It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon when they arrived at the Monaco Grand Prix— a pinnacle event in the world of racing, hosted at the iconic Circuit de Monaco known for its challenging and perilous tracks.

Amidst the opulence of Hotel de Paris, a palpable sense of excitement enveloped the crowd, all eagerly waiting for the much-anticipated race event that boasted Stark Industries as one of its sponsors.

While en route to the hotel, Peter fixed his gaze on the passing scenery outside the window, taking in the sight of people gathered at benches, eagerly anticipating the race.

It is his first time to be in Monaco and witness the race. They were with Pepper and Happy wearing their semi-formal neutral outfits to match the event.

His gaze briefly flickered to his dad beside him, who was once again consuming the green liquid. For months, he had sensed something was amiss but chose to remain silent.

It is unusual to see his Dad on constant hangovers and almost drown himself every day drinking the green drink, so he knows Dad's not telling him things. He's just waiting for Dad to say the words. To tell the truth. To really know what's going on.

Dad's recent unconventional choices weigh on him but are usually blocked by Ned's advice ringing in his head. There's no need to worry, he's more than alive, and he can protect himself.

Interrupting his stream of thoughts, Happy announced, "We're here."

"Alright, Pete. Let's roll." Tony flashed a peace sign to the cheering crowd, his arms around Peter. Together, they headed inside, with Happy carrying the Iron Man suitcase as a precaution.

In a hushed tone, Tony leaned in and whispered something to Pepper, a mysterious "Just go with it." She furrowed her brow in confusion for a moment until the unfolding scene revealed itself, leaving her in disbelief.

"Mr. Stark. How was your flight?" Natalie welcomed them as they stepped inside.

"Hey. It was excellent," Dad said casually, bracing for Pepper's annoyance.

Natalie met Peter's eyes and grinned, "Mr. Peter Stark, you're looking quite handsome."

A hint of color touched Peter's cheek, "Thanks, Ms. Natalie. Please call me Peter."

"Very well, Peter."

Natalie turned towards Dad and Pepper engaged in conversation, "A photographer is here from ACM if you don't mind?"

Smiles adorned their faces as they posed for the camera. He couldn't help but giggle while Pepper grilled Dad with questions about Natalie.

I hope Dad can handle her.

"Right this way," Natalie said, gently holding Peter's hands as she guided them. Dad and Pepper followed closely.

Insisting on a specific corner table, Dad entrusted Natalie to secure it, prompting her to negotiate with the person in charge for a reassignment.

"Come, Pete. Let's get something to drink," Tony said, holding Peter's hand as he continued chatting with Pepper. They made their way to the bar, settling Pete onto a high-stooled chair sandwiched between them.

"What do you want to drink, sweetheart?" Pepper softly asked, always so gentle with him.

"Hmm, I want orange juice."

Dad shot a questioning look, "What happened to your favourite?"

"I had grape juice yesterday."

"Alright, orange juice and mimosas, yeah?" Dad instructed the bartender before their attention was diverted by a familiar voice, the guy tapping Dad's shoulder.

"Anthony, is that you?"

With a sarcastic grin, Tony addressed the man, "My least favorite person on Earth." An undertone of annoyance coloured his voice as he wrapped his arms around his son.

"Bringing your kid along, huh? I don't think we've been properly introduced. Justin Hammer," reaching out for a handshake. Peter met the gesture with a confident handshake and a polite smile.

"Peter Stark. Nice to meet you, Mr. Hammer." Peter greeted with a smile, while Dad cast a watchful and displeased eye on Justin.

Mr. Hammer then presented the persistent reporter from before, Christine, who sought an interview with Pepper in her new role as CEO. Politely, both women excused themselves.

As a photographer approached, Hammer playfully draped his arms around Tony, who tried to escape the clutches, evading the gesture like avoiding a contagious disease. Peter couldn't help but chuckle at his dad's reaction.

"God, that's so awful," Tony mumbled in a mix of a snicker and genuine disgust. He attempted to make a quick getaway, helping Peter out of his chair. Together, they walked briskly, but Hammer persisted.

"Word has it, Peter, you're quite the young genius, inventing things at the age of seven. Impressive."

"Um, thanks, Mr. Hammer," Peter said, at a loss for words. The tension between his Dad and Mr. Hammer left him feeling uneasy. Dad was cautious about him getting involved with anyone who raised suspicions.

Voicing his pride, Dad stated matter-of-factly, "My son can even build better stuff than your attempts of replicating my suit."

"I'm sure he can. He got it from you anyway. The truth is, I'm actually hoping to present something at your Expo."

"Well, if you invent something that works, I'll make sure I get you a slot."

"Your corner table is ready." Natalie's voice relieved them. Saved by the bell or rather an angel. Tony held Peter's hand as they walked.

"Thank God, that's over." Tony exasperatedly said while drinking his mimosa.

"Relax, Dad. You avoid him like the plague."

Laughter erupted between them as they exchanged a knowing look.

"I'm just looking out for you, buddy. Those guys, you can't trust," Tony explained, handing a menu to Peter. "Go ahead, pick something you want to eat while we wait for the race."

"I'm still full from lunch. Oh, your car!" Peter's attention shifted to the Stark Industries race car displayed on the TV screening of the live event.

"Oh, she looks gorgeous." The feed displayed the mechanics meticulously testing the system and diligently inspecting the tires.

"How about we go outside to check it out?" Tony could tell his child shared his passion for cars.

"Yes, please!" Peter's eyes lit up with excitement. Growing up watching his dad skillfully fix and customize cars, he was thrilled at the prospect of seeing the race live instead of just on TV.

Right then, Pepper sat beside them.

With a playful glint in his eye, Tony, asked, "So, how was it?" sensing Pepper's irritation towards Christine.

Reading out the menu with a wry smile, Pepper sarcastically remarked, "A rather delightful spread at that. Thank you very much." She then asked, "So, what are you boys up to now?"

"I'll show Peter the racecar, and then we'll be back before it starts," Tony said, beginning to rise. However, Pepper halted him, gripping his arm, and whispering, "Tony, don't do anything stupid. Please."

"I'll try." Tony winked at her and both father and son stood up.

"Dad, can we hit the bathroom first?" Peter asked, holding his dad's hand.

"Yeah, of course."

Staring at the mirror bitterly, Tony checked his palladium levels soaring higher at 53% now. Sighing at his slow ruin, he buttoned down his shirt to see the creeping lines on his chest, reaching ever closer to his neck.

He buttoned his shirt up before anyone else could barge inside the bathroom and see it. An idea that had lingered for a while still compelled him – the desire to race once more before his decline. He felt an urgency, aware that there might not be a next year, and this time, he wanted his son to witness it.

The cubicle door opened, revealing a handsome little boy with brown locks and a chiselled jaw, even at a young age. Tony lifted Peter, carried him to the sink for handwashing, and then they seated him on the bathroom couch while drying his hands.

"I was thinking, if I race the track, Pete."

Peter looked up at his Dad, confused. "Like drive?" Peter knew Dad wasn't asking for permission, he was stating it. Peter was apprehensive, fearing that he didn't have the power to stop it. Dad was clearly concealing something, and Peter wanted to ask, but he couldn't. He was afraid of what it would be. He wanted to know the truth, but the fear of discovering it held him back.

Responding with a confirming, "Uh-huh," he met Dad's hopeful gaze, understanding the genuine aspiration to get behind the wheel.

"Be careful, please." Peter finally uttered.

Dad smiled which made him smile too. Despite knowing it might not be the best idea, there was an unspoken confidence between them that nothing bad could ever happen. After all, Dad had experience driving racecars before. With a hopeful mindset, they stepped outside to check on the car, where Dad engaged in a quick conversation with his staff. In no time, everything was set, and Dad clad in his racing suit, was poised and ready to hit the track.

"Peter, I love you," Dad said, embracing him before releasing him. Amidst the distant screams of fans, their private moment was shielded by vigilant bodyguards, ensuring no interruptions.

"I love you too, Dad. Be careful," Peter said, mustering a brave smile.

Gazing into Pete's eyes, he promised, "I will, Pete. Wait for me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Go inside right after the race begins."

Happy came to them, "Hap, you take my kid to Pepper after, alright?"

"Copy that, boss."

Dad leaped towards the barricade, instantly surrounded by cameras. With a quick quote for the press, he smoothly entered the car. Just before closing his helmet, his dad shot him a wink. Moments later, the roar of the engines signalled the beginning of the race.

"Peter, Happy! Ms. Potts has been looking for you. Right this way," Natalie said with a hint of urgency as they stepped inside.

Confusion flashed across Peter's face to find the room buzzed with loud chatter as they navigated through guests engrossed in lively discussions around the television screens.

A collective gasp escaped them as they watched a man, dressed in orange and wielding a lightning whiplash, casually walking along the middle of the track.

Quick to grasp the situation, Peter wasted no time, "Happy, let's go!" seizing Happy's hand, catching everyone off guard.

The lightning whips lashed out, striking the first car violently, sending it soaring through the air before crashing with a terrible impact against the ground.

With a note of panic, Pepper urgently intervened, "No, no, no, Peter!" quickly blocking his path, "Your father will kill me if I let you inside that track!"

Brushing off her attempts to stop him, he made a beeline for the car parked outside. Pepper and Happy exchanged resigned glances with no option but to chase after the kid and join him inside the car. Pepper sighed, she knew she could not drag Peter out now. The kid is as stubborn as his father.

Urgency marked Peter's voice as he shouted, "Go! Go!"

Happy accelerated the car, compelled to speed up without any alternative.

Pepper efficiently buckled Peter's seatbelt and swiftly clicked hers into place.

"Hang on," Happy expertly maneuvered the car through a barrier, redirecting it onto the track, now moving against the oncoming race cars.

"Dad's car might've been hit by now." Fear enveloped his heart as panic began to creep in. It was evident that the man with the lightning whip was here for his dad. Concern mounted as the realization struck that they might arrive too late to intervene.

"Hand over the case," Pepper stated.

Happy extended the case toward them, "Here, take it."

"Where's the key?" Peter asked.

"It's in my pocket." Happy looked down for a moment to tell Peter where it was.

With a sudden urgency, Pepper's cry of "Car!" jolted them into action, skillfully maneuvering away from the oncoming race car just in the nick of time.

Upon unlocking the case, they were greeted with the sight of several cars neatly sliced in half.

"Oh my God," Pepper mouthed in distress as they witnessed the havoc wreaked by the Whiplash man, with his father dangerously close to being hit and electrocuted.

"Hold on tight! Protect Peter!" Happy's voice echoed with urgency as Pepper instinctively shielded Peter's head. Accelerating with determination, Happy strategically directed the vehicle to collide with Whiplash against the fence, allowing Tony to climb safely.

Jumping down effortlessly, Tony approached Happy's side.

"Are you okay?" Happy asked.

Tony's eyes flickered to the rear-view mirror, catching sight of Pepper in the backseat, "Yeah. Were you heading for me or him?"

"Dad!" Peter exclaimed, breaking free from Pepper's grasp. Tony was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise,

"Peter? What are you doing here?"

This is the last thing he wants his child to be into. Tony's voice rose with a mix of shock and anxiety as he confronted Happy and Pepper,

"What the hell, Happy? Why is my kid here? Pepper, he's not supposed to be here!"

The fear for his son's safety loomed large in his mind as chaos unfolded around them.

Without any opportunity to elaborate, Pepper yelled instead, "Get in the car right now! Are you out of your mind?"

"Let's get my kid out of here now!" He urged, striding towards the backseat door. However, Peter's keen eyes caught the movement of Whiplash. "Dad, look out!" he shouted, as the door was sliced into halves right before them.

"Oh my God!" Pepper shrieked in panic as Happy swiftly reversed the car, then expertly maneuvered to hit Whiplash once more.

Tony signalled, gesturing for his son to toss it his way. Just as Peter was about to make the throw, Happy's second collision with the car against the fence disrupted the moment.

"Stop banging the car!" Pepper shouted in frustration at Happy, while Whiplash persistently attempted to slice through the vehicle. The airbag popped out against Happy's face.

Whiplash abruptly tore through the car's side, coming dangerously close to Peter. Startled and terrified, Peter let out a sharp squeal and instinctively curled up hugging Pepper.

"Fuck! Goddammit! Not my son!" Tony yelled angrily.

Urging his son, he pleaded, "Come on, Pete. Give me the case! Please, You can do it!"

Peter exerted all his strength, hurling the case at his father's feet. Tony stood atop it, and in a seamless transformation, the suitcase began assembling around him. In the blink of an eye, Tony Stark emerged, fully embodied as Iron Man.

A collective gasp swept through the onlookers, followed by enthusiastic cheers. Pepper instinctively clutched Peter in her arms as Iron Man delivered a powerful kick to the car, removing it from the impending fight.

As the battle unfolded, Whiplash's attacks inflicted significant damage on Iron Man's suit. Undeterred, Iron Man strategically closed in and managed to snatch the lash, tearing out the Reactor and promptly disabling Whiplash's suit.

"You… You lose. You lose Stark." The defeated man managed to say, a maniacal laugh escaping his lips, blood flowing from his mouth as the police escorted him away.

Once the Reactor was dealt with, the Iron Man suit unlocked, revealing Tony. Without wasting any time, he approached Peter, immediately checking on him and then carefully carrying him in his arms.

With closed eyes, a wave of relief swept over him, and he gently kissed Peter's head. "Peter, I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry. You're safe now," he murmured, holding his child tightly in a protective embrace.

In the jet, en route to California, news of the Monaco chaos erupted, casting a shadow over the cabin. The Senate's criticism echoed through, with Tony under scrutiny for the Arc Reactor technology—an innovation once thought to be beyond replication, now exploited by terrorists.

With a tone of gentle concern, Pepper addressed, "You can't go down that reckless path again, Tony."

"Why did you let Peter in there?"

Tony massaged his temples, feeling the onset of a headache. Despite everyone being checked by medics post-fight and declared okay, he alone sought help only for his cuts and bruises. Meanwhile, Peter slept soundly on his chest. He never let him go after the incident.

"I didn't. I tried to stop him, but he ran to the car and dragged us with him. Your son was as fearless and stubborn as you are. We had no choice. We're running out of time. You needed the suit."

Tony sighed, tenderly kissing Peter's forehead. The similarities between them were more apparent than he'd prefer. While proud of Peter's courage, he couldn't shake the concern that it might lead to danger. Above all, he simply wanted his son to be safe. The timely arrival that allowed him to don the suit only felt like a stroke of good fortune.

At times, he can't help but regret the moment he revealed his identity as Iron Man to the world. He contemplates whether a more private life would have shielded his son from the threat they now confront.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, knowing that his actions had placed his son in danger, and the thought of something untoward happening haunted him. He couldn't fathom forgiving himself if any harm befell the one most important to him.

He was arrogant to think carelessly of the future. He hadn't thought about the future of Peter's safety once his secret was out. And now there's no turning back.

"Thank you, Pepper." He knew Pepper would be bombarded with work once they arrived. It will be a mess of sorts. The Stark Industries once again taking the hit of the blame because of him. Pepper had been by his side, understanding and supporting him since the moment she learned about his condition. She has proven to be the perfect companion through every challenge he faces.

Pepper reached out, gently holding his hand. Understanding that getting upset wouldn't benefit him at the moment, she recognized his self-blame and worsening affliction. In this challenging time, she knew her role was to provide unwavering support, managing the press and the company on his behalf.

"We'll get through this."

The stars from his ceiling sparkled as he opened his eyes. The dim lights of his room welcomed him. It's seven in the evening and already dark outside. He's still wearing the change of clothes he wore after the fight.

The ocean glistened at the sound of peaceful mellow music. He saw the familiar sight of his room, the glow-in-the-dark stars of his ceiling, his Lego sets displayed, Star Wars and Iron Man action figures, different board games, books and picture frames of him and his Dad.

"Good evening, Peter. Would you like me to call your father?"

"No, Jarvis. Thank you. I'm fine. I'll go downstairs later."

Rising from his bed, Peter made his way to the bathroom for a quick change into comfortable pyjamas before descending the stairs. The room buzzed with voices, and as he reached the bottom, he noticed Pepper and Natalie engrossed in conversation, fingers tapping away on their laptops. The frustration in Pepper's voice was unmistakable as she spoke to someone at CNN displayed on the TV screen.

Spotting Uncle Rhodey emerging from the lab, he made eye contact, prompting his uncle to approach and envelop him in a hug,

"Hey, champ. How are you doing? I saw the news," Uncle Rhodey said, rubbing his arm with a concerned look in his eyes.

"I'm okay now, Uncle Rhodes. Dad protected us," he said with a smile. The whole ordeal of witnessing the intense confrontation had left Peter startled and terrified. However, as he observed his dad bravely facing the enemy, and when his dad finally carried him, a sense of relief washed over him. The assurance from his dad that they were now out of harm's way slowly calmed Peter's nerves.

"I heard what happened, that was so brave Peter."

"Dad needed it. We had to be there."

With a fond smile, Uncle Rhodey affectionately patted his hair, "You're too good for us, you know that?"

"Are you staying?"

"No, kid. It's time for me to head out. I just stopped by to make sure you're all good. I'll catch up with you tomorrow, alright?" He winked and embraced him once more.

Peter bid goodbye and watched his Uncle leave the house.

In the dining hall, a tempting spread of food awaited him. Zeroing in on his favorite, a peanut butter sandwich, he indulged in a hearty bite. Before long, Dad ascended from the lab, heading in his direction.

"How are you feeling?" Dad asked, gently caressing his face before encircling him in a hug.

Hugging his father back, he flashed a smile, "I'm okay now, Dad. Your eye."

His touch was gentle as he cupped his Dad's face, his attention drawn to the bruised side of his eye.

Looking directly at his son, Tony expressed his worry, "You scared me out there, bud. That's brave, but don't go running into dangerous situations even if I'm involved. You can't do that."

Peter's silent nod spoke volumes about the instinctual drive that compelled him to act. Despite his young age, he refused to stand by passively while his Dad faced the threat of a murderer.

Seated beside his dad, Peter observed him quietly enjoying a bowl of blueberries. However, a closer look at his dad's face revealed signs of weariness—fatigue, stress, and an overall sense of exhaustion. Notably, he couldn't help but notice peculiar blue lines on his neck, resembling an almost alien-like pattern.

"Dad?"

"Hmm?"

"What's that?" He pointed at the lines.

A look of surprise crossed Tony's face, "A nasty rash, Pete."

Peter didn't believe it even for a second.

"That's not. I know what a rash looked like. That doesn't look good. Are you okay?"

Worry crept into Peter's expression as he observed the lines on his skin. Familiar with the appearance of rashes, these lines didn't fit the expected pattern. An unsettling suspicion began to take shape in his mind, yet he hesitated again to entertain the thought.

"I'm always okay," Tony reassured with a smile but Peter could see through the lie.

"Stop saying you're okay. What are you not telling me, Dad?"

Peter gave his dad the opportunity to finally reveal the truth, even though he knew he might not be ready to hear it. For months, he had a hunch about what was happening to his dad, but he was too afraid to ask. He hesitated to uncover the truth, even though he had a vague sense of what it might entail.

Dad came closer to his side tapping his shoulder, assuring him. "Hey, it's nothing, bud. Don't worry about it."

"Stop lying," Peter demanded sternly, anger evident in his voice—it marked the first time he had ever been upset with his father.

Struggling to hold back tears, he desperately hopes that his instincts are wrong.

Dad knelt in front of him, letting out a deep sigh.

He knew it. His eyes unexpectedly filled with tears.

"No no no, don't cry, Pete. I hate it when I see you crying."

The room fell silent. Pepper and Natalie heard the conversation across the hall.

"You don't really have hangovers. Right? The green liquid you always drink, the Chlorophyll, you needed that for blood building, decrease the metal in your bloodstream."

Deciphering the situation isn't rocket science, all the clues are laid out. However, Peter resisted accepting the truth. The realization doesn't sink in until the symptoms scream at him in the face.

His voice broke, blinking back tears. "You're dying. Please, please tell me you're not."

Peter tried to stop himself from sobbing.

Dad's eyes glossed and hugged him, trying to calm him. "Shh... Peter."

"You promised me you wouldn't leave me again Dad."

His head and heart are aching. He cannot accept it. He does not want to believe it. But it is the truth. His dad will die soon, and there is nothing they can do to stop it. Peter ran to his room. He just wants to get away from everyone and not see him like this.

"Peter..." Tony tried to follow his son but was stopped by Pepper.

"Tony, let him go. For now, let him calm down. You can't do anything about it now."

Tony massaged his temple, and Pepper hugged him. Knowing he couldn't do anything to stop it, he resigned himself and let his tears fall.