A swash of dark brown hair on his head, scrunched up face, and such small little hands; the baby was so beautiful in Maria's arms. Everyone had made sure the house was in tip top shape when Mr. and Mrs. Stark would return to the mansion from the hospital, and no one had been more excited than Jarvis. Maria was as radiant as ever. Howard, still unsure what to make of the baby, stood next to his wife obviously nervous, but happy all the same. Peggy had been overseas and promised to make it to the mansion as soon as she could to see Howard and Maria's son.

Jarvis asked, "It is good to have you back Mr. and Mrs. Stark. He's very handsome, Ma'am. Have you decided on a name? Didn't you say you were planning on using Mr. Stark's first middle name?"

Maria said, "Oh yes, this is little Anthony. Edwin, would you like you know his full name?"

"I don't see how he's very handsome." Howard commented, " He really looks more like a pink, chubby, little goblin and the kid has some lungs on him."

Maria glared at her husband, so Howard added, "I mean-our stunning, gorgeous, beautiful, wonderful little boy. Isn't he a sight, Edwin?"

Jarvis had been a bit confused. Maria would call him Edwin most of the time with only the occasional Jarvis, but Howard always called him Jarvis if he wasn't using other more unsavory name like Ed or Eddie. Maria introduced the baby, "His full name is Anthony Edward Stark."

Jarvis' eyebrows shot up, "I-I don't know what to say, Ma'am."

Howard slapped Jarvis' back, "Think nothing of it, my friend."

Maria smiled, "I just know you will take as good care as Anthony as you have taken care of Howard. Would you hold him while I make a call?"

Jarvis hadn't researched the proper way to hold a young infant for nothing, "I would be honored, Madam."

Howard asked as Maria walked to the parlor, "Did you just compare me to a baby?" He questioned Jarvis, "Did she just compare me to a baby?"

Jarvis situated Anthony's blankets so he could hold the baby comfortably and safely in his arms, "Perhaps if you wouldn't act as an infant on numerous occasions Ma'am wouldn't do so. How are you, Sir?"

"Is this conversation going to go in a direction where I get a martini?"

Jarvis replied,"Perhaps."

Howard ran a hand through his usually perfectly slicked back hair, "Truthfully, I don't know the first thing about babies or children. Goodness, Jarvis, you know how I am. I can barely take care of myself without you. Babies aren't machines that can be fixed, and they're so fragile and tiny. I can't just rewire him if something happens. Babies cry a lot and there's diapers and I don't know what to do."

Jarvis stated, "You are a bit more capable than you give yourself credit for. For what it's worth, Although I do not wish to impose, I would like you to know that I will always be here to assist you, Sir. I will assist the young sir all the same."

Howard chuckled, "Young Sir, huh? It's a bit much for a baby. How about just Tony?"

"I would rather be proper and simply address him as Young Sir."

"Well, it's alright I suppose." Howard poked one of Tony's chubby little cheeks, "I don't suppose you would mind if I went down to my workshop for a bit. It's been a stressful few days and there's quite a bit of work to catch up on."

Jarvis said, "It's quite alright, Sir. I'll take Young Sir to his nursery and I'm sure a nap would be a good idea just to be sure he doesn't get fussy. Will that be all?"
Howard gently stroked Tony's downy hair with his finger before he left, "Yeah, thank you, Jarvis."

Jarvis returned his attention to the little bundle of blankets in his arms. One of Tony's hands had escaped from under the blankets and was reaching up at Jarvis. His bright dark brown eyes seemed to curious with his little nose and rosebud mouth. Jarvis wiggled his finger in front of the baby until Tony's little hand latched onto his finger with a surprising grip, "Hello, Young Sir, I am the Stark family butler and by default I am your butler. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

In response Tony cooed softly, and Jarvis was already gone for him, "Let's go see your nursery then, shall we?"

Jarvis assigned a few of his duties to the maids and a few that fell to him outside went to other caretakers and the gardner. He needed as much time to look after young Anthony as he could, and no one had any complaints. Being head servant and butler was a busy job, but all the others who worked in the mansion were very capable and could attend to their duties with little direction. Jarvis was always picky when hiring after the time one of the chef's had attempted to pocket the good silver.

The first night with Tony in the mansion Jarvis sat next to his crib. He was vigilant in his watch just to insure nothing happened to him as he slept, babies also needed to be fed in the middle of the night, diapers needed to be changed, comforted, and there was always the possibility someone could think of kidnapping the Stark's newborn son. He had stayed up with Howard on occasion when a project was just too pressing to bother with sleep, so it wasn't as if he had never gone without sleep before. He could attend to his house duties just fine and care of Tony when Maria and Howard were busy, but after the fourth day he dozed while listening to Howard drone on about his newest invention while Maria had Tony in the parlor with an old friend of hers. He hadn't thought Sir had noticed his shameful dreariness.

As it was time for Tony to go to bed, Jarvis finished his duties for the day and sat down next to Tony's crib with a book he had been meaning to get around to reading. It was more difficult than he planned since every time Jarvis tried concentrating on the words his eyes got fuzzy. Tony needed to be rocked around 11 when he started to get fussy, but calmed down with Jarvis; quiet humming until he was lulled back to sleep. Around 2 Tony needed to be feed, but no one was awake to hear Jarvis stroll into the kitchen, heat up a bottle, and return to the nursery. Around 4, Jarvis' eyes could barely stay open, and he wobbled slightly as he tried to stay upright. He needed to watch the young sir. The Young Sir's safety and well being was of the most importance.

Jarvis hadn't even noticed Howard standing at the nursery door with a cup of coffee in his hands, "Jarvis, I'm usually not one to scold someone about their sleeping habits, but shouldn't you be in bed right now."

"I'm quite alright, Sir." Jarvis couldn't help but yawn, "I must look after the young sir's needs and watch over him. I'm perfectly fine."
Howard sat down on the other side of Tony's crib, "I'm sure Tony would be fine if you just rested your eyes a bit. You look ready to collapse."

Jarvis rubbed his eyes with his fist petulantly, "I am fine, Sir. I apologize for worrying you. Is there anything I can assist you with?"

Howard chuckled into his coffee, "No, Jarvis, I'm fine. Just rest your eyes a bit. I can watch Tony just fine."

Jarvis said, "Sir, I must insist it is my responsibility to ensure not only the young Sir's but also your well being and it would be better for you if you were to put down the coffee and get some rest."

Howard raised a brow, "It wasn't a question, Jarvis."

Jarvis sighed, "Perhaps, just a moment to rest my eyes then, Sir."

Jarvis laid down on the floor resting his head on top of his hands. It wasn't long after his eyes closed Howard heard the nasally snore Jarvis refused to accept he made. Howard got up as quietly as he could. He threw a blanket over Jarvis and sat down his cup of coffee before softly stroking Tony's hair; Maria had warned him he better not spill coffee on the baby by accident like he had done to her once.

Howard could see the amount of adoration in Jarvis' eyes whenever he looked at Tony and it made him smile to know his son would always be looked after.

Jarvis bounced a smiling Tony up and down on his knee, "Miss. Carter, I know you're just trying to be of assistance and for that I am grateful, but looking after the Young Sir is my responsibility. I cannot leave the home. Mrs. Stark could manage with the other servants, but what of Young Sir, and what of Sir?"

Peggy put her hands on her hips, "Mr. Jarvis, Howard is a grown man and can function on his own. You want to take care of Tony to the best of your ability, do you not?"

"Well yes, of course."

"And in doing so you will protect him and always ensure his safety. There is only so much I can teach you, Jarvis, but I have an acquaintance you would be willing to assist in your training and get you the contacts and experience you need as Tony's butler." Peggy argued, " You and I both know Stark Industries will continue to grow Howard's already a competitor on the world stage and many of high class see the Stark family in such regard. Maria is even considering arranging Tony's marriage to one of the Belmontes daughters. Tony will seemingly always be in danger. Is it not your duty to protect him?"

Jarvis glanced at the gummy grinned baby on his knee. Tony would eventually be the heir of Stark Industries. He would probably even have more influence than his father. It seemed so absurd considering Tony still tried to teethe on Jarvis' ties. Jarvis said, "Of course, I want to protect Young Sir. Who might this acquaintance be and where might I be going?"

Peggy smiled, "That's the spirit. Don't worry about Tony. Daniel and I will look after Tony in your stead and I'll explain to Maria and Howard your absence. You'll be meeting with Sébastien. I hear Ireland's lovely this time of year."

Tony reached his pudgy hand out to Jarvis and cooed, "Ja! Ja!"

Jarvis had rarely left Tony's side after his birth, but the prospect of being able to better protect his young sir outweighed any reservations he had about it.

Jarvis touched Tony's hand and chuckled when Tony grabbed into his finger and put it into his mouth, "I suppose I have no choice then. Remember to wash Young Sir's favorite blanket regularly since he likes to put it into his mouth. Howard doesn't need to be reminded to eat, but he does need to be reminded to attend to hygiene when he's working. Young Sir likes porridge, but cannot stand for oatmeal. His favorite treat it that one pear ice cream and he can only be allowed it if he behaves. Howard is allowed a martini if he behaves and-"

Peggy interrupted, "They'll manage. We'll manage. Let's just hope you survive, old friend."

Jarvis' eyebrows shot up, "Pardon?"

Peggy didn't answer him, but instead took Tony from him, "You'll be spending time with Auntie Peggy, Tony, while silly Mr. Jarvis is away for a few weeks."

Jarvis asked, "Margaret, what do you mean if i survive?"

Peggy walked off with Tony without giving him an answer, "Miss. Carter! Margaret! Oh for God sakes, Peggy!"

When Jarvis got out of the airplane terminal in Dublin, he was met by a tall dark haired man in a black three piece suit with coattails accompanied by a curvaceous woman with light brown skin wearing a customary maid uniform. They both looked like traditional servants. The man held a sign that simply read: Edwin Jarvis.

The woman gave Jarvis a slightly cursy when he walked up to them. Her voice was soft and her accent unidentifiable, "Edwin Jarvis of the Stark household, I presume. I am Hanna Anaveli of the Todd family . It's a pleasure to meet you."

The man shook Jarvis' output hand and although his smile seemed pleasant Jarvis couldn't help but feel it wasn't that sincere. His accent was definitely British; a more upper crust accent than Jarvis' own, "Hello, Mr. Jarvis. Margaret Carter had told me much about you. I am Sébastien Mikelson Head Butler of the Perilloux household."

Jarvis smiled back anyway, "Please, just Jarvis will do. I must say Miss. Carter was a bit vague concerning my reasons for meeting with you."

Sébastien replied, "It will all become clear soon enough. I noticed your accent have you ever seen the forests of Scotland? They're quite magnificent."

Jarvis shook his head, "No, I can't say I have."

Sébastien's polite smile seemed to be more like a diabolical smirk, "Oh, well then I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing them."

Hanna put her hand on Jarvis' shoulder, "I'm sure you'll do fine."

Jarvis couldn't, for whatever reason, be reassured by Hanna's words.

The intelligence tests were by far the easiest. Everything else had been even worse than Peggy's training sessions.

Sébastien yelled, "Is this the best you can do? It's pathetic. Run faster before I start shooting at your feet! Jarvis, you're lagging behind the rest of the group move it! This is training not a stroll through the slums of southern London. Go faster!"

Jarvis gasped for breath as he tried to catch up with the 9 other men and women trying to keep pace with Hanna and Sébastien. Almost all had been well dressed looking like maids and butlers to wealthy families, on then they had been given standard PT clothing and boots and told to change.

Hanna was the one to give them the explanation. That most that trained with them were servants or to be assigned as servants to powerful influential families. Some to make sure the family head wasn't dealing in horrible things like human trafficking, some to gain trust and ensure the family's prosperity by taking out competitors and those who might influence the family negatively, most to protect the heirs that would eventually influence the world when they came to power. Hanna herself had been assigned to the Todd family and watched over the youngest son with the blessing of the boy's deceased mother. The Todd family was a political and military powerhouse and Victor Todd had shown favoring as choosing his youngest as his heir.

Sébastien spoke little of the family he served, but most in high class had heard of the Perilloux family. They came from a lineage of nobles, dutifully serving her majesty, and had a large sway in the British Underground under the prime minister and parliament's orders. Jarvis heard from a maid from a Hungarian household that Sébastien was not a force to be reckoned with. That he would do anything and everything his master asked of him, followed every order faithfully with no mistakes, and that even if he seemed the courteous and excellent servant he was really heartless and sadistic. Jarvis never had been one for rumors, but with how fast and how much the man made them run he was beginning to think it was all true.

They practiced with all types of guns; pistols, assault rifles, handguns, automatics, carbines, machine guns, stun guns, even muskets and flintlocks. Jarvis didn't even think he had practiced so much with guns as he had in the military. "You will shoot the targets until you can shoot a direct hit to the head or the heart one after the other! I do not care if your fingers start to bleed you will keep going! Machiavelli, did I say you could stop? Next we'll move onto moving targets! Have any of you hunted game before?"

Sparring didn't come so easily to Jarvis. Peggy tried to teach him, and always scolded him for trying to cause the least damage possible while trying to incapacitate someone.

"Patience! Loyalty! Efficentness! All those things you must preserve, but in a fight there is only survival. You fight with everything you have or nothing at all. There is no honor in losing a fight if it is for your life or your charges. Fight dirty, god damn it! Use your entire body and use your physique and your enemies to your advantage. Jarvis, I've seen toddlers who can hit harder than you! Do not hold back!"

Their training was designed to push their bodies to the limit, rigorous, and painful. A number ended up vomiting their meals, Jarvis being one of them. They'd been nearly drowned, electrocuted, shot at, beaten, made to run in all types of weather, put in immensely stressful situations and expected to make the right decision. One man ended up in the hospital, while one woman couldn't take the training anymore after they had the torture testing.

Hanna claimed it was important for a servant to be able to keep their master's secrets.

Jarvis had thought the worst part had been when a Ms. Gagnon had them build immunities to many positions. Her nickname of Viper was very fitting. Jarvis had been one of the lucky one's to be almost not at all affected except for a case of the sniffles. It seemed to irritate Sébastien. Another man was lost from the training when he nearly died.

They'd made it down to six of the ten starting people by the time Sébastien told them he had one final task for them before they would be sent home. He said they would continue with their training when it did not interfere with their duties, that they'd occasionally call them in for what they would not question, and that they would always be in touch. Jarvis was blindfolded when they took him to an unknown location as a few others had done before them. They hadn't returned so he hadn't known what to expect.

Hanna gently removed the blindfold. Two men and a woman who Jarvis had never seen before in his life were tied up and gagged in front of them. Jarvis asked, "Do you want me to obtain information from them?"

Hanna shook her head, "We have all the information we need from them. Their mission was to kidnap the Stark family heir."

Jarvis' lip twitched, but for the most part his face remained blank, "And what it is it you asking of me to do?"

Sébastien pulled a gun out of his coat and handed it to Jarvis, "Shoot them. Right now. I want you to look them right in the eyes while you put a bullet in their brains."

Jarvis gulped when the men's eyes widened and they tried to struggle in vain against their bindings, "I-I don't know if I-"

Sébastien grabbed Jarvis' chin and turned his face directly to him, "Their mission was to harm your charge: Anthony Edward Stark. Are you a coward? Would you go so far as to put your young master in danger simply because of your cowardice. Shoot them, Jarvis. You should show respect to your master and mistress, compassion to your fellow workers, and nothing short of your best to your young in front of your master and mistress be a gentleman, an efficient servant, a good man. Tony is merely a baby is he not? Would you allow him to come to harm? No mercy against your enemies. No mercy against those who wish to see the downfall of the family you gave your life to. No mercy against any who wish to harm the Starks. What does Anthony Stark mean to you, Edwin? What would you give for your Young Sir?"

Jarvis said softly,"Everything."

Sébastien stated, "No mercy."

"No mercy."Jarvis repeated.

Jarvis looked each man in the eye when he pulled the trigger three times.

Just like Sébastien had instructed him to do. He disregarded the fact they were human beings. They were targets. Targets which posed a threat to the young sir. It helped him forget to feel any remorse when each man was dead.

Jarvis had once told Peggy he hadn't liked shooting at people-yet it seemed so easy to kill those men.

He would do anything for Tony.