#we sang jarvis happy birthday | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

reidingandwriting · 5 years ago

Text

5 Times Tony Wasn’t There for You, and 1 Time He Was

Word Count: ~3200 words

Ship: Tony Stark x Daughter!Reader, Peter Parker x Stark!Daughter (Platonic), Lots of IronFam ft. the Parkers

Warnings: Probably some swearing, not completely movie compliant but follows the general timeline ❤ Kinda unrelated gif (kind of related if you pay attention) but look how CUTE Morgan and Tony are

✨ Masterlist ✨

-One-

As the young daughter of Tony Stark, you were used to your dad being busy with work. Meetings across the country, dinners with royal dignitaries across the globe, or simply just endless hours spent locked in his office. All of this before he went missing for three months and came back as Iron Man.

It was your sixth birthday and Tony had planned the perfect birthday party for you, with Pepper’s and Happy’s help of course. You had recently developed an intense fascination with marine life, so what better way for you and your family to celebrate your birthday then spending the day at the aquarium? He even splurged a little extra to convince the owners of the aquarium for you to have a sleepover under the sea. But the night before your party, Tony told you he had to leave for a little while. “It’s okay, Daddy.” You said, with the most innocent smile on your face. “Can we have some of my birthday cake tonight?” And how could Tony say no to that? After birthday cake and being tucked into bed, Tony flew off in his suit for one of the first of many times.

“Pepper, Pepper, Pepper!” You ran down the hall of your Malibu mansion, Happy trailing behind you. You launched yourself at Pepper, your little arms wrapping around her legs. “Is it time to see the fish?” Pepper scooped you into her arms and you settled on her hip, your face nuzzled into the crook of her neck.

“It’s almost time! Are all the bags packed?” Pepper looked up at Happy, who nodded.

“And in the car, ready whenever we leave.” Pepper smiled gratefully at Happy.

“Wait! Forgot something, down please.” Pepper set you down and you ran off towards your room.

“Thank you again, Happy. You know you don’t have to stay with us-“

“I want to.” Happy interjected. “What can I say? The kid’s grown on me.” The sound of your footsteps grew louder as you entered the living room a minute later, your stuffed bear and wad of black fabric in your arms.

“What’s that, Y/N?” Pepper tilted her head as you held out the material.

“You know Teddy, and this is Daddy’s favorite shirt. He’s not here, so Teddy can wear his shirt. Almost like he is there!” Pepper bit her lip and plastered on a smile she hoped looked half as happy as yours.

“Just like he’s there, huh? Come on, let’s go to the car. I bet the fish are so excited to see you.”

-Two-

After Tony had taken down Obadiah, who you totally never trusted by the way, and had the press conference where he announced he was Iron Man, things started to go back to normal. Well, as normal as anything involving Tony Stark can be. You spent time with your dad in the garage as he worked on suit upgrades, and DUM-E seemed extra chipper (and klutzy) while you were around. Your Uncle Rhodey visited more frequently and everything was good. Life was good, until recently.

For the last few weeks, your dad had been acting different. “Your dad’s under a lot of stress right now, Y/N. He’s okay.” Pepper would repeat this to you every time you asked. Natalie’s addition to Stark Industries provided a distraction for you, and you found yourself growing close to the red head.

Your dad, Pepper, Happy, and Natalie were in Monaco and you were left at home with Rhodey. You stood in the dark hall of your house, your Uncle Rhodey seated on the couch in the living room. The television lit up the room, and you slowly tip-toed to the couch. The blanket you held in your hand dragged against the floor as you climbed onto the couch.

“Hey, kiddo. What are you doing up so late?” Rhodey wrapped his arm around you and covered your body with your blanket.

“Lonely. Miss everyone.” You nestled into Rhodey’s side and your eyes glued to the television. “Boring movie, Uncle Rhodey.” Rhodey laughed and looked at you.

“And what do you want to watch, little miss? Let me guess, Tangled?” You nodded quickly and sent a dimpled smile up at your uncle.

“Please?” Rhodey groaned dramatically before he started the movie, and you giggled happily. And if Rhodey sang the songs with you, that was no one’s business but yours.

-Three-

You had hoped after the events in New York, with the team called the Avengers and their battle with Loki, things would go back to normal. Boy, were you wrong. You were on a plane with Pepper when you saw the footage of your dad flying into a wormhole, and it wasn’t until you were back in Malibu before you saw him again. Tears were shed and an endless amount of hugs were given when you were reunited.

The changes in your dad’s behavior were subtle in the beginning. Loud noises would startle him much easier than before, and he spent less time sleeping and double the amount of time in the garage working on his suits. When he did sleep, his dreams were plagued with nightmares. On those nights, he’d check on you multiple times before morning came. “Have to make sure my best girl’s okay.” Tony would say on the rare chance you were awake before he went back to the garage to work for hours until sunrise, where he’d repeat the cycle again. Work with Stark Industries, work at home, and maybe get a few hours of sleep.

Your dad’s PTSD got worse with each day that passed; throw in Happy being hospitalized, your Uncle Rhodey’s Iron Patriot makeover, and Pepper’s meeting with Aldrich Killian, Tony was a mess. And the threat of the Mandarin was the breaking point. “Come and find me. 10880 Malibu Point, 90265.” When Pepper heard the news, she told you to pack a bag, Christmas was going to take place as far from Malibu as possible. You stood in your bedroom, JARVIS playing Christmas music as you finished packing when you heard your dad, Pepper, and another woman yelling. You walked to the door and outstretched your hand, your fingertips brushing the handle when the first explosion went off. You went flying into your bedroom wall, and your world went dark.

When you woke up again, you were hit with the news. The only home you had known was reduced to rubble, your dad was missing, presumed to be dead by the media, and your life as you knew it was over. You and Pepper had joined the unknown woman, known as Maya, to get the hell out of there.

On Christmas Eve, you sat on your hotel bed, soft Christmas music playing in the room. You held your dad’s helmet in your lap, it being the closest it could be to having your dad with you. Pepper took a seat beside you, and you kept your gaze down, eyes glued to the helmet rested in your lap.

“How are you holding up?” Pepper’s voice was quiet, hesitant. She was especially cautious with you for the last few days, afraid to further upset you. You couldn’t even count how many times you burst into tears out of nowhere, but you always had Pepper to lean on. Like now, as you leaned your head on her shoulder.

“I just want my dad home.” Your voice cracked as the familiar sting in your eyes returned. You blinked rapidly as you tried not to cry again today. You picked up the helmet and hugged it to your chest. “I want to be on the couch, watching Home Alone, drinking hot chocolate. I want to be home. I miss him, Pepper.” Pepper’s shoulders shook as she tried not to cry, and she hugged you close.

‘Me too, kid. I miss him too.’

-Four-

After everything died down with the Mandarin, your dad returned to the Stark Tower you now called home. It took a while to settle in, even longer with the Avengers frequenting the space, but you had your family- your dad, Pepper, Happy, and Rhodey. Even JARVIS in his own special way was an important part of your life and family. But history has a way of repeating itself. Right as you developed a new routine and sense of normalcy, shit hits the fan. This time it was Ultron.

~~~

You were seated beside Maria as you and the team were on the balcony after one of your dad’s parties. You watched in amusement as Clint, your father, Rhodey, and Steve attempted to lift Mjolnir to no avail. The group talked and laughed, until the battle with Ultron started.

“Hill! Get Y/N out of here, now!” Tony yelled.

“Dad, no!” You started to go after your dad, and Maria grabbed your arm.

“Y/N. You can’t fight with them. I need to get you out of here, please don’t make me carry you.” You paused before nodding, and you followed Maria to safety. Hours later, you were on the phone with your dad.

“I’m sorry, kid. I only have a minute until I have to go off the grid.” Your eyes burned as you blinked away tears. “I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“You promise? All in one piece?” You asked

“Maybe two.” You choked out a tearful laugh at your dad’s answer and took a deep breath.

“I love you, Dad. Please, be safe.”

“I promise.”

~~~

You woke up with a gasp and clutched at your chest as you caught your breath. You flipped your phone over, three in the morning.

“Miss Stark?” FRIDAY, your dad’s new AI, asked. Before the first fight with Ultron, JARVIS had been pretty much destroyed. Then FRIDAY was born. “Your heart rate has greatly increased and your oxygen levels have slightly decreased. Shall I call Ms. Potts for medical attention?”

“No, no, no. No, please. I’m okay, just... a bad dream is all. Nothing new.” You grabbed your cup of water that sat on the nightstand and took a large gulp, and tried to calm yourself down. You also turned on your lamp, the small bulb casting a warm glow around you.

“Do you frequently have nightmares, Miss Stark?”

“Y/N, please. Sometimes. Usually my dad is here and he helps me calm down. He’d sit with me; sometimes we’d watch the TV for a while, or he’d read to me until I fell asleep again.“ You pulled your blanket closer to you, a wave of sadness hitting you. “I wish he was here.”

“I’m positive Mr. Stark will be home as soon as he can, Y/N.” A pause. “What did Mr. Stark read to you when you couldn’t sleep?”

“We’ve been reading the Percy Jackson books lately. We just finished the second book the other night.” You laid back in bed and let your eyes close, and you willed yourself to fall back asleep.

“‘The Friday before winter break, my mom-’” FRIDAY started to speak and your eyes snapped open.

“What are you doing, Fri?”

“Reading book three, The Titan’s Curse.” FRIDAY answered as if it was the obvious answer.

“But... why?”

“You said your father would read to you whenever you had nightmares. Mr. Stark can’t be here, so I thought I could start reading the book to you. Hopefully he won’t be too upset that you started without him.” You smiled at how genuine and caring FRIDAY sounded and closed your eyes again.

“That can be our little secret. Sorry for interrupting, FRIDAY. You can keep reading if you’d like.”

“Certainly. ‘The Friday before winter break, my mom packed me an overnight bag and a few deadly weapons and took me to a new boarding school. We picked up my friends Annabeth and Thalia on the way.’” FRIDAY continued to read and you shortly fell asleep, a smile on your face. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

-Five-

You knew things would change after the battle with Ultron in Sokovia. You had just greatly underestimated how different things would be. One change was the new additions to the team- Vision and Wanda. While you got along well with them, not even your friendships could blind you to the tensions between your unconventional family. The already seldom group meals became even more rare the silence would be unsettling. If it wasn’t silent, there was arguing that you couldn’t escape.

Another change was the lack of Pepper in Tony’s life and subsequently your life. Pepper always tried to be there for you, even called you often and invited you to her office for lunch, but it wasn’t the same at home without her. Your dad was suffering from the loss more than he was letting on, and you had to be there for him as well.

~~~

“I’m a grown man, Y/N. I can take care of myself.” Tony said as he looked at you, and you set a plate and a glass of water down on his workshop table.

“I know you can, but will you?” Tony scowled at you, but you could see the gratitude in his eyes.

“Don’t know what I’d do without you, kid.” You smiled and hugged your dad tight.

“Probably fall apart.” You said with a playful smile. “Good thing you’ll never have to find out.” You let go of Tony and walked towards the exit. “Finish up soon, or I’ll have FRIDAY shut the power off.”

~~~

Things got worse when the Sokovia Accords were brought into play. Your family was torn apart by the decision whether or not to sign, with your dad being one of the few to sign and Cap being one of the few against the Accords. Throw in Clint’s retirement and the team you knew was no more. Tony knew this, and he made a trip to Queens for recruitment.

~~~

“Where are you going?” You sat up from your spot on the couch.

“Queens.” Tony walked over and took a seat beside you. “I’ve had FRIDAY tracking crime statistics, pair that with trending searches after these crimes, and I think we may have found someone in Queens that could be helpful.” Tony pulled his phone out of his pocket and projected a video for you. You tilted your head as you watched the person (definitely my age, you thought) in their makeshift suit swinging around the city, and your jaw dropped when you saw them catch a car with their bare hands.

“And how exactly did you find out who they are? Under the suit?”

“Classified.” Tony tapped the tip of your nose, and you swatted his hand away with a playful glare.

“Hope you have a way to convince his guardians to speak with him, let alone go with you to fight against the rogues.” You laid back down and cuddled your blanket.

“Have we met? I always have a plan.” Tony stood up. “You’ll be okay on your own?”

“Have we met?” You copied him and Tony rolled his eyes.

“Brat.”

“Old man.”

“I’m running away!” Tony called out as he walked to the elevator.

“See you in a few hours.” You closed your eyes, and let sleep take over.

“I wish I could go with you. We haven’t been to Germany in so long.” You sat on a workshop bench as your dad finished tweaking the web shooters for Spider-Man’s new suit.

“As soon as everything is calm again, we’ll have a vacation wherever you want. Just us, I promise. It has been too long since we’ve spent time together without work getting in the way.” You could hear the guilt in your dad’s voice and you smiled sympathetically at him.

“I know you’ll make it right, Dad. You always do.”

~~~

Before you knew it, your dad and the remaining team members were off to Germany for the fight against the rogues. Happy stayed behind, which you said was completely unnecessary, per your dad’s request. Just in case, he had said. He’ll only be a call away. And it’s a good thing he did.

———

“Happy?” You groaned and held your phone to your ear. “I think I need the hospital.” That was nearly an hour ago. Now, you laid in a stretcher, being wheeled to the operating room, as Happy waited in the lobby the emergency room. Your stomach had been aching all day and it got worse as the day progressed.

“Sounds like appendicitis. We’ll need to remove her appendix as soon as possible.” The rest of the conversation faded into the background, as did the preparation for your surgery.

“Alright, Miss Stark.” The surgeon spoke as she administered the anesthesia. “Count down from five for me. Can you do that?”

“Five...” Your eyes closed. “Four... three...” And you slipped into darkness again.

(In the waiting room...)

“Guess it’s a good thing you stayed behind.” Happy held his phone against his ear, Pepper speaking on the other end of the line. “How is she?”

“Surgery should be finishing up soon. I’ll call you again when I’ve seen her. I’m sure she’d appreciate seeing you when she’s home.” Happy glanced at the door, anxious to see your surgeon again.

“The minute she’s ready for visitors, I’ll be there.” Muffled voices in the background. “Keep me posted, please? I have to go.”

“I will. Bye, Pepper.” The two exchanged goodbyes just in time for the surgeon to walk over.

“Mr. Hogan? Miss Stark is waking up. I’ll walk you to her room.”

“Hey, kid.” Happy spoke quietly and took a seat in the chair beside your bed.

“Happy...” You smiled and struggled to keep your eyes half open. “You’re here.”

“Where else would I be?” Happy could see the gears in your brain working after the question.

“Dunno. Just happy you’re here.” You giggled tiredly. “Happy that Happy’s here. Happy, happy, happy.” Your voice trailed to a whisper and you were quiet for a minute. “Happy?”

“Yes, Y/N?” You turned to face Happy, and his eyes met yours.

“Thank you. For always being here for me.”

“Always will be, Y/N/N.“ Happy watched as your eyes closed, the smile still on your face.

“Like a family. You’re my family, Hap. And I love you.” It was Happy’s turn to smile, and he leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to your forehead.

“I love you too, kid.” He hoped you heard him before you fell asleep.

-One Time He Was There-

“Peter!” You laughed as the brunette led (dragged) you through the hall of his apartment building, and you looked at the doors you passed on the way to his. “Slow down, I’m going to trip!”

“I’ll catch you.” Peter replied but slowed down. “Sorry, I’m just excited.”

“For pizza at your aunt’s?” You stopped walking and Peter nodded. The slight twitch of Peter’s eye didn’t go unnoticed- his nervous tic. What can you say? Natasha trained you well.

Happy had dropped you off at the Parker’s apartment last night, giving you an excuse about some business trip him, Pepper, and your dad had planned over the weekend. You insisted you could stay home alone, but when Tony mentioned staying with Peter, you couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend time with your best friend. You two had spent all of the day together, Peter showing you around the city Spider-Man style. Holding onto Peter while he swung across the city was your favorite way to travel now.

After the battle in Germany, the team had all gone separate ways. The loss was hard on both you and your father, and the addition of Peter to your life (and Pepper rejoining) made everything easier. You quickly became friends with the teen, grateful to have someone your age to spend time with. And he was ridiculously attractive, not that you’d say it out loud. After all the time you two had talked and spent together, you grew close to Peter and him to you. And for him right now, that was a curse.

“Are you hiding something from me, Peter?” You asked.

“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t hide anything from you. I’m a horrible liar, you know that. I start talking a lot, talking really fast-“

“Like you’re doing right now?” Peter scoffed at your question.

“You have no faith in me. Come on, we don’t want to be late.” Peter continued walking and led you to his apartment door.

“It’s okay if we’re late, I doubt May ate all of our dinner by herself.” You walked into the apartment with Peter, confused why the lights were off. You turned the lights on and...

“Surprise!” You jumped from the cheers and grinned at the sight. Your dad, Pepper, Happy, and May stood in the living room wearing party hats. A homemade “Happy Birthday” banner hung in the living room, and there were containers of your favorite takeout and a birthday cake on the coffee table.

“Oh, my God.” You looked around the room. “Guys.” You whispered and your eyes watered as you turned to Peter. “This is why we spent the day in the city?”

“Had to keep you outside so they could get everything set up.” You hugged Peter tight, and Peter gladly returned the hug. “It was all your dad’s idea. He wanted to surprise you for your birthday.” Peter spoke softly as he rubbed your back. You pulled away after a moment and walked to your dad.

“You did all this for me?” Your bottom lip trembled as you blinked back tears.

“Of course I did, Y/N. You’re my daughter, my heart. You deserve the best, this is the least I could do.” Your dad opened his arms and you flung yourself into his arms. “I don’t have the best track record of being here when you need me. But I promise I’ll do better. Be the dad you deserve.” You let out a muffled sob, your face buried in your dad’s shirt.

“Please, just more days like today.” You whispered and Tony nodded, pressing a tender kiss to the top of your head. You stepped away after a minute and wiped your eyes. “Thank you all so much. I’ll cry all over the rest of you later.” Laughter sounded through the room as you stood by your dad’s side.

“We have plenty of time, Y/N. Now, let’s eat dinner. I nearly had to lock Tony outside to keep him from eating the cake.” Pepper said and walked to the living room, everyone but your dad following.

“Dad? Come on.” Your dad looked nervous and you started to question him, until Pepper yelled.

“Anthony Edward Stark, did you-?!”

“Gotta run!” You laughed as Pepper reprimanded Tony, and you sat on the couch with Peter and May. Maybe your family wasn’t conventional, and maybe your dad was busier than most. But when he was there, you were the happiest you could be, and you wouldn’t trade him for the world. Even when he stole a slice of your birthday cake before you could. Punk.

Taglist: @daughter-of-stark @agent-barnes40 @spideygirl2003 @ditttiii @missmulti @5aftermidnight ❤ Taglist and requests are open! Hope you guys enjoyed this because I loved it

282 notes · View notes

thebeethathums · 7 years ago

Text

Celebrate

Bruce Banner x Reader- One Shot

It had been a late night in the lab and neither you nor Bruce were planning on getting up any time soon. Which meant when noon rolled around, you were asleep, snuggling with him contently in bed on his floor of Stark Tower. Feeling cold, you stirred slightly to press closer to him and he tightened the arm around your waist, pulling you in as close as he could, as if to aid you in your quest to get warm. In that moment everything was perfect… and then there was Tony. You and Bruce both shot up when the bedroom door was thrown open forcefully and Tony’s voice rang out through the room, “Time to get up sleepy heads. It’s a special day.”

Bruce groaned, pulling you back down with him, “Go away, Tony. We were in the lab late.” He wrapped his arms tight around you protectively and buried his face in your hair sleepily. You giggled happily- sleepy Bruce was always so adorable and clingy. Tony smirked, “You two are adorable but I’m afraid I have to break up this love fest. I can not allow (F/n) to sleep through her birthday.” Bruce seemed to wake up a bit at that, pulling away from you, “It’s your birthday?” Tony gasped in mock shock, “You didn’t know lover boy? You are so gonna have to sleep on the couch tonight.” You growled and let out a frustrated little scream into the nearest pillow before turning back to Tony, “He didn’t know because I didn’t want him to know. The only reason you even know because you’re a snoop and had Jarvis hack my files. Now you’re going to go away before you ruin my morning any further because a.) I don’t celebrate my birthday and b.) even if I did, once you pass 21 you should only celebrate the multiples of 10. You know 30, 40, 50, and so on. Anything else is a waste of cake and paper. So either way, I will not be celebrating. Now get out of our room.” Tony was looking at you like you’d just told him they’d discontinued Ben and Jerry’s, “Who doesn’t celebrate their birthday?” You were about to rip him a new one when Bruce suddenly spoke up, “I actually agree with Tony on this one sweetheart. We should celebrate.” You covered your face with your hands in frustration, “Did neither of you hear me? I. Don’t. Celebrate. My. Birthday. I never have and never will.” Tony’s hand went to his chest like he was having a heart attack, being as dramatic as ever, “You’ve never celebrated? Had a party? Ate cake till you puked? Played lame party games with weird grade school friends? Nothing?” You growled at Tony, “What part of I don’t celebrate my birthday don’t you understand?” He put a hand on his hip, “The don’t part. Seriously… did your parents hate you or something?” That was it, he pushed you over the edge, you got up to shove him out of the room, “My father loved me very much and did the best he could. It’s not his fault that this is an awful day. Now get the hell out.” You slammed the door in his face. Going into the bathroom, you slammed the door and settled down on the floor behind it when there was a soft knock, “(F/n)… you wanna come out here and tell me what that was all about?” “No.” You could hear him sigh through the door, “Please (F/n)? Right now I have no reason not to agree with Tony on this… could you at least give me a reason so when I go tell him off for upsetting you I can feel like it’s justified?” You thought about this for a minute. It seemed innocent enough. You took a deep breath, “The reason I don’t celebrate my birthday is because it’s also the anniversary of the day my mother died. My dad and I never celebrated, instead every year I watched my dad’s heart break all over again. In my life, this isn’t a day to be celebrated.” There was a long period of silence and then Bruce said just loud enough for you to hear through the door, “I’ll go talk to Tony.” When he came back, you were sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. He sat down beside you, “Hey.” You didn’t look up at him, “I’m sorry for not telling you.” He wrapped an arm around you, “I understand (F/n) but honestly if your mother were anything like you she wouldn’t want you to mourn her on your birthday. She’d want you to celebrate both her life and yours.” You pulled away to look up at him with furrowed brows before looking at the ground again. He could see you were thinking this over very carefully and stayed quiet until you looked up at him with a hesitant conclusion, “I guess you're right.” He grinned, “So we can celebrate?” You looked torn and unsure, so he quickly added, “How about we start small and every year we can work our way up?” You considered this and then gave him a small smile, “Okay.” He let out a relieved sigh, “Good because I managed to convince Tony not to throw an all-out party but he and everyone else still want to do at least something with you.” You followed him cautiously as he took your hand and led you out to the elevator and down to the shared common floor, not sure what to expect. The elevator doors opened to reveal the rest of the Avengers waiting for you patiently. Each wished you a happy birthday, Thor sweeping you up into a big hug, and Tony placed a spoon and tub of Ben and Jerry’s Cake Batter ice cream with a single candle sticking out of it in your hands. You looked at it a little skeptically as they sang you happy birthday and then carefully blew out the candle like you knew you were supposed to. It all felt strange and different, you had to replay Bruce’s words in your head a couple of times to stop yourself from bolting as you ate your ice cream while the others chatted and laughed. He noticed that you were having a hard time and wrapped an arm around your waist, “Birthday girl gets to pick what movie we all watch. So what do you think?” You floundered, “Uh… How about Star Trek?” Everyone nodded in agreement and Jarvis pulled it up on the big screen while you all settled in. Bruce stretched out on one of the couches, dragging you down on top of him. You snuggled into his chest, relishing his warmth with a little yawn, “Thanks, Bruce. This was nice… different. But nice.” He kissed the top of your head, “It’s the first of many Sunshine.” You sighed, trying not to think too much about it, “As long as they’re all with you.” He chuckled, “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

#Marvel #Avengers #bruce banner #bruce banner x reader #bruce x reader #tony stark #birthday #reader #reader insert #reader-insert #fanfic #fan fiction #one shot #thebeethathums #Tony will find any and every excuse to have a party TBH #semi angst #but mostly fluff

78 notes · View notes

spiderneds · 7 years ago

Text

Something Is Starting Right Now (Tony Stark x Reader) The Little Mermaid AU

requested by @winterierwriter

songs used:

Part Of Your World (Reprise) (The Little Mermaid)

Once Dance (Deleted Song from The Little Mermaid)

You were the princess of a kingdom under the sea, but that was the opposite of who you dreamed of being. All you wanted was to live on the land with all of the people. And it just so happened that the first human you’d ever spotted was the first (and last) one you’d ever fall in love with.

His name was Tony, and he was a prince. You watched him celebrate his birthday on a boat with his kingdom. He was dancing with his dog, who he called Jarvis.

You were hanging off of the surface of the boat, completely mesmerized by the scene unfolding in front of you. You sighed and tilted your head. “I’ve never seen a human this close before,” you hummed. You tilted your head as you asked your friend, a seagull named Rhodey, “Oh, he’s very handsome, isn’t he?”

“I don’t know,” he replied, “he looks kinda hairy and slobbery to me.”

You rolled your eyes, knowing he was looking at the dog. “Not that one! The one playing the snarfblatt.”

“Silence! Silence!” The music on the boat stopped. “It is now my honor and privilege to present our esteemed Prince Tony with a very special, very expensive gift.”

Tony slapped the man speaking on the back. “Stane, you old beanpole, you shouldn’t have!”

“I know,” the man replied bitterly. “Happy birthday, Tony.”

The cloth draped across the gift was pulled off. Everyone clapped as a giant statue of the prince himself stood on the boat, posed and perfectly carved out of marble.

“Uh... gee, Stane. It’s, uh, it’s really something,” Tony said.

“Well, I commissioned it myself. Of course, I had hoped that it would be a wedding present.”

“Oh come on, Stane, don’t start!” Tony cried. He took a seat on the side of the boat. You pressed your back against the side of the ship so he wouldn’t see you. “Look, you’re not still sore because I didn’t fall for the princess, are you?”

“Oh, Tony, it isn’t me alone. The entire kingdom wants to see you happily settled down with the right girl.”

“Well, she’s out there somewhere,” Tony replied. “I just haven’t found her yet.”

You smiled, looking up at him with lovesick eyes.

“Well, perhaps you haven’t been looking hard enough.”

“Believe me, Stane, when I find her, I’ll know. Without a doubt, it’ll just hit me. Like lightning!”

At the same time, somewhere in the distance, thunder rolled. It made you jump.

One of the crew members shouted, “Hurricane a’coming!”

You gasped, looking at Rhodey with a terrified expression. He held on tight to the side of the boat with you; the wind was already picking up.

The people on the ship were hurriedly trying to secure their boat or hiding. Waves clashed against the side of the ship, knocking it back and forth. You held on tight, but Rhodey-

“Whoa, the wind-” His wings let go of the ship. “___!”

You reached for him, but you couldn’t see him through the rain anymore.

Waves washed up on deck, taking crew members with it. One of them knocked you off the side of the boat. You landed in the water. You hurriedly swam back up to the surface, eyes wide as a strike of lightning hit one of the sails, making it burst into flames.

it overtook the entire ship way too quickly. To make matters worse, the ship was out of control and hit a cluster of rocks. Every man left on deck fell right off the side, plunging into the water.

Tony was with them.

You gasped, but saw him resurface. He was pulled onto a small paddle boat with several other men. They rescued Stane, who was struggling to stay above water.

Tony turned his head when he heard barking. It was coming from the ship, where his dog was still trapped.

“Jarvis!” he shouted. He wasted no time to dive right back into the water. As Stane screamed for him to get back on the boat, he swam to the ship to rescue his dog from the fire.

He climbed up the side. You swam around in circles, unsure of what to do. You wanted to help him.

The boat was bending and breaking and the fire was growing. You watched as the dog got tossed overboard and safely put on the paddle boat, but Tony was still up there. You held your breath-

And with a loud boom! the entire ship burst into flames.

Smoke went everywhere, and you were horrified. You swam right towards it, dodging pieces of the ship that were now floating or sinking in the water.

On one of the wooden boards, you saw the prince, draped unconsciously over it. He slipped off the small plank and into the water. You dove in, swimming after him

Your arms went around his body and you pulled him up, using all of your strength to bring him to the surface so he could breathe. You pulled him all the way to the sandy coast.

The sun was rising when you laid him down. He wasn’t moving, and you worried about him.

Rhodey landed next to you.

“Is he... dead?” you asked him.

“It’s hard to tell,” Rhodey replied, wings shrugging. He hurried over to the other side of the prince and held his foot to his ear. He sighed and shook his head. “I can’t make out a heartbeat.”

“No look!” you cried. “He’s breathing.” You touched a curl that stuck out on his forehead. “He’s so... beautiful.”

You touched his face, shaking your head. Your father had told you humans were dangerous, but how... how could this man be dangerous?

“What would I give to live where you are?” you sang, moving his head gently so you could see his face. “What would I pay to stay here beside you? What would I do to see you smiling at me? Where we would walk? Where would we run? If we could stay all day in the sun... just you and me, and I could be, part of your world.”

In the distance, you heard barking, followed by shouts of: “Tony! Tony!”

Still half asleep, the sun was shining on the prince’s face. He touched the mysterious hand on his cheek. His eyes fluttered open, and for a fraction of a second, he saw the most beautiful face staring at him.

And then, just like that, she was gone.

He sat up, holding his aching head. He felt his dog licking his face and Stane’s arms lifting him up. He stood on his shaky legs.

“A girl,” he breathed. “A girl... rescued me. She was singing. She had... the most beautiful voice.”

Stane laughed and patted Tony’s shoulder. “I think you’ve swallowed a bit too much seawater. Off we go.” Putting Tony’s arm around him, he helped him back to the palace that stood on the rocky ledge of the beach.

You were ducked behind a slab of rock, hiding from the barking dog. Happy, the crab that followed you around everywhere, was next to you - along with your friend, Peter, the guppy.

“We just wanna forget this whole thing ever happened,” Happy said. “The sea king will never know! You won’t tell him, I won’t tell him. I will stay in one piece.”

But you weren’t listening. Once the dog hopped away, you slid up on the rock, peeking over.

“I don’t know when,” you sang, “I don’t know how, but I know something’s starting right now! Watch and you’ll see... someday I’ll be... part of your world!” You lifted up on your arms and the waves washed over you. You’d never felt more powerful - more ready to tackle your dreams.

You knew you would do anything to be a human, and you were right. That very night, you traded your voice for a pair of legs. Happy and Peter warned you not to trade with the sea witch, who was known for being evil, but you were desperate. It was your only shot at a happily ever after.

So you took it.

They brought you to the shore before your lungs ached too much for air. You washed up in the shallow water, sitting against a rock and plucking seaweed out of your hair.

Your heart nearly leaped out of your chest when you saw the legs that had replaced your green fin. You crossed your leg so that it was propped up on your knee.

“Well, look at what the catfish dragged in!” Rhodey shouted, landing on a rock near your head. “Look at you! I mean, look at you! There’s something different!”

You nodded.

“Don’t tell me,” he said. “I got it. It’s your hairdo, right? You’ve been using a dinglehopper, right?”

You bit your lip and shook your head.

“No? No, no... well, let me think. New... seashells? No? I gotta admit, I can’t put my foot on it right now, but...”

Happy groaned. “She’s got legs, you idiot! She traded her voice to the sea witch and got legs. Jeez, man!”

“I knew that,” Rhodey mumbled.

“___’s been turned into a human,” Peter said. “She’s gotta get the prince to fall in love with her, and he’s gotta k... he’s gotta kiss her!”

While they were talking, you were focusing on learning how to stand up for the first time. Your legs were wobbly and you weren’t sure how to balance yourself with two fins. You held your arms out, trying to gain your footing.

“And she’s only got three days!” Happy said.

You slipped, falling right back into the water. You sat up and pulled your hair off your face like a curtain.

“Just look at her,” Happy griped. “On legs! On human legs!” He gasped. “My nerves are shot. This is a catastrophe! What would her father say? I’ll tell you what her father’d say. He’d say he is going to kill himself a crab, that’s what her father will say! I am going to march myself home right now and tell him just like-”

Panicked, you scooped him up and held him close to your face. Pleadingly, you shook your head.

“And don’t you shake your head at me, young lady,” he scolded. “Maybe there is still time. If we can get that witch to give you back your voice, you could go home with all the normal fish, and just be-” He stopped, seeing the sad look in your eyes. “And just be... just be... just be miserable for the rest of your life.” He sighed. “Alright, alright. I’ll try to help you find that prince.”

Overjoyed, you kissed him on the cheek. You placed him on the rock.

“Oh boy,” he said, shaking his head. “What a softshell I am turning into...”

“Now, ___, I’m telling you,” Rhodey said, grabbing a sail from a pile of wreckage. “If you want to be a human, the first thing you gotta do is dress like one.”

Minutes later, you were wrapped up in a sail to make a new dress. You fluffed up your hair a little and turned, checking out the way the dress hung off of your body - and around your new legs.

“You look great, kid. You look sensational,” Rhodey told you.

A second later, you heard familiar barking. Tony’s dog, Jarvis, came lunging forward. He chased after your friends until they hid and then chased you right up the side of a rock. You tried to push him away, but he hopped up on his back legs and licked you right on your face.

“Jarvis!”

You looked up when you heard his voice.

And you saw him.

He knelt down to pet his dog and then raised his head up. “Quiet, Jarvis. What’s gotten into you, fella?” He saw you and his expression changed. “Oh. Oh, I see.” Slowly, he approached you.

You brought all of you hair to one side, desperate to look good.

“Are you okay, miss?” he asked. “I’m sorry if this knucklehead scared you. He’s harmless, really-” He really got a look at you and paused. “You... seem very familiar to me. Have we met?”

You nodded excitedly. This was going so well!

“We have met!” he replied. “I knew it!” He grabbed your hands. “You’re the one! The one I’ve been looking for!”

Your heart nearly exploded. He had been looking for you.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

You lips formed your name, but no sound came out. Horrified, you touched your throat. How could you tell him who you were now?

“What’s wrong?” Tony asked. “What is it?” You touched your throat. “What... you can’t speak?”

You shook your head.

“Oh. Oh, then... you couldn’t be who I thought.” He frowned.

You did, too. If only you could tell him...

You got an idea. You tapped him and he watched you as your arms flailed around, trying to explain where you came from with just your gestures.

“What is it? You’re hurt? No, no... you need help?”

Frustrated, you moved your arms out faster, and-

And slipped right off the rock.

Tony caught you in his arms. “Whoa, whoa there! Careful. Easy.”

Your arms were around his shoulders. You looked up at him shyly.

“You must have really been through something,” he said.

You looked down.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’ll help you. Come on,” he said gently. He kept an arm around you as he brought you the way he came.

You looked over your shoulder, grinning as Rhodey and Peter both nodded and smiled encouragingly. Happy was tucked away in the rope that went around your makeshift dress.

They told you that you were the first person to make Tony laugh in a long while. You were the first person to make him stop and stare for a while. You were the first one to catch his attention, to make him think about someone else.

You heard that he really liked you.

Tony decided to take you out on a tour of his kingdom. He took you in a carriage, offering to buy you whatever you wanted. Loaves of bread, hats... anything. He too you to see a puppet show, and then he took you dancing.

And that dance alone made you fall so much more in love with him that it ached your soul.

After dancing, and several other fun things later, he took you on a small boat. Every time he looked at you, you swore he was in love with you, too. He had to be.

That night, on the balcony outside of your room, you stared dreamily at your prince as he played with Jarvis. You had never been more content.

He caught you staring, but he only smiled more. He waved at you.

You jumped back in surprise and backed into your room.

Unknowing to you, he was still smiling, thinking about you.

Yes, he was in love with the girl that sang to him. But was he really? She was just a voice that rescued him. And in that moment, he thought she was the one. But now there was this girl, and she was... she was everything he had ever wished for in a bride.

He blinked in surprise. A bride? Since when did he think about these things? He shook his head, but he couldn’t... he couldn’t shake his mind of her.

You brushed through your hair on your way to bed. You placed the brush on your nightstand, gave Happy’s head a pat, and plopped down on the soft plush that was your bed. You turned onto your stomach and curled up, smiling.

In your head, before you drifted off to sleep, you thought of dancing with the prince again. But this time, in your mind, it was you in a wedding gown, dancing with him in front of the kingdom - on his ship, as his bride.

Even though you were physically silent, your heart was full of song.

There is music in the air, can you hear it? It's in two, no, maybe three or maybe four And I see me dressed in white With two feet that feel so light It's as though as they've never ever touched the floor

You could picture it, dancing with him forever. And it felt so right. One dance, just you and me Beneath the moon, beside the sea One dance and it's happily ever after One dance and you will see We're not so different, you and me Just us two, me and you One dance There are stars that fill the night, can you see them? There are two, or three or gee, a million more And I see in their light Oh me? A dance? All right Just to move and glide with you across the floor One dance, just you and me Beneath the moon, beside the sea One dance and it's happily ever after One dance and you will see We're not so different, you and me Just us two, me and you I would change who I am Change the sea for the sand Just to stand with you I would leap at the chance For a glimpse of a glance Of one dance with you One dance, just you and me Beneath the moon, beside the sea One dance and it's happily ever after One dance and you will see We're not so different, you and me Just us two, dream come true One dance One dance

Your shoulders relaxed and you drifted off into a sleep, happily dreaming of the happily ever after to come. No matter what, things would work out perfect for you and Tony. Because you knew that he was your prince. And you being a little mermaid couldn’t change that.

#something is starting right now #tony stark x reader #iron man imagines #marvel imagines #disney themed marvel imagines #mariah's work #spiderneds work

74 notes · View notes

averagemarvelbitch · 7 years ago

Text

I’m so proud of this bitch I wrote? Like, it didn’t even fit in the chapter anymore but I still posted because I broke writing it and I love it?

From Pride and Joy (on AO3)

April, 1998

Malibu, CA, USA.

He walked through the cemetery, passing graves and more graves, not paying much attention to his surroundings. He had visited this place so many times in the last five years that he didn’t even have to look around. The path was burned into his memory. As he got closer to his destination, he felt the familiar pain in his chest, as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart and twisting his insides. It became hard to breathe. It always did. He should be used to it by now, but he wasn’t. He didn’t think he would ever be.

When he finally arrived, he stood there, looking down at the three graves for several minutes. They were clean and there were fresh flowers (lilies, his mother’s favorites) on top of each one. He reminded himself to thank Jack, the caretaker, for such a wonderful work.

“Hi, mom. I miss you. I hope you’re taking good care of my little girl”, he said with a sad smile, before kneeling down closer to the third grave, gently stroking the letters in the headstone:

Abigail Maria Stark

Beloved daughter

“Hey, baby girl. Happy birthday”, he whispered, placing a small teddy bear with a red bow on top of the grave as he sat down, “I miss you. I wish you were here to celebrate your day. I was thinking, maybe, we could have gone to the beach, have a picnic, eat ice cream. We could make sandcastles, like Jarvis and I used to when I was little. I bet you’d have liked that”.

He told her about his day, his new inventions and the company. He told her that he and her uncle Obie had just closed a huge deal, that her uncle Rhodey became captain and that DUM-E still put everything he could find lying around the workshop in the blender, including old socks, motor oil and, one time, Tony’s cell phone. The sun was already setting when Tony finally got up and said goodbye.

By the time he arrived at the mansion, Pepper was already gone. Good, he thought, entering though the door while holding a small colorful box and a bag. He didn’t want anyone to see or be a part of this. He knew that if Rhodey or Pepper (or, worse of all, Obie) found out about his little tradition they would try to talk him out of it. They would think it was salt in the wound, a way for Tony to torture himself every year, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It was a stupid thing to do, he knew, but, in a weird way, it brought him comfort on this sad day.

“JARVIS, you there?”

The answer came immediately. “For you, sir, always”.

Tony smiled as he walked down the stairs. He entered the workshop, where DUM-E, U and Butterfingers were already waiting for him. He placed the box on the table and took three colorful birthday hats out of the bag, placing them on his bots with some difficulty while they moved around, clearly excited. When that was done and over, he sat down and opened the box, taking out a small cake with blue and pink frosting and a candle shaped like a number 5.

“Second drawer to your left, sir”, JARVIS said. Tony followed the instruction and found the little box of matches inside the drawer. He took one and lighted up the candle.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Abby”, he sang quietly with tears in his eyes but a small smile on his face, “Happy birthday to you”.

#pride and joy #fanfiction #future #stony #bucky barnes #winter soldier #is gonna show up just you guys wait #trying to write more badass natasha romanoff for chapter 4

5 notes · View notes

the-shield-of-infinity-writing · 8 years ago

Text

30 Day OTP Challenge (Bucky Barnes) Day Twenty-Seven: On one of their birthday’s

Note: Pure fluff TT^TT

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader; Steve x Tony

Words: 1565

(Y/N) had this planned out, but she knew she couldn’t surprise Bucky in fear that she might cause him to go into a panic attack. She had made the cake with Steve and Tony had decked out the communal living room for Bucky’s 100th birthday. Strange as it was, (Y/N) was excited for today considering she gets to celebrate her husband’s birthday with everyone. Sam had Bucky go out for breakfast so the others could set up everything and the smile that grew on (Y/N)’s face was of pure happiness. “Awe, Bucky is gonna love this.” She said looking from Steve and Tony to the others before she sighed in relief. “Madame, I want to inform you that James and Sam are on their way up.” Jarvis spoke as (Y/N) claps her hands together, grinning.

“Alright everyone, are we ready?” She asked as they all nod before the doors to the elevator opened and in stepped both Sam and Bucky. “Happy Birthday Bucky.” They all said together as Bucky’s eyes widened looking around the room in totally shock. “W-What’s all this?” Bucky asked as Sam stepped beside (Y/N) mirroring her grin. “A party for you.” Sam said gesturing around as if that wasn’t obvious enough. “Today, we are celebrating the life that is James Buchanan Barnes.” (Y/N) cups his face as she noticed unshed tears forming in his waterline. “Y-You all did this for me?” He asked softly when Tony cleared his throat. “(Y/N) did. We were her little soldiers at her every command.” He grins as Steve smiles nudging him happily.

“Thank you.” He smiles before kissing her softly as he pulls her close and picking her up causing her to gasp. “My beautiful wife.” He whispered as she smiles before wrapping her arms around his neck when Tony cleared his throat again. “As kinky as seeing you two make up would be I think there is dinner, cake, and presents before that.” Tony murmured as both Bucky and (Y/N)’s faces heated. “Tony.” Steve sighed before shaking his head. “Come on, we should eat.” Steve gestured to the homemade pizza that Natasha, Clint and (Y/N) made together. “Hate to disappoint you with our poor excuse for a cake.” (Y/N) laughs as Steve flushes with a grin. “We tried. It’s the thought that counts.” He shrugs as Bucky chuckles before hugging each and every person who was there.

“Thank you, and I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Bucky grins before everyone sits around the table together when Bucky intertwined his and (Y/N)’s fingers under the table. He smiled as everyone told stories about their experience with Bucky, and no one had mentioned anything about the Winter Soldier. It was mostly Steve telling them about the Forties Bucky and how he was a flirt like Tony, who took full advantage. “Hm, seems I’m not so bad after all.” Tony comments looking away as he sipped his drink causing Bucky to roll his eyes playfully. “Funny Stark.” He chuckles as everyone laughs softly, loving that it was a good time for everyone. “I think that it’s time for cake.” (Y/N) comments as she stands up and goes into the kitchen before turning with a cake.

It was nothing special just a cake with blue icing written ‘Happy 100th Birthday you old geezer’ causing Bucky to smirk. “This was Stevie’s idea wasn’t is?” Bucky asked as Steve grins innocently. “I would never.” He chuckles as Bucky shakes his head while (Y/N) lits the one and two zeroes considering a hundred candles would be a fire hazard. He looked around the room as they all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him when his eyes fell on (Y/N) who held a smile on her face while she sang to him. He still couldn’t believe that she was his and to think of all the times before they were together how much she had put up with all his problems. She was definitely a diamond in the rough and he wouldn’t want this gem any other way than what she was before him.

“Now blow out your candles and make a wish.” Steve gestures to the candles. ‘I already have mine’ Bucky thought for a moment before he leaned down and blew out the flames as everyone cheered clapping their hands. “What did you wish for?” Tony asked wiggling his eyebrows. “Hey! He can’t tell you or it won’t come true!” (Y/N) pointed a finger at Tony who smirks. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Stark.” Bucky chuckles biting his lower lip for a moment before Clint rubs his hands together. “Come on, let’s get to what we’re all waiting for! The presents!” He exclaims as (Y/N) rolls her eyes. “Cake first.” She said removing the candles as she starts to cut the cake. “Awe, such a party pooper.” Tony chuckles when (Y/N) threw icing at him. “Hey! She’s attacking me! You all saw it!” Tony points at her as they laugh.

“Really? I didn’t see a thing.” Steve smirks earning a scowl from Tony as everyone laughs harder before the cake was distributed to each person. After a while Steve and the others got their presents together as (Y/N) made him sit in the recliner while they handed them to Bucky. “Thank you.” He smiles to everyone as he slowly opens each gift smiling at the things his friends have gotten him. “Here is mine.” (Y/N) smiles handing him a box. “Shouldn’t yours wait till the bedroom?” Natasha asked quirking an eyebrow. “Would you people quit your shit?” (Y/N) asked laughing as Bucky chuckles him before he lifted the lip and froze in place. His heart rate skyrocketed in his chest at what was laying in the box before him when he looked up to her.

“What is it Buck?” Steve asked when Bucky lifted out his old blue favorite jacket he use to wear before he had the fall. “H-How did you…?” Bucky trailed off unable to form words when (Y/N) smiles. “Steve and I were talking and he told you how much you loved that jacket and even gave me a sketch to work with. I got it trailered to your measure even with the arm.” She said when he stood up before immediately pulling it onto his body smiling like an idiot as everyone watched. “This… This is amazing.” He whispered when suddenly he yanked (Y/N) into a tight hug as she smiles hugging him back. “I’m glad you like it.” She whispers softly. “I love it.” He chuckles breathlessly when Bucky placed his forehead onto hers. “Thank you.” He smiles.

“Looks good Buck.” Steve grins when Tony stood up smiling like he did something he shouldn’t. “I have one more present for you, but this is for both you and (Y/N).” Tony said crooking a finger as everyone frowned. “Oh just follow me.” He said walking back to their bedroom before he opened the door to see Clint who, had somehow slipped out of the room without anyone’s knowledge, holding a small bundle in his arms. Both (Y/N) and Bucky froze when Clint grins walking over handing over the one year old little girl. “Um… I knew her mother and she couldn’t take care of the baby, but didn’t want to put her into an orphanage or anything… I remembered you two speaking about adopting, but that’s expensive. So I told her I’d take her.” He said rubbing the back of his neck.

“You mean she’s ours?” Bucky asked looking down into his arms at the little girl who had the same color eyes he did. “Yeah, there’s some paperwork that you can fill out tomorrow and this little bundle of joy is whatever you name her.” He smiles when (Y/N) yanked Tony into a hug causing him to laugh as he hugs her back. “I know you two will take good care of her, besides Robocop will make a good Dad.” He said as he looks down to the small girl. “Thank you Tony.” Bucky smiles as tears flooded down his face when he looked at her before kissing the little girl’s forehead. “She’s beautiful.” He comments as everyone smiles watching them fawn over the small child. “What should we call her?” (Y/N) asked looking at him when he thought for a moment. “How does Winifred Sarah Barnes sound?” He asked when Steve looked at him.

“I think that’s a wonderful name. Maybe we can call her Winnie for a nickname like Bucky.” She smiles as Bucky nods. “I like the sounds of that.” Bucky grins as everyone smiles looking at the young girl. “Welcome to the Avengers Winnie.” Steve whispered smiling softly. After a few hours Bucky laid Winnie down into her crib that somehow (Y/N) completely missed. “She’s beautiful.” He whispered as (Y/N) hung up his new jacket when he looks back to her. “She is… I don’t always think Tony is listening, but… he is.” She said softly looking down to Winnie before leaning against him. “Guess we finally got our little family.” She whispered as he kissed her forehead. “I guess we did.” He smiles taking her hand in his own before leading her back into the bed to sleep for the night.

Tag List: @chameerah

Bucky Tag: @jediavenger9 @buckyappreciationsociety @this-is-reighlen @aravensdaisies @nerdyandproud9 @parker-benflorian @ameliahinwonderland @sarah-fangirls-and-stuff @violentlybarnes

Permanent Tag: @kanupps06 @lehumbletrashcan @hortonhearsahoeblr @madamrubrum @tillielynn16 @ididntasktogetmadedidi @eliza-hamilton-helpless @archy3001 @inselaire @breezy1415 @tremendouslyelegantstrawberry @donttalktomewhenimreading @txcountrybelle @i-am-a-dragon @abbywro-blog @shayna-winchester @thomashiddlestonloveloki

48 notes · View notes

savedbythenotepad · 8 years ago

Text

It was Tony’s birthday a day ago, I believe, so I decided to write a quick thing because he’s wonderful and I love him. Plus, I felt motivated so I thought why not?

Happy belated Birthday, Tony!

“I swear you’re going gray,” Clint said, smiling mischievously as he prodded Tony’s temple. “Does that mean I can call you ‘grandpa’ now?”

“Fuck off, Clint,” Tony replied with no real heat.

“Grandpa!” Clint decided before continuously saying, “Grandpa Tony!” as he raced off to join the rest in the kitchen.

Tony rolled his eyes but he was grinning, leaning into the couch as he worked on his tablet. He had nothing else better to do since he had been banned from the kitchen. The team had promptly kept him out, Jarvis their warning siren if Tony even tried to sneak a peek.

Natasha was always the one to come out with a look of fond exasperation and she pulled him back to the common area. She ignored Tony’s pleas and whine like the expert she was and even at one point, tapped his nose like he was a misbehaving kitten.

So Tony was left to pout, his arms crossed over his chest before he decided to get busy. He got hold of his tablet and he had been playing around with it ever since.

“Okay, Tony,” Steve said, exiting the kitchen while drying his hands with a dish towel. “You can stop pouting and come into the kitchen,”

“Who said I was pouting?” Tony asked, eagerly leaping up from the couch. “I have never pouted a single day in my entire life,” He looked down at his tablet before shrugging and tossing it onto the cushions.

“I have pictures, don’t try me,” Steve warned, chuckling as Tony groaned. “I’m sure Clint would love to get his hands on them,”

“Darling, you wouldn’t,” Tony said, scandalized and Steve winked. “I knew I couldn’t trust you,”

“We all know that’s the biggest lie ever,” Steve said, smiling sweetly and Tony couldn’t even disagree with him. “Now, let’s go because I’m pretty sure they’re all getting ansty,”

“Have you gotten Anthony yet?” Thor’s voice came from the kitchen with its familiar boom.

“I’ve got him!”Steve shouted back before tugging on Tony’s arm. “Come on, let’s go,”

“If you’re all planning on scaring me, just know,” Tony said, allowing himself to be tugged along. “I will disown all of you,”

“Mhm,”Steve hummed.

The walk to the kitchen only took about thirty seconds and they stopped right outside the doorway. “You first,” Steve said, waving him forward in a gentlemanly fashion.

Tony snorted. “Goodness, you spoil me,” He replied, before entering the kitchen and stopping right in his tracks.

The kitchen was decorated with homemade decorations, all of them a different theme and color according to an Avenger. The overall color scheme was red and gold, with the streamers and the balloons and even some of the party hats.

Their little dining table had been arranged for a huge meal, the presentation beautiful and delicate. There were even the fancy silver napkin holders and Tony resisted a watery chuckle because there’s a fun memory surrounding those.

All of his favorite foods were on the kitchen counter, so much of it. There was probably going to be enough to find them for the next month, even after a super soldier and a god had their fill. There was lasagna, cheese burgers and those chili fries that he and Clint always fight over. Tony felt his stomach give a soft rumble and he placed a hand lightly over his stomach.

Then there was the cake, and Tony almost lost it when he saw what it was. It was one of those Iron Man birthday cakes that could be found at supermarkets. The Iron Man helmet was the design and Tony was tempted to smash it in because there was so many mistakes.

But this whole thing that his team, no, his family did for was absolutely incredible.

They had organized all of his...just for him.

“I think he’s crying,” Clint whispered, only be to hushed by Bruce.

“Tony,” Steve said, pulling him in close. “Are you okay?”

Tony sniffled and simply burrowed his head into Steve’s chest, shaking his head as he took a deep breath.

“Does this not please you?” Thor asked worriedly. “Is there something we did not do right?”

Tony was quick to shake his head as he looked at Thor. “No!” He exclaimed, shaking his head once more. “No, it’s absolutely perfect...it’s so wonderful,”

“Whew,” Clint pretended to wipe off sweat from his forehead. “Because this took a pretty long time and I swear, I almost ate all the chili fries,”

“I would have killed you,” Tony replied with ease.

“I would have been worried if you didn’t,”

Natasha came forward and wrapped an arm around Tony’s shoulders. “We wanted to do something special for you since you’re always doing things for us,” She said, smiling warmly. “And since it’s your birthday, why not have some fun and spoil you a little?”

Tony gave a disbelieving chuckle. “Honestly, guys, you didn’t have to do this,” He then gestured to the cake. “I would have been fine with a card and a cake-”

“We wanted to do it,” Bruce interrupted. “We wanted to and we wanted you to know how much we appreciate you,” He then shrugged, smiling. “Nothing wrong with showing a bit of love,”

Tony bit his bottom lip, looking around the room at the people who had made his life so much more. These were the people who were his partners, his teammates and also his family. Before they came along, he only had Rhodey and Pepper who always remained highly important in his life. But being apart of the Avengers and forming such a bond showed him that he didn’t always have do everything on his own.

He loved them and they loved him.

Taking a deep breath, Tony nodded and laughed when everyone erupted into cheers. “The festivities begin!” Thor exclaimed happily as he and Clint high-fived.

The whole room was instantly buzzing, all of them piling up their plates with food as they laughed, talked and just enjoyed each other’s presence.

Later that evening, as they all sang Happy Birthday to him, Tony knew that there was no other place he’d rather be.

In his office, Tony took a sip of coffee and didn’t even flinch at how cold it had become. He had been busy staring at the dog tags, Steve’s dog tags to be exact.

He had gifted them to Tony on his birthday, that magical night where the whole team had come together like the family they truly were...back then.

His thumb ran over Steve’s name a couple of times before he wore the dog tags once again, not even bothering to hide them underneath his shirt.

That night, he remembered vividly as it had been one of the greatest nights of his life. A fantastic memory that refused to be shattered, it was so annoying.

He wanted to forget.

He wanted to forget them because they had hurt him, he had hurt him so bad.

Tony hesitated before reaching for the black phone, its shape familiar in his hand from holding it so often. Debating on if contacting Steve would be a good or bad idea.

The conclusion was usually bad but sometimes, he hoped that it would be good.

He slowly flipped open the phone and stared at the screen, no notification telling him about a new message that had been received.

Tony chuckled bitterly before closing the phone and gently placing it aside.

“Happy Birthday to me,” Tony sang softly, staring out of the window at the lights of New York City.

#tony stark #stevetony #stony #a little bit!#the avengers #mywriting #happy birthday tony!

155 notes · View notes

tumbleon · 8 years ago

Text

Another birthday, same place

What does getting older mean?

When you are young, change comes at lightning speed. Milestones are mere months apart, from learning to walk, talk, read, vote and everything in between—the nature of the sun, geography, the heartburn of love unrequited, how to drive, the right to open credit cards, rent a car, buy porn and cigarettes. In comparison, milestones in your late twenties and thirties are far fewer and farther between.

Before moving to Christchurch five years ago, I had changed cities, neighbourhoods or just flats about every six months. Now I have lived not only in the same town, but the same flat for five years. I got a dog. My life is now filled with familiar beats and routines. What makes a year, then, when everything looks roughly the same from the one before?

Jarvis cools off in the South Pacific Ocean during a springtime trip to North New Brighton in Christchurch, New Zealand, October 2013.

Taken earlier that day? Nope, same location one year later, November 2014.

One of the risks of getting older is that your tolerance for being bad at something declines. This can be seen as a good thing; it suggests an appreciation of quality. Your taste is developing; your behaviour aligns with your evolving aesthetic preferences.

On the other hand, it can become a crutch that can encourage leaning too much on your strengths. The willingness to risk failure recedes. Your ego takes over. You fear the frustration of going back to square one and starting again.

That was what I admired about my best friend Mary. Although Mary and I are both American, we first crossed paths in Christchurch four years ago through TradeMe when Mary responded to our flatmate listing.

We killed a lot of time together.

Mary and I find Flat Man at a roller derby game in Christchurch, New Zealand, October 2013

Flat outing to watch the All Blacks smash France in Christchurch, New Zealand, November 2013

Mary and I in our best op shop threads headed off to a dance thrown by the Avon City Rock and Roll Club. Outfit coordinated to match Jarvis, who seems more impressed with Mary. Christchurch, New Zealand, September 2014

A few years back, Mary became inspired by her mother’s foray into guitar back in Pennsylvania and signed up for lessons in Christchurch. I watched as she sat in the lounge of our flat and struggled until her fingers formed habits. She was willing to be bad at something again, like a kid. Her comfort with her own vulnerability inspired me to pick up a guitar again, no longer frozen from having barely touched it for the last 10 years. I didn’t critique myself for being bad as I played with Mary. It reminded me that music is the most fun thing that two friends can do. I even relaxed enough to remember and show her the few things that I knew.

Hanging out with sisters, dogs, and guitars in Diamond Harbour, Christchurch, New Zealand, November 2014.

“You lost your inhibitions,” our flatmate Winston mused.

Mary and I wouldn’t necessarily play every week, but we would always meet up. That element of the ritual was religious. We poured glasses of hot water with lemon, red wine, or whiskey, depending on how we were feeling. We talked about life and love and loss and wrote down the bits that seemed to have a nice cadence. Sometimes we held our guitars, sometimes we forgot and just got drunk instead. We wrote dozens of pieces of songs and melodies, which gave us a glowing, happy buzz. We never bothered to finish any of them.

At times it seems like the only meaning of life on an island is to enjoy and take pleasure in the moment. Spontaneous meetings and deep friendships can look the same at first sight, so you never quite know whether a novel chance encounter might dissipate that day or become one of the longest threads of your life. Timing matters. It can make the difference between crossing paths and entering lives.

Back in August, I only knew our bandmate Ray through some workmates. We planned to get a coffee when I came down to Wanaka with Mary for our annual ski holiday.

Mary and I at Treble Cone in Wanaka, New Zealand, a year my car didn’t break down.

We had made it to the top of the Treble Cone car park and shut off the car when steam began pouring out of the hood.

“Well,” I chirped. “Anyone got AA?”

A promise to catch up with Ray for a coffee turned into a plea for my dog and I to stay with her family until my car got fixed. They took me in with open arms. Jarvis and I stayed for five days. Ray and I found a quiet peace in each other’s presence, and often embarked on thoughtful conversations.

Ray stared into the distance after hearing that Mary and I played together. “That’s cool,” she said, unwrapping her lips from her vape. “I’d love to get back into playing music.” Music had been her first love in childhood; long instilled by her music teacher mother. She too had left it behind in her twenties to pursue other things. Now, she was reconsidering. A soft glow came over her face. “You know that feeling when you are playing with people, and all of a sudden the music starts going somewhere on its own, and you don’t have to think about it anymore, and everyone is on the same level?”

My face dropped. What Mary and I did could be best described as melodic analysis, which often involved little to no playing. I wanted to slowly pass a hand in front of Ray’s face like Obi-Wan Kenobi and say in a low voice, “These are not the droids you are looking for.”

Ray was keen on moving back to Christchurch. There was a room going in our flat when Ray moved back to Christchurch a few months later. She took it.

Jenny and I had met five years before, though it took us four hours in a car together to remember that. Our boyfriends’ bands played a gig together; I went to her house for a barbecue. Although we met, both of us walked away relatively unchanged. It was only when our paths crossed again in Dunedin as flatmates that we started to spend long stretches of time together.

Jarvis chilling on the front porch of the flat where Jenny and I met (again), North East Valley in Dunedin, New Zealand, June 2017.

The night of the Pixies concert I drove Jenny back up to Christchurch and asked if she played music, too.

“Not really,” she said. She played drums once or twice, but she was pretty bad. “Although,” she conceded, “after four or five times of being really bad at it, once I sat down at the drums and it just started coming out of me. My limbs were moving without me even thinking. I was like, ‘Oh my god! I can do it!”

“My band is looking for a drummer,” I said.

“I’m not a very good drummer though,” she conceded. “I don’t keep in time.”

“Neither can we,” I replied. “Sounds like you would be perfect.”

Two weeks later Brenda asked whether I knew any bands that could open for her band when they came down two months later for a gig at the darkroom, in June. None of us had ever played a set of original music live before. We measured the length of the songs that were near finished. In theory, we could do it. Mary and Ray were living in Christchurch; Jenny and I in Dunedin. Occasionally we came together in Christchurch to practice.

Band poster for The Biscuits’ Christchurch show for their Rise 7″ release tour, with support acts Les Baxters, Instant Fantasy, and us! June 2017

The week before the gig, I was still in a panic. Things as simple as standing, holding a guitar, playing a guitar and singing into a microphone proved difficult to coordinate. Before I had wondered why microphone stands had two halves and bent. It makes sense as soon as you are standing behind one that doesn’t. I had to stand so close to it my guitar knocked into the stand. It was so distracting, not a single note I sang was in tune.

A few days before the show we threw in a melody I had come up with a few weeks earlier while riding mopeds around Hawaii with Geof. When I found on the piano back in Christchurch, Ray and Mary loved it and asked if it could be put somewhere in the set as an interlude. I wasn’t nailing the solo every time that I played.

“Guys,” I pleaded. “What are we doing playing live on Friday night?”

“It will be fine,” Ray said in her zen way. “We can do this. We just need to run through them a few times. Look how far we have come.”

We ran through our first song again. “That time sounded better,” Brian said.

The night before the show I was a bit more relaxed. “This is so cool,” I said, looking around the room at my friends. “We’re all taking each other somewhere none of us have been before.”

“Thank you for doing this,” I said to Ray as we mingled in the kitchen the morning of the show.

“It is really cool,” Ray agreed. “It’s been so good getting back into music again. Playing with you guys has changed my journey. Even my mom was saying, ‘It’s so good that you are playing again!’ And now I may study it…”

I smiled. “It’s wonderful to be a part of that return for you.”

In New Zealand, the passing of time can seem like one long endless day.

Floating the Avon with friends in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2015

Taken the same day? No, two years later in February 2017, the year we decided to float the Heathcote – a far worse idea.

What is the meaning of time when life can at times feel like Groundhog Day on an island?

It reminds me of a Maori saying my little sister fell in love with when she came over for a year.

My little sister and absolute favourite person in the world Holleigh out on a walk in the Port Hills with Jarvis and her students, Christchurch, New Zealand, August 2015 – the only year she was in New Zealand.

“He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.”

What is the most important thing in the world?

It is people, it is people, it is people.

#christchurch #newzealand #music #everydaylife #friends #family

0 notes