0. Prologue
Tony Stark was a man of many things.
Billionaire, playboy, genius, philanthropist.
But one thing he was not, is a father-figure. Yet when he looked at the kid in front of him, sitting in a dirty alleyway at night, he felt something in him yell at him to help.
Their hair was black with a red-tinted bang, all messy and dirty. His skin was considerably paler than Tony's, and he was wearing a peach-colored coat that was a bit too large for his frame, reaching their knees. Their eyes were a dull amber, staring at him with almost zero hope or emotion.
Tony stared for a bit before he got out of his limo, pulling one of his assistants out with him. "I can't believe what I'm about to say, but get my lawyers ready. I want this kid to be a Stark yesterday!" He commanded, with his assistant nodding and already getting in contact with said lawyers. Tony took in a deep breath to steady himself, and then walked over to the kid. "Hey kid, tell me your name."
"J-James." The boy stuttered, staring at the billionaire in confusion. Tony nodded, a small smirk forming on his face.
"Hey James, how'd you like it if someone adopted you?" He asked the child, who stood up in shock.
"Y-you're joking!" James cried out, and then he pinched himself. "Ow, OK I'm not dreaming…?" Tony chuckled.
"I get your confusion, it's not everyday you get to talk to Tony Stark." He then gave James a semi-serious look. "But seriously, what do you say? I see potential in you kid."
James nodded. "Well then James, welcome to my family." The young child's eyes widened, as hope entered them. Hope that Tony wanted to cherish and protect for as long as he could.