"Hey Mr. Stark!"
Tony smiles at the familiar voice. He looks up from his current lab project at the boy.
He was wearing a puffy jacket, a scarf, gloves, and a hat covering most of his fluffy curls.
If Tony was being honest, he looked adorable.
"Hey Kiddo, What's up?"
Tony watched Peter look at his current work with an uncertain look, and then right back up at Tony's face.
"Wanna go for a walk?"
Tony pauses, extremely confused. He doesn't recall Peter ever requesting something like that before.
"A walk?"
"Yeah! It's pretty cool outside and... actually you're right. Ha, that was kind of stupid... Sorry."
Guilt pangs at his heart. He immediately stands up before Peter could apologize even more.
He smiles, "A walk sounds great."
Peter shoots him a goofy grin, instantly warming his heart.
No more than ten minutes later, Tony and Peter were exiting the tower together.
Peter smiles at the fresh breeze hitting his face.
The two walk down a pathway leading to the forest, covered in red and orange fallen leaves.
"So what's with this... spur of the moment walk?"
Peter sticks his tongue out but smiles.
"No reason. I just wanted to...walk."
Tony laughs. He slings his arm over Peter's shoulders. Peter looks down at his feet, sheepishly.
"This was my Uncle Ben's favorite. He loved fall. The weather... The trees..."
Tony smiles.
"Yeah?"
Peter beams.
"Yeah. He loved fall time... You remind me of him, Mister Stark."
Tony looks down at the boy and sees his eyes were filled with tears. Happy tears. Tony plants a kiss on the top of his head.
"Y'know Pete? He would be really proud of you."
Peter cries a broken sob but his smile never leaves his face.
"Really? You mean it?"
"Of course, Buddy. There's no doubt in my mind. You're so brave. So brave. And smart and kind. He would be so proud of you... I know I am"
Peter's grip on Tony tightens.
"...Thank you."
Tony smiles.
"C'mon Let's go home. The lab is practically calling your name."