A/N: Hi. I will be updating on Steve's adventure next I think. And some more of college Tony. I am debating how long to make this part. I wasn't planning on making it long, but I kind of like college!Tony and Bruce. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks for all your support, it means a lot. It is making me finish this. Love you!
Tony,
I hate to be informing you at such late notice, but I won't be able to write you in the coming weeks. I'm going on a trip. I should be back given a few months time. I am not really supposed to tell you where I am going or why. It is classified. Of course, I have no doubt that you could find out. But, no, this is what I've been waiting for. This is the reason I left. I am sorry that I couldn't explain it very well at the time, I really am Tony. But I will try to explain now. Mostly because you deserve to know, and I'd rather not keep this tucked away longer.
While I was dwelling at your house, I got a letter with a telephone number on it. When I called, I was patched through to an old, good friend from the army. He informed me about what happened to Peggy. She went on a mission, a deceptively easy one, and never returned. He offered me a job, along with updates to the investigation. I made a promise to this country, yes. But I also made a promise to Peggy, and I will find her. Yesterday we were given an anonymous tip as to where she could be. I am going to talk to her.
Tony, you are a great kid. You are incredibly smart and talented. I only hope that you will use your abilities to benefit this country, this world. You have a responsibility to do so. Be
safe and take care of yourself. I shall write you upon my arrival home.
- Steven Rogers.
If Tony had to chose the one thing he hated most in the world, it would probably have to be lines. Well, at least at the moment. A long day of boarding the plane, un-boarding, gathering luggage, and finally arriving at the campus there was endless lines. Tony was not accustomed to patience. He was used to getting what he wanted immediately, or if not so, an equivalent distraction. But, no, being a normal person sucked. However, he refused to allow his father to escort him into the new school, this would be a fresh start for Tony. He didn't want Howard corrupting his new start. That was comforting enough for him to wait for the line to die down in the counselor's office.
The counselor looked up, assessing him, not unkindly, but it was enough to make him fidget. "Anthony Edward Stark?"
"The-one-and-only," he drawled, earning an unprofessional roll of the eyes. Yes, he deemed her okay.
"Maria Hill, or Miss Hill will do fine. I am your counselor. Usually, it is only my task to assign your room number and show you around campus, given you need directions. However, as you are a special case, you are to report to me at least once a week at your convenience. That is, until we are confident you have become well adjusted to the college lifestyle."
Tony watched her tap her pencil on the clustered desk, "what am I to report?"
Hill gave him a slight shrug, "how you like campus. If your classes are too challenging. If you are making friends. General stuff, just come in for five minutes and I can check you off. Basic protocol."
"Sounds like a fun time."
"Two sixty is your room number," she slid over a slip of paper and a key, "we don't have spares so don't lose the one you got."
"Sure thing," Tony tucked the key and slip into his jean pocket. "Is there anything else I should know?"
She passed him a map of the school, which he pocketed as well. "Don't get in trouble, and if you do, don't get caught. Director Fury is not fun when trifled with."
"Noted. If that is all?"
"Your dismissed. Remember to check up."
"Will do, Miss Hill."
Tony loved college. He loved being able to walk free around the grounds. The architecture of sleek, and modern giving him a small thrill. He hoped the labs were just as new and shiny as the buildings were. As some would flee away from change, Tony found comfort in it. He would have skipped up to the building, and hopped up the two flights of stairs had he not been weighed down by luggage. Lots of luggage. He heaved his bag over his shoulder, the weight suddenly bearing down on him. As light as he felt, he also felt a great burden. If he didn't do well, would he be forced to leave? To return home with his tail between his legs? He couldn't allow that. He had to succeed. There was no other option. Failure was not an option.
With a conflicted heart, Tony unlocked the door to his dorm room. It was surprisingly spacious, but also fitted two beds with another person. He had almost forgotten he had to share a room. Almost. Sitting on the other bed was a boy just a few years shy of Tony's age, he had brown curly, unruly hair and large framed glasses. "Well, hello, hello," Tony greeted as cheerful as he could manage. He suddenly felt exhausted, he dropped his suitcase at the foot of his bed and hopped up.
The boy looked up from his book, he looked like he was swallowing some anxiety. "Banner, Bruce, hello."
Tony grinned, amused, "Stark, Tony."
"Sorry..." The kid sighed and scratched the back of his neck.
"No, no, it's efficient. I like it."
"Really?"
"Really." Bruce eyed Tony with some suspicion, but must of decided he was trustworthy because he returned to his book. Maybe having a room mate wasn't going to be as dreadful as Tony thought. "Well, I suppose I should tell you... I am not a morning person, not when I haven't gotten at least a pint of coffee in me. And I am awake at ungodly hours of the night. In fact, I don't sleep. I mostly talk excessively and make large messes."
Bruce cracked a smile from over his book. "That's O.K."
"Really? Damn, I was hoping to scare you away so I could have the room to myself."
He laughed, "really. As long as you can tolerate a room mate that has anxiety about more things than should be normal. Who builds up stress until it consumes me, and has a tendency to wake up in the middle of the night and stay up."
"Sounds like we are the perfect match."
"Sounds like it."
"Good. Now first things first, we must make a direct route to coffee for the morning. It is essential for bother our sakes."
Classes would start tomorrow. And Bruce was kind enough to show Tony around campus, as he had arrived a day earlier. A hope began to swell up inside of him, and for the first time in a long time, he felt properly happy. This could be a really good thing. A great thing. On that high note, he sat down to do something he should have done a long time ago.
Steve,
Guess who? It's Tony. You know, the-one-and-only Anthony Edward Stark? Here is a brief update: I am a genius and at college now. It feels like a dream come true. I wish you could see it here, Steve. From the letters you've been writing me, it would appear you've seen a lot more of the world in the past few years. Now it is my turn. I'm sending you my new address. Come visit some time.
- Tony.
