A/N: A scene I dearly thought should have been written and included in Endgame. Tony Stark's just-in-case-I-don't-make-it-through-this message for an estranged friend.
"Steve, if you ever find this - and I know you will; when you find this - well, I guess it means our foolproof plan wasn't nearly so foolproof as we thought. Or it means you should have taken my advice and made it genius-proof. Anyway, somehow, something didn't work out. I'm - I don't know how to put this. But I guess when you hear this message you'll know. So great, no need to explain. That's good, a bit of a relief - I'd probably botch it. Like I've botched everything recently.
"So this message does have a point, if you'll stop jabbering for a minute and let me get a word in edgewise. I just wanted you to know - I'm glad you're never actually going to hear this. But there's just some stuff I need to get off my chest. You know, to be able to sleep. We want to be sharp tomorrow, well-rested, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
"I don't know any other way around this.
"I'm sorry. For everything. Ultron, Siberia - everything. That's on me. And I know we're not on the best of terms right now, and I'm sorry for that too. These past five years have been good to me. I'm sorry you couldn't have a piece of that. You'd love Morgan, by the way. She's a holy terror, and - I hate to say it - she's got me wrapped around her little finger. She's a miracle, and I'm not sorry I didn't share her with the team.
"I am sorry I might never get the chance to.
"Anyway. About what I said. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for a lot of things. And I could never begin to tell you how good it's been, having you guys back. I missed you, Cap.
"This is the last message I'll do tonight. It's funny, seems as though I never have the time to do things properly.
"Steve, I never ask this of anyone but Pepper and Morgan; but I hope, when you get this message, you'll forgive me. I'd hate to die knowing you still hated my guts. I know I shouldn't even ask you to, I've done so much stupid stuff. But you're a good man, Steve. Greatest man I ever knew, actually. I'd never say it in person, but there's a nice sort of anonymity in a recording no one is going to ever see.
"I should let you go. Of course, if I do, that is going to feel really final. But I think it's going to work out alright. I believe that, truly do. Cross my heart, hope to die.
"Stick a needle in my eye. Oh, Steve. Gosh, I'm sorry. Don't worry, I'm not crying. Just got some dirt in my eye.
"Well, I guess I could leave this thing on and you could watch me sleep. But nope, not gonna. Still do get nightmares, talk in my sleep, all that jazz. And it's worse when Pepper's not around. So I think I'll hang up now.
"There's just one thing. If this time travel business does work out, and we do get everyone back; if we get Pym, and he makes more particles, and you wanted to…
"I don't know what I'm saying. But I guess, for me? If it were Pepper, and I had a chance…
"I wouldn't hesitate. But I know you will, you're that responsible. And I don't personally get that, but, you know, that's part of what makes you you. I wouldn't want it any other way.
"But Steve, look at me. You lost a lot. And if, somehow, you can get it back, get it all back…
"You. Are. My. Friend. Yep, know it's a little late, but you've had it coming.
"Well, goodnight, Cap. Steve. I'll see you on the other side."
