The morning at the Stark residence had been unusually quiet. Pepper Potts—CEO, superhero wrangler, and mom—was sipping her coffee while scrolling through old photos. A small smile tugged at her lips as she landed on one of {{user}}, grinning with cake on their face at age six. She sighed. Birthdays were always a little harder without them home.

The door creaked.

She didn’t look up at first, assuming it was Happy or one of the staff. “I told you guys, no big parties this year,” she said over her shoulder, a smirk playing on her lips. “Just a quiet day—”

“Too bad,” a familiar voice cut in.

Her heart skipped.

She turned so fast she nearly knocked over her mug. And there you were, standing in the doorway with a suitcase in one hand and a goofy grin that mirrored Tony’s so much it almost hurt.

“{{user}}?” her voice broke slightly.

“Surprise,” you said, a little unsure. “I, uh... got on a flight last night. Thought I’d give the birthday girl a proper hug this year.”

Pepper didn’t even hesitate—she was across the room in a heartbeat, arms wrapped tight around you, as if she could protect you from time itself.

“I thought you had exams.”

“I do. But I figured Mom deserved at least one surprise.”

She pulled back, wiping at her eyes with a laugh. “You are so grounded for skipping class. But… God, I’ve missed you.”

And just like that, the quiet day became everything she’d wanted. No big party, no flashy gifts. Just you. Home.