From then on, Stark always has snacks ready for Peter when he goes to the Compound. He quickly realizes that Peter feels awkward when he's the only one eating, so he makes sure to have a few bites of whatever snack he brings out. Darwin can now confidently say, or, well, think, that the ice has officially been broken.

It's rather nice watching the two interact. Peter is a fast learner, which Stark clearly appreciates. Darwin can slightly understand the concept of nanotech, but then Stark starts teaching him more and more and eventually the dog just starts to tune out their scientific mumbo jumbo. Peter is like a sponge, absorbing all the information Stark gives him with an eagerness that warms the older man's heart. Darwin finds it hilarious how quickly a man like Stark grows attached to Peter. Hilarious, but not surprising. The kid just has a way of melting people's hearts.

Happy has been in a considerably better mood lately. Peter always regales with enthusiasm what Stark taught him that day on the drive back to the apartment, and while Happy usually only hums and makes small comments in response, Darwin can tell how, well, happy the man is. He doesn't know what Happy does while they're down in the lab, but he must not be very busy because a few times Darwin has seen him peeking in and smiling at the sight of the two working together.

It isn't long before Stark invites Peter to come to the Compound every Friday instead of every other week. Aunt May doesn't take much convincing to agree; it's obvious to her how good this 'internship' has been for her nephew. Much like Darwin, she doesn't understand anything that Peter talks about when he tells her about his time at the Compound, but the sparkle in Peter's eyes speaks volumes.

And so they begin to see a lot more of Stark. Peter obviously cherishes his time with Stark and the bond between the two strengthens everyday. Darwin himself has become fond of the man, although he can't tell if it's because he actually likes him or if perhaps it's a side effect of his bond with Peter. The fact that Stark has begun keeping a variety of dog treats in the lab for Darwin to snack on probably helps too. Despite all of that, however, Darwin still can't help noticing how Stark never mentions the Accords or the Rogues. It's not like the problem disappeared as soon as Rogers and Barnes did. Peter occasionally turns on the news to see news anchors talking about the Accords and what will happen next and what will this mean for the current Avengers.

Then there's the question that runs rampant in both Peter and Darwin's mind: What does this mean for Spider-Man?

Darwin knows that Peter wants to ask Stark. He thinks he will, sometimes, when there's a moment of silence between the two working in the lab, when he can see the desperation for an answer in his boy's eyes. Sometimes he even opens his mouth to ask. But the question never comes. Instead, he hesitates and either closes his mouth or asks something else.

'What is it with humans never acknowledging the elephant in the room?' Darwin wonders, 'It happens with May and Peter, and now it's happening with Peter and Stark.'

Well, there's not much Darwin can do about it. In fact, there's not much Darwin can do for either of them when they're in the labs. The two quickly become immersed in 'science mode', as Darwin likes to think of it, and the dog kind of just ends up being… forgotten. Not that he minds- he's glad that Peter and Stark are bonding so well. It's just that he ends up getting a little bored from time to time.

Like now, for instance. He's lying down underneath a table, listening idly as Stark drones on and on about… energy fusion? Whatever that is. He sighs and half-heartedly nibbles an itch on his paw. All of a sudden, he hears a faint sneeze coming from outside the lab. Blinking in surprise, he lifts his head and glances at Peter.

Oblivious, the boy watches with eager eyes as Stark shows him how a complicated-looking tool works.

Huffing, Darwin gets up and decides to investigate. 'Enhanced hearing, my tail,' he mentally grumbles as he leaves the room, his exit going unnoticed by the two humans, 'More like selective hearing, if you ask me.'

The sneeze sounded like it came from the kitchen, so he makes his way over there. As he does, he hears Friday ask someone, "Shall I alert Boss of your arrival?"

"Nah," a voice replies, "Let me enjoy my sandwich in peace first. I'm starving."

There isn't anyone in the kitchen, but he does spot a man sitting on one of the couches in the nearby common area. Padding over, he notices a sandwich in the man's hands and a bag of chips in his lap. His mouth waters and he approaches, tail wagging to make himself seem friendly.

The man startles when he sees him and mutters, "What the fuck?"

'Hello, that smells good,' Darwin thinks, sitting down in front of him and giving him his best puppy dog eyes, 'Wanna share?'

The man blinks at him in shock and confusion. Darwin glances at his sandwich, then back at him and licks his snout. The man frowns slightly and pulls his sandwich closer.

"Uh, Friday?"

"Yes, Mr. Rhodes?"

"Did Tony get a dog?" The man's voice sounds incredulous, as if the mere thought of Stark getting a dog is ridiculous.

"No," comes Friday's short reply. Darwin briefly wonders how much she's allowed to say about Peter. The only people that know about Peter's alter ego are Stark, Happy, and Aunt May- and Ned too- so, she'll probably divert to Peter's cover story with this man. But that name- Rhodes. That sounds familiar. Is he an Avenger?

"Okay, so what is a dog doing here?" Rhodes asks the AI.

Friday responds, "The dog belongs to Boss's intern, who is currently with him in his lab."

'I wonder why Friday calls Stark 'Boss'?' Darwin casually wonders while Rhodes nods slowly.

"Right," he says, then blinks, "Wait- intern? Tony has an intern? Since when?"

"Since October 23th."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

Darwin leans closer to the man and sniffs his sandwich, which is quickly pulled away from him.

"I believe he wants your sandwich," Friday pipes up helpfully.

"Yeah, I can see that." Rhodes stuffs his sandwich in his mouth, devouring it in a few quick bites. Darwin lets out a sigh of disappointment. "So much for enjoying my sandwich in peace," Rhodes grumbles, then reaches over to pat Darwin's head. "So, what's his name, then?"

"His name is Darwin."

Rhodes snorts and shakes his head. "No, I meant the intern. Tell me about him."

"His name is Peter Parker. He is a sophomore attending Midtown High."

"Uh-huh. And how did he and Tony meet?"

A pause. Darwin can't feel any emotions from Friday, but if he could, he would think she was feeling uncertain.

"Perhaps you should ask Boss yourself."

'Figures. Stark didn't tell his own AI what the cover story is,' Darwin thinks, bemused.

Rhodes is starting to feel a bit suspicious, so he gets up and begins making his way towards the lab. Darwin follows him and the man glances at him. "Damn, you're huge. No wonder you're hungry- a dog like you must eat like a horse."

Darwin sniffs, mildly offended, and brushes past him to walk ahead. Through their bond, he can feel a spark of surprise from Peter followed by confusion and assumes that the boy just now realized that the dog is gone. Snorting in amusement, he re-enters the lab in time for Peter to turn around and spot him.

"There you are! Where'd you run off to- oh!" Peter falters, spotting Rhodes behind him. The man gives him a friendly smile, which Peter returns while glancing between him and Stark nervously. At Peter's pause, Stark looks up and spots Rhodes. His face breaks out in a wide grin.

"Rhodey! Come on in, honey, don't be shy." Stark turns and walks towards his friend, giving him a short hug, "When did you get in?"

Darwin pads over to Peter, who is watching the two men exchange pleasantries with a mixture of awe and anxiety. He gives his boy's hand a reassuring nudge and Peter immediately begins kneading the fur on the back of his head, relaxing slightly.

Stark tries to keep Rhodes engaged in a conversation about… some mission Rhodes just came back from? However, the other man's eyes keep darting to Peter and it's obvious he just wants to ask about him.

"Yeah, yeah, it's all good, everything's fine," Rhodes says, brushing Stark off, "I was just gonna eat a sandwich before coming to find you but I was interrupted by this big guy." He nods at Darwin before looking at Peter. "Darwin, was it?"

Peter startles, wide-eyed. "Yes! I mean, yeah, his, uh, his name is Darwin. Like Charles Darwin..." He trails off awkwardly.

Rhodes nods like what he said was very interesting before turning to grin at Stark. "So, you have an intern?" His tone is cheerful, but his eyes scream 'what the fuck?'. Darwin glances at Stark as well, noting the faint nervousness coming from the man.

"Yup, this is Peter," Stark replies smoothly. He waves Peter closer. "Pete, this is Colonel James Rhodes. I'm sure I've mentioned him before."

"Just call me Rhodey," the man says as he holds his hand out for Peter to shake.

Peter takes it and says in response, "You're War Machine!" His eyes are wide and he sounds awestruck, causing Rhodey to laugh. The boy startles and his face reddens. "Oh! I- I mean, uh, nice to meet you, sir."

"Nice to meet you too, kid." Rhodey pulls away and looks at Stark, an odd look in his eyes. "Soooo, how'd you two meet?"

Darwin feels Stark panic slightly and wonders, 'Wait, they did make a cover story, right?'

After a moment, Stark replies, "Oh, I always have Friday keeping a look-out for kids with potential. So we can, you know, hire them before any other companies can. Peter here caught my attention, though, and I reached out and offered him an internship."

It's a weak story and if anything it only increases the feelings of suspicion coming from Rhodey. Darwin wrinkles his nose and glares at Stark. 'What the heck was that? I thought you were supposed to be a genius? I expect better from you.'

"Uh huh," Rhodey responds, sounding unconvinced. Stark gives him a charming smile before pretending to check his watch.

"Oh, look at the time! Guess we'd better get you home, huh, kiddo?"

Peter quickly gets the hint and grabs his backpack. Meanwhile, Stark calls out, "Friday, tell Happy it's time to take the kid home."

To everyone's surprise, Friday responds with, "Happy is currently unable to take Mr. Parker home."

Peter freezes and Stark frowns. "What? Why not?"

"He received a call about a family emergency and had to leave. He left a message for you at 6:45PM."

"Well, why didn't I get it?" Stark sounds a bit annoyed.

If Darwin didn't know better, he'd think Friday's response was a bit smug. "You told me to not interrupt your "Peter time" unless aliens are attacking or someone is dying."

Peter flushes, Rhodey eyebrows skyrocket, and Darwin snorts. 'Good luck getting out of that one, tough guy.' The dog relishes in the embarrassment radiating from the billionaire. On the outside, Stark merely sniffs and says, "Well, add 'Happy is suddenly unavailable' to that list."

"Yes, sir."

"No matter, you can just stay here tonight, Pete," the man declares as if that solves all their problems.

"What?" Peter exclaims.

"I was thinking of ordering pizza for dinner, does that sound good?" Stark continues, pulling out his phone, "Rhodey, you want pizza?"

"I just had a sandwich, I'm good." Rhodey shakes his head, instead looking at Peter who is clearly freaking out.

Stark rolls his eyes. "A sandwich for dinner? Lame. What kind of pizza do you want, underoos?"

Peter looks like he's still trying to process what is going on. "Uhh…"

"Better order some dog food for Chewbacca here, too," Stark mutters, focusing on his phone, "What kind of dog food does he eat, kid?"

"Er, dry, but- wait, wait!" Peter stammers, waving his hands, "I can't stay here! I mean, I at least have to call my aunt first- maybe she can just come and pick me up-"

"I'm not gonna make your aunt drive all the way upstate just to immediately drive back to Queens," Stark interrupts, "I'll never hear the end of it. If you're worried about not having any PJs, there's some in your room, which is still ready for you, by the way."

"It is?" Peter asks the same time that Rhodey asks, "He has a room here?"

"It's a spare room," Stark says quickly, "Guest room, I mean."

"Right," Rhodey sounds dubious, "With clothes for a teenager."

Unfazed, Stark simply gives him a charming smile and says, "Yup! C'mon, kiddo, I'll show you where it is." With that, he quickly sweeps a spluttering Peter out of the lab.

Rhodey watches them leave before sighing and shaking his head. He glances at Darwin, who merely wags his tail in response. "Do you know what the hell is going on here?" He asks, sounding very done with the situation.

Darwin figures he must be used to Stark's odd behaviors, if he's been friends with him for so long. He can't even begin to imagine the stress this man has experienced throughout his life. Taking pity on him, Darwin gives his hand a comforting lick and wags his tail, panting happily. Rhodey smiles and pats his head before leaving the lab. Darwin brushes past him and trots to catch up with Stark and Peter.

"... think he's suspicious?" He hears Peter whispering.

Stark snorts, "Definitely. But don't worry, let him think what he wants. I can keep him from finding out about your crime-fighting hobby as long as you want."

Peter is quiet for a moment, then says, "Well… it's okay, I guess. Him knowing. I mean, he's an Avenger. But, uh, will you be okay?"

Stark glances at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

Darwin can tell that Peter is feeling a bit unsure, but before he can go and comfort him, Peter overcomes it by himself. "I mean… I don't want… I mean, uh, do you think he'll get mad at you? About bringing me to Germany, I mean. I, uh, I mean, I'm kind of young- and it's not like I couldn't handle it, I'm strong- but, er, he doesn't know that and I don't know, I just don't want you to have to deal with-"

"Peter, relax," Stark says, causing Peter to stop babbling. He looks the kid in the eye and says, "Don't worry about me, alright? If you want Rhodey or, hell, even the whole world to know that you're Spiderman, that's fine. That's your choice. I can deal with whatever shit people have to say about… well, whatever, you know?"

Peter blinks before slowly nodding once. "Okay," he says softly, "But I mean, uh, maybe let's not tell the whole world just yet. Or, you know, ever." He laughs nervously.

Stark smiles and nods. "Sure thing." They come to a stop in front of a door and the man pats Peter's back before turning away. "There's your room. Why don't you check it out and call Aunt Hottie about staying the night while I order dinner, 'kay?"

"Okay." Peter moves to open the door, then pauses and glances back. "Er, pepperony. And we get Kirkland dog food for Darwin. Uh, we get it from Costco so it comes in a pretty big bag so I don't know if you wanna-"

"Pepperony and Kirkland, got it," Stark says, turning and walking down the hall, "Come to the living room when you're done." With that said, he disappears.

Once the whirlwind that is Tony Stark is gone, Peter turns to Darwin and lets out a heavy sigh. His boy is feeling a bit overwhelmed, so Darwin sits next to him so he can pet him for a couple of minutes.

'Now, what should I do?' Darwin wonders, 'Stay with Peter while he calls Aunt May and see his room, or follow Stark and listen to what will probably be a very interesting conversation with Rhodey?'

He figures he'll see Peter's room later when he goes to sleep, so when the boy enters his room and takes out his phone, the dog trots back down the hallway and into the living room. Like he assumed, Rhodey is already there and is fixing Stark with a look that says 'okay, spill the beans'.

Stark, of course, decides to pretend that nothing happened. "Hey, Friday, order me and Pete some pizza. Pepperony. Large. Actually, maybe we should make it two, teenagers eat a lot-"

"Tony!" Rhodey exclaims, exasperated, "What the hell is going on?"

Blinking innocently, Stark replies, "Um, I'm ordering a pizza?"

"You have an intern? Since when? I thought you said you'd never have the time or patience to have an intern!" Rhodey crosses his arms. "And you let him in your lab? Tony, it took years before you finally let me into your lab. What's the deal with this kid?"

"Don't sound so jealous, poo-bear, you'll always be my favorite," Stark teases, causing Rhodey to roll his eyes.

"Shall I order drinks as well, boss?" Friday interrupts with a question.

Stark shakes his head. "Nah, we've got stuff here. But make sure you get some of that dog food Peter mentioned for Chewbacca here." Darwin sneezes and Stark pats his head.

"Tony, seriously," Rhodey presses. "Who is this kid?"

Stark pauses for a moment, then straightens up and looks him head on. "This kid is Peter Parker. He's a student at Midtown High and he's been my intern for the past few weeks," he says simply, finishing off with a cheeky grin.

Rhodey narrows his eyes. Stark gazes back at him coolly. The staring match continues for a few tense moments. Darwin glances between the two awkwardly. Rhodey feels suspicious and frustrated, but it's nothing compared to the steadfast protectiveness that the dog feels from Stark. It's nice, feeling those emotions from the man. He's already being such a good mentor for Peter.

Finally, Rhodey leans back and raises his hands. "Fine," he says. He looks away, feigning nonchalance. "Don't tell me, then. I'm sure I'll figure out what the deal is sooner or later. Just promise me he's not your long lost son or something."

"He's not."

"You sure about that, Tones? He's got the brown hair and the eyes and apparently the intelligence-"

"He's not," Stark repeats, more insistent this time. Rhodey doesn't look convinced. After a moment, he adds, "I did a paternity test, just in case."

Rhodey's eyes widen before he dissolves into sputtering laughter.

Darwin's head whips around as the dog stares at Stark incredulously. 'You WHAT?'

"Aunt May said it was okay for me to stay the night!" Peter says excitedly as he re-enters the room. He glances between the three, noticing Rhodey's laughter and Darwin's raised hackles, and asks, "Did something happen?"

"Nope!" Stark grins, "C'mon kid, let's watch a movie or something. I know you're a Star Wars fan, but have you ever been introduced to the far superior Star Trek?"

Okay, important update here. This is the last chapter that I have prewritten and I have not written anything else. I wrote most of this in January and I gotta be honest with you guys, I don't really wanna write more. I just have zero inspiration to write more and this quarantine is really not helping.

HOWEVER, my sister has expressed interest in taking over the story for me. She hasn't written in a while but she's always my go-to person when I start thinking about/planning a fanfic so she's basically my co-writer already. (My original idea for Darwin was for him to be a human/dog shapeshifter kind of like Sirius Black and I wrote like 70 pages of that until my sister was like nope change that its weird. Darwin is an empathic dog thanks to her)

There are a few scenes that I want to see happen but I just don't have the inspiration to sit down and write them out, so I will be outlining some chapters for her to write. Some people have been wondering if this story will go to Endgame and the answer is no, it will not be following cannon after this. Unless my sister can think of a definitive ending, this will probably just turn into a bunch of wholesome IronDad and SpiderSon (and Darwin) drabbles. You can even suggest some stuff in the comments.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know in case you notice a difference in writing in the future chapters (although I don't think you will notice, she's pretty good). Updates might be sporadic also.

Sorry if this isn't what you thought the fic would turn into. I'm really happy with what I have written though and I'm confident that my sister will take over well.

Until next time :)