Work Text:
Hey kid,
First of all, I want to say that I’m sorry I had to leave you. I really am. This was the only way to save the universe and I know that it was a high price to pay but from what I’ve seen, I think it was worth it. That’s right, I’ve been watching everything that’s happened to you, and to the world as a whole. Nat and I like to check up on how the Avengers are getting on. Secondly, I wanted to say that you’re doing a great job. You’re making me proud. I’ve seen all of the pain that you’ve had to go through and if I could take that away, I would. I love you, Peter Parker, and I never said that enough when I was still around. You were like my son, and I know I should have told you all of this when I had the chance, but I’ve never been very good at the emotional stuff. Just know that I’m still looking out for you.
But now I want to talk about something else. The glasses. EDITH (don't you love the acronym?), was built for the next Iron Man and when you gave her away to that idiot Mysterio guy, my heart broke. I sent the glasses to you, Peter. I thought I made it pretty obvious in my note, but I should have known that you’d find some kind of loophole. You need to believe in yourself some more, kid. I know that you’re an incredible, intelligent, capable young man (I’m starting to sound like my dad again) and Pepper knows it and Happy knows it and Aunt May knows it and the Avengers know it, but apart from that, nobody does. I don’t even think that you know it. But I’m telling you Peter, take it from me, I’ve had an awful lot of experience at being popular and successful and loved and it all starts with you. It’s about the man underneath the suit, just as much as it’s about the armour on top. You have to believe in yourself. You have to scream it out to the world and then maybe, just maybe the world will hear you. I know you can do it. I wouldn’t have trusted you if I didn’t think you could do it and remember that I’m always right. I was definitely right about you.
I want you to use EDITH to become a better superhero, simple as that. She belongs to you and you alone so use her wisely. And please, please don’t give the glasses away again. That technology could be seriously dangerous, as I’m sure you know now, so don’t give yourself the extra hassle of trying to get them back, just keep them. There’s all sorts of features that you haven’t worked out how to use yet, so get experimenting. I’ll sit up here with Nat drinking milkshakes and eating cheeseburgers and laughing at all the mistakes you’re going to make and are, of course, going to fix. It’s nice up here, don’t worry about me, but trust me, it’s not as good as life so don’t waste a second of what you have. Do what you love. Love what you do. God, I’m sounding like some kind of motivational textbook for how to ‘Improve Your Workplace Experience’ or something. Just stay true to yourself. That’s all I can say.
And now I have to go soon. I’m sorry. I’ve said all I can think of but there’s so much left that I want to say. Nice job with the new suit! Obviously, my impeccable taste and style has rubbed off on you. Well done on the girlfriend! I’m sure she’ll keep you on your toes. I still can’t believe about Happy and your Aunt…yeah let’s not talk about that. Tell Pepper I love her, and I always will. Look after Morgan, she’s your sister now. Remember that I’m always watching over you (in a non-creepy way. I don’t watch you go to the bathroom or sleep or anything). Nat and I are going to go play crazy golf.
Finally, I think you might be a bit lost about what to do next, with the video about Mysterio. My advice is simple, sort it out with the people you love, and the rest will sort itself out. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t matter as much. The worst thing is when the public love you but your own family can’t stand the sight of you, and trust me, I’ve had a lot of that being both Tony Stark and Iron Man simultaneously. If you tell your friends and family the truth and they believe you, then it doesn’t matter what the press say. The press will always be mean. They’ll make things up and twist things around and try to cut you down, so you have to stand up, with the support of those who love you, look them in the eye and say, “I don’t care.” Or at least, that’s what I recommend.
The simplest advice is what I’ve already told you. Be yourself. Believe in yourself. Don’t try to be like me, try to be better. Only seek validation from those you love. And you’ll never be as cool as me, so don’t even try.
Good luck, Spider-Man,
Tony