It has been eight months since he last heard of Mary. The kid's going to be okay he assured himself. He has responsible and kind parents and an aunt and uncle to rely on. At least that's what he's trying to tell himself for the past months since he knew. After that talk he immediately pulled out all the information regarding the couple.

"JARVIS pull out everything we have for Mary and Richard Parker. I want to know everything."

"Right away, Sir." In a few seconds, pictures and documents popped up on the screen. JARVIS continued summarizing all the files.

"Richard and Mary Parker worked for the CIA until 2001 and have been recruited by SHIELD from 2002 until now. Mary Parker is an only child with no close relatives, while Richard Parker has a brother named Ben with a wife named May. Mary is still a geneticist studying animal DNA alongside her husband."

So they're basically just scientists of SHIELD, but what are they doing being field agents risking their lives for a mission. The question was purely rhetorical and well it's as if I can stop them he thought.

Tony was pushed back into consciousness when Rhodey puts his hand on his shoulder.

"You're lost in thought Tony. You're not in any trouble now, are you?" Rhodey shot a concerned look at Tony. They were sitting in a world famous racing circuit in California waiting for the race to begin. It has been a while since he watched a race with his best friend slightly wondering if he should drive in the track too.

"Oh, you're not gonna believe me if I tell you." Tony crossed his legs and sipped his glass of champagne.

"Really? Try me. C'mon Tony, I've practically been your babysitter next to Pepper."

"Yeah, she makes my life easier." Tony hired Pepper two years ago. Apparently, she's the most reliable, dependable and trustworthy secretary he ever had. The company has never been better.

"So? What's been bothering you?"

Hesitating for a second, shaking a deep breath before continuing.

"So, I found out I have a kid." There I said it.

Rhodey looked at Tony with playful eyes waiting for him to tell him it's a joke, but nothing and his eyes are now widening, Tony just stared at him with a serious face. "Wait, WHAT? Tony.."

"Rhodes, I'm serious."

"You have to be kidding me Tony, you're barely a baby yourself."

"Really Rhodes?" giving Rhodey a hurt look. "Look it's nothing to worry about, his Mom, the woman assured me it's no responsibility of mine."

Before Rhodey can even reply, Tony's phone rang that startled both of them. There's no caller ID, just a phone number. "What's with all the goddamn reporters having my phone number?"

"Pick it up Tony, you never know what's at the other end of that line, and maybe change your number already after this."

He picked up his phone, ready to give the reporter a scare. "You guys don't ever leave me alone, do you? I said a thousand times call my office or my company for any interviews you might want..."

"Mr. Stark. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm Agnes Clark. I'm not a reporter, I'm from New York Social Services." he shot Rhodey a look and clearly his bestfriend can also hear the woman in his phone talking. "Are you familiar with Ben and May Parker, Mr. Stark?"

"Yeah..." a pounding in his chest grew. This could mean...

"Ben has been shot yesterday Mr. Stark and he's dead on the spot, May was also in the scene stabbed and shot. They're both dead Mr. Stark. Their nephew, Peter has been with us since his Aunt and Uncle were found. The boy's parents, Richard and Mary Parker have passed away last seven months caused by a plane crash. Their neighbour Mrs. Leeds, who May asked to care for Peter before she went out said that May specifically asked to call you Mr. Stark in case she doesn't come back. She said you're Peter's biological Father?"

Tony's breathing hitched. His suspicions of what happened are now undeniably in fact true.

"Y-yes, I am. Yes I am his Father." Wow, did I just say that out loud?

"Mr. Stark, can you come in here now? We have a few questions and we wouldn't want to delay this as Peter has nowhere to go now."

"Yes no problem. I'm still in California so I'll be there in about five hours."

"We're in Queens New York Social Services, Mr. Stark. Thank you. We'll be waiting."

With that the call ended, and he then called Pepper immediately. He had already told Pepper about his son a month before when he slipped up accidentally over lunch, and she was undoubtedly taken aback by surprise, shocked to even comprehend - her words exactly saying "How can a baby take care of a baby?" questioned for about an hour but then still understood afterwards, cause that's who Pepper is, the only woman who can even put up with him amidst his darkest, most stupid antics.

"Pepper, call my lawyers. I'm going to New York, it's about Peter. There's been an emergency; he has nowhere to go now."

"Oh my God, okay Tony. I'll send one of your lawyers to New York to get the paperwork done. Update me once you're in there. Make sure he's okay."

"Thanks Pep. and maybe call for a hotel, we might stay there for a few days. Please also come tomorrow once you're not busy."

"I'll try my best Tony, and please don't do anything stupid."

He called Happy, his and Air team next, and in just 30 minutes the jet's already set up and ready.

"No responsibility, your ass." Rhodey mocked. "Make sure you fix this Tony. You have a role now and this is not just anything you easily get away with. This is serious." Rhodey gave him a serious look as he reached for Tony's shoulders and gave him a small hug."

"You sure don't want to come? Maybe look out for me for a bit?"

"I've looked out for you half your life Tony. Now this, this is something you need to do on your own and I've also got business to attend to in DC. I know you can do this."

"Thanks, Rhodes." With that he hopped on the jet. Rhodey has been with him ever since high school, college and when his parents passed away. He helped Tony as he coped up with the grief and Daddy issues that slowly pushed him on a dark path. Constantly being pulled by Rhodes and Pepper to keep him on track and sober in the light of day and dark of the night. A slow process and progress but still progress nevertheless.

A thousand what if's clouded his mind. I never dreamed of having a child he thought. Surely I'm no father figure. How can I be a father to a kid when my own father hasn't even shown me how to be one? To say the least he has enjoyed the bachelor life for long, and he's still enjoying it, but is it a good example to a kid? Surely not. What kind of father would I be? What if I mess him up like my father messed me up.

He brushed his hand into his face. These questions in his mind is making him start to panic, he know there's no backing out now. The kid, Peter, he's your blood, he's your own blood. There's no way you're gonna give him up.

"You okay boss?" Happy asked, concern growing on his face.

Just then, the Pilot announced they'll soon be landing in New York. Has it already been five hours? He was so lost in thought that he lost track of time.

The hustle and bustle of New York City isn't helping either. The drive and Queen's traffic is making him uneasy the longer he waits in the car and how near they are to the SS building. He feels nervous and excited at the same time. Weirdest feeling ever. He feels as if he's about to lose his shit.

"Here we are boss."

"Thanks Hap. Circle around the block and wait for my call. Also check on the hotel, make sure they got what the kid needs."

"No problem boss."

Tony made his way to the entrance and eyed the receptionist. "I'm looking for Ms. Agnes Clark." The receptionist was about to speak up when another woman, in her mid-thirties replied.

"Mr. Stark, we've been waiting for you. I'm Agnes Clark." giving out her hand for a handshake in which Tony accepted reciprocally.

"Where's the kid?"

"Please follow me in my office, he's waiting there."

As the door swung open, Tony's heart almost flew from his chest. This is the first time he'll be seeing the boy, he even has no pictures of him. The office is slightly larger than expected and there's a playground set for children. Tony looked down to where the little boy is sitting, and there he is, his son playing a magnetic triangle toy that can be easily arranged into shapes. Brown curls and brown cheerful eyes lit up the moment the door opened. He has his mother's eyes and hair, and has chubby cheeks, arms and legs. The boy's cute he thought.

"Hi Peter, look what we have here. Someone's excited to see you." Agnes came to Peter's side and kneeled just as the boy carefully put the toys down. Agnes picked him up and went to Tony.

Peter looks at Tony ceaselessly wondering who the man might be. "A'nes, who is he?" the cute voice echoed around the room. As Peter watched him, Tony felt as if the boy is staring into his soul, he cannot voice out any words. He slowly relaxes just as he felt his heart being enveloped by a warm feeling he never felt before.

"He's Mr. Tony Stark, Peter. The one your Mommy and Auntie talked to you about. Do you remember?"

The boy nodded, tears slowly forming in his eyes. Tony's heart clenched by the sight, having this pain and grief at this age is unimaginable; unaware he's slowly being filled up by a protectiveness feeling over Peter. "He's going to take care of you now Peter. Is that ok with you?"

A sudden jittery feeling rose up from Tony's chest, what if he says no? But before he can even panic, the little boy nodded sheepishly and before he even knew what's happening Agnes is already transferring Peter into his strong hold.

"Hey bud, I'm going to take care of you now. You don't need to worry anymore." Peter dropped a tear and next thing he knew the boy is already crying in his shoulders while his hand enveloped in his neck. Tony tried to calm Peter down by rubbing his back as he assured him "It's going to be okay, kid. I'm here now."

Tony talked with Ms. Agnes afterwards, saying Peter already knew what happened to his aunt and uncle. He also knew what happened to his Parents as this was explained to him by his Aunt and Uncle after they died. Tony's lawyer came afterwards to finalize everything else. He's going to shoulder the cost and everything else for the funeral. To his surprise he found out Mary still named Peter after him. He's a Stark from the birth records. He's Peter Parker Stark, so he didn't have to technically adopt Peter because he is his. Agnes just needs a confirmation and legal assessment from him and his lawyer. They were done in just half an hour and are heading back to the hotel in Manhattan.

"Hey kid, you okay?" Is this how you talk to kids? I'm not even sure Tony thought.

"I'm okay." Peter shrugged while gazing out the scenery from the windows. "Where are we going Mr. Stark?"

Mr. Stark? I thought he knew I was his dad. Well, it's not as if I can force him to call me his dad right away. He had two father figures after all and we just met. And do I want to be his Dad?

"We're going to a hotel right now and we're going to stay there for a while." At least until after the funeral. "Are you hungry already?"

"Slight. Ms. Agnes only have fwuits and crackers back there and I ate only a few." Tony smiled with the way Peter said the words. It was adorably cute and wondered why he never felt like this before to other kids.

"Hap, the food's already prepared when we arrive right?"

"Yes boss, I've already ordered a kiddie meal and dinner for the two of you. Clothes, toys and toiletries are also already in there."

They were already in front of the Hotel afterwards.

"Let's go kid." Tony stepped out cradling Peter with one arm while Peter head rest in his shoulders. Just the hold Parents do to their kids. With Happy as their bodyguard, they walked to the lobby of Four Seasons on their way to the Presidential Suite. Some people shot them looks especially those who recognized Tony Stark, billionaire, genius, playboy, and philanthropist holding in his arms a child no less. Some immediately captured a shot before they can even notice.

They stepped from the elevator through their rooms "I'll be right next door boss, if you need me." "Alright. Thanks Hap, for all this." Tony tapped Happy's shoulders gratefully. Happy has been by his ever since. He's been family already.

"Always a pleasure boss." Happy said as they open their room doors.

Tony put Peter down and they immediately smelled the delicious dinner waiting for them.

"Mmm tired Mr. Stark." Peter pouted and immediately tried to climb the chair but can't reach it so Tony reached for the baby chair and put Peter on it. "But I'm also hungry."

Tony sighed "I know you sure do kid. My stomach's been grumblin too. So let's see what we have here." Right in front of them, there's a medium steak with mashed potato, a risotto, a mac and cheese, fries, chicken nuggets, and chicken soup. Some watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. There's also some redwine, apple juice and water.

"Ok kid, let's dig in. WAIT, do you know how to eat by yourself?"

"My auntie's been teaching me. I know how." Tony watched as Peter take some fries, then some chicken nuggets and sipped some chicken soup. Although he struggled with the fork and spoon at first he managed to get it right after.

"I don't like mac and cheese Mr. Stark. My mom and auntie always cook spaghetti or lasagna at home."

"Oh Wow. I don't like mac and cheese either, kid." Well something we have in common I guess.

While Peter bites softly, Tony sipped the red wine after munching in some steak. "Can I also have a grape juice Mr. Stark? My favorite's grape juice at home."

"Uh oh, not this one kid. This one's not grape juice."

"But it's color violet and looks like grape juice."

"Trust me on this kid; tomorrow I'll have them give us grape juice for breakfast okay? For now drink up your apple juice." To Tony's horror he immediately sipped all of the red wine in his glass afraid Peter's still going to ask some.

"I'm full Mr Stark. I want to go to bed now." The kid only ate half of his plate but then since he's only four years old now it's understandable.

"Are you gonna help me clean myself up?" Oh no, Tony muttered in his head. He doesn't have any knowledge or training on how to clean up or take care of kids. How do you do this? How do parents know how to do this? Should I call Pepper and bring her here now? but Pepper's miles away and Rhode's not here, Happy must probably be out snoring right now. It's only me. He gulped. He couldn't even imagine himself doing it.

"I can help; can you tell me how your auntie does it?"

"Yeah, I can't reach for the bidet yet so she washes me up, and she doesn't like taking me to bath at night if I didn't sweat up in the day. She washes my hair. Then I brush my teeth."

"Okay. We'll get through this. Have you played earlier?"

"Yes I did with Ned."

"Who's Ned?"

"He's my friend and neighbor. We always like to play at the playground." This must be Mrs. Leeds son.

"Right then let's wash up." Tony and Peter went to the big luxury bathroom and all the baby stuff is already there.

Tony unbuttoned Peter's clothes and placed him on the tub. Slowly filling in with water in the right amount of temp, not too hot and too cold. Then he poured the baby soap that filled the tub with bubbles and made the kid giggled playing with the toy boat and rubber duckie in the tub.

"Is the water ok buddy? You like it?"

"Uhmm" Peter laughed. "Just right."

"Please be careful with the shampoo Dad. I don't like to have red eyes." Right then Tony's chest tightened and his breathing became uneven. Did he just call me Dad? He beamed at the thought. That's a first. While Peter blushed a bit red and bit his lip from what he just said out loud.

"Have your eyes hurt before from shampoo?"

"Yeah, I cried cause it hurts so much. Auntie cried too. but it's ok, it's not Auntie's fault."

"Okay. I'll be careful with it. Just close your eyes okay until I say I'm done."

"'Kay"

Tony poured a small amount of shampoo in his curly hair that smelled like baby powder. After rinsing into his curls with water, he then rinsed Peter's body and pat him dry gently. Okay, that wasn't so hard than he thought. Tony hugged the towel into Peter's body and carries him outside to put on some fresh clothes.

"Do you also put on your clothes by yourself or your auntie does it?"

"My uncle does Mr. Stark." Oh so now it's Mr. Stark again. He sighed and just as he had finished putting Peter's brief on. The boy ran across the room when he spotted the paper bag full of Toys.

"Hey Underoos, we're not done yet!" Tony said calling, following his eyes to where the boy went. The cute little boy rummaged through the stuff in his briefs until he chose a stuffed toy dog. He then hurriedly goes back to Tony carrying his new found friend in his chest.

"So you found a new friend huh?" Tony grinned widely. This kid is too adorable too handle. He's worried he might bite him for his cuteness.

"Yeah. He's really cute. I'll call him Oreo. He looks like an Oreo." Tony laughed at that.

"I'm afraid you're cuter than Oreo kid, C'mon let's put up your pajamas." After that they made their way to the bathroom again to brush his teeth. Peter standing at a chair cause he's too short to see the sink. After that Peter made his way to the bed but stopped shortly.

"Where will I sleep Mr. Stark?" Tony looked at the only bed, it's a king size bed to be exact which is quite large for the both of them.

"I guess we're gonna be sharing tonight bud. That okay with you?"

"Okay." Tony helped Peter to bed as he found the kid called "Help" struggling to crawl his way to bed.

"Okay kid, I'm just right here if you need me." Tony said as he sat near Peter at the side of the bed rubbing Peter's arm. Peter just stared at him for a few seconds.

"You're my Daddy right Mr. Stark? Mom and Auntie said you're my real father and that we'll meet each other someday." Tony doesn't know what to say, he sure was taken by surprise by the kid's question. So he swallowed and tried to answer the best he could.

"Yes I am Pete. and I'm sorry I haven't been in your life until now. It's much more complicated back then. But I'm here now okay? And I'm going to take care of you now and always."

Peter blinked back tears. "I miss mom and dad, and auntie and uncle, Daddy" cried Peter. Tony's heart clenched at the sight. He's even fighting back tears of his own at the sight of his son crying. Peter shouldn't deserve this much grief at such a young age. No child ever deserves this. It's too cruel for a young little boy; he's practically still just a baby for crying out loud! He promised himself he'll always protect Peter for now on. Tony pressed his thumb to the boy's cheek to dry away the tears. He held him again to his chest to calm the boy down. Staining Tony's shirt with tears and hugging him as he cried.

"I know you do buddy. I know you do. But I'm sure they're always watching you from where they are now."

"Like Heaven?"

"Yes like Heaven bud and I know they want you to know they're alright and happy up there as long as you're happy and safe right here."

Slowly the sobbing stops and Peter's breathing evened out. Five minutes passed and Tony knew the kid is already sleeping. After half an hour making sure the boy is sleeping soundly, he kissed his forehead and carefully pulled away his arm and body from the boy, careful not to wake him then headed for the door to the living room.

"JARVIS call up Pepper." It's just way past 10. Pepper should still be up by now. After a few rings Pepper showed up on the hologram of the screen.

"Hey, Pep"

"Tony, you look exhausted. How's Peter doing? How is it?"

Sighing he answered, "Peter doesn't deserve this Pepper. He's too young to feel this grief and loss, with not just one but two set of Parents!"

Tony put his hands into his face and faced Pepper again "I've never thought I'll be able to clean up a child in the bathroom Pep, can you imagine me doing that? There's not a single ounce of trait that child got from me. I tell you. When are you coming here?"

Pepper secretly smiled, she knew something changed from Tony. Just by the way he speaks for the child. "I'll be there tomorrow first light. I've already set up the funeral tomorrow afternoon keeping only close friends of the Parkers, the tailor's also going to be there for you and Peter's suit adjustments; they can easily adjust it for the both of you the same day if there's any. The things from the Parker's apartment have already been transferred to your Malibu house and Peter's room will be decorated tomorrow. Do you know what design he'd like?"

There's a Star Wars lego set in the bags in the corner where Peter looked so he guessed, "Uh no, not yet. Maybe Star Wars? Not sure Pep. Maybe that. If he doesn't like it we can redesign afterwards, for now let's make it look cozy and befitting for a four years old."

"Ok. We can take care of that." jotting down notes on her pad.

"Thanks Pepper. What would I do without you." Tony smiled. Every day it seems like he's growing more grateful and fond that this woman is in his life.

"Oh you don't. See you tomorrow Tony." With that the call ended. And Tony returned to the bedroom staring at his son for a few minutes before fixing himself up and going to bed right next to him.

Author's Note:

Okay this is a long chapter. Normally, I dread reading long chaps but I want to go into detail when it comes to Peter and Tony together. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks for reading.