A week later, Tony enrolled Peter in a pre-kindergarten located near their home. Recognizing Peter's genius, Tony felt compelled to nurture his son's gift further. The more advanced the better.
To also ensure Peter's well-being during his business travels and work commitments, Tony hired a nanny for additional support. He wanted to be a hands-on father as much as possible but since he's the Owner and CEO of Stark Industries, it can't be helped. Not all of his work can be handled by Pepper and Obadiah.
Recognizing the importance of a balanced diet for Peter, Tony also hired a chef to prepare nutritious meals three times a day, following Pepper's insistence.
Tony Stark took a strategic approach to address the public's curiosity by issuing a press release announcing the presence of his son, Peter, and providing only essential details.
In a public statement, he respectfully asked the press to grant his family the privacy they deserve in their personal lives. With that, the world now knows that Tony Stark has an heir to the throne.
"Good Morning, Peter." JARVIS greeted in a respectful British tone. Peter typically kicked off his day around 6:30 to 7:00 in the morning. Seven months had easily passed since Peter moved in with his father, and the journey had been nothing short of smooth sailing.
Mornings were reserved for Peter's school activities, followed by afternoon piano lessons conducted by a skilled teacher who visits once a week.
Upon finding Peter experimenting with unrecognizable notes on his mother's piano one day, Tony took it upon himself to teach him the fundamentals of playing.
"You know bud, your grandmother would've loved to see you play," Tony said with a touch of melancholy in his eyes.
"This is her piano, right? I wish I could've met her."
"Yeah, she's very patient with teaching me back then. Very motherly. I'm sure she'll be ecstatic and proud to see you easily learning this."
Tony felt Peter's hands cup his face, followed by a comforting hug,
"I'm sure she's proud of you too, Dad."
Twice weekly, a gymnastics instructor guided Peter, harnessing his natural agility and light-footedness. While self-defence training is a joint effort with Tony and Happy in consideration of potential risks, Tony ensured that Peter was equipped with self-defence skills for his protection. During the weekends, Peter immersed himself in his father's lab, where he observed and learned from Tony's work.
"Good Morning Jarvis, where's Dad?"
"He's downstairs Peter, already waiting for you for breakfast."
"Thanks, Jarvis."
Peter remembered his dad saying, "If you have any questions or if you want something and you can't find me in the house, you can ask Jarvis, okay? He knows."
Dressed in red and gold silk pyjamas, Peter descended the stairs to find his father enjoying a cup of coffee in the dining room. The morning was bathed in bright sunlight, casting a warm glow over the expansive ocean.
"Good Morning, Daddy!"
A bright smile illuminated Peter's face as he hopped onto Tony's lap, delivering a small hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Tony reciprocated with a delicate kiss on Peter's forehead, "Good Morning, Petey-pie."
A variety of choices decked the breakfast table—croissants, egg breakfast muffins, peanut butter waffles, quinoa, and chia porridge. At that moment, the chef entered, presenting scrambled and sunnyside-up eggs alongside toast.
"Good morning, Chef Paul." Peter greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning to you too, Peter."
"Breakfast is already complete and served, Mr. Stark. Bon appétit."
"Très bien. Merci chef." Tony smiled, exchanging a glance with Chef Paul, who nodded before heading back to the kitchen.
"You can speak French, Dad?"
"Yeah, didn't I mention it before? Started learning at an early age. Maybe we should teach you too."
"What languages do you speak? Are you fluent in them?"
"Let's see, hmm... There's French, Japanese, and Russian, basic Italian and some Arabic."
"That's really cool!" Peter exclaimed, his mouth hanging open in awe, "Dad, you're amazing! You can do anything."
Tony settled Peter into a chair next to him, and they began their meal. With a smile, Tony asked, "So what do want to do today, bud? It's the weekend and I want to spend time with you before I head out later. Mrs. Eleanor will be here to keep an eye on you."
"Huh? Why? Where are you going?"
"There's an award ceremony again tonight and I have work to do tomorrow in DC."
A hint of disappointment flashed across Peter's face, "Can you not go? It's your birthday tomorrow. I want to spend time with you."
"I'll try to head back tomorrow as fast as I can, Pete. I tried to dodge this one but Pepper insisted and you know sometimes she scares me. Evidently, she said, I've missed more award ceremonies and meetings in the past that can't excuse me anymore."
After finishing their meal, Tony effortlessly scooped Peter up, cradling him in his arms as they made their way into the garage, "Cheer up, bud, you've got me till 4pm. That's plenty of time."
Peter and Tony made use of their time by updating Dum-E. The robot had been with Tony since he first created it in his father's workshop. Every once in a while, updating Dum-E as his assistant in doing small chores and mostly cleaning up the lab.
As they tinkered away, the sound of AC/DC's "Back in Black" filled the air, and Tony couldn't help but dance with gusto— head-banging, swaying his shoulders, and grooving his hips. Peter joined in the fun, laughing heartily an ddancing as if they had been transported to a rock concert.
After finishing the robot update, Tony stretched, feeling tension in his muscles. An idea popped into his head, "Pete, let's go swimming later. What'd you think?" Going swimming might help relax his tight muscles.
"Can you teach me, Dad?" Peter hesitated, "Um, I don't know how."
"Yeah, bud. Of course!" Tony said, holding Peter's hand as they went upstairs to eat lunch.
After lunch and having some rest, they went to the pool overlooking the ocean.
Peter's wearing arm floaters so he can stay afloat on water.
"Okay bud, first, when swimming you relax, okay? Don't let the water scare you. You control the water," Tony said as he carried Peter in his arms and dipped in the pool.
"To keep your head floating, you tread the water, flutter kick your feet circular back and forth like this while moving your arms horizontally at the same time, capiche?"
Peter's nod was accompanied by a determined look in his eyes, "Capiche!"
"Okay, you try. I'll get over there and you come to me, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
Tony, taking a step back, allowed his son to steer on his own. Despite initial struggles, Peter pressed on, gradually bridging the gap between them. A joyful laugh escaped Tony as Peter successfully reached out, and the air filled with the triumphant sound of Peter's giggles.
"Good job, buddy! Now you want to try without the arm floaties?"
Nervously, Peter swallowed and uttered a hesitant, "Okay."
Tony removed the arm floaters, releasing Peter to steer the pool on his own, while he ventured to the far end.
Despite a determined effort to follow his dad's instructions, Peter found himself struggling in the water, maintaining a smile while executing every advised move. As panic began to set in, on the brink of giving up, a small, anxious voice broke through the surface,
"Daddy, help, help, Peter."
Tony couldn't help but snort with laughter in his mind at the adorable way Peter referred to himself in the third person.
Closing the distance, Tony extended his arms, encouragingly saying, "You can do it, bud. Come on, let's go."
With Peter's head still above the water, there was no worry of drowning. Tony reassured, "You've got this, baby."
Tony's laughter continued, accompanied by an even more encouraging tone as he urged, "C'mon, you can do it!"
With just an inch to spare, Tony closed the gap and enveloped his son in a tight embrace.
"Alright! You did it, buddy! Good job!" Tony praised, sealing the moment with a kiss on Peter's forehead. Peter burst into laughter and joyous giggles, savouring the accomplishment.
Having mastered floating, Tony took the lead in teaching his son the basics of freestyle, backstroke, and even the challenging butterfly stroke. Together, they spent two hours in the pool, absorbing the techniques.
"Thanks for today, Daddy," Peter expressed, settling comfortably on his father's lap. With his head resting on Tony's chest, he found solace in the rhythmic beat of his Dad's heart.
The duo relaxed on the sofa in the living room, contentedly watching a movie on time-travel.
"Always, no problem. Did you have fun today?" Tony asked, a smile gracing his face as he planted a gentle kiss on his son's forehead. The sweet fragrance of Peter's baby-scented hair relaxed Tony's senses.
With a proud glance at his father, Peter declared, "I did it! know how to swim now!"
"You did a good job there, bud. You take care till tomorrow, okay?
"I'm gonna miss you, Dad. Can I come with you instead?"
"I wish you could Petey but I'm afraid children are not supposed to be there."
"Hmm. Take care also, Daddy, okay?"
"Sure, bud."
As Peter succumbed to the embrace of sleep, Tony bestowed a tender kiss on his forehead before bidding him goodbye. Soon after, Mrs. Eleanor took over, and Tony departed.
In the dimly lit room, Peter awoke on the sofa, greeted by the sight of Mrs. Eleanor engrossed in crocheting on a nearby couch. The low hum of the TV provided a gentle white noise backdrop to the scene, casting a calm ambiance. Despite the tranquillity, Peter couldn't shake the feeling of missing his Dad.
"Hi, Mrs. Eleanor."
"Hi Peter, how was your sleep, honey?"
"It was okay." He sits upright on the sofa, his gaze fixed blankly on the TV screen.
"Are you okay, Peter?"
"Yeah. I just miss my Dad."
"Oh, your dad's going to be fine, honey. C'mon, let's get you some stuff to fill that tummy."
Midway through his dinner, Peter's attention was captured by the sound of the front door opening and approaching footsteps. A momentary scare was replaced by relief as Peter identified the familiar figure, putting him at ease.
"Uncle James!" Peter sprinted toward Rhodey, who scooped him up.
"Hey, champ! How are you? Wow, you're getting heavier now."
Peter met his Uncle James a week after they came to Malibu. Rhodey had come to check up on Tony and meet Peter. As a welcoming gift, Rhodey presented Peter with a vintage Nintendo Classic, a thoughtful gesture inspired by Tony's mention of Peter's geeky interests. The rest of the day fanned in shared joy, with quality time spent playing games and watching movies together.
"You're here! And Pepper!" Rhodey gently put Peter down, and Peter immediately embraced Pepper in a warm hug.
"What brings you both here?" Peter inquired with amusement, noting the rarity of his Dad's best friend's visits, especially since he had just seen Pepper last week.
Pepper affectionately squeezed Peter's nose, teasing him, "We just want to see you, sweetheart."
"Don't forget, we've got a birthday party to plan for tomorrow," Rhodey announced with a wink.
Tony attended the prestigious Forbes Magazine award ceremony, where his company was recognized once again as the most advanced and top-ranked company globally. Amidst the celebration, a diverse array of individuals, strangers to him, extended birthday greetings, adding an unexpected and kindly touch to the accolades.
Afterwards, he prepared a presentation of his new weapons to the big guys in the military which really isn't Disneyland. All throughout, he can only think about how he misses his son and now he's celebrating his birthday without him. Even Pepper's not even here, the only consolation is that at least Happy's here.
After the taxing day, he swiftly returned to the jet, managing to grab some much-needed sleep before landing. Peter must have already been sleeping now and it's school day tomorrow so he better should be.
With the lights off, he felt a hunch that something awaited him behind the door. Upon stepping inside, the pop of confetti startled him, causing his body to instinctively flinch and his heart to race.
"Oh, shit! Damn, jeez!" Tony exclaimed, clutching his chest, before bursting into laughter. "You're gonna give me a heart attack."
Pepper and Rhodey greeted him with laughter and warm hugs, wishing him a happy birthday.
The scene brightened further as a beautiful boy sprinted toward him, exclaiming,
"Daddy!"
With open arms, Tony embraced his little one, lifting him up as the child gleefully wished,
"Happy Birthday, Daddy!"
Balloons decorated the house, its strings carrying images of Tony's happiest moments, prominently featuring his cherished times with Peter. A candlelit dinner awaited at a beautifully set table for five.
As they gathered, Pepper presented the birthday cake, and the cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" began, with even Happy joining in the celebration.
"Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday Tony/Daddy!"
The cheerful chorus filled the room as Tony closed his eyes, silently making a wish. With a shared breath, father and son blew out the candles. A single tear glistened in Tony's eyes, swiftly brushed away but not unnoticed.
"Thank you, Wow! for orchestrating all this. Well, I had a hunch, but I was still pretty genuinely shocked back there."
Laughter reverberated throughout the room.
"Thank you guys for being here and making this more special when it is really indeed special because I have this boy with me. Thank you, my love."
In a heartfelt moment, Tony gently kissed Peter's forehead. It's his first birthday celebrating with his son and the surprise gesture just made his heart swell with happiness.
Following dinner, Peter surprised his father with a gift— a piano performance. As he began playing "The Entertainer," a proud smile spread across Tony's face. It was a moment of sheer pride, considering that Peter had only started playing six months ago but already showcased an expert touch.
Concluding the piece, Peter sprinted back to his father, enveloping him in a warm hug. His father pressed his nose into Peter's hair, expressing an adoring moment.
"I hope you enjoyed it, Dad."
"Oh, you don't know how proud I am of you, Pete."
Pepper's thoughtful gift unfolded on the hologram screen before them, a montage of Tony and Peter. Short, earnest messages from loved ones filled the air, followed by seamlessly transitioning videos capturing precious moments between Tony and Peter. The sentimental atmosphere was accompanied by the melodic backdrop of "Rubik's Cube" by Athlete.
The video captured precious moments – from the first night, Peter hugged him in his sleep, to shared waffles, piano lessons, and self-defence in the boxing room with Happy. It unfolded scenes of breakfasts on the terrace, movie nights with Rhodey and Pepper, and laughter-filled ice cream sessions in the kitchen. The heartwarming compilation continued with swimming lessons and ended with Peter asleep on Tony's chest, sweetly affirming, "I love you, Daddy." Each frame held a treasured memory of their shared journey.
The authenticity of the video moved Tony so deeply that he found himself overwhelmed by the emotional impact, words seemed insufficient to express the sentiments encapsulated in the footage. Tony stood up and conveyed his gratitude by hugging Pepper.
Tucking Peter in for the night, Tony posed the question, "Pete, how did you all manage to pull all of that off?" with genuine curiosity.
"Pepper and Uncle James came yesterday and we planned it out, Dad. Happy's with us through video call. Pepper took the lead in organizing everything, she's absolutely amazing, the video was a complete surprise for me too."
"Yeah, she is kid. She certainly is." Tony affirmed, his gratitude for Pepper growing with each passing day. That woman is truly something out of this world.
Throughout the entire experience, Peter's excitement bubbled as he imagined his father's reaction, and to his delight, it surpassed all expectations. Witnessing his dad overwhelmed with happiness and even shedding tears, Peter embraced him tightly, cherishing a moment he wished would never end before drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Surrendering to the embrace of sleep, Tony's thoughts echoed with a hearty desire for an abundance of happy days and precious moments alongside his loved ones, especially with his son by his side.