Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Everything belongs to their rightful owners.

AN1: As anyone who read my Mama May and her girls story knows I have decided to stop writing that and write this instead. I decided that I really wanted to write a Tony as a father fic, and because I didn't want to completely throw away Mama May, because I really loved that story but was having a few issues, one of which was a fundamental that was stopping me from righting, I decided I would incorporate some of the plans I had for that story into this one, which has actually helped solve my issues, including the one that was stopping me from writing.

As what happens in some of my stories I have changed some dates to make some things make sense. I have also changed some details, but they will make sure throughout this story, the ones you need to know now are:

Phil was born in 1967

Melinda was born in 1969

Sharon Carter, Trip and Bobbi Morse were born in 1987

Fitz and Simmons were born in 1990

Daisy was born in 1996

For Daisy's existence, and how Bobbi has powers you'll see what happens, but if you've read Mama May and her girls you should know what to expect.

As I said other changes will make sense throughout the story, and if there are any other major changes to thinks like dates I will flag them.

Hope you enjoy

August 8th 1987

At a party that only a few people know to be occurring seventeen-year-old Melinda May who had been dragged to the party by her mother is standing at a table with her friend eighteen-year-old Richard Parker, looking far from happy, the two of them drinking despite the fact that they aren't over age yet, and wearing fancy clothes.

"Are we really expected to believe one of these parties being held tonight is a coincidence considering what we're both starting on Monday?" Richard asks Melinda curious.

"Of course, it's not." Melinda responds, "They know we know it's not, they also don't want us to admit it." Melinda explains, as she looks around the room.

"I still can't believe your ditching me for S.H.I.E.L.D." Richard comments, after he looked around to make sure no one was within hearing range, not that it would matter considering the crowd.

"I'm not ditching you." Melinda says, as she rolls her eyes.

"Really?" Richard asks, sounding disbelieving, "Because we were all set to join the CIA together, when suddenly you announce you're joining S.H.I.E.L.D."

"You sound like my mother." Melinda informs her friend.

"Normally I'd take it as a compliment, but you mean it as an insult, so hey, and what the hell is going on May?" Richard asks, it being clear to Melinda that he wants an explanation and won't stop without one.

"If I join the CIA all I'll ever be is Lian May's daughter." Melinda explains, having once more checked to make sure no one is around.

"Please, we both know you'll get out of your Mothers shadow before your first mission, so what's your real reason?" Richard asks, knowing Melinda well enough to know there is something she isn't saying.

"S.H.I.E.L.D's a better fit for me." Melinda admits, "S.H.I.E.L.D does what I want to do, protect."

"Okay." Richard says, with a nod, realising he should have realised that, "We'll they're lucky to have you."

"Thanks Parker." Melinda says, meaning that.

"Your welcome May." Richard responds, and as he does Melinda looks around, and it is clear that she isn't checking to make sure no one is listening this time, "He's not here yet."

"I wasn't looking for anyone." Melinda says, completely lying which both she and Richard know.

"Sure, you weren't." Richard says, disbelieving, as he takes a drink, "What even makes you think he'll be here? Since starting MIT he only comes to these things when he absolutely has to."

"He told me." Melinda reveals, giving up all pretences.

"When?" Richard asks, but the second he does the answer comes to him, "You went to his graduation, didn't you?"

"Yeah." Melinda comments, and the second she does she sees the amazed and shocked look on Richard's face, "It's not a big deal."

"It's a huge deal." Richard says, looking thrilled, "Does that mean you're finally going to admit that something is going on with you two?"

"There's nothing going on." Melinda responds, without missing a beat.

"May you've been having sex with each other for a year." Richard reminds her, having lowered his voice so that no one nearby could hear.

"Which isn't a big deal, we're friends." Melinda informs him.

"We're friends, and we've never had sex." Richard points out, and once he does Melinda looks directly at him and puts her hand on his shoulder.

"That's because you're like my brother." Melinda reminds him as she and Richard have known each other for as long as either can remember.

"True." Richard admits, as he feels the same way, "But I'd appreciate it if you would stop pointing out holes in my arguments with your logic."

"Never." Melinda says, with a smirk.

"Come on, Parker. You've got to be used to it by now." A voice says and Melinda and Richard turn to see seventeen year old Tony Stark, who like Richard is in a suit, walking up to them.

"Unfortunately." Richard admits, "It's good to see you, Stark."

"You too." Tony responds, as he gets to the table, "Mel." He greats, with a nod.

"Tony." Melinda responds, with slight smile.

"Okay, why you two stare lovingly into each other's eyes and refuse to admit that something is going on, I'm going to get another drink." Richard says, before walking away, being pretty sure that Melinda and Tony are going to give him an aneurism one day.

"I'll take one too." Tony calls after his friend.

"Same." Melinda calls.

"Of course." Richard says back, without looking back at his friends.

"You're really making a habit of this being late thing." Melinda informs Tony.

"It's the best way to do things." Tony says, with a grin, which causes Melinda to roll her eyes, though Tony knows her well enough to know its in a fond way, not annoyed, "Dance?" he asks.

"I don't dance, Tony, you know that." Melinda responds.

"And yet, I always manage to get one dance out of you." Tony say, grinning from ear to ear as he takes Melinda's hand, and the two of them head to the dance floor, Melinda seeming much more annoyed than she actually is.

A few minutes after Melinda and Tony left to dance Richard returns to the table with the three drinks and finds his friends gone, so the first thing he does is look out to the dance floor where, within seconds, he spots them dancing together.

"Of course." Richard mutters to himself, as he shakes his head at his two best friends, wondering if they will ever realise what he's known for years.

"I still don't know why you insist on dancing." Melinda comments, while she and Tony dance.

"It makes these things go quicker." Tony responds.

"That's what the alcohol is for." Melinda responds, without missing a beat, causing Tony to laugh.

"True." Tony admits, "Come on Mel, it's tradition. For eight years we've always had one dance at these things."

"Unfortunately." Melinda responds, "Thankfully this might be our last chance for a while." Melinda reveals.

"What do you mean?" Tony asks, giving Melinda a look.

"Let's talk outside." Melinda requests, as she is pretty sure that most people in the room, including both of their parents, wouldn't approve of what she is about to tell Tony, and so it's better if she does so away from prying ears.

"Okay." Tony says, feeling slightly confused, but at the same time he suspects he might have an idea what this is about, and the two of them head outside.

A few minutes later Melinda and Tony have walked out to a balcony that overlooks a small lake.

"What's going on, Mel?" Tony asks curious.

"On Monday I'm leaving for training." Melinda reveals, never being one to beat around the bush.

"For the CIA?" Tony asks, as that's what he assumes.

"No, not the CIA." Melinda responds, not even surprised that Tony would have assumed that as thanks to the world they both live in it is the natural choice, "It was supposed to be the CIA, but I'm actually joining something else." Melinda reveals.

"Do I have to start guessing acronyms or are you going to tell me which?" Tony asks, as he assumes Melinda would either be joining an agency or a branch of the military.

"S.H.I.E.L.D." Melinda says, waiting to see Tony's reaction before she tells him more as she has never been sure what Tony knows about S.H.I.E.L.D

"Dad and Aunt Peggy's agency. That makes a strange amount of sense." Tony responds, to Melinda's surprise, as while she expected that he might know a little about S.H.I.E.L.D that is more than she was expecting.

"You know?" Melinda asks, sounding surprised.

"Of course, I know. I'm insulted that you think otherwise." Tony says, mocking hurt, but he really isn't, "Mom and Dad fought about S.H.I.E.L.D a few times when I was growing up, it would be basically impossible for me not to know." He explains.

"Oh."

"Yeah, so you choose S.H.I.E.L.D over CIA, your Mother must be thrilled." Tony says, clearly sarcastic.

"Oh, she is." Melinda confirms, also sarcastic, "But this is the right choice for me."

"Then screw what she thinks." Tony says, causing Melinda to smile.

"Thanks Tony." Melinda says, being glad for his reaction, though it doesn't surprise her.

"No need, Mel, no need." Tony responds, putting his arm around Melinda and the two of them drift into silence.

"Um guys." A voice says, after a few minutes of comfortable silence and Melinda and Tony turn to see Richard, "You've ditched me inside, and unless you want people, or I don't know your parents, to start asking questions we should re-join the party." He comments.

"In a minute." Melinda responds.

"Get over here Parker." Tony requests and Richard walks over to his two closest friends, "You're leaving Monday too, aren't you?" he asks.

"Yeah." Richard confirms, not even asking how Tony knows that.

"Then this is it, at least for a while." Tony says, there being a level of sadness to his voice.

"Come on, Tony. The three of us haven't been able to get rid of each other for eight years, do you really think we're going to be able to now?" Richard asks, looking at his friend.

"No way." Melinda responds, believing that, which says a lot.

"See May agrees, who else would put up with us?" Richard jokes.

"Yeah, I guess so." Tony responds, realising that while he may often doubt whether people who he thought as friends are really his friends he never has to doubt Melinda and Richard's friendship.

A few moments after Tony speaks Richard puts his arm around Melinda too, and the three of them drift into silence, and just stand together for a while, before they have to head back inside.

36 hours later

Ever since Melinda May, Tony Stark, and Richard Parker stood together on the balcony the three old friends have been spending as much time together as possible.

The morning where Melinda and Richard have to leave for their respective training has come, and as its not quiet time for her to get up and ready yet Melinda is lying in bed with Tony, in the bedroom of the Stark property that the three of them have been staying at.

"I know you're awake." Melinda comments, as she has been watching Tony for a few minutes and quickly realised that he wasn't asleep.

"It's creepy when you do that." Tony says, opening his eyes and turning to look at Melinda so that they are both lying on their sides, facing one another.

"It's creepy when you pretend to be asleep." Melinda responds, causing Tony to smile slightly.

"How long?' Tony asks, his voice turning serious.

"A little while." Melinda responds, not wanting to say exactly how long they have.

"So, how does this work. Does Dad send a car, or what?" Tony asks curious.

"I have the location, I have to get there myself." Melinda explains, "And I'm pretty sure your Dad doesn't have much to do with new recruits."

"That's probably a good thing." Tony comments.

"Probably." Melinda admits.

"Was he the one who talked to you about joining S.H.I.E.L.D?" Tony asks curious, being pretty sure that it's probably not the best conversation to have while in bed, but the facts of the matter is that he doesn't care.

"No, that was Aunt Peggy." Melinda admits, "But I'm pretty sure he was a fan of the idea."

"Of course." Tony says, looking slightly amused, "I bet your Moms not to happy with Aunt Peggy right now." He comments, as he knows Lian May well enough to know that she would prefer Melinda join her agency.

"You'd be right there." Melinda admits, "But she'll get over it…. eventually." Melinda says, causing Tony to grin, "What about you, Tony? What are you going to do now?" she asks curious as Tony recently graduated from MIT, and she knows that Tony has been debating for a while what to do next.

"I'm moving to LA." Tony reveals, "And going to be working for Stark Industries." He reveals.

"Tony…" Melinda starts to say.

"You don't have to say it." Tony says, knowing exactly what Melinda is about to say as he has through the same thing about a hundred times, "I want to get away from him, which is why I'm going to LA, but working for Stark Industries will give me something I won't have anywhere else." Tony explains.

"Which is?"

"The ability to create whatever want." Tony explains, "Mel, working for Stark I'm going to be able to create, build, what I want instead of what higher ups want me to; I need that freedom."

"Aren't you worried about Howard making you take a leadership role?" Melinda asks, knowing perfectly well that Tony doesn't want to do that.

"A little, but that's why I'm going to LA, to make it harder for him to do that." Tony explains, causing Melinda to grin.

"Okay." Melinda says, with a nod, "When are you going to leave?"

"In the next couple of days." Tony admits, "With you and Parker leaving I don't have a whole lot of reasons to stay on the East Coast, and Rhodes is already out that way."

"Good." Melinda says, glad that Tony will have a real friend out there, but before she can say anymore an alarm goes off.

"Does that mean….?" Tony starts to ask.

"Yeah." Melinda confirms, "It's time, I got to get ready."

"Right." Tony says, leaning forward and kissing Melinda, "I'll see you around, Mel." He says, once they break apart.

"See you around Tony." Melinda responds, before getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom, being very well aware of the fact that Tony is watching her go.

A little while later Melinda, Tony, and Richard are all dressed. Melinda is securing her bag to her motorbike while Richard is basically throwing a bag into his car, and Tony is watching on.

"So, this is it for a while." Tony comments, "I guess we'll see each other…. Do you get Christmas holidays?" he asks, looking between Melinda and Richard, who look at each other.

"Not sure." Melinda admits.

"I think so." Richard responds, "But even if we don't, we'll find a way to see each other, we always do."

"That we do." Melinda responds, "I'll see you around, Parker." Melinda says, before hugging her friend, the person who is like a brother to her.

"See you around, May." Richard responds, as he hugs Melinda and kisses her cheek, "Don't die." He whispers to her.

"Right back at you." Melinda responds, as the two of them break apart, and once they do Richard walks over to Tony.

"See you, Tony." Richard says, sticking his hand out for his friend to take.

"I'll see you, Richard." Tony responds, and once he grasps Richard's hand he uses it to pull him into a hug. "I'll see you around, Jerk." He says with a smirk.

"You can count on it, Jackass." Richard responds, and as they break apart a smirk can clearly be seen on Richard's face as an annoyed look is on Tony's, though it is clear to both of them, and Melinda, that both insults were said with complete fondness.

Once Richard and Tony break apart Richard looks between Melinda and Tony and realises exactly what he should do.

"I've got to go." Richard says, before heading to his car, and driving off, leaving Melinda and Tony alone, as he figures that is best.

"I should go too." Melinda admits.

"I know." Tony says, taking a step forward, "You're going to be a great Agent Mel, hell you already are." He admits, "Don't be a stranger." He requests.

"Never." Melinda promises, before she takes the step that separates them and hugs Tony, "You're amazing, Tony, never let anyone tell you otherwise." She says, it being clear that the 'anyone' she is talking about is his father as more than once Melinda has been there for Tony after his father tore him down, not sure what to say Tony just kisses Melinda's cheek, hoping that the action says more than he ever could.

For a few minutes Melinda and Tony just stand together and hug before they finally break apart,

"I'll see you." Melinda says, there being so many more things she wants to say, but that is the safest option.

"I know." Tony responds, and once he does Melinda walks over to her bike, puts on her helmet, and with one last look at Tony drives away, forcing herself not to look back as she goes.