The night after that surprising revelation, Tony attempted to sleep, but unable to do so, he returned to his lab and gathered all the information he could get about the couple.
"Jarvis, pull out everything we have for Mary and Richard Parker. I want to know everything."
"Right away, Sir." In a few seconds, pictures and documents popped up on the screen.
JARVIS continued summarizing all the files, "Richard and Mary Parker worked for the CIA until 2001 and have been recruited by SHIELD from 2002 until now. Mary is still a genetic biochemist studying animal DNA alongside her husband. Mary Parker is an only child with no close relatives, while Richard Parker has a brother named Ben with a wife named May."
So, they're essentially just scientists at SHIELD. Why are they out there risking their lives as field agents for a mission? The question was purely rhetorical, and well, it's as if I can stop them, he thought.
That was eight months ago, and ever since then, not a day went by that he didn't think of the kid. He was so close to going to New York to check on the kid himself, but his worst thoughts usually got the best of him. The kid was better off without him anyway.
He assured himself it was going to be okay. The kid was going to be fine. He had responsible and kind parents and an aunt and uncle to rely on. At least that's what he was trying to tell himself for the past months since he knew.
Tony was gently nudged back into reality when Rhodey placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You're lost in thought, Tony. You're not in any trouble now, are you?"
Rhodey cast a concerned glance at Tony. They sat at a world-famous racing circuit in California, awaiting the start of the race. It had been a while since he watched a race with his best friend, briefly contemplating whether he should take a spin on the track as well.
"Oh, you're not gonna believe me if I tell you." Tony crossed his legs, sipping his glass of champagne.
"Really? Try me. C'mon Tony, I've practically been your babysitter next to Pepper."
Tony chuckled at the thought. Since bringing Pepper on board two years ago, his work has become a breeze. Apparently, she is the most reliable, dependable, and trustworthy secretary he has ever had.
"Yeah, she makes my life easier."
"So? What's been bothering you?"
Hesitating for a second, shaking a deep breath before continuing,
"So, I found out I have a kid. There I said it."
After eight months of keeping it to himself, saying it out loud made it feel so real.
With a playful glint in his eyes, Rhodey looked at Tony, half-expecting and anticipating a punchline. Yet, as the moment lingered, his eyes widened in disbelief. Tony met his gaze with a serious expression, cementing the gravity of his words.
"Wait, What? Say that again. Tony.."
"Rhodes, I'm serious."
"You have to be kidding me, Tony, you're barely a baby yourself."
"Really Rhodes?" giving Rhodey a hurt look. "Look it's nothing to worry about, his Mom, the woman assured me it's no responsibility of mine."
Before Rhodey could even reply, Tony's phone rang which startled both of them. There's no caller ID, just a phone number. "What's with all the goddamn reporters having my phone number?"
"Pick it up Tony, you never know what's at the other end of that line, and maybe change your number already after this."
He picked up his phone, ready to give the reporter a scare. "You guys don't ever leave me alone, do you? I said a thousand times to call my office or my company for any interviews you might want—"
"Mr. Stark. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm Agnes Clark. I'm not a reporter, I'm from New York Social Services."
He shot Rhodey a look, and it was evident that his best friend could also hear the woman on his phone talking.
"Are you familiar with Ben and May Parker, Mr. Stark?"
"Yeah..." A pounding in his chest grew.
This could mean...
"I'm saddened to inform you, Mr. Stark, that Ben was shot yesterday and unfortunately lost his life instantly. May, who was also present, was both stabbed and shot and couldn't survive her injuries. They're both gone. Their nephew, Peter, has been staying with us since the tragic incident involving his aunt and uncle. The boy's parents, Richard and Mary Parker, tragically passed away seven months ago in a plane crash. Mrs. Leeds, May's neighbour, mentioned that May specifically wanted to contact you, Mr. Stark, in case she didn't return. She said you're Peter's biological Father?"
A sudden jolt gripped Tony as the inevitable truth unfolded before him,
"Yes… yes, I am. Yes, I am his Father."
Wow, did I just say that out loud?
"Mr. Stark, can you come in here now? We have a few questions and we wouldn't want to delay this as Peter has nowhere to go now."
"Yes, no problem. I'm still in California so I'll be there in about five hours."
"We're in Queens New York Social Services, Mr. Stark. Thank you. We'll be waiting."
As the call came to an end, Tony was left grappling with the reality of what had just unfolded, needing a few moments to let it sink in.
They left the track afterwards, setting things up in motion. Tony wasted no time and dialled Pepper's number.
"Pepper, call my lawyers. I'm going to New York, it's about Peter. There's been an emergency, he has nowhere to go now."
He had already told Pepper about his son a month ago when he slipped up accidentally over lunch, and she was undoubtedly taken aback by surprise, shocked to even comprehend, her words exactly saying "How can a baby take care of a baby?" She pressed him with questions for about an hour, but eventually grasped the situation, cause that's who Pepper is, the only woman who can even put up with him amidst his darkest, most stupid antics.
"Oh my God, okay Tony. I'll send your lawyers to New York to get the paperwork done. Update me once you're in there. Make sure he's okay."
"Thanks, Pep. Maybe also arrange for a hotel, we might stay there for a few days. If you could also come tomorrow, that would be much appreciated."
"I'll try my best Tony, and please don't do anything stupid."
He called Happy, his air team next, and in just 30 minutes the jet's already set up and ready.
"No responsibility, your ass." Rhodey mocked. "Make sure you fix this Tony. You have a role now and this is not just anything you easily get away with. This is serious."
Rhodey shot Tony a serious look, pulling him into a brief, supportive hug.
"You sure don't want to come? Maybe look out for me for a bit?"
"I've looked out for you half your life Tony. Now, this is something you need to do on your own and I've also got business to attend to in DC. I know you can do this."
"Thanks, Rhodes."
With that, he hopped on the jet. Rhodey had been by his side through high school, college, and the dark days after his parents' passing. He played a crucial role in pulling Tony out of the abyss, guiding him through the grief and daddy issues that threatened to lead him astray. Alongside Pepper, Rhodey served as a steady anchor, tirelessly working to keep Tony on the path to sobriety, day and night. It was a slow journey, but progress nonetheless.
A cascade of "what ifs" overwhelmed his thoughts.
I never dreamed of having a child, he thought.
Surely I'm no father figure.
How can I be a father to a kid when my own father hasn't even shown me how to be one?
He'd relished the bachelor life for so long, and while it still held its appeal, was it a suitable example for a child? Probably not.
What kind of father would I be?
What if I mess him up like my father messed me up.
He brushed his hand into his face. As these questions swirled in his mind, a growing sense of panic took hold. There was no turning back now.
Peter, the kid, his kid, was his flesh and blood. Giving him up was out of the question.
"You okay boss?" Happy asked, expression filled with growing concern.
The announcement echoed through the cabin as the pilot informed them of their upcoming landing in New York. Has it already been five hours? He was so lost in thought that he lost track of time.
Navigating through the vibrant chaos of New York City only added to his discomfort. The slow progress through Queens traffic intensified his unease, especially with the SS building looming closer. A blend of nervous anticipation and excitement filled the air as he waited in the car. Weirdest feeling ever. He feels as if he's about to lose his shit.
"Here we are, Boss."
"Thanks Hap. Circle around the block and wait for my call. Also, check on the hotel, and make sure they got what the kid needs."
"No problem, Boss."
Tony made his way to the entrance and eyed the receptionist.
"I'm looking for Ms. Agnes Clark." The receptionist was about to speak up when another woman, in her mid-forties replied,
"Mr. Stark, we've been waiting for you. I'm Agnes Clark." Offering her hand for a handshake, Tony met her gesture with a firm grip.
"Where's the kid?"
"Please follow me in my office, he's waiting for you."
As the door swung open, revealing the boy for the first time, Tony's heart nearly leapt from his chest. He had intentionally refrained from searching for the kid in the past few months, knowing that once he started, he might never stop.
The pounding in his chest persisted as he looked down at his son, engrossed in playing a magnetic triangle toy, easily arranging it into different shapes. The little one's brown curls framed his face, complementing the cheerful sparkle in his brown eyes. With his mother's eyes and hair, along with chubby cheeks, arms, and legs, Tony couldn't help but find his son incredibly adorable.
Agnes approached Peter, kneeling down just as the boy delicately set the toys aside,
"Hi Peter, look what we have here. Someone's excited to see you."
Agnes scooped Peter up and walked over to Tony.
Peter glanced up at Tony with doe innocent eyes, silently wondering who the man might be.
"A'nes, who is he?" the sweet little sound of his voice echoed around the room.
Locked in Peter's gaze, Tony felt as if the boy's gaze penetrating into his soul, rendering him momentarily unable to articulate any words. He felt an indescribable warmth enveloping his heart, a sensation entirely new to him.
"He's Mr. Tony Stark, Peter. The one your Mommy and Auntie talked to you about. Do you remember?"
Witnessing the tears welling up in the boy's eyes, Tony's heart constricted at the sight. The notion of a child enduring such pain, struck a deep chord in him, awakening an innate sense of protectiveness towards Peter.
"He's going to take care of you now Peter. Is that ok with you?"
Tony felt a sudden jittery sensation in his chest, the fear of a potential rejection seizing him.
What if Peter says no?
Yet, before panic could fully consume him, the little boy nodded sheepishly, and before Tony even knew what was happening Agnes was already transferring Peter into his stronghold.
"Hey, bud. Hey… I'm Tony." Tony smiled, not fully aware of what he was saying or what he would say next, letting his inner self take the lead. "I'm going to take care of you now. You don't need to worry anymore."
Peter shed a tear, and the next moment, the boy was already crying, burying his face in Tony's neck, while Tony's hand enveloped him. Tony tried to calm Peter down by gently rubbing his back as he assured him,
"It's going to be okay, kid. I'm here now… Daddy's here now."
Following the conversation with Ms. Agnes, Tony learned that Peter already knew about the fate of his aunt and uncle. Peter was also aware of his parents' tragic end, explained to him by his Aunt and Uncle after their demise.
Tony's lawyers arrived later to finalize all the necessary details. Tony decided to cover all the costs and arrangements for the funeral.
Surprisingly, he discovered that Mary had named Peter after him, he's officially Peter Stark. Therefore, he didn't need to adopt Peter since he was already legally his.
Agnes only required confirmation and legal assessment from him and his lawyer, and they were finished in just half an hour, heading back to the hotel in Manhattan.
Tony couldn't tear his eyes away as Peter watched the world pass by through the car window.
"Hey kid, you okay?" He wondered if this was even the right way to talk to children.
Peter shifted his attention back to the man seated beside him.
"I'm okay. Where are we going, Mr. Stark?"
Mr. Stark? I thought he knew I was his dad. Well, it's not as if I can force him to call me his Dad right away. He had two father figures after all and we just met.
And do I want to be his Dad?
"You can call me Tony, Peter." Tony insisted, "We're going to a hotel right now and we'll be staying there for a while." At least until after the funeral. "Are you hungry already?"
"Slight. Ms. Agnes only has fwuits and crackers back there and I ate only a few."
A smile played on Tony's lips at the way Peter said the words. It was adorably cute, and he wondered why he had never felt like this before with other kids.
"Hap, the food's already prepared when we arrive right?"
"Yes, boss. I've already ordered a kiddie meal and dinner for the two of you. Clothes, toys, and toiletries are also already in there." Happy said as they pulled up in front of the Hotel.
"Let's go, kid."
Tony stepped out, cradling Peter with one arm, just the way parents do when holding their kids, the boy's head comfortably resting on his shoulders.
With Happy as their bodyguard, Tony strolled through the lobby of The Plaza, holding Peter in his arms, on their way to the Royal Suite. The sight drew curious looks, especially from those who recognized Tony Stark, the billionaire, genius, playboy, and philanthropist, holding a child no less. Some couldn't resist capturing the moment with phone cameras before they could even notice.
They exited the elevator and proceeded down the hallway to their rooms.
"I'll be right next door Boss, if you need me."
"Alright. I appreciate your help, Hogan."
With a gesture of gratitude, Tony tapped Happy's shoulder. Happy had been a constant presence, almost like family.
"Always a pleasure, boss." Happy said as he opened the room doors.
The delicious smell of dinner filled the air as Tony set Peter down.
"Mmm tired, Mr. Stark, but I'm also hungry." Peter pouted and attempted to climb a chair, but it was out of reach. Noticing Peter's struggle, Tony grabbed a baby chair and helped him onto it, ensuring he could join the table comfortably.
"I know you sure do kid. My stomach's been grumblin too. So let's see what we have here."
The table was adorned with a spread of delights, including a medium steak with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pizza, fries, chicken nuggets, and chicken soup. Fresh watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries were also available. Beverage options included red wine, apple juice, and water.
"Okay, kid, let's dig in. Wait, do you know how to eat by yourself?"
"My auntie's been teaching me. I know how."
Tony observed with a smile as Peter eagerly grabbed a handful of fries, followed by some chicken nuggets. Watching him navigate the spoon and fork, Tony couldn't help but be amused, yet impressed, as Peter eventually got the hang of it.
"I don't like mac and cheese, Mr. Stark. My mom and auntie always cook spaghetti or lasagna at home."
Tony chuckled, "Well, kid, I'm not a fan of mac and cheese either. Looks like we've got something in common."
After taking a few bites of steak, Tony washed it down with a sip of red wine.
"Can I also have a grape juice, Mr. Stark? My favourite's grape juice at home."
"Uh no… Not this one kid. This one's not grape juice."
"But it's colour violet and looks like grape juice."
"Trust me on this one kid. Tomorrow I'll have them give us grape juice for breakfast, okay? For now, drink up your apple juice."
To Tony's horror, he immediately gulped all of the red wine left in his glass afraid Peter was still going to ask some.
"Mr. Stark, I'm full. Can I go to bed now?" Peter expressed, leaving half of his plate untouched, a common occurrence for a four-year-old.
"Yeah, okay. Let's tuck you to bed, I guess." Tony agreed, lifting Peter into his arms.
"Are you gonna help me clean myself up?"
Oh no, Tony whispered to himself. He had no knowledge or training on how to clean up or take care of kids. How do parents know how to do this? Should I call Pepper and bring her here now? But Pepper's miles away, and Rhodey's not here. Happy must be out snoring right now. It's only me. He gulped. He couldn't even imagine himself doing it.
"I can help. Can you tell me how your Auntie does it?"
"Yeah, I can't reach for the bidet yet so she washes me up, and she doesn't like taking me to bath at night if I didn't sweat up in the day. She washes my hair. Then I brush my teeth."
"Okay. We'll get through this,"
I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, Tony repeated in his head.
"Have you played earlier?"
"Yes, I did with Ned."
"Who's Ned?"
"He's my friend and neighbour. We always like to play at the playground." Ned must be Mrs. Leeds's son.
"Right then let's wash up."
Tony unbuttoned Peter's clothes and carefully placed him in the bathtub of the big luxury bathroom where all the baby essentials were already arranged.
Slowly filling the tub with water at the right temperature—not too hot and not too cold—Tony poured in some baby soap, creating bubbles that filled the tub. The room echoed with Peter's giggles as he played with a toy boat and a rubber duckie in the tub.
"Is the water ok, buddy? You like it?"
Peter laughed, saying, "Uhmm… Just right."
"Please be careful with the shampoo, Daddy. I don't like to have red eyes."
Right then, Tony's chest tightened, and his breathing became uneven. Did he just call me Daddy? He beamed at the thought. Simultaneously, Peter blushed, biting his lip, as he became aware of what he had uttered.
"Have your eyes hurt before from shampoo?"
"Yeah, I cried 'cause it hurts so much. Auntie cried too. But it's ok, it's not Auntie's fault."
"Okay. I'll be careful with it. Just close your eyes okay until I say I'm done."
"'Kay."
Tony poured a small amount of shampoo onto Peter's curly hair, which carried a gentle baby powder scent. After rinsing the curls with water, he proceeded to cleanse Peter's body, patting him dry gently. Tony was pleasantly surprised, it wasn't as difficult as he had anticipated. Embracing Peter with the towel, he carried him outside to change into fresh clothes.
"Do you also put on your clothes by yourself or does your auntie do it?"
"My uncle does, Mr. Stark."
Oh so now it's Mr. Stark again. Tony let out a sigh as he finished putting on Peter's briefs. The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement upon spotting a paper bag filled with toys, and he ran energetically across the room.
"Hey Underoos, we're not done yet!" Tony called out, his gaze following the boy's movements.
The adorable little one sifted through the contents of the bag until he settled on a stuffed toy dog. Excitedly, he rushed back to Tony, cradling his newfound friend against his chest.
"So you found a new friend, huh?"
A wide grin spread across Tony's face. This kid was just too adorable to handle. He's worried he might bite him for his cuteness.
"Yeah. He's cute. I'll call him Oreo. He looks like an Oreo."
Tony chuckled, "Good choice on the naming, kid. But I'm afraid you're cuter than Oreo. C'mon, let's put up your pyjamas."
Tony smiled as Peter stood on a chair to reach the sink for teeth brushing. After completing their bathroom tasks, they headed back to the bed, but Peter came to a sudden stop, "Where will I sleep, Mr. Stark?"
Tony looked at the only bed, it's a king-size bed to be exact which is quite large for the both of them.
"I guess we're gonna be sharing tonight, bud. Is that okay with you?"
"Okay." Tony helped Peter as he found the kid called "Help" struggling to crawl his way to bed.
"Okay, kid. I'm just right here if you need me." Tony said, sitting beside Peter on the bed and gently rubbing his arm.
Peter simply stared at him for a few seconds, cradling Oreo, before asking, "You're my Dad right, Mr. Stark? Mom and Auntie said you're my real father and that we'll meet each other someday."
Tony was caught off guard by Peter's question, and after a moment of swallowing, he tried to respond as best as he could.
"Yes, I am Pete… And I'm sorry I haven't been in your life until now. It's much more complicated back then. But I'm here now, okay? And I'm going to take care of you now and always."
Peter blinked back tears, "I miss Mom and Dad, and Auntie and Uncle, Daddy."
Witnessing Peter's tears, Tony's heart clenched. Tears welled up in his own eyes as he witnessed his son's heartache. The sight of Peter, so young and already burdened with grief, tore Tony's soul. No child should experience such pain. He vowed to himself that from now on, he would do everything in his power to protect Peter.
Tony gently pressed his thumb to the boy's cheek, wiping away the tears. Holding him close, he comforted Peter as the young boy cried, staining Tony's shirt with tears but finding comfort in the embrace.
"I know you do buddy. I know you do. I'm sure they're always watching you from where they are now though."
"Like heaven?"
"Yes, like heaven bud and I know they want you to know they're alright and happy up there as long as you're happy and safe right here."
Slowly, the sobbing subsided, and Peter's breathing gradually returned to a calm rhythm. Tony, attentive to every moment, waited for five minutes until he was certain the kid had finally drifted into a peaceful slumber. Taking an additional half-hour to ensure Peter was sleeping soundly, Tony planted a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. Carefully disentangling himself from the embrace, he moved away, silently avoiding any disturbance, and quietly left the room, heading towards the living room.
Pulling out his phone, Tony decided to give Pepper a call. The time was already well past 10, and he figured Pepper would still be awake. As the phone rang, Pepper's hologram materialized on the screen of his phone.
"Hey, Ms. Potts."
"Mr. Stark, you look exhausted. How's Peter doing? How is it?"
Letting out a sigh, he answered, "Peter doesn't deserve this Pep. He's too young to feel this grief and loss, with not just one but two sets of parents."
Tony ran his hands through his hair before looking back at Pepper, "I've never thought I'll be able to clean up a child in the bathroom. Can you imagine me doing that? There's not a single ounce of trait that child got from me. I tell you."
A small smile played on Pepper's lips as she observed the subtle shift in Tony's attitude when discussing his child,
"Give yourself some credit, Tony."
"When are you coming here?"
"I'll be there tomorrow first light. I've already set up the funeral tomorrow afternoon keeping only close friends of the Parkers. The tailor's also going to be there for you and Peter's suit adjustments, they can easily adjust it for the both of you the same day if there's any. The things from the Parker's apartment have already been transferred to your Malibu mansion and Peter's room will be decorated tomorrow. Do you know what design he'd like?"
The sight of a Star Wars Lego set in the corner caught Tony's attention, Peter was eyeing it earlier with a sparkle in his eyes, "Uh no, not yet. Maybe Star Wars? Not sure Pep. Maybe that. If he doesn't like it we can redesign it afterwards, for now, let's make it look cozy and befitting for a four-year-old."
"Ok. We can take care of that." She replied, jotting down notes on her Starkpad.
"Thanks, Ms. Potts. What would I do without you." Tony's smile turned playful as he reflected how his gratitude and fondness for this woman seemed to grow with each passing day.
"Oh, you won't. See you tomorrow, Boss." Pepper smirked, dismissing her boss's flirtatious gesture as the call came to an end.
Tony returned to the bedroom, where he spent a few minutes staring at his son before fixing himself up and settling into bed right next to him.