Tony lays on his couch in his Malibu mansion, the war had ended and he was alone. Choosing to cut out Rhodney who was the only one left despite everything Tony had managed to do and even despite the condition his legs are in now. But Tony still chooses the hard way out for himself to make it easier for the others and packs up, shutting down every last piece of important tech like the bots, Friday and the suits taking them all under ground. He had a simple duffle bag filled with some items such as a few pictures, documents, clothes, tools tiny bits of tech and a journal full of important information. He wares camouflage pants tucked into soldier boots and a tan t-shirt untucked of course but they feel so foreign despite him mentally preparing himself for it all and the most ironic bit of it all he was becoming the winter soldier, although no one is brain washing him or forcing him. Tony is doing it all on his own and in his own questionable stable mind. His curly brown locks were longer now and the scars covering his body more visible along with the tired look on his face he carried more often than not now. The phone Steve left sits on the coffee table next to him ringing softly but tony know he can't pick up because ross is banging on the door but in homes of a final warning to leave him alone he accepts the already burned the letter making sure it couldn't be traced back and of course the phone was untraceable as well as the number Steve is calling from, if not Tony was doing this all for not. Tony doesn't answer knowing he would break down if he were to speak, instead simply puts the phone back down and grabbing the bag dropping it by his feet as ross finally breaks down the door and guards run in guns raised and fully ready for a fight. Some shouting for him to surrender, other simply shouting different orders making Tony barley manage to conceal a wince as memories of his time in Afghanistan resurface.
"stark always a pleasure, you look smashing by the way" Ross's voice carries out from the smoke
"fuck you ross"Tony says as he calmly places his hands up and onto his head
"now thats no way to talk to the man controlling your life is it now?" Ross smirks as he strides in
"lets get this over with ross" Tony says dropping his hands back down to his sides
"fine, *sigh* I have your first assignment anyway" Ross hums as he lights his cigar
"yeah what is it?"Tony dares asks
"kill Rhodes."