing up without them. Not to mention, being on the run isn't exactly relaxing. They're no doubt exhausted. We've had it easy compared to them."
"True, but they are reaping what they sowed," she responded coldly, and I raised an eyebrow at her, causing her to sigh irritably. "If we meet up, then we need to force a conversation between us all," she told me. "I know you want everything to be "one big happy family", but things need to change. They can't remain on the run forever. It's time for this all to end."
"Agreed," I said, "but the question is how? We're working our tails off to get these damned Accords changed, but in all honesty, we need to get them repealed. They won't ever sign, you and I both know that, no matter how many changes are made.
"Well, then I think that means the question should be, how do we get rid of the Accords?" Natasha shot back, and I slowly began to nod. Our aim had been amendments before, but maybe Cap was right. Maybe it was time to get rid of them.
"We need to show the world why they don't work," I said, and she nodded back. "How are we going to do that?"
Her response was a shrug. Instead she said, "We should go back inside. Worry about this tomorrow." I sighed heavily, slipping the phone into my pocket before going on inside. This really hadn't been something I wanted to think about on Christmas. Thinking about our rogue friends and how to fix their situation was stressful, but I had to remind myself as I looked out at my family, we had it better than they did. We were home and safe, and they weren't. It was time to change that.
A/N: Yeah, I know, this chapter wasn't worth the wait, but I felt the need to give you all a Christmas present. I apologize for any errors as I didn't quite proof-read as well as I normally do. Once again, I am not abandoning this story, but updates are going to be really slow from now on. Apologies, but that's just how it's going to be. Hope you enjoyed. Please review!
