Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1
“Boss, Agent Fury is here to see you,” FRIDAY informed.
“What now?” grunted Tony.
Ever since the so called ‘civil war’, Fury and his minions were MIA, leaving Tony to deal with the mess Rogers and Barnes left. He hadn’t heard from the man in months. Not that he expected to anyway. If there’s one thing Tony knows about Nick Fury was that he always comes around when you least expect him to, probably bringing with him another end-of-the-world scenario.
“Send him in, Fri.”
Tony brushed his greasy palms over the hand towel haphazardly lying on his desk and huffed. Footsteps warned him of the spy’s presence and he turned to greet him.
“What do you want, Nick?” Tony asked in a nonsense attitude. He was in no condition to deal with riddles at the moment and he’s in desperate need of another cup of coffee.
“Stark. You may need to sit down for this,” Fury spoke. As usual, his demeanor shows nothing but seriousness. Still, it wasn’t always that Fury asks him to sit when dumping him information so it might just be a bit more serious than usual. And that’s saying something; plus he didn’t send Hill or zombie-Coulson in his stead.
Tony rolled his eyes and ignored the suggestion. “I’m good. Now tell me what’s so important that you came out of your vacation.”
If Tony’s attitude annoyed Fury, it didn’t show. Fury dropped a folder on the table and said, “Over two weeks ago, we received vital information regarding a certain HYDRA project. They called it Project MINDS. They have been using DNA samples from Nobel Prize winners, researchers, doctors, and even from their own scientists all to create a pool of future HYDRA scientists. Just three days ago, we managed to track down the base and retrieve what was left of it,” As Fury was recounting the events to Tony, the billionaire picked up the folder and ran it through his database. Everything was just as Fury mentioned. HYDRA went to, for the lack of a better term, grow children— babies— from two different sets of DNAs in machines. It honestly disgusted the billionaire but realized he shouldn’t be that surprised that HYDRA would do such a thing. He hadn’t had the chance to read further when Fury mentioned they already retrieved everything.
“If you’ve taken them down then what do you need me for?” asked Tony confusingly. “Do you want me to give you a home for the children? You have to speak to Pepper for that one. She handles all that stuff.”
“A child. Not children,” replied Fury. He stood next to Tony and tapped on a sheet from the scattered papers at the same time, swiping on Tony’s holographic screen to show the same information. “Meet Subject 007, male, 10 months old, born December 14, 2015, from DNA samples 015 and 091.”
Tony stared at the single photo in front of him. He wasn’t stupid. There was only one reason Fury came to him for this. As much as he hates to admit it, HYDRA would never miss using Tony Fucking Stark’s DNA in a project like this. One look at the boy and Tony knew he was his.
He wasn’t sure what to think or feel about that at all.
“Wha-what of the other children?” He asked after a moment of silence, deflecting a bit away from the obvious while still staring at the photo of Subject 007.
Fury regarded the billionaire with unreadable eyes. “He’s the only one left,” What Fury didn’t say out loud was that the man’s son was the only child out of seven who survived because HYDRA didn’t implant the poison in their bodies until the subject turns one, the age they were first tested for intelligence. SHIELD didn’t know about it so when they infiltrated the base, the implants were activated like a kill switch. HYDRA sure as hell didn’t want anyone else have access to their research subjects. They somehow forgot about 007 amid the escape and removal of evidence. The baby wasn’t even aware of what was happening outside his room. The agent that found him successfully shielded him from further HYDRA ‘clean-up’ attacks.
“He’s mine, isn’t he?” Tony asked albeit more rhetorical. He already knew the boy was his. The ex-Merchant of Death deflated at the implication. He felt extremely guilty at the slightest bit of relief he felt that the child survived while the others didn’t.
The director simply inclined his head in confirmation.
“And the mother?”
“Father, actually,” smirked Fury. “A neurosurgeon named Stephen Strange. I believe you are familiar with the name?”
“Strange?” Tony gawked. Dr. Stephen Strange is—was the top name in neurology in the country. But even after his tragic car accident and subsequent disappearance almost a year ago, his name was still mentioned in journals and studies. They used to engage in the same circles a few years back, attended the same galas, and all that. They never actually talked but he’d seen the guy strut around more than once.
“Of all people, it had to be him, huh?” Tony sighed hopelessly.
“Yes.”
“Well shit,” cursed the mechanic. There goes the chance for the kid to have maternal love. As far as he knew, Dr. Strange wasn’t all that warm.
The thought of being a father hadn’t truly hit him yet. He never even imagined himself in such a position. Tony was sure he was careful during his younger years, and he was more into guys anyway so there wasn’t really much of an issue of accidental parenthood. If things had gone well with Pepper, he might have considered a family but after their mutually agreed break-up, Tony resigned himself that children would never be part of his future. Peter was probably the closest thing to a child he’ll ever have.
“Where- where is he?? The boy, I mean. And is he safe? Injured? How is he??”
“We’ve taken him back to the base. The medical team cannot find anything physically wrong with him. The rest of his file is in there. What you do now is up to you. I’d love it if you take him in given that he’s your son but if you refuse, we will be approaching Dr. Strange. My people are tracking him right now. And if he too refuses, then my best guess is he’ll get adopted by one of the agents or grow up in SHIELD. Foster care won’t be good for him. They wouldn’t be able to give him the education he needs. I will be honest with you since I owe you for keeping some of my agents’ families safe after the fallout. His mind is a powerful weapon, Stark. I am not above using a valuable asset in the future,” Nick Fury actually hoped Stark would raise the boy himself and he knew Stark won’t ever let a child, much less his own son be turned used by SHIELD. The little Stark had a bigger chance of a good childhood with the tech genius than anywhere else in the world. Fury has faith in Stark’s capabilities, both as a hero and a father—not that he’d ever tell the man that. It was the same reason Fury decided to approach Stark first before the doctor.
“NO! No, he won’t be raised in SHIELD or a-a foster home! It doesn’t matter how he came to be but he’s my son!” snapped Tony, surprising himself of the possessiveness in his words.
“Indeed,” replied Fury. “I thought you might say that so I’ve brought him here with me.”
The billionaire’s jaw dropped for a minute then he sent the spy a glare that could kill. And then it turned to a wary expression. Tony gulped. “He’s here?”
Fury nodded once. “Agent Hill is in the lobby watching him as we speak.”
“Fri, send them up right now,” ordered Tony coolly.
As soon as Tony saw the boy, almost half-asleep on Hill’s arms, his iron heart melted, his breathe stilled for a moment, and his whole body felt icy cold. He was pretty sure no child looked as perfect as the one before him. This was truly it. He truly was a father. A father to a precious little boy.
He wasn’t ready but he didn’t think he’d ever think he was anyway. None of that mattered more than his son right now. His son’s need surpassed his self-hate. He’d have to deal with his emotions later, the good and the bad.
Without realizing, Tony walked slowly towards the new arrival, his hands shaking beside him almost as if he wanted to reach out.
And as if recognizing his father, the sleepy baby raised an arm towards Tony and made grabby motions. Tony, not knowing what to do glanced at the two spies with him pleading for help. Of course, both maintained their neutral expressions but Tony could see the challenging look in Fury’s eyes, daring him to do otherwise.
Deciding not to overthink for once, Tony reached for the boy and drew him towards his chest causing the baby to sigh happily and curl onto himself. Having no experience before, he held his son awkwardly; but it still felt so natural, it was almost overwhelming. The tiny weight in his arms felt like they’ve always been there. His protective instincts flared up and his arms tightened reflexively around his son. Tony tilted his head to look at the boy’s face only to find the baby already asleep against where his arc reactor used to be.
He was so focused on the precious bundle attached to him that he hadn’t noticed the approving looks both Fury and Hill sent him.
“I brought some basic things he might need for the night and a few snacks,” Hill informed, dropping the large diaper bag by the door. She didn’t linger after that, leaving the two men and the baby alone.
“Does he have a name?” Tony asked softly not removing his gaze from the child’s face.
“They called him Seven,” Fury replied with a deadpanned expression. “You may inform the public of his origins but keep SHIELD out of it yet. As far as they know, SHIELD no longer exists. I’d like to keep it that way.”
Before leaving through the door, Fury turned back and nodded at Tony, “Oh, and congratulations.”
-
He sat there in the middle of his living room a few hours later, baby in his arms, quietly panicking. He called Pepper as soon as Fury left and told her everything. Being the best friend that she is even after their break-up, Pepper immediately handled the paperwork and promised to come over as soon as she could, and that she couldn't wait to meet her little nephew. Tony was glad Pepper hadn't put the blame on him for this even though he knew it wasn't his fault. He was just so used to being the one to blame no matter the problem.
He also had Happy go to the store and buy diapers, baby food, a high chair, a car seat, and more clothes for a small 10-month-old, and that he would explain later. The Head of Security was stunned by the order but did it anyway. He’s probably thinking his boss had gone out and adopted a baby. Happy was well aware Tony and Pepper didn’t reproduce and knew that the billionaire never cheated on his ex.
Rhodey’s concern echoed the second Tony answered his call. Pepper had already informed him of the mini Stark’s existence. His best friend promised to visit first thing in the morning, also over-the-moon to meet his nephew. He asked Tony if he was doing alright and Tony found it easy to say he was. For a long time, he feared the idea of becoming a father thinking he will turn out like Howard. He’d do his best to break the cycle.
Obviously, there was still doubt in his mind whether he’ll be a good father or would end up damaging the boy. The thought of handing him straight to his other father had crossed his mind. But after a short while of simply holding him, Tony was sure he can’t make himself just walk away now. If he does then he’s no better than Howard.
The baby slept soundly in his arms. It hurt holding him for a long time but Tony couldn't— no, he wouldn't let go. It was probably the safest place the boy could be right now. The compound generally wasn't baby-proofed and Tony was afraid the boy might panic if he wakes up alone. All the rest of the stuff for the baby he ordered won’t arrive until later that night or tomorrow morning. Until then, Tony was more than glad to hold him.
As he read his son's file, he felt nothing but rage, sadness, and relief. He subconsciously tightened his hold and pressed a lingering kiss on top of the little boy's hair. His and Stephen Strange’s DNA were combined and modified to amplify intelligence. The boy was more of a clone than an offspring in that sense. They were planning to turn him into their very own medical-tech genius. He was generally healthy although a bit below average on weight and height. Tony was pretty sure they didn’t feed him enough and that enraged him.
HYDRA may not have physically abused his baby boy but he knew nothing good ever comes out of any of their operations. He felt sick thinking what if SHIELD didn’t receive the intel, or what if they were too late. They didn’t get to save the other children, that much Tony knows and he would carry that guilt to his death. It doesn’t matter that he wasn’t responsible towards what had happened. The relief he felt from the fact that his son survived though the others didn’t was enough to make him feel incredibly guilty.
His son who didn't have a name. His son who was called by nothing but a number, like he wasn't even important.
Tony had a lot to do.
First, he needed to give his son a name, which he's never really been good at. He couldn't just call him baby, or bambino, or buddy, and he sure as hell not calling him 'seven'. He’d have to ask help from Pepper, or Rhodey, or even Strange for that one, or else he’ll end up naming the little boy from his favorite pizza place.
Speaking of, he probably should inform Stephen Strange. It wouldn't be that hard to find him. As much as he hates to admit, he could use the doctor's help. Logically speaking, he has more experience with people, specifically children. Didn't the man operate on conjoined infant twins before? And he deserves to know he has a son. If he didn't want any part in it then Tony would have him sign off full custody. He didn't want Strange filing a complaint against him for keeping his son away.
Said son stirred in his arms and whined.
"Shh, you're alright bambino," cooed Tony. "I've got you."
One tiny fist rubbed on a sleep eye furiously, the baby turned his head towards Tony and stared at him with confusion and wonder.
Tony, on the other hand, inwardly stopped breathing. If the baby cried, he wouldn't know what to do. Comforting a wailing baby wasn’t on his list of talents!
It seems like whatever went through his son's mind wasn’t anything scary since the boy then gave him a full-blown grin and giggle that Tony just could not-not return. His boy was so innocent and trusting. He, Tony Stark, was basically a stranger and the child simply didn’t care. Whether it be due to his young age or that he could tell he’s safe around his father (not that the child knew it).
"Hi," whispered Tony airily, bringing a finger down to brush over the baby’s cheeks.
The baby babbled and raised a fist towards Tony’s face, softly hitting his small knuckles on the goatee.
“ba foo wy,” giggled the boy.
Tony never understood why parents talk to their babies even though it was clearly a one-sided conversation until this moment. He speaks 7 languages fluently but never considered baby-talk as one of them especially since he was basically new at all this.
“You hungry, bud?” he cooed. “I know you are. Let’s get you some milk. Lady Agent packed some for you and we’ll get more soon, alright?”
Standing up carefully so as to not shake the baby too much, Tony went on to fish out the bottle from the overnight diaper bag. The child immediately perked and reached for the milk as soon as he saw it in Tony’s hand.
Tony chuckled softly before taking the cap off with one hand and handing it to his son. As the child drank his milk, Tony kept staring and staring, unable to remove his gaze from the steel-blue eyes that stared right back.
It felt like hours though in reality, it was only about two minutes that his baby boy finished his bottle. He took the bottle away and cuddled him in. The superhero finally let his tears fall, hugging his son closer and carding his fingers through the soft, messy brown locks.
And as if sensing the tenseness of his father, the child began to whimper and fuss.
“It’s alright, little one. I’ve got you. Daddy’s got you now.”