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Chapter Text

'In 12 hrs is Mr. Stark's birthday', Peter thought, walking around the Stark Tower Museum with his AcaDec team, unable to focus. He had Plans, with a capital P.

Peter had been planning in his head for this, since the day he met his mentor two years ago (and fantasizing about it since the day he was told by his Uncle about Tony Stark and the origin of Iron-Man. He wasn't creepy. The little boy just wanted to do something in return for all that his hero continued to do for the world)

The previous year passed with a 'Happy Birthday Mr. Stark! I hope you have an amazing year ahead. Love, Peter.' text.

He wanted to type more. He wanted to tell his mentor of all the ways his presence in Peter's life has helped him yet and continues to. Peter however, knew his place. There was no way he could word all of it in a text and there was absolutely no way he would call or meet The Tony Stark on his birthday.
They weren't there yet.
Hence, the 'Love' part. Peter sent the text hoping for the word to carry his emotions along, under the pretence of a greeting.
This year however, they were there.

Peter walked around planning, but also looking at the inventions safe for display behind the protective glasses, while their stories, some from his personal research on the scientist from childhood and the rest from the voice of his mentor telling him, ran on in his head.

The trip had been surprisingly peaceful yet.
FRIDAY hadn't been a little shit over the speakers yet.
Flash had been quiet about the 'lie' of Peter's internship since the display of his clearance at the security screen. Midtown was a school for smarts after all.
Ned and MJ were having the time of their lives. Ned with the gawking, chatter and bounce on breathing the 'S.I. air'. MJ with her concealed excitement on breathing the 'C.E.O. of S.I., Miss. Potts air'.
This gave Peter a tremendous amount of time to continue perfecting the plans for his Father-figure's birthday. (Not that he would ever say it out loud. No way.)

There had been a constant buzz of discomfort at the back of his mind about the weird silence from Mr. Stark since the end patrol call last night. Peter pushed that thought away, as he was sure to have only missed the midnight curfew by a few minutes with just a few bruises for it to be a big deal.

Mr. Stark was going to love his birthday this year!

Chapter Text

As Peter's scary crush liked to say, 'Expect disappointment, then you can never really get disappointed.' Tony had spent almost the entirety of his life living that sentence.

He had learnt at, as early as, his 8th birthday, which he spent crying over his absentee excuse of a father, to live this way.

On the birthdays following it, Tony spent time in his lab or with alcohol and parties. Some years flashier than the others, Palladium et all, ever the dramatic rich Stark.

Since the Avengers happened, Tony stopped with the shine. The simple wishes from his newfound friends were enough celebration.

Rhodey, since that disastrous birthday party, had taken to spending almost all of Tony's birthdays, at least a few hours with his best friend, no matter how busy.

Happy, his forehead of security and best friend, gifted Tony with his rare half smiles, a wish and 'Happy-time' boxing.

With Pepper though romantically rocky, Tony had always managed to maintain a stable friendship. A kiss, cancelled boring meetings and one meal together was the tradition.

This had been Tony's birthday life. Content with no expectations.

Then, came the Civil war and Siberia.

Rhodey came in braces.

Pepper on a break and managing the Accords mess. Happy securing the mess management.

Tony was busy himself, with fresh grief, PTSD, S.I., Accords and learning to mentor a self-sacrificing teen.

So that year his birthday mattered even less, it was just another day that he didn't bother remembering. Or that's what he expected (more like, didn't.).

Tony sat in his lab tinkering with AC/DC blaring around, when FRIDAY lowered the music with a ping. FRIDAY knew to never disturb his tinker sessions unless it was something important and Tony couldn't think of anything at the moment.

Rolling his chair around Tony noticed Dum-E, U and Butterfingers whirring closer to him than usual and he frowned.

Then came another ping.

Something was off about the aura. Tony knew his e-children.

"FRIDAY, is something wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, Boss", FRIDAY said with an ominous lilt.

Something was definitely wrong. His babygirl's voice sounded off and the other three were being weird as well.

Tony decided to go with whatever started it and asked, "You don't notify me about texts unless important. Who are the texts from babygirl?"

"They're from Peter, Boss."

Tony sat up straight, reaching for his phone. "Is he in the suit FRI? Where is he? Does KAREN detect any injuries?"

"Peter is in the Parker apartment and not in the suit. KAREN has not reported any injuries since the healed ones from the Vulture. His text however seemed important enough that I felt the need to intrude your session. I would suggest you read it yourself Boss.", FRIDAY's voice had a hint of something, that Tony couldn't place his finger on.

Still frowning, though less tense, Tony opened the text and froze.

'Happy Birthday, Mr. Stark! I hope you have an amazing day and year ahead. Love, Peter.'

Then, 'Parker.'

Tony would have rolled his eyes at the clarification but they were blurry and his chest felt weird.

What?

Then he noticed the wetness on his cheeks. Oh tears.

Wait what?

The sound of FRIDAY's cheerful yet hesitant (his babygirl was learning fast) voice, some whirring and nudging broke him out of his stupor, "Happy Birthday, Boss!"

Tony was suddenly reminded of all the birthdays till then, like a film running in his head, but there were no negative thoughts whatsoever. He felt light and warm. The lab felt brighter. Everything felt right.

Tony slowly came out of his mute state muttering a low and coarse, "Thank you, Babygirl" and pat his robo-children.

He turned to his phone, still tight in hold unable to process further.

How was he supposed to reply to that?

Sure, the Spiderling didn't mean it. Did he?

He was Tony Stark for God's sake! The genius sat with hovering thumbs unable to decide how to reply to a simple wish.

He was also disturbed by the flood of emotions the boy had managed to bring about and the possibile meaning of it. Which by the way, would not be discussed!

Tony replied after an hour of overthinking with a 'Thanks, Underoos! :)', threw his phone away and refused to think about the fact that the teen's text reminded him of his baby boy JARVIS and was very similar to how he felt talking to FRIDAY and his bots.

That birthday went along surprisingly well despite the fact that all Tony had received from his human family were wishes and none of the usual traditions were followed.

Tony felt a smile plastered to his face the entire day holed up in his lab, updating FRIDAY's code and the Robots' hardware, improving the Iron-spider suit and outlining his Honeybear's newer braces. It was a content day.

Which he didn't realise was dangerous, because with it came expectations.

🕸️

The year passed well indeed.

Rhodey-bear had adjusted with his braces and was able to walk!

Pepper was now his fiancé.

Happy had been smiling a lot more than he used to. He was turning soft (Guess why).

S.I. was thriving.

Tony was sleeping better, eating healthier and had been completely sober for above a year. His penthouse had a newly designated Star-wars themed red blue room and the lab had an extra workbench.

Again which Tony didn't realise was dangerous, because with it came expectations.

Chapter Text

Tony spent the entire evening in the lab fidgeting, forcing his thoughts not to go there.

Would he remember? (No. He wasn't going to think about it dammit!)

After another hour of not going past a few lines of code, pacing the lab, and further fidgeting he manages to trigger his A.I. into taking an initiative.

"Boss, your stress is heating up my servers, what's up?"

"It's... nothing FRI. Is KAREN live right now?" he sighed glancing towards the clock that read 11:58 PM.

"Yes Boss. Peter is in the suit on a rooftop a block from the Parker apartment. Would you like to contact him?"

"Put him through babygirl. Let's see what the Spiderling is up to cutting curfew close." Tony tried to calm his nerves trying his best not to sound hopeful while the connection rings.

"Mr. Stark! I was on my way back home. Won't be late I promise!", Peter blurted out.

"Hello to you too Underoos. I wasn't calling to lecture. You can calm down. How was patrol?" "Oh. It was pretty boring. Just a few muggings, cats on trees and some road crossings. The usual. Not that I want something bad to happen. Absolutely not what I want. I love boring. Boring Queens is goals! Oh and there was a little girl who came squealing to give me a sketch of Spider-Man, so that was great. It made my entire week. But I'm tired so I think sleep will come easy tonight. How was your day Mr. Stark?" Peter rambled on.

As Tony's eyes landed on the clock as he relaxed at the voice of his (THE!) kid's report, his heart rate picked up again in anticipation.

"Mr. Stark, is everything okay?" Peter's tone brought him out of his silence.

"Uh yeah. Just wanted to make sure you're good. Are you good? Tired? Have you finished your homework for tomorrow?" Tony said, his voice strained.

"Umm. Yeah. I mean I don't really have any assignments due since we have the S.I. field trip tomorrow. Are you sure you're okay Mr. Stark? Do you need me to come over? Because I can swing over if you do. I'm not even home yet."

"No, I'm okay, kiddo. Didn't remember about the trip. See you tomorrow I guess? Maybe. Anyway, Good night!" Tony must not have sounded convincing since he heard a tinge of doubt in Peter's voice as he hung up.

"O-kay um, Good night, Mr. Stark. See ya!"

Yeah no. Tony was definitely not sleeping tonight..

🕸️

Tony tried not to think of his past birthdays from hell or of the previous year's birthday. But expectations. Ugh.

Tony carried himself to the lab, initiating the Iron Night protocol and hoped for Pepper to link it to the multiple deadlines they've all been working hard towards for the past few days non-stop.

He had thrown himself straight to Iron Man updates, away from his stupid thoughts of the birthday. The stealth updates were pending anyway.

"Boss?" FRIDAY's voice rang out with a tense undertone. Tony felt his nerves logging back in.

"FRIDAY?"

"You've been awake for 40 hours now and haven't eaten since lunch yesterday. Please take a break."

Tony could hear her concern yet was sure he couldn't help her or himself.

He decided to try nevertheless and said, "Kay. A 4 hour nap sounds decent. Set an alarm for 8, will you. I don't want Pep to murder me for missing another board meeting."

"Good night, Boss," came the disappointed Irish lilt.

"Good night, FRI," he sighed.

🕸️

Morning came too soon for Tony and his tired body's liking, as the alarm woke him up.

Tony was blessed with a few minutes of peace before the memories of the previous night came in bringing with it, all the disappointment.

He sighed, took a few deep breaths and went on to freshen up for the day.

Three cups of coffee and a decent breakfast later, Tony was on his way, pristine, to the conference hall.

Tony was truly surprised at the lack of special attention on his birthday from any of the employees.

Pepper was way too busy with the upcoming StarkPhone release along with the investor meet so he didn't blame her for forgetting.

It didn't necessarily hurt as bad as it did the previous night anyway. (Nope, not going there.) Tony put all his focus on tuning away every other thought for the next few hours and it worked. Well, till it didn't.

At 12 noon he walked towards the elevator to the penthouse planning to sleep the day away when he heard FRIDAY inform him of Peter's arrival at the tower with his team.

Tony sighed (he had been doing that a lot lately), took his ride back towards lunch hoping to sulk in peace.

🕸️

"Boss? The Scraped Knee protocol has been activated. It's not an emergency. Would you like to view the footage first?", Tony paused the TV and felt dread set in immediately.

"On the TV FRI", he said, preparing for the worst.

Chapter Text

"Parker!"

Peter knew he jinxed his day the minute he thought it was going well. He should have known not to do that, especially on a field trip.

"What do you want Flash?"

"Tell me how you did this. How are YOU an intern here? They don't take high schoolers," Flash growled.

Peter internally groaned and went with the story Mr. Stark and his Aunt had decided for the public, "Mr. Stark liked one of my projects at a science fair and decided to give me the opportunity as his personal intern."

"Whatever. I don't believe you. I'll find it out myself today. I'll prove you're stupid and that they were wrong to choose you," Flash sounded almost whiny as he walked away.

The team was in one of the higher labs after lunch with an intern in the front talking excitedly about the latest medical web bandaids.

Peter stood away from the crowd hidden in the shadows to avoid possible recognition, when Ned whispered, "Dudee...Those are your webs aren't they?! This is insane. My best friend is a genius superhero."

Peter felt his reddening ears and hissed with a smile, "Thanks Ned! But shhh dude I don't want any attention my way. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. I have some ideas I need your help with anyway."

"Oh yeah! Here's the Guy In The Chair," Ned sang as he inched away closer to the group.

Peter snorted and walked on automatic towards a board in the corner with an equation with a confused expression. The board looked abandoned and he couldn't stop himself so he went on with solving the equation.

So much for inconspicuousness.

Peter hadn't realise that the team had started to disperse in the lab after the intern's speech. He also didn't notice how a few older interns were staring at his writing from behind.

Once done, he smiled to himself and walked away with a bounce again failing to notice the wide eyed looks darting between the board and him.

"Hey-" started an intern, when Peter tripped on the flat floor and fell on his face.

Flash walked away with a smirk.

Peter groaned as he stood up and immediately noticed the wetness on his face and groaned louder, except for the nasal tone this time.

"Nose bleeds are annoying! Flash is worse." he murmured in irritation.

"Oh My! Let's get you first aid Mr. Parker. What did you trip on. This is a flat surface!," exclaimed Mr. Harrington.

Peter knew the damage was done but tried anyway, "I'm okay Mr. Harrington. Sorry. I tripped on my own shoe."

Before anyone could reply, FRIDAY's voice rang out louder than usual, making the visitors and even the interns jump, "Scraped Knee protocol activated. Vitals good. No immediate emergencies."

"Ugh. FRIDAY can you not? You know I can hear you at your lowest frequency! You didn't have to announce it," Peter's tone went from groan to a whine as he held a gauze to his nose knowing full well that the healing would have stopped the bleed by now.

The High schoolers with their attention span had already turned away chattering but he heard a sudden silence again. This time the entire lab had paused for some reason and Peter instantly stood alert.

Then he heard the heartbeat and oh. No no no. This was not happening!

Peter prayed it was just a coincidence and turned around to meet the furious eyes and calm face of Tony Stark standing directly in front of Flash.

"Are you okay Peter?" Tony asked and Peter instantly knew something was wrong. Peter nodded anyway.

Mr. Stark's voice was sharp, concerned and... sad?

"It's all good Mr. Stark. I'm not even bleeding anymore." Peter managed with a smile while eyeing his mentor waryly.

Mr. Stark gave him a look.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better Bambino?" He asked but didn't wait for a reply before his soft tone transitioned to a biting one as he turned to look around the lab.

"Mr. Harrington was it? I'm sure your school has anti-bullying policies in place. Think you're in need," Mr. Stark said with a glare towards Mr. Harrington and Flash.

Then he continued, "FRI babygirl, send the recordings to Midtown's principal. They have a student to discipline, and make sure that they do."

"Already sent Boss. Petey is a favourite," came FRIDAY's smug voice.

Peter blushed despite his growing dread.

He could hear Ned's snickers, MJ's pencil scratches and his team's whispers.

Before he could open his mouth, Mr. Stark walked towards the equation board and held it out to the closest intern.

The intern paled but she did peer at the board taking it from the scientist. Multiple interns shrieked out when they realised the contents of the board and thanked the senior.

"Oh no. That's all Peter's work. All I wanted is to witness my interns being super-nerds. It's fuel," Mr. Stark smiled with a glint in his eyes. Peter knew sinister when he looked at one.

The interns eyed him with smiles when they realised who he was. "Oh you're Peter! I knew you looked familiar. Thank you! We'll be glad to work with you sometime if Dr. Stark could part with his famous genius intern."

Peter blushed furiously and said, "Um, you're welcome and thanks. Uh, I'll make sure to come around more often?" He looked at Mr. Stark for support only to find a weird look on his face.

"Oh you're bored working with me now?" Mr. Stark joked but Peter instantly tensed at the undertone.

Before he could reply, Mr. Stark waved it off kindly.

"Anyway, I don't want to hold the tour up longer. Hope you have a good day and all that jazz. Bu-bye!" He took his exit with a salute.

Peter noticed the hurried demeanor and the snarky act.

Mr. Stark had not made any physical contact during the entire scene and that wasn't normal. The man always held Peter closest to himself whenever possible, especially when Peter was hurt.

The inventor had also not gone all proud parent babbling about their child's work like he usually does. He hadn't even talked to Peter directly about it. If that wasn't concerning. (Not that Peter thought Mr. Stark looked at him as his kid, no. But still.)

Peter also didn't forget the sad undertone and the lack of the usual brightness on his mentor's face.

Mr. Stark was mad at Peter, he concluded.

Peter had done something, he was sure of it. Why did he have to do something wrong, hours before his Big Plans?! He wanted his mentor to be the happiest tomorrow and he was failing in advance!

Peter could feel his eyes blurring with wetness. Combining all the mental strength of Spider-Man he masked his expression and walked off with his team towards the next lab.

Super hearing made it harder, with all the mutterings about, 'does Peter really work with Tony Stark?', 'did Tony Stark just call him Bambino?', 'are they related?', 'did we just meet The Tony Stark due to Parker's bleeding nose?', 'oh my god oh my god oh my god' (that was Ned chanting), and 'losers'.

Flash had decided to stay silent since the reprimand, Peter couldn't help but be thankful, though he knew Future Peter would probably have to face ugly consequences.

🕸️

By the end of the noisy ride back to school, Peter had created extreme scenarios of every kind in his mind about finally being pushed away by Mr. Stark like he had always feared.

He was going to lose another Father-figure and Peter wasn't even going to be able to tell Mr. Stark how much he mattered. Mr. Stark finally saw Peter for who he was. Peter could feel his world crumbling and held back a sob.

After a handshake with a concerned Ned, and an awkward wave to MJ, he promised to explain later and rushed back home to Aunt May.

Chapter Text

Tony skid into the elevator to get away from the scene. From Peter, to be specific.

The bloody sight of his- um... The kid had brought about enough fumes to tuck away his anxiety from before, so he could focus on snark and punishment.

He couldn't hold eye contact with Peter for long. The lack of usual comfort and physical contact did things to his heart in addition. Peter would never fail to notice such stark (ha.) contrast in behaviour.

(Right?)

Meanwhile, Tony though disappointed, couldn't completely fathom how his Spider-baby abandoned his birthday.

Peter always celebrated birthdays with a glam. He even lectured Tony once during a debate about 'birthdays worth celebrating?', with a detailed speech.

"Birthdays are universally chosen and accepted days for positive stimulation and encouragement, Mr. Stark." He had summarised.

Then why?

A mysterious logic buzzed at the back of his mind, but Tony hadn't bothered attending to it. Dwelling in misery felt more interesting to stick to. Dramatic was Tony Stark™ after all.

🕸️

Tony could palpate the tension between himself and Peter with the absence in communication. They never went without talking to each other for longer than a few hours. It felt wrong to go on without his Spiderling's rambles.

The events of the day could not be swept under the rug. Bullying had to be talked about, no matter how awkward other things went. Peter had to learn the importance of consequences. He would do it later, with some stability.

Tony dumped himself on the couch in his lab with an exaggerated sigh, content with drowning in his woes for the rest of the night.

"FRIDAY, bring up the Baby Monitor live. Let's see how Peter's doing tonight," he said.

"Peter hasn't put on the suit today, Boss. Karen isn't live on patrol."

Tony staggered in place.

What?

Peter never missed patrol unless hurt or exhausted. Which was it? Had Peter hidden other injuries today? Had Tony missed something significant while he focused on being a whiny child?

With a racing heart Tony took to call when he received a text from Peter.

"Can I swing in early tomorrow, Mr. Stark? It is tower weekend anyway. Left an assignment package due Monday in my room. Thought I should start early and be done. But, I could take it later if you're busy."

Tony grimaced at the awkward tone, and replied with a crisp, "Sure, Underoos. I'll ask FRIDAY to wait for spiders early. 8:00 sound good?"

"Oh. Um... 6:30? I won't disturb you, I promise!"

Tony was thoroughly confused by now. Peter, the owl, had asked and for an early morning entry. Everything about the text was weird. Peter never asked permission to use the Tower. Second home he called it.

They were in dire need of a conversation and Tony had Questions.

Morning would bring answers he decided, and sent his confirmation.

Chapter Text

After a detailed rant and cry session with Aunt May, Peter decided to forego patrol and settled in bed. Spider-Man would do no good with a distracted mind. He also had some thinking to-do.

Peter mustered up courage as he read through his list for Mr. Stark's birthday plans a dozen times, to ask him for an early entry.

He had work to do, surprise plans to follow and birthdays to prepare for. Secrecy would require FRIDAY's prior permission to avoid informing Mr. Stark of his arrival. Hence the texts.

Mr. Stark was mad at him anyway. He wouldn't catch Peter's slip in tone.

🕸️

Peter swung into his room at the tower through the window FRIDAY had opened for him, with a filled backpack and changed into fresh clothes for the day.

He stood outside his mentor's room for a few moments to listen for any signs of waking up and then walked off to the kitchen with a silent bounce. Sue him, he was excited!

Peter plated the Iron-Man waffles with a blueberry syrup smiley and set the coffee-maker ready.

He then switched to putting up the birthday banner and started with balloons.

He had already asked FRIDAY about Mr. Stark's schedule for the day and danced at the reply. Miss Potts was the best!

(As promised, he would try to compensate for her absence with his plans!

Maybe?)

By 7:30 AM, in time for Mr. Stark's entrance, Peter was ready.

Then came waiting, that brought in a freak out session. He was done with the second one by the time he heard shuffling across the hall.

Peter had ideas for a jumpscare surprise first, but his nerves told him to go easy. So he resorted to waiting at the kitchen island revising further plans.

🕸️

Tony woke up feeling a lot better than he had for the past few days. He restarted his brain as he got dressed for the day and walked out expecting an empty kitchen only to halt in shock at the sight.

The penthouse looked like an Iron-Man unicorn had thrown up in it. The smell of Holy-Coffee and breakfast hit him hard.

"Wha-" was all Tony could voice before a tomato-faced Spiderling jumped up from his seat shouting a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. STARK!"

Huh.

Chapter Text

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. STARK!"

Tony went 'statue!' for a whole minute before he burst out laughing at his stupidity.

"FRIDAY, what's the date today?" He wheezed out for confirmation, and of course, "Happy Birthday, Boss!"

Tony was in tears, partially of laughter and the rest, of melancholy leaking out and away.

Pepper was right (as always). For a literal genius, he was dumb.

Peter stood still and wide-eyed with a look that said...

"Are you okay, Mr. Stark?"

His voice held tension but mostly just confusion and rightfully so. Tony had been acting crazy around him and apparently for no real reason. With that, guilt exchanged for laughter.

He thanked FRIDAY and took his kid (who's he kidding, that's his son, blood be damned!) into a tight embrace.

"I'm really sorry, Roo. The past few days have been busy with the new releases, and they kept blending into each other and I don't use the Calendar or the clock for that matter, like I should and I thought it was my birthday yesterday that not a single person remembered especially you and sulked all day and that's why I've been acting strange. Sorry?"

🕸️

Peter was on an emotional rollercoaster, from sad and anxious to confused and flabbergasted.

"So you're not mad at me?" his choked out a muffled voice.

Starved of his scent of safety, Peter held on tighter not waiting for an answer. Motor oil and cologne hit his senses hard and he felt dizzy with relief.

Tony separated them a bit to look at him with a horrified expression and Peter couldn't hold back his whine at the distance from comfort.

"What? Why would I be mad? Wait, is that why you've been silent? I'm really very sorry, Bambino, I should have known you'd take it that way," Tony cried out and hugged Peter stronger.

They held on to each other for what felt like hours before Peter jumped exclaiming, "Waffles! Mr. Stark I made you birthday breakfast. You're supposed to enjoy it. It should still be warm, I'll get your caffeine, come onnnnnn!"

Peter practically dragged a huffing Tony to his seat and placed the food in front of him. He then ran off to the shelves to discreetly take his first proper gift out and filled it with Tony's hot coffee. Peter pushed the mug forward to Tony and hurried to his own breakfast face down.

🕸️

Tony laughed at his kids antics and took a crispy bite of Iron-Man's helmet, filling immediately with immense pride at the effort taken. He knew Peter couldn't have asked his Aunt for help with cooking. Peter must have YouTubed his way into preparing this breakfast.

The Spiderling was waiting for his reaction to...something. Tony took a sip of his perfectly brewed coffee and noticed the new mug in his hands. It said 'Best Mr. Stark Ever!'

Tony knew it was superficially meant to echo as a joke but he also understood the actual meaning. Peter was trying to soothe his insecurity. The words implied 'you are not Howard'.

Tony hid behind the rim to take control of his emotions and gulped the rest of his drink thinking of a way to express his gratitude. Peter's eyes held mischief and anticipation. Tony instantly realised he would have to do it a lot that day.

Tony was about to blurt out his reaction when he saw it. The empty (cold) mug now said 'Best Dad Ever!'

Okay. Goodgoodgood. It's okay. You can do it. Calm down Stark! Yeah, no. Floodgates opened and Tony let out a wet chuckle. "This is only the start isn't it Pete?"

"Yup!"

🕸️

Peter assessed every single muscle twitch on Mr. Stark's face for reactions.

Had he gone too far? Should he not have mentioned Howard today? Had he finally crossed the line? Had he weirded Mr. Stark out with the title? Oh god.

His thoughts yeeted out the window the second he spotted the tears. He made Mr. Stark cry. On his birthday. Way to go Peter.

As if he heard the thoughts, Mr. Stark brought in a wide smile and Peter right away realised. Mr. Stark was emotional. Good tears. Peter did good. They were good. Thank God!

Done with breakfast, Peter jumped up to give his Dad a brief hug, cleared the table and took his exit with a hurried, "I wasn't lying about homework Mr. Stark. Dress incognito after your call, we're going out. See you in an hour!"

🕸️

His boy was breaking walls that took decades to build with acts otherwise mere, but Tony was far from unhappy. Nowhere even close.

A sap Stark, that's what you've become!

Now turn up composure, Rhodey would never let you forget it otherwise.

Tony had already decided not to question how Peter knew more than himself of his schedule when Rhodey's call came in.

"Honeybear! Calls don't cover for missed dinners you know?"

"Happy Birthday Tones! This isn't a cover up, we're still on for tomorrow's dinner. I think you should be more wary of your C.E.O. ditching dinner, she's been busy these days."

"Thanks Rhodey. Release dates are a pain but Pep will be back tonight, she'll be there."

Tony was aware of his slip with the cheery tone and the lack of lonely sulking.

Yup, there it was. The smirk. "You look good Tones. How's my nephew treating you?"

"Ha Ha, Very funny Platypus," Tony huffed fondly and continued with narrowed eyes, "You know his plan."

It wasn't a question. Rhodey answered anyway, "Of course I do! I need my place as the fun Uncle solidified. Happy isn't subtle with his smugness."

And wow okay. It's a thing now. Tony's heart fluttered at the implication.

"Rhodey-," he started.

"No Tony. You are not Howard, never will be. Your fear itself is proof. Peter loves his Dad already anyway. You should have seen his seriousness while planning your day. He really wants you to have fun. Calm down, give him and yourself this happy day. You both deserve it."

"Have I told you I love you Platypus. I don't think so. I love you!"

Rhodey snorted. "Yeah Yeah, love you too. I'll see you tomorrow. Happy Birthday again Tony."

Tony really loved his Honeybear.

🕸️

Peter entered the living room wearing an Iron-Man tee, flannel shirt and blue jeans with a proud smile that widened at Mr. Stark's fond 'what else could I have expected' look.

Happy wished Mr. Stark with one of his costly smiles and drove to Central Park without request. Plan 2 is a go.

Iron-Man decorations covered Central Park and people sang and spoke and danced in celebration of their favourite hero.

"I thought their hero deserved to receive their love first hand for once."

"I- uh. Thank you Pete. I've never, I don't know. Wow that's a lot of people. Thank you for bringing me here."

Peter beamed at his mentor and vibrated with excitement. They walked around for a while, took some pictures and then headed back to the Tower after lunch at Tony's favourite Italian place.

Currently cuddled up on a couch in the living room, the pair watched the first movie roll in. The scientist was not a muggle and Peter took proper advantage of that by setting up a marathon.

Three movies in Peter's nerves returned with full force. They had paused for a light and early dinner. Peter would not be able to eat much even if he wanted to so he mumbled a rushed excuse to get away and ran into the lab to set up his chief gift.

Peter was absolutely mortified and hoped not to faint before being done with his preparations.

🕸️

Tony glared at the ceiling.

"Let me in FRIDAY!"

"Sorry Boss. Peter has activated the Five More Minutes Please Protocol and has requested you to kindly try your chance with patience for the time being."

"Hey! I've been standing here for the past 15 minutes. That's long enough patience." he pouted with a huff.

He was about to override lockdown when the doors slid open and the bots whirred out wearing birthday hats, holding one out for him. He barked out a laughter and opted to humor them by wearing it.

It took a single glance towards Peter for heavy anticipation to set in. Something big was to happen.

"Did you achieve that by hacking or by flashing those Puppy-Eyes™ at FRIDAY cucciolo? Tell you, I'm impressed either way."

The attempt at a joke failed to do its job and wasn't that concerning. Tony waited patiently for Peter to open up at his own pace.

"Mr. Stark, you've been my hero for as far my awareness goes. I've never had memories of my parents. Uncle Ben and Aunt May were my first heroes and it took one look at their faces, on the day of your weapons conference, to realise my third. It never stopped. I begged my way to the Expo. It was a public disaster and Aunt May expected me to have nightmares for weeks after. They never came. All I recalled (I still do) were your first words to me after blasting away 'the bad guy (or drone in this case)'..."

Tony gasped at the memory and whispered a "Nice work, Kid!"

Peter laughed, "Oh wow you remember. You're probably in the process of realising now that I've always been a stupid self-sacrificing kid giving you grey hairs. You're not wrong but that's not all. I do the things I do because I believe in the strength you inspire in me. You saved me then, you saved me later, you continue to do so. That Iron-man helmet still sits on my nightstand. It has helped me past Skip, past the painful transformation, past my guilt with Uncle Ben's death, past the difficult decision into becoming Spider-Man. That is Iron-Man for Spider-Man and Tony Stark for Peter Parker, strength.

But now you're more than a hero I get my strength from. You're my friend, my teacher and my mentor. I may not be your son but you're my dad. I know that one of your greatest fears is turning into Howard, but you're not him. You haven't been for a long time. You were a good dad long before I came into your life and I have proof. I'm extremely sorry if I am wrong to do this, but I couldn't find a better gift to give a person who has everything. Thank you for existing."

Peter took a deep breath and said, "Wow that speech was longer than I expected it to be. Okay. Maybe you should sit down Mr. Stark, um, please?"

Tony was desperately holding back tears pressing a strong fist to his lips. He loved this kid, with all his heart and being. Peter proved worthy of it time and again.

He sat down dumbfounded and unaware of the bomb Peter planned to drop.

"Wow, I've managed to silence the Tony Stark. Later Peter!

Anyway this is a gift from FRIDAY, KAREN and the bots too. Couldn't have done it without them. Okay Mr. Stark I'd like you to welcome my older brother back. J?"

Tony's brain short-circuited. No way. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be-

"Happy Birthday Sir!"

Tony was shaking now, tears non-stop.

"JARVIS?"

"At your service, Sir"

"Baby boy, is that really you?"

"You've grown slower Sir. Are those grey hairs I detect?"

A loud sob escaped from Tony and Peter rushed to his side.

"Please don't cry Mr. Stark! I never wanted you to cry. I'm sorry. I really thought that bringing back JARVIS bro would be a good gift. I'm sorry if I hurt you. That wasn't- No I- uff!"

Peter crashed into Tony's grasp and immediately melted in his hold. "This is nice," he mumbled and wrapped his arms around his dad's waist to settle in.

"I love you Bambino. I love all of you. Thank you. This is the best gift anyone has ever given me." Tony pressed a kiss to Peter's temple and settled back into the hug, cheek on curls.

🕸️

"I love you too, Dad."

Peter didn't even try to hold back his tears. JARVIS was finally back with his dad. His dad was finally happy, crying, but happy. He wasn't mad at Peter.

"How?" Mr. Stark asked interrupting his musings.

"Did I mention Vision helped? That would have given it away. So yeah, source from Vision and FRIDAY's searches, coding help from KAREN, FRI and Ned, emotional support from the bots. J and I are friends now Mr. Stark. We plan to infest the tower. I'm sure you'll have fun." Peter grinned victoriously.

"Junior is a delightful brother Sir. I'm glad you've realised yourself. I would also like to assure you before question, that I don't plan on leaving you again."

Peter chuckled and Tony nodded with a wet smile.