Fathers Day
“Helen says there's something wrong with your heart baby girl. It's-it's scary I'm not gonna lie, I'm actually terrified. You don't know this but I have- had a heart problem. Guess it's a real good thing that you'll never have to see it. Really freaked your mom and uncle Rhodey out, Happy just rolled with it pretty much. I'm sure there are pictures of it, you'll see it if you see me back in the suit maybe.”
Tony paused as he saw Steve and Barnes hammering down on his reactor, on his chest. They're killing him, they're going to kill him, they're not going to stop, he's going to die. A small kick against his cheek has him taking a sharp breath, reaching out he grabbed Peppers hand and kissed it. He smiled softly as he tapped Maria's tiny foot through Peppers stomach. He was fine. He was fine. He made it home and Pepper and Extremis saved him.
“I'm ok. Don't worry bout me baby girl.” Tony felt Maria squirm quietly, as Pepper continued to sleep peacefully. “Where was? Right heart, arc reactor. I might have to hide it, having it out front in the middle of my chest like a big bullseye isn't the safest design. Especially since now with you coming along, safety's gonna be a big deal, can't let anything happen to you now can we. Your mama and me out a lot of work into baby proofing this place for you, you know. You're gonna be the first baby here so, sorry if we miss anything. Promise we're doing our best. We have a lot of help though, so it won't just be us three. We've got Rhodey, Happy, Vision and Friday. They're all here to see you happy and healthy. It might have been a bigger family but daddy and sugar bear got into some trouble.”
Almost dying and Rhodey losing all feeling in his legs and his ability to walk. Rhodey had his first physical therapy tomorrow and he wasn't missing it, he had to be there this was his fault, after all, all his fault he should have done more. He could have done more but he didn't, he couldn't reach Rhodey and he had to watch him fall every night in his nightmares. Which lead him to where he was now, 3 in the morning, avoiding sleep in favor of talking to Maria.
Already five days since he woke up from the cocoon to be thrown back into this fucked up world Rogers left behind. Natasha was lost to the wind, using Peppers panic to escape like a damn coward. She left them to the wolves, the UN were docile believing in Tony's ability until he disappeared. Then when Rogers and the other rogue Avengers escaped the Raft, they weren't waiting around. Ross was on a warpath, with a determined mindset that Tony was the one who helped them escape. As if he would do anything else to help those selfish bastards. They all had chosen their sides, said their words, chosen their fates. They wanted “freedom” to do as they pleased, they could find it and live it without may help him. See just how long they lasted. Whatever happened to them they deserved it. He tried being the bleeding heart and trying to protect and save all of them, best as he could and they just threw it back in his face.
“Boss, your heart rates escalating. You gotta calm down.” Friday stated softly trying not to startle him or Pepper.
Tony looked down at his hands and quickly pulled them back to his chest seeing them glow orange. Then there was this fantastic part of Extremis. The whole glowing melting bit was still in it apparently, at least at high doses like the one he took. He was meeting with Helen tomorrow with Rhodey as he worked with his legs, Tony would he trying to control his newfound glowing bit. Or find a way to get rid of it as a whole. Personally, he was fine with it, sure it terrified him to think about losing his cool and hurting Pepper or Rhodey, but it gave him another means of protecting them. If he could control it, with or without the suit he could still protect them. Helen also wanted to test to see if it would heal any new injuries he got if he could glow like that, then maybe he still had all the other fun features.
He had a lot of stuff to fix, but he could come last for now. Rhodey and Maria came first, Rhodey would be pissed if he knew he was putting him before himself with a baby coming. A sick baby, Maria had a heart murmur that was worrying Helen, she didn't want to worry the family, stating that most infants have a type of heart murmur when they're born. It typically fades as they grow older and stronger. As reassuring as it was there was always a chance that Maria wouldn't grow out of it and with his luck, the worse always happened.
So he was planning ahead. He had a set of braces in the work for Rhodey, while he was researching all he could about Maria's heart murmur. Pepper had no complaints about either project obviously, she gave him as much space and support as he needed as he worked on both. A heart murmur usually lead to a pacemaker to keep her heart beating at a steady pace or giving it a small shock to get it started again. It ran off a battery that needed to be changed every 7 to 10 years. He didn't like it, without a battery her heart might lag behind and give her troubles. Then she had to keep going back to change it to live normally. He could make a better battery, a smaller battery that she would never have to change. He could manage that.
“Boss, you've got two calls. One from King T'challa again and the other is Mr. Keener.”
“Harley? Patch him through. Give his pantherness the same message will you Friday ?”
“Course sir,” Friday said sounding smug.
Tony smiled as he kissed Peppers stomach again before walking out into the hall hearing a hyper voice greet him, “Tony! You're ok!”
*
T'challa was pleased to be home. It was his sanctuary, his kingdom. This was where his family, his people lived and where his father ruled. Now it was his turn and he wasn't ashamed to admit that he was exhausted after dealing with the outside world. The people, the politics, the media were all exhausting and being back home lifted a big weight off of his shoulders. Even if he didn't come home alone.
He had not intended to bring the Avengers to his country for sanctuary. It was only after when he learned that Barnes was being framed did he feel guilt. He attacked these people viciously in order to get to Barnes, he had every intention to kill the man responsible for his father's death. When he saw the real man responsible for it, however, his anger towards Barnes quickly turned to guilt. He had almost killed an innocent man who was being tortured for years. With the world against them, he offered shelter since that was all he could do to clear his guilt.
T'challa aided Captain America to free his teammates since he did fight against them as well, he owed it to them to help. The Raft wasn't the nicest place to stay least to say, so when the Avengers gained sight of his home he was pleased to see that they were impressed. They had better be, this would be their home until they came to an agreement to sign the Accords so they could return home.
When they landed he expected them all to collapse into their beds, and he was right, they were all eager to sleep on a real bed. All except Mr. Rogers who walked over, looking visibly nervous.
“Your highness, it's been about 3 days and I was wondering if you've heard any news about Tony.” Rogers shuffled as he clenched his hands by his sides. Barton who was sitting on a couch looked up sharply.
“Stark? What are you worried about him for? He's the one who put us in that hell hole, put a collar around Wanda's neck. He can jump in a ditch.”
“Clint! He's gonna be a dad! He was supposed to retire, he wasn't supposed to be there! Peppers pregnant, I need to know if he got home ok.” Steve snapped, he raked his hair nervously as Mr. Barton sat up quickly now.
“What do you mean he's gonna be a dad? He's the one that got Pepper pregnant? I thought they broke up?”
“She was on maternity leave and Tony was taking care of the CEO part while she was gone. Just, your highness, have you heard anything about him?” He pleaded.
T'challa frowned as he looked Rogers over, he looked like a guilty man what he was guilty about he couldn't say. He didn't have an answer for his question either, this was the first news he heard about the Starks having a child but if he said was true he was a soon to be father fighting beside him and he didn't give him a second glance. “I'm afraid I haven't heard anything regarding Mr. Stark. Him becoming a father is news to me, should I have a reason to be concerned that we haven't heard any news about Stark yet Captain?”
Steve sighed and shook his head, “I knocked out his reactor, it's-it was the only way to get him to stop. It powers the suit, I just want to make sure he got home ok.”
T'challa paused as he looked at Rogers, “You mean to tell me that we left Mr. Stark defenseless in an “abandoned” Hydra base with a dead suit of armor around him with no means to get home?”
“It was abandoned! He- he had Friday with him he just wouldn't stay down, I couldn't let Bucky get hurt anymore.” Steve argued weakly, “Please, I just want to know if he got home alright. If you find out can you tell me, please ?”
Tchalla took a deep breath and nodded, “If I hear any news about the Starks I shall let you know, but we will have a talk about what exactly happened in that bunker Captain. Now rest.”
Steve nodded and walked off slowly, “Thank you, your highness.”
As he watched the Avengers retire, T'challa pinched the bridge of his nose and went back to his office. It was mistake after mistake currently wasn't it? He didn't just blame an innocent man for his father's death, but now he left a soon to be father for dead in Serbia. However how unintentional, he needed to clear his guilt. He would make his country and his father proud.
The first thing he needed to do was get in touch with the Starks.
This proved harder than he had originally thought. Each time he had attempted to call the billionaire he was met with the cold voice of a woman,
“I'm sorry, your highness Mr. Stark can't come to the phone right now. I will take a message if you'd like.”
“Of course, miss..” he trailed off hoping the woman would give him her name.
The voice sighed softly, “You can call me Friday your highness, I'm Mr. Starks PA. Now, do you have a message ?”
An unusual name but he's heard stranger, after all, Mr. Stark seems to call his wife and CEO Pepper, “I had wished to check up on Mr. Starks well-being seeing as he hasn't been seen in four days since Zemo's capture. Then if he was available I would have liked to ask for a meeting. Is he alright ?
The same woman always answering his calls, each day that passed was another day of guilt and dread clawing it's way up his back. Stark couldn't stay quiet this long could he? After all of the drama that happened the media wouldn't let a shining light like him escape would they?
The questions wouldn't let him be. Did he really leave that man for dead? Was he really going to be a father? Did he just make Virginia Potts a single mother or worse a widow? It had been a week with no news, the media were already claiming Tony Stark was dead. Rogers was a pain when he kept coming asking for any news to cure their guilt, or if their worse fears were true.
What right did he have to the man or his conditions? Even if he wasn't dead, T'challa still left him in Siberia with no means to escape, left him without a second thought.
Now here he was waiting for the Irish woman to pick up the phone once again. As he sat in his study glaring at the headline on the newspaper. “Tony Stark Dead? Are the Rogue Avengers responsible ?”
He heard a click followed by a now familiar sigh, “Yes your highness how can I help you today ?”
“Friday, the news thinks Mr. Stark is dead. It's been a week if I don't get answers from this phone call I'm about to board my jet to find them myself.”
“Like I've been saying all week, it's none of your business. Mr. Stark has been through a lot and is- hold on.” Friday announced pausing softly, she sighed again before there was another click. There was a pause and the young king thought she had hung up on him before a voice spoke up.
“Hello your Pantheress, I've heard you've been harassing my AI with your phone calls this whole week. Seems mighty suspicious if you don't mind me saying. However, since it seems like you're not going to stop until you get answers. Why don't you swing by? Find those answers out for yourself, like you said you would. We can have that meeting you've been asking for as well, two birds one stone. Sound good?”
T'challa sighed softly and rubbed his temples, Mr. Stark wasn't dead. From the sound of his voice, he sounded better than he last heard from him. How did he manage that? Mr. Stark was asking for a meeting, it was the easiest way to get answers for everyone, and settle the events of the so-called Civil War.
“Of course Mr. Stark I would love the meeting. I'm sorry for my rudeness, the media claims you dead, you've been hiding quite well from the spotlights.”
“The reports of my death have been not so exaggerated. Just swing by and we can talk shop. Friday will give you all the information you need. See you then.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Stark.”
*
“Give me some feedback. Anything you can think of. Shock absorption. Lateral movement.” Tony quipped smiling nervously as Rhodey's arms shook on the guard rail. His brows creased in concentration and pain. “Cup holder?”
Rhodey finally huffed a laugh at that looking up at Tony smiling softly. “You may want to think about some AC down there.” He panted.
Tony smiled tightly as he nodded. Helen was taking some notes and watching the monitors attached to Rhodeys chest. Rhodey took a few more steps and Helen nodded towards Tony as Rhodeys arms shook.
“Let's go. I'll give you a hand.” Tony said putting a hand on Rhodeys back not mind the sweat gathered there.
Rhodey growled in frustration as he tried shaking off Tony's hand, but stumbled forwards. Tony rushed forwards to help only to stop when Rhodey barked, “No, no don't. Don't help me! Don't help me.”
Rhodey stumbled again as his legs gave out. So Tony grabbed his shoulders and lowered him to the ground to rest and sat next to him. Tony grimaced as Rhodey panted trying to catch his breath. He looked down at his hands and clenched them in his lap slowly.
Rhodey finally got his breathing under control and looked over at Tony, he was glaring at his hands. He took a breath and leaned back to get more air.
“138.” Tony looked up at him as Rhodey shrugged and continued “138 combat missions. That's how many I've flown, Tony. Every one of them could've been my last, but I flew 'em. To the fight needed to be fought. It's the same with these Accords. I signed because it was the right thing to do. And, yeah, this sucks. This is... This is a bad beat. But it hasn't changed my mind. This isn't your fault Tony. You're my family, if you would have died over there I would never have forgiven myself.”
“It wasn't your fault you were sleeping the fall off.”
“Then this wasn't yours. You didn't force me to do anything, Tony. I chose you and I chose the Accords because both they were right, you were right. This- this I can get over. Losing you I don't think I could Tony.” Rhodey said squeezing Tony's shoulder as he smiled softly up at him.
Their little bonding moment was broken by a skinny old mailman, “Is there a Tony Stank here? Are you Tony “Stank” ?”
Tony rolled his eyes as he stood up hearing Rhodeys snickers.
“Yes, this is- this is Tony "Stank"! You're in the right place. Thank you for that! I'm never dropping that, by the way. Table for one, Mr. "Stank". Please, by the bathroom.”
Tony signed for the package and it on the table stepping away from it quickly, “Friday is it safe ?”
“Yes, it seems to be a cell phone and a letter sir.”
“A cell phone ?” Rhodey asked confused. As Tony opened the package.
*
Boy just when he thought Rogers couldn't get any more condescending and old, he pulls it off just by this. Tony had to leave the room for a few minutes leaving Rhodey and Helen staring after him.
Eventually, Rhodey called Pepper and Happy down as he read the letter Steve left for him. When Tony finally calmed down and wasn't glowing anymore, they all charged in.
“That letter is bullshit, Tony. No matter what if you need us we'll be there ?! Where does he get off thinking he's the hero here, being the better person and saying he'll be there for you despite your differences. I'm sorry we had different opinions and you got hurt.” Pepper snapped sitting next to him and grabbing his hands squeezing them tightly as Rhodey nodded as Happy rolled him in.
“The Avengers were your fucking family? Don't see much a family here they all fucked off with him. Faith is in individuals he just means himself. Can't handle anyone else telling what to do.” Rhodey said shaking his head.
Tony hummed softly as he rolled the telephone around in his hand, “Friday scan. Where did Rogers send this dinosaur from ?”
“On it boss.” Friday answers, “Finished. All files stored, encryption broken. I think I have a guess as to why his Highness has been calling lately boss.”
“Tchalla ? They're in Wakanda ?! He's coming here tomorrow for a meeting. He signed the Accords, his father started the Accords died for them, and he offered them his house?!” Pepper huffed shaking her head.
“Well, at least they have a type, jumping from millionaire to millionaire. I wonder if our dear king even knows Rogers sent this. Gotta say this is a real setback for our relationship. Just when I thought we understood one another too.” Tony sighed scrubbing his face tensely.
“Should be interesting hearing his reasoning, he's a criminal just like the rest of them now.”
“Tony you are not bringing that man here. I don't want him anywhere near this tower. Rogers almost killed you and he brought him home, that should tell you exactly what he thinks.” Pepper snapped standing up.
Tony grabbed her hands quickly and smiled, “Pep, Pep I've gotta see him. If not now then later. Whether I like it or not he's a big part of the Accords. If I have to fix up the mess Rogers left behind for all the super people out there. Seeing him here give me the upper hand, and if he doesn't know that we know he has some “special” guests it's even for the better. You can watch everything from the cam-”
“No.” Pepper snapped, “No if you're talking to him I'm going to be there. You're not dealing with him on your own as he tries to weasel his way out of this. No. Either I'm there in the room with you or you tell him it's canceled understand me ?”
“Pepper, it's safer in another room. We haven't even announced that we're pregnant. You want him to be the first one to see you?”
“I'm going, Tony. I'm going to show him how he's helping the people who almost took you and Rhodey from me. I think it's time he realizes what you almost lost in Siberia.” Pepper smiled softly and patted Tony's cheek gently, “As for safety, I have you, Rhodey and Happy. None of you will let him get close to me. Simple. Now, what time is he coming ?”
*
T'challa was eager to meet Tony Stark properly. After he had gotten an answer from the man, confirming that he was still alive and in good health, T'challa had gone to inform the rest of his team expecting them to be relieved that he was fine.
While some were others seemed conflicted, specifically Barton and Maximoff. Mr. Barton was still fuming about being out in the raft and seemed to be protective over young Ms. Maximoff. She seemed to hold a lot of spite over Stark, for whatever reason, and Clint and Steve seemed to be encouraging it rather than asking her to move on. T'challa saw no reason for the woman being so resentful towards Stark besides the raft, but even then they weren't even in there for a week. They broke they law and were put in jail, however prematurely, it was still blind to happen. The two seemed to personally believe that Stark put them there purposely, calling him “Ross’s lap dog” as if he would do everything and anything Ross would tell him to do.
However from the videos and recordings of Mr. Starks dealings with the government, showed he was not to be controlled by them, showing extreme protection over his creations, especially the Iron Man suit. Mr. Starks has been dealing with the US government for many years, even before he became Iron Man so it was no surprise to T'challa that he worked well with them so far.
Steve was reluctant to say anything about Stark, he was glad to hear that he was home safe, but he was very vague about his supposed friend. He tried to steer clear of any conversations even concerning the man.
So on his flight over to Avengers Tower, he didn't know what to expect from the man. He only had, the anger and spite from Clint and Wanda, vague words from Scott from Hank Pym's view over Starks as a whole, then lastly Sam and Steve's apparent guilt or disinterest in him. Not that he could take any of their words to heart, none of them seemed close to the billionaire, otherwise, they would have a lot more to say. T'challa was relying on what he saw of the man's actions during the dispute over the Accords
Walking out of his helicopter and stepping forwards, T'challa saw Mr. Stark watching him closely as he leaned against the railing of the doorway. Besides him was The Vision and Colonel Rhodes, the former was bound to a wheelchair. So Wilsons fear was confirmed then, War Machine had taken a severe fall injuring him drastically, he was hoping it would have been superficial. This may make things harder, Mr. Stark had a protective streak over anything he deemed him, the injury that Mr. Hogan had sustained during the Mandarin fiasco proved it. Inviting the supposed terrorist to his house, challenging after one of his own was injured by his attacks, he came out the vicious victor in the end of course. So T'challa was conflicted on whether he should bring up the people who had caused the injury, however, he didn't seem upset at Vision who was waiting patiently by his right.
Stark raised his hand and walked over finally meeting them halfway a photocopy smile plastered on his face, “Your Highness nice to finally have you here.”
T'challa smiled softly at Stark and grasped his hand shaking it firmly, “ It's a pleasure to finally have a proper conversation Mr. Stark. I'm glad to see you in good health, your giving the world quite the scare.”
Tony grinned sharply as he gripped T'challa hand tighter and he could have sworn a flash of red in the man's eyes, “Call me Tony. I got out lucky, others not so much. Got a lot to talk about, Ross has been hounding me about these damn Accords. So a helping hand would be great. Let's see what we can do for one another yeah? Come on in, don't want you to get a chill. Must be used to that tropical heat, nothing a New York breeze can't change. Your whole little brigade is more than welcome to join us as well if they'd like.”
T'challa felt Tony's grip tighten more making the young king tilt his head as the Milaje tensed. His grip shouldn't be this strong, not strong enough for him to feel, why was he so strong-
“Tony come on Peppers waiting,” Rhodes called out as he turned to go inside.
Tony blinked then gave T'challa a final shake before rushing to Rhodes side waving his hand at them, “Come on, I've got more people for you to meet your pantherness.”
T'challa followed the two, watching as Vision floated to Tony's side quickly after giving him a quick greeting of, “Your highness.”
He took a deep breath as they finally entered what looked like a family room with a large table in the middle. At the head of it were two people he recognized from the research he did. Harold Hogan, Tony's loyal bodyguard and friend, and a pregnant Virginia Potts. T'challa felt his stomach clench as he stared at the woman, Steve was right it seemed Tony was going to be a father, and he left him alone in Siberia. Ms. Potts narrowed her eyes at him and he forced a smile.
“T'challa, Amazons, this is my wife, Virginia Stark.” Tony introduced his whole face softening as he helped her out her seat to shake their hands. T'challa noticed how Tony placed himself between his guests and his wife. Acting like a wall to shield her from harm.
T'challa smiled at her and stood from a reasonable distance to not put any of the men on edge, as they all seemed to be watching him closely. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stark. It seems a congratulation is in order, for your child and your marriage. Both are a blessing.”
Mrs. Stark smiled sharply and nodded as she grasped Tony's hand and placed her other on her stomach, “Don't I know it. I'm lucky that Tony and Rhodey even came home to me after their fights with Rogers. Especially after Siberia, Tony gave us all a scare. Thankfully he came too, and saved a lot of people some grief.”
T'challa knew how sharp a woman could be, he was surrounded by them every day. He also knew just how far a mother would go to protect her family. Mrs.Stark was no exception, she didn't trust him not at all if the way she was pulling Tony closer to herself was any sign.
Colonel Rhodes was seated down to the right-hand side of the table as Mr. Hogan got him some water huffing softly as he saw them all. Tony patted Peppers hand gently as she sat back down, before following suit.
“So, let's talk business, your highness. We've got a lot to touch upon and it'd be best as we get as much done as we can before our little bundle of joy appears. Don't want to leave Rhodey and Vision to much work do we ?” Tony said smiling as Rhodey nodded.
“Are you not being a part of the Avengers anymore Tony?” T'challa asked frowning softly. If Tony, really did leave then even if he somehow convinced the man to bring the Avengers back to the states there would be no chance to heal the team dynamics, Tony was essential.
“He was retired before the whole Accords dispute with the team. He only came back because I needed his help. He was supposed to stay with Pepper, but now since he did help, Ross is going to try to hold that against him.” Rhodes stated bitterly. “I just want Tony, safe especially with a baby on the way. He deserves to be there for Maria.”
“Tony has other responsibilities besides dealing with the Avengers, similar to you. He has people who depend on him, countless employees around the world, who rely on him to keep SI functioning properly. For most of the world, they rely on Tony's creations and constantly need them to approve. While I plan to go back to my role in SI, we do depend on Tony for our designs and new products that need expanding upon. Tony can handle a lot, and I have no doubts that it was left up to him he would push himself to the brink to make everyone happy. I don't want him being forced to choose between other people and his own daughter when it comes to time.” Pepper added.
Tony chuckled as he looked between all of them, as T'challa mind raced. They both had a point, looking at the two it was clear that they weren't going to budge, and trying to steal time from a father with his child was not something T'challa was willing to do.
“They drive a hard bargain, don't they? I'm not complaining, it means more time with my daughter and wife after all.” Tony shrugged towards T'challa softly. “I trust Rhodey and Vision. Rhodey's always been a military man through and through, he's dealt with politicians and knows what orders to follow and when to question command. Vision is a fast learner who sees through people's bullshit and can think of the reasonable solution that's for the better good. I've known Rhodey since I was a scrawny little kid at MIT and Vision, Vision is practically my son, I helped made him. They're my family, they know what they're doing.”
“I see. So the only ones on the team are Colonel Rhodes, Vision, and I?” he asked tieing his fingers on top of the table.
“Mmm no see, I trust them it's you who I can't get a handle on KitKat. Call me, suspicious or pessimistic but I don't trust you and I'm not about to leave my boys alone to handle you. I mean no disrespect your highness, but all the other members of the team I thought I could trust, either left me or my family behind, once again leaving me to clean up their mess. See I want to get a feel for you, and if you're going to be a part of this team you need to get a read on us right?” Tony reasoned turning his chair to face T'challa better, as Pepper and Rhodey tense.
“That seems fair. I've hardly done anything to earn your trust. I fought alongside you to bring my father's killer to justice, not for the Accords or the people. I did it for myself, not for your trust, so we must earn each other's trust to work efficiently.” T'challa agreed. While his cause was noble and necessary for his father, for himself, but it wasn't uncommon knowledge about how many times Tony Stark was betrayed. He would be more surprised if he trusted him right off the bat.
Tony nodded, smiling sharply, “Exactly! Glad we can do this then. Now I'm sure you have a lot of questions to ask everyone and we'll get to that. But, first, we've got to ask you-”
T'challa frowned as Tony reached into his pocket and placed an old white flip phone out on the table between them. Vision sighed and shifted softly, as Rhodey crossed his arms and glared at him.
“Why are Steve Rogers and his little posse hiding in your country ?” Tony snapped smile disappearing.
T'challa tensed softly, but brushed it off as he played innocence, “I'm not sure what you-”
“Your highness you seem smart, don't act like a fool for people who don't deserve your help.” Mrs. Stark sighed holding her stomach in her hands. “We're not dense and were not working with someone who believes they can lie to us. Those people you are hiding in your country almost cost me my husbands and my friends lives. I don't know what kind of man you are sir, but I will not leave anyone I care about alone with a man who is keeping criminals in his country. While he tries to win the favor of those hey hurt and left behind. So I suggest, you tell us the truth. Tony's a good man, and he wouldn't be able to turn you into Ross but I am not above doing so to protect the people I love.”
T'challa sighed as he rolled his shoulders slowly. Damn, this was not how he wanted this to go, now they had no reason to trust him. He was pinned and she knew it. The Doras tensed hearing Peppers obvious threat, but he would not let them hurt a pregnant woman who was just protecting her family.
“Did Rogers send you that phone?” he asked. He saw how everyone scoffed at his subtle confession.
Tony hummed and nodded as he pulled out a small letter from the same pocket, “Yup, along with a lovely letter. Honestly, I was almost moved to tears by how heroic and caring he was.”
“It was a shit letter, tell Rogers that when you waddle your way home will you?” Rhodes spat shaking his head.
“Watch your tongue when you speak to our King, Colonel. I am not afraid to hurt a cripple for insulting our king.” Ayo stated glaring at Rhodes, who bristled and sat up straighter.
“Oh really? Well, i'm sorry lady but so far the only thing your precious king has done to earn any respect was being polite. Other than that-”
“Alright, alright! Rhodey, miss Amazon lets calm down yeah? His Highness has done a no-no so let's hear him out, and let's be careful not to insult the nice looking superwomen in the room will we ?” Tony called out raising his hands in a placating manner, he looked over at T'challa, he tilted his head towards Ayo.
T'challa nodded and looked back at Ayo, “Be calm. It will not help to make them tenser.”
Ayo sighed softly and bowed her head, as Rhodey grumbled as Hogan and Vision comforted him patting his shoulder gently.
“Right so, I'm sorry T'challa what were you lying ?” Tony asked smiling again once everyone calmed down.
T'challa sighed as he clenched his hands, they weren't making this any easier for him were they? But if he wanted the Avengers to come back and be of use rather than hide in his country waiting for the world to change, he would have to convince both sides that they needed each other somewhat.
“Tony, do you believe there is a chance of another alien invasion similar to the one here in New York, during the first Avenger mission?” he prompted, pausing as he saw Tony flinch softly before turning towards to look out the window.
“I think you do, you saw first hand what they were capable of, you were the one who stopped them by sending the nuke thru the wormhole. You said that Ultron was supposed to be a shield for the world so that you could actually retire-”
“What's your point?” Tony snapped, as Mrs. Stark grasped his hand quickly squeezing it tightly.
T'challa frowned as he saw Tony's handshake in his lap before continuing, “ Tony, I realize that they hurt you, I'm not asking you to forgive them. I'm not, but there is going to be time that the world is going to need The Avengers, all of it's original and new members. You're going to have a child soon, to protect her do you truly have enough to stop another invasion? Do any of you want to take that chance by not having the Avengers at your disposal when you need them? They're safe where they are and are in easy reach should you or I ever need them, they will be ready and easy to reach when we need them. Rather than having them roam and wasting valuable time to regroup if they even ever make it back here. Having them stay in my country is the best alternative, rather than having them wreak havoc as they try to”help” as many people as they can.”
T'challa watched Tony closely, he knew he had struck a chord within the man, and that would lead to everyone else following. It was a low move and T'challa was not proud to use Tony's child's safety to push his agenda forwards, but it was a possibility and if anyone could understand that fear it would be Stark.
“What about the Accords? Your father supported them and you signed them yourself. They're rogues, criminals what do you plan to do about the Accords when dealing with them? Barton and Lang, I don't even think read the Accords and the others all disagreed and refused to sign them. Do you plan to just keep them rogue criminals? Let them simply walk back because you believe the world needs them, if or when that ever happens? With no repercussions what so ever, if what you say does happen then the world will just rejoice because the Avengers saved the world once again, do you believe everything will just simply fade away?” Pepper leaned forwards a bit and shook her head. “ It sounds like you just want to make them our problem to deal with once again, and I'm not letting that happen.”
“I do support the Accords, they are necessary to keep the people safe and keep people with powers responsible for their mistakes. I have no plans to let them simply leave my country without either signing the Accords or having them retire. I have the resources to help them properly understand the Accords and have them make corrections if they disagree with a certain item. I just need time and your cooperation to reach a middle ground.”
Tony hummed as he looked back at T'challa smirking, “Sounds like you've got a lot of work cut out for you pussy cat. My middle ground is helping my boys and whoever new super person who comes on the team with the Accords, while I keep my mouth closed about how you're harboring criminals. Meanwhile, you deal with the Avengers side of the Accords, I'm afraid I'm not in a very helpful mood when it comes to Rogers and the rest of the gang, after all, they left all this behind for a reason. You get them to sign the Accords and I might be willing to talk shop.”
“Very well, I shall do what I can. But Tony I hope you realize, you were not the only one they left behind.” T'challa sighed.
Tony walked them out politely, making idle chats despite the awkward and tense conversation they just had. His hands waving enthusiastically as he spoke, T'challa found himself relaxing in the man's presence.
“Guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other than your highness, sorry for the tense introductions. If you couldn't tell Pepper and Rhodey have a protective streak. Can't say I envy you if you get on their bad sides.Good luck with dealing with them and Rogers.” Tony chuckled as he shook T'challa hand, properly.
T'challa nodded as he smiled down at the smaller man, “Yes I believe I do. I'm certain I asked Rogers to not attempt to contact anyone without my permission. Yet he still sent you that phone.”
“Yeah, you'll find Steve will do anything if he thinks it's the right thing to do. But he's your problem now. Oh, and Peppers pregnancy is a secret for now we've managed to keep it out of the media, so I would really appreciate it if you don't go around spreading the good news.” Tony smiled a bit nervously as he took his hand back and shoved them in his pockets.
T'challa nodded firmly, this was the man's first sign of trust, he didn't want his family to be common knowledge between the people who betrayed him. He wouldn't tell any of the rogue Avengers about how they were faring, it wasn't their right to know anymore.
“Of course.”
*
Tony sighed as he jumped on the couch in the living room, placing his head on Peppers lap.
“Well, that went better than expected, no blood and only a few threats. I'd call this a success team! “
“This isn't funny Tony, I don't trust him. We should have pressed him more, I feel like we're just playing into his plans. He barely seems to care that they're criminals, who almost killed you. Hell Rogers and Barnes killed a few police officers when they were trying to escape. They're killers, and he's just going to help them fix the Accords so it suits them? That's not right.” Pepper stroked his hair anxiously, Tony kissed her stomach and shrugged.
“He has a lot of ground to cover Pep, Rogers was convinced that the Accords were
just a complex deal saying that the government telling us what to do all the time, and we have no say. If T'challa can somehow convince him that, that isn't the case then he has to present all of the Avengers to the UN. There are people furious about what they did and they're going to want justice for their people. If T'challa doesn't let them reach the justice they're asking for, then they're going to run into a lot of problems. Rhodey, Vision and I all have a say in the UN since we signed the Accords and are a part of the team. So if they do want to bring the old group back together, there's going to ask for our opinions on the matter, and if his Highness really wants that then he's gotta do as we say.”
Pepper sighed and just focused on playing with Tony's hair. Looking around it was only Happy, Pepper and him in the room.
“Wheres Vision and Rhodey Hap ?”
“Vision was feeling guilty so Rhodey's giving him a good talk. Shouldn't take-”
A loud bang on the window made all three of them jump, with Tony and Happy sitting up and stepping in front of Pepper
“Jesus what the hell !” Happy snapped.
“Mr. Stark! Mr. Stark I came as fast I could after school.” Peter said as he climbed down from the window and onto the patio.
Running inside quickly, Peter kept yapping, “Everyone thinks you're dead, and I was really, really worried until you called. I was worried I hadn't done enough or-”
“Kid, kid, it's alright. You did great, thanks for coming and everything but you scared the shit out of us.” Tony sighed sitting back down next to Pepper.
Pepper seemed to relax a bit more as she recognized the costume from the fight from the airport. While Happy crossed his arms and placed himself between Peter and the Starks.
“Who are you?” he barked looking down at Peter.
Peter shuffled a bit looking between Tony and Happy quickly, “Umm, I'm- I'm Spiderman?”
“You can tell him if you want spiderling, Happy's just protective it's his job.” Tony waved his hand as Happy nodded looking back at Tony frowning.
“Well yeah gotta be with all the Superfriends trying to kill you, now another one here. What's with the getup?”
“It's my suit Mr. Stark made it for me. And it's amazing Mr.Stark, really it works so great, thank you so much!” Peter gushed peering over Happy’s shoulder.
Tony smiled as Happy seemed to relax over Peter appreciating his work, “It's no problem you make it work just fine. Now I've got to introduce you to Mrs.Stark and baby stark.”
Happy stepped aside a bit so Peter could see Pepper smiling at him from the couch with her hand on her belly, “You can call me Pepper.”
“Oh wow, you guys are gonna have a baby that's awesome! Congratulations, do you guys have a name in mind? If-if it's ok to ask I don't want to be rude.”
Pepper chuckled and shrugged, “It's fine, her names Maria. She's named after Tony's mother.”
“That's a real pretty name. Wow, so it looks like she's coming soon. Have you guys been married for a while? Cause the news didn't say-”
“Looky here it's the Spiderling! Good to see you're alright kid.” Rhodey said as Vision pushed his chair behind him. Vision tilted his head at Peter curiously, right they never properly met.
“It's good to see you too Colonel-” Peter started.
“Rhodey’s fine. This is Vision, he's the guy who can fly and helped stopped Ultron.”
Vision nodded smiling, “You worked very effectively at the fight in Leipzig. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr ?”
Peter chuckled softly and looked over at Tony again when Tony shrugged and wrapped an arm around Pepper, Peter must have taken it as a cue. He raised his arms and pulled off his mask smiling shyly as he waved.
“I'm Peter, Peter Parker.”
“Oh crap, you really are young. What grade are you even in kid?” Rhodey huffed looking over at Tony.
“I'm a sophomore. I'm not that young, I know what I'm doing.” Peter huffed frowning.
“Alright, no picking on the kid. I invited him over, wanted you all to meet. More bonding, I'm taking Peter under my wing, he has an internship and a grant. So you'll be seeing a lot of him, especially you Happy! You're gonna be on babysitting duty.” Tony said smiling as Happy frowned.
“Why am I on babysitting duty? I'm taking care of you guys and baby Stark, why do I need another kid?”
“Yeah I don't need a babysitter, I'm good really. I know what I'm doing.” Peter said shaking his head.
“I get that, I do but if Peter ever needs any help, and if I'm busy with Pepper or with baby stark like you said. I'll need you to be there for him.” When Happy shrugged Tony turned towards Peter, “Happy is one of my right-hand man's, I trust him with everything. He's usually everywhere Pepper or I go. With the squirt coming, I'm gonna be busy but I don't want you to not go to someone when you need help. So if you need me, Happy's your man, if you need the Avengers then it'd be Rhodey and Vision. They'll help you however they can.”
“Oh good so we're all on babysitting duty that's good to know.” Rhodey sighed.
“You saying you're not gonna help the kid?”
“Course I'll help him, just would have been nice to get a heads up once and awhile.”
“Alright, well here's a heads up, I'm taking Happy to go check up on the Bartons tonight.” ds up. I'm taking Happy with me to pay the Barton's a visit. That ok?”
Pepper looked over at Tony frowning as Rhodey paused, “You weren't the only one left behind.”
“Yup and Ross knows Clint went with Cap. So he might use his family against him. As much of an asshole Clint is, his family doesn't deserve to be held hostage by Ross. So I'm going to go see what I can do. Happy's coming with me as backup and emotional support since I'm not allowed outside by myself.”
“You don't owe him anything Tony,” Pepper said frowning as she squeezed his hand.
Tony nodded kissing Peppers cheek, “I know that, but if something ever happens to me you have Rhodey, Vision and Happy. Who does she have? She has three kids one of them is a 2-year-old Pep, I've gotta help her.”
*
Honestly, Tony didn't know much about Clint or his family. He only met his family during the whole Ultron thing, and everyone was doing the blame Tony game, even if he deserved it at the time. He wasn't only one who didn't know much about Clint either, the only one who didn't look surprised was “Aunt Natasha”.
It shouldn't have been such a big surprise, oh wow the ex-spies had secrets they never spoke about! From the time he did spend with Clint he thought he was an alright guy, he had a smart mouth and had to talk to diffuse the situation. Tony wasn't sure where he went wrong in earning Barton's trust, he thought they got along well enough.
Laura was even more of an enigma, who openly marries and has three kids with a spy who was rarely home? His time at the farm last time, while tense because of the situation, was pleasant. Laura was a nice cheerful woman, and her children were well behaved and kind.
Standing at Barton's front door, Tony actually found himself dreading to see how this woman reacts. This fight brought out the worst of everyone, especially from those who had something to protect. Feeling Happy's eyes on him, Tony reached up and knocked on the door gently.
“Mama! Mama, someone's at the door is it daddy ?!” A little girl's voice yelled excitedly from inside the house, that must be Lila then.
“Go upstairs Lila, go into Cooper's room. Here take Nate.” a woman said quickly.
Tony and Happy waited a few more seconds before the door swung open. Laura Barton looked terrible. Her bright loving smile was nowhere to be seen, Tony saw a speck of hope in the woman's eyes as she opened the door only for it fade as soon as she saw Tony instead of her husband.
“Mr. Stark, I wasn't expecting you.” she sighed blocking the door with her body.
“I can see that, expecting Clint to come home and steal you away right?”
Laura frowned and narrowed her eyes at Tony, “What are you doing here Mr. Stark?”
“Listen I know I'm the last person you want to see right now, but your family is in danger. The whole world saw him fighting in Leipzig he's a criminal now.”
“Because of you.” She spat glaring at him. “Now the whole world sees Clint as a criminal, as the bad guy. After all he did, after all he did was go to help and you threw him in jail-”
“He broke the law! He wasn't even supposed to be there, he was retired! He could have stayed here with you and been safe. But no, because your husband ran in headfirst without knowing the full story just to help Captain America” Tony interrupted shaking his head.
“Clint...Clint said Steve needed his help. They were being framed, someone was going to use more soldiers.”
“No one told us. We went to bring your husband and everyone else in peacefully, otherwise, Ross would go on after them with shoot to kill intentions. As for the soldiers that we're going to be “released” they were killed by the man who framed Barnes.” Tony explained lowering his voice as Laura's hands started shaking.
“You're saying he left for nothing. He left us for nothing, he became a criminal for nothing. All for Steve Rogers. Now he's not even here to protect his family, to be with his children.” Laura sobbed holding herself tightly.
Tony froze as she wept in front of him, not knowing whether it would be appropriate to comfort her, or just stand by. Happy shoved him a bit and nodded his head towards her, so he stepped forwards awkwardly and hugged her tightly. Laura clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder now.
“We were supposed to go camping.”
Tony heard Happy sigh behind, “Fucking hell.”
*
Laura Barton was a strong woman.once she managed to stop crying, she invited them both inside to talk about her family's safety. She wanted the best and she wanted every detail of how they were in danger and what their options were.
“So the safest place for us right now would be with you right?”
Tony bit his lip softly as he shrugged, “I guess yeah. I have Friday, my suits, my legal team, Rhodey, and Vision. I can keep you guys safe. I'm already looking into schools, nearby that are safe and qualified, I have enough money to pay for their tuition.”
“And I think there's an opening for a new PA.” Happy added smiling.
Laura nodded as she looked down at her cup, “When would we need to move?”
“Well the sooner the better, if I were honest. I don't know how long it'll take Ross to find you guys and, the sooner you move in the sooner you can settle down again.”
Tony watched as Laura took a deep breath and stood up, “Give us an hour or so to pack the essentials.”
“Alright, I can send a team to pick up everything else you need.”
Laura went upstairs and told her kids what was going on before coming back down holding Nate on her hip. She walked over to Tony and held him out towards him.
“Hold him while I get our bags ready, please? He's practically asleep, so if he drools a bit I'm sorry.”
“Umm ok. Are you sure?” Tony fumbled as he grabbed Nate holding him close to his chest.
“You're the good guy right, I'm trusting you. Now if he starts waking up, just rock and bounces him he'll calm down.”
Tony sighed as he sat back down with Nates face on his shoulder. He heard a chuckle and turned his head at Happy.
“What's so funny?”
“I dunno, the whole baby daddy look suits you. Never seen you so awkward and scared of another person. If you're scared of a toddler, how are you gonna handle baby Stark?”
“I'm not scared of him, I'm scared for him. He is totally at my mercy, if I mess up then he's the one to suffer. I can't mess up with any of them Happy, especially Maria.”
“Hate to be that corny sounding guy, but you're gonna make a ton of mistakes Tony. Everyone does, no one's a perfect parent but I think you've got it covered. You'll be a good dad Tony. Just don't give yourself too much pressure.”
Tony huffed as he looked down at Nate. He gets what Happy was saying he did, everyone had different types of parents. Rhodey’s we're amazing and kind and made him the man he was today. His own, he loved his mother she made sure to make Tony feel loved and appreciated, while Howard showed his love in different ways. He did the best he could, looking back at it Howard was always pushing Tony so he would keep getting better and better, Tony just never realized it until he felt how much it hurt to see them get murdered.
Nate squirmed in his arms, so Tony slowly started rocking him gently. Muffled voices and patter of feet rushing around the house started getting louder as Lila and Cooper began rushing all over the house to get the things they wanted to bring.
“Happy, how about you call up Pepper and tell her we have some guests coming so we don't catch her off guard.”
*
The Bartons surprisingly fit perfectly within the tower. Pepper and Laura got along swimmingly, Pepper and Tony had a lot questions regarding how the birth would go and Laura was nice enough to answer everything she could. The kids were shy at first, staying close to their mother's side as they explored slowly. Then some day during the first week Lila became obsessed with Peppers' belly and helping her pick out clothes she wanted to dress Maria up in, while Cooper helped Tony in the lab with Rhodey's prosthetics.
Everyone was settling in and Tony didn't have to hear silence wherever he went anymore. As the days went by Maria's due date came closer and closer, but her heart beat didn't show any signs of improving.
“She has a defective AV node. It's nothing critical I promise, I told you how she might need a pacemaker. Now it looks like more of a certainty rather than an option. Tony and I have been looking into ways of making a battery small enough to be in the pacemaker and run for as long as she needs it. However, we haven't made that much ground, it's not a problem. We're just going to have to go with a c-section rather than a natural birth so we don't put too much pressure on her heart. We wouldn't be putting the pacemaker till she was big enough, the only thing is we will have to keep an eye on her heart beat.” Helen explained to the couple at a small check in.
“Well we were going to do a c-section anyways we have a date set will we be able to hold her right away or would we have to wait?” Pepper asked squeezing Tony's hand.
“You'll be able to hold her yes, she'll be able to everything a normal baby does, we just need to keep a close eye on her. Keep her as calm and happy while we can. The due dates tomorrow right?”
“Yes? You're going to be there, you should know this. Would be a little difficult without you Doc.”
Tony squirmed nervously next to Pepper as Helen smirked at him.
“You've got nothing to worry about Tony, they'll both be fine. All you gotta do is make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep, drink a lot of water and have a good meal tonight. You'll need your strength tomorrow both of you. Everything's ready for her, so you've got nothing to worry about.”
As reassuring as Helen's words were, Tony was not convinced that there was nothing to worry about, there was always something to worry about. Did they pack enough? What if there was traffic getting to the hospital? What if an attack happened when they were driving?
Tony wanted to be ready for everything, and Happy seemed just as anxious as him, so together they both went over everything again. Pepper knew Tony needed to do this to calm down and relax, he wanted to be in control as much as possible so she indulged him. He was weighing at her hand and foot, getting her whatever she needed or asked for.
They both decided to try to go to bed early, so that way they could hopefully have enough energy for the next day. While Pepper was sleeping on Tony's shoulder, he was awake nervously tapping his fingers against his chest. Watching the clock count down, getting closer and closer, it was terrifying but exciting at the same time. He never imagined himself having kids, never even thought of the idea of having a family of his own. It wasn't that he hated babies or children, but with the life he's had, he never imagined himself settling down to have a family. Now that he was so close to having it, this all-American dream, he was terrified that he would wake up and lose it all in one fell swoop. Hydra rising its head again to take the world, or he could have pissed someone off in the past, and they would come and tear his happily ever after apart. Or even worse, he could ruin everything himself. Go in with good intentions like with Ultron and it ends in disaster.
Listening to Peppers breathing and feeling Maria move, Tony slowly found himself falling asleep. For now, he'd allow himself to worry about everything when it got there, so he'd just deal with each problem one step at a time. About what felt like not even 20 minutes into his rest, he felt Pepper squirm before sitting up.
“Tony,” Pepper said softly. Tony hummed and looked over at her, maybe she had to go to the bathroom.
“Tony, I think I'm having contractions. Tony wake up, it's time!” Pepper snapped hitting Tony's shoulder.
Tony sat up and looked over at Pepper watching as she scrunched up her nose and clenched her fists, “Friday is it time?”
“Do you think I'm lying about this pain I feel Tony ?”
“Course not but I just want to be safe you know ?”
“Mrs. Stark is having contractions, sir. I've contacted Dr. Cho and she is currently calling the other doctors you requested. Shall I wake up Mr. Hogan and Colonel Rhodes ?”
“Oh god, yeah yeah wake them up for me yeah. Umm, tell Laura what's happening to do she doesn't panic.” Tony said jumping from the bed to help Pepper up.
“Alright Pep, don't worry. This is all A-ok were gonna do great!”
Pepper huffed as she watched Tony ran around grabbing things from off of dressers and the closet in a mad dash. She sighed softly as she felt another contraction hit her, taking a deep breath and blowing it out of her teeth she put on her sandals and walked to the door. Barely listening to Tony's anxious rambling as he asked question after question and kept reassuring her that “everything was going to be alright”.
She would have found his fussing, cute and sweet if she wasn't feeling what felt like the worst cramps of her life. Suddenly the door to their room burst open, as Happy and Rhodey came in looking between Tony and Pepper anxiously.
“Friday said it was time? Are you guys alright are we leaving?” Rhodey asked as Tony gathered Peppers blanket from off the bed.
“It's time sugar bear! No pressure or anything, everything's going to be fine.”
“Course it is Tones, everything's gonna be fine. Happy, get Pepper her wheelchair so she doesn't have to walk. Let's go to the car alright, get you guys to Helen so you can have that baby.” Rhodey wrapped an arm around Tony's shoulders, pulling him flush against him hoping to calm him down.
Happy didn't dawdle as he jumped up and grabbed the wheelchair from Tony and set it up for Pepper. Once Tony helped Pepper sit down, they were off, Rhodey lagging behind a bit still adjusting to his newer prosthetics but walking, as Happy ran ahead to get the car started.
The car ride to the hospital was one of the longest of Tony's life, and he wasn't sure if his hand was going to survive much more of this. AS soon as they got inside Pepper was sandwiched between him and Rhodey, both offering her their hands to squeeze to fight the pain. It was a mistake, a horrible mistake he didn't even know she could squeeze this damn hard. Not that he could complain or anything, going by Pepper's face and her breathing she was having a lot worse. Thankfully, Happy was a professional and they got to the hospital in record time.
Once they entered the hospital, Tony could feel his anxiety building up in his chest making it harder to breathe. Happy and he had gone over the plan, dozens of times and Tony was just working on muscle memory to get where Pepper where she needed to be. From signing in, to getting their room was as much control he had, the nurses had taken over. He watched from Peppers side as they helped her undress and get into the hospital gown. Pepper was answering their questions for the check up as they hooked her up to an IV, all while Tony was squeezing her hand nervously rubbing his thumb over her palm. Helen came in and explained the process one last time to them as he nodded along. When all the nurses left, so did Helen as she smiled at Tony and Pepper.
“I'll see you in there. A nurse should be coming soon to bring you into the OR. Tony out on your scrubs now if you want to come inside. We need the OR sterile when we do the spinal tap but after that Pepper will be wanting our support.”
Tony nodded as he put on the thin ugly baby blue scrubs and mask on, he was having a little trouble as his hands trembled.
“Oh god, this is really happening.”
“Yup, too late to turn back now. Hurry up Tony I need your hand, I'm nervous Tony.” Pepper sighed watching Tony closely.
“So am I so don't worry well be ugly nervous wrecks together. What better parents could she ask for.” Tony joked as he lifted his mask to his face.
He finished and looked over at Pepper with a bright smile, before rushing back to her, “Hey, Pep it's alright. You'll make a great mom, or is it the pain?”
“We're having a baby Tony. Oh god, it's gonna happen. The hormones are getting to me, I don't know why I'm crying. I'm happy I swear! We finally get to hold her.”
Tony kissed Peppers forehead gently, before wiping away a few tears running down her cheek. He took in a shaky breath as he felt his eyes get warmer.
“I know Pep, we're almost there. You're doing so great, she's so lucky to have you as a mom. You're gonna be the best mom out there. Happy tears are fine, we're not judging one another. Are we Rhodey ?”
Tony turned around to face Rhodey who was recording them on his phone while Happy was crying on his right.
“No judgment right now. Since it's special, but later when you watch this it's an open field.” Rhodey shrugged.
“Mrs. Stark. I'm here to take you to the OR. We're ready for you.” A nurse said smiling gently as she walked inside. “Mr. Stark. After we've put on the spinal tap I'll come back for you. Then we'll have that baby of yours.”
“Thank God.” Pepper groaned. She smiled over at Tony and pulled him down for a final kiss. “I'll see you in a bit then, don't panic ok ?”
“No promises, but I'll try my best.”
Tony held Peppers hand as long as he could until the nurse lead Pepper away. Taking a deep breath he walked back to their room and sat down next to Rhodey.
“I hate waiting. I have nothing to do and I have to wait until they call me, it feels like ages.” Tony whined as Rhodey rubbed his back.
“I know Tones, gonna be five minutes tops till you can go in there with her. Just relax alright? Stressing isn't gonna help, Helens with her. She'll be fine.”
Tony nodded as he tapped his foot against the tile and waited. Taking deep breaths and listening to Rhodey try to help Happy stop crying. It felt like an hour had passed before the same nurse from before came in smiling at them.
“Mr. Stark, we're ready for you. Follow me.”
Tony stood up and trailed closely behind her wringing his hands, “Is she alright? Peppers ok right? It didn't hurt too much, she didn't feel anything ?”
“Mrs. Stark is perfectly fine, she insists she didn't feel anything but the hormones and the occasion have made her cry but our nurses haven't left her side. And Dr. Cho has been explaining everything and answering all of her questions. She's been asking about you, however.”
“She has? That's good, ok.” Tony smiled as he pulled his mask over his mouth.
The nurse lead him through a pair of double doors before opening another white door letting him go first. Tony sighed softly as he saw Pepper laid on her back with her hair in a cap as she talked to Helen and the nurse holding her hand.
“So everything's ok? Is she ok? Maria's alright?” Pepper asked looking over at the nurse.
“Everything is going fine Pepper. All according to plan, and looks like Tony's here now.” Helen answered from behind a blue tarp blocking her from Tony's and Peppers view.
Tony smiled as he rushed to Peppers side when she looked around for him. She smiled brightly at him as her lips trembled softly. As soon as he sat down next to her he grabbed her hand, “Hey babe, you're looking great. Blue really is your color.”
Pepper squeezed his hand tightly as she took a deep breath and blew it out through clenched teeth. She was crying as she smiled up at him, Tony frowned as he brushed a few tears away.
“Happy tears right? You don't feel anything right?”
“No, no happy tears. It's just surreal I can feel some tugging but not pain.”
“Tugging? Are you supposed to feel tugging? Aren't they scooping out of your organs and putting them in a bowl? You shouldn't feel that.” Tony looked up at the nurse quickly than at the blue sheet hiding Helen. “She shouldn't feel that right?”
“Tony I'm fine. It's ok.” Pepper said smiling as she squeezed his hand.
Tony wasn't as convinced, looking up at the nurse desperately.
“It's completely normal Mr.Stark, it's a bit of pressure. If she feels any sharp pressure or any discomfort tell us and we'll see to fix it.” the nurse assured.
Tony took a breath and nodded as he kissed Peppers head again. “See you're fine, calm down. Everything's going well.”
“You're the one panicking Tony, you gotta- you can't panic cause then I start to panic. I'm supposed to be the one panicking I have my organs in a bowl right now.” Pepper laughed.
“I don't understand how you're not panicking over that, each time I think about.” Tony shivered as he shook his head, “Let's not talk about that we're having a baby, you're having a baby. They're really digging her out of you, Christ.”
Tony bit his lip as he felt his eyes water, Pepper smiled and squeezed his hand as her eyes watered again. “God Tony don't cry, you're gonna make me cry and it won't stop.”
“I'm sorry, but she's gonna-” Tony got cut off as Helen gasped happily and they both heard a sharp shrill cry of a baby from behind the tarp.
Tony looked up quickly as Pepper laughed happily squeezing his hand tightly, “Oh god, she's- is she ok? Can we see her? Is that her? She's crying, Marias crying.”
Helen chuckled softly peeking her head over the tarp, “Of course let the nurses clean her up a bit check her heart and she's all yours. Congratulations you two, you have a gorgeous baby girl!”
Tony smiled brightly as he looked down at Pepper, feeling his tears fall down his cheeks. Maria was still crying her heart out but it was one of the most beautiful things he's ever heard. He cupped Peppers' face and kissed her, “ We have a baby girl, Pepper. We have our baby girl.”