For Peter's 5th Birthday, they decided to go to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Although Peter was a big fan of Star Wars and Star Trek, he also likes watching Disney Pixar movies. When he asked his son what'd he like for his upcoming birthday, his son just thoughtfully answered "I just want to spend time with you Daddy, and I want to meet Buzz Light Year."
Daddy invited Ned and his parents to come and celebrate with them. Tony flew the jet from NYC to CA and have Happy picked them up.
"Ned! You're here!" shouted Peter when the Leeds arrived at the house. He hurriedly hugged his bestfriend.
Ned stared mouth agape into the big mansion. "Dude your house is so big! and, and Tony Stark's your Dad! That's so cool!"
"Thank you for inviting us here, Mr. Stark. Ned was always so excited to come and visit Peter." Mr. and Mrs. Leeds said as they shake hands with Tony.
"It's no problem. My son just misses your son a lot. Thought this is the perfect time for them to catch-up."
His Dad welcomed Ned's parents and off they went.
The two bestfriends went into different rides, while Tony sometimes rides with them. Most of the time he has no choice but to listen to Ned's Dad as he tells tales about his work no matter how boring it is, apparently Ned's dad is a museum curator. The only consolation from the dreadful wait is that he can see how happy his child is after every ride. They're also accompanied by a few bodyguards led by Happy. As they watched the Parade, Peter sitted on top of Tony's shoulders, his hands to his Daddy's head. They were wearing Monsters Inc. hats while eating ice cream.
When they got home, there's a simple birthday dinner waiting for them and Peter blew the candle of his cake after making a wish. His daddy gave him a bike as a gift which made Peter so excited to learn. They went to the terrace after to watch the fireworks display, carrying Peter in his arms, head against each other, sparkle and joy evident in their eyes as they watched and cape off the evening. The Leeds stayed with them for another day, Peter and Ned just spend it off all day by building lego sets, watching movies, and playing more toys in his bedroom. Peter promised to visit New York in Spring and said their goodbyes.
Tony started teaching Peter how to ride a bike on a cloudy afternoon after weeks of long meetings after Peter's birthday. They were in the large garden of the house surrounded by Palm trees. The whole facade really looks like a villa. Peter wore a helmet and sit at the bike that matches with Peter's height, with red, black and blue colors.
His daddy guided him first as he pedaled teaching him how to perfectly balance, and once he got the hang of it, Daddy slowly let him go to bike on his own.
"Alright. Yes! You got it buddy! You got it!" Tony shouted as Peter managed to bike slowly on his own. "Be careful!"
Peter goes a little farther and pedaled faster, and when he's about to turn sideways he started to lose balance and quickly landed on the floor with a loud thud.
"OH God! SHIT! Peter!" Tony shouted as he sprinted fast to help his son. His stomach started to turn and his chest tightened with alarming nervousness. Shit, this is my fault. Why did I let him go easily?
His son started to stand up just as soon as he reached him.
"Peter! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" His daddy started to check his body and hugged him. Dad found a small scratch at his arm.
"I'm okay Dad, hurts a little here." in which he gestured the arm.
"Oh God. You scared me bud! Okay let's get that cleaned out." Dad carried Peter in his arms and they went inside for the medicine kit.
They sat at the sofa and Tony started to clean the scratch with a Betadine.
"I'm sorry, Daddy." Peter said with eyes half-pleading or Tony would like to call puppy dog eyes.
"Why are you apologizing buddy? It's nobody's fault." If there's one thing it is my fault, Tony thought. I shouldn't have let go too easily.
"I thought it's already easy when I went fast, the wind feels so refreshing, then I can't control it anymore."
"I know bud. That happens when you go ahead of things you're still beginning to learn. So be careful next time okay?"
"Can I still try again today? It doesn't hurt that much."
Tony was hesitant for a second but gave in. Who could resist those eyes? I couldn't. Straight roads doesn't make good drivers anyway.
"Ok. Yeah. but you gotta be really really careful okay? Go slow for today."
"Thanks Dad." Peter stands up and hugged his Dad. After he put the Band-Aid on they went outside again to practice.
The months passed by quickly and Peter is already in the first grade. By then he already started learning French, Spanish, and Japanese and can already speak and write those languages in intermediate level. Every night Tony still reads to him and explains basic concepts of Chemistry and Physics as a bedtime story. It is evident from everyone that something in Tony changed since he had Peter in his care. He's become fatherly, they said. Protective and Affectionate. His habits may have changed slightly, instead of drinking alcohol on a daily basis, he only drinks occasionally during parties and events. The only downside is he's still pretty reckless and a playboy having a woman at times that he can't remember the next morning. Peter was puzzled one morning when he saw a glimpse of a woman that came downstairs and hurriedly got out of the house when he's about to go to school.
"Who's that Dad? Why is she on a hurry?"
"Oh she's no one Pete. She just picked up - something."
Peter knew better, his Dad's bluffing. He decided to just leave it off anyway. Uncle James said Dad's already an adult and he knows what he's doing. Peter also believes his Dad is a responsible adult, and he loves his Dad very much no matter what the others say about him. He came to read an article once that says "Tony Stark: Da Vinci of the 21st Century" but then there's also "Merchant of Death". He asked JARVIS about "Da Vinci" to which he answered "DaVinci is famous because of his Paintings, Art, and contributions to Science, crossing many disciplines that made him a True Genius of his time." That's funny, his Dad's a genius but he's not a painter. As per Merchant of Death, he has no idea, his Dad's a visionary and an American Patriot whose advocacy is for Peace so that really doesn't make any sense.
When Spring came they went to Queens, New York. They visited Ned and went by to order at Delmar's Deli.
"Hi Mr. Delmar." Peter said as he got some gummy worms and gummy bears.
"Hey little Mr. Stark. It's a long time since I've seen you here. How are ya? and also Mr. Tony Stark, Wow, it's nice to finally meet you in the flesh." Mr. Delmar said astounded to meet the great Tony Stark and motioned for a handshake which Tony gladly accepted.
"Nice to meet you as well Mr. Delmar. I heard from this one right here you have the best sandwich in Queens. Is that right?" Tony patted Peter's shoulders.
"Yes yes we are. So what can we get you?"
"I'll have a meatball sandwich Mr. Delmar" said Peter then went to pat the cat. "Hey Murph! hey buddy."
"and for you Mr. Stark?"
"Hmmm... I'll have the Pastrami Sandwich. Smush it down real flat for both of us."
"You got that boss."
Tony paid the bill and by then Peter already went back to them "Hey kid, how's school? How's California?"
"School's boring, but back home's always fun with Dad around."
Their order arrived and was already prepared.
"Good to hear kid and stay in school alright? I hope we can see more of you here."
"We'll visit as much as we can, Mr. Delmar." Tony assured, "Right, Pete?"
"Right, thanks for the incredible sandwich Mr. Delmar! Bye!"
They then went to the cemetery to visit his Parents, Auntie and Uncle.
On his Dad's birthday, they went to Paris for an event since he's getting another WIRED Engineering Innovation Award and his Dad's on the cover of the magazine. They spent three days after the event being tourists going to different touristy sights. Peter also got to practice his skills and spoke french to everyone including his father. They had a lot of cute pictures - grinning and some wacky shots while making a peace sign at the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Arc de Triumph. They also went to The Louvre where they saw thousands of paintings and artifacts.
While gazing at the Mona Lisa, Peter said "You know Dad, I saw in an article... they said you're the Da Vinci of our time."
"What? That's ridiculous. I'm not a Painter."
"Exactly! that's what I thought too dad. That's crazy! I'd say you're better than him."
"Great minds think alike, and you're better than me Pete." Tony then wrapped his side arm on Peter's shoulders and tapped it.
Peter celebrated his 6th birthday at Japan. Tony wants Peter to experience Japan's culture, and new experiences give the mind a reboot he believes, like a new perspective. They went to Osaka's food street the first day and went to different stalls eating sushi, yakiniku, wagyu beef, ramen, and Japanese curry. So far, Peter has loved Japanese cuisine at first bite and it was indeed delicious while Tony had instantly loved it years ago when he first tasted it. He had gone and visited almost around the world already which are mostly business trips but still enjoyed all of it, and maybe because half of it, booze was involved. They spent his birthday at Nara Deer Park where people can interact with roaming Deers everywhere. Peter literally jumped for joy because everywhere you look there's literally a deer you can find.
"Wow! Dad look! They're so cute!" said Peter as a herd of baby deer came to him. He tried to pet each one of them and feed those crackers.
"Oh Dear." One deer jumped to Tony as he's also holding one of the crackers. He then feed them and continued taking lots of pictures of Peter and then they had a picture together. Tony stared lovingly at his son and just adored how his son's face light up for animals and science, when he watches his favourite geeky movies, when he plays his Lego's and toys, how he's so good to those around him. Peter's such a good kid; he's kind, loving, adorably innocent, and smart. He's the best thing about me. He deserves the best in this world.
A year has quickly passed since then and Peter's already seven years old. He still spent most of his time after school with his Dad on the lab and garage, watching his Dad design new tech and engineer his motors and cars. Among the other disciplines, Peter has a peculiarly strong interest in Chemistry, so he usually engage on chemistry projects, his newest idea for his science fair project- a glue that can patch up a wound. For the past year his Dad's been working on a technology for his new missile system that incorporates their Repulsor tech and has already launched the Arc Reactor that powers his factory on company grounds.
Peter one day went with Tony at work and had a tour around Stark Industries. He also got to see his Dad's large office. There were picture frames of Peter on his desk and them together, the most precious ones, Peter on his chest and one of their trips abroad.
"Dad what does your company do?" Peter asked as they were walking around the hall overseeing the Manufacturing Division through a glass window.
"We create Advanced Weapons and Machinery, Pete. As you can see there. We're also advancing Satellite Targeting."
"But isn't that bad? The weapons? They could kill people."
His dad patted his hair, "It's not if it's used in the right purposes. These weapons are used only for defenses Peter, used by the military to keep us safe. To keep World Peace, and it's my advocacy to protect it, because you're in it, you know that right?"
"Right." and he hugged his Dad's hips. Peter's still a small boy but he's growing pretty fast.
By then Obidiah saw them and walked into their direction.
"Uncle Obi!" Peter said when he quickly got a glimpse of the old man.
"Hey kid! How you've been? It's about time I've seen you here. Tony, great to see you."
"Dad finally agreed to let me come with him here."
"Yeah, kid's pretty bored at the house. About time this company feels a fresh sight."
"I want to remind you of the Apogee Award next week Tony, don't be a no-show on this one, Again."
His dad smirked and patted Uncle Obi's shoulder. "Do I have to?" he laughed. "Don't worry. I'll try. I'll be there."
A week has passed and Tony went to Las Vegas for the Apogee Award Ceremony in which he is seemingly absent. The morning after, he's now at his garage tinkering on one of his cars.
Peter woke up early and searched for his father downstairs and grabbed a piece of toast
"Dad?" Peter called.
"Your Father's on his lab, young master." answered JARVIS.
"Thanks JARVIS!"
He went to his father's lab and hurriedly hugged his father at the back. "DAD!"
His Dad turned and hugged him back.
"You didn't show up? Did you?"
"Aww. You know it scares me that you knew your Dad so well now bud. and I miss you." then his dad kissed his head. "Wanna give me a hand here?"
Just then Pepper showed up speaking on her phone and went up to them.
"You are supposed to be halfway around the world now. Your flight was supposed to leave an hour ago." Pepper said with impatience and worry in her voice.
"Hi Pepper!" Peter greeted "Hey Peter!" and she patted his hair.
"How's she handled it?" Dad asked while looking at the graph hologram.
"Like a champ."
"Why are you trying to hustle me out here?"
"Tony I need to speak to you about a couple of things."
Dad dropped one of the engines and turned to face Peter. "Alright Pete. I'll be out again today. I told you about the Weapons Presentation at Afghanistan right?"
"The Jericho Missile?"
"Yeah, that. I'll be back later tonight but don't wait for me if it's already late."
Peter nodded. "Ok. Go upstairs and prepare for school and then we'll head out at the same time. Capiche?"
"Capiche!"
Peter went upstairs where he saw a woman just leaving the front door. He shrugged and just prepared for school.
Tony and Happy dropped Peter off first and before hopping out of his Daddy's car, Peter hugged his Dad tight "Take care out there Dad. I'll miss you. See you later!"
"I'll be back before you know it." Tony said as he kissed his son's forehead." I love you Pete."
"I love you too Dad." Peter let go and waved them goodbye.
Tony watched Peter go inside the entrance of his school before he and Happy raced back to the Stark grounds for the jet.
The whole day passed by like a blur. After school he went by to his Dad's lab to work on his glue project, he's working on how to strengthen the texture and is still tweaking on the formulas. It looks like an ordinary colorless glue for now. After Dad comes back later, maybe I'll ask him for some input.
He also watched a new anime that was recommended by one of his friends at school. The anime was called "Gundam Seed". He thought it's so cool where a human controls a robot from the inside and thought about telling this to his Dad. It would be crazy if a human can have super power abilities powered by a robot armor. How cool would that be!
He waited for his Dad to arrive that night. His bedtime is at 8 and he tried to sleep in but it was to no avail.
Tossing and turning, his eyes shot open. Something's been bugging him but don't know what it is.
"JARVIS, time?"
"It's already 10 o'clock young master Peter. You should sleep by now."
"Do you know where Dad is?"
"I cannot locate Mr. Stark right now Peter."
That's odd. JARVIS usually knows where Dad is even if he's outside.
Peter sighed. It's already past 10 and his Dad should have arrived by now. Peter got up to his feet and decided to go downstairs when he heard a low voice.
"Is Peter already asleep?"
"I tucked him to bed at 8pm Miss Potts." Mrs. Eleanor answered.
Relief washed over him at the voice of Pepper, it means that Dad is also already here.
He was at the stairs when he had a clear view of Pepper.
"Pepper?" Peter said walking downstairs. "Where's Dad? Is he with you? Did he went to the lab already?"
Pepper didn't answer and just stared at him with tear stricken eyes, taking a deep breath, contemplating on what to say.
Something's wrong but no, it can't be. No, no, no. Please. He didn't want to believe it until Pepper said the words.
It was the day his Daddy, Tony Stark never came home.