READ READ READ THIS! LONG A/N THAT YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE TO READ IF YOU DON'T CARE! IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT UPDATE TIMES, GO TO THAT SECTION OF THIS LONG SPEECH. THANKS!
A/N Can I even apologize for how late this is? Yeah, no I can't. Just know that I had legitimate reasons for no updating. Sorry.
Timelines: Okay, so everyone's timeline gets rather confusing. I had Professor X in a wheelchair already, so X-men: First Class already happened. But a part of those goes off of what happened in X-men: Days of Future's past. (I promise no spoilers!) So…Yeah. I swear it all makes sense if you don't think about it. Most of it will be explained in the story. If anyone wants to ask where the heck we really are with the timeline PLEASE PM ME! Don't be scared, I don't bite
About Tony: A lot of people are saying that Tony is kind of OC. This is true. Compared to the movie, Tony has some sass, but not as much as he's supposed to. Remember, Tony is different. He grew up a lot differently. Also, he is based more around the comics even though the events revolve around the movie. I know most of you are not comic readers, so it's certainly a Tony OC fic, but just bear with me. He is based on the comics, so I'm sorry for that.
About Updates: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR UNDERSTANDING! I know this chapter is shorter than everyone wants, but maybe now I can start updating more. School is almost over. Unfortunately that means exams are coming so GOD DAMMIT I can't write, but soon! I swear it! Also know that I have not written the entire chapter after this, so it's gonna be while. (Don't worry, I'm also crying about this.)
Also, I'm gonna delete the chapter with my A/N later, so you might get another fake update. SORRY!
LOVE ALL OF YOU! 3 YOU GUYS KEEP MY WRITING! You don't have to, but a review or PM would make my year.
AND GOD I'M SORRY FOR THIS CRAPPY BEGINNING. Gah, it's awful!
Tony tapped his arc reactor just for something to do. He had better things to do then listen to Nick Fury blabber on about the mission. He had already done all his research. They were going to protect (help) the X-men with Magneto.
Apparently, too hell bent on making humanity pay, Magneto had succeeded in getting a girl named Mystique (who had the advantage of looking like anyone she wanted) in Senator Kelly's position; the main man against mutants. Oh, how lucky was it that the Avengers had formed at this time, then?
Yeah, Tony was royally screwed at this point.
Looking at the faces of the Avengers (minus Thor. He was busy in Asgard. Something about the Allfather.), it was hard to think they were a team. They barely knew each other. How were they supposed to agree on something as difficult as mutants? Did Natasha even think the mutants were the good guys? What did Bruce think about it?
How the hell was he supposed to act when he saw the Professor again? How was he going to react when he saw Jean and Scott?
"Stark, are you even listening?"
The angry voice of Nick Fury quickly broke his thoughts.
"Uh, X equals one hundred?" He responded sarcastically, reclining back in his chair. Bruce's lips thin into a small smile. "I got it, Nicky boy. Help X-men, evil magnetic dude, super powers. No problem!"
Tony could still Steve was trying to bite back some choice words of his own. Tony took pleasure in the way he could make Steve feel. Was the weird?
Nick rubbed in temples. "Get out of here, Stark. Be in the hanger, set and ready, in twenty."
Tony sprang up and saluted him sarcastically. "Yes, Sir!"
And with that said, Tony prepared himself with meeting with his old teacher.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
He was standing slightly behind the rest of his team, not wanting to be close to either of the two parties. The X-Men were due to arrive in their own jet soon and Tony could feel the sweat gather on his shirt with each minute passing. The familiar feel of his suit didn't even help him.
And then he heard it; the unmistakable sound of jet engines. Tony's heart pounded, and he actually began praying to every god imaginable that no one blurted his secret.
The Blackbird hovered perfectly down on SHIELD's helipad, and the back slid down, revealing the people inside. First to appear was the professor himself. Tony had to look again to make sure it was the same man. He was so... old. Tony would of never believe it if he hadn't seen it.
Next came both... dear god... Jean and Scott. Besides the costumes, they didn't change a bit except for height (not that tony could really see Scott's face through the huge visor. He would have to fix that). Behind them were newer members of the X-men, not that Tony cared much about them.
"I'm glad you had a safe journey, Professor." Nick Fury said, reaching out and taking the professor's hand. Tony blinked a couple of times. Could you believe it? Nick Fury was actually having a conversation that didn't involve yelling battle strategies. Before he could comment on it, Natasha's boot tapped on his iron shoe, letting him know that he would definitely not make it out alive if he it did comment.
"It's good to see you, Nicholas." The professor answered, knowing full well that Tony would get a kick out of hearing his full name.
The Professor glanced at Tony, but Tony turned his head just before they made eye contact. He couldn't deal with stupid emotions right now. Hell, he didn't do emotions.
"Meet the team," Nick said, gesturing to each Avenger. "Captain Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton Bruce Banner, and Tony Stark."
"Very nice to meet you all." The Professor said, smiling at them. "This is Kitty, or Shadowcat, Maria or Rogue, Ororo or Storm, Logan Wolverine, Jean, Scott or Cyclops, Bobby / Iceman."
There were polite head nods and a few handshakes. Tony barely moved a muscle throughout it all.
"Hello, Anthony." The Professor said, holding out his hand.
Tony hesitated for a brief second but eventually took his greeting. "It's good to see you again." He replied lightly, but inside feeling the negative emotions build up like a dangerous storm.
"You've met?" Rogers asked, looking confused.
"Yeah," Tony replied, mind reeling to explain how he did, "Howard was interested in the X gene. He thought that it somehow protected you – actually – from the ice." Tony shrugged, feeling the lie roll of his tongue like a child's story book. "Maybe you had mild mutant abilities before the experiment."
"But, that would mean-" Bruce commented, thinking aloud.
"Obviously," Tony cut in. He slid back to his place with the Avengers. He was uncomfortable with being so close to his... old friends. "He was wrong. The X – gene doesn't just disappear. And obviously the government's way of dealing with mutants isn't going to work. Some so-called 'mutant gene erasers' isn't going to work."
"What would it do then?" Clint asked.
Tony turned to him surprised. "Why would you care?"
Clint shrugged. "I've been called a mutant a couple of times. I've been interested in them since then."
"We're not that different from you! Why do you guys not get hounded by the government?"
"Bobby." The professor warned, his voice gentle but hard at the same time.
"No, the kid's got a point." Rogers cut in, "I don't know much about this X – gene, but it sounds like their just like us. Why is it so different?"
Tony rolled his eyes. "Of course we're still getting hounded by the government. You don't think Nicky boy over there wouldn't lock us up if we started robbing banks?"
"Stark, we didn't come here to argue about your views on SHIELD."
"Well," Natasha cut in, her tone hard as ice, "I think mutants need to be monitored."
Tony spun around, some-what shocked that Natasha would have such an opinion. What could of possible make her think that way of mutants?
"What!" The girl, Tony remembered, Kitty cut in, "What makes us so different then you?"
"Nothing, I just think that your... abilities are different than ours. Some of you can't control you're powers. Others – like Magneto – decided to go on a war path because of some people's views."
"That doesn't mean that we all have to be hunted like animals!" Rogue shouted angrily. Wolverine, who Tony remembered was the guy with the claws, slid closer to her and, legit, growled. Tony decided to make sure he remembered that connection.
"Enough." Bruce stated with a curt voice. Tony could see he was turning green. "The other guy isn't enjoying the murderous shift in the air." Out of the corner of his eye, he could see both Natasha and Nick's hand slid to their guns.
"Hey bub," Wolverine's claws came out, "I don't think you're cut out for a mission if you can't handle a little shouting."
"Hey," Tony cut in, eyeing the long, metal claws, "Bruce is perfectly prepared for whatever comes his way." He went over and slung an arm around said man's shoulders. Bruce pushed him away." No way was he gonna let a guy with killer claws at his only ally on the team.
Storm stepped forward, fury clearly written on her face. How did the conversation take such a dangerous path? "We do not have time to for this fighting. We came for your help, not for this childish bickering. Are we enemies or friends?"
Storm looked at each Avenger, lightning blazingly in the air above them. Tony's mind instantly went to a cartoon character being depressed with a cloud over his head.
"Thank you, Storm." The professor said. He moved his wheelchair forward. "I know that none of you trust each other at this point, but if we don't work together there is no way possible that we can defeat Magneto. Does everyone understand that?"
"I don't care about that at the moment. I care about weather Black Widow over there is going to poison my dinner." Scott cut in.
"What are we, five?" Rogers stated. "If we don't work together, thousands of people are going to die, and you're worried about a team member poisoning your food?"
"Team member!" Scott said incredulously, "We've barely met and all of us are ready to cut each other's heads off!"
"Sounds like a good idea." Wolverine said.
"Okay, okay! Wait," Tony took a deep breathe, "JARVIS take it off." The suit detached itself from him. Part by part, bolt by bolt, the tech slid off of him and stood next to him. Once off, his arc reactor was glowing deeply blue under his black suit underneath him.
Tony saw Jean's and Scott's eyes widen at the fact that the reactor didn't come off with his suit. He quickly ignored them.
"Look, I don't want to fight. Can't we just – I don't know – go back to my tower and get a drink? Lots and lots of drinks?"
"Who the hell said we didn't want a fight?" Logan responded.
"Avengers! Enough!" Nick command just as Xavier shouted, "Logan!"
"Stop!" Apparently, the stress was too much for Jean (which was beyond strange because Tony remember staring at her when she was concentrating on her ability. She was powerful, always in control. Tony, though he hated to say it, seemed to always be the one to lose control). An invisible wave of power pushed hard into their chests and swept them all down; sending each and every one of them sprawled on the floor.
Except, it wasn't each and every one of them. Tony stood, feet planted firmly on the ground. He was not even remotely winded. He didn't mean too, but his ability had automatically blocked the foreign attack. His hands were up, palms facing Jean, who held her hand over her mouth in horror.
"Ugh," Rogers groaned, "Everyone okay?"
"Good." "Fine." "Splendid." Each groaned back except Tony.
He was in shock. When they were younger, Jean was always stronger than he was. When had it become possible for him to block a telepathic attack? How was he going to explain it to the rest of them?
"Stark."
"F-fine." He replied, slowly letting his arms down. He looked back at Jean. She was shaking. Her fiery, red hair was sticking up. Without even releasing it, she was pushing her sharp nails in her hands. Tony could see little specks of blood.
A second later, Scott saw her distress and quickly sprang up. He grabbed her arm lightly and only half dragged her back into the Blackbird.
Eventually, the rest of the Avengers, along with the X-men, disappeared back to wherever the hell they crashed. The Avengers stormed off either in a fit of rage and distrust … the X-men… Well, Tony didn't know. All he knew was that he standing in between the lines of two completely different people… and he had no idea where he belonged.
Eventually, he too walked away, only just noticing the eyes of Charles Xavier watching him.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
Tony, somehow, had made it back to his makeshift lab in SHIELD headquarters. What he wasn't expecting, however, was the professor to already be there.
"Jesus!" Tony said, noticing the man sitting in the corner. "Scare a guy to death, would ya?"
"I'm sorry, Anthony. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No," Tony commented, moving slowly to one of the chairs in the room to sit down. He cringed when it creaked under his weight. "I suppose you didn't."
"I'm sorry," The professor said, looking into his eyes. "I never meant for any of this to happen."
Tony winced and looked away. "Yeah, most people also don't have a device that can find any mutant, anywhere. But we aren't most people, aren't why?"
This time, Tony watched with a small amount of satisfaction as a brief flash of guilt appeared in the professor's eyes. The professor knew exactly what he was talking about.
"I tried," He said lowly, "I tried to find you in Afghanistan. As soon as I heard the news, Jane and Scott begged me to try, but I wasn't able to find you. You're powers were too weak, and-"
"My powers were too weak!" He laughed, almost to the point of insanity. "Since when has that been a problem!?"
"Anthony-"
"Don't you dare." His voice came out in a hoarse whisper. "Don't you dare talk to me in that tone. You are not my father. You are not someone that has authority over me. I lost all my respect for all of this mutant crap the minute I was knocked out by my own friggin' tech. Don't you tell me that you didn't have the friggin' time or effort, or-or money to save me. Me, of all people."
He laughed again. "I thought of a lot of goddamn excuses over the years of why you didn't find me. But this? That I was too weak." Tony hesitated. "I am many things. I'm self-centered, messed up, annoying, obnoxious, clueless... but weak?" Tony shook his head. "Never."
"You want to know the truth." Charles stated, "But I don't have the truth. I only have an excuse." He paused. "I was too weak. I… things happened that went beyond my control and I… I was unable to use Cerebro."
Tony could feel his teeth clench. He could hear his heart pound in his ears… but he couldn't respond back to that. He always expected that it was somehow his fault. That leaving meant that was no longer consider part of the mutant family. He was never really ready to hear that it wasn't his fault.
So, really, who was the weak one in the situation?
"Look, all of this – whatever the hell it is – may not be behind me for some time now. But, the Avengers and the X-men… We're working together. And that's it. I can't trust you professor. I don't trust Jean or Scott."
He got up from his chair and opened the door. "I won't work with you again after this."
The professor took the hint to leave. "I understand. But, Anthony," The professor looked straight into Tony's eyes. "I will always be there for you if you need me."
Tony nodded stiffly as he wheeled out of the room. He closed the door behind him. As he turned around to tinker with the arm of his suit, he spotted a box under his box of scraps.
He hesitated. He really did not remember bringing a thin, long black box with him. He grabbed it without thinking about, and opened it.
Instantly, he was surrounded by more black. In the middle of the box, in neat handwriting, there was a note that said 'if you ever want it. -Charles' Tony slid the stretchy object out from its box.
It was an X-men uniform.
Tony understood what this meant. The professor was welcoming him back. It was almost like a peace-offering of sorts.
He didn't know how to feel. At first, anger bubbled up inside of him. What gave him the idea that he would ever want to be back with them? Actually, how could he suggest that he be with them? He hasn't been a part of that team for a long time.
Next came the regret. Did he regret yelling at the professor? He realized in some way that he did. He missed the father figure that the professor was to him. His missed being able to ask what to do. He missed his old friends.
Next, came the excitement. He had a choice now. He didn't have to stay with the Avengers. Though they were a team, Tony has yet to see why how should stay with them. Though he is becoming slightly closer to Bruce, the Avengers in whole still had major disagreements, and most certainly did not like him.
Maybe it would be easier to ditch them and go back to being a mutant.
But what did that mean about the company? What about Pepper? And how about his life as Iron Man? He would certainly go out to the public about being a mutant. People could track him down.
So staying with the Avengers would be easier, but being with the X-men means going back to old friends. Maybe even being where he belongs. But he could also belong with the Avengers too.
He was never going to figure this out.