Feelings

His first few nights at Tony's house were quite mundane. Tony tried to make some healthy dinner for the both if them but failed miserably and ordered takeaway instead. The next day he hired a chef. He made sure to have breakfast and dinner with Allen at the very least everyday and they would hang out during the evening and do whatever interested them. This included going to Tony's workshop.

"Meet Dum-E, he's one of my first inventions I made back when I was younger," Tony led him to a robot that was whirling around excitedly. "And this Dum-U," he patted another robot.

"Hello." Allen said, his fingers reaching out to touch the metal arms. Dum-E pushed itself closer and gently met his fingers. He let out a laugh when the other robot, Dum-U, pushed Dum-E away.

"You like them?" Tony asked.

"Yeah"

"That's good… you wanna help me with a project I'm working on?" Tony casually leaned against a workbench.

"Yeah!!" Allen jumped up and ran to Tony's side.

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"School?" Allen asked , his hand was still holding the spoon filled with cereal.

"Yeah, we can get you a few grades higher if you want to as well. That is if you want to go to school. We can probably homeschool too if you'd like." Tony popped a blueberry into his mouth.

Allen put down his spoon. "I'd like to go to school, and- and start with the kids my age if that's ok."

"Of course! I'll get my assistant to look for schools right away."

Night fell and while Allen was reading a book on molecular science in his room he heard a knock.

He got up and opened the door. Tony stood there holding a few files.

"Here, these are the few recommended schools." He handed Allen the files.

Allen thanked him but Tony just stood there looking hesitant.

"When you enter school, your surname is going to raise questions." Tony began. "There's a few things that we can do, one, we publicly announce that you are my son. Two you use a fake name and three we do nothing to address the rumours. It's up to your decision."

Allen stared at him, "what do you want to do?"

Tony scratched his neck, "I'd enrol you using a fake last name and only the school board will be aware of our relationship. But Stark's name will protect you at school."

"I trust your decision." Allen decided.

"Cool." Tony said awkwardly. Then he lingered at the door, "if you need me I'll just be at my workshop. Take your time to decide. Good night" and he scurried away.

Allen looked at the files in his hands and closed the door.

After going through the files he was given he understood the main points of each school. There was a STEM school. An arts school. A medicine school. A law school. And an all rounder. He was stuck on picking between STEM and the all rounder school. Instead of mulling over it he decided to ask Tony.

The next morning he woke up early and made his way to breakfast. Entering the dining room, instead of seeing Tony, he was greeted with a large man. The man glanced at him then paused. He bent down to his level and started at Allen's face.

"Tony-," he shouted, "why is there a kid in your dining room."

Tony stumbled into the dining room with another man, "Obie!" He reached Allens side and placed his hand onto his shoulder.

"Tony what did you do this time." The man that followed Tony sighed.

"Well Obie, Rhodey, meet Allen, my son!" Tony presented him. "Allen this is Obie," he gestured to a bald man who stared at him with sharp eyes. "And this is Rhodey," he pointed to the tall man.

"Hullo," Allen greeted, then ducked behind Tony. He didn't like their gazes. He especially didn't like Obie. The man made his stomach twist in an uncomfortable way. He knew the man from somewhere in Andrew's memory but he couldn't seem to remember.

While Allen was trying to remember, Tony exchanged pointed looks with the other two men. "Allen, help yourself to some breakfast, I'll be right back." He said with a wink and dragged the two guys out.

Allen picked up an apple and situated himself near the window, showing Tony, Obie and Rhodes. They were arguing something, big hands waving about. Tony ran his fingers through his hair irritated. Rhodes stood there with his arms crossed. Obie pointed his fingers around. Then the three looked at his direction. He quickly ducked out of view. Moments later Tony and Rhodes entered.

"Where's Obie?" He asked curiously.

"He's busy with work." Tony said, frustration laced into his voice.

"Don't care about him." Rhodes grinned. "Nice to meet you Allen, James Rhodes. You can call me James or Rhodey like your father."

Allen nodded.

"I heard you're a smart nut." Rhodey continued. "What sort of stuff are you into?"

Allen perked up, remembering his schooling. "Actually, I wanted to ask-" Tony raised a brow. "I didn't know what to pick, STEM school or All-Rounder school?"

Tony tapped his finger on the counter top while Rhodey looked confused. "If there isn't anything your interested in I would go with All-rounder. Their program develops all your skills well and it'll help you decide your future better." Tony commented. "Also, once you've found a passion we can always change you to a school that specialises in that."

Rhodey agreed, "I went to an All-Rounder school before University and it was pretty good."

"Ok. I'll go with All-Rounder school then." Allen looked at Tony who nodded and typed something into his phone.

The three of them hung out for a bit before Rhodey had to leave. Tony returned to his workshop while Allen returned to his room.

They continued the routine of breakfast together, do whatever they want until dinner (lunch was separate) then they'd watch a movie or work on a project after dinner then go to bed. Rhodey occasionally joined them.

Allen was content with his life like this. He plans to ask Tony about continuing to study 'martial arts' once the school starts. Until one day Tony slipped. Allen waited for Tony at breakfast and when he didn't enter he'd assume Tony was busy (Tony occasionally skipped breakfast) and so he waited until dinner. Tony didn't arrive either. So Allen waited. His stomach protested but he was used to hunger. He waited and waited. The delicious smell of dinner bothered him so he waiting in the lounge.

He waited and waited. The golden hues outside settled to darkness and he still waited. His heart beating with worry. But still, he waited patiently. He didn't know when he fell asleep but when he heard the sharp clack of the door unlocking he startled awake. Tony stumbled into the house, Happy supporting his body. Allen's heart dropped.

Tony smelt like cinnamon, with a bit of gunpowder and wood. But something else was mixed in. Something that reminded Allen of Lauren. The strong, disgusting smell of alcohol. The scent he smelled before pain filled his body from Lauren's abuse. The smell that now, came from Tony. He feels betrayed.

"Oh fuck. Allen what are you doing awake?" Tony slurred. He made his way to Allen.

Allen stood as still as a statue. Body refusing to move.

Tony reached his arm to Allen. And in a moment of panic- the smell too strong- memories blinding his vision- he 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥. He faced away from Tony, arms protecting his head and he huddled into a ball, trembling. He can feel something wet dripping down his cheeks.

He didn't see Tony recoiling. He didn't see the colour draining away from Tony's face. He didn't see the look of anguish, guilt and horror in Tony's expression. He can't see anything- he can't feel- he can't think- he can't breath-

Darkness took over him.

He woke up with a pounding headache and his stomach hurting. He weakly got out of bed and took reluctant steps to the the dining room. The smell of something sweet filled his nose, making his mouth drool. Entering the dining room he was met with Tony, who was holding a pan filled with pancakes. He looked tired. Large bags under his red, eyes.

"Allen sit down, have some, I made it for you." Tony hurriedly said.

Allen sat down and Tony piled a bunch of pancakes onto his plate. Tony settled opposite of him with a plate of his own (he noticed that most of them looked burnt).

"I am so sorry about last night," Tony apologised. "About all of yesterday in fact." Allen put on an emotionless mask. "I don't have an excuse for what I did. I was wrong. I shouldn't of ditched you that way. I am so so sorry." Tony bowed his head, too scared to look at Allen.

"Ok." Allen said. His voice coming out a bit weaker than he'd like.

Tony lifted his head and his eyes met with Allen's emotionless ones.

"Just don't do it again." Allen picked up his fork and ate. Tony doesn't owe him anything. He was being stupid for waiting, for wanting- anyways he's fine.

School is starting next week after all. He got more important things to worry about than his… feelings.