Chapter Text
It's not like Tony didn't want to go, he was an orphan kid once too. Not as young as the kids at the house but still an orphan kid.
It's not like he didn't want to go, it's just that his bed was insanely comfortable at the moment and just the very thought of moving felt like going against the forces of nature. One mustn't challenge nature. No, sir. Not at all.
And he would've easily continued to stay stationary between the silk sheets had it not been for the human embodiment of one of mother nature's offspring knocking at his bedroom door, demanding an answer. He groaned, scrunching his face. Pepper would break down the entire wall if it meant she would get Tony off the bed and ready for the day, no questions asked.
"Tony, I swear to god, you better be getting ready!" She knocked the door some more. Tony decided that him and his bed just weren't meant to be. Or maybe it was just the timing of life, yeah, something like that.
He rolled out of bed, landing with a thump on the floor, sheets still tangled around his sleepy figure. "I'm up, Pep. Don't worry."
Guess the day must begin now.
Pepper was an amazing PA. The best. Tony was willing to bet his entire company on the fact. He's pretty sure she was his mother in the previous life, getting him up for school and pestering him about homework and dishes. He didn't know where he would be if not for her. Remembering his indescribably messy twenties, no one stuck around the way she did. And he was really, really thankful. He wasn't the best at showing his feelings, but he was glad Pepper could see right through him, and knew exactly how he felt, should his words help her understand or not. She always knew. Above all, she was a terrific friend.
"If you're not down within fifteen minutes, I'm coming in there and dragging you by the ear to the orphan house without a care of whatever you have on. I bet it would look great on the front page of everything that exists."
Correction: she was a terrible friend.
Tony wasn't stupid enough to think of the threat empty so he got up and headed straight for the bathroom. A quick shower would help him feel better and more awake.
And it did. Once out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, he went into his closet. Sure enough, a nice suit awaited him, pressed and hanging. He was big enough to admit that pinstripes looked good on him.
He met Pepper in the kitchen. He wasn't really keen on greeting her since she was apparently at war against him and his irregular sleeping schedule, so he just made a beeline towards the coffee maker, pleased to see a new batch already made and ready for him. Caffeine was the love of his life, he could confidently claim.
"So you have to be at the orphan house by 11:30. I've made sure the delivery for all the donations will reach there on time. You have to bond with the children, Tony. Remember that." Pepper spoke, not once looking up from her tablet.
"Can't I just shake a few hands, get a few pictures, kiss a few babies and be out of there within half an hour?" He asked, mostly just to piss Pepper. He gulped down his cup of coffee. God, that's good stuff.
"No, you can't. You're gonna bond. Talk to them. Ask them stuff. Interact. So the kids know who their Summer Santa is."
"Summer Santa makes me sound old. Doesn't it make me sound old?"
"You are thirty seven. You don't really classify as a youngster."
"I am hurt. I'm truly hurt, Pepper. First, you disrupt my beauty sleep and now you attack me with such words. I am hurt."
"We'll get you a bandage on the way out. Would you want SpongeBob or My Little Pony?"
Tony narrowed his eyes at her, mumbling something about SpongeBob and My Little Pony not belonging in the same category but kept it to himself. Pepper didn't quite catch the reason behind Tony's statement but didn't push it. "Happy has a sandwich for you in the car. You can eat on the way there. We're already late. Now come on."
Tony kept mumbling but followed the orders given to him anyway.
He's done this many times over and over again. He's got this.
*
He did not got this.
It started out great. Normal for any occasion like this. He stepped out his car, stomach finally filled with his sandwich. Glasses covered his eyes because he never leaves his tower without them. He was met with people in charge. Like always, he beamed when he saw the kids.
Okay, so a misjudgment could easily be made about him. He loved the kids. Absolutely loved them. They were adorable and so, so lovely. Definitely didn't deserve to be in some orphanage. But Tony was determined to do what he could.
He had a massive truck full of toys, clothes, and shoes be delivered to them. Every child got their things according to their own size and their own liking, Tony made sure of it. No one was to have something that didn't fit them, like some hand-me-down. These were brand new things. Tony never mentioned the price of any of it, always shrugged it off whenever questions about his charity donations came up. This all wasn't for him, it was for the kids.
There were pictures taken, of course. He didn't have to fake a million-dollar-smile for them either. He smiled brightly for the camera with the kids, them smiling big enough to blind a person. And that's what Tony loved. These kids might not have a lot to smile about, but if a subtraction from his bank account was going to help be a cause of it then so be it. Not that he was counting every dollar he had. It would take years. And he's got other things to do.
The orphanage had a daycare center a few buildings away that Tony helped funding, under the wraps. The daycare was cheap, for parents who couldn't afford much, had double jobs to pay the bills, single parents not having anywhere to leave their child for a few hours of the day while they busted blood and sweat together to make ends meet.
While Tony had never been in the position, and no matter how heartless he was depicted by the media, he understood how hard it must be the parents. He had the means, so why not help out. Pepper had mentioned about visiting that place after the orphanage while in the car on their way there. Tony figured why not. Two birds, one stone, and all that.
What he didn't expect was to get a whiplash when he was exiting the daycare.
He suddenly stopped his stride towards his car and couldn't blink. Pepper unknowingly kept walking. Upon reaching the car, she noticed Tony's absence beside her. She turned around to see the man, standing like a damn statue in the middle of the sidewalk.
Tony didn't really know how to explain it but the man had never seen something so beautiful. Someone so beautiful.
While Pepper approached Tony, she tried following his line of gaze to see what had caught his attention that he seemed to have ignored all her calls for him. There she saw a blond man. Oh boy.
Tony saw the man, very tall, blond and completely entrancing. That smile, oh god, the smile was vibrant. Tony was sure he had never seen seen anything like it before.
The tall, blond, and handsome had a toddler in his arms who was saying something that obviously was the best thing the guy had ever heard if his concentration and reactions were anything to go by.
"Tony, what's wrong?" Pepper asked upon reaching him.
The guy was approaching the daycare, probably to drop off the kid, Tony thought. A genius, he was.
"Uh, I think i left my uh... watch in the men's room." He surreptitiously covered the watch he was oh-so evidently wearing. "I'll be a moment." He held a finger up to Pepper and almost turned to walk the other way when Pepper grabbed his arm.
"Tony, no. You're not gonna do what I think you're gonna do."
"What do you think I was gonna do?" Tony asked scandalized.
"I think you're going over to make a move on that poor guy over there." She said, pointing at the guy.
"Why, Pepper, I would never." He brought his hand to his chest, in an exaggerated manner. "When have I ever done anything of the sort to make you expect such from me?"
Pepper's amused expression made Tony almost drop the act. But who was he kidding? Pepper knew him front, back, left and right. There was no hiding.
"I was just gonna go say 'hi'." He innocently said.
"Why him specifically then? Why not any one else?" Now Pepper was just having fun looking at Tony's face as he tried to calculate a response.
"C'mon, Pep. Look at him!" He whined.
"No. Into the car with you."
Pepper grabbed his arm again, this time to actually drag him back.
"But, Pep, my watch!"
"You mean this one?" Pepper pulled Tony's sleeve back enough to show the watch still around his wrist.
"...I brought another one?" Tony said, more like testing his statement to be enough to be believed or not.
"No, Tony." He was pulled towards the car. He turned around to get one last look at the guy only to find the guy had an amused look on his pretty little face, directed towards him. Upon getting caught, he turned and walked into the building.
Tony couldn't do anything but groan as he sat inside his car. "You just had to act like my mum in front of him, huh? He heard you, I'm pretty sure."
"Leave the poor guy alone. He doesn't need you interfering in his life. Drive, Happy."
"Sure thing, boss." Happy said as he started up the ignition.
"She's not your boss, I am." Tony interjected, betrayed. "You're stealing my kids now?" Tony accused Pepper.
Pepper rolled her eyes and switched on her tablet. "You need to keep a low profile in front of the daycare if you don't want people to know about your contribution. I hope they warn us about the back entrance being locked down next time. It's absurd."
"Whatever." Tony grumbled, crossing his arms. He slumped back on his seat, looking out of the window, not wanting to look at Pepper to make a point. He also was sort of mourning the loss of the blond beauty he had just missed. At least he knew where to find him if he ever wanted to meet him. Which he did.
He pulled his phone, and typed out for JARVIS to find about all the people that had their children in the daycare. A few seconds later, he got the whole lists of names.
No, he was not stalking, this was research.
He smiled at first which then turned into a frown and gave JARVIS more instructions. The list had loads of names and he didn't have time for all of them.
This time JARVIS was told to give him names of only blond parents. The list, this time, was still long but shorter than the previous one, so that was a plus. The cutie was to be here somewhere.
Some voice inside him told him was he was doing was wrong but that was a voice he rarely listened to.
He scrolled a bit, not knowing anything but the hair color was a bit of a hindrance.
Soon enough he was back at the tower and still had not found the guy.
"I'll be in the lab. So don't disturb me." Tony said, leaving the car and already making his way to the elevator.
"Lab, JARVIS." He said, entering the elevator. The doors closed.
"Welcome back, sir. How were the kids?" Came a British accent. JARVIS was his AI. The closest thing Tony had to a family. Closer than what even Pepper was to him.
"Oh, the kids were fine. The kids were fine, J. Did you happen to get the new list prepared?"
"I canceled off all the names you said to and have the new one ready, sir."
"Thanks, JARVIS. You're the best."
"If I may ask, sir, what's this about?"
"I just need to find someone."
"And you do know the hair color is not the only thing required while on a manhunt?"
"This isn't a manhunt. This is... this is something else. Not a manhunt." The doors opened and he stepped into his lab. "Manhunt makes it sound so vicious. Jesus. Lockdown, J."
"Of course, sir."
Tony took off his suit and changed into the T-shirt and trouser he had in the lab. "Have someone collect the suit later, JARVIS."
"Of course, sir." He repeated.
"Now show me what you got."
A hologram slide came in front of him and he started working. He didn't know why but he needed to find more about that man. He was too intrusive, with the best of heart, mind you, to just sit back and wonder. Not one of his best qualities but he couldn't help it.
"Okay, so he had a little boy. Brown hair. Does that help?"
"Certainly does a bit, sir."
He saw the file change before him and a new list appeared.
"Okay so which one are you, pretty boy?"
"I have aligned the photographs from their ID's with their files, sir."
"Thanks a bunch, J. You're a life saver."
Surely, ten minutes later, Tony's eye widened. "That's him!"
"He seems to have a very clean background, sir. Nothing that has ever crossed your path. What is it that you require from him, if I may ask?" JARVIS spoke.
"I don't know." Tony mumbled. Now that he knew the man's name, Steven Grant Rogers, he didn't know what to do with the information. The name wasn't the only bit of information he now had on the guy, there was a whole file on him, and suddenly Tony felt guilt pinching his heart.
What now?
"What do I do?"
"I would suggest closing the file if you're done, sir, but I would be happy to place an order for a shrine to be made as well."
"Zip the sass, buddy. I get it."
Tony sighed deeply, rubbing his face. He should've just listened to the voice. Stupid.
Knowing the name made it a bit weirder. Steven. Steve. The guy looked like a Steven. He looked like a Steve. He wasn't sure which one he went by.
Anyway, this needed to be buried.
"Close the file, JARVIS." The files vanished.
"God, help me. I need a drink. Or five."
He made his way to the counter where he had a bottle. Of what, he didn't remember nor did he care.
*
"Jesus Christ, Pepper. This is the worst idea you've had in, like, ever."
"You need the exercise, Tony." He heard her voice through the phone.
"I have a gym installed in the tower, y'know?"
"Look, Tony, Mr. Samberg wanted it like this. And you need to make up for what you did at his party two months ago. Just do it. It would take only an hour."
"If it takes a minute more than an hour, you're fired."
"Good luck finding a new babysitter." Pepper cheerfully said. Tony hung up the phone and shoved it in his pocket.
Mr. Samberg could suck his ass, for all he cared. But somehow Pepper had gotten him to be here, at a park, of all places, waiting for the guy to bring his dog, of all things, so they could discuss the deal they had wanted to get done 'out in the fresh air'. Blergh. Would it have been easier at the office? Maybe so. But was it happening that way? No, it was not.
Tony hated this.
'Could use the exercise'. Tony shook his head and went to a bench to sit down waiting for the jackass he had to pretend to like for the next hour. And just as he thought so, the man in question approached him. And, of course, a Rottweiler was on a leash with him.
*
Finally, the long and painful hour came to an end and Mr. Samberg and his dog, who had taken a liking to Tony's shoe and had made it his mission to bite the thing off his feet, were gone.
Tony kept sitting, breathing in relief. Now their deal was solid again, as was their business relation. Things whits men demand to emend business relationships, ugh. Tony would never do this outdoors again, no matter who says what. Outdoors were loud, and had people. And bugs. And weird smells.
He kept sitting on the bench watching people, families enjoying themselves, kids running around. Must be nice, he thought. He never had such a memory to adore.
He was pretty sure he needed something to eat so he went to the pretzel guy he saw. He dug out his wallet as he gave an order for one.
"Would you like one?" A guy came beside him and a kid's voice followed his.
"Yes, please."
Tony took out the money from his wallet, was more than what one pretzel would cost, but he didn't care. He gave the money and took his snack. He heard the guy order one and he turned around to looked at him, pretzel in mouth, putting his wallet back. Which was definitely, definitely a bad idea.
Maybe the world was conspiring. Must be it.
It was the blond guy, Steven, a fact that he should definitely not know, who looked down at the toddler. "Are you gonna finish it all?"
"Yes, I am. I'm a big boy." He claimed.
Tony would guess the kid was no older than three. Four, tops.
"I suppose you're gonna have to prove that to me." Steven smiled at the child who had a determined look on his face that was mixed with the excitement of getting a treat. He paid for the pretzel when the kid spoke. This time he directed his question to Tony, of all beings on planet earth. Tony realized he was still staring.
"Why are you wearing a suit in a park?" The kid tilted his head to the side in confusion.
Tony's eyebrows raised and his gazed flashed up the Steven, whose eyes widen as he glanced at Tony then back at the child. This time in a scolding manner. Tony chewed hastily.
"Peter! We don't say things like that to people. Apologize." He turned to Tony, with an apologetic look of his own. "I'm sorry about him-" His expressions turned into recognition. "Uh, sorry." He nudged Peter.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. Daddy said you don't wear suits for fun time. Park is fun time." Wow, the Peter kid was adorable. Tony could actually see the contrite look in his wide, brown eyes.
Get into action, Tony! Say something.
He swallowed.
"Uh, it's alright, kid. Your dad is right. I was just unlucky enough to have to wear this here." He made a point not to look at Steven, who from close enough was even hotter, if that was possible to begin with. Evidently, it was, as hard as it was to believe so.
"Why?" Peter asked innocently.
"Peter!" Steven berated.
"It's okay," He assured Steven before he looked down at Peter, "I had to meet up with a business partner of sorts here for some unknown reason."
"What's a business partner?" Yup, Tony was reminded that kids are known to be very curious little things.
Surprisingly, Steven asked at the same time. "Here?" He quickly looked embarrassed to have asked that. But if Tony was to be questioned about it, the blush running all over Steven's pale face was immensely adorable.
Tony chuckled. "Yeah, I had to make up for something I did for a guy and of all the places one could possibly think of, this is what happened." He then answered Peter, who, bless him, was still looking confused having not received his answer. "A business partner is someone you do business with. Kinda like who you work with."
The curiosity slowly faded away from Peter's face and he nodded. Tony smiled, pleased with himself.
Steven then shifted on his feet and Tony was reminded that his presence only two feet away.
They will walk away soon. Do something, Tony.
"I'm Tony, by the way." He brought his hand up for a shake, putting on a charming smile that he had perfected over the years.
"I'm Steve." The other answered, shaking Tony's hand. A firm shake, Tony liked that. So Steve it is.
"And I can only assume this is Peter?" Tony looked at the kid, who nodded enthusiastically. Real cute.
"Hi!" He waved his chubby little hand at Tony who waved back with an enormous smile.
"Cute kid."
"Thanks." Steve looked at Peter with so much tender love in his eyes. Tony could've sworn he was a goner right there and then.
"So... you come here often?" And yeah, Tony was gonna kick himself in the nuts for that one. Because, really?
Steve chuckled, in delight, much to Tony's appeal, and nodded. "Isn't that one a little too old?" He raised a brow.
"Depends. It made you laugh, didn't it?" Tony was now just testing his luck. He was flirting with a guy with a son. For all he knew, a wife or husband would be right behind him ready to smack him from the back.
"I suppose." Steve nodded. "And yeah, I do. Park's close to the apartment." Steve shrugged. "Do you often have business meetings here?" Now the guy had a hint of smirk on his face.
"Fortunately, no. Otherwise we would've met before. I don't think I could forget meeting you."
The pink was back on Steve's face, and, dear god, what a look it was.
"Well, aren't you a charmer?"
"I like your tie." Came a voice from below. Yes, Peter was there too.
Tony looked at his tie and saw that he had worn the orange one with little blue spots. "Why, thank you, good sir."
Peter giggled at the title. "I have jammies just like that one, don't I, daddy?"
"Yes, that's right, honey." Steve agreed.
"Well, you have an awesome taste in clothing. The best, I must say."
"I picked it out myself!" Oh, Peter just loved encouragement.
"Like I said. Marvelous, little guy."
Steve had a little soft smile on his face. "They're his favorite." He added.
Tony smiled at Steve.
"I...uh, I think we should be heading back." Steve said picking Peter off the ground and into his arms. Tony saw the muscles there flex. Those were some massive arms. Tony had to resist the temptation of running his fingers across the skin. It looked so soft.
"Don't suppose I'll see you around, then?" If Steve had a tiny ounce of brain, and wasn't a cheating pig, which Tony desperately was praying for, he should've picked up Tony's approach by now.
Steve adjusted Peter, making sure the pretzel didn't fall. "I don't know. If you're here next Saturday around the same time, maybe."
Steve smiled at Tony and all Tony could do was stare at him. He was pretty sure his eyes were showing exactly what he was feeling, and hoped to whatever celestial being listening in on them to make sure Steve didn't find him a creep.
Tony gulped and shook his head to bring himself on earth, enough to reply. "Uh- yes. Yeah, yes. Yes. Okay." He was painfully aware of how fast he was nodding.
Steve bit down on his lower lip, an act Tony wouldn't mind doing himself. In fact, he would be quite eager. He blinked before smiling warmly. "Alright then. See you then, Tony. If you're not busy."
"I'm not." Whoever claimed that Tony was suave was probably pulling their hair out because Tony shook his head so heartily that Steve had to suppress a grin.
"Okay. Say 'bye', Petey."
"Bye." Peter waved his hand, just like before and Tony did so too.
"Bye, Peter."
Steve turned around and walked away with Peter. He could hear Peter asking another question and Steve answering him but he couldn't quite make out the wordings.
Next week, he thought. Saturday. Same time.
He pulled out his phone as he made for a different exit than where Steve was headed. He typed in for JARVIS to remind him next Saturday about this and to keep his schedule clear.
He had a chance.
*
"You did WHAT?"
Maybe telling Pepper wasn't one of his greatest ideas.
"Pep, it's not that bad-"
"Not that bad? You stalked him? You pulled out his personal information. That's violation of privacy, Tony." Yeah, Pepper was disappointed.
"I didn't really look into much other than his name, I swear. And it wouldn't have happened if you'd have just let me talk to him at the daycare."
"No. No, no, no, no. Do not put this all on me. This is completely your fault. And you let him, JARVIS?"
"I do apologize, Ms Potts, but I could not have stopped sir. I am programmed to obey his commands."
"Well maybe you need reprogramming."
"C'mon, Peps. Don't drag him into it. First Happy, and now J? Quit bringing the kids into our fights."
"Tony, tell me yourself what you think this was. Was it right? Did he deserve this?" Pepper looked at Tony, exhausted.
"No, he didn't." Tony agreed. "But I was really curious. I closed it as soon as I opened it. I swear! Just ask JARVIS."
"It is true, Ms Potts. But a discussion about a shrine was also held."
"Traitor! That was all you!" Tony denounced.
Pepper sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead.
"Look, Pepper, I know what I did was wrong and I shut it down as soon as I opened and I feel guilty about it. I really do. Believe me."
Pepper looked at Tony and shook her head. "Just because you have the means-"
"-Doesn't mean I can snoop around. I know, Pep. I get it. Trust me."
Pepper looked at Tony, deciding whether to believe him or not.
"Just don't do it again." She turned around and left for the elevator.
It could've gone worse. Tony could certainly imagine.
"Will you help me dress up for next Saturday?" Tony yelled after Pepper.
"I'll think about it." Pepper answered before the elevator door shut behind her.
*
Saturday came sooner than Tony anticipated. He would be wrong if he said he wasn't dreading it. He was ecstatic, but his nerves were fighting to get the best of him every second of the days that brought him closer to the weekend.
He was so close to staying put in his lab, maybe create a new element, just to have an excuse to not go. It wasn't helping that Pepper kept pestering him about it. She claimed it as giving his word and thus it would be odious of him to turn back now. Curse her. Like Tony wasn't kicking himself for showing interest in the first place and now planning on not going.
He remembered Steve's smile, where else would he find something as mesmerizing. He's pretty sure Steve himself does not fully knew the power he possessed. He had Tony completely transfixed, all by doing a small and innocent act.
There was another thing eating at Tony. Steve seemed like a good guy. Too good, even. Raising a child, so whatever happened to Steve would not only affect the man in question but also Peter. And Tony was nothing but trouble, if his past is anything to go by. And people normally look at your past to determine the kind of person you are now. Tony feared that he might reflect his past image and that would somehow hurt Steve. He would never want that to happen.
And another thing. To the public, Tony Stark was a billionaire. He was a playboy. He was heartless. He was worthless. People would imagine him to be just like his previous self. To hell with whatever Tony had done to better himself, those acts didn't matter, they didn't hold much weight. And one of Tony's countless flaws (ask him and he'll tell you they're countless) was his massive insecurity. It was colossal.
There was no doubt that Steve hadn't recognized him. Tony was willing to bet that Steve knew who he was, and if that was true, probabilities of which reached the sky, he was well aware of his public image. No matter how hard his PR team tried, the damage done by him during his younger days had left a permanent and bitter profile.
He couldn't stop himself from thinking of all the what if's. What if Steve had later thought about it and was choosing not to come? What if Steve was faking the smiles and sweetness just to humor Tony but was secretly laughing behind his back? What if Steve realized that Tony wasn't worth the effort? What if Steve didn't want to put Peter under such an influence? Tony wouldn't object to the last. He would rather encourage it.
Tony did not know what to do. They didn't have each others number so Tony could call the whole thing off. He could get the number, like he did the name, but he had sworn off that tactic.
One of the worst things he did was to ask Pepper for help, if he was honest. At first Pepper had seemed to be repulsed by his method of approach, albeit he would agree that it was rather foul play. But along the week, Pepper had taken over getting him to dress up for Saturday, just as Tony's initial request. He cursed the moment he made it.
Pepper would never let him back off. And he now no longer could quietly do so without having someone cross their arms at him and shake their head disappointed.
Time was approaching and soon enough the redhead was going to march into his lab and pull him out to get him ready. He wished he would've invented an invisible ray, he could really put that into great use right now.
As he had expected, after a few minutes he heard the door slide open and heard heels approaching.
"Tony, I thought you would've at least showered by now."
Tony grumbled.
"Get up, Tony."
"What if I said there was something really important I was ignoring just to go to this park?"
"Then I would've known about it, seeing as I am your assistant." Tony frowned at that. "Now, the clock is ticking and you need to shower and change and get your hair in order. It looks like a tragedy."
"Doesn't my face look like a tragedy. Oh, Peps, please don't make me go." Tony begged. Pepper seemed pretty unfazed.
"No excuses, Tony. You wanted to go so bad that you invaded his privacy. Maybe this will be sort of like a punishment. You know you'd deserve it if it was one."
"C'mon, Pepper, You're not that cruel."
"I am worse." She said, getting them both into the elevator. "Penthouse, JARVIS."
The elevator started moving and soon enough the doors opened. Pepper pulled Tony to his room and pushed him into the bathroom. "Get clean, now. I'm taking your clothes to wear out."
"See! Even you're not prepared for today. It's a sign."
"I have picked out what you'll wear. It's pressed and hanging and waiting for you. I just need to get it out of your closet. I am always prepared. It's why you hired me."
"I'm regretting that now." Tony murmured, closing the door behind him. He turned on the shower, getting the water to be just the right temperature. He scrubbed his hair with a little more determination than normal, he couldn't shake Pepper's earlier comment about it and in no way was he meeting up with a man like Steve with anything about him looking anything less than classy.
Once he was clean, he looked at his reflection. He didn't require a shave, he thought. He checked his breath and brushed his teeth just to be on the safe side. Thinking he was good to go, he exited the bathroom.
There on his closet door handle hung his outfit for the date. Pissed as he was about Pepper not taking his side, he could still appreciate the woman's sense of clothing. She picked out a casual blue T-shirt with dark gray jeans. She did not forget his signature jacket. He paired it all up with his blue sunglasses, another one of his signature looks. He pulled on his shoes and looked himself in the mirror, while styling his hair. His hair is not a tragedy, Pepper. And never will Steve think so.
He collected his phone and wallet and exited the room, ignoring Pepper in the living room and headed straight for the elevator.
"You know, a 'thank you' wouldn't pull something." Pepper called behind him.
"I know," Tony entered the elevator and turned around, looking at Pepper. "Just don't want to." He smiled at her. "Do your thing, J."
The door closed and Tony started tapping his fingers, trying to calm himself down. "Tell Happy to bring the car around too, would ya, buddy."
"Already done, sir." JARVIS said. "Ms Potts requested for Mr Hogan to be on time."
"Of course she did."
Okay, Tony thought to himself, you've got this. It'll be a breeze. He knew how to charm. He knew how to flirt. He knew he had amazing people skills. He's got this.
The car ride to the park was really quiet. Tony didn't wish for the radio or music to be playing. He was tapping his fingers on his knees, making a point by not biting his bottom lip. He hadn't been this nervous about anything in so long that this was now a new feeling for him.
Upon reaching the park, he thought of something that he hadn't thought of in the entirety of last week. Him and Steve had not decided where in this huge fucking park to meet. That was the genius in him.
He groaned.
"Everything okay, boss?" He heard Happy ask.
"Yeah. Yeah, Happy, just fine. Um, park near for a while in case I wanna retreat almost immediately, okay, pal?"
"You got it." Happy gave him a thumbs up.
Tony shook himself and got into action. He decided to take a stroll and if he didn't find Steve and Peter, he'll just go back. At least then he'll be able to say that he did go, he just wasn't able to find them and had no means of contact without his conscience beating him down. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
He got out the car and straightened his jacket. A mantra of 'I can do this, I can do this, I can do this' was playing inside his head.
He entered the park and looked around. Nothing caught his attention. He kept walking, keeping his pace steady and his eyes wandering everywhere his line of vision could reach.
He walked for a while when a voice caught his attention. And what a beautiful voice it was.
"Tony?"
He turned his face and sure enough there was Steve, looking as angelic as ever.
"You came." Steve sounded so surprised and yet so relieved that Tony was already kicking himself in the back for even thinking of cancelling.
"I said I would, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but... I thought- I thought... y'know... it's good to see you." Steve as a stuttering mess and a tint of blush spreading over his cheeks was a sight for sore eyes.
"It's great to see you too, Steve." Tony smiled warmly and Steve mirrored it.
"Uh, Peter and I are right over here," He pointed behind him. "We were playing catch. Um..."
It seemed like Tony was not the only one who's nerves were getting to him. "He got anymore questions about business? I got plenty of answers." Tony joked. Which seemed to have worked because Steve let out a chuckle, turning around, probably to keep an eye on his kid. The tension on his shoulder had let go a bit.
"Uh, yeah. He probably would, if we remind him of it. But he's curious about anything and everything so..."
"Not a problem. Between the two of us, I'm pretty sure he'll be satisfied enough."
Steve smiled shyly and, god, Tony was going to lose it. In a goddamn park.
They walked to where Peter was sat on the ground, a few steps away from where they were themselves, much to Tony's relief. He expected Steve to be a responsible dad, and he wasn't keen on turning their date into a child search for the poor little kid. There was something about neglectful parents that ticked him off in all the places, it just hit way too close to home.
"Peter, you remember Tony?" Steve asked, making Peter look up from the ball he held in his small hands. "Say 'hi', baby."
"Hi!" Peter waved a hand at him, which made him drop the ball and roll away from him. "No!" He got up and ran the few steps to get to the ball, picking it up with the help of both the hands, turning to face his dad with a large toothy smile. "I got it."
"Yes, I saw." Steve smiled encouragingly.
"Adorable kid."
Steve turned to Tony with a smile that was half bashful and half proud. "Thank you."
Tony watched as the child toddled his way to him and raised the blue ball up at Tony. "Matching."
Tony looked over himself and then to the ball and noticed both the ball and his shirt were the same shade of blue. How about that?
"Yes, it is matching. Good eye, Peter." Tony encouraged. To which Peter gave a cute little giggle and looked at his dad.
Steve smiled widely and bent down to squat in front of Peter. "They do match! Oh, you're such a clever boy, aren't you?" He ruffled his son's brown hair.
Peter laughed loudly at the compliments he was receiving and threw the ball away, as far away as he could, which was only a few feet away from where they were standing. He then proceeded by running after it and grabbing the ball before running back to his dad, giggling excitedly.
Peter was just too adorable. Tony wanted to buy the kid as much ice cream and candies he would wish for. He wouldn't back down from buying him the toys he wanted either. And to think Tony didn't want to come here in the first place and now he was completely smitten over Steve's kid.
"So how are you?" Steve's voice broke his chain of thoughts.
"I'm great. How are you? Not gonna walk away today, are you?"
Steve shook his head. "Nah, we're not leaving just yet. Got here a bit later than usual in case you..."
"In case I came?" Tony was so hopeful.
"Yeah." Steve breathed out, nodding.
"Well, I'm here now." Tony gestured to his own body, head to toe, making Steve chuckle and nod.
"Yeah, you are. I'm glad."
"Me too." This was pleasant. Tony was proud he wasn't making a fool of himself. He didn't need that. In order to charm sweet Steve here, he would have to bring his A-game to the table.
"Throw?" Peter had come to them and requested Tony.
"Of course." Tony tried covering up his shock at being asked. If he wasn't ever able to do so with his own father, he wasn't going to let the kid down.
Tony tossed the ball at the same distance as Peter did, who squealed and ran after it.
"So I was thinking," Tony spoke up, both watching Peter grab the ball. "That after the park, maybe we could go somewhere. Like get ice cream or something. If it doesn't mess up your schedule or anything. I know little kids and their schedules and how important it is to stick to it. I wouldn't want to mess with that. I was just hoping that maybe you'd wanna go. It doesn't even have to be ice cream, it could be anything-"
"Tony." Steve interrupted, making Tony stop mid sentence, mouth open like fish. "Sure. Ice cream sounds great. We love ice cream."
Tony closed his mouth and nodded. "Great. Great. Ice cream it is. Thank god, you love ice cream. Who doesn't love ice cream? Not loving ice cream should be a deal breaker everywhere. Worldwide. Don't you think? I mean it's ice cream-"
"Yes, Tony, It's ice cream," Steve was chuckling. "You know they're wrong about you."
Tony blinked a coupled of times. "Who are?"
"People."
"People. Right. People. Well, yeah, I mean people are mostly wrong. They're - wait, what are they wrong about?"
"You being suave." Steve said, then regret washed over his face as his eye widened. "I mean, you are. Definitely. But you ramble a lot. Not that that's a bad thing, it's actually kinda cute. I mean, it's not a bad thing-"
"Now who's rambling?" Ton smirked, granting him with a blushing Steve who shut his mouth. "You think I'm cute?" The blush grew darker. "I mean I would've gone for handsome but cute works too if that's what you think."
"I mean, I wouldn't say no to you being handsome either, just so you know." Steve muttered, just as Peter came to him raised his arms up to be held.
"Daddy, I'm hungry. Can we buy something today?"
Steve patted his pocket where his wallet was instinctively when Tony spoke up. "Well, Peter, we were just deciding if you'd be up for some ice cream."
Peter's face lit up like the sky on fourth of July. "Really?"
"Mhmm. You want some?"
"Yes, please. I love ice cream. Daddy loves ice cream too. A lot. Daddy says sweet things are the best."
Tony looks at Steve and the latter just shrugged.
"I'll keep that in mind." Tony said, softly smiling. Steve looked away before he blushed again and looked at Peter, running his fingers through the child's hair.
"Can we get ice cream now? Please?" Eager little kid. Tony didn't mind. In fact, it reminded him of himself when he was young.
"Of course, we can. I've got a car waiting just outside to take us there. You ready?"
Peter enthusiastically nodded while Steve pocketed the ball Peter held in his jacket. As they walked, Tony pulled out his phone and sent a text to Happy to bring the car to where he was dropped off. And sure enough, the car was waiting exactly there.
Tony opened the door for Steve. "Sorry, I don't have a child seat."
"No, it's okay." Steve assured, climbing into car, thanking him, and placing Peter right beside him with a firm grip on him.
"To my favorite ice cream place, Hap."
Happy gave a nod of acknowledgment and the car started moving.
"Daddy, can I have two scoops?" Peter said holding out three fingers.
"We'll see." Steve said, lowering down the third finger.
"You can have as many scoops you want, as long as you father allows it." Tony said.
"A hundred?" Peter looked at him wide eyes filled with awe.
"I did say if your father allowed."
Peter looked at his dad, who just shook his head at Tony. "No one's getting a hundred scoops. You can't eat that much, you'll get sick. Do you wanna get sick?"
Peter shook his head, remorseful. "No."
"Then no hundred scoops."
Tony chuckled. "Y'know what? Two scoops sound just perfect. Wouldn't you say, Steve?"
"I suppose." Steve said, trying to not show his displeasure at the thought of the cost he was expecting. "We'll see."
Soon enough they reached the place. Tony got out first and Peter eagerly followed him. They had developed some weird friendship as they wouldn't shut up throughout the whole ride. Steve joined in from time to time but he let them do all the talking. Tony didn't know why but he did try to make him smile repeatedly.
When Steve got out, he gave the place around him a glance. His face turned sour, though he managed to conceal it. Too bad for him that Tony had already picked up on his displeasure. Tony wasn't sure why.
"Ready for ice cream, buddy?" Tony asked Peter.
"Yes!" He replied and immediately looked at his father. "Right, daddy?"
"Um..." Steve looked torn and his hand went to touch his front pocket and it suddenly hit Tony. Steve was a single parent, he gathered, from the lack of the mentioning of Peter's other parent from either of the two. He probably wasn't well off considering him having to send Peter to that daycare. Steve was probably worried about the bill for the treats that hadn't even arrived yet through out the ride. Maybe that's why he was so silent. Tony had to make it right.
"Of course, he is! You can't say no to free food, can you, Steve?"
Steve looked at him, mouth finding words to say. "Tony, this is-"
"Not a problem. And I didn't bring you here to worry. So why don't you relax and think of what flavor you're gonna get." Tony had a warm smile on his face. "Have you decided that yet, Peter?"
The kid shook his head no and Tony grabbed his hand. "Well no need to worry. You get to pick whatever looks good, alright?"
Peter nodded and Steve took a deep breath. "Are you sure, Tony? I mean, this place is- hell, this entire area is-"
"I'm a hundred percent certain, Steve. And it's no problem for me. I'm sure you probably figured that out already." He mumbled the last bit Peter wouldn't understand.
Steve looked alarmed. "Is that why you think I accepted your offer? Or is that why you're even here with us. We're not a charity case, Tony."
"What? No. No, no, no. Absolutely not. Steve. I would never think like that of you. C'mon- okay, I get it that it might seem that way but it's not. You have my word. I am interested in getting to know you above everything else."
Steve seemed to be calculating his next move when Peter tugged his arm. "Are we not getting ice cream, daddy?" His voice was so shy and scared of rejection, it was painful to hear. Tony wanted to give the kid every bit of everything he needed and wanted.
Steve, after a few seconds, sighed deeply. "Of course we are, honey."
Both Tony and Peter had the same expression of glee on their face as Tony led them in. Tony waved at the girl on the counter who greeted them. "Hey, Cindy. How're you doing?"
"Great as always, Mr Stark. What can I get you today?"
Tony looked at Steve and pointed at Peter, asking if he can pick him up. He did so once getting a nod of approval from Steve.
"Alright, Peter, What looks good?"
Peter went all cartoon-style wide eye over all the flavors displayed before him. The different colors were all getting a few second of a glance from the kid before he moved his eyes to the next one.
"Daddy, which one?" Peter kicked his feet.
Tony looked at Steve who bit his lip and then gave in. "Whatever you want, honey. Maybe Tony can help you choose."
Peter turned to look at Tony and the innocent and confused look on his face had Tony rambling about each flavor while pointing at them.
Soon enough Peter had decided that he wanted a scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough because he loved cookie dough and a scoop of cotton candy because that was blue, his favorite color. Steve tried to hold back his sound of disapproval at the amount of sugar the kid was going to intake just so Peter could enjoy one night.
Tony looked at Steve who just shrugged. "I think I'm good."
Tony's face fell. "C'mon, Steve. I bring you out on a date and you're not even gonna eat?"
"What's a date?" Peter asked.
Steve looked at lost of words. "Tony- I didn't know it was gonna be here..."
Tony understood just fine and he coaxed Steve into it. "C'mon. I gave you my word. It's no a problem for me. Tell him, Peter."
"Yeah, daddy. You love ice cream."
Steve glared at Peter all the while Tony just smirked. "Or are you just trying to hurt my feelings here?"
"Fine. I'll have one scoop, though."
"You'll have two. You can pick the flavor."
"Vanilla."
"Boring. Peter, do you know your daddy's favorite flavor?"
"He loves chocolate chip."
"Okay, one scoop of that. And the next one, Steve?"
"Can't believe you both are ganging up on me."
"You left us no choice, darling. Now what's it gonna be?"
Tony did, in fact, stared at the blush that spread across Steve's face at the the nickname and he just loved it. He decided that the nicknames are going to stay.
"Uh...cookie dough."
He still sounded unsure but Tony didn't give time to back out and ordered his own. Cindy scooped their ice creams into cones, as per Peter's hopeful wishes.
They sat down at a table by the window, Peter beside Steve and Tony right across from him. Peter started licking the treat all over, getting on his mouth than in it. Steve didn't seem to care much about the mess. "It's no use." He said, but he did cover Peter's shirt with a napkin by tucking it in his collar.
"I'm really sorry about putting you in that position over there." Tony said.
Steve shook his head. "No. I was being difficult. It's just... this place is kinda..."
"I'm sorry about that, Steve. I wanted to treat you. And I know how you feel, believe me, I hate pity. But this isn't that. I really wanted to do this for you."
"Why, though. I mean, of all the people you could have-"
"I want you." Steve became quiet. "If you'll let me have you. I know you saw me at the daycare the other day-"
"Kinda hard to miss a guy being dragged across the sidewalk." Steve grinned a little.
Tony huffed out a laugh. "Yeah, well. I saw you too. Kinda hard to miss a guy with beauty like that."
And there was that blush again. Steve tried to hide it by licking his ice cream but Tony saw. That beautiful, beautiful blush. Tony wanted to kiss that face so bad. It was taking all of his self control to not jump across the table and kiss the other guy senseless and breathless right there and then.
"And I thought I had missed you until I saw you in the park again. Believe me, I thanked all the gods and stars that existed when you agreed to meet me again."
"But why? I mean, you're Tony Stark, y'know?"
"It might've been brought to my attention a time or two."
"It's just... I'm nothing special." Steve's voice was shy and hesitant. He also kept it low so Peter won't hear. "I'm a single father who doesn't have much to offer."
"I don't need much other than a good person. Which, I have concluded, you are. And you have yet to prove me otherwise. But I'm pretty sure you won't. If Peter is anything to go by, you're practically a saint."
Steve shrugged, looking down. "I try."
"Well if my words mean anything, you're doing an amazing job with him. I hope you know that."
Steve looked at Tony, eyes full of warmth and affection. "Thanks, Tony. I mean it. And I'm still sorry about being a jerk before. Could I get another chance?"
Tony reached across to hold Steve's hand. "You never lost this one, darling."
All of a sudden, Peter sneezed loudly, making Tony look away from Steve's pink face. Steve, too, looked at Peter who stared at his father and then started laughing loudly. "I made a big sneeze!"
Steve laughed along with him, thanking god the kid didn't drop his ice cream, and Tony knew he was really, deeply screwed. This adorable father-son duo was going to be the death of him. And somehow, he didn't think he would mind this kind of death. In fact, he would welcome it with open arms.