Little Adoption

After a bliss full and fun night with his wife they slept curled up in each other's arms. In the morning while Pepper makes breakfast, once they finish breakfast they call the three adoption places to get an appointment.

The one in Brooklyn named 'Brooklyn's Adoption' has an appointment for the next day which is Monday at 2pm after the Little's nap time, which they accepted.

Then they called 'Little Adoption,' which is the place that Pepper wanted to go first, it is located in Queens, but sadly they don't have appointment available Tuesday morning at 9am. The reason is that they are taking the Little's on an outing and they don't want to cancel it as the Little's are excited, which Pepper understood and didn't want them to cancel just for them.

They stopped after that one because they would call and make an appointment for the adoption sight in New Jersey if the two here in New York don't work out. 

After setting up all the appointments they spend the rest of the day getting caught up on work emails and Tony goes down into the lab to work on his upgrades for Clint's Arrows and Natasha's Widow Bites. 

Tony get's FRIDAY to send out an invitation to Rhodey to have dinner with them and also tell him that they have big news to share. Tony tells FRIDAY to tell Honeybear to be in the penthouse at 5pm. He then goes back to working until FRIDAY informs him that is it almost 5pm and Mrs. Boss is tell him to get upstairs.

Tony shuts everything down and then heads upstairs, once there he greets Pepper with a kiss, "smells amazing Pep."

"Thank you, it may not be as good as your mother's recipe but I did my best," Pepper says.

"It smells amazing and I am positive it tastes just as amazing," Tony says, he then turns his head when FRIDAY announces that Rhodey is on his way up.

"Hey Tones, I am here what did you want to talk about?" Rhodey asks stepping off the elevator. 

"Good evening to you too platypus," Tony grins. He can't help but being in a good mood after good day he had today.

Pepper steps into the living room from the kitchen when she hears Rhodey, "Hello Rhodey, you are just in time for supper."

"Hey Pepper, awesome I am famished."

Once they are all in the kitchen at the dining table Pepper places down the spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs in the middle of the table for everyone to grab their share, along with garlic bread and caesar salad. "Coffee?" Pepper asks.

"Yes thank you," Rhodey says. "So Tones, Pep, what's this exciting news you want to tell me?" Rhodey asks while taking a bit of his spaghetti.

"Tony, why don't you tell him," Pepper smiles when she sees Tony practically bouncing in his seat, excited to share their news with his best friend.

"Well the first news I am going to share with you is that I have decided to tell the rest of the team that I am actually a Caregiver," Tony states.

Rhodey chokes on his food, coughing and taking a drink of his coffee to clear his air ways, he stares at both Tony and then at Pepper. "Really? Well I am proud of you, I am happy that you won't have to hide anymore, but what brought this on all of a sudden?" 

"Well that is because of the second news we have for you," Tony says. "Pepper being the best wife in the whole world, decided to give me a surprise which benefits both of us, so it is really a present to both of us but she knew about it and I didn't because it is a surprise, she gave it to me last night and I couldn't be happier about it," Tony rambles.

"Tones, you are killing me here, what is it? What did Pep get you that ends up being for both of you but she surprised you with it?" Rhodey asks, clearly wanting to know before he explodes with suspense. 

"We are going to adopt a Little!" Tony finally shouts, a huge smile on his face.

Rhodey's jaw hit the table, is fork fell from his hand making a small bang as it hit the plate. "Wh-what? Are you serious?!"

Smile still bright and wide, Tony replies with a "Yup," making sure to pop the 'P'.

Rhodey finally picks his jaw up and smiles, "congratulations! Tones, Pep, I am so happy for the both of you! I am finally going to be and Uncle I thought this day would never come!" Rhodey wipes a non-existent tear from his eye.

"Thank you Rhodey, would you like to see the room?" Pepper asks.

"You have a nursery ready already?"

"Ya that is the surprise that Pepper gave me last night, she worked on it all this month and got everything ready, once we finish eating we can show it to you," Tony says.

"Hell yes I want see the the room," Rhodey works to eat as fast as he can, excited to see what his soon-to-be- nephew or nieces room looks like. 

After they finish eating and cleaning up their dishes, Pepper and Tony leads Rhodey to the nursery/bedroom. Rhodey steps inside and is in aww at the work that went into the room. "Pepper you did an amazing job, your Little is going to love this room."

"Thank you Rodes, I appreciate it. Come look what I found while shopping," Pepper grins and proceeds to show Rhodey all the Iron Man stuff she got.

Laughing Rhodey fakes being hurt and says, "what no War Machine?"

Tony laughs, "if our Little is a girl she may not want to wear her uncle on her clothes."

"So what Iron Man is okay?"

"Well I will be their Daddy so yes," Tony smiles knowing his best friend is just kidding around.

"So this is why you are going to tell the team you are a Caregiver, because you are getting a Little?"

Face turning serious Tony nods, "I would like you to be there with me when I tell them in case they have a bad reaction to the news."

"Tones," Rhodey says with a hint of sadness. "I don't think the team is going to mind that you are a Caregiver. I wouldn't be surprised if Nat and Clint already know, being super spies, Vision would know because he use to be Jarvis, he hasn't said anything to anyone, and maybe Wanda, but of course I will be there for you, I will always have your six."

"Thanks Honeybear," Tony smiles. Then his smile falters, he forgot about Vision and the fact that he would know, however it looks like he hasn't told anyone. 

Soon after they left the room Tony asks FRIDAY to ask the team to meet in the common room.

"I have alerted the team to meet you in the common room and all should be present in about 10 minutes," FRIDAY announces.

"Thanks FRI," Tony says. "Alright shall we get this party started?"

Pepper looks at Tony and offers a small but loving smile, "I am proud of you Tony and no matter the outcome, it changes nothing, we will still adopt a Little and we will still be happy."

"Pep is right Tones, no matter what we have your six and we will make sure that nothing changes, I am excited to see my nephew or niece and if they take it badly then they will be poorer for it, but then I get a cute Little all to myself and I don't have to share so," Rhodey says a playful grin on his face.

Tony knows what Rhodey is doing, he is trying to lighten the mood, which he succeeds. "Alright then if we are all on agreement," Tony says stepping into the elevator with Pepper on his right and Rhodey on his left, "Let's go!"

To say Tony is nervous would be an understatement, he sits in the Avengers common room, with everyone gathered around staring at him, Pepper sits on his right and Rhodey on his left. Steve and Bucky were the first to arrive, then Natasha, Clint and Sam shows up next; followed by Wanda and Vision, Bruce following soon after.

"So Tony what's going on? Is it a mission?" Steve asks.

"Ummm, not exactly," Tony says. 

"Then what's up? Team training? Team game night?" Clint asks.

"If you would all just hold your horses I will tell you," Tony sighs. He then takes a deep breath and grabs Pepper's hand for courage. "I called you all here because Pepper and I have some news to tell you, however before I get to tell you the news I have to tell you something else, a secret that I have been hiding from you all."

This got everyone's attention, "A secret? Tony, what ever it is, we are here for you, you can tell us anything," Sam says.

Natasha and Clint both look at each other, Tony doesn't know if it is because the secret is going to be confirmed because they know or if they are shocked that Tony has a secret that they don't know about. Tony then looks at Steve and Bucky, they didn't say anything but just gave him a reassuring smile.

"Okay well first off," Tony looks at Pepper, she squeezes his hand and smiles at him. Tony then looks back at the team, he feels Rhodey shift closer, not enough to touch but enough that Tony feels he is there. "I never meant to lie to you, it just has been a habit, there are only two people who know what I am about to tell you and no one else. When I got classified at 12 years old as everyone does, on my paper it says Alpha, however that isn't true." Tony heard everyone gasp.

"Why would your classification paper lie?" Steve asks.

"Because Howard was furious and embarrassed of what I actually am and didn't want to tarnish the Stark name, so he paid them off to lie on my paper," Tony says, anger in his voice.

"Tony," Sam asks in a soft voice, "are you a Little?"

At this Tony's head shoots up, never did he think that they would assume that, "what? No, not that there is anything wrong with that either but that isn't it. I am a Caregiver." Tony feels like a weight has been lifted off his chest as soon as the words left his mouth, regardless of the outcome, he felt better.

You can hear a pin drop, the silence is deafening. Tony looks at everyone, they are all staring at him, then slowly they looks at each other. With there eyes they seem to all come to one conclusion.

Tony is prepared for anger, pity, yelling, shouts on how he could keep a secret and that he shouldn't be allowed on the team. What he wasn't expecting is the burst of laughter that came from Clint, followed by Sam and even Steve and Bucky gave a chuckle; Natasha, Wanda, Vision and Bruce just smile at him.

"What?" Tony asks confused, "Is my being a Caregiver really that funny to you?" Anger over washes Tony, he didn't not appreciate being laughed at when this was very hard for him to do.

"Tony we don't mean to laugh, we are not laughing at you, we are laughing because in a way we already knew, or suspected at least," Natasha saw the anger and quickly leaps to explain before it got out of hand.

"Ya dude, I mean, you kinda scream Caregiver, well, Caregiver tendencies, at least" Clint says seeing the anger and not wanting Tony to think bad about why.

"I mean with the way you look after the team, we assumed," Bucky says.

"You always make sure our suits and weapons are in top shape so we are prepared for battle," Steve says.

"You make us all go to the Med Bay after any battle no matter how small, even if we are not hurt, 'just to make sure'" Sam does his best Tony impression and using air quotes.

"Steve always want's to do the report after every mission right away, you always want us taken care of first to make sure we are okay before the report, which showed a difference between how an Alpha thinks and what a Caregiver thinks," Vision explains, "that and I already knew since JARVIS knew."

"And then after every mission when we do go to debrief, you make sure we have water and snacks and then make sure we all eat real food right after," Wanda points out. 

"Even making sure we are getting enough rest every night," Bruce adds. "As a person with Caregiver tendencies I saw it more in you."

"Why did no one say anything if you suspected?" Tony asks.

"Because, Tony, no matter what your classification is, you never faltered on a mission and you were always there for us. Also it wasn't for us to bring up, when and if you were ever ready we knew you would tell us," Steve says.

"So we never said anything when you got over caring, or went into Mother Hen mode, we allowed it and said nothing so that when you were ready we would be here for you," Natasha says with a small smile.

Tony can't help but smile, he really has a great team, they are not judging him and let him come to them. They just showed and proved that they are a team and nothing can tear them apart. "Thank you, all of you. Yo-you don't know what this means to have said what I am not be judged or hated for it."

"Tony we could never judge or hate you for being a Caregiver," Bruce says. 

"We are a team and no matter what, we accept everyone for who they are and their differences," Natasha says. 

"Okay okay so now that that is out of the way, what is the news you and Pepper wanted to tell us, now that we know you are a Caregiver?" Clint asks.

At this everyone's attention is once again on Tony, waiting in anticipation. Tony smiles, now that he knows the team accepts him for who he is, his excitement is in full force. "Yes! Our news, so since you now know I am a full Caregiver and it is no secret that Pepper is an Alpha and a Caregiver. We have talked about it and we have decided to expand our family by adopting a Little."

At the news the Avengers just stare at Tony and Pepper, in shock. Honestly if this wasn't such an important announcement Tony would have laughed at their expressions. Just as quick as the shock appears on their faces it is replaced with large smiles, even Natasha smiles.

"Are you serious?" Clint asks, as everyone else exclaims their own 'really?!'

Tony smiles because he knows by looking that everyone is happy with the news. "Yes we have already prepared what we need to, and already found three places that we are going to visit."

Pepper and Tony stand up when the team rushes forward to shake hands or give hugs in congratulations to the news.

"This is so exciting, I can't wait to have a Little in the house!" Wanda exclaims. 

"They are cute," Natasha agrees.

"I call dibs on being Uncle Clint!" Clint raises his hand like he can just call these things.

"Hey!" Rhodey shouts back, "I am going to be their Uncle first and foremost, you can be the crazy uncle that we warn the Little about."

"Hey!" 

"Have you decided on a gender?" Sam asks.

"No we are just going to wait and see. As a Caregiver Tony and I will feel a connection to a Little and when we do that will be who we adopt," Pepper explains.

"So I am assuming with how everyone is reacting that everyone is okay with us having a Little running around?" Tony asks.

"Of course! I think the team could benefit from having a Little around. Our jobs are not exactly the best for our mental health. I think a Little will not only help you and Pepper but it will help the whole team," Steve says.

"Thank you everyone we appreciate your support in this decision," Pepper says. 

"Of course, if you guys need anything we will help out in any ways we can," Natasha says, and everyone else nods in agreement.

Sam leaves the room and comes back a few minutes later with beers, "I don't know about you guys but I think that both Tony coming out as a Caregiver and their announcement of adopting a Little is cause for celebration!" He says as he hands out the beers.

Everyone takes one and they all cheer wishing Tony and Pepper congratulations again before taking a drink. Tony and Pepper sit on the couch together; Pepper looks over at Tony and sees his smile, "I am glad you told them, I am so proud of you."

"I am glad too, they didn't react how I thought they would and it makes me feel better knowing that I have the teams support," Tony says. He can't help but smile as everyone celebrates with them, everyone talking about who the Little might be, how they will be and what they can do once the Little arrives. 

"So Tony, what is your age range for Caregiver?" Bucky asks.

"I am best suited for Little's in the A0 to A2 category, Pepper plans to feed them herself as much as possible and we have already ordered foods for that age range, because even thought Little's who are in the age range of A0 to A2 and maybe really 5 to 17 years old they still can't handle solid food very well. Once in a while is okay but milk is the best for them regardless of when they are in their headspace or not," Tony explains. 

Wanda squeals at that and Natasha can't help but smile gleefully, they then go back to talking about the Little.

"You going to look for a Little whose actual age is younger or older?" Bruce asks.

"Well like Pepper said about gender, we are going to visit and just wait and see who we connect with, age and gender doesn't matter as long as we connect and feel that the Little is right for us," Tony says. 

"Wow so everything about the Little will be a surprise, from gender to age to smarts. We can't wait until we can see them," Sam says.

"Well it may take some time, but we are hoping not too long. Adopting a Little isn't a fast process, after we choose a Little, there is paper work that we have to fill out, they do background checks and they ask us about our jobs and lifestyle to make sure the Little will have stability and we have the means to provide for the Little. Then a Caregiver has to come visit to make sure that we have everything necessary to take care of the Little. Then we have 2 weeks with the Little if all checks out, that is our grace period, to see if the Little we choose is really best for us. If after the 2 week grace period we choose to keep the Little then we have to submit forms to officially become their Caregivers, during the time between the forms being submitted and approved we become temporary Caregivers, to the Little with daily check ins with the Caregiver in charge of the Little. Once Approved then we adopt officially," Pepper explains.

"Wow sounds like a lot of work and time, but worth it in the end," Clint stats.

"Yes, we already have everything ready for the Little, the nursery and room are ready and we have all the baby gates and safety locks we just have to install them all, so it is really just getting through the evaluation and background checks," Tony says taking a drink of his beer.

"Dude you are a billionaire, you can provide for your Little and your past? You went from dealing weapons to making world saving inventions to help the planet," Clint says.

"Yes but my past is public knowledge, which doesn't portray me in the greatest of light, regardless of how much I have changed and I may be able to provide financially, but they are looking for someone who can provide emotionally and mentally. So we can only hope that they don't focus on my past and they focus on the current me," Tony says. That part of the adoption is what worries him the most, he hopes that him being an Avenger and his past doesn't ruin his chance at finally getting a Little.

"Don't worry Tones, everything will work out. Worst case Pepper is also with you, and I dare anyone to tell Pepper Stark no," Rhodey says with a chuckle.

"Hey I am Tony Stark, Iron Man, what about saying no to me?" 

"With anything else Tones saying no to you is bad, but when it comes to having to get something from someone, Pepper is the best, after all she does run your company so it would be a walk in the park for her," Rhodey says. 

Tony knows that Rhodey is just joking with him, and even though there is some truth in his words, they don't bother Tony, after all that is why he put Pepper in charge of Stark Industries is because of her ability to sway people in a manner that is respectable.

"Oh don't I know it Honeybear," Tony turns to Pepper and kisses her temple, "That is why I married her, smarts and beautiful all in one package, and she puts up with my bullshit." 

Pepper smiles and leans into Tony, she is really enjoying this moment, all their friends together laughing and have a great time.

After a few hours Tony and Pepper tell everyone that they need to leave because they have a big day tomorrow, as it is Monday and they have their first appointment in the afternoon. Leave their friends to party after getting more hugs and congratulations they both head up stairs. 

"You know there is still one more person to tell," Pepper says looking at Tony. 

"Oh?"

"Yes someone who is very important to us and is in charge of all of our safety."

"But FRIDAY already knows," Tony says with a smirk on his face and a twinkle of mirth in his eyes.

Pepper smacks his arm, "Very funny, FRIDAY be a dear and ask Happy to come up."

"Of course Mrs. Boss," FRIDAY says. "Mr. Hogan is currently in a debrief with the evening security and the over night security he asks if it is urgent."

"Tell him no FRIDAY once he is finished his debrief he can come up, it is not urgent," Pepper says.

Tony opens his mouth to say something when Pepper gives him a small glare. "What?"

"I know you Tony you were about to tell FRIDAY to tell him something that will mess with him, he is in a important meeting, do not cause him to panic and leave the meetings just to come see us."

"Aww, but I had a great one in mind."

"Sometimes I wonder if you have Little tendencies with how childish you act sometimes," Pepper smiles and lets out a laugh at Tony's pout.

"Nope, this is all me," Tony grins. "Oh I have an idea!" Tony then runs off up the stairs. 

"Oh dear," Pepper sighs.

Tony returns a few minutes later a box covered by a blanket, he sets it down in the living room and then runs to their office just down the hall. Not coming back for 10 minutes, with an brown envelope and lays it on top of the box. It is marked at 'URGANT' in big bold letters. "There, all set," Tony grins.

"Tony," Pepper can't help but smile at her husbands antics. 

"Hey after the day I had, I need to do something fun."

"So telling Happy that you are a Caregiver and we are adopting a Little isn't going to be fun?"

"Yes, I know Happy, I am not nervous to tell him, because I know he will accept me, and support me. I trust Happy with my life and safety."

"Mr. Hogan has finished his meeting and is on his way up," FRIDAY says.

"Thanks FRI," Tony just grins at Pep who smiles back at him. Pepper can't help but smile at the confidence that Tony is showing about Happy's reaction to the news. It is probably because they have been working together for so long that Tony feels that Happy will be happy about it.

The elevator dings as it opens revealing Happy, Tony immediately goes over, "Hey Happy glad you could make it!"

"Sorry if me keeping this building safe takes time before coming to see you," Happy says gruffly. "You said it wasn't urgent."

"Pepper said it isn't urgent, but it is to me," Tony grins.

Happy just rolls his eyes, he has been working with Tony long enough to know when he was being played with and when it was actually urgent or an emergency.

"So what did you want to see me about?" Happy asks.

"Well we have two something's to tell you," Tony turns to Pepper who is sitting on the chair by the box, she smiles at him and jesters for him to continue. "Okay," Tony runs his fingers through his hair.

At that Happy's expression changes, noticing Tony's movement he soften his expression, knowing that this conversation is serious but important to Tony. He can read that much, "What is is Tony?"

"Well, I just finished telling the team this, but I wanted to tell you in private, the thing is, my father lied on my classification paper. I am not an Alpha, I am actually a full Caregiver," Tony watches Happy's expression. It went from serious to a soft look and then to surprise.

"Is that what had you worried to tell me?"

"I wasn't worried per say I just didn't think it relevant to bring up is all."

"Fair enough it isn't like I came out and asked you, but if it helps, I already knew."

"What?" Tony exclaims, even Pepper is shocked at this. "How did you know?"

"Happy did someone tell you about Tony? Are they a risk factor?" Pepper asks standing up to stand by Tony.

"Someone did tell me, and they were a risk factor however he isn't anymore," Happy says grinning. He laughs a little at both their confused faces. "You are forgetting Tony that I used to be your sober driver. You used to drink a lot, and after one event that celebrated your father's accomplishments to Stark Industries you drank more then one human should and then went on to complain about how your father was an ass hat who was ashamed and angry about you being a Caregiver instead of an Alpha like a Stark should be. Then made me swear to never tell a soul you said that. Then proceeded to throw up and pass out, then forget you ever told me, so I never said anything and never brought it up."

Tony can't help but drop his jaw at that, Pepper too has a look of surprise. She then lets out a laugh and smacks Tony playfully on the arm. "Tony, only you!"

Tony picks his jaw up off the floor and stares at Happy who is grinning, "Well I guess if I was to ever tell anyone while drunk it would be you. I am glad it was with someone who I trust completely."

"Yes after that I tried not to leave you alone with anyone while you were beyond drunk, unless you were with a woman."

"Thank you Happy, you truly are a great friend and deserve a raise for everything I have put you through and what I am about to put you through," it is Tony's turn to grin back at Happy, he lets out a small laugh when Happy's eyes narrow at him. "Well since that is out of the way, go look over there," Tony points at the box covered with a sheet and the brown envelope.

Eyes narrow looking at Tony, Happy turns to see a box shape covered by a sheet and the envelope. Taking one last look at Tony and Pepper he walks over to the package that is marked 'URGANT', "Did you need me to take this somewhere?"

"Sort off, you need to read the letter and then take the sheet off afterwards," Tony says. 

Happy turns the envelope around and opens it, taking about the paper he read: 

'Dear Uncle Happy,

Please install this so that you may keep me safe when we go on adventures together.

Love 
Your Little passenger'

Happy blinks at this, it takes him a moment to realize what he is reading. 'Uncle' and 'Little' are the two words that shock him. His head turns sharply to Tony and Pepper who moved closer to him, both have huge smiles on their faces.

Happy turns to the letter and reads it quickly again before taking a hold of the sheet and ripping it off to reveal a car seat that is made for a Little in the age range of A0 to A2. It is a three piece set for different ages of the Little, for if someone get a Little when they are young to when the Little is adult height. "You are getting a Little?"

"Yup," Tony grins. "We are going out tomorrow to the first adoption place, which we will need you to take us to, our appointment is at 2pm at Brooklyn's Adoption Home."

"Tony, Pepper congratulations!" Happy says going to shake their hands.

"None of that Happy, we are family, come here," Pepper says and pulls him into a hug. Once they pull away Tony holds out his arms in a hug jester.

"Come here big guy this is a special occasion," Tony says hugging Happy. Pulling away he looks at Happy, "so yes to driving us?"

Happy laughs then shrugs, "sure why not, I will get this installed after you confirm you have a Little."

"Thank you Happy, go get some rest and we will see you in the morning," Pepper says. 

"Anytime, and again congratulation, both of you. I am happy for you guys," Happy says picking up the box and walking towards the elevator. FRIDAY opens the door for Happy, "Thank you FRIDAY."

"You are welcome Mr. Hogan," FRIDAY replies.

"See you both tomorrow."

"Goodnight Happy" Pepper smiles

"See ya Hap," Tony replies. 

Once Happy leaves Tony and Pepper head to their bedroom to get ready for the night. It is now almost 11pm and they need their rest for the big day tomorrow. 

"I don't know if I am going to be able to sleep tonight," Tony says. 

"Excited?"

"Very and nervous."

"Don't be, everything will work out, I am sure of it."

Tony lays in their bed with Pepper laying on his chest, "Ya I hope so." He leans down and kisses the top of her head, which causes her to look up and he leans down to give her a kiss.

"Goodnight Mr. Stark, soon to be Daddy."

"Goodnight Mrs. Stark, soon to be Mommy."