Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Mail for Tony Stark.” 

Happy rolled his eyes, glancing up from his StarkPad. “What, and you think it’s my job to-“ the words fell dead on his tongue when he looked at the parcel placed on the desk. 

It already struck Happy as odd that Mail would be delivered so late at night, but the holes - the breathing holes - in the sides of the box really made him stop. 

He blinked, wondering what the hell would need breathing holes. An animal? No, Tony wasn’t a pet person. What if it was rabid? Maybe it was a threat. 

Alarm bells sounded in his mind, making him shoot his head back up to where the delivery man was standing moments ago, only he was gone. 

“Hey!” Happy called after the man who had already disappeared. 

By 10pm the entry to Stark Tower was always an eerie place. Most workers had finished their shifts hours before, only leaving security wandering the dark halls of the bottom floors. 

Happy cursed. “Friday, scan the package.”

“Scanning.” The AI’s voice came.

The man nodded, feeling sweat bead on his forehead. Everything about this felt wrong.

“Scan complete. Heartbeat detected.” 

“Heartbeat?” Happy stuttered. 

“Currently at 150 beats per minute, acceptable for a child of approximately six months, if not on the high side of the range.” 

Happy choked on his breath. “There’s - oh my god there’s a baby in there?” 

“Correct, Mr Hogan.”

“Shit. Is there anything else in the box?”

“Negative.” 

Happy didn’t waste any time tearing at the sellotape that sealed the top of the box, ripping the cardboard flaps open as soon as he was able. 

Friday was right. There, wrapped in a white blanket, looking like the epitome of tranquil, was a baby sound asleep. 

The kid had thick brown curls, almost porcelain, blemishless skin and possibly the cutest button nose Happy had ever seen.  

“Holy shit.” The driver breathed, unable to do anything but stare. He didn’t have the first clue what to do with a baby, even picking one up. 

So many questions fogged his brain. Who was this kid? Why had he been left here, addressed to Tony? Was it a he? It looked like a he. Friday said it was six months old so would surely have more hair if it was a girl? Was that shallow of him to think that way? Girls could have short hair too. 

“I believe it would benefit the child if you took it out of the box.” Friday suggested.

“What? No! I have no idea who this thing belongs to - I can’t go around picking up random babies! This is not part of my job description.”

“Perhaps the letter attached to the box could answer some of your questions.”

“The wha- oh.”

He picked up the letter, amazed the baby still hadn’t roused. His experience of babies were all screaming, eardrum rupturing monsters. This baby seemed nothing short of perfect, lying there silently. 

‘Tony,

I should start with saying the baby is yours. I’m sure it isn’t a shock that your bad decisions have finally caught up with you. And that’s what you were to me too, a bad decision. A drunk, stupid decision. But when I found out I was pregnant I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. So I had him, Peter Benjamin Parker, born August 10th, 2012. I loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him and I’d do anything to make sure he was happy. 

This is why I’m giving him to you. There’s something wrong with that baby and I can’t provide for him the way I know you can. I’ve taken him to doctors but they don’t know what’s wrong and I can’t afford to keep taking him for tests. He eats abnormal amounts, sleeps excessively and is developing quicker than I can cope with. I can’t give him what he needs.

He needs you. 

I trust that you will do right by our child.’

Oh shit. 

Not to say he didn’t see something like this coming, but for it to actually happen- 

This wasn’t ending well. 

Tony wasn’t a kid person. There was no way he was keeping that baby, Happy was sure of it. The man despised children and things had only just started looking up with Pepper, he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise that now.

And how were they to know it was really Tony’s? There’s been hundreds of claims from gold digging women that they had a child with the billionaire. Happy didn’t trust any of them. 

“Uh Fri? Can you access the medical files of Peter Parker.” 

“I can.” 

“Do you have any blood results? Ones that could possibly be used as a paternity test?” 

“If you’re asking me to run a paternity test against Mr Parker’s and Mr Stark’s DNA, I have already completed the comparison.” 

“And?” 

“It’s a 99.9% match.” 

Happy’s eyes widened. This really was Tony’s kid. “Holy shit…uh where is Tony right now?”

“In the penthouse with Pepper.”

Oh no, date night. 

Happy swallowed the lump in his throat as he travelled up the elevator to the penthouse, box in hands. This was not going to go well. 

It felt like time stood still as the doors to the elevator opened, cautious of the delicate weight in his hands. Were six months olds meant to be this light? 

Taking one last breath, he stepped out, finding Tony and Pepper turning their heads in his direction from the oversized couch. 

“Happy? Did you not get the ‘do not disturb’ memo?” Tony asked with a tone of annoyance. Happy knew how important date nights had become for the couple. 

“Uh, yeah, I’m sorry but this is kinda -“

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” He cut in again.

“No, it really can’t -“ 

“Is the world ending?”

“No but-“

“Is there an attack on New York?”

“No-“

“Then it can wait until tomorrow!” 

And then an ear splitting cry pierced the room, making the trio's attention snap to the box. 

“Oh no. No, no. Don’t cry, please don’t cry.” Happy begged, rocking the box gently. 

“Happy? What the fuck is that?” Tony demanded as the pair practically ran to see the owner of the cries. 

“Oh- well funny you should - oh please stop crying, come on.” 

“Take it out of the box!” Pepper exclaimed, lifting Peter up with practiced ease. 

“Shhh. You’re okay.” Pepper murmured, patting the baby’s bottom in a calming manner. 

“Where the hell did you find a kid?” Tony asked with a horrified look. 

“It’s a long story -“

“Well shorten it!”

“It’s yours.” 

All the colour drained from Tony’s face. “What?”

“I think it’s easier if you read the letter.” Happy said, handing the folded paper to his friend-come-boss.

Tony scanned the letter, eyes shooting from left to right as he read. “This is bull shit. There’s no way-“

“Friday confirmed it using the kids DNA record.” 

Tony gaped at Pepper, neither of the two blinking for an unnerving amount of time. 

Pepper pulled the kid to arms length, cataloguing the child with her eyes.

“Did you know?” Pepper asked, sounding too controlled. It was the voice she did when she knew she had to keep her cool even if she wanted to explode. It always scared Happy. 

“No! Of course I didn’t because this is all lies! I’m no one's father.” 

She looked back to the baby in her arms, Happy watching as the baby reached out, touching Pepper's cheek.

Her face almost softened, yet her voice was still hard. “It matches. Our break, last year.” 

“Find the mother and give it back.” Tony snapped, beginning to pace. 

“You can’t, there’s no name, no address.” 

“And she’s already said she can’t provide for him. He can’t go back.” Pepper added. 

“So what do you suggest?” Tony all but growled. 

“I don’t know! This is your mess to sort out… but look at him.” Pepper turned the baby to face Tony, little Peter making grabby hands to the man with his baby brown doe eyes.

The billionaire opened his mouth but no response came out, eyes latching onto the child’s. “I-“

“He has your eyes.” Pepper said softly. 

“Ba-da-di” Peter babbled. 

Tony’s eyes widened. “Did he just say ‘daddy’?”

“I don’t think it was intentional.” Happy said. 

The red head tutted, adjusting the baby so his head rested on her shoulder. “Exactly how old is he?” 

“Five months, three days.” Tony answered, passing her the letter. “And his mother just left him here in a box?” He asked Happy. 

“It was actually a delivery man.” 

“What?! Oh you poor thing, you hungry? Can you say ‘food’?” Pepper asked Peter who looked almost confused. 

“Ah-baba!” 

“I think ‘F’s usually come a little later on.” Tony chuckled.

“I don’t know, being around you he’ll be saying Fu-“

“-Happy!” The couple scolded in unison. 

“Sorry! Sorry, but he definitely can’t understand anything right now.” 

“Do we have anything he can eat? I have no idea what babies eat, I’ve never looked after one this young.” 

“Why are you so okay with this?” Tony asked, watching his partner rummage one handed through the kitchen cupboards. 

Clearly that was the wrong thing to ask, Happy thought as Pepper whipped around with a furious look. 

“You think I’m okay right now? My partner has a child dropped on his doorstep from a woman he knocked up whilst we were on a break! I’m not okay. Far from okay, but we need to put Peter first.” 

“And now you’ve named it.” Tony sighed. 

“He already had a name!”

“But you’re using it!”

Peter let out a distressed cry at the raised voices, causing Pepper to start shushing and cooing again. 

“Real smooth, Tones.” Happy muttered, earning a glare from the man. 

“Hungry? Let’s get you some food. Friday, does it say in his records if he has any allergies?” The CEO asked. 

“The only listed allergies are peppermint and vinegar.” 

“And what do we feed a 5 month old?” 

“My sister would feed her kid cooked veg. You know when it gets all mushy?” Happy supplied, joining Pepper to hunt through the cupboards. 

“I’m pretty sure I don’t own a single vegetable.” 

“Tony!” 

“See? I can’t look after this kid. I don’t know the start of it! I don’t even want a ki-“

As if Peter could understand, he burst into tears, wailing into the nape of Peppers neck, tiny hands fisting her blouse. 

“Tony!” Pepper hissed. 

“Oh he didn’t understand that.” 

“Maybe he understands tones of voice!” 

“Yeah right, he’s barely even five months old!” 

“Uh- Tony?”

“What?” Tony snapped, finally looking back at the child. 

“Are you seeing this?” Pepper gasped, trying to pry Peter off her. 

“That’s an impressive grip.” Tony commended, watching him tug at Pepper's top. 

“He won’t let go!” 

The billionaire frowned, getting a closer look. “That’s- he’s not even gripping, it’s like he’s sticking with his hands.”

“How the hell-“

“Peter - let go!” 

Peter suddenly pulled away, turning his hands to Tony. 

“Take him!” Pepper exclaimed. 

“I can’t! I don’t do kids!” Her partner protested, trying to step away. 

“Tony!” 

Tony sighed in defeat, taking the kid.

“What’s wrong with him?” 

“I don’t know, but clearly the mother couldn’t figure it out either.” Tony thought out loud, wincing as the baby cried down his ear. 

“Why’s he still crying?” 

“He’s hungry.” Pepper sighed.

“Well, go and get some food!” Tony shouted at Happy, wondering if they owned any earbuds. 

The driver stared. “What? You’re keeping it?” 

“Happy, it’s almost eleven o’clock at night. What’s the other alternative? Now go and get diapers and baby food!” 

Happy nodded, scurrying out of the penthouse. He watched Tony rock the baby gently as the elevator doors closed. 

…Well that was unexpected.

Chapter Text

“I can’t believe he’s stopped crying.” Tony sighed, studying the baby in Peppers arms. Peter had wailed and sobbed for almost an hour whilst Happy was out finding baby supplies from some 24 hour store Tony had never heard of. He wondered if ear drums would ever recover. 

“The poor thing was just starving, who knows when the last time he ate was.” Pepper murmured, rubbing a hand up and down Peter’s back. 

“I have half the mind to find the mother and arrest her for endangerment of life!” 

“She was clearly desperate, Tony. She loves him, she wouldn’t have done it otherwise.”

“I wish she’d have just asked for a cheque. I can write cheques, I can’t look after that.”

“That is your son. And he’s clearly special, he needs you.” Pepper insisted, glaring with a look that read ‘don’t be an ass’.

Tony shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t be a father, Pep. Look at the Stark track record, the kids screwed.”

“Don’t talk like that Tony. You are nothing like Howard or your grandfather.”

“But what if I am to Peter?”

“You won’t be.” Pepper said softly. “You are everything Howard wasn’t. You’re kind, empathetic, and yes you can be an ass but never to the people you love. You don’t know it but I think you’ll be a perfect father.” 

Tony sighed. “I’m not ready.” 

“No one ever is, you just learn as you go.” 

“Have I told you I love you lately?” 

“You have.” 

“So what do we do now?” 

“You make sure he’s somewhere safe to sleep and you try and get some yourself.” 

Tony nodded. “I put together a makeshift crib whilst you were feeding him.” 

“What?” 

“It wasn’t that hard, just wood, linen, blankets, few screws. It was easy.” Tony explained with a shrug. 

“And you don’t think you’re going to be a good father?” 

Tony rolled his eyes. “Let’s get him to bed.” 

Pepper smiled, holding the baby out to her partner. “Go on then.”

“Me? I mean - yeah. Sure.” 

He picks the baby up easily, supporting its head. It was weird how Peter seemed to fit into his hands perfectly, like the bundle was like an extension of him. 

“Right Petie-pie. Bedtime.” 

Pepper smirked at the nickname which felt oddly right on his tongue. 

He carried the baby to his room where the crib was situated at the foot of their bed. Peter’s crib wasn’t his best handiwork, but in the spare twenty minutes he’d been given it was better than most people could achieve. 

It was made from scrap wood that Tony had worn down and polished within an inch of its life to make sure there were no splinters or anything that could harm the baby, and then lined with a blanket the billionaire had owned for years, convinced it was actually his mother’s. 

Peter looked tiny in the crib, a reminder he was on the small side for a baby of over five months. They’d need to look into that. 

The child surprisingly didn’t stir throughout the relocation, sleeping blissfully through as Tony jostled him gently into position. 

“He needs a stuffed toy or something.” The billionaire thought out loud looking at the empty space. 

“Now you’re thinking like a dad.” 

Tony, yet again, rolled his eyes. “It just looks so bare. He needs toys.” 

“It’ll be on your to-do list tomorrow. For now, you’re going to sleep.” Pepper said, moving towards the door. 

“You’re not staying?” Tony asked, fear etching into his voice. He and Pepper always stayed together when they weren’t away on trips.

Pepper sighed, looking at her feet. “Tony look… I - the baby’s okay now, you should be fine for the rest of the night, but this-“ she gestured to Tony and the crib. “I need time to get my head around it. My partner has a child with another woman, that isn’t something you move past quickly.” 

“You’re leaving me? Pep, please don’t do this-“

“I’m not leaving you Tony.” She quickly assured. “I just need time alone and you need to respect that.”

Tony nodded reverently. “I will, but-“

“So tonight I’ll sleep in the guest room, and tomorrow I’m going to Hong Kong for three days.” 

“What?”

“The board meeting is still going ahead, and honestly I think it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“But what am I going to do with him? I don’t know the first thing about kids!” 

“You’re a literal genius, Tony Stark. You’ll figure it out.”

“You’ll come back?” The billionaire asked quietly. 

“Don’t I always?”

Tony let out a breath of relief, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “If it’s any consolation, I’m sorry.” 

“Thank you.” 

And then she was gone and somehow Tony couldn’t place any bitterness towards the baby. It wasn’t Peter's fault he’d screwed his mother and maybe that was his first step of not following after his father. If he’d learnt one thing from Howard during childhood, it was if something went wrong, it was Tony’s fault. 

Tony sighed, letting his finger brush Peter’s cheek gently. “Looks like it’s just you and me now, bud.” 

Even though Pepper instructed him to get some sleep, he couldn’t find himself to take his eyes from Peter in fear something happened. 

What if he turned over and couldn’t breathe or fell from the cot or developed a sudden fever? He was responsible for this baby now, a fact that kept him on the verge of a panic attack from the moment ‘it’s yours’ came out of Happy’s mouth. And even though it’s very being made Tony scared shitless and the fact he was convinced he was going to be a terrible father, he would hate for something to happen to Peter on his watch. 

He found the longer he watched the baby, the more he felt a pull towards him. He began to see himself in his features as he watched him sleep. From his brown hair to the long fingers, there were parts of him in Peter. 

He made him, this perfect baby. 

Mentally he made a to do list in his head:

1. Make sure he sleeps through the night 

2. Find out why he’s so underweight and sticks to things 

3. Get him a teddy bear 

Currently succeeding at the first one and unable to figure out the second, he turned his efforts to the third. 

Unfortunately, Tony had nothing of his own to give him. No pre-loved stuffed toys to keep in the family or hand-me-downs. He had Howard to thank for that too. ‘Boys don’t need stuffed animals’ he’d said as he shoved a chemistry set in three-year-old Tony’s face. 

Well, his son was having a goddamned teddy if  it killed him. 

4. Make a travel cot so he can work in the lab during nap time. 

Left with only the things he could find in his bedroom, Tony got to work finding things to make a stuffed toy out of. Of course, he could just order one and take the easy way out but he was Tony Stark and his kid wasn’t having any old teddy. 

After ten minutes of looking, he decided on Pepper's old fluffy jumper and the stuffing from one of his luxury pillows. He’d even found Pepper’s sewing kit in the en suit. 

“Uh - Fri, how would one make a stuffed bear?” 

“I have uploaded detailed instructions to your phone.” The AI responded quietly. Trust Friday to have already adapted to the baby’s needs. 

Tony smiled, loading the four paged manual with step by step photos. He couldn’t help but scowl when he saw the age rating for the document as 5 years and over. 

Turns out, making a bear isn’t as hard as he imagined. First, he cut out a stencil for each side of the bear (sorry Pepper’s jumper), stitched it together inside out, turned it the right way and stuffed it full of the softest faux feathers. 

Each stitch went a little bit like: push the needle through the fabric, pull thread through, check Peter’s sleeping okay, stab finger whilst checking baby, push needle back through the other side. 

“You’re gonna love him, Petey.” He murmured to the sleeping baby as he sewed. “Have you ever had a stuffed bear before? Well if you have this ones gonna’ be the best.”

The eyes were the most challenging part, mostly because the only ones in the building were in an intern lab that Tony had to sprint to in fear of leaving Peter. Attaching them wasn’t too bad since he’d found some crazily effective super glue with them and within the hour, Peter had his first teddy bear. 

If anyone else had seen it they wouldn’t have had a clue it was meant to be a stuffed bear, with the wonky ears, shoddy sewmanship and eyes that weren’t quite level, but Tony thought it was perfect. It was small and soft just like Peter and it had the biggest smile and soft fur. 

In the time he spent waiting for the glue to dry he’d used some blue cotton and sewn ‘PETER’ into the bear's left paw. 

He ran his fingers over it to make sure there weren't any scratchy parts, double checking the eyes were firmly attached - because oh my god the choking hazard of those - and placed it in Peter’s cot.

Finally content, Tony laid down at the end of his bed, as close as he could get to the crib and allowed himself to close his eyes.

Amazingly, on his first day of parenthood (a word that still scared the hell out of Tony) he didn’t wake to incessant crying. 

Turns out he only slept for five hours but that meant Peter had slept for almost eight which was almost unheard of for babies. 

Checking the child was, in fact, still breathing, he noticed how Peter had pulled the bear into him as he slept. 

Warmth filled in Tony, but only for a second before noticing the damp patch in Peter’s crib. 

“Uh - Fri?” 

“It appears that master Stark needs his diaper changing.” 

“Master S- wait what? Of fuck no. I’m not- oh no, I meant fudge. Fudge no, I’m not doing that.”

“Would you like a guide on how to do this too, boss?” Friday asked with a hint of amusement.

“Don’t get cocky with me. And no, just talk me through it.”

“As you wish. Mr Hogan left the new diapers in the kitchen with the other supplies.” 

“Do I have to pick it up?”

“If by it you mean your son, then yes.” 

“Ugh gross.” Tony complained as he picked the baby up, grateful he was only in an AC/DC T-shirt. That’ll be the day when he ruins an Armani suit with bodily fluids. 

Unfortunately for Tony, the movement stirred Peter from his sleep who instantly began crying. “Oh no, this can’t get any worse. Where’s Pepper?”

“Her flight departed to Hong Kong two hours ago.” 

“Damn it. Happy?”

“Is currently driving back from the airport.” 

Tony sighed. “Fine, come on kiddo. Diaper changing time.”

Thankfully, his trusty AI was able to carry him through the step by steps of changing a baby, which was going great until he moved the used diaper away and began cleaning him. 

Peter had finally stopped crying and Tony was starting to think he was getting the hang of it when he patted the baby dry. “There, isn’t that better?” Tony smiled, secretly proud of himself. 

He leant down to put the new diaper on when suddenly something warm splashed in his face.

The billionaire instantly jumped back from the baby, finding Peter peeing everywhere.

“Oh my god. Oh fuck. I have pee on my face. There is per on my face!” Tony cried as he grabbed the clean towel and scrubbed at his skin vigorously. 

When he finally looked back at the little devil child, he was giggling. 

“You think this is funny, huh? You do that on purpose?” 

Peter just giggled more, eyes lighting up, and Tony couldn’t help but think it was the most adorable noise he’d ever heard. 

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you? Think I like getting peed on? Well, jokes on you because now you’re getting a bath.”

Turns out jokes weren’t on Peter as he loved having a bath in the kitchen sink. 

Happy, the Saint, had bought bubble bath along with talcum powder cottage cheese baby food and baby grows. He had to smile when he saw an Ironman onesie in the collection.

“We’ll get you a real bath today. I’ll send Happy to get whatever you want, how does that sound? Anything you fancy?”

“A ba-bah!” 

“Sorry, kiddo, gonna’ have to use words for me.”

“A ma-mah!” Peter babbled, splashing the water with his hands. 

Tony huffed. “Can’t get you a mama, Petey. Could -Uh- well, you’ve got a dada now. Can you say ‘dada’?” 

Peter frowned, deciding to continue splashing the bubbles over the top of the sink. 

“Maybe later then, mucky pup.” 

“Tony?”

“Happy! Just the man, I need some things.”

“I’m your bodyguard, not your butler.”

“But you also chauffeur Pepper, so I’m sure running to a baby store isn’t too hard for you.” 

Happy rolled his eyes, glancing at Peter. “How’s he been?”

“Apart from pissing in my face, he’s been great.” 

The driver laughed. “Friday, tell me you got that on camera.”

“Indeed.” The AI quipped. 

“Traitor.” 

“So what do you need?” Happy asked, looking at a loss at what to do around the kid.

“A baby bath - that’s a thing right? And… I- actually I want to pick the rest myself. Maybe just grab some toys and call my decorator to turn the guest room into a nursery.”

“Seriously?”

“What?” 

“You’re uh… keeping him? Permanently?” 

Tony frowned in confusion. “What other option do I have?” 

“I don’t know - you could put him in-“

“-don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Tony snapped. “You think I’d do that to a kid? My own son? It’s not even an option.”

“Sorry, I just… wasn’t expecting you to be so okay with it all.” Happy stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I have to be. I can’t send him back to his mother and I sure as hell won’t be giving him away.” Tony said defensively, pulling Peter out of the sink and patting him down with a towel. 

“There, isn’t that better? No more smelly wee for us.” The billionaire cooed, earning him a smile from Peter. 

“Hungry Petey? The cottage creams got your name on it. It looks -“ Tony tried to hide his shudder as he smelt the food “- lovely!” 

It looked like sick. Literal sick. 

“So what are you gonna do?”

“Us? Well first, we’re getting the little man breakfast, and then we’re going on an adventure to Dr Cho to find out why he’s so teeny tiny.” Tony answered in the weird baby voice he’d use to make Peter laugh. 

In all seriousness though, that baby and his sticky hands needed a date with medbay. 

Chapter Text

“You’re serious?” Helen gawked at father and son in front of her.

“Why do people keep asking me that?” Tony asked, sounding genuinely confused. 

“Because you’re stood in front of me with a baby, claiming it’s yours whilst last week you basically cried through your physical!” 

“I did not cry! They’re uncomfortable.” Tony protested, shuffling Peter’s weight in his arms. 

“And you’re sure the kids yours?” 

“Of course I am.” 

“Well… let’s get started then. I assume Fridays transferred me his medical records?” Helen asked, moving over to her computer. 

“She did.”

“Peter Benjamin, hey? That’s a cute little name.” Helen cooed at Peter, earning a pleased giggle. 

The doctor continued reading the file, glancing up to Peter as if to confirm the findings with her eyes. 

“The mother claimed there’s something wrong with him?”

“I’m not sure, nothing seems wrong per say.”

“Per say?”

“He - Uh - sleeps a lot - like nine hours straight a lot. And you should have seen how much cottage cheese he ate for breakfast, he didn’t even seem full.” Tony explained, bouncing the baby in his arms to keep him occupied. 

“Nine hours is pretty normal for a five month old.” Helen explained, extending her arms for Tony to give the baby over. 

He tried to hide his hesitation to let go of Peter, and if Helen noticed, she didn’t mention it. 

“As for eating, he does seem on the small side.” She said, gently placing him on some weighing scales. 

Peter instantly put his arms up, making grabby hands as soon as he was put down. 

Tony had to resist the urge to bundle him up, seeing his baby browns staring back at him so longingly. 

“15 pounds 3. The average weight of a five month old girl.”

“Well it’s definitely a boy, he pissed in my face this morning.”

Helen laughed. “Don’t worry, it happens to the best of parents.” 

“I’m going to take some blood samples, look at his red and white blood count and see if he’s showing signs of malnourishment. For now, it’s better not to over feed him and shock the system. Once we get the results back and decide the best option, we’ll start upping his intake.” 

“You’re taking his blood?” 

“Yes, Tony. It’s very safe and he shouldn’t feel any pain.” 

Tony looked at the nervous baby, as if he sensed something bad was coming. 

“Maybe you should hold him?” 

“Yeah.” Tony nodded and gathered Peter into his arms. 

“I’ll be taking a sample from his heel, try to keep his attention away from me.” 

Tony nodded, bopping the baby on the nose gently with his finger. “Oh hey Petey-Pie. You having fun?”

“A-dah-ba!” Peter babbled, looking happier already. 

“Yeah? You’re being so good. You’re doing better than me, I don’t like check ups. You know what I do like though? Cheeseburgers. Maybe after this we can go and find the biggest burgers in New York.”

“May I remind you, he isn’t allowed to eat solid foods.” Helen commented, preparing the sample. 

“Shh. It’s a distraction tactic.” 

The doctor chuckled, moving towards Peter. “Okay, well keep it up.” 

“Hey Pete. You like ducks? I bet you’d love to go to the park. Maybe after we get cheeseburgers we can go and -“

Sadly Tony was cut off from his ramblings with a deafening cry from Peter. The baby clung closer to Tony as the older man tried to soothe him. 

“Hey you’re okay. You’re doing so good, my brave boy. Look at how well you did. Want some ice cream? I’ll give you all the ice cream in the world if you just stop - please.” 

“Sorry Tony, thought it’d be better as a surprise.” Helen apologised, labelling the sample.

Tony just flashed her a knowing look before turning his attention back to Peter and his red puffy eyes. 

“Hey baby boy, you’re okay. The needles are gone now, you’re fine.” 

Tony tried to pull him away slightly to find Peter had once again latched onto him, crying harder in protest. 

A few more tugs confirmed the baby had once again stuck himself in place, which also caught the attention of Helen. 

“Did I - Uh - forgot to mention he’s super sticky?” Tony said, demonstrating how Peter's hands wouldn’t budge from his t-shirt. 

“Okay, that’s not normal.” 

The father laughed. “You’re telling me.” 

“Is this why you think his mom said something was wrong?” 

“I have no idea, it must be. All she said in the letter is he eats and sleeps a lot. We discovered his… adhesiveness yesterday.” Tony sighed in relief when Peter finally stopped crying, rubbing a hand up and down his back. 

“You’re great with him.” Helen smiled, checking over his files again. 

“Why do babies sound so heartbroken when they cry? I’m gonna have to invest in ear buds.” 

The doctor chuckled. “They do have a certain pitch don’t they?”

Tony just nodded, watching Helen move closer, reaching for one of Peter’s hands. “May I?”

He nodded again, watching her movements like a hawk. 

Helen took one of his hands, pulling on it slightly to see how it stuck. “That’s so strange. I see nothing different about his hands but there’s obviously something there to hold on like that.” 

“Please don’t tell me you’re taking a skin sample, I can’t handle that.” Tony pleaded, looking like he was about to go grey. 

“No, I’ll see what his bloods come back with first. I’ll make sure to look for any anomalies.”

“You don’t think there’s something serious?”

“It doesn’t seem to be causing him any discomfort. The only concerning thing I see is his malnourishment which is very important in the early years, but I’m sure we can fix that easily with larger portions or supplements.”

Tony nodded, praying there wasn’t anything worse. 

“I’ll let you know the results. I’m also sending a schedule of when he needs feeding and naps as well as a list of foods to give him.” 

“Thanks, Helen. You’re a lifesaver.”

When they returned to the penthouse, Peter seemed to be falling asleep on his fathers shoulder, tired from all the crying. 

Tony decided it was definitely nap time, taking the baby back to his cot where he grabbed the teddy clumsily.

“You like that, huh bud?” 

“Bab!”

Tony grinned, kneeling next to the cot. “Can you say ‘teddy’?” 

“Edie!” Peter squealed, throwing the toy around in his hand. 

“What a clever boy! Can you say T for teddy?” 

“Edie!” He repeated, making his dad laugh. 

“Close enough, kiddo.” 

“Tony!” 

The billionaire jumped in surprise, turning to find Happy. “You know I have a heart condition, right?” 

“Sorry, I just couldn’t find you anywhere.” The driver huffed, carrying in some large carrier bags. 

“Why didn’t you just ask Friday?” 

Happy shrugged. “Didn’t think of that, I was too preoccupied getting all the things here in one piece.” 

“What did you get?” 

“More food, a bath, some toys and a playpen.”

“A playpen?” 

“So he can play by himself? I don’t know, I’m not a nanny. The woman in the shop suggested it.” 

“A play area in my workshop, I love it.” 

“Is that safe?”

“I’ll make a safe space.” Tony brushed off, stroking Peter’s hair. 

“Huh - wait, where'd he get the toy? What is that?” 

“Edie!” Peter answered with a giggle. 

“Edie?”

“He can’t quite say teddy. And it’s clearly a teddy bear.” Tony said matter-of-factly. 

Happy inched closer to get a better look, nose scrunched. “That - looks like a crazy rabbit with one ear bitten off.” 

“It does not! It’s very obviously a teddy bear and Pete loves him.”

“You still never explained where you got him.”

“I made it.” Tony said almost proudly. 

“Oh… well I guess that explains a lot.” 

The billionaire rolled his eyes. “Have you got anything more to add other than insulting me?” 

“Not really, I have things to do. You good looking after him?”

“Yep.” He said, popping the ‘p’, which made Peter giggle. 

“Right then, buddy, nap time.” 

Peter pouted, reaching up at Tony, one hand still holding on to ‘Edie’. 

“Oh you wanna nap on me? Is that all I am to you?” The man teased, but gently picked the baby up so the boys head rested on his shoulder. 

“I’m not made for this you know. I don’t do kids.” Tony murmured as he rocked Peter side to side. “We need to get some bedtime stories. We should go to the baby store, whatever you want I’ll get.” 

Peter smiled happily, eyes beginning to close. 

“There you go Petey-pie. I’ll stay right here.” Tony whispered, lowering himself into the armchair by the bookshelf.

He spared a glance to the baby after a few more minutes of rocking to find the boy flat out on his shoulder. 

He couldn’t help the smile that formed seeing his plump little cheeks squished against his shoulder as he slept soundly. 

With a moment to spare, Tony managed to pull out his phone and order things for Peter that he secretly wanted to do himself. 

He bought a travel seat, a portable cot, a stroller, and no, he certainly didn’t buy an Ironman plushie. 

Smiling, he slid his phone back into his pocket, slouching in the chair to get comfier. 

Curious, he gently pulled Peter’s hand holding his shirt, to find him once again stuck in place. 

If he wasn’t so concerned about the possible problems, he’d have found it endearing that the baby didn’t want to part from Tony. 

Pressing a light kiss to Peter’s temple, he leaned his head back and rested his eyes.

To say the business trip was a complete waste of time was an understatement. Pepper's mind was occupied by thoughts of Tony and the baby, his child , the entire time. 

She hadn’t been able to sleep the whole trip, worrying about how Tony was coping without her, not to mention the overwhelming feeling of guilt she faced. It felt like she’d walked out when Tony needed her the most, but what else could she have done?

She needed time to wrap her head around everything that happened, let alone deciding where that left her.

Tony was keeping the baby, there was no doubt in that. As soon as Peter’s baby browns latched onto Tony’s Pepper knew there was going back, even if the man himself didn’t at the time.

so the ultimatum she faced was staying with the man she loved along with Peter as a joint package, or leaving. 

Did she really want to raise someone else’s child with Tony? But leaving the man was almost unfathomable. He’d given up one of the most important things in his life for her, he’d made her CEO and gave her 12% of his company. There was no doubting he loved her, and the desperate look on his face when he thought she was leaving him the other night still broke her heart. 

She knew it would be very easy to love Peter. In the few hours she’d shared with the baby, she was practically besotted already. He was this adorable, innocent little bundle of Tony. How could she not love him? 

Realising this made her decision even easier, even with the nagging of this is someone else’s baby playing in the back of her mind. 

That’s why she was on an early flight back, arriving at the tower in the dead of night instead of a respectable hour. 

All she could do the whole journey home was worry about how Tony was doing, if he’d managed with the baby or if she was going to walk into a bomb site with nappies everywhere and a very unhappy Peter. 

She was pleasantly surprised to find, when the elevator doors opened, the penthouse looked exactly how she left it, save for a few packages by the kitchen island. There weren't even sounds of crying which surprised her further.

“Friday, where’s Tony?” 

“Boss is with master Stark in your bedroom.” 

“Master Stark.” She chuckled to herself, kicking off her heels on the way to their room. 

She knocked softly, opening the door to find Tony in the armchair, asleep with Peter lying across his chest, head on his shoulder. 

Pepper couldn’t help but grin at the sight, slipping out her phone and snapping a quick picture.

Fatherhood looked good on him, she thought to herself.

Crouching down, she brushed her fingers against Tony’s cheek to wake him. 

It took a few seconds but the man slowly roused, frowning as he blinked awake. 

“Hey.” She whispered when his eyes found hers. 

“Pep?”

“the one and only.” 

“Shit what day is it? Did I sleep the whole day?”

“No, I just came home early.” Pepper explained, one hand resting on Tony’s knee.

“But the meetings?”

“Aren’t important.”

“You’re staying?” Tony asked hesitantly, clearly afraid of the possible answer. 

“Of course I am.” Pepper assured. “Do you want me to lay him down so you can get to bed?” 

Looking down to the bundle in his arms, he nodded and Pepper gently lifted Peter off Tony, placing the baby in the crib before noticing the teddy on the floor. 

Picking it up, she looked over the toy, noticing the questionable stitching and the oddly familiar feel of the material. “This is my jumper, isn’t it?”

“What? No! It’s um… yeah, maybe it is, but in my defence you never wore it.”

Pepper shook her head and laughed, placing the teddy next to the baby. 

“I understand if you don’t want to sleep in here tonight by the way, since Pete might wake you or-“ 

Pepper silenced her partner with a kiss, smiling up at him. “I’m staying right here.” 

Tony reciprocated, wrapping his arms around her. “I love you.” 

“I love you too. Now, I’m going to bed because I haven’t slept in two days.” 

“Oh but I was just getting used to having someone to converse with.” Tony said with a hint of sarcasm. 

“I’m sure you talk to Peter all the time.” 

“Yes, and my monosyllabic responses make me wonder why I bother.” 

“Go to sleep, Tony.” She laughed, pulling out a fresh set of pyjamas from her drawer. 

“I will, just gotta’ make sure Peter’s tucked in.” 

Pepper rolled her eyes, smiling. “You’re such a dad.”

“I resent that statement.” He quipped with his own smile, pulling up the baby’s blanket and placing a soft kiss on his head. 

Yeah, fatherhood suited him very well. 

Chapter Text

Tony couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so content waking up. 

He could feel the smooth velvet of Peppers pyjamas against his side, one arm over her as they dozed in the early morning light. The scent of her floral shampoo filled his nose as he moved closer, enveloping her into a hug.

Only a day ago he didn’t know if he’d get this chance again, to hold the woman he loves, to wake up next to her. 

“Morning.” Pepper murmured gently, turning to face Tony. 

“And what a lovely morning it is.” Tony said with a smile, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. 

“Tony Stark, when did you get so soft?” 

“Thought I’d try out something new.” 

“I like it.” The CEO replied, returning the kiss. 

“Sleep well?”

“Considering there’s a baby here, I did.”

“He’s an angel, isn’t he?” 

Pepper hummed, slipping out of bed to look at Peter. “Is that normal though? He must have slept almost ten hours straight.” 

“Helen’s looking into it, that and his stickiness.” 

“Trust your baby to have super powers.” Pepper teased, walking over to her wardrobe. 

“Don’t say that. He’s completely normal. As normal as they come.” Tony quickly protested. 

“You know that’s not -“

“- there’s nothing wrong with him.” 

Pepper raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. “You’re right, Tony. He’s perfect.” 

“Just like his dad.” 

The CEO rolled her eyes, turning her back to him. 

“Oh come on, you set me up for that. Walked straight into it and everything.” Tony laughed, rounding their bed to the crib. 

“Why don’t you get Peter up and I’ll warm up his food.”

Tony smirked. “Wow, we’re even coparenting now.”

“Are you going to be like this all day?”

“You love it.” 

Pepper laughed, wrapping her dressing gown around herself and walking out to the kitchen. 

“Wakey wakey Petey-Pie, time for breakfast.” Tony murmured, unwrapping the baby from his blanket and lifting him up. 

Scrunching his little nose, Peter yawned, stretching out his arms and legs.

The billionaire grinned, pulling him close. 

Blinking awake, Peter stared up at his dad, instantly smiling. “Ab bab!”

“Yeah, good morning to you too, little guy.” 

Peter smiled, pulling at the collar of Tony’s T-shirt. 

“You ready for breaky?” 

The kid seemed to take a moment to think before shrieking “Edie!”

Tony winced at the sound but made no move to distance himself from him. “You want Edie?”

Peter giggled, but his attention was now on the loose stitching of his old t-shirt. 

“Hey, can you say da-da?” 

“Ba-ba!”

“Almost, kiddo. It’s dada.” He tried again, knowing it was likely futile. 

“Edie!” He cried cheerfully, throwing his arms up. 

Tony huffed a laugh. “Fine, but think about it, huh? Dada. That’s me. If you wanna shout it in front of Pepper I’ll give you real food.”

Peter seemed to perk up at the sound of food, as if he’s already associated it to getting fed. 

“Food?”

“Edie!”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Okay, let’s get Edie and then breakfast.” 

“I was wondering what took you so long.” Pepper said as the two appeared in the kitchen. 

“I was trying out some new words on Pete, but all he cares about is his Edie.” 

“Edie!” Peter supplied as if to prove a point.

“What’s on the menu for today, chef Potts?” He asked as he carefully placed Peter in his high chair. 

“Some mushed up, lukewarm apple stuff.” She explained, holding out a rather unappetising bowl.

Tony frowned, scrunching up his nose. “Sounds wonderful…Right, kiddo, open wide for the choo choo train.” 

“The choo choo train?”

The billionaire scowled teasingly at Pepper, spoon of sludge in hand. “You know, parenting is easier when you’re not getting bullied. Besides, he loves trains.” 

“That would explain all the toys in the playpen.” She said, gesturing to Peter’s new play area. 

“And aeroplanes, anything with an engine in it really.” 

“Taking after you already.” 

Tony grinned. “Just wait until he gets a mini lab for his birthday, he’ll take my company from right under my nose.” 

Pepper sighed. “about that.” 

“Oh that doesn’t sound good. He is taking my company and everything I own, I don’t care who I have to go through to make it happen.”

“I know, Mr ‘I don’t do kids’. That’s not what this is about.”

Tony raised an eyebrow, silently asking for an explanation. 

“We need to figure out how we’re going to tell the world about Peter.” 

“Why do we have to tell anyone anything?” Tony asked defensively, scooping up the last of Peter’s food. 

“That’s how rumours start. The press will find out eventually, it’s better if we have control over what they know.” 

“So you’re saying we need a press conference?” 

“That or a statement. Peter needs time outside, you’ll want to take him to the park or play centres and take him for college open days at the age of twelve. You can’t do that if the public doesn’t know about him.” The CEO explained, sliding into the island seat next to her partner. 

“Let’s do it then.” 

Pepper sighed. “It’s not that simple, Tony. I hate to say it, but if the world finds out Tony Stark has a son, it will put Peter in danger. You have a lot of enemies and they could use Peter to get to you.”

“That won’t happen. I wouldn’t let it.”

“Look what happened last month! You didn’t let me get taken but that’s what happened!” 

“That was… an anomaly.” 

“We need to put plans in place okay? Prepare for all possibilities.”

“Can I put Peter in his play area before we discuss more on how I’ve thrown away his chances of safety please?” Tony asked with a hint of defeat in his voice. He knew she was right, that Peter could never have a normal life, he just wished they could have pretended a little while longer. 

Pepper nodded, tight lipped as she took Peter’s empty food bowl to the sink. 

Tony sighed, picking up Peter from his chair. “Let’s go bud. Aeroplane time.” 

The baby smiled up at his father, even though Tony knew he wouldn’t understand anything he was saying. 

“I’m gonna keep you safe, bud. I promise.” He murmured, placing Peter in his play area where he instantly reached for the plushie aeroplane. 

It took over ten minutes of arguing talking to even get remotely close to a solution for keeping Peter safe whilst letting him live a relatively okay life, but the longer it continued the more stubborn Tony became. 

Pepper suggested getting him a private tutor but Tony was adamant he’d attend a school, even if it was just to make friends. She also wanted Peter to be in the conference when they announced it to the world, however the billionaire was very against a baby in that atmosphere, and having Peters photo thrown everywhere was not something Tony was comfortable with. 

“And what happens when people take it into their own hands to get a look at the Stark baby? You know the media won’t leave it alone until they’re satisfied.”

“They have no right to harass us. He’s a minor and I’d kill them myself if they went anywhere near him.”

“You can’t be with him all the time.” 

“So we appoint him his own security detail!”

“He won’t want that when he’s- oh my god!” Pepper gasped, eyes impossibly wide as she stared over her partners shoulder.

Tony spun around to see what was happening, immediately searching for Peter in a primal need to protect. 

What he didn’t expect was to find his baby climbing a meter up the wall. 

“Peter!” He choked out over the breath that caught in his throat, willing his legs to run forwards.

Peter turned to see Tony, moving to reach out to his dad. 

“No!” 

It was almost slow motion watching Peter lose his grip on the wall, the way his tiny little hands groped the air as he reached for Tony. 

He let out a cry, falling onto his side with a small thud. 

“Friday scan him!”Tony cried, finally reaching where Peter was lying on the floor and picking him up carefully. 

“Minor bruising on the left side and swelling on his wrist detected.” 

Tony stared down in shock at the baby wailing in his arms, feeling like his world was crumbling beneath him. “I-I’m taking him to Cho.” He stuttered out, moving toward the lift.

“I’m coming.” Pepper said, rushing to meet him.

“Shh baby, you’re okay. Everything’s okay.” Tony murmured over and over, wishing he could take the pain away. He couldn’t think about the event that lead to Peter’s fall, the only thought running through his mind was ‘Peter. Peter’s hurt. Help Peter. Make Peter better.’

Peter cried the whole journey to medbay, clinging to Tony like his life depended on it. 

“Helen!” Peter’s father called out as soon as the doors whooshed open and the doctor was in sight. 

“What happened?” Cho asked, dropping everything and running over. 

“He… Jesus he was climbing up the wall and he fell.” Tony explained, feeling tears prick in the back of his eyes. He hated that Peter was in pain, that he was crying because Tony hadn’t kept him safe.

“Put him down here for me.” 

The billionaire complied, gently trying to pry the baby from his side but Peter didn’t move a budge. 

“Shit, Pete, you gotta let go. Come on, baby boy, let me put you down please.” Tony coaxed to no prevail, only making Peter cry harder. 

“He’s stuck to his shirt!” Pepper exclaimed. 

“Take it off.” Helen said, trying to pull Peter carefully herself.

“What?” 

“We need to check him over Tony, and we can’t do that if he’s stuck to your side.” 

“But he doesn’t want to let go. He-he needs-“ 

“He needs his overprotective parents to put him down so we can check for injuries.” Helen said, stern faced. 

Tony closed his eyes, breathing in Peter’s scent to calm him. “Fine. Cut it.” 

Helen nodded, carefully beginning to cut the T-shirt from the bottom up with scissors. 

The inventor was grateful she cut as far away from Peter as she could. He couldn’t bear seeing him hurt twice in the space of an hour. Or ever again, for that matter. 

Finally the T-shirt was pulled away along with Peter, but as soon as the baby realised what was happening, he threw his hands out to Tony with a gut wrenching cry. 

“It’s okay, baby. You’re okay.” He soothed, resisting the urge to take the baby back. 

“Dada!” 

Tony’s heart seemed to swell and shatter all at the same time. 

Peter called him dada, his baby called him dada. 

Tony shook his head, moving past Helen and bundling the kid back into his arms. 

“You’re okay, you’re fine. Dada’s got you.” Tony whispered, one hand cupping his head, the other supporting his weight. 

“Tony-“

“Just let me calm him down. Please? Just a fee minutes.” 

Helen sighed and nodded, stepping off from the pair. 

“Shh, you’re gonna be okay, Pete. I’m gonna make sure you’ll be alright. That’s my job, right? To make sure nothing happens to you. I promise I’ll do better, kiddo. I’m sorry I let you fall.” Tony spoke softly to the baby, letting himself shed a tear. The talking seemed to work getting him to calm down, so he swallowed and carried on in his hushed voice. 

“Hey Petey Pie, how about after this we find a real train huh? We can go on a choo choo train and maybe if daddy pays them enough we’ll be able to stand in the front. Scratch that dada will buy you a train if you stop crying, how about that?”

“Dada!” Peter exclaimed again, but the crying had all but stopped now. Only little hiccups escaped as he calmed down. 

“I’m here kiddo, dada’s right here.” 

“Toot!”

Tony frowned, wishing he spoke baby. “What’s that?”

“Toot!” Peter repeated.

“Well he’s stopped crying at least.” Pepper commented, pinching her nose to relieve stress. 

“Toot?” Tony asked again. 

“Toot toot!”

“I think it’s saying choo choo.” Helen chuckled, moving closer. 

“You wanna go choo choo? We can because you’ve been so good.” Tony cooed, stroking the tears from Peter’s cheeks. 

“Tony.” Helen pushed, gesturing to the exam table. 

“Yes, yes. I’m getting there.” 

He gently put Peter down on the blanketed table, letting the baby wrap his whole hand around Tony’s index finger. 

He giggled as his dad wiggled it, completely transfixed on the man. 

“Do it now, whilst he’s distracted.” Tony muttered, not taking his eyes off Peter. 

Helen nodded, getting to work.

“He called you daddy.” Pepper whispered after a few minutes, crouching down next to Tony.

“Yeah and the little terror knew exactly when to drop that bombshell too.”

“He was scared and wanted his dada, he knows your safe.” 

“He’s got a good level of understanding at his age.” Helen added, gently holding the baby’s wrist. 

“That’s my boy. Smart as a whistle.” 

“This is facinating.” Helen thought out loud, gaining the attention of Tony and Pepper.

“What is? Is he okay?” 

“When he arrived there was significant bruising on his wrist where he landed. Five minutes later it looks like it’s healing already.” 

“What? That’s impossible.” 

“Look.” Helen said, holding out his wrist, showing the fading bruises. 

Tony frowned, leaning closer as if his eyes deceived him. “That’s-“

“-not normal.” Pepper finished for him. “How’s he doing that? Is it to do with the sticky stuff?” 

“I was still looking into it as you got here, I’ll let you know as soon as I find something, but for now, Peter seems perfectly okay to carry on playing. You said he climbed up the wall?”

“Yeah, he was sticking with his hands and feet.” 

“Maybe keep him away from the walls for now, until we figure out how he’s managing it. He’s lucky he got away mostly unscathed.” 

“Trust me, I won’t let it happen again.” Tony said firmly, scolding himself internally.

“Just remember, babies do have tumbles and they get hurt. You can’t protect them over everything, try not to beat yourself up about this.” 

Tony huffed, holding Peter a little closer. 

“Well, if my nose is correct, you have a date with a diaper coming up, so I’ll leave you to it.” Helen said with a smile. “Let me know if he has any more discomfort.” 

The pair thanked the doctor as she returned to her office, leaving Pepper and Tony alone. 

“Stop looking like that.” 

“Like what?” Tony frowned with an unimpressed look.

“Like it’s all your fault, because it wasn’t.”

The billionaire sighed, bouncing Peter up and down. “I should have been keeping a closer eye on him.”

“And I shouldn’t have been keeping your attention away from him.” 

“That’s not-“

“Not fair? I know, what’s also not fair is you hating yourself for something you couldn’t have prevented. Learn and move forward like all parents.” 

“Not all parents have kids that climb up walls.” 

“And not all parents are Tony Stark. He’s safe with you, don’t let yourself doubt it.” 

Tony exhaled, letting himself lean into the half hug Pepper gave him.

“Why don’t we all go and play aeroplanes, huh? That’ll cheer everyone up.”

“Toot!” Peter exclaimed, cheeks returning to his normal colour. 

Tony smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple. “Yeah Petey, let’s go play toot toots.”

Chapter Text

“I want to take him somewhere.” 

Pepper frowned, twirling the teaspoon in her morning coffee. “You’re going to have to give me more than that. Where? The lab? Paris?” 

Tony chuckled, taking his mug that read ‘worlds hottest mess’. “He needs to be outside, isn’t that important for kids?” 

The CEO sighed, leaning against the kitchen island. “It is, but we’ve already talked about this. Until we release a statement, Tony Stark can’t just start walking around with a baby.” 

“What if you took him?”

Pepper blinked. “What?” 

Tony shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “You could take him somewhere, people wouldn’t question it, they’d just assume Peter’s a family friend’s.” 

“Tony, this would be his first time out with us, you’d really want to miss that?”

“Of course I wouldn’t, but he needs it… I know he’s safe with you.” 

Pepper sighed, moving to wrap her arms around her partner. “I’m glad you trust me, but I want you to be there too.” 

Tony turned to her, frowning. “You’ve already said that isn’t an option-“

“-what if we went away? Somewhere secluded, out of the city.” 

“A holiday?”

“No, just a day.” 

“We could go on holiday.” Tony suggested with a child-like optimism.

“You might forget, but I can’t just take a spontaneous holiday. I’m the CEO of the world's biggest tech company.” 

“I’d quit, I heard the boss is a bad influence.” The billionaire joked, pressing their lips together. 

Pepper grinned into the kiss, pulling away after a few moments. “But he’d crumble without me.”

Tony hummed, taking a sip of his coffee. “So where to, Miss Potts?” 

“I have a place, well, it’s not mine, but my dad used to take me as a kid. It’s a few hours drive, but it’s very secluded, I’ve never seen anyone else there.” 

“Sounds perfect.” 

“I’ll get some food packed, can you get Peter’s things together?” 

Tony nodded, finishing off the rest of his coffee in a gulp and walking towards their bedroom. 

“Keep doing that and you’ll get a heart condition.”

“Already got one!” Tony called back with a spring in his step. 

He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he tried. Tony had been dying to take Peter out for days now. 

Every crappy kids show he’d played to entertain Peter showed families at the park, the beach, or even zoos. It was eating at Tony that Peter hasn’t been outside in almost a week and his nibbling insecurity of being a bad parent was raising their ugly head as the days ticked by. 

He was fully prepared to lose seeing Peter’s first day out if it meant the kid was happy. He accepted he wouldn’t be there for the first time Peter saw a duck at the park, hear an ice cream van, or see his eyes light up the first time he plays on the swings. 

But now it was in his reach, he couldn’t put out the fire in his heart.

He stopped at Peter’s cot on the way to pack up a day bag. As expected, the baby was flat out asleep, Edie currently in a headlock in Peter’s arm. 

Gently, Tony leaned over placing a kiss on the kid’s forehead before pulling up his sleeve to check on the bruising. To his surprise the yellowing marks on his wrist were practically gone, which filled the man with a weird mixture of relief and dread. No parent wants to see their child hurting but healing that quickly wasn’t norm- 

Opting to ignore it, Tony busied himself packing. 

It only took half an hour to get everything together for their trip to ‘a lake near Wilsonville’ (Peppers very detailed description). They’d packed up the unnoticeable black SUV and secured the baby seat in the back before waking Peter. 

“Hey Petey Pie.” Tony cooed, stroking the kids cheek to rouse him. “Time to get up, we’re going on an adventure.” 

Peter scrunched his nose, stretching his arms and legs like he always did after a long sleep. 

“Show me them baby browns kiddo.” 

He knew it was only a coincidence when Peter did exactly what he was asked, but it still made Tony smile. 

“Look who it is! It’s dada.”

The baby simply gurgled back before his features pinched and Tony prepared for the inevitable. 

Within seconds Peter started crying, dropping Edie so he could reach up to his dad with both hands. 

“Hey, Shh, you’re okay. You hungry? Peppers making you some food right now.” Tony quickly bundled the baby into his arms, rocking him gently. 

Tony sighed when all he got in response was wailing, dreaming of the day Peter was old enough to string sentences together. 

“Food it is.” 

 After feeding Peter mush, the post food burping, diaper changing and dressing him, they were all set. Finally . 

“Aw doesn’t he look adorable.” Pepper smiled, adjusting Peter’s little blue woolly hat with a dinosaur on the front.

“He’s dressed appropriately for the climate. No child of mine will be getting frostbite over winter.” 

“Admit it, you dressed him up this cute intentionally.” Pepper chuckled, “At this rate, he’ll be the first baby ever to get heat stroke in January. How many layers did you dress him in?”

“Baby grow, fleece, snowsuit.” 

Pepper shook her head with a smile as she helped Tony secure their blue blob into the car seat. 

“I’m surprised you don’t dress him in all red and gold.” 

“I told you I’ve given up Iron Man… mostly. And besides, there currently aren’t any ironman snowsuits on the market.” Tony explained, placing a blanket over the baby’s lower half. 

“Why do I have a suspicion you’re going to change that?” 

The billionaire flashed her a grin, carefully closing the door and sliding into the drivers side. “Are you not going to sit in the back with him?”

“He‘ll be fine, Tony. He’s practically asleep and you’ll need directions.” Pepper brushed off, settling into the passenger side. 

“Friday takes offence. She doesn’t need help.” 

“I guess we’ll just have to find out.” 

“Are you sure you’ve packed everything?” 

“Yes, Tony.”

“Enough milk-“

“-yes-“

“-his snacks-“

“-yes-“

“What about-“

“Yes! Trust me honey, everything is packed. We’re all set, all we have to do now is go.”

“ Okay . Okay.” 

The drive was going surprisingly well. Since it was post morning rush hour, the route was practically clear. Peter napped almost the whole time, which they expected as food always made him sleepy. 

What they didn’t expect was for him to wake up crying an hour later into the drive. 

Tony’s eyes darted between the road and the wing mirror, conflicted about what to do. 

“Petey, you’re okay, we’re on an adventure remember?” Tony tried to soothe to no avail. 

“Want to hold my hand honey?” Pepper asked, reaching back to the baby. 

Peter distracted himself for all of five seconds holding her index finger before letting go and crying again.

“Friday what’s wrong?” Tony asked, trying to hold down his panic. He should be used to Peter crying. Babies cry, it’s what they all do by default, it doesn’t mean something is really wrong. However, Tony’s mind shifted back to the other morning when Peter sobbed for hours after he fell. 

“All vitals are optimal and his diaper doesn’t need changing. I suspect he wants attention, boss.” 

Tony relaxed slightly, relief washing over him. 

“Dada’s right here, baby. You see? Daddy’s driving so I can’t hug you right now, but I’m going to soon. Just another fifty minutes okay?” 

“He’s just having a little tantrum, don’t panic.” Pepper assured, brushing Peter’s tears away with her finger. 

“I’m not panicking. I just hate it when he cries. Why does he have to sound so heartbroken?” 

“It’s what all babies do, you need to get used to it.”

Tony nodded, putting all of his energy into focusing on the road. 

“Maybe we can calm him down with some music? Something to distract him.” 

Tony nodded. “Good idea. Friday, play music.” 

Two seconds later the tell tale tapping leading into Back in Black started and Peppers eyes widened as she pitched forwards. 

“No, not this!”

“Shit. Friday, turn it down!” 

The AI complied, lowering the volume to a level acceptable for delicate ears.

“Do you not have suitable songs?”

“Oh yeah, because before last week I enjoyed driving to ‘twinkle twinkle little star’.” 

Pepper rolled her eyes, not appreciating her partner's sarcasm. “Surely Friday can get someth-“

“Wait.” Tony cut off, glancing at the wing mirror. 

Pepper followed his gaze, landing on Peter who had stopped crying, now flapping his arms almost in rhythm to the music with a giggle. 

“Would you look at that.” Tony grinned, wondering if it was possible to be so proud of a baby. 

“He couldn’t be more your son if he tried.” Pepper said, adding to Tony’s smile.

“Almost six month old and impeccable music taste already.” 

Pepper smiled, letting herself relax back into her seat. 

“I got nine lives! Cat's eyes!” Tony sang along terribly out of tune but it made Peter laugh so Pepper couldn’t complain, simply rolling her eyes and watching the trees pass by out of the window. 

Turns out Pepper, as usual, was right. Arriving at the lake, they hadn’t seen anyone for over a mile which Tony was relieved about. Yeah, they had disguises but he didn’t want to have to hide on their first day out as a family. 

“Peter needs to have some food soon so I suggest we grab the bags and find a nice spot for a picnic.” Pepper explained, stepping out into the fresh winter air. 

“Sounds perfect, just let me get Pete in his carrier.” Tony said, pulling the straps tight on his sides so it was secure around him. 

“Oh my god, you’re such a dad. Look at you!” 

“It’s the most practical way to carry a baby on a walk!” Tony protested, lifting Peter into the carrier so the baby's head rested on his chest.

“I’m getting a photo of this.” 

“Don’t you dare-“

“Too late.” Pepper laughed, phone pointed in the duo's direction. 

Tony shot her a playful glare, double checking Peter was safe before grabbing some other bags and following Pepper down the path. 

“See that, Petey? That’s a lake!” Tony exclaimed animatedly when the body of water came into view. 

Peter was looking around excitedly, with a gleeful look on his face. 

Tony couldn’t help but wonder how much his mom had taken him out before she abandoned him in a box.  

“Can you say ‘lake’?” He asked Peter, but the baby wasn’t paying attention, looking from left to right as they walked through the woods. 

“I don’t think babies can do ‘L’s until later on.” Pepper added, admiring the views with Peter. 

The lake really was beautiful. The water was completely still, save for the odd duck braving the cold, and trees hung like a picture around the shore. 

“But Peter’s a genius. I’m surprised his first work wasn’t supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Tony continued, keeping a close eye on the wriggling baby strapped to his chest. 

“Unless you force him into watching Mary Poppins on repeat, I don’t think he’ll ever say that word.”

“He most certainly won’t, not when he could be watching Star Trek.” 

“First, he won’t be watching anything like that until he’s at least thirteen, second, they’re so old he wouldn’t even want to watch them.” 

Tony gasped dramatically, glaring at Pepper. “William Shatner is, and always will be, the best actor of all time. If Peter can’t appreciate that then he’s going up for adoption.” 

Pepper laughed, shaking her head. “Pick a spot to eat.” 

“What do you think, Petey-poo? Wanna sit over here? Or over there?”

Peter didn’t take any notice of Tony, instead reaching at a duck swimming close to shore. 

“Oh, you wanna go see the duck? Ducks go Quack Quack. Can you say Quack?” 

“Tony, what have I told you about unreachable goals?” 

“What? I’m just trying.” 

Peter giggled when Tony kneeled down so the duck was almost in reaching distance.

“Do we have any bread?” Tony asked, looking back to Pepper. 

“I have some but they’re sandwiches.” 

“Can you just tear some crusts off? I want Peter to feed his first duck.” 

Pepper smiled, unzipping one of the backpacks to source some bread whilst Tony lifted Peter out of the carrier. 

“Here.” Pepper murdered, passing the torn off pieces of bread.

Tony took them with his free hand, the other supporting Peter as he sat on his dad’s crossed legs at the water's edge. “See this, Pete? Ducks love bread. Watch this.” 

The billionaire tossed a small piece of crust into the water where the duck instantly swam to it, eating it in one bite.

Peter practically shrieked, laughing and clapping his hands. 

Tony grinned, feeling his heart swell at how happy Peter looked. 

“Your turn.” He said, putting a piece in Peter’s hand and pointing to the water. “Throw it as hard as you can.” 

Peter frowned, going to eat it himself.

“No, no, no. You throw it, like this.” He explained, gesturing the motion again. 

Peter seemed to understand, throwing the bread vertically, landing a few inches in front of them. 

Tony smiled, picking it back up. “Gotta aim for the water, baby. Like this.” Tony threw another little bit, edging a little closer to the water to make it easier for him.

Peter giggled, throwing his hand up again and landing the food in the water. 

Tony beamed. “That’s it, Peter! Look at him eating it all.” 

Peter waved his arms, babbling happy nonsense at the duck. 

“Here, last piece.” 

Peter threw it - only just- into the water with a shout. “Edie!” 

Tony laughed, brushing Peter’s tuft of hair. “You can’t call everything you see Edie.” 

Peter’s attention was suddenly elsewhere though, finding Pepper crouching down by the pair. 

“Hey sweetie, you make a new friend?” 

“Mama!” Peter exclaimed happily, reaching for her index finger and wrapping his whole hand around it. 

Pepper's eyes went comically wide looking at Tony who looked like he was either on the verge of a laughing fit or an aneurysm. Thankfully it was the former when a suppressed laugh escaped him when Peter repeated himself. 

“Think he wants you, mama.” Tony managed to tease, trying to give Peter to her. 

Pepper wasn’t quite seeing the funny side though, shuffling back when Peter let go of her. “Tony, that's not a joke.” 

“Pep, come on, he doesn’t know what he’s saying.” He assured, trying to back track. 

“I’m not his mom.” 

“I know, but wouldn’t that be nice?” 

“His mom abandoned him in a box.” Pepper reminded, lips tight in a line. 

The billionaire considered her for a moment. “Why can’t you be his new mom?” 

“You say that it's so simple.” She sighed irritably, standing up. 

“Isn’t it?” 

Pepper crossed her arms, watching Tony get to his feet with Peter. “No. It’s not. Can’t you see how big a deal this is? You’re his parent, not me.” 

“I know, and I’d never make you be anything you don’t want to be, but Pete’s part of me now. He loves you.” 

“He’s hardly spent any time with me.” 

“And yet he trusts you. Just like his dada. Plus, you’ll be spending loads of time together from now on.”

“What if something happens and we break up? We’re good now, but what if in future we end up apart and Peter’s lost two moms.” 

Tony softened, taking her hand in his. “Pepper, I don’t plan on ever letting you go. I’ve come too close already and it was the worst feeling in the world.” 

Pepper pursed her lips, looking down at their intertwined hands. “Please don’t tell me that was you proposing.” 

Tony grinned, adjusting Peter in his arm. “Maybe…Hypothetically, if I asked, would you say yes?” 

Pepper shook her head, taking the baby from her partner. “You need to go and get the rest of the food from the car.”

“You’re deflecting.” 

“I'm going to get Peter settled.” She said, turning towards where she’d set up the picnic blanket. 

“Virginia Stark does have a ring to it.” Tony called back, earning him a glare. 

“Call me that one more time and it’ll be a no.” 

“So it would be a yes?” He asked, pushing his luck with a mischievous grin.

“Thin ice, Tony.” 

Pepper carried Peter over to the blanket, who was pulling at her hair softly in his hands. 

“Who does your father think he is?” Pepper muttered, watching the baby play with her ginger curls. 

“You know, it’d be a whole lot easier saying no to you if you weren’t so adorable.” She said, smiling warmly at Peter. When Peter first arrived, Pepper though the baby could spell the end of her and Tony’s relationship. She knew in all too much detail what her partners love life had been in the past and often she’d wondered if any of the trash she’d taken out would come back to haunt him. 

Now here this baby was, a living reminder of Tonys past, but she couldn’t bring herself to dislike a single inch of the baby. 

Peter was an embodiment of everything she loved in Tony. Sharp as a whistle, yet soft and funny. He was so pure and innocent, she couldn’t help but love him, and the side he had brought out in Tony was unbelievable. 

In the space of a week, the billionaire had matured more than in his whole 45 years of life. 

It was amazing, and definitely attractive. Seeing him be so gentle and attentive to Peter brought her even closer to the dream of having a family, even though the baby wasn’t hers. 

Tony was an incredible father already, Pepper only worried she couldn’t live up to that. 

“You like my hair, Petey?” 

“Ah babah!” 

“It’s okay, I’m not going to make you say ‘ginger’ or anything else so silly.” Pepper said, tickling Peter’s cheek with her hair. 

“Dada!”

“Yeah, daddy’s just getting the rest of the bags, okay? Then we can have a picnic.” 

The baby smiled, putting a soft hand on Pepper's cheek.

She smiled but couldn’t hold back the concern. “Baby, your hands are so cold.” Pepper murmured, taking Peter’s hands between her own and rubbing them gently. “Where’s your gloves, huh? Where did daddy put your gloves?” 

“Where did i what now?” Came Tony’s voice, appearing from the path clearing.

“His gloves, Tony. His hands are freezing.” 

“Oh, just in here.” He said, reaching into Peter’s Backpack designed to resemble and Ironman mask. 

Pepper relaxed, seeing Tony slip the gloves onto his little hands. 

“There you go, Petey. All better. Right, who wants some slop for lunch?” 

Pepper rolled her eyes, putting Peter’s bib on. 

“You’ve gotta stop calling it that or he’s going to think food is called slop.” 

“Come on, Pep, look at this shit.” 

Pepper gasped jokingly, covering Peter’s wool covered ears. “Anthony Stark, watch you language.” 

Tony shuddered at the rare use of his full name. “Guess that’s pay back for calling you Virginia.” 

“And there you go saying it again!” 

“Well, I’m glad one of us likes their name.” Tony smiled, watching Peter play with a plastic lid from the picnic. 

“Peter Benjamin.” 

Tony smiled, watching Pepper beginning to feed his son.

Once everyone was sufficiently stuffed with food, they packed the things back in the car and went on a hike. 

Pepper apparently knew the route well and promised it would only take an hour, but after getting lost twice already, it wasn’t looking likely. 

“We’ve definitely been past that boulder before.” 

“Of course we haven’t. We’re on the right path!” 

“You said that last time, didn’t she Pete?” Tony asked, knowing full well the baby was passed out on his chest. 

“I know I’m right. Look! That tree is new.” 

“Pep, I love you, but we’re lost. Let me just-“

“No! We’re in nature, we will not use your silly AI to get out of this.” 

“Watch it, she’ll start disliking you soon.” 

“Robots don’t have feelings, Tony.” Pepper argued in a hushed voice, careful not to wake Peter.

The billionaire gaped, but before he could come up with any retaliation, his phone started buzzing in his pocket. 

“What did I say about no work calls?” The CEO complained with her hands on her hips. 

Tony rolled his eyes, reaching for the device.  “It’s not…shit it’s Helen.” He swallowed before accepting the call. “Hey doc, everything okay?” 

“Can you get down to the lab?” 

“Not right now, we’re out near Wilsonville. Is it urgent?”

“Is Peter with you?” She asked quickly. 

“Yeah, why? What’s going on?” 

“Is he cold? How many layers is he wearing?”  

Tony frowned, feeling anxiety build in his chest: “He’s fine, he’s currently in about five layers thanks to yours truly.” 

“Good. Keep an eye on him if you’re out in the cold, I don’t think he can thermoregulate.” 

Tony felt his stomach physically drop, wrapping a hand instinctively over Peter. “Oh god. Is it safe for him to be out? We’re coming back.” 

“No, it should be fine as long as he’s dressed appropriately. I could be wrong, but so far everything fits the pattern.” 

“What pattern is that?”

There was a pause before Helen’s voice filtered through the speaker. “It’d be better explaining it in person. I think I know what’s wrong with Peter.” 

Chapter Text

Tony had never felt so grateful that Pepper insisted on joint insurance on his cars. At first he was convinced his partner wanted to drive flashier cars (not that her own Audi wasn’t) but she insisted it was for emergencies and realistically, her driver took her everywhere anyways.

It was situations like this he found, like usual, she was right. Since the call ended after frantic questions and ‘I swear he’s not in danger’, ‘no, he’s not dying’, and ‘I’m a doctor Tony, I know what I’m on about’, the billionaire was in panic parent mode and was under no circumstances letting Peter go. 

That’s where Pepper stepped in, reassuring the billionaire that he could sit with Peter in the back whilst she drove. 

“Tony calm down.” Pepper insisted for the umpteenth time, practically feeling the stress diffusing from Tony as she drove towards the city. 

“I am calm!” He retorted in possibly the least calm way. 

“Sure, and pigs can fly.” His partner muttered sarcastically, sparing them a glance.

Tony sighed, watching as Peter played with his index finger obliviously, pulling and wiggling it and every so often trying to eat it. He couldn’t not smile when both of Peter’s hands couldn’t cover his whole finger. “What if it’s really bad? What kind of baby can’t thermoregulate?”

“Helen literally told you ten times that’s Peter’s okay, she didn’t even insist we come home sooner. And babies are usually incapable of a lot of things Tony, there’ll be a logical explanation.” 

“It’s bad. He sticks to things!”

“Tony calm down, you're scaring Peter!” 

Tony blinked down at the baby, suddenly looking on the verge of tears. 

“Oh. Oh no, baby you’re fine. Don’t listen to daddy, he's being silly. Just a big silly billy. I’m sure you’re completely fine, there must be loads of babies that can climb walls, right?” 

Pepper grimaced in the mirror, keeping her eyes on the road. 

“How much food did we give him? He seems determined to eat my finger.” 

“The same amount we always do, Tony.” 

“And shouldn’t he be sleeping? He sleeps a lot usually.” 

“You’re probably worrying him, I’m sure he’ll sleep fine tonight.” 

“That makes one of us.” Tony muttered unhappily, readjusting Peter’s woolly hat. 

“Helen would have told you if she thought whatever’s wrong was a serious problem. She just thinks it's better for  you finding out in person.” 

“No, she just told me my son can’t thermoregulate and here he is outdoors in freezing temperatures!” 

“He was completely wrapped up. He was safe.” 

Tony sighed, leaning forward to press a kiss on Peter’s wool covered head. “I just want to know what’s wrong. I need to know what we’re dealing with so I can figure out a cure.” 

This time it was Peppers turn to sigh, clearly holding back from saying what she truly thought. “It’s going to be okay, Tones.” 

He nodded, letting his nerves settle slightly. She rarely called him that name, but she knew the effects it had when she did. His mother used to call him Tones when he was struggling or upset and it never failed to ease him. Maybe Pepper knew that too.

When they arrived at the medbay, Tony was surprised to find it almost like business as usual. Nurses greeted them as they entered, and the only person that looked stressed was Tony. 

“Oh hey, Petey, if it isn’t my favourite patient!” Helen greeted, flashing a quick smile at Tony and Pepper too. 

The baby babbled happily, reaching out for her in his overly trusting manner. 

“Shall we go to my office?” The doctor offered, gesturing forwards.

Tony nodded, confused at the calmness of it all. 

“So what are we looking at?” He asked as Pepper closed the door behind them and the three of them took their respective seats. 

“For a while, I wasn’t sure, but then I analysed his DNA.” Helen explained, turning her screen to face them.

“Please tell me he’s mine.” 

Helen laughed. “Yes, Tony. You are definitely the father, it isn’t that that caught my eye. Look at this Human genome. Of course, they all differ somewhat but the overall image is pretty much the same.” She explained, pointing to an image on her screen. 

“And this,” loading an image adjacent to the example, “is Peter’s.” 

Tony frowned, eyebrows knitting together as he looked closer at the monitor. “Why are they different? What am I looking at?” 

“As you probably know, genes are made up of introns and exons. Exons being the coding part and introns the redundant sections spliced out when creating the proteins. Humans often have larger intron sections to regulate expression, whereas arachnids have genomes similar to this.” 

Tony spared a confused glance at Pepper, but she seemed none the wiser. “You just pointed at Peter’s genome.” 

Helen nodded, leaning back in her chair. “Yes.”

“I don’t understand.” 

“Peter’s genome contains eight percent of a spiders.” 

“What?” Both adults gasped in sync, staring at the doctor like she’s grown a second head. 

“That’s impossible. That’s - that’s ridiculous. This is a joke, right?” Tony scoffed, tightening his grip on Peter who seemed to be picking up on his fathers distress. 

“I thought the same at first, but the facts are there, not to mention the ‘symptoms’ as you could put it. His adhesiveness on his hands and feet, his fast metabolism, lower than normal body temperature. Did you notice he was cold today in his face or anything?” 

“His hands were freezing before I put his gloves on.” Pepper supplied quietly, unable to process everything. 

“How could this even happen? I’m human, his mother definitely is too! I don’t make habits of sleeping with spiders.” 

“I’m not saying you did, and once Pepper finds the mother we can check her DNA, but I don’t think it’s come from her either.” Helen calmly explained, watching Tony’s expression turn from confusion to anger. 

“You’re tracking her down?!”

Pepper sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “We have to Tony, you can’t just acquire a baby, there’s so many legal problems with that. We need her to sign over parental rights.” 

“We don’t need her for anything! She left him in a box ! Why didn’t you tell me this?” 

“Because I knew you’d react like this!” Pepper shot back.

Tony opened his mouth to argue but the attention was taken by Peter who burst out crying. 

His father instantly recoiled, hushing the baby. “Oh Petey I’m sorry. We’re sorry bubba, we aren’t angry. We shouldn’t have shouted in front of you, daddy’s sorry.” 

The gentle words seemed to have no effect on the baby, who wailed louder, eyes already red and puffy as the tears rolled down his cheeks. 

“You’re okay baby, you’re okay. I love you Petey.” He whispered, peppering his son with kisses which always made him laugh - just not this time.

“He’s probably tired, he only slept for half an hour in the car back.” Pepper said, rubbing a hand on Peter’s back. 

“Why don’t we move the conversation to your floor so you can set the little guy down for a nap?”

Tony nodded, bobbing the baby up and down in his arms as he stood and moved towards the elevator.

Thankfully Peter was, in fact, exhausted, falling asleep on Tony’s shoulder as he carried him to his cot. Gently he manoeuvred the baby into his sleep onesie and laid him in his bed, instructing Friday to keep a close eye. 

He placed one last kiss on his head before reluctantly leaving, knowing there was still a serious conversation to be had. 

“He’s all set.” Tony said, as he took a seat next to Pepper on the sofa. 

“Knowing Peter he’ll sleep until tomorrow now.” His partner joked even though it was a very real possibility.

The billionaire hummed, turning to the doctor. “You still think it’s normal that he sleeps so much?” 

“Babies sleep, Tony. It’s what they do, however he does seem to sleep for long periods of time uninterrupted which is surprising, but I don’t think it’s cause for concern.” 

“How long do spiders sleep?” 

“They don’t. They have active and rest states, so this isn’t an effect of the spider DNA. It appears his metabolism is higher than normal which could make him more fatigued. I haven’t really looked into that side of things yet.” 

“So how the hell did he get the DNA in the first place?” 

Helen shrugged, shaking her head. “I have no idea.”

Tony frowned. “What? You said you knew.”

“I said I knew what was wrong, not what caused it.” 

Pepper, who seemed to be taking it better than him, moved closer, wrapping an arm around his waist to stop his building anxiety. 

“Have you looked into it? Do one of his medical records say, I don’t know, ‘bitten by a DNA altering spider’?”

Helen shook her head again, placing the tablet she was carrying down. “If only it were that simple. I haven’t found anything that could explain it.”

“No anomalies at all?” Pepper pushed, intertwining her free hand with her partners. 

“No, the only thing that did stand out was the rash he got on his hand at three months old.” 

“What’s so strange about a rash?” 

“It gave him an almost fatal fever.” 

“What?” Tony cried, feeling his heart jump into his throat. 

“His medical record shows he had a fever spiking at 106, which is very serious for a child so young.” 

Tony felt like he couldn’t breathe, staring wide eyed and pale back at the doctor. His baby, his baby had… He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the horrid thoughts away. 

“But he recovered okay?” Pepper asked, breaking the tension that hung in the air.

 Helen nodded, quick to reassure. “Better than okay, he hasn’t had anything wrong medically since then.” 

“Nothing?” 

“Either that, or his mother just stopped taking him, but that seems unlikely as after that she started taking him for tests.” 

Tony frowned. “So that’s when it started.”

“It would suggest that, but we can’t rule out other possibilities. We really need his mother to tell us when his… abilities started showing.” 

Tony shook his head fervently. “No, absolutely not. We are not finding his mother, let alone having a conversation with her!” 

“We have to Tony, it could help Peter if we knew when it began.” 

“She didn’t help him, she left him in a box . I don’t want her going anywhere near him or us.” 

“Tony-“ Pepper started, before Friday cut in.

“If I May boss, Peter seems to be distressed.” 

“He’s awake?” Tony asked, already going to stand. 

“No, just restless.” The AI said neutrally. 

He nodded, looking to Cho. “Is there anything else?” 

She shook her head, reaching for the tablet and standing too. “No. I’m going to look into how this could have happened, try and find some real answers. I’ll let you know what I find.” 

Tony nodded, giving her a strained smile. “Okay, well thanks for your help. I just have to-“

“Of course, Tony. Go give him a hug from me.” He didn’t wait to be told twice, hurrying towards his bedroom as he heard the two women converse in thank yous behind him. 

He reached the room in record timing, able to swallow the lump in his throat as soon as he saw Peter. 

The baby was still asleep, as Friday said, but wriggling around in his bed with a little frown on his face. 

“Hey baby boo, what’s wrong?” Tony cooed, going to pick the bundle up and keeping him against his chest. 

“You having bad dreams? Daddy’s here now, you’re safe.” He whispered, stroking his cheek. 

Peter sniffled, clutching at his fathers t-shirt as he buried closer to the warmth. 

Tony dropped his head to the little tuft of hair, inhaling the calming scent of the baby. At this point, he wasn’t sure who was comforting who. 

Everything he’d learnt in the last hour was… it was impossible. Nothing added up, yet everything did. It explained almost everything different about Peter, but he couldn’t figure out for the life of him how it could have happened. A rash on his hand and a life threatening fever doesn’t change someone’s DNA, let alone with a spider’s. 

And then to find out Pepper had a team looking for his mother? 

It was all too much. 

What if Peter got sick again? What if his mother decided to take him back when they inevitably found her? 

He couldn’t lose him. Not ever. 

“Honey?” Pepper's voice came from the door.

“He’s fine.” He said, answering before she even had to ask. 

“Helens gone, she said if we need anything to just let Friday know.” 

Tony nodded, finally taking his eyes away from Peter. “I don’t know how she was so calm about this.” 

Pepper shrugged. “She’s a doctor, it’s needed I guess.” 

“What if it affects him when he’s older? Or grows six more legs?” 

Laughing, she wrapped her arms around Tony from behind. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s gonna grow up into a very normal young man, just like his father.” 

Tony chuckled, turning to her so she could give Peter a soft kiss. “But maybe without the whole crime fighting thing.” 

“Definitely. Your heart wouldn’t be able to take it.” 

“Not to mention I want to keep my young looks for as long as I can, this guy’s giving me grey hairs already.” 

“I think it adds character.” Pepper teased, taking the baby from her partner. “I think it’s time for Pepper cuddles.” 

Tony smiled, rubbing his back as Peter slept soundly.

“Your little spider-baby.” The CEO smiled softly. 

“Too soon.” 

Pepper laughed. “I think it suits him.” 

“Boss, there’s a woman in reception refusing to leave until she sees yourself and Peter.” Friday's voice suddenly came. 

Tony blinked, looking wide-eyed at Pepper. “What?”

“Do you think-“

“Who is she, Friday?” 

“It’s Mary Parker, boss.” 

Chapter Text

“Where the hell is my security team?” 

“They are reluctant to drag a woman out of the tower whilst she’s screaming for her baby.” Friday explained hesitantly. 

Tony cursed, turning to Pepper desperately. “what do I do? I’m not letting her near Peter.” 

“Friday, get someone to take her to the private conference room next to my office. Make sure she’s offered a drink whilst she waits.” Pepper instructs, walking out of their bedroom. 

“What?” The billionaire hissed, almost running after his partner. 

Pepper stopped and sighed, putting a hand on his arm. “Tony, she’s making a scene. We need to get her somewhere secluded before this gets out and the press starts digging.”  

The billionaire shook his head. “I want her out of this building.” 

“I know it’s hard, but we need to speak with her… We have the papers she needs to sign to make Peter legally yours.” 

“He is mine!” 

“You know what I mean, Tony. And like Helen said, we have questions that need answers.” 

Tony considered her for a moment, trying to make sense of what was happening.  He couldn’t help but wonder why the hell life wouldn’t give him a break. “Are we really doing this? She put Peter in danger! What if she comes in here claiming I’ve kidnapped her baby and makes us give him back? I don’t - I can’t -“

“-Tony, no ones going to take him away from you, okay? I won’t let them.” Pepper cut in confidently. 

“You know I trust you, and I want to with this, but I don’t know how to deal with so many uncertainties. Who knows what this woman’s got up her sleeve!” 

“Tony.” Pepper said, putting a hand to his cheek to look her dead in the eye. “She’s not taking Peter from you.” 

Tony frowned, eyes searching for answers. 

“Trust me. Please.” The CEO insisted. 

Swallowing, Tony nodded, letting his forehead rest on Peppers. 

“Thank you. Now we’re going to go in there, like respectable adults, get what we need and leave.”

“A respectable adult? You know that’s not my forte.” Tony tried to joke, stepping into the elevator. 

“Just try not to create arguments, okay?” 

“Where is he?” A brown haired woman - Mary, Tony’s brain supplied - demanded as the pair stepped into the room. 

She was leaning over a desk in a worn blue suit, dry hair pulled into a bun, and wearing a look that made the billionaire wonder if she’d slept in the past month. Or five.

Tony frowned, stepping closer to try and see her better. The whole walk to the conference room his mind was in overdrive, certain as soon as he saw her he’d remember her, or at least the night. But as he stared, no memories resurfaced. 

He didn’t recognise her at all. 

He knew this was a possibility, the one night - directly after Pepper announced the break - Tony got unfathomably drunk was the only time he could have met her. The following day Rhodey had scraped him off the floor and binned his alcohol, reminding him that ‘reverting back to your playboy antics isn’t going to get her back’. 

Who knew someone so blackout drunk was capable of making a baby. 

“He’s sleeping.” Pepper answered for him, breaking their intense gaze. 

Mary turned to her, not seeming to have even registered her being in the room. “I wasn’t asking you.”

“And if you speak to my partner like that again, you won’t be asking me anything else.” Tony snapped, even though he knew Pepper was capable of sticking up for herself. 

“Where’s my son, Stark?” Mary questioned again, crossing her arms defensively. 

“You mean the one you sent me in the mail? He’s safe, away from you.” 

“You can’t keep him from me-“

“We actually can.” Pepper cut in, placing her folder down on the table and taking a seat. “Why have you come here?” 

“I want to see my son! I wanted to check if he was okay - if you’ve found out what’s wrong with him yet.” 

“Well, good news. Peter’s perfectly happy and yes we have found out. So you can go.” Tony deadpanned, leaning against the wall by the door.

“I want to see him.” 

“You can.” Pepper said coolly, almost giving Tony whiplash on how quickly he snapped his head at her. “If you sign these documents.” She explained, taking a document from the file and sliding it to Mary. 

“What’s this?” 

“I’m sure you can read.” Pepper said, making Tony smirk. 

“A parental responsibility agreement? What the hell is this?” Mary exclaimed, pushing the papers back. 

“To legally sign over rights to Tony.” 

“What? You can’t do that, I’m his mother.”

“You left him in a box and clearly stated you couldn’t provide for him.” Pepper answered, leaning back into her chair. 

“This is ridiculous. I… will you just tell me what’s wrong with him?” 

The CEO nodded. “Friday, could you call Helen up? I think it’s best she explains. Fill her in on everything too.” 

“Of course, Miss Potts.” Friday answered dutifully, startling Mary. 

“Who the hell was that?” 

“My AI.” Tony finally spoke, moving to take a seat on Pepper’s left. 

“Is he ill? Is he going to recover?” Mary asked, looking genuinely concerned. 

“He’s not ill.”

“Does he still cry a lot?”

Tony frowned. “He doesn’t cry more than the average baby.” 

Mary huffed, finally sitting down herself. “Well that’s a first.” 

“He’d cry a lot with you?” Pepper asked. 

“Every waking moment. It made work impossible, let alone sleep.” 

“Why were you working around him?” Came Tony. 

“Because not everyone can afford child care Stark.” 

Before Tony could reply, Helen entered, looking like she jogged to the conference room. “I came as fast as I could. Where’s Peter?”

“Sleeping. Fridays watching him.” Pepper answered with a reassuring smile. 

The doctor nodded, taking a seat by Pepper. “You’re Peter’s mother?” 

“Yes.” 

“Perfect, I have some questions for you.” 

“Will you just tell me what’s wrong with him?” 

Helen raised an eyebrow and nodded. “Yes. After you answer my questions.” 

“Is this a game to you people?” Mary demanded, fidgeting in her seat. 

“No. I am deadly serious.” That shut the woman up with a glare. “When did Peter’s… symptoms start?” 

“You mean when did he start sleeping and crying all day and sticking to me?” 

Helen cocked her head slightly, but nodded.

“About three months old.” 

“You said he started crying and sleeping more?” The doctor asked, glancing at something on her StarkPad. 

“Yes. Ridiculously so in my opinion.” 

“And this started after his fever?” 

Mary nodded. “the doctors said it was normal and he’d go back to his usual self but he never did.” 

“And did you tell the doctors about his adhesiveness?” 

“No. I couldn’t have the doctors knowing he was some freaky child they could experiment on.”

“He is not a freak.” Tony snapped. 

Mary arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing. 

“I could understand your concern. This fever, do you know what caused it?” Helen continued. 

“He had a bad reaction to a rash - why are you asking me this? If you’re a half decent doctor you’d have read his medical record.”

“I have, but I need more than the basic notes the doctor made. What was the rash from?” Helen replied, keeping her cool - unlike Tony.

“I don’t know. He just got it one afternoon and that night I had to take him to A&E.” 

“What was he doing that afternoon?” 

“How am I meant to remember that far back?” Mary responded irritably. 

“Surely you remember the day that led to your baby almost dying.” Tony bit out.

“I do! I was holding him when the doctors told me he might not make it, where were you?!”

“I was living obliviously since his mother didn’t make me aware of his existence!” 

“Guys!” Pepper broke in, putting a hand on Tony. “Can we keep this civilised?” 

“Depends. Can she?” The billionaire snarled, knowing full well he was being childish. 

“That’s rich, coming from you.”

“Jesus, if not for yourselves then for Peter?” 

that got Tony to deflate slightly, leaning back into his chair and glancing an apologetic look at Pepper.

Helen sighed. “The reason I’m asking is because at some point in his life, Peter has acquired eight percent of a spider's genome and we’re trying to figure out how that could have happened. If you say his symptoms started after the rash and fever, it would be logical to assume that’s when the event happened.”

Tony looked up when Mary didn’t respond after a while, finding her as pale as a ghost and mouth agape. 

“A spider?” She whispered. 

“I know it’s hard to believe, but-“

“Oh my god. It was in the lab.” 

“What lab?”

“My work. I-“

“You took a baby into a lab?!” Tony exclaimed, staring disbelieving at Mary. 

“Tony.” Pepper warned quietly.

“I couldn’t afford to have days off, like I said. So yes, I’m sorry I took my baby to work but I thought he was safe!” 

“Clearly you were wrong! Where the hell do you even work?”

“Oscorp!” Mary practically yelled. 

Tony’s jaw dropped. “Oh great. Fantastic. What, did you sleep with me for knowledge? What did my intoxicated self tell you?” 

“Tony!” Pepper repeated, rising from her seat to diffuse the situation. “Can we please calm down? I’m sorry Helen, do you want to continue?” 

The doctor nodded, looking unimpressed. “How are you all of a sudden so sure it happened at work?” 

“I was working on a project… on radioactive spiders.” 

“What?!” Both Pepper and Tony gasped.

“I had no idea! Maybe one of them managed to bite or scratch him.”

“You let your baby in a lab with radioactive spiders?” Pepper came again, hardly believing her ears. 

“What else was I supposed to do?!”

Tony scoffed. “Oh there are plenty of things-“ 

“-guys.” Helen stepped in. “What kind of spiders were you working on?” 

Mary shrugged. “There were hundreds of different ones. It could have been any… maybe if I took him to the lab and cross referenced-“

“-take him to the lab? Are you out of your mind?” 

“I could find out which spider is responsible! This could be ground breaking.” Mary pleaded.

“You have a nerve if you think Peter’s going anywhere with you.” Tony bit back, crossing his arms.

“Don’t you see how big this is? This changes everything!”

“This changes nothing!” 

“How can you say that? If this is true, if his DNA has been changed, this could change the understanding of human biology forever!” 

“And what do you think will happen to Peter if you release this? He’d be a lab rat!” Tony yelled, jumping to his feet. 

Mary looked desperately to Helen. “You’re a doctor! Surely you can understand the impact this could have?”

“I can. But Peter is a child - a baby - he deserves to have a normal life.” Helen explained, now the only calm one in the room. 

“But he’s not normal! He’s my baby and it’s my decision.” 

“You can’t be serious! You didn’t want doctors finding out about him before, but now you get a benefit from it you’ll throw him to the lions?! Is that what this is?”  The billionaire demanded incredulously. 

“This is my life’s work!”

“This is a fucking child!” Tony roared, fury swimming in his eyes. 

Mary shook her head. “Take me to him. Right now.” 

“No.” 

Mary shot Pepper a glare. “Who even are you?” 

“Pepper Potts. CEO of Stark Industries and the woman Peter now calls Mama. And I’m telling you, you’re losing your parental rights to Peter and signing an NDA about all information regarding him.” The red head answered, raising her chin confidently.

Mary gaped. “I will not.” 

“You will or you’ll be facing jail time for child abandonment and neglect.”  

“What?”

“You put a five month old baby in a box and sent him in the mail to my partner. You clearly stated in your letter you cannot provide for Peter and after a physical it showed Peter was malnourished, which is likely the reason his growth is stunted. On top of that you’ve just admitted to taking a baby into an unsafe environment which resulted in him almost dying. Not to mention your willingness to carry out experiments on him. Shall I continue?” 

Tony couldn’t hide the small smirk, crossing his arms. 

“You can’t prove anything.” 

“Actually I can. And everything that’s been said in this room has been recorded and filed. Along with the other files, we can prove everything.” She said, sliding the documents over to Mary. 

In one last burst of desperation, she looked to Tony with pleading eyes.

“Stark. This could change my life, you don’t understand. I need that baby.” 

“That baby is Peter, my son, who will not spend his life being prodded and poked by some scientists…If you really love him, you’ll sign the papers.” 

“You’re selfish. You’re so fucking selfish. I should never have given him to you!” 

“He’s not one of your experiments! He’s our son, how can you not see that anymore?” 

Mary sighed, not wanting to accept defeat. “How much will I get for signing these?” 

“Sorry?” Tony gaped. 

“How much. Money.” 

“I’m not buying my son off you.”

“Call it compensation.” 

The billionaire glanced at Pepper. As much as he didn’t want to give that woman anything, he’d also give everything for Peter. It just depends on what Pepper decided. 

“Five hundred thousand.” 

Mary huffed. “One million.”

“One million and you don’t contact us again.” 

“Fine.” 

Tony felt like his eyes were about to drop out. Fine? One million dollars and she’d accept never seeing her kid again? 

Pepper seemed equally as surprised as the woman in front of them signed the documents without even reading the details. 

“Show me out. I need to get back to work. Lots to do.” 

“You know you can’t tell anyone anything about what you’ve discovered.” Pepper reminded, showing Mary to the elevator. 

“No, but it doesn’t mean I can try and replicate it.”

“You said it could have been any of hundreds of variants.” Tony said, watching Mary press the button for the ground food. 

“Exactly. Work to be done.” 

The doors to the elevator closed and just like that she was gone. 

For a moment neither of the spoke, trying to digest what had unfolded. 

“I can’t believe you slept with someone so horrid.” Pepper finally spoke, making Tony stutter. 

“That’s what you took from this?” 

“That, and we should have never told her what was wrong with Peter.” 

“But she can’t come back. He’s safe.” 

Pepper nodded, putting her hands on his chest. “He is. And he’s yours.”

Tony grinned. “He’s mine.” 

“I can’t believe she didn’t even want to see him in the end. One mention of money and she was gone.” Tony whispered, cradling Peter. 

“Some people have questionable priorities.” 

“Some people are assholes.” He corrected, pressing a gentle kiss on his baby’s head. 

Pepper hummed in agreement, slipping into bed. “This must have been the longest twenty four hours of my life.” 

Tony chuckled. “Maybe we need a vacation after all.” 

“I’ll check my diary for next month. I think we all deserve it after all this.” 

Tony nodded, finally putting Peter back down. “Wake me if Peter does, Fri.” 

“Of course, boss.” The AI responded in a low voice. 

“Tell me tomorrow will be peaceful. I can’t take any more estranged exes.” 

“God no. However, I should tell you -“

-oh no, not another baby?”

Tony laughed, sliding into bed beside her. “No, the one is quite enough… for now at least.” Tony added with suggestive eyes. 

“You’re incorrigible.” 

“What? You told me once you wanted a kid when you’re older, wanted to name it after your weird uncle.” 

“Morgan.”

“Exactly.” 

Pepper shrugged. “One day, maybe. So what did you want to tell me?”

“I’m going to assemble the team.”

“You told me you gave all that up?” 

Tony nodded, noticing his partner's reluctance. “I’m still technically an avenger, Pep. They’re like a weird family to me and they deserve to know about Peter before the rest of the world does.”

“You’re ready for that?”

“I am.”

“You’re gonna invite them here?” 

Tony gave her an apologetic smile. “Set a few extra places for dinner?” 

Pepper rolled her eyes, pulling the comforter up. 

Grinning, Tony leaned forward, pressing their lips together. “I love you.” 

“I know.” 

“Did you just - is that a Star Wars reference?” 

Chapter Text

Rhodey was the first person Tony called, because of course he was. He’d been the man's best friend since college and if anyone was going to find out about Peter other than Pepper, he’d be first in line. 

He kept it ambiguous on the phone, only he had something he wanted to show the older man and promised him he’d love it. 

“Maybe I should have got him a card. Imagine his face reading ‘will you be my uncle?’”

“Somehow I think he’ll be surprised enough as it is.” Pepper chuckled, watching Tony feed Peter a bottle, sat on the side of their bed. 

“You excited to meet your uncle Rhodey, Petey pie?” 

The baby blinked up at him with his chocolate eyes but continued to suckle at the bottle. 

Tony smiled, dropping a kiss on his head. “I think it’s time to use his Ironman baby grow. You know, to avoid confusion.” 

“I don’t think there’s any doubt about whose he is.” 

Tony smiled down at his son. “He does have my charming features.”

“If you squint, you can see the goaty he’s growing.” Pepper teased, finally getting out of bed and wrapping herself in a dressing robe. 

“Absolutely not, he’s staying like this forever. No growing up around here. Not allowed.” Tony shook his head, holding the baby a bit closer. 

The CEO smiled, grabbing her suit she saved for ‘I’m the boss’ occasions. “Remember I’m away until late tonight, so try not to burn the place down.”

Tony pretended to look offended. “Your lack of faith is insulting.” 

Pepper shook her head with a smile. “I don’t mean you, I mean the five Avengers you’ve invited to dinner.” 

“Ah… That.” 

Tony had almost forgotten he’d arranged the meal. After calling Rhodey to come over after lunch, he’d also contacted the others, figuring it’d be better getting it all out of the way. 

It had only been a few days since Tony made the decision to tell them about Peter, but the lingering threat of something being leaked to the press seemed to weigh on him more each day. The sooner the people close to him knew, the sooner he could control what they released to the world. 

“I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.” Pepper said to Tony with a kiss before leaning down to Peter. “I’ll see you tomorrow sweetie. Be good for daddy.” And then Peter got a kiss too, much to the baby’s delight. 

“He always is. Have a safe journey.” Tony replied. The domesticity of it all gave him a weird feeling in his chest, knowing not even a year ago it would have made him shiver, but now he almost craved it. 

Tony sat nervously in the open plan living room, quite literally twiddling his thumbs. 

He’d put Peter down for his post-lunch nap around thirty minutes ago after a big long cry. 

Sometimes, Tony was convinced Peter cried for the hell of it. He’d checked his nappy, fed him as much as a five year old would eat, and even burped him for twenty minutes. 

The baby definitely just got cranky when it was time for a nap, a little bit like Tony. 

“Boss, Colonel Rhodes is currently in the elevator and will arrive in thirty seconds.” The AI’s voice came, making the billionaire jump. 

“Thanks Fri.” He replied, shakily standing up. 

Tony was petrified of what Rhodey would think. He’s been like a brother to him for decades and even though he knew he’d only ever be supportive, the possibility he took the news badly loomed over the man. 

The thing was, Tony had come to realise, Peter came first now. If someone wasn’t okay with that, then he’d have to lose them. It was that simple, but the thought of losing Rhodey terrified him. 

Bang on one o’clock, the doors opened and Rhodey stepped out. 

The billionaire smiled, walking over to welcome him with a hug to hide his nerves. “Right on time, as always.” 

“Like you expected anything less.” The colonel smiled back.

“How’ve you been?” 

“Mentoring newbies, so I’m glad for an excuse to have the afternoon off.” 

Tony gave an amused smile. “Sounds rough.”

Rhodey huffed a laugh, slapping Tony on the back before walking over to the sofa. “I’m surprised you’re actually here, usually I have to hunt you down when I visit.” 

“Yeah well, it’s part of my new me.” Tony brushed off, not wanting to admit he was just trying to control his anxiety for the past hour. 

“New me, now there’s something I’ve heard before.” Rhodey teased. 

Tony laughed. “You wound me.” 

“So what have you brought me here to see?”

The billionaire blinked, stuttering. “Yes. Yeah. That. Uh, so I’ll just go and get… it.” 

Rhodey frowned. “Are you okay?”

Tony nodded, walking towards his room backwards. “Yeah. Yeah, just try and keep an open mind, okay?” 

“Oh no, Tones what have you done now?” 

“Nothing bad! I swear, I’ll just.” He pointed down the corridor before rushing to his bedroom. 

Peter was still napping but he rarely woke up if Tony picked him up gently. 

“Showtime, kiddo.” The billionaire whispered, bundling Peter up in his blanket and walked back out to the living room.

Tony didn’t know what to say, which was a first for him, so he simply cleared his throat and waited for his best friend to see for himself. 

As soon as the colonel's eyes found the bundle in his arms, his jaw dropped. “Tony.” 

The billionaire grimaced, heart beating fast. “Surprise?” 

“Tony.” 

“Yes, Platypus?” 

Rhodey got to his feet, cautiously edging forward. “That’s - that’s a-“

“A baby, yeah.” Tony finished for him. 

“It’s baby. You have a baby.” 

“Y-eah… Rhodey, meet Peter.” 

“You have a baby.” 

“Yes, thought we just covered that?” 

“How the hell did this happen? He’s yours?” 

“Yes he’s mine. His mother left him with me about a week ago.”

“Holy shit… I mean part of me thought this could happen a few years back, but now? I thought you’re with Pepper?”

“It was during our break.” Tony explained, feeling awkward under Rhodeys stare.

“That one night?”

Tony nodded. “Yep.”

“Shit, Tones. What are you going to do?” 

“Is if not obvious? I mean, I’ve literally dressed him in an iron man onesie.” 

Rhodeys eyebrows shot up. “You’re keeping him? You’re gonna be his dad?” 

“I am his dad, and of course I’m keeping him.”

“Is Pepper okay with this?” 

“She is now.”

“How did she take it?” 

“Better than I would have in her position. She flew to the other side of the world the night we found out, stayed there for a few days whilst I had an internal panic trying to figure my life out and then she came back. Thank god.” 

“Was there ever any doubt? In keeping him?” 

“At first? Yes. Before I laid eyes on him and Happy announced to me I had a kid I thought I was living a nightmare, but as soon as I held him that was it, you know?” 

“Wait, you got him out of a box?” 

“His mother’s idea for sending him.” 

“She sent him in a box?! Jesus what kind of women do you sleep with?” 

“Ones that don’t consider child endangerment, clearly.” 

“So… does this make me an uncle?”

Tony grinned. “It sure does.” 

“Can I hold him?”

“Be my guest.” He said, passing Peter gently into his best friends arms. 

The older man beamed, stroking  the baby’s cheek. “Hey little guy. It’s your uncle Rhodey. You’re a sweet little thing aren’t you.” 

Tony laughed, watching the pair closely. “Wait until he pisses in your face. You won’t think he’s sweet then.” 

Rhodey laughed. “I hope you got that on camera.” 

“Of course, Colonel.” Friday chirped in, making Tony glare at the ceiling. 

“Need I remind you whose AI you are?” Tony retorted, shaking his head.

“How old is he?” 

“Five months, one week and four days.” 

Rhodey laughed. “So twenty one weeks. Twenty two on Friday.” 

“See this is why I need you, I don’t know baby lingo.” 

“I do have a niece, I know a little.” 

“So you like him?” 

“He’s perfect, Tones.” 

The relief the billionaire felt was palpable, physically relaxing where he stood. He wasn’t losing his best friend. “Thank you. For accepting him.” 

“Of course I do, it’s what friends do. Uncles especially.” 

Tony nodded. “It’s weird. He’s changed everything for me, he’s given me this purpose that keeps me going.” 

“That’s parenthood.” 

Tony nodded, smiling at his sleeping son. 

“I’m taking it this is the reason you’ve called for a team meeting tonight?” 

Tony cringed. “Correct. I’m planning my escape as we speak.” 

“I’m sure they’ll take it well, this guys an angel. You sure he’s yours?” 

“Oi!” 

They spent the rest of the day cooing over Peter, who seemed delighted to have a new person to play with. Luckily the baby didn’t do anything that could be considered ‘not normal’ so Tony didn’t drag up that can of worms. He liked the facade that everything was as it should be. 

Surprisingly, Tony’s nerves hadn’t skyrocketed when the rest of the Avengers arrived. He put it down to already having Rhodey and Pepper on his side and he’d decided even before Peter, that’s all he really needed. Plus Rhodey had assured him that they’d all love the baby. Who couldn’t? 

After initial greetings and small talk, Tony ushered people to the dining table, standing at the head whilst Rhodey disappeared into the corridor. 

“So as I’ve told you guys, I have something to show you. Or more accurately, someone I’d like you to meet.” 

Right on cue, the colonel came in, with Peter wide awake in his Iron Man onesie. 

Thanking him, Tony took the baby, sitting him in his arms so he faced the team. 

“This is Peter, my kid.” 

Everyone’s jaw dropped, and Tony looked to Rhodey in support, not that he got any. 

For a second he thought no one would speak the whole dinner before Thor got out of his seat strode over to inspect the baby. 

“Son of Stark? Nonsense! The mid guardian infant is far too cute to be yours.” 

Tony scowled. “Gee thanks pointbreak.” 

“Look at him! He’s joyous and adorable. Nothing like you!” Thor bellowed, picking Peter out of Tony’s hands, to his dismay. 

“Peter. Which house do you really belong to?” 

Peter shrieked with laughter, reaching out to pull at the Asgardian’s beard. 

“Silence. Does he pay you?” 

“Thor, he’s a baby. He can’t talk.” Rhodey said, sounding amused. 

“Why is that? Do you not educate your children on Midgard?” 

Tony face palmed, shaking his head.

“He’s yours?” Caps asked disbelievingly, eyes not moving off the child. 

“Yep. Like I said, my kid.” 

“How the hell did that happen?” 

Tony snorted. “Well, capsicle, when a man and a woman get very drunk together -“

“I know how, Tony. I’m not six. I mean - he’s not Peppers, right?” 

Tony nodded reluctantly. “Right. It was, uh, during our break.” 

“You got blackout drunk and slept with a random woman who then left you with the baby.” Natasha said as if the whole story was common knowledge.

Tony frowned. “Yeah. How did you-“

“You’re an open book, Stark. Plus I know your past. It’s not hard to figure out.” 

“rude, but I’ll accept.” 

“How old is he?” Bruce asked. 

“Twenty two weeks, this Friday.” Tony said proudly, taking back the baby from Thor. 

“How long have you known about him?” Came Clint this time, who seemed to be taking it better than the others. Tony assumed it was because he always had an inclining towards kids, it was a wonder he didn’t have his own. 

“I’ve had him for about a week and a half.” He explained, bouncing the baby in his arms who giggled happily. 

“And you’re introducing us already?” Nat asked. 

“Not that I don’t want you in his life, because I do - You guys are now assigned babysitting duties - but I’m working against the clock a bit.” 

“What’s that meant to mean?” Cap asked, looking confused. 

“I mean, the press are going to find out sooner or later and I’d prefer to be in control when they do. So right now, I’m taking time to tell the people important to me so they don’t find out through tabloids.”

Steve nodded, finally standing up and moving to Tony. “Can I?” 

The billionaire nodded, handing the bundle over, glad Peter was always happy meeting new people. “Support his head, just like that.” 

Steve nodded, instinctively rocking Peter. “I’m Steve. It’s nice to meet you.”  

Peter smiled. “A bab-ee!”

“It speaks! You lied, Stark.” Thor bellowed, making Tony roll his eyes.

“That’s not words, Thor. Don’t be so boneheaded.” Nat retorted.

“He’s right though, he is too cute to be Tony’s.” Steve said, stroking Peter’s cheek. 

“Hey! And no super strength around the kid.” 

Steve rolled his eyes, watching as Peter tried to chew his index finger. “I think you need to feed him before he eats me.” 

“I feed him plenty, he just has a habit of putting things in his mouth. Be grateful he doesn’t have teeth yet.” 

Nat laughed, peering over Steve’s shoulder at the baby. 

“Hey there, baby.” 

Peter squealed, dropping Steve’s hand and holding his own out to Natasha. 

“I think he likes you.” 

“Figures.” Tony muttered under his breath, watching her lift the baby into her arms. 

Who knew the most stressful part would actually be making sure Peter was safe being passed around instead of him being berated for being so stupid to have a baby in the first place?

Everyone seemed so… accepting. 

Even Nat seemed to like him, tickling Peter’s belly as he cried with laughter. 

“Where’s his mom?” Clint asked, next in line to hold him. 

“Out of the picture.” 

“She didn’t want him, I assume?” Steve asked, sitting back down at the table. 

“It’s complicated.” He tried to brush off unsuccessfully. 

“I’m sure we could keep up.” 

“She mailed him to me in a box.” 

The adults gaped, Nats grip tightened protectively. 

“Jesus. Was he okay?” 

“Surprisingly.” 

“That doesn’t sound too complicated.” Steve said. 

“It’s not. The complication came the other day when she showed up asking for him back.” 

“I assume you didn’t let her.” Bruce said, coming to stand by Tony.

“More like Pepper didn't. She wasn’t interested in him until she found out- She didn’t want him back for the right reasons. So his parental responsibilities are now signed to me.” 

Everyone nodded, no one pushing any further and Tony was grateful. 

The group carried on swooning over the baby, making silly noises and tickling him and the happy noises Peter was coming out with made Tony’s heart swell. 

“I’m happy for you, man.” Clint said, standing next to Tony.

“Thanks.”

“If you ever need help or anything, you can always call,” 

“I appreciate it, Barton.” Tony said, flashing a grateful smile. 

“My turn, surely.” Bruce said, going to take the baby from Nat, but coming up unsuccessful. 

“Oh shit.” Tony muttered, eyes wide as he watched the scene unfold. 

“What the hell?” Nat exclaimed, pulling at Peter’s hands that were stuck to her leather jacket. 

“What’s on your jacket? He’s stuck to it!” Steve said, trying to pull Peter off too. 

“Nothings on my jacket, he’s sticking to me!”

“Don’t be silly, he’s not even gripping his hands.” 

Carefully Nat pulled her arms back, careful so she could catch him, but Peter didn’t move, quite literally stuck to her like a koala to a tree. 

“Oh shit.” Tony said again, moving quickly to Peter. 

“Stark?”

“Hey, Pete, wanna let go?”

Peter didn’t listen though, smiling up at Nat. 

“Come on, bud. How about some dada hugs?”

Tugging gently didn’t make a difference. “Peter!” 

Oh now that got the babies attention, erupting into tears and immediately reaching for his dad. “Fuck, I’m sorry Petey, dada’s sorry. You just aren’t allowed to stick to people like that.” He shushed, holding the baby close to his chest. 

“How the hell was he doing that?!” Nat asked, still shaken. 

Tony shrugged, wishing the night was at an end. “It’s complicated.” 

“Uncomplicate it!” 

“He’s sticky, that’s all you need to know.” 

“Did you make him like this?” Steve asked suspiciously. 

“What is that supposed to mean?!”

“Babies don’t just stick to things!” Steve came, taking it the worst out of all of them. 

“Something happened to him, okay? But he’s okay now and the side effect seems to be he sticks to things and eats a lot. It’s fine, I’m handling it.” 

“What happened?” 

“We don’t know for certain, we think he was bitten or scratched by a radioactive spider. I don’t have a clue. All I know is he can crawl up walls and it scares the shit out of me.” 

“Jesus.”

“I was actually going to ask for your insight, Bruce. See if we could figure out a way to reverse it.” 

Bruce frowned. “I'm not that kind of doctor, Tony. You know that.” 

The billionaire nodded, still hushing Peter who was crying into his shirt. 

“I just don’t know how it’ll affect him growing up.” 

“We’ll figure something out.” 

Tony nodded, kissing Peter’s head. “Thank you.” 

Somehow the evening was still a success, after answering another hundred questions, everyone still loved Peter.

The baby had calmed down not long after his crying episode, Tony was still scolding himself for shouting at him like that, but he was sleeping soundly now. 

When it was time to leave everyone expressed their support and offered their services for anything the billionaire wanted, and he was unbelievably grateful to have them all in his corner. 

Peter’s family was growing by the day.

Chapter Text

Tony scrunched his eyes shut, grimacing as his son's cries woke him from a peaceful sleep. 

Sighing, he threw back the comforter, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and reluctantly found his feet. “I'm coming Pete.” 

Rubbing his eyes, he looked down to the baby who was screaming his lungs out at - “Friday, what time is it?” 

“5:32 am.”

-5:32am. Christ. 

“What’s wrong Spider-Baby?” Tony murmured, lifting Peter out of his crib and into his arms. “Fri?” 

“Diaper is clean, I suggest a bottle.” 

Tony nodded, wrapping the baby in his blanket. “Come on, kiddo. Milk time.” 

Peter didn’t seem comforted by his father at all, continuing to cry like his life depended on it with his red rimmed eyes and puffy cheeks as Tony carried him to the kitchen. 

The only time he stopped crying was when he was drinking his bottle and the few blissful moments when he was milk-drunk afterwards.

“What’s wrong, bug?” He tried, burping Peter as he sniffled. 

Right on cue, the baby belched, making Tony laugh. 

“That’s the response I get?” 

Peter whined, letting his head rest on his dad's chest. 

“Is that your little tantrum over now? All for some milk?” 

The baby blinked up at Tony, worrying his bottom lip unhappily. “Adi!” 

“It’s pronounced daddy but I’ll let you off. You don’t look very tired anymore, do you?” 

“Adie!” 

Rolling his eyes, he smiled. “Adie. I can be that too.” 

Suddenly the five-month-old’s smile disappeared and he dissolved into another crying fit. 

“Oh Petey, what’s up, bug? What’s gotten into you?” Tony shushed, peppering the top of the kids head with kisses.

Peter cried harder, tears spilling down his puffy cheeks as he flailed his arms. 

“Sh, Pete I’ve got you.” He murmured, holding the baby close to his chest. 

Feeling a wet patch he peered down, finding Peter was drooling all over him whilst he cried. 

“Could be worse.” He muttered, thinking about all the times he’d seen parents with sick on their shoulders. 

Bobbing the baby up and down, he rested his cheek gently on his head, hushing him softly. 

After a few moments he frowned, feeling his cheek become hotter. He instantly put the back of his hand to Peter’s forehead, face paling in fear when it came up hot. 

“Shit. Friday, alert medbay, tell them Peter’s got a fever.” Tony ordered, unable to control his emotions as he raced to the elevator with his son in his arms. 

He cursed when Peter started crying harder, knowing his actions were probably making Peter worse, but how could he keep calm at a time like this? 

This had become Tony’s worst fear ever since he’d found out what happened last time Peter was ill. 

Last time Peter had a fever, he nearly died. Almost fatal they’d said. 

What if he wasn’t so lucky this time?

As soon as the metallic doors dinged open, Tony shot out, racing into the medbay, eyes frantically searching for anyone that could help.

“Nurse!” He cried as soon as one came into view, holding the baby out towards her. “Please, he-he’s ill, he’s hot and he won’t stop crying and-“ 

The nurse looked to the billionaire in alarm, but took the baby from him.

“Mr Stark, please try to calm down, I’m sure he’s fine.” 

“You don’t understand! He’s not- he might-“

“Let me take a look at him, okay?” 

Tony nodded, following her to an examination table, where she laid him on his back, where he started kicking his legs out in a tantrum. 

“Not so happy, are you little guy?” She cooed, undoing the onesie so she could put a thermometer under his armpit. 

Peter cried more at the cold feeling, reaching out for Tony which made the man's heart ache. “It’s alright, Petey. Daddy’s right here.” He said, moving closer so he could hold the child’s hand. 

After a minute the nurse took the thermometer away, frowning at the result and leaned down to look at Peter’s face. 

“What is it? What’s wrong?” 

She didn’t reply for a second, waiting to confirm her suspicions before stepping back. “Mr Stark, Peter’s not ill, he’s teething.” 

Tony blinked, looking down to Peter and back to her. “What?” 

“Teething. See where his gums are red? He’s getting a little tooth, right there.” She said, pointing to the middle of his bottom gum. 

“Is he supposed to be doing this?” 

“It is a little early, usually babies begin to get their first tooth around six months, but some can start as early as four.”

“Are you sure he doesn’t have a fever? He’s running hot.” 

“It’s a common side effect, along with drooling and trying to chew everything he can get his hands on.” She explained, rebuttoning Peter’s babygrow. 

Tony nodded, letting himself relax slightly. As much as he was relieved Peter wasn’t in any danger, he was still hurting. “What can I do to help him?” 

“Babies react differently to things, you could try a teething ring and soothing gel. I’d suggest some sugar free paracetamol since he seems quite uncomfortable.”

“Where do I get that?” 

“Any baby store will have them.” The nurse replied, picking Peter up gently and handing him to Tony. 

“A store?”

The nurse frowned. “Yes, Mr Stark.” 

He looked down to the crying child in his arms. It was too early for Happy to be on shift and Pepper was away. Tony knew he couldn’t be seen in public with Peter, but his baby was hurting and he couldn’t sit by for however long until Happy showed up. “Shit. Okay, fine.” 

Pepper was going to kill him for this. 

Baby stores, Tony discovered, were a nightmare. 

It didn’t help that he probably picked the largest one in the area, but he decided it would have everything Peter might need, so the chaos was worth it. 

Every aisle was filled with brightly packaged products, ranging from strollers to glow in the dark pacifiers. How anyone ever found what they needed in these places, Tony would never know. 

“Cry if you see anything you like.” Tony joked as he pushed Peter’s stroller through the aisle. 

Peter had only stopped crying on the way to the store for a few minutes when he tired himself out, giving his dad a few moments of peace - not that he could actually find any. He couldn’t be happy until Peter was. 

Adjusting his baseball cap to sit better on the fake Ray Benz he despised, he turned down yet another aisle, running straight into a shop assistant. 

The woman laid eyes on Peter immediately, probably because of his incessant cries. “You aren’t happy, are you cutie pie?” She cooed, kneeling in front of the stroller. 

Tony’s eyes widened behind the sunglasses, now wishing he had shaved his goatee. He stupidly thought he’d get through the 6am trip without having any human interaction. 

“What’s his name?” The woman asked, respectfully not touching Peter which Tony was grateful for. 

“Michael.” He replied quickly, in a terrible accent that made him cringe. And where the hell did he pluck that name from? 

“Are you shopping for anything in particular?”

Tony nodded. “He’s teething.” 

“Oh the poor thing, you’ll find everything you need over there.” The shop assistant pointed to a few aisles down.

He quickly thanked the woman, turning the stroller and hot footing it in the direction she pointed in. 

“Just a bit longer, bud. Daddy’s fixing it.” Tony muttered as he reached the right section, throwing every item he passed into a basket. They ranged from a watermelon shaped teething toy to herbal remedies Tony didn’t even believe in, but at this point he’d try anything. 

Further down the aisle Peter stopped crying, distracted by the giraffe teething ring he’d spotted and was now reaching for. 

“You like that one?” Tony smiled, handing the baby the toy, watching Peter go between shaking and chewing on it. 

It was a relief to see the baby even slightly happier after watching him cry constantly since he woke up. 

Pushing the stroller along, he added an assortment of baby friendly medicines to the cart, hoping at least one of them would help the pain. 

Tony remembered how crappy teething was from when he got his wisdom teeth decades ago, not that he admitted that to anyone. 

“Let’s blow this joint.” He said whilst Peter continued chewing on his new toy. 

Since the store was pretty empty, he was able to get straight to a checkout where he started piling the items onto a conveyor-belt. 

The billionaire watched as the woman at the checkouts failed to hide her judgement, eyebrow raising higher at each product she scanned through. Her eyes flickered between him, Peter, and the countless items. “Did you find everything you’re looking for?” She asked with a hint of sarcasm. 

“I think so.” 

She hummed, continuing to scan the items. 

“That’ll be $92.”

Tony nodded, inserting his card without a second thought. 

Once the transaction was approved and products were bagged he thanked the woman for her help and walked back to the car.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Tony said more to himself than Peter. 

Securing the baby in his travel seat with the giraffe in hand, they set off home. 

They were around ten minutes from the tower, listening to AC/DC quietly when Friday’s voice cut in. 

“Boss, incoming call from Pepper Potts.”

“Put her through, Fri.” 

“Hi Tony.” Pepper's tired voice came through the car's stereo. 

“Hi honey, everything okay?” 

“Fine, it’s just I’m not going to make it home today after all.” 

Tony's heart sank slightly. “What? Why?” 

“The meetings have been over running and there’s still a ton of things to address so I’m gonna have to stay another day.” 

“Oh.” Tony replied, failing to hide his disappointment. 

“Are you driving?” 

“Yeah.”

“Where are you going? Where’s Peter?” 

“Peter’s with me, we had to go to the store to get things to help him teething.” He explained, knowing she wasn’t going to take it well. 

“Teething? At five months old? Wait - you took him to a store? Please tell me you were careful.” 

“Of course we were, Pep. We even travelled in that god awful family SUV you insisted I bought.” 

“And you wore a disguise?” She questioned, not missing a beat. 

“Yes, Pepper. Give me some credit, will you?” He tried lightly, slowing to stop at a junction. 

“Sorry. We just can’t afford people finding out yet.” 

“I know. We were careful, don’t worry.” 

“How is he?” 

“He’s better now he’s got something to chew on, he cried all morning.” Tony said truthfully. 

“Oh the poor thing. Give him a kiss from me?”

“I will.” 

“Sorry I can’t be there to help, Tony.”

“It’s fine, I’ve got him.”

“I know, and don’t panic, okay? Babies teeth, it’s normal.” 

“Me? Panic? Don’t be ridiculous.” 

He could practically hear Pepper rolling her eyes on the other end of the phone. “Keep me updated.”

When the pair got back, Peter was still wide awake, chewing at the giraffe ring like it was the tastiest meal he’s ever had. 

Tony chuckled, unbuckling Peter from his seat and lifting him out. “That good, Petey?” 

The baby looked up, babbling happily and throwing the ring around to make it rattle. 

“I’m glad you like it, how about we get you another bottle and we can have some play time?” Tony asked, picking up one of the five bags and making his way to the lift. 

It was times like this he wished Peter would just talk back to him and tell him what he wanted. He’d read that babies around his age started being able to alter their crying to communicate what they wanted, and even though that was far from talking at least it was something. 

In the end they opted for tummy time where Peter would go between rolling from his stomach to back and crawling. 

He’d read in the parenting book Friday suggested that it was important for muscle development. Plus, Peter loved being able to crawl around, even if that involved walls apparently. Tony wouldn’t be making that mistake again. 

For the first few minutes Peter moved between sitting and rolling with the giraffe ring still in his grasp, ignoring his fathers attempts for his attention.

“Come on Pete, come to dada.” Tony called around five feet from the baby, holding his well loved Edie out in front of him as leverage. 

“Eeeeaba!” Peter burbled, more pulling himself to his father than crawling. 

Tony smiled fondly. “Hands and knees kid, not elbows and tummy.” 

Of course, Peter had no idea what Tony was saying and was happy getting to the older man by any means necessary, continuing to push himself along the soft carpet. 

He was a few inches away when Tony gave up, reaching out to bundle Peter in his lap. “Well done bud. Next time, hands and knees.” He said, handing Edie over where Peter instantly put it in his mouth. 

“Hey, hey. No eating Edie.” Tony quickly said, taking him back as soon as Peter started chewing. 

The baby didn’t seem to like that, though, bottom lip starting to wobble as he blinked up at Tony with the biggest puppy eyes. 

“You can’t eat him, you’ll get a hairball in your stomach and turn into a cat.” 

Peter frowned, reaching for Edie. Apparently he wasn’t phased by turning into a cat, Tony thought idly. 

“Why don’t you try this watermelon?” He suggested, passing him one of the many teething toys he’d purchased. 

The baby seemed to understand, going to chew at the toy immediately. 

Tony smiled. Maybe teething wasn’t that bad. 

No. 

No, teething really was that bad. 

Clearly tummy time occurred when the symptoms weren’t too bad, but as time passed, the pain flared up leaving Peter inconsolably crying again. 

Tony was finding it harder and harder to keep calm, trying to apply soothing gel to the baby's gums whilst he wailed and dribbled. 

“I’m sorry baby, I’m sorry. It’s gonna help, okay? It’ll make it better I promise.” He murmured, gently wiping tears from Peter’s cheeks. 

Once he’d applied the gel he peppered the five-month-old with kisses which always made him happier. 

“There you go baby, that wasn’t too bad was it? Feeling better already.” 

Peter blinked, licking at the gel and then almost smiling. 

Tony couldn’t help but smile back. “Told you dada would fix it.” 

Turns out, again, Tony was wrong. After five minutes Peter was in fits again, chewing at the melon and making sounds that made Tony’s heart break. 

He then tried the paracetamol which, like the gel, worked for all of five minutes before Peter was uncomfortable again. 

Tony was at loss of what to do, resorting to hunting down Helen for help in the medbay. 

“Tony, how’s it going? Nancy told me Peter was teething.” 

“I don’t know what to do, the medicine hasn’t worked at all, he settles for less than five minutes and he’s crying again.” Tony explained, hushing Peter who was quieting against his chest. 

“I’m afraid there’s not a lot I can do, some medicines work better than others. We can’t try any others until the last thing you gave him has worn off.” 

“But it says four hours!” He protested, holding Peter closer. 

“I’m sorry Tony, but we can’t risk giving him too much.” 

The billionaire let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“You’re doing the best you can. No baby enjoys teething.” 

“I hate seeing him hurting.” He admitted quietly. 

“I know. it’ll get easier.” 

Tony huffed. “I can’t see how.” 

“Just try and distract him.” Helen said, giving him a supportive smile. 

Returning to the penthouse, Tony put Peter in his playpen in a last attempt to keep the baby happy. 

“Friday, how do I distract a baby for more than two minutes?” He asked as Peter chewed on the giraffe again. 

“You have already attempted four of five suggested things to do.” 

“And what’s the other one?” 

“Findings have found ‘jolly jumpers’ are an effective way to keep babies entertained whilst training them to balance.” The AI informed. 

“A jolly what?” 

“I’ve sent a diagram to your mobile.” 

“Thanks dear.”

Tony pulled his phone from his front pocket, frowning at the image. “Friday, get Dum-E up here.” The genius ordered with a conspiring smile. “And get him to bring a harness.” 

Ten minutes later, Tony was lying on his side on the carpeted lounge floor, hand supporting his head as he watched Peter bounce gleefully. 

Dum-E took the baby's weight easily, making sure the harness clips were secured in the robot's grasp as the kid jumped in all directions. 

“A-dada!” Peter exclaimed happily, getting a whir from Dum-E behind him. 

Tony grinned, reaching forward with his free hand and wriggled Peter’s foot, making the baby shriek with laughter. 

“That’s more like it, Petey pie. There’s my happy baby.” He cooed, shuffling closer. 

Peter responded with more happy babbles, happy with his new toy. 

“See, Dum-E, you do have your uses.” Tony joked, all the while wondering how long it had been since he’d had a proper conversation with a person of speaking age. 

A robot and a baby, not the easiest to converse with but he loved them all the same, and if Peter was happy, that’s all that mattered. 

Tony’s makeshift jolly jumper worked wonders on Peter, not only distracting him from the little tooth coming through, but he bounced so much that as soon as Tony took him out of the harness he almost fell asleep. 

He smiled, changing Peter into his pyjamas whilst the baby blinked tiredly up at him. 

“You feeling a bit happier, bug? Daddy hates seeing you sad little bean.” Tony cooed gently, feeling such an urge to hold the baby close and never let him go. 

And who was he to deprive his instincts, picking Peter up and cradling in his arms. He didn’t need to nap in his crib every time, right? 

“Sleepy Petey Pie.” He whispered, seeing Peter’s chocolate eyes staring back. 

The baby let out a small yawn, smacking his lips tiredly. 

“It’s okay, baby. Dada’s got you, you’re safe.” 

He murmured, brushing a gentle finger over the babies cheek. 

He sat down on the edge of his bed, adjusting the bundle in his arms. 

“Your grandma always sang me to sleep, you know, whenever she had the chance. I always had the best dreams after, but she had a much nicer voice than mine... It was the most beautiful song, I still listen to it whenever I get sad or if I miss her.” Tony sighed, feeling his chest constrict as he thought of his mother. “She would have loved you, Pete.” He said with a tear in his eye. 

He cleared his throat before singing softly. “Wise men say only fools rush in… but I can’t help falling in love with you.” 

He paused for a moment, watching Peter’s eyes slowly droop closed with a little smile on his face. 

“Shall I stay? Would it be a sin, if I can’t help falling in love with you.” 

Just like his mother used to do with him, he leant down, pressing a soft kiss just above Peter’s eyebrows. 

“Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you.” 

Chapter Text

It had now been a whole month since Peter turned up in a box, bundled in a well-loved blanket in the foyer of Stark Tower. 

A whole month since Tony found his purpose in life and had his heart irreplaceably stolen by a five month old baby and he’d never been happier. 

Peter stopped teething three days after he woke up crying and father and son celebrated by sleeping for almost twelve hours straight. 

When Pepper had come back from her trip, she took over parenting duties whilst Tony quite literally passed out on the couch. Turns out spider-babies didn’t sleep much in teething season and now Peter had a whole little bottom tooth. The billionaire also had the misfortune of discovering how sharp the little critter was, which Pepper found very amusing. 

“You did try and take Edie.” The redhead had laughed whilst Tony inspected his finger. 

Tony smiled at the memory. 

He’d been pacing the open plan lounge for ten minutes now, waiting for Happy to arrive. 

Despite the fact he was quite literally waiting on the man, it still made him jump when the elevator dinged open. 

“Happy!” Tony said in a suspiciously upbeat voice.

“Tony?” The driver frowned.

“Sit, sit. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“What? If it’s about the guy who I kicked out of the tower the other day, the asshole had it coming and he was bad mouthing you and your company-“ 

Tony cut him off with a laugh, slapping the man on the back. “Don’t worry, Happy. It’s not about that, you can kick whoever you want out, as long as it isn’t me.” 

Happy breathed in relief, sitting back on the sofa.

“It’s actually about Peter.” 

“What is it? Is he okay?” 

Tony nodded. “Me and Pepper have been talking and -“

“I’ll have him. If you’ve decided-“ 

“Happy. Let me get my words out. No I’m not giving him up, and I never ever will, okay? That’s kinda what this is about, but nice to know his uncle is always up for babysitting duties.” 

Happy seemed so off guard by the uncle comment he didn’t even shoot back a sarcastic remark about babysitting. 

“It’s been almost a month now. People have been questioning where Tony Stark is, let alone Iron Man. I can’t hide him anymore.” 

“We’re moving away.” Happy concluded. 

Tony frowned. “Did you hit your head this morning? No, we’re not moving away. We’re doing a press conference.” 

Happy’s eyebrows shot up his forehead. “What?” 

“We all knew it was coming, we can’t risk holding back any longer.”

“You’re not taking Peter to the conference are you?” 

“No, no. Rhodeys going to look after him here.” 

Happy nodded, looking unsure about it all. 

“And you're getting a promotion.” 

“I am?” 

Tony gave a reassuring smile. “Not only are you now my head of security, you’re now Peter’s personal bodyguard.” 

“Sorry?”

“There’s no one I trust more than you to look after him, Happy. I need you to be there for him, keep him safe.” The billionaire explained.

“But what about you?”

“I’m sure we can arrange someone. If not, I literally am Iron Man.” 

Happy nodded solemnly. “I’ll get my best man on it.” 

“Thanks, Hap. We probably won’t spend much time apart though, we’ll only need other security when I’m not with Peter.” 

“That’s fine.” 

“You sure? You look conflicted, Hap.” 

“It’s just, I’ve been your right hand man for as long as I can remember, and now you’re getting someone else?” 

“You’ll always be my right hand man, you know that. I just need someone to be with me in the rare times I’m not with Peter.” 

Happy gave a reluctant sigh, but nodded. “Okay.” 

“Great, I just need to go over some things, is that okay?”

“I’m all ears.” 

“Rule one. Peter comes first. Always.”

“Of course, I understand.” 

“ Always , Happy. If the tower burns down, you save him. If there’s an active shooter, you cover him. If you’re ever in a situation where you have to choose his life or mine, you choose his.” 

“Tony-“

“No. This is it. That’s the one rule. Please Happy. Promise me.” The billionaire said, desperation swimming in his eyes. If Happy couldn’t agree to this, Tony would have to find someone else to look out for Peter, but there was no one he trusted more. 

“I… Tony .”

“That baby means more to me than anything in this world. If you have to use my body as a human shield for Peter, you do it.” 

“I…I love you man.” 

The endearment caught Tony off guard, blinking. “And… I love you too.” He admitted for the first time ever. “That’s why you need to promise me you’ll put Peter’s safety above all else.” 

Happy gave him a long look, before saying “I will.” 

Tony relaxed, feeling like a weight had been taken off his shoulders. “Thank you.” 

“So tonight?”

“You’ll be here, with Rhodey and Peter.” 

Happy nodded. “I’ll contact Jack. He’s almost as qualified as me to keep you safe.” 

“Good. That’s good.” 

“Are you sure you want to do this? If you tell the news about Peter everyone is gonna know. Press are gonna follow you around, not to mention you’re putting a target on that kid's back. What if someone uses him to get to you?” 

“No ones going to get to him.” Tony said firmly. “They’d have to get through me and you and that’s not happening. I’m upping security all over the tower, I’ve updated Fridays codes to make sure everything’s secure. It’ll be okay.” 

“You’re really going to do this?” 

“I have to, Hap. If I don’t rumours will get out and me and Peter would never be free to be a normal family - well, as normal as a Stark’s life could be.” 

Happy hummed in agreement, standing to shake Tony’s hand. “You’re a good dad.”

“I’d like to think so.” 

“I mean it Tony. Peter’s lucky to have you.” 

The billionaire smiled fondly. “I think it’s more the other way around, but thank you.” 

“Hey Petey.” Tony sang, making his way to his bedroom after showing Happy out.

“Ababah!” Peter called, making grabby hands at his dad. 

“I know, I’ve had a good morning too. Let’s get you a bottle, huh?” 

Peter just giggled, letting Tony lift him out of the crib to rest him against his chest. 

“Ugh I just want to cuddle you all day, you know? Maybe Happy’s right, we should move away to some deserted island.” 

Peter frowned, reaching up to put a hand on Tony’s stubbly cheek. 

“I know. That wouldn’t be fair on you.” Tony sighed. “I just want you to have the life you deserve Petey Pie. I want you to grow up safe and happy, I want you to make friends and fall in love. I want to watch you graduate school and achieve your wildest dreams.” 

Peter blinked up at him, breaking into a wide smile when he pulled at Tony’s goatee. 

The billionaire frowned. “I pour my heart out and this is what I get, huh?” 

Tony rolled his eyes, making up Peter’s bottle one handed and began feeding him. 

“You’re a good kid, Pete.” He muttered, pressing a chaste kiss on the crown of his head whilst the baby suckled. 

After Peter finished the bottle and Tony successfully burped him, they set up on the sofa, Tony laying on his back with Peter on his chest. 

“This is the last day you’re just mine. By tomorrow everyone’s gonna know about you and I hate it. People are mean, Petey. They judge and they mock and they’re always going to say hurtful things about us and that’s my fault.” Tony admitted guiltily. 

He could see the headline now, ‘Tony Stark's Illegitimate Son’, and he had no one to blame but himself. He didn’t regret Peter for a single second, but his kid was going to grow up seeing these articles of how he came to be and Tony hated thinking he’ll feel unworthy. A kid who’d done nothing wrong was going to get dragged through the dirt by some asshole journalists and it made Tony’s blood boil thinking about it. 

“Your daddy hasn’t always been a good man, but I promise you I’ll try to never let you down again. I’ll be the best person in the world for you. I’ll make sure you’re safe and I’ll remind you how much I love you every day, kiddo.” 

Peter looked at him, making small noises as he went to sit on Tony’s chest. 

The billionaire smiled. “Look at you all grown up and sitting by yourself.” He said, even though he had a hand out supporting his back. 

Peter seemed pleased with himself, shrieking a laugh and clapping. 

“I was wondering where I’d find you.” Came Pepper, entering the living area. 

He couldn’t see her because of the sofa, but he could hear the tell tale footsteps of her heels coming closer.

“There he is.” She smiled down, but to Tony’s surprise, she picked the baby off him, hugging Peter tight and breathing in his comforting scent. “Morning honey.” 

Tony gaped, trying to look as insulted as he could. “Well that’s just charming.” 

Pepper chuckled, letting Peter rest his head in the nape of her neck. “Good morning Tony.” 

“Oh no, that isn’t going to work, I see where your loyalties lie.” 

“Sorry, Tones. I just wanted a hug from our little munchkin.” 

“Yeah, I was actually enjoying my share of Peter hugs before you came in.” 

Pepper sighed, perching down next to Tony once he shifted into a sitting position. “Are we doing the right thing?” 

Tony shrugged, holding out his finger for Peter to play with. “There’s no other option, you said it yourself.” 

Pepper nodded sadly. “I wish things were different.” 

Tony hummed in agreement. “I never thought I’d wish to be normal.”

“You don’t do normal, you’d get bored.” 

“I’d be bored for Peter.” 

“We’re going to give him a good life, Tony. Don’t start doubting yourself. Yes, he’s going to have to have security with him and have precautions in place, but you can provide him a safe, loving home. Not to mention buy him everything he could ever need. Not all parents can give that.” 

Tony nodded slowly. “I suppose you’re right. Is everything ready?” 

“All set. Did you talk to Happy?” 

“Yep.” 

“And?” 

“He didn’t seem thrilled, but he understood.” Tony explained. 

Pepper nodded. “It’ll be an adjustment.” 

“I think I broke him. He told me he loved me.”

“And I hope you said the same back.” 

“Of course I did, I’m not that mean.” 

Pepper let out a small laugh. “Pre-Peter Tony would never have said it back.” 

“I haven’t gone soft.” The billionaire retorted.

Pepper rolled her eyes, handing the baby back, who latched onto his chest immediately and let out a happy garble. 

“You comfy there Petey-pie?” 

“You’re softer than butter, Tony.” 

The man hummed. “Only for my family.” 

Pepper's eyes softened. “Is that what we are?” 

“You’ve always been family, Pep. It’s just a little bigger now.” 

“Rhodey!-“ Tony went to greet but the rest of his words got stuck in his throat when the rest of the Avengers - bar Thor - walked in after him. 

“Did I miss something? Is New York under attack again?” 

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. “We heard you organised a press conference, thought you might want some support.” 

Tony raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “How thoughtful. Well, I guess more the merrier on babysitting duties!” 

Bruce smiled, walking up and taking the baby from Tony. “Hey again little guy. He’s grown!” 

“An inch, yeah.” The father replied proudly.

“How big does he have to be before I can show him around the lab?”

“Never. The last time my kid ended up in a lab he got attacked by a spider.”

“I think ‘attacked’ might be a small exaggeration.” Sam laughed before catching Tony’s glare. “Or maybe not.” 

“That’s another thing. Once the media find out about Peter, they’re gonna dig up everything they can find out about him. Under no circumstance can they find out about Peter’s… abilities.” 

“You know we would never tell anyone.” Steve replied, taking a seat at the kitchen island. 

“I mean it. It’ll make him a target more than he already will be.” 

“Good job he has the Avengers on his side.” Came Sam this time. 

“I do have some good news for you there, Tony.” Said Nat, stepping next to him. 

“Really? What?” 

“I heard last week someone hacked into Oscorp and destroyed all of the case files on radioactive spiders. Apparently the whole project is up in smoke.” The spy explained causally. 

“And which hacker do I have to thank for that?”

“Oh no one really.” 

Tony smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you.” 

Nat smirked, shrugging off Tony’s hand. “My turn with детка паук.” 

Tony frowned, watching Nat pick the baby from Bruce. “Hey no turning him into an assassin whilst I’m away. And if anyone messes up his nap cycle, Friday’s releasing the songs you sing in the shower.” 

“What?”

“Your AI spies on us?” Sam questioned 

“No, but she can’t help but hear your wonderful reenactment of Umbrella. Really, rocket man, Rhianna would be proud.” 

Nat couldn’t help but laugh, whilst Sam gaped at Tony. 

“Dude, not cool.” 

Tony smirked triumphantly. “Right, we need to go, give me my kid.” He said, plucking Peter from Nat and taking a few steps away from the group. 

“Heya bud. Mom and dad are just gonna head out for a couple hours to talk to some people daddy hates, okay? Don’t worry your aunt and uncles are here to look after you. I love you Petey-Pie. So so much.” Tony whispered, peppering the baby with kisses who giggled in return. 

“Rain hell on them, kiddo.”

Tony cleared his throat, tapping the mic as he fidgeted under the gaze of a room full of reporters. “As you all know, I called for a conference early this morning because it’s time you all knew. No, it’s not about Iron Man or the Avengers. It’s not even about Stark Industries, which is going very well thank you for asking.” 

The billionaire stood up, hiding his shaking hands and put on his most confident front. “No, today it’s much more personal, and sorry for disappointing, this isn’t an engagement announcement.” 

Tony clicked a button on the control in his hand, turning the screen to life behind him. 

The audience gasped, everyone immediately bringing up their cameras to take photos. 

“This is my son. Peter Benjamin Stark.” Tony announced proudly. “I discovered his existence when he was five months old after his mother left him in my care and since then I’ve devoted every day to making sure he’s happy. My heart is full and nothing that child could do would make me more proud of him than I am today.” 

He looked back to the photo. It was one Pepper had taken after the teething episode. Tony was asleep on the sofa, a hand cushioned under his head whilst Peter lay sprawled out on his chest in the Iron Man onesie, hood pulled up as he dozed on his father. His little hand was curled in Tony’s T-shirt right by his squished cheeks. 

It was personal and intimate enough to please the reporters, but still left a lot of privacy, since you could only see half of Peter’s face. 

Pepper gave him a supportive smile, squeezing his hand. 

“I know what you’re all thinking.” Tony continued. “The scandal, my past has finally come to bite me on the ass.  But if this is my past biting me on the ass, then I welcome it. Sure, there were some bumps in the road at first, but what I’ve never doubted was my unconditional, all-consuming love for this child. As soon as I laid eyes on him everything changed, and I decided it’s now time for the world to know.”

Some of the audience clapped whilst others carried on taking an unnecessary amount of photos. 

“But the main reason I really brought you here today, was a plea.” 

He waited until everyone was silent and he was certain all of the attention was on him. “Like every parent should, I want my kid to be happy. I want him safe, I want him to be able to discover the world and not have cameras following him. So I stand here and ask you to respect my family's boundaries. I beg that you don’t impose on my son's free will. There’s laws against it of course, but it still happens. I’m asking you to stay away, family to family. You’re all someone’s son, someone’s daughter. Don’t spend your life making my son’s miserable.” 

That got some mutters but from what Tony could see most people were nodding in agreement, still in awe of the photo on screen. 

“To keep the fans happy, I’ll share a photo selected by myself or Pepper each year on his birthday, August tenth, until he’s of age and able to make his own decisions.” 

Tony turned to the camera, mustering the softest smile he could. “And Pete? If you find this recording in years to come, know that I love you, I’ve always loved you, and I always will. I’m so proud of you, Peter Stark.”