A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter. I neglected to do my homework to write this. I know it's short...
Boarding school was a drag. The classes were a little too easy for Tony's tastes. The kids weren't the nicest either. Some of them were jealous and accused him of only being in the school was because his daddy paid for him to go. Others acted too nice and cheery when he was around and he didn't like it. A package of cookies or other goodies would be sent to his room though, from Jarvis every month. It's what Tony always looked forward to. Ranging from cookies, to new tools, to a broken watch that Tony had no problems or complaints on fixing. But the recordings he'd received from Jarvis were the best. Tony would hear him clearly and laugh at the jokes that Jarvis would tell, and listen intently at the stories he told.
When Tony came home for the holidays or breaks Jarvis always seemed to be the most happiest when he arrived. Asking Tony about his time and if he'd made any good friends. He did make friends with a James Rhodes. Or Rhodey as Tony would call him. He would tell Jarvis about all the fun they had together. Jarvis listened and the two would share a hot chocolate.
"Jarvis can you keep a secret?"
"Of course sir."
"...I don't really like Obadiah…" Tony whispered. Jarvis couldn't agree more.
"Don't worry sir, I agree with you."
"He's weird...and I think he's going bald…" Jarvis had to hold back a laugh.
"Indeed he is."
"Do you think I'll be just like dad when I grow up?"
"I believe you'll surpass him in every way."
"You think so?"
"Of course."
"Hey Jarvis...I think I love you best..." Tony mumbled. Again Jarvis was amazed by Tony's words.
"I think I love you best too sir." Jarvis received a very toothy grin from the now 11 year old.
As months passed Tony and his parents grew further and further apart. Howard started drinking more than usual as it dawned upon him that he may never find Steve. The drinking got especially worse during the Fourth of July.
"I remember it like it was yesterday...we all thought he was lying. But no he wasn't. His birthday was on the fucking day of our independence." Howard slurred. "He didn't want a big party, but hey there was no room for argument. The last thing I remember was waking up to a ruined house with my shirt gone. A few girls were passed out on the floor and Steve, freaking Steve was cleaning up." He laughed. "Boy could do no wrong."
"Dad, when are you just gonna shut up about him." Tony grumbled.
"What...what did you say?"
"Nothing dad." Tony stated. Walking up to his room.
"Anthony Stark you come down here this instant." He ordered. Tony sighed but came back down and stood in front of his father.
"Now you don't tell me to shut up about Captain Rogers. Steve was a good friend. The one good thing that actually came out of my life." He slurred, still heavily intoxicated at the moment. "Now you don't go around talking ill of him. Got it!?" he barked at Tony. He should be used to the outbursts by now but they still hurt.
"I got it." He replied and ran up to his room. Slamming the door shut, not bothering to lock it he went out to the balcony and watched the sun set. A few moments later Jarvis walked in.
"Sir,"
"I'm not in the mood Jarvis…" Tony mumbled, not taking his eyes of the sky.
"Master Tony I do believe the relationship between a father and son is a complicated one."
"Yeah tell me about it…" he replied dryly.
"Master, Tony what I'm saying is that don't take your father's outbursts to heart. A father and son's relationship is difficult to maneuver...but time heals all wounds." Tony didn't reply and Jarvis took that as his queue to leave. Tony stayed out on the balcony for a while even going as far as watch the fireworks alone.
'Time heals all wounds...' Tony thought to himself. 'Hopefully Jarvis...hopefully.'