A Legacy Is Throwing A Rock In A River But Never Seeing The Ripples
“Put. Your. Hands. Up. Not-Peter.” Tony breathed.
Peter’s hands flung in the air. His face had a broken expression.
Beads of sweat trickled from the back of Tony’s neck.
“Tony,” May said carefully, putting her arms up too even though the gun was facing the boy instead of her, “what are you doing?”
“I- I don- n’t -I” Tony searched his baffled brain for an answer.
What am I doing?
“Tell me something only Peter would know!” Tony commanded Peter.
No he commanded Not-Peter.
Or maybe Peter?
Tony commanded Maybe- Peter.
Maybe- Peter’s eyebrows scrunched up.
“Uhh,” He bit his bottom lip, his arms shaking, probably getting tired from staying in that uncomfortable position, “you think the first time we met was when you were recruiting me for Germany-”
“Yeah I recruited Peter for Germany. Everyone knows that!”
“You did not let me finish.”
“Then FINISH!”
Peter flinched at the sudden noise.
“Um… I first saw you when Justin Hammer created those robots and then I was being, ” Peter let out a soft chuckle with no joy, “so stupid thinking I was The Tony Stark and could take out a robot.”
The man gulped, he thought he knew what will happen next.
“I held out my homemade Iron Man glove at the robot. I was so scared as the robot held out his gun. I was so happy I had the helmet on so when you landed next to me and shooted the robot.”
Tony blinked away tears.
“And you said-”
Peter had to remind himself to breathe.
“You said good work kid. ”
Tony bit his cheek to keep from sobbing.
“And then a few years later you said..”
The man guided his shaking arm down to put the gun down on the couch.
“You said you were proud of me.”
Tony staggered towards Peter who still had his arms up.
The man carefully cupped Peter wet cheeks, brushing away tears.
“Peter.” Tony whispered before fiercely bringing Peter into a hug.
They both stood there hugging, not wanting to let go.
Not wanting to go.
Tony made a silent promise to never let Peter slip from his fingers again.
As they both embraced each other Peter thought back to the time he was dusted.
And the silent words he could never say.
I don’t want to go. I want to die. I want to survive. I want to live. I want to live and be a hero like you. I want to leave a legacy like you.
Now that he was alive he will never stop at anything to be just like Tony.
Maybe even better.