Disclaimer: All Characters belong to their original owners.
Author's Note: I am Handicapped so please bear that in mind if my spelling is off. I use a spell checker. I also have a slight mental disability so please excuse any mistakes. I do the best I can with writing these stories and trying to post chapters.
Author's Note 2: I apologise if I get the Navy terms wrong.
Author's Note 3: Beta by Rasi10
Introduction
Tony never told anyone that he is ten years older then he says. He also didn't tell anyone that he was a Navy-Marine going under the name Antony Speck. He got to the level of a Captain before going into the reserves. He is called back to service after Ultron and is promoted to Vice Admiral. But then the Avengers come, will Tony be able to keep his secret? Will Steve and Stephen figure out that the man they love is Antony Speck?
Chapter .1.
Tony has kept many secrets over the years from those he could trust. He just wasn't quite sure if he could trust them with his precious secrets. Even from two of his lovers Steve and Stephen. He didn't tell them he had a wife and 25 kids, ages between 17 to 1. His wife knew he loved two men though and was ok with it. Alexandria was great like that.
The other thing he never told anyone about was that he is in the Navy. He had been in the Navy since he was 18. He did brief tours and then went back to MIT looking young.
He looked young because of a serum his father had given him. It made him look younger then what he was. So instead of the 55+ years he is, he only looked around 40 – 45. And that was fine by him.
Also while in the Navy he went by a different name as his name would have drawn way too much attention. So he went by Antony Speck. No one could connect him with his true self with the cameo mask he had perfected. He also made sure everyone in the Navy knew he spoke dozens of languages including: French, Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Georgian, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Pashto, Russian, Hungarian, Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Xhosa, Swahili, Zulu, Portuguese, Scottish, Irish, Latin, and Welsh. Some he just learnt in the last few years.
He knew he should tell Steve, Stephen and the rest of them, especially Rhodey as he was an army man and could kind of know what Tony did. But he didn't because Ultron happened and everything became messy.
He was grateful that his wife and kids weren't in the tower at the time and JARVIS had hidden the information. So Ultron didn't know about them. Which he thanked his lucky stars for.
Now, he was back in the Tower without his team, they had all moved upstate while he seemingly 'retired'. But he would always be on call as Iron Man and was also a Navy Man. He moved his family to the tower but still kept them hidden from Steve and Stephen. He just had to find the right time to tell them.
What bought him out of his thoughts was a phone ringing. His second phone. Also known as his Navy phone.
"Rear Admiral Upper Half Antony Speck", Tony answers, knowing he was alone.
"Rear Admiral it is Admiral Chief Thomas Dixon", the man stated.
"What can I do for you, sir?" Tony asks
"We need you on the USS Virginia", Admiral Dixon declared.
"Sir I have a family…", Tony starts.
"You are being promoted to Vice Admiral. You are to report to your command in 2 days. The USS Virginia will be the ship you command. We need you Rear Admiral", Admiral Dixon says. "And you never retired. I know who you really are, but your country needs you"
"Yes sir I will report to the USS Virginia in 2 days", Tony says with a sigh.
"The USS Virginia is in Washington. You are to report there at 010.00. Your new rank is waiting for you. You will be at sea for about a year or two or more. I faxed over the papers. Good luck Vice Admiral", Admiral Dixon says.
"Thank you sir", Tony says, hanging up.
He sighed. He knew he should have retired ages ago. But he never had the heart to do it. Well, now he was paying for it. A year or two more at sea? How was he going to explain that to Steve and Stephen! Not to mention Rhodey and Pepper! He would have to get the help of his wife to come up with an idea. He also knew that she would be upset with him for leaving her and the kids alone.
Well, he better get started as he only has two days till he had to report.
"FRIDAY where is Alexandria?" Tony asks, getting up.
"In the Playground floor boss", FRIDAY replied.
"Can you ask her to come here to my office?" Tony asks
"Of course Boss…she said she is on her way up", FRIDAY replies
Tony rubs his temples. He is definitely going to retire after this tour. He was getting too old for the Navy, even though he didn't look older than 40. He was 55 and his heart was a mess so he should retire soon. Who was he kidding? His heart was ok due to the serum in his veins.
"Tones?" a voice asks.
Tony looked up to see his beautiful wife looking at him. She had long blonde hair and green eyes. She was a beauty to behold. One of his greatest treasures besides his children.
"Alex I have something to tell you my love", Tony says softly, holding out his hands.
"It is never good when you say things like that", Alexandria replies, taking his hands, "What is wrong?"
"I am being recalled", Tony states bluntly
Alexandria's eyes widened. She knew what that meant.
"For how long?" she asks.
"A year or two maybe, maybe more. I might have leave time but it will be sparse and far in between", Tony replies
"So when do you report?" Alexandria asked
"In 2 days. I am being made Vice-Admiral of the USS Virginia. I will be leading the ship", Tony informs her
"No changing this?" Alexandria asks sadly.
"None. I have too. I need help Alex", Tony admits.
"With what? I will help you with whatever you can. But you have to tell the kids", Alexandria reasoned
Tony winces the kids were going to love this news.
"Fair enough. I need something I can tell Steve and Stephen. The problem is that they will want to see me", Tony says quietly.
"I can see why that is a problem. There are only two things you can do my love, my Tones. Either you tell them the truth or break up with them for the duration", Alexandria replies.
Tony sighed he knew those options, he thought about them himself. He just didn't want to admit it. He didn't want to tell them who he was so he would have to do the heartbreaking thing.
"I will have to break up with them", Tony decided.
"Why not tell them?" Alexandria queried.
"They won't treat me the same. I will tell the children then break up with Steve and Stephen", Tony said with finality.
"Alright. I will support you, no matter what the decision is", Alexandria says, "But I still think you should tell them"
"Can't at the moment. Call me a coward", Tony replies
"Never my love. You could never be a coward. You're the strongest person I know", Alexandria said, kissing his lips soundly
"Thank you", Tony replies
"The older children will be home in three hours. Do you want to wait for them?" Alexandria asks
"I do. I will see Stephen and Steve first then. This will be hard", Tony says getting up
"I know. You can tell them the truth at any time remember that", Alexandria reminded him
"I know", Tony responds, leaving the tower
He gets in his Audi and speeds towards the Compound. He didn't announce his arrival because he didn't want an audience for this. Arriving at the Compound an hour later he was greeted by Rhodey, Steve and to his surprise Stephen.
"Well look who it is", Rhodey says grinning, "Didn't know you were coming."
"Just some things I need to take care off. Can I speak to Steve and Stephen alone for a moment?" Tony asks
Rhodey gives him a strange look, "Ok. Is anything wrong?"
"No. Just some business to take care off", Tony replied
Rhodey nods and leaves. Steve goes to kiss him but Tony backs up. He does it again when Stephen tries.
"What is going on with you Tony?" Steve asks, worried
"Come with me", Tony murmurs nodding towards the grounds
Steve and Stephen share a look and nod, not knowing what Tony was doing. Tony was already walking into the grounds and Steve and Stephen run to catch up. They walk in silence for a minute.
"These grounds will be great when they are finished", Tony says stalling
"I am sure you didn't drive all the way out here to talk about the grounds", Stephen says, frowning
"Your right I didn't", Tony says stopping at a distance away from the Compound
"What is going on with you Sweetheart?" Steve asks
"Just some things I need to work on", Tony replied
"Things to work on?" Steve asks confused
"I need time to rethink our relationship", Tony replies, wincing internally at the hurt look they give
But Tony keeps his mask on while talking not wanting them to know how much this hurt.
"What do you mean?" Stephen asks
"I need to break up with both of you for a while", Tony replies
"Why? What have we…", Steve starts
Tony was going to nip that in the bud, them blaming themselves.
"It is me not you both. I need time to get my life in order. To do that I am going to one of the Stark Properties to get myself together", Tony lied
"Tony…", Steve whimpers
"I am sorry. But maybe in a year or two, I will get myself together enough to give our relationship another go", Tony promised
"Tony this isn't like you", Stephen tries
"Yes, it is. It is exactly like me. But now I am going to do something about it. Maybe in a year or two, I will be better", Tony replies
"Please don't do this", Steve begs
"I am sorry it is already done. I am leaving town. I will see you when I get back. I am sorry. I hope one day you will forgive me", Tony said softly giving them one last look and turned when Stephen was suddenly in front of him and kissed. Tony had to force himself not to kiss back.
"Anything?" Stephen asks
"Nothing", Tony lies
Stephen looks upset but nods and moves away. Tony walks away not looking back but he knows that he just broke the hearts of two good men. Tony gets into his Audi and looks at Stephen and Steve one last time. They were standing there in shock. Tony winced again as he pulled out his phone.
"Wilson", Sam says
"Rogers and Strange need you and the others. They are on the grounds", Tony tells him forcing himself to use their last names
"Stark wh…", Sam starts but Tony hangs up
He sighs and lets some tears fall. Now he was going to do something harder if it was possible, he was going to tell his children. But first, he needed to talk to one man that actually he told his secrets to, who had kept them from everyone, even his subordinates and from the official record. He dials a number he hadn't in a long time.
"Stark what do you want?" a voice asks as he picks up
"I am being deployed back to the Navy", Tony replies
"When?" the voice asks promptly
"Two days", Tony replies
"How long for?" the voice asks
"A year or two, maybe longer", Tony replies
"Rogers, Strange and Alexandria?" the voice asks
"Just broke up with Rogers and Strange. Said I needed to 'find myself' for the next year or more. Alexandria of course knows", Tony admits
"I guess you want my help in keeping your secrets?" the voice asked
"I do. I also want you to check on the kids and Alexandria while I am gone", Tony replies
"You're a pain in my ass godson", the voice says
"You know you couldn't live without me and my shiny toys Uncle Nick", Tony countered with a smirk.
Steve and Stephen were found and it took some effort, but they eventually got what happened out of them. Rhodey was shocked he thought
Tony loved these men! But he had just broken their hearts. Rhodey didn't know what the hell was wrong with Tony. Going away to get himself together? What was that load of bullshit!
"I will go and talk to him", Rhodey told them
"Don't, he doesn't want us", Steve says sadly
"Just like Stark to be a dick", Wanda snarled angrily
"There is something else going on here. There has to be", Natasha insisted.
"How do we find out? We know Stark is being a dick", Clint points out
"We go to the tower. We sneak in. And we spy", Natasha replied. "What I mean is that Clint should spy as he can get in the vents"
"Do I have too?" Clint whines
Natasha gives him a look.
"Fine", Clint gave in with a sigh
"Thank you guys", Steve says sending them a grateful look
"It is nothing. When does Clint do it?" Natasha asks
"Two days. Give him time to cool down", Rhodey suggests
"Thank you", Stephen said, not being able to believe that they were still sticking by him even though Tony dumped him.
"Your Welcome", the others replied
Two days later…
Tony had left the tower a few hours ago and flew with his family to DC to their house, where his family will be living for the next year or so. He told the kids that he was leaving and they had cried, but he promised to Skype them often, maybe even write to them if he could.
He called Pepper and told her that he was going away to 'find himself' at a Stark property. She had yelled at him, but Tony had bought up his recent events like Ultron and New York and stressed that he HAD to get away. She had told him that he better be contactable. He replied be would check in once a month and that was it. Otherwise, she was trusted with his company. She wasn't happy with it and his answer about Steve and Stephen but he hung up before she could go on about it.
He arrived at the wharf, seeing the USS Virginia in all its glory. He was wearing his new uniform. His cameo mask was on, making him look older and different from Tony Stark. He was now unrecognisable with his iconic beard shaved off.
He looked at his wife, who had accompanied him. The kids he had already said their goodbyes. His Uncle was in standing somewhere in the shadows.
"Be safe", Alexandria says kissing him
"I will try love", Tony murmured into the kiss.
"I will miss you", Alexandria said.
"And I, will miss you more", Tony answered, kissing her one last time, "I will try and Skype you when I can and send letters more often"
"Good. I love you", Alexandria said, looking at him one last time
"I love you too", Tony said, moving away.
"Don't do anything stupid Stark", the man in the shadows said.
"I will try not too. Keep everyone safe", Tony tells him, knowing that the older man will know he meant the Avengers too
"I will. Good luck, God sent", the man nods to him in respect.
"You don't believe in gods", Tony shot back, smiling
"Neither do you", the man retorts and Tony could hear the smile in his voice, a smile that was never actually seen by anyone but Tony's kids.
"We know one god, well two", Tony admits thoughtfully.
"They don't count. Get going and good luck", the man said before disappearing
Tony sighs and nods at his wife and walks up to the gangway as his crew salutes him. He nods at them.
"Vice Admiral we are ready to go", Warrant Officer says
"Ship out", Tony commands in a strong voice
The call was made throughout the ship. The Navy Officers pull out. Tony sees his wife watching him. He nods at her with a small smile. She nods and smiles proudly, mouthing 'I love you'. Tony nods and mouths those words back before he leaves to take up his command…
On the wharf, the shadowed man watches the USS Virginia sail off. He wouldn't say it to the man but he hoped Tony would be alright. Tony was a pain but really he wouldn't have him any other way. The man that sailed off was a first-grade man who had served his country since he was 18. He hoped that when the time came, the Avengers would remember that. He nods to Mrs Stark and turns to leave. After all, he had a few false trails to leave…
New York…
Clint sees the dark Tower and frowns. Tony had to be here. He slipped into the vents and moves through them but there was no sign of life anywhere.
"Anything?" Natasha asks in the comms
"No one is here. It is dead silent", Clint replies
"He is not there?" Rhodey asked, confused
"Not anywhere I've seen. There are no cars in the garage. And there is no one on the floors I have been on", Clint replies
"Maybe he should risk asking FRIDAY?" Sam asks
"It is risky", Rhodey says
"She would report to Mr Stark", Vision says
"But it will be worth it", Natasha points out, "He is not there. So we need to know"
"So... do I do it?" Clint asks
"Do it", Rhodey orders
Clint drops down from the ceiling and looks up.
"FRIDAY you there?" Clint asked
"Yes, Mr Barton?" FRIDAY responded
"Where is Tony?" Clint queried
"I do not know. Boss has left me in charge of the Tower. He said to tell anyone who turns up that is friendly he has gone away to find himself", FRIDAY replies
"And where is that?" Clint asks
"I do not know. Boss said he will contact me when he can to see if any friendly's or nasty's turn up", FRIDAY replies
"What do you do if Nasty's show up?" Clint asks interested
"Call the police Mr Barton. As this building is vacated", FRIDAY replies
"You mean there is no one what so ever here?" Clint asks shocked
"Correct. Boss left a day ago. Employees at the same time", FRIDAY replies
"Thanks. Do you mind if I look around?" Clint asks
"That is one thing that will go in the Nasty's pile and I would have to inform the police as in my protocols", FRIDAY informs him
"Shit", Clint exclaims
"Language", Steve says half-heartedly
"You heard all that Cap?" Clint asks
"We all did", Steve says with a sad sigh
"Come back Barton you won't get anything past FRIDAY now", Rhodey says, "I will call Pepper"
"Ok I am on my way home", Clint says moving to go back in the vents but steps on something
Clint frowns as he sees a children's toy.
"What is wrong Clint?" Natasha asks over comms
"I just stepped on a child's toy", Clint said, looking at it the squeaky toy he had stepped on.
"What does that mean?" Wanda asked
"I am not sure. Did Tony tell you Rhodey anything about children?" Clint questioned
"None, he doesn't like them", Rhodey replied with a frown.
"We will think about it later. Come home Clint", Steve ordered.
"Yes Cap", Clint replies frowning still as he moves. He planned to remember the toy. It had to mean something, didn't it?
What do you think? Please review:) Who do you think the man is? Lol