Chapter Text
*Tony’s POV*
I had just snapped and Thanos and his army were turning to dust. I sat down with a grunt and stayed there as Rhodey flew over. He landed and had his helmet retract so that Tony could see his face. Rhodey crouched by Tony and held my face in his hand and just stared. There was a familiar thwip before Peter arrived.
“Mr. Stark?” He said breathlessly. “Hey.” Peter came to kneel right in front of me. “Mr. Stark? Can you hear me?” His voice wavered. “It’s Peter.” He was gasping in breaths as he stared at me. “We won, Mr. Stark.” Peter’s breath hitched. “We won, Mr. Stark. We won, you did it sir. You did it.” Pepper had arrived and was pulling Peter away. “I’m sorry, Tony.”
I wanted to say that there was nothing for him to be sorry for but I couldn’t get the words past the pain in my arm and chest.
Pepper kneeled down next to me. “Hey.”
Again, I tried to speak without success but I did manage to wrap my left hand around Pepper’s armored one.
“Friday?” Pepper asked.
“Life functions critical.” Friday responded.
Pepper stared at me for a moment before smiling painfully. “Tony. Look at me. We’re going to be okay. You can rest now.” There were tears streaming down her face and all I wanted to do was reassure her that I was going to be fine. But I knew I wasn’t. I was dying and I just wished that things had gone differently. That I could be there for Peter and Morgan.
My vision was darkening when Peter suddenly surged forward and grabbed my hand with the infinity gauntlet on it. “Mr. Stark! Please don’t go!” He begged.
The truth was I didn’t want to go but there was nothing I could do about it.
Yes there is . I heard a voice whisper as the stones on my hand started glowing. The universe is broken. Fix it. The voice said as I looked at Peter and saw him staring at the stones but he was still holding my hand .
Before everything went dark, I heard Peter exclaim. “Oh shit!”
I woke up to something glaringly bright above me. Didn’t I die? Shouldn’t it be dark? It was also hot as hell so maybe I was in hell. I opened my eyes and saw that the glaringly bright object was in fact the sun.
“Mr. Stark?” An extremely young voice said from next to me.
I looked to my left where the voice had come from and saw a young boy about seven or eight years old. Wait a second… Those brown eyes and brown curls were awfully familiar…
“Peter?!” I said, astonished.
“Mr. Stark, what’s happening? Why am I so young? Why are we in the desert? Why is there an arc reactor in your chest?” Peter asked desperately.
I looked down at my chest and sure enough, there was the original arc reactor in my chest. Now that I noticed it, I could feel it when I breathe. I looked around and we were definitely in the desert. Holy shit… Could we be in the past? But then how was Peter here? He shouldn’t be here if this was the past. “Peter, what’s the last thing you remember?”
“Um, I was holding your hand and begging you to not go.” Peter answered hesitantly.
That’s right he was holding my hand. The hand with the infinity stones . “Peter, you were touching the infinity stones! How could you be so stupid!”
Peter cut me off before I could start ranting. “I just wanted to hold your hand! Ms. Potts was holding your other hand so I had to make due!”
I sighed. “Oh Peter…”
I watched as tears appeared in his eyes. “You were dying. I didn’t want you to go.” He choked on a sob.
“Come here, Pete.” I opened up my arms for Peter so he would get the message.
He immediately dove into my arms. “I’m sorry Mr. Stark.” He sobbed.
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” I whispered into his hair.
We stayed there until Peter’s sobs became hiccups. I continued to whisper reassurances into his hair and held him as he finally stopped crying and let go of me. “Come on,” I said, getting up from the ground and helping him stand as well. “We need to move.”
Peter sniffed and nodded. “Okay.”
“Last time, I’m pretty sure I headed east and Rhodey found me eventually.” I said as we began to walk east.
We walked in silence for a bit before Peter spoke up. “Mr. Stark, do you know where we are?”
“Oh, shit, yeah kid, I know where we are.” Can’t believe I forgot to fill him in on where and when we are. “We’re in the Registan desert in Afghanistan in July, 2009. I had just escaped after being held in captivity for 3 months.”
“July 2009, holy shit, I’m only seven years old!” Peter paused for a moment. “Mr. Stark, how do I have my powers?”
“What makes you think you have your powers?” I asked as we trudged along.
“I can hear your heartbeat and everything is crystal clear even though I’m not wearing my glasses.”
“You can hear my heartbeat? Shit kid, I didn’t know your senses were that good.” I said but couldn’t help adding. “And call me Tony for cryin’ out loud.”
Peter turned his head to smile a shit eating grin at me. “Of course, Mr. Stark.”
“Yeah, yeah, smart ass. You know, you called me Tony at the end there, I heard it.” I instantly regretted mentioning my death when Peter’s smile slipped off his face.
“You, you were dying Mr. Stark.” He said sadly.
I sighed. “Yeah, I was.”
We were silent a moment before Peter changed the subject. “So we can save everyone now, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean we can stop Thanos from ever snapping in the first place! We have ten years to prepare for him.” Peter said excitedly.
“Yeah, we can.” I said with a smile at Peter’s enthusiasm. He was such a good kid.
“So what’s our first move?”
“Uh-uh there is no we . You are going back to your aunt and uncle’s once we get the hell out of here.”
“But Mr. Stark!” Peter whined. “I can help!”
“A seven year old can not help me.” I said flatly.
“I’m only seven years old physically, mentally I’m sixteen, you know that.”
“Physically trumps mentally when the physical is only in the single digits.” I explained.
Peter groaned dramatically but then quietened. He was silent for several moments before saying. “We’ll still keep in touch though, right?”
I ruffled his hair. “Of course, kiddo.”
Peter beamed and even reached out to take my hand before retracting and ducking his head shyly. I couldn’t help but smile at what a sweet boy he was. “You want to hold my hand tesoro?”
Peter glanced at me before hesitantly nodding.
“That’s okay, go ahead and hold it.” I held out my hand for him to grab and he did with a huge smile on his face.
We walked in silence for a bit and then started talking about different science developments, lamenting over the fact that it was all gone now. We talked until our throats were too dry to carry on conversation but we kept walking and Peter never let go of my hand.
The sun was starting to set and we were both severely dehydrated and sunburned when Peter said he heard something.
“What do you hear?” I asked.
“It sounds like a helicopter!” Peter said excitedly.
“Well halle-fucking-lujah.” I said and I don’t know where Peter got the energy but he started to run towards the noise of the helicopter and dragged me along with him. I pulled back against him to get him to stop. “Slow your roll there, underoos, they’ll get to us eventually.”
“But I’m so thirsty.” Peter whined.
I felt a pang in my heart at that but I knew that it would be even worse if we started running. “So conserve your energy.”
Peter huffed. “Fine.”
We settled back into silence as the helicopter drew closer and soon enough, I could see it. I waved the hand that wasn’t holding Peter’s in the air to get their attention as Peter did the same. Eventually, the copter touched down in front of us and Rhodey got off it. He ran over to us and seemed to be eyeing Peter but he still talked to me. “How was the funvee?” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “Next time you ride with me, okay?” He pulled me into a hug but I didn’t let go of Peter’s hand. Rhodey noticed. “Who’s this?”
“This is Peter Parker. He was held prisoner with me.” That was the story that we came up with at least.
Rhodey nodded, looking grim then held out his hand. “Okay, hi Peter, my name is Rhodey. It’s nice to meet you.”
Peter let go of my hand to shake Rhodey’s hand but then immediately grabbed my hand again. “It’s nice to meet you, Colonel Rhodes sir.” Rhodey looked surprised by the formal address and I guess Peter realized that he shouldn’t know his name because he quickly added. “Mr. Stark told me about you.”
Rhodey smiled. “All good things that were age appropriate , I hope?” He looked at me while he said that.
“Of course, Platypus.” I smirked.
Rhodey sighed and looked like he was going to reprimand me but Peter cut in. “Can we have some water, Colonel Rhodes sir?”
“It’s just Rhodey and yes, of course you can have some water, there’s some on the helicopter.” Rhodey led us over to it and told us to get on.
“Wow, I’ve never been in a helicopter before!” Peter exclaimed.
Rhodey and I chuckled at his enthusiasm. “Where are you from, Peter?” Rhodey asked.
Peter smiled as he accepted a bottle of water. “Queens.”
“New York, huh? You know, Tony grew up in Manhattan.” Rhodey said.
Peter smiled. “I know.”
“Tony tell you that too?” Rhodey asked.
Peter actually blushed and ducked his head. “No, I read his biography.”
Rhodey looked surprised. “Oh really? What else do you read?”
Peter looked at me shyly before admitting quietly. “I’ve read his papers.”
“Oh yeah? Which one is your favorite?” Rhodey asked.
“My favorite is his one on optical quantum technologies with hexagonal boron nitride single photon sources.” Peter said excitedly.
Rhodey’s eyebrows shot up, he definitely wasn’t expecting that. “What do you like about it?”
Peter launched into an in depth discussion about photon sources and how they could be used to help today. The discussion lasted us the whole ride to the air base and I could tell Rhodey was impressed. When we got there, Peter and I were given medical attention. Peter only had sunburns but I had wretched my shoulder and had a myriad of other bruises from escaping. Once Peter’s sunburns were bandaged, he came over and sat next to me and held my hand. It was selfish but I was grateful to have him there while the medics looked me over. I didn’t allow anyone near my chest though, they tried to push but I was insistent. I would not let them near the arc reactor.
Once we were cleared and had eaten some food, Rhodey led us to an airplane that would take us home. Rhodey stepped away to answer a phone call but when he came back, his face was grim. “Peter, I hate to have to tell you this but I just got word that your aunt and uncle died in a car crash early this morning. They were on their way to the police station when they were hit by a drunk driver. Your uncle died on impact and your aunt died during surgery.”
Peter just stared at Rhodey for a moment before shouting. “NO! They can’t be dead! They can’t! They’re not supposed to be dead! That’s not what’s supposed to happen!” I threw off the sling holding my right arm and gathered Peter in my arms as he burst into tears. “Mr. Stark, please tell me this is a nightmare.” He begged.
“I’m sorry, buddy, I can’t.” I said soothingly as I ran my fingers through his hair. “I can tell you that it’s going to be okay, alright? It’s going to be okay. I’m going to be there for you every step of the way.”
“Tones, social services said to drop him off at JFK airport and hand him over.” Rhodey said.
I looked at Rhodey. “No way. Not happening. He’s coming home with me.” I said firmly as I held Peter.
“Are you sure you’re up for that?” Rhodey asked.
“100%.” I looked Rhodey in the eye to make sure he knew how serious I was.
“Okay, I’ll let them know that you're claiming guardianship.” He gave me one last searching look to make sure I was serious so I nodded my head.
I went back to holding Peter and whispering reassurances as he cried. He eventually quieted but I still held onto him. When we had to separate to take our seats so that we could take off, I made sure to hold his hand until we were cleared to get up and then I pulled him into my lap. He started crying all over again about ‘how this wasn’t supposed to happen’ which was true. This wasn’t supposed to happen but I guess when you fuck with time, there are severe consequences. I just wish it wasn’t this.
As we were in the air, I spoke to Rhodey about how I was shutting down the weapons manufacturing division. He was very unhappy but after I explained what I had seen in Afghanistan, he agreed with me. I told him to alert his superiors and to schedule a meeting with them for me in the next few days. Thankfully, he agreed to do so.
When we landed at the air base in California, Pepper and Happy were standing on the tarmac waiting for me. I walked down the ramp holding Peter’s hand with my left because Peter had talked me into wearing the sling on my right again. I told Rhodey to get rid of the medics who were hovering nearby. I walked over to where Pepper was standing and god was it hard not to run over and kiss but I instead recited the words I said 15 years ago. “Your eyes are red. Few tears for your long lost boss?”
Pepper smiled. “Tears of joy. I hate job hunting.” She looked pointedly at Peter who had clearly been crying. “Who’s this?”
“This is Peter Parker. He’s going to be living with me from now on.” I said firmly. Pepper’s eyes widened in shock and I could tell she was about to say something when I continued. “Come on, Pete. Car’s this way, time to meet Happy.” I looked at him as I tugged him towards the car. That had at least gotten a small smile from him. We walked over to the car and Pepper got in the backseat and I surprised Peter by getting in first and pulling him into my lap.
“Mr. Stark!” He immediately protested and tried to get off.
“Underoos, I do not have a car seat in this car so you are going to sit on my lap and we are going to buckle in.” I said in a firm voice, making sure he knew I wasn’t going to budge on this.
He huffed and crossed his arms. “Fine.”
“Now help me with the seatbelt.” I told him and he helped me get the seatbelt across both of us.
I saw that Happy was bewildered but he quickly composed himself. “Where to, sir?”
“Take us to the hospital please, Happy.” Pepper said.
“No.” I said immediately.
Pepper turned to me. “No? Tony you have to–”
I interrupted her. “No, I don’t have to do anything. I’ve been in captivity for three months, there are two things I want: an American cheeseburger and to sleep in my bed. That’s it. Nowhere does a hospital fit into that.” I let that sink in and then went on. “I also want you to schedule a meeting with the board first thing tomorrow and then a press conference right after.” I had the chance to do things not moronically and I was going to take it. First, I would tell the board about my decision and then the press.
“What on earth for?” Pepper asked.
“I’m shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark Industries.” I said firmly. “To the mansion, Happy but stop at a Burger King first.”
“On it, boss.” Happy said before driving off.
Pepper didn’t say anything else even though she clearly wanted to but was holding back because of Peter. He definitely felt the awkward tension though because he grabbed my hand and then refused to let go, not that I was complaining. At Burger King, I ordered three burgers.
“You can’t eat that many burgers, Tony.” Pepper said reprochingly.
“Don’t look at me, two are for him.” I pointed at Peter and he ducked his head shyly.
“He can’t eat two burgers.” Pepper said.
“Um, Ms. Potts, ma’am? I tend to eat a lot and I’m really hungry.” Peter said shyly.
“Make it four burgers Happy.” I said.
“Tony!” Pepper started to say but I cut her off.
“Anything he doesn’t eat will go in the fridge, okay? Relax.” I said.
Peter did end up eating all three burgers much to Pepper’s astonishment. I just smiled smugly as I ate mine.
When we got to the mansion, Peter’s jaw dropped. “You live here?”
I smiled and unbuckled the seatbelt. “Yep, now come on underoos, we got shit to do.”
He scrambled off my lap and exited the car. Before I could follow him, Pepper grabbed my arm. “Tony, we need to talk about this.”
“Talk about what?” I asked innocently.
She gave me a look that said ‘I see through your bullshit’ and spoke as if she didn’t hear me. “Who is Peter? How do you know him? What is he doing here?”
“I told you who Peter is. As for how I know him, he was a prisoner in Afghanistan with me. He’s here because his last living relatives died yesterday and he doesn’t have anyone else.” I answered.
“Oh Tony,” Pepper paused for a moment. “Do you really think you can take care of a child?”
I honestly almost laughed but I restrained myself because that would just make Pepper upset. She wouldn’t understand that I was laughing because I had been taking care of Morgan for the past five years but she didn’t exist yet. I would miss her so much but now wasn’t the time to mourn her loss. “Pepper, I swear I will take care of him and that I won’t screw it up.”
Pepper’s face softened. “I believe you Tony. Now what is this about shutting down the weapons manufacturing division?”
“Terrorists have been getting my weapons, Pep. The ones that captured me had a whole stockpile. I can’t make weapons anymore, I just can’t.” I needed her to understand, she did last time.
“Okay Tony, I understand. Now what are you going to do?”
I smirked. “Stuff.”
“Okay, well, just remember that you are taking care of a child now, okay? So don’t do anything dangerous.” She smiled.
“Yes, ma’am.” I turned to finally follow Peter out of the car. I walked up to the steps to my mansion to find Peter bouncing by the door.
“I’ve been talking to your AI! I didn’t know that you had another one other than Friday!” Peter said excitedly.
“As I was telling the young sir, he is not permitted access to the house without your authorization.” Jarvis said.
“Well let’s change that, “ I said as I opened the front door after Jarvis unlocked it. “Peter has full access to everything.”
“Are you sure, sir?” Jarvis asked.
“100%. Do it.” I said.
“Done, sir.”
“Good. Also, I want access restricted to just Peter, Rhodey, Happy, Pepper, and myself. No one else, understood?”
“Understood, sir.”
I clapped my hands together. “Now, underoos, let’s head to the lab.” I grabbed Peter’s shoulder and directed him to the stairs that led down to the lab. We walked down the stairs and I showed him the code to get into the lab. “So today we are going to work on a new arc reactor to replace this one and Jarvis’ code.” I knocked against the arc reactor in my chest. “And then after that, we’re going to build the iron man suit.”
Peter’s face lit up. “Really?!”
“Yes, really. Now, come on.” I said and led him over to the table. For the rest of the night, we worked together on making schematics for the new arc reactor and a locking mechanism for it so that it couldn’t be ripped out. I shuddered at the memory of Obadiah doing that while I was paralyzed. I had no intention of letting him know anything about it but one could never be too careful. Once we were done with that, we worked on Jarvis’ code and I put so many firewalls that nobody was going to be able to override it (screw you Shield). After that, I ushered Peter to bed. “Come on, spider baby, it’s bedtime. You’ve been yawning every five minutes.”
“But Mr. Stark, it’s only 9:30pm! We should work on the iron man suit!” He protested.
“Tomorrow spiderling, I promise. Right now, you are going to bed.” Despite it only being 9:30pm, I was also exhausted, neither of us really slept on the plane ride over.
“Okay.” Peter sighed and I showed him to the guest room right next to mine.
“This will be your room from now on, you can decorate it however you want tomorrow.”
“What about my stuff at my aunt and uncle’s?” Peter asked in a small voice.
“I’m going to have everything in your apartment shipped here and you can go through it all when you want, okay?” I said gently.
Peter had his head down but he nodded.
“Okay, tesoro, into bed you go.” I gently nudged him towards the bed.
“Goodnight, Mr. Stark.” He said as he climbed in.
“One of these days I’ll get you to call me Tony outside of a life or death situation.” I teased.
Peter’s smile was small but it was there. “Goodnight, Mr. Stark.”
“Yeah, yeah. Goodnight underoos.” I closed the door behind me and went to bed myself. Before I had closed my eyes though, I spoke to Jarvis. “J, alert me if Peter has a nightmare, okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Night, J.” I said as I closed my eyes.
“Goodnight, sir.”