Pepper watched Tony stare at baby clothes in the store. She knew her best friend had a bit of an obsession with the baby he found a couple of nights ago but this was almost too much. 

"Have you thought about adopting the baby? Jarvis tells me you like him." Tony snapped his head over to look at her, panic filling his eyes.

"What? no! That's ridiculous Pep. J doesn't know what he's talking about." Tony walked past her to enter another isle. 

"He knows everything about you, Tony. I think you forget that." The billionaire looked away. He does forget that Jarvis isn't fully human, he wonders if Pep is also mad at him for resurrecting Jarvis the way he did. 

"Right." He mumbled, picking up a stuffed bear.  He hated how much of an effect this baby had on him. He never had a good childhood, was ruined from day one.

But seeing Peter, this innocent and adorable kid, being thrown on the street made him realize that at least he was a little lucky. He wanted to protect Peter, wanted to give him all the toys in the world, and make sure he was happy. 

But how could he do that? He's Tony Stark, a playboy, an alcoholic, he's Howard without the kid at this point. And to think that he could ruin a kid the same way his dad ruined him, he doesn't want to risk it.

Pepper gently patted his hand, smiling slightly. "You would be a great father, I'm going to go pay and visit Natasha, maybe you should get something for him. " 

She left him in the baby aisle, with a stuffed bear in his hand and a sliver hope. 

_____

"Back again, I see." Ms. Harris grinned at the pair that walked in. Tony smiled, waiting to see Peter again. Over the passing weeks, Tony has used the name, becoming more fond and loving towards the kid. 

"Good morning Ms. Harris, how are you?" Jarvis asked like he does every time they came by. She grinned and let Tony wander off to the room that Peter was occupying. 

"I'm doing well dear, has Tony finally made up his mind?" She asked the android as they started down the hall after Tony. The blond chuckled and played with his watch. 

"I believe he just needs another push, but I think he'll be adopting Peter by our next visit," Jarvis told her, smiling at the possibility of having the baby in the penthouse. 

"They do have a special bond. I hope he makes the right decision. We have a foster family ready to take Peter in, I would hate to rip away Tony's chance at adopting him." She spoke softly, missing the way Tony slowed down to hear them. "Anyway, Call me if you need anything." 

With that she left, leaving Jarvis behind with Tony. The shorter man frowned but quickly entered, not waiting for his butler to follow him. Jarvi gave him a moment before walking forward.

Upon entering Jarvis saw Tony already lying on the floor by Peter, toys spread around them. "How is he today?" The blond asked, taking off his blazer to join them. He watched as Tony pulled out a bear, smiling as he gave it to Peter. 

"He seems less fussy than last time." The genius commented as he watched the child hug the bear. He had embarrassedly caught the bear the night before after realizing how happy it would make Peter.

He hoped it wouldn't be the last time he'd see the baby. 

_____

Tony walked next to Jarvis, watching the snowfall around them. "Do you think I'd be a good father?"  Tony asked softly, shuffling some snow under his feet. 

"I think you'd be a great father, Sir," Jarvis answered easily. "You've spent the last four weeks rising, Peter, and he clearly loves you." Tony nodded a bit, sighing. "I've also seen you pick up the parenting books I've got you."

Tony smiled slightly, bumping into his assistant's side. "I think I want to adopt Peter but if I do, you have to promise to help me."

Jarvis smiled, turning to Tony. "I'll always be here, Sir."