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Tony Stark: Earth's Best Defender (allaboutego) wrote in snapthread,
@ 2019-12-26 11:32:00

Entry tags:

gwen stacy, tony stark (mcu)

Who: Tony Stark and Gwen Stacy
What: Birthday Festivities
Where: Tony’s Workshop
When: Backdated to Dec 21

He hadn’t made a cake. Tony wasn’t going to trust himself with that kind of task, he wanted to celebrate Gwen’s birthday, not poison her on it. So he’d bribed Clint into it — the decorating was a bit amateur (cute but messy pink, white and teal) but the quality of the cake was going to be good which was all that really mattered.

Tony himself had worked on something else entirely for Gwen — both her birthday and christmas combined, if he was being honest. Not because he was the sort of person who thought that days that close together should have combined gifts, but because it was a pretty big one, and he’d been working on it for a long time. Sure there’d be more little stuff for each day, but this was the Big Thing.

He was sitting on top of his work bench, legs underneath him and digital display screens in front of him — all of which he waved away when Gwen showed up. Because she deserved the full of his attention. “Feel any older?” He asked with a grin — because, god, what a ridiculous thing to ask. It was silly, but definitely something adults always tended to do. Nineteen was a pretty spectacular age, though.

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itsybitsyspidey
2019-12-26 11:01 pm UTC (link)

Gwen had kept her birthday under wraps for the most part. She'd not really vocalized that it was coming up, and she'd done so intentionally. As much as she loved a good party, she liked when the focus was on other people or occasions. Being the center of attention wasn't really her thing. That was probably why she never really fought with Em Jay about being the front woman for their band. It was definitely why she'd wanted a full on mask when Janet designed her spider suit. Gwen wasn't so presumptuous that she thought the whole town would stop and drop everything to celebrate her birthday but she did know that they liked to party, and this would be a good excuse to throw one. Instead, though, she kept it quiet and spent most of her day just doing what she normally would. She went to Van Dyne's and sorted sweaters. She had a very CHRISTMAS flavored drink at COFFEE. She came home, she changed into comfy lounging clothes and then went to hang out with her dad.

It was the day she wanted. Of course it would've been fun to do something with others, too, but she was very happy just to have a normal day, going about her business, and ending it with time spent with Tony. She was another year older, and she was steadily approaching a year since she'd been brought to town. That was crazy to think about, that it'd been almost a year.

Gwen didn't think a whole lot about it when Tony waved away the screens. He always did that when she came into the workshop. It made her feel special, like she had his full attention. She didn't like it from groups of people, but she'd always love and value Tony's attention. Of course he knew it was her birthday. Gwen had probably mentioned it once or twice and he'd filed it away in his memory bank. "Oh yeah," she replied. "My hip aches, my knees feel stiff. I'm suddenly geriatric."

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allaboutego
2019-12-26 11:24 pm UTC (link)

Tony'd kind of figured Gwen hadn't wanted to make a big deal of it -- most people who liked doing that made sure to mention it. That their birthday was coming up, their birthday was in two weeks, one week, five days, et cetera, really. But Gwen hadn't. He'd asked her about it once, had remembered it was right near Christmas, just a few days beforehand. Not too hard to forget.

He'd let her have the kind of day she wanted, because some people just didn't like making a big deal out of things. And around this time of year, Tony kind of got it. The idea of missing people who might usually celebrate with you who weren't around anymore. Alive, or here. Either one.

But now they could celebrate a little. Just the two of them and one very lopsided looking cake with one candle in it (and Dum-E on standby with a fire extinguisher, of course). "Yeah," he said sympathetically even as he hopped off of his desk. "Just wait, a few more years and you'll be able to predict the weather based on what kind of ache you're feeling. Bring it in, kiddo." Birthday hugs were definitely a thing.

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itsybitsyspidey
2019-12-27 02:49 pm UTC (link)

Gwen's love-hate relationship with attention went back to her earlier days as Spider-Woman. Although she hadn't wanted to be the center of attention as Gwen, she liked the attention she got as Spider-Woman in the beginning. But it was that allure, that need to be special that had eventually led to Peter Parker's death and as a result landed her the worst sort of attention being labeled a murderer. So. That was a little extreme, not really the same as having a birthday party but Gwen was all into keeping a low profile. It was just better that way.

Besides, a little mini-party with Tony sounded great. Maybe they could build something to prank Steve with or something.

"I've got a little ways to go before I'm at Mr. Rogers level of weather predicitions," she said with a little laugh, then went right up to him and gave Tony a big hug. That was the best. Tony hugs were her favorite. She knew it was kind of a gift in of itself because he wasn't like, a hugger. "Thank you for remembering," she whispered, and didn't let it linger more than that because that was enough. "So," she said when she drew back. "What are you building tonight? I think we should make something that follows Mr. Rogers around and points out the obvious. Like, 'Mr. Rogers, you're walking across the street now.' 'Mr. Rogers, you have on pants today.' 'Mr. Rogers, that is cereal you're pouring in the bowl.' Stuff like that. Doesn't even have to be exclusive to him. 'Clint, those are blueberry muffins.' 'Quill, that dance was popular in the 1980's.'" She laughed. "It can just roam around town like that weird goat that screams at people."

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allaboutego
2019-12-27 11:29 pm UTC (link)

"A few more years before you're mad about people being on your lawn too, no doubt," Tony said with a laugh. He wasn't much of a hugger, but he liked it with family more than he'd probably care to admit. Gwen gave as good as she got where hugs were concerned, so he made sure to give an extra squish before pulling away.

"Oh. That's obnoxious," he said brightly of her idea. "And I love it. We should definitely do it." And frankly, he sort of wanted it to be cute animal shaped now, because that'd make people let their guard down before it snarked out the most obvious stuff in the world.

"But," he said after the beat he'd taken to imagine such a terrible little bot, "first, there's cake." Which he pointed to, across the room, out of harms' way. "And then you have to help me put the finishing touches on your present."

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itsybitsyspidey
2019-12-28 12:48 am UTC (link)

There was something to be said about how quickly the two of them had bonded. They came by it very honestly, and Gwen was so grateful for it. Gwen knew without a doubt that Tony was someone she could count on and didn't ever have to question it. She hoped he knew she'd always be there for him too, whether he needed it or not. Spending her birthday with him? Yeah, that was really all she wanted.

It absolutely tickled her that she jumped on her silly idea of making a bot like that. It was ridiculous, and obnoxious, and sounded like a lot of fun to make. Plus, it was something that they could do together and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual that they'd both enjoy it. Gwen loved learning from him and she loved that he let her try things even if he knew it was going to short circuit or spark or whatever. He let her sort it out and figure out what she needed to do. That was how Gwen learned best and it just worked.

"A cake! Just for us? We can probably finish that off." She was positive they could. "And now you have me curious. What finishing touches?"

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allaboutego
2019-12-29 02:13 pm UTC (link)

It was a silly idea, sure, but it was cute and it was a really good learning opportunity for Gwen when it came to making bots that both moved around a lot and had an AI that was meant to do more than fold laundry. It'd be fun. But it was for later.

For now, Tony lit the one candle on the cake and went about tutting at DUM-E and his fire extinguisher. "I'll show you," he said, clearly a little giddy. "Make a birthday wish, and let's do this." Normally Tony wouldn't even dream of trying to polish off half a cake with anyone, but it was pretty small and why let anyone in on the secret that they'd had their own private celebration? Best to hide the evidence.

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itsybitsyspidey
2019-12-31 01:38 am UTC (link)

One of the traits that Gwen didn't have that most other Spider-people did, was the whole technology, scientific thing. But what she'd come to realize since she'd begun spending time with Tony in his workshop was that she was a quick study. She wasn't on the same skill level as the Peter Parkers in town but she was absorbing what she was learning like a sponge. She was looking forward to doing more of it, both because she was interested and it just meant she'd get to spend more time with her favorite person.

She giggled when Tony had to fend off DUM-E and his fire extinguisher. Honestly, that bot was fantastic. She could see why DUM-E had a special place in Tony's heart. "Lemme think of a good wish," she said. It was a weighted thought. She could go light and wish for new drumsticks. She could go practical and wish for the internet. Or she could go heartfelt and wish that their little family would always stay together. She mulled over it for a few seconds, then blew out the candle.

"Should we just dive in with forks?" She suggested. "That's a good way to eat cake."

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allaboutego
2020-01-04 02:05 am UTC (link)

Science was a learned skill, just like most other skills. It was a matter of figuring things out and practicing them. Even Tony had had to teach himself the ropes at some point -- he simply had done it smartly and quickly. Gwen wasn't so different. She was stubborn, and paid attention and rarely made the same mistakes twice. Tony very much liked working with her -- teaching and showing and watching her grow.

It was, maybe, one of his very favorite things.

Tony did not ask what she wished for -- was only content to smile fondly while she considered her options, and then handed over a fork when she was done. "We're not sharing, what's the point of slices?" he asked. Well, portion control probably but he wasn't too concerned about that on a special occasion.

"Alright," he went on, grabbing a fork full and then waving up his specs for what he'd been building -- for Gwen. It was a suit -- because she'd teased about wanting one. And because Tony liked building them for the people he loved, and who he wanted to see protected. Nevermind the fact that she could protect herself -- that was obvious. But now she could do it in extra style. "Now's the time to pick your color scheme and brainstorm add on features."

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itsybitsyspidey
2020-01-07 12:34 am UTC (link)

Puttering around in the workshop with Tony really was one of her favorite things to do. She didn't have opportunities like this back where she came from (she couldn't even say 'back home' anymore, because this was home now, wasn't it?), and learning from Tony was really quite the honor. She respected and admired his wealth of knowledge, and the work he'd put into it to get to where he was. Maybe some of it came easy to him, maybe he was able to slack through some of it because he was just gifted, but you didn't get to be the man Tony Stark was without putting in a shit ton of work and sleepless nights.

The steady process of learning, understanding, and retaining what he taught her was actually really fun for her. Maybe she was more into science and tech stuff than she thought. Initially she'd just wanted to spend more time with him, but now it was more that she wanted to spend time together and learn more.

When she'd made the comment about wanting an upgraded suit, she'd mostly been kidding. Sure, of course she wanted one. Peter's was so cool. But she'd never expected it would come to fruition (maybe she should've; of course Tony would take it and run with it as some kind of project). She stared at it in awe and wonder.

"That's for me? This is -- you made me a suit?" She was stunned, and touched, really. "Mr. Stark, I--" She was equally surprised that it made her feel a little emotional. She went right to him and it was time for another hug. "Thank you," she whispered. She didn't linger long. Neither of them did the emotion thing that great. "This is so awesome. Okay -- right. Colors. I think maybe similar to what I've got? Black, white, pink. It's a look."

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allaboutego
2020-01-11 02:28 pm UTC (link)

Tony appreciated the fact that Gwen was interested in learning things. Of course, he'd love her just the same if she wasn't into the science side of things at all, but that she was felt like a huge bonus. They could just hang out and tinker with things and it was like... well, he wasn't even sure. Family time, a bit. And he'd never had that with someone before, not like this. It felt good and fulfilling in a way he wasn't sure he could describe.

"Of course it's for you," Tony agreed with a grin -- a bit ruined because he had his mouth full of frosting and cake, but hey, that's what happened on birthdays. That second hug felt worth ever second and hour of effort he'd put into building something for her -- and it would have already been worth it.

"It's a look," he agreed -- and he got that. It was the same as him keeping up the red and gold, or Steve doing that all American red white and blue. "Have at," he said, gesturing at the display, because Tony was hands on with this sort of stuff, and he wanted Gwen to feel like she'd had a good amount of say with it, too.

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itsybitsyspidey
2020-01-11 02:58 pm UTC (link)

Gwen had initially jumped into the tinkering stuff because she wanted an excuse to spend more time with Tony, but then it turned into an actual curiosity for her that also allowed her to get that family bonding time as well, and now it was a genuine interest. She wasn't great enough at it that she could do it without supervision but she liked that Tony stood back and watched while she tried and let her make mistakes and then learn from them rather than just correcting them for her. He was a good teacher, at least for her and her style of learning.

"Definitely. I cant be looking like all those Peter Parkers out there." She grinned and started looking at the holographic display and damn, it was cool. He built her a suit. A real, spider suit that probably had all sorts of advancements she never would've thought of for herself. She'd not taken a super close look at Peter's but she knew it was really high tech. Janet van Dyne had done a great job with her original suit but she was itching to put on this Stark Enhanced Version because wow. He really put in the effort to make that for her.

"Oh man, I hope I don't push something that turns it into a tutu or Gaucho pants," she said as she started puttering with the color hues and the ballet shoes. "That'd be a look, but not the one I'm going for." She laughed and tapped a button that opened up another window that showed the sort of spider-leg extension things she knew Peter had. "Oh man, I'm gonna scare the shit out of Mr. Rogers just chilling up in a corner like spiders do."

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allaboutego
2020-01-13 02:08 am UTC (link)

Teaching Gwen, being able to watch her and observe how she learned, what worked best and what didn't -- well. It was a learning process for him too, but it also scratched an itch that he hadn't quite realized he'd had before now. It was important for both of them, most likely.

But then, so were most things they did, be it just shooting the shit in passing or taking a day to do nothing but worry about skin care and play with lego sets, or tinkering on actual tech.

"Nah, no Parker look for you. This one's gotta be Spider-Woman, through and through. Red and blue is overplayed anyway." He offered a sly look that said she really ought not tell anyone else that he'd said that.

"No tutu," he agreed. "But you should definitely incorporate the hood look. We'll work with it." The sider thing -- yeah. Sure, Pete had that too, sometimes there was no fixing a great idea. But of course Gwen would be the first to suggest making it -- well. Hilarious. "Please let me be in the same room for that," he said. Because obviously pranking Steve never got old, particularly when it was done out of love.

"Once we figure out all the little design details and whatever quirks you want, or want tweaked we'll get it going in the printer."

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itsybitsyspidey
2020-01-14 01:49 pm UTC (link)

Gwen had grown to love Steve, even though it'd been a little shaky in the beginning only because she had to look out for Tony. But over time, she'd come to trust Steve and especially after that whole... shrinking to fun-size-Gwen happened and Steve was such a good caretaker of her she'd grown very fond of her Other Dad. Pranking him was always done out of love, and yeah, it was just funny. "Of course you can be in the room. You're gonna have to lure him in all unsuspecting," she said while looking for the exact shade for her shoes.

The hood was non-negotiable. Even though it didn't look like it'd be good for speed, it had never slowed her down and like her color scheme, it was just a look. It'd be weird not to have it. Granted, if it couldn't be made she'd adjust. There was no way she'd turn down a gift from Mr. Stark over a hood, but still, she doubted that Tony would ever just accept that something like that couldn't be done. "I can't wait to try it on," she said. "This is the coolest thing ever. Have I said thank you? Because thank you." She'd never been more excited to be Spider-Woman, although everyday she was more and more grateful to be Tony's daughter.

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