Stephen looked at the kid as he swung away to say his goodbyes. He smiled, shook his head, and turned his attention back to his work, his arms and hands working in a synchronized dance to create the spell. This time it would be hard, more difficult than anything he had done before. He had used the time stone to turn back time to save one city, he had looped an inter-deminsional demon for centuries, but this...he had no time stone, no infinity stone, and an entire world to case to forget one boy. One sweet boy that, in a selfish act, had been thinking of others. Even at his most selfish Peter Parker had been thinking of others. A single tear rolled down Stephen's faces as he realized just how much he would miss him. With new determination he began a different spell, one that would be brief, but so very much needed by the boy.
Peter Parker was crying as he held onto MJ, he knew she would never know him again, not as she had. He would miss this, miss how she held him in her arms, how comfortable and strong she was. Then he smelled it. That was definitely not MJ's perfume.
"I know you missed me kid, but you don't have to be weird about it".
Peter froze...that voice. The voice that was at both loving and condescending at the same time, a voice that cut through his very fears and brought comfort to his weary mind.
"M-Mr. Stark"?
"Hey kid".
"W-what? how is this happening"?
"Kid, you were ash for five years and then was reconstituted, you're basically a zombie, and now this is too much"?
Peter smiled at that. This was Mr. Stark. His Mr. Stark. The one who had taught him to be responsible. Then he went and squandered those precious lessons.
"I'm sorry Mr. Stark".
Tony said nothing, but let Peter go on, letting him say what needed to be said. Here, in this empty abyss, he had nothing but time.
"I know you wanted me to be responsible with my powers, but I made a big mistake. And because of it everyone is going to forget me. I'm sorry I failed you".
Tony smiled and put his hands on Peter's shoulders, shoulders that were too young for this burden.
"Did you do the right thing"?
Peter shuddered, looking at the man who had been, for all intents and purposes, his father.
"Did you do the right thing"?
Peter wiped his tears away, stood up straight, and nodded.
"Yes sir".
Tony smiled. There he was. The man that was hiding behind the boy, waiting to be set free. It was time for Spiderman to make himself known.
"I'm proud of you, Peter".
