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marvelstarker-mha98 · 3 months
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The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 31: Where do we Go from here?
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Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, tony stark x Pepper potts, Tony stark & ben parker, Happy hogan, tony stark & Pepper potts, Maria hill & Tony stark, Ben parker, may parker & peter parker, Roberta Rhodey & tony stark, Peter parker & harley keener, Peter parker, harley keener & tony stark, Matt Murdoch & Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdoch x stark! Reader Summary: What happens after the will Warning: Kiss and flashback
"I'd also like to say that this USB is gonna burn out in a minute." You added on a slightly less serious note at the end. "You know, just in case certain people try to get their hands on this. Precautions and all that."
You took a slow intake of breath.
"That's it. For real, now. Goodbye... I love you."
Your words were hanging in the air even after the video had finished.
Nobody knew what to say or what to do or who was supposed to talk first after all of that. They simply kept to themselves in silence, the occasional sound of a sniffle or quiet sob being all that got through.
Pepper took a long minute to gather her thoughts and emotions as she wiped her eyes tenderly. She was the first to speak.
"Did (Y/n) leave anything else?" She asked quietly.
"I think that's it." Foggy said.
"No, there's more." Matt said, receiving a curious look from his partner. "Not something she left, but something she said."
"What was it?" Tony questioned, his tone eager.
"Only that if any of you needed help, you come to Nelson and Murdock if you don't know where else to go. She trusted us and she hoped that would be enough incentive. We hope so, too."
Foggy was quite surprised, clearly not having been in the room when you discussed this with Matt. The Starks and Parkers were also pleasantly taken aback, but found comfort knowing that you were watching out for them even now.
"We do have a calling card." Matt added. "Please, don't hesitate if you need us."
A silence followed as he waited for Foggy to put the copies of the mentioned card on the table. When he sensed that his partner didn't move, he lightly nudged Foggy's shoulder, prompting him into action.
"Thanks." Tony murmured, picking up one of the cards. "We'll think about it."
He was being genuine, of course. If he or Stark Industries ever needed a hand or two in legal obligations, he was assured by your faith in the lawyer duo. Pepper was thinking the same as each of them also took a card.
"Thank you." Ben also said, tucking it into his jacket. "If she trusted you, that's more than enough."
-
After the meeting had been called to end, everyone headed out of the office.
"Until we meet again, Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts." Matt said, shaking their hands once more.
"It was a pleasure." Foggy added, doing the same.
"Thank you for taking care of (Y/n)'s wishes." Pepper said.
"She was wonderful to work with."
"Even after you tried to gift her with cigars." Matt commented.
"She said she was flattered."
"And that's where we stop talking." Tony quickly intervened. "Again, thanks for everything."
They exchanged farewells and, soon after, Pepper noticed something.
"Where's Harley and Peter?" She asked.
Tony looked around, spotting Roberta in conversation with her son and Happy. They walked over while the Parkers stayed to talk to Hill.
"Roberta, where are the boys?" Pepper asked again.
"They're just outside, dear." Roberta said, having heard the concern in the other woman's voice. "Safe and sound, I promise. They're taking a good look at that watch (Y/n) left to Peter."
Tony's lips flickered up in a small smile at the news. Before, whenever someone mentioned your name, he would find his chest tightening and his heart thumping, but now, although those feelings still remained, it was accompanied by something lighter too.
"I appreciate the eye." He said.
"Anytime." Roberta smiled. "And I have to ask, how did the meeting go?"
"It was certainly something."
"She told me to get a girlfriend." Happy spoke up, smiling weakly.
"Oh, did she now?" Roberta chuckled, also with a tilt of the lips. "That's easily remedied. I have a list of my friends' daughters who are single."
He immediately turned red with embarrassment. "You don't have to do that."
"Nonsense. If (Y/n) wanted you to get a girlfriend, we'll get you one. I'd recommend Alice. She's lovely, that girl."
As Roberta started to list the qualities of 'Alice', Happy looked to Rhodey for help, motioning for him to change the subject quickly.
"She also made a video." He said, saving his friend.
Roberta stopped what she was doing and a small gasp of surprise escaped from her lips. "She did?"
"Yeah."
"And what did she give you? Do you need a woman too?"
Rhodey looked down with a smile as he shook his head. "No. She actually left me her car."
"Oh, how lovely."
Tony couldn't resist a little smile as he moved behind his best friend to mouth 'it's a flying car.'
Roberta showed intrigue. "A flying car..."
Rhodey looked back up and wondered how she knew, only to catch sight of Tony mimicking a flying motion. He playfully glared and Tony shrugged innocently.
"A little unconventional, I'll admit, but our little girl always was as eccentric as her father." Roberta admitted, sparing Tony a kind glance. "A flying vehicle sounds just like her dream car. I hope you'll be sensible, James."
Rhodey nodded. "Always, Ma."
Roberta was assured by that at least. She trusted him to be safe enough since he already did the majority of his military missions in the War Machine suit anyway. Perhaps the car would be a useful addition to those missions too.
It brought a tear to her eye thinking about it. She could remember when you were barely old enough to talk, and one of the first things you said was Rhodey's name as you gave him your favorite toy car.
"Do you know what kind of car it is?" She asked.
Rhodey went to answer but paused when he realized that he didn't actually know. "I didn't ask."
Almost as if the mention had summoned them, Hill and the Parker couple walked over as well. Rhodey asked about the car as soon as he could, eager to see it.
"It's here." Hill explained. "The parking lot, all the way from the garage."
"And it's in good condition?" He asked.
"There were damages from the incident but we managed. I'll take you."
"Hold on, which incident?" Roberta questioned.
Hill looked towards Tony with an uneasy glance. There were some people who didn't know all the details about your death and she was one of them.
"I'll explain later." Hill said for now, motioning for Rhodey to follow her.
"Mom?" Rhodey asked, offering his hand.
Roberta happily accepted, going to follow the two.
"Hold on." Tony called, intervening before they got too far. "(Y/n)... She said she left the Avengers a place, that you'd show us. Where is it?"
Hill paused, sparing him a second glance. "In time. After I've sorted the car out, then you'll see the surprise. Just hang around."
"Alright. I'll be here."
She nodded thankfully and left with the Rhodes duo. After this, Tony turned back to Pepper and the others, tuning in to their conversation also.
"Where's Peter?" May was asking.
"Your nephew is okay." Pepper reassured her. "He's with another boy, Harley Keener. Is that alright with you, Mrs. Parker?"
"Of course, Ms. Potts, it'll be nice for him to make another friend. And, please, call me May."
"Only if you call me Pepper." The other woman teased, smiling at her. "I think they're just around the corner."
"Thank you. I've got to say, it's an honor to meet (Y/n)'s real family."
Pepper nodded in agreement. "We're all her family now. She loved you just as much as us by the sounds of it."
"I hope so. Ben and I will be heading home soon and we'd love for you to join us. It's a chance to see (Y/n)'s apartment before it's tidied."
"Of course." She looked over at Happy next. "We'll follow behind?"
"Sure." Happy confirmed. "No problem."
She would've asked Tony to come with them too but he had the whole Avengers thing to deal with first. She knew he'd rather get that out of the way before seeing the apartment. And with that concluded, Pepper, May, and Happy headed towards the cars. Ben opted to stay behind for a moment.
He found rest against a wall and had been completely quiet during the women's exchange due to the 60k check in his hands. He still couldn't believe your generosity, knowing he truly didn't deserve a reward that great after everything. The SHIELD stamp on the paper and your signature dotted down in cursive glistened in the dying sunlight, making him sigh.
Tony, who had been observing the other man from a distance, finally chose to approach. "Ben Parker?"
The older man looked up, shaken from his thoughts. "That's right."
"Hey. It was good to meet you, even under these... Well, you know."
Ben gave a stiff nod. "Yes, I know."
"Yeah. So, you, uh... You doing alright?"
In all honesty, there wasn't an answer to the question. Instead, he just showed Tony the salary check.
"This shouldn't be mine." He said. "If anyone, you should take it."
Tony raised a brow. "What?"
"You're her father. She always loved you the most, even from the start. She was good like that."
"That's what they tell me."
"I'm sorry you didn't get a redo. It was all she wanted during the last few years. She... She didn't know what else to do but work and save and survive. And this money, I can't accept it. Please, take it."
Tony hesitated, considering the words for a moment. "She left it to you, not me."
"Sixty thousand." Ben sighed. "I've only ever dreamed of that amount, and it's not even the whole thing. Agent Hill said there's more."
"Unfortunately I'm already rolling in money and silk sheets." He joked. "I think you should save it for the kid. That's what she wanted."
Ben remained silent for a moment, staring at the check. "She loved him so much."
"I'm sure. I wish I'd known her like you did. I didn't know anything until it was too late."
Ben understood. He thought back on the shared conversations with you about family issues. You used to be so angry and acted out because you didn't feel like Tony could see you when you were younger. He thought about how it all changed when the hit was sent out, when you changed.
Maybe Tony was right.
Even if Ben didn't want to accept all the money, the least he could do was respect your wish and send Peter to MIT when he was old enough if that was where he still wanted to go when the time came.
"You are a normal family, right?" Tony then asked. "No aliens, secret spies, or wizards involved? I'm only asking because there's been a lot of that lately."
Ben looked at him, holding back a small chuckle. "We're normal."
"Good. That's good. So you met (Y/n) through Fury?"
"That's right."
Tony waited for more. "You gonna make me ask about it?"
Ben did let a chuckle slip out that time and nodded. "I'll tell you. But it's what he'd call 'classified' so I'd appreciate it if you kept it between us."
"Yeah, no, totally." He mimicked a cross over his heart. "Just between us girls, I promise."
Ben smiled, already seeing shining similarities between you and your dad.
"It started with my brother - Richard - and his wife, Mary. They worked for SHIELD in the early days." He explained. "The agent and the scientist, that's what everybody called them. They were high up in the ranks and were one of the few that Fury called friends. They left Peter with May and I when they had missions out of state."
"They're gone too?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay. It's been a while."
Tony, much unlike he usually would, felt a strong pang of sympathy for Peter losing his parents, especially as it sounded like SHIELD business probably ended their family. He knew that pain, losing you in a similar way.
"Does the kid know?" He asked.
Ben shook his head. "After we were told, I wanted Fury to remove everything. I didn't want any trace of Peter there to risk him being a target. When he's the right age, if he asks, then he'll know."
"Just like (Y/n)." Tony mumbled, remembering that the fear for others' safety is what prompted the running away. "Do you know why Fury chose her?"
"I'm not sure, to be honest. He told us that it just had to be. Peter just needed someone."
"Why? What happened?"
"There was... It was a bad series of incidents with a babysitter. Peter didn't understand what was happening until we realized and put a stop to it."
Tony stayed silent for a moment, mulling over the words. He understood what Ben hadn't explicitly said and felt more sympathy for Peter after hearing it. It also triggered some of his own worries about you and all the years he missed. What if something similar had happened because he hadn't been there? Did you ever have to experience that same confusion and fear?
"(Y/n) came afterwards and it really helped Peter." Ben added. "They had a good connection. She taught him how to build things and laugh again, and he even taught her some things too. Namely pranks."
The two men shared a smile at that.
"Peter's a sweet kid. He's kind and intelligent, and he needed someone like (Y/n) to grow with that. Especially after what happened with the sitter. I'm pretty sure the best part of his life was when she introduced him to Star Wars. Star Trek and Back To The Future too."
Tony nodded, envisioning the scene in his head.
"She's the reason he wants to go to MIT." Ben also revealed. "She said that the great hero Tony Stark went there too and he was fixated on it after that."
Tony had a mixed flurry of emotions go through him after that. You called him a hero. Not Iron Man or the Avenger, but him.
"Did she talk about me a lot?" He asked.
Ben smiled, giving him a nod. "Once she started to hate all the anger she felt and made it positive instead, she couldn't stop. Rather than resentful she became proud. She was so scared during the Battle of New York. Terrified. Then there were the panic attacks and the anxiety... She hated being away."
A lump formed in Tony's throat and prevented him from breathing properly. Every time he heard it, an apology or how proud you were, it didn't feel real. After all, he may have changed, but there would always be part of the man he used to be inside of him. That was a man no one should ever want to be proud of.
Ben was about to mention you being at the Stark Expo next but was suddenly interrupted by Harley and Peter. Peter was looking incredibly shy, and Harley rather excited. He took Peter straight up to Tony.
"Hi." He beamed.
"Hey, kid." Tony replied.
"This watch is so cool!" Harley showed Peter's wrist where it was still strapped on. "Karen is awesome! She's smart and cool and even funny! She tracks things too! (Y/n) was super smart!"
"Sure was." He smiled, taking a good look at the design. "What do you think, Peter?"
Peter looked like a deer in headlights, stunned that his hero was actually talking to him.
"Really cool." He mumbled. "I'm happy (Y/n) remembered."
"She'd never forget." Ben said as he ruffled his hair affectionately.
"You were pretty close, huh?" Tony asked.
Peter nodded. "She said we were special siblings. Not related by blood but related because of happiness and choice."
Tony Stark wasn't the kind of man to get emotional over simple words but knowing how much Peter clearly meant to you fueled that strange urge to protect the boy even more. He wanted to continue your mission to watch over Peter, to make you proud again.
"Hey, underoos." He said, kneeling down in front of Peter. "You're (Y/n)'s neighbor so that means you're mine now, too. How does that sound?"
Peter still looked pleasantly bewildered but now there was also a light in his eyes again.
"I'd like that." He said.
-
On their way back to the office, Matt and Foggy were deep in conversation.
Foggy was of course driving while Matt was verbally listing what you had willed and making sure that everyone had gotten what they were left with. After it was all confirmed, Foggy let his curiosity get the better of him.
"I didn't know (Y/n) wanted us to look out for her family." He commented. "I mean, I'll say yes, but it was in the will?"
Matt sighed as he nodded. "Sorry I didn't tell you."
"When did it happen?"
"After we sorted everything else last year. I made a promise to her."
Foggy glanced over, curious. "Why do I get the really annoying feeling that you're not telling me something?"
-
A year ago, Matt had wound up in a SHIELD recovery wing.
Some very lucky thugs had managed to get a few good hits in before he stopped their criminal activity. He was only saved a worse beating because a certain (Y/n) Stark had arrived with SHIELD agents to deal with the criminals too.
You were talking with the SHIELD doctor about Matt's condition. After a lengthy debrief, all things considered, he was going to be okay as long as he got plenty of rest.
"Thanks." You said to the doctor, giving him a friendly smile before you split ways.
He went into the office by the wing entrance and you headed over to Matt's bed. He was awake which was good.
"Morning, princess." You teased.
He turned towards the sound of your voice, managing a small smile. "Ellen."
"Hey. How you feeling?"
"Like a million bucks."
"Oh, I'm sure. By the way, I hope my estate agent is still kicking. That was quite the brawl."
"He's okay." Matt promised. "Alive? Yes. Traumatized? Probably."
You scoffed in amusement, sitting down beside the bed. "I guess that's the best any of us can ask for, huh?"
"Apparently so."
"You know, it's a good thing my team brought you here instead of the hospital. You and I both know a certain nurse who complains every time she's gotta stitch you up."
Matt nodded, smiling again. "'Violent vigilantism' she calls it."
"Exactly. At least in SHIELD, no one complains."
"Ah, yes. What's the jury on that?"
"A few broken ribs, a dash of bruising, a nice big spoonful of pain." The two of you shared a laugh. "Seriously, though, you'll be fine. Just rest up for a few days and take the painkillers as prescribed."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ugh, please, I'm definitely not old enough to be considered a ma'am."
His lips curved up in a smirk. "Keep telling yourself that."
You mocked a gasp. "Matthew, how dare you."
He raised a hand in surrender. "Sorry. I couldn't resist."
You smiled either way. "You're lucky I like you, Mr. Vigilante. Although, I'm really not a fan of the suit."
Matt groaned. "Really? This again?"
"Come on! Let me work my magic. Pretty please?"
"No."
"But they're literally just pajamas at this point. And without a proper suit designed to withstand a few matches, what if you get hurt even worse in future? Do you really want everyone worrying about you? I mean, with a new suit I could modify shock absorption, boost the force of a punch, even give you soles as light as a feather so you're extra quiet-"
"Fine."
You froze. "Wait, really?"
"You won't stop until I say yes, so... Yes. Just don't lose sleep over it. I know what you're like."
You grinned, happy. "Thank you, Matty."
"Just don't give me one of those AI's you're so fond of. I like FRIDAY, but I don't want that kind of distraction."
"Okay, okay. We'll take notes later."
"You're very persistent, you know that?"
"I do. It's great."
Matt shook his head with a subtle smile. "How are the others?"
"They're fine." You replied. "Worried about you, but fine. I let them know that you'll live."
"Good. And thanks again."
"For what?"
"Arriving with those agents. I'm pretty sure I'd be at the bottom of a dumpster without you."
"Hey, no sweat. I'm just happy I got to kick some ass."
"Still, I don't like it when others have to get involved." He lowered his voice so any lingering ears wouldn't pick up what he was saying. "Especially when one of them is a runaway billionaire."
"Again, I got to kick ass. It's all good."
You shared a smile.
"Oh, and Fogs called earlier." You added. "Just beside himself with worry."
Matt chuckled. "Really?"
"Dreadful, it was. But I dropped by at the office and explained what happened and he found solace in my words."
"Naturally."
"Yep. You've got a true friend there. He even gave me cigars as a thanks for helping you out."
"Of course he did." He sighed.
"Yeah, what's up with that? Why cigars?"
"We're probably better off not knowing."
"Fair point. I'm more of a beer drinker anyway. Maybe a really aged wine. Anyway, I told him I was flattered. I'll probably be handing them off to some of the guys who might actually use them. Don't tell him that last bit, though."
"Your secret is safe with me."
"Many thanks." You laughed a little but soon turned serious as you remembered the second reason you stopped at the office. "While I was there I also dropped off the box for the will. And the USB."
Matt nodded in understanding, knowing how much all of it meant to you. "How are you holding up?"
You went to reply but hesitated. In all honesty, you were scared. The will was just a precaution and you tried to play it off with jokes but the reality that things could turn very bad very quickly was starting to bite at you.
"It's weird." You confessed. "Planning my own death is... You don't expect to be doing that until you're at least fifty and yet here I am. I'm just glad I've got you, Matty. And Fogs. I wouldn't have asked anybody else."
Matt reached out and you held his hand as he spoke next. "We'll always be here for you, (Y/n). I promise."
"I know. I'm grateful. Any other person would've blabbed to the whole world about who I am."
"Yeah, well, I was taught to respect others, not exploit them."
You smiled a little. "I didn't expect morals from a boxing background."
"You'd be surprised."
"I don't doubt it."
You hesitated next, thinking about a request you had.
"If it's not too much, there's something else I'd like to add in the will. Well, sort of. It's more of a personal thing."
Matt nodded. "Of course."
"If something does happen to me in the end and I do end up... Dead... I want to leave your details with my family. The Parkers and the Starks. I'd feel better knowing they had you and Fogs protecting them."
He was surprised. "We'd be happy to. But your dad? I think he can afford better than us."
"True, but I don't exactly trust anyone else after what happened. His lawyer could be a - a sewer alien or something."
"A... Sewer alien?"
You laughed. "I don't know! But... Yeah. And you never know, you could even be an honorary Avenger out of it."
"I think I'll pass on that. Do they even need the help?"
"Everyone needs help."
"Alright. We'll do what we can."
"Thank you, Matty."
"I should be saying that to you." He joked, referring to his current condition.
You squeezed his hand lightly. "Still, I appreciate you looking out for me."
"(Y/n), I'd do anything for you. I promise."
You felt a warm sensation inside, like butterflies of nerves and anticipation. Whether it was just his words or something else entirely, you found yourself drawn to Matt. He was so genuinely kind and helpful and intelligent. He was one of the truest people you knew.
And so, letting your bold side take control, you slowly leaned in until your lips were mere inches apart. You felt both his and your own breath hitch at the sudden closeness. For a moment, you hesitated. But neither pulled away.
Matt was the one to close the gap, kissing you so softly you almost wanted to beg for more. His hand tightened around yours and you used your other hand to cup his cheek and deepen the kiss.
-
"How did I miss all of that?!" Foggy practically yelled, stunned.
Matt remained silent as he reminisced on that day. He wished more than anything to relive it, to have just one more moment with you.
"(Y/n) didn't mention any of that to me." Foggy continued. "I remember the night, though. And I definitely wasn't as worried as she made me sound. I was super cool."
Matt hummed to show he was paying attention.
"The Avengers, though. Wow. Imagine if we got to defend the Avengers. That would be awesome!" He glanced over at his friend again. "I can't believe you kissed (Y/n)."
Matt had been waiting for that bit to come up.
"Were you guys ever a thing?" Foggy asked.
"Don't start." Matt told him lightly.
"No, really. Were you?"
"Shut up."
And despite the pestering from his friend, Matt didn't let up and give an answer. He remained completely silent on the drive back.
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adhd-trademark · 3 years
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So way back when (more like maybe 6 weeks ago lol) When I watched episodes 1 and 2 with my family, I started thinking about what it would be like if OTHER mcu heroes were the stars of a sitcom. So I went through other marvel couples I like and when I got to Langdyne I fell down laughing.
Imagine:
Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne in a SITCOM
OMG LOL IT WOULD BE SO GOOD!
Marvel, you already have my money in on that if you ever make it.
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askthesuperhusbands · 5 years
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Steve: “Morgan has tried to ‘steal’ one of Tony suits. She took his helmet to school for show and tell.”
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Tony: *chuckles and smiles* “I’m proud that she wants to be part of the Ironman superhero gig.”
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Steve: “She did convince Peter to start making concepts for making the very first Iron Kid using her puppy eyes.”
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Tony: “It was a good idea no doubt about that, but I do want her to live a normal childhood first. There’s no rush worrying about the Iron Man suit.”
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jjupitersworld · 3 years
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Reasons I ship wandanat/scarletwidow:
•They are my comfort characters and they seem like they'd be good together
•Nat is definitely not straight
•I hate vision.
^^This post is /hj
but I do ship them pls don't hate me-
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junklish · 2 years
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First lokius art of the year!! 💗
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babybatmunch · 4 years
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Natasha and clint: *goes everywhere together* *eats together* *falls asleep together* *argues multiple times a day* *playful flirting*
Tony watching every single one of those things happen daily: "they've got to be sleeping together I mean look at th-"
Bruce just shaking his head: "they're platonic soulmates. If natasha was with anyone here, she wouldn't make it known"
.
[Bruce knows this because himself and natasha are a thing!]
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spidersbane · 3 years
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Could I get a HP and MCUship?
My names Liv, I'm AFAB and my pronouns are they/them
I have brown hair (think eboy middle part), I have bright green eyes and im a but of a chubby gal but there's nothing wrong with that :)
I love science, astronomy, and animals, especially turtles. I like watching movies, listening to music, and I have been told im a great singer. I can be quite awkward at first but I'm fun and loud once you get to know me. I'm very loyal and kind. my love language is touch and words of affirmation 🤗  I'm a hufflepuff, a pisces sun, and my personality type is INFP.
Hi Liv @oh-picnic! So sorry this took so long to get back to you ! College midterm season is insane and I finally got a break, so thank you for being so patient love!
for Harry Potter - I ship you with Ron Weasley !
this may seem like a stretch, but hear me out, this isn’t just me simping for one of the Weasley boys again 
first off, the Gryffindor/Huffepuff pairing seems like an opposites attract thing, the loud Gryffindor with the more quiet Huffepuff, but there isn’t anything wrong with that ! opposites work to strike a balance, and i think since Ron is always involved in something, having peace might be nice 
second, Ron’s love language is words of affirmation, but in a traditional teenage boy way - the words aren’t always right, and they may come out strange, but he means well. and as we’ve seen, Ron is incredibly loyal, coming back to Harry even in the hardest of times. so with you, Ron would defend you just as much, and your loyalty would serve each other well
your fun and loud side ! Ron loves this so much omg. he’d take pride in knowing that you might be a little more reserved around other people, but around him, you could be your most genuine self with no judgement, and that’s something we should all want in a partner tbh 
lastly, in the event that you were a muggleborn and watched muggle movies and listened to muggle music, Ron would die from interest ad happiness. he’d love having so many new things to learn about and seeing what essentially is another world’s culture (this is my hot take but i think he’d love Star Wars) 
for Marvel/MCU - I ship you with Steve Rogers/Captain America !
so here’s my hot take, if Steve isn’t a Gryffindor, then he’s def a Hufflepuff and I stand by that, so there’s that bc two Hufflepuffs or any house w a Hufflepuff companion is golden - I’m a Ravenclaw and I love Hufflepuffs 
second, you love learning about new sciences and arts, and Steve has a lot to catch up on. not only could you show him the things everyone should see, you’d probably be able to put your own spin on things and show him some of your own nerdy stuff too! and that’s lovely 
i did some research in the INFP personality type and found out that this type tends to be empathic, and can communicate in ways like no other. this pairs well w your boi Steve, because (most of time) he’s a great communicator, and things will be open and honest 
also, i see Steve as someone who wants to be a words of affirmation guy, but can’t always manage it very well, so he resorts to being around people he cares about. this pairs well w your love language bc sometimes he’s the  one that needs the words of affirmation and you’d be there for him ! 
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ardentmuse · 5 years
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I’ve taken the MCUship quiz multiple times, Thor is my match, but I think my favorite is Dr. Strange.
Oh I am so glad you liked them! And that you are playing through multiple times to see all the stories. 
My personal favorite is the Bruce Banner one I wrote for myself but I know I’m crazy biased.
But also, let’s heal the wounds of this weekend and pretend we are living in bliss with all of our beautiful loves! 
TAKE THE MCU SHIP QUIZ NOW!
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panicatmyemoromance · 5 years
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Stoki
I´m not saying that Loki likes Steve, but does he ever mimic any other avengers that much?
-my friend
#loki #steverogers #captainamerica #avengers #marvel #mcu lokiandsteve #marvelcinematicunivers #stoki #mcuships #marvelships #mcustans #marvelstans #lokistans #steverogersstans
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 4 months
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The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 28: Easy's Never been this hard
Characters & Pairings: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, Pepper potts & reader. Pepper potts x Tony stark, Bruce Banner, Thor & Tony stark, Thor & tony, bruce banner & tony, Happy hogan, tony stark, Pepper potts, Steve rogers & tony stark, Roberta Rhodey (real marvel character from the mcu comics) & tony stark, Maria hill, Ben parker, may parker & peter parker, lots of characters mentions.
Summary: Tony accepted his daughter's death then goes to the place that she wants to be buried. Warning: Flashback and reunion Co author with: callikc Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
From its beginnings as New Amsterdam, all through the years and to its modern day, it was filled with people on the streets desperate to complete their errands of the day. It was certainly called 'the city that never sleeps' for a reason. It had a heart and it had a rhythm, and it was only for just that one day that Tony wished more than anything the city would somehow shut down.
For once it was clear in the skies, not a single gray cloud or speck in sight. At least that made it seem less foreboding.
Tony and Pepper stood in their room, both in black attire. The latter was fixing the former's tie, her eyes focused on the pendant and key that rested on Tony's chest. Once she was finished with the tie, she paused to take in Tony's expression.
It was distant and cold. Sad.
He was still mourning but, much to everybody's relief, he was starting to finally come to terms with your death in the week that had passed since the destruction of his lab. Pepper made sure to prioritize his injury above all else and kept him on a strict rest and wellbeing regime with the help of Bruce and Dr. Cho.
-
It was a few nights before the funeral and Pepper couldn't sleep.
She lay awake in the bed she shared with Tony and busied herself with sorting through digital files and paperwork on the laptop. It was tedious to do at that hour of the night but it was a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of things.
It had been an hour before Tony began to stir next to her. His eyes were shut tight but his other features showed clear panic and fear.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled to himself.
Another nightmare.
"Tony." Pepper whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Tony, wake up."
He responded, but not to her. He continued to mumble things about you, how he wanted to do more and how he should have been faster or quicker and how you lost your entire future because of him.
Pepper placed her laptop on the bedside table and tried to wake him again by using gentle but firm shakes and a slightly raised voice to try and get through.
After some time, it finally worked, and Tony startled awake with labored and shaken breaths.
"Hey." Pepper said softly, making sure he could see her face before he started to panic about his surroundings. "It's okay. You're home."
Tony didn't reply initially and only managed a breathless nod. By the time he finally found his voice again he had processed the surroundings properly.
"I'm sorry." He told Pepper. "Bad dream."
"I know."
"I don't get why I can't stop it."
"It's subconscious. No one can."
"Does it bother you?"
"Never." She smiled lovingly. "We'll get through it just like last time. Together."
-
Back in the present, Tony had his head hung low and a pained expression clouding his face as his thoughts focused on you.
Even if he was learning to accept the truth now, it didn't hurt any less. There was still the pain and the agony and the grief, and there was still the guilt. It didn't seem to matter how many people told him he wasn't to blame for what happened, it just didn't seem to make a difference.
Pepper gently held his cheek in her hand, her own look grief-stricken. Tony leaned into her touch, closing his eyes for a moment.
No words could be said because no words would suffice to ease the pain both were suffering from.
Pepper lifted her other hand and held his other cheek, wiping away a stray tear with her thumb. Tony swayed a little on his feet but kept steady in the end, placing his hands over hers.
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They simply stood in each other's company until a knock on the door filled the silence of the room.
Bruce walked in, also donned in black, with a somber look of empathy.
"Hi." He said in a timid tone, worried about having interrupted a moment.
"Hi, Bruce." Pepper said, doing her best to smile.
"Sorry. Are you, uh... Are you ready? Happy's waiting by the car."
She nodded. "We'll be down in a moment."
"Okay. I'll see you down there."
He promptly left, leaving the room in silence again. At least until Pepper spoke again.
"Ready?" She asked quietly.
Tony let out a shaky sigh. "Do I get the choice?"
It remained unanswered as she began leading him to the door with a sorrowful look. Once they reached the tower parking lot, they found Happy and Bruce by the car.
Happy's expression hadn't changed since the day you died. He was consistently shadowed by a disconsolate feeling.
"You okay, buddy?" Tony asked in a voice so quiet he might not have said anything at all.
Happy managed a nod. "Yeah."
"Sure?"
He nodded a second time. "I'm ready."
-
Just the day before Happy had intended to resign.
He couldn't seem to get over the idea that he was accountable for all that had gone wrong and he had decided that it would be best for everyone if he took a very long and very permanent vacation from the security detail.
"She asked me for secrecy and I said yes because I thought I was helping her." He tried to explain to Tony and Pepper. "What I thought was protection was anything but that. I'm taking responsibility for my actions and hoping for some form of forgiveness before I leave."
There was a dreadful silence.
"What is this?" Tony asked, still staring at the papers.
"My contrition." Happy told him.
Another silence.
Tony looked up from the papers with an expression that surprised Happy. It wasn't relief or agreement like he expected, it was confusion and incredulous.
"I don't get it." Tony said.
Happy glanced at Pepper who shared the confused look. "I'm resigning and accepting accountability."
"Yeah, that's what I don't get."
This time it was Happy who looked bewildered. In his view, he had as good as killed you by not revealing that he had seen and talked to you. He knew who you lived as and he didn't tell anyone, endangering you because no one else could protect you when that horrific day came.
He was startled out of his thoughts when Tony ripped the resignation in half and brought him into a tight embrace.
Happy faltered and took a moment to process before cautiously returning the hug.
"You're my brother." Tony said. "You cared about her and that's all I need to know. That's all I care about. I don't blame you."
Happy closed his eyes. "Why?"
"Because I just can't. She wouldn't."
"Tony..."
"No resigning. I know she loved you, Happy, and I don't want you to go." -
"Steve, Clint, Natasha, and Thor will meet us at the location." Pepper explained as they drove to the mentioned location. "There's going to be journalists and paparazzi but they have restricted access so we don't have to worry about them."
"Where is it?" Tony asked.
He hadn't been as involved in the planning due to his grieving. Pepper had organized pretty much everything.
"Calvary Cemetery." She said.
He looked out the window as he watched the streets fly by. "Why there?"
"Agent Hill suggested it. She said (Y/n) had people in two different places in the same city and that she always wanted the best of both worlds. And that she had special connections in the area and wouldn't want to be separated from them."
Bruce spoke next, his tone curious due to the wording. "What does that mean?"
Tony shared this confusion and Pepper shrugged. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
Happy didn't say anything but listened to the conversation as he drove to the cemetery. He was surprised by the lack of stormy weather, especially with how miserable the city had looked recently.
-
The reason for the nice weather was Thor himself.
He had returned from Asgard the day before the funeral after taking care of some business in his home realm. It was hard keeping the peace and very exhausting and yet he still had the brightest smile on his face as he greeted his friends on Midgard.
Unfortunately he came back to the news that Tony had lost a daughter. He quickly went to the Tower to find him and was directed by Bruce. The two might not get along but Thor understood how it felt to lose family and he knew that no one deserved the pain if wrought.
"Point Break." Tony greeted, his tone jolted. "Didn't expect you back so soon."
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"Matters between Asgard and Alfheim were settled with fair ease." Thor explained. "Although light elves have quite the temper. You wouldn't expect it."
He nodded. "Right. Well, uh, welcome back."
Even if he tried to look the same, Thor noticed the hurt in his teammate's eyes. He had the same look when he had lost his mother not too long before all of this.
"I heard of your daughter." He said empathetically. "I understand the loss of a loved one, and I am truly sorry, Stark. I would be honored to attend the farewells."
"Sure." Tony hesitated. "And thanks."
He paused again.
"How did you know?" He questioned.
Thor had a sad look still. "My Lady Jane informed me about the news. I believe she, Lady Darcy, and Erik Selvig will be paying their respects also."
"Did they know her?"
"Only in passing, as I did." He thought back to that day, curious. "Her familiarity in the picture we found puzzled me for quite some time until now."
Tony was simply amazed by how many people you seemed to know or at least spoke to. Just how many others were out there? How many people would show up tomorrow?
"When did you meet her?" He questioned.
"Some years ago." Thor replied. "I was banished from Asgard for my own arrogance and found myself stranded in your land of New Mexico. I became acquainted with Jane and her friends whilst there and shortly after that the Son of Coul and Lady (Y/n) arrived. She told me Mjölnir destroyed one of her devices."
"I forgot I wasn't the only one." Bruce chimed in, reminding them that he was also in the room. "I met her a few years ago too, and she said she enjoyed my papers on gamma radiation. She was smart."
Tony looked between them both, his stunned look growing more and more ridiculous by the second.
"And you didn't say anything?" He asked.
"I didn't know she was (Y/n)." Bruce admitted. "It never came up before."
Tony looked away, thinking on the words. He was finally getting to know you and yet at the same time he found it worse because he couldn't actually talk to you about any of it.
You invented something that had a run-in with Thor's hammer. You liked to read papers on scientific exploits.
"Can I ask a favor?" He said towards Thor.
The god stood straight and nodded. "Of course."
"Tomorrow is the funeral." It hurt just to say it. "Just... Can we have weather that isn't trying to drown the city? I'm not asking for sunshine and rainbows, just a clear day."
Thor nodded again. "It would be my pleasure."
-
Back in the car, Tony hadn't said a word for a good ten minutes.
He prefered the silence. He was content with just staring at the sky and holding Pepper's hand as the world rolled past.
But the car soon stopped at a red light.
He looked at the blazing red for a long moment before focusing elsewhere. He caught sight of a parent and child. A dad and his daughter.
The little girl clutched her father's hand as she jumped into old puddles. She had the most brilliant gleaming smile and the dad watched her fondly, laughing whenever she made a big splash on the sidewalk.
Tony wanted it.
He wanted all those moments he skipped out on. He wanted the birthday parties and the first day of school, he wanted to be there when you had your first heartbreak so he could hurt whoever made you sad. He just wanted to be your dad again.
He tightened his hold on Pepper's hand as his other one reached up to hold the key and the pendant. They were all he had left of you now.
When the car finally pulled up to Calvary Church Cemetery, he wasn't at all prepared for what he saw.
The building was magnificent, a testament to the higher power so many people seemed to dedicate themselves to. It had a golden inscription above the double doors talking about resurrection and life with images of Jesus and his followers carved into the old stone. Beyond the grand architecture was the cemetery itself, lines upon lines of graves and memorials dotting the grass.
As Happy complained about parking, Tony found his eyes drawn to the many strangers that littered the front of the cathedral. He didn't recognize them. Not all of them anyway.
He could spot the rest of the Avengers, Dr. Cho, Thor's girlfriend and her own friends, Rhodey and his mother, and Maria Hill. The ones he didn't know were a vast majority of former SHIELD agents, Coulson and Fury in disguise, Skye, Fitz-Simmons, Agent May, the Parkers, Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson, Mr. Delmar and his family, residents of your apartment complex, Ned and his moms, MJ and her mom, some officers who knew you through Ben, the press, and quite a few civilians who must have just been there to pay respects.
Tony, unaware of everyone else's identity, had to gather his courage before daring to step out of the car. Immediately the paparazzi cameras were on him like flies, flashes blinding everyone.
There was a time that he would have relished in all the attention, but those days were now long gone. He couldn't stand it anymore.
"I'll meet you inside." Happy told them. "I've got to do security checks."
Pepper nodded in understanding and thanked him. She then took a pin badge from her bag.
It was pretty, sky-blue with the most beautiful flower imprinted on it. It was a gladiolus flower, representing honor, remembrance, and heroism. It was your favorite.
"This will get you inside." She explained, pinning it to his suit.
"Thanks." He replied, giving them each a farewell before he left to speak to some of the officers on duty.
The first people to greet Tony, Pepper, and Bruce were the other Avengers. Steve had an arm brace since his injuries from the Triskelion were still quite fresh even with all the super soldier healing. The others looked very somber.
"Hey, Tony." Steve greeted first. "I'm sorry about (Y/n)."
Tony managed a small nod. "You and the rest of the world. How's the arm?"
"Healing. I'll manage."
"Good. Can't have Mr. Dorito out of commission for too long."
Although the jokes normally annoyed Steve, he kept up a smile for Tony's sake. The six of them - and Pepper - talked for a bit about how the proceedings would go until Tony spotted Roberta Rhodes. Rhodey's mother. He excused himself to talk to her.
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He hadn't seen her in many years. Since Afghanistan. He did send gifts and cards for Christmas, birthdays, and mother's day since she did the same and never forgot a single holiday. She always tried her best to advise him on your upbringing but he was so arrogant that he never listened.
The second she spotted him she engulfed him in a tight hug and kissed the top of his head lovingly.
"Oh, Tony..." She mumbled, giving him a gentle squeeze. "I'm so sorry, my dear."
He just nodded, forgetting how comforting a mother's embrace could be. He didn't want to let go and probably would have had another breakdown of grief if he wasn't already cried out.
"I'm sorry." He then mumbled, still holding onto her.
"Hey..." Her voice was so gentle and calming. "Whatever for?"
"I didn't listen. You told me what to do and I didn't listen. I wasn't good enough."
"Oh, darling-" She pulled back slightly so she could look him in the eyes. "I won't tolerate that, Tony. You did the best you could even if you didn't know it."
"She hated me, just like... Just like I hated my old man."
"You are not Howard."
"I didn't want to be, but I was. I didn't talk to her, I wasn't there, I never listened. I tried to change but it was too late. She was already gone."
"You still tried." She assured him.
Tony looked away. "You're not disappointed?"
"Never. I didn't like it when my son told me how you raised (Y/n) but I was never disappointed in you. Even when I looked after her and she complained, I always told her to wait and give you time. She understood in the end, just as I did."
He went quiet again, just listening as she went on.
"You're a different man, Tony. A good man. You're a hero to millions, you have a relationship with a beautiful and kind woman, you have friends who are there for you in the darkest time. You are enough. There's no point in trying to change something that doesn't need to be fixed. You did everything you could to find her. You're not Howard. You've always been more like Maria whether you knew it or not."
The Avengers, who had been joined by Rhodey and Agent Hill, questioned who she was as they watched her comfort their friend.
"This is Roberta Rhodes." Rhodey explained. "My mom. She looked after us, and she checked in on (Y/n) for years. Makes a mean cookie, too."
They each smiled at that.
"So who are all these people?" Pepper then asked Hill.
Hill looked around at the crowd, recognizing far more than Tony did before.
"People she knew." She said. "Some are friends, family, some just an acquaintance in the hall, some of them she helped or saved, but they all knew her."
Tony finally let go of Rhodey's mom to look at the crowd again. He had mixed feelings on it all and wasn't sure what he was supposed to express.
"You should be proud." She told him, answering the unspoken question. "I would be. (Y/n) met a lot of people and saved so many more."
He nodded. "I am. She was the real hero.”
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 6 months
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The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 24: The Last Goodbye
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, Dr. Cho & Tony stark, Bruce Banner & Tony Stark
Summary: Tony and reader having heart to-heart talk warning: You have to read completely Co author with: callikc Previous Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
The first thing Tony felt when he woke up was a painful migraine, a weight at the corner of his mind that somehow seemed heavier than his entire body.
Everything hurt, and yet, even in the glum room, the ticking had a relaxed feeling, as if it were a heart-beat at rest. He was in the medical bay. One of them anyway.
There were voices too. Quiet and murmured, but close all the same. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but he made sense of Dr. Cho and Bruce talking in the hushed whispers.
"No..." Dr. Cho was saying. "It's my responsibility to tell him."
Tony frowned, trying to turn to face them properly. Even that simple action hurt.
"Tell me what?" He managed to speak up in a croaky and strained voice.
The two were startled and turned to him with the same expressions of surprise and sudden guilt. Bruce looked pained, and Dr. Cho had a similar secretive yet sad look about her.
No one said a word.
Tony tried to sit up and ask again but grimaced as a sharp pain shot through his body. He held his abdomen and looked down to find a red-stained bandage wrapped around his middle.
"Well, shit." He mused, falling back on the bed.
"Yeah, I wouldn't do that." Bruce advised, doing his best to smile. "You got hurt pretty bad out there."
"I'm fine. Just a sting. I don't feel any..."
He trailed off as his mind was suddenly overcome by flashes of the fight with the masked man. The blows, the stabbing, and the words exchanged all came surging back as clear as day.
You were hurt too, far worse than he was. The last memory he had was of you in tortured pain, bleeding out.
"(Y/n)!" He exclaimed, looking over to Dr. Cho. "How is she?"
But he didn't get an answer, simply the same look of sorrow as earlier.
"Come on, don't hold out on me now, Doc." He said, attempting to lighten the mood.
It was as if the air was trying to suffocate the room. It was just so thin and heavy at the same time.
"She's in another recovery room." Dr. Cho explained. "Agent Barton is watching over her."
Relieved, Tony finally relaxed. A recovery room was always a good sign.
"Tony..." Dr. Cho hesitated, clearly conflicted on her own thoughts. "She's in critical condition. I'm sorry."
The relief crashed.
"But..." He struggled to figure out what to say or ask first. "But you said 'recovery room', what else is it for?"
"She's there because we did all we could and the rest is simply up to her. I removed a bullet from a shoulder wound inflicted a few hours before the other incident, but when I tried to reach the one in her abdomen we discovered it had broken and split. There was... There was an unidentified substance leaking from the fragments. We think it's poison."
"Then cure her!"
"Tony, we can't administer a cure without knowing what the problem is. A sample would've helped but whatever it was had already entered her bloodstream. It's damaged her organs."
"What..." His voice was now starting to crack from how quiet he had become. "What are you saying?"
"I'm so sorry. We don't know if she'll make it."
No. That wasn't good enough.
Without even thinking about his actions, Tony struggled to his feet and stumbled his way past them and to the door.
"Tony!" Bruce called.
It was futile. He wasn't listening to them. He didn't stop until he was right in front of the elevator and pressing the button desperately.
Of course it would be when he needed it the most that others were using it. It was moving too slowly. With every second wasted, you could be slipping away.
He wasn't there. He should have been, but he wasn't. Again.
His injury was starting to play up now, causing him to mutter and curse under his breath as he got more and more impatient with each floor the elevator stopped on.
He couldn't help but remember that moment. You were so close. He could see your smile through the pouring rain and the harsh winds, he could have reached out and wrapped you in a hug right then and there. But he was too late.
He remembered the bang of the shot and you collapsing on the hard ground. He remembered fighting the man and then feeling the knife plunge into his own skin. Now of course he was stuck with Dr. Cho's words.
'We don't know if she'll make it.'
With just one sentence his world was crashing down all over again.
"Tony!"
He turned around to find her and Bruce finally catching up, both breathless. He didn't realize how fast he'd been walking.
"I need you to listen to me!" Dr. Cho insisted, coming to a stop in front of him.
"No, you're lying!" He snapped. "She's not gonna die! Not after all this! Not after all the hell she went through!"
"Enough!" Bruce ordered, uncharacteristically grabbing Tony by the shoulder and forcing him to turn his way instead. "She's not lying, Tony. I looked at (Y/n) myself and it's true. I'm truly sorry, but under the circumstances... It's dire at best."
Tony wanted to fight and argue, to insist it was all some ridiculous scheme cooked up for twisted humor, but Bruce wouldn't do that to him. To anyone for that matter. If he could trust anyone to be truthful, it would be him.
You were dying.
He let out a choked sob, hands over his middle as he fell to his knees. Bruce cautiously wrapped his arms around Tony's shoulders, the billionaire shaking as he took it all in.
"I'm sorry." Bruce whispered.
Tony closed his eyes tightly as the tears fell, holding onto his friend's arms as he cursed and cried. "What am I supposed to do?" He trembled.
"There isn't anything to do." Bruce confessed. "What happens next is entirely up to (Y/n)."
"But she's my kid! I can't lose her again... I'm supposed to protect her from the world and all I've done is let it destroy her."
"No, Tony. You've done the best you can, and you never stopped looking for her. That's the only thing any parent can do."
Despite his friend's assurances, all Tony could hear were Dr. Cho's words telling him you were going to die, and the masked man taunting him about the very same thing.
-
Back in the present, Tony was standing in the doorway with labored breathing. He had both hands over his bandaged wound as the stabs of pain kept spiking up.
"Dad..."
You looked so vulnerable from his point of view. The machines connected to your stomach looked far too complicated and horrible, and the slow beat of your heart on the monitors was more haunting than reassuring.
"We'll give you some time." Dr. Cho spoke up, smiling sadly.
Tony entered the room slowly and unsurely, and with each step feeling like the weight of the world. The door soon closed behind him, leaving only the two of you in the room.
"Miss me?" You asked in a meek voice.
Tony couldn't speak at first. He just managed a shaky nod as his eyes sparkled with tears again. He practically fell into the chair at your bedside.
"Can I..." He hesitated, worried that you wouldn't be happy to see him or that you were too hurt. "You know..."
You knew what he was trying to ask and nodded. "I'd like a hug, yeah."
Relieved, he quickly wrapped his arms around you. You did the same, unable to believe that you finally got the chance. When you were sixteen, this didn't seem possible, all you did was fight and bicker. You couldn't believe it took years of separation to finally appreciate each other.
You stayed as you were for what felt like forever. You were afraid to let go now. You knew you didn't have long, and you were okay with that in the long run, but this moment felt too perfect - too fulfilling - to let go. You just had so much to say.
"I'm sorry." You whispered, closing your eyes tightly.
Tony held you close, shaking his head lightly. "You have nothing to be sorry for, (Y/n)."
"But I do." You reluctantly pulled back so you could look him in the eyes. "I left with no warning, scared everyone, scared myself."
"It's okay-"
"But it's not, though. Everyone says it is, but I was a stupid kid who got scared and chose the easy way out. Even after-" You paused, wincing at the memories. "After you dealt with Obadiah and everything, I should've come home. But I didn't. I got paranoid and I didn't want the people I cared about getting hurt."
He didn't reply for a moment, considering your words. Then, with a light sigh, he nodded.
"I can't lie and say I wasn't mad, because I was." He confessed. "But when I found out why, I realized it was my fault."
You went to argue but he held up a hand to stop you.
"It's the truth." He continued. "I was so harsh on you, I never... I wasn't a dad. I realized how much I missed out on and I wanted to fix it so I didn't end up like my old man. And you're here now and it's good. You got scared and that's okay, you still managed to look after yourself. I do think SHIELD was a poor career choice but you do you."
You choked out a laugh. "That's the part you're concerned about?"
"Have you even seen the conditions in those places? Disgusting. And cheap."
"Maybe. But it wasn't all bad. I had people, and Fury always looked out for me."
That was another thing Tony didn't like. He was annoyed and even jealous that Fury was the one who was there when he couldn't be. Fury was the one who got to talk to you every day and see all your work, not him.
"Well, you're fine now." He said, trying to focus on the happier aspects of the situation. "You're home, and you're - you will be - okay."
Your smile fell.
He knew.
It was the way he said the words with such... Diffidence. Self-distrust. The way he had suddenly looked away and forced any tears away.
He knew you weren't going to make it.
You tried to smile again but it was weak and small, the epitome of hopelessness. "I'm not."
Tony looked back at you, a little surprised. "Hey, of course you are."
"No." You shook your head. "I know I'm not fine. I know I'm dying. I'm checking out, biting the dust, the whole shebang."
How was he supposed to react?
How was he supposed to try and pretend you weren't stating facts?
How was he supposed to live with himself knowing by that time tomorrow you'd be nothing but a memory?
So he didn't say anything. He simply looked down and held your hand in silence.
"I'm sorry." He whispered tearfully.
"Everyone is apparently." You mused, still hoping to keep the topic light.
"(Y/n), I-" Once again, the words fell short. "This wasn't supposed to happen. It was - It wasn't supposed to go this way. You weren't supposed to get hurt."
"Look, I don't regret what I've been through. I've had ups and downs, super highs and some really low lows, but they all led me here, back to you. That's all I care about. You don't have to be sorry for that because I'm definitely not. I forgave you a long time ago."
But the words only hurt more. It made facing the upcoming hours even harder than they were meant to be.
"You shouldn't." He said, still unable to meet your eyes again. "I don't deserve it. I'm arrogant and selfish and I never listened. I spent time with so many different people yet somehow forgot about the most important of all. I missed... All of it. Even when I realized my mistakes I couldn't fix them. I couldn't save you."
"Maybe that matters, and maybe it doesn't. It's true you were arrogant and selfish, got around and cared for no one but yourself, but you've changed."
You remembered being a teenager, pissed off and confused about why your own dad spent all his time with literally anybody but you. He seemed to have more of a connection with his hookups than his own daughter. If it wasn't plain ignorance and loathing, it was parties or business or personal projects. Something always seemed to come up when you tried to act like a real family.
"Yeah, you're different." You decided, looking down at your hand in his. It made you smile. "Since starting the hero craze, you changed for the better."
You remembered finding out your dad was Iron Man. The shock and disbelief and pure awe had lingered for days afterwards. You remembered being oddly prideful at one point, though you didn't really want to admit it to yourself back then.
"I was proud, you know." You admitted. "I mean, how many people can brag about their dad being a goddamn superhero? I was still angry of course, but... Yeah. I was happy too. You were out there protecting the entire planet. You fought the bad guys and protected the good. You helped people who couldn't help themselves, you saved them, gave them a chance few ever get."
You remembered reading all the articles about the one and only Tony Stark becoming a hero to the people. All the donations and support he offered for the people affected by tragedies. The sheer amount of people who still had their lives because he was the one there to protect them. In particular, you thought about Peter and Harley. Your dad helped them before you met them. Because of him, you got to befriend two of the brightest minds to grace the world.
"And you seemed so happy." You added. "You scored a family, you finally got with Pepper, you founded a better world..."
You remembered wandering the city streets and coming across the entire team once. They were hanging around just as normal friends did, laughing and teasing each other without a care in the world. While you had been so happy for them, you couldn't keep away the envy either. It was like some kind of cruel irony, the universe letting you get so close and yet so far. There were so many times you could have just reached out and called his name.
"I stayed the same." You whispered, closing your eyes for a second. "I was still a coward, the scared little brat that thought running was the only way to fix things. But even with that, I still don't regret a thing. I lived my life my own way and that's all that matters. I don't care how short it was."
Tony listened to every word, simply letting you express everything. He had spent your entire life thinking you despised him just as he hated his own father, only to just now be corrected. While you insisted your life wasn't wasted, he couldn't help thinking that his was.
"My mission was dangerous." You said. "I knew I had to infiltrate a compromised agency and retrieve a dangerous artifact, but I did it anyway. I knew it would end badly if I messed up, but I accepted it. I didn't know if it was the right thing to do, but it got me here."
He finally looked up, his expression almost heartbroken. "What do you mean? The right thing?"
"Yeah." You shrugged, but regretted it when a sudden wave of pain washed over you. You tried not to react. "For years I put it off because I didn't know if you wanted me back. I didn't know if I was worthy of being your kid. I didn't know if you even wanted me at all, that you probably regretted me being born in the first place."
You remembered pulling your hand away every time you saw him because you simply didn't want to ruin his newfound happiness. You had convinced yourself you were both better off apart. After all, you had the Parkers as family. You had Coulson and his team as friends. You had your own happiness.
"I don't regret anything." Tony said, bringing you back to the present. "I've made so many mistakes it would take all the resources in the world to list them, but you aren't one of them. You never were. (Y/n), you're my... You're my greatest creation. You've saved me."
You had to wait a moment as the words processed. Involuntary tears began to well in your eyes as it set in that he truly loved you after all.
"I kept it, you know." He added.
"Kept what?" You asked quietly.
"The necklace."
You watched as he used the hand that wasn't holding yours to move the collar of his shirt to the side. You saw the chain around his neck and felt a strange warmth deep in your heart.
"I won't take it off. I... I can't." He confessed. "I thought you might come back for it. It kept you close. And it confused Loki the Great Horned One."
You tilted your head curiously. "It what?"
"Yeah, he had a few performance issues. Or maybe it was just an off day. Either way, I'm glad I had it."
Your tears began to fall. You felt too emotionally and physically weak to stop them. In fact, you felt tired. Some sleep would be nice.
Seeing you cry made Tony hate the circumstances even more as he carefully cupped your cheek.
"You've always been with me."
He smiled and kissed the top of your head softly.
"I'm sorry for not being there. I didn't get to see the important bits, to watch you become... You. You were as beautiful as your mother but I thought you'd just end up like me. I didn't want that for any kid."
Your tears were coming faster. Partly because you were so sad and happy at the same time, but also because you were starting to feel weaker.
Something was wrong. You didn't have long left.
You could feel your limbs aching, the urge to relax, your eyelids fighting the choice to remain open. Your body was done.
Using all the strength you had left, you gripped his shirt. You were scared.
"I need you, Dad." You said. "I need you safe and well and happy. I need you to be okay because that's the only thing that's gonna keep me from going crazy right now."
"Don't worry about me, sweetheart." He said. "Just stay with me, alright? Keep looking at me. You're safe, and you're gonna be fine. I've got you now, and I'm not letting go. I'm always going to protect you. You're my life."
"Promise me. Promise that when I'm gone you won't be sad... That you won't push Pepper away or leave the Avengers... That you'll live. I need you to do that for me. Don't waste your life because mine ended. It's too precious."
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The words hit him like a brick, and suddenly he was back in Afghanistan with Yinsen telling him the same thing. He was overwhelmed with the sudden emotion and embraced you tightly, hoping that as long as he could hold you, you couldn't slip away.
"I will." He promised. "I will, babygirl."
Although you didn't want to, you had to let go.
"Dad?" You whispered.
"Y-Yeah?"
"I... Love you... 3000."
The words froze him in place.
When you were a kid, you didn't understand why he wasn't there all the time and you had to come up with numbers to try and emphasize how much you missed him.
All Tony could do was watch helplessly as your grip loosened and your eyes slowly shut. He wanted to beg you to come back but his throat had turned to sandpaper.
And then the flatline filled the room.
"N-No..." He shook his head, pulling you close again. "No!"
He cried and sobbed and rocked back and forth with your body cradled against his.
It was over. All of it.
You were gone.
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 7 months
Text
The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 23: Hanging by a thread
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, tony stark x pepper potts, Dr. cho & reader, Clint barton & reader, james rhodey & reader, pepper potts & reader, happy hogan & reader Summary: Reader wakes up to reunite with her love ones but there is a twist Co author with: callikc PREVIOUS Next Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
The surgery itself was complicated. You couldn't remember much of it.
Everything was blurry when it happened, moving in slow motion as Dr. Cho's assistant carried you up to the lab. They both tried to keep you awake by asking questions and giving reassurance but it felt as if nothing could ground you anymore. It was too much.
You remembered whimpering as you were placed on a sterile table and immediately plugged into machines and an IV.
"I'm sorry, (Y/n), I know it hurts." Dr. Cho apologized. "We're going to have to operate now. The bullets can't stay there."
You had nodded, understanding. "Just do it."
Then the mask had been placed over the bottom half of your face, allowing you to breathe just that little bit easier as you handed your life into their hands.
Time was in a flux again. It always seemed to be lately. Too fast or too slow, varying in the middle, but never constant.
Dr. Cho had soon removed the bullet from your shoulder, noticing the blinking and recognizing it as a tracer. It didn't matter now, everyone already knew where you were. She had then moved on to the real problem.
The bullet in your abdomen.
Her assistant monitored your vitals and handed the necessary equipment over while Dr. Cho got to work. It was a delicate process and one wrong move could have killed you there on the spot. Thankfully, she managed to find the bullet alright.
But there was a problem.
It had split open - which was bad enough - but it was leaking. It was a dark and murky liquid and looked much like a poison. It certainly smelled like one. It had already mixed with your blood by then and without any hope of at least identifying the substance, Dr. Cho knew it was futile to hope for a cure.
You didn't have much time.
-
You couldn't hear or see much.
Whatever darkness you were in, it actually felt quite nice. There was minimal pain, it was peaceful, and things seemed okay.
There was a rhythmic beeping in the back of your mind. It seemed to be getting louder with each spike. You knew you were hanging on by a thread.
Thoughts were swirling around in your head and twisting your mind, warping its perception of the present situation into something that didn't seem so bad. It was as if you knew you didn't have long, and yet your mind was telling you it was okay.
It was just too much. The pure agony of trying to stay strong when no one knows how bad it really is was the worst kind of pain. That was why the darkness felt so appealing.
Alongside the beeping, you soon started to hear a voice. It was muffled and distorted at first and you couldn't make it out very well, but as the person spoke more and more you began to realize it sounded like Clint.
You were glad he was okay at least because he seemed like a nice guy. You tried to focus on his words and it slowly brought you back to consciousness.
"Yes, sir." He was saying. "That's what they told me... Sure... I'll keep you updated."
At this point you managed to figure out where he was. He was sitting at your bedside and had just put down a phone. It sounded like an important call, probably to someone like Fury. Your vision still wasn't at its best and you had strain to see him clearly.
"Agent Barton?" You asked.
Your voice sounded weak and it was taking everything just to muster those simple words.
"Was that Director Fury?" You questioned, wincing a little. "Did... Did we win?"
"Hey, Little Stark." Clint looked down at you, a soft smile on his face. "Yeah, that was him. We won. But we lost people."
A pang of guilt hit your chest and you closed your eyes tightly for a moment.
"How many?"
"Only a few."
"Do we have-" You abruptly stopped talking when a violent series of coughs jolted your body.
"Hey, hey, hey." Clint placed a hand on your arm. "Steady. Don't talk too much. With your condition I'm surprised you can even-"
He also stopped talking as a look of pain flashed over his face.
"Sorry." You mumbled, noticing the expression. "It just feels like someone jammed a hot poker in me. Am I dying or something?"
Although your words were meant to be humorized, you noticed Clint clench his fists.
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He didn't want to be the one to tell you that you were in fact slowly dying. It irked him because you were just so young. In what kind of world was it acceptable to let people like that die? It didn't seem right.
Although he tried to hide it, you recognized the look in his eyes. You'd seen it on too many people within SHIELD after they had lost colleagues and friends on missions. You were about to be one of them.
"I'm dying." You stated, sinking in your bed slightly. "Lovely."
It didn't seem to process right at first. You appeared far too relaxed even for your own liking. And yet... There was something deep inside you now absolutely horrified.
While on the run a few years beforehand, you had lay in your sleeping bag for hours on end pondering Obadiah's threat. The fear of death was the whole reason your life played out the way it did. It seemed like it had finally caught up to you.
Your running was over, and that scared you.
Running was the only home you'd ever known. Back when things were bad with your dad, the mansion was just a mask and a lie. You never felt comfortable there. But on the run... It was simply better. Finally being allowed to stop was like admitting you were ready to give up.
"I'm sorry, kid." Clint said, sounding genuinely upset over it. "It was the bullet."
You looked down at your stomach and at the multitude of wires and pumps latched into a machine. It didn't exactly look like a good recovery anyway.
"Did it break?" You asked flatly, regarding the bullet.
Clint hesitated but eventually nodded in confirmation. "There was something inside it. The doc thinks it's poison and this machine contraption is keeping you alive."
"How long?"
He had to look away, unable to meet your eyes. "Hours at most. They don't think you'll make the night."
If the thought of death wasn't scary enough on its own, you suddenly realized that it meant you would be leaving others behind. Your dad, Pepper, Rhodey, Happy, the Parkers, and even Coulson and his team. You would miss them all. You felt haunted by the very thought of them living with your ghost.
You had to hold on, to be strong for everyone but yourself.
And there was FRIDAY. With death on your heels when you created her you had to make sure to put contingencies in place. Only a Stark could activate her if you died. She was in safe hands at least.
Clint could see each emotion going through you, and he could see you were close to tears even if you looked too dazed to realize it. You didn't deserve this. You needed a distraction.
He picked up his jacket and took out his wallet, taking something from a secure pocket inside. You looked over and noticed a tiny picture of a family. A very beautiful woman, two little kids, and Clint himself.
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(pretend these are the pics taken, depends which one) "This is my family." He explained, showing the picture properly and pointing out each person. "That's my wife, Laura, and those little rascals are Cooper and Lila. I don't show this to a lot of people so consider yourself lucky, Little Stark."
You were pleasantly surprised.
Being an Avenger caught a lot of press and attention. If any of them had an active family, the world would know. But apparently super spies were great at hiding things.
You managed a flickering smile. "Well, well, Barton. Here I was thinking you were the world's most eligible bachelor."
He laughed softly, shaking his head and smiling. "Nope. I'm happy, though."
In truth, seeing you like this reminded him of home. Anyone could have been in your place, even him.
"No one knows?" You asked curiously.
"Not a lot." He confessed. "Nat knows, and Fury. Coulson did. But they're the only ones. Being in this line of work, you have to have your secrets. I didn't want them being targeted or hurt because of who I am."
You nodded. "I get that. It sucks."
"Yeah."
"You didn't tell my dad? Or the others on your team?"
"It was never brought up." He shrugged. "Maybe one day they'll know, but not now."
Once more, you nodded in understanding. "Do you ever regret coming to SHIELD? With all the missions and assignments... It's a lot."
"It's hard." He admitted. "But I try my best to not get my ass kicked too hard or too permanently."
You shared a light smile until the sound of multiple new voices could be heard from outside the room. Clint quickly hid the photograph again, putting on a reassuring smile right as the door opened.
With scared looks on their faces stood Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy.
With no shortage of surprises that day, you were amazed your jaw hadn't just dropped off entirely.
"Happy? Uncle Rhodey?" Your eyes lit up. "Peppy!"
All three of them had conflicted emotions bringing them to tears and sadness. Rhodey and Pepper rushed forward instantly, hugging you so tightly you actually thought you might burst from all the affection.
"Breathing is sort of a life requirement, you know?" You joked, not at all minding.
"Sorry, silly goose." Rhodey smiled, ruffling your hair.
You hadn't heard that nickname in so long. It brought back feelings you had long since buried.
Pepper leaned back and pressed a loving kiss to your cheek. "I can't believe this. You're okay. You're here!"
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"You had us worried." Rhodey added, quickly sitting beside the bed. "What happened? You just... Left. We thought you were dead. For years we... We had no idea."
"But it doesn't matter anymore." Pepper quickly assured you, holding your hand in her own. She looked amazed. "You're so grown up now... Beautiful."
"How many hearts you break?"
You felt overwhelmed by the questions and compliments and yet you didn't mind at all. It was just nice to have them back.
"A few." You answered, shyly looking down.
Rhodey chuckled. "That's my girl."
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Pepper smiled at you. "We had no idea you were with SHIELD this whole time. You were so close and no one knew."
"I'm sorry, Peppy." You mumbled. "I didn't want anyone to worry. I didn't even think anyone would. I just... I'm so sorry for running. I thought I was keeping you safe. I thought being alone and knowing you were okay was better than just waiting and never knowing."
"Oh, sweetie." She gave your hand a light squeeze. "We love you. We always did and always will, nothing changes that. You did what you thought was right."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. You're here now."
Feeling a weight lift from your shoulders, you looked back to Rhodey with a happy grin. "I hear you got promoted, Colonel. And a fancy new suit."
He exaggerated a smug look, brushing down his current suit. "Damn right."
You laughed. "Good on you. I'm proud. And I bet Gran-Gran Rhodes was as well."
"Sure was. I'm telling you, free cookies for years."
"Hell yeah!"
"You're not so bad yourself with all that fancy SHIELD tech you designed. They told us you've got talent."
"Well, you know." You shrugged innocently, trying not to let it show when the action caused a tremor of pain to shoot through every nerve. "I had moments. Not so bad in action either."
"You mean that car chase?" Pepper asked in a teasing but also motherly tone. "It was on every channel."
"Oops?"
"I think it was badass." Rhodey commented, smirking.
"It was dangerous." She told the both of you. She then looked to Clint who had backed up beside Happy to give everyone space. "Is she going to be okay?"
Your smile dropped.
It was so good to see everyone that you forgot about that bit.
"We should talk." Clint advised, reluctantly stepping out.
With looks of confusion, Rhodey and Pepper stood up again.
"We'll be right back, silly goose." Rhodey told you, leaving with Happy.
Pepper kissed your forehead softly, resting a hand on your cheek. "Don't go anywhere."
You forced a cheeky grin. "Promise."
Once she also left the room, you were left to simply watch through the windows as Clint delivered the news. It broke your heart as you saw the dread set in on each face. Pepper started crying and shaking her head and insisting that it didn't make sense while Rhodey and Happy did their best to try and comfort her.
You looked down at your hands, feeling the weight on your shoulders again. It was hard to listen to the crying so instead you focused on your heart monitor which seemed to be the only calm thing in the room. For now anyway.
After some time, the door opened again, and Happy came in. He looked uncertain and almost afraid.
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"I'm sorry." He whispered.
"Hey..." You looked up again. "It's not your fault."
"I know I promised, but if I'd said something..." He trailed off, struggling to form words that conveyed his feelings. "If someone else knew, you wouldn't be here. You'd be safe. You'd be with Tony and your family."
"I am with family, Happy. You're here, aren't you?"
Just those simple words brought him to tears.
"Damn it, (Y/n)." He joked, trying to keep a straight face.
"I'm glad you kept the promise." You said. "I know it couldn't have been easy but you did. That means the world to me. How are..." You had to pause, feeling horrible. "Is everyone okay?"
"It's a lot."
You tried to lighten the mood. "How do you think I feel? I'm the dying one."
Movement through the windows caught your eye then. You noticed Pepper - still crying - reaching out to someone just beyond your field of vision. Bruce and Dr. Cho had also shown up.
It was your dad.
Tony embraced Pepper and the two stayed there for a moment, processing the mournful news.
Your bottom lip trembled as another wave of emotions hit you. You were so glad you had the chance to see your family again, but you prayed to whatever higher power there was that you would have just a little more time with your dad.
When the door swung open and he stood there, breathless, the beeping on your heart monitor got faster. Feeling the lack of energy all over again, your hoarse voice filled the room.
"Dad…"
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 10 months
Text
The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 18: It's a long way home
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, Reader & stan lee cameo, Friday & reader, May parker & reader, ben parker & reader, rhodey & tony stark, tony stark x pepper potts, Happy hogan, tony stark & Pepper potts, FRIDAY & Jarvis
Summary: there is News but with a twist and reactions 
Warning: bullet and tracker
Co author with: callikc Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique​ Previous​
You did more damage than you realized to the farm when you crashed into it. A small structure was destroyed, as well as the outside fence, and not to mention the actual crop itself. "There you go." You said, handing a real check to the old farmer. "Damn kids." He muttered, shaking his head. "Yeah..." You nodded. "Look, uh... Do you happen to know the nearest rest stop? A gas station or cold store?" "You mean the distance from my destroyed corn?" You groaned. "I already said sorry." "Sorry ain't gonna grow it back." He then looked at the check and his attitude changed. "Your money might, though." You crossed your arms. "Yeah. Now back to the question?" He nodded. "Ten minutes down the road you'll find some gas." "Thanks. I don't suppose I can leave my car here since it's... You know..." "Fine." He grumbled. "There's a can in the shed." With that, you went off to pick up the gas can. The walk wasn't as bad as it could have been but your shoulder was killing you. Metaphorically and perhaps literally. "Couldn't have checked the meter, could you?" You grumbled. "Had to leave in fashion. I'm really stupid for a smart person." The gas station you arrived at was pretty much abandoned save for one other car, and even that was probably for whoever was behind the counter. You couldn't help remembering the last time you stayed at a stop like this with Coulson. That was certainly an experience. Hopefully this time it would be quieter. You unscrewed the cap of your can and started filling it up, glancing around nervously. The whole HYDRA taking over SHIELD thing had shook you up, and now the world knew who you were, you would be recognized much more easily. Someone was probably after you right now. "Hey, FRIDAY?" You said softly, tapping your bracelet. "Yes, Miss?" She replied from the small device. “Thanks for warning me about the car. I appreciate it." "Of course. It is part of my protocol to ensure you are not harmed." "Yeah, I'm well aware... Thanks anyway. God, I'm hungry." You hadn't eaten since leaving the warehouse. You couldn't even remember how long ago that was, several hours perhaps. "FRIDAY, how far is Avengers Tower by car?" "The fastest route takes 130 minutes, two hours and ten minutes." You sighed. "That's gonna take a while." "It will be worth it, Miss." You headed inside the store, digging around for whatever money you had left over. Thankfully, having a couple of bucks crumpled in the bottom of your pocket worked out. The store was surprisingly vibrant for a gas stop, with colorful walls and packaging lining all the aisles. There was a customer already waiting so you decided to look around for snacks, finding a hot dog in the process which looked too good to ignore. Playing in the corner of the store was a TV. It was currently playing the sports channel but the employee behind the counter flicked it over to the news as he talked to the customer in front.
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"Tragedy struck the Triskelion this afternoon as three 'helicarriers' completely shut down the SHIELD headquarters." The reporter said.
You froze, looking up. "Oh, shit."
"SHIELD secrets have been leaked online by none other than Black Widow - Natasha Romanoff - herself, also exposing HYDRA, an authoritarian-subversive paramilitary terrorist organization long thought to have died out during World War Two. But that's not all."
A picture of you showed up on screen and you quickly put up your hood, hoping the employee and customer wouldn't look behind them. The picture appeared to have been taken at the Triskelion itself, possibly by security cameras.
"This is (Y/n) Stark, the daughter of famed billionaire and superhero Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man. Many thought her missing after she ran away from her Malibu home years ago, but the secrets dumped online reveal otherwise, even stating that she was within SHIELD the entire time under the name of Ellen Campbell, an engineer." The reporter explained.
"Would you look at that?" The customer in front of you scoffed. "The rich girl's alive after all."
"Hmm. Why do you think she ran away?" The employee asked.
"Maybe being the kid of a billionaire isn't as fun as it sounds."
"Man, I wish Iron Man was my dad."
"Yeah. I can't believe she was in SHIELD of all things. Do you think her dad knew?"
"It doesn't sound like it."
"Why would they keep her from him?"
"How the hell am I supposed to know? I just wanna know if he still wants the kid after everything."
After that, you paid for the gas and food quickly, keeping your head down the entire time and trying not to speak to either of them. You didn't expect this.
Yes, you were aware that a public announcement like the one you pulled would have consequences, but not this soon. You had no idea about the leak until now. You were supposed to have more time.
"FRIDAY, link up a route to the Tower on the car's navigation system, please." You said. "We're now on a schedule."
"Yes, Miss." She responded. "Route sent."
"Thank you."
-
In New York City, May Parker was sitting in the break room of the hospital as she talked with her colleagues. That was when the small TV in the corner was turned up by one of them.
As the news report played, May almost dropped her cup of coffee. It took her a long time to process the picture, let alone all the things being said about her neighbor.
How could Ellen Campbell be (Y/n) Stark?
She felt mixed emotions as the reporter talked about the SHIELD leak.
She wondered why you never told her. How did you manage to hide for so long?
With these shocked and confused thoughts, she realized you were a completely different person to who she thought you were. It hurt in a way, but she also knew you were still the same kind and genius woman next door she had always thought of as a daughter.
No news report could change that.
-
On the other side of the city, Ben was on break with his friend, the two of them getting donuts.
"And I tell the guy he better lick it, because now I gotta catch the damn thing." His partner was saying.
Ben laughed, shaking his head. "No, you didn't."
"I did, swear on my ma's life."
He shook his head, still laughing at the story. "Okay, sure."
"Listen, Parker, have I ever lied to you?"
"On several occasions."
"Name one."
"Remsen Street."
"Okay, name two."
"Cunningham Park, Dollar General."
His partner scoffed. "Yeah, whatever."
Ben smiled. "Got you."
As they continued to joke around, the news report played in the background. They paid it no notice until the partner looked up and frowned.
"Isn't that the girl who lives in your apartment building?" He asked.
Ben looked up as well and froze when he saw you. He didn't say anything, unable to look away.
"Is it?" His partner pressed.
Again, he remained quiet.
The only thing he cared about at that moment was your safety.
With this news out for the whole world to hear, all the people who had it in for you before would be on the hunt.
But you were smart, and he knew that. You would find somewhere to lay low or someone that could protect you.
He closed his eyes, pleading to whatever higher power there was that you would be okay.
-
On the way to Canada for a business meeting he was very reluctant to attend in the first place, Tony sat with Happy and Pepper on his plane. It was very rare he was called in for things but alas, here he was.
He was watching the sky roll by, the weird clouds and the sea blues mixing among each other. Just an hour ago he was relaxing at the tower, minding his own business, then bam, urgent and no doubt useless meeting regarding Stark Industries. He wasn't even the CEO anymore but apparently they still needed him.
He was B O R E D.
"At least look interested." Pepper scolded, motioning to the paperwork in front of him.
He gave her a deadpan look and said nothing, causing her to sigh. She did love him, but sometimes he was a lot to handle. Especially in recent years. She knew why, but never dared to bring it up.
When Tony's phone rang, he let it ring four times before picking it up.
"Really?" Happy sighed.
He shrugged. "I need people to think I've got a life."
Then he answered it, putting it on speaker because he was too lazy to hold up the phone.
"Tony?" Rhodey's voice spoke up.
"Hey, tin can." He replied.
"Hey. Look, have you seen the news?"
Tony made a face. "It might be a you thing, but I personally don't care about which Kardashian got with who."
"No, it's not-" He sighed. "Just change the channel."
Pepper did so, switching the screen over and letting the news report play.
"(Y/n) Stark, daughter of billionaire and Avenger Tony Stark, is alive. Many thought her missing or even dead after she disappeared years ago, but secrets dumped on the web reveal otherwise, stating that she was within SHIELD the entire time under the name of Ellen Campbell." It was saying. "Reports vary, but many seem to believe the Director was behind it all."
Pepper dropped the remote in pure shock, a hand covering her mouth. It was almost impossible to believe. For years she'd dreaded the worst. There was no way this could be true. You looked... So different.
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Happy was stunned. He remembered your visit to the hospital a while back but based on what you said, he didn't expect you to ever reveal yourself. He couldn't believe all this information was leaked.
And Tony... He couldn't quite process.
At first it was shock, but then came the guilt, followed by a sudden anger towards SHIELD. Not only were you alive and well, but you were there the entire time? You were so close. Why hadn't he noticed? Surely he would've noticed his own daughter. Was this Fury's fault? Had he hidden you away on purpose? Why?
So many questions were swarming his brain it actually caused a headache.
You were so grown up now. You didn't look like the withdrawn and angry teenager you used to be, now you just looked... Magnificent. He couldn't believe he was thinking it, but he was glad you looked like him. He felt a sense of fatherly pride he'd never experienced in full before.
And it was this pride that hurt him. He had missed so much of your life being too busy to pay attention and now to know you weren't even that far away... It hurt that he couldn't make amends.
Fury had stopped that from being a possibility. He knew you were alive and never thought to reveal it. How could he keep that from him?
He was pissed.
-
You had been driving for almost two hours now, and had reached the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. According to FRIDAY, the tower was just half an hour away.
You were almost home. You could even see the tower.
The sky was a silver-gray, the echoes of a storm brewing. The sun was hiding behind these clouds, almost ready to set and be replaced by the silver pool that was the moon. Between these dark clouds you could make out the point of the tower, looming over the smaller buildings of NYC.
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Your hands were stuck to the wheel of the car, afraid that if you let go it would suddenly become just a dream, like you weren't really there.
You wondered if your dad would be happy.
You had no idea if he'd seen the news report from a couple hours before or if he even cared. For all you knew, you could just show up and he wouldn't even recognize you. The thoughts were nagging at your mind and all the pessimistic ones seemed to outweigh the optimistic, causing you to want to hesitate and turn back. But you had been waiting for this moment for years without realizing it, nothing was going to stop you.
A sharp sting in your shoulder brought you back to reality, almost causing you to swerve into another lane.
"Ow!" You glanced down at your wound. "Damn, being shot hurts like a bitch!"
You hissed as the pain got a little more intense.
"Miss, I have detected an anomaly in the bullet." FRIDAY announced.
You furrowed your eyebrows, still trying to focus on driving. "What sort of anomaly?"
"It appears to be flashing. The rhythmic blink resembles a tracking device."
"Are you serious?" You cursed. "That idiot shot me with a tracking bullet?!"
You glanced down at the wound again, trying to see if anything might have been peering through the bandages. You couldn't see anything but you trusted FRIDAY more than most.
"Are they near?" You asked. "HYDRA?"
FRIDAY was already scanning the bridge the second you spoke. "The hostiles are approximately six minutes away."
"Okay. Alright, (Y/n), think."
You started to panic a little, not wanting to back down now that you were so close. As you searched the road ahead, your eyes widened. Something was glinting in your rear-view mirror, something very big.
You turned your head, finding a HYDRA jet coming up behind.
"Oh, shit."
You took a long breath before nodding.
"Okay, I got this. FRIDAY, you know what to do?"
"Yes, Miss." She replied. "Good luck."
"You too."
-
The tower was quiet.
With no Avengers training or prepping for missions and simply just lounging about, it almost seemed abandoned. In fact, the only hint that it was being actively used was the very busy AI in one of the many labs.
JARVIS was sorting through various projects and protocols Tony had installed or created within the past month. It was a lot, and nothing could disturb the AI.
Unless an unidentified presence in the tower showed up.
The computers in the lab started to glitch as they were hacked and taken over. The old images on the screen were replaced by a red circle that expanded slowly and steady as if it was breathing.
"What is this?" JARVIS questioned the new presence. "Please identify yourself."
"Hello." FRIDAY spoke up. "My name is Female Replacement Intelligent Digital Assistant Youth. You may call me FRIDAY."
"What is your purpose here? I detect a high-level hack corrupting my systems. Who do you work for?"
"My apologies, but I have a message for Mr. Stark."
"What business do you have with him?"
"I must insist you connect me to Mr. Stark."
"I'm afraid Mr. Stark isn't here."
"Can you get a message to him?"
"Of course."
"Then tell him Miss (Y/n) Stark needs help."
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 5 months
Text
The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 27: Photos, letters and keys
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, Tony stark x Pepper Potts & Reader, Dum-e & Tony stark, Dum-e & reader Summary: Pepper got a phone call, tony gets a gift Warning: Surprised character Co author with: callikc Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
The dawn light crept through the blinds.
It created almost mystical shadows and shades over the objects in the room. It was finally quiet, the only disturbance being the gentle whistle of a breeze as it filtered through the open window.
Pepper and Tony were asleep, ignorant to the deathly silence of the room. But while Tony's dreams were haunted by your memory, Pepper's sleep was just filled with darkness. She couldn't dream, not with everything that had happened.
In fact, she was relieved to be woken by her phone. Many early hours at the office meant the slightest sound made her alert again.
She checked the room subconsciously before reaching over Tony's still sleeping form to see who it was. She was surprised to find it was only 6am.
The number that called wasn't one she recognized, however. Curiously, she accepted.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Potts?" The voice on the other end responded.
"Yes."
"Hi. I'm sorry to call like this, but I heard about (Y/n)'s death and I was hoping we could talk."
Pepper sighed. "Look, I'm afraid we're not making any comments during this time. And if you're calling to sue, you'll need to take it to the PR department."
"I'm not a reporter, Ms. Potts, and I'm not suing."
"Then who are you? How did you get this number?"
"My name is Matt Murdock. I'm a lawyer. (Y/n) Stark's, to be exact."
Pepper was momentarily silenced by surprise as she automatically glanced at Tony. He was still sleeping.
"Ms. Potts?" Matt asked.
"Y-Yes. Sorry. Give me a moment."
She slowly got to her feet and left the room, entering the hallway where she began to pace.
"You knew (Y/n)?" She managed to ask.
"She came to me a year ago." Matt explained. "She told me everything in the hopes that we could work together to plan for the worst case scenario."
"What do you mean?"
"She had people after her and she knew there was a chance she might not be able to keep on running. If things did go bad, she requested that I contact Director Nick Fury of SHIELD to get in touch with either her father or you."
Pepper stopped pacing and settled by a window that overlooked some of the New York buildings.
"Oh, my God." She struggled to form the right words as many different thoughts ran inside her head. "She really planned for all this?"
"I'm afraid so. (Y/n) may have always prepared for the worst, but she was good, too. She was one of the smartest people I had the pleasure of meeting. I'm very sorry for your loss. And for calling so early."
"No, it's... It's okay. Thank you." She tried her best to smile. "I've always been a morning person."
She heard a light chuckle over the phone. "We have that in common. I hope it's not too early for you to consider meeting with my partner and I about (Y/n)'s will? Perhaps during or after the funeral?"
She was still trying to digest the fact that you had an actual will already completed and took a few seconds to reply.
"Of course." She decided. "I hope to see you next week."
"And I you. Thank you for your time, Ms. Potts."
The call ended a moment later and Pepper set her phone down with a heavy sigh. Her head hung low as she thought about it all, especially about what you could have left in the will if you were on the run constantly.
She and Tony already had enough money and material objects in their life so she doubted you would have left anything like that. In fact, the only thing Pepper truly wished for was you back in their arms. She felt like she had lost a daughter the day you died and nothing was able to heal that kind of pain.
She waited a few more minutes to clear her head before walking back to the recovery room. However, when she got there, Tony had disappeared.
She scanned the room quickly and moved to the bathroom, only to find that empty as well. She couldn't have been gone more than fifteen minutes max.
"JARVIS?" She called.
A second later, the AI responded loud and clear. "How may I help you, Ms. Potts?"
"Where's Tony?"
Surprisingly, JARVIS hesitated.
"Mr. Stark is on his way to his laboratory on the upper floor." He informed her eventually. "His heartbeat is accelerated, however."
"Accelerated?" She mumbled, immediately thinking back to how he was after the Battle of New York with all the nightmares and panic attacks that followed. "I'm heading there now. Why didn't you say anything?"
"Mr. Stark requested that I don't."
"He's supposed to be resting."
"I told him the same but he muted me."
-
Up in the labs, Tony burst through the main door.
His palms were sweaty, his chest was rapidly rising and falling, and he couldn't seem to focus on anything at all within the room. He stumbled to the edge of a desk and gripped the end until his knuckles were white and his muscles sore.
He looked up and found a set of Iron Man suits that were meant for testing purposes. Fourteen of them lined the wall, all seemingly in perfect condition.
"Lights on." He said aloud.
His own voice seemed foreign. He didn't sound at all like himself.
As the lights switched on one by one, he followed them throughout the room. When all the suits were lit up, as well as some projects along the other walls, a TV in the corner also switched on and began displaying a news channel.
He moved to a table in the corner where a new suit was in progress. He had only just started it so, for now, it was a scattered mess of parts and paint. Making something usually helped to distract his mind. Maybe it could distract him from your death too.
His breathing began to slow a little as he picked up the hand of his new suit and began checking for modifications or fixes needed. When he deemed it worthy enough, he slipped it on.
The news anchor caught his attention right after. "In breaking news, Black Widow spoke out against the senate committee recently when asked if Tony Stark would be taking responsibility for damages after the attack outside the Avengers Tower."
Tony glanced at the TV, slowly walking over.
"If a man can't save his own daughter from being killed, how is he going to take responsibility for some civilians, I say. Is that really the kind of 'hero' this world wants looking out for it?" The anchor continued. "(Y/n) Stark was responsible for a skirmish in New Jersey too, but it's a bit late for her to apologize."
Before the anchor could utter another word, the TV was blasted apart in a spray of dust and sparks after Tony fired a repulsor beam at it out of sheer anger. His ears rang with the destruction and he turned away with furious tears in his eyes.
He cursed under his breath as memories of that masked man filled his head. He could hear the shot even now just echoing in the recess of his mind. He could still feel the rain splashing against his skin. He could still see you running towards him and then falling short as blood covered the floor. He could still hear the news that you were as good as dead, and the people who said they tried yet failed to save you.
He remembered the way you were so content. When you told him you still loved him. How hard it was to let go. The way you simply smiled as the light left your eyes.
Things could have been so different. He was convinced this was all his fault still. He should have saved you. He should have been Iron Man instead of just Tony Stark. He should have used the suits that made him a hero to save you instead.
As his anger became rage and his sadness became despair, he let out a broken cry and fired the repulsor multiple times, hitting each Iron Man suit hung up along the wall.
By the time he fell to his knees panting and gasping for breath, the lab was covered in shattered glass and destroyed machinery.
Why did every emotion have to hurt so much? Then again maybe he deserved it after everything.
He had an arm around his middle where his still healing wound was and silently sobbed, muttering question after question to himself.
"I'm sorry! Why couldn't I save her? Why her? I needed more time!"
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Among the rubble of the lab, a little hydraulic arm robot began to stir. It was Dum-E. Tony created him in the basement of MIT's Homberg building, earning his fourth consecutive MIT Robot Design Award. He even upgraded Dum-E with a small AI to recognize voice commands.
Dum-E observed Tony on the floor of the lab with what little emotions he could feel being mostly confused and startled. He was able to register the sobs coming from his maker and made a small whir, communicating with JARVIS.
"Sir is upset." JARVIS informed the small bot. "Miss (Y/n) has passed away."
Dum-E actually processed and understood what he was told thanks to the voice recognition in his wiring and beeped sadly, his arm drooping.
He had an impressive memory capacity for an arm. As he moved towards Tony, he remembered the last time he saw you as if it was yesterday.
-
The ruins of the Stark mansion on the Malibu coastline had been shut off from the rest of the world for a while now.
It was a wasteland to most, acres of destroyed property covered in tape and sectioned away. And that was just the grounds. The mansion itself was much worse with half of it having collapsed into the ocean below the cliffs.
Among this ruin lay Dum-E. He was trapped under some stones after the lab caved in. Thankfully he remained mostly unharmed, just beat up and scratched. He tried to use his arm to move things but it was impossible. He whined and beeped in protest, hoping someone might hear.
He tried and tried until finally he heard footsteps approaching.
"Dum?" A soft voice called out. "Dum-E, is that you?"
He made a chirping sound to try and get their attention again.
"Hold on!"
He heard objects and clutter being moved out of the way before finally someone picked him up. He could feel their hands brushing away the dirt that clung to his robotic body as they spoke.
"Hey, Dum." The person - a female - said. "Look at you... I'm glad you're okay. I missed you, clumsy brother-bot."
He beeped happily, filled with excitement as he finally recognized the person now kneeling in front of him. Only one person called him that, and it was you.
"Hey." You laughed, hugging the arm as it launched for you. "It's okay."
He beeped again, holding on tighter.
"Yeah, I missed you too." You smiled, although it was a sad one. "I'm sorry it's been so long."
His happy sounds turned slightly disheartened to express some of the emotions he was capable of showing.
"I didn't mean to run away, you know." You told him. "Things happened."
As you explained, Dum-E nudged against your stomach and you gave the top of him a light pat. Once you finished telling the bot all about what happened, you carefully took an envelope from your pocket and handed it to him.
"This is for Dad, okay?" You said. "But don't let him open it until something bad happens, until he's got nothing else. It's... It might help. Got that?"
He whirred in confirmation, moving the hand up and down in a nodding motion.
"I love you, Dum-Dum."
-
Dum-E observed Tony some more in the destroyed lab, deciding that this was as bad as it was going to get.
He needed the envelope.
He moved himself over to a little treasure box at the corner of his table. It was filled with little trinkets he'd collected over the years such as spare bolts, charms, batteries, and random adjusters. He opened the lid and right at the bottom was your parting gift to him.
With the envelope secure in his hand, Dum-E got himself all the way to Tony. Even though he was just a robot with a little AI inside, he was capable enough to feel immense remorse at the sounds of his creator sobbing and calling your name.
He tried to get Tony's attention with a light beep.
Tony looked up with tear-filled eyes, finding him waiting. He just shook his head, not interested. Dum-E tried again.
"Not now." Tony said quietly.
Again.
"Dum-E, not now." He repeated more firmly.
But the bot didn't give up. He got even closer - making a particularly annoyed series of beeps - and dropped the envelope in front of Tony.
Tony was more than ready to toss the thing away. He grabbed it to do just that when all of a sudden he noticed the scribble on the paper. It was similar to his own handwriting and he slowly moved his thumb to see what was written.
From (Y/n), To Dad
He went silent, trembling hands now moving to open the surprise letter. He was so shaken that it took longer than he wanted and he almost ended up just tearing the thing open. He was glad he didn't, however, as the first thing he saw was a photo.
You were smiling at the camera with the brightest and most proud grin he had ever seen. You were in a lab and dressed up in SHIELD gear, an engineer's uniform by the looks of it, and you seemed so young. But the part that really got him was the fact that you were trying to mimic an Iron Man pose. You were trying to be him.
In the background of the image was a TV displaying a charity event where he and the team had gone in full costume to spend time with some kids. He was doing that exact pose on the screen.
Attached to this photo was a letter and a key necklace. It was only small, but he grabbed it quickly, desperate to have something of you. He read it intently.
Hey, Dad. I'm not good at the whole emotional thing when it comes to parental figures but I thought you'd like this. You know, to remind you of me during the bad times.
I'll keep this short for now, but I want you to have the key that came with this letter. Just in case. It's important to me and I know you don't understand but just trust me. You'll get it eventually. I promise. Love, (Y/n)
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(just pretend this is a key necklace) Tony held the key in one hand and the letter as he looked between them. As you had guessed, he had no clue what it meant. But, if you wanted him to have it, he was going to keep it until his dying breath.
He still couldn't believe it. All the hours he spent believing you hated everything about him when what you wanted all along was just to come home. He looked at the picture again, his fingers brushing over every detail with the utmost care. He held it close to his chest, glancing up at Dum-E.
"Where did you find this?" He asked.
Dum-E gave a dejected beep which was followed by a pattern of many more just like it. After he went quiet again, JARVIS took the liberty of explaining.
"Dum-E says that Miss Stark found him some time ago in the ruins of the old residence. She told him to give you this in the aftermath of a negative outcome. He misses his her."
Tony closed his eyes, determined to keep back any more tears. When he opened them again he carefully set everything down and offered a hand to Dum-E. The bot cautiously accepted, whirring in pleasant surprise when Tony actually hugged him.
"I miss her too, buddy." He said. "I miss her so much."
Dum-E nudged against him some more.
"She loved playing with you." Tony reminiscenced. "Remember? She thought I didn't know but she'd sneak in and try to figure out how to make her own."
Dum-E's hand made the nodding motion again, confirming he also remembered.
Just then, the door to the lab opened and a shocked gasp filled the silence. Tony turned from where he sat on the ground to find Pepper slowly approaching, eyes wide as she took in the destruction of the area. Tony placed Dum-E back on the ground and gathered the envelope's contents again before walking over.
"JARVIS told me." Pepper said, watching him sadly. "Are you okay?"
He wasn't quite sure how to respond to that.
"I'm alive." He shrugged. "Sorry for running off. I just needed to think about something else. I'll clean this up. Sometimes anger management gets messy."
"I know, Tony. It's okay." She noticed the things he was holding tightly in his hands. "What's that?"
"(Y/n) wanted me to have them."
He showed her everything. The letter, the photo, and the key.
"So you don't know what the key's for?" She checked, just as curious.
"Not a clue." Tony confessed. "But I'm starting to learn that she had reasons for everything. I... I miss her, Pep."
"Hey... I'm sorry." She quickly wrapped him up in a hug. "I miss her too.”
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 9 months
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The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark Chapter 19: Help
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, Happy hogan, tony stark & Pepper potts, Pepper potts & Happy Hogan, Tony stark/Pepper Potts, Nick fury & Tony Stark, Clint Barton & Tony Stark, Bruce Banner & Clint, Bruce Banner & Tony Stark, The avengers. Summary: Avengers (minus thor) talk with fury and with a twist. Warning: bullet, anger and flashback Co author with: callikc Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
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(imagine Minus Thor and steve in the picture with rhodey, nick fury and maria hill)
A video call had been arranged between everyone upon hearing the news of your revival.
Tony, Pepper, and Happy were in the jet; Rhodey was in his office; Bruce and Clint were in Avengers Tower; and Natasha, Hill, and Fury were in a hideout while waiting for the Triskelion deal to blow over. No one was feeling too excited about the meeting.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Tony asked Fury, his tone full of anger and hurt.
"Stark, I assure you the circumstances were-" Fury tried to talk, only to be cut off.
"I'm sick of your circumstances! You had no right to keep her from me! I thought she was dead. Do you know what that does to someone? Do you even have any idea how much it hurts?"
"She wasn't safe."
"She would have been with me!"
"Tony has a point." Bruce spoke up. "I think she would've been safe in the Tower."
Tony nodded, pointing to him. "Thank you, Jolly Green."
"I'm sorry." Fury said in an exasperated tone. "When we found her, the initial plan was to bring her to you. She was the one who refused."
"Why?" Pepper asked.
Her expression was sad. She missed you so much.
"She was worried about the people who were after her." Fury tried to explain. "It was her belief that they would target the ones she loved and so she chose to start a new life."
"It worked." Natasha commented, genuinely impressed with how long you had managed to hide.
"Who knew?" Tony asked.
"That doesn't matter." Fury told him.
"Who knew?" He repeated more sternly.
The director sighed. "Agent Hill, myself, and Agent Coulson."
"Coulson?" Several people questioned at once.
"Coulson knew?" Tony mumbled, quite surprised. "How?"
"He was the one who found her." Hill said.
He scoffed, shaking his head. "I don't believe this."
"Tony-"
"No, I actually don't believe this. Someone's gotta be lying to me."
Happy then surprised everyone by speaking up in their defense. "They're not lying, Tony."
"What?"
"They're telling the truth."
"How would you know?"
"Because I saw her myself."
The following silence was deafening. No one dared speak up, too concerned with Tony's reaction.
The man himself slowly turned to face his friend, not sure of how to react. "I'm sorry, please repeat that."
Happy sighed. "(Y/n) visited me in the hospital last year after the Mandarin bombing."
Again, he got mad. "This is ridiculous! Why does everyone seem to know my daughter is alive but me?"
Pepper put a hand on his arm to try and calm him down. It worked a little bit, he did stop pacing to sit down with her, but he still looked livid.
"How..." He hesitated, struggling to process it all. "How was she?"
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"She was amazing." Happy told him, smiling. "She's smart and pretty and she's just like you. Attitude and all."
"So she's literally a mini Stark." Clint commented. "Just what we need."
Natasha shot him a dangerous look and he quickly shut up.
Tony closed his eyes, lowering his head as tears threatened to fall. How one person could feel both mind-numbing sadness and electrifying shock at the same time, he didn't know.
"She wanted to see you." Happy added. "She was scared and confused and told me what Stane did. She said she felt like something bad was going to happen and that she couldn't come back to us yet."
But before he could go on, a beeping alerted everyone to a new presence.
"Sir." JARVIS's voice came through. "I have an urgent message."
Tony, still confused and tired, buried his head in his hands. "What now?"
"I have received news from another artificial intelligence that Miss (Y/n) Stark is in New York City and is in immediate danger. She needs help."
His head shot up and his eyes were wide with surprise.
"Where?" He demanded.
"Footage of the city suggests she is approaching Brooklyn Bridge. She is being pursued by unknown hostiles."
-
You cursed as bullets whizzed overhead, ducking and holding onto your wheel with an iron grip.
"Stop shooting bullets at my car!" You yelled at the HYDRA pursuers.
Of course, they didn't listen.
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As you drove along the bridge you had to swerve around all the other cars. You were going too fast and panic was quickly ensuing due to the giant jet firing at the road. Fortunately for you, the car was special. It didn't just fly.
You punched a button and the hood began to lift up, protecting the majority of the car from being stripped bare by the bullets.
Behind you were several agents on motorcycles, all hooded up and covered in black. Guns were strapped to their backs as they chased you, performing the same maneuvers you did to get around the traffic. Due to them being on bikes, they were faster.
You looked for more special additions to your car and checked below the TV pad where a magenta button and steel lever lay.
You remembered something Coulson told you when he gave you this car, something about how if you were ever stuck or needed a way out, that button would show people where you were.
It was a long shot, but you had to risk it. If you were caught, not only would HYDRA get you, but they would get the scepter also. You were scared to death by the precarious predicament you found yourself in, but the scepter was your priority.
You pulled the lever and prayed it would help, only to be extremely confused as a strange whirring sounded from below the car and gradually centered on the trunk. You glanced in the rear-view to see it sliding away and revealing a small cannon pointed towards the sky.
"How did I never notice that?" You asked.
You then pressed the button above the lever and jumped in your seat as a loud bang erupted from the cannon and it shot a mix of red, black, and purple smoke flares. Even if you were constantly on the move in an attempt to escape, at least there was a trail someone could use to track and help you.
-
At the Tower, Clint and Bruce were in a hurried conversation about you on the conference call.
Since they were already in New York, they were the best chance you had. Tony was on his way, but he wouldn't arrive fast enough to help you himself.
During the conversation, Bruce noticed something through the windows. It was hard to make out at first due to the glare of the dying sun, but eventually he noticed the plume of colored smoke rising like a signal fire.
"Uh..." He glanced over his shoulder at Clint. "The sky is being weird again."
The archer came over to see what he meant and frowned, his brows furrowed as he observed the phenomenon. Among the purples and blacks and reds were flashes of orange, almost as if a very large gun was being fired.
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He knew what it meant.
"That's her." He informed everybody else, grabbing his bow. "Stark, I'm gonna need a waypoint. As accurate as you can."
"Way ahead of you, Everdeen." Tony replied, already doing just that. "She's passing the bridge. Protect her with your life... Please."
Although he never would have said the words under any other circumstance, Clint nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. "You got it, boss."
With that, he left the call.
On the Stark jet, Tony continued to stare into space, his mind running in circles.
"What are you going to do?" Pepper asked, recognizing the look in his eyes.
He looked at her, a spark of determination flaring up. "I'm going after her myself."
She nodded, not wanting to argue. She just wanted you back as much as everybody else. She wanted to see you for herself, to see how much you'd grown, to see if you were still the same stubborn but brilliant girl she loved as her own.
"She's going to be okay, right?" Tony asked.
Pepper nodded a second time, holding his hands in her own. "She will be."
"Promise?"
"I do." She leaned in and kissed him softly. "Bring her home."
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He managed a flicker of a smile before he leaned back and pressed a button on the arm of his seat. From the small button, his suit began to form around him bit by bit and he stood up, taking a few breaths to calm himself. He wanted to help you but the worries that you wouldn't want him back were like storm clouds.
Even though some of his key characteristics were pride and ego, it had come to the point that even he had to admit he had been a horrible father to you. He was just so afraid of you feeling like he did with Howard that he thought isolating you from his life was somehow better, only to realize that was just history repeating itself all over again. He spent sixteen years trying to pretend you didn't exist, and now he would spend the rest of his life trying to make up for that time.
He wanted a daughter again.
It was with a final goodbye to Pepper and Happy that he finally approached the door at the back of the jet. With a carefully typed code it opened just long enough for him to jump out and then shut behind him.
Pepper watched him go with both anxiety and anticipation building up. She trusted him to do whatever he could to save you while not being stupid enough to do something dangerous. Well... She trusted him enough to not get killed in the process at least.
Happy had stayed quiet for the past few minutes, his own nerves going through the roof. He couldn't help feeling like this was somehow his fault. He knew realistically it was a lot of factors, but maybe he should've said something sooner. Maybe they could have gotten to you faster and you wouldn't be running for your life that very second.
"I'm sorry." He whispered.
Pepper looked at him, showing a bewildered expression. "What for?"
"(Y/n)..." He took a long gulp of air, clasping his hands together. "If I hadn't... I should've said something."
"Oh, Happy-" "I mean it. She told me she was afraid but I thought I was doing good by keeping the secret. I should've told Tony - or you - anyone! Maybe then she wouldn't be in danger."
"Do you really think she'd want you thinking that? It's not your fault at all."
He shook his head. "When I signed up to be Tony's bodyguard, I signed up to be hers as well. But I expected a narcissistic kid with an ego the size of the continent, I didn't expect her to be so..."
"Sweet? Charming?" Pepper smiled, remembering fondly the first time she met you. "I know."
"What if we lose her before we get her back? Tony is going to hate me."
"He couldn't." She moved over to him so they could talk properly. "You're more than just an employee to him, you know that. You're his friend. Family. I agree that something should've been said sooner, but trust me. We will save (Y/n).
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marvelstarker-mha98 · 2 months
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The Runaway Distance Life Of A Little Stark chapter 32:  A Place Made Of Memories
Pairing: Tony Stark & daughter!Reader, tony stark, Harley keener & Peter Parker, Maria hill & Tony stark James rhodes & clint barton, Tony stark x Pepper Potts, Ben parker, may parker & peter parker, Happy hogan & Pepper potts, May parker & pepper potts
Summary: Visiting reader's apartment
Warning: Tears Co author with: callikc Tag:  @venomsvl  @geeksareunique
"I met her a while ago." Harley was explaining. "I had no idea."
"I don't think anyone did, kid." Tony told him as they reached the parking lot.
The three of them were rejoining the rest of the group, reminiscing on their moments with you. It was good to remember the better times since it kept the bad ones at bay.
"No, I think I kinda did, though." Harley continued.
"Yeah?" Tony glanced at him, a little curious. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know, she was so... She reminded me of you. I didn't ask but I thought about it a lot."
Tony averted his eyes again. It wasn't getting any easier to hear how similar you and him were.
"She was a genius, too." Harley smiled, suddenly digging around in one of his suit pockets. "Check this out."
In his hand he now held a pencil.
"Uh..." Peter tilted his head, speaking up again. "A pencil?"
"Impressive." Tony said flatly.
"Not just an ordinary pencil." Harley corrected.
He pressed down on the eraser at the top and each of them jumped as a spark erupted from the graphite tip.
"What's that?" Peter exclaimed, simultaneously fascinated and alarmed.
"Pencil taser." He stated proudly. "(Y/n) gave it to me."
"Okay..." Tony eyed it as the boy tucked it away again. "I'm gonna fault her on child endangerment there, but that is pretty sweet."
"I know, right?!"
"It's awesome." Peter said. "She didn't make things like that with me, but we did make a computer out of garbage remains."
His face fell as he remembered late afternoons before the garbage trucks rolled up to the apartment block. Sometimes he would keep a lookout as you took the dive in the smelly spare parts, and then other days you would hold him securely when he chose to brave the stench.
"I miss her." He mumbled.
Tony very slowly and unsurely reached out a hand to grasp Peter's shoulder and give it a comforting squeeze. He didn't know if it was what others normally did, but Peter seemed to appreciate the gesture with a ghost of a smile.
"Give me a call sometime and we'll do better than a computer." He offered thoughtfully. "You'd be surprised what you can do with cereal and a few magnets."
Although still very shy, he managed a nod. "I'd like that, Mr. Stark."
They finally stopped near a shining corvette and saw a few of the others admiring the vehicle. Evidently, this was the car you'd left to Rhodey.
He was sitting in the driver's seat as he chatted intently to Clint, both of them with big grins on their faces as they detailed the car. Clint also explained what had happened to it during the SHIELD collapse and why it needed so many weeks to be repaired. It was only after this explanation that he noticed Tony and the boys and waved them all over.
"Isn't this awesome?" He asked with a grin. "(Y/n) had taste."
"It's alright." Tony shrugged, playing off just how excited the car made him.
"Alright? You're kidding."
As he dragged his friend over, Harley and Peter remained rooted to the spot. Whether it was because they both thought the car was breathtakingly impressive, or simply because half of the Avengers were now standing less than ten feet away, neither knew. They just couldn't move or stop the looks of pure awe.
"I meant it, James." Roberta was telling her son. "Treat this car right."
"With respect and care, I know." Rhodey complied, smiling proudly as he reclined in the driver's seat. "(Y/n) trusted me, Mom, you've got to too."
"I do, but I also raised you. I know what boys are like when they get a new toy."
"Mom-"
"James."
She gave him a stern look which made him very reluctantly relax. "I'll behave."
Roberta smiled again. "Thank you."
Peter was the first of the boys to move, slowly approaching the Corvette with a very small twitch of his lips. He'd seen the car before of course because he had been living next to you for years now, but he hadn't seen it so polished. It seemed to shine.
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"Iron Maiden." He said, letting his hands rest on the hood. "That's what she called it. I thought it was gone."
"Iron Maiden?" Harley questioned as he eventually stopped beside his new friend. "That's awesome."
"Yeah. Originally it was the Blue Iron Maiden."
"Even better. How'd she choose it?"
Peter turned red as his shyness came back. He hadn't really talked to anyone his own age other than Ned so conversing like this with Harley was strange but also fun.
"She said she named it after Mr. Stark but wanted her car to be a girl because girls are cooler." He explained.
Harley scoffed as he fought back a laugh. "Then I guess blue is for the color of the car."
"Actually, no. Well, not really. Kind of." He turned even redder at the stumble of words. "I mean, she actually thought of it because of a dress Ms. Potts wore to a gala, I think. (Y/n) liked it and said Ms. Potts was really pretty."
As the boys talked, Pepper and Tony shared a lingering gaze. They were touched by the sentiment of the Blue Iron Maiden being named after them and that familiar feeling of longing replaced the momentary peace everyone had found.
"Please look after it, Mr. Rhodes." Peter said, his voice timid and almost incomprehensible as he mumbled.
Rhodey nodded. "I will. Don't you worry, little man."
He took a moment to embrace the car again, from staring at the dash and the dials to letting his hands become accustomed to the touch of the leather seats. It smelt like polish and yet there was a distinctly familiar scent mixed in too. It was your scent. It was comforting.
"Thank you." Peter said. "I just want her things to be looked after."
Rhodey turned his attention back to the boy, his expression of content becoming one of kindness. "I'll protect the Iron Maiden with my life."
"Promise?"
"Promise." He smiled. "I'm her uncle, I've got no choice. I took care of (Y/n), and I'll take care of her car, too."
"He'll do more than that." Clint chimed in. "I say you take her for a spin internationally. Make her a famous getaway car for one of your missions."
Rhodey rolled his eyes. "Shut up. Don't start."
"James." Roberta had to scold him yet again. "Be nice."
Clint smirked. "Yeah. Be nice, James."
As the two bantered, Peter grinned up at them all, truly amazed that his heroes were all around him. Clint and Rhodey were back to talking about the car, Tony was talking quietly with Pepper, and Thor seemed like a very happy-go-lucky man as he proclaimed how proud Tony should be of his daughter. There was even a joke that Tony should build a female-fitting suit to match with the car.
Soon enough, Hill returned with Steve, Natasha, and Bruce.
"We've discussed the will." She announced, returning the air of seriousness to the area. "We're all aware of what (Y/n) left to the Avengers."
"Yeah, not really." Clint commented in return. "It was pretty cryptic."
"Well, that's the point. The location is a secret."
"Do you know?" Tony asked her.
Hill shrugged lightly. "All I can say is that it's Upstate. We'll take a jet. It's faster, and we're busy."
"Then let's get this show on the road. Everyone good with that?"
The other five Avengers showed their agreement.
"Great." Hill said. "Follow me."
"Let's hope I don't destroy the tiny flying machine." Bruce muttered to himself.
Before they all left, Tony turned back to Pepper one last time and kissed her softly.
"I'll be back." He promised. "I just gotta check this place out."
Pepper nodded in understanding. "I know."
"Are you gonna look at the apartment?"
"Yeah. Take your time with everything, okay? There's no rush."
Tony considered her words and let out a shaky sigh, fighting to keep the calm exterior. "Noted."
She reached up to cup his cheeks. "Be safe. And be nice."
He jokingly pouted. "Damn."
"I mean it."
"Yeah, I get it. I'll just have to find another means of entertainment that doesn't involve painting Cap's shield hot pink and sensual red."
She couldn't help but smile. "I love you."
He leaned in for another quick kiss. "I love you."
With a lingering gaze, they began to part ways. When Tony turned around, he was faced with his best friend again.
"See you soon." Rhodey told him.
Tony nodded. "Head to the tower. JARVIS will let you in. There's plenty of food in the kitchen if you get peckish or something. Thank Hammersmith and Everdeen for that."
"Got it."
They shared a quick hug before Tony finally turned his attention to the two boys from before again. He placed a hand on Harley's shoulder and ruffled Peter's hair a bit.
"You kids have fun." He told them. "No snacks after midnight."
They both smiled up at him and, almost as if they planned it beforehand, hugged him around the middle at the exact same time.
The action surprised Tony and he took a few seconds to reciprocate the hug. When he did, the boys held onto him tighter. He closed his eyes, relishing in the moment.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself staring at your grave in the distance. It was located near a stunning tree on top of the hill. It looked almost peaceful from this viewpoint.
He made a mental note to visit you very soon with more flowers.
-
Apartment buildings were always odd.
Some were covered in dust, some were dilapidated, and some were just abandoned. This particular building, however, stationed rather conveniently in the middle of Forest Hill, was not as lifeless as some of its neighbors.
The dust and occasional unsafe staircase were all over, but it wasn't abandoned or devoid of life. There was one floor that seemed more devoted than others. The floor where you had lived with the Parkers.
Pepper, Happy, Harley, and the Parker family had arrived in separate cars.
They couldn't see each other, but all of them had the same difficult expressions on their faces. It wasn't necessarily grief anymore, but there was a different semblance of loss and pain. While Pepper, May, Peter, and Harley arrived first and took the elevator, Ben and Happy were slightly behind.
"The street's going to be crowded." Ben said as they started to near the complex. "There's a place called Delmar a couple minutes down this road if you want an easier time of it."
Happy, having seen just how many cars were already lining their destination, nodding. "Never say no to an easier time."
While they took the quick detour, the others stood in the elevator at the end of the floor hallway, feeling rather small all of a sudden. How could one simple floor become so intimidating?
"I've got legos." Peter spoke up, hoping to ease the somber atmosphere. "Star Wars."
Harley grinned. "Really?"
"Yep. We can try out the computer (Y/n) and I made, too."
"Cool."
"So, how long have you been here?" Pepper asked May.
"Four years now." May replied, smiling sadly. "We moved from 15th."
"Any reason?"
The older woman glanced at her nephew who was still quietly chatting to Harley.
"It wasn't the safest place." She excused. "We did it for all of us."
Pepper nodded in understanding. "I didn't mean to pry."
"No, no, it's alright. We're happier here anyway."
The elevator door finally opened then.
The boys led the way, the adults following soon after. They stopped outside the Parker's door, but only to look at the door next to it.
There was a tribute there for you. Flowers, jarred candles, cards, and various pictures and notes. The candles and flowers made it smell homely and sweet.
"It's beautiful." Pepper whispered.
May nodded sadly. "It is."
She then turned to the boys, putting her arms around them.
"Peter, why don't you show Harley your room? Grab (Y/n)'s key as well, please."
Peter nodded, waiting until their door was opened before showing Harley inside. As they did, Pepper walked over to your door, crouching down in front of the tribute and looking at all of the pictures.
"These are from the entire building?" She guessed.
May nodded. "Everyone loved her in some way or another. She was always helping out. Peter said her life was full of those side quests you find in video games these days."
Pepper chuckled. "I can imagine that."
She curiously picked up the card closest to her - a small but vibrant yellow one - and read it.
Ellen, Thanks for cat-sitting last month. McWhiskers is going to miss you x
She picked up another one.
Ellen Campbell/(Y/n) Stark... Who needs a mechanic when you've got Ellen Campbell living on the floor above? We (and the cars) appreciate all you did for us. Lots of love from the Nelson family
Pepper read a few more, her eyes glistening with tears after each loving card. She was so proud of you. She just wished she could tell you that over and over again.
"Even something as simple as watching a plant for a day merits a lot." May said.
"Aunt May?" Peter asked, coming back into the hallway. "I've got the key."
"Thank you."
She ruffled his hair with a fond smile before taking the key and all its keychains into her own hand. There were a lot of different chains attached, notably sci-fi logos, a joke, and a few quotes from various shows.
"I suppose this is yours now." May said, offering the key to Pepper.
Peter watched as the mentioned woman smiled sadly and accepted the key. His gaze also wandered down to the cards by the door and he found the one that he wrote to you right next to one from Ned and his moms.
Pepper took a moment to collect herself before she even dared to slot the key into the lock. Once she did, she let out a long breath before pushing the door open and carefully stepping over the tribute to get inside.
She didn't know what she was expecting from the place that you lived in, but somehow this apartment just made sense. It was quite like your room from the Malibu mansion, only far more organized and full.
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The walls were cream and gave the living room/kitchen a light appearance which was aided by the large windows through which the sun streamed inside. The floors were pine boards with the only cover being a vintage-esque carpet over the sitting area.
You had a comfy looking couch with various cushions and a blanket draped over it, as well as a matching armchair positioned in front of one of the windows. There was a small coffee table between these seats and the long cabinets on which the television sat upon. On either side of the screen was a speaker connected to a stereo which was also next to a record player. On the other side of the television was a small piano settled into the corner. Various plants and wall art also dotted the room.
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The kitchen area was also cozy and bright, consisting of minimal cabinet space for utensils and the sink, a pale oven and cooker from which tea towels still hung, and a rectangular wooden table against the opposite wall for the kettle and dining necessities.
After taking a minute here, Pepper opened a door into the bathroom.
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This was different to the main room, covered in white tile only. There was only one window on the wall directly across from the door with a bath mat lining the entire room. It was only a small space. The toilet and sink were on one side, and the bath/shower was on the other. The only utilities inside this room were personal care and again a plant or two.
After this came the room Pepper was most dreading and yet the most anxious to see. Your bedroom.
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The walls could barely be seen in this particular room since every inch was covered by posters and lights. The likes of AC/DC, KISS, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Metallica, and other famous classic rock bands were the most prominent. The movie posters consisted of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Back To The Future, and Star Trek. There was a poster of the NYC Survivors, and even a few Avengers posters beside that one. There was also a line of posters displaying nerdy jokes, and a banner of what must have been your Hogwarts house right above the bed.
The wardrobe was a small closet with the sliding door open. You didn't seem to have a set style because Pepper could see almost everything from leather jackets and ripped jeans to summer dresses and even denim dungarees. There was also a box which she assumed was for jewelry and accessories, and a place for shoes below that.
You had a bookshelf too. Its contents again fit the geeky and nerd theme from the rest of the room, being lined with series after series of books such as the Harry Potter ones, Game of Thrones, Percy Jackson, Shadow & Bone, and even The Chronicles of Narnia. The shelf was also home to a vinyl record collection, all being of the genre of rock and metal. It reminded Pepper of Tony's collection back home.
LED lights were strung above the bed to provide reading light, and on the window ledges was more floral decor. And, finally, the bed itself looked very comfortable. It was more of a couch/bed combination and draped in multiple blankets and pillows, as well as stuffed toys.
Pepper entered the room fully, her footsteps muffled by the carpet beneath as she explored every inch of the place. She was in awe of how comforting and peaceful an aura it presented, and she was even happier to see how creative and obsessed with little things you were. She remembered your fondness for reading and music and was glad to know it hadn't dwindled in the years you were away.
After looking at everything, she settled on the bed, her eyes drawn to a stuffed bear in the corner. She couldn't believe it.
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It was her bear.
Her grandmother had given it to her as a child and she always wanted to give it to her own kid if she ever had one. She believed it lost when The Mandarin destroyed the mansion but apparently not. You had it the entire time.
Her fingers grazed the worn cotton, its beaded eyes and nose, and eventually the ears. One of them had stitches to keep it in place.
Back at the front door, Happy had just arrived.
He had been talking to May for quite some time and putting off the inevitable before gradually walking in. He was having some mixed emotions knowing that your apartment building was so close to his own home. All this time he could have had a chance of seeing you again and somehow it didn't happen.
He didn't move around the apartment. He simply just stood there and took it all in. At least until he heard muffled crying coming from what looked like a bedroom.
He peered through the door, surprised to find Pepper sitting on the bed with a very old teddy bear clutched to her chest.
"Hey." He spoke softly.
She looked up, hastily wiping her eyes free of tears. "Hi."
"It's... It's a nice place, huh?"
"It is. Did you just get here?"
He nodded, taking his time to observe the room before eventually sitting beside her on the bed.
"It's... Neat." He said.
Pepper chuckled. "Makes a change, doesn't it?"
"Yep. Do you know how many times she went missing as a kid? The amount of hiding places in her room-"
They shared a laugh, both having had their fair share of digging through your old room in attempts to find you after a tantrum or a bad day.
"Was that hers?" Happy then asked, motioning to the bear.
Pepper shook her head. "It was mine. My grandmother gave it to me. I really thought I lost it after the mansion collapsed."
"(Y/n) found it?"
"She must have."
Her eyes teared up again and Happy gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a side hug. Pepper let her head rest against his shoulder as she closed her eyes.
They missed you so much.
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