Friendly Neighborhood Birthday Man

The Proposal

Peter and Tony held hands in the back seat of the town car.

No limo today. Nothing too flashy.

"Are you nervous?" Tony asked.

Peter hadn't said a word. His touch was warm on Tony's hand, but he stared out of the window most of the trip.

"Yeah. A little. I'm glad we decided to tell her over the phone first. It won't be a total surprise. Good call, Babe." Peter turned to Tony and kissed his cheek just under his stylish thick-rimmed glasses. "You look incredible, by the way." Peter smoothed his hand over Tony's soft red sweater. The billionaire tried his hardest to not dress flashy while still dressing up for the occasion.

Today was a big day, after all.

The couple had told Peter's aunt about their relationship over the phone, taking away the initial shock she may have felt, but this would be their first time seeing her in person.

"I'm nervous too," Tony admitted as he squeezed Peter's hand.

"She'll be fine."

Tony didn't seem convinced. He feigned a smile, but now he was the one staring distantly out the window with a seriousness.

Was he hiding something?

Was something wrong?

Peter tried to kiss away his lover's seriousness which worked all too well! He cupped Tony's stubbly cheek in his hand before sealing his lips against his own. The two made out until the car arrived at the bistro.

The men were right on time, but May must have arrived early. She was seated, and looked like she was already halfway into a glass of wine.

She sighed but then put on a smile and stood up to shake Tony's hand before squeezing Peter in a tight hug.

"Oh, Peter!" She was silent as she continued to squeeze the young man. When she let go a single tear fell.

"May! It's alright! I'm alright!" Peter comforted her.

"You're so grown up, and I just can't believe it." She sighed. She turned her attention to Tony, "And you!" She started to sound serious, but her voice softened. "Oh, Mr. Stark, I can't even be mad. You've done so much for Peter over the years. Thank you."

"No, May. Thank you." Tony smiled.

May hugged Tony in a sweet and tender moment. Peter was overjoyed to see his aunt accept his new partner.

The three sat down to their meal. Tony curiously kept refilling Peter's water glass, ensuring the young man had plenty to drink.

"So things have been pretty peaceful with The Avengers lately?" May asked.

"Thankfully! No space missions or world-ending maniacs at the moment!" Peter laughed.

"Or near future!" Tony added.

Peter started to feel the pressure of his bladder.

"Guys, excuse me for a minute."

With Peter gone, Tony became completely serious. He took a long deep breath while looking down at his lap before finally looking May in the eyes.

"May, there's something I need to tell you." His words were deliberate.

"What is it, Mr. Stark?" She looked so worried.

Tony took another moment. He took another deep breath.

"I'm in love with Peter."

"I know." May sighed. "I wasn't crazy about it at first, but I'm coming around. He's a grown man. He can make his own decisions. And you're a fine man yourself, Mr. Stark. It's fine with me." May smiled a sweet smile, but Tony's face stayed cold.

"It's...It's more than that. May, I..." Tony choked up. He took a long swig of his wine before trying again. "I want to ask Peter to marry me."

Tony looked back down to his lap after his admission.

He didn't see the shocked look on May's face.

He didn't see the smile ear-to-ear either.

Nor did he see the stream of joyous tears.

"Yes." She managed through sobs. "You can ask him. You have my blessing, Tony Stark."

"Wait, really?!'

May nodded. Tony jumped up and hugged her.

She wiped away the tears just in time as Peter returned.

"What's going on? Did I miss something?"

Tony was nervous again now, but he was smooth, with an air of confidence as if he'd practiced this part in his mind over and over again for the last 7 years.

"Just...stand there for a second, Pete."

Tony took Peter's hand in his as he knelt on one knee. He retrieved the ring from his pocket and showed it to Peter.

"Tony...?"

"Peter, I'm so madly in love with you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you as your husband. Will you marry me?" Tony slid the ring on Peter's finger. It was a dark metal with a single stone that gleamed instead of sparkled. It was...a tiny arc reactor!

"Oh Tony, I..." Peter stalled.

"Well? Will you? What do you say?"

"Tony. Um...I...."

"What's wrong?" Tony was nervous.

"Of course, I'll marry you! It's just that," Peter knelt too so that both men were on one knee facing each other. Peter reached into his own pocket and pulled out his own ring, which he placed on Tony's finger. "I was going to ask you to marry me, is all."

"Yes! I'll marry you, Peter Parker!" Tony laughed as he studied the ring. By now, the men had an audience of restaurant goers and staff watching. Peter stood up, pulling Tony to his feet as well and kissed him.

"He said yes!" Tony announced as everyone cheered, and May cried.