Disclaimer: All characters other than some friendly nurses don't belong to me.
Warnings: I don't know for sure yet but there might be some swearing in the next few chapters so I'm rating it to be sure.
This fanfiction will be set in the Iron Man 1 movie, I hope I find the inspiration to continue it through the second movie and the avengers. If there are things unclear don't hesitate to ask me about them in a review, I'll always try to answer them.
So I now proudly present Life isn't always fair! Chapter 4
Alan woke up with a warm hand on his chest. He opened his eyes with a smile remembering what happened last night and how he ended up in the softest bed he ever slept in.
"Go take a shower and watch some cartoons." Grumbled Tony, a pillow covering his head. "I want to sleep some more."
Alan bounced of the bed and raced to the bathroom. The six year old had learned quickly to take care of himself while he was in foster care. With some tips from Jarvis, ("Don't forget to wash behind your ears young sir") Alan was soon cleaned and dressed in the new clothing his father had brought for him yesterday.
Holding to the banisters of the stairs he made his way to the living room. Upstairs the sound of the shower alerting the boy that his father had left his bed as well. Jarvis turned on the TV and Alan sat down in front of it.
"I'm sorry." A voice startled him and Alan turned around to face the red haired woman. "For what I said last night. It's just, Tony never cared about anyone but himself. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Did you know that dad visited me every day since the fundraising?" Alan said climbing on the couch to watch Pepper over the seat. "My last surgery was the first time that I remember waking up with someone waiting for me. I was asleep for two days and Nurse Miranda said that daddy only left once when I was out of surgery and in recovery, which was to grab a quick shower and change of clothing. He was back within the hour. He took me to the park every day even though I couldn't actually play because I get tires soon he pushed me on the swing or helped me climb the slides. And maybe my mommy loved me, but I don't remember her. Most foster families told me I was a burden because I couldn't do much without getting tired or pulling the tank along. Dad made me this backpack so I can play, not that I can do chores but play. He may never told me in words that he loved me but I know he does because he cares about me. Constantly looking at my eating habits, harassing me when I need to go to bed, helping me with my school work. My biological dad abandoned me after the accident in which my mom died and I almost did, he never liked me. Tony Stark is the best dad you will ever find."
Pepper pulled out a hanky to wipe her eyes. "I didn't know, I thought he had locked himself in his garage like he did most days."
"That's just the way he acts because he doesn't like to say goodbye, he told me he doesn't like people because goodbyes hurt." Said Alan.
The man in question walked in, toweling his hair while he walked to the kitchen. "I have to go to the office today Tony 2." He said burying his head in the fridge, "I packed you a bag with schoolwork and some toys so you can work behind my desk. We have to get some decent breakfast on the way because this thing is totally emp…" his voice died out when he saw who was in the room. "Pepper? What are you doing here? And Jarvis why wasn't I informed that someone was with Alan Anthony?"
"She asked me not to sir." The British accent sounded through the room.
"Next time, if Alan Anthony is alone downstairs I want you to make sure no-one can get in and inform me that someone is at the door. No matter who it is." Tony ordered, with large steps he made his way to the couch dropping down next to Alan. "Are you okay Tony 2?" he asked concerned when Alan nodded he gave the boy a large smile. "Okay, why don't you grab your coat and we'll get some breakfast."
"Chocolate pancakes?" Alan asked hopeful.
"I believe you had those for lunch yesterday." Tony said. "Maybe next time but today will be toast with scrambled eggs. You can pick out your drink yourself. Now get your coat."
"Yes dad." Jumping from the couch the small six year old ran towards the stairs.
"And no running on the stairs!" Tony yelled after him before turning to Pepper. "Why are you here? Coming to check if I hadn't starved my son yet?"
"I came to apologize." Pepper said, "Did you really sit at his bedside for two days after the surgery?"
"I was two days at the hospital, but the better part of the first day I couldn't get to Alan because he was in surgery." Tony said. Taking a Spiderman backpack from the box with toys he placed books and toys he thought Alan would like most.
"I didn't know." Pepper softly said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to get attached to him." sighed Tony. "At first I was just curious because he could solve a puzzle I couldn't. But then the first day in the park, it felt so good so I came back knowing that I had to say goodbye at one point." Running a hand through his still wet hair, Tony dropped back down. "One of the nurses told me that Alan Anthony would be transferred to a foster group house in two days so I left the hospital without even saying hi and I didn't return to say goodbye. I locked myself in the garage like I always did until two weeks ago when the same nurse send me a text saying that Alan Anthony was being rushed back to the hospital. One of the kids had taken his oxygen believing it was funny and left Alan Anthony without supervision and oxygen. He used to skip dinner often so nobody looked for him until it was chores time. He crashed in the ambulance. His heart stopped Pep, because he couldn't breathe. And apparently this wasn't the first time something like this happened. So I did the only thing that I thought I could do to keep the little guy safe, I adopted him. And if you think that is the wrong decision that's fine, but keep your opinion to yourself."
"You did the right thing. I just wished you told me sooner." Said Pepper a smile playing on her lips and her hand resting on Tony's arm.
"Young sir is coming down." Jarvis reported. Footsteps on the stairs made Tony turn his tired weary face in a smile.
"I'm ready." Reported Alan.
"Oh, and look at those feet." Tony kneeled down. "I believe someone forgot to tie them." The genius quickly tied one while Alan did the other. "Now you're ready. Backpack still working?" getting a nod, Tony looked at Pepper. "We're going for breakfast and I'll see you in the office. We won't be long."
"Yes Mr. Stark." Pepper smiled. "Be good. for your dad sweetie. If you behaved well I'll make sure we have some snacks at the office."
"Alan Anthony always behaves." Tony grinned. "Because everyone named Tony is awesome. Isn't that right Tony 2?"
Alan only giggled and nodded. Tony strapped the boy into his car seat before taking place behind the wheel. Occasionally glancing back to his son who was kicking his feet in the air, Tony quickly rode to his favorite dinner.
Soon they were parked and ready to go. Taking a hold on Alan's hand, Tony made his way in.
"Mister Stark." Smiled the lady behind the counter, reaching for the foam cups. "The usual?"
"No dear Bianca." Tony walked over to a booth, picking Alan up to settle him. "I had nothing at home and the little guy needs his breakfast."
"I'll be with you in a moment." Bianca said turning something on the stove.
"Dad, may I please have chocolate pancakes?" Alan tried again tugging at his father's sleeve while watching the cock turn waffles. "Chocolate waffles are okay too."
"I'm sorry bud. You had them yesterday, maybe tomorrow if you promise me to clean your plate today."
"So do you know what you would like to order?" Bianca asked while she placed two placemats and color pencils on the table before pulling out a pen and post-its.
"Yeah, two toast with scrambled eggs, one child sized one large. My usual coffee and Tony 2 what do you want to drink?"
"May I have chocolate milk dad?" Alan asked, Bianca looked startled for a moment but managed to hide it pretty quick.
"You can have chocolate milk," nodded Tony before turning to beck to the waitress. "Chocolate milk and two fresh orange juices."
"Ready in a sec." she winked and left for the counter again.
"Look Alan Anthony, the placemats has a puzzle." Tony pointed out, "Here is a pencil, can you find your way to the labyrinth?"
Sitting on his knees, with his tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth, Alan started on coloring his placemats. Tony, shrugging, joined him by coloring his own.
"Gentleman." Bianca arrived with the food, placing it on the table. "Cool backpack you have there." She said looking at Alan's breathing pack.
"It's awesome, dad made it so I don't have to carry the large tank around. Now I can go out and play." Alan exclaimed happily.
"That's really awesome." Agreed Bianca. "Now yell if you need something."
"Here Alan Anthony." Tony set a plate before his son, followed by a chocolate milk and a glass of orange juice. "Let the placemat be and eat up."
Obedient turned Alan to his plate taking a bite of his toast. "This weally gooth." Alan said.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Tony said enjoying his coffee.
Alan quickly swallowed before repeating. All too soon was the blond's plate empty. He had finished his juice, wanting to save the chocolate milk for last and was eying his father's plate. "Dad look," he yelled pointing at something behind them. When Tony turned Alan quickly stole some toast.
"Oh you." Tony playfully growled. "I'm going to tickle you." Pulling the small body close the adult fingers started to tickle Alan's soft sides. Making Alan laugh loudly and struggle to escape the fingers. "Say sorry daddy."
"I'm sorry." Tears were streaming down Alan's face from laughing and he was gasping for breath. "I'm sorry daddy."
Tony kept Alan on his lap, "If you wanted some more toast, you could have asked." He smiled offering another piece.
After breakfast was finished, Tony ordered another coffee to go together with a hot chocolate and paid. Alan ran to the car, waiting patiently for his dad to open it and lifting him in his car seat. "Dad? Why does everyone look funny when I call you dad?" asked Alan looking outside.
"Well, before I met you I wasn't a really nice guy you know." Tony explained starting the car and driving off. "Or they thought I wasn't a really nice guy."
"Because you don't like to say goodbye." Alan nodded.
"I have three adult friends, I'm scared to lose people. But other people don't see it that way. They think that because I have so few friends I must be mean. Besides, I build weapons so I must be evil. At least that's what the press said."
"I don't have many friends." Alan said softly. "Does that mean…"
"That means that we're perfect for each other." Said Tony firm, after a moment of silence Tony sighed. "Hey bud, you know that I love it when you call me dad right? So don't stop because others think it's strange. The only thing that matters is what we think okay?"
"Yes dad." Was whispered from the back seat.
IM*TB*IM
Many people turned around to watch Tony Stark walk through the main entrance holding Alan's hand and wearing a Spiderman backpack over his shoulder. Alan was shyly looking around, the building was huge and there were so many people.
The elevator was full and Tony picked his son up so he wouldn't get trampled. Now, with his face hidden in Tony's shoulder, Alan relaxed.
They only had to be here till noon, so the painters could finish up Alan's room under Happy's supervision, enough time for Tony to do the necessary paperwork. Tony entered his office and placed Alan behind the main desk on the leather desk chair. "I'll start looking for schools, so you keep up with your school work until I find one suitable for a Stark."
"Can I go to school? An actual school?" Alan looked up his blue eyes wide.
"Well you probably go to private school, and Happy or I will be there as long as you're in class in case something happens but I don't see why not."
"I can go to school!" the six year old was bouncing up and down in joy. "I can play and learn with children my age."
"Probably older since you're too smart for first grade." Tony placed the workbooks on the desk. Pepper walked in to hand Tony the required paperwork. Noticing the foam cup in front both boys she frowned. "He has hot chocolate, not coffee." Tony said without looking up from the new paperwork. "And he behaved very well, cleaned his plate and drunk fresh juice. He deserves a snack around eleven, but something like apple slices with sugar and cinnamon. We're going for ice cream this afternoon if he finished his homework."
"I'll make sure someone runs down the store." Pepper said, "I'm in the next office if you guys need anything."
"Thank you Pepper." Alan said before looking down at his math book. Tony only smirked as his feet were propped up on the desk and he started reading and signing.
Around one, the growling of a certain tummy broke through his concentration. Closing the files he stretched his arms and looked at Alan who was building a tower from Lego blocks on the ground. "The rest I can finish at home, how about we grab some food and take a walk over the beach. It's a sunny day."
"It's always a sunny day." Alan beamed. Allowing his father to help him put his jacket on, Alan looked at the blocks. "Don't I have to clean up?"
"Nah, you need some toys here when you come to visit your old man. I'll buy a box for here soon but leave it for now."
"Oh okay." Alan put his breathing pack on and waited for his dad to take his hand. Tony heaved the Spiderman backpack over his shoulder, guiding Alan out. Being the boss had his privileges, like choosing your own work time. Knocking on Pepper's door he told the assistant she could reach him on his cell because he was spending the day at the beach.
