Harrison
“Okay, I think it's time we brainstorm some new names. What do you think sounds good with Stark?”
How about Robert? We could call you Bobby.
Johnathon? Johnny.
Thomas? Tommy
Michael? Mikey...
Okay... how about something fun. You want something fun like... Data, Optimus, Tony—no, that would get confusing, but we could call you Junior.
“I'm keeping my first name.”
“We have to change it, kiddo. The whole thing has to change.”
“I don't want to change!”
“I know, I know. I get it, okay? I really do.”
“No!” Harry shouted, “You don't understand! You've been trying to change everything about me. You gave me a new haircut. You want me to try wearing wigs or dye my hair. I have all new clothes. You changed my birthday. You're going to make me a completely different person. And I—I don't want to be different. I like who I am... or who I was... I don't want to be someone else. I just want to be Harry.”
“You're still the same person, a name doesn't change that! Look. Look at me. Okay... when you were born you didn't even pick your name. Someone else did that for you.”
Harry's eyes narrowed. “Yeah, that's because my parents picked it for me! Please , it's all I have left from them,” Harry begged. “If you're serious about giving me a choice, then I choose Harry.”
“Anything but that! C'mon, kid. Work with me on this. There has to be something else, anything else , as long as it isn't Harold.”
Harry sat and stewed on that thought for at least thirty minutes. Tony had decided to give him a little space to think about it. “But we have to decide soon.”
Eventually, finally, Harry came back with an answer.
“Harrison.”
“Harrison,” Tony echoed back. “And I suppose Harrison will usually go by Harry?”
“You said it couldn't be Harold and it couldn't be Harry.”
“Kid. Kid, c'mon. You know this isn't—”
“Okay... how about Howard Harold Stark.”
“No.”
“Howard Harrison Stark.”
“I'm not calling you Howard.”
“That's okay. You can call me by my middle name, or Harry for short.”
“How about I call you Howie.”
“I'll start calling you Anthony.”
“I don't like being called Anthony. Everyone calls me Tony.”
“How about we compromise? If I get to be Harrison, then I'll call you Dad.”
That gave Tony pause. He didn't want to admit it, but he really wanted Harry to call him Dad.
“Okay, fine. But you can't be Howard. Pick something else for your first name.”
“Hm... Steve. Steve Harrison Stark.”
“Remind me again, why did I give you a choice?”
“Because you love me?” Harry's tone was hopeful. Ever since coming to terms with Norman not wanting him anymore, Harry was desperate to feel loved.
“Aww…” Tony gave Harry a hug. “Yeah, kid. I really do. I love you, Steve Harrison Stark.”
Harry giggled, but only because Tony tickled him.
“Yeah, your new name really rolls off the tongue. I like it. Do you like it?”
Harry sighed. “Yeah, I guess… as long as you'll still call me Harry.”
“And you'll call me dad?”
Harry was silent until Tony started to pull away and Harry wanted to stop him from leaving. “I will. I'll... I'll call you dad.”
Tony sighed. “It's okay if you don't. I understand if you're not... if you're not ready to have a new dad.” He started to pull away again and this time Harry grabbed Tony's sleeves to pull him back.
“Don't go, Daddy. Please, don't go. I'm... I'm not ready to be alone.”
Tony sat back down and allowed Harry to climb into his lap.