Chapter Text
The flashes of blue brought little light into the cramped space in the corner of the enormous room. The faint beeping and the muffled hum of a large motor was the only thing they could hear as they crouched on the cold floor.
“Awe you su’e this is whe’e they took daddy?” a voice asked in a stage whisper that was much too loud for the liking of the other occupant of the hanger. “Shh! You have to be quiet, remember? This is enemy base!” an older and much more hushed voice replied with a finger to his lips. “Sow’y! Im quiet now.” the tiny voice whispered back properly this time. With a nod of approval, the older boy turned forward, leading the way as they crawled through small spaces between heavy cases and dormant aircrafts. It wasnt that different from when they played jungle adventure at home, dodging and weaving through pretend vines and logs except this time, it wasnt a game. No, this was a real life mission. A mission they couldn't afford to fail.
“Come on Petey, no time to explore. We need to find dad fast!”
“Ok, I'm coming Hawley”
This was the story of how two young children infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D to save their father... kinda.
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Harley (Age 6):
A kid with a brave heart and a smart mouth.
Is never afraid to say what he thinks and is always trying to get out there.
Would rather show his love through actions and not (“mushy”) words.
Loves: Race cars (more of the cars themselves than the racing part- his favorite character from the movie “Cars” was Lugi because of how fast of a mechanic he was. Doesnt believe his dad when he claims to be even faster), snacking on goldfish crackers, helping his mom with farm work, & swimming.
Hates: Adults treating him like a baby & people underestimating him.
Peter (Age 3):
A toddler with a soft heart and overflowing curiosity.
Is shy but with enough time, would try to make friends with anyone.
Still working on pronouncing his “R”s right.
Loves: Asking questions (the “whys” are his favorite), lots of cuddling, snacking on bananas, & jigsaw puzzles.
Hates: Being away from his daddy for too long & lemons (his daddy once tricked him into eating them by claiming they were orange slices and he distrusts them since then).
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The gleaming light at the top of the tower shined like a beacon for the entire city to see, especially to two particular sets of eyes that stared at it in awe. “Told you boys it would be like looking at the stars!” Tony said to the two figures that were secured safely in his arms as they looked on at the completed Stark Tower. He chuckled as he glanced at the jaws of his toddler and child that were still hanging open in shock.
He didn't make it a habit to have his sons with him when he was hovering 1500 feet in the air but today was a special day. There was no way Harley and Peter would accept nothing but a front row seat when Pepper powered up the arc reactor, even if it was past their bedtime. And how could he disagree when his sons had given him their own signature looks that he struggled to say no to? Peter with his bambi eyes and pouty lips and Harley with his rare show of child-like uncertainty and eager stance. Tony didn't stand a chance.
“Its so pwetty daddy!” Peter exclaimed, shattering the still silence as he wriggled around and threw his arms in the air. Tony chuckled and tightened his hold on the bouncing toddler, “It is isnt it Petey-Pie?”. He couldn't help a smile of pride from forming as he steadied his thrusters. “I knew you could do it.” Harley said confidently, crossing his arms and nodding, as if he wasnt just as amazed a second ago. Tony snorted, “Thank you for your never ending confidence in me Harls”. Harley smirked, “I meant Aunt Pepper but your welcome” he replied with an easy shrug that was the perfect imitation of his father. Pepper's laughter filtered in through his coms as Tony let out a fake gasp of indignation. “By my own blood” he muttered, setting a course to the balcony when he noticed the night air beginning to chill “Watew is quickew than blood” Peter said solemnly and Tony chuckled. “Thats very true Pete but the saying is ‘Blood is thicker than water’.” he said, landing on the balcony and setting his children down on their feet. They scrambled inside as J.A.R.V.I.S peeled his suit piece by piece.
He was greeted by a glass of champagne and a smug smile from Pepper. Tony rolled his eyes and grabbed the flute from her hands, “The tower is only 12% of your baby. So give yourself 12% of the credit”. “12%?” she remarked in disbelief. “An argument can be made for 15.” he shrugged nonchalantly, as if the three percent increase was enough. “12% my baby?” Pepper repeated, walking towards the screens where Peter and Harley had crowded to. “ I mean, I did do the literal heavy lifting. Also that security snafu was on you… and I'm going to pay for that comment about percentages in some subtle way arent I?” Tony muttered, as Pepper gave him a look that meant he was definitely going to pay and it wouldn't be subtle.
The snickers and giggles from their left drew their attention to Peter who tried stifling his and Harely who didn't bother even trying. “You're so going to pay dad” Harley said, giving a not so subtle high five to Peppers outstretched palm. Tony turned towards his youngest in hopes of someone being on his side. Instead, Peter toddled over to him with a sudden, slight furrow between his eyebrows. “Am I 12% of your baby daddy?” he asked with his eyes wide. Tonys heart melted and he crouched down to Peters height, “No bambino, you're definitely 100% my baby” he said. Peter's face bloomed with a smile and rushed to his father for a hug. Tony felt himself soften as he snuggled into the brown curls of his youngest and peeked out to look at his oldest. “And your big brother is 100% my baby too, even if he's a A grade brat.” he said, sticking his tongue out maturely in response to Harley who did the same. Tony smiled when he noticed Harleys faint pink cheeks and concealed smile.
“Sir, Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D is on the line.” Jarvis interrupted, making Tonys mood drop so fast, he almost became dizzy. “I'm not in.” he stated, annoyance pricking at him as he carefully released his hold on Peter and stood up. “Agent daddy? Like a spy?” Peter asked, curiosity brimming. “I didn't know you joined a spy league dad” Harley said, sounding like he was contemplating what he could get out of it. “Uh, no, no I'm not in a spy league bud”, Tony replied, not wanting to further the crazy thoughts that were no doubt brewing in both of his sons' heads.
“Sir, I'm afraid he's insisting.” J.A.R.V.I.S said, sounding as worried as an A.I. could be. “Gross.” he muttered, “Fine, you know what that means, its bedtime!” he exclaimed with faux enthusiasm, more for Peters sake than Harleys. Of course it was useless because both of his boys groaned and pouted. “Yea, I know. But blame the spy agent for crashing our party, not me.” he said, a hand on each small back, guiding them to the direction of their bedrooms.
“Sir, the telephone. I'm afraid my protocols are being overridden -” J.A.R.V.I.S said before being interrupted by a voice not much more animated than the A.I. “Stark we need to talk” it stated as a face popped up and Tony felt his annoyance turn into fear as he glanced down at his children. S.H.I.E.L.D didn't know about Harley or Peter and he sure as h*ll was going to keep it that way. They were already trying to stick their nose in every other aspect of his life and he didn't need them in his most personal (and most precious) part. “Okay, go to your rooms and start getting ready for bed. I’ll be there in five minutes okay? Harley, help your brother.” he said, trying to keep the urgency out of his voice and the fear out of his eyes. As he watched them both disappear from the doorway, with Harley throwing him one last questioning look, he wasn't sure he succeeded.
“You have reached the life model decoy of Tony Stark, please leave a message.” he said, staring at the stern face of Agent Coulson through his holographic device. Pepper giggled and Tony had to fight himself from breaking into a smirk. “This is urgent.”, the agent replied undeterred. Tony almost rolled his eyes and broke the “illusion” of his life sized model, “Then leave it urgently”. The ding of the elevator was his only warning as the man himself appeared and Tony felt his annoyance swiftly return. ‘Why the h*ll did he have to use the private elevator?’ he thought. “Security breach.” he stated blandly, relieved that he had made Harley and Peter leave and wondering how the night had turned from amazing to this steaming pile of bullsh*t so quickly.
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Harley put a finger to his lip as leaned against the wall outside of the room they had just come out of. Peter dutifully copied his brother, smooshing a finger to his lips and leaning against his brother's side. Peter wasnt certain what they were trying to do but he knew it must be important with the serious look on his brother's face. Harley leaned forward, extending his neck so he could hear the muffled voices better, picking up on two very familiar ones and one that absolutely wasnt. Peter tried his best to copy his brother, glancing between Harley and the doorway every few seconds to make sure he was doing it right.
Harley could hear the phrases “...name is Agent…”, “...Avengers initiative...”, “...Mrs. Potts!.”. Both he and Peter startled when they heard the sound of something roar and crashes echoing in the room. Harley quickly grabbed Peter just before the toddler bolted into the room in fear. “Dont worry Petey, it sounded like it came from a video” he assured the boy who let out a whimper and had his fingers near his mouth. Harley cautiously but swiftly checked inside the room for two seconds before he turned back. He nodded to his little brother, “Yea, its from a video” he assured him, calming both their rapidly beating hearts.
Harley wasnt certain about what was going on but he knew it must be trouble, especially for their dad. He didn't like that look their dad gave them before he left and he didn't like the noises that came from the room after they left. It made him feel… scared. And he was absolutely sure that their dad didn't like this spy agent at all. Harley glanced at the smaller figure beside him who had snuck one hand into Harleys own to hold onto. Harley knew their dad was a superhero. A superhero that saved many and was the strongest and smartest of all. But he also understood that meant their dad had a lot of enemies. And a person who could break into their home and get passed J.A.R.V.I.S was not an ordinary bad guy.
Harley squinted his eyes as the gears in his head shifted. He had a feeling that their dad would need help with this particular enemy. Aunt Pepper was going to D.C the next day, both Uncle Happy and Uncle Rhodey were across the country, and his mom was in the south. So who else could it be? He looked back at Peter who was looking back up at him, searching his older brother's face. Harley's heart brimmed with determination.
Of course it would be them that would help their dad.
Of course it would be.
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AUTHORS NOTE:
I wont be updating this consistently until Im completely or almost finished with the prequel "An Iron Heart To Love". I just found myself writing this and figured I would post it for you all to enjoy. But again, please don't expect an update soon!