The Lost Prince

The night is so young and everyone does their own businesses, finding their own feet on what to focus on for the future. While one person is wallowing the pleasure self-loathing and a whiskey in those calloused hands, years of working, inventing, designing - from weaponry to environmental improvement to being a superhero.

Soft footsteps can be heard approaching the silent figure alone in the Avengers Compound private bar.

Rhodey and Banner just have a silent agreement on this matter. Tony has a tendency of making a mountain out of a molehill. What happened 2 days ago, isn’t justifiable though. It’s an act of being a kid. Alright, Tony has de-aged and they still have to know how the hell it happened. Maybe, during their trip to the Time Heist, their friend was exposed to some sort of cosmic power that has sponged up through his veins. Well, theories later. They need to deal with this idiotic billionaire, silently brooding.

Tony has felt their presence silently. When did he have an advanced senses? He felt weird these past few weeks like he can sense when something is up. Is he spiderman now too? Nope. This is just so bizarre. He feels unmoored, which he shouldn’t. But the billionaire can’t help it. He feels so mad at himself right now. Mixed emotions. But Jealousy and anxiety is the most powerful thing in the world right now.

It’s like 2 days 18 hours 7 minutes and 42 seconds ever since he last saw his beloved Peter. Oh, that Angelic Beautiful face that is now full of rage.

And it’s his fault.

He felt a warm hand on his left shoulder and as he looked “Tony, come on bud” it was his bestfriend for decades now, but the billionaire returned focusing on the glass on his hand, eyes downcast. But Rhodey has none of it, he took and whisk the glass away and forced the Billionaire to look him in the eye.

“What the hell Rhodey! You even bring the Hulk here. What? Are you mocking me or something? Do you think you can drag me out here with his Help?” the last word spatted with sarcasm.

"Come on, stop being so jealous and irrational. Peter has a point, why don't you trust him? He is going to be your husband. You look....errrr.....words can't say. Can't find the correct one" the calm Hulk doesn't want to say - you look so childish the way you act Tony. He might see another flying tech or glass being smashed again.

"I think childish is a word Banner" Tony just huffed in annoyance. Trying to retrieve his glass with whiskey from Rhodey, but failed to do so. He feels so sluggish right now.

"I won't be nosy about it anymore Tony, I am just concerned you know" Rhodey tapped his bestfriends shoulder, he took pity of the man and get a glass of his own whiskey and offered Banner as well, and returning the unfinished glass to the billionaire and offered a small toast. The man is glad he has high tolerance and so is Banner, they will both dragged Tony to his bedroom just in case he passed out.

“Tones, just apologized to Peter okay? Why don’t you sleep after this, be sober and go get him at Queens tomorrow? We can back you up if you want? We don’t want to face an angry May and she probably knows by now that she is going to be a Grandmother” a lackluster smile crossed the billionaire’s face “Sweet Jesus. I can face Thanos, but May is different. How can Peter forgive me? After all the things that I have said. I shouldn’t have said it” Tony has just gritted his teeth thinking of the words that he spatted to his Fiance several days ago.

------- 

After a successful mission of returning the stones and reuniting once again with his beloved Peter, they decided to return him to the medbay as he needs more rest.

When they entered the medbay, Tony carried Peter in a bridal style “You know honey, I have to hit the gym soon”.

"Why? I love your body right now, I feel like looking at a perfect sculpture of a God in the body of Tony Stark” as he was laid on his bed tracing Tony’s biceps and his hands returned to that handsome face showing his endearment. Peter loves caressing Tony’s laugh lines and just basking at his handsome face.

“Because I will be carrying three people soon…hey aw!” Peter laughed pinching and making fun of Tony’s face “You silly, you are the strongest person that I know” and they both laughed, God how much Tony missed Peter’s laughs. For 5 years he just played repeatedly Peter’s videos of him laughing, making silly jokes. He is here now. Everything is feeling right at its place, like a puzzle being put together which will create such a beautiful piece.

It didn’t escaped the billionaire’s eyes. A daffodil placed in a vase with an intricate design. “Honey, who gave you those flowers?”.

"Oh, that? I don’t know. I asked Friday who visited me while I was sleeping and she said no one dropped by in this room. Maybe an Angel sent it to me? It is just sad I won’t thank whoever that wonderful angel is. The flowers are beautiful” Tony just nodded and smiled, not pushing on this further, he doesn’t suspect of anyone right now. He needs to upgrade FRIDAYS security system, this person whoever she/he is must be good for not being detected. Maybe it was Natasha, he can ask the Russian Spy later. But why would she do that?

“What are you thinking right now? My Ironman?” Peter reached out to Tony’s right hand and placed it on his belly “Your hands are so warm, so comforting. Come here lay with me. I know you are tired. Stories about your adventures, later” Tony did what Peter requested him to do so, the younger made a space so that Tony laid beside him. Arms offered as a comfort pillow and his hands returned once again to his Fiance’s belly. Both of them lay in silence, the billionaire peppering him with kisses “You smell so good Petey, you are glowing. I love you so much”.

“I love you too” Tony kissed his temple and hummed Peter’s favorite song.

But they were interrupted by the AI.

“Boss sorry to interrupt your moment with your Fiance, but Director Fury wants to have a meeting with all of you with the exception of Mr.Parker. Please assemble at the meeting hall in 15 minutes. Mr.Fury said that you should take a rest Peter” he just nodded sleepily and Tony just groaned, he doesn’t want to leave. But he has responsibilities. Peter caresses his face and kissed him “Don’t be late Tony, I will be here. I will just sleep don’t worry. Okay? Love you” the billionaire removed himself from his love, kissed his temple and tucked him in blankets. “Love you three. I will be back as soon as I can”.

After 2 ½ hours of meeting, discussing what they should do next in helping the people who were just recently resurrected. Tony excitedly exited the room with Natasha to go to the medbay. But as they neared the medbay, they can hear Peter is awake and laughing? The billionaire and the spy stopped on their tracks, who is Peter talking to? Until they heard a familiar voice that made Tony’s blood boil “Friday, do not alert them of my presence” the AI did not respond, but he knows it was already noted. Natasha just looked at him skeptically but followed. Both of them stood at the side of the mirror of the medbay.

“Wow! You can do funny tricks too? And thank you for the Daffodils by the way. They are lovely, but it is uncanny though that Friday was not able to detect you” a sound of curiosity filled Peter’s voice.

"I guess being a Supreme Sorcerer has its perks” he humbly answered.

“Stephen? Thank you for taking care of me in the alternate world. While I was out, and I am sorry. I like to call you Doctor Strange, but you are already strange enough. So Stephen is okay?” he giggled a bit at his silly comment.

The Sorcerer Supreme just shoved it out and laughed a bit, he never laughed for a while now after all this fiascos happening around “Stephen is fine, just for you Peter”.

“Wow, I feel so special. Thank you very much for taking care of me and I am sorry” Peter’s voice becomes softer but melancholic. The Sorcerer reached out for Peter’s hand and caressed them softly “What are you apologizing about Peter?” worried etched on his face.

“I thought it was Tony...I kissed you didn’t I? I am so sorry. I just thought….I really thought….you don’t deserve that…it was my fault...someone told me what happened….I am so sorry Stephen” Peter is so softhearted and he reached out the bruise on the Sorcerer’s cheeks. He knows it was Natasha’s and Tony’s doing.

“It is not your fault Peter….I took advantage of it. I apologize” the Sorcerer's voice is deeply sincere.

“You are forgiven…” and they smiled at each other.

“How are the babies? May I?” as the Sorcerer reached out to Peter’s belly. Tony suddenly battled his way through the melee, Natasha following behind, instantly looking at Peter with an apologetic face. He approached the Sorcerer and grabbed his collar “What the hell are you doing here? Two punches are not enough for you huh? And you are touching what is mine?” he growled locking his eyes with deep fire.

“Tony stop! Stephen is just visiting me” Peter suddenly jolted out of his bed to stand between the two, using his spider strength to separate them, despite his weakened state he still managed. Tony hovered at them with malice, and all Peter could see is extreme jealousy in his Fiance’s face.

“What Peter? You will protect this moronic Sorcerer over me? Or what? Are you two hiding something? Or this Sorcerer is the real Father of that? Wow! For 5 years something might change. Why didn’t I think of that?”I am richer than this guy, I can be a good provider is that it?" Tony pointed towards Peter’s belly, while the younger one protected them hugging it from Tony’s accusations.

“Tony, stop you are being irrational” Natasha stood in front of Peter.

“What Nat? You too? Taking their sides? I am starting to get leery here!” Tony is pointing at the spot where Natasha formerly stood.

“Mr.Stark, I can explain” Doctor Strange was about to interrupt but was halted by an accusatory gesture from the billionaire.

Peter had enough. Tony is just making waves now. His eyes glistened with unshed tears now and Tony’s irrational tantrums have to stop. He loves the man so much, but he has to stand up on this situation, a weather in the storm. He walked towards Tony.

“Tony! Stop! It’s your anxiety that is talking!” Peter can feel a little sharp pain in his belly, but he ignored it “What the hell? How could you think that? Do you see me as a scoundrel? I give myself to you. Everything!” he is fighting the tears.

“Petey, maybe 5 years has changed so much, who knows? Here I am being excited about being a Father even time traveled again just to say to my Dad of me becoming a Father. But that interaction between you two? I just realized now, how can I get you knocked up? Yeah, you have the mutant gene and that Sorcerer has his own mystical magic. Maybe it can be more suited. Don’t you think? I am just a man of science not magic” his voice still accusatory, oh God Tony is uncontrollable now.

“Is that what you think Tony? I love you so damn much. This is our children. If you don’t want them, and you will not allow that irrationality and anxiety rule out. It will not be healthy for the both of us. If you have doubts about me. I don’t like it. Think again. If you really love me then...Get out.” Peter silently commanded Tony Stark.

“What did you just say?” the billionaire’s voice elevated, he wanted to say something but was interrupted by Peter again.

“GET OUT ANTHONY EDWARD STARK! YOU DON’T DESERVE ME AND OUR CHILDREN! I DO NOT LIKE TO MARRY AN INSECURE, IRRATIONAL, ANXIETY SELF CENTERED BASTARD!” I DON"T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE! Tony’s eyes grew wide and so are the other two people in the room.

“If you can’t trust me, you don’t deserve me. You should learn how to listen, I love you so much Tony Stark but if you are going to be like that, I don’t want it. Better become a single parent, than be married to someone who listens with his Anxiety” and after that Peter removed his engagement ring and threw it on Tony’s face, making the Billionaire flinched.

“Please, everyone leave me alone” Peter pleaded, frustration crinkled in his eyes.

Tony took the ring that has dropped on the floor and left in silence.

As he reached on his private workshop, he slumped behind the glass where the Iron Spider was displayed “What have I done?” and cried silently, deep remorse flooded on his veins.

 
------- 

How can he question the fruits of their love just because of jealousy? He trusts Peter so much, he didn’t know what had possessed him to say those things. He just cried and Rhodey and Banner just sat with him side by side supporting their friend.

“I love Peter so much, and I will never doubt him of anything. I already have names with my littles peas you know” his face covered with his hands in shame and guilt.

“Peter loves you so much too Tony. Get him, but for now, we will allow you to drink and tomorrow we can back you up. Right, Bruce?” Banner nodded eyes sympathetic.

“And I won’t allow that there will be no wedding of the century. I will be a first-class Bestman you know that” Rhodey joked but he meant it.

“Bastard” now Tony’s heart is galloping, as tomorrow he will face the music in the form of May Parker to get his Peter back.

He needs to pour on oil on troubled waters for him and his Petey.

As they basked in the warm moonlight enjoying their whiskey, they were suddenly alerted by Friday.

“Boss, there is an emergency Thor just arrived in the facility with Peter in his arms, he is unconscious and bloodied. I directed them to the medbay. I scanned him and his vitals are in haywire. I also asked for assistance from Starfox as requested by the God of Thunder. Please hurry boss.”

Everyone stood up and hurried to the medbay. Banner injecting Tony with some form of concoctions to make him sober and stabilize his energy.

“Tony, you have to be strong bud. Okay?” the billionaire just nodded and Rhodey saw a tear escaped in his bestfriends eyes.