:; Disclaimer I own nothing all belong to Marvel/Disney. Accept for the characters out of my imagination, I do not own Ty or Zane either they are form a book I read and belong to the authors, so I am just borrowing them, with a few alterations though:)
AN:
OK so in writing this chapter I had to change a few things in chapter 3, small things and I don't think you would notice if you just kept reading But I would know and had to rectify things, Now on with the show.
Chapter IIII
Tony's head snapped up when the door opened eyes popping open, he was shocked to see Pepper standing in the door way hands on her hips turning he looked out the window the sun had already gone down checking his watch he saw it was eight he quickly he checked on Daniel -who was still sleeping peacefully- before looking back to Pepper "When did that happen?"
Pepper sighed reaching up to rub her temples "Were you in that chair this whole time?"
Tony tilted his head to the side "Uh. . ." he thought about it then gave her his best grin 'the one that said she caught his hand in the cookie jar.'
Pepper sighed again dropping her hands and crossing the room to sit opposite him on the other side of Daniel absently she held Daniel's hand watching his face as she spoke "The press know."
Those few words were enough for Tony if the press knew that meant that the board knew, that Obie knew, that all of Stark industries knew and if Pepper was here she had told them the truth and was putting his top dollar lawyer Antonio and his team to good use protecting him Daniel and his place in the company, sighing he continued to run his fingers through Daniels hair he found that simple gesture soothing to him "After Antonio and his team cement my place with Stark industries I want them taking on the press no one get's to slander Daniel,"
Pepper's voice was soft "Yes Mr. Stark I will see to it, Now how are you?"
Tony looked up her face was soft and her eye's held a deep emotion concern was one but the others flit by before he could identify them he gave her his megawatt smile and her eyes softened "I will live Pep, but from what I can tell the dash crushed my legs shattering my left knee cap and did something to my right ankle and I am going to need another surgery and I will need to do rehab, so line up some one who can come and work from home and get a doctor too, day after tomorrow Daniel and I are going home."
He watched as Pepper smiled eyes lighting "Yes Mr. Stark now I will go up date Rhody on your condition and Happy is her he will sit with you both," she got up and kissed Daniel on his forehead before she moved around the bed pausing "Oh and I will get the Doctor to move your bed in here and you better rest Tony or I will take away your lab and Jarvis wont let you either."
She left just like that without another word or glance back shaking his head Tony glanced at his IV still the two bags Daniel just had a clear bag of saline and he was sleeping better than him just then the door opened and in came Happy with two male nurses with a bed and they quickly moved the room around and before he knew it he was in bed tucked in and laid out ready for sleeping and fallowing Peppers words Tony gave Dan one last look before falling asleep himself.
When Tony woke up in the morning Dan was up and chatting with the nurse who was checking him over while another was looking over his chart, but as soon as Dan saw him awake and all of his attention diverted to him letting the nurses work.
Tony absently answered Dan watching the nurses until they left then he raised his bed watching Daniel in his "SO. . .how you really doing kiddo?"
He gave Dan a warm smile "I'm good Dad, how about you?"
"I'll live. . ." He hesitated turning to look at the door "Daniel are you sure that. . ."
"That what Dad? Dad what is wrong are you OK?" no longer connected to the IV Daniel slid out of his bed crossed the floor and slid in to Tony's arms mindful of his wrist and ribs and avoiding Tony's legs altogether his soft Grey eyes full of concern,
Tony looked him in the eye and hugged him close "Daniel why did you start to call me Dad?"
Daniel buried his face in tony shoulder muffling his words "Because you are my Dad, I was put up for adoption when I was little, I was adopted 6 times but they didn't want me, and I was taken away again. . . But you. . . Dad from the vary beginning you were my Dad just like in all the movies like all the books I have read, like all the Dads I see with their sons-wait are you angry?"
"NO! I mean. . .no Daniel of coarse not, I'm not the least bit angry, just surprised that's all. . .Oh and happy, So! So! So! Happy!"
Tony hugged Daniel tightly rocking him back and forth with one arm ignoring the twinge in his ribs"I mean I have to be the luckiest dad on the planet, I love you know that right? Not just because your my son but because you are so much more to me, and I love you for that."
Daniel squeezed him making his ribs ache, he bit back a groan and eased his hold on Dan just a bit only to jump like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar when there was a loud throat clearing from the door. There stood two nurses carrying food trays and both had a glare to peel paint and they were directed at him.
Releasing Daniel he raised his hands in surrender "OK its my fault, I did I take full responsibility."
Daniel giggled letting go of him and smiling at the nurses they gave Dan a smile in return coming fully in to the room they put the food down and with out so much as a pardon me, moved Dan back to his own bed from there they worked machines setting the trays up, putting the beds up right, the food in place, fallowed it up by giving him a quick reprimand and head pats for Daniel before they left leaving them to their meals.
Dan spoke up first "Hey dad I think they made a mistake they gave us paste instead of. . .what do you think this is? Or was? Oat meal?"
Tony dug his spoon stirring it. . .well trying too, before bringing it up for a sniff "I think it is supposed to be cream of wheat. . ." The stuff slid off his spoon splatting in to his bowl and he hid a grimace "no you are right it is paste what did you get to flavor it? I got honey and cream"
Daniel checked the plate "Uhh. . .I got brown sugar, butter, and jam,"
Tony grinned "Triad you, do you want the cream to make it smooth or honey to make the jam sweet?"
it took his son a second to think about it "The cream please, the jam is raspberry," Dan said wrinkling his nose
He chuckled tossing Dan the cream and catching the jam at the very least it made the stuff palatable and holding his breath Tony finished his breakfast in record time taking as deep breath as he could he finished off his milk hiding his grimace behind a Stark smile "There that wasn't so bad and now that it is over. Your turn,"
Giving Dan a shit eating grin he watched as Daniel fixed his breakfast and as quick as he he could tipped his bowl to his mouth and drank his hot cereal down fallowing it by the milk and a face "Ugh that is nasty! the fish we tried last week was way better and even Ty wouldn't eat that stuff,"
Tony couldn't help his laugh he found himself doing that more and more since adopting Daniel just then a head popped in to the room "Hey I thought you were supposed to be laid up after an accident not sitting in luxury laughing it up."
Daniel lit up like a Christmas tree and sat up "Uncle Rhody!"
Rhody grinned coming the rest of the way in carrying a giant bouquet of flowers, 12 get well balloons, a stuffed Alligator and his Stark phone which caught his attention, Rhody put the bouquet and balloons on the night stand by the door gave Daniel the Alligator ruffling his hair and receiving a hug in return,
Rhody turned to him stuffing his phone in to his pocket and Tony pouted Rhody spoke up before he could say anything "You get the phone if you can win a game, just one! No cheating my choice, deal?"
Tony smirked "Deal what's your game Texas hold-um? black jack? five card stud?"
Rhody shook his head reaching in to his pocket pulling out a deck of cards hiding them in his palm "No Tony we are playing a no cheating game," He held out the deck "We are playing UNO,"
Rhody put the deck on Tony's table moving he dishes to Daniel's table before scooping Daniel up and moving him to Tony's bed next to the feet adding pillows behind Dan's back before pulling up a seat for himself "OK rules are simple you play like crazy eights, first one out wins. and lowest score after 13 rounds is the champion got it?"
Tony nodded taking out the cards and shuffling them like a pro and dealt eight cards each and then proceeded to get lost in the game it took him three turns to get a hang of the game and thing's started to get faster and louder
Mid morning Happy popped his head in and was forced to join the game then the nurses came in and took Tony away for his leg surgery. Ty and Zane checked in at noon and joined the game helping to keep Dan's mind off the Tony.
At one the doc came in to tell them that the procedure was a success with no complications and that they were going to keep Tony for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off before bring him back to the room.
When Pepper came at 5 Tony was in his bed Dan snuggled in to his side. Tony was absently combing fingers through Dan's curly hair talking with Rhody who was seated in a chair next to them and Happy was playing poker with Ty and Zane seated on Daniels bed but quietly so not to disturb Daniel's sleep
Pepper smiled wearily and grabbed a spare chair seating her self opposite Rhody "How are you?"
Tony smiled "Better now they fixed my knee and ankle and they feel better even under all the drugs so how did it go?"
Pepper sighed reaching up to rub her temples her voice was tired "It's bad Tony, The board are fighting you, Tony the bad press is leading them and they are gaining steam. I don't know about Obi Tony, he's not making it harder but he's not making it any easier, the stock is dropping fast and social services are breathing down my neck like a pack of hungry wolves"
Tony sat back playing with Dan's hair eyes darting around randomly in thought when it came to him and he snapped his fingers "First I want Rhody I need to get ahead of this, and while I do do that Happy will bring the car around he's going to take you home so you pick up my laptop and give it to him so he can bring it back to me along with a change of clothes for Daniel and I. While you do that Pepper you are going to the Lawyers, You are going to have them switch tracks I want you sick them on the press I want public apologies from every last one of them and nothing less. Then you can put them on social services I have everything in place and no way they are going to take my son from me. While you do that I will deal with the board I was hopping they wouldn't fight me on this but that is a pipe dream and I will deal with Obi. There is not much I can do about the stock until Friday when my new prototype will be ready that sound good to you?"
Pepper looked up from her notes "That is acceptable, Will that be all Mr. Stark?"
Tony grinned "That will be all Miss Pots"
She gathered Happy and Rhody on her way out the door pulling out her phone
Then left Tony settled back and fixed his pillows getting comfortable and ready to work Tony called up Jarvis "good evening sir uploading to home interface how may I be of assistance?"
"Hey J we got work to do so start by pulling up up the board files anything and everything you can find."
"Very good Sir, and may I say it is good to hear your voice Sir."
Tony smiled "Good you to hear you too J, I sent Happy Rhody to get my computer so we can actually get some work done got it J?"
"Yes sir I will inform you when it is complete sir."
Sighing Tony rested until Rhody came back and drooped off his lap top he took Daniel from Tony and rested him back in his bed covering him before turning back to Tony raising a fist "Hey I am going to take off I will be back in the morning and we can all go back home together."
Tony bumped fists "Dan will like that, See you tomorrow man,"
Rhody waved on his way out the door and cracking his knuckles Tony set to work on controlling his company, one board member at a time bribing, blackmailing, and threatening all with out leaving a trace until he was back on top and the stock was going up again,
Ty knocked before popping in with a grin "Just checking in,"
Tony moved the computer to his bed side table "I just finished, what time is it?"
Ty came further in to the room not as late as one of your usual work binges so will you be going home tomorrow with us?"
Tony stared dully at the ceiling "Yeah, I hope this clear over soon, you know there was a reason I didn't want the world to know about Daniel now his life will be so messed up, my chilled hood sucked with the press sticking their noses in to everything and telling lies when things weren't juicy enough for them, being kidnapped held hostage and being hurt when Dad wouldn't pay. . . I just wanted. . ."
"Sometimes bad things happen to good people, things that shouldn't but do. Just like some good happen to bad people yet to sit and dwell on the bad things dose not change what did or might happen, nor dose it mean that they deserved it to happen to them. It takes a strong brave man to look and the bad that surrounds them and still find some good. I see that in you Tony Everyday you are with Daniel you push your self and work twice as hard. I know you will do everything in your power to take care of you son and keep him safe."
Tony stared at Ty that was the most he ever heard Ty say when he wasn't talking to Dan then Zane spoke up from the door "Besides you are not alone you have us and Miss Pepper Rhody and Happy all on your side and we would fallow you right up to the gates of hell, Where we will leave your crazy ass and take Daniel back home where it's safe!"
Ty and Tony shared a laugh at that "Thank you! Both of you I know you just hired on as bodyguards but you really are Daniels uncles and if there is anything you ever need just ask." That was as close as Tony would ever get to saying he thought of the two men like brothers but judging by the look in their eyes they caught his meaning loud and clear.
Zane clapped Tony on his good shoulder "Get some rest Stark you have a 12 year old who is anxious to go home tomorrow."
Tony groaned making the two bodyguards laugh on their way out the door. Sighing Tony picked his computer back up and looked in to helping his Lawyers take care of social services sending in all his paperwork doctors reports, homework assignment Pictures and the first month of receipts from when he got Daniel anything and everything that he thought might help, then set about destroying the press that even dared to suggest abuse of any kind.
By the time the sun got around to rising He was well in to it with three CEO's out on their ear there company's cut in half and every news anchor reporter that said the words printed were out of the job and no hope of finding a new one in the reporting world even as a copy girl or janitor,
when he heard Daniel's breathing change he put his computer away ruffled his hair laid his bed back and feigned sleep. Until he felt Daniel climb in to his bed and curl in to his side Tony had to fight to keep his face straight soon he heard Dan's soft snoring meaning he was fast asleep turning Tony pulled Dan tighter resting his head on Daniels head and fell in to a light dose.
[{()}]
Tony woke with a jerk when he heard the door slide open but Daniel just snuggled closer making him smile he looked to the door and saw Dr. Greg standing there smiling he came in Speaking softly "How are you feeling today Tony?"
He shrugged "It could be worse, so are you going to let us go today Doc?"
The Doc just grinned going over Tony's chart then Daniels before speaking "Everything looks to be in order and you are doing much better Ideally I would like to keep you at least one more day Tony but I know that is impossible so yes I am going to release you today under the condition that you go straight home and take today and tomorrow and rest."
"Thanks Doc it means a lot to me, and for keeping all of this under your hat and your people from going to the press,-"
The Doc cut him off "There is no need to thank m for that that was common curtsey and if more people respected other people privacy things wouldn't get so out of hand, well you are both good to go I'll send in your driver with the paper work for you release."
The Doc clasped his arm before taking his leave Tony turned to Daniel and shook his shoulder gently "Hey wake up, come on. . .Wake up, Wake-y Wake-y eggs and Bake-y," Daniel groaned pulling the blanket over his head "M'nn slepin."
Tony laughed out right and the door opened to emit Rhody with a bag of clothes and Happy with the paper work Tony gestured Rhody over and gestured to Daniel Rhody grinned yanked back the covers and hoisted Daniel over his shoulder with one hand and carried the laughing wriggling 12 year old in to the bath room with the bag of clothes.
As soon as the door shut Tony pulled out his phone and called Obi "Hey Tony! How you doing?"
"Good Obi, and getting better they have me on the good stuff, tell me what are you thinking about all of this?"
"I don't know what to tell you Tony, it came as a surprise and I'm a little worried at how this will affect you and the company,"
Something about his reply put Tony's hackles up it wasn't a real answer. so he hedged "I know Obi but you know me,"
"Yes Tony I do that's what has me worried now when would be a good time for me to come see you and we can talk about this?"
Tony sighed, he had hoped that Obi would be supportive about this but it looked like he was out of luck. Putting up his mask he answered "Well Obi they aren't letting anyone but family in and I had to push for Pep and Rhod's so you are going to have to wait for me to be to be discharged at least a day or two but hey when you do come bring pizza the stuff they all food is-"
the line cut off mid word He still had it! closing his phone he set it top of his computer and singed the papers Happy had for him thinking 'I hope I am wrong about this,' Happy left with the paper work and to pull the car around just as the bathroom door opened and Daniel pushed Rhody out before slamming the door in his face "Wow you would think he was your clone not your son Tony, I remember when you did that when I was mother henning you back at M.I.T." Rhody flopped on to the end of Tony s bed tone turning serious "SO. . . where do things stand?"
Tony groaned "Right now I don't know who I can trust the only ones I have in my corner are you guys and I don't want my name to ruin Daniels child hood like it did mine! What do I do Rho?" Rhody had never heard Tony's voice so taut before, crossing his arms thoughtfully "Tony what dose your gut tell you?"
Tony snorted disdainfully "You put to much stalk in the gut."
"Tony, Tell me."
"Alright! My gut is telling me to take Daniel to a tower and hid him away from the world safe and protected. I know its stupid but I cant help wanting to keep him away from the world that I see every day the world that I grew up in I just want him to have a free chilled hood." Tony turned away at the end muffling his voice not looking at Rhody but it wasn't Rhody who spoke "That's not stupid Tony, you are a dad and all you want is to protect your kid ask any parent out there they would do the same,"
It was Ty standing in the open door with Zane right in front of hi pushing a wheel chair "Now keeping that in mind what are you going to do?"
Tony thought about it and went with the percentages "We are going home and taking the week off and go away from the press then when we get back Daniel will have a press conference to say what he wants."
Ty and Zane nodded like they expected nothing ells and Rhody grinned "OK, lets do that. Now get changed we have to go home and pack." he tossed tony sweats and a button up with Rhodys help he pulled on the pants and did up the buttons on his shirt he was just settling in to his seat when Daniel came out freshly showered hair still dripping Tony beckoned him over and dried Daniels hair for him "How would you feel about going to New York and spending a week in the Stark manor?
"Daniel looked up at him with wide gray eye's "Is that where you grew up? And where Mr. Jarvis lives?"
Tony relaxed smiling softly "Yeah kiddo that's where I grew up, and My Jarvis lives there now with his son and daughter taking care of the place, would you like to meet them?"
Daniel started to bounce with excitement "Please, Please, Please, I want to meet him face to face. I have only had letters Please!?"
Tony laughed "OK then why don't you Ty and Rhody go home and pack and Zane and I will get the jet ready and things set up for our flight how dose that sound?"
Daniel was already up and pulling on his shoes then he grabbed Rhody and herded him and Ty out the door before they could do more than blink the door closed with a soft snick and Zane and Tony shared a laugh when the door opened again and Daniel ducked in ran to Tony and gave him a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek "Love you dad" before he darted back out the door Tony had this goofy grin on his lips and Zane patted him on the shoulder "OK so where to boss?"
"well since we Rhody and Ty are sneaking Dan out we should strut and give them an opening so to the front maestro,"
Zane snorted and wheeled Tony to the front of the building Tony made sure he was press worthy showing his sling and leg in a brace raised the chair rest but nothing covering his eyes so the reporters knew it was him when they reached the lobby he put on his media mask and sat straighter as the doors swished open to a blinding flash of lights and cacophony of noise happy was there making room and they made there way to the car Zane helped Tony to his feet and he Turned to face the crowed raising a hand gaining immediate silence "Thank you for all your attention now I can't answer your questions right now I have to fly out for some therapy and will be back in a little over a week's time, Thank you for your time."
Zane helped him in to the car and shut the door before they could get any more pictures of tony then He slid in to the passenger seat and Happy in to the drivers side and pulled away for the hospital just as Tony's phone rang and he answered without looking, "Yes pepper?"
"What the hell are you thinking? A press CONFERENCE, I didn't think you were this stupid WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!"
Tony held the phone at arms length as Pepper continued to shout Happy's shoulders were shaking with suppressed laughter and Zane was looking out the window but Tony could see his lips twitching in his reflection,
When the line went quiet tony pulled the phone back to his ear "Pep you and I both know that the only way to get them off my back is to give them what they want now Listen Pep, I am taking Daniel up to New york and Jarvis for a week to let things to cool down I am taking Zane and Ty with us but no one ells have JARVIS set up an in home nurse to help with the therapy and find me the best. Pep I have to go."
Pepper sighed "OK send Happy my way after he drops you off I have a feeling I will need his help to leave tonight."
"spend the night at Rhodys place you will be safe there they wont get on to the base,"
"Alright Tony tell Daniel I love him and I will see you two in a week and take care of Daniel Tony."
"Yes pep."
"Will that be all Mr. Stark?"
"That will be all Miss. Pots."
Tony closed his phone and chucked it and Zane's head "Shut up."
Getting to the Airport the jet was all ready to go and Happy pulled right up to it Zane didn't bother with the wheel chair just carried Tony bridal style in to the jet setting him down in one of the reclining seats,
Happy brings in the Wheel chair and stowed it in the back before grabbing Tony's Laptop and phone and setting them up for him "Need anything ells Boss?'
"No I am good Happy thanks, just swing by the office and give Pepper a ride to Rhodys will you?"
"You got it Boss. take care of Dan and your self."
Tony waved him off "Yeah Yeah go on get, Peppers waiting."
Happy waved to Zane before exiting the plane Tony hooked up JARVIS to the jet and called home Daniel answered "Hey dad do you want any clothes?"
"No Dan I'm good just get what you need for a week oh! And make sure the bots all know that we will be back soon OK,"
"Yes dad, love you." and Daniel hung up the phone
Zane cleared his throat at Tonys side and held out two pills and a water "Doc said two every hours until you run out of the first bottle-"
Tony cut him off "And one twice a day until he or the therapist decided to take me off them I know you told me Rhody told me the Doc told me and Pepper has it on repeat every hour on the hour through JARVIS, I get the picture,"
Zane smirked as Tony snatched the pills out of his hand and popped them in his mouth draining his water. Tony wasn't an idiot he didn't like pain he just prefers to be clearheaded and coherent most of the time. . .well all of the time now, with Daniel in his life.
It did not take long for the pills to kick in and Tony felt drowsy right away and he fell asleep before Daniel and Ty even made it back to the plane,
So I suck at updating, and for some reason the hospital seen was hard for me. Hopefully I will be better now that summer is comming but I make no promises, Sorry for the long wait tell me if there is anything I missed.