Undying Fidelity (A Starker Fanfic)

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Tony's POV

 I can't believe that I just confessed to Peter that I'm no longer in love with Pepper. He's never been the best at keeping secrets but yet I trust him completely. I have faith that he can keep it private at least until after the big party next week. Until then, I just need to keep my mask on and not let anything slip. He's right though, it would be horrible to exploit Pepper like that in the media. We have a child together, the most amazing little girl to grace this Earth. Morgan wouldn't want to see her mother painted in a negative limelight like that either. It would destroy our family dynamics.

    I don't like seeing the ones I love in pain. I'll never forget that moment during the final battle where I held the infinity stones in my own gauntlet and snapped my fingers. Thanos and all of his minions turned to dust instantly but it nearly cost me my life. There is so much power welded into those infinity stones. I'm glad Steve put them all back where they belonged in their respected time periods. I wouldn't trust myself to hold onto all of them. Bruce also had his arm burned alive basically. It's going to take a long time for that to heal. I spent weeks in the hospital after that final battle. I'm still recovering but I can be on my feet and working again. I'm one of the few people in the world that enjoys my work. I love keeping busy. 

     When Pepper comes over to me and pecks me on the lips, I force myself to give a peck back. She doesn't sense my hesitance thankfully. "I'm so excited for the party next week Tony. I even found us the perfect sitter for Morgan." Peter comes out from behind her and I frown a bit. "You asked Peter to babysit for Morgan? He's twenty now Pepper, he's old enough to attend our parties. He's also a valuable employee and an Avenger. Find someone else to babysit Morgan." She scoffs. "Morgan adores Peter so I thought it would be nice for the two of them to be able to spend a night together. Pardon me for having been thoughtful towards the both of them." Peter puts a hand up. "I think I can speak for myself here with all due respect. I would love to spend time with Morgan, but at the same time I would love to attend the party. Could I babysit Morgan for half of the time and then attend the second half of the party? Happy could take the second shift perhaps?" 

     Pepper and I share a look for a moment before we both nod in unison. "I think that's fair Pep. Talk to Happy though when you get the chance. Don't just spring it on him like you did with Peter." She rolls her eyes but agrees to talk to Happy when she gets a free moment. When she's gone, I grin at Peter. "You're going to love my parties. They're legendary. Even if you're not a big drinker which I doubt you are, there are always large food spreads of every ethnic cuisine under the sun. Not to mention live bands playing and tons of interesting people to mingle with." "Tony, can I possibly invite my friends MJ and Ned? They would love to meet everyone. They're also my two best friends that are my age." "Sure, why not. The more merrier!" He beams at me joyfully. "Thank you Tony. They're going to be so excited. I'm so excited!"

     I chuckle. "I have no doubt in my mind that you are." I hand him some extra cash. "Make sure to buy yourself a nice suit or dressy outfit for the occasion. I want you to wow me in it too." He blushes. "S-Sure thing." He stares at the wad of cash in awe before forcing himself to walk away from me. I stare at him fondly. He's truly a walking, talking work of art. That boy doesn't even know the half of what he does to me, the effects that he has on me. Ugh, just ugh. 

Hope that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary