Chapter 38
TONY
When T’Challa and Okoye left, Tony noticed his daughter had retreated to her room. After finding the letter, he and Steve had talked about taking a step back. Their girl was approaching thirty, so they had no say in her decision making. Even if both Tony and Steve thought it would be good closure for her.
But he kept his mouth shut, even when Steve let him know he and Miles were going for a run. Meaning he’d be alone with Emerson. But again, it wasn’t his place, so he opted instead to venture into a part of the mansion he hadn’t seen in a while. It was the only room in the entire mansion they didn’t change.
The piano room.
Well, the walls changed slightly. From pictures of just Tony and his parents to what he considers his real family. The one he made with Steve. Though he kept one frame of his parents, next to the piano that his mother had shipped from Italy. He ran his fingers along the wood, frowning at seeing the light film of dust from lack of use.
Using his hands, he gives the old girl a quick wipe before turning his attention to the bench that could also be cleaned a little. After taking a seat, he carefully lifted the fallboard, exposing the keys below. Cracking his knuckles, Tony smiled before placing his foot on the pedals and hands on the keys.
He started with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, his fingers able to perform from memory. One of the things he remembers fondly from his mother was her teaching him how to play piano. He almost regrets not forcing any of his kids to play instruments, but also has memories of his mother eventually giving up on him and hiring an old woman who smacked his hands with a ruler.
He went from Beethoven to Mozart before switching to some Elton John. And that’s when he got a visitor. Emerson poked her head into the open door, the action barely catching Tony’s eye. But it did, so the man turned to his daughter and invited her to join him with a smile.
He continued playing ‘Your Song,’ watching her enter the room and take a seat in the corner.
“Any requests?” he asked as he ended the song, loving how curled up and cozy she looked.
“Georgia? By Ray Charles?” she asked, putting a smile on Tony’s face as he quickly began playing, the two sitting in silence as he played the song. “I can’t remember the last time I heard you play,” Emerson said quietly after a moment, almost making Tony falter in his play.
“Yeah it’s been a while,” Tony replied, looking down to focus on the keys.
“You’re still really good, Dad,” she said quietly, eyes closed and head back when he glanced back over at her. When the song came to an end, she requested another one - “All of Me, John Legend.”
That one he played happily, knowing it was one of Steve’s favorites. After a few seconds of playing, he could hear his daughter begin quietly singing the lyrics.This was probably the third time he had heard her sing, which was a shame. So he relished this time with his girl, deciding to play the song quieter to hear her better.
When the song ended, he stopped playing as they both sat in silence for a moment.
“Hey,” he said, waiting for her to open her eyes and turn to him. “I love you.”
“Love you too,” she said with an adorable smile and blush. He wasn’t the kind to push anyone to talk about something when they weren’t ready, and knew she wasn’t the kind to open up easily. With his girl, you just had to give her time.
Unfortunately, though, at that moment he could hear the sounds of the front door opening.
So instead, as footsteps approached, he played “Everything” by Michael Buble. The chuckle he could hear from the hallway put a smile on his face, singing along as his husband joined them a moment later.
“And I can’t believe that I’m your man and I get to kiss you baby just because I can,” Tony paused his singing and playing, leaning his head towards his husband and puckering his lips out. He relished both his daughter’s groan and his husband’s snort, staying still until Steve rolled his eyes and made his way over to Tony. The blonde used both hands to cup Tony’s face and kissed him soundly, which was apparently the final straw for their kid - who got up and loudly stormed out.
Steve chuckled as he pulled back, adding one last peck before letting him go.
“How’s Thumper? Did she talk to you about the wedding?” Steve asked as he moved to sit next to him on the piano bench.
“I think she was about to before you came strolling in,” Tony retorted in a mocking accusatory tone, earning a gentle shove from his husband.
“Seriously though, do you think she’s okay?” Tony turned to his husband before planting a kiss on his cheek and wrapping his arms around his favorite person.
“I think she will be, yes. I also think she thinks she’s a big girl and doesn’t need support anymore. So we just keep showing her we are her support and we’re here for her if she needs it.” Steve hummed and shifted so he could return the hug, returning the kiss on his cheek.
“You’re so smart,” Steve said with a smile in his voice.
“Certified genius, baby.”
“Humble too,” Steve growled, getting a giggle out of the brunette. They stayed in each other’s embrace for a moment later before they heard their youngest shout ‘Pop what’s for lunch?”. Steve groaned as he pulled away and stood up, still in his running outfit. “That boy’s metabolism baffles me. Also, apparently I’m getting old cause the kid kept up with me the whole time.”
“He’s a teenage boy, Steve. Blame it on his hormones. And make him help you cook lunch, the cheeky brat.”
“He gets it from you,” Steve sassed back before adding one more kiss to Tony’s cheek. “Now come on, if you eat maybe we can convince our girl to do the same. Another trait you passed down to our kids.”
“Hey! At least I didn’t pass down being a stubborn asshole,” Tony said as he stood up to join his husband, both aware of the complete and utter lie.
“You love this stubborn asshole,” Steve countered, taking Tony’s hand to lead them to the kitchen.
“Yeah,” Tony said with a devilish grin, “I fucking love your stubborn asshole.” He added wiggly eyebrows for good measure, letting out a laugh when his husband retaliated by pinching his side. “Hey!” Tony yelped, immediately shutting up when his husband grabbed his hand once more and led them to the kitchen.