i'll use you as a warning sign

Multi-chapter fics:

The world is brighter than the sun now that you’re here

Goner

i’m the satellite (and you’re the sky)

AO3 oneshots:

Never Meet Your Heroes

Kids That I Once Knew

Who Saves The Hero

take me back to cities i feel loved in

Tumblr drabbles:

New beginnings

At every occasion, I’ll be ready for the funeral

Time loop prompt

Amnesia prompt

An ASS of U and ME

Pepper walks into the cafe and the first thing she sees is Tony hunkered over some sort of machine. Parts are all over the place.

“Um, can I help with anything?” she asks cautiously, watching where she steps. Is the cafe closed?

Tony perks up. “Oh, Pep! Sorry about the mess… we don’t usually get many customers around this time and the toaster’s been acting up, so…”

He cuts himself off when a little spark goes off on what Pepper guesses is the toaster and Tony swears.

“Do you want me to call someone for you? I have a guy, an electrical guy, he could probably help you out…”

“Hell no,” Tony snaps. “I don’t trust anyone else with my babies. I made Vision here myself and like hell I’ll let anyone else work on him.”

“Vision?” Pepper asks.

“Yeah, Peter named him, I don’t know,” Tony responds, shrugging. “I should just scrap him and get a new one.”

“You name your appliances?” Pepper tries again. “It’s a… he?”

Tony pauses his work to look up at her. “Oh yeah, I guess so. When I build I have a bad habit of personifying. They just feel real after a while.”

“I think it’s cute,” Pepper smiles. “I didn’t know you were so handy. You made that by yourself?”

A lot of emotions cross Tony’s face at her question, most she can’t recognize. “Yeah… I have a bit of a background in engineering, so. I like to build things. I made all the appliances in the shop.”

“Wow,” Pepper nods, impressed. “You have a knack, then. Maybe you should consider a change in career.”

Tony shakes his head. “No,” he says firmly, looking back down at his work.

There’s something in the hard line of his mouth and the tenseness of his shoulders that makes Pepper regret the suggestion.

“The shop is great though,” she tries to backtrack. “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my favorite coffee every morning so please, for my own sanity, stay in this business.”

It works. The tightness in Tony’s face loosens and he smiles, just a bit. “Large double shot mocha with caramel and whipped cream.”

Pepper smiles back. “You know my usual.”

“Of course,” Tony sits up. “I need a break. Want me to whip one up for you?”

“I’d love that.”

They ease back into routine, but Pepper can’t help but eye the half torn-apart machine in the corner. Tony really built that himself? He’s a lot smarter than she thought… he should be working for someplace like Stark Industries rather than a coffee shop. But the subject seemed touchy, so she doesn’t bring it up again.

Still… it makes her think.

The bell rings at the door, signaling a new customer. Tony is wiping down the counter so he’s distracted when they approach the register, until he hears a familiar voice and his blood runs cold. 

“Uh, I saw a help wanted sign up front? Are you still taking applications?” 

Tony’s head whips up and standing there is Happy Hogan. He had hired him as his personal bodyguard back when he was at SI, but after he was kicked out, he has no idea what happened to him. 

“Uhh…” 

“Wait a second…” Happy squints. “Tony? Is that you?” 

I went with Pepper’s first time babysitting Peter because that idea is so SOFT and some of these we’re saving to be full out oneshots ;)

(This is partially based off of my immense babysitting experience lol)

—

“Are you sure you can handle this, Pep?” Tony asks, fumbling around the apartment for his keys. “I usually bring Peter with me to these things, but he’s always bored out of his mind and—“

“Tony,” Pepper interrupts. “I already said I’d be happy to. Me and Peter will have tons of fun, right little guy?”

“Yeah!” Peter exclaims.

Tony smiles. “Okay, Petey, just remember: not too much TV, brush your teeth, and when Miss Potts says it’s time for bed, you gotta listen. Okay?”

“Okay daddy,” Peter says sweetly.

“Atta boy,” he turns to Pepper. “You’re a godsend, really. I don’t get sitters for Peter much so let me know if he’s a total pain.”

Pepper laughs. “He won’t be. Now go! You don’t want to be late.”

“Kiddo, I’m heading out now, can I get some kisses?”

Peter runs up to Tony and gives him a big kiss on the cheek. Tony wraps him up in a big bear hug.

“Alright buddy, be good. See ya, Pep!”

They both wave until Tony walks out the door, the chime of the bell signaling his exit.

“Alright, Peter. Wanna head back upstairs and play some games?”

Peter turns and gives her a big, crooked smile. “Yeah!”

—

Hours later, Pepper is absolutely exhausted. She’s played every game she can think of with Peter, her only rest being the blessed hour of cartoons he watched halfway through the day. Other than that, it’s been the non-stop hyperactivity only a five-year-old can muster. By the time it’s seven-thirty, it’s all Pepper can do to keep her eyes open.

“Okay, Peter, I think it’s time for bed.”

Peter’s expression immediately drops, it’s like a switch is flipped and all of a sudden his eyes are filled with tears.

“When’s Daddy coming home?” he asks in a wobbly voice.

Pepper panics. “He’s not coming home until late tonight, but as soon as he’s home he’ll come in and give you a big kiss, okay? Until then… do you want to pick out some bedtime stories and get your PJs?”

“Okay,” Peter nods slowly, the mention of stories distracting him for now.

Pepper helps him brush his teeth and get him into his PJs and he picks out three books that he wants her to read. They snuggle up in his small bed and by the time Pepper is on the last book, Peter is almost out. However, as soon as she closes it he’s on high alert once again.

“Daddy?” he asks in a high-pitched whimper.

“Not yet, honey,” Pepper sighs. “Soon, okay? If you go to sleep it’ll seem like no time at all.”

“I miss Daddy,” Peter cries.

“I know,” Pepper hugs him. “But he’ll be back very soon. Do you want me to keep the door open a crack?”

“Yes please,” Peter sniffles.

“Okay sweetie, you got it,” Pepper tucks him in tight and shuts off the lights. “Goodnight, Peter.”

“Goodnight,” Peter replies. “I love you.”

Pepper is so taken aback by his easy affection that she pauses as she’s closing the door.

“I… I love you, too,” she smiles and leaves the door open a crack.

—

Around an hour later, Pepper hears keys jingling and then Tony is entering the small apartment.

“How was the squirt?” he asks when she stands to greet him.

“He was great,” Pepper smiles, smoothing out her clothes and running her fingers through her hair. “Man, I don’t know how you do it every day. Little kids have endless energy.”

“Don’t I know it,” Tony chuckles. “I don’t know how I do it either. Was there any trouble?”

“No, he was a doll,” Pepper replies. “But he really missed you by the end of the night, he was crying for you when it was time for bed, you should probably go check on him.”

“What a drama queen,” Tony laughs. “Thanks, Pep. I really owe you one.”

“It was absolutely not a problem,” Pepper beams. “Anytime you need me, seriously.”

Tony pulls some bills out of his pocket. “Well, here’s some money for your trouble—”

“Absolutely not!” Pepper pushes the money back towards him. “I refuse to accept that. I did this because I wanted to, seriously Tony. I meant it when I said I was happy to.”

Tony looks uncomfortable at the idea of not compensating Pepper for her time, but they both know she makes way more money than he does. She didn’t babysit for some extra cash, she was helping out a friend. And if she thought of him as more of a friend… well, he didn’t need to know that part.

“Pep…” Tony starts.

“Tony,” Pepper says, looking him in the eye. “Really.”

Tony sighs. “Okay, fine. I should… probably go say goodnight to Peter.”

“You do that,” Pepper nods. “I’ll head out.”

She begins gathering her things and is heading to the door when she hears Tony quietly say, “And Pep?” She turns around and cocks her head.

“Peter really loves spending time with you,” he says, sounding uncharacteristically vulnerable. “As you know, his mom isn’t in the picture, so… it’s nice to have a female presence around for him. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Pepper swallows. She thinks about how Peter said he loved her and wonders if she’s the first motherly figure he’s ever had. It makes her heart swell to think about.

“Thank you, Tony. I’m glad to hear it. Will that be all?”

He didn’t notice at first. It started with Peter struggling to keep up in class despite Tony knowing how smart he is. When he came home crying because he didn’t understand what the teacher went over that day and Tony had to stay up late going over his homework with him, he thought the teacher was just bad at her job. 

But then one day when Pepper is at the shop and Tony is sweeping around the counter during a lull in customers, she walks over to him and grabs his arm gently. 

“Does Peter have a hard time seeing?” she whispers, glancing over at the seven-year-old. 

“What?” Tony asks. “No, why?” 

“He’s squinting up at the menu,” Pepper explains. 

Tony turns to see what she means, and sure enough… Peter is sitting at a booth on the opposite side of the cafe, working on his homework like Tony asked, but he seems to be distracted at the moment. He’s staring up at the menu board behind the counter and squinting, just like Pepper described.

“Hey buddy,” Tony calls over to him. “Are you having trouble reading what that says?” 

Peter’s head whips around and he looks like a deer caught in headlights. “Umm… no, I… no…” 

“You’re not in trouble,” Tony clarifies. “You just seemed to have a hard time.” 

Peter looks back up at the menu shyly, and then looks back to Tony. “Um… I can’t see what it says. Am I supposed to?” 

Tony turns to Pepper, shocked. How was she able to figure out his son was having trouble seeing before he could? Once again, the voice in his head telling him that he’s a bad father nagged at him. 

“It’s okay, buddy,” Tony responds to Peter. “I’ll just book an eye appointment for you.” 

He walks with Pepper back to her table. 

“Oh my god,” he mutters. “I can’t believe I couldn’t tell. He probably needs glasses, everything makes sense now. He’s been struggling in school, and I didn’t even—”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Pepper reassures him. “It’s hard to tell if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Do you need glasses?” 

Tony shakes his head. 

“See?” she says gently. “I wear contacts, I remember learning I needed to wear glasses in middle school. I squinted for so long before figuring it out, just like him.” 

“Well,” Tony shrugs. “Thanks a bunch. I’m pretty sure I never would’ve figured that one out. I guess I have to book an appointment now.” 

Pepper smiles. “Don’t worry, it’ll be easy.” 

—

A week later, Peter comes bounding up to Pepper as she enters the cafe. 

“Miss Potts!” he screeches. “You’re here! I’ve been waiting for you!” 

Pepper smiles wide. “Peter, oh my goodness! Look at you!” 

Peter beams up at her wearing a brand new pair of thick-rimmed glasses. 

“Do you like them? I just got them, they help me see!” 

“You look so handsome!” Pepper gushes, bending down to be at his level. 

“I can see the board in class now,” Peter brags. “And the words on the menu. I can see everything now, it’s awesome.” 

Tony walks up to them and gives Peter a little noogie. “Doesn’t he look sharp? There’s something distinguishing about a man in glasses, I think he really pulls off the look.” 

“Oh, he absolutely does,” Pepper agrees. “I think he’s the best-looking guy in New York.” 

“Hey,” Tony says in an offended tone. “Let’s not go that far.”

First of all, thanks for being so patient with us for taking a break from this blog! We’re two very busy people and we just do this in our free time for fun, but we’re so glad so many people enjoy it as much as we do. 💕

Anyways, here’s a quick drabble for you!

—

Pepper is watching Peter for the day. She had insisted, Tony was clearly overworked and stressed and he didn’t need a child to worry about on top of everything else. She was working with him on asking for help when he needed it, and even if he wasn’t at that point yet, she was still available as a helping hand whenever she saw that he needed one.

So Peter is at her apartment currently. It’s a lot bigger than his own apartment above the shop and so he always gets excited to go. Tony always reminds him that there’s also a lot more breakable, expensive things in Pepper’s apartment than at theirs, but Peter is such a careful child, he doesn’t need the reminder.

She had been playing various games with the kid all day and had him wind down for TV time so she can get some work done. Obie has been up her ass lately with demands… he’s not the best boss ever but the pay is really good and it was a way to move to New York and away from her oppressive family.

“Mommy, can I have some snacks?”

Pepper looks up quickly at Peter, who was peeking over the couch to look at her at the table. It takes her a few seconds to absorb what he said, and it seems to take him the same amount of time to turn completely red.

“I-I mean Miss Potts.”

Pepper smiles. She’ll let the slip-up slide.

“Sure thing, sweetie. What do you want?”

The conversation moves on and she doesn’t tease Peter for it, she doesn’t want to embarrass him. But she would be lying if she said it didn’t make her heart flutter to hear the boy call her that. She could imagine herself for a fleeting moment as his mother, the way she secretly wants to be, as part of an actual family. One that isn’t her own that she cut off years ago. That she’s part of his life in a more significant way rather than a friend of his father’s. That she’s… maybe she could be…

But it’s ridiculous to have such fantasies. She doesn’t let herself think about it anymore, focusing on Peter and what he needs.

when i have free time:

Multi-chapter fics:

The world is brighter than the sun now that you’re here

Goner

i’m the satellite (and you’re the sky)

AO3 oneshots:

Never Meet Your Heroes

Kids That I Once Knew

Who Saves The Hero

takes me back to cities i feel loved in

Tumblr drabbles:

New beginnings

Amnesia drabble

At every occasion, I’ll be ready for the funeral

Time loop prompt

Amnesia prompt

An ASS of U and ME

Biological Dad AUs PART 2

For anyone interested in more Bio!Dad recs, here’s a link to part 1.

ENJOY! 

love dares you to change by homebuilding @marveal

It isn’t that Tony Stark doesn’t like kids; he simply doesn’t understand them. He certainly never wanted any of his own. Not after his own childhood, witnessing first hand what a Stark father can do to their child. Which is why, when a kid is thrusted into his life unexpectedly, he has no idea how to take care of it- him. So, naturally, he hires a village of caretakers and let’s the professionals do the job. It isn’t until he is kidnapped and tortured by a group of terroists and an old doctor shows him what he truly is missing; love. That changes everything.

The Less Than Secret Life by YellowDistress @yellowdistress

Tony figures his biggest worries in life are the fact that he’s fourteen and already graduating high school, struggling to please his perfectionist father and trying to fit in with a crowd of freshman college students. Until…they’re not.

Damaged At Best (Like You’ve Already Figured Out) by JolinarJackson @jolinarjackson, ShoyzzArt @shoyzz-art

”Don’t come any closer,” Spider-Man said, his hand raised threateningly, his fingers resting against a trigger mechanism nestled into his palm.”Alright,” Tony answered. For a moment, they looked at each other – Tony stuck to the wall on one side of the alley and Spider-Man stuck to the other – then Tony opened his helmet to show his face. ”Hey, there”, he said. ”Nice to finally meet you.”—The Avengers are left shaken in the aftermath of the Sokovia Accords. With half the team under house arrest at the Compound, Tony finds himself seeking refuge in Avengers Tower and starts forming a tentative friendship with the neighborhood vigilante Spider-Man. A friendship which is quickly threatened by Secretary Ross doubting Spider-Man’s intentions and integrity.Tony is left wondering who to trust, especially when Spider-Man manages to uncover the one secret Tony never wanted anyone to know about: the child Tony had with a woman named Mary Fitzpatrick sixteen years ago.

Radioactive by Emily_F6 @justme–emily

Things haven’t always been great between Tony Stark and his son. He wasn’t ready to become a father… didn’t even know he had a son until the boy’s mother died. Over time, though, he thought he got the hang of it. But that was before his son went on a field trip to Oscorop and was seemingly left fighting for his life. *Written for Iron Dad Big Bang*

i’m the satellite (and you’re the sky) by CamelotQueen @emkayoh

When Tony went to the Parker household to recruit Spider-Man, he had no idea what he was signing up for. AU where Tony is Peter’s biological father and neither of them know.

his greatest creation by peterstank @peter-stank (series)

Stark men don’t quit. Stark men brush off their knees as they get back up and fix their mistakes. Tony’s not stupid; he knows he’s made plenty of them. He has a ledger-full, a laundry list.But somehow, this doesn’t feel like one of them. or: the one where tony finds out he’s going to have a kid and he thinks maybe, just maybe, he could try giving the whole ‘dad’ thing a go.

Hardest Lessons (Softest Results) by mainstreamelectricalparade  @riseuplikeglitterandgold (series)

“Sorry, sir, but Miss Potts has been trying to reach you for fifteen minutes and overrode my Do Not Disturb setting,” JARVIS replied, at least managing to sound a little sheepish thanks to Tony’s flawless programming.“You’re lucky I don’t have time for a lecture,” Pepper said sternly. “I need you to come to my office right now, there’s a bit of a situation.” “Didn’t I hire you to deal with those so I don’t have to?” “Not this one,” Pepper said. “There is absolutely nothing about this that you can pass off on me. Mary Fitzpatrick from our research department in New York is outside. She says she needs to talk to you.”That didn’t sound like something Tony couldn’t pass off. “And?” “She’s pregnant.”

My father’s son by SparrowFlight246 (series)