Epilogue
Even though they were already married, Stephen and Tony decided to restart their relationship as if they were dating again. The duo went on dates, talking to each other like they were meeting for the first time. They wanted a fresh start, leaving behind their darker days.
It took almost a year for Tony to convince Stephen that they were ready for the next step—marriage. As promised, Tony never hurt him, not even with a look; instead, he cherished Stephen as if he were the most precious thing in the world. Peter was the one most entertained by seeing his daddy treat his papa like a princess. The boy would giggle whenever they were affectionate, saying that his papa was like a Disney princess, which made Stephen blush hard. Peter even developed a newfound interest in princess stories.
After a year of dating, Tony proposed to Stephen again, asking him to be his husband. Tony was nervous, afraid Stephen might say no. But instead, Stephen smirked knowingly and said, "I knew you were going to ask." Tony wiped that smirk away with a kiss.
They got married again, this time with only their closest friends and Peter as their flower boy.
As Peter grew older, his stubbornness increased. He strongly demanded either a puppy or a sibling, and when his persistence reached a point where neither Stephen nor Tony could control it, they decided to grant his wish. They gave him a little sister—Morgan Strange Stark. Like Peter, she quickly became a daddy’s girl, much to Stephen’s fake disappointment (which, deep down, he secretly cherished). Peter took care of his little sister with all his heart.
Compared to Peter, Morgan was a bit bossy and demanding.
On her first birthday, Stephen was struggling to put her in a freshly purchased, expensive princess dress, but the little girl whined and cried, refusing to wear it.
"Morgan, come on," Stephen said, exhausted.
Hearing his daughter's cries, Tony entered the room.
"What happened? Why isn't she ready yet?" he asked as he sat down.
"Your daughter refuses to wear the dress. I’m done. You try now," Stephen said, annoyed.
"You and Peter go ahead. Our guests are waiting. I’ll dress her up," Tony assured him.
"Hey, Maguna, I know you want Daddy to dress you," Tony cooed, picking her up in his arms.
"Okay, come on, Peter," Stephen said, taking the boy’s hand as they walked out.
"Daddy’s princess is going to look like a real princess in this dress," Tony said sweetly, trying once again. But Morgan whined even louder and squirmed in protest.
"You’re tougher than Peter, Morgan," Tony muttered, tired.
Meanwhile, Stephen and Peter were welcoming their guests.
"Where are Tony and the birthday girl? We’ve been here for a while," Rhodey asked.
"Tony said he’d dress her up. I don’t know what’s taking so long," Stephen sighed, rolling his eyes.
After some time, Tony finally emerged, carrying Morgan in his arms. Instead of the princess dress, she was wearing a simple onesie.
"Why is she in a onesie, Tony?" Stephen asked, glaring.
"I tried putting the dress on her, but she didn’t want it," Tony explained.
"I bought the perfect princess dress for her first birthday, and you put her in a onesie?" Stephen asked, exasperated.
"I know, the dress is pretty. But does our little girl really need it? She’s always a princess, with or without a dress. Right, Maguna?" Tony asked, and Morgan squealed happily.
"See? Our girl is happy on her big day. That’s all that matters, right?" Tony said.
Stephen sighed, then smiled fondly.
"Happy birthday, Morgan!" Peter said excitedly, holding a small gift.
Tony knelt in front of the boy.
"Look, Morgan, your big brother has a gift for you," Tony said.
Stephen knelt beside them as well.
"Yes, I made it myself!" Peter said proudly.
"Good job, Pete. Give it to Morgan," Tony encouraged.
Peter handed over the gift, and Morgan eagerly grabbed it—only to put it in her mouth.
"Morgan loves your gift, Pete," Stephen said, kissing Peter’s head.
"Did she?" Peter asked excitedly.
"Yes! Look how excited she is," Tony chuckled.
"Come on, let’s cut the cake," Stephen said.
With Stephen’s help, Morgan cut the cake while Tony carried Peter in his arms. The guests all wished the little girl, and Tony made sure to capture every moment. Stephen had missed many of Peter’s first milestones, but with Morgan, he was determined to make up for it.
After the party, Peter had already fallen asleep in his room, while Stephen was trying to put Morgan to sleep.
Tony joined them, sitting close.
"I think Morgan is still too excited about her birthday. She doesn’t want to sleep," Stephen chuckled.
"Are you happy, Stephen?" Tony asked, his eyes filled with love as he watched his husband.
"Of course I am. The party was perfect. Thank you," Stephen said sincerely.
"I wanted it to be perfect—not just for Morgan, but for you too," Tony admitted, putting an arm around him.
"Tony, you can stop apologizing. I trust you. That’s why I agreed to have another baby—because I know you would never hurt me," Stephen said softly.
"I never will. And I want you to know that every single day. If it means spoiling you, I’ll do that too," Tony said with a smile.
Stephen chuckled.
"So, will you do something for me now?" he asked in a whisper, leaning closer.
"Anything, Stephen," Tony said, his lips just a breath away.
"I want you to..." Stephen trailed off teasingly.
"You want me to...?" Tony asked eagerly, leaning in.
"I want you to... take Morgan to her nursery and put her to sleep. I’m exhausted," Stephen said, handing the baby to Tony before flopping onto the bed.
"Stephen, you’re a spoilsport," Tony groaned.
"What are you talking about?" Stephen asked innocently.
"Come on, Morgan, your papa is mean," Tony muttered, carrying the baby out.
Stephen chuckled, watching his husband grumble like a child who had just been given a time-out. He snuggled into the pillows, leaving some space for Tony to join him and spoon him—his favorite sleeping position now.
After a while, Tony slipped into bed, wrapping his arms around Stephen.
"Is she asleep?" Stephen murmured.
"Yes. She’s probably dreaming about us," Tony said, kissing the back of his neck.
Stephen turned to face his husband and gave him a small peck on the lips.
"I love you," he said sincerely.
"I love you too," Tony replied by giving a kiss to Stephen's forehead.
Stephen knew Tony meant it. He had proved it every day, with all his heart, making sure Stephen felt safe and loved. Stephen cuddled into Tony’s chest, and Tony protectively wrapped his arms around him.
Tony and Stephen belonged to each other. That’s what the universe wanted.