Hi everyone! So...I didn't get any reviews but that won't stop me! I will keep writing! But guys, reviews mean a lot to me. They encourage me to keep going. So, please, if you could take a minute or two out of your day to just right a few words for me, that would be amazing. Of course, it doesn't have to be positive. It could be something that I need to improve on.

Anyways, school has started and that's going to mess with my update schedule. I might not be able to update every single Tuesday and Saturday. I will still try my best, though. Thanks for understanding.

Oh, and I am will not upload the first chapter of Jealous Much? until a bit later. I want to focus on this for now. Plus, I will be posting a Harry Potter fanfiction that I hope you guys read because I think it'll be awesome!

Last but not least, do you guys like my new profile pic?

Enough with my ranting...

Disclaimer: I don't own it. Still, I wish I did...

Enjoy the Chapter!

Maria smiled as she watched her little boy run inside with his friend. He was truly growing up. And sometimes, even though she didn't want to admit it, that scared her. It scared her that Tony might push her away when he grew older. To Maria, he was, and always would be, her little boy.

"Maria? You're the one who dropped him?" Roberta asked. She was pulled out of her thoughts.

"Um, yes. Howard was busy with work, as usual, and I thought it'd be nice to see you again."

"That's sweet of you. Please do come in."

"Oh, no. I can't right now. I should actually be heading back."

"Are you sure you can't stay? I just put some tea on the stove."

Maria thought about it for a few moments before speaking. "Maybe next time. Howard should come by around six 'o clock to pick Tony up."

"Ok. Well, it was nice seeing you again."

"Same goes for me." With that, she turned a left. Once seated in the limo that they had brought, they driver set off towards her home. The ride was quiet for the most part. There was an occasional honk but that was it. It wasn't until they came to a stop that something truly happened.

A pain shot up her abdomen. It was a burning sensation and it stung terrible. She sank down, trying to subdue it. "Gah..."

"Are you ok, ma'am?"

"Oh, um, y-yes."

This wasn't the first time she had experienced this type of pain. She was actually dealing with it quite frequently. It happened when she was sleeping, watching tv, or just doing something in general. So far, Maria hadn't told anyone. It was mainly because she didn't think they were a big deal and there was no reason to worry as it would pass. At least, she hoped she was right.

All too soon, the car pulled up to Stark International. By then the pain had subsided. Quickly, she made her way inside the building, said a few greetings, and headed for the penthouse. As soon as Maria was up there, she made her way to the kitchen to grab something to eat.

"Maria? Did you already drop Tony?"

She whirled around to find Howard standing in front of the elevator with a small smile on his face and his hands full of paper. She figured they were forms for something her was building.

"I did."

Suddenly, the pain shot through her abdomen again. Maria clutched the counter in order to steady herself. Unfortunately, her husband saw this and concern flooded his face. Howard ran over to her side and held her back by the shoulders.

"Maria, are you ok?"

"Y-yes..."

Howard gave her a stern look. He didn't believe her. Most times, when she tried to lie, he saw straight through them. And he saw straight through this one.

"Tell me what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Howard. I'm fine."

"Maria..."

As she was about to speak, without warning, she collapsed in his arms.

…

Tony was sitting by his mothers' side, watching her for any signs of movement. His father was outside, along with Roberta and Rhodey, talking to the doctor about her condition. From what Tony had been told when he had arrived, she wasn't doing so well. She was sick, like, extremely sick.

Suddenly, Howard came in and walked over to Tony. He sat down next to him and wore a sad smile on his face, knowing he had to be strong for his sons' sake.

"Tony, Roberta has offered to let you stay at her place for the time being. In a few minutes, you'll go out there and head off. Ok?"

The three-year-old couldn't believe this! He was being sent away from his mother. The only person he wanted to be with right now? He was utterly shocked, but it was slowly turning into anger.

"No."

Howard, who had turned to watched Maria, whipped his head to the side in order to face Tony. "Excuse me?"

"I said no."

"Son, you will listen to me. My word is final. I will not have you stay here over night when you can sleep in a cozy bed away from all of this."

"Mommy needs me though!" he protested. "I have to stay so she gets better!"

Howards' gaze turned soft and an honest smile graced his lips. "She will get better, ok? But you won't be helping her by not getting sleep. I promise you can come back in the morning, alright?"

Tony pondered this for a moment. What his father said was true; he would be more helpful to his mommy if he got some sleep so he could be fully active. With a nod, he came to his decision.

"Okay."

"That's a good son," Howard said as he ruffled the boys' hair. "Roberta is waiting outside. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

Tony nodded, gave his father a hug, and then turned to his mother to whisper something to her. "I'll be back." And with that, he left the room and was on his way home with Roberta and Rhodey to get a good nights' sleep.

As they were about to reach the Rhodes residence, Roberta asked him a question. "Are you going to be alright, Tony?"

Tony looked at her as he pondered this. His mother was going to be okay because she was strong and he knew she'd pull through. He just had to be patient and wait. After a few moments had passed, he smiled and answered the question he had been asked.

"Yea, I think I will."

That was his honest answer and he was confident with it because everything would work out in the end. He couldn't wait to see his mother again.

And that night, Tony had slept like a baby.

What did you guys think? Next time, be ready for a super long chapter. :3

Until next time my fellow readers...

Scribbles Out!