Ok, pulled this one out of the archive. Wondered if its worth having another look at. Let me know what ya think.
MIT 1987 - Tony Stark aged 17
Tony groaned as the knocking got louder, finally waking him from sleep. He was slumped on his bed, arms hanging off, duvet on the floor. There were a few bottles littered around the room and some underwear he didn't recognise. Rough night.
"Tony, please, I need to speak with you," a voice called from behind the door. A feminine, sweet voice which was filled with desperation. What? "Please, I...oh Rhodey thank God. Please get him to open up." Rhodey's here?
"Tones, man. Open the door, come on," his friend said. "I'm gonna kick it open."
"Yup, not gonna happen," Tony said, rolling onto his front, but falling to the ground instead. "Ow."
"Tony?"
"Two seconds dear." Stumbling up, Tony grabbed a shirt, sniffed it and shrugged, putting it over his bare chest before walking over to the door, a definite sway in his steps. He pulled back the latch and quickly stepped back when Rhodey opened it up before he could. "Morning sunshine."
"Afternoon. You missed your flight man." Tony waved a hand. His mother would send the jet.
"Tony?" Stark glanced around his friend to see the woman stood behind. The most beautiful woman in the world. The one he'd chased for months, begged even, the one who always strongly denied him, always had something to say, something to turn him down with, ...until that one night. Now she stood before him scared. Why was she scared? Fuck, she's shaking. "Can we talk? Privately?" Tony leant against the open door, giving Rhodey a look. They both had no clue what was going on as she walked in and Rhodey took a step back.
"I'm all ears, shoot," Tony said, closing the door behind her before flopping onto his bed. She was still stood by the door, hands fumbling with her sleeve. "Beks, you're freaking me out a little here. Sore throat? Got a thing for Rhodey? Wanna have another fumble?" She looked up at that, glaring. "No then?"
"Will you just be quiet for once," she said, hands dropping back to her side. Tony closed his mouth. "I don't know how to say this, God, I didn't think I'd ever have to say this. Look, I need you to know I don't want anything. It was my mistake. I wasn't thinking. I should have got it sorted in the morning. It was just once, I mean what are the chances?"
"Beks..."
"I'm pregnant Tony." Silence. Tony stared at her until he couldn't anymore. He couldn't work this out. It didn't compute. The maths didn't work, did it? Fuck. "It's Christmas. I'm gonna go home, back to London. And you'll have time to think. We can both think. And then when we get back, we can decide together. I'm going to keep it though Tony. I'll be able to get through my exams before it all gets too much, I'll still graduate, we both will and then I can stay home, get help from my family, I don't know, I'll work it out. Or we will. I'm not holding you to anything. I know what this means to you with your name. The world doesn't have to know. It can be a secret...Tony, please, will you at least look at me!?" His gaze snapped back and he stood, hand drifting to her belly subconsciously, eyes dark and teary. Then his hand retreated and the gentleness left.
"More likely to be half the football team's than mine." She slapped him. Hard. His cheek instantly crimson. Her eyes welled up, tears falling down as she shook with rage.
"Fuck you Stark! Fuck you and your arrogance!" And then she left. That's how Rhodey found him, sat on the floor, still red cheeked, skin burning.
"What did you do?"
"I made a kid."
Breaking news: Howard and Maria Stark have been killed in car crash leaving their only child, now orphan Tony Stark to inherit all.
It was January. Back to college. Every student at M.I.T stared at him as he walked through the cold halls, hoodie covering half his face. Rhodey walked by his side, he hadn't left his side once since they got back.
"Where we going Tony?" He didn't answer, he just kept walking until he reached the dorm room. Rebecca Howard. Fucking irony. He knocked and the door opened shortly after. It was her roommate.
"Shit, you're..."
"Yep, is Beks here?" Tony said, ignoring her shock.
"No, she...she's not coming back. Just packed up and left before Christmas. She's transferred to Imperial in London. Said she was homesick."
"Ok, thanks." Tony walked away, walked down the halls, ignored the noise, kept walking, found a bathroom, pushed the door open, walked to the stall, pushed that open, and thats when he stopped walking and fell. He threw up, Rhodey...at least he thought it was Rhodey, was all that prevented him from face-planting the floor. He doesn't remember what happened next.
7.5 months later...
Tony didn't know what was worse, Beks' screams or her mother's glare. He sat outside her hospital room, knee bouncing up and down. Rhodey wasn't there to calm him. He'd gone straight into army training after M.I.T finished. He was on his own. He had a new bodyguard, Obie had insisted. His name was Happy apparently. Some sick joke. Tony was never happy about being watched, monitored, … followed? Or whatever the term was.
The door opened and he jumped up, Beks' family matching him from their seats opposite.
"You can go in now," a nurse said, smiling. "Everything went splendid." Beks' Mum and Dad raced in. Tony made to follow but stopped before the door. He couldn't do it.
"You can take a minute you know. Little guy can't get very far yet," Happy said, lurking in the corner. Tony swallowed, nodding his head before he sat back down.
"Jarvis, you know that audiobook I asked about," Tony said to his earpiece.
"Parenting for Dummies? Playing now Sir."
"Thanks J. And text Obie will ya."
A few hours later the family filtered out, barely looking at him. The nurse from before came to stand next to him. He pulled out his earphones and raised an eyebrow.
"Visiting hours are ending, but, well, I can give you a few minutes. Rebecca is asleep, but little Cameron could do with a hug from his Dad."
"Cam...Cameron?" The nurse smiled sadly, not realising how excluded the young billionaire was, or should she say boy, he was only seventeen.
"Do you want to meet him?" Tony nodded, words failing. He slowly stood and the nurse gently held his arm, pulling him into the room. Beks was fast asleep on the bed, she looked exhausted, but she was glowing. Tony didn't think she'd ever looked so perfect. Then he heard a cry and his head snapped towards the crib by the window. The nurse leant down and then there was a baby before him. "Say hello to your Daddy Cameron," the woman whispered, hand gently stroking the little red cheek.
Tony didn't move. He couldn't move and then suddenly his hands were reaching out on their own. He was unable to hold them back.
"I don't like being handed things, but..."
"This is different isn't it," she said and then the baby was in his arms. Tony grinned, his face lit up, his eyes sparkled, his heart raced a mile a minute, and then he was crying. Crying in happiness. "Take a seat and stay with him. It's alright. I won't tell anyone." Tony nodded once again, slowly lowering himself into the chair, eyes never leaving his most beautiful creation.
"Umm, thanks by the way."
"You're welcome," the nurse said, closing the door behind her.
Once alone, bar the sleeping Rebecca, it was an hour later when Tony finally found his voice. The baby yawned, little fingers grasping one of Tony's.
"You got a strong grip there kiddo, but don't worry. I ain't going anywhere. I'm going to be here. I love you little guy. I love you Cameron Howard-Stark."
It was 3 a.m when Happy knocked and leant his head in.
"Boss?" Tony glanced up reluctantly, frowning at Happy's worried expression. "It's been leaked. The press has the hospital surrounded. The world knows."
4 years later...1991 - Tony Stark aged 21, Cameron Stark aged 4
"You said you'd be here," Beks said, voice filtering through the phone.
"I know, I lost track of time, I..."
"I don't want to hear excuses Tony. He thought you were going to be here. He wouldn't even speak at his own party, he..."
"Beks, I'm sorry. I'll make it up to him, I'll fly over next week, bring all these toys I've been working on. He'll love it...we can build them together..."
"Tony, he's not like you. When are you going to learn that? He doesn't want to work on your fancy technology, or build cars and circuit boards and whatever you did in your diapers. Jesus Tony, he just wants to spend time with his Dad, walk in the park, play with lego, or other toys that are actually made for children. Why can't you just be here? Why do you have to bring Tony Stark with you?"
"I am Tony Stark Beks. I can't change who I am."
"Well you better learn to, or I don't want you seeing him. Last time you came, you made things worse. He didn't understand what you wanted from him. He's four, he's just a baby, not an engineer."
"Ok...ok I'll be there. Just me. Just plain old Tony. Next week. I promise."
"You better not be lying."
"Cross my heart."
He forgot. Or did he? He wasn't sure anymore. Rhodey had visited Cameron a few weeks later. He had missed the kid's birthday being on tour, but he'd made the effort when free. Unlike Tony, who hadn't even showed up at all. When Rhodes was back stateside he let Tony have it.
"I thought you were capable of many things Tony, but not this," Rhodes said, not even bothering to say hi as he walked into Tony's newly minted Malibu beach house. Stark seemed to be half embedded into an engine, but climbed out when he heard his friend's voice.
"What the hell you doing here? You're supposed to be on tour. Defending the nation," Tony said, walking closer to pick up his Stark mug and take a sip. A second later it was smashed all over the floor and Tony's back was pinned against the wall.
"Knock it off Tones!"
"Ok, cool off platypus," Tony said, shoving Rhodes' arms off him "What the hell have I done now?"
"You know what asshole. Cameron. You ever think about him? Ever think about your son?"
"Alright Godfather. If this is about his birthday, I already sorted it with Beks. I was busy. Stark Industries is really mine now, I'm CEO, I got stuff going on. I said I'd pop over in a few weeks and make it up to him."
"A week Tony. You said you'd be over in a week. It's been five."
"Huh. I...," Tony stuttered, glancing around the room, now not sure about things. Was that brake pedal secure? Did he attach that wire right?
"Tony!"
"Yeah sunshine. I'll book a ticket. Just lost track of time."
"No you won't," Rhodey said, anger turning into sadness and disappointment. "I just got back from London today, came straight here. Beks won't have you around anymore. She doesn't want you to visit."
"Well that ain't her decision. He's my son. I'm seeing my son," Tony said, stepping forward, brushing past Rhodey and heading towards his computer. "Jarvis, get my jet ready to go to London. Message Obie and get Happy here."
"Jarvis, hold off on that," Rhodey said. "Tony, you're not going. I can't even let you try."
"Fuck you Rhodey."
"Tony, please, just trust me."
"Trust you? You're telling me I can't see my son and I'm supposed to trust you?"
"Tony..."
"Why the hell shouldn't I go?"
"If you go now, she'll file for full custody." Rhodey winced as Tony took a step back, knocking into his desk, stumbling into a chair. "Tony..."
"He's my kid. She can't stop me from seeing my kid."
"She can Tony. Jesus, believe me she could do it in a heartbeat."
"She wouldn't...Beks wouldn't," Tony muttered, hand rubbing his chest as his heart ached.
"She won't if you back off for a while, sort your stuff out. She doesn't want to Tony, God the thought was killing her, but you hurt him Tones. Cameron, he... you can't keep doing what you have been. Its hurting him. He's just a little kid and he doesn't understand. You promise you'll be there and you're not and he sees things, he sees pictures of you, news clips before they can turn it off. He's so smart Tones, he knows when Beks' is lying to him."
"I'll be better," Tony said, grabbing his friend's arms. "Rhodey, you gotta tell her I'll be better. I'm gonna be there for my son." His breathing was getting quicker. Weaker.
"Tones, calm down man."
"I said I'd be there."
"Tony. We'll figure this out. Come on man, work with me." The billionaire was fully panicked now and Rhodes had to catch him, slowly lowering him down to rest his back against the desk. "Breathe buddy. Breathe with me. Nice and slow. Follow me man." And slowly they got there. It took half an hour at least before the last raspy breathe was let out and Tony slumped, forehead resting on Rhodey's shoulder.
"I'm just like Howard." Rhodey stilled, a shiver running up his spine. He leaned back, grabbing his friend's cheek firmly, forcing the man to look at him.
"I'm gonna forget you just said that, cause its not true and its never going to be true. Alright? You don't get to believe that. Now come on. You need a shower and sleep," Rhodey said, grabbing the limp form beneath his shoulders and lifting him off the ground to a semi-standing position. Tony was pretty out of it, leaning against him with all his weight. Rhodey didn't mind. The damn kid was scrawny cause he never fed himself. It didn't take much to get him upstairs and changed, modesty not a factor between them. They'd both seen each other in bad states.
When Rhodey left Tony's room, blanket tucked up to the youth's neck he assumed Tony was sleeping. It was a few moments after that Tony rolled to his side, eyes on the window.
"J, show me Cam."
"Yes Sir," Jarvis replied, putting up the videos of his kid. Most of them were those sent by Beks every few weeks. On a rare occasion he'd been in them, part of the memory; a Dad. He watched the Christening, Rhodey stood up there with his kid and two other strangers from Beks' side. Tony hadn't really got to know them that well. Mainly cause they all seemed to hate everything about him. He then watched his first steps and first words ('Mum', 'Pops', 'Gran'). That had stung. Least he'd come fourth. Only because Tony had flown out a couple of days later and stayed until he'd heard his kid say Dad.
"J, skip to last Christmas".
Then it played. His favourite memory. Beks had agreed Tony could have Cameron for the holiday, planning to take him to Disneyland after. The Malibu house had only just been built. There was furniture in the main rooms, but the workshop was still under construction so Tony couldn't say it was finished. Yet, it was beyond habitable.
Christmas 1990
The film started with a car driving up to the house, Beks climbing out of the driver's seat and walking over to Tony who was bouncing on his feet, unable to stand still.
"You sure about this?" She asked, eyes glancing at the camera beside Happy, which Rhodey was hidden behind.
"Absolutely, it's gonna be great. Now gimme."
"Not a toy Tony."
"Beks, come on...you're killing me here."
"Yeah, I know. That's what you get for being such a pain," she teased, walking back to the car and opening up the back seat. She leant in, unbuckling the booster and picking up the sleeping child, his head resting on her shoulder. "You're gonna have to calm down or you'll wake him. He's gets grumpy if you wake him." Happy snorted beside the camera.
"Takes after his Dad then," Rhodey said. Tony shot them both a look before closing the gap between him and his son.
"Here you go," Beks said, passing the three year old gently over to his Dad. Tony held the precious cargo like he was made of glass. Pulling him close to snuggle against his chest and cradling his head against his shoulder. He couldn't help but bury his nose into the child's silky chocolate hair, breathing in the warmth and immeasurable cuteness.
"I'll get the bags," Happy said, helping Beks unload the trunk with all Cameron's clothes and toys. By the time he'd got everything inside, Tony still hadn't moved except to gently rock on his feet, eyes closed, resting cheek to cheek with his son.
"Tony."
"Yes dear," he said to Beks, opening his eyes to see her stood before him once again, looking at him with a sad smile.
"I've packed everything you'll need. I sent you his usual routine. I sent it to Happy and Rhodey too. You have my cell, hotel, emergency contact, his paediatrician's number... You call if anything happens. You call if its not working out and I need to come and get him. And, you call me later anyway and tomorrow. I'm speaking to my son on Christmas Day."
"Beks, I got this. We've got this."
"Yeah," she said, kissing Tony's cheek before peppering the sleeping child's brow with kisses. "I know you do. Now, have fun."
She got back in the car and put it into gear in the slowest possible way, eyes lingering on her son in his father's arms. Sighing, Beks finally reversed out of the drive and headed off to the hotel to see her friends from MIT. Tony turned to his own friends, Happy now being firmly one of them and not just a bodyguard.
"Tones, he's so freaking cute," Rhodey said, the camera panning closer to the boy's face.
"Hey back-off frat-boy, he's mine. I get cuddle priority."
"I'm just saying he's not leaving till I've had my fair share."
"You gonna take him inside Boss, or we spending the holiday in the drive?" Happy said, snapping them all out of their stillness.
"Good idea Hapster," Tony said, marching forward, Rhodes trailing him with the camera. As he stepped inside, the little head turned and warm breaths tickled his neck. "Think he's waking." The boy wiggled again and soon enough his little eyes blinked open, revealing the chocolate irises to match Tony's. "Hey squirt." The boy's brow furrowed, frown squinting his face as Tony held him up to better see him. "Remember me?" The boy reached out, stroking his fingertips along Tony's beard, tracing the distinct pattern.
"Daddy," the boy said, giggling. Tony's heart melted, pulling him back against him and bouncing him up and down.
"Yeah buddy. Daddy's got you for the whole of Christmas." The boy kept laughing, hands grabbing at all the hair he could hold. Tony winced a little but kept silent as he blew raspberries against the boy's cheek, making him laugh even more. God, that was the best sound in the world. He didn't ever want it to stop.
"Hey now, what about me?" Rhodey said, the camera getting closer. The boy clambered around his father's head, looking over his shoulder directly at the camera. His little face was the spitting image of baby Tony. Staring right at the screen.
"Rhodey!" The boy squealed, hands reaching out. Tony had to grab his legs as he tried to leap off his shoulder.
"Hey there kiddo, easy," Tony said, pulling him around and letting him stand on his own two feet. The kid ran at Rhodes, grabbing his legs. The boy smushed his face into the man knees, trapping him from moving.
"Missed you too squirt," Rhodey said, giving the kid a one-armed hug. His next target was Happy and then...The Tree.
Now Tony had a problem with going too far, but he would always defend The Tree. It was perfect in every way. So what if it didn't quite fit into the house and it bent a little at the top. It was awesome and stacked with presents and his kid, his kid loved it. It was worth every penny and impracticality.
Rhodey filmed the whole day. All the excitement. The messy parts of food and spilt drinks. He filmed the switching on of the Christmas light and the fireworks. He focused on Cameron. Cameron in the arms of Tony. Tony had barely let him down all day, never letting him out of his sight. At the end of it all, the three of them looked as tired as the kid. They passed out on the sofa. The camera sat on the table, aimed at the father and son.
Tony fell asleep to that image. It went of for hours. The camera had kept rolling throughout the night. Nothing really happened, the occasional movement of an arm or leg. It was just a video of Tony spread out across the sofa, head resting on the sidearm. On his chest, rising and falling with his breath was Cameron. His little form snuggled in Tony's arms where he belonged. It was perfect. Why did he have to ruin it?
Rhodey didn't say much in the morning. He'd stayed the night in his usual room down the hall, and had waited till Happy arrived before leaving Tony alone. The only thing he had done before heading off was getting Tony to promise him he wouldn't go to London. Not yet anyway.
Tony eventually came downstairs, having leant against the door frame of the room he'd made for Cameron for at least an hour. Happy was in the kitchen, getting himself some lunch when Tony came and joined him, jumping up on the island counter and downing Happy's coffee when he wasn't looking. Hogan smiled at him when he turned, picking up the mug and frowning.
"Could make your own you know," he said.
"Where's the fun in that?" Tony said, smiling, though they both knew it was fake. "Rhodey gone?"
"Yeah Boss. Stane wants to see you at 2, but otherwise you're free. Where you want to go tonight? Still thinking of gatecrashing the Hammer Tech ball?"
"Better put a rain-check on that one. I'm going to stay at home for a while."
"This got anything to do with why Rhodey was here the night? You know if you need me to stay, I can. I've not got anywhere to be."
"Don't guilt-trip me Hogan. I give you enough free time to have a life."
"I'm not joking Boss. You want company, I'll happily stay and use your flatscreen to watch the game." Tony groaned.
"Football is not allowed in this house. Not after last time."
"Thats fair," Happy said, biting into his sandwich. He offered some to Tony, but he waved him off, never eating in the mornings. They sat in comfortable silence, Tony biting his lip as he mulled things over.
"Hap, you know that thing...that thing we talked about?"
"The iguana thing, or the secretary thing."
"The secretary thing, but we'll get back to the other later...I uh...changed my mind about it."
"Ok, I'll get on to HR. Arrange some interviews. You sure though? I know you like the privacy and trust Jarvis with your schedule."
"Let's be honest. If I don't want to do something I just mute him. I need someone to nag me, and you fluff bear never do, and Rhodes is miles away."
"If I nagged at you, you'd fire me."
"Damn right Hogan."
"So, you need someone stubborn who'll tell you when to shut it. And they need to be employed by the S.I board and not you directly or you'll just sack them."
"Hey, I'm gonna need some lee-way on that. What if they're awful?"
"Oh trust me Boss, the person I have in minds a keeper."
"Who you thinking?"
"Pepper Potts."
"She a cartoon or something?"
"Oh when she gets a hand on your life, you'll wish she was."
Six months later...1992 - Tony Stark aged 22, Cameron Stark aged 5
"Ok, so you have the press conference at four, Happy will pick us up at 3, wear the pink shirt I've laid out. I'll keep it brief, they've given me access to the control room so I can have it wrapped up quickly if they start to drag. Then back to hotel and change, your suits back from the cleaners, and your watch for tonight is being delivered by Rolex by lunchtime. It'll be in the safe in your room, and you need to remember to wear it or you'll be forced to do another photoshoot as stated in the contract, and that last one was ridiculous and took way to much time. I'll pop by anyway before and make sure you do. Happy knows too. Then straight to the gala. You're speech is already on the teleprompter ready to go, but I have a printed copy here and one in the car ready. The dinner starts at 7. I've got you sat between the Chairman of Hope and Child Plus Charities. Obadiah is a few seats down in case they happen to be dull. The menu will avoid garlic and you're specific waiter will be serving you non-alcoholic wine throughout the service. When the meal is done, you can ask the bar staff for gin and you'll get lemonade. Any questions?"
Tony pushed himself out from under the car on his skateboard.
"Not gonna lie, I missed all of that." Pepper sighed and he grinned, eyes sparkling.
"Will that be all Mr. Stark?"
"That'll be all Miss Potts." She walked away, heading towards the workshop door.
"When you say the pink shirt, is that with or without pants?"
"I'm going to drag you out of here at 2 dressed or not."
"Looking forward to it."
"Pep, Pepperoni, Pepsicle, Peppermint."
"What is it Tony?"
"There's an error in my diary," Tony said, jumping onto her desk and messing with her lamp.
"There's no error, I double checked it with Miss Howard and the school. The date and time are confirmed."
"Yeah, no, cause you see, Beks doesn't invite me to stuff."
"I have her email right here," Pepper said, turning the screen to him.
"Since when does Beks email?"
"Since you failed to return any of her calls in the last six months."
"Thats not true."
"Yes it is Tony, and I know why. This isn't a trap Tony, nothing bad is going to happen."
"What makes you say that."
"You think she's calling to file for custody." Tony huffed.
"Thats not it."
"You think she's inviting you to a meeting with her lawyers, to get you to sign amicably."
"That can't happen. My lawyers say it can't."
"Firstly, you know they're lying, because you know the law on this and your behaviour with drugs and alcohol will give her sway with the judge. Not to mention her father is Chief Justice. But, secondly, you know Beks is not like that and would never lie about this."
Tony stood up, heading to look out the window and watch the world go by.
"I messed up Pep. I hurt him. She might take him away from me." He didn't hear her stand up, but the next thing he knew he was getting pulled into a Pepper hug. He liked those. They were rare, but, God he needed one now. Six months working together and she was already his lifeline.
"You know, you've been so worried about picking up that phone for fear of losing him, you're missing out of seeing him anyway." Tony snorted, head slumping onto her shoulder.
"Can't get anything right can I?" She sighed, stroking a hand through his curls.
"No Mr. Stark. It seems like you're gonna have to do everything I say from now on. You better remember this admission next time you get annoyed with me."
"Dictator."
"Playboy."
"Saviour." She gasped a little, and he shuffled out of her grip, blushing in embarrassment. "Did I say that? I meant Stalin."
"Thats Miss Stalin to you," she said, following his lead in ignoring the comment. "Now I'm accepting the invitation to the soccer match, then I thought we'd stay for the weekend."
"You're coming?"
"If I don't will you promise not to run away?"
"Nope."
"Well then thats settled. Besides, I want to meet him. I'll get some flowers sorted for Rebecca and I thought we could go into town and go to the toyshop for Cameron. What does he like?" Tony frowned, looking at his feet.
"I don't particularly know. What do all five years olds like, apparently my circuit board idea two years back was over zealous?"
"When he was three?"
"Hmm."
"Ok, well we can get some Lego. I think thats a safe bet."
"Yeah ok. Thats sounds great Pep."
"Will that be all Mr. Stark?"
"That'll be all Miss Potts."
It was raining. Typical British weather. They got out the car and Happy hurried around to help Pepper out, umbrella in hand. Tony put on his hat, smiling nervously at Pepper as he took the umbrella from Happy as he got his own out. Tony then shoved on his sunglasses, looking more like a Baseball fan than a English Dad at a primary school soccer match.
"Recognise me?"
"You're a complete stranger," she said, taking his hand when she saw it shaking. "There's nothing to worry about."
"Who said anything about worry? Lets go." They walked out of the carpark and across to the field. They could see the boys already warming up, their little legs sometimes hitting the balls, sometimes tripping themselves up. This was a under-sixes match after all. Probably shouldn't hope for pros. Besides, Tony didn't really know the rules anyway. Sport had never been a priority, not the least soccer, or football as they called it here.
Parents milled around the edges, some with older children, some younger, some just with their partners, some grouped up. Then there was Tony who had handed his umbrella off to Pepper without realising to get closer, almost stepping over the line as his eyes scanned the field. He couldn't see him. Couldn't see Cameron.
"Any sign Boss?" Happy asked, coming up beside him with Pepper.
"No, not yet. Pep? You sure it was today? You sure he's playing."
"Tony, it's alright, I'm sure. He might just be late. The match hasn't started yet." And then there he was. Sprinting out of a car which had just parked up, shoe half on, hair floppy and messed, spilling over his eyes. He had odd socks on and struggled to pull off his hoodie as he ran over.
"He's here!" One of his team mates shouted and they all seemed to sigh, twisting around to greet him, hugging the other boy tightly.
"Cam," the teacher said, huffing. "Gave me a scare there lad. What were we going to do without our Captain?" Cameron grinned, glancing back to the car he had run from to the two peopled getting out.
"Sorry Sir, Mum couldn't find her keys and then I forgot my shoe and then there was traffic and then..." The teacher ruffled his hair, cutting off the ramble.
"Don't worry about it. You're here now. Why don't you go find the other Captain and flip for first kick?"
"Ok, Charlie come with me?" Cameron asked the boy next to him. They both then ran off towards the opposing team, diving into the crowd without hesitation, saying hello to all the other kids.
Tony hadn't moved since he spotted him, hand held over his mouth as he struggled with the sight.
"He's beautiful Tony," Pepper said, squeezing his arm as they watched the friendly, happy child, bubble about joyously.
"Yeah, that he is," Tony whispered.
"That's Beks right?" Pepper then said, forcing Tony to look away from his son to the woman approaching. She was tucked up in a raincoat, jeans stuffed into leather boots and arm in arm with a man dressed practically the same, umbrella in one hand.
"Yeah, thats her," Happy said when Tony didn't answer, his gaze narrowing in on the man smiling at Beks.
She had spotted them, and her relaxed smile disappeared for a moment to be replaced by another, brighter one. She pulled away from the man and hesitantly walked over to the three of them as if in wonder.
"Tony? You came?" She said, grinning and pulling him into a tight hug. He couldn't help but hug her back fiercely, breathing in her scent, the rose flavoured shampoo she always used. He felt strangely at home and then someone cleared their throat and she pulled away. Tony had to stop himself from holding on. The guy was there now, stood beside Beks, a hand on her back. "Sorry, its just so good to see you. I didn't, I wasn't sure if you would come."
"Yeah, well you can thank Miss Potts for that," Tony said, eyes drifting between Beks and the guy. Beks was too busy noticing the other two.
"Oh you must be Pepper, can I call you Pepper? I feel as if we know each other already," she said, smiling so brightly you couldn't help but fall in love with her then and there. Pepper laughed and assured her it was fine as they both hugged, seeming to instantly become friends. "Thank-you for this. Truly, you don't understand how much this means. And Happy? Oh its so good to see you."
"And you Miss Howard, as always," he said, hugging her too.
"Becky," the guy said, rubbing her shoulder as if to calm her down. Becky?
"Sorry, sorry," she stuttered. "Got overexcited. This is Mark. Mark, of course you know who Tony is and his assistant Pepper and bodyguard Happy." Mark held out his hand to Tony straight away and shook it tightly. It wasn't clear who squeezed harder.
"Nice to meet you Marky," Tony said.
"Its just Mark, Stark." Beks laughed nervously, trying to ignore the tension.
"So you've seen Cameron? Sorry we were late, we would have said hi before, but they'll be plenty of time after. How long are you staying?"
"Pepper's booked my weekend off. I don't have to rush back." Tony didn't think her smile could get any bigger.
"Then you'll be joining us for dinner?" Mark asked. It seemed like he was trying to state he lived with Beks rather than being friendly.
"Oh please do," Beks said, and Tony nodded, gut twisting. Did this guy live with Beks and Cameron?
"Course, would love to," Tony said, and then the whistle blew knocking them back to reality. The game had started and by that point Tony forgot about Mark and only had eyes for one thing. God he couldn't believe anything so perfect could have been made from him. The boy just didn't stop smiling. Obviously that came from Beks, but then, even Tony couldn't deny the kid looked just like him. It was as if someone had airbrushed all his childhood photos with happiness. It hurt, but it was a good pain. It was a lovely, heart-burning pain.
And then real pain hit him. It was a public park. There were older kids playing on the pitch beside their's and when the ball got hit off, one of the teenagers thought it would be funny to pelt it back at the littler ones. It hit Cameron on the side on the head with such force that his other side smacked into the mud barely a second later.
Tony was moving instantly, running up to his son who was now wailing on the ground, hands clutched protectively over his head. Tony skidded next to him at the same time Mark crouched down. The boy's eyes flickered past Tony to the other man and he was instantly reaching out to him and pulled into a hug by a guy that wasn't Tony.
"Shh, its alright. I've got you, shhh," Mark whispered, rubbing circles over Cameron's back, snuggling his unhurt cheek against him.
"Is he...?" Tony stuttered, reaching out, but Mark was already standing as Beks appeared, ice pack and tissues in hand.
"Hey baby, come here," she said and Mark passed over the screaming boy who now had tears and snot streaming down his face which was burning red on one side. Tony was shaking, scrubbing a hand through his hair, knocking off his hat and glasses. God that sound was horrible. His little baby.
Then the teenager was next to them.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean it...I didn't see him," the kid was saying, nervously glancing between all of the adults surrounding him. His friends were a few steps away and then one of them gasped.
"Holy shit, is that Tony Stark!" Oh God.
"Boss, lets move," Happy said, arms reaching out to all of them, Beks and Mark included. Cameras started popping up everywhere, muttered words and gasps and then a crowd, all silent in comparison to Cameron's cries.
"Shh baby, shh," Beks was saying, but even her voice got nervous as she tried to hide her son's face from all the chaos and flashes around them.
"Mr Stark, is that your son?" One man shouted.
"Get a picture of the kid!"
"Why weren't you holding him Stark?"
"Step-dad came to the rescue."
"Assistant Dad. Can't comfort his own child."
"Rebecca, show us the kid! That's your money-pot." They were getting more hostile. Grabbing hands reached out to Cameron and Beks, trying to pull her hand away from Cameron's face which she was covering. Tony tried to reach her, shove them away, but Happy was pushing him forward to the car. Mark was holding Beks.
"Happy, look after Cameron," Tony said fiercely, as the man slammed the car door and then helped get Beks into her own car. Tony jumped back from the windows as people leant against them. He tried to see past them to his son, but there was no chance. It was another minute before Happy finally got in.
"They're gone. He's safe. Now lets get you out of here too." Tony didn't reply, he wasn't even sure he was breathing. Pepper and Happy chose not to speak. There was nothing to be said. Pepper just held his hand tightly. He stared at the rain.
Tony didn't speak when they got back to the hotel either. He went straight to his room and locked the door, leaving Pepper and Happy to make do. He turned on the TV sometime later and when it hit 6 o'clock the news came on and low and behold he was on it.
Disturbing scenes today as it appeared that the son of the billionaire and Stark Industries CEO Tony Stark, was assaulted during a football game at the park used by his school. Tony Stark's son, Cameron, is five and can be seen getting rushed away through a crowd, obviously hurt and in pain. Mr Stark himself was in attendance, casting doubt on the rumour that he has had no involvement with his son in the last year. Rebecca Howard, the boy's mother can be seen holding him, with Tony Stark in the foreground being guided away by his bodyguard. Miss Howard, the daughter of the Chief Justice, met the billionaire whilst studying Physics at MIT five years ago where she fell pregnant with their son. She later transferred to Imperial to finish her education, before giving birth to Cameron post-graduation. At this time, the media discovered the existence of the child. A joint statement was released a few days after by Stark Industries and the Howard family, confirming the parentage of the child. Since then, the boy has been kept away from the media. Mr Stark has always refused to answer questions regarding his son and Miss Howard has kept his life as private as can be expected. Today marks the first time the three have been seen in public together in two years. Also appearing in the video, Mark Harper, who works for UNICEF. It is unclear as to his involvement in the matter, but speculation is that he is in a relationship with Miss Howard. We now go live to the Howard household where we hope to get a glimpse of Mr Stark visiting his son.
Tony threw the remote and it hit the TV front and centre, smashing the screen. He didn't care. He'd buy them a better one. A knock echoed across the room.
"Boss, you alright?" It was Happy. Figures. "Pepper is going to come in." Tony didn't reply, he just lay down as the door opened and Miss Potts walked in. She smiled sadly at him, walking slowly forward. She was beautiful, but in that moment all he wanted was Beks to be there. He wanted it to be her that was sitting beside him, running a gentle hand through his hair, massaging his brow.
"Tony," she said sweetly.
"Beks?" Pepper's hand stopped, but he grabbed it, holding it in place. "Sorry, I..."
"Don't apologise." And then she started rubbing his head ache away again. "I need you to get up and visit them."
"No."
"Yes Tony, Beks has called. A lot. The press is all around her house and Cameron's seen. He knows you were there at the game and doesn't know why you aren't there now. You need to go see him. He needs to see you."
"He doesn't want to."
"You don't know that. Now get up. I'm the boss around here remember."
"Yes Miss Stalin," Tony reluctantly agreed.
"Will that be all Mr Stark?"
"That'll be all Miss Potts."
"Call when you want picking up," Pepper said, the car squeezing through the crowds of people gathered behind the gates.
"Sure," Tony mumbled, climbing out of the car once it neared the door. Luckily it covered him from the media.
"Tony, take these," Pepper said, passing out the flowers and present they had arranged together. Tony held them, wishing the circumstances had been as he had imagined them. Now the flowers seemed wilted and the present awkward. As he neared the door it was opened by someone he didn't know.
"Mr Stark, come in."
"Who are you?"
"Johnson. Mr Howard called me in after this mornings events to protect his daughter and grandson. Your presence threatens their safety."
"This house is secure. Thats Stark Tech security at the gate."
"Didn't stop them finding the house and now they know Cameron's school. Are you going to have Stark Tech implemented there too?" Tony scowled, hands clenching around the gifts.
"Look buddy..."
"Tony?" Beks called, coming round the corner to the hallway.
"Hey sunshine," he said, waving the flowers in his hand and backing off from the security asshole. Beks was a mess, her hair knotted in curls, wearing sweatpants and a oversized MIT hoodie. She still looked absolutely perfect to Tony though. He could tell she'd been crying and all he wanted to do was pick her up and carry her to a sofa, hold her close and keep her safe. Keep her and Cameron safe, but all he seemed able to ever do was the opposite.
"Im glad you came. Come through," she said, seeming to want to say more but not around Johnson. Tony made to follow but the asshole blocked his path.
"I need to check those," Johnson said, eyeing the flowers and present.
"You gotta be kidding me," Tony said, squaring up to the guy.
"You aren't going one more step until I've..."
"Oh fuck off Johnson," Beks said, reaching around him and pulling Tony through. "No matter what my Dad's paying you to sit in my hallway, this is my house and thats my son's father."
"Miss Howard..."
"Don't you Miss Howard me. Go stand guard out of my sight." Tony twisted around, walking backwards to follow Beks just so he could smirk at Johnson, sticking a finger up in the air for added satisfaction. When they'd rounded the corner Beks led him into the kitchen and lounge. Tony couldn't help but stare at all the pictures lining the walls of Beks and Cameron at different parks, beaches, birthdays...it went on and on. There was more of the rest of the Howards. Cameron on his grandfather's shoulders. Cameron with his cousins and aunt. God, out of them all, Tony saw his own face only once. It was a photo of The Christmas, with Cameron snuggled in his arms. Even Rhodey was in more photos than him. Unlike his Dad, Cameron's Godfather actually visited regularly.
"I...umm...got you these...," Tony said, holding out the flowers and then waving the present he said "this is for Cameron."
"Thank-you Tony," she said gently, taking them from him. She put the present on the side and began sorting out the flowers into a vase. "They're beautiful," she continued, absently stroking the petals. The tension grew.
"Beks..."
"We need to talk Tony..."
"Where's Cam?"
"Upstairs, asleep."
"He alright?"
"Of course he isn't," she snapped, making Tony look away. Then all the anger left her and she started crying. "I'm sorry. That's not fair. He's fine. Mark's with him. We spent the day watching Disney films, tucked up in bed. He's ok now."
"Mark's with him? In your bed?" Tony said, unable to comfort her with that hanging overhead.
"Yes Tony. I told him to wait upstairs whilst we talked."
"He living here?" Tony asked, this time a bit of anger in his voice. Beks sighed, grabbing a tissue and wiping her eyes.
"I tried to tell you. You weren't answering my calls. I didn't know what to do."
"So what, you just brought a new guy into the house? Just like that? To live with my son!?"
"Don't you dare. Don't you dare question my decisions when you don't care enough to even pick up the damn phone."
"I suppose he's a great replacement then. Always around. Bet you've got Cameron calling him Dad instead of me."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"I saw him at the game. Jumped straight into his arms."
"And not yours. You're blaming Mark for that!? You're blaming him for your son not recognising you. A pair of sunglasses and a hat and your son has no idea who you are. And you think that's Mark's fault."
"No its yours! You made me stay away. Threatening to take him from me. He's my son. How fucking dare you," Tony gasped, breathing becoming laboured. "You were gonna take my kid away, my child. Beks, he's my kid, I can't...I don't...I don't know what to do...Cameron he...please...please don't..." He took a step back and clutched his heart, trying to stop himself from hyperventilating. Beks' expression switched immediately to guilt. She grabbed Tony's hand, pulling it off his chest as she held his cheek in the other.
"Tony, look at me," she demanded as he struggled. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. Please...you're his Dad, you're always going to be his Dad, I'm not going to do that. Never. I would never do that. Please, breathe for me. He's your son. Please Tony, calm down. I'm never going to keep you from him."
"Rhodey said..."
"I know, I'm sorry. I was just so scared. Cameron, he...he wasn't himself when you didn't show up. He was quiet for weeks and I didn't know what to do. He was hurting and I couldn't bare it. You were lost Tony. I understand. I know what you've been through with Howard and the rest of it and I get it. But, this time...this time you weren't just hurting yourself, you were hurting our baby. I had to protect Cameron. I had to do something to make you think. And you did. God Tony, you did. Hiring Pepper was the best thing you've ever done and I could see the change instantly. So I called. I called to try and make you visit, and you didn't answer, and it was months down the line and you still wouldn't pick up the phone so I asked Pepper to help. And you're here. You're finally here."
"I shouldn't have come...I've put him in harms way..." Beks pulled him close.
"Tony, this isn't your fault. Its a toxic world out there. You keep him safe, you keep us safe. I know that. This place is a fortress. If the worst thing in his life is cameras and press then thats the price I have to pay for having such a wonderful son; your son. We made a great kid Stark." Tony's lip twitched and he sighed, burrowing his head into her shoulder as she held him. He breathed in her shampoo once again and felt calmed; at peace.
"I love you Beks...," Tony whispered. Tony felt her hesitate and pull back slightly. He looked at her with puppy dog eyes and she smiled sadly, stroking his cheek.
"You're in love with the idea of me Tony."
"I can be better. I have been better..."
"Tony..."
"We could be a family."
"Tony, you know it wouldn't work." He tried again with the eyes, but they both saw the attempt for what it was and broke out into laughter.
"Worth a shot right?"
"Hmm," she said, kissing his cheek. "You know that part of me...that girl you met at MIT, the young woman you pestered and frustrated and consistently annoyed. Well, she'll always love you Tony Stark. And she gets to see you everyday in that amazing kid we made. Don't forget that Tony. You gave me the best thing in the world."
"But the girl grew up."
"Yes. And one day you will too. But for now I'll take what I can get," she said, smiling. "You know, I think you'd actually like Mark if you got to know him."
"Yeah?"
"He's the one who said I should invite you to the game."
"He didn't seem to pleased to see me."
"Hmm. He is still human. Think he got a little protective. He knows I still care for you."
"I am glad your happy Beks. I just wish..."
"I know Tony. In another world maybe..., but we live with what we've got."
"Yeah, I guess we do."
"Follow me," she said, taking his hand again. "Bring the present." She led him up the stairs and round the corner. "Give me a minute." Beks knocked on a door down the hall and entered. Tony shuffled nervously, unsure of himself. It had been over a year since he'd seen his son properly, the soccer game not counting. Beks came back out after a while and Mark walked beside her.
Tucked up against Mark's leg, buried behind, Tony could just make out Cameron. Mark was in sweatpants like Beks, and Cameron was also in pyjamas and an adult's UNICEF t-shirt he presumed was Mark's.
"Hey buddy," Tony said shyly, terrified of the rejection. Beks put on her best smile.
"Cam, look I said he was here. Your Daddy's here and he's got you a present," she said excitedly, crouching down beside Mark and stroking back the boy's hair. Cameron only seemed to hide his face further into Mark's sweatpants.
Beks frowned, looking sadly at Tony who was near heartbreak. Mark met the other man's eyes and Tony saw pure guilt and apology. Tony watched as Mark crouched down and took Cameron's hands, pulling him away from his trousers. Tony barely breathed as Mark whispered something in the boy's ear for a few moments.
Then, Cameron pulled away from his hiding spot and turned to properly face Tony. The little boy's right cheek was still red in places and bruised in others from where the ball had hit him. Tony had to tell himself not to try and track down that stupid teen who had hurt his kid. Right now, all that mattered was Cameron was meeting his eyes and actually looking at him. The boy started to walk towards him. Halfway he stopped, chewed his thumb and glanced back at Mark and Beks, They smiled at him and nodded, letting him continue.
Tony slowly lowered himself to the ground, knees resting on the carpet as Cameron got closer. Cameron seemed younger than at the football match. He was quieter and shy, sucking his thumb. This wasn't how his son acted before and Tony bit his lip as he knew it was because of him. Beks had said as much.
"Hey little man."
"Hey," Cameron mumbled into his thumb, eyes taking in Tony before glancing to the wrapping.
"I got you something for being so brave today. How about you open it up," Tony said, placing it down before the kid. Cameron kept one hand near his mouth and hesitantly reached out to the present with the other, slowly tearing the paper away. When the corner was revealed, the first hand left his mouth and grabbed hold of the box, eyes shining wide as he kept ripping it open.
"Mummy, look!" Cameron shouted, essentially climbing on top of the box. "Its a Falcon! A Milllleeeenum Falcon."
"Millennium sweetheart," Beks said, smiling. Cameron hugged the box to his chest and stumbled forward, pressing it into Tony's hands.
"Can we build it?" Cameron said, eyes wide and excited. Tony opened his mouth and then cleared his throat to try and find his voice.
"Hmm, yeah buddy. Whatever you want," Tony sputtered. The next thing he knew Cameron had grabbed his hand and was dragging him up and into his own room. Beks and Mark stood chuckling softly in each others arms at the sight. Cameron could fill a room with joy in an instant.
Tony was pulled down to the floor in his child's room, Cameron already opening up the box. Tony took a moment to look around. There were just as many photos as downstairs, but here, in this room, he was there. The photos were of the Christening, The Christmas, Beks and Tony at MIT. Tony getting his degree. Tony visiting for the first few birthdays and weekends. When Cameron said Dada for the first time, when he first walked into Tony's arms. And on the bedside table, framed and facing the bed was the morning after Cameron was born. Tony had stayed overnight and when Beks woke up in the morning she had taken the photo of the pair in the seat beside her bed. Cameron in Tony's arms.
Tony felt tears begin to fall and the next thing he knew Beks had stepped in with a tissue. She kissed his brow, hand ruffling Cameron's dishevelled hair.
"We'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Thank-you," he gasped, hand waving at the room and his kid who had gotten closer and closer, now practically crawling onto his lap to reach different pieces of the spaceship.
"You don't need to thank me for this Tony. You're his Dad," she said, before leaving, taking Mark's hand who waited in the doorway. Mark nodded his head to Tony and the billionaire did so back. Turns out he wasn't such a dick after-all.
"Daaaaad," Cameron whined, pulling at his collar, wanting attention. Tony looked down at the kid in his lap, wrapping an arm around him to snuggle him close.
"Sorry squirt. I'm all ears. Whats the plan of attack?" Tony then let the kid ramble about how he'd sprayed out all the parts haphazardly in a some kind of "order". Tony listened intently, chin resting on the silky hair of his child who sat against him. He lost track of time as they built the Falcon together. When Tony added the last piece per instruction he realised those words were accompanied by a massive yawn. "Looks like someone needs their bed."
"Noooo," Cameron whined, snuggling tighter into Tony's chest. Tony chuckled, pulling the boy more firmly against him and picking him up properly as he stood. "I wanna fly."
"Not a chance buddy. Fall asleep on the helm and the Po Po will take your license. You wanna be a Captain who can't fly?" Cameron shook his head against Tony's neck. "Hmm didn't think so Squirt. Best wait till the morning," Tony said, pulling back the covers and gently tucking Cameron up in bed, kissing his brow. He made to stand back but Cameron grabbed his arm.
"You going away?"
"I gotta go to my bed buddy."
"No. Don't want you to leave. Stay."
"Just for the night squirt. I'll come back tomorrow."
"No," Cameron said again, sitting up and looking scared. "You won't. You have to stay."
"Cam, buddy. I promise."
"You lie," the child said and Tony's breath stuttered. Cameron's eyes had started watering and a tear fell down his bruised cheek. Tony melted, picking up Cameron into his arms once again and taking the boy's place on the bed. He leant back against the headboard and held his son tight.
"I'm not going anywhere buddy alright. I'm right here. I'm not lying. You can hold on to me and make sure I'm not. I'm gonna stay right here." Cameron did as he was told and gripped Tony's shirt.
"Pinky swear?" Cameron said, voice going tired once again. Tony stroked his silky hair off his face and held out a pinky.
"Pinky swear," he promised his child, curling his finger around Cameron's.
"Its magic now. You can't leave or else the frogs will get you." Tony frowned, very confused but Cameron was already asleep against his chest. A small laugh came from the doorframe. Beks was stood there, two mugs in hand.
"Don't ask about the frogs, I have no idea where that came from. Anyway, I thought you might want a cuppa," she said, walking in and passing the mug down to Tony, before sitting at the end of the bed, crossed legged. She placed her spare hand over the spot where Cameron's foot was and smiled fondly at them both. Tony took a sip and sighed.
"Never did get the recipe," Tony said.
"Its just a Builders Tony. Simplest tea out there."
"Guess us Americans are inept."
"You're an idiot," she laughed, shaking her head.
"What time is it?"
"Half-eleven. I'm surprised he lasted this long. Seeing you must have kept him awake."
"Beks, is it alright if I stay the night? I don't want to impose but he made me promise and I..."
"Tony, stop. Of course you can. I expected he'd pull something like that. Surprised he didn't result to blackmail. He's getting very good at winning arguments; the little genius. That and he's still too cute to say no to. He's gets his puppy-dog eyes from you. Well, I think he gets all his looks from you."
"He has your ears," Tony said instantly. "Little tiny ones. And your kindness...he may look like me but inside he's all you."
"Oh Tony, one day someone is going to be able to convince you that your heart is as beautiful as you are handsome."
"You think I'm handsome?" Tony grinned, ignoring the true message.
"If our child wasn't in the way Stark...you'd be getting this pillow to the face," she warned, both of them laughing like two teenagers at college. Tony had been seventeen when Cam was born, Beks nineteen. They were both still so young at twenty-two and twenty-four, but right now their odd circumstance didn't matter, they were just enjoying being themselves with one another again.
They talked for another hour before Beks yawned deeply.
"Urgh, bedtime for me," she said, picking up both mugs and standing. "You want to sleep in the spare room or are you comfy there?" Tony looked down at the sleeping child who was now drooling slightly on his shirt, snuggled into his collarbone and spread across his chest.
"I'm perfect here."
"Thought so," Beks said smiling. "You can lie down properly though, he won't wake up. He sleeps like a log."
"Oh that he definitely gets from you," Tony said and Beks did a little bow.
"Its a talent. Good-night Tony."
"Night," Tony said as she closed the door. He immediately did as she suggested and shuffled down into a more comfy position, his back was already going to kill him in the morning. Once settled, Cameron was tucked up against his side, body resting on Tony's arm whilst another wrapped around him. Tony thought he couldn't sleep yet, but he had never felt so calm, his little boy dreaming blissfully by his side. It was a five minutes later that the peace dragged him down into his own oblivion.
Sunlight woke him gently. It trickled through the window and warmed his face. Tony smiled, he hadn't felt this refreshed in months. There was a weight on his chest and his left arm was pinned down, but it didn't seem to matter. Curious, he rolled his head to the side and opened his eyes. He stilled at what he saw. He dared not blink in case it went away. Cameron was lying across him, body covering his chest and using his arm as a book rest. The boy engrossed in the pages, not noticing the movements beside him.
"What you reading Squirt?" Tony said, brushing Cam's chocolate hair back off his brow.
"The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe."
"Narnia?" Tony said, grinning. "You want to read it to me?"
"Ok," Cam replied. Tony lifted the boy off his chest and shuffled so that he was once again leant against the headboard. He then let Cameron climb onto his lap, tucking in the duvet around him. "Lucy just met Mr Tumnus. He's a Faun. Do you know any Fauns Dad?"
"Hmm, you bet. Your Uncle Obie is a Faun."
"He can't be. Fauns are hairy. He doesn't have any hair," Cameron said, looking at Tony like he'd gone mad.
"A witch stole it."
"Oh, makes sense," Cam said, the matter settled. Tony smirked, kissing Cam's head as the boy started to read the chapter. Tony couldn't help but smush his brow into the boy's shoulder, perfectly happy to stay there all day and listen to his little boy's voice.
"Come on you two, breakfast is ready," Beks said, opening the door to Cam's bedroom.
"But Mum, I need to know what happens to Lucy. Mr Tumnus was making her sleepy."
"Well thats a good cliffhanger then, you'll have to wait and see," she said, leaving the pair to walk downstairs.
"Mummy's silly, I didn't say anything about cliffs."
"Hmm, she's lost it, better do as she says before she goes crazy," Tony said, getting up and stretching his sore back. That bed was not built for adults. Tony frowned at the state of his shirt and tie loose around his neck. He would have to tell Pepper to bring a fresh set of clothes. Shit Pepper.
Tony grabbed his jacket off the floor and pulled out his phone, flicking through the missed calls and texts. Pepper had only sent one message saying she hoped it was going well. Obie and Rhodes made up the rest. Rhodey concerned about Cam from the news and Obie concerned about his public image in general. No change there then. Obie had never warmed to the idea of Cameron ever since it was clear the boy didn't share Tony's scientific genius. Tony was happy he didn't. He wouldn't have that pressure put on his child. Still his son was reading Narnia on his own easily at 5. He was definitely above average. Tony shot a quick text to Rhodey letting him know everything was fine. He ignored Obie.
A knock on the door had him glance up to see Mark stood in the corridor.
"Mark, look at the Falcon we built!" Cam said, running to grab the man's legs, one sock on and t-shirt backwards.
"Not bad little man," Mark said grinning, dropping what he was carrying on the floor to kneel down and fix Cameron t-shirt. Tony stood awkwardly watching, wishing he had done that. "Why don't you head downstairs and help your Mum."
"Ok," the boy said, smiling at both of them before running downstairs. Mark stood up, grabbing the pile off the floor.
"Umm, I thought you might want a change of clothes...they should fit you, there nothing much but..."
"Thanks," Tony cut off, taking the jeans and shirt. "Look I..."
"We kind of..." They both went silent.
"You go first."
"We got off on the wrong foot," Mark said, rubbing his neck. "That was my bad, I was a jerk yesterday at the game. I don't know why, I guess it was just seeing Becky so happy to see you, and you're...well you're the Tony Stark man and Cam's Dad and I'm just a regular guy..."
"And probably worth 10 of me. Mr Charity, all round perfect bloke...," Tony said. "I had a guy do some digging...Don't look at me like that. I just found out you were living with my son"
"Fair enough...and?"
"Nothing, you have no skeletons, nothing. You work for UNICEF in the accountability department. Christ, your job is making sure something good is doing good, and I...I make weapons of mass destruction. If one of us should be jealous its me. You don't deserve her. No-one does, but your damn well more deserving than me."
"Well we agree on that, she's way too good for us put together and Cam, well Cam beats us all."
"Damn right."
"So, we good Stark?" Mark asked.
"Call me Tony," he said, reaching out a hand. They shook, much more friendly this time around. "Ill see you downstairs."
"Sure," Mark said, leaving him to get dressed.
Tony marvelled at how much yogurt his kid seemed to get on his face. He was pretty sure it was more than what was in his bowl to begin with. It also seemed to spread onto his cup of orange juice, but by the look on Beks' face it was just a normal morning.
"So Tony, do you have any work things today?" Beks asked and Tony knew this was her giving him an excuse to ditch as she already knew Pepper had cleared his weekend schedule. Tony shook his head and she smiled. "Well Cameron has a tennis lesson at midday, which is quite soon as we've all been very lazy. Then this evening I'm giving a talk at Imperial on Quantum Physics, Mark was going to stay here, but..."
"Well, I want to hear Beks speak," Mark said, hinting even more, "and the little troublemaker thinks Physics is boring so..."
"Sure thing, I'm your guy," Tony said, "What do you say squirt? Dinner with Dad and Happy? Oh and Pepper wants to meet you."
"Who's Pepper?" Cameron said.
"Pepper's my boss."
"But Mummy says you don't have a boss, cause your name is on the building."
"Thats cause Pepper's last name is Potts and Potts Industries sounds silly so she let me put my name up there."
"Thats true. They would only be able to sell pots. Is that why people don't like HammerTech, cause they don't sell Hammers?" Tony snorted.
"How do you know about HammerTech?"
"Cause my baby's a Stark and proud of it," Beks said, peppering the kid in kisses. Tony smiled, Beks was sometimes too good to be true. "Well lets get your stuff ready for your lesson and Tony and I will take you."
"I think we need a new plan for dealing with the media," Beks said, sitting next to Tony to watch Cameron's tennis lesson. It had taken them ten minutes to get out the house this morning with all the crowds around. They had also had to drive in circles to ditch their tails.
"What you thinking."
"Well, I don't particularly like the idea, but I think we need to give them what they want?"
"Beks?"
"Hear me out. Think about it, other celebrity children, the public know what they look like, journalists aren't relentlessly stalking them for a glimpse because there are pictures out there. I think we just have to accept it. Take the royals for example, they release a few private photos a year and do some interviews. I think our secrecy might be more damaging than controlled attention."
"Hmm, I remember that part. Dad used to have a publicity agent just for me. Had private photo shoots in staged settings. Me working on the car with Howard etc. Never did that in his life."
"Im not suggesting that, but if they see you two together it might be a good thing. Somewhere where Cameron is safe and they cant get to him."
Tony glanced away from her, looking back to his son who was wearing a Boris Becker t-shirt. He suddenly sat up straighter.
"Tony?"
"Kid loves tennis right?"
"Of course Tony, look where we are."
"And its Wimbledon next week."
"Yes."
Tony pulled out his phone and rang Pepper.
"Hey Pep, ...yeah I know, we are all good here... yeah tonight dinner, come meet my kid, pick somewhere will ya, ...but Pep, I had a thought... its a good one this time ...Wimbledon tickets... yeah the Royal box... don't care, just get us in, ...alright see you later, ...ill explain at dinner...bye."
"Tony?"
"Yes dear?"
"Did you just tell Pepper a week before Wimbledon to get centre court Royal Box tickets?"
"Yup. It'll be great. Celebrities are there everyday, Cam will be distracted from the attention by the tennis. No-one can get near him and we could do a private interview if needed."
"Huh," Beks said, smiling. "Thats pretty perfect actually."
"Don't be so surprised."
"But Tony, you're leaving after the weekend."
"Well...what if I stayed for a bit? Its summer for Cameron. I could maybe spend some more time with him. Take him to the Formula One, its not too long till Silverstone."
"What about S.I?"
"I can handle it. Obie will just have to deal with it."
"You sure? I don't want to get Cameron's hopes up." Tony frowned a little, remembering the reasons for Beks' mistrust.
"Just tell him i'm staying a few more days. No hope for more and we'll just keep taking it a few days at a time. No hurt feelings."
"Deal."
Drop us a review if you want to read more and I'll get on it :)