Chapter Text
Tony spun around on his chair at the sudden cut off to his music, sauder gun and coper wire held in either hand as the device on the table cooled.
"What the hell?" He asked, setting down the things in his hand and pulling off his mask.
Steve stood at the entrance to his lab, one hand on his hip and a odd look on his face. A mix of disappointment and endearment pulled at his mouth and eyes, giving him a painful smile.
"There's a man here from the classification office." He sighed, eyes looking down for a second, and then back up.
Tony's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Not sure. But he says it's important." Steve turned slightly, holding out one hand to show he wasn't leaving without Tony.
Tony let out a moan, knowing he was going to be set back again. There was way too much work to get done, and yet, this kind of stuff had to happen. So close to a breakthrough, too!
He mumbled as he walked to the elevator, followed closely by Steve. JARVIS took them right to the communal floor, doors open in with a ding.
"Now what's this all--" Tony's sentence was cut short as he saw his loaded living room. Wade Wilson sat on the couch along with Natasha Romanov and Phil Colson. Peter Parker sat on the floor, playing Legos with Clint Barton and Bucky Barnes.
One big happy family, Tony thought fondly as he looked around. Is wasn't very often they all got together to play, most of the team classifying as caretaker or little. They say that happens a lot in friend groups.
Sub and Dom pairs hung out with other Sub and Dom pairs. Not because they meant to, but because it would just happens that way. Littles and Caretakers were no different. Even as children, they tended to hang out with each other. It was usually very simple to classify a kid who hadn't yet reached eighteen due to the simple fact that the hung out with others like them. It was often a great joke at the right kind of parties.
Tony smiled as Peter waved at him, moving his hand in greeting as well. Peter was a great kid. All of them were, really. They loved having him play with them when he had free time, but it wasn't often.
"Tony Stark?" A voice broke through the group. A man with a kind smile and wind-tossed hair held out his hand. He was dressed in a nice--but not overly so like many of Tony's--suit and black loafers. Simple, professional. Tony could respect that.
"The one and only." Tony sighed, then reached his hand out as well.
"My name is George Kenya. How are you doing?" The man asked.
"Doing." Tony answered, taking his hand back.
After a moment of silence, Steve asked, "To what do we owe this visit, Mr. Kenya?"
"George, please. I have a bit of news concerning Mr. Stark." He looked from Steve to Tony. "Is there anywhere privet we may talk?"
Tony's eyes narrowed. Not only was he uncomfortable with the thought of being in a room, alone, with a man he didn't know, he didn't like this situation at all.
"How about we just take a seat at the table?" Steve offered, hand on Tony's back.
"That'll work great." The man nodded, following as Steve lead them to the table.
They took a seat, but without a thought, Tony sat close to Steve and kept hold of his hand under the table. The rest of the team pretended to do something else, but it was easily noticeable that they were listening.
"So, first things first. I want to ask you when you were Classified?" George started, pulling a file out of his suit case and setting the case aside.
Tony looked skeptical as he said, "When I was eighteen, just like everyone else."
George nodded and open the folder. "That would be the normal age, yes. Do you remember who administered your test?"
Tony rolled his eyes. "Yes, because I remember every person I've ever met."
"Tony," Steve warned.
Tony let out a sigh. "Sorry. No, not really."
"That's fine. Just wanted to see." George leaned forward on his elbows. "It was done by a man named Victor Hammer, and a recent investigation into him showed us that many of his Classifications had been half-assed at best."
Tony looked to Steve and then George. "What're you saying?"
"What I'm trying to say, Mr. Stark, is that you may not be a Neutral as previously told." George waited for a second for this to sink in. "What I am here for, is to readminister the test."
The entire room was silent, everyone but the littles falling into a mute thought.
"How could this happen?" Steve asked after a long time.
"The man perviously mentioned had been fired for misconduct and, due to this, all of his cases required a second look--just in case. It's a good thing, too, because I don't not believe the results of parts of the test to be consistent with the whole result. With your permission, I would like to redo it." George explained.
Tony looked over to Steve, heart pounding in his chest. That didn't make sense. Stuff like that didn't happen. That's why they had Classifiers like George! They didn't have any designation, but were the only ones able to tell other Classifications for certain! That's why the laws were in place!
"We could do it privately and quickly, should take no longer than a few minutes and then we will know for sure where you stand." George explained. "Quick and easy."
Once more, Tony found himself looking to Steve.
If Steve was being honest, he had thought Tony was miss-Classified for a long time. He didn't act anything like the other Neutrals he knew like Natasha or Thor. Although, they weren't the best examples of normal. Especially with both of them having "with Caregiving tendencies" under their Classification. The two loved playing with the kids, sure, but Tony was the only Neutral Steve had ever know to get on the floor and play with them for hours. When Steve had asked his own little, Bucky, what he thought about it, Bucky had simply said, "He's my little brother! 'Course I wanna play with 'im!"
Phil had been thinking the same thing when they talked about it one night. "I've known many Neutrals in my time--they're not rare or anything--but Tony don't seem like one to me. He could just be a different type, I guess. But that seems unlikely."
Tony, however, was perfectly fine with were he was! It didn't matter how much he loved playing with the littles and having Steve dote over him! He was a Neutral, god-dammit! His father wouldn't have taken anything else!
"Tony?" Steve asked, concern lining his tone.
Only then did Tony realize how tightly he was holding onto Steve's hand. He muttered an apology, then said, "fine."
George nodded and stood up. "Where would you like to go?"
Tony looked horrified. "Right here is fine, thanks."
George looked over to Steve, picking up Tony's habit. Steve nodded and George decided to roll with it. "Okay. Can you take off everything but your boxers and stand straight for me?" He asked with a kind voice.
Tony found that he liked it, and quickly did as he said.
Steve watched for a second as Tony pulled his shirt off without hesitation, then remembered that Classifiers had that effect on people. Once the test started, the Unclassified would do as they were told and answer each question with honesty until the Classifier gave them their Classification. This was the first clue that Tony was miss-Classified. This trick wouldn't work otherwise.
Tony kicked his pants to the side and stood up straight, looking a little out of it as George took out a measuring tape.
"This is the physical part. Measuring body is a good way to tell where a person stands Classification-wise." George explained even thought everyone already knew. It was more to help Tony not worry about what was coming.
Steve hadn't realized how thin Tony was until now. He wasn't unhealthy, but his ribs were slightly noticeable and Steve took note.
George backed away and wrote down a few numbers before starting into the next thing. "Now were going to ask a few questions about your health. Have you ever broken a bone?"
"No," Tony said softly.
"Have you ever had any major surgeries?"
"No."
"Have you ever interacted in sexual intercourse with any person?"
"No."
Steve was taken aback by that. Does that mean all those magazines had lied?
George kept right on trucking, not phased by any answer.
"Do you find yourself in a group of any particular Classification?"
"Yes."
"Which group would that be?"
A stall, and then, "Caretakers and Littles."
George nodded, then changed subjects. "You're doing great. Can you sit down for me?"
Tony blushed at the praise and took a seat back in his chair.
George rummaged through his bag a pulled out a few different color swatches. "You're going to name some colors for me, okay?"
Tony nodded and George held up each one in turn, waiting for an answer before moving on. He nodded each time, giving a, "good job," or "good boy," every now-and-then.
Then they moved on to ink blots. Tony thought of some pretty crazy things for each one, making Steve laugh as he deemed one, "a crazy cat lady."
Afterwards, the man nodded and looked over to Steve. "If you want to get him dressed, I can put the results together and clear everything up."
Steve nodded, and practiced hands worked at getting clothes back on the man. Once he was dressed, George looked at Tony, the man's dark eyes meeting Tony's milky brown ones before he said, "Tony Stark, I, George Kenya, Classify you as Little. You are required to follow all rules for Littles as set by the state, and are bound to the contract by law as an American citizen."
Tony's attention suddenly fell back into focus, the words settling in his mind. Once they did, though. His heart was going to fast and his hand were growing very cold very suddenly.
Steve had enough time to open his mouth and then Tony was gone, running for the elevator. It was there instantly and wisked him away to where ever Tony had commanded.
George looked to Steve, then said, "I'll take my leave and file this in the morning. Until then, I recommend you talk to Mr. Stark. I'll leave my card so you can call me and inform me who will be his guardian."
Steve nodded his thanks and ran past the group of worried faces to the elevator. He stepped inside the cab and looked to the ceiling.
"JARVIS, I need to get to Tony." Steve said, hoping that Tony had not locked him out.
There was silence for a moment before JARIVS responded. "I am not allowed to give you Sir's position." Steve felt his heart sink before the AI said, "but he has said nothing about telling you where he is not."
Steve smiled at the cocky AI. "Okay, where is he not?"
"He is not in his lab, nor any of anyone else's floor." JARVIS said. A hint of concern in his voice.
"Can you take me to Tony's floor?" Steve asked.
The elevator moved in response and Steve sent up a silent thanks.
Once on the floor, it wasn't hard for Steve to find Tony. He jut had to follow the sound of crying. It was heart breaking to listen to, but Steve followed it all the way to Tony's room. The burnet was sitting on the floor against the far wall, curled up with his forehead on his knees.
Steve knocked on the door gently. "Tony?" He asked, trying not to worry the man.
Tony's head shoot up, face red and wet as tears streamed down. Another hard sob escaped his mouth and he fell apart. Steve walked quickly to the man, wrapping him up in a tight hug.
They sat like that for a long time, Steve letting Tony soak his shirt with tears as years of hurt and misunderstanding rolled off him.
Once he'd calmed down a bit, Steve started talking. "I can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now..."
Tony just shook his head. "I feel happy!" He cried. "L-like this is the b-best day of my life!"
Steve was taken aback. He knew that feeling, of finally having your title and knowing where you stand. It was fulfilling and amazing and certainly something that only happens once in a life time. But why would you cry over that?
"Everyone said this is how it's s-supposed to feel and I d-didn't believe 'em 'cause that's not how it was! But now it is and-and--"
"You don't know what to do with it?" Steve finished, eyes closed in understanding.
Tony nodded, face falling back to Steve's chest. "Howard would have kicked me out, so maybe it's a good thing everything was mixed up." Tony said half-heartedly, head leaning against Steve's shoulder.
Steve sighed, taking Tony's hand. "Hey, don't say that. I know maybe Howard would have done that, but you have so many people that would have happily helped you through this. And now you have us. You've got a lot of friends down there waiting to play with you. Hey, Bucky already calls you his little brother!"
"But-but that would mean..." Tony said, eyes looking off into the distance.
"It's a great joke that we attract those like us, but it also holds a lot of truth. Makes a lot more sense as to why you're always hanging out with us." Steve joked, nudging Tony lightly.
"No--I mean, I knew that, but..." Tony's hands started twisting around each other. "Bucky's yours... and he thinks..."
"I see where you're going." Steve nodded. "Well, if you wanted to, you're welcome to. I would be happy to have you as my little."
Tony looked up at Steve at the offer, the blonde's smile reaching ear to ear and so inviting it hurt. He started crying again, wrapping him arms around Steve and hugging with all his might.
Steve smiled and did the same, taking in the smell of Tony's shampoo. "Does that mean you want to?"
"Yes!" Tony cried, squeezing tighter.
Steve let Tony sit a while longer before he realized he just took on a little he knew nothing about. Not that he didn't know Tony--they had been good friends for a while now. But he didn't know what Little Tony would like to play or eat or do! He didn't even know the Little's age range! Bucky and Clint were both about three years old, sometimes going anywhere as low as two and as old as four, though rarely. Peter was younger, about one to two and rarely flexing.
But Tony? He hadn't the faintest idea.
"Alright, baby boy, why don't we head back upstairs. I think everyone would love to congratulate you! Maybe a small party is in order?" Steve said as he stood up, taking Tony with him.
Tony let out a squeal and held tight to Steve. "Can we have cake?" He asked.
Oh no. If Tony was going to be this cute all the time, he might just die.
He took in a deep breath, then said, "yeah, I think we can do that."
Tony smiled the brightest Steve had ever seen. Did he really like cake that much, Steve found himself asking as he walked towards the elevator and hit the button for the communal floor. By the buzz radiating off Tony, the boy really, really liked the idea of sweets. Steve was going to have to watch that.
When they reached the main floor, Steve was surprised to find only Phil sitting on the couch, a soft smile on his face that was reserved for times like this--when he was in Caregiver mode and in the Tower.
"Hello," he greeted, staying in his spot, but eyes following the pair as they took a seat on the end.
"Hey," Steve smiled back, adjusting Tony in his lap. Tony was currently hiding his face against the blonde's chest. "Where is everyone?"
"Oh, we thought it best to take it slow." Phil said thoughtfully. "Tony not being quite used to this yet and our littles tending to be rowdy didn't seem to mix well."
Steve nodded. He hadn't thought about that. "Thank you," he mouthed to Phil before looking down at Tony and prying himself away slowly. "Hey bud, can you say hi to uncle Phil?"
Tony thought for a second. Agent was going to be his uncle now? But... Tony was an adult! He wasn't some little kid! Wait, no... that was wrong... he was a Little. That's what George had said. But, he didn't know how to be little! Was he supposed to just go along with everything they said or fights them all the time? Could he talk if he wanted to? Peter never really talked but Clint did lots and lots! Was he supposed to be a cartoon age? What age was that?! Why wasn't anyone explaining this to him!
Steve looked down as Tony started fussing, wiggling around and pushing to be let go. But Steve held strong, pulling Tony close and into a tight hug.
"Hey, buddy, what's this all about?" Steve asked, standing up to rock gently back and forth.
Tony wanted to melt into Steve, his earth, his strength, his smile. But he was tired and confused and he didn't know what to do and it was so frustrating!
Steve picked up on the rocking as the small tears turned into full-on sobs. "Shuu, baby boy, shuu. It's okay. We're okay. It's just been a long day, huh? A nice nap would do us all some good, yeah?"
Tony shook his head, he didn't want a nap! He wanted cake and Steve and food and--and--and--
Something was brushed against his lips and pushed gently into his mouth. Tony gave one, two, three sucks. It was rubber-like, for sure, and he could feel the weird shape in his mouth, but he liked it. He rubbed his hands against his eyes and leaned against Steve.
Steve smiled over to Phil, ready as always. He'd grabbed a pacifier from a case in his pocket and had handed it to Steve. Against what Steve had thought, Tony took to it and had quit joy quieted down. He had turned from fussing Little to little more than a sack of potatoes in five seconds flat.
Bless the inventor of pacifiers.
Tony woke up later that day, stretched across a mat in the spare room on the communal floor. The same room that had been turned into a play room after Bucky and Steve--and, later, Phil and Clint--had moved in.
He looked around twisting his head at odd angles so he wouldn't have to roll over from his back. The room was dark, but no so-much-so that Tony was able to see anything. In fact, he could see everything just fine with the light that came in under the curtains.
He didn't know if he was supposed to call out or stay quiet and wait, so he opted for the latter and enjoyed looking at stuff around the room.
Tony looked up as Clint ran into the door with a loud bang, then into the room. He was laughing as he dug through a toy bin and pulled out something, then ran back out.
"Clint!" He heard Agent's voice call out. "You know you're supposed to stay out of there when someone is sleeping!"
"Sorry!" Clint yelled, voice farther away when he said, "look!"
"That's very cool, buddy," Steve said, "but please let Tony rest."
"You should check on him," Phil said, now farther away as well.
A soft sigh followed by, "keep an eye on Bucky?" And then footsteps were walking his way.
Tony looked around for a place to hide, only then realizing the mesh gate that surrounded the play mat. Instead, he reached down for the blanket that was covering him and pulled it over his face. He couldn't help the need to hide and he knew it was stupid, but he had to.
Steve walked into the room and smiled when he noticed the movement under the covers. He opened the gate and stepped in, getting down on one knee to lightly tug at the blanket. Tony hadn't been holding onto it very tightly and the blanket came right away.
Tony looked up, all brown eyes and curls with a soft hint of shyness.
"Hey buddy," Steve greeted with a smile. "Sleep well?"
Tony nodded, just the small movement of his jam and head downward.
"That's good." Steve smiled. "You hungry?"
Tony was about to move his head when his stomach growled in response.
Steve laughed and Tony couldn't help but smile too. He liked Steve's laugh.
"Alright, what do you say to some macaroni?" Steve asked with a tickle at Tony's side.
Tony smiled and nodded his head.
"Then let's get you some yummy foods in your tummy, yeah?" Steve joked, lifting Tony up.
Steve realized two things at that moment: that Tony was very, very wet, and he was going to have a crying Little once more.
Tony could feel it when the air hit, the wet spot going down his jeans and around the hem of his shirt. And he didn't like it one bit.
Sure, he'd had an occasional accident here and there at night if he was drunk, but never like this. He had never not had alcohol as an excuse for it. Then again, he had never fallen asleep quiet like he did before. Or had a day like that.
Tears were already pooling in his eyes and Tony looked at Steve.
"Hey hey hey, it's okay, bud. We're okay." Steve said, pulling Tony close and rocking slightly. "All big boys have problems sometimes. Even Bucky and Clint! All we have to do if get you cleaned up and it'll be like it never happened!"
Tony was crying pretty hard now. He didn't like this Little thing at all! Was this how it was always going to be? He didn't know if he could do that.
But, as a pacifier was pushed against his lips, he took it and gave it a few sucks. Maybe if he could just keep this and be Big...
Steve walked them to the bathroom and sat a still-sniffling Tony on the ground. A full bath didn't seem to be something Tony would be okay with just then, so Steve pulled off his pants and shirt, wrapping his upper half in a towel before peeling off the soaked underwear. Steve got a wet cloth, soaked it, and started working at Tony's legs and back.
When he had that finished he said, "I'm going to clean off your other areas, okay? If you want to do it yourself, let me know."
But Tony just stood there, eyes red, tears still streaming down, and pacifier held firmly in his mouth.
So Steve started, slowly but surely. And then, he was done. Steve used the towel to quickly dry everything, then lifted Tony back up and carried him down the hall and to the elevator. They took that to Steve's floor and walked down the hall.
Tony recognized the room, but he'd never been in it before. Bucky always talked about how cool his room was, and--man!--was he right! It was painted light blue with stickers of all kinds of shows around the room. Pictures hung on one wall with the words "daddy's little boy" weaved between the frames. The dresser housed a changing station on top, which was were Tony was placed, looking straight at the race car bed.
It was red with flames running down the side and the number twelve written in big white font on the side. Bucky hadn't made his bed that morning, so the sheets with Captain America shields were easy to see.
What Tony didn't know, was how Steve had planned this. Tony was so taken with the room and all the cool things it in, that the boy hadn't noticed when Steve had lifted his legs and placed a diaper under his rear. The straps were on and fit snugly before Tony even looked at Steve.
Tony's eyes were big and round in amazement, his pacifier almost falling out with how wide his mouth was. He looked to Steve to see if the older man was seeing what he saw, and Steve just smiled back.
"R-r-raceca'!" Tony said happily, feet kicking.
"Uh huh! Isn't it cool! Bucky really likes it!" Steve smiled, kissing the bottom of one of Tony's kicking feet. "We don't have any clothes for you yet, but you can barrow some of Bucky's for now. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
Tony nodded, not really caring what Steve said. This room!
Steve smiled and reached under the changing station and pulled out a drawer full of shirts. He grabbed the first one and started pulling it onto Tony, the little boy giggling when his face poked out and Steve was making silly faces.
Pants would be more of an issue. Tony was so thin that anything Steve would have tried would have slipped right off Tony's much smaller hips. Bucky wasn't exactly small of his Calssification, either.
So, Steve would just have to do the shirt for now and get more things later.
Steve picked Tony off the changing station and carried him out of the room. Tony kicked and let out a whine. He wanted to sit on the bed!
"I'm sorry, buddy, but we've got lots of toys out here, too! And I'm sure if you ask very nicely, Bucky would love to take you into his room again." Steve cooed as the walked back to the elevator.
When they got back to the communal floor, everyone was back. Steve smiled as they all got that look of pure adoration on their faces. Steve shifted Tony, hoping he'd stop hiding his face. No such luck. Then he saw the other three Littles playing on the floor.
"Hey, bud. Do you want to play cars with Buck and Clint and Peter?" Steve asked, already walking to the play area.
Tony looked to the side, peering at the three as they played. Those were some pretty cool cars...
And then he was sitting down, facing the three with his feet out in front of him and Steve standing behind him. Tony reached his arms up, wanting to be picked up. But Steve shook his head no, and handed him a car instead.
"Have some fun, buddy." Steve smiled, taking a few steps back. He wasn't sure how this would end, but Tony didn't look like he was going to cry.
"Tony!" Bucky smiled. "You're wearin' my shirt!"
Tony looked down and realized that he was, in fact, now wearing a shirt. When did that happen? He went to pull his arms out, but it was softer than what he was used to and so comfortable.
"Leave your clothes on, please." Steve said from behind him.
Tony pushed his arms back out, slightly happy he wouldn't have to take it off.
"It's kay! Sharing is good! That's what daddy says!" Bucky smiled.
"Mine too!" Clint agreed.
"Wanna play with us?" Buck asked, holding out another car. This one was red and gold--his favorite colors!
Tony nodded, reaching for the car. Bucky smiled and pushed it into Tony's hand.
He had fun playing with them for a while, but it was getting confusing pretty quickly. Peter sat on the side, happy to run two cars into each other over and over. It looked like fun, and Tony wanted to try. He took the red and gold car and the one Steve had handed to him and held them at either side, facing each other. And then, with a little push, they crashed into each other and made a really funny noise!
Tony did this over and over and over again, then Peter joined. He pushed one car and Tony pushed the other and--CRASH! They both giggled until their stomachs hurt.
Steve sat on the couch at the beginning, very proud of his oldest as he immediately set on inviting Tony into the group. It was so stinking cute to watch everyone move around him so he didn't have to, as if they all knew he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself yet.
"I'm going to start on lunch," Natasha said as she stood, shooting one last glance over to the group before exiting the room.
"How's he doing?" Phil asked when everything settled again.
Steve let out a sigh and shrugged. "I'm not sure. I think he's okay, but I'm not really sure where he's sitting most of the time. I looks like he's ready to jump in and play one second, and then he's back out, worrying over things that I can't even think of."
Phil nodded. "If you ever wed help, know we're all on the same boat here."
"Yeah," Wade smiled. "Besides, I'm sure Peter is going to love his new playmate."
At Steve's skeptical look, Wade pointed to the play mat.
Steve looked over to find Tony rolling over with laughter as he played with Peter. The two older boys were watching with amusement, but playing their own game.
Steve smiled. "Well, that's a start."
"To what?" Phil asked.
"Were not given where their heads will be when we are given them. I had no idea how to prepare for anything. Bucky was easy because he already kind of knew. 'No bottles, sippy cups are okay. Not a big fan of diapers, but they're fine.' That kind of stuff. Tony hadn't had a chance to go over all that. He was pushed right into it." Steve explained. "I was worried because I didn't know where he was even going to sleep!"
"I could help you make a list," Wade offered. "The first thing in it is going to have to be diapers, though. If he's even a little under Clint of Bucky, it's going to be an issue."
Steve nodded. "Yeah, already found that out the hard way after his nap. Had to use some we got for Bucky for when he slips really low."
"Well," Wade laughed, "that's one way to do it."
Phil and Steve laughed too, looking over at the group of Little's as they played.
"It's going to be a lot of fun, I think." Steve smiled. "Bucky already loves him."
"All of them do. He'll do great." Phil assured.
"Now, as for that list..."
Wade went through everything in his head he'd gotten for Peter, Steve using JARVIS to take nota and make orders--all of which were one day deliveries.
"Oh, and some onesies. You're going to want a lot of those. Handy little suckers." Wade said. "I think that should do it."
"Great. Got all that J?" Steve asked the ceiling.
"Yes, sir. The first boxes should be in in an hour." The AI responded.
"And we'll help you set everything up." Phill said. "I'm sure Natasha won't mind watching the kids for a bit as we get everything set up."
"Thank you guys. Really." Steve said looking around. Laughter came in small amounts but frequently as he took the moment in. He had this. Two Littles were going to make his life so much more fun.