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Tony was sitting at the table, sipping his morning coffee as he watched his son and Ethan and daughter Eva wander into the kitchen as their still sleepy eyes adjusted to the morning light.

Ethan gave a big yawn, before he plopped down in a chair, "'Morning, Dad."

"'Morning, champ," Tony replied with a smile, "Did you have lots of fun yesterday, sport?"

Suddenly Ethan was fully away as his face lit up with an excited grin, "Yeah, Dad! Mommy took us to the zoo, and we saw lions, and tigers-"

"And bears, oh my!" Tony finished for him, chuckling at his enthusiasm, "Sounds like you had quite the adventure with Mommy. And what about my little princess? Eva, did you enjoy the zoo too?"

Eva's the younger of the two as she's 3.5 years younger than her brother. She nodded as enthusiastically as her brother, her curls bouncing with every bob of her head, "It was the best! I really loved the monkeys, Daddy! They were so silly and funny!"

Tony ran a hand over his daughter's wild bed head, "I'm glad you both had fun yesterday. Some needed to while Daddy was stuck in old, boring meetings all day long!"

Pepper chose that moment to enter the kitchen, and she rolled her eyes at her husband's statement, "Oh please! You were in a room full of scientists and engineers all day yesterday! You were having as much fun as the kids if not more!" She gave him a kiss and went to pour herself a cup of coffee.

"'Morning, Mommy!" Ethan and Eva shouted in unison.

Pepper returned and sat down by Tony, "So did they tell you about our trip to the zoo yesterday?"


He nodded, smiling, "Yeah they did. Sound like you guys had more fun that a barrel of monkeys!"

Pepper chuckled, nodding. "We did have fun but I think Eva's favorite part of the day was when we had ice cream after we left the zoo,"

Eva grinned, "Yeah, yeah! Daddy, I had Hunka-Hulka Burnin' Fudge!"

Tony rolled his eyes, and acted like he was going to get up, "Just for that, little girl, I think you need to be Tickle Monstered!"

Eva shrieked and hunkered down in her chair, "No, Daddy! Don't!"

"Okay, I'll have mercy this time but I'd better not hear again that you love Uncle Bruce's ice cream flavor more than you do Daddy's!"

"Okay, Daddy!"

"Speaking of Bruce, how was he when you saw him yesterday, Tony?" Pepper asked.

They finished breakfast, and started to decide what they wanted to do together as a family.

"Hey, Dad?" Ethan said.

"Yeah, Ethan?"

"Could we go to the park today? I really want to fly my new kite!" the little boy said.

"New kite?"

"Yeah I got a new kite at the zoo yesterday! I has sloths on it!"

Tony shared a glance with Pepper then said, "Cool! Yeah I think we can fit the park in for today, champ."

"Say, why don't we have a picnic at the park? Make it a whole day family affair?" Pepper suggested.

"That sounds like a great idea. I'll go get the kiddos ready and-"

"I'll get our food ready!"

"Come on, kids, let's go get ready to go to the park!"

"Yay!" Ethan and Eva exclaimed, running down the hallway to get ready for more family fun and memories.
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To say the silence in the headmaster's office of Brierton Academy was intense would be an understatement. Ethan was usually a model student so he had never set foot in the Headmaster's office outside of being welcomed to the school again — this is until today. Now he was in the most inter office, seated before Headmaster Reynolds' large oak desk with his stomach tied in nervous knots.

Reynolds peered at Ethan from over his glasses, "Do you know why you are here, Mr. Stark, instead of being in your afternoon French class?"

Ethan swallowed hard and nodded, "Yes sir. It's about what happened during the algebra test today."

The Headmaster crossed his arms, "Yes, it is. Would you care to explain what exactly transpired in your class? As I understand, from what I've been told, it seems as if you allowed another student to copy your test and thereby was helping him to cheat."

Ethan's cheeks burned with shame as it was true. His best friend Daniel had been struggling with the advanced algebra class they were both in, and he'd begged Ethan to help him pass this test. Ethan had agreed to let him do so on the condition that this would be a one time only thing, and that Daniel would let Ethan tutor him afterwards until he grasped the mechanics. He'd made sure Daniel could see and be able to copy his answers.

"I am very, very disappointed in you, Ethan," Reynolds said, "Cheating is a violation of the core values we try to instill here at Brierton Academy: integrity, honor excellence. I expected far better from a student such as yourself."

Ethan dropped his gaze, "I know, sir. I made a mistake and I have no excuse. Daniel was panicking about failing and..." He trailed off as he realized that he had, in fact, been making an excuse just then.

Reynolds shook his head, "You know helping a friend to cheat is as dishonorable as doing the cheating yourself."

Ethan sighed, "I know, sir."

"I'm afraid there will have to be consequences."

Ethan felt his heart sink. He thought about his parents' reactions when they found out about this. They would be so disappointed in him.

It was like Reynolds was reading his mind when he said, "I will need to call your parents. They have to come in as we don't take incidents like this lightly."

"Please, Headmaster, I am willing to accept any punishment, but don't call my parents yet," Ethan pleaded, "Let me tell them myself."

Reynolds gave his request some consideration, and then nodded once, "Very well, Mr. Stark. You'll report to detention every day after school for the next month. You will also be failed on the test you allowed Mr. Goldman to copy from. I will give you until to tomorrow morning to inform your mother and father about this infraction before I call them myself."

"That's more than fair, sir," Ethan said with a breath of relief, "Thank you, sir. I promise this won't ever happen again."

"See that it doesn't, Mr. Stark. You're dismissed to return to class."

Ethan nodded and left the office, already dreading facing his parents — especially his Dad. Tony had been like a superhero to Ethan when he was growing up and not just because he'd been Iron Man. He hated the fact he was going to disappoint him like this. He just hoped that his parents would understand that this was a one time mistake, and he would be able to regain their trust.

By the time he got home, Ethan had enough nerve worked up to confess. He found his parents in the living room. Pepper had her feet on his Dad's lap with a laptop on hers reading emails while his Dad was giving her a foot massage.

"Hey, sport, how was school today?" Tony asked looked up with a bright smile that quickly faded when he saw Ethan wasn't smiling back, "What's wrong? Did something happen at school today?"

Ethan nodded, and took a deep breath, "Mom, Dad... I got caught trying to help someone cheat today on my algebra test."

Pepper sat up, closing her laptop while Tony leaned forward.

"Start from the beginning," Pepper said gently, "Tell us everything."

Several minutes passed as Ethan explained how Daniel had been having a hard time algebra lately, and how he'd begged Ethan to let him copy his answers just this one time. When he got to the part about being sent to the headmaster's office, Tony's frown deepened/

"So Mr. Reynolds knows about this too, and not only your teacher?" Tony sighed when Ethan nodded, "Oh Ethan... I can't even begin to tell you how disappointed I am that you'd do something like this."

For the third time today, Ethan's heart sunk at how clear the disappointment in his Dad's voice was, "I know that I screwed up big time agreeing to this. I don't even know what I was thinking, letting Daniel copy me like that. It was wrong and like I told Headmaster Reynolds, I am willing to accept any punishment from school.... and from you guys."

Tony ran both hands over his face as he tried to organize his thoughts. This was a tough one for him as Ethan's Dad. One one hand, he really was disappointed in his son's lapse of judgment. Cheating went against everything they'd ever tried to instill in Ethan and his sister.

But on the other hand, Tony also remembered being a teenager, and the desire to fit in and help his friends. Sometimes accomplishing those things meant he'd made poor choices. His own father would have come down on Ethan like a ton of bricks for something like this. Tony didn't know how to handle it just yet but he knew he wouldn't be like his father.

"Oh, you can bet there will be consequences, Ethan," Tony finally voiced, "But first, let's talk about why did you do this? Did Daniel pressure you into helping him?"

"No, Dad," Ethan said, shaking his head, "Daniel didn't really pressure me into helping him. It's just that he was freaking out about the possibility failing and maybe being held back a grade. He begged me and I mean begged me to help him. I knew it was wrong but I told I would if he'd let me tutor him afterwards. I just couldn't take seeing my best friend having such a hard time, you know?"

Pepper have her son a look of sympathy, "Oh honey, I know you wanted to and were just trying to help Daniel, but cheating wasn't nor ever is the answer. And although you offered to tutor Daniel , was still only a temporary solution, and look at all the trouble it's caused."

"Yeah, Mom, I know. Believe me, I regret it with every fiber of my being," Ethan said in a miserable tone, "Mr. Reynolds gave me a month's worth of detention but what was worse was seeing the disappointment in his eyes. I hope I never inspire him to look at me that way again!"

"I bet he was," Tony said, leaning back sighing, "Cheating is a very big deal, especially at a prestigious school like Brierton." He scratched the back of his neck, "Then there's the fact there will be a permanent mark on your academic record."

Ethan's eyes widened with alarm at that, "You don't think...they'd expel me too, do you?"

"I don't know, champ. I honestly don't know," Tony said. "That'll be up to the school's administrators to decide. You need to understand that your actions have consequences that can sometimes be really big ones."

Pepper nodded, and chimed in, "Your Dad's right. The headmaster could consider this a major violation of the student honor code you agreed to abide by. You're serving detention, but he might also decide to suspend you, or expel you from school if he decides it's merited and wants to make an example for the rest of the students."

Ethan's eyes welled up with tears at the thought of being expelled, "But but Brierton is my dream school! I worked so hard to get in on my school records alone and not just because I'm a Stark! Please, you have to help me explain to Mr. Reynolds that I will never, ever let something like this happen again! I will accept any punishment he deems necessary! He can even paddle me if he wants to!"

"They don't use corporal punishment at Brierton," Tony said, "Which is probably a fortunate thing for you, because I am sure a paddling would be one of the disciplinary actions Reynolds would insist upon!"

Pepper sighed, and said, "Of course we'll talk with Headmaster Reynolds. But Ethan, this really is serious. You have to completely understand that."

"I do, Mom, I swear! I am so very sorry that you have no idea how sorry I am. I've never felt worse in my entire life about something like this!"

As Tony watched his son breaking down, he felt a pang in his heart. As much as he was angry and felt let down by Ethan's cheating, he found it hard to stay that way when Ethan was so genuine in his remorse. He needed to remember that he'd done stupid things too and worse when he was Ethan's age."

He pushed aside his disappointment for right then, and Tony got up to wrap Ethan in a hug, "Hey, relax, son. This is not the end of the world here. We just want and need you to truly learn from this."

Clinging to his Dad, Ethan tried to get his feelings under control, "I will, Dad. I promise that I will. I will do whatever I have to to make this right."

Tony let go of him and looked him in the eye, "Okay, here's what we are going to do, Ethan. First of all, you are going to accept whatever disciplinary actions Mr. Reynolds decides on. You are not going to argue or try to get out of it. You broke a really big rule, so you are going to have to, thankfully, take your metaphorical licks."

"Yes, sir," Ethan agreed."

Tony went on, "Second, you are grounded for one month. That means no video games, TV, seeing your friends outside of school, internet, or talking to JARVIS except for what's related to your school work. You're going to be staying in your room during this time, thinking about what happened. This is too serious."

Ethan opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself and just nodded, "You're right. I deserve all of that."

"And third," Pepper cut in "You have to go to Daniel and explain to him, face-to-face, why you won't be helping him cheat anymore. He needs to learn the lesson too."

"Oh boy, that's going to be fun and awkward," Ethan said with a grimace, "But I will do it. I mean whatever it takes to make this right, huh?"

Tony squeezed his shoulder, "Exactly what I wanted to hear. We won't let this one mistake define you, Ethan, but you will have to show us, Mr, Reynolds, your teacher, that you'be learned from this."

Looking his Dad in the eye, determined, Ethan said, "I will, Dad. Tihs was a first-class screw-up, but I am going to make sure it's one I don't ever repeat. No more cheating, even to help my best friend, and no more letting you or Mom down like this. What you guys think of me means too much to me!"

Tony hugged him again, smiling faintly. His son had a big heart, he didn't doubt that. But kids make mistakes as Tony knew better than anyone. The important thing was that Ethan learned, truly learned from this blip in his character.

"I know you will, kid," Tony said gruffly, "I know you will. And don't you worry, we still and always will think the world of you."

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1
Pepper sat on the window seat in the living room of her family's home, with a soft blanket wrapped around her shoulders. A soft blowing breeze from the slightly cracked window carried on it the smell of the flowers growing outside, and the sunlight being filtered by the curtains helped to give the room a comforting glow. She watched with a tender smile as her husband James and their nine year old son, Morgan, played catch in the backyard.

Morgan's laughter was infectious, and he was having the time of his life as he tossed around the baseball to his Dad, who of course caught the ball with skill, grinned right back at his son. Although she couldn't quite hear all of the words they were saying, Pepper knew they were also talking as they threw the baseball back and forth. She felt nothing but gratitude as she watched her two loves spend time together.

She breathed in deeply, savoring the warmth in her soul the precious scene outside created.

"Wow! You've got a good arm, Morgan!" Rhodey called out to his son, his voice carrying through the opened window.

Morgan threw the ball again, and said, "Daddy, you're the best catcher ever!"

Pepper laughed softly, so proud of both her husband and her son. Their simple game of catch together was one way she could see how much love held their family together during this difficult time of her illness.

Rhodey threw the baseball back to his son again, and as it traveled through the air, he glanced up at the window, catching his wife's eye. As their gazes met, a shared moment of understanding passed between them, a silent acknowledgement of the love and support from him that was keeping Pepper going through her cancer treatments.

He spoke again, his voice warm with tenderness, "Are you having fun watching us, Ginny?"

She nodded, her lips curved upwards in a soft smile, "Yes, I love watching my guys have fun."

Morgan ran closer to the window, with the ball in his hand, "Mommy, Mommy! Did you see that throw I made?"

Pepper nodded again, "I saw, sweetheart. You're getting to where you can really throw the ball far and so very good!"

"It's coz Daddy's been teaching me all his tricks!" Morgan proclaimed.

Rhodey joined them at the window, putting an arm around his son, "We make a good team, don't we?"

"Yes, you do," Pepper said softly, "The best team."

As she watched, they returned to their game, finding so much solace in the love that had her cocooned. It was moments like these that made the living room a refuge of love, joy, and laughter that pushed away thoughts of cancer.

2
It was another afternoon, the house was all nice and quiet as Pepper sat down on the window seat again. This time, she has a small writing lap desk with her, her pen, and a nice pile of her private stationary she uses when she writes letters. The room was filled with the quiet hum of her oxygen tank. It and the fact she was so easily short of breath these days served as reminders that her cancer had spread, and her days were drawing to a close.
 

Determined to accomplish what she set out to do by coming to sit at the window, Pepper got her paper, and pen ready. Then after a moment to think about what she wanted to say, she began to write.

My Dearest James and Morgan,

As I sit here by the window, looking out on the sanctuary of our backyard, my heart is nearly bursting from the love and the joy you have both brought into my life. When I was younger, and I imagined what my life would be like, I never would have imagined the laughter that fills our home, or the shared moments we've had. The love I've shared with you both have sustained me through all the lengthy rounds of treatments I've gone through over these last months.

There is so much I need to say, and it's something my heart is urging me to put down on paper for you both. I know this journey I'm... that we're on is an uncertain one. The doctors are doing everything they possibly can, but I can't help the sense that by this time next year, I will no longer be with you. Cancer is so awful and it sucks, and it seems so unfair, and while I am fighting it with everything I am, I know I am going to lose this battle.

I am so sorry that I can't win this for either you or myself. I don't want to leave either of you behind but when I do, I find comfort in knowing you'll be there to love one another and help each other through the times to come.

James, my love, you have been my anchor through so much. You are my source of strength, and your support of me has never wavered. Your friendship and then your love made it easier for me to move on after Tony, and I am forever grateful that you were there in my life. I love you, James, and I am forever grateful for every day that we've shared together.

Morgan, my sweet sweet boy, do you know how much your laughter has been the music that has filled both my heart and our home with joy? You are remarkable, my dear son, and I know you will grow into an amazing man. I am so proud of you, baby, and I love you more than any words can express. I have so much gratitude that of all the moms on Earth, I was chosen to be your mother.

I want you to both know and understand that I am not writing these  words out of grief or despair. Instead I am writing them because I want you to have this record and expression of my love for you both. Someone once said that life is like a tapestry of moments woven together, and that is so true. Our time together as a family has been such a beautifully woven piece of love that neither time or even death can break.

Please remember that I want you to remember the love that we shared. Remember all of the moments that made us smile and laugh. Never forget the strength we found together. No matter what's coming, I want you to carry the essence our family in your hearts: Our love, our laughter, and our undying spirits.

I know there will be a long road ahead in the times to come as you face new challenges without me. But please  know that I have so much faith in your strength, the love you have for one another. Things may seem dark in the times ahead but I know that beautiful times await you too. I want you to live your lives, keep on loving each other and the new people who come into your lives, and always find joy in the tiniest of moments.

With all the love my heart can hold,

Ginny
Mom

Once she finished writing, Pepper did not read what she'd written. Instead she carefully folded the letter, and sealed it in an envelope before putting it away with all the others she'd written. Tears clouded her vision as she turned back to the window to gaze at the cherished place she'd soon be leaving behind.

She felt tired now, but it was a good kind of tired, as she knew she was leaving behind loving words that would help her husband and son find their way through the dark valley to come.

3
The evening was abuzz with excitement and laughter as Pepper and Rhodey worked to get ready their backyard for Morgan's ten birthday celebration. They'd hung colorful lanterns and lights in the trees, casting a warm glow all over the backyard. An enormous tent stood erect, ready to shelter Morgan and his friends for a night of fun and adventure. 

Morgan's eyes were bright with anticipation as he eagerly helped his Dad in the setting up of sleeping bags inside of the tent. His friends from school all talked and played while they helped with putting out the snacks and games for the night.

Pepper was smiling as she watched the scene before her, "I still can't believe our little man is already 10 years old!" she murmured to her husband, who was now busy setting up a small fire pit for the smores they were going to make later on.

Time had both been slow and had flown by when it came to their lives in the last few years. Rhodey nodded, a fond smile on his face, "He is growing up so fast. Too fast if you ask me. But even so, tonight's about celebrating him hitting the big one oh and celebrate we will! I think he and his friends are going to love camping out tonight."

When the sun started to dip below the horizon, Morgan called his friends together, "Thanks for coming to my party, everyone! We're going to have so much fun tonight! It's going to be the best night ever!"

The next several hours, the backyard was transformed into their own haven of fun. The kids' laughter bounced off the trees as they played games, talked, and just had loads of fun underneath the night sky full of bright stars. Pepper and Rhodey were with the kids, maintaining a discreet distance unless the kids invited them to join in the fun. 

As they were making smores around the fire, Morgan with his face covered in chocolate asked, "Hey, Mom, Daddy, can we tell some ghost stories by the fire?"

Pepper exchanged a glance with her husband, and nodded, "Sure, honey. Just try and make sure they're not too scary, okay?"

Morgan nodded, "Okay, Mom." Everyone could already see the wheels turning in his head, "Everybody ready?"

The other kids nodded, and everyone settled down to listen.

The fire crackled as Morgan out aside the remains of his smores to begin his tale. The other kids listened intently to the story he told them, completely enraptured by the scary but not too scary story. After Morgan finished his story, another boy started a story. The night went on with more stories, more laughing, and the decadent smell of smores being made and devoured.

As the night grew late, Morgan got into his sleeping bag in the midst of his friends doing the same. In their own tent across the way, Pepper and Rhodey watched as their son settled down to sleep in the midst of everything a childhood birthday should be: care free and innocent.

"He's having the time of his life," Rhodey whispered as he and Pepper laid down together.

Pepper snuggled into his arms, her heart so full of happiness, "That's what birthdays are all about. We've created memories that will last a lifetime tonight I think."

Yawning Rhodey said, "Yeah, we have."

4
The setting sun casts a warm glow over the Stark-Rhodes home as Rhodey caught up on some paperwork for his aviation business. Pepper was out doing some shopping with some of her girlfriends, and since Morgan was out in the backyard with his girlfriend Angie, the rest of the house was quiet. The peace, however, does not last when he can hear voices start to be raised. 

Rhodey knows he shouldn't eavesdrop on their conversation, but he can't resist easing over to the window. He sits down when some of his papers in his hand, and pretends to be working as he listened.

"... it's just not working out, Morgan," Angie's voice said, her voice tinged with unhappiness.

Morgan sighed, and he ran a hand through his hair, "I know. I get it, Ang. It's fine."

But Angie went on, "I just think we are at different places in our lives, Morgan. You know?"

"Yeah, I guess," Morgan replied with a sullen tone.

"Listen, I still want to be friends with you. I hope we can still be that much at least even if we as a couple didn't work out. Can we?" Angie asked.

Rhodey sensed the tension even from the living room. He really wished that he could give Morgan a pat on the back or even a hug right then.

"Yeah, sure. Friends sounds good," Morgan said, the tone in his voice said it sounded anything but good to him.

"I care about you, Morgan. You're a great guy, you really are. But I just think we're better off seeing other people."

Rhodey dared to peek, and he saw Angie kiss Morgan's cheek.

"I'll see you around, okay?"

Morgan nodded, and didn't say anything.

Angie exited their yard through the side gate, leaving Morgan alone.

Rhodey quickly went back to his papers, feeling a pang of empathy for his son. He debated on whether or not he should go outside to talk to Morgan. He decided on it in the end since he had been eavesdropping and invading Morgan's privacy. Morgan would tell him and his mom the news whenever he wanted them to know.

After a few minutes, Morgan shrugged and went inside. The moment he spotted his Dad, he put on a fake smile, as he tried to hide the obvious hurt feelings.

Rhodey looked at his son.

"Hey, Dad," Morgan greeted in a strained voice.

"Hey, son. How's everything going with you two? Did Angie leave? I thought she was going to stay for dinner?"

Morgan shrugged, then said, "Uh no, she's um not. Staying I mean. She left to go home I guess. She, um, broke with me, Dad."

Putting aside his work, Rhodey got up and put a hand on Morgan's shoulder, "I'm sorry to hear that, son. Are you okay? Did she say why?"

"She said it's just not working out with us and she thinks we're better off seeing other people. Whatever that means," Morgan replied, rolling his eyes.

"Well, it's her loss, Morgan. You're an amazing young man. I'm sorry she broke up with you."

Morgan managed a small, genuine smile, "Thanks, Daddy."

5
The soft music drifted through the air as Pepper and Rhodey, now advanced in their years but no less in love with each other, sat in their cozy living room of their home. The large window seat/window offered them a view into their backyard where their son Morgan, now all grown up, was slow dancing with Jiya, the woman who had captured his heart.

Pepper walked across the room, her cane clacking against the floor to go sit down on the window seat She smiled as Rhodey rolled his wheelchair over to join her at the window, and reached out to take her hand.

"He looks so very happy," Pepper said, her eyes drifting to Morgan and Jiya, watching as they swayed to the music, "And so in love."

Rhodey nodded, his gaze full of happiness and pride, "Yes, he does. I think Jiya's the one for him. He's grown into such a remarkable, determined young man. And I don't believe he could have found a sweeter, nor finer young woman for us to welcome into our family."

Pepper nodded, "He really couldn't have found anyone sweeter. He loves her so much and it's obvious that she loves him." She sighed, and laughed softly, "Remember when we used to watch Morgan play outside in that same yard? Time really does fly by too quickly."

"Yes, yes it does." he agreed, squeezing his wife's hand, "But in return, we've got a lifetime of wonderful memories."

While Morgan and Jiya shared a tender moment, Pepper continued to remember, "Do you ever think about how we got to this moment in time? Or all of the challenges we went through together?"

Rhodey smiled, his eyes glowing, "Each and every day, and I would not change a thing. Well... maybe if we could have kept Tony a little longer... and I wish you didn't have to go through cancer."

She nodded, "Yeah."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they continued to watch the dance unfold outside.

Jiya laughed when Morgan twirled her, and soon their laughter echoed in the evening. The years seemed to all melt away as the couple continued their dance under the soft glow of the string lights.

Pepper looked at her husband, her eyes sparkling, "We did a darn good job, didn't we?"

The best darn job two parents can do."

Epilogue
The atmosphere in the room felt heavy with memories as Morgan stood by the window seat, gazing out into the backyard of his parents' house. He'd had a hard time reaching the decision to the place had been a hard, bittersweet choice with all the memories of a lifetime found here.

His lifetime.

Behind him, Jiya entered the room and after seeing him standing there at the window, she went to him, wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"It's hard to believe that we... that I decided to let go of this house," Morgan said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Jiya rested her chin on his shoulder, "I know it holds so many memories and so much love for you. But with your parents gone, it is only a house in the end, Morgan. We will make a new home together, and as long as we're together, we'll be home."

He turned around, and wrapped his arms around her waist, sighing, "I know, Jiya. It's just... so many memories."

They were quiet for a moment, looking out in the backyard where Morgan had played as a child with his parents there watching him grow, and where they had spent countless moments together as a family

"I can remember all of the times Dad used to sit here and watched the sunset," Morgan said, nostalgia coloring his voice, smiling faintly.

Jiya nodded, "And your mom was never far away if she wasn't there with him. They really loved spending as much time together as they could.

Morgan's gaze shifted to the empty space where his parents used to sit together, "Yeah, it feels like an era is coming to an end."

"And a new one is beginning," Jiya supplemented, brushing his cheek, "We'll treasure all of the memories from the past, Morgan, and going forward, we'll create our own. In a new place."

He nodded, gratitude in his eyes, "You're right, Jiya. And we'll take all of the love and laughter of this place with us in our hearts."

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"Dummy! What are you doing?" Pepper exclaimed as she walked into the bedroom.

The robot gave a happy sounding chirp from his position aloft on the bed. Unfortunately, his single grasp claw arm was all tightly tangled within the bed's sheets, while the now torn linens were wrapped around his struts forming a halfway cocoon.

As DUM-e made a vain try at freeing himself. the move caused the bedframe to jerk violently. Pepper grimaced as she heard the distinctive crack of the bed's snapping metal brackets. Then before she could try to halt the impending disaster, an entire of the custom frame collapsed inward.

"Oh no no no! Easy! Take it easy!" she called out, but it was already too late. DUM-e was thrown off balance and he toppled sideways, causing his claw arm to slice straight through both of the pillows. There was an explosion of white feathers as a result, which blocked the robots ability to see as the feathers settled on him.

Pepper shook her head and give a long suffering sigh as she looked at the mess of tangled sheets, and goose feathers everywhere. She was still brushing feathers off of her clothes when Tony wandered into the room.

"Hey honey, have you seen my... WHOA!" Tony halted. "What happened in here? Did pigeons get made with us and decide to TP us or something?"

From his spot, DUM-e let out a dejected, sad beep as he was still trapped sideways, underneath the sheets.

Pepper shook her head, annoyance and amusement both on her face as she said, "Your bot tried to help us by making the bed but as you can see, things didn't go as planned."

"Did he now?" Tony's eyebrow went up. He stepped carefully through the feathery mess on the floor, and made his way over to help his forlorn robot get untangled from the sheets. "Nice try and solid effort, Dummy. But next time, bud, maybe you should start with fluffing the pillows, and not gutting them, huh?"

As he was freed, the robot drooped in apology and did so until Tony gave him an affectionate pat. Pepper rolled her eyes from where she was watching nearby. If he was to be their new bedding bot, DUM-e was going to need a lot more practice and programming.

"It's okay, bud. We'll just try this again tomorrow. Okay?" Tony said.

DUM-e chirped enthusiastically in agreement.

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China Roses

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