When you're a diplomat, you're always perceived in a different light by the public eye, Tony Stark worked for the highest ranking officer in the U.S military which meant he could make a big impact on some of the decisions his people made. He would travel across the globe from one meeting to the next. It was never easy, as he had a target on his back.

But that also included his family, which consisted of his wife Pepper, their eldest son Harley, their middle son Peter, and their youngest, their only daughter Morgan. Harley was the spitting image of his father, rambunctious with a good head on his shoulders, even though most of the trouble that followed always led back to him by something he caused.

Peter, however, was the quiet one. Unlike his siblings, he kept to himself, the twelve year old loved learning. He was constantly telling his father random facts about anything and everything. His personality was like no other, and he definitely took after his dad's intelligence and his mom's heart.

Morgan was a mix of both Tony and Pepper with her determination and stubbornness, defending her brothers, ready to square up to protect them, when really it was supposed to be the other way around. Morgan was only two years younger than Peter and four years younger than Harley.

While causing mischief with Harley, Morgan hated when Peter tried stopping them. Sometimes, they were able to coax him into joining, but most of the time Peter was unfazed and would stop his siblings. At the moment everything was content, with each child in their rooms doing their own thing.

In the study, Tony was going through stacks of paperwork and a piercing headache, meanwhile Pepper would occasionally come to check on him. Peter would also pop in and say hello, one being he was thirteen, and two he would often worry about his other parent. Tony never wanted his children in the spotlight, they're only job was to be kids. Refusing to become his father, though at times when he was frustrated, he lashed out.

Without meaning to of course, he loved the kids more than life itself. But like all parents you get annoyed with their behavior. Today was a chill summer day, all three kids were on summer break. That didn't necessarily mean Tony was off the clock. Some days he'd be cooped up in his office on conference calls, by the end of the day he was so exhausted.

It was supper time and Tony was finally done with work, he helped Pepper make dinner, they made spaghetti and meatballs. It was homemade gluten free pasta, as Harley was allergic. After finishing dinner and talking about their days, both parents aided in the bedtime routines. Tony grabbed Morgan and tucked her in. "Goodnight Morgana." He said, brushing back her hair.

Morgan looked up at her dad, her eyes holding a youthful glow, "Goodnight daddy, can you play with me tomorrow?"

He smiled, "Of course sweetheart." Leaning and kissing her forehead, Tony got up and turned off the light, closing Morgan's door, finding his wife in the hall as she was shutting Peter's room door. They went to their bedroom and started getting ready to sleep, they laid down, pulling Pepper close and littering kisses on her cheek. She giggled, "Tony stop." She said,

Tony laughed, "Why should I do that?"

"Because we have work tomorrow, that's why." She kissed him and then turned off the lamp, soon both of them falling asleep.
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The Stark Residence 2 A.M.

As the peaceful energy swept throughout the household, the only one who stirred in their sleep was Harley, he awoke from his fantastic dream of building a giant robot, to go and use the bathroom. Being mindful to be extra quiet as his little brother was a light sleeper, Harley entered the bathroom and handled his business, after he was done washing his hands he exited the bathroom.

A strong scent overwhelmed his senses, he decided his bed could wait, he crept down to the living room to see where the smell was coming from. At first he didn't see anything, but the glowing light and overwhelming heat, his house was on fire. He rushed to his parents room and opened the door, running to Tony's side, the house slowly filling up with smoke. "Dad! Dad wake up! T.. The house is on fire!" Harley coughed.

Tony woke up and smelled smoke, waking Pepper up and getting her up, she ran to Morgan's room grabbing her daughter outside. Harley tried opening Peter's door but screamed out in pain. "Dad! Pete's doorknob is hot!" Tony grabbed Harley and quickly got out of the house.

He yelled to Harley, "I'm going to get Peter! Stay with your mom and wave down the ambulance!"

Tony ran back inside the scorching house, grabbing a towel, getting it wet and raising it to his mouth. But getting to Peter's room would be a task, using the towel, he opened the door. Seeing fire all around and Peter standing with his arm over his nose and mouth. "Peter!" He yelled.

"Dad!" Peter coughed, Tony got through the fire, scooping his son into his arms. He put the towel over Peter's mouth. He got them both outside and to the ambulance, "He needs oxygen, he's asthmatic." Tony informed the paramedics.

The paramedics took Peter away and put him on oxygen. Harley and Morgan were okay, they needed oxygen, Pepper was treated too. Tony along with her. It was utter madness, there were reporters and news casters, police and firefighters, Tony didn't want to speak, he'd end up yelling, rather focusing on his family and their health.

Unfortunately, they lost their home and everything in it, but their close friend James Rhodes offered for them to stay with him until they figured something out. Tony was grateful his family was safe and no one was hurt, besides Harley getting slightly burned when he touched Peter's door handle.

They found the criminal who committed the horrible act of arson and locked him away. But overall, Tony knew he would have to retire sooner than expected. But he didn't care, his family's safety was more important, that trumped above all else.
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The End of Chapter 236