Chapter 7
Stephen was all excited to meet Peter. He dressed up well while his Cloak attached itself to his back.
"No, buddy. I can't take you with me. Peter will get scared, and I’ll have to explain to Tony what you are," Stephen said.
The Cloak was disappointed, Stephen could tell.
"I'm sorry. But I promise, I’ll take you one day," Stephen added.
The Cloak flew into the wardrobe and shut it with a loud thud. Stephen rolled his eyes, knowing he would have to make up for it later.
He opened a portal near the tower but decided to walk the rest of the way.When Stephen stopped in front of the gate, the tower, once his home for years, now felt strangely unfamiliar. Slowly, he walked to the entrance, and the door opened for him.
"Welcome back, Doctor Strange," Friday greeted.
"Thanks, Friday. Where are Tony and Peter?" Stephen asked.
"Boss is bathing Peter."
"Alright, I'll wait," Stephen said.
A bit later, Tony appeared, carrying Peter wrapped in a fluffy Batman towel. Tony's clothes and body were also wet.
"Papa!" Peter squealed, squirming in Tony's arms.
Tony set him down, and Peter ran over to Stephen, who scooped him up.
"Hey, Pete! Did you have a nice bath?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, with duckies!" Peter shrieked.
Stephen chuckled.
"Stephen, let me get him dressed. Come on, Peter," Tony said.
"Okay, Daddy," Peter replied, going back to Tony.
"We’ll be right back," Tony said.
"Alright," Stephen replied.
As Tony and Peter left, Stephen looked around the tower. Not much had changed, but it wasn’t as organized as before. Peter's toys were scattered across the floor, and kids' drawings decorated the walls. Tony soon returned with Peter, who was now wearing a cute T-shirt and trousers. Tony had also changed his clothes.
"Sorry, I didn’t get time to clean up this mess," Tony said, glancing at the toys on the floor.
"It’s okay," Stephen said.
"Pete made this mess," Peter said sheepishly.
"Oh! Did you now? Aren’t you a little troublemaker?"
Stephen teased, kneeling and bopping Peter's nose.Peter giggled.
"Stephen, Peter is all yours. I’ll be in my lab. If you need me, just ask Friday," Tony said.
"Pete, be a good boy for Papa, okay?" Tony added."Okay," Peter replied.
Tony wanted to give the duo some space to bond, so he left them alone.
"Are all these Pete's toys?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, Daddy bought most of them. But this one’s from Happy, this one’s from Aunt May, and this one’s from Aunt Pep," Peter said, excitedly showing Stephen his toys and books. Stephen watched the boy with growing fondness.
"Papa, there are more in my bedroom. Do you wanna see?" Peter asked.
"Sure," Stephen replied, smiling.
Peter took Stephen's hand and led him to his bedroom. The room was an updated version of baby Peter’s nursery, Stephen remembered, but now it was filled with toys and books. Photos hung on the walls, all of them featuring Tony and Peter. Stephen felt a pang of disappointment for not being part of Peter’s world.
"Papa, do you like my room?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Pete. It's awesome," Stephen said.
"How is your home, Papa?" Peter asked.
"It’s an old building with lots of rooms," Stephen replied.
"Do you stay there alone?"
"No, a friend stays with me. And Levi," Stephen said.
"Who’s Levi?" Peter asked, curious.
"I’ll introduce him to you one day. You’ll like him," Stephen said.
"Is he a kid like me?" Peter asked.
"He’s kind of like a kid, but I’m not going to tell you much now. You’ll know when you meet him," Stephen teased.
"Okay," Peter replied.
"Look, this is my new Batman action figure!" Peter said, proudly showing off his toy.
"You’re a Batman fan?" Stephen asked, chuckling.
"Mm-hmm, yes. He’s cool," Peter said.
"I thought your dad was your superhero," Stephen said, thinking Peter knew Tony was Iron Man.
"Of course, Daddy is my superhero! He protects me without any powers," Peter said.
Stephen realized Peter didn’t know about Tony’s superhero life.
"You’re also going to be my superhero. You saved me," Peter said, grinning.
Stephen smiled back.
"Pete, how’s school?" Stephen asked.
"It’s good! I’ve got two best friends—Ned and MJ," Peter said.
"That’s great."
"But some kids don’t like me," Peter said, pouting.
"Why?" Stephen asked, frowning.
"I don’t know. They tease me for getting good marks and for not having two parents," Peter said.
"Who are these kids? Did you tell Daddy?" Stephen asked, feeling anger rise inside him.
"No, I don’t want Daddy to be sad. He gets sad when I ask about you. I don’t want him to be sad," Peter said.
Stephen felt a deep guilt for making his son’s life difficult.
"Pete, now that I’m here, you can tell them who your papa is," Stephen said.
"What should I say? That my papa is a magic man?" Peter asked, clearly confused.
"No, you tell them your papa is a doctor, a neurosurgeon," Stephen said.
"You’re a doctor?" Peter asked, excited.
"I don’t practice anymore," Stephen replied with a small smile.
"Why?"
"See, Papa’s hands are broken. I can’t be a doctor with broken hands," Stephen said, showing Peter his hands.
Peter held Stephen’s hands in his tiny ones, tracing the scars with his fingers.
"Does it hurt, Papa?" Peter asked.
"Sometimes," Stephen replied softly.
"Daddy can help you! Daddy always helps me with oowies," Peter said.
"No one can help with this, Pete," Stephen said sadly.
Peter looked at Stephen’s face and saw how sad he was. He then kissed Stephen’s hands.
"Pete kissed it better. It’ll be okay!" Peter said, grinning widely.
Tears filled Stephen’s eyes, and he hugged Peter close to his chest.
"Thank you, Pete," he said, sobbing softly.The boy gently patted Stephen’s back, comforting him.How could Stephen have ever left this sweet boy? He could never forgive himself.
"Doctor Strange, it’s Peter’s snack time. Boss is waiting," Friday suddenly said, startling Stephen. He pulled away from the hug.
"Come on, Pete, let’s go," Stephen said.
"Yeah! Snack time!" Peter squealed and ran ahead.
Stephen chuckled and followed him.
"Hey, come on, Petey Pie. Are you hungry?" Tony asked, picking Peter up.
"Yes! Pete is always hungry!" Peter said.
"I know that! That’s why Daddy made the best snacks for you," Tony said, setting him down in his chair.
"How do you feed him when he’s at school?" Stephen asked.
"I pack all his meals. Peter’s doctor said it’s normal for him to always be hungry," Tony said.
"Yes, it is. He’s a hyperactive kid, and he’s growing," Stephen said.
"Do you do all this by yourself?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, when I’m here. If I’m away, May or Pepper takes care of him," Tony replied.
"If you’re away, I could look after him if you want," Stephen said, unsure of himself.
He knew he didn’t have the right to ask after abandoning Peter for years.
"Sure, Peter would love that. Wouldn’t you, Pete?" Tony asked.
"Yes, Daddy! I want to meet Levi!" Peter said with his mouth full of food.
"Who?" Tony asked.
"That’s someone who lives with me," Stephen explained.
"Papa said he’s like me," Peter added.
Stephen has someone living with him. Another kid? Tony thought but decided not to ask. He had promised Stephen he wouldn’t pry into his life.
"Daddy, I’m done," Peter said.
"Good boy. Come on, let me clean you up," Tony said, picking Peter up.
Tony left with Peter while Stephen cleared the plates and began washing them. Memories of him and Tony working together in the kitchen flooded his mind. This tower used to be his home.
Tony returned with Peter and saw Stephen washing dishes. He remembered how he used to wrap his arms around Stephen’s waist and kiss his neck while he worked, only to get playfully punched back. Tony smiled at the memory.
"Pete, you can watch TV," Tony said.The boy ran off to watch it.
"You don't have to do it," Tony said, standing near Stephen.
"It's alright. This is the least I can do," Stephen replied, arranging the dishes.
"You haven't told Peter about you being Ironman?" Stephen asked.
"No, he doesn't know about the Avengers," Tony said.
"But he'll figure it out one day, you know?" Stephen said, drying his hands.
"Yes, but I want to keep him away from reality for as long as I can. He’s always worried when I'm away. He’ll be more scared when he knows I’m fighting villains," Tony said.
"Mmh, makes sense," Stephen said.
"I don’t want to pry, but why didn’t you ever come to see Peter? Not even once? I know you still hate me for what I did, but you could’ve at least come to see Peter," Tony said.
"I stay away from him to keep him safe. But I’ve always been watching—when you celebrated his birthdays, his first day of school, the first time he rode a bicycle—everything," Stephen said.
"You were there when all this happened?" Tony asked, surprised.
"Yes. I was loving my son from a distance. I wanted to hold him and tell him I’m his papa, but... I couldn’t," Stephen said, tears in his eyes.
"And you’re not going to tell me why?" Tony asked.
"No, I can’t tell you now," Stephen said.
"Stephen, since you left, I’ve searched for you in every corner of the earth, using all my technology, but I couldn’t find you. I didn’t talk about you to Peter because I was scared you’d never return, and I didn’t want to give him false hope. I didn’t even show him our pictures. You could’ve at least told me you were alive," Tony said, tears welling up.
"I know. But it would’ve only hurt Peter. When that attack happened, I couldn’t help but intervene. I shouldn’t have been there, but Peter being in danger is something I can’t stand," Stephen said.
"So, if Peter wasn’t in danger, you would never have come to see him?" Tony asked.
Stephen remained silent.
"Stephen, I don’t know what mysterious job you're doing, but Pete deserves you. Not a day goes by without him asking about you. I’ve done my best to give him a good life, but he still misses you. He doesn’t even remember your face, but he still wants his papa," Tony said, his voice rising.
"I... I’m sorry. I should’ve come sooner. But I won’t leave him again. I’ll be there for him, always," Stephen said.
"Thanks, that’s all I want to hear," Tony said.
"Papa! Daddy! Come, my favorite show is on!" the boy squealed, running into the kitchen.
"Yeah, we’re coming," Tony said.
Stephen followed Tony.
Peter sat between his two parents, watching the show on TV. The boy was entertained by everything on the screen, clapping and giggling, which made Stephen and Tony’s hearts swell with love. They were more entertained by Peter’s reactions than the show itself.
After the show ended, Peter wanted to play outside, which they allowed. The boy was full of energy, running from one side of the yard to the other, while the adults struggled to keep up.
"Pete, that’s enough. We’re tired," Tony said.
"Daddy, I want to play more," Peter whined.
"Pete, we’re not three years old anymore," Tony said, rolling his eyes.
"I don’t have anyone to play with," Peter pouted.
"I’ll take you to a playdate next weekend. But now, let’s go inside and rest," Tony said, trying to guide him inside.
"Next weekend is too long!" Peter whined, stomping his foot.
"Pete, don’t be a bad boy," Tony warned.
Peter started crying, big crocodile tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Pete, why are you crying now?" Tony asked, exasperated.
Stephen couldn’t stand seeing his boy cry.
"Pete, what’s wrong?" Stephen asked, kneeling in front of him.
"I want to play more," the boy sobbed.
"How about we play board games inside? Poor Daddy’s legs are hurting. He’s old, isn’t he?" Stephen asked with a smug smile.
Peter giggled at that.
"Oh? And you haven’t turned 18 yet," Tony said, rolling his eyes.
"Daddy is old!" Peter repeated, giggling even more.
"Say that again?" Tony asked with a mock hurt expression.
"Daddy is old!" Peter said.
Tony scooped him up and started tickling him.
"Oh, am I? Am I?" Tony teased as he carried Peter inside.
"Daddy, stop!" Peter laughed.
Stephen chuckled and followed them.
The trio settled down to play Scavenger Hunt, with the adults humorously failing to keep up with Peter’s sharp mind. Peter was so happy, and that made Stephen and Tony happy too.
"Pete, aren’t you hungry?" Tony asked, checking the time.
"Yes, Daddy," Peter said.
"Okay, come on, let’s have lunch."
"Uh, Tony, I need to go," Stephen said.
"Why the hurry?" Tony asked.
"I told Wong I’d be back before lunch," Stephen said.
"Oh? So this person will be waiting for you?" Tony asked, feeling a bit jealous, though he didn’t need to be—they weren’t together anymore.
"Yes," Stephen replied.
"Okay, then. You can go," Tony said.
"Papa, you’re leaving?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Pete. But I’ll come another day and take you to my home," Stephen said.
"Okay," Peter said in a small voice.
"Hey, I promise I’ll come back," Stephen said, cupping his cheeks.
"Okay," Peter said, smiling lightly.
Stephen kissed Peter on the head, and Peter kissed his cheek back.
"Bye," Stephen said to Tony.
Tony nodded.
"It’s just us again, Pete," Tony said, pulling Peter into his lap.
"Papa will come back, Daddy. Don’t worry," Peter said.
"Mmh, yes, he will," Tony said, kissing Peter’s head.
Stephen returned to the Sanctum, where Wong was waiting.
"How did it go?" Wong asked.
"It went well. Peter was so happy to spend time with me," Stephen said.
"And Stark?" Wong asked.
"What about him?" Stephen asked.
"He’s your husband," Wong said.
"Only on paper. That ship sailed a long time ago," Stephen said.
"Mmh," Wong responded.
"How did it go at Kamar-Taj?" Stephen asked.
"The Masters weren’t happy about the incident, but they’re willing to introduce us to SHIELD. They think it’ll help us in the future," Wong said.
"They accepted that so easily?" Stephen asked, surprised.
"No, it took three hours of convincing on my part. You owe me, Strange," Wong said.
"Thank you, so much," Stephen said, hugging Wong.
Wong was surprised but kept his composure.
"Now, get off and get ready for the meeting. Tomorrow, we’re meeting SHIELD and the Avengers."
"Sure," Stephen said, heading to his room.
He entered his room and saw the Cloak of Levitation still resting in the wardrobe.
"Are you still mad at me?" Stephen asked with a smirk.
The cloak didn’t move.
"I’m sorry. But I have good news. Peter’s coming here to meet you," Stephen said.
The cloak perked up at that and hugged Stephen.
"Yes, I know, I know. You’ll love meeting him," Stephen said, chuckling.
"Come, I have so much to tell you," Stephen said, and the cloak followed him.