Always There, Never Gone | A Peter Parker x Tony Stark Father-Son Fanfic

Always There, Never Gone

After returning from London, Peter visits the local graveyard to pay respects to his fallen mentor. He approaches the tombstone:

Anthony Edward Stark
1970-2023
Beloved Father, Husband, Son, and Hero

He sits close to the tombstone, and spends some time there. Peter had been going through trauma ever since Tony died. He had no idea how he could carry on the legacy of Iron Man. He didn't know if he was worthy enough to continue from where Tony stopped. To make matters worse, the illusion that Mysterio gave him was adding insult to injury. Beck has guilt-tripped Peter over Stark's death, which hurt Peter to the fullest extent.

"If you were good enough, maybe Tony would still be alive."
These were the words which had haunted Peter for the past few nights. He would never forget that terrible illusion.

Tony meant so much to him. He was everything Peter desired to be. He breaks down, covers his eyes with his hands, and begins to cry. He had never cried this much in his entire life.

"Mr. Stark, I- I'm sorry..." said Peter. "I don't know what to do... I don't know if I have what it takes. I see you everywhere I go, and it hurts. I don't know what this world is going to do without you. May, Happy, Mr. Rhodes, Morgan, they're doing all they can to help me recover, but the pain just doesn't seem to go away... I was foolish enough to trust Beck, and look what he did to me. I don't think I deserved those glasses... How can I be the next Tony Stark..? I'm just an ordinary t-teen... I-I don't know if I-" Peter paused and took his time. "...if I did well enough... And you're not even here to show me if I did..."

Peter continued to cry. He believed Tony wasn't even there to listen to his cries. He cried for a while. "I guess I... ...I failed you, Mr. Stark. I'm sorry." said Peter.

All of a sudden, wind blows around him. He begins to feel a familiar presence. He feels loved, accepted, and encouraged. This tremendous wave of happiness and love brushes past him with the air. Peter had a strong sensation that someone was there. It was so familiar. The last time he felt like this was when Tony hugged him during the final showdown with Thanos. And then, he hears a familiar voice.

"You did good, kid."

He looks up. In front of him stood the bright and transparent image of his father figure. The man he idolized, the man he looked up to, the man who was there for Peter when he needed him the most, and, most importantly, a true hero, and the savior of the universe. He was there, right in front of him, and Peter knew it wasn't a hallucination. All of this was real. It truly was him. He smiles at him, and waves. Peter tears up, smiles, and waves back. The spirit of his caring mentor then disappeared behind the tombstone.

Peter exits the graveyard and goes home, feeling joyful. He never felt alone after that moment, because he wasn't. At that moment, what he had gained was acceptance, another chance, and love from the man who made him an Avenger. He had experienced true mentorship, which could only come from a true father figure. The next day, Peter happily swings around NYC. He continues to be the friendly neighborhood web-slinger, and continues to fight crime. He smiles to himself, knowing that loved ones are never really gone. He knew that Tony believed in him, and considered him to be his worthy successor. Peter felt safe and secure, knowing that if he listens carefully, he can hear Tony's footsteps. This is how we would know, that Tony is watching him, and is with him wherever he goes.

Peter later came across a billboard of Iron Man. He looked at it happily, and said "Thank you, Mr. Stark."

Tony's slightly visible form stood a short distance behind him, and smiled.

"Always there for you, kid."

I love you 3000, Tony. ❤️