Chapter 21
A week passed by, with the small family getting settled. A toddler bed was added to the nursery for Peter, and August is slowly starting to sleep in his crib at nights and during naps. Steve and Tony are getting a schedule laid out for the boys through the day. They've had a few visitors to their floor in the past week, but it's mostly been spent getting into a rhythm.
It's just after their afternoon naps, which means play time in the living room. Peter was rolling a truck to August who was sat at Tony's feet. "Auggy 'ook! Twuck!" Pete says excitedly as Auggy sucked on his paci. Auggy clapped and tried to grab it. Peter let him take it, going back to the toy box. Steve and Tony share a glance as they watch their boys play nicely.
August pushes the truck back and forth before pushing it towards Peter, hitting the him in the knee. "Ow!" Peter shouts before he shoves the toy back angrily, hitting Auggy in his leg. "Hey" Tony scolds before Auggy starts balling. It hit Peter pretty hard, but it defiantly hit Auggy harder due to Peter not quite knowing his strength. Peter whimpers. "Didn't mean to." He says with a pout. Tony picks up Auggy to soothe him and Steve gets closer to Peter, getting on one knee to be eye level with the sitting boy. "Peter, I know what Auggy did hurt, and wasn't nice, but we don't do it back just because someone else did it first." He says gently. Peter sniffles. "Sorry papa. I didn't mean to make him cry." Steve picks the boy up. "How about we go say sorry to Auggy?" He says, earning a nod from the boy in his arms.
Tony got him calmed down to where he wasn't crying anymore when Steve sat next to them with Peter in his lap. "Go ahead, kiddo." Steve gently spoke to Peter.
"I really sorry, Auggy. I shouldn't have shoved that twuck back at you."
Tony bounced August a little making the boy look up at him. "Now you say sorry too, August." Because August was nonverbal, he offers his arms out for a hug to Peter, who smiles accepting the hug. Tony and Steve smile at each other.
A wholesome moment for the new family. Of course it had to be interrupted.
"Sir, director Fury is requesting your presence in the lobby." FRIDAY spoke, braking the relative quiet.
The couple exchange a look.
"Doesn't he know we're busy being a happy family?" Tony asks sarcastically.
"He's requested you come quickly." FRIDAY spoke back, almost sounding snarky.
Tony sighs as he gets up, passing August to Steve. "You can handle them while I'm gone?" He asks looking hesitant.
"Please. I doubt it'll take long. I can handle my boys." Steve chuckles as August snuggles into him. Tony sighs leaving the three of them with quick pecks on their cheeks.
Once he got to the lobby, Tony was quick to get to the point.
"Is there a good reason you wanted me here?" Tony asked, annoyance in his tone.
Nick offered a smile.
"Yes, I wanted you here when Professor Xavier arrived." Nick said putting his hands behind his back in a professional stance.
"What?" Tony frowned. "He's coming here now? Where was the heads up, Fury?" Tony asked with a bit of bite in his voice.
Nick smiles. "I know how you are, Tony. You never would've set a date for him to come and examine Auggy because you'd rather be the one to do so, even with minimal experience with mutants."
Tony would never admit that Fury was right.
"I would have contacted him! But what if I'm busy today? I don't know where I'd be able to fit in a meeting today!" He was quick to try and create an excuse.
"FRIDAY told me your schedule was clear." Nick shot down Tony's argument quick. The shorter man huffed, but before he could quip back, Charles Xavier wheeled his way through the doors.
"Well, I wasn't expecting a welcoming committee." Charles chuckles with a soft grin.
"Professor, so glad to have you here." Nick said with a neutral expression.
"Charles. Good to see you." Tony spoke up, showing politeness despite his pouting over Fury inviting Charles without his say.
Charles gaze fell on Tony and he offered a smile. "Likewise. Fury tells me you have a young mutant residing with you now?"
Straight to business. They shared that mindset.
"I do. We took him in almost a month ago."
"You and Captain Roger's? Are congratulations in order?" Charles asks with an eager smile.
Charles and Tony would chat at charity events and the like. They were mutuals, with Tony donating money and supplies to Charles' school, and Charles gladly donating to medical studies Stark Industries was apart of. So with them rubbing elbows, of course he knew the married couple had been looking for a little one. Hell, he'd even offered to keep an eye out of any littles in need of homes. He just hadn't had any luck.
Tony beams with pride as he smiles. "Yes actually. We found him after Peter's suit recorded him manipulating fire to help capture a few guys trying to rob a store."
"Really? What littles home let him out by himself?" Charles look a bit puzzled.
"He wasn't in a home." Fury cut in. "We found him living alone in a dingy apartment."
That made Charles frown with unease. "Alone?"
"Yeah. It tore me up inside just thinking about it too."
Tony shared while having a similar expression.
"I'd like to see him now if that's alright. Check on his mind." Charles spoke after a lull of silence between the three of them.
Tony took in a breath. "Of course. I only ask you don't take him out of his headspace. The Doctor said that him being in headspace will help his mind heal from the lack of regression he's put himself through."
Charles gave a sincere look. "I'll make sure not to disturb him, I promise. Director Fury, will you be joining us for this?"
Nick nods, his arms folded over his chest. "Yes sir. I need to take down notes for August's file."
Tony nods. "We can do this on my floor. I want August as comfortable as possible."
And with that, the three head into the elevator.