Tony had conquered a lot in his life.
Overcoming Howard’s abuse.
Escaping the Afghan Cave.
Building Stark Industries into the business he envisioned.
But his greatest challenge was facing him now… getting Peter down for a nap.
He had tried everything.
A bottle.
Rocking him in the recliner.
Giving him his pacifier.
He even read him two extra stories.
And yet, the little showed no signs of settling down. It had been almost 45 minutes since Tony first attempted to get him down and there were no signs of a sleepy and cuddly little boy.
Instead, Peter fought his caregiver’s snuggly hold. “No! Go pway pwease!” Peter cried. “Shhhh baby, it’s time to rest. We can play when you wake up. I know you’re tired.” Tony pleaded as he walked back in forth in Peter’s nursery.
His pleas fell on deaf ears as Peter continued to try and worm his way out of his father’s arms. Tony knew he was tired but at this point he was running out of ideas. Peter would be absolutely horrible to deal with if he didn’t nap but maybe that’s what he had to deal with as he sighed ready to accept defeat.
*Knock knock knock*
Tony turned towards the door and was surprised to see Nat, Steve, and Bucky standing and looking at the duo.
“Friday said you may need a little help?” Steve said as the trio gave Tony looks of pity.
“He won’t go down. I’ve tried everything and yet he’s continuing to fight the sleep he obviously needs.” Tony explains as he stares into Peter’s teary eyes.
“No sweep!” Peter continued to yell.
“Let us take him. We can get him down for a nap.” Natasha says as she steps into the room, grabbing Peter’s stuffed dinosaur named Socks and his favorite blanket.
“I don’t know guys. He doesn’t seem like he’s gonna settle.”
“Let us handle it. You go take a break Tony. Peter is in good hands.”
Seeing nothing but a desire to help from his chosen family and the agitation from a lack of sleep from Peter, Tony is willing to try everything.
“Alright, I’ll let you guys try.” Tony sighs.
“Perfect! Bucky you go get the stroller, Steve go grab Peter’s diaper bag, and Tony hand him over.” Natasha says as Bucky and Steve leave to find the items requested.
“Come here little spider. Shhhhhh there’s no need to cry, your aunt and uncles are gonna help you go night-nights.” Natasha cooed as she walked to the common room of Tony’s floor.
“Noooooooo. Pway wit Uncos and Aunt! No sweep.” Peter wept trying to get his Aunt to understand that playtime was a more important matter than Naptime. Naptime is boring!
Bucky and Steve waited by the front door, dressed in jackets and baseball caps with their assigned duties completed. Natasha continued to hush Peter’s cries as she slipped him into the stroller, lying on his back facing his aunts and uncles to help protect his identity. The last thing anyone needed right now was the paparazzi trying to get pictures of Peter.
With Peter now secured into the stroller and his comfort items in his hands, the team was ready to head off. As Natasha talked Tony of the ledge once more, Bucky took up the role of comforting his nephew.
“It’s okay Pete. We are gonna take good care of you. You just cuddle with socks and enjoy your ride okay?”
Peter nodded solemnly but listened the best he could. He was only in his 18 month old headspace after all.
“Lub oo unco” Peter cooed.
Bucky just about died. He truly never thought he would ever get to feel this type of unconditional love again but Peter reminds him every day how far he has come.
“Alright, you guys ready to go?” Natasha asks as she returns to the group.
“Yeah… I’m ready.” Bucky says smiling from ear to ear.
“You all let me know if you need anything. And if doesn’t nap don’t take it personally!”
“I think we will just fine. Say bye bye to dada Peter.” Steve says as Bucky begins to push the stroller into the elevator with Steve and Nat following.
“Buh-bye. Lub oo Dada” Peter coos as the elevator doors close.
“Love you too Pete! Sweet dreams!”
——————-
Tony had just finished cleaning the living room when the Bucky, Nat, and Steve returned.
“Hey guys, how did Peter do?” Tony inquired only to be quickly shushed.
Seeing Stark's confusion as to why he needed to be quiet, Steve pointed to the stroller.
Walking over quickly, Tony peers inside the stroller to see Peter passed out clutching socks and his favorite blanket tucked around him.
“Wow. How did you do it?” Tony whispers.
“Once I popped the hood of the stroller up and began pushing, I knew he would be out within 5 minutes. He was already asleep by the time we got to the park, but it was a nice day so we decided the walk would be nice.” Bucky says, smiling down at Peter.
“The few times we’ve babysat we realized how soothing it was for Peter to be in his stroller and he tends to fall asleep if we let. We figured it was worth a try.” Steve explains with Natasha and Bucky nodding their heads in agreement.
“Thank you so much. How can I repay you guys?”
“Ask for help next time. I know you usually have no troubles with Peter but don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are here for you Tony and we went to help you.” Steve says.
Tony sighs, realizing that he does have a habit of trying to be the best caregiver that he forgets that he has a team to help him.
“Well thank you. Seriously, do you guys wanna stay for dinner? Peter would love to play with you once he wakes up.”
The trio all smile and look at each other. Not that there was a need to discuss. The evening was filled with many laughs and happy squeals from the baby. All of them feeling grateful to have each other and these memories together.