When Tony asked Peter where he would want his 5th birthday to be spent, he was met with a touching answer,
"I just want to spend time with you, Daddy, and maybe have the chance to meet Buzz Lightyear."
Embracing his son's wishes, Tony decided on the magical destination of Disneyland Resort to mark the memorable celebration.
Despite being a devoted fan of both Star Wars and Star Trek, Peter also found immense joy in indulging in the enchanting world of Disney Pixar movies.
Tony, playing the gracious host, also invited Ned and his parents to celebrate with them. Tony made them fly the Starkjet from NYC to CA and have Happy pick them up.
"Ned! You made it!" Peter exclaimed as soon as the Leeds arrived at the mansion. Without hesitation, he rushed forward and enveloped his best friend in a warm, hurried hug.
Ned stood there, mouth agape, taking in the enormity of the mansion. "Dude, your house is massive! And, Tony Stark's your Dad! That's insanely cool!"
"Thank you for inviting us here, Mr. Stark. Ned was always so excited to come and visit Peter." Mr. and Mrs. Leeds expressed, shaking 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."
Exploring the amusement park, the inseparable duo of best friends hopped on different kiddie rides, occasionally joined by Tony. However, Tony often found himself reluctantly listening to Ned's Dad sharing tales about his work, even if they were somewhat dull—given that Ned's Dad happened to be a museum curator. Meanwhile, they also had Pepper with them trying to keep things lively, engaging in a delightful conversation with Mrs. Leeds.
"Dad, we have to try Mickey's fun wheel!" Peter insisted, pulling his father towards the Ferris wheel ride. Armed with their express passes, they effortlessly bypassed the queues, enjoying the luxury of skipping the waiting lines for every ride.
Tony, Pepper, and Peter eagerly boarded the first gondola, while The Leeds opted for the second one. Together, they admired the breathtaking view of Pixar Pier, savouring the scenery until they reached the summit. The atmosphere shifted when they reached the peak, and the gondola started its forward glide.
Pepper's scream echoed through the gondola as she tightly clutched Tony's arm. Together, they instinctively formed a protective shield around Peter as they swung, but Peter, unfazed, simply laughed, finding the entire experience thrilling.
"Looks like we chose the wrong side, Tony. This one's the swinging one," Pepper said, observing the other side in stationary mode, just chilling and taking in the views.
Unable to contain his fear, Tony blurted out, "Fun wheel, my ass. This is more like death wheel," as yet another abrupt swing elicited an involuntary squeal from him.
The dreadful ride offered a silver lining as Tony observed the genuine happiness on his child's face. As the ride came to an end, they all erupted into laughter.
Later in the day, with a few watchful bodyguards led by Happy, they headed to catch the upcoming parade. Peter sat atop Tony's shoulders, his hands casually resting on his Dad's head. Both wore Monsters Inc. hats, savouring ice cream as they engaged themselves in the joy of the Disney parade.
Upon arriving home, a simple birthday dinner awaited them. Peter, filled with anticipation, blew out the candle on his cake, making a heartfelt wish. As a special surprise, his Dad gifted him a bike, sparking excitement in Peter as he eagerly looked forward to learning how to ride it.
They headed to the terrace to cape off the evening, with Tony carrying Peter in his arms. Their heads rested against each other, eyes filled with sparkle and joy as they watched the breathtaking fireworks display that Tony had initially planned knowing how much Peter loved fireworks.
The Leeds extended their stay for one more day, and Peter and Ned made the most of it by spending the entire day building LEGO sets, watching movies, and indulging in more toy-filled adventures. As they bid goodbye, Peter made a promise to visit New York in the spring.
On a cloudy afternoon, amidst weeks of lengthy meetings following Peter's birthday, Tony took the time to teach his son how to ride a bike. Surrounded by a lush garden and palm trees, the mansion resembled the appearance of an elegant villa.
Peter, wearing a helmet, comfortably sat on a bike designed to match his height, featuring a striking combination of red, black, and blue.
Dad took the lead, guiding him through the initial pedal strokes and teaching him the art of perfect balance. Once the basics were mastered, Tony gradually released his grip, allowing his little one to confidently bike on his own.
"Alright! Yes! You got it, buddy! You got it!" Tony shouted with excitement as Peter successfully biked slowly on his own.
"Be careful!"
Peter, eager to push his limits, pedalled a bit farther and increased his speed. As he attempted to execute a turn, he lost balance, resulting in a rapid descent to the ground accompanied by a loud thud.
"Oh, god! Shit! Peter!" Tony's shout echoed as he sprinted urgently to aid his son. A wave of nausea twisted his stomach, and nervousness gripped his chest with alarming intensity. Regret surged within him. Shit, this is my fault. Why did I let him go so easily?
Peter's determination shone through as he started to stand up the moment Tony reached him.
"Peter, are you alright? Are you hurt?" Concern etched across Tony's face as he quickly examined Peter's body. Upon inspection, Tony discovered a small scratch on Peter's arm.
"I'm alright, Dad. Just stings a bit here," he said, motioning towards his arm.
"Oh God. You scared me, bud! Alright, let's get that cleaned out," Tony said, lifting Peter into his arms. Together, they headed inside to fetch the medicine kit.
Taking a seat on the sofa, Tony began the task of cleaning the scratch, using Betadine with focused attention.
With a remorseful tone, Peter apologized, his eyes adopting a half-pleading expression that Tony fondly labelled as puppy dog eyes.
"Why apologize, bud? It's not anyone's fault," Tony reassured. Yet, in his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that if there was a fault to be found, it rested with him.
"I shouldn't have let go so easily." Tony thought, taking responsibility for his part in the situation.
"I thought it was 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 hesitated momentarily but succumbed to the irresistible plea in those eyes. Who could resist those anyway? He surely couldn't. Straight roads don't make good drivers anyway.
"Okay, yeah. But you gotta be really really careful okay? Go slow for today."
"Thanks, Dad," Peter expressed his gratitude, standing up to envelop his father in a warm hug. Once the Band-Aid was in place, they ventured outside again to resume their practice.
As Peter ventured into first grade at only five years old, he also had already made notable accomplishments— he had embraced the study of French, Spanish, and Japanese, achieving an intermediate level of proficiency in speaking and writing.
Each evening, Tony continues the habit of reading to Peter, intertwining bedtime stories with explanations of fundamental Chemistry and Physics concepts.
It is evident from everyone that something in Tony changed since he had Peter in his care. They remarked that he had embraced a fatherly demeanour—becoming more protective and affectionate. A subtle shift in his habits was noted, instead of daily alcohol consumption, he now reserved it for occasional indulgence at parties and events.
The only drawback is that he remains somewhat reckless and a playboy, engaging with women whose memory escapes him by the next morning. One morning, Peter was baffled when he caught a glimpse of a woman descending the stairs, hastily leaving the house just as he was preparing to head to school.
"Who's that Dad? Why is she in a hurry?"
"Oh, she's no one, Pete. She just picked up— something."
Peter, recognizing his dad's bluff, opted to let it slide. Remembering Uncle James' assurance that his Dad was already a responsible adult who already knew what he was doing. Peter chose to trust his father, and despite any criticisms from others, Peter held firm in his love and admiration for his dad.
He came to read an article once that said,
"Tony Stark: Da Vinci of the 21st Century."
but then there's also
"Merchant of Death."
Questioning about "Da Vinci," Peter turned to JARVIS for information. The AI responded, "DaVinci gained fame for his exceptional paintings, artistry, and significant contributions to science. His versatility across multiple disciplines solidifies him as a true genius of his era."
The breadth of versatility across various disciplines truly resonated when it came to his Dad. However, the label "Merchant of Death" seemed lost, considering his father's identity as a visionary and an American Patriot advocating for peace. It simply doesn't align with the reality of his father's values and advocacy.
With the arrival of Spring, they went to Queens, New York, paying a visit to Ned and making a stop at Delmar's Deli to place their orders.
"Hello, Mr. Delmar," Peter greeted warmly.
"Hey there, little Mr. Stark. It's been quite a while since I've seen you around. How's everything going?" Mr. Delmar greeted with genuine surprise, addressing Tony's son.
Turning his attention to Tony, he continued, "And Mr. Tony Stark, wow, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Mr. Delmar extended his hand, and Tony warmly accepted the handshake.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Delmar. This young man here claims you've got the top sandwiches in Queens. That for real?" Tony asked, giving Peter an affirming pat on the shoulders.
"Yes, yes, we are. So what can we get you?"
"I'll go with a meatball sandwich, Mr. Delmar," Peter declared before turning his attention to the cat and selecting a handful of gummy worms and gummy bears. "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."
Taking care of the payment, Tony found Mr. Delmar asking Peter,
"Hey, kid, how's school? How's sunshiny California?"
"School's boring, but back home's always fun with Dad around."
"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 affirmed, casting a reassuring glance at Peter. "Isn't that right, Pete?"
"Right, thanks for the incredible sandwich Mr. Delmar! Bye!"
Together, they made their way to the cemetery, paying a visit to Peter's former guardians, then went to the Leeds.
On his Dad's birthday, a Parisian adventure awaited as they attended a prestigious event where his father was awarded yet another WIRED Engineering Innovation Award, with the added honour of gracing the magazine cover.
For the next three days, they immersed themselves in touristy adventures, exploring different sights. Peter, seizing the chance to practice, spoke French effortlessly to everyone, including his already amused father.
Their photo gallery was filled with adorable snapshots: beaming smiles and playful peace signs posed against the stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and the Arc de Triomphe. Their exploration continued at The Louvre, immersed in the vast world of paintings and artifacts.
Gazing at the Mona Lisa, Peter shared with his father, "You know Dad, I saw in an article, they said you're the DaVinci of our time."
"What? That's ridiculous. A bearded, gray-haired old man? That's not me, right?"
"Exactly! That's crazy!" Their shared perspective led to a burst of laughter.
"I'd say you're better than him though, Dad."
"Great minds think alike, and you're better than me Pete," Tony stated, draping his arm around Peter's shoulders as they strolled through another exhibit.
For Peter's 6th birthday, Tony chose Japan as the celebration destination. Eager to expose his son to a rich cultural experience, Tony believed that new encounters offered a mental reboot and a fresh perspective.
On their first day, they explored Osaka's vibrant street food market, indulging in a culinary adventure. They sampled an array of delights from various stalls, savouring sushi, yakiniku, wagyu beef, ramen, and Japanese curry.
For Peter, each bite marked the beginning of a love for Japanese cuisine, while for Tony, the flavours were a familiar delight, having instantly fallen in love with them years ago.
Tony had globe-trotted on numerous business trips before, covering almost every corner of the world. Surprisingly, he managed to find enjoyment in every destination, and perhaps, the recurring theme was the presence of booze, adding a spirited touch to his global adventures.
Peter's birthday was celebrated at Nara Deer Park, a place where roaming deers freely interact with visitors. Peter couldn't contain his excitement and literally jumped for joy, surrounded by deer wherever he looked.
"Wow! Dad, look! They're so cute!" exclaimed Peter as a herd of baby deer approached him. He eagerly offered them crackers as a friendly gesture.
"Oh, dear." Tony chuckled as a curious deer approached, drawn by the crackers in his hand. Holding out a cracker, he fed the deer before capturing numerous pictures of Peter in action. Eventually, they posed together for a memorable snapshot.
With a tender gaze, Tony couldn't help but admire his son's radiant enthusiasm for animals and science, the way his face lit up during his beloved geeky movies and the joy he found in playing with Legos and toys.
Tony adored Peter's kind and loving nature, his adorably innocent manners, and his innate intelligence.
To Tony, Peter was the embodiment of goodness, a kid who deserved nothing but the best in this world. Tony couldn't help but feel immense pride and gratitude for having such a remarkable son—kind, loving, innocent, and smart— a reflection of the very best aspects of himself.
In the blink of an eye, a year has flown by, and seven-year-old Peter still chooses to spend the majority of his after-school time in the lab and garage with his dad. Time may have marched on, but Peter's fascination and enthusiasm for observing his father's craftsmanship in cutting-edge technology and impressive motor and car engineering show no signs of waning.
Amidst diverse interests, Peter's keen enthusiasm for Chemistry shone through. His chosen project for the science fair was a testament to his inventive spirit—a unique glue designed to serve as a mending agent for wounds.
Over the past year, his Dad dedicated himself to developing a cutting-edge missile system, seamlessly integrating their Repulsor technology. The project had reached a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Arc Reactor, which now powered the entire factory within the company grounds.
One day, Peter accompanied Tony to work, getting an exclusive tour of the impressive Stark Industries. The highlight of the visit was stepping into Tony's expansive office. Displayed on Tony's desk were cherished picture frames capturing precious moments—some featuring Peter alone, others showcasing their special father-son bond, including a heartwarming image of Peter laying on Tony's chest and snapshots from memorable trips abroad.
"Dad, what does your company do?" Peter asked while strolling through the hall, their gaze fixed on the Manufacturing Division visible 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 affectionately patted his hair, saying, "It's not about the weapons, Peter, it's about their purpose. These tools are meant for defense, and used by the military to ensure our safety and uphold world peace. It's my commitment to safeguard them, and that includes protecting you, my son. You understand that, don't you?"
"Right." Peter said, embracing his Dad's waist. Despite his small stature, the pace at which Peter was growing was quite noticeable.
At that moment, Obadiah noticed them and headed in their direction.
"Uncle Obi!" Peter said as he caught a swift glimpse of the elderly 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."
Sporting a smirk, his dad playfully patted Uncle Obi's shoulder. "Do I really have to?" he chuckled, "Don't worry. I'll give it a shot. I'll be there."
A week flew by, and Tony found himself in Las Vegas for the Apogee Award Ceremony, where his absence was noticeable. The morning after the event, he returned to his sanctuary, the garage, engrossed in tinkering with one of his cars.
Rising early, Peter descended the stairs in search of his father. Snatching a quick piece of toast, he called out, "Dad?"
JARVIS responded, "Young master, your father is currently in his lab."
"Thanks, Jarvis!"
Hurriedly, he made his way to his father's lab, hugging him from the back. "Dad!"
Tony turned around and warmly embraced his son.
"You didn't show up? Did you?"
Chuckling softly, Dad expressed, "You know it scares me that you knew your Dad so well now, kiddo. I really do miss you." even though it's only been a night he'd been gone. He affectionately kissed Peter's head before adding, "Mind giving me a hand here?"
At that precise moment, Pepper stormed into the garage, her visible annoyance evident as she approached with determined strides.
"Tony, you were supposed to be halfway around the world by now. Your flight was meant to depart an hour ago." she declared, her voice tinged with impatience and concern.
"Hi, Pepper!" Peter greeted with a bright smile.
"Hey, Peter, sweetheart." she greeted Peter with affection, tenderly patting his hair.
Glancing at the holographic graph, Tony asked, "How is she handling it?" referring to the woman he had left in his bedroom.
"Like a champ."
"Why are you trying to hustle me out here?"
"Tony, I need to speak to you about a couple of things." Pepper said, trying to conceal her frustration. She wanted to spare Peter from overhearing any more of their bickering.
With a sigh, Tony set down one of the pieces of equipment, signalling a pause in his work.
He turned to Peter, "Okay, Pete. I'll be heading out again today. Remember I mentioned the Weapons Presentation in Afghanistan?"
"The Jericho Missile?"
"Yeah, that. I'll be back later tonight but don't wait for me if it's already late."
Peter nodded diligently.
"Okay. Go upstairs and prepare for school and then we'll head out at the same time. Capiche?"
"Capiche!"
Upstairs, Peter spotted a woman leaving through the front door. Opting not to dwell on the situation, he shrugged it off and proceeded to get ready for school.
As the car came to a stop, Peter tightly embraced his dad before going. "Take care out there, Dad. I'll miss you. See you later!" he said with genuine warmth.
"I'll be back before you know it." Tony promised, planting a soft kiss on his son's forehead. "I love you, Peter."
Expressing the same affection, Peter replied, "I love you too, Dad," before waving goodbye.
With a watchful gaze, Tony made sure Peter entered the school safely before he and Happy raced back to the Stark grounds for the jet.
The entire day slipped away in a haze. Post-school, he headed to his Dad's lab to delve into his glue project, striving to enhance its texture by fine-tuning the formulas. Currently, it resembled an unassuming, colourless adhesive. Anticipating his Dad's return, he planned to ask for valuable input later in the day.
Peter also watched a new anime that was recommended by one of his friends at school. The anime was called "Gundam Seed". He thought it was so cool when a human controlled a robot from the inside and thought about telling this to his Dad. It would be crazy if a human could have superpower abilities powered by robot armour. 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, he abruptly opened his eyes, a nagging feeling lingering. An unsettling sense of something bothering him, but don't know what it is.
"Jarvis, time?"
"It's already 10 o'clock, Peter. You should be asleep by now."
"Do you know where Dad is?"
"I cannot locate Mr. Stark right now, Peter."
Peter raised an eyebrow, expressing his surprise. "That's odd. Jarvis usually knows where Dad is, even if he's outside."
As the clock ticked past 10, Peter sighed, concerned that his dad hadn't arrived yet. Determined, he stood up and made his way downstairs when a low voice caught his attention.
"Is Peter already asleep?"
"He's all settled in bed by 8, Miss Potts." Mrs. Eleanor assured.
A wave of relief swept through him upon hearing Pepper's voice, a clear indication that Dad had also arrived.
As he descended the stairs, Pepper came into view, "Pepper? Where's Dad? Is he with you? Did he go to the lab already?"
There was no immediate reply from Pepper, instead, she gazed at him, her eyes tear-stricken. She took a deep breath, carefully weighing her words.
A sense of unease crept in, but denial lingered. No, it couldn't be. Please, no. He resisted the truth, unwilling to accept it, until Pepper finally spoke the words he feared.
That day etched in Peter's memory was the one when his Dad, Tony Stark, didn't make it back home.