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Chapter Text

"A bouquet of roses and lilies, on the house", the florist — Mr Ricci — smiles, passing the bright blooms in a rich scarlet and shiny gold craft paper wrap. Grabbing them carefully from the shop keep's hands, he disagrees, "please, I'm more than happy to pay". Mr Ricci pushes back any bills that attempted to land in his hands, "you helped us after we were robbed, even installed our new security system for free. It's the least I can do", he insists, sending a glare that ended all discussion. "You're too kind", Tony chuckles, finally accepting the gift, "I hope she likes them".

Smirking, Mr Ricci leans over the cashier; "big date tonight?", he asks curious. Tony laughs, looking down at his perfectly pressed suit and combed hair, readjusting his custom made cuff links, and freshly attained bouquet of over 30 flowers. "What gave it away?". They share in Tony's chuckle, the man explaining, "third anniversary, I'm going all out. Hope to make it one to remember". Seeing Mr Ricci move out of the corner of his eyes, "no more flowers, I'm good. But thank you", he insists, stopping the man from passing him another entire bouquet.

Leaves the florist quite frustrated, "fine, don't", he grumbles playfully. "Good luck", he cuts his facade short, waving Tony luck on his way out.

Thinking through his check list, the flowers are perfect. Tony drops them in the car before running up to the chocolatier, that's next on his list. Walking into the store, he sees the long wall-shelf full of fudge and displays, leading to a smaller room afar with booths and chairs for dine-in customers.

The bar had its own display case with cakes, samples, and a few extra delicacies. The TV on the corner, above the register, drumming on about how "Iron-Man stopped a rampaging robot in Astoria last night", making Tony chuckle to himself.

"Tony!", Alexander waves seeing the man come in. Much like with Mr Ricci, Tony's been helping them out too. "I've got your order right here", Alex runs to the back of the store, "two dozen chocolate bonbons, mixed fillings of white chocolate, truffle, strawberry cream, almond butter and sweet vanilla cream". Tony chuckles, shouting back, "perfect memory, as always", as Alex comes back out of the room.

Before Alex could invoice, Tony interrupted, "and could you add a donut and an eclair?, separate bag". Alex gladly does so, sliding them from the trays in the glass shelves. "hoping to impress?", Alex grins, pushing the black and gold chocolate boxes to him. As he grabbed the extra paper bag, Tony answers, "and extra bribery".

Smirking, Alex 'accidentally' forgets to ring him up for the eclair and donut. Tony didn't miss it. "Really think you could get that past me?", Tony deadpans, "it's $8".

His argument doesn't really get him too far. "In a store you helped us rebuild, after that freak robot attack", Alex argues. Tony groans, "that was 6 years ago", he reminds. Alex sputters, still refusing, still insistent; And we'd still be suffering if you and James didn't spend every weekend for two months helping us".

Tony shrugs, "hey, you got us beers. That's payment enough for me", he jokes. But of course Alex wouldn't let him anyways, forcing him to take the chocolates and bag with a loud goodbye. And only outside the store did Tony notice the extra donut in the bag; he was played. Alex had gotten one over him, bastard would never let him live it down.

Running back, he jumps in the car's passenger seat. It's a suped up Ferrari, metallic red paint accentuated by parallel golden stripes going down the hood. Rhodey running in a minute later, takes the driver's. "You got everything?", he asks, "chocolates, flowers-". Tony cuts him off, "yes Rhodey, I've got everything", he insists. "And the offerings to keep the kid happy?". Waving the paper bag with the extra pastries, Tony deadpans, "I'd never forget".

He places everything safely between them, keeping the flowers stable between his legs. "You got the gifts?", he asks, getting Rhodey to hand him a thin but long box and a smaller square box, "gave them an extra polish too". Though Tony's anxieties still weren't quelled, "and where's the-", he tries to ask in a panic.

Pulling one final velvet box, he hands it to Tony.

Anxious, the man opens it, finding the most perfect ring he could've thought of. And did; they'd designed it for a few months. A 24 karat gold band, small golden leaves spreading off the apex, curving into the shoulder that holds the diamonds. 8 placed in a circular structure, the culets pointing to the centre, table's sticking out. In the centre, a larger pink diamond.

All home made, the beauty of owning a super powered hydraulic press and everything else needed for HPHT. And of course, Tony insisted they were nearly flawless; rich and pure colours, cut perfectly by their own skills and those from a friend jeweller of theirs.

"Took me all night, but it's perfect", Rhodey proclaims proudly, smiling at their shared masterpiece. Tony snickers, "course it is platypus, now let's go. I got a date waiting for me". Rolling his eyes, Rhodey drives off under Tony's command. "Don't order me around", he grumbles playfully, "I'm doing this as a favour, a thank you wouldn't kill you". Tony snickers, "I got you to quit the Air Force, got you to join my business, and got to date you for a few years. You really wanna bet against me?".

Rhodey grumbles a bit more genuinely this time, a little embarrassed by the dating comment though from his memories, Tony has plenty more reasons for embarrassment. Those were sexy days. "But thank you", Tony concedes, "couldn't have made it this far without you. Best man?". Rhodey huffs, the air sucked out of him, "I'd be honoured Tones, thank you".

A beat of peace passed, till Rhodey's wincing shook Tony from his bliss. "When are you gonna tell her?", he asks concerned, "about that". Tony's excitement is dimmed, "not yet. It needs to be the right time and I don't wanna risk it", he argues.

Frowning, Rhodey counters. "You need to tell her. If she says yes, then you need to tell her before it's permanent", he reaches out and grabs Tony's hand, "it wouldn't be fair on her otherwise". Slowly, Tony nods. He knew it already, but doesn't want to ruin this bliss just yet. Just yet.

So he deflects. "Don't expect me back", Tony changes the subject, pulling his smile and cheeriness back on, "I got the limousine for the night, and best case I don't come back for the night". Chuckling, Rhodey jokes, "you're not that lucky Tony".

It's not too long till they reach their destination. Rhodey parking by the road, hugging Tony goodbye, "you better fucking text me if she says yes, I'm not waiting all night for an answer", he warns. "Relax nosy, you'll be the first to know", Tony replies laughing, smiling ear to ear. He slides the three gift boxes into the inner side pockets of his suit jacket, opening the door before grabbing the chocolates and pastries on one hand, the flowers on the other, shutting the door with his foot. "Good luck Casanova", Rhodey shouts driving off.

Laughing to himself, Tony walks into the apartment building. He takes the elevator up about a dozen floors, swiftly sliding to and knocking on the door. Scuttering comes from the other end, it swinging open to a hyper excitable teenager. "Uncle Tony!", Peter grins widely, jumping forward to hug him. Tony tried to hug back, even with the many things in his hands, still managing to mess with his hair. "Hey Kiddo, feeling better?", he asks.

Over the past two weeks, Peter had been malaised, stuck in bed 2 weekends ago and acting weird, with the occasional headache and dizziness. Tony didn't see him much, which worried him. He was busy preparing for tonight, and Peter didn't want him to get sick; part of his excuse for being busy was being overworked. That backfired.

Nodding, Peter smiles ear to ear, "all good! Ned and MJ came over a bunch, took care of me with May", he assures. "That's great!", Tony's able to hug him better, having set down the food and flowers on their kitchen counter, "gonna have to thank your friends".

Peter giggles, looking wide eyed at the food. "Going all out with my Aunt today? You better treat her well", Peter tries to play the protective dad role. It fails miserably, Tony unable to suppress a cackle, almost doubling over. Takes him a minute to reply, "sure kid, sure", he snickers. Lifting the paper bag from the island, Tony hands it to Peter. "For a snack tonight, a treat from your Uncle Tony", he explains and over explains, getting a few extra giggles from Peter who gapes at the tantalising food.

From the hallway, off from the kitchen, came a scolding. "Not before dinner!", May called, walking out into view, "you've got to stop spoiling him Tony". Leaves him speechless. A sleeveless lilac top with a matching skirt, small golden accents on it. A black jacket over her shoulders, under her long, dark, styled hair. A little bit of makeup and ruby lipstick that Tony thinks is to die for, and his jaw pretty much hit the floor, Hannah barbera style.

Conversely, Peter groaned, rolling his eyes. "She's been fussing for three hours. Please tell her you like it, I don't want to help her pick an outfit again". May sighs, "I asked for your opinion twice Pete, and you know this is a special occasion", she argues, smirking anyways.

"I know", Peter replies softly, hugging her, "you look amazing". May hugs him too, "thanks sweetheart", she hums.

Having let them have their moment, and using it to recover, Tony takes this chance to jump in. "Amazing is an understatement...", he gapes, breathless, grabbing her hand in his, gentle as can be. He lifts it up, placing a soft kiss on it, smiling up at her. "You're more beautiful than anything I've ever seen".

He leans up and kisses her, a little of her lipstick imprinting onto him. Really it matched rather well, his redder lips with his bright pink blushing cheeks.

Tony adds, "how did I get so lucky". Looking at Peter, she gets him to pass her a sloppily wrapped gift. "I'm the lucky one", May counters, handing him the box. Tony groans, "I told- you didn't need to get me anything", he grins widely, still gladly taking the gift. The scrapbook.

"Pete helped me make it. We have a couple of our own, wanted to start one with you". The cover alone killed Tony, a couple pictures of May, Peter and himself, the word 'family' subtly written in a faded gold over the leather cover. Got a tear from the man.

May and Pete shuffle close, pretty much cuddling with him to look at the pictures. They're separated by year. Year 1: their first dates, introducing Tony to Peter, and a sneaky picture Pete snuck of them dilapidated on her bed. Year 2 had more: getting key's to each other's places, mixing their friends.

Though more than half of it is empty, the last used page only having '3rd Anniversary', written on it. "Pete, get the camera", May asks, Tony looking at her curious. She grabs the still open book and flowers, posing with Tony, the words plenty visible for the camera.

Using his phone, Peter snaps a few, most of them having May and Tony perfectly pose, with one or two capturing the man look over at his aunt, completely lost, enamoured. "This is my favourite", he uses one of them, showing them. Tony blushes while May presses a kiss on his stunned cheek, "love you too", she whispers.

"I'll print it, we can use them tomorrow", Peter assures, sliding his phone in his pocket as he walks the adults to the door. "I know you're 15 but if you feel sick, or need anything Ms Prachenko is right next door. I asked her to keep an eye out and call me if anything-". Peter has to pretty much push them out, "I'll be fine May, dont worry", he repeats. "Have fun", he wishes closing the door, shouting "but not too much fun" from the safety of the other end.

Smirking, Tony and May snicker, walking to the elevator. "I love him", May mutters. Tony calls for the elevator. "Love that kid too", he replies. In the elevator, Tony checks his phone, finding a 3 minute old message. "It's here", he mumbles to himself, perking up, excited. May looks him over, half curious what he's got planned, half admiring the work he's put in so far. He looks as stunning to her, as she did to him.

Walking out they find it, May flabbergasted by the limousine. "I called in a favour", he explains, opening the door for her, "completely worth it". A fully stocked limousine, wherein for half the ride May insisted he didn't need to, to a smirking and completely ignoring that argument, trying to keep up other topics of conversation

He grabs her hands, "for the past three years you've made me some of the happiest I've ever been May. For one night let me try and blow you away". She giggles, blushing a little at their hands, replying. "You try that every date, and you don't need-". Once more, he has to jump in, "please. I already planned everything so there's no going back", he argues. And it 'unfortunately' works, May dropping it, kissing his lips. "How did I get so lucky". Tony leans in, through their kiss sneaking out a "that's my line".

They cuddle and make out for a few more minutes, till the limousine slows, arriving. "Let's go", Tony holds her hand as they step out. A tall tower, many dozen floors up to the restaurant. The View Restaurant and Lounge, giving them a gorgeous view of all of New York from their seat. May rested her head on Tony's shoulder on their ride up, walking hand in hand to the front desk.

"Reservation for 2, under the name Torres", he smirks at the hostess, leaning over the lectern and desk. In her tablet, she checks them off, "7 pm reservation, by the window. Please follow me".

Their table starts with a beautiful view of Central Park, pristine white table cover, a single candle in the centre. Tony pulls May's chair for her, May giggling as she sits. "It's beautiful", she comments looking out the window as Tony sat, "yes you are", he's smiling back at her.

Getting their menus from a waitress, May suppresses her shock at the prices. "Don't", Tony stops her, "I've been preparing for this, promise you I can afford  anything you want". Once their waitress returns, May chooses the lobster — at Tony's great insistence — while he got the Filet Mignon. They're splitting. The food, not the bill. He also ordered two crab cakes for them, holding on their dessert for now though he's got plans.

"You've really gone all out tonight", May comments, "it's incredible. Thank you". Tony reaches forward, placing his hand over hers; "you've stayed with me for three years to the day, and every chance I've gotten to spend with you has been a dream...".

He slides the rectangular box out of his jacket's suit pocket, "so I wanted to try and make tonight one for you". He's too smooth, May thinks. "What's this?", she asks taking the box from him, unfurling the bow to open it. A silver charm bracelet, perfectly fitting her wrist, the five charms around it fixed in place.

As May looked over the gift, he kept smirking, taking the opportunity to explain. "Remember our first date?", he reaches forward, holding her wrist, moving charm to charm.

The moon charm. "Coney island", May replies. Tony chuckles and smiles, nodding, "Luna Park. Where we ate hotdogs-". May gasps laughing, covering her mouth. Tony looks up from the hotdog charm, at her curiously. She wheezes, "which you threw up after the cyclone".

It's too cute, her laughter and smile, too much for Tony to be in anyway embarrassed or upset by the memory. "Yup, but then we got-", he finds the snow cone charm. Makes May suppress another laugh, "we got them as a palate cleanser, for... you know", she replies.

"True", Tony cedes, booping May's nose, "and you got a little food colouring on your nose, we couldn't get it out". Third time she really can't hold back, their table showered with soft giggling; "I looked like Rudolph on all our photos", she remembers out loud. Then their final two charms, a sun, and a Ferris wheel's cart. May knew this one, "Dano's, where we watched the sunset. Our first kiss", she explains for him. "I loved that day", Tony mumbles from his reverie, "and it's a bit dopey, but I wanted a way for us to remember it- for you to remember it".

She reaches forward this time, sliding his hand in Tony's, rubbing her fingers over it. "You're dopey too, and I love you", she jokes. Tony chuckles, nodding gently. He can't disagree there. "And I love you Tony, I think it's perfect".

A minute later of eyeing her new bracelet, rubbing her hands over every charm, and chatting about said date till their food arrives. First the crab cakes. Tony waits till they're done and waiting for their mains for part two.

"Remember-", Tony starts, getting May's attention from her wine glass. Their first and only, May's orders. "-when you introduced me to Peter? He didn't like me at all".

May raises a brow, staunchly disagreeing. "Yeah, for two weeks, and he was only acting fussy to protect me. He loved you and your gifts", May counters. Peter's 'dislike' was pouting and sass, but after spending a day all three together he was sold. And those little gifts? "I have a lot of stuff lying around".

Still she's disbelieving, "and yet somehow Peter always says you got him 'exactly what he needed'", she quotes. "Just lucky I guess", Tony handwaves, moving along, "and I'm happy he's come around. Love that kid, the three of us together...". He pulls the second gift box from his jacket, the long thin one.

"The charms for our first year, thought this could celebrate our second". May did wait till just before their anniversary to introduce them, Tony getting to know Peter over the following year. So much so their second anniversary culminated with a full movie night sleepover at the Parker's.

Opening the gift, she finds a beautiful silver locket, inside a picture of that exact evening. It was a gag picture, Peter sprawled and passed out on the couch, Tony drawing on him with a sharpie, May in the foreground taking the selfie with them. The boys had a fight over the marker, where Peter retaliated with the dilapidated bed pictures.

Moving from his chair, Tony circles around to May, wrapping the locket around her. "Now it's beautiful", he comments, sitting back down. Makes her nostalgic looking down at the picture, "he hated when we kissed", she weakly chuckles. "He still does", Tony groans, loudly, "but he doesn't tell you. He just needles my sides after".

Right about then the waitress arrives with their meals. "Filet for the gentleman, Lobster for the lady, and some prawn risotto complement from the chef". The couple thank her, and ask to thank the chef. Cutting through with his fork, Tony lifts a small cup of his beef, lifting it to May's mouth. "Thank you", she takes the bite, brightening up at the taste.

"It's good?", he asks. "It's delicious", May replies, swallowing, and looking at the prawns. Them, like the lobster, like the Mignon are all a hit at the table. They chat as they burn through their 3 meals, somehow managing to finish, staying back for another hour completely lost in conversation.

Really it also was Tony needing to wait. He wanted to see the sunset from the restaurant with her. The curse of summer meant that Tony's 7pm reservation, and them managing to show up early only made the 8:45 pm sunset further away. By the time they were done with their mains it was just before 8, Tony pulling all his charm and love to entertain. "Could we have some of your strawberry cheesecake please", he got a waitress, ordering one plate of it each. May looked confused, thinking it was getting about time to leave.

She said nothing, instead letting Tony turn back to her, pointing behind her to the sunset over New Jersey. "It's our time", Tony points out: the sunset.

A few seconds later, Tony reaches for her hand, getting her eyes back on him. "I got something to celebrate each of our years together, wanted one to celebrate this one...", he trails off.

His set up done, he tangents. "I remember that first time I met you", his smile curls into a cheeky smirk, "you rear ended me". May rolls her eyes, hiding an embarrassed blush, "I said I'm sorry", she whines.

He leans in, rubbing her palm, running his fingers through the creases, over her knuckles. "I know, and personally that's the best accident that could've happened to me", he reframes, May's blush deepening. Even back then he never cared, even offering to have her car fixed for her.

"Then I got lucky, you letting me take you out on a date. And it didn't end there". Pulling her in, theyre a foot from the other, the warmth of the table's candle rising up their chins. "I'm lucky to have every date since. Lucky to date you, lucky to have met Peter, and unbelievably lucky to have you in my life". Retracting his right hand, reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulls the last box out, though May can't see it yet. "I thought I was dealt a bad hand when it came to family, what little I got was never good. With everything that's happened, with your brother, you understood that- understood me better than anyone I've ever met.

I know the pain of a small family, and while I hoped to have one myself, I could've never expected to join one so full of love". Making a small capsule with both his hands on the centre of the table, May can just barely see hints of velvet shining through. "I was hoping we could make it official", he opens his hands, the box alongside them, showcasing the ring inside.

May's speechless, Tony asking her to wait while he finishes. "I love you May Parker. I love your nephew and love us together. I'd never want to impose on either of you, so if you don't want to answer now- or if you want to talk with Peter first I'll understand. I've been the luckiest man these past three years, but will you make me the luckiest man for many more to come?". Takes her a second, instead of replying with words, with a kiss.

She leant over the table, pressing her lips on Tony and dragging the table with her. He's slightly out of air as it hit his chest, a loud squeal from it scraping getting them some more attention than they wanted. Luckily the box was hidden by Tony's hands and May's hair. "Sorry", she replies pulling back. Tony's flustered, a dopey smile and rosie cheeks matching his lost love stricken eyes. Took May's next words to shake him out of it: "but yes. I'd be honoured Tony".

Trying to avoid any more attention, Tony quietly celebrates, his heart feeling like it'll burst from his chest. He grabs the ring from the box, sliding it into May's finger, his smile widening as he did. Hers did too. "So, Fiancée", May starts, not even bothering to eye her ring, too focused on him, "what do you want to do now?".

That F word made Tony's heart race. "Well, we still got cheesecake coming", he reminds, suddenly frustrated by his order, "but we could head back, go for a walk, maybe I could... stay over?". May blushes, looking around for eavesdroppers before replying, "and then what?".

He lifts her hand, kissing the dorsum of her hand, "whatever you want". Takes another minute for May to land back down to reality, really only having one question. "How should we tell Peter?".

"Tomorrow", Tony offers, "I'll make breakfast, we could tell him then?". She nods.

The rest of their night goes exactly as planned. The cheesecake was the first dessert of the night, deliciously sweet, them sharing a few kisses between. Tony still had the limousine to head back, doing so another hour later of talking. They took a walk around Forest Hills, just talking, holding each other, feeling the still warm breeze, under the tree cover of the streets.

He stayed over with May, closing their night with some extra fun before passing out in each other's hands.

Chapter Text

They woke up a couple hours after the sunrise, May's hair frizzy, her hands over his chest, her head leant back. Tony was spread eagle, one side to hold her, the other to keep himself stable. He'd woken up half an hour earlier, but stayed still, letting her rest, rubbing her head as she woke. "Morning, Fiancée", he smiles as she stirs up.

"Morning Tony", she leans up, kissing his cheek, "how are you". He kisses her cheek, turning her to him so he can kiss her lips, "well for starters, I'm engaged". She giggles, smacking his hand over that answer. "And I'm happy! I'm so happy", he replies, placating her, "how are you?".

Rolling her eyes with a smirk, she snuggles in to reply. "I'm in bed with my dumbass fiancée, so I'd say this is the perfect morning". They remain cuddling for another half hour, Tony insisting to get up and shower first. It'll let May stay in bed and give him a head start on breakfast so it's ready when she is.

He leaves his phone playing AC/DC as he showers, styling his goatee and wet hair before walking back out still in his towels. He does have clothes over at May's closet. "Aren't you handsome", May comments sneakily, startling Tony a little. "My sexy fiancée", she adds. Tony's muscular frame was shirtless in front of her, no one could blame her? The small water drops glistening with the rays of sunlight peeking through their blinds, the mechanic's work toned musculature glistening in it. It was a spectacle.

"Get in the shower", Tony groans chuckling, "you've got work today", he reminds. She does stand, fake grumbling, "not even a day we're engaged and you're already bossing me around". Walking up to him, she presses one hand on his chest, holding his head with the other; holding herself up on her tip-toes. She kisses him. "You may be my fiancée, but you don't get to boss me around", she warns, glaring at him, smiling, "and you'll be lucky if I let you hyphenate".

Returning a pensive look, he chuckles, "Tony Parker, I don't hate it". She lets him go, heading to the shower while he heads to her — now their — closet. He grabbed the odd pair of jeans and a random peach button up. Carefully opening May's room's door, he slides out, tip-toeing past Peter's and their guest room to the kitchen.

Not his first time there, so he knew where to find everything. Looking into the fridge, he mumbles, "what to make, what to... yes". He pulls out the pre-prepped batter, and the waffle iron; a gift from him to the Parkers. Also some strawberries, blueberries a banana, and ice cream.

He cut them all up, minus the blueberries, then he grabbed a small tall pan and some milk chocolate from the cupboards. Lighting up the stove on low heat, he starts melting the chocolate, stirring it. "I'm missing something", he mindlessly mumbles, a few more ideas collecting in his mind.

Back in the cupboard he takes out the powdered chocolate, and rummaging through the fridge he finds the key: mangos. The former he keeps with the ice cream, the latter he takes to the blender.  Adding an extra banana and cinnamon he mixes it up into juice, pouring it into a jug for the Parkers.

As the waffles kept being made, he popped them into a minioven, to keep them warm. Meanwhile the slices fruits he slid into small bowls, placing them by the small kitchen island with the powdered chocolate and ice cream. He was on his 8th waffle when May walked out. "Isn't this a bit much?", she asks giggling at the apron and excessive prep. He hands her a cup of coffee.

"We are breaking the news to him, I wanted to go all out", he explains, starting his 9th waffle, the minioven reaching max capacity with 8. May doesn't believe that, "you know you don't need to bribe him, right?", she raises an eyebrow at him. He raises his hands defensively, shrugging, "it worked last time".

Looking back at the hallway, after her fair share of giggles, they think of Peter. "Should I go get him?", May offers, looking up from her cup. Tony shakes his head, "can I? Please", he asks. May shrugs, waving him off, "knock yourself out. I'll watch the kitchen".

Leaving the apron by the cupboard door, he sneaks into the back hallway, carefully pushing Pete's bedroom door open. He's twisted up on his bed, his blankets sloppily wrapped around one leg, most of his chest, and partly over his face. His head was rested back over a pillow, mouth open, a light snore coming from him.

The regret Tony has over not bringing his phone, it's killing him. He squats close to the bed, gently pulling off the blanket over him, brushing his hair from his face. He leans forward, kissing the teen's forehead, cupping his cheek. "Wake up kiddo", he whispers. Peter makes a pouty face as he stirs awake, his eyes starting to flutter open. "Morning Pete". His pout doesn't fade, instead he turns and twists away, "sl'py Un'le 'ony", he mumbles. Humming, Tony stands, "sorry kid, I'll let you sleep".

If Peter had been more awake, he would've been more suspicious, wouldn't have been so surprised by what he said next. "Guess my waffles and our surprise can wait", he adds, from the door. And as expected Peter snaps back towards Tony, eyes a lot wider and more awake, "surprise?", he repeats.

Returning to the bed, Tony extends his arms. "Yup, come on", he slides them under Peter, who instinctively grabbed onto Tony's neck and shoulders. Peter shakes the blanket off him before Tony lifts him up, "let's go".

The fact he was in a cradle pose would be more embarrassing, but not only has it happened before, he's also too intrigued by the talk of waffles and surprises meant he could allow it this time. "May, get your camera", Tony shouts through the hallway, Pete gaping a little too late to avoid May snapping a couple photos of him being baby carried by Tony.

"The precious fussy baby", Tony baby talks him, rocking him back and forth before sitting him on a stool next to May. He's pouting again, "that was completely unnecessary", he grumbles at the smirking adults. Not that Tony gave him any attention for it.

From the oven, he grabs two waffles for all of them, leaving the rest as extra in case they wanted more or for another meal. Peter was quickly lost in the large selection, "so kid, what do you want on yours?". Looking up at Tony, Peter nods excited, "everything".

Challenge accepted for Tony. He drops a ball of vanilla ice cream on the centre of each waffle, covering one in straw and blueberries, the other with the banana slices. The former he sprinkled the powdered chocolate over, and the latter he drizzled the melted chocolate — which Peter hadn't seen yet — over it. Tony also served a tall glass of his juice to Peter.

Poor teenager was overwhelmed.

"Like it?", Tony asks while Peter was scarfing his food down, both adults finding it miraculous how he wasn't choking. They always have. The teen nods and hums, the best he could manage with a mouthful. "Sweetie", May starts, her subtle attempt to get him to slow, "what're you doing this week?".

As always, Peter couldn't not ramble. "Ned wanted to have a sleepover Monday- oh! And MJ's protesting Wednesday so we'll probably join", he starts, counting with his fingers through the week, "and Johnny — from the summer group project — he asked if we could meet Thursday, so we'll probably do that". Half way through his second waffle, he finishes and asks back, "how was your night?", he smiles. They got back to the apartment after Peter was asleep. "Oh Tony was the perfect gentleman", May reaches over to hold his hand, "like a fairy tale come to life".

Nodding along, Peter force swallowed the next mouthful down to ask his second question. "Did you two use protection?". Earned him a light smacking from May, sputtering and a big eye roll from Tony. The teen defends, "hey, you had that talk with me, I only hope you practise what you preach".

Earns him a second round of everything, plus seeing both aunt and uncle blush like mad. "Moving on", Tony rubs his nose exasperated, trying his hardest to deflect, "there's actually something we were hoping to talk about". Turning back to May, she assures and encourages him to take the lead. They'd discussed it the night before on their walk, Tony wanted the chance to take the lead on relationship talks with Peter. Not to take May's spot, but to strengthen his own relationship with the kid.

He walks around the island, sitting on a stool between May and Peter, sitting at the same level as the teen.

"First kid, I want you to know you're the most important part of this family ok? So you get a say in whatever happens and we are not doing anything that you're not ok with". Peter nods, increasingly worried. Both noticed. "It's nothing bad", Tony assures, "at least, I hope it's not".

Pulling May forward, so she was right next to him, he grabs her hand. "You know how happy May has made me, and you know I love hanging out, our movie nights and everything". May leans in towards Tony, resting close to him. "So last night", he lifts her hand, wrapped in his, "I popped the question", they showcase her ring.

He's agape, staring blankly at them. "Sweetie", May tries to get him started, Tony following, "Pete-". He jumps to hug them, "I'm so happy for you two", he cheers into Tony's shirt. You could see May and Tony sigh and relax at his excitement. "Thanks kid", Tony mumbles back, wrapping his arms around May and the Kid.

"But like I said, if you're not ok with something or want anything, please tell us", Tony insist, rubbing his hand up and down Peter's upper arm. Now that he mentions it, "there is something", Peter starts, cheeky. "What is it sweetheart", May asks.

Leaning back to his own seat, Peter's grinning, "could I have more waffles?". May and Tony laugh, "sure kiddo, coming right up", Tony responds, serving and prepping two more waffles just like before. "Really got your appetite back, didn't you?". Circling back to the topic, May takes over the conversation. Peter was more focused on his waffles and Tony was too elated to focus period. "We were thinking of throwing a small engagement party, just close friends, this Friday?".

Jumping in on the day — which they'd not settled on yet — Tony sputters, "isn't Martha back in Kansas then?".  May nods and shrugs. "She's leaving after Tomorrow's shift, but we can celebrate with her another day. I'm sure Aria would make an entire day at the rink for us anyways", she assures.

"Alright, Friday it is", Tony declares, "Rhodey's gonna want to come, if you don't mind kid?". Jerking up from his half plateful of waffles, Peter nods grinning, a dribble of chocolate dripping down his lip. "Pete", May sighs. They've had countless conversations about this. With the nearest napkin, Tony wipes the left over chocolate, Peter pouting at the child-like treatment, but thankful for the napkin. "Wanna invite Ned and MJ too?", Tony offers. Peter swallows confused, "but it's your engagement party".

Ruffling his hair, Tony chuckles as Peter tries to flatten his curls. "Yeah, and an engagement is the joining of 2 families. You're the most important part of this one and they are your family so they're coming. Could invite that Johnny kid too if you want". Really he left no room for argument, Pete grinning and nodding, "ok, thanks Uncle Tony".

Didn't take much longer for Peter to finish his waffles, Tony offering to clean the dishes and managing to make a dozen more waffles by the time he was finished. In that time they also figured out the theme of the party: Pyjama sleepover. Booze free, all nighter, games, movies and stories.

"Alright boys", May jumped up from her seat, grabbing her purse, "I gotta get to work. You're still going to Ned's right?". Peter nods quickly, hugging her by the door. Tony kisses her and comments, "I can go with him to the station, it's on my way", he turns to Peter and adds, "if you want".

He grins. "Yeah". May kisses him back, "you're amazing, thank you", she compliments running down to her car. The boys close the door behind her, heading back in. "Come on, get ready. We're leaving in 30, let's go", Tony jokingly herds Peter into the bathroom, the teen fake whining on their way.

"I'll pack you some lunch", Tony shouts through the door, Peter shouting back a thanks as Tony walks to the kitchen. He made a couple sandwiches for him, an extra one for Peter's lunch and a few more for the Parkers to have leftovers. May's a nurse, so him saving her the cooking time has... gotten him rewarded. Plus he loves her, so why not.

All the while there's scuttering and stumbling off in the distance, the odd muttering and swearing — which Tony chose to ignore — when Peter stubbed his toe. He ran back out wearing a science pun shirt, shorts, and a backpack strapped over his back, his midtown hoodie poking out. "Ready to go?", Tony asks.

Nodding, Peter grabs the brown lunch bag Tony prepped, "ready". The trip down the elevator and out the building was quick, both heading through the arboreal roads. They were enjoying their walk, plus Tony needed to talk. "Hey kiddo?", he starts, gently bumping his shoulder. Peter was busy looking around, seemingly distracted with the sights, like he hasn't lived here the past 10 years. He turns back to the man, "yeah Tony?".

"Thank you, for being cool with all of this", he side hugs the teen, leaning him toward's Tony's own chest, "I didn't want to tell your Aunt but I was really worried you wouldn't be". Peter snorts disbelieving, "really?".

Rolling his eyes, Tony playfully punches his shoulder, "yes really. You know how I grew up, it wasn't really stable, and I wasn't either. I didn't react good to change back then and I didn't want to force any on you". Peter stops, holding the tail of Tony's shirt back with him. Tony stops from the yank, "kid?", he asks. Peter shuffles over to hug him, snuggling into Tony's chest for a moment. "I already lost 2 parental figures, I'd never turn you away". Tony tightens his arms around the kid, a prickling of tears burning at the sides of his eyes. "You're the best nephew", he grins, letting time halt for them for a minute of bliss.

Up to Forest Hills subway station, Tony waited with Peter till he left eastbound, then waited for his own westbound. Astoria was a few stops away so it wasn't too far. Neither was the few blocks walk. The short walk of the stairs up his shop, he jingles his keys as he opens the door.

Through the door, he walks past the small hall into their kitchen. Big kitchen with a couple of their inventions. By the wall adjacent to the hallway was the fridge and pantry, off the opposite side an open counter island. It overlooked the dining area and living room, the far end corner secluded by an L-shaped sofa. The far wall had glass doors to a small balcony.

The wall away from the kitchen continuous through the room, opened into a smaller hallway with 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms, a staircase and laundry. Their doors open just enough for their disorganised shared home office to shine through. The other rooms were guest rooms. Finally the staircase lead up to 2 more rooms and a far attic; their bedrooms and extra storage.

"Platypus?! You gotta be awake by now", he shouts through the apartment, stomping footsteps echoing from above him as he decluttered the counter. They got louder as they stumbled down the stairs, "you don't have to yell", he yelled back. Tony couldn't care, he was too busy smiling at him, as Rhodey walked up to him with messy hair and a sleepy demeanour. Weird since it was almost 11 by then. Before he could even speak, Rhodey was already growling, heading for the coffee maker. "You didn't text".

Right... he promised. "Sorry", Tony mumbles, "but she said y-". Rhodey cuts him off, again; "you didn't come home last night, I know she said yes!", he groans. Tony smirks, he was hoping to celebrate but Rhodey grumbling is fun too. "Who pissed in your cornflakes?", Tony asks, now just trying to rile him up.

Displeased, Rhodey answers snappily, waiting for his coffee to brew. "I stayed up till 3 am waiting for a text", Rhodey explains, "by then I assumed you forgot, went to sleep, and woke up when you shouted". Less fun to rile him up. Tony didn't expect him to have done that. "I'm sorry, I was too excited and forgot", he tried to explain, "but why stay up?". A ding stopped Rhodey's snippy reply: the coffee was done. He served himself a tall mug-full before replying.

"Because I know you, and as resilient as you are I know you're still very sensitive when you open your heart-" he pauses to take a long drink -"and I wanted to stay up incase you needed me".

Now he really feels guilty trying to make fun, "hey, I'm really sorry Rho-", he's stopped by a hug by the freshly caffeinated man. "Congratulations Tony, I'm soo happy for you", Rhodey mumbles, his voice more excited and lighter, "I'm so happy", he repeats still sleepy.

"Thanks platypus, but...", he pushes Rhodey off, keeping him about a meter away. He had to look into his eyes. "Since we're already on topic I might as well ask- again since it's official. Wanna be my best man?". Cheery and smiling, Rhodey goes back into the hug, "fuck yes", he replies.

They move to the couch, leaning back and celebrating and chatting, Tony grabbing himself a cup of Rhodey's coffee. "Wait, if you just woke up, who opened the shop?", Tony asks, a momentary grounding from his aloof bliss. Rhodey shrugs, chugging some more coffee. "Figured whatever May answered we could use the day off. Asked Jason if he could open and cover today".

Jason. Their first employee. Started as an intern for them at 15 and learnt everything he knew from them. Aside from his foul mouth, cheeky nature and rule bending attitude he's the perfect employee, best of their many. "Jason? You sure he'll manage?", Tony chuckles, curious. Cautious.

"Aside from the basement, he knows the shop back and forward", Rhodey assures. On days one of them couldn't make it, Jason tended to fill in anyways. "Besides, it's only casual repairs and maintenance today. He can do that easy", he rationalises, Tony really finding no flaw in the argument, "means we can have fun today".

Raising a brow, Tony looks over at Rhodey, "like what?". Rhodey raises his brow right back, "I don't know. What do you wanna do Mr recently engaged?", he challenges right back. He cannot lie, he had some ideas. "Wanna do our thing?", he asks and winks, Rhodey chuckling and standing, "let's go dumbass".

Scowling at the reply, Tony pouts, "why are you the second person to call me a dumbass today?", he grumbles. "You forgot to text me all night, that's pretty dumbass-like of you", Rhodey counters, heading off to their office. Tony has to rush behind to catch up. Pulling a book from the only bookshelf in the office — the only Leo Zeppelin book —  makes the shelf slide to the side. It revealed a small staircase; hiding underneath their one to the attic. "Wait for me", Tony shouts, slipping through the hidden door before it closed.

They walked down to the ground floor level, the staircase leading to a dead end. There was a small hatch at the bottom, Rhodey pulling it up, revealing a metal ladder and their secret basement.

It wasn't big, the ladder falling into a small viewing platform over the room, a staircase built into the wall down to the base level. Under the platform was a bunk bed and under-storage. Between the bottom of the stairs at the corner and the bunkbeds were an L-shaped couch looking at the beds with a small coffee table at the centre of it all completing a sort of square.

A projector laid behind the couch, the screen it pointed at retractable from next to the beds. A privacy screen for anyone sleeping, and a TV screen for parties. The couch was also separated from the far end of the room by a privacy screen.

They'd set a sketching table in the corner between the wall and the other end of the privacy screen, two desks filling the gap to the far wall. Opposite was a large TV, past the wall that marked the end of the viewing platform. The gap from there to the wall holding two glass display cases with their golden and silver armours. In the small empty space of that far wall hung a cork board, littered with plans, photos among other things. It also opened into the sewers, their secret exits.

"Last dressed buys lunch", Rhodey dares, jumping over the railing halfway down the stairs to the displays. Tony had just gotten off the ladder, stumbling, "cheater!". That didn't matter, as he had an ace up his sleeve.

Jumping down much like Rhodey, he whistled at his armour, it flying off and surrounding him. Looked cool, but he really needs to stop it slamming into him, or come up with a wheel of excuses for the couple bruises it might give him. "And he called me a cheater", Rhodey pouts, still sliding his chest plate on, half dressed.

Tony shrugs, "sorry Platypus. I finished the code last week, and with the proposal I never got the chance to tell you". He tries to excuse, fidgeting with his armoured nails, leant back over the fridge door. "Liar", Rhodey spits, putting on his arms and gloves, "you just wanted to show off".

"And you-" Tony challenges back with a smirk- "can't prove that". Rhodey rolls his eyes, sliding his helmet down, "you hear it happening, but you never expect your friend becoming an ass after getting engaged".

Laughing, his grin visible through his open faceplate, Tony replies. "I love you too Rhodey", he leans over and kisses his friend's helmet, where his lips would be, "but you know I've always been an ass". Sputtering, Rhodey whines, "Tony! You're engaged!", wiping the bottom of his faceplate. "May knows we dated and fucked", he shrugs, knowing Rhodey's blushing behind the mask, "and if she were here she'd be laughing with me".

True, and Rhodey hates it. May's never been the jealous type, and since they're always so open about it being a Jone — and Rhodey's always more uncomfortable than her — she doesn't care; she trust him and he trusts her. Besides, she's snuck a kiss on him too. "My best friend and his fiancée bully me", Rhodey pouts while Tony opens their door, "where did my life go so wrong". Taking off, Tony's reply echoes through the sewers. "Thanks for buying my steak by the way!".

The streets of Manhattan, beyond the normal constant buzzingof its never ending traffic, were now also filled with repulser whirring and explosive flashes of blue light. Tony was whizzing around, doing every manoeuvre he could, shooting repulser blast fireworks at the sky at every chance.

"You really are happy today", Rhodey comments, looking at Tony through the small screen in their helmets. Tony smiles widely back at him, "she said yes Rhodey, it's one of the best things that happened to me. Of course I'm happy", he replies, shooting another blast to the sky. It lit up the street, earning a few "ohhooos" and "aahhs" from the crowd below.

Tony kept doing loops around as he spoke, "which reminds me. We're throwing an engagement party, my best man should be there". At the 'best man', Rhodey smiled as dopily as Tony has all day. "When?", he asks as Their calendar comes up on their helmet displays, "it's next Friday, just our closest friends", the event pops up on the date as Tony spoke.

Nodding and shooting his own firework, he replies, "count me in. Is Harold coming?". Tony frowns and shakes his head, "he's gonna be busy with that warehouse security job for Stark Industries till the end of the month, said he couldn't make it but we'll do something later". As he finished, a warning message took over their screens: Robbery in progress, 4 assailants. "Shall we?", Tony flies up, swerving towards the crime. Rhodey follows, "lead the way".

A bodega robbery, people were clearing off from the window, minus the 3 hostages stuck inside. They land with a loud thud, people turning around cheering at seeing the heroes. "I'll set me up you knock em down", Tony orders, taking the lead into the bodega. "Stooges, come on out", he yells into the darkened bodega, seeing a single hostage huddled by some shelves, the robbers hiding after hearing the armoured thuds. Tony smirks, "what? I'm here so the Party's just starting", he challenges.

He knew where they were, moron thieves couldn't hide if they wanted to, but he'll fake it if it makes them happy. What he did find were the hostages, he gestured for them to huddle in the corner by the window, whistling and walking to the other, leaving himself as open as possible. Their trap.

Once he seemed distracted, they all jumped forward from their hiding spots. Erroneously, they all fired at Tony, like he didn't see it coming. His armour was bullet proof, heat proof and even — mostly — explosion proof; the weak gunshots from their semi's? Didn't even scratch the paint job.

"Platypus, this is getting annoying", he complains after a few seconds. Luckily they stopped to reload, giving Rhodey the opening he needed. He burst through the glass, it shattering on empty ground. Landing in front of the hostages, he blasted two of the robbers with stun level blasts, knocking them unconscious. And while the other two turned to attack their new guest, Tony knocked them out. Turning back to the hostages, and quickly joined by Tony, they lean down to them, pulling them up. "Are you ok?", he asked a couple, both holding the other tightly.

The lady's the first to respond, nodding. "War, can you walk them out, wait with them", Tony asks, still trying to help the owner. Rhodey nods, "got it Iron", he holds them through the broken glass on their way out. Meanwhile Tony helps the owner up, an older Indian gentleman, his maroon shirt lightly tattered by the commotion of the day. He also had a small cut on his forehead, and stumbled while standing up. Tony had to hold him on his feet, "are you ok?", he asks, letting the man rest most his weight on the armour.

"My ankle", he winces, keeping that leg up. Tony holds hip up, carrying him outside, laying him down by the curb, using a nearby brick to keep the ankle up. "You got frozens? Or painkillers?", Tony urges, the man nodding, "fridge- and back shelves". As instructed, Tony found some frozen peas in the fridges, who'd lost power. Some ibuprofen (anti inflammatory properties for the win) in the shelf at the back of the store. And on his way back out he grabbed a bottle of water, a packet of chips and a novelty neck pillow for him.

Back with the owner, he slips the neck pillow around his neck, handing him the painkillers, water and chips. "Eat up, you've been through a lot", he suggests, kneeling next to his ankle, setting the frozen peas carefully over his injury. He stays sat, legs stretched towards the man, hand carefully holding the peas. "Thank you".

"Welcome", Tony grins, even if it's unseen, "so what's your name?". Quickly swallowing a few pills and chugging them down, he replies, "Kunal Patel, Mr Iron-Man". Tony chuckles, "nice to meet you Kunal. Besides the obvious, how're you?". Falling into the conversation, Mr Patel smiles, "you saved us, so it's turning up". Tony waves, like he's swatting away the compliment. "It's my pleasure", he replies. Kunal also opens his chips, happily crunching away at them; it helps distract from the pain. "Is your store gonna be alright?", Tony asks worried, scotching a little towards him.

Mr Patel sighs, "it's been through a lot", he comments looking back at it. The shelves that were knocked down, the door kicked open, the many holes from the ricochet bullets piercing the wall. "Gonna take a while to repair it". Alongside Mr Patel, Tony frowns, "you got insurance? Will it cover it?".

Shaking his head, Kunal sniffles. "That's ok", Tony decides, "I'll make some calls, get you some help to fix it". A few sobs leak out of Kunal, him giving Tony the most disbelieving smile. "Hey, we want none of that, we want happy faces", Tony assures, his chuckling infectious for Mr Patel. "Thank you Mr Iron-Man, thats... too much". Disagreeing, Tony quickly shakes his head, "it's what you need. That'll never be too much", he argues. The sirens getting louder, and shuffling coming from Rhodey's end, Tony hastens his pace. "You'll be alright?", he asks.

Softly, Kunal nods. "It's alright, go", he insists. Holding back a second to make sure, Tony stands, "don't worry. Your friends inside should be out cold a few more hours, and I blasted their guns. You're safe". Waving, careful of his leg, Mr Patel smiles, "thank you Iron-Man", as he and War Machine fly away.

They perched themselves over a nearby rooftop, looking at the sun shining over the city. "How was the couple?", Tony asks Rhodey, leant over the ledge, back rested on an old shed. Rhodey was sat, legs dangling over the ledge, "just got married. They were buying pregnancy tests to start trying, but otherwise good". Tony looks surprised, raised eyebrow and cheeky smirk showing through the cameras. "The guy was a disaster, couldn't stop talking", Rhodey recalls, sharing a laugh with Tony, "but it did raise some questions". Tony turns to him, quizzical, waiting for him to ask.

Slowly, Rhodey does. "What are you and May gonna do? Who's moving where? What're you doing with the wedding? Do you want kids? Are you gonna adopt Peter? And what's happening to the shop? When are you gonna tell them about this?". It overwhelmed Tony, and left Rhodey heaving. Stopping Rhodey from asking again, "you're more nervous than I am, and this is my wedding. So we'll have to take this one at a time", Tony decides.

"First, I'm gonna tell her before the wedding. Then we'll decide if we'll tell Peter", he settles that. Rhodey did ask before, so he'd had time to give it some thought. And as far as telling May at all, it was Tony's secret to start and he wasn't about to stop him. The rest? He'd not even gotten to ask himself.

"I don't know what we're doing with the wedding, we just got engaged. But we'll have time to plan it, figure it out together", he chooses the easiest one first. Next: "I don't know how we'll figure out where to move. I'm not gonna move them in if you're not comfortable, so maybe I could move in with them. Or we could get a place together if she wants".

Waiting for Tony to finish that part, Rhodey jumped in, "we still got two spare rooms, so don't let me stop you". Smiling, Tony replies, "thanks Platypus", before moving to the next questions. "The shop's not changing, we've held our relationships with our jobs, so it won't change".

Now for the last 2 questions, the hardest questions. He didn't even answer, instead asking, "you think I'd make a good dad?". Rhodey turns to his friend, standing up and awkwardly hugging him over the armour. "You know what it's like not really having a dad Tony, these past 2 years you tried to be everything you wish you had", he points out, all facts he couldn't argue with, "you already are a good dad". Tony smiles, hugging back for half a minute before leaning back, giving the questions more thought.

First: Peter. "I'd love to adopt him, but later, and only if he wants to. So much is already happening, and I want to take it slow", he replies. But then the second question: "do I... do I want kids- more kids I guess?", Tony mumbles, more to himself than anything. "I'm 35 Rhodey, is that too old? And I've never really thought about it. Maybe if May wants, I-", Tony chuckles, suddenly brimming with joy. Turned out the answer was simpler than he thought. "If May wants, I'd love to. And if she doesn't that's good too. Yeah... that's good".

Rhodey smiles back at his friend, holding his shoulder proudly as they stared off at Central Park, shining under the sunlight. "And how was the bodega owner?", Rhodey changes the conversation, hoping to lighten the emotional load at Tony.

Makes him wince. "Store's destroyed and insurance won't cover it", Tony explains, "thought we could ask around, get some extra hands and help out?". Rhodey nods, "I'll make the calls, just say the date", he offers. They already had a list of people eager to help. "Now come on", Rhodey jumps and takes off, Tony flying swiftly behind him. Once he caught up, he asks, "where are we going".

"I'm buying you lunch, then we're sharing a six pack and some cake to celebrate".

-

By Friday the bodega was pretty much fixed, with over 50 people showing up and a fundraiser having paid for materials. Other shop owners and customers showed up en mass to help fix it and all had a small celebration that very Friday; the reopening. Tony even took that as a chance to buy snacks for his second party of the day: his engagement party. Even had to insist on paying as Kunal was more than willing to give them for free.

He was first to the apartment, meeting May who was setting up the blankets and inflatable mattress over the living room. "Get over here, you're helping", she orders, struggling with the mass of blankets and pillows in her arms. Rushing to help her, Tony shouts, "coming", as he grabs half of her load.

"Thanks handsome", she smiles, setting down pairs of pillows and blankets around the couch. Tony took care of the mattress, "welcome beautiful", he replies, looking up at her with a dopey smile. Then, they turned to the snacks, "how was the reopening?", she asks grabbing the bowls and plates.

Placing the chips and nachos in the bowl, and the cookies and brownies on the plates, they head back to the couches, Tony regaling her with his day. "That's why I love you Tony", May mumbles, grinning, "the kindest man I've ever met", she crawls up his chest, kissing his lips. A frazzling make out session that lasts 5 minutes till there's a knock at the door.

Frustrated, Tony groans, "you gotta be fucking kidding me". He'd just gotten May to unbutton his shirt, she was just getting to his zipper and the fun was ruined. May gives him one more kiss, "rain check", she offers as he heads for the entry.

Opening the door, he finds Rhodey, smiling with a cake box in hand. The man's smile curls up into a smirk, him trying hard to suppress laughte; "am I interrupting?", he eyes the lipstick stained lips and pointy hair on Tony's head. The way that Tony's previously ironed shirt no longer was, or how even if it was mostly buttoned up, it was so sloppy that two of the button pairs were mixed up. "Just shut up", Tony grumbles, doing a 180 back into the living room, Rhodey following close behind.

"Welcome James", May comes in to greet him, less frazzled and much cheerier, "how have you been?". Rhodey chuckles and smiles back at her, setting his cake on the kitchen island. "I've been alright. Congratulations, I've brought an offering", he answers and adds, the first chance he'd gotten to congratulate her.

May smiles at the large pink box, "thank you, but you didn't need to", she comments. Rhodey didn't mind, opening the box to reveal the white icing cake, the words 'Happy engagement, May & Tony', with red icing flowers around the margins. "It was my pleasure, my best man duties". Got him a hug. "that's perfect, thank you", she replies, closing the cake for later. "And I know you've said no, but my offer to set up a blind date still stands", she reminds, a bit sheepish at the request.

Rhodey shakes his head. "Things with Matt are still fresh"- 6 months -"but thanks. Maybe later on?". May nods understanding, getting Rhodey to join him by the sofa. A minute later Tony arrives back from the bathroom, his hair freshly combed, lips still glistening with a thin layer of water. "What!", Tony barks at the cheeky stares, grabbing a cookie.

Last to arrive were the teens, Peter leading the way. "Hi May, Hi uncle Tony", he shouts from the door, adding a quick, "Hi Rhodey", once he sees the man. First came Ned and MJ to the engaged couple, giving them a shared gift: a potted orchid and gift card. "Thanks you two", Tony hugs Ned, while May hugs MJ. The latter gave Tony a subtle nod and approving smile. And to the adult's surprised, the trio had a fourth. "Hey", the tall, fit, blonde kid waved. He was a solid head above Peter, and already at their height. May's first to go to him, "welcome, come on in", she waves him into a hug. "It's a pleasure to meet you".

He has awkward introductions with everyone, feeling slightly out of place for the first attempts at a conversation. So Tony has an idea. He grabs the nearest controller to him, "you play?", he asks, unceremoniously kickstarting their games night.

Over the night everyone started changing into Pyjamas. Ned having hulk themed, Peter having Hawkeye ones. Johnny had Captain America pyjamas that fit quite well and MJ and May had simple matching lilac ones. Rhodey stole Tony's, leaving him with hello kitty bottoms and a commemorative 'I survived my trip to NYC' shirt. At least he won the fashion contest for the group.

They sprawled around, playing games and telling stories till bodies started to drop. It was around 2am where the remaining: Peter, MJ, Johnny, Rhodey, and May called it a night. The teens stayed in the living room, Peter offering his bed to Rhodey and May and Tony taking hers.

The next morning — read: 11am — Tony and Rhodey took lead making breakfast. Pancakes for everybody, serving plates as the teens woke up. MJ was first, getting some small talk with them before Johnny joined. Next was Peter, who managed to blow some of their powdered sugar over Tony's hair, leaving it splotchy white. And last was a still sleepy Ned.

It was the perfect end to their party, them just getting to finish their breakfast before a knock ruined it. Everyone turned to the door, "I got it", Tony offers, already being the closest to it. It was the cops.

Once they saw him, their faces seemed stunned, "are you Antonio Torres?".

Chapter Text

*Two Months Ago*

The church was closed off to the public, filled with flowers, banners, pictures and all forms of memorabilia. It was a 'private event' as per Howard's request. Only the avengers, high ranking SI employees, and 100 reporters from the most notorious news broadcasters from all around the globe. In that very order, they were sat from the casket.

As well as the guest list and decorum, Howard wished for the Avengers to take lead, the original each making a speech about him for the public to see before he and Maria are paraded to his mansion in Long Island to be buried. Thor was exempt from the entire event, though he didn't mind.

Virginia had already read his will to them, she was chosen to action it — at least the major parts concerning SI and the Avengers. The will bequeathed their rooms and all their property to the resident Avengers, with deeds and contracts to be delivered by his private legal team later on.

SI assets were left to Virginia with conditions. Howard had set out another 10 year plan to grow the business' weapons manufacturing industry, while finding a suitable replacement. Finally, everything else Virginia was to carry out privately, only to discuss it with relevant parties after the funeral, things like clearing the tower.

She was front row, in a black sleeveless dress, next to Avengers in matching suits, and Nat in her mission uniform. It was black. They were all silent, looking down at their feet. Steve, Sam and Clint carried the casket in minutes before, all having paid their respects individually, now just waiting for the rest of the guests to have their chance. Even the cameras.

Once that parade of paparazzi were done, it was their turn. Steve was the first speaker, settling at the lectern behind the casket, flashes almost blinding him. "It was exactly 24 days ago that we lost Howard and Maria", the words sounded strained, everyone able to hear the difficulty with which they were spoken resonant through the microphone.

"To many he was the CEO of Stark Industries, their boss. But to us around here he was a friend, an ally, a leader". The preplanned images are projected above Steve, a hologram above his head. Pictures of when he was recovered from the ice, of Howard's recruitment and inauguration of the Avengers, news records of successful missions and conferences.

Steve gives them a second to start cycling before continuing, "he brought us all together, helped us, kept us all together. Did much the same in the 40s when we first met. I'll miss him dearly". He never wanted to speak for too long, he's never really liked it, even at the dozens of PSA's, announcements, and promotional material he'd done.

Next up came Bruce, "-Never stopped searching for answers for us. The last years of his life he helped me look for a way to control the Hulk, spent days in the lab with me looking. He'd always help a friend-".

And Clint: "-I cannot say much, but when it came to the ones I loved and love, he encouraged and saved us in many ways. I cannot express-". He was talking about Laura and their kids, she'd just gotten pregnant with their third, and Howard was the one who got them their safe house in Iowa.

Last was Virginia. Nat flat out refused to speak. So she spoke last, longer than the rest of the group, a short 10 minute speech. Closing with, "regardless of if he was a perfect man, or whatever mistakes he might've made, the collection of us brought together in life, and mourning in death is proof of Howard's might".

Once that was done, Steve, Clint and Sam step for the casket again, carrying it over to the hearse, sliding it at the back to hundreds of camera shots and thousands of onlookers. Then they joined the rest of the team plus Virginia slid into the limousine that travelled behind it, to the mansion.

The second the doors were shut and it took off, Virginia broke. "We're gonna need to talk", she mutters, pulling out her laptop from her purse. See, as per the will, she wasn't allowed to action on anything till quote: "the funeral was over". It now was. "I spent all of last week looking through the tower and their property. Howard wanted me to auction it all — his way to make money even in death — but I found something you all need to see".

It was last Wednesday that she found it. Howard had given Maria an entire floor to 'play around in', full of instruments to practice, books to read, or art supplies to use. Steve and her used to draw together. But in looking, in a small closet, she was shocked.

The Avengers had an explicit rule to not mess around in the Stark floors if they were not welcomed. Howard was a very private man and held the same standards with Maria. "I think they hid this from us, in her floor", she shows them the pictures. Full of articles, notes and evidence on the kidnapping, on the night their Anthony disappeared. It was full, utterly full of research about it, all centred around the first newspaper on it, holding the last picture of Anthony Maria ever took.

April 12 1981.

Baby Stark Disappeared.

In the early hours today, Howard and Maria Stark were woken by the breaking of glass, hurried scurrying through their home. Rushing from their room, the poor family's worst nightmare came true as they arrived to an empty crib; Anthony Edward Stark was gone.

Local police, as well as federal agencies were called to their home. Investigators are treating this as a missing persons on a national level. Sources claim in spite of multiple attempts and experts there's few leads — the police all across New York is open to any information that could help the case.

In a statement released by the Starks, Maria through her tears wept for her baby, pleading to "please return my son". Howard Stark commented: "whoever thought to cross with the Starks will pay, no matter where or when you try to hide".

Further investigations are being conducted, but news of a reward have circulating in Howard Stark's inner circle. Further updates to come.

It was fortunate that they had the 90+ minute drive because there were too many files to go through. "So they were still looking?", Clint sputters, looking at a picture of a framed picture of baby Stark hung in the closet. Virginia nods, "I can see records up to last year, so I think so".

"Why didn't they tell us?", Bruce gasps, running through files, "could've helped them. And what did the will say about this?". Frustrated, Ms Potts sighs. "You know how many assets and affairs the man had to close? It'd take me a week just to collect the whole will", she groans.

Jumping in, Steve covers the other question, "and maybe they didn't want to worry us. Howard was always a private person", he reasons. Scott also adds, "and it would make sense they'd keep looking, I'd never stop looking for Cassie if it were me".

Back to Bruce, he asks, "what if we finished looking for them? Like, fulfilling their last wish of sorts". They slowly agree. "Pep, can you keep looking around the will for us? And maybe delay the sale of anything for now?", she nods. In case of an heir, she might be spared of most of those actions. Steve continues, "Bruce, you're the expert in biology. Maybe you could use the tech they didn't have back then, DNA analysis and all? We could try and find their son, or whoever kidnapped him". He smiles, "can I do some research? Sure, I'll pay it back".

"Nat, Clint?", the spies turn to him expectant, "you're the experts solving mysteries, look over the room and the notes they made, see if you can make something from them". Nat answers for the lot of them, "got it Rogers".

And last were Sam and Scott, "can you scour the tower?", he asks Scott. "We didn't know about the research, and with your ability to shrink you have the best chance to find something the rest of us have missed. Ask the ants too". Scott nods excited, just eager to help. "And Sam, you're an expert tracker. I know it's been some decades, but if you could use old records and see if you could estimate the path the kidnapper escaped from, maybetrace it from the sky?". He agrees.

It was beneficial they ended at Stark Mannor, Virginia getting the police records for Sam to start his search that afternoon. Meanwhile the rest returned to the tower and worked overtime.

First, Nat and Clint figured out extra facts the detectives lacked, or didn't use. One, Maria noted in her journal that Anthony couldn't say his name yet, defaulting to 'Tony' before he was taken. There were no records of that name back then, so the investigators could've missed it. And second, with the recent understanding of genetics, they selected from the known traits and genes of Howard and Maria, they could figure out roughly some traits for adult Anthony.

Reduced the search area from 'the world' to: Caucasian men in their mid 30s, with potential upbringing in the tri state area. Brown hair from Howard's dominant allele, likely dark brown eyes. No cleft chin, connected earlobes, with the only probably blood type being A+, the mix of Howard's double A positive alleles, and Maria's O negative type. Left maybe a few hundred people, where they could select away any with proven delivery in hospital; which left maybe two dozen, and positively select for "Anthony", "Tony", and irregular or splotchy upbringings. Took them the better part of 7 weeks with Steve, Scott and Sam's help to decrease the size to 3 individuals.

One was dead, which they hoped wasn't him, but then once they run into the profile of one "Antonio 'Tony' Torres", they couldn't not suspect it. Ms Potts got a warrant for an interrogation and DNA test, and Bruce stood by for the sample. They were all in his and Howard's lab, waiting for the results to arrive. Virginia met the police officer downstairs that Saturday noon, running the saliva DNA sample up to Bruce. Took less then a minute for Bruce to load the sample in. "So?", Steve asks eager.

Bruce, Clint and Scott laugh, strained, the former explaining. "We're amplifying the DNA for now, it'll take maybe half an hour for us to have enough DNA to test". That was the last bit of respite for the Avengers in that hour, till the final ding came from the digital electrophoresis reader. "Bruce?", they all ask the stunned man.

"He's a match".

Chapter Text

With cops at the door, everyone froze. "Are you Antonio Torres?", they asked. The party turned to him worried, Tony's face filled with equal concern. "Yeah?", he replies and asks. The cops exchange a glance, "we have a warrant for your DNA", one explains while the other pulls out a swab. Rhodey jumps forward, "show me the warrant", he demanded before he let them do anything.

While he read it, Tony tried to distract and avoid the rather eager cop; "stop Tony, it's legit. Let them", Rhodey replies once he was done. "Open", the cop orders Tony, getting a rather thorough sample from the still confused man.

After he was done, he whined, "what the hell is this about?!". The cop that took the sample took off the second he had the swab secure in its container, the remaining one addressing the residents and question. "I cannot disclose that, but you have to come to the station with us", he explains, rather in a hurry, "Now".

"Am I under arrest?", Tony asks hesitant. "No", the cop replies, "but the warrant requires you to come with us too". Turning to a nodding Rhodey, Tony sighs, "Can I get changed, at least?", he urges. If he has to go to the police station, he'd rather not do it in bright pink hello kitty pyjama pants and a chocolate stained white novelty cringe shirt. Agreeing with that, the cop compromises. "Fine, but supervised. If you run we will have to arrest you". Nodding, hands up ceding, Tony agrees, "alright, ok. Fine. Come on, it'll take my five minutes".

The cop joins him in May's bedroom, letting him change while everyone else burst. "What's happening?", Peter blurts out, May being more direct with her question, "James, what's happening to my fiancée?", she cracks. "Don't worry, nothing bad. It's something about an old case but he doesn't seem to be a suspect", he explains, mixing what he read with his analysis.

A minute later, the man walks out in jeans and a polo, the cop forcing him out the door immediately, "May I'll be fine, stay with the kids. Rhodey, go home and call our lawyer". Matt. Sucks for Rhodey but he agrees immediately. Tony's in the back of the cop car in seconds, taking off sirens ablaze.

He tried asking questions, but the officer was a wall, left him looking at the road, trying to figure out what was happening, where they were going, and what they wanted. It wouldn't be Iron-Man, that's more CIA, FBI or SHIELD territory, but he's not off the hook yet.

Twas a short drive to the nearest police department, department 112, where by a group of 6 officers he was escorted to the nearest interrogation room. He'd sworn he was number one most wanted if it wasn't for the fact he was handcuff-free and the officers were consistently polite to him. They didn't say much, but they were polite.

"In here", the officer that drove him directed, holding the windowless room's door open. Tony's reluctant, "why? What is this for?", he asks distrusting. They don't really answer, though Tony could see they wanted to,; "please", they urge. He sighs, walking in before they quickly close the door. There were two chairs to sit in, and he knew the one they wanted him to sit in. So he didn't sit. He walked around the room, trying to see through the one way mirror, looking over at the lights, messing with the camera, anything he could distract himself with.

There was also the text from Rhodey: "Matt's getting stonewalled, just distract them. Do your thing". That really pissed him off... which really only prepared him to do his thing. Took around 15 minutes for someone to come into the room. "Alright, am I finally gonna get some answers?", he grumbles the second the woman stepped into the room. She was shorter than him, Latina, and apologetic, "sorry for holding you", she half apologised.

"I'm captain Amy Santiago, and I do need to ask you some questions", she explains, taking the seat closer to the door and mirror, inviting Tony to take the chair that faces the mirror. He's recalcitrant, frustrated, but does. "You can ask, but like your officers, I sure as shit don't need to answer".

Sighing, Amy tries a different approach. "Please. Let me at least confirm your identity, then I can try and answer some of your questions as well", she offers, Tony still emotionally frustrated but finding it logically acceptable: "go".

With her file open in front of her, pen in hand to take notes from this interview, she starts. "Can you confirm your name, date of birth and address for me please?". Rolling his eyes, Tony replies; "Antonio Torres. 15th of April 1981. 25 Broadway, Astoria. Thought you knew that already", he added at the end. "Thank you Mr Torres, but, could I see a copy of your drivers license?", she asks next. Another check, luckily Tony had grabbed his wallet on his way out of the apartment. "Here", he rolls his eyes, "how many more times do you need to know I am who I am".

Whispering, Amy comments, "I doubt you know", outside of Tony's ear range. But the license — which matched their records — confirmed his identity. "Apologies Mr Torres", she hands him back the license, "but as for why you're here...". Tony leans in, anticipating and frustrated, waiting for her answer. "We've been reviewing cold cases with newer DNA tests amongst other tests and we believe you're somehow involved in one of them. You're not a suspect, and not under arrest, but we do need to clear a couple things up".

That answer got him absolutely nowhere. "Yeah, I figured all of that", he groans, rolling his eyes and head, "but why so sudden? Why such a sudden test? And why couldn't you just called me to come over?". Pressing her lips, Captain Santiago looks down from his line of sight, "I can't answer that right now". Scoffing, Tony leans back. "Then what can you answer?", he challenges. Ultimately Santiago understands why he's annoyed, offering him a caring smile, "I need you to answer my questions, then I'll explain and you can leave. This won't be recorded, but I will be taking notes, is that alright?".

"Just ask your shit", Tony growls, crossing his arms in front of his chest, not bothering to hide his annoyance. Shifting the papers to a new page of notes, she asks, "what can you tell me about your biological parents?".

He shrugs, "as much as you, I never met them", he mutters back. "Can you explain to me why?". Taking a big, exhausted breath, Tony groans, complying. "First thing I know is that I was left at the doorstep of an orphanage with a blanket and a sticky note".

At almost midnight, a knocking came through the old wooden doors of the small two story home. Mrs Garcia was just finishing paperwork as the door banged. "This better not be Kevin locking himself out again", she laughed, half annoyed half amused.

Took a second for her to waltz past the small living room, to the door. "Oh my god", she gasps, finding a tiny little baby on the steps. He had nothing but a blanket safely curled around his head and body, only a single small lock slipping out.

Outside of being seemingly abandoned, the baby seemed safe, sleeping. She also found the small pink note stuck to the soft blue blanket, broken handwriting spelling: 'Hi, my name is Tony. Please take care of me'.

When she picked him up, he happened to stir awake. Surprisingly however, he didn't cry, simply eyeing Ms Garcia full of curiosity. "Hola pequeñito", she smiles down at him, "you need una familia?". She hoops his nose, a string of happy giggles bursting out of his tiny little mouth. She snuggles him close to his chest, "we'll get you one, I promise", she adds, closing the door of the orphanage behind her.

"And what orphanage was that?", Amy prods. Just as monotone and detached — not that she didn't care, but she was hiding it — Tony replies, "The Children's Home, in Linden New Jersey". Noting that down, Amy circles back up. "And this Mrs Garcia? Is there any way to contact her?".

A little defensively, Tony snaps back. "Her name was Gloria Garcia, and she died when I was 15", he replies matter of factly, coldly, "so unless you got a functional Ouija board, You can't". Amy was quite taken aback, "I am so sorry for her and your loss", she replies instinctively, still having to move along. The questions weren't all her choice. "So she's the one who gave you your name? From Tony to Antonio?". He nods, "for legal reasons, yes. But Tony's always been my name", he replies, still as cold as before.

"But then the Torres, From your adoptive family?". Nope, Tony groans, shaking his head, "that's a longer story".

Stopping her notes, Amy looks up eager, "We've got time, so please, regale me", she asks; really a desperate beg. Tony's not one to back down from a challenge. "To start, I aged out of the system. Before then I spent it switching from foster to foster, and only one of them was good-".

Amy tried to interject, to hear about that one, but nope. "Oh no, we've got time right?", he reminds her of her own words, "you wanted a story, so you're getting a story". Again, Amy could understand why he was so recalcitrant, but it made him no less frustrating.

"Mrs Garcia was great, got me fostered for the first time when I was 4. Three times. Don't remember any of them though, they all gave me back within weeks". He's unyielding and unrelenting with his reality, having that rant locked and loaded; he'd gotten 15 minutes to stew and 30 years to prepare. "Gloria didn't try again till I was six. The Flynn's. They fostered two of us but it turned out they just wanted to try out two kids and they chose Jimmy over me, so they gave me back in a month".

And so he continues, running through 14 families and 6 pages of notes from Amy's file and he was only at age 11 by then. That's when shit almost changed. "Next up was Anna Maria Torres-", Amy perked up, hearing the right surname, "the only one that actually adopted me and the longest I lasted at any home: 11 months".

She slumps back down, not because she's dissatisfied but by that depressing fact. "She was a single mother, trying her hardest to adopt kids. But she couldn't keep up with the demand, and when they checked the house they took me back", he visibly sank, the coldness and derision in his face and tone cracking for a second. Even if short, it was evident, the subtle pain showing through. "I'm sorry that happened Tony, she sounded like a lovely person", Amy tries to reach out for his hand, Tony jerking it away. He realised what he did, seeming apologetic, "it's fine. She promised to try again for me but uhh... she died a couple months later".

Tony couldn't stop looking out of the window of Ms Garcia's for hours and days. The cops had arrived at her doorstep the week before with the news, Tony had unfortunately answered the door so Gloria had no way to soften the news on him. It broke him.

Ever since he was returned to the orphanage, this the first time he wasn't given back, he held onto hope that Anna would be back for him. His removal was hard on him, so Ms Torres started coming by the orphanage once a week to visit, short term and supervised by Ms Garcia but it gave Tony that hope.

She was the one, the first mom who ever showed she actually wanted. The first one who didn't give him back the instance things got difficult. The first one who made the six month mark.

He remembers how anxious he was those first six months. He'd barely unpacked, taking out whatever he needed and keeping everything he wasn't using in his bag, regardless of how much Anna insisted he made himself at home. It was on that six monthiversary that the stressed anticipation broke him.

Once Anna Maria was back from work, she run into him waiting with his backpack by the stairs. "Tony? What are you doing? And why do you have your backpack?", she asks, setting her purse down in the hallway.

"Can we please not do this?", Tony cracks, sniffling, unable to look up at her. "I know you're gonna give me back, can we please just get it over with", he begs. Ms Torres walks up to him, holding his shoulder, pulling him from the stairs and to the small living room's couch.

This was the time, Tony was certain this was when she would break the news. He's heard them all. "It's not you, we're just not a good fit". "You're a brat and you're going back". "It's just not the right time". "You're not a good fit with our family". "We hoped you'd be better, but you failed". "We don't love you". "Sorry kid-".

"I love you", She starts, Tony whiplashed from his flashbacks. "I adopted you Tony, because I love you", she repeats. Tony jerked his head up at her, wide fear filled eyes staring into hers, him shrunken into the back and armrest of the couch. "I'm not giving you up, this is your home now. The only way you're going back is if you want to".

Tears couldn't help but leak out of Tony. He'd gotten good at guessing when families were kicking him out, this wasn't even the first time he asked if they were giving him back, getting him one of the many excuses. He'd prepared himself for one, but not for this. "I-I'm not?".

Ms Torres smiles and nods, "at least I don't want you to. I'd love to be your mom". The tears got stronger, sobs escaping him. "M-mom?". But it didn't matter, even though after that day he and Anna legally changed his surname to Torres, he still had to go. And not a few months later, she left him for good. So he stayed, staring out the window, ignoring all the other kids around him.

He was alone again.

"I'd gone through a lot of surnames by then, but this was the one I refused to change. It was the only thing I had from her back then", Tony explains, this still the reason he has it right now. Amy remained taking notes, remained professional, as much as she didn't want to. "My condolences, she sounded like an amazing woman", Amy offers. With a nostalgic smile, Tony nods, "you don't know the half of it".

He could see her becoming curious, but even with his newfound sappiness he still wasn't done fucking with her. "No no, can't just get ahead of ourselves. That would spoil the movie", he jokes, Amy rolling her eyes, but less annoyed. By now she was hooked.

"After 12 I didn't get fostered much, just one more time with the Stevenson's, bastard family", he rushes past the next few years. He was withdrawn, his moving around came to a near halt, just wasting time to the next tragedy. "And then old Mrs Garcia died a month before my sixteenth. Technically meant I got fostered again, but I applied for emancipation the day I turned 16", he grumbles.

"I'd gotten enough credits to graduate by then, top of most classes, so I got a partial scholarship to MIT. Left the second school was over". That wasn't all, Tony also got a couple jobs in Boston to make up some savings by the time college started, even if it meant sleeping on the streets or the cheapest motel he could find for a month.

He was fortunate enough to get a full ride through academic and social support scholarships for the rest of his bachelors and masters. "The biggest surprise came when I turned 18 though", he circles back to his point, "well, a month after, really. Got a call from an attorney, it was about Anna's will. After she died she had all her property sold and put into a trust fund for me. There was over a million in there thanks to the house and interest", he explains. Adding, "which was nice, but not the most valuable thing I got from her".

Pulling out his phone, he starts digging through its files, "I had to bus my way back to New York to pick this up, but she left me a letter. Carry a version of it with me everywhere". He finds it, reading it out loud.

'Hey Tony

I am so sorry for leaving, so sorry you have to read this. And I am so sorry for not being completely honest with you.

First, adopting you was the best part of my life. You never knew it but before I was with someone who didn't love me, we tried to have kids and the only time we got close they didn't make it, my partner never took it well, took it out on me. I fled, and 2 years later chose to try another way.

That was you. I am sorry it didn't last long, I know I promised it would, but you need to know it was the best part of my life, being a mom. You really were the kid I never got to have, were better than I could've dreamed of.

Since I couldn't help you personally at that time, I chose to start a fund for you, for your future. To add whatever I could to it. And I'm writing this in case I'm not fortunate enough to give it to you in person. If that's the case, please never forget there are people out there who will love you. That I was fortunate to love you, and that my biggest regret was failing you.

Goodbye my son, I love you. Mom'

After finishing, Tony didn't say much. Every time he read it, he felt emotional, in this circumstance, it pushed him over the edge. The room was completely quiet, Amy lot in her thoughts, waiting almost expectantly. "Anything else?".

"I've wasted your time, I answered your question. Can I leave or are you not done wasting mine?", he settles back in his colder demeanour, slouched in his seat. Amy winces, "actually, we still have to wait for your DNA result", she replies, "and I still have more questions I need you to answer".

Rolling his eyes, once more, Tony scoffs. "What about?". Shuffling and looking through her 15 pages of notes, she gestures vaguely at the pile, "about all of it".

Tony drops his head, slamming it onto the metal table. "Great!", he growls into the metal pressed on his lips, "let's fucking go". They waited for another half hour, Tony rambling on, trying to take as long as possible with his answers if to waste more time, till there came a knock at the door. "Captain", the young baby-faced cop opened the door. "Officer Deetmore? Any news?", she asks, Tony looking up confused at the exchange. The officer looked  awestruck, "they just called Captain, he's a match".

More ambiguity. "A match to what?!", he yells at the two. The officer leaves at a nod from Amy, she turns back pale, struggling for a second to find her words. "How much do you know about Howard and Maria Stark?", she asks.

He shrugs, "didn't they die a couple months back? Saw the funeral on the news", he replies. His teeth were grinding by that point. "Yes, and what do you know about their past? About their kidnapped son?".

"What are you implying?", Tony grits, leaning in aggressively over the table. Unfortunately the Captain is no more open, "please answer the question", she deflects. "Fine", Tony spits, "kid got taken from their home, everyone was looking, another reason the 80s went crazy", he grumbles a response, raising a brow annoyed.

Closing one file, the one with today's notes, she pulls out another one. "Why is your birthday April 15?", she asks, fidgeting with the top corner flaps of the document. Tony groans exasperated, it's been almost 2 hours; "it was the day Gloria found me, why?".

She opens it, sliding the first page to Tony. A small picture of baby Stark, with the original police report. "He went missing in the morning of April 12th, 3 days before you were found", she starts, giving Tony a minute to run through the file, "we tested the DNA sample from you against Howard and Maria's DNA. You are their son".

Chapter Text

"I'M WHAT?!", Tony shouts, near deafening the room, "what the fuck did you do?". Amy flinched from the noise, "I need you to come with us", she orders standing up. Tony, who already seemed frustrated, snapped. "No". The low bark shook the room. "I came here. I answered your questions. I've wasted half of my afternoon for this bullshit so if you want anything-" he growls again, venomous, "I'm getting answers. Now".

Frowning, Amy still walks to the door. She urges, "please. If you want the truth, let me take you to the people who launched this investigation". Tony leans back on his chair, crossing his arms, deadpanned. "I don't have the answers, so you can either leave or come find them", she offers, showing her exhaustion.

He cedes, "fine", jumping up from his seat and stomping off with the captain to her car. "I'm taking shotgun", he spits before he could even be asked, not taking the back seat again. And he slams the car door after he got in. Amy sighs, tired.

They took off on the boulevard, Tony scowling his way out the window, quietly. The ride is no more conversational till the last few minutes, "coming wasn't ever a choice, was it?", he mutters, side eyeing her with a resigned look. "No", Amy adds, "it was not". To the least of his surprise, she parked inside the Stark Tower parking lot. "I got it", he insists on stepping out on his own, rushing off ahead towards the elevators.

There was a strawberry blonde waiting for him, she seemed to recognise him, and since he didn't recognise her, he figured she knew. "You had a hand in everything", he grumbles looking at her. She struts forward, offering a handshake, "I'm Virginia Potts, it's a plea-". Tony forces himself to smile, "I'm sure it is for you", he replies sweetly. "Now how can we get this over with and when can I go home?". Virginia leads him to the elevator, "well...", she sheepishly replies, "we can't guarantee news on you won't break, so we can't really risk that".

"Excellent", he fake smiles again, the grinding of his teeth, "so what am I gonna do?". Looking through her Stark-pad, she rapidly types away before turning back to him. "We've got a room set up for you, if you want. And Anything you need, just ask".

Twisting back to her, he looks confused, raised brows and pursed lips. "Why?", he asks. "Since you are Howard's son-" Tony visibly tensed at the claim -"technically all of this is yours". Nodding, huffing an exasperated sigh, he grits his teeth and jerks his lips into a smile. "Excellent". The elevator left them in a long hallway, clouded glass on both sides, presumably conference rooms. "They're in room 15 Ms Potts", a cold voice from the ceiling calls. Virginia looks up and smiles, "thank you Jarvis", she replies.

Tony looks up, for the first time the slightest bit curious, "who's that?". Ms Potts turns to him, "that's an AI assistant your father designed. He's all over the tower", she explains, stopping by the door. She knocked before opening it, leading Tony to the room full of curious Avengers. They were stunned.

He suppressed a groan, instead smiling at the group with tired eyes. Captain Rogers's is the first to step forward, "you must be Anthony, it's a-". Tony really wanted to remain polite for longer, to hold back, but they already crossed a line. "It's Tony", he barks at them, "My name's Tony".

"Right, Tony", Steve corrects, "it's a pleasure to meet you. Your father was a great man". Tony dejectedly nods, letting himself glaze over as the Avengers continued. "I'm Bruce. We were close friends- he was a genius", the scientist starts. Quickly joined by the spy, "and I'm Clint, I'm really sorry for your loss".

Moving through the room, all but Nat introduced themselves, varying levels of engagement. Every introduction including variations of praise for Howard, condolences to Tony, or cursory mentions of Maria. Through it, on more than one occasion, they called him Anthony. 'I'm gonna need dentures by the end of this', Tony complains in his mind, still faking a smile that sanded his teeth down.

Then Scott pipes in, changing the conversation, which gave Tony hope till he heard his question: "Wait, so with Anthony here whats happening with the team? With SI?". By the name he already was done with the topic.

"I've yet to clear it with the will or board, but they're eager to have a Stark as CEO again", Virginia explains, checking the reports on her screen, "as for the team, he could replace Howard, co-lead with you Steve", she suggests. Everyone generally agrees, Steve commenting, "I'd like that, could get to know Anthony that way".

That's it. The end of Tony's wick. "My name is Antonio Torres", he growls at the room, quieting the onlookers, "I'm not Anthony, I'm not a Stark, and I'm tired of all of you! Of this!". The avenger's shift started, their jaws dropping and heads jerking to the previously semi-forgotten man whose screams were drowning out every noise in the room.

"Tony-", Steve tries to talk to him, to calm him. It fails. "No, fuck that no", he barks at them, tensing his arms, digging his nails into his palm. He growls, "I was at my engagement party when the cops dragged me out! I was supposed to be home, with my brother, working on my business, planning my wedding with my fiancée, to be relaxing with our family".

They kept shrinking, Tony's yelling deafening in the echoing business room. "But because you wanted to play detective! Because of you, I might loose all of that! So back off". Could hear a pin drop, no one moving an inch after that outburst. Tony looks up, "You know who I am, right Jarvis?", he asks.

The AI immediately replies, "I do, boss". All Tony needed to hear and he was thankful that at least this worked in his favour, "take me to my room. Don't let anyone follow", he orders, turning away. There's strong protests from the Avengers, though he barely hears it as the sound proof door slams behind him.

Short ride up the elevator, to one of the highest floors, his room larger than his entire apartment. Perfectly made bed, immaculate sheets, night side tables decorated with lamps, Nik-naks and a remote for the ginormous flat screen opposite it.

Couldn't even appreciate it, for the second he close the door, he broke. He pressed his back on it, sliding to the floor with tears bursting out of him; a panic attack. He buried his head between his knees, leant back on the door as he cried, taking him 10 minutes to settle. He unlocked his phone, finding her contact, slapping on the call button. "Tony!", May's voice anxiously rings through, "are you ok? What happened? Where are you?". He couldn't but sniffle into the phone, just relaxing to her voice. She slows, "Tony, are you ok? Please talk to me", she begs.

"I- I'm better, I'm better now", he mutters, his breathing slowing. He slides out of the foetal position, stumbling his way to his bed, sitting up into the backrest. "Tony, what happened?", she asks once she heard him settle. His breath hitches, his heart speeds. "It's... it's a lot, and I don't know if you'll like it", he mumbles. "Tony, I promise you. Please". He's no more calm, it's been a lot, and he's barely had time to unpack. Mostly because of one question: what will May think. "Tony?", but her begging for him to talk? That hurts more.

"Ok, but it'll take a while to explain", he tries to set a scene, ask for time. "Take as long as you need", she answers, Tony able to hear the smile to her words, "I'm here for you".

For the next half hour, he's clinging to his phone — on speaker — slumped over his pillows, he wormed his way under the blankets for comfort, crying again as he explained. May didnt say much, letting him vent and scream and cry his feelings out.

Covered everything he could remember, from running back through his adoption problems, to the Stark's kidnapping, to even the meeting less than an hour ago. "It's like I didn't matter May, my name, who I am. Like my life wasn't mine to decide anymore-", his voice cracks, before he could add: 'again'.

There's a strained silence after, Tony sniffling passively, waiting. "May?", he cries, afraid she'd hung up, or left, or- "I'm here Tony", she hums. He nods self assuring, "a-and what ar-are your thoughts?", he stutters. He's all ranted out, and the small bubbling anxiety of her too much to handle. He couldn't bare it if they were over. She takes a minute, mumbling to herself and to let Tony know she was still there. Then she starts, "one week ago I went out on an amazing date, got proposed to and said yes to my fiancée Antonio Torres. And from what I'm hearing this changes none of that".

Warmth spreads through Tony's stomach, a smile on his face, his sniffling got stronger as more tears flooded out. Happy tears. "You're going through a lot, but that doesn't change us, ok honey?", she eases, waiting for a sign of agreement to continue, "I'd still and always will love marrying you, and if you need anything, I'm here for you".

Took him another solid minute of happy crying to find himself; "I was right when I proposed, I am the luckiest man in the world", he replies. May disagrees, "I am the lucky one Tony, because in spite of this you're still worried about me", she reminds, with confidence and optimism, "you can't decide what happens to you, but it's still you who gets to react. You know this, you can do this".

"Thanks May, I love you". She giggles on her end, "I love you too Tony".

A little calmer now, can Tony go back to his senses. Back to the chaos of his reality. "How's Peter!", he blurts, "and James! I only got a text from him but I haven't been able to look at my phone since".

She's swift to reply, "Peter's fine. I got him and his friends to go to the arcade and to Ned's for the evening, just in case something happened with you and you needed me". The butterflies that fluttered inside of Tony's stomach, hearing May say once more she was there for him; had it been any other time he would've snuck in a loving compliment.

"How are we gonna tell him?", Tony asks. Ideally he would, but being stuck at Stark Tower makes it hard, and going over could put the spotlight on them with potential leaks. Plus according to Virginia's warning, he might not have enough time regardless. Lucky May's right there, "I can pick him up and tell him right now, if you want?".

Tony smiles, "thank you May, I don't know if or when the news will break out. If he can't hear it from me, I'd like it to be from someone he trusts more than reporters", he replies, rubbing his forehead. The prospect of the media finding out about him. "And Rhodey?".

"He went back to your place, in case the police came around or took you back there", she explains, a decision she and Rhodey came to together, "he's been texting me every half hour making sure we're alright". Deserves some thanks, Tony's gonna have to pay him back for all those beers. "I should probably call him", Tony mumbles, drying the last tears from his eyes. May chuckles, "yeah, you should", she agrees, frustratingly as he doesn't need that cheeky voice of reason.

"But-".

May cuts in, "I'll be fine Tony", predicting just what he was gonna argue. He'd be insulted if he wasn't enamoured. "I'll need to go pick Peter up anyways, you go talk to Rhodey. We can text or call tonight or tomorrow", Tony huffs and chuckles. May finishes, asking, "talk to you later?".

Smiling, Tony nods and replies. "Yup, talk to you later May. I love you". She replies with her own 'love you' before hanging up. Moving contacts, he finds James' — Rhodey's — quickly pressing the call button. First thing in his ear is a shout: "Tony! What happened!?".

Needed a minute to calm Rhodey down, another 40 more to explain everything to him. Poor man was speechless, once Tony was finished all he could manage was a "What. The. Fuck?".

"I know!", Tony laughs back, "it's insane isn't it?". Sputtering, scuttering, and stumbling is heard from Rhodey's side, a loud thud and 'ouch' dominating every other sound for a second. "You ok Rhodes?", Tony asks as extra muttering comes through; "I'm fine, just tripped", he replies before quickly adding. "And yeah! It's fucking crazy!".

Tony couldn't hold back the laughter at... everything, lasting a full minute before he could stop himself. "Glad to see my pain and distress entertaining for you", Rhodey replies, pulling Tony back into his laughing fit. Rhodey didn't mind, just enjoying the fact Tony wasn't breaking down. "You know, you're taking everything remarkably well".

Humming loudly, Tony objects. "Not really, kinda broke down over an hour ago", he explains, ending with a very strained chuckle. Rhodey sighs, "sorry Tony", he replies sadly. "It's fine", Tony counters with only a little bit of denial, "I called May, and was mostly worried about what she would think. About us". That answer got Rhodey to grin and giggle, "lovey dovey Tony don't need me anymore?", he jokes. "Laugh away Rhodey, but you know we'll always be brothers", Tony sternly replies. Rolling his eyes, Rhodey agrees, "I know Tony, and I'm happy you trust May like that".

Silently, they share a smile, "so", Rhodey starts. "The May thing is good, but, what about everything else?".

Silence and smiling no more, Tony groaning, pressing his palms onto his eyes. "I don't know", Tony grumbles, "I'm apparently the son of Howard Stark. Heir to Stark Industries, co lead and financier of the Avengers, and biggest scandal on this side on the Millenium".

"I- I know you're usually overly dramatic, but I can't tell right now", Rhodey mumbles, highly puzzled. Tony sighs, "this is serious Rhodey", he counters, still mumbling a response, "and me neither".

Standing from his bed, and over to a small distant desk, "but actually! What am I gonna do?", he sits down at the desk chair. "Bout which part first?", Rhodey asks. There is a lot to unpack and frankly, neither of them know what to start with. "Stark Industries", Tony decides, "I don't want to be its CEO, and they manufacture weapons, you know I've never agreed with that".

Ever since Rhodey knew Tony, "right, since the Friedman's", he remembers from their talks about it. "Yet now I'm the head of the biggest weapons manufacturer in the world. I could barely manage our shop, how can I manage this?". Rhodey has to jump in again, reassuring, "you set up our business. I took care of the monthly logistics but you built it, so trust yourself", he counters the first point. "Thanks platypus", Tony mumbles, "but you know I couldn't have done it without you". Smirking, Rhodey reminds, "and you still got me".

Then the second worry. "As for the weapons, you're the CEO. Pretty sure that's your choice", he argues, "we always imagined what we could do to upgrade our tech, could go global with it".

"Not without you", Tony counters. "Then we won't", he concedes, "but you're a genius, you can figure something out". That much was true, Tony's brain filling with ideas of what to make, the newfound resources as limitless as his imagination. But Rhodey continues, "same thing for the Avengers Tony. You feel like your life isn't under your control, but that's because the choices you're given ask you to play their game. Don't. Do something else, like you've always done".

Like a bolt of lightning striking him, Tony jumps up off his desk chair and to the door. The foster huffing and breathing clueing Rhodey in, "Tony, What are you doing?", he asked. "Sorry Platypus, but I gotta go", he replies as he speeds down the hallway, "and I gotta get back on my board".

With a quick ask at Jarvis, he learns the Avengers are in their living space, and where that is, cementing his choice to run down there.

Chapter Text

After his calls with May and Rhodey a lot happened.

As promised, May talked to Peter, and as soon as they could they talked to Tony. The news on him broke out by the next morning, SI hosting a press conference to address the matter. Tony didn't show up for it, he was rather busy inside, causing more chaos.

Virginia and him scheduled meetings — which he hated with all his soul — with every executive, department head and partner they could schedule with. All around shifting SI off weapons manufacturing; it was met with serious strife and resistance. Virginia herself wasn't originally reluctant, but after her own private talk with Tony, she conceded and supported him.

Only reason it worked.

They started the transition of assets the very next morning after his arrival, Virginia utilising SI's gaggles of lawyers to facilitate and accelerate the process.

Took a few days of hassle but Howard was well connected so it wasn't too hard. And even the lawyers — based on Howard and Maria's interviews and quoted records — assumed if they had known of Tony's existence, would've transferred all their non-predetermined assets to him. Made it easier to settle the will.

The Avengers also weren't thrilled with them, as let's say his tenure with Steve as Co-leads was starting out... rough. After their original squabble, Tony held a rather strong distaste for the man, and after Tony's swift and widespread changes to SI and their lives, neither Steve nor most Avengers thought fondly of Tony either.

Safe to say, no one was looking forward to their first official meeting the following Saturday. Not. At. All. "He's only been here a week", Steve complains, waiting in the Avenger's meeting room with the rest, "he's only been here one week and he's acting like he owns the place". Sam, Clint and Scott are either nodding in the corner and/or on their phones. Bruce is listening, and Nat is correcting, "he does own the place Steve". Steve sighs, "I know Nat, but it affects us too. And that's Howard's legacy he's destroying!".

Once again, she quickly interrupts, "He is Howard's legacy, and we're having a meeting now specifically to talk about these changes so any complaints you have might be better served when he's there to listen". Steve sinks, holding his forehead in his hands, propped up by his elbows over the table. "Give him a chance, besides, we need to stop idoli-".

The doors open, letting the man of the week walk in; late. Most Avengers were too focused on their phones or annoyance at his tardiness, only Nat was astute. She didn't miss his pink, lightly burned hands: probably coffee. She didn't miss the poorly hidden eye bags and paleness by a thin layer of foundation: he's fatigued and exhausted. And she didn't miss the fact he still acted eager, keeping an open posture and engaging approach: he's clearly faking it.

"Afternoon", Tony greets walking in, earning a couple grunts, "tough crowd", he mumbles. Virginia was with him, sitting to his right on the table while he stood, addressing the room. "I know a lot of stuff has happened recently, could use this opportunity to talk and discuss a few matters".

Those 'matters' get a scoff from Steve, matched by eye rolls from Clint. Bruce and Nat were the only ones who were still showing him any interest. Tony knew, "now that we've gotten those unpleasantries out of the way, there's a few changes we need to implement for the Avengers". Not new ideas, Tony'd already gathered some thoughts on the heroes and gained enough experience as his own to have a few pointers. Even if the Avengers could only know of the former. "We're cutting down on the promotional material, you're heroes not mascots".

This was one of Howard's favourite programs. He'd have any of the Avengers as promotional aids, wanting to improve public trust and image on the group; it did give them the notoriety they needed for crowd saving and recognition. Personally, most Avengers didn't like it.

Even Clint who was the most fond of the occasional guest appearance in a TV series — he's an avid watcher — or the life time supplies of snacks — he's an avid eater — was growing tired of it. However, because it was one of Howard's favourite programs, and Tony'd already rolled back many others, Steve couldn't help resent it.

"So if Stark Industries is going to spend money funding you, it'll be as a charitable program off our profit margins, but does need you to serve the community. Like heroes should".

Steve growls, "don't make assumptions you can't understand Stark", he warns, leaning angrily on his chairs towards Tony. "Same to you Rogers", Tony spits back, "and it's Torres, not Stark".

Only irritates Steve more; "then stop acting like one", he barks his disagreement. Tony breaks into a cackle, first natural, then exaggerated for effect. "Never wanted to be", he counters, "I'd have rather stayed a random mechanic in New York living the small life with good friends but you-" he points at Steve, circling through the table at everyone- "had a different idea. So now I'm stuck here, but I'm not gonna be stuck playing a puppet replacement to Howard like you-" he once more points to Steve, that 'you' holding a lot more venom- "want me to be. Don't like that? Tough shit".

The Avengers fell quiet again, really ashamed but it didn't look that way. Tony simply took it as apathy, "fine. Here's the rub: you'll do community service of your choice and you'll stay the heroes you are. If it doesn't directly affect you, stay out of it. And Don't bother to like me, because frankly I don't like you either, so don't bother me and we might just have a good time".

He turns to Virginia, nodding for them to head off. She looked reluctant, like she was going to try and mediate, but unfortunately Steve jumped in first. "We still need to talk", he yells, "there's the rise in unregulated vigilantes, the remnants of HYDRA, and I was ho-".

"Don't care", Tony shouts and spins for the door, "I'm out". Steve and the Avengers are left annoyed and irked, all but Nat and Bruce leaving slouched on themselves through the opposite door. He turns to her once they're alone, "what are you thinking?", he asks. He's known her enough to know if she's quiet she's seeing more than the rest of them.

Nat smirks, "I think this is gonna be very interesting".

Outside the room, off their private hallway, Tony's leant back over the wall. He's pressing his fists into his eyes. "That was shit", he mutters to himself. Virginia nods, trying to smile, "I know they can be difficult, but you should give them a chance", she advocates. Sighing, he replies, "I would've loved one myself". She has to nod, giving him a strained and sympathetic grimace. "So I'm not gonna give them the energy, if they want anything, they have to come to me". That closed that door, Ms Potts frowning disappointed but accepting, it's a fair enough outcome.

"And d-did you- were you able to do it?", He asks, suddenly growing excited. Like the 3 days of near sleeplessness, dozen coffees, and hours upon hours of managing the shit storm that landed on his lap. She's again excited if reserved, "I sent Harold Hogan the contract this morning and-" she looks through her emails- "he accepted. He's coming over tonight and he's bringing them".

Their last plan. Tony wanted to find a way to keep in contact with his friends, and since Harold was both a previous contractor with SI and a bodyguard meant they could make him Tony's personal bodyguard. Even if he didn't need one. It also provided him a subtle way to sneak May, Peter and Rhodey into the tower. The former two would be too suspicious and all three still have appartments outside so he can't just move them in.

He jumps forwards before stopping himself, "can I hug you?", he asks giddy. Confused, Pepper nods, mumbling a weak 'yes' before he engulfed her in his eager arms. "Thank you thank you thank you", Tony repeats while hugging her.

"And about that workshop?", he adds stepping back. "We have top of the line laboratories with any equipment you can think of, there should already be one located on your floor", she reveals. He'd never even had the chance to explore.

Looking over his watch, he asks, "how long till they're here?". It was 3pm, "2 hours or so", she answers. "Then can you show me it?", he asks, speaking about the lab. Starting her way to the elevator, Pepper replies, "of course Mr Torres". She's the only one who's never gotten it wrong.

In the elevator, Tony chuckles to himself, "you're always soo happy, so peppy, I like that", he compliments. "Pep... Pepper, I like that too. Can I call you that?". Weird question, and quite out of left field; much like the hug. Howard only referred to her as 'Ms Potts', only using Virginia Potts on legal documentation. "Sure", she hums before she can think too hard about it. Really she was mostly distracted with something more... precarious. "But, you should know...", she trails as he turns confused to her, "I uhh- I was outside your room that first day. I heard you cry, your call".

Before Tony could even react she jumped in to add, "I'm sorry for breaching into your level, it's a horrendous violation of privacy. But I assure you it'll never happen again, no one will know". It was like a switch, like her worries took over for a second, giving way to fear. Which only started dissipating with Tony's soft reply; "it's ok", he shrugs. "Not exactly happy that someone overheard, but it's not a problem, honestly it's a little lonely up there".

"R-right", she quickly agrees, returning to her regular upbeat attitude. Also quickly realising the elevator had arrived, a minute ago. "Well, let's go", she takes the lead, showing him to the lab. Tony could barely suppress his excitement over everything.

*one week ago*

May'd dropped the bomb on Peter Saturday evening, thankfully before the new's articles started flooding the internet. It drowned every other report or headline from then on.

Next morning Peter woke up to a barrage of texts from Ned and MJ, thankfully no one else, but his friends demanded on coming over again that day, as soon as possible because they had questions, lots and lots of questions.

After checking with May he gave them the all clear, they took off to Peter's, giving him maybe a half hour to fully wake up and prepare an explanation. During breakfast he and May covered what he could say, or at least to understand what's to be kept secret by him and his friends.

Then after they'd arrived it took May and Peter a few hours to run the friends through everything Tony run May through the night before while the teens gave them the 4th degree. They needed a few cups of hot chocolate to comprehend everything, leaving them sprawled over the living room exhausted.

"What are the odds?", Ned mumbles, staring at the ceiling above him. He gets a couple hums of agreement. MJ speaks up next, "sorry May", she winces at her. "I'm more worried for Tony", she argues, flashing a tired frown, "he's the one going through everything". Again, hums of agreement fill the room. And like always, it's MJ that strategises first, "what are we gonna tell Johnny?", she asks. This time it was more problem recognition than solution. "I called Sue — his guardian — last night, told her nothing was wrong", May recounts, "and Tony said they'd take care of everything". They all fall quiet.

May stands first, "but I still have to go get groceries, so I'll be back soon alright?". She needed the normalcy break. The teens wave goodbye, Peter particularly encouraging till she closed the door. He leaped from the couch, quite high, scaring his friends as he fled to his room. "Be right back", he echoed from her words.

It's 30 seconds of Ned and MJ staring awkwardly at each other till Peter's back, a small bag hidden behind his back. "Ok", he sputters, catching his leg on the table. "Ouch", he mutters, rubbing his shin In hopes the pain would leave; it rather didn't. MJ chuckles, "still clumsy aren't we?", she jokes.

Grumbling, Peter moves on, "that's not- Nevermind. I need to tell you something". Ned twists up, sitting curious, fidgeting with his shorts. MJ didn't move, just looking at Peter from the side; "what's up loser?", she asks. "I didn't want to do it in front of May, she's already too protective and with everything...", he trails off at MJ's hard glare. It was time to get on with it, "but I needed to show someone and I- I trust you".

He waited a second, calming himself, getting curious looks from both his friends. Jumping, he sticks his hand to the ceiling, staying up there and turning so he's crouching down at them. Even MJ was giving him a 'what the fuck' look.

Dropping down, he shrugs and shrinks, "y-yeah", he mumbles. One of his friends had stopped functioning and the other one was MJ; "explain", she orders, sitting up worried. "Remember our Fieldtrip like a month ago?", he waits for Ned and MJ to nod, "I got sick after that and one day I woke up feeling better... and like this". He lifts up the empty coffee table with one hand, effortlessly. He sets it down before explaining, "I don't know what or how, but now I got powers? I think?".

Thoroughly ignoring the overjoyed and rambling Ned, MJ turns to him, with an interrogative stare. "What powers?". With his fingers, Peter lists, "super strength, senses, agility, healing and reflexes. I can also stick to things", he paces back and forth. Even in this short answer he had to stop himself from diverting into a tangent.

MJ further queries if he's ok, which he claims he is. Aside from the week long illness, he's never felt better. "So what are you gonna do?", MJ's stumped by the question, "I know you don't want to tell May, but then what?". Ned started stumbling through ideas: beat up flash, join the football team, amongst others.

However Peter had a different thought; that's where his bag came in. "I had... an idea", he digs through it, slowly pulling out a red and blue bundle. A second hand hoodie, with red sleeves and hood, and a pair of blue tracksuit pants. Plus some red and blue flats. Finally, a small spider spray painted white in the blue chest of the hoodie.

Looking at him realising, "Loser, what is this?", MJ asks worried. Ned was still oblivious, eyeing the clothes. "We have Iron Man, Daredevil, that Shadow of Brooklyn... why not a Spider-Man?". Again, Ned died, muttering a series of 'oh my gosh's' among others. MJ was the only one with some focus, "Man?", she challenges with a smirk. Definitely not the answer Peter was expecting, "you're not against it?", he sputters in response.

"Oh I think it's absolutely ridiculous", she replies matter of factly, "but it's noble, and knowing you I wouldn't be able to stop you". Peter shyly nods at her glare and accusation. It's true. "So I'll help", she concludes, patting Peter's shoulder. Though she gives a stink eye to the 'suit', "and step one of helping is upgrading these pyjamas".

Annoyed whining from Peter is drowned out by a growing squeal from their third wheel. MJ sighs, "yes Ned?". She opened the flood gates. "We could add some lenses, an ear pice, a voice changer? Spandex is more aerodynamic, and maybe-".

Peter cuts in, there's just one more thing, I think you'll like it", he grins at Ned. They were hidden at the bottom, two wide bracelets, that extended from his wrist to half way up his forearm. He aims, pressing a button on his palm that shoots out a thin white string. "Woah", Ned gapes as Peter yanks a banana from the kitchen into his hand.

"I call them webshooters. I made the fluid myself too-" he pops out a small canister- "I just pressurise into this. I got a couple more in my room". Ned's once more ogling the tech, MJ looking at him questioningly till she figures it out. "Gifts from Tony?", she asks and Peter chuckles, "yeah. He doesn't know tho".

Already in the mood, and Ned too hard to stop from exploding, they descended into a brainstorming sessions. MJ offered to look over and try and tinker with the web formula, as well as make a better suit. And after she threatened them into not commenting on that, they could start on webshooter schematics for Ned to work on. Peter paired with each.

That continued for most of the week, Peter still insisting on going out a few times with the pyjama costume. If only to try out his powers and webs. Their working grew in pace, holding sessions most days, when May was away.

Same happened the following Saturday, them working all morning, till their party came to an unfortunately swift close as Peter got a text.

May:

Sweetie, I need you to get ready! Harold is going to pick us up to see Tony, we're leaving in 2 hours

I'll be home soon.

The second they'd heard, Ned and MJ offered to clean up and to keep working on their own, letting Peter get himself cleaned up and start prepping what he'd take with them to see Tony. May was out running errands.

He grabbed one of their old board games, a couple of framed pictures, and some popcorn and their CD of Jaws. Tony likes Jaws. May'd gotten home 15 minutes after the text — she run back the second she heard — quickly starting to make her special cream cake. Peter was ready soon after, waving his friends goodbye as he went to help May.

Together they finished with an hour to go, leaving the cake enough time to set and cool. Also gave May plenty of time to jump into the shower and get ready; she wanted to be comfortable, but be as well as she could. By then they still 30 minutes to go, letting them decorate the cake with extra chocolate and strawberries and extra powdered sugar and cookie crumble.

Still left them some extra time while they waited for the men, Peter sitting on the couch, fidgeting with his hands over his knees. "Pete?", May asks, walking behind him. She'd just finished packing extra snacks, just now getting to settle into her worry. And noticing Peter's, "are you ok?".

"I'm good May, I promise", he tries to smile at her, "I'm just a little anxious". She sits next to him, not saying a word, just looking at Peter with a soft and calming smile. Didn't take long for him to break. He leaned in to hug her, "haven't seen Uncle Tony since everything. Worried things changed".

While May did call Tony every night, and get to talk to him on most, Peter only managed to join into a single conversation. They were already short enough with Tony falling asleep quickly, he didn't want to interject. "Nothing's changed Sweetie, I promise you. He's still my Fiancée", she wiggles her finger and ring in front of him, booping his nose with it.

"T-thanks May".

Minutes later the door knocked, he was early. "Hello Harold", May greets, tiredness showing through in her voice as she hugs him. He hugs back, "How're you doing May?", he whispers in their hug. "I'm good, just worried for Tony", she replies, Harold agreeing, "Me too May, me too". Neither had really slept enough.

Letting go from her, Harold moves to Peter. "Hi Happy", Peter waves. It's a nickname Tony's tried to solidify for Harold, May insists against it for Happy's benefit and to piss Tony off, while Peter rolled into the Happy train the second Tony mentioned it. Harold chuckles, "I'll allow it this time", he smiles, hugging Peter.

"You two ready to go?", he asks. May nods, collecting their bags and everything, Happy offering to carry some to the car. She took shotgun, Peter in the back, Harold driving. As they left, May and Happy jumped into their questions, "what's happening with your contract?".

Harold runs her through it: Body guard and head of security for Tony and tentatively, SI. Also explaining how it was their way to have a path into the tower inconspicuously. Then he asked, "the ring? I haven't had the chance to see it?", he asks, having been busy with other contracts.

Lifting her hand up at a stoplight, she gushes, "he made it, only told me the morning after". Her bright smile and twinkle in her eyes wasn't missed by anyone, it's something Tony loved. "He's amazing", she gapes finishing. Next up, "and James? Are we picking him up too?".

Of course, but since he lives in Astoria, they're grabbing him on the way.

The questions continued, all 15 minutes of their drive to Tony's shop, Rhodey was already waiting at the sidewalk. "Hi James", May and Harold greet, Peter opting for a hug. "what're you bringing?".

They laugh, at their unanimous agreement to bring stuff over for Tony. "Twenty four pack of his favourite beer, some stuff from his room, and a couple extra personals of his. You?", she'd literally brought a suitcase and duffel bag with him. May laughs, "cream cake, his favourite lollipops, and Peter grabbed a board game and photos".

"You win", Rhodey laughs, raising his hands in defeat, "he'd kill for your cake. I can't beat that". May giggles and blushes, "thanks", she smiles.

It's a shorter drive to the tower, Harold following the instructions he got via email on where to go. He followed the path down into the tower parking lot, into a private section where a parking space was demarcated and lit for him. If you asked Harold? He'd never been more terrified parking, not wanting to scratch any of the million dollar cars around. All Howard's, now Tony's.

"Mr Hogan", the emotionless voice of Jarvis echoes through the room, startling the group. Harold looks up, "yes? That's me?", he looks up scared. "Follow the hallway, I'll have the elevator waiting for you and company", the AI directs, twinkling lights on the way in to guide them.

Upstairs, Tony was still preoccupied with the lab upstairs, Pepper running him through more protocols and procedures of Stark Industries. They were looking through the storage room, Tony brimming with ideas, when Jarvis interrupted. "Boss", his cold voice runs through the room, "Mr Hogan has arrived".

Jumping from the crate full of parts, Tony speeds towards the door; "take them to my bedroom, please", he asks. He and Ms Potts still have to close a few things in the lab, and while it won't take more than 5 minutes, he doesn't want to abandon them like that.

In his panic, he missed Pepper's puzzled look over at him as he sped past her. "Let's go, please, I got visitors", he begs, getting her to help him close down the lab. All safety regulations, it being Howard's old lab, and it being unused for a few months meant it'd take more to set up again, to dust, to clean up.

Regardless it took them less than the 5 minutes to finish, but even that wasn't enough to beat his guests. Though they weren't at his bedroom, but chatting close to the elevator, with more company than expected.

-"You're a delight", May giggles, replying at a smiling Natasha Romanoff. All the while Harold's helping Rhodey with most of their bags and gifts, Peter gaping at 'the Bruce Banner' standing right there with him. He could only alternate between speechlessness and rambling, to an overall gleeful Bruce.

Nat smirks, "you're sweet, and you'll have to share some of those recipes, they sound divine". Even Bruce can't disagree that she's abnormally friendly. "Of course, but they're a secret-", she starts to explain as Tony cuts in, wrapping an arm around her waist. "So much so she hasn't even told me", he adds.

Smirking wider, Nat winks at May, "I like a woman who can keep a secret", she compliments. May snickers, "sown to the vest", she replies. For a second a genuine grin snuck past Nat's defences; "I like her", she comments at Tony. He grins turning to her, "me too, it's why I'm marrying her", he kisses her cheek.

She knew. Nat saw the ring the second she stepped in the elevator with them, the lack of any in everyone else's hands... not too hard a guess when she prepped so much for him. "Well congratulations", Nat nods, turning back to Bruce, "sorry for interrupting, we just run into them in the elevator and wound up here", she apologised on their behalf.

"That's alright", Tony mumbles half present, "May? If you go this way-" he points down the other hallway- "you'll get to the kitchen and living room. Mind waiting for me there? I just need a minute". She shrugs, leaning up to kiss his lips, "not at all, take as long as you need", she replies, gathering Peter and her boys. Peter rambled an excited reply, Harold and James waving a short one.

Once they were out of ear shot, Tony — who'd been staring peacefully at them — turned back to the pair of Avengers. "So sorry for coming up here", Bruce immediately jumps to apologise. Tony has to stop him, "thank you for being so welcoming", he sighs, the sudden wave of tension up his back dissipating.

Bruce looks at Nat with a second of concern, before Tony gets attention back on him. "We were fixing up the lab and lost track of time", he explains, just now Re-acknowledging the woman next to him. Nat raises a brow at Ms Pott's, "of course, our pleasure", she replies, "May's quite the spitfire, I'd love to any time".

Chuckling, Tony utters his thanks again. And after a light jab from Nat, Bruce speaks up, "a-and if you want, I could help you with the lab? Howard and I shared one, so I know the tech pretty well". Tony smiles widely, "sure, thank you", he offers a hug, Bruce standing awkwardly as Tony embraced him. After an extra second of silence, Nat has to take over. "We'll be going", she pulls Bruce into the elevator, winking and waving a few fingers at Tony, "if you need anything". Tony waved back, Pepper smiling goodbye too. Once the elevator closes, she flips back to Tony, "you'll be alright?", she asks.

"Absolutely", Tony shrugs, "just a simple family night". Pepper nods, "well if you need anything-", Tony finishes for her, "I'll call, I promise. You go relax, we've all earned it". He walks her over to the elevator, happy and assuring. They wish each other goodbye, letting Tony head over to the living room.

It's rather barren, just the essential furniture and necessities. He's never really liked that floor partly because of that, it's why he's not entirely complaining about being rushed around with Ms Potts. Keeps him away from the crushing emptiness. But with his family around? The table brimming with snacks, bags sprawled around the couch, and their voices filling the room?

For once it felt like home.

*back in the elevator*

Bruce turns to Nat, "you got the answers you wanted?", he asks. "I got some answers", she replies pensive, "and a bunch more questions". Nodding, Bruce takes a different line of inquiry, "you liked her, didn't you?".

She doesn't reply, only smirking as she walks out, leaving a chuckling Bruce behind.