Chapter Text
“Daddy, why are we running?”
“We are not running, we are walking fast,” Steve said as he clutched his son tighter to his chest. While Brooklyn wasn't Manhattan, Steve was thankful that the New York tendency to just ignore everything happening on the street still existed. Man preaching about the end times, ignore, drunk girl, walking around without shoes, ignore. Young single father absolutely booking it down a busy street, ignore.
“Are you late?” Peter questioned.
Not yet- Steve thought, and he would’ve told his son that, if it wasn’t so hard to talk and breathe.
“I thought Uncle Sam and Bucky were gonna babysit me?” Peter asked, his Dad’s silence was just making the boy more curious. One moment he was sitting in his pajamas watching Finding Nemo and the next he was in his Dad's arm running out the door. He had a lot of questions
“They were” Steve replied, as he dodged a runner “But Bucky is having one of his sad days.”
Peter nodded he knew what that meant ‘Why couldn’t Mrs. Larson watch me?”
“Because when Mrs.Larson opened the door she thought I was her husband,” Steve said as the bakery’s sign came into view. The window art still featured something Steve drew last week, a cartoon of two doughnuts working out, with the words reading /just dough it/. Steve knew it wasn't the most original but Peter loved the idea so that's what he created.
Steve picked up the pace a little and nearly took down an elderly woman with a croissant when he opened the door.
He spotted Natasha right away who despite battling the morning rush looked completely at ease, Steve was surprised when after her deployment ended Natasha decided to work for a bakery, but as she told Steve, after all the things she had been through, all she wanted was to bake banana bread and be happy.
“Nat, you are a lifesaver.” He called over the drone of the patrons, the redhead handed the customer a croissant and started a blender in one fluid motion, then signaled for a coworker to take over.
“Aunt Natasha!”Peter squealed, any confusion was completely gone now, and his excitement taking over, he practically leaped out of Steves's arms, running to Natasha as she came out from behind the counter
“My little spider!” She beamed, as she took Peter into her arms and spun him around “You see that table over there, with the big double chocolate chip muffin?” Peter nodded, eyes going wide at the treat “That one is all yours”
Peter ran off to the table the call of chocolate so early in the morning being too good to waste one more second, Steve shared a knowing look with Natasha, as he made his way to where his son was sitting, quickly putting all of Peter’s things on the table. He figured, the Starkpad, the coloring books, and stuffed animal, would be enough to occupy the boy for a few hours.
“Peter, Auntie Nat is working, so you have to stay here and do whatever she says okay?”
“I will be good, I promise” Peter mumbled, mouth already full, Steve laughed despite how worried he was about his impending lateness, it was moments like these that made being away from Peter, even for a few hours, tough.
“I know you will,” He said bending down to give his son a kiss on the cheek “ Wish me luck?”
“Good luck Papa,” Peter said giving two thumbs up
Steve ruffled his hair and couldn't resist giving him one more kiss, before turning to Natasha.
“The pad should keep him occupied, I should be gone two hours at most, Nat, I am so sorry about this-” He said as he was backing up to the door
“Steve you're already late” Natasha said, shooing him with her arms “ I got this, go!”
“I love you” He called to Peter as he made his way out the door.
The trip into Manhattan was just as stressful as the first leg of his journey had been, and despite his great efforts he still walked in 25 minutes late.
After making it through the security checkpoints he all but ran to the front desk. “Hi, My name is Steve Rogers I have an interview with the advertising department..”
“Mr. Rogers” A woman interrupted him, the woman was impeccably dressed and didn't have a hair out of place, making Steve feel even more uncomfortable in the suit he borrowed.
“Pepper Potts,” The woman said shaking Steves's hands and clutching a StarkPad in another. Steve took her hand, but before Steve could've even apologized for his lateness she was walking away
“I will be conducting the interview If you would just follow me,” She swiped her key card by the elevator.
“Are you alright Mr. Rogers? ” Pepper asked as they both got in the elevator, Steve tried not to let it show his surprise when she entered they would be going to the 98th floor. He knew Peter would've loved it, he loved heights, had no fear of them at all.
“I am so sorry I am late” He blurted out “I had an issue finding someone to watch my son, I had to drop him off at my friend’s bakery in Williamsburg, I missed one of connecting cars, so um I just decided to run.”
“Huh” Pepper commented as her eyes scanned Steve” Ever heard of Uber Mr.Rogers?” She questioned as they exited the elevator.
Steve blushed a little, of course, that would've been a great solution “ I’m not always the best with modern technology I guess.”
“You were told we are the biggest tech conglomerate in the world right?” She asked with a sincerity that caught him by surprise.
Before he could even stammer out a response, she guided him into a sleek-looking office that was bigger than any place he ever lived.
She took a seat at the desk and gestured for Steve to sit across, pouring a glass of water for herself and him, which Steve tried to down to quickly.
“So Mr. Rogers I am Tony Starks’s personal assistant. I know that probably wasn’t who you were expecting to do your interview, but Mr. Stark is very particular about who works in this building. I assure you, everyone here at one point or another has had to get through me. ”
“I didn’t expect him to take such an interest in his art department?”
“He has an interest in every department.”Pepper replied
And Steve felt a slight bit of tension, the interview hadn't even begun and he already felt like he lost the job, a pit settled in his stomach.
“So you’re a veteran?” Pepper asked breaking the silence
“Yes, M’am I enlisted when I was 18 I received an honorable discharge.”
Pepper smiled “Thank you for your service, so listen we need this position filled like yesterday, you were late to the interview...”
“M’am I can not apologize enough,” Steve said, he knew what was coming, he would be damned if he went down without a fight.
“ I assure you that if I am hired my commitment to this job will not be a question. I- I have to be honest I’m a little bit desperate, I’m a single father, last year I lost my job and I've been picking up odd jobs ever since then, we have been staying with some friends, and we managed, but the friends we were staying with are moving to Queens, which literally takes away my biggest babysitters, as well as where we sleep, but they have done more than enough, so I am out of favors, we can stay in their place for another month, while the lease runs out, but after that, we are on our own. A good neighborhood in Brooklyn can be expensive and I don’t want to move far, because Peter’s mother is buried there and this job would cover child care and rent.
He took a breathe and felt a wave of shame “For a really long time I haven’t been able to give my son what he deserves. But with this job, I really could. Peter he- um- they said he is gifted and he qualified for this incredible STEM school, and we got a scholarship but it is still a lot of money, so if I get it I promise I will not do anything to lose it.”
He looked her straight in her eyes hoping she knew he was being sincere.
“Are you done? I was going to say that besides the fact you were late to the interview, your resume and portfolio as well as your three preliminary interviews, make you somebody that Stark Industries would love to have, and Mr. Stark prioritizes hiring those who have served”.
Pepper said, with what might've been a hint of a smirk.
“I got the job?”Steve questioned, a little out of breath
“Yes. You got the job”
“Oh thank god,” Steve said jumping up from his chair, surprising Pepper “Thank you, Ms. Potts, you won’t regret it,” Steve said, shaking her hand
“No more lateness,” Pepper said
“I promise.”
-----
The bakery was a lot less busy when he busted through the door “I got it!” He said
“You got it!” Natasha beamed from behind the counter.
“I got the job, Peter!” He said as he ran up to his son, who was not happily munching on a cake pop.
“Papa got the job!” Peter called to Natasha,
Their afternoon was nowhere near as hectic as their morning, but Steve was still thankful that by 7 o clock Peter was ready for bed.
They read their two stories and Steve had just put the last blanket on his son when Peter asked the question “Daddy when are Bucky and Sam gonna come back?”
Steve gave a sigh as he sat beside his son playing with his hair. “We talked about this baby Bucky and Sam are moving, remember we visited their new place, and soon we are gonna get a new apartment.”
He tried to not sound sad about it, knowing that the little boy would take on whatever emotion he had. The truth was, being a single parent was hard. It didn't matter how much you loved your kid. It was a demanding job, one that could be overwhelming and lonely without anyone else. Living with two people who loved his son, was such a relief for him. Made him feel like he gave Peter a family. He at first hated taking any of Sam or Bucky’s help, but he would be lying if he didn't say that he eventually became reliant on it, today being a great piece of evidence. He also just missed being so close to his friends it was nice when someone asked him about his day, someone who would cook him dinner if he was running late, even if it was in the platonic sense.
“You are still going to see your Uncles a lot, I promise Peter, remember we made a promise to have dinner together every Sunday.”
Petter nodded “So me and you will still live together right?”
Steve chuckled “Of course, there’s nowhere else I’d rather me. Are you all snug?”
The little boy nodded
“Then you get a kiss from me and a kiss from Mommy,” Steve said kissing Peter two times on the cheek.
After their last I love you, he closed the door partway and walked to the living room, boxes were strewn all over from Sam and Bucky’s current move, and Steve's impending future one.
He settled on the couch and took out his phone. Bucky answered on the first ring, Steve wouldn't have been surprised if he was waiting for for his call/
“Steve, shit I am so so sorry, I know you had your interview today and.. ”
“Bucky,” Steve said shortly, not wanting the other man to feel guilty for a second” Relax, it’s fine how are you doing?”
“’ I’m better now, Sam had to stay with me the whole day, I had to go to Dr.Raynor for an emergency appointment. She thinks it’s the move” Bucky said brushing his concern off. "Was Peter upset?”
“He understood, Natasha, gave the kid as many cookies as he wanted,” Steve said, as he started cleaning the plates from dinner.
“God, I miss that kid, it’s weird not seeing him every day.”
“He misses you too, I think he is a little confused,”
‘Steve the offer still stands, we have the room .”Bucky said,
“Bucky, you and Sam have done more than enough, you should just enjoy the fact that you guys can have sex without having to hear the sounds of Bluey coming from the living room”
He heard Bucky laugh and was glad that his friend did sound like he was recovering from a tough day.
“Besides I got the job,” Steve added,
“Why didn’t you lead with that punk!” Bucky exclaimed, as he also shouted the good news to Sam.
“Yeah, I’m so relieved, Peter was so excited about that school, I just want to give him everything he deserves.”
“You already do, you better tell that little munchkin I will see him in a few days, and when he comes over on Sunday, I have something very cool to show him.” Bucky said, in that mischievous tone Steve knew all too well.
“I love ya Buck”
“Love ya too”
----------
“Are you excited to see Sam and Bucky?” Steve asked as they turned onto the street.
“Yeah! And eat pizza!” Peter yelled, he had been a ball of energy all day just waiting to see his Uncles.
“Where is my little man?” Sam said as he raced down the steps.
Peter catapulted himself into his Uncle's arms, and giggled furiously when Sam lifted him into the air.
“Did you grow, what did I tell you last week no more growing.” He told the boy as he tickled him.
“Where’s Bucky?” Steve questioned.
“He’s is inside, with the surprise for this one,” Sam said with a knowing grin “Do you wanna see it?” He asked Peter. The little boy nodded and Sam took him inside, Steve trailed behind. In the living room, Bucky sat with a very adorable Black Lab. Peter looked as if Christmas came early. Everything made sense now to Steve, as Peters favorite question since he could talk was when he could get a dog. Unfortunately with the way Steve’s bills were the answer was pretty much never.
“Doggy!” Peter said as he hugged the lab gently
“Do I get to keep it!” He asked Bucky
“Sorry Peter, Winter needs to stay with me, but you get to see him whenever you want,” Bucky said softly.
Sam had been suggesting a therapy dog to Bucky for a while now. Bucky was always hesitant. The apartment in Brooklyn was tiny and Bucky didn’t like the idea of not having a place for the dog to run right outside.
“The doggy likes me, Daddy!” Peter cheered as Winter began licking his face
Dinner went well, Peter was so happy to be back with his Uncles, and Steve felt a little bit guilty for having his son in a home that wouldn’t last for so long. Peter had been through so much change in his short life, and because of Steve things once again had to change for him.
During desert Peter started to giggle when he saw Bucky give Sam a peck on the cheek, Peter thought adult kissing was the funniest thing in the world. Bucky lived for the boy laughter so anytime Peter looked over he kissed Sam on the cheek. Sam only got annoyed the fifth time it happened.
When Peter tired himself out, he curled up on the couch with Winter and promptly fell asleep. Steve wasted no time taking a picture.
Sam, Bucky, and Steve sat at the kitchen table talking about what Peter would call “Boring adult stuff”
“This place looks great” Bucky said as he looked at pictures of what Steve hoped would be Peters and his new place.
Steve glanced at Peter “Yeah, apparently, there’s a lot of kids in the building too, so that's good for him.”
“ Well look we are still here for whatever you need,” Sam added, In a way that told Steve that Sam and Bucky had been talking. He wanted to tell his friends in no uncertain terms, That he and Peter were going to be fine, that despite the last year Steve no longer needed help, and he could do everything and anything on his own, but he knew that was a lie. He had gotten a lot better at accepting help since Peter. Kids really do change you.
“ So you are no longer going to be sleeping on a pull-out couch, what’s going to be your excuse for not dating now?” Bucky smirked, as he changed the subject.
“Bucky, come one I don’t have time to date,” Steve said getting a little tired of this subject being brought up.
Bucky took a sip of his beer, ‘No, we are not making excuses anymore, you know me and Sam will watch the little guy.” To which Sam nodded “
I'm just gonna say it..” Bucky opened his arms dramatically “ You have to get laid”
“Bucky!” Steve exclaimed
“You do! Bucky argued, turning to his boyfriend who was trying desperately not to laugh “We lived with him for a year nothing, it’s not natural Steve.”
“You know I am not really into casual hookups.. never have been,” Steve said keeping his voice down, even though Bucky forgot about the 5-year-old a few feet away Steve had not.
“Sam do not let him fool you with his innocent act, when we were together if he didn’t get it twice a day he got grumpy.”
“Bucky!” Steve and Sam said at the same time. Steve and Bucky’s past dating history was something they of course had to acknowledge, to keep their friendship as strong as it was, but it did not mean it made Steve comfortable to talk about how he used to fuck Bucky, with the guy (and his friend) who was currently fucking him.
Bucky put his hands out in a surrender “I just worry about you. I don’t like thinking about you being alone.”
Steve didn’t like thinking about that either.
-------------
Peter settled into their new apartment and Steve settled into his new job. For the three weeks, he had worked in the tower he had created a great routine for himself and Peter. He was able to see Peter off in the morning and pick him up right before dinner. He managed to be able to pay for Peter to go to daycare 3 days a week, the other two, any friend that was available to take him that day. He was proud to say that for the 3 weeks he worked there he wasn’t late once. Until now. When he approached Peter’s daycare, he saw the lights off and a sign on the door, telling them that due to a lice infestation they were closed for cleaning for two days. No doubt that this message was also in the email Steve always forgot to check. Steve quickly did a preliminary search on Peter, grateful to not find anything.
“Okay change of plans, you are coming to work with me,” Steve said simply.
Peter gave an excited squeal.
Peter’s jaw dropped when they walked in and the little boy looked around in awe at the high ceilings “Wow, you work here Papa?”
“Sure do!” Steve said as he made his way to the elevator, he told Peter he walked on the 46th floor and the little boy nearly was vibrating with excitement.
Steve gave Peter a tour of where he worked, hoping that if he pretended that taking his son to work was just a common occurrence everyone would just play along and he would get through the day without getting caught. Steve started to get Peter set up for the day, as much as he didn't believe the technology was good for kids’ development, he had to say Starkpads was a gift for parents. “Alright Peter I’m going, to be honest, I could get in some trouble for bringing you to work”
The little boy's smile dropped a little and a serious expression came over him “Am I going to get yelled at?” Peter asked.
I would like to see anyone try Steve thought
“No, no one is going to yell, but its’ really important, that you stay where I tell you and don’t make too much noise okay?”
Peter smiled again, feeling like those were easy enough things to do“Okay, Papa,”
“I don’t deserve you kid,” Steve said ruffling his hair, as Steve started the mock-ups for the new Starkphone ad and Peter watched an episode of Bill Nye.
--------------------------------
If someone asked Peter how he did on his first day of work he would say pretty good. He did a really good job at keeping quiet only talking when his Papa talked to him and making sure to smile polity at anyone who came to speak to them. He was absolutely perfect until his Papa said he was going to go make copies really quickly. He was able to see his Dad by the copy machine if he stood on his chair. He knew he didn’t have much time. He looked at the elevator, the elevator that even though was inside let you see outside, it made him feel like he was flying, He just wanted to go in. He decided that he would just walk in for one second and then race back quickly to his desk his Father would never know.
He made sure the coast was clear and made his way over pressing the button that made the elevator come. Happy that when it came no one was on. He took a step in and before he knew it the doors closed. He didn't panic though he knew how to use an elevator, he just had to put in the floor number so it couldn't remember. So he pressed 12-61-and 91 and then a green button that didn't have a number and then a few more buttons. And before he knew it the elevator doors opened. But this floor looked nothing like his Papa’s floor or the lobby. Peter stepped out and looked around, he had only ever seen a place like this in movies. There were cars and computers and machines. There was really loud music, music that, Aunt Natasha liked but his Papa always said made his ears hurt. Peter thought it was okay.
He took a few steps in and saw a man around his Papa’s age who had his back turned. The man was humming an along and using one of the tools he had seen had Dad use when something broke. He took a few steps back to the elevator, his Papa’s voice in his head that he shouldn’t talk to strangers. He almost made it but his elbow hit something, something that made a really loud sound.
The man in the chair turned around and his eyes quickly panned over to Peter.
“Fuck!” He shouted putting his hand over his heart
“Oh Jesus, please tell me you are a real kid and this isn’t some ghost of Christmas past situation? ”The man said earnestly
Peter was caught very off guard by the question he had never been asked if he was a ghost before
“What? I’m not a ghost, Who are you? Do you work here? You really shouldn’t curse.” Peter said quickly
The man relaxed and leaned back in his chair
“I’m Tony Stark I own this building and everything in it” Not a stranger anymore
“Awesome! I’m Peter I’m starting Kindergarten in September!”
Mr.Stark nodded “Awesome”
Mr.Stark leaned forward so he was making eye contact with Peter
“So Pete I’m gonna level with you here, now that I know you aren’t a figment of my imagination meant to show me the error of my ways. I constructed a really intricate system to make sure that no one gets down here without me knowing and yet here you are” Mr. Stark said gesturing to Peter with both hands “How’d ya do it?”
Peter shrugged “I just got in the elevator and started pressing buttons, eventually the door opened here.”
Mr.Stark thought about this for a few moments and tilted his head “Alright, well I guess it’s good to be humbled. Right?”
“ Right” Peter agreed
“So do you know where your parents are?”
Peter gulped now knowing that he would get in some trouble or even worse his Papa in trouble .“My Papa, he draws the pictures.” Peter said
“Does he know you are here?” Tony asked
Peter looked down “No, I wasn’t supposed to leave his desk, are you gonna tell him?”
Mr. Stark nodded looking a little guilty too“Kinda have to get you back to him.” He paused “I mean I could call you Mom I guess…
“My mom died!,”Peter said quickly, he always did that whenever someone mentioned his mom, he found if he told them soon he never needed to tell them later.
Mr.Stark took that in for a moment, He looked like he was going to say something and then closed his mouth.
“So did mine” He finally said, then he shook his head bringing himself back to reality “Alright what’s your Dad’s name?”
Peter knew this answer “Steven G Rogers.”
Peter saw Tony look up at the ceiling and call out a name and much to Peter’s surprise the ceiling answered.
“Already on it Sir.” The ceiling said in a voice Peter found very funny.
“Whoa, is there someone in the ceiling?” Peter asked, looking up hoping to see them.
Tony laughed a little “No that’s just Jarvis, he is my A.I for the building.”
“Kinda like the voice on my Papa’s phone that I can speak to?”
Tony gave a surprised look “Yeah, pretty much”
After the astonishment of the talking ceiling the guilty feeling came back “I’m sorry that I came down, even though I wasn’t supposed to, Papa says sometimes I get restless. Can I play games while I wait for him?” Peter asked gesturing to the Starkpad in his hand.
“Whoa” Tony exclaimed walking over to Peter and taking the StarkPad out of his hand.
“I haven't seen this version of a StarkPad for a while. This is ten years old, where did you get this?
“Uncle Bucky gave it to me, Papa was mad cause he said screen time isn't’ good for my brain, it doesn’t really work that well,” Peter said.
All of a sudden Tonny started digging in drawers until he found what he was searching for holding up another StarkPad with a triumphant smile on his face, much to Peter’s surprise he handed the Starkpad to him.
Peter looked at it, it was glossy with no cracks on it. It was even red which was his favorite color. He was so happy to have a new one, but he knew what his Papa would say
“Papa says we don’t take handouts,” He told Mr. Stark as he gave it back to him
Mr. Starked rolled his eyes “Kid, I have so many StarkPads you wouldn’t believe it” Mr. Stark handed it back and when Peter was about to protest again, he put a finger out to stop him.
“Thank you!” Peter said smiling.
“Peter?” He heard his Papa’s voice. He turned around and saw his Papa exiting the elevator with a very confused look on his face.
“Papa!” Peter yelled running up to him. Glad to see his dad even if he was going to be in trouble
His Papa bent down to hug him” “Peter I told you to stay at my desk, I was so worried- Holy shit!” His Papa said when he looked at Mr. Stark. And although Peter didn’t say anything he was pretty sure that was a rude thing to say when you looked at someone
“Are you gonna question his language?”Mr. Stark asked Peter
“This is Mr.Stark, Papa,” Peter said deciding he should make introductions “His mom is dead too.”
The two grown-ups both gave him a strange look and then gave each other an even stranger look.
His Dad finally broke the silence “Mr. Stark, I am so sorry. I brought Peter to work because his daycare was closed. I am so sorry if he bothered you”
.He bent down and looked Peter in the eye and used the voice he only used when he need Peter to be very serious “ Peter you need to apologize to Mr. Stark.. he is a very busy man,-”
“No apologies necessary” Mr. Stark interrupted, waving a hand in the air, he gave Peter a wink “You got a smart kid,”
His Papa seemed to relax a little “I know it..” he said as he ruffled Peter’s hair. “This won’t happen again, I know it is really unprofessional, I did not mean..”
“Steve, right? Steve take a breath. It’s okay, really, I just don’t understand why Peter isn’t enrolled in the building daycare?”
“Stark Industries has a daycare?” His Papa asked.
“27th floor, It had to be shut down for a while because of renovations, but it's opening again next Monday, I believe. Completely free, 7 days a week, open all working hours, were you not giving the packet?” Mr. Stark asked
His Papa looked down “No I must have missed it, that would be a lifesaver”
“I will make sure the forms get to you,” Mr. Stark said
“Thank you, for being so understanding about this and for this job, just thank you.” His Papa said Peter wondered why his dad was talking so fast
“Say goodbye Peter” His Papa instructed as he quickly guided Peter back to the elevator.
“Bye, see you later Mr. Stark” Peter waved and smiled big, happy that Mr. Stark also smiled.
---
Tony watched as the little boy and his dad got on the elevator, surprised by the turn his day had taken. He took out his phone and pressed number 1. Not even waiting for the person on the other end to say hello.
“Pepper, how are the renovations on the 27th’s floor daycare coming?” He asked making his voice sound casual.
Pepper sounded out of breath and Tony could just imagine her running from door to door, signing Tony's signature on all the things he found too boring to sign himself “We do not have a daycare on the 27th floor.” Pepper said
“We don’t,” Tony said faking surprise. He chugged the coffee that was now cold “ I guess we are going to have to build one. Monday okay for you?”