Tom Stark-Malfoy

I grumbl- I mean, silently protested the whole ride to the tower. Why do I only get a smirk when that stupid tower gets a huge ebullient smile? Where is the justice? Well. . . At least he smiled at me. I can't remember the last time 'father' smiled at me. I can only remember his eyes filled with disappointment, regret, and. . . his permanent dreary frown. The crease that became permanently etched on his forehead. His sunken eyes, and sharp cheekbones from malnutrition from his refusal to eat.

"We're almost there. Did you find the curtains you wanted?"

What? I raised my head in a jolt, realizing that I was daydreaming again. Dad was looking intently at me, patiently waiting for me to return to my senses. . . Thank you dad.

I shook my head.

"No."

"That's fine, we can custom order it. I know just the right man for the job. What do you want for dinner? I'm thinking pizza, mojos, and root beer! Ultimate meat and Garden Veggie for you, extra hot sauce. But no root beer for you, it's bad for your liver."

I couldn't resist the upward tug on the corner of my lips. He remembered my pizza.

"Really dad? It's for my liver's sake."

He shrugged his shoulders while maintaining his contagious smile.

"Do as I say, not as I do."

I smile and shake my head. Just as all fathers want. Always expecting their sons to be everything they are and everything they are not, as though that's possible.

"Well none for you either. We're getting avocado shakes, no sugar only honey or agave. Oh, and I'm throwing out all the alcohol I find as soon as we arrive."

I maintain my stoic face as he laughs amusedly and affectionately. How does one laugh affectionately you may ask? I honestly, have no idea. It's the enigma of "white" wizards. Twinkling eyes, affectionate laughs, I'd say it's an inborn trait. Heritable, not acquired.

Which reminds me, is he even really hurt? All that laughing should have reopened those wounds I thought he was hiding. Maybe I was wrong. But he's not the one driving, so he should be?

"Good evening Mr. Stark. Ms. Potts is waiting for you and your son in your living quarters. She asked me to inform you that Dinner has been prepared."

What? . . . I wanted a Veggie pizza. But I guess a proper dinner is better for both of our healths.

"Got-cha. Tell her we'll be up in a minute."

Dad replied as he casually got out of the car. He turned down to face me as I got out, and spoke in a softer voice.

"Sorry 'bout that sport. We can get pizza next time."

I only nodded my head in understanding before walking through the lobby like I owned the place, while father continued to walk beside me with confident yet lazy strides. .

Several "Good evening Mr. Stark and Mr. Stark jr." 's resounded throughout the room, but I did not pay them much mind. I did nod back, however; to be polite.

As the elevator doors shut, I could not help but notice the tenseness of the muscles in my legs and arms. Why am I nervous? The elevator ride seemed to only last seconds. It was too short, I need more time! But I could not stop time, nor can I delay our meeting again (with Pepper. I left the hospital last time without informing anyone, and since she had to take care of Stark Industries, and I went into hiding, we haven't been able to meet after the bombing. She must be absolutely furious.). . . I feel as though I'm forgetting something though. . . Must not be that important, if I forgot it.

As the elevator doors slid open, I was dumbstruck with the amount of colorful lights and Christmas decorations that greeted us. All sorts of greetings struck us at the same time.

"Merry Christmas!" "Happy New Year, Tony" "Merry Christmas! Hey, it's tiny Tony!" "You're finally here!" "So the man in red and gold finally shows up!"

I certainly did not expect to be greeted by a huge amount of people in the penthouse. Wait a minute. I think I heard an insult mixed in there.

"Heeeyyy, Guys! You're here! Pepper, I've missed you. How's my beautiful angel?"

My brain was having a rather difficult time trying to process all these new faces. But I know them all, or at least most of them. I glanced at the only two people I was familiar with hoping for someone to rescue me from my mute state. They were hugging. Yes, this is familiar. I can cope.

Pepper let go of Tony and almost immediately captured me into a hug.

"Tom!"

. . . I did not really know what to do, so out of survival instinct I hugged back.

"H- hello Pepper."

I almost sighed in relief, but before I could relax she released the hug and held me in place at arm's length. I could see her furious face, it was as it her eyes were glowing. Wait. I think they were actually glowing. Just what happened when I went into hiding?

"You are in so much trouble young man!"

A terrible experience I do not wish to remember. But thankfully, I do not think I would have to relive it, as she seemed to calm down. I could see the clear and honest worry within her eyes.

"But, I'm glad you're safe. You are not getting out unpunished though. But that discussion can wait until after the party."

". . . Nice to see you again too."

I could not help biting back with a hint of sarcasm. But she didn't get angry, in fact, she seemed even more affectionate than before.

"I'm really glad you're still the same, Tom."

I scrutinized her. What did you mean by that?

"Hahahaha. I'm glad to see my two important people getting along as usual."

I focused back on dad's ever-gleaming smile. Again. What do you mean as usual?!

"Well now that everyone's here. I'd like you all to meet my son Tom. Tom, there are my teammates. Here's my best buddy, Dr. Banner *whisper* he turns into a big green guy."

"Hey there kiddo. Nice to meet you."

I looked up at a guy with a wide square face, and slightly growing stubble as he holds out a hand for me to shake. He seems to be a smart, decent, intellectual man. I smile politely in a professional manner and take his hand.

"Pleasure's mine, Doctor."

"You can just call me Bruce."

Dad gestured to the man beside him. "And here's the Captain. Steve Rogers."

I looked at the next person who held out their hand. He seems like a. . . Gryffindor. 100% Gryffindor. Buff, sparkly, charismatic, straight white teeth. He's a Ken doll.

"Nice to meet you young man."

"To you as well, Sir."

Dad introduced a red-haired woman next to Ken's right. "She's Natasha Romanoff. The awesome Black widow."

"Hello Tom. You can call me Natasha."

"Hello Natasha." She smiled pleasantly, probably pleased at my proper behavior unlike other kids my age. Or from her eyes. . . probably kids like my dad.

Dad pushed me forward to greet the other members of his team. I hope I remember them all. "And finally Clint, Clint Barton. Shoots arrows, very important member of this team."

"I do more than that, but yes. I'm Hawkeye, but call me Clint."

The tip of my lip twitched. I guess he's used to my dad's cheesy and occasionally offending jokes.

"Nice to meet you Clint."

"Say, does anyone know if Thor's coming?" Dad asked everyone in the room, but was met with negative replies. But one in particular stood out. Natasha said

"No news from them. But we know he still hasn't come back to Earth."

. . . He hasn't come back to Earth?

I noticed that father noticed my confusion, but didn't explain anything. He was probably marveling for the first time that I didn't know what they were talking about. He did explain who Thor was, and What he was after a while. But more importantly. I glanced at the long table filled to the brim with food, and dead smack in the center was Garden Veggie Pizza.

"But. . . How?"

"Surprised? I hope so. I remember your dad once told me that it was your favorite."

My eyes opened even wider as I looked up at Pepper. But. . . I thought she hated me. Weren't we silent enemies?

But she smiled all affectionately again. Just like how mother used to.

"Merry Christmas Tom. We all have presents for you, but let's eat first. Before your pizza gets cold."

I didn't know what my face looked at the moment, but it made both her and dad hug me. Dad softly spoke to me while I was in his embrace.

"I'm sorry for the Christmas, son. Now let up those tears. We have a ton of food and presents to go through."

I felt so happy. I didn't even care that I was surrounded by strangers. I was surrounded by family and food. Who could ever ask for more? . . . Well I can, but that's a later discussion. I swallowed with my dry throat, and wiped my tears I didn't notice had fallen down. I looked at my new family. My slightly dysfunctional but perfect family and I said with a determined voice.

"Yes.. Merry Christmas."