A Bird Without Wings (Discontinued)

I count every moment (I wait every day)

Peter's birthday party, Tony decided, was going to be the greatest birthday the kid had ever had.

It had to be at the home, but Paisley had cleared one of the bigger rooms for it.

Peter was still asleep when Tony got there, carrying a box of decorations and a box of presents.

The woman shook her head in exasperation, laughter shining in her eyes. "Over the top much?"

He shrugged lightly. "It's my kid's birthday. I'm telling him about the adoption, so it's a pretty special occasion."

They brought Peter in near lunch.

Yellow and red decorations lined the walls, and brightened the table and chairs.

Peter didn't say or sign anything, but his eyes were wide as saucers as he moved slowly and carefully around the table piled with brightly wrapped presents to stand in front of Tony.

“What's up, buddy?” Tony signed.

Peter simply held his arms out, a silent plea to be held. Tony didn't hesitate to lift him up, grabbing the first of the presents from the pile.

"What is it?" Peter's face was adorably serious, eyes narrowed as he turned the small box over.

Tony kissed the top of his head. "Hey Pep, can you get a camera?"

She nodded softly, eyes shining. "Of course."

Then he answered Peter's question, tipping his head up with one finger to see the words he signed. "It's your birthday. They're presents."

The eight year old lit up like a christmas tree, eyes wide and round. "For me?"

Tony grinned softly. "Who else?"

The first present was a Lego set.

Peter's eyes were shining, and he couldn't seem to stop smiling, as if the small box was the best present he'd gotten in his life.

Tony hadn't gone overboard with the amount of presents, choosing to pick three- or five- meaningful ones.

He still had the best one waiting.

After Peter had pulled the paper off of the last gift, Tony beckoned him closer.

The boy frowned curiously at him, then lifted his hands.

Tony expected him to start signing, but then small fingers rubbed across his forehead, trying to erase the frown lines there.

A soft smile broke through, and Peter returned it hesitantly, then more confident as Tony lifted him into the air.

Pepper shot him a reassuring nod over Peter's shoulder before taking another picture.

The porch of the home wasn't much, but it was warm, with a slight breeze, and beams of sun lighting the trees.

Tony sank down into a rocking chair, letting Peter stand in front of him, one small foot digging into the concrete.

He lifted Peter's chin again, smiling briefly, then brought his hands up. "I have another present for you. If you want it."

Peter nodded excitedly, bouncing on his toes.

Here goes.

Making sure Peter's eyes were on him, Tony took a deep breath, and signed the words he had wanted to say for years.