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"Like the old man said, whatever it takes." Tony firmly states, standing up and clapping his hands together and turning to face Peter.
Peter bites his lip and nods, walking closer to face Tony. "That's what we're here for anyways. Can't be going back there empty handed now can you?"
Tony lets out a humorless chuckle. "Kid, you're joking right? Can I? You'll be the one returning with the stone, no arguing."
Peter gives him a look as if he has 6 heads. "You are really telling me right now that Morgan would be ok growing up without a father? I thought it was pretty obvious who it would need to be from the beginning. Let me go, you live, and go back to Pepper and your daughter."
Tony sighs, "Look kid." He grabs his shoulders tightly, "I knew the risks going into this. I really need to be honest with you, I had this feeling that chances were I wasn't coming home before we even got here. I've lived my life, you have barely even started, you're in your 20s now. Your scary girlfriend is waiting for you. Same with your aunt." He gives Peter's shoulders a tight squeeze before finally letting go. "I created way too much harm in the world before I ever even started thinking straight. Unlike you. World needs more people like you, not me."
"I'm sorry Mr. Stark, but that's bullshit and you know it."
"Kid-"
"No, first of all i'm not in highschool anymore. I didn't like you trying to protect me then, and I sure as shit don't like you trying to protect me now. I put my ass on the line day in and day out. I knew the risks going into this mission as well. But I won't let Morgan go through life without her father."
"Fine, but Peter-"
"I won't."
"Peter, May is practically your mother. How the hell would you expect me to face her and explain what happened here if I just let you die right now huh? That's unthinkable to me. I won't let any more kids die on my watch, unknowingly, or knowingly."
"I'm not a kid anymore. Besides.... she'll understand. I left a note for her in case something were to happen. I think she knows me well enough to know how important this is to me."
Tony raises an eyebrow, inquisitive as ever. "Do you even know if a fall this high would kill you?"
"Please just stop."
"No really. With that super strength and healing you have for all we know this wouldn't even be enough to kill you."
Peter shakes his head a little slowly, then takes a step back and takes a deep breath. Peter looks down the cliff for a moment, then shrugs. "I don't know Mr Stark, I mean I think it would? I.... ugh, look there's no knowing for sure right now, but I guess we'll see very soon now won't we?" Peter challenges him, stepping closer to him again.
Tony's eyes are stern at first, but they just as quickly switch to empathetic. "Didn't you tell me just last week you were planning on proposing to your girlfriend? Don't let this get in the way of your plans."
Peter gives Tony a sad smile, "I'm willing to give up a cheesy proposal plan for the return of literally half the population."
Tony sighs and rubs his temple, squeezing his eyes shut. "I have lived my life kid."
Peter lets out a small laugh. "You talk like you're 80, Mr. Stark."
Tony looks back up and gives Peter a fond smile "Yeah, well, you make me feel 80."
Tony stops for a moment, looking Peter up and down before stepping in faster than he ever has and hugs him tightly, taking in the moment. One of the last moments he plans on having.
They pat eachothers backs hard, before breaking apart.
"Fine." Peter sighs, "You win." He gives Tony a tight lipped smile, before abruptly kicking Tony to the ground. "I'm sorry Mr. Stark, I have to do this. For Ned."
Peter goes to make a run for it, but not before Tony gets back up and hits him with one of his blasters, knocking Peter off his feet. "You'll be seeing him again very soon, kid." Tony sprints towards the edge of the cliff.
Peter manages to get back up in time to web Tony's feet to the ground. Peter uses this as his chance to throw himself off the cliff. He has to be the one to do this, it's that simple.
"Kid!" He hears Tony yelling behind him. Peter is just about to jump, when he then hears lasers frying something, then next thing he knows Tony tackles him to the ground and manages to throw himself off, not before Peter can stretch out on his stomach just far enough to grab Tony's wrist to leave him dangling over the ledge. This unfortunately for Peter, requires both his arms stretched out so he can keep his balance.
"Just give me a second...I just gotta..." Peter grits out, trying to stand back up so he can place Tony back down on the cliff.
"Let me go, Peter." Tony insists, looking up at him.
"No, I just need to get you back over-"
"May's waiting for you kid. She can't be outliving you. And that... MJ girl. I always liked her, maybe because she doesn't kiss my ass." Tony smirks."Be good to them, not that I have to tell you that."
"Please." Peter begs, eyes starting to water. He tries to extend his fingers back so he can web Tony, but that's almost impossible when his hands are mainly focused on trying to raise him back up.
"It's ok, Pete. Just tell Pep to check Friday, I left a message." With that, Tony just barely manages to pry himself from Peter's grip, sending himself hurling down towards his doom.
A few minutes later, when Peter is in a dark, water filled area, he looks down in his hand and sees the soul stone. He can't celebrate that. All he can manage to do is choke out in between his cries is a very quiet. "I'm sorry, Tony."