Marvel (MCU only) Stories

Babysitter Bruce

Summary:

Bruce steps in when Tony passes out when he is supposed to take six-year-old Peter to school. 

Ships:

Pepper/Tony (Past)

Loki/Tony (Present)

_____

 Tony's phone ringing rouses him from his sleep. He went to bed around three in the morning, so he hadn't been asleep long. Instead of rolling over and hiding his head underneath his pillow, he does the adult thing and answers whoever is calling. He perks up marginally at the sound of Pepper's voice.

"Tony, I'm calling to remind you that you have a meeting at noon today. Do not be late."

Tony fishes around in his brain, searching for the meeting Pepper is talking about. Nope. he can't remember. "Yeah," he lies. "I know. I'll be there,"

Pepper hears the lie in his voice. "I knew you wouldn't know what I'm talking about. I texted you the details and ordered FRIDAY to also remind you."

"Thanks, Pepper, you're the best."

"You wouldn't last a single day without me."

"That I wouldn't."

"Also, don't forget it is your turn to drop and pick Peter up from school. Promise today won't be like last time."

"Last time wasn't that bad."

"You forget our son at school for two hours, Tony!"

"I said I was sorry. I won't forget this time, I promise."

"I'm serious, Tony. Don't ask Loki to do it again, either. You're Peter's dad. This is your responsibility."

"Loki is on Asgard, so that isn't an option."

"Tony," Pepper says sharply.

"I'm joking. I get it. I need to do a better job of being present. I have to go now, or Peter will be late for school."

"Goodbye, Tony. I love you."

"I love you." Tony stares at his phone long after Pepper ends the call. He's happy - more than happy - with Loki now, but he doubts he will ever stop wondering what his life would be like if he and Pepper had worked out.

They never had a future together. Not even after they had a baby together. Their relationship was doomed from the start. Luckily, Tony and Pepper's love for each other has never faded - simply morphed into something else.

It isn't hard for them to co-parent Peter - mainly because they all live in Tony's tower. Nothing got complicated when Tony added Loki into the mix. Peter immediately accepted he had a mom and two dads and bragged to his friends. Tony received a not-so-nice phone call from the principal of Peter's school because his entire class rioted when their teacher told them they all couldn't have two dads and a mom.

Loki found it hilarious. Tony did not. He was the one who had to meet with the principal after that incident.

"Peter," he yells. Until he's older, Peter still has a room in the penthouse, so Peter can hear him anywhere on the floor. "Are you ready for school?"

"No!" Tony's six-year-old son runs down the hallway clad in only dinosaur boxers.

Peter is a responsible kid for his age, and most of the time, he wakes up when FRIDAY tells him to and gets himself dressed. Other times, like today, Peter's innate childishness comes out.

Tony closes his eyes and dials a number by feel. He is not making it through the day without someone's assistance. Not when he still has reports to finish that he was supposed to turn in to Fury yesterday. His boyfriend is off the planet, so Tony's best friend is his next best option.