They managed to return to the safe-house after taking care of Dubaku's men and grabbing the diamonds, leaving Jack to come to on his own. On the way, Tony told Chloe and Bill that he was out, that enough was enough, and to his relief, they understood. He sent them his remaining intel and trusted they could get to the bottom of things and prevent further attacks. There were more important things to worry about. Although trying to stop the CIP device from being breached had dredged up some of his old government agent tendencies, he wasn't about to risk his life, David's, or Michael's to pursue it. His priority would always be their well-being, and today had reminded him of that.

David stood with his arms folded, watching Tony pace around the office, trying to find the right words. Eventually, he stopped, turning to face him.

"You need to know I didn't want it to have to come to this, but I had no choice." Tony pressed his lips together. "We were so happy. Everything was so good. Then you suddenly started keeping me in the dark, and I couldn't understand why. I left it alone at first. You don't owe me an explanation, and the fact is I owe you everything. I know you spend most of the money you make on me or Michael, and it makes me so happy to think that all you want to do is take care of us. But…I was just so worried you were in over your head this time. I'm sorry for going behind your back, but I don't regret protecting my family, and that includes you."

He nodded slowly. Tony looked sick with remorse, and David hated that so much. He had already felt guilt for his secrecy, but putting Tony through any more pain than he had already suffered made him feel so much worse.

"Which is when you looked through my computer."

"Yes." He replied uncomfortably.

"And told your…friends that you're alive."

Tony had allowed David to listen to the phone calls he'd made on their way home, filling in the gaps about who he was speaking to. While he had been sceptical initially, given that he and Tony had successfully gotten away from the FBI, David had figured he could trust them, even if they were former government agents. David also thought about how desperate and conflicted Tony must have been to risk himself. But of course, if Tony had believed his son's life was at stake, then it made sense that he would do whatever he could to ensure he was safe. He hated that he had broken his trust and made Tony believe he would endanger Michael. It should never have gone this far.

"I…I don't blame you." He said sadly. "If you thought I was putting Michael in danger, I understand why you sought outside help. It's no wonder they were willing to keep us from being incriminated to protect Michael."

"Actually…Chloe and Bill don't know about Michael. Neither does Jack. I wanted him to stay out of this completely."

David looked at him, bewildered. "Then how did you convince them to let us get away?"

Tony cracked a half smile. "You. I…I made it clear to them that you were important to me. I told them you aren't a bad person and don't deserve to be thrown in jail or worse. I...I just couldn't let you get hurt. That's just as important to me as protecting Michael."

He looked so genuinely taken aback it almost made Tony forget the sheer anger and hurt he'd expressed earlier.

"You…you didn't have to do that." David furrowed his brow in confusion. "You could have just gotten you and Michael to safety, but you told them about us instead, even though you knew it would be harder to convince them? W-Why?"

"Because I love you." He answered, lifting his shoulder. "I might have been ashamed at admitting to working for you after so many years of serving the government, but I'm not ashamed of loving you."

Hearing the authenticity in his voice, David pulled him in for a searing kiss, communicating in every way that he forgave him, that he knew Tony hadn't betrayed him, that he wouldn't resent him for responding to a situation by putting his son's needs first. Tony shuddered in return, grabbing the back of his head and keeping him close.

"I…I understand." David said, stroking his cheek. "I understand why you did what you did, and I'm sorry for driving you to that point. I never wanted you to think I was keeping secrets. I just…I just didn't want to get your hopes up by making a promise I couldn't keep. And more than that, I was embarrassed by what you might think of me for taking a job like this, even if it was for a good reason." He sighed. "But I can tell you with certainty that this is over now. So rather than sit here, trying to justify it all, why don't I show you why I took this job?"

It was clear that the atmosphere between them had lightened. He didn't realise just how much he'd missed total transparency with Tony, and he vowed to himself that he would never let it get to this point again. Tony obliged and walked with him to their bedroom, opening the safe hidden in their closet. David silently passed Tony a pile of papers, letting him take in the information there. At first, he was confused, then David felt his heart leap in his chest as he watched Tony's jaw drop, a small laugh of disbelief escaping him.

"I make no excuses for keeping secrets from you. I claim to be a man of transparency, and yet I became so secretive I drove you away and worried you sick. But I hope you understand why I had to keep this private until I knew it would pan out."

When he looked up, his eyes were wet with tears. "You're seriously doing this for us?"

"Yes." He said softly. "I want us to be happy. I want Michael to have the life he deserves. When I saw how much Dubaku was willing to pay, I knew it would likely be the only opportunity I would have to make this dream come true for us."

"But…what about your crew?"

He shook his head. "I'm sure they'll manage just fine on their own. I do make it quite clear how much I care about you."

Tony smiled wryly. "So let me get this straight. We're retiring?"

"Yes," David said, returning the smile. "We have enough money to settle down somewhere. Unless we see something we're both passionate about and willing to help with, we don't need to be guns for hire anymore. I have a few options in place since I wanted you to be part of this decision. Regardless, I have all the necessary papers for us and for Michael. He'll be able to go to school, and then when he grows up, he won't be limited to doing what we did. If he wants to go to college, move abroad, join a circus for all I care, he'll be able to do it without worrying about exposing us."

Looking through the documents, Tony could see an adoption form with David's name written as his proposed legal guardian. He noticed it was unsigned.

"I…I wanted to let you choose."

"Are you crazy? Of course." He desperately looked for a pen, signing to match the alias David had given to him.

Eagerly, Tony started to look through the list of potential locations for their new home. He was thrilled by the mere concept of having a peaceful life with David and their son, so he honestly couldn't care less about the details. But one particular spot stuck out to him. He was surprised David had considered it, given his history there. However, it warmed Tony's heart to know that David had healed so much to be open to this.

"You've always talked about how much you miss England and would love for Michael and I to see it." Tony mused, looking at the images of the countryside property, already picturing themselves in it. "I think it's perfect."

"You would do that for me?"

"Yeah," Tony said. "After giving me and Michael a place to call home, I think it's only fair that we go to yours."

"Then it's decided."

"But..." Tony started in a mock-serious tone. "If Michael's not going to grow up in the US, you have to promise me he still gets to watch Cubs games on TV."

David grinned. "Deal."