Disclaimer, don't own them just play. they belong to Disney/Marvel
The return of Tony Stark
Why the hell was he nervous. He had spoken to larger crowds with more powerful people. This was MIT, he had spent many fond years down these corridors with Rhodey by his side attempting to keep him out of trouble. He had failed he couldn't fight against Tony's nature. It was different now of course as Morgan sat beside him while he waited to go on stage, Happy sat flicking through a tablet on the plush sofa. He wished Pepper had be able to come along. Almost year ago, the world had regained half its population, Stark Industries was thriving again. He was here to release another round of scholarships the first recipient being Peter who was due to start at MIT next fall. The kid had popped in and out of the Stark's lives over the past few months Tony had pushed him in the labs to get him ready for college. He gotten to know Morgan and swiftly became her favourite. Tony had split his time between the lake house and his offices in New York as Pepper spent increasing amounts of time at Stark Industries. He missed the time they spent together before, selfish he knew but it still weighed heavily him, the demands of the world. Tony turned as the lead organiser stepped in quickly going over proceedings. His mind drifted not only was he due to attend the anniversary of the 'return' as it was called in DC, he was also overseeing the massive clear up at the old Avengers HQ. Fury had finally called.
Tony rubbed his eyes standing straight and attempting to stir up the old bravado. Morgan hugged and wished him luck. Happy patted the couch showing Morgan the movie on the screen. Tony commanded the room as the students held on his every word. He turned swiftly as Morgan ran towards him with Happy stopping at the side of the stage looking exacerbated. Tony opened his arms as Morgan ran up. Tony smiled broadly at the crowd while Morgan was balanced on his hip joining in with Tony offering a small wave. They only cheered louder.
The offices were rather non-descript like hundreds more in the city, just the place to meet a spy. The spy. Tony straightened his tie as he walked through security and was met by Fury who held out his hand. Tony took it. "Thank you for coming Tony I know you busy "Fury said as they entered the elevator." Busy is an understatement Nick" Tony rolled his eyes "I have more than one man can deal with, but you know that". Nick stayed quiet as held the door for Tony. Tony sat gazing round the modest office a real come down from the old SHIELD ones. Of course, Tony knew why Nick wanted to meet. The Avengers. "I think you know why I called you in Tony "Nick said leaning back "I know Nick the Avengers? a team" Tony just couldn't not consider the Avengers in any other form than what they had been. Peter was more than content to be the friendly neighbourhood Spiderman even after he left for college, Tony refused to draw the kid into another largescale conflict. Thor was in space, banner a lead scientist in some university in Europe, Clint retired and they, well both Natasha and Steve gave their lives so they could have this chance not to screw up the world again. At the old site, once cleared up he planned to erect a memorial, nothing more. "I know its hard Tony Its why I didn't bring it up sooner" Tony sat a little straighter "Where's Danvers's she is a one-woman Avenger's" It was true she had brought down whole fleets of ships, alone. "She has business elsewhere I respect that I have known her for a while now." Tony chocked back a laugh "yeah like since she saved our asses thirty years ago". They sat quietly for a moment. Tony had never wanted to be an Avenger he was happy alone. It was only when he joined the team when they came together that he discovered he needed them. "Rhodey and Clint have retired, Wanda's at school and Lang brought Sam along to work for Hank they have no interest in joining up" Fury gave one of his knowing smiles It was an open secret between them that Barnes now resided in Wakanda a second chance granted by T'Challa "I know the situation "he said passing the tablet to Tony "some possible recruits" Tony glanced at the screen on the desk flicking through the files, ok he thought this just got interesting.
It was Morgan tapping on his knee to announce dinner was ready that broke him out of his trance. Pepper chatted with Peter as he sat crossed legged on the couch, it was a rare event that they all managed to eat together. Tony reread the message again. Fury wanted Tony to take over SHIELD, the new SHIELD. Returning to the pledges his father had made when had founded the organisation with Peggy Carter. It was part of the reason he was considering it, legacy. Tony Stark, Director of SHIELD. Tony stood up stretching and ruffling Morgan's hair. Peter started recounting his day as they ate with Morgan laughing and encouraging him to continue, Tony remained quiet. HYDRA had brought down SHIELD, Steve had taken down HYDRA. Tony's heart skipped a little thinking of that day. Steve was beaten but alive Tony recalled the relief when he had discovered that. Sam was with him whom Tony had never really got to know al that well. When Steve recounted HYDRA's plans Tony's body had gone cold. It was made worse because his own technology had been used in their plans, the ships, the software, the weapons. Peter was talking to him and he tried to keep up his mind a whirlwind of possibilities. He could help the world, keep it safe and attempt to restore the Stark name. No more weapons, no more death. Tony continued to nod and engage with the conversation formulating how he could integrate the new Avengers into SHIELD.
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The lights flickered across Tony's face as he watched the screen, Morgan sitting crossed legged picking candy from a bowl beside him. "So, this was a big thing then in the olden days?" Morgan asked as he stretched out in on the cosy recliner, at seven Morgan's dedication for maths and science was clear, she was genius. At least in Tony's eyes. And her teacher's much to Pepper's dismay as she now had two sarcastic geniuses to contend with. "Yes, it was and I am bringing it back." Tony had been nervous about showing Morgan this footage, his father talking directly to him. Tony remembered when he had created a similar message for Morgan, how painful it had been. Well at least it wasn't Frozen both of themwhich he'd watched a thousand times. He had those songs stuck in his head and hadn't realised he was humming one until Pepper nudged him in the ribs during a shareholders meeting. Morgan asked questions as the Expo footage of 2010 started up with AC/DC blasting through the speakers. "Dad you're such a show off!" Tony couldn't help but laugh, she had asked about Iron Man only in the last year as she spoke and met more people, her classmates practically fell over when they discovered Iron Man's daughter was in their class. Tony had stayed up all night with Pepper formulating how best to explain everything to their daughter. Pepper calm as always concluded he had to be honest. He pulled several suits from storage to which Morgan swiftly asked question after question. Tony wished he had brought Peter along to distract her." Mr Stark?" Tony rolled his eyes would he ever get the kid to call him Tony?" In here Pete" Tony replied while picking up his coffee. Morgan leapt up and hugged Peter as he sat beside them "is that the Expo?" Peter said leaning forward "Yep Pete its when we first met you want to tell Morgan the story while I go make a call? "Tony said and walked toward the door "sure thing Mr Stark" Peter said while throwing down his backpack. "how long you back Pete?" Tony asked at the door" a week I am catching up with MJ" Tony raised an eyebrow as he walked out. Tony walked out toward the lake and leant on a tree it had been fifteen years since the last Stark Expo, it felt right to restart the tradition. The world was far from healed and bringing people together for humanities sake seemed appropriate.
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