The Greatest Gift
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Tony hadn’t celebrated Christmas for most of his life. Ever since the death of his parents at the age of 16, the entire season was shadowed by the anniversary. In later years, he used the excuse of non-stop holiday parties to drink himself into oblivion rather than deal with the pain.
After Afghanistan, he’d had quieter Christmases, and even shared a couple with Peter before the world went to hell. Then, Morgan had been born and he’d found some joy in the light in her eyes when she saw the presents under the tree. But even then, there was a shadow. Not just because of his parents but because of the absence of his two sons who had been reduced to nothing more than dust.
One thing he wanted to do with his do-over was live life to the fullest and for the next few weeks, that meant watching the two boys embrace their outer ages and enjoy the holiday season. While Peter was a New York native, it was Harley’s first time in New York during the holiday season.
Peter was determined that they do everything. And who was Tony to say no? Not just because he had trouble saying no to those puppy dog eyes (which were made worse by the fact that he was now six and still had his baby fat), but because the two deserved a chance to be kids again.
That’s why he found himself ignoring the gawkers in Rockefeller Plaza as the boys gaped at the tree. Below it, people ice skated along. Personally, Tony preferred to go to either Bryant Park or Central Park to ice skate this time of year, but the rink was pretty packed.
Snow fell lightly in the air. Peter resembled a marshmallow as Tony wasn’t taking any chances with his thermoregulation issues. Under his outerwear was a custom undersuit packed with a heater similar to the one he’d had in his suit. Harley was also bundled up and his eyes looked like they were about to burst out of his skull.
“Mechanic! Look at the tree! It’s huge!” He grinned, grabbing Tony’s hand and pulling him closer. “Peter! I saw it on TV but it’s bigger in person!”
“It’s amazing! Dad! Can we go to the park to skate?”
“Of course, Roo. We’ve got to make sure Patatino gets a proper New York Christmas.”
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
#
When Santa’s sleigh bells ring
I listen all around
The herald angels sing
I never hear a sound
And all the dreams of the children
Once lost will all be found
That’s all I want when Christmas comes to town
A couple of hours of skating and a hot chocolate later, Tony, the boys, and Happy found themselves waiting in a massive line at Macy’s to see Santa. Peter had insisted that they come here because it was Harley’s first Christmas in New York so they HAD to see the Macy’s Santa because he was the best one in town.
Plus, as it turns out, Harley had a soft spot for Miracle on 34th Street and was more than happy to act his physical age at the idea of going to the store from the movie and seeing Santa there.
The area was a winter wonderland which made the line that much more bearable. All around them was the chatter and bustle of people waiting, talking, laughing, and enjoying the holiday season.
Tony had to admit that standing here with the boys made him feel more in the “Christmas Spirit” than he ever remembered seeing. Maybe it was because his family was almost whole. Morgan was due any day now, there was a chance she’d be here before Christmas.
And if so, Tony would have all his kids with him on Christmas morning. And honestly, there was nothing he wanted more than that. It would be the perfect Christmas gift.
After a half-hour of waiting, part of Tony regretting not booking some time before or after the store closed to give the kids private time and avoid waiting. After all, he could have sweet-talked them, even if he wasn’t wiping out unrest in the Middle East practically solo, the country was full of goodwill for the two boys beside him. Peter and Harley had won over the hearts of the nation in the aftermath of their kidnapping.
Somehow, it hadn’t gone to either of the heads yet. Both boys would be better than he’d ever been someday. He already thought that before they ended up in the past but with ten extra years to learn and grow, the two of them (and Ned) would be a force to be reckoned with.
Finally, the group made their way to the front of the line. Harley promptly sat on Santa’s lap. Of course, he whispered in Santa’s ear what he wanted instead of saying it out loud. Not that Tony needed help buying presents for the boys.
Spider-proofing a certain guest room had been an interesting challenge, one he’d enjoyed. Peter was still sulking, two weeks after the discovery.
Peter promptly went over and sat down.
“And what do you want for Christmas, young man?”
Normally Peter would bristle at someone pointing out his age, as long as Tony had known him, he’d fought to be seen as older than he was, something that was made worse by the fact that he appeared to be barely older than a toddler. But considering it was Santa, the kid seemed content to let it slide.
“Honestly, I have everything I want. My dad will be here.” Peter smiled at Tony and Tony felt his heart melt a little at the grin the kid gave him.
“But, if you’re asking…”
Tony shook his head at the boys' antics and joined them for a picture with Santa. He’d have to post it to Twitter later, it was odd to see the platform back in its infancy. This time around, he was going to better utilize it for being transparent and for the accountability he so desperately wanted.
It was a week until Christmas and Tony found himself sitting next to Pepper as she pushed through another contraction. They were getting more steady and she was close to being ready to push.
His baby girl was going to be here for Christmas and Tony was so happy that his family was about to be whole.
Out in the waiting room, the entire time team sat waiting. He was also aware that there was a crowd of paparazzi outside the hospital waiting to hear word on the birth of Iron Man’s child. Gifts had been left for Morgan at the hospital and Tony had donated them all to families who needed them in the NICU.
It was another hour before Pepper was ready to push and not too long after that, Morgan Hope Stark made her appearance. She had a head full of hair and let out a mighty scream to announce her presence to the world.
Watching Pepper hold their daughter was a sight that Tony would never grow tired of. Tony was content to watch Pepper coo over her daughter and in his opinion, his wife had never looked more beautiful.
“Go get the boys, Tony.”
Tony grinned, ready for a moment he’d wanted for far too long. In his wildest most bittersweet dreams, he’d imagined the boys meeting Morgan, of them holding her for the first time, of them teaching her all sorts of bad habits that he’d have to pretend to be annoyed with for Pepper’s sake.
But now, it was a reality.
Stepping out of the room, he made his way to the waiting room where everyone was waiting.
“She’s here. Morgan Hope Stark. 7 pounds 15 ounces, 19 inches long. And she wants to meet her big brothers.”
Both boys stared at him, and Happy and Rhodey nodded, understanding that they’d had the chance last time to be first and it was time for the boys to finally meet their sister.
The pair carefully followed Tony down the hall and to the room. He let them in and smiled as Pepper held the small bundle. “Boys, I’ve waited a long time to say this. But I want you to meet your sister, Morgan Hope Stark.”
Tentatively, the pair made their way over to Pepper who smiled. Both boys stared at the girl with wonder.
“She’s so Tiny.”
“Hopefully she gets Pepper’s looks, Mechanic.” Harley grinned.
“Hey!” Tony knew his statement lost any bite because he was holding back tears at the idea of his three kids together. Lightly, he pinched himself but the image remained in front of him.
Finally, they were together. His family was whole and bigger than he could have imagined.
“How about you two take turns holding your sister. Harley’s the oldest-”
“By six months,” Peter grumbled.
Pepper gave him a pointed look and Peter looked bashful. “It counts in this case. But get settled in the chair, Harley.”
Going over, Harley plopped into the chair by the bed. Tony took Morgan from Pepper and walked him over. “Morgana, this is your big brother, Harley.”
Carefully, he placed her in Harley’s arms. “Support her head.”
For a minute, things were quiet as Harley just stared at Morgan. She was sleeping soundly and he grinned. “Peter and I have been looking into toddler-friendly science experiences. We’ll have you ready to be our lab partner in no time.”
That comment was both heartwarming and terrifying. The idea of all three in the lab and one of them literally being his by blood. The two boys could cause chaos all on their own, but with a third willing set of hands...
And a fourth, let’s be honest, they’d drag Abby into it too.
He’d either done the world a favor by helping its advancement or he’d set in motion its end. There was no middle ground here and he just realized it.
After a few minutes, Tony took back Morgan, taking a second to stare at her tiny face. The first time she’d been this little, he’d barely been together. It wasn’t long after the snap, the world was still a mess, and all Tony could think about was his boys and losing them, and what if he couldn’t keep Morgan safe.
That and having to have her grow up without her brothers.
But as Peter traded places with Harley, he realized that this time, Morgan would grow up safe and secure with her big brothers and a big sister to guide her.
Finally, the Spiderling was settled and Tony placed Morgan in his arms. Awe filled Peter’s face as he looked at her. “Hi, Morgan. I’m Peter. I’m your other Big Brother. Harley and I are going to make sure nothing happens to you.”
And Tony knew he meant it. Those two boys had proven themselves before and he almost (almost being the key word here) felt sorry for anyone that tried to harm Morgan.
If Iron Man didn’t get them, he was sure the two boys would get creative, and honestly, they might come up with something worse than he would.
Harley sat on the arm of the chair and Tony pulled out his phone and took some pictures of all three together. And one quickly became his wallpaper. But the sight filled him with such joy. Seeing his kids together like they were.
“Why don’t you get the others, I’ll keep an eye on them.” Pepper smiled.
Tony nodded. “Keep her head supported, Roo.”
Peter gave a nod in confirmation but continued to coo at Morgan with Harley over his shoulder.
But there were others that wanted to meet (or remeet) Tony’s little princess and he went to the waiting room and waved them in. Coming back into the room a few minutes later showed no one had moved and Morgan was sleeping soundly.
Tony took Morgan from Peter and brought her over. “Morgan, this is your Uncle Rhodey, your Uncle Happy, your Uncle Ben, your Aunt May, your Aunt Rose, and your big sister Abby.”
“She’s so tiny!” Abby’s comment was probably supposed to be quiet but at that age kids rarely were and so it rang out to the amusement of everyone.
For the next bit, the room was busy as everyone took a second to hold her and congratulate Tony and Pepper on their new baby. Tony happily accepted them and smiled as his family was complete. This time, the room wasn’t obviously missing people. They were all here and even more he didn’t expect.
And they were in the past where they had a chance to make real change and make a difference.
For Tony, Morgan’s arrival was the best present.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight
Morgan had gone back to bed around 2 which had allowed Tony and Pepper to get a few more hours asleep. But just before six in the morning, Tony woke to the sound of his bedroom door opening. When he heard the sound of tiny footsteps, he’d feigned sleep figuring the boys wanted to wake him. He just hoped they didn’t wake Morgan.
There was giggling now and finally, he felt the mattress dip slightly near his feet as the two boys crawled up.
“Dad!”
“Mechanic”
The pair whisper shouted.
“It’s Christmas!”
“Wake up.”
Tony groaned and turned over towards Pepper who was also waking up. “Pep, the children seem to be under the impression that it’s Christmas.” He looked up. “J, is it Christmas already?”
“It is in fact Thursday, December 25th. Merry Christmas, Sir.”
“Merry Christmas, J.” Tony smiled, sitting up slightly. Beside him, Pepper did the same. “You two couldn’t wait until dawn?”
“It’s Christmas.” Both talked in exasperated unison.
“Well, you have to wake the others before you can open presents.” Tony got out of bed, herd the two out like cats so that Pepper could check on Morgan. Peter took off into the room his aunt and uncle were using, and Harley took off into his mom’s. He was sure they were going to tag-team the two remaining uncles.
While they woke the crowd, he made his way to the kitchen. The new Manhattan penthouse hosted a large open great room so he could easily see the tree stacked with gifts underneath. Stockings were squished together by the fireplace.
They’d gone all out on the decorating this year and dinner itself was going to be just as big a feast as Thanksgiving was. He wandered into the kitchen and started the coffee and preheated the oven to make cinnamon buns.
“Sir, you have about a minute and a half before Masters Peter and Harley come storming in. The other adults would like you to have a camera ready.”
Tony smiled, grabbing the camera he’d left on the counter for this very reason. Turning on some lights, he got into position. As the two barreled into the room, they stopped cold, the other adults close behind them. Awe filled both their faces and as soon as Abby caught up, the three took off for the tree.
“Mom! A doll house!” Abby saw the bow on the house not too far from the fireplace. “Santa brought me a dollhouse!”
“We got scooters!” The boys cried!”
“There’s Molly!”
“Look, a drone kit!”
“Parts to build a computer!”
And on and on it went. Someone threw the rolls into the oven because the smell of cinnamon filled the penthouse. All three kids opened presents, the piles beside them growing. Tony and Pepper took turns opening Morgan’s. She was wearing an adorable “My First Christmas” onesie they’d found. The other three kids were in matching Christmas pajamas.
Grabbing a shot of the tree, Tony pulled up Twitter and sent out a treat wishing the world a Merry Christmas. He needed to do something about cameras in this age.
About technology in general. But it would be frustratingly slow baby steps.
The kids had settled down to play with various toys and Tony was taking a turn holding Morgan and he wasn’t sure if he’d ever been happier.
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more
He’d never had a big Christmas like this one and it was something he could easily get used to. The excitement of the kids at Christmas, the joy of having his family close. There is a lot of certainty coming in the days ahead. Lots of decisions he was entirely sure how he’d make them. An entire universe that had no idea what fate awaited them if Tony and the others didn’t stop it.
But for today, he could enjoy his family. Peter was putting together a lego set, Harley assembling some contraption out of magnetic blocks, and Abby was playing with her dollhouse, Molly in her lap as she chattered away.
And in his arms was his fourth miracle. While she was a mere week old, she’d already filled the hole that had been in his heart these last few months. His family was here and they were happy and healthy.
Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Fate.
Even after all that happened, Tony wasn’t sure if he believed in it. But, he did believe in his family. In the adults around him and the four children in the room.
They were a week from beginning their first full year in the past. Three months from the anniversary of when they all appeared.
Morgan moved in his arms and Tony snapped out his thoughts as she opened her eyes. He smiled at her. “Merry Christmas, Morgana.”