True to her word, Pepper and Tony were back by the time I woke up in the morning. When I awoke, I found Tony sipping coffee and watching the news while Pepper was typing something on her laptop. They hadn't noticed I had woken up so I decided to get the awkwardness over with.
"What time is it?"
Pepper jumped and Tony answered unfazed, "Almost 10. You sleep in late kid."
I sit up, "Not normally."
"It's fine AJ. We needed to fill out a bunch of paperwork and talk to your doctor anyways," Pepper says ignoring Tony's comment.
"So I can go with you guys?"
Pepper nods, "As soon as Audrey gets here and your doctor discharges you."
I nod and lean back against my pillows. I glance at the tv and find that Tony was watching a kids cartoon.
"Why are you watching this?"
"I told Morgan that I would watch here and she would watch it at home and them we would discuss it later," he said nonchalantly.
I look at him bewildered, "You're actually doing it?"
He looked at me with a 'No Duh' expression, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Cause you are Tony Stark and that show is for little kids."
"You do anything for your kids," he answered.
I swallowed and looked out the window. It was weird hearing someone say that. It was even weirder watching someone do that.
After a few minutes Tony stopped staring at me, I think Pepper nudged him, and he went back to the show. I turned back and also started watching since I had nothing better to do.
Our lovely awkward silence when Audrey knocked and entered with the doctor. The doctor told me I could be discharged and some other random stuff that I didn't pay attention to, but Pepper did. I think she even took notes. After he left Audrey began talking.
"Your paperwork has been processed, surprisingly fast…"
"I pulled some strings," Tony said with a shrug.
"...and all that's left is a home inspection which I can do today. Any questions?"
"Do you have to do the inspection before we take him with us?" Pepper asked.
Audrey nodded.
"Would it be alright if you and I do the inspection and Tony and AJ hang out. They'll still be in the city, but not in the hospital."
Audrey hesitated and I decided to jump in, "I won't run away."
She gives me a look that said 'I've known you for five years and when have you ever not run away when given the chance'.
"I'm on crutches Audrey and have bruised ribs. I can't go that fast."
Audrey apparently figured this was a valid point because she said, "All right. As long as you stay in this general area and you tell me where your going."
Tony and Pepper nodded and then a whole bunch of things happened at once. Audrey, Tony, and Pepper left the room and a nurse came in. She gave me instructions for my leg and helped me get dressed. Tony came back in once I was dressed and clapped his hands together.
"Okay kid, you ready to go?"
"Where are we going?"
"Since it's almost one, cheeseburgers. Morgan mentioned something about you liking them."
I smile slightly, "Yeah. I do."
"Okay let's go then."
When we got outside the hospital, there was a man standing out in front of a black SUV. He looked vaguely familiar. I think he was there when I brought Morgan back.
"AJ," Tony interrupted my thoughts, "this is Happy. He's my driver and head of security."
Happy stuck out his hand, "Nice to meet you."
"You too," I said shaking his hand and then I climbed in the car. Tony climbed in after Happy and said,"Cheeseburgers."
Happy rolled his eyes, "You got it Boss."
We began driving and Tony looked at me.
"So kid, first things first. Iron Man or Captain America? It's okay if..."
"Captain America," I say without hesitation by cutting him off. I could hear Happy laughing from the front seat.
"...you don't want to hurt my feelings. I guess you have no issue doing that. You chose fast."
I shrug, "People ask that question all the time."
He stares, "I'm going to table this discussion for another day. Cake or Pie?"
"Pie," I answer simply.
"What?! You are choosing Pie over Cake? I can't ignore this one. Give me one reason why Pie is better."
I turn so I'm better facing him, "Cake is alright, but it's sweet. It's sugar on sugar. But Pie, you get fruit, and often it's real fruit. It's a nice mix of sour and sweet."
"You can have a fruit flavored cake!"
"What cake is fruit flavored that tastes good? Furthermore, have you ever had cake that had a sourish add on that tasted good?"
"Strawberry Shortcake! It's sweet and it uses real strawberries."
"Never had it nor heard of it."
He look of surprise briefly crosses his face before he continued, "You're trying it this weekend. It's my favorite cake."
I nod, "Ok but I don't think it'll change me to the cake side."
"It will. Up until I had Morgan, I preferred pie but she turned me to cake after trying that."
I smiled slightly and then Happy announced that we were at the burger place. I look out the window and I see a tiny run down shop.
I raise an eyebrow at Tony, "You get burgers from here?"
He nodded, "Trust me. They have the best burgers in the entire state. Are you allergic to anything? Do hate any particular food?"
I shake my head, "No. I'll eat anything."
Tony smiled and then turned to face Happy, "Can you get two of my regular order? Plus your own. I'll stay here with the kid so he doesn't have to walk."
Happy nodded and left the car. A few minutes later he returned with the food and we dug in. Almost immediately biting the burger, my mouth exploded with flavor. It was the best cheeseburger I had had in my entire life. The love must have been written all over my face because Tony started to chuckle. As he chuckled, he picked up one of his fries and proceeded to dip it into the milkshake he was drinking. He caught me staring and smiled almost shyly.
He shrugged, "Don't knock it until you try it."
Happy scoffed, "Tony, I've told you for years that was disgusting."
I grin coyly as I take a few of my own fries and dip them in the milkshake at eat them. Happy gags and looks at me surprised while Tony laughs.
I smile, "I was staring because I didn't know anyone else who did that. Not because I thought it was weird."
Tony looks at me with a wild grin on his face, "You and me kid are going to get along great!"
Shortly after we finish our burgers, Audrey calls Tony and tells him to meet her and Pepper over at the child services office. That office is my least favorite place on the planet. Generally, it means bad news. Today, though, I think I might actually enjoy living with Tony and Pepper. I mean, it can't be that bad can it?
We get to Audrey's office, she and Pepper are seating making polite small talk. She motions for Tony and I to sit and we do.
"Ok, you two have passed the house inspection and all the other things we needed to get done for you to become foster parents. There are just a few more forms for you to fill out and a few small things to discuss."
Pepper and Tony nod and she continues.
"First, I will call in check every few days for the first month and then a house visit. If everything seems to be in order, then AJ will keep living with you. Secondly, you will need to enroll him in school. You may have to get him tested to see which grade he should be in since he's skipped most of it, even though he's very smart. Any questions?"
Both of them shook their heads no.
"Great, all is I need is your Hancocks on these papers and you are free to go."
I watched them sign the paper to my new life.
