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Chapter Text

The Avengers Initiative had barely begun, and already, it felt like a disaster waiting to happen. They weren’t a team—they were a collection of individuals forced into the same space, trying and failing to function as one. And at the center of it all, making things even more unbearable, was Tony Stark.

It wasn’t just his attitude—though his insufferable sarcasm didn’t help—it was the way he seemed to keep himself at arm’s length from all of them. He joked when things got serious, dismissed plans he didn’t like, and made it painfully clear that he didn’t care what anyone thought of him.

So when he strolled into yet another strategy meeting late, coffee in one hand, sunglasses still perched on his face despite being indoors, Steve Rogers was already exasperated.

"You know, Stark," Steve said, crossing his arms, "some of us actually take this seriously."

Tony didn’t even glance up as he dropped into his chair. "Oh, my bad, Cap. I didn’t realize I had to schedule my personality around your approval."

Clint snorted. "I mean, it is kinda weird how you always act like none of this matters. Almost like you’re scared of taking things seriously."

Bruce shifted in his seat uncomfortably, while Natasha simply observed, watching Tony’s reaction.

Steve clenched his jaw. "Enough. We need to focus. If we’re going to function as a team, we—"

The conference room door suddenly swung open with a quiet thump.

A small figure stepped in, wobbling slightly on tiny, unsteady legs. A toddler, no older than two, with messy brown hair and wide brown eyes, clutching a tiny Iron Man plushie in one hand.

The room went silent.

The Avengers—Earth’s Mightiest Heroes—sat frozen as the child blinked up at them.

And then, to everyone’s shock, his entire face lit up with joy.

"Daddy!"

Tony shot up from his chair so fast it nearly toppled over. The cocky smirk, the nonchalant attitude—all of it vanished in an instant.

"Peter?" His voice was soft, full of warmth none of them had ever heard before.

The little boy let out a happy giggle, wobbling forward with his arms outstretched. Tony barely had time to react before Peter practically flung himself at him.

Without hesitation, Tony scooped him up, holding him close. "Hey, buddy," he murmured, brushing his hand through Peter’s messy hair. "What are you doing here, huh? You’re supposed to be with—"

"Mommy!"

Peter squirmed in Tony’s grasp, reaching out toward the door as Pepper Potts stepped inside. Her eyes immediately found Tony’s, concern flashing across her face.

"Yeah, yeah, I gotcha, kiddo," Tony said gently, shifting Peter in his arms before carefully passing him over to Pepper. The little boy latched onto her immediately, burying his face in her shoulder.

The Avengers were still staring, completely stunned.

"You have a kid?" Clint finally blurted out, his tone somewhere between disbelief and accusation.

Tony exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck as he watched Pepper soothe Peter. His walls were already starting to rebuild, sarcasm creeping back into his voice.

"Wow, Barton, really putting those legendary observational skills to work, huh?"

But none of them were laughing.

Steve’s eyes narrowed, his voice laced with something dangerously close to disapproval. "You never said anything about this."

Natasha crossed her arms. "Not a single word."

Tony bristled at their judgmental stares. "Yeah, because my kid isn’t a topic for team bonding, thanks. He’s my son, not a PR stunt."

Pepper, still rocking Peter gently, finally looked up. "And honestly, it’s none of your business," she added coldly.

But the tension in the room had already shifted. What should have been a moment of surprise and understanding quickly turned into something uglier.

Clint scoffed, shaking his head. "So let me get this straight—you’re keeping a kid hidden from the world, from us, because what? You don’t trust us? Or are you just that selfish?"

Pepper’s jaw tightened. "Excuse me?"

Natasha’s voice was quieter, but sharper. "He’s putting himself in danger every day, Pepper. And now you’re telling us he has a child? How irresponsible is that?"

"Unbelievable," Clint muttered. "You’re both putting that kid at risk, and you’re acting like we’re the bad guys for pointing it out."

Pepper’s eyes burned with fury. "Do not stand there and act like you care about Peter’s well-being while simultaneously attacking his father. You don’t get to make judgments about our family when you clearly know nothing about us."

"We’re just trying to understand why you think this is okay," Natasha pushed, her voice deceptively calm. "Because it sounds like you’re defending something indefensible."

Peter whimpered in Pepper’s arms, clutching at her shirt. "Mommy…"

Pepper held him tighter, her voice sharp as steel. "You don’t need to understand. You just need to back the hell off."

But they didn’t.

Steve, still looking disapproving, said, "If you really cared about keeping him safe, you’d reconsider bringing a child into Tony Stark’s world."

That was the final straw.

Pepper’s face went red with rage. "You arrogant, self-righteous—"

"Mommy!" Peter sobbed, suddenly overwhelmed by the yelling, his little face scrunched up as tears started falling.

Tony moved instantly, wrapping an arm around Pepper and pulling them both toward the door. "We’re done here."

Peter wailed louder, clinging to both of them as his tiny voice cracked. "Mommy, Daddy, go home! Go home!"

"Shh, baby, we’re going," Pepper whispered, pressing a kiss to his head, her fury not lessening but shifting its focus—toward leaving, toward protecting Peter from this toxic situation.

Tony shot one last, ice-cold glare at the team. "You wanna criticize my parenting? Fine. But don’t you ever think for a second that any of you have the right to interfere in my family."

With that, he turned on his heel, guiding Pepper and Peter out the door without another word.

The conference room remained silent long after they left, the echoes of Peter’s sobs still ringing in their ears.

And for the first time since the Avengers had formed, a deep, irreparable rift had formed—one that would never fully heal.

Chapter Text

The silence that hung in the conference room was thick, but it wasn’t the uncomfortable kind. It was the kind that came with an unspoken agreement—an understanding that what had just happened couldn’t be undone. There were no apologies coming, no reassurances to be given. The Avengers had made their position clear, and they weren’t about to back down.

Steve Rogers, ever the leader, took a deep breath as he stared at the now-closed door. He hadn’t been wrong. Not really. And neither had any of the others. They’d done what needed to be done.

"If we can’t protect the people who matter, what’s the point of any of this?" Steve’s voice was firm, his gaze still fixed on the door as though he could still hear Peter’s cries echoing through the walls. He wasn’t one to let his emotions dictate his actions, but this time, his convictions were stronger than the desire for peace.

"I agree," Natasha said, her tone calm but resolute. "It’s not about Tony’s personal life—it’s about the safety of everyone involved. Including Peter."

Clint, who had been the first to speak up after the initial shock, nodded. His arms were crossed, his expression stern. "Tony’s actions put people at risk every day. That kid should’ve never been brought into this world." His voice was laced with the hard edge of someone who believed their stance was indisputable.

"I’m not saying we attack the guy," Bruce spoke up, breaking his usual silence. "But we can’t just ignore this either. This is bigger than Tony. This is about what’s at stake when you mix family with... what we do."

Steve looked around the table at his teammates. They were all on the same page, no one wavering, no one second-guessing. They had done the right thing. They were protecting an innocent child from a world that was far too dangerous.

"I know we might seem harsh, but sometimes doing the right thing means stepping up when no one else will," Steve said, his voice steady but unwavering. "Tony Stark might be a genius, but he’s not invincible. He’s made his choices, and we’ve made ours. I won’t apologize for that."

Natasha glanced at the door where Tony had left, a slight frown tugging at her lips. "I don’t regret saying what I said. Tony’s always been reckless. He needs to understand the consequences of his actions. Especially now with Peter involved."

Clint shifted, leaning back in his chair with a grunt. "He doesn’t get to play by his own rules. We’ve been dealing with Tony for how long now? He thinks he can do whatever he wants without considering the fallout. Well, I’m not just going to sit back and let him put a kid in that kind of danger."

There was no question in their minds. No hesitation. They were in the right.

Steve’s jaw tightened as he leaned forward. "It’s not about Tony. It’s about what happens when we let our guard down, when we start letting personal attachments cloud our judgment." He met each of their eyes, ensuring they understood. "We made a decision for Peter’s safety. And sometimes that’s going to mean making enemies."

"We’ve been doing this long enough to know what’s at stake," Natasha added. "We have to act based on what’s best, not just what feels good. Tony can be a good father, but that doesn’t mean he’s making the right decisions. He’s putting that kid in the line of fire by hiding him."

Bruce nodded in agreement. "What we’re doing here isn’t easy. But it’s necessary."

Clint smirked, the edge of his usual sarcasm creeping back in. "Let’s not sugarcoat it. Tony’s too busy being Iron Man to be a real parent. That kid deserves better."

Steve’s eyes darkened, not with anger but with the weight of responsibility. "We all make choices. Sometimes we make hard ones. But in this case, we did what was necessary. We need to keep our focus on the mission, on what’s right."

No one spoke after that, not for a long time. The room was heavy with the unspoken certainty that they had done what needed to be done. They had all agreed, and they all knew they were right. The Avengers were a team—always doing what they believed was best, no matter the cost.

And they wouldn’t apologize for it.

Across the hallway, Tony Stark sat in his office, his eyes fixed on the holographic display of schematics before him. He had retreated into his work, just like he always did when things got complicated.

He wasn’t looking for validation from the team. He didn’t need it. He knew they would never understand.

Pepper was at his side, standing silently. She could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken conflict that lingered between them, but she wasn’t about to break it. "You okay?" she asked quietly, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.

Tony didn’t even flinch. He was used to this by now—being misunderstood, being the odd one out. "Yeah. I’m fine." His voice was cold, almost distant, but there was a flicker of something softer when he glanced at Pepper. "They can think whatever they want."

"I don’t care what they think," Pepper replied with a small smile, the sharpness in her voice softening as she gazed at him. "Just as long as we’re okay. That’s all that matters."

Tony didn’t respond right away. He just stood there, his arms crossed, staring at the schematics. He wasn’t mad at Pepper, not really. She was the only person who truly understood him, the only one who had his back. But the truth was, the Avengers—his so-called team—had made their stance clear. And he wasn’t going to back down either.

He didn’t regret a thing. He was doing what he thought was best for Peter, and that was the only thing that mattered.

The Avengers would learn that, eventually. But for now, the lines had been drawn.

And Tony Stark wasn’t backing down.

Neither was Steve Rogers. Neither was Natasha, Clint, or Bruce.

They were right. And that was enough.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since the argument, a week since the rift between the Avengers and Tony Stark had widened beyond repair. The tension in the air had only gotten heavier with each passing day. Tony continued to bury himself in work, putting up walls even higher than before, while Pepper did her best to shield Peter from the fallout. But it wasn’t enough.

Peter had stopped asking for Tony. He wouldn’t play with his toys or even look at the Iron Man plushie he had clutched so tightly that first day. The bright-eyed joy had faded from his little face, replaced by a quiet, confused sadness that broke Pepper’s heart every time she saw it. She knew what this was doing to him, but there was little she could do to fix it.

And now, as if things weren’t complicated enough, a letter had arrived. It was addressed to Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, but it wasn’t just any letter. It was an official notice from Child Protective Services.

Pepper stood frozen in the doorway of the living room, the letter gripped tightly in her hands. Tony was in his workshop, as usual, hiding behind his armor of sarcasm and deflection, but Pepper could feel the weight of this moment. She knew what the letter meant, what it would do to their already fragile family.

She hadn’t told him yet.

But she would have to.

Peter was playing quietly in the corner of the room, stacking blocks with the intensity only a child could have when they were trying to create something out of nothing. His face, still sad, had a faint trace of confusion, as if he could sense something was wrong. He hadn’t been the same since the argument with the Avengers—hadn’t smiled as brightly, hadn’t called for his dad in that voice that used to echo through the house.

Pepper took a deep breath, stepping into the room slowly, trying to gather her thoughts. Peter didn’t look up, his focus solely on his tower of blocks, but she knew he could feel her standing there.

"Hey, sweetie," she said softly, her voice faltering just a little. "How are you doing?"

Peter shrugged, his small voice barely above a whisper. "I miss Daddy."

Pepper’s heart shattered, but she couldn’t show it. She needed to stay strong—for him. "I know, honey. I miss him too," she whispered, kneeling beside him. She brushed his hair back gently, trying to mask the sadness in her eyes. "But you know what? Your daddy loves you very much. He’s just... busy right now."

Peter’s little face twisted in confusion, his eyes wide. "Why does he not come play with me? He used to play with me every day."

Pepper bit her lip, fighting back the tears. She wished she had an answer that would make sense to him, that would make everything okay again. But she didn’t.

She only had the cold, hard reality of the letter in her hand.

She swallowed hard before looking toward the workshop. She had to tell him. There was no avoiding it.

Tony was hunched over a table in his workshop, adjusting some pieces of equipment when Pepper stepped inside. He didn’t even look up as she entered, lost in his own world of invention. But Pepper couldn’t avoid this any longer.

"Tony," she said, her voice tight. "We need to talk."

Tony grunted, not even looking up. "About what?"

"About this." She walked over to the workbench, holding out the letter. His eyes flicked to it, his face briefly showing a flicker of curiosity before the mask slid back into place.

"What is this?" he asked, the casual tone belying the tension in the air.

"Open it," Pepper said, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. She watched him hesitate for a moment before he took the letter from her hand. He opened it quickly, his eyes scanning the contents, and then froze.

It was a formal notice from Child Protective Services.

"Tony Stark and Pepper Potts are hereby informed that an investigation into the safety and well-being of Peter Stark-Potts has been initiated following concerns raised by multiple parties. A representative will be in contact shortly to schedule a home visit."

The words were stark. The message was clear.

Tony's hand trembled slightly as he set the letter down. "They called CPS?" he whispered, his voice almost unreadable.

Pepper nodded, her face grim. "They did."

There was a long pause. Then Tony’s eyes hardened, his jaw setting as he pushed the chair back, standing up abruptly.

"I can’t believe this," he muttered, pacing the room. "They have no right to do this. None of them know anything about us. About me." He ran a hand through his hair, frustration building. "This is ridiculous. This is just another excuse to tear me apart."

Pepper stepped closer, her voice low but firm. "Tony, this isn’t about them. It’s about Peter. This is about his safety. We can’t ignore that."

Tony stopped pacing, his eyes locking onto hers. "I don’t ignore it," he snapped, though his voice lacked its usual bravado. "I’m doing everything I can. He’s my son. I love him."

"I know you do," Pepper said softly, her voice trembling with the weight of everything they were going through. "But they don’t see it. They only see a billionaire genius who’s reckless, who never thinks things through. They don’t see the man who would do anything to protect his family."

Tony’s anger simmered for a moment before fading. His shoulders slumped as the weight of everything hit him. He let out a deep breath, running a hand over his face. "I just... I just want to keep him safe, Pepper. I don’t want him to grow up like I did—alone, with no one to rely on."

Pepper stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him. "I know, Tony. I know. But this... this is bigger than us now. We have to figure out how to make this work, for Peter’s sake."

The sound of a soft knock on the door broke their moment of silence, and both of them froze. Tony’s eyes flicked toward the door, his heart skipping a beat as the fear of what was coming next gripped him.

The CPS agent was here.

Pepper nodded slowly, her gaze soft but filled with determination. "We have to face this. Together."

Peter, hearing the commotion, had wandered into the workshop. His eyes looked up at Tony, the sadness in them deepening. "Daddy, are they going to take me away?"

Tony’s heart clenched. He knelt down in front of his son, his voice gentle but firm. "No, buddy. No one is going to take you away from me. I promise."

But even as he said the words, a small part of him knew they might not be enough.

The Avengers had made their decision. They thought they were doing the right thing. And now Tony and Pepper would have to fight not just for their son, but for their family. Because the battle wasn’t over yet. It had only just begun.

And Tony Stark wasn’t going to let them win without a fight.

Chapter Text

The knock at the door echoed through the empty workshop, and Tony’s stomach twisted into a tight knot. He stood, still kneeling in front of Peter, trying to maintain his composure. The weight of the situation felt heavier than any armor he had ever built. This wasn’t just a fight for his reputation or his pride. This was a fight for his son.

Pepper’s hand was on his shoulder now, her fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt. She, too, was trying to stay calm, but he could feel her tension, her worry. Peter, still clutching his Iron Man plushie, hadn’t moved from where he stood, his big brown eyes fixed on his father.

"Everything’s going to be okay," Tony said, forcing a smile he didn’t feel. He stood up, brushing the dust from his pants. The childlike innocence in Peter’s eyes made the entire situation feel even more hopeless. How could they explain all of this to him? How could they explain why his safe, familiar world was suddenly being torn apart?

The knock came again, sharper this time.

Pepper looked at Tony, the decision in her eyes. They couldn’t avoid this any longer. She pulled her hand from his shoulder, walking toward the door with a sense of quiet resolve.

Tony followed, though his every step felt heavy. He reached for Peter’s hand, squeezing it gently. "Stay right here, okay? I’ll be right back."

Peter nodded, though his lip trembled slightly. "Daddy... what’s going to happen?"

Tony crouched down in front of him again, trying his hardest to mask the worry in his own voice. "We’re going to make sure everything’s okay. I’m not going to let anything happen to you, buddy. I promise."

Pepper opened the door.

The CPS agent standing on the other side was a woman in her late forties, dressed in a standard gray suit. Her expression was neutral, professional, but Tony couldn’t help but feel the weight of judgment in her eyes the moment she stepped over the threshold. She glanced at Pepper first, then Tony, and finally at Peter, who was still holding onto his plushie like it was his lifeline.

"Mr. Stark, Mrs. Potts," the woman said in a flat, measured tone, "I’m Agent McAllister from Child Protective Services. I’ve been assigned to conduct an investigation regarding the well-being of your son, Peter."

Tony’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t speak. Pepper’s posture remained firm, though he could tell she was trying to remain as calm as possible. She gave a polite nod, trying to put on a front of professionalism that she wasn’t feeling.

"We’re fully aware of the situation," Pepper said, keeping her voice steady but sharp. "And we’re cooperating. We just want to make sure Peter is okay."

Agent McAllister’s gaze flicked over to Peter, still standing by the wall, his small figure looking so out of place in the tense atmosphere. She took a step forward, her clipboard in hand, her gaze scanning the room like she was trying to measure something intangible.

"Mr. Stark, Mrs. Potts, I’ll need to ask you a few questions regarding your living situation, your parenting, and your ability to provide a stable environment for Peter. This is routine for any investigation of this nature."

Tony’s fists clenched at his sides, but he swallowed his frustration. "You want to ask me about stability?" he muttered under his breath, but the agent didn’t seem to notice.

"We’re not trying to be difficult," Pepper said, her voice still tight but more controlled. "We just want to get through this. We want what’s best for Peter. We love him more than anything in the world."

Agent McAllister paused for a moment, giving them both a long, considering look. "Of course," she said, her tone softening slightly, though the sternness remained. "But the fact remains that there have been concerns raised regarding Peter’s exposure to your work environment and the potential risks associated with it. This includes your... activities with the Avengers."

Pepper felt her blood pressure rise at the mention of the Avengers, and Tony’s jaw tightened even further. The accusations were there, veiled beneath formalities, but they were clear. The Avengers had reported their concerns, their judgment looming over them.

"You have a lot of questions," Tony finally spoke, his voice low but sharp. "And I’m happy to answer them. But you should know one thing—Peter is safe here. He’s with his parents, and he’s loved. I won’t let anyone take that away from him."

Agent McAllister’s expression remained neutral. "I’m not here to take him away," she said, though her voice didn’t exactly convey reassurance. "I’m here to assess the situation, to determine if Peter is living in a safe, stable environment. I will need to conduct a thorough interview and assess your living space. If everything checks out, we can proceed. If not... we will discuss further action."

Pepper stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. "If you think for one second that we’re unfit parents or that Peter is in danger—"

"I’m not making assumptions," McAllister interrupted smoothly. "I’m here to gather facts. That’s all."

Tony took a deep breath, his fingers still curled into fists. "So let’s get this over with, then."

The agent nodded curtly. "I’ll need to speak with Peter as well."

Pepper’s heart dropped at the idea, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Of course," she said quietly. "But I’ll be right there with him."

McAllister gave a brief nod, then turned to Peter, who had been quietly watching the exchange from a distance. She knelt down to his level, her expression softening just a touch.

"Hey there, Peter," she said gently, though her voice still held a certain formality. "I just need to ask you a few questions, okay? It’s nothing to worry about. I just want to make sure you’re happy and safe."

Peter hesitated, his small form shifting nervously, but then he looked to Tony for reassurance. Tony gave him a small, tight smile.

"It’s okay, kiddo," Tony said gently. "She’s just asking questions. Nothing to be scared of."

Peter nodded slowly, still clutching the plushie tightly in his hands. His eyes were wide with a mixture of confusion and fear.

Agent McAllister took a seat beside him, speaking gently, but Tony could see the discomfort in Peter’s little face. "Do you like it here with your mom and dad, Peter?"

Peter blinked a few times before answering in a soft, wavering voice. "Yeah... I like it here. I like playing with Daddy."

Pepper’s heart ached at the simple words. It was the truth. Peter was just a child, trying to make sense of a world that was now out of his control. He had no understanding of the complex situation surrounding him—only that his family was suddenly divided.

"And are you happy with where you live?" McAllister continued, her tone almost robotic. "Do you feel safe?"

Peter looked up at her, his lips trembling. "Yeah... I feel safe with Mommy and Daddy," he said quietly.

Tony’s chest tightened, and he had to fight to keep his composure. The truth was, Peter didn’t deserve this. None of them did.

Agent McAllister nodded and jotted something down on her clipboard. "Thank you, Peter," she said, giving him a small, polite smile before standing up. "I’ll need to speak with both of you now, and I’ll need to conduct a home inspection. If there are no immediate concerns, I’ll file my report, and the case will be closed."

Tony didn’t trust her words, not for a second. But there was nothing else they could do. They had to cooperate.

"Let’s get this over with," Tony said, his voice tight with frustration. "But make one thing clear—we will not let anyone tear our family apart. Not now. Not ever."

Pepper gave him a side glance, her expression full of resolve. They were in this together, and no matter what came next, they wouldn’t back down. They couldn’t.

Not when Peter needed them the most.

Chapter Text

The silence that hung in the air was suffocating. Agent McAllister’s presence seemed to fill every corner of the room, a quiet reminder of how fragile everything had become. The warmth of their family, the comfort Tony and Pepper had so carefully built around Peter, was now being scrutinized under a magnifying glass. Every word, every movement, felt like it carried weight.

Peter was still clutching his plush Iron Man, his tiny fingers barely able to wrap around it. He had been quiet since the interview, his eyes flickering between his parents and the agent. His usual excitement had been replaced with uncertainty, his small face creased with confusion.

Tony kept his distance, his gaze flickering between Pepper and the agent. His mind raced, but he didn’t allow himself to speak. Not yet. If he opened his mouth, he might say something that would make everything worse.

Pepper, however, had no such restraint. Her arms were folded tightly across her chest, and her eyes burned with an intensity that matched the fire in Tony’s own chest.

"I just don’t understand," Pepper said, her voice a low growl. "How can they think we’re unfit parents? Peter is safe here. He’s loved. He has everything he needs."

Tony stepped closer, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Pepper, I know. I know," he said quietly. "But right now, we need to keep our heads. Getting angry isn't going to help. We need to play by their rules for now."

Pepper exhaled sharply, biting back the words that were on the tip of her tongue. "I can't stand it, Tony. They're treating us like we're the villains in some kind of story. Like we don't know what’s best for our son."

"We’re not the villains here," Tony said softly. "But we might not be able to convince them of that right now." He turned to the agent, who was still standing by the door, her clipboard in hand. "Is this going to take long? Because Peter’s getting upset."

Agent McAllister glanced at Peter, who had retreated to the farthest corner of the room, still hugging his plush toy to his chest as if it were his only source of comfort. She studied him for a moment, then nodded.

"I’ll keep it brief," she said, her tone clipped. "I still need to review your living arrangements, and I’ll need to see where Peter sleeps. It’s part of the process."

Tony tried not to let the frustration show on his face. They had been through enough. They had done everything right. He had tried so hard to create a safe space for Peter, to protect him from the dangers of his world. But now, standing here, everything they had built felt like it was crumbling in front of him.

Pepper didn’t speak as Agent McAllister began to move through the workshop, inspecting every corner, every piece of equipment. Tony’s eyes followed the agent’s every movement, barely keeping his temper in check. He wasn’t going to let them tear his family apart. Not without a fight.

Peter, meanwhile, had retreated further into himself. He was sitting on the floor now, his knees drawn up to his chest. Tony watched him for a moment before kneeling down beside him, sitting cross-legged on the floor.

"Hey, kiddo," Tony said gently, his voice soft. "Everything’s going to be fine, okay?"

Peter didn’t look up immediately, his eyes focused on the plushie in his lap. He sniffled once, then slowly, hesitantly, looked up at his father.

"I don’t want them to take me away," Peter said, his voice barely a whisper.

Tony’s heart clenched in his chest. He could feel the raw vulnerability in Peter’s words. The fear. The confusion.

"No one’s taking you anywhere, buddy," Tony reassured him, his hand gently brushing Peter’s messy hair. "You’re staying right here with us, okay? I promise."

Peter nodded, but his gaze shifted to the door where Agent McAllister had just come from. "But why are they here? Why are they asking all those questions?"

Tony let out a deep breath, trying to figure out how to explain something so complicated to a child who was far too young to understand it. "Sometimes, grown-ups have to ask a lot of questions when they’re worried about something," he said, choosing his words carefully. "But I want you to know that none of this is your fault. This is just... a way to make sure everyone is okay."

Peter didn’t look convinced, but Tony could see that the small reassurance was helping.

Pepper approached them then, her eyes softening when she saw the little boy curled up next to Tony. She knelt down beside him, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

"We’re not going anywhere, Peter," she said softly, echoing Tony’s words. "You’re with your mom and dad, and that’s exactly where you’re going to stay."

Peter seemed to find comfort in her voice, though the wariness still remained in his eyes. He reached up to cling to Pepper’s arm, and she wrapped her hand around his small one.

Agent McAllister returned then, her clipboard held firmly in front of her. She didn’t speak at first, just observing the three of them together.

"I’ve seen enough for now," she said at last. "I’ll be filing my report, and then we’ll determine the next steps. It may take some time."

Tony’s stomach twisted again, the dread pooling in the pit of his gut. "How long are we talking here?" he asked, his voice colder than he meant it to be.

"It could take days, even weeks," Agent McAllister replied. "But I assure you, I’m just doing my job. If everything checks out, you won’t have anything to worry about."

Pepper nodded, though her frustration was evident. "So we just sit here and wait for you to decide whether we’re fit parents?" she asked, her voice tight.

Agent McAllister didn’t respond to the challenge in her voice. "That’s the process."

Tony clenched his jaw, but he didn’t say anything more. They had no choice but to cooperate, for now.

"Just... let us know when the report’s done," Tony said quietly, standing up and guiding Peter to his feet. "We’ll be waiting."

Agent McAllister turned to leave, giving them one last look before stepping out of the door.

As the door closed behind her, Tony let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding. He could feel the weight of the moment bearing down on him, but he wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet.

He turned to Pepper, who was holding Peter against her chest, both of them looking exhausted and vulnerable.

"This isn’t over," Tony muttered. "We’ll fight this. We’re not going to lose him."

Pepper nodded, her eyes hardening with determination. "No matter what, we keep him safe. That’s what matters."

And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Tony felt a spark of hope flicker inside him. They were in this together. They would protect their family—no matter the cost.

Chapter Text

Days passed in a blur of tension, paperwork, and waiting. The air in the workshop had become thick with apprehension, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. Tony, for the first time in a long while, found himself pacing, running his hands through his hair as the worry continued to eat at him. Pepper, despite the unwavering resolve in her eyes, had become increasingly quieter, her thoughts occupied by the constant uncertainty hanging over their heads.

Peter, for his part, had withdrawn further into himself, clinging to his parents in a way that made it clear how deeply unsettled he was. He hadn’t said much, only clutched his plush Iron Man like it was the only thing tethering him to some semblance of normalcy. At night, he’d still climb into bed between Tony and Pepper, his small body trembling as he struggled to sleep. Tony could feel the weight of his fears in the night—Peter’s, and his own.

Pepper had tried to reassure him with gentle words, but nothing seemed to ease the tension in the boy’s heart. And nothing seemed to ease Tony’s, either.

Today had started no differently, the hours dragging on as they waited for some kind of word. Tony had just finished going through more of the paperwork—bureaucracy he never imagined he’d have to deal with in this way—when the sharp chime of his phone cut through the silence.

It was an email notification.

Tony’s heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he opened it, his eyes scanning the text quickly. His fingers froze over the screen as he processed what he was reading.

"Tony..." Pepper said quietly, her voice breaking through his thoughts. "What is it?"

He didn’t answer immediately. His mind raced, his jaw tight. He finally looked up at her, the flicker of disbelief in his eyes.

"It’s the report," he said, his voice hoarse. "They’ve filed a formal recommendation for a family assessment."

Pepper’s expression hardened, but she didn’t say anything right away. She walked over to Tony’s side, reading the email over his shoulder, her brow furrowing as she took in the words. The report detailed the findings from the investigation—claims of neglect, concerns over safety due to Tony’s involvement in dangerous activities, and suggestions that Peter’s home environment was unstable because of the unpredictable nature of their work.

"They’re saying we’re a danger to him," Pepper said, her voice trembling slightly. "That everything we’ve done for him, everything we’ve worked for, it’s not enough."

Tony exhaled sharply, his hands gripping the edge of the desk. "It’s bullshit. They don’t get it. They have no idea what we’ve been through, what we’ve built. We’re doing the best we can."

Pepper’s shoulders slumped, her eyes momentarily distant as the weight of the situation settled over her. She was angry—fiercely so—but she was also scared. They both were. But they couldn’t show that, not now, not in front of Peter.

"Well," she said with a shaky breath, trying to regain some of her composure, "we fight this. We don’t let them tear our family apart." She looked at him, determination flashing in her eyes. "They’re wrong. We’ve done everything for him. And we’ll keep doing it."

Tony nodded, the familiar surge of defiance filling his chest. "Absolutely. We don’t stop fighting. We can’t."

A sudden noise from the hallway interrupted their moment of resolve—a soft, muffled sound that seemed out of place in the otherwise tense atmosphere. Tony and Pepper exchanged a glance before both of them rushed to the door.

They found Peter standing at the threshold, his eyes wide and tearful. The moment he saw them, he ran straight into their arms, his little body trembling as he clung to them with everything he had.

"Mommy... Daddy..." he whimpered, his voice barely audible. "I don’t want to go... I don’t want to leave."

Tony’s heart twisted painfully at the words. His instinct was to pull Peter close, to shield him from the hurt, but he had no answers. Not yet. He couldn’t promise Peter that things would be okay. Not when everything was still hanging in the balance.

"Hey, buddy," Tony whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He lifted Peter up, cradling him in his arms, gently rocking him. "You’re not going anywhere. We’re not going to let them take you from us. I swear it."

Pepper wrapped her arms around both of them, holding them tight as she kissed Peter’s forehead. "We’re a family," she said softly, her voice filled with strength. "And we’re not going to let anyone tear us apart. Not now, not ever."

Peter hiccupped, his tiny frame still shaking with sobs. "I don’t like the scary people. I want to stay with you."

Tony could feel the burn in his throat, the overwhelming sense of helplessness. "You’re staying with us, Peter. You’re safe with us. Always."

Pepper tightened her hold on both of them, her lips pressing against Tony’s shoulder. "We’ll figure this out. Together."

As Tony held Peter, trying to soothe him, he realized just how much they were all risking. They were up against something bigger than themselves—bureaucracy, the system, people who didn’t understand their lives or their love for their son. But Tony Stark didn’t lose. He couldn’t. Not when it mattered most.

The next few days felt like a marathon. The tension was unbearable, and the more they tried to push back against the system, the more it seemed to close in on them. They had their lawyer involved, of course, but it felt like a constant battle. Every phone call was a reminder that things were far from over.

But through it all, Tony and Pepper’s resolve never wavered. They continued to reassure Peter, to love him with everything they had, knowing that their strength would be the anchor he needed to weather the storm.

And despite the odds, Tony knew one thing: no matter what happened, they would fight. For Peter, for their family, they would do whatever it took. No one would ever take their son away from them—not without a fight.

Chapter Text

The days had become a blur of phone calls, legal meetings, and an overwhelming sense of dread. Each time Tony and Pepper tried to push back against the system, it felt like they were only getting pushed further into a corner. The weight of the situation bore down on them, but they kept it hidden from Peter, shielding him as best they could.

It wasn’t just the fear of losing their son—it was the suffocating feeling that the world didn’t understand their family. Tony had always been used to being misunderstood, but this was different. This was about his son, and there was no way in hell he was going to let anyone take Peter away from them.

Pepper had been a rock through it all. She kept Peter’s days as normal as possible, making sure he felt loved and secure. But even she couldn’t hide the exhaustion in her eyes. They were both running on empty, but there was no time for rest. Not when everything they held dear was at stake.

The call came late one evening.

Tony’s phone buzzed, the screen flashing with the name of their lawyer. His heart skipped a beat as he answered.

"Tony," their lawyer said, his voice tense. "I have news. They’re moving forward with the family assessment. They’ve scheduled it for tomorrow afternoon."

Tony’s stomach twisted. "What does that mean?"

"It means that an official representative from Child Protective Services will be coming to do a full investigation. They’ll be reviewing everything—your home, your finances, your lifestyle. They want to see if Peter is safe in your care."

Tony’s jaw clenched. "What the hell are they looking for?"

"I wish I could say. But the fact that they’re going ahead with this means they’ve found enough to make them move forward. The system’s already in motion."

Tony ran his hand through his hair. He couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He had made sure Peter was safe. They had done everything right.

"We’ll be there tomorrow. And we’ll fight this," Tony said, his voice firm.

"I’ll be there with you," the lawyer said, his voice reassuring but not without the weight of the situation. "Just stay calm. The process is difficult, but it’s not impossible to turn around."

Tony ended the call, the dread sinking deeper in his gut. He turned to Pepper, who had been silently watching him from across the room. The tension in her eyes mirrored his own.

"We have one more day," Tony said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "One more day to prove that we’re good enough for Peter."

Pepper nodded, her eyes hardening with determination. "We’ll show them. We have to."

The next day felt like it stretched on for an eternity. The morning was spent preparing, making sure everything in their home was in order. Tony and Pepper put on a united front for Peter, reassuring him that everything would be okay, though they were both fighting the same gnawing fear in their hearts.

The knock on the door came just after noon.

Tony opened it, finding the CPS agent, accompanied by a few others, standing on the doorstep. The agent was dressed in a formal suit, clipboard in hand, and the other people had a clinical, detached air about them. The sight of them sent a cold shiver down Tony’s spine.

"Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts," the agent said, her tone professional, but her eyes held an edge of judgment. "I’m here to conduct the family assessment. I trust you understand the seriousness of this process."

Tony nodded, forcing himself to remain calm. "We understand," he said, his voice controlled but tight.

Pepper stood beside him, her posture straight, her expression unwavering. "We’re ready," she said simply.

The assessment took hours. Every inch of their home was scrutinized. The agents examined their finances, questioned their schedules, and took detailed notes on the safety of their environment. At times, Tony felt like a cornered animal, fighting the instinct to snap. Pepper kept her cool, answering questions with measured precision, but he could see the exhaustion in her eyes.

They even asked Peter questions—simple things about his favorite toys, what he liked to do with his mom and dad. He had answered with the innocent clarity of a child, but Tony could see the strain in his eyes as he sat on the couch, clutching his plush Iron Man tightly.

Eventually, they were finished. The agents filed out, leaving Tony and Pepper alone with Peter. The silence in the house was deafening.

Tony sank down onto the couch beside Peter, pulling him into his lap. Peter didn’t resist, curling into Tony’s chest like he always did when he needed comfort.

Pepper joined them, sitting next to Tony and wrapping her arm around both of them. She kissed Peter’s head, her voice soft but filled with strength. "We’re okay. We’re going to be okay, I promise."

Tony kissed the top of Peter’s head, his heart heavy but resolute. "No one is going to take you from us, Pete. Not now, not ever."

The next day, the phone call came again. Tony’s hands were shaking as he picked up the receiver. His heart pounded in his chest, but he knew he had to hear what they had to say.

"Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts," the CPS agent began. "We’ve completed our assessment, and after reviewing everything, I regret to inform you that we are recommending that Peter remain in your care."

The words hit Tony like a tidal wave of relief. He exhaled sharply, his whole body going limp with the weight of the moment. He glanced at Pepper, who was holding her breath as she waited for the rest.

"But," the agent continued, "we will be conducting regular follow-ups. This case is far from closed, and you will need to continue complying with our standards."

Tony’s hand tightened around the phone, but he didn’t let the anger spill out. Not yet. "We’ll do whatever it takes to prove that we’re good parents," he said, his voice cold but firm. "But you won’t take him from us. Not ever again."

The agent didn’t respond, and Tony hung up without another word. He turned to Pepper, his chest heaving as he let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

"We did it," he said quietly. "We kept him."

Pepper’s face softened, and she leaned into him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "We’re not done yet, Tony. But we’ll keep fighting. We always will."

Tony held her close, feeling the weight of everything they had just been through. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, and it felt like they might just have a chance.

"Together," Tony said softly, his arms tightening around his family. "Always together."

Chapter Text

The relief of hearing that Peter would remain in their care, at least for now, felt like a temporary balm on a wound that hadn’t fully healed. They had won the battle, but Tony and Pepper knew that the war wasn’t over. The CPS assessments were ongoing, and though they had fought hard to prove themselves as fit parents, they both knew the real fight was yet to come. Their every move was still being watched, judged, and measured against a system that didn’t understand their world, their lives, or their love for Peter.

But for the moment, at least, they had a chance to breathe.

The days following the assessment were filled with a tentative sense of normalcy. Peter, though still shaken by the previous events, seemed to settle a little. He spent his days playing with his toys, running around the house, and even laughing again. Tony had made a habit of taking him out to the workshop, letting him tinker with small gadgets, showing him how things worked. It wasn’t much, but it was their time—just the two of them, father and son.

Pepper continued to balance the demands of running Stark Industries with the needs of their family. Her days were long, but she never let Peter out of her sight. She held him close, showered him with affection, and reassured him that everything was going to be okay. She even managed to take some time to sit down with Tony, to discuss the next steps, to plan for what was to come.

The quiet moments were brief, but they cherished them. They needed them.

It was late one evening, after Peter had gone to bed, when the phone rang again. The sharp tone of the call interrupted the quiet calm they had found, and Tony felt a chill run down his spine as he reached for the receiver.

"Mr. Stark," the voice on the other end said, businesslike and emotionless, "this is Agent Williams from Child Protective Services. We’ve received additional reports, and we are conducting another review of your case. We need to schedule another visit."

Tony’s heart sank. "What kind of reports?" he demanded, his voice tight with barely contained frustration.

"We cannot disclose the details at this time. However, we do need to ensure that Peter remains in a safe and stable environment. Our department takes all reports seriously, and we will be proceeding with a follow-up visit as soon as possible. Expect our agents to arrive in two days."

Tony’s grip tightened on the phone. "Is this just about the same stuff from before, or is there something new?"

"We cannot provide specifics," the agent replied. "But we advise you to prepare for our review and be forthcoming with any information we require. I’ll have my office send you the details by email."

With a click, the line went dead.

Tony stared at the phone, his pulse quickening as his mind raced.

Pepper walked into the room at that exact moment, sensing the shift in his demeanor. "What happened?"

"Another review," Tony said, his voice sharp. "Another visit."

Pepper’s eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her voice calm. "After everything we’ve been through, they still think they need to investigate us again?"

"I don’t know what’s going on. But something’s not right. Why would they keep coming back if we’ve done everything they’ve asked?" Tony’s frustration was palpable, his hands curling into fists.

Pepper sat next to him, her expression serious but composed. "We keep doing what we’re doing. We keep Peter safe, we keep our heads down, and we show them that we’re doing the right thing. We’ve been through worse, Tony. This isn’t the end of the world."

Tony’s eyes softened as he looked at her. "I know. But I won’t let them take him from us, Pep. Not now, not ever."

Pepper placed a hand on his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "They won’t. I won’t let them either."

But the words didn’t comfort Tony. They hadn’t in days.

Two days later, the CPS agents arrived, this time in full force. There were three of them, all in crisp suits, their expressions cold and clinical as they stepped into the house. Tony and Pepper were already waiting, their faces a mask of calm composure, but beneath it, the tension was unbearable.

Peter was playing in the living room, unaware of the storm that was about to hit. He looked up when the agents walked in, his eyes wary, but when he saw that his parents were there, he relaxed slightly, curling up next to Tony on the couch.

The agents went through the motions, reviewing every aspect of the home once again. They asked the same questions, went over the same records, inspected the same rooms. But each time they asked about Tony’s work—his involvement in high-risk situations, his often erratic schedule, and his role as Iron Man—Tony felt the sting of their judgment.

"Your profession, Mr. Stark, involves a significant amount of danger," one agent remarked, jotting down notes on his clipboard. "Do you truly believe that such an environment is appropriate for a child?"

Tony’s jaw tightened. "Peter is safe with us. He’s more than just a child in a home. He’s my son, and I take care of him. Everything I do, I do to protect him. Not just from the world, but for the future."

The agent didn’t seem convinced, but Pepper stepped in, her voice calm but unwavering. "We understand your concerns, but Peter is our priority. We’ve taken every measure to ensure that he’s in a safe, loving environment. We won’t let anything or anyone come between us."

The agent didn’t reply, only scribbled a few more notes before motioning to the other two agents.

The interview ended a short while later, and the agents left without another word, promising to submit their findings and recommendations. They didn’t tell Tony or Pepper what those findings would be, only that they would hear from them again soon.

The moment the door shut behind them, the weight of the world crashed down on Tony and Pepper. Peter, sensing the change in the atmosphere, looked up at them with wide, anxious eyes. His small hand reached out for Pepper, and she immediately gathered him into her arms, kissing the top of his head as he burrowed against her.

"They’re just doing their job, Peter," Pepper whispered, her voice soft and comforting. "They’re making sure everything is okay."

Tony stood in the doorway, his fists clenched, his frustration boiling over. "They don’t get it. None of them do."

Pepper stood and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know, Tony. But we’re still here. We’re still fighting. We’ve got each other, and we’ll make sure nothing happens to Peter."

"I won’t let them take him," Tony said, his voice low, raw with the intensity of his promise. "I don’t care what they say, what they think. He’s mine. He’s ours. And I will do whatever it takes to keep him safe."

Pepper nodded, her eyes steady with determination. "We will. Together. Always."

And for the first time in days, Tony felt a spark of hope. They weren’t alone. They had each other, and they would keep fighting. For Peter. For their family. No one could take that away.

Chapter Text

The days following the second CPS visit passed in a blur. The world outside their door had become a place of quiet judgment, a place where Tony and Pepper were constantly on edge, waiting for the next knock, the next call, the next report to appear on their doorstep.

Tony had spent hours in his lab, his hands moving almost mechanically, creating new suits and gadgets as if the work could somehow distract him from the looming threat. Pepper, on the other hand, had turned her focus entirely to Peter. She didn’t want him to see the stress in their faces, to know how fragile their situation had become. She took him to the park, read him stories, and tried to make the home feel like it used to—a sanctuary. But even in the quietest moments, the tension lingered like a storm waiting to break.

Peter had become more clingy, more hesitant. He’d wake up in the middle of the night, calling for his parents, afraid of what might happen next. Tony and Pepper did their best to reassure him, but there was only so much they could do. Every time the phone rang or the doorbell rang, Peter’s little face would light up in hope—only for that hope to be dashed by the cold reality of what they were facing.

Tony knew it was starting to take its toll on all of them. He could see it in Pepper’s eyes, the way she fought to keep her composure even as exhaustion shadowed her every movement. He could feel it in himself, the way every small decision, every moment of stress, felt like a battle he couldn’t win. The weight of Peter’s future pressed down on him like a thousand tons of concrete. He wasn’t used to feeling this helpless.

It was late one evening, and Tony and Pepper sat together in the living room, Peter asleep in his room. The house was quiet, too quiet, and the weight of their situation was unbearable.

Tony ran a hand through his hair, his voice low and strained. "Pepper… I don’t know how much longer we can keep doing this. I’m so tired. I don’t know how to fight this anymore."

Pepper turned to him, her expression filled with a mix of exhaustion and determination. "We keep going, Tony. We have to. For Peter. We don’t have a choice."

"I’m scared," Tony admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Scared that all of this is going to come crashing down, and no matter what we do, it won’t be enough."

Pepper placed a hand on his, her touch gentle but firm. "It’s always been enough. You’ve always been enough. Peter’s never known anything but love from us. That’s what matters."

Tony closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the couch. "I don’t care what the world thinks of me. But this… this is different. This is about him. And I don’t know if I can keep going like this. Not with them breathing down our necks all the time."

Pepper sat up straighter, her jaw tightening as she looked him in the eye. "We’re not backing down, Tony. Not now, not ever. You don’t get to give up on him. Not when we’re this close. We’ll fight this with everything we have."

Tony didn’t respond right away. He just stared at the floor, the weight of her words sinking in. She was right. They couldn’t give up now. But the question of how to keep going loomed large in his mind.

The next morning, a fresh wave of anxiety hit Tony when the phone rang. He picked it up with trembling hands, dreading what he might hear.

"This is Agent Williams from CPS," the voice on the other end said, cold and businesslike as always. "I’m calling to inform you that we’ve received another complaint. We are scheduling a surprise visit for tomorrow."

Tony’s stomach twisted. "A complaint? What now?"

"We’re not at liberty to discuss the details," the agent replied. "But this visit will be unannounced. Please be prepared for our agents to arrive tomorrow morning."

The call ended just as abruptly as it began, leaving Tony standing in the middle of the living room, trying to process what had just happened.

Pepper came into the room as he hung up the phone, sensing the change in his demeanor. "What is it?"

"It’s another complaint," Tony said, his voice flat. "Another surprise visit tomorrow."

Pepper’s face hardened. "Another complaint? For what? We’ve done everything they’ve asked."

Tony clenched his fists. "I don’t know, Pep. But they’re not going to stop until they find something to take him away. And I can’t—I can’t lose him."

Pepper’s eyes softened, but her expression didn’t falter. "We won’t let them. We’ll show them that we’re good parents. That we love him. That’s all we can do."

Tony nodded, but the feeling of dread in his chest only grew.

The following morning, the knock on the door came earlier than they expected. Tony’s heart skipped a beat when he heard it. He exchanged a quick, uncertain look with Pepper before heading to the door.

Standing on the doorstep was Agent Williams, accompanied by two other agents. Their expressions were as cold and indifferent as ever.

"Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts," the agent said, his tone flat. "We are here for our scheduled visit. Please let us in."

Tony swallowed hard, stepping aside to allow them in. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the walls were closing in around him.

They began their usual routine of inspecting the house, questioning Tony and Pepper, scrutinizing every detail of their lives. Tony felt like he was on trial, every word he spoke under a microscope. Pepper did her best to stay calm, answering their questions with grace, but Tony could see the cracks in her composure.

As the agents made their way through the house, Tony’s mind raced. He kept his eye on Peter, who was playing quietly in the corner of the room, unaware of the looming threat.

One of the agents approached Tony, clipboard in hand. "We’ve reviewed your case, Mr. Stark. And while there is no immediate danger to Peter’s well-being, we have serious concerns about the environment in which he’s living."

Tony’s breath hitched. "What concerns?"

"The constant exposure to high-risk situations, the unpredictability of your schedule… we believe it’s putting unnecessary stress on Peter. This is not a stable environment for a child."

Pepper stepped forward, her voice tight. "Peter is stable here. He’s loved. He’s safe."

The agent’s gaze was unyielding. "We’ll be making our recommendations based on our findings. You’ll be notified of the outcome within the next few days."

The words hung in the air, the heaviness of them sinking in. Tony felt a chill run down his spine. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep this up. Every visit, every question, every scrutiny felt like it was tearing them apart.

But there was one thing Tony knew for sure: He wasn’t going to lose Peter. No matter what it took, he would fight for him.

And if they thought they were going to break him, they were wrong.

Because Tony Stark didn’t lose. Not when it came to the people he loved.

Chapter Text

The wait for CPS’s decision was agonizing. Every day that passed felt like another step closer to losing Peter. Tony barely slept, spending most nights in the lab, tinkering with nothing, his mind too restless to focus on anything else. Pepper was just as tense, though she tried to keep it together for Peter’s sake.

But Peter wasn’t oblivious.

He was too smart for that, even at his young age. He noticed the way his parents flinched when the phone rang. He saw how Tony’s hands shook when he thought no one was looking. He heard the whispered conversations between his mommy and daddy, the ones they thought he couldn’t understand.

And more than anything, he could feel it—the fear in their home.

The once warm and safe space had become a place filled with hushed worries and forced smiles. Peter didn’t know what was wrong exactly, but he knew something bad was coming.

And then, one night, it did.

The knock on the door came at 7 PM.

Tony and Pepper froze. They weren’t expecting anyone. And a visit this late? That only meant one thing.

Tony’s stomach dropped as he looked at Pepper. She reached for Peter instinctively, pulling him into her arms as she stood. Tony forced himself to move, making his way to the door with slow, heavy steps.

When he opened it, he already knew what he would see.

Agent Williams stood there, along with two more CPS agents and—Tony’s blood ran cold—a police officer.

"Mr. Stark," Williams said, his voice devoid of emotion. "We’ve completed our assessment and have determined that Peter Stark’s current living situation is unsuitable. Effective immediately, he is to be placed into protective custody."

Tony’s heart stopped.

"No," Pepper’s voice broke from behind him, already knowing what was happening. "No, you can’t—"

The officer stepped forward. "Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts, please don’t make this difficult."

Difficult? Difficult?!

They were taking his son.

Tony’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his whole body shaking. "You’re not taking him. You have no reason—"

"The repeated concerns from multiple reports, your unstable lifestyle, and the dangers surrounding your household leave us no choice," Williams stated coldly. "This is for Peter’s safety."

Tony saw red. "You think Peter’s safer with strangers than with his own parents?" His voice was sharp, full of unfiltered rage. "You have no idea what you’re doing."

The officer sighed, looking tired. "Mr. Stark, please—"

A small sniffle broke through the rising tension.

Tony turned just in time to see Peter clutching onto Pepper’s shirt, his little face pale with fear. "Mommy? Daddy?" His voice wobbled, his big brown eyes darting between them and the strangers at the door. "What’s happening?"

Pepper held him tighter. "It’s okay, baby. We’re right here."

But she was crying.

Tony took a step toward them, panic clawing at his chest. "You are not taking my son." His voice was dangerously low now. "I don’t care what you—"

"Mr. Stark, if you do not comply, we will escalate this to law enforcement intervention," Williams warned. "Do not make this harder than it needs to be."

Harder?

They wanted to rip his son from his arms, and they were acting like he was the problem?

Peter whimpered, burying his face in Pepper’s shoulder. "I don’t wanna go," he sobbed. "Mommy, Daddy, please—"

That broke Tony.

Completely.

He surged forward, reaching for Peter, but the officer stepped in between them, a warning in his eyes. "Don’t."

"Peter!" Tony’s voice cracked.

But then—before he could react—one of the agents pulled Peter from Pepper’s arms.

Peter screamed.

"NO! NO! MOMMY! DADDY!" He thrashed desperately, reaching out for them. "DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME!"

Tony lunged, pure instinct driving him forward, but hands were on him, holding him back. The officer. Pepper’s sobs filled the air as she struggled to grab Peter back, but they wouldn’t let her.

And Peter—his little boy—was screaming for them.

Tony had never felt so helpless in his entire life.

"Let go of him!" Tony roared, fighting against the grip on him. "Let go of my son!"

Peter’s tiny hands stretched toward them, tears streaming down his face. "DADDY!"

Tony fought harder. He didn’t care what happened to him—he just needed to get to Peter.

But it was too late.

The agent holding Peter turned away, walking toward the car. Peter was screaming, his tiny fists beating against them, but they didn’t stop. They didn’t care.

The front door slammed shut.

And just like that—Peter was gone.

The house fell into a suffocating silence.

Tony stood frozen, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He felt like he was going to be sick. His whole body was shaking, but he couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

Pepper was sobbing, her hands pressed against her mouth as if trying to hold in her screams.

It didn’t feel real.

It couldn’t be real.

But it was.

Peter was gone.

And Tony Stark had never felt more broken.

Chapter Text

The silence in the house was unbearable.

Peter was gone.

Tony stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the door like if he looked long enough, Peter would come running back inside. But he wouldn’t.

Because they took him.

Because the Avengers made sure of it.

Pepper was still crying, curled up on the couch, her hands clutching at Peter’s favorite blanket like it was the only thing keeping her from breaking apart completely.

Tony had never seen her like this. Never seen her so helpless.

It made something dark and vicious coil in his chest.

This wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.

The meeting with their lawyer was the next morning. Tony didn’t sleep. He barely moved. Pepper tried to rest, but every time she closed her eyes, all she could hear was Peter’s screams.

They both looked like ghosts by the time they sat down in the office of their top attorney, Jennifer Walters.

"You need to tell me everything," Jennifer said, flipping open her notes. "Every single detail, every accusation, every so-called reason they gave for removing Peter from your custody."

Pepper was still too shaken to speak.

Tony, however, was livid.

"They think I’m a danger to him," he bit out. "That our home isn’t safe. That my lifestyle—my ‘unstable’ life—makes me unfit to be a father."

Jennifer’s jaw tightened. "This came from an official CPS report?"

"Yeah. Based on ‘multiple complaints.’" Tony’s voice dropped lower. "And I can tell you exactly where those complaints came from."

Jennifer’s pen stopped mid-word. "...Who?"

Tony’s hands clenched into fists on the table. His nails dug into his palm, but he didn’t care.

"The Avengers."

Jennifer exhaled sharply. "You’re sure?"

Tony’s eyes burned. "Who else?"

Pepper finally found her voice, though it was weak. "They... they thought they were doing the right thing."

Tony slammed his fist onto the table. "No. They thought they knew better than us."

Jennifer leaned back, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That complicates things."

Tony scoffed. "No kidding."

"It’s not impossible," she clarified, looking up. "But we have to play this smart. Right now, CPS sees you as a risk. We need to prove otherwise."

Pepper swallowed. "How long will that take?"

Jennifer hesitated.

"...Weeks."

The word landed like a punch.

Tony shot up from his chair. "Absolutely not."

"Tony—"

"No." His voice was sharp, raw with barely contained fury. "They’re keeping my son away from me for weeks? That’s not happening. I’ll tear through the legal system myself if I have to."

Jennifer sighed. "I get it. But if we push too hard, they’ll double down. Right now, their argument is ‘environmental instability.’ If we make this a war, they’ll claim emotional instability, too."

"So what?" Tony snapped. "I’m just supposed to sit here while my kid—"

Jennifer held up a hand. "No. But you’re supposed to fight the right way. I’ll file an emergency appeal for a hearing. If we win, we can get Peter back in a matter of days, not weeks."

Tony forced himself to breathe. "And if we lose?"

Jennifer hesitated again.

Pepper’s hands trembled. "Jen."

She exhaled. "...Then we have to wait for the full case review. Which could take months."

Tony turned away, shoving a hand through his hair. He wanted to break something. Wanted to drive straight to wherever they were keeping Peter and rip him away from those strangers.

But that wouldn’t help.

It would only make things worse.

Pepper reached across the table, gripping his wrist. "We’ll get him back," she whispered, voice cracking. "We will, Tony."

Tony swallowed hard.

"We’d better."

Because if they didn’t—

The Avengers would regret ever coming near his family.

Meanwhile…

Peter sat curled up in a tiny bed in an unfamiliar room, hugging his Iron Man plushie tightly to his chest.

Tears still stained his cheeks, though he’d cried so much that his head hurt now.

He wanted his mommy.

He wanted his daddy.

But they weren’t here.

Instead, there were strangers. Nice ones, maybe, but not his family. Not where he belonged.

He sniffled, squeezing his plushie harder. "Wanna go home…"

The door cracked open. A woman with kind eyes peeked in. "Hey, sweetheart. You doing okay?"

Peter shrank back. He didn’t answer.

She sighed, stepping inside. "I know it’s scary, Peter. But you’ll be okay."

Peter didn’t believe her.

Because he wasn’t okay.

And he wouldn’t be until he was back where he belonged.

With his parents.

With his real family.

Chapter Text

Tony Stark was a lot of things—reckless, arrogant, a pain in the ass—but he was not an unfit father.

And yet, here he was, fighting for the right to be with his own son.

It was infuriating.

The worst part? The Avengers—his so-called “teammates”—were the reason for this nightmare.

They did this.

They decided he wasn’t good enough.

That Pepper wasn’t good enough.

That they knew better.

Tony wanted to destroy something.

It took three days to get a court hearing. Three days of silence, of waiting, of waking up to a house too empty, too quiet, without Peter’s giggles filling the halls.

Pepper barely spoke. She spent hours sitting in Peter’s room, holding his favorite stuffed animals, folding and unfolding his tiny clothes like she could somehow bring him back by sheer force of will.

Tony, on the other hand, was furious.

He wasn’t sleeping. Barely eating. Spent every moment with Jennifer and his legal team, dissecting every detail of the case, every accusation thrown against them.

"Environmental instability."

"Potential neglect due to high-risk lifestyle."

"Emotional volatility of the parent in question."

It was bullshit.

But it was dangerous bullshit.

If they lost this hearing, CPS could keep Peter away from them for months.

And Tony wasn’t sure he could survive that.

The Day of the Hearing

The courtroom was tense.

Tony and Pepper sat together, her hand clenched tightly in his, her nails digging into his skin. She hadn’t said a word since they arrived.

Across the room, sitting with the CPS representatives, were Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, and Clint Barton.

Tony had expected it.

It didn’t make him less furious.

He didn’t even look at them. He couldn’t.

Because if he did, he might not be able to stop himself from ripping them apart.

The judge entered. Everyone stood. The trial began.

CPS laid out their case, citing the dangers of Tony’s past, his reckless tendencies, the constant threat against him and anyone close to him. They painted a picture of a dangerous, unstable man. Someone incapable of providing a safe home for a child.

Pepper flinched at every word.

Tony’s blood boiled.

Then Jennifer stood.

And she tore their arguments to shreds.

"Mr. Stark is a high-profile individual, yes. But let’s talk about what he has done to protect his son. Their home is one of the most secure places on the planet. The child has never been harmed or neglected. He is healthy, happy, and deeply loved. The claims against Mr. Stark are based on outdated assumptions and personal bias, not actual evidence."

She glanced at the Avengers’ side of the room.

"Perhaps it is not Mr. Stark’s ‘instability’ that led to this case—but rather the opinions of those who decided, without basis, that they knew better than the parents in question."

Steve’s jaw tightened.

Clint shifted uncomfortably.

Natasha remained still.

The judge frowned. "This is a serious claim. Do you have proof that these accusations were made out of bias rather than genuine concern?"

Jennifer’s lips curled into something sharp.

"Actually, Your Honor, we do."

She turned, nodding at the doors.

And then—

The videos started playing.

Footage from the Avengers’ own security logs.

Their conversations.

Every single discussion about Tony and Peter.

Their decision to report him.

Their intentions to have Peter removed.

Pepper gasped. Tony went completely still.

The room was silent.

The judge turned to Steve, Clint, and Natasha. "Is this true?"

Steve exhaled slowly. "We—"

"Yes," Natasha interrupted. Her voice was steady. Cold. Unapologetic.

"We made the report."

Tony’s hands curled into fists.

Steve nodded, his expression unreadable. "Because it was the right thing to do."

The judge’s eyes narrowed. "That is for the court to decide."

She turned back to Tony and Pepper.

"...I will review the evidence. But based on what I have seen today, I find no immediate reason to keep Peter Stark from his parents. Effective immediately, he is to be returned to their custody."

The words barely registered.

Pepper broke into sobs. Tony let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

Jennifer squeezed his shoulder, murmuring, "We won."

They won.

They got him back.

Peter was coming home.

Later That Night

Tony sat in Peter’s room, watching him sleep.

His little boy was back. Safe. Curled up in his Iron Man pajamas, breathing softly, his tiny hand clutching Tony’s fingers even in sleep.

But Tony wasn’t at peace.

Because they were still out there.

Because the Avengers still thought they did the right thing.

And Tony knew, with absolute certainty—

He would never forgive them.

Not for this.

Not ever.

Chapter Text

Tony Stark had never believed in fairy tales.

Winning the court case didn’t erase the damage.

It didn’t erase the nights Peter had cried himself to sleep in a stranger’s house. It didn’t erase the way Pepper still flinched when she heard the doorbell, half-expecting CPS to come back.

And it sure as hell didn’t erase the betrayal.

Tony had spent years fighting beside the Avengers. He’d put his life in their hands. And they’d repaid him by trying to take his son.

That wasn’t something he could just let go.

And tonight, they were going to understand that.

The Avengers Compound

When Tony arrived, he didn’t bother knocking. FRIDAY had already overridden security, granting him instant access.

The team was in the main conference room, and they knew he was coming.

Good.

Steve was the first to speak when Tony walked in. "Tony, I—"

"Shut up."

The word was quiet. Dangerous.

Steve’s mouth shut.

Tony stepped forward, slow, deliberate. His gaze swept across the room, landing on each of them—Steve. Natasha. Clint. Bruce.

"You tried to take my son," he said, voice eerily calm. "You went behind my back, made a report, sat in court, and defended it. And now you’re gonna look me in the eye and act like we’re still a team?"

Natasha crossed her arms. "We did what we thought was right."

Tony let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Yeah, see, that’s the problem, Romanoff. You always think you know best. No second opinions needed, no actual facts required. Just whatever your gut tells you, right?"

She didn’t answer.

Clint shifted, arms tense. "We weren’t trying to hurt you, Stark."

Tony’s expression darkened. "No, you were trying to take my kid. But please, tell me how that’s different."

Silence.

Then, Steve spoke, voice measured. "We were worried about Peter’s safety. Given your history, we—"

"You don’t get to talk about my history," Tony snapped. His patience was gone. "You, of all people, Rogers, do not get to lecture me about how I live my life. I’ve risked everything for this team. I built your damn suits, fixed your damn gear, gave you my damn home, and this is how you repay me?"

Steve’s jaw tightened. "Tony—"

"No," Tony interrupted. "You don’t get to ‘Tony’ me like we’re still friends. We’re not. That ended the second you decided you had the right to decide whether I should be a father."

Steve’s mouth pressed into a thin line. "We weren’t trying to take Peter from you permanently."

Tony scoffed. "Oh, well, that makes it so much better, doesn’t it?"

Bruce finally spoke, voice quieter than the rest. "Tony… we thought we were protecting him."

Tony turned to him, eyes burning. "He was never in danger."

Bruce hesitated. "...We didn’t know that."

Tony let out a slow breath.

"You should have asked."

And that was the heart of it, wasn’t it?

They never asked. Never stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, Tony and Pepper knew how to raise their own child.

They had gone straight to stealing him away.

That wasn’t protection.

That was betrayal.

Tony shook his head. "We’re done here."

Steve frowned. "Tony—"

"No." Tony’s voice was steel. "You are not my team anymore. You are not my friends. And you sure as hell are not my family."

He turned on his heel and walked out.

And this time, no one tried to stop him.

Back Home

Pepper was waiting when Tony walked in. She had Peter in her arms, half-asleep, tiny fingers curled into her shirt.

"How did it go?" she asked softly.

Tony kissed Peter’s head before answering.

"It’s over," he murmured. "I’m done with them."

Pepper nodded.

She didn’t argue.

Because the Avengers had drawn a line in the sand.

And now?

Tony Stark had drawn his.

Chapter Text

Tony didn’t regret his decision.

The Avengers had made their choice when they reported him to CPS, and he had made his when he walked away.

But that didn’t mean it was over.

There were still loose ends to tie up.

He needed to make sure they couldn’t touch his family again.

So the next morning, while Peter played with his toys under Pepper’s watchful eye, Tony locked himself in his lab and got to work.

Step One: Sever All Connections

The Avengers still had access to his resources—his tech, his security, his funding.

Not anymore.

With a few keystrokes, Tony pulled every Stark Industries resource from the Avengers Initiative.

No more unlimited budgets. No more access to his satellites, his servers, or his R&D.

He revoked their override codes to the suits he had made for them.

He shut down their access to his private network.

And just because he was feeling extra petty, he rerouted all their requests for maintenance directly to voicemail.

Good luck fixing your gear without me, jerks.

Step Two: Public Relations

Tony knew how the media worked.

The second the Avengers realized what he had done, they would spin the narrative. Make themselves the victims.

He wasn’t going to let that happen.

So before anyone could control the story, he owned it.

A press release went out under Stark Industries’ official account:

"Effective immediately, Stark Industries is ending all financial and technological support for the Avengers Initiative. While we recognize the importance of Earth’s defense, recent events have made it clear that our values no longer align. We will continue our commitment to innovation and security, but not at the cost of family."

The message was clear.

He didn’t name names. Didn’t explain.

But he didn’t have to.

The public wasn’t stupid.

Within hours, social media exploded.

#IStandWithStark started trending.

The Avengers weren’t getting out of this unscathed.

Step Three: The Final Cut

Tony had one last thing to do.

Something he had been putting off.

But it had to be done.

So he pulled out his phone, scrolled to a contact he had once trusted with his life, and hit delete.

One by one, he erased them all.

Steve.

Natasha.

Clint.

Bruce.

Gone.

They had made their choice.

Now, so had he.

Back Home

When Tony finally stepped out of the lab, he was exhausted.

Pepper was in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove, while Peter sat on the counter, happily munching on a piece of fruit.

The second he saw Tony, Peter grinned.

"Daddy!"

Tony’s heart clenched.

He crossed the room in a few quick strides, scooping Peter up into his arms and pressing a kiss to his messy curls.

"Hey, buddy," he murmured. "Miss me?"

Peter giggled. "You were working!"

"Yeah," Tony admitted. "But I’m all done now. Just you, me, and Mommy."

Peter snuggled against his chest, warm and safe. "Good."

And just like that, Tony knew.

He had lost a team.

But he had gained something far more important.

His family.

And he would never let anyone take them away again.

___________________

Tony had expected backlash.

What he hadn’t expected was how quickly the Avengers started falling apart without him.

The first crack came when their tech stopped working.

Steve’s comms malfunctioned mid-mission. Natasha’s Widow’s Bites short-circuited. Clint’s quiver jammed.

Bruce? Well, he didn’t rely on tech much, but even he noticed the lack of security updates keeping the Hulk containment measures stable.

The worst part?

There was no one to fix it.

Because Tony wasn’t answering their calls.

At the Compound

Steve stared at the error messages flashing across the screen in the main conference room.

"FRIDAY, override security protocols," he commanded.

Nothing.

Natasha frowned. "Try again."

"I did," Steve said through gritted teeth. "Tony locked us out."

Clint let out a frustrated sigh. "So call him."

Steve had already tried.

Tried and failed.

Tony’s number was disconnected.

Natasha exhaled slowly. "We might have underestimated how serious he was about this."

Clint scoffed. "You think?"

Bruce rubbed his temples. "We need to figure something out. Without Tony—without his resources—we can’t function."

Steve folded his arms. "We don’t need him."

Clint gave him a sharp look. "You sure about that? Because last I checked, we’re running out of funding, our gear is failing, and public opinion is turning against us fast."

Natasha’s lips pressed into a thin line. "We still did the right thing."

Bruce sighed. "That doesn’t change the fact that we’ve lost the one person who kept this team together."

And for the first time, no one argued.

Because deep down, they all knew.

Tony had been the glue holding them together.

And now?

Now, they were breaking apart.

Back at the Lakehouse

Tony had just finished tucking Peter into bed when Pepper walked in, phone in hand.

"Another call from Rogers," she said, unimpressed.

Tony didn’t even look up.

"Let it ring."

Pepper smirked, setting the phone down. "I already did."

Tony exhaled, rubbing a hand down his face. "You think they’ll get the message?"

Pepper tilted her head. "Maybe. But knowing them? They’ll keep trying."

Tony’s jaw tightened.

"Then let them try," he muttered. "It won’t change anything."

Pepper stepped closer, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Good."

And just like that, the tension in his shoulders eased.

Because at the end of the day, none of it mattered.

Not the Avengers. Not the missions. Not the past.

All that mattered was here, in this house, safe and sound.

His real team.

His real family.

And for the first time in a long, long time…

Tony Stark had no regrets.

Chapter Text

Thor arrived at the Avengers Compound in a flash of lightning, Mjolnir crackling with energy as he stepped into the wreckage of what was once a well-oiled team. What he found was disorder. Equipment malfunctioning, tension in the air, and a room full of defeated faces.

"What has happened here?" he demanded, voice booming.

Steve, looking weary, turned to face him. "We made a mistake."

Thor raised an eyebrow. "A mistake? More like a grievous miscalculation. I have seen the realm of Midgard in unrest, and Stark’s name is now sung in praise while yours is spat upon. Explain yourselves."

Natasha crossed her arms. "We tried to do the right thing. We thought Peter wasn’t safe."

Thor’s gaze darkened. "And you presumed yourselves to be better judges of a father’s worth than the man who has defended your world time and time again?" He scoffed. "Fools. Midgard has always been ruled by the bonds of family, not by arrogant warriors who deem themselves the arbiters of justice."

Bruce sighed. "We didn’t think it would go this far."

Thor’s lip curled in disgust. "Then you are blind as well as foolish. Stark was the lifeblood of this team, and you bled him dry." He slammed Mjolnir onto the table, the impact shaking the room. "You will reap what you have sown."

At Stark Industries, Tony smirked as he watched the live feed from the security cameras he had left operational just for this moment. "Well, looks like big guy finally figured it out."

Pepper leaned against the doorway. "Are you done yet? Or are you still making examples of them?"

Tony swiveled in his chair. "Oh, I’m not even close."

The next day, a report hit the media.

Clint Barton—Father or Fraud?

Leaked documents confirmed that Clint Barton had a secret family, a wife and children hidden away on a secluded farm—something the Avengers had conveniently overlooked while dragging Tony through the mud.

CPS didn’t overlook it.

Within hours, agents were at Barton’s doorstep, citing endangerment, negligence, and unauthorized exposure of minors to classified government operations. The kids were taken, placed in protective custody, while Clint was left standing on his porch, fists clenched in rage as the world turned on him.

Tony? He poured himself a drink.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, another event unfolded.

A location. A tip-off. A name whispered to the right people.

The Red Room had been hunting their lost Black Widow for years. And now, thanks to an anonymous informant, they had her.

Natasha never saw it coming.

She was alone, walking through the backstreets of a city she thought she had escaped to safely, when the darts struck. Paralyzing agents. No time to react. Before she could fight back, she was in the back of a transport van, bound, gagged, and on her way to Dreykov.

"Welcome home, Natalia," his voice sneered in the darkness. "We have so much to fix."

And then there was the Hulk.

General Ross had spent decades trying to contain Bruce Banner. Trying and failing.

Until Stark made a deal.

"You want the Hulk?" Tony had asked over a secured line. "I can make that happen. And in return, I want full rights to your anti-Hulk weaponry."

Ross had hesitated only a second before accepting.

And so, the next time Bruce transformed, he found himself on the receiving end of tranquilizers specifically designed to counteract his metabolism. The harder he fought, the weaker he became, until eventually, he collapsed, unconscious, bound in chains reinforced with Stark’s latest alloys.

Ross was waiting.

"Finally," he murmured, watching as Bruce was loaded into a military transport, bound for the lab. "Time to see what makes you tick."

Finally, there was Steve.

Captain America’s shield. His weapon. His legacy.

A legacy Tony now owned.

"Legally speaking," Tony explained to Pepper as he reviewed the paperwork, "every enhancement, every upgrade, even the vibranium analysis—was funded by Stark Industries. Rogers doesn’t own his own weapon. I do."

And Steve? Well, he found that out the hard way.

Mid-mission, he raised his shield—only to watch in horror as it short-circuited, powered down, and collapsed into useless metal in his hands.

Then came the second hit.

A new report.

Captain America: The Ultimate Test Subject?

Stark Industries had announced a breakthrough in medical research, all based on a very specific Super Soldier serum. A certain genetic blueprint—one only ever found in Steve Rogers.

The implications were clear.

Steve’s DNA was now Stark property.

And if Tony so desired, he could turn the first Avenger into nothing more than a test subject for every new medical experiment Stark Industries wanted to try.

"This isn’t over, Stark!" Steve had shouted into the phone.

Tony had simply laughed. "Oh, Captain, it was over the second you called CPS on my kid. Now? Now, it’s just fun."

At the Lakehouse, Tony sat back, watching the chaos unfold from a safe, quiet distance.

Peter was in the yard, playing with a remote-controlled car, completely unaware of the storm that had been unleashed on those who had wronged them.

Pepper poured a glass of wine, settling beside Tony on the porch. "So? Do you feel better?"

Tony exhaled, a slow, satisfied smile spreading across his lips. "Yeah. Yeah, I do."

Because for the first time in years, he wasn’t cleaning up after the Avengers’ messes.

He was making them pay for their own.