My favourite person
Peter dumps the cup of flour into the bowl then grabs two eggs off the counter and holds them up, smiling at Tony. “Can I crack them in now, dad?”
“Did you put one two cups of flour in?”
“Yes.”
“Then go for it. Make sure you don’t get any egg shells. We don’t want a repeat of last time.” Tony says, chuckling at the memory as he measures out the vanilla they need.
“Hey. That was because I sneezed!”
“Yeah, all into the dough also. I should have banned you from the kitchen after that disaster.”
Peter cracks an egg in, purposely showing Tony he didn’t get any egg shells in there. “And who’s the one who ended up burning our bread? You. I’m actually a decent baker.”
Tony hums and walks over to look inside the bowl. Peter’s sitting on his knees on the counter wearing his grandpa’s joke Christmas present from a few years back that says kiss the chef, Tony thinks it’s funny and he’s expecting the picture they took of him kissing Peter on the cheek to be printed out and framed in his parents house when they come next at Christmas time.
Or sooner, if they can find time between Peter starting grade eight and managing life.
“It’s looking good, kid. Good job.” Tony squeezes him. “You’ve got flour in your hair, tell me how that managed to get there.”
Peter doesn’t make a move to brush it out, instead, he glares back at Tony. “Cause you keep touching my hair.”
Tony holds his hands up in surrender. “Don’t blame me. Your hair is soft and I have every right to touch your hair. You’re mine.”
Hearing his dad call him his, makes Peter feel all warm and loved inside. He grins shyly and goes back to cracking the other egg inside the bowl.
Peter genuinely enjoys baking with his dad. He used to bake occasionally with Aunt May, more so when his Uncle was still alive because May had more time to be home with him since she worked less, but he’s grateful for the memories. And now he gets to make new memories with his dad.
Happy memories.
It took them about two hours to make the sugar cookies but only because Peter kept eating the dough and making a mess, simply having fun. And Tony indulged in his behaviour, enjoying himself too much to rush their time together.
By the time the cookies are in the oven, Peter’s grown bored and made his way outside to swim with his grandpa keeping an eye on him so Tony can clean up the kitchen.
His mother is in there too, chopping up fruits to make a fruit platter.
Although it’s been about half a week since his parents found out the truth of Peter being Spider-Man, the air is still tense between them at times. Especially Tony and his mom.
Tony’s father just wants to know everything there is to know about Peter and his capabilities, having questions that Tony doesn’t even know the answers to yet.
But Tony’s forbid his father from asking Peter questions. He doesn’t want Peter growing curious of his own abilities yet. He wants Peter to get there on his own… hopefully in the far future.
And his mom, his mom is hurt. Tony can tell. Even when she tries to hide it. But he doesn’t blame her, there’s not much he can do to console her though. So he just tries to avoid the subject altogether.
“Hopefully your cookies will turn out.”
Tony sees that there’s five minutes left on the timer. “Peter stuck his finger in the dough about twenty times so as long as you’re okay with eating them.” He chuckles.
“Oh, he’s too much.” She laughs with him. “Of course I’m fine with it. He’s my grandson. Not some random boy off the streets.”
Tony hangs the dish cloth up. “You know, he can sense your sadness, mom. You don’t need to be upset about… that.”
Maria shakes her head. “Is that another one of his… abilities?”
“I don’t think so. He’s just a sensitive boy and feels other people’s feelings strongly.” Tony really hates how he doesn’t know much about his son's powers. How can he protect him if he doesn’t even know the full extent of everything?
“Okay. I’m trying, Antonio. I really am. But it’s so hard. I just… I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around everything. Okay?”
“I know, Ma. I understand.” Tony pulls the cookies out of the oven and turns it off. “He’ll love it if you go swimming with him. Spend some time with him before we go back home on Monday.”
“Don’t remind me. I’m not ready for you guys to leave me just yet.”
Tony sighs. He feels bad. But they have to go back.
At least they could enjoy the rest of the week together before they have to go back.
So Tony takes his mom outside into the backyard and looks towards the pool for Peter but he doesn’t see him there. He looks a bit to the left and spots him squatting in the grass, seeming to look at something. Probably a bug. Tony has no idea what it is with kid’s’ obsession with nasty bugs.
Peter loves them. So weird.
Maybe because he is part bug… such a strange thing to think.
He walks over to him and stands behind the boy. “What’re you up to?”
Peter looks up briefly. He’s wearing sunglasses and has white smears of sunscreen on his face. It makes him look about five years younger and Tony’s heart melts. He wants ten Peter’s.
“This big is orange. I’ve never seen one like this before.”
“Wow. Maybe it’s a stink bug.”
Peter’s nose scrunches up. “Noo. It’s not. I’ve seen a stink bug before. Well, a picture at least. This isn’t one. It’s a strange bug.”
“Pick it up and go ask grandma.” Tony jokes, but some part of him knows that Peter will do exactly that. He watches Peter take a leaf to pick the big up then he carefully walks over to his grandma and holds out the leaf with the big on it.
“Grandma, what kind of bug is this?”
Maria pushes the leaf away from her face and immediately, both Tony and his father start laughing, knowing how much Maria hates bugs.
Apparently Peter has yet to learn that.
“It’s just a tiny bug. Look!” Peter offers it closer and Maria gets up from the chair she is sitting on and screams, moving away from Peter.
“No. You keep that thing away from me.”
Peter tilts his head. “But… why?”
“A tua nonna non piacciono gli insetti, Peter.” (Your grandma doesn't like bugs, Peter) Howard says but Peter just looks at him more confused. Obviously not understanding him doesn’t help.
“Dad. English.” Tony sighs and goes to Peter’s side. “Petey, grandma doesn’t like bugs.”
Peter places the bug down on the leaf and stands there. “Oh. Sorry, grandma. It’s not scary though. He’s actually cute.”
“It’s okay, honey.” Maria tucks her hair behind her ears. “It’s alright. Just… don’t you bring those bugs near me again. Got it?”
Peter nods and turns to Tony. “I still don’t know what kind of bug it is.”
“How about we look it up later.”
Peter accepts that for now.
“Hey. Go ask grandma if she wants to take you down to the beach to go swimming.” Tony suggests. He needs to have a dreaded talk with his dad that he’s not looking forward to one bit but it needs to be done.
Peter jumps at the suggestion and soon, Tony watches his mom and son walk down towards the beach, wishing he could go with them but he can’t just yet.
Howard puts down his newspaper and clears his throat. “Alright. I obviously did something wrong. That’s why you sent them away.”
Tony takes a seat on the pool chair opposite his father and looks at him.
“Are you sure they’re far enough? I mean with Peter’s crazy good hearing that you know nothing about.”
“Watch it. If you want to be in my son's life, you better listen to me right now, dad. Because I’m sick and tired of how you’re treating my son. Me, I can get used to. Hell, I’ve been used to it. But now you’re treating my kid the same way.”
“Hold on now, Tony. How about you explain.”
“I shouldn’t even have to but okay.” Tony sniffles. “He tried so hard to get you to like him and to make you proud of him that he thought he had to prove himself to you and that’s why he told you he’s Spider-Man.”
Howard sits up, swinging his legs to the side of the chair.
“Don’t blame this on me. That boy can’t keep a secret for the life of him, and that’s no surprise. You know he’s telling your mother and I that you and Pepper have sleepovers and he’s not allowed in your bedroom when the door is closed.”
Tony tries so hard to not feel out on the spot.
“See? That’s something he shouldn’t have shared with us but all kids are blabber mouths. It’s written in their DNA.”
“That’s not the point, dad.” Tony almost yells. “The point is that you make my son feel unwanted and unloved. And that’s a huge problem.”
Howard scuffs at him. “Oh please, Tony. I love Peter. Of course I do. He’s the heir to Stark Industries.”
Tony actually feels hurt and at loss for words. Wow. Just wow.
“That’s… all? That’s only why you love him?”
“No. That’s not all and you know it.” Howard says and Tony waits for him to continue, trying not to let the hurt show on his face. “Peter is your son which makes him my grandson. I love him, of course I do. But I’m also very happy he’s a boy so he can take over the company one day.”
“And if he was a girl?”
Howard thinks about it. “Well, I’d love her too. Of course. But I’d say keep trying until you have a boy.”
Tony hates how old fashioned and stuck in his ways his father can be sometimes. “You know Pepper is the CEO of my company? A woman. Female.”
“Yes. Obviously I do.” He picks up his mug and takes a gulp, lying back down. “But you still own it. You’re the one who makes the final decisions, the one who sits in on the board meeting with other men. And one day, Peter will too.”
“Maybe not. I never had a choice in the matter. I’m giving Peter that choice. And if he comes to me one day and says he wants to have nothing to do with my company, I won’t force him to think otherwise.”
Howard’s head snaps towards Tony. “Damn right he will. Over my dead body will I not have my grandson take over. Peter is the heir to Stark Industries. I’ll walk down to that beach right now and tell him that he must. No exception.”
Tony blinks slowly at his father. “If you talk to my son about Stark Industries without my permission then I’ll make damn sure that’s the last time you ever speak to your grandson. Mark my words.”
Howard seems to realize he’s gone too far. He runs a hand across his face.
“Tony. I don’t want to fight. Alright? I will… admit. I struggle with… not being in control. I’m controlling, possessive, bad traits you got from me, I’ll admit, but it’s necessary in this life we live.”
Tony doesn’t disagree. He thinks of Peter and his duty to keep him safe and maybe that involves him being a bit… controlling and possessive over him…
“I can’t change who I am.”
“I’m not asking you to, dad. All I’m asking is that you treat Peter better. Don’t let him have to question your love for him. It’s thirteen. He’s got a lot on his plate. He doesn’t need that too.”
Howard leans over to rub Tony’s knee. The physical affection from his father is still so weird. That’s why Tony’s constantly touching and cuddling with Peter, wanting Peter to never feel touched starved. Ever.
“Okay. You’re right. I’ll change that. I’ll try my best.” He stands up. “Right now. I’ll get him ready for bed tonight, feed him, all that jazz.”
Tony stands up with him. “Okay. He isn’t a baby, dad. He can do all that himself.”
Howard and him turn to begin making their way down towards the beach. Tony’s itching to see Peter at this point.
“He’s close enough. Diapers and all that fun stuff.” Howard sarcastically says. It makes Tony roll his eyes.
“Pull-ups. And it’s just at nights.”
“Like I said, a baby. I don’t mean that as an offence. I’m saying you should enjoy him, Tony. He’s a good boy. Raise him right.”
That’s probably the nicest thing his father has ever said to him. Tony wraps an arm around the man, giving him a half hug. “Thanks, dad. Honestly.”
Howard gives Tony one last smile then walks ahead of him and goes towards Peter on the beach. He makes an effort to be interested in what he’s doing. “Hey, buddy. Tell me what you’re doing.”
Peter crawls away as he answers. “Digging for treasure. I’m the king and grandma is the princess but we lost her crown and have to find it before the soldiers come back.”
Howard immediately loses interest.
Kids' imaginary play just doesn’t interest him one bit. But he made a promise to Tony to try, so he kneels down in the sand next to Peter. “That’s so interesting. I can be a knight.”
Peter looks up at him surprised. “You-you want to play too?”
“Sure.”
“Okay, grandpa. Then you have to protect that pile of sand. Make sure the waves don’t flatten it.”
Upon seeing Peter being entertained by Howard, Maria goes over to Tony. “What did you say to him to get him to play Kings and Queens with Peter?”
Tony crosses his arms over his chest, watching Peter. “I just told him the truth. He needs to step up and be better for Peter, mom. I won’t tolerate anything less.”
Maria loops her arm in Tony’s. “I know, my sweet boy. You’re right.” She lays her head on his arm. “You’re such an amazing father. The best Peter could ever have. Always remember that.”
Tony has a hard time believing it sometimes. “Hmm.”
“Hey. It’s true. It is. I know that you two were made for each other. I know it’s hard now. I know. Kids are hard at this age. Especially kids who have already lost everyone and… are Spider-Man.” Tony grimises at that. “But you’re the best thing that boy needs, Antonio. Always remember that.”
Tony won’t lie, it feels really good to hear coming from his mom. “Thanks, Ma. Ti amo.” (I love you)
“Ti amo, Antonio.”
.
.
.
“You can either put it away or I will.”
Peter stomps his foot, refusing to listen to his dad. He wants to continue playing and he’s having way too much fun to stop now.
“No.”
Tony stands up from the couch and grabs Peter’s arm. “You don’t say no to me when I’m asking you to listen. Clean up your toys right now.”
The thing about Peter getting comfortable with his grandparents means that he’s not shy enough to throw the biggest fit in front of them. When they first arrived, Tony could tell Peter held back at times, too shy or embarrassed to lash out, but now he’s comfortable with them so that means he won’t hold back.
Lucky Tony…
Peter rips his arm out of his fathers grip and kicks over his Lego tower. “I don’t want to clean up so I don’t have to!”
Tony knows both his parents are watching him and his father is most likely judging him, knowing there’s other ways to handle this kind of behaviour that includes using physical force.
Tony will not hit his child.
Peter could blow his lab up or destroy his Iron Man suits on purpose and Tony still wouldn’t hit him. He’s learnt from his own childhood that you can get your child to listen to you without physically hurting them.
And Tony most definitely doesn’t want Peter to fear him.
“Peter. This behaviour is unacceptable. You can either clean up your toys now or take a few minutes to calm down and then clean them up.” Tony gives him the options, hoping his parenting advice from Peter’s therapist helps fix this situation.
“Later.” Peter looks at Tony and crawls behind the couch. “I don’t want you to look at me! Stop it!”
Tony stands up. He knows fighting with Peter won’t help anyone. So he leaves him alone and walks towards the kitchen but before he leaves, he stops to turn around. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” With that, Tony walks away.
Truth be told, Peter’s behavioral outbursts are extremely hard on Tony.
He feels like he’s failing him every time and it doesn’t help to know that there’s simply a lot going on with Peter and it’s sometimes too much due Tony to handle on his own so he’s left with no other choices than to ask Peter’s therapist for guidance.
His mom rubs a hand up and down his back. “Oh, Antonio. Don’t take it personally. Children are difficult sometimes. Especially at this age.”
Tony nods. He tries to tell himself that.
“Yeah.”
“He doesn’t like to hear the word no.” It’s a statement but Tony still feels the need to answer.
“Yeah. He definitely doesn’t.” Tony turns around to face his mother, crossing his arms over his chest. “His Aunt, I hate to say it, but she… she wasn’t the best parental figure to him.” He feels awful and rotten saying this, but it’s a fact.
“Oh. How so?”
“She… well, she never wanted kids, then she ended up with Peter anyways. And I’m not saying she didn’t love him or try her best, because she did. No doubt. But… she was very… laid back. So Peter isn’t used to hearing the word no to put it bluntly.”
Maria nods in understanding. “She gave in lots?”
“You can say that.” Tony shrugs. “Peter, as you can see, wants what he wants, and if he doesn’t get it, he’ll throw a fit until you give in. And his Aunt would give in, claiming she was too tired to deal with it. But fair enough, she worked almost twelve hours every single day. But I don’t give in, and so he throws fits.”
Maria listens to him. Peter is such a well behaved and kind hearted human being. But when he gets in his moods, he’ll turn the house upside down.
“He’s got a strong personality.”
“That’s for sure.”
“But so do you, Antonio.”
Tony chuckles softly. “So you’re saying he’ll only get worse?” He half jokes.
“Maybe. Most likely. But in the best way. He’s still grieving his Aunt and Uncle, Antonio.” She’s at his side again, rubbing his muscular arm. “Just give him some time. And I promise I’ll always be here to help you.”
It feels good to hear. Honestly, Tony will need all the help he can get to raise Peter.
“Thanks, mom.” He sighs. “I better go check on him now.” With that, Tony walks back into the living room and finds Peter sitting in front of his grandpa, talking with him in Italian. Of course Peter isn’t understanding anything but he’s repeating the words almost perfectly.
Tony forgets all about Peter’s outburst just a few minutes ago and apparently so has Peter.
“Sono un bravo ragazzo e non risponderò a mio padre.” (I am a good boy and will not talk back to my father) Howard says, waiting for Peter to repeat it.
“Sono un bravo rag-rag… what was it again?” Peter laughs, looking up at him.
“Ragazzo.”
“That means baby.” Peter says.
“Yeah. Baby boy. Or boy.”
“What does the sentence mean?”
“Say it and I’ll tell you.”
Tony shakes his head at his father. “Don’t corrupt my son, dad.”
Howard waves Tony off. “Nonsense. I’m trying to help you.”
“What did you say in English?” Peter asks again, more impatient this time.
Since his father isn’t going to answer him, Tony does. “He said I’m a good boy and won’t talk back to my father.”
Peter gives a dirty look at Howard with a hint of a mischievous smile. “Hey! I am a good boy.”
“A volte.” (Sometimes) Howard says and Tony chuckles.
“Pete, you’ve actually gotten better with your Italian.” Says Tony, proud of him.
“I agree. Although you have a strong American accent.”
Tony looks at his father. “It’s pretty good for a beginner, dad.”
“Yes. And you’ll be fluent in no time.”
“No. New York doesn’t speak Italian. Only English. And some Spanish.” Peter says, still sitting on his grandpa's feet.
“Do you know any Spanish, Peter?” Howard asks.
“Hola. Only.”
Tony leans over him from behind, holding his face in his hands when Peter looks up at him. “You’re too cute. How about you clean up your toys then we can go hang out at the beach until bedtime.”
Thankfully, Peter doesn’t put up a fight and starts cleaning up his toys, only asking for help once he’s picked up mostly everything.
It takes them another twenty minutes to change into bathing suits and head down to the beach.
Tony knows their days are counting down here and although he’s excited to go home to get back into a routine and sleep in his own bed in his own house, he’s going to miss his parents a lot.
It’s crazy, before having Peter, he used to go years without seeing his parents. And now, he’s thinking it’s going to become their new normal, to see each other a few times a year.
And Tony’s more than okay with that.
He watches Peter sit in the sand and get tossed back on purpose as waves crash into him. He can hear the laughter even from where he’s standing.
“His laughter is contagious.” Maria says, unable to stop herself from laughing.
“It is. He’s so perfect, mom. I honestly don’t know how I’ve survived so long without him.”
“You both needed each other. But you just had to wait until the stars aligned in order to end up together.” She says, leaning against Tony’s shoulder.
He can’t agree more.
“I just know I don’t want to spend another day without him.”
Howard appears at Maria’s side and Tony realizes that they’re all standing there, admiring Peter from a distance.
“You’re doing a good job raising him, Tony. I’ll give you that.”
Tony looks at his dad, trying to comprehend what he just admitted. It’s the best compliment Tony ever received.
“You’re doing good, son.”
Tony gives a genuine smile at his father. “Thanks, dad. That means a lot.” He admits. “But if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go hang out with my kid.”
Tony crosses the distance between them and scoops Peter up from behind, eliciting a surprise sound from Peter. He grins as he kisses his neck.
“Dad.” Peter giggles. “You scared me.”
Tony doesn’t let him go. “Did you think I was a scary sea monster?” He teases.
“No. Sea monsters can’t walk on land.” Peter says as if it makes perfect sense and Tony nods. He can’t argue with that logic. Peter looks over his shoulder at his grandparents watching them. “Grandma and grandpa are staring at me.”
Tony doesn’t have to turn around to know Peter’s right. He kisses him again. “I know. They’re really proud of you, baby.”
Peter looks up at Tony seriously now. “Really?”
“Yep. They just told me. And guess what?”
“What?”
“I’m even more proud of you. Every little thing you do, I’ll always be so proud and happy that you’re mine.”
Peter shifts in his fathers arms so he can hug him around Tony’s neck while Tony supports his butt with one hand and the other goes to wrap around Peter’s back.
“I love you, dad.”
“I love you too, Peter.”
Peter nuzzles into him. “Thank you.”
“Hmm, for what?”
“For… everything. And for taking me here. It’s-it’s nice to have a family. To have a grandma and grandpa.”
Tony’s heart melts. Although Peter’s the only family he really needs, it feels good to know he has a whole support system behind them.
“You don’t need to thank me, baby. It’s what you deserve. I love you so much.”
Peter grins, holding him tighter.
“Ti amo, dad.”