Chapter Text
“I knew you could do it kid; I told you you had nothing to worry about.” Tony threw an arm over his shoulders. “They loved you! You did amazing.” Tony rubbed his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.” Tony had to practically force the words out of his mouth. It wasn’t that they weren’t true or that he didn’t want the kid to know but Tony wasn’t used to saying what he felt. Emotions were something to be hidden away, buried and only released in the dark and when he was alone. But the smile that lit up Peter’s face made the discomfort worth it; it was almost blinding in its intensity and Tony wanted to look away but couldn’t bear to tear his eyes away from it at the same time. He smiled back at him.
“Say cheese!” May’s voice sang near them. Both boys turned to face the camera with smiles on their faces. As soon as she snapped the shot, Peter turned back to face him.
“Thank you Mr Stark.” He looked up at him with gleaming eyes and Tony decided he was quickly approaching his sentimental limit for the day.
“Don’t get all mushy on me kid.” Tony said before ruffling the kid’s hair. Peter laughed and tried to duck away, unsuccessfully might he add.
“Mr Stark.” Peter whined. Tony could, absurdly, feel laughter bubbling up inside him and he couldn’t stop the wide smile on his face even if he wanted too. They heard another snap of a picture being taken and looked over at May who was smiling down at the camera.
“Oh, that’s a good one.”
“Why don’t you get in the pictures if you’re so insistent on taking them.” Tony called to her, reaching for the camera but May batted his hands away.
“Peter and I will take pictures together but I want one with all 3 of us too.” Tony blinked at her feeling strangely touched that she wanted him in her photo. Photos were to capture moments; family photos were of times together you don’t want to forget. There weren’t many people left who would want to include him in them and the fact that the Parkers did brought feelings up that he viciously forced down to consider later. Or never. Preferably the latter but realistically the former. Unfortunately.
May called Ned over and tasked him with taking the picture. It took him a second to get over being star struck at taking a picture of Tony Stark, who was in front of him, right there. That was a good photo too. Then Tony took over and took plenty of photos of May and Peter, Peter and Ned, May and Peter and Ned together. He hadn’t been on this side of the camera in a while. He had had countless pictures taken of him over the years, most exceedingly unflattering, but had never really cared enough to want to capture something or someone forever. Sure, he had the odd photo of Rhodey or Pepper or the Avengers, but he had never been all that invested in photo taking. God, what was this family doing to him? First, the kid inspires all these protective and amused feelings, then his aunt actually succeeds in making him feel vaguely sentimental. Now they have him going to competitions and feeling pride at something he didn’t even do and taking family pictures. What impossible thing would they get him to do next? Not that he would hang around and get attached. Last time he did that, it didn’t end well for him. He isn’t going to give the universe another chance like that to rip the rug out from under his feet. But as Peter bounced over to him, stopping just short of hugging him again, smiling that dimpled smile up at him that is brighter than all the stars in the sky, Tony had a sinking sensation that it might be too late for that. Oh God.