FE 2024 Prompt Table 2 Fill #35 - Birthday

[innitmarvelous_og]

Once, just for once, Tony would like to spend his birthday with his father instead of his surrogate father, Edwin Jarvis. But as the morning of Tony's 10th birthday dawned, it was becoming clear that wasn't going to happen again this year.

Tony had really tried to not get his hopes up as he went downstairs for breakfast, but he couldn't help peeking around the corner of the dining room, hoping his dad would be there. Instead though he found Edwin Jarvis along with his wife Anna setting the table as usual.

"Ah, good morning, Master Tony," Jarvis greeted him warmly, "And a very happy birthday to you."

Tony sighed, and mumbled, "Thanks, Jarvis."

With a sympathetic tut, Anna gave Tony a gentle peck on the cheek, "Now, now, none of that! No long faces today! It's your very special day today, dear."

Tony nodded, and asked, "Is Dad, uh, you know..." He couldn't quite make himself finish the question, since he knew he wouldn't hear the answer he hoped for.

"I'm afraid your father had to leave quite early this morning for an important business meeting in Washington DC," Jarvis replied in a regretful tone, "But he did ask that I wish you a happy birthday for him."

Tony just nodded, trying to not show how much his father's absence hurt him once again. Howard Stark was an important, busy man — Tony understood that very well, or at least he did in his mind. But that didn't help it to hurt his heart any less when his father couldn't seem to ever make any time for him, not even on one measly day a year.

"Well, Mrs. Jarvis and I have plenty of festivities planned to help make this birthday one you'll never forget," Jarvis continued in a bright, cheery tone as he did his best to cheer the boy up, "Starting with your favorite breakfast in the world!"

Anna guided Tony towards the table, her smile as bright as her husband's, as was her tone, "That's right, my dear! You can have all the chocolate chip pancakes, whipped cream, and bacon you want!

While the Jarvises doted on him over a decadent birthday breakfast, Tony couldn't help but feel that at least there were two people who seemed to care more about him and his happiness than his own parents did. Sadly even when his mother was around, she was lovely, but she often seemed to be thinking about other things and was distant in other ways.

It was really the butler and his wife who had been the most constant presence in Tony's life as he'd grown up. They had always celebrated any of his accomplishments, had comforted him through his struggles, and they'd lavished him with the love and attention they would have given their own child had they had one.

Once Tony has gorged himself with chocolate chip pancakes, Jarvis brought out a modestly wrapped gift, "This is just a small token of our affection, Master Tony. Though I would wager that you'll find it rather useful, if I know anything about you mind."

Tony's eyes lit up as he tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek, professional-grade tool kit that was filled with all kinds of wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and many other gadgets. "Wowwie! This is really amazing, you guys! Now I can really get to work on all the projects I want to do without having to borrow Dad's tools!"

"Which was precisely our thoughts," Jarvis said with an indulgent smile, "We know how that all too brilliant mind of yours is always thinking about tinkering away on your next great invention."

"Just be sure not to lose any of those tools this time," Anna added with a wink. "Or we'll have to take the cost out of your allowance!"

As they all shared a laugh, for the first time that day, Tony felt his mood being lifted. No matter how much his real parents always seem to let him down, the Jarvises never failed to do what they could to make him feel special and cared for and about.

Once he'd thoroughly examined and admired his gift, Jarvis cleared his throat, "Now then, I think we have some other things prepared for a young master to help him celebrate a momentous birthday such as this one. Shall we see what we have in store for you next, Master Tony?"