Not a Funeral, Not a Goodbye
The weather did not match the feelings.
It was bright and sunny, birds chirping, bunnies dancing, people crying.
They had the funeral at the ruins of the Avengers Compound. Where they had the endgame. Everyone wore black and white, it looked as if they were in an old movie.
Tony had to lead the funeral. That was the least he could do for Peter.
Tony stood at the front, facing the guests and Peter’s opened casket.
Peter’s casket layed exactly where he took his last breaths.
Peter looked so young and fragile and ………. peaceful.
With a black cloth to cover his right arm, Tony could have easily pretended he was just asleep.
May, Ned and MJ were at the front. Pepper, Morgan and Happy were behind them.
At the very back was Wanda, Captain, Stephen, T’Challa, The Guardians, Thor, Bruce, Bucky, Rodes, Clint, Scott, and Captain Marvel. Squishing themselves at the back trying to take as little space as possible.
May’s eyes, filled with unfallen tears, were bloodshot and puffy. Ned’s whole body shook, denying the fact that Peter, his best friend, is dead. MJ’s face was stone cold, full of anger.
At who?
Tony could only guess himself.
Tony looked down at the cards in his hands.
Pepper wrote what he had to say. It was nearly impossible to see what was written thanks to his shaking hands and wet fuzzy eyes.
“Thank.. Uhh you all for com- ”
Tony couldn’t.
But he had to,
“Coming to …. Peter’s funeral.”
His eyes skimmed the rest of the page.
Garbage.
Each word is a filthy piece of garbage.
He put down the cards.
“I only knew Peter for a few years. But I felt like I knew him for a lifetime. He did not deserve to die. And I am sorry I fai-” Tony swallowed a sob, “I failed him. I failed to protect him. I have to live with that unforgiven burden for the rest of my life.”
His eyes fell on May but he quickly looked away.
“But this is not a funeral for Peter, nor is this a goodbye.” Tony felt the words spill out like vomit, “This is our way of saying thank you.”
He locked eyes at Peter, only talking to him.
“Thank you Peter for being willing to help me fight in Germany. Thank you for beating the Vulture. Thank you for going on the stupid flying doughnut. Thank you for being a stowaway, for being back up. Thank you for-” His words were caught off by a sob. He only then realised that the sob belonged to him. He clamped his mouth over his mouth trying to stifle it.
Thank you for being the son I always wanted.
“Thank you for being the world's greatest nephew. I still don’t understand what I did to deserve you.” May added.
“Thank you for being the bestest friend anyone could ever dream about.” Ned stated, voice shaking.
“Thank you for being the nerd I always wanted.” MJ whispered.
“Thank you for sacrificing your life for a cause greater than anyone will understand.” A male voice said.
Tony was surprised when he realised that it was his voice.
*****************
They all lined up to pay their respects.
May was first, she gently pushed his brown curls away from his face.
“I love you Peter. Just remember that.” She whispered to her nephew.
Ned was next, he smiled at his friend.
“We never built the Death Star, you know. ” He paused as if waiting for a response, “Don’t worry I’ll wait until we can finish it… together.” He did their handshake, only on one side, “One day we will do the handshake again… someday.”
MJ was third.
“People have things they regret for life. Mine is that I never asked you to be mine. I.. I love you loser. I wished I had told you sooner.”
Soon it was Cap’s turn.
“Good job Queens.”
The rest of the Avengers were thanking him for the sacrifice.
Except Dr Strange.
“From the 14,000,605 possibilities we could have only won 1 way. I’m glad you made the impossible way, possible.”
Pepper and Morgan went together. Pepper held her daughter’s hand tightly as Morgan whispered, “I love you Petey.”
Tony had told Morgan about Peter, and their first time meeting each other was at Peter’s funeral. No, not a funeral, at Peter’s thank you.
Tony was last. He slowly walked up to Peter.
“I just wanted to be like you.” Peter said, smiling sadly at Tony.
Peter’s voice echoed in his head.
“I just wanted to be like you.” Peter said, smiling sadly at Tony.
“I just wanted to be like you.” Peter said, smiling sadly at Tony.
“I just wanted to be like you.” Peter said, smiling sadly at Tony.
The kid wanted to be just like Tony.
“I really am proud of you kid. And I know I should have but I never said this but I-” Breath. Tony reminded himself. “I love you. I love you… son.”
And for the second time he walked away without looking back.