It was dangerous, having so many people connected to Howard Stark near said man before they'd ever even met. Tony didn't want to end up Marty Mc'Flying his way out of existence, and who knew where the world would be today without Captain America.

Tony was slightly glad that they had all decided anyone who had met Howard before were automatically out of going near him. And he wasn't glad because it meant he wouldn't have to face his dad again.

No. He was worried about the time-space continuum.

Sure.


Tony slipped in through the front doors with relative ease, not needing to worry about security cameras or metal detectors.

He made his way into the science sections, relying on vague childhood memories to take him through without incident.

From memory, Tony punched in a code to a lab, letting the door open with a click, much less impressively than Tony's lab doors. He smiled to himself, then scowled as he remembered where he was.

He ducked past three more security passpoints from there, making his way to the first lab assistant he found in the inner core of the first floor of labs. He already looked harried and distracted. Perfect.

With a small trip, Tony managed to snag the higher security badge off of the man's waist, apologizing profusely before darting away.

The MEB wouldn't be in this section of the lab, not so close to people who could spy on the amazing technology..

But, Tony now had an all access-key to the rest of his father's labs. He grinned, twisting the badge around in his fingers.

He headed towards the rendezvous point with Bruce, a less restricted area, rounding a corner and coming face-to face with a very familiar sight.


Inwardly, he cursed every single curse he knew. Outwardly, he took a little stroll down the hallway, whistling.

Tony's father didn't look to be in a hurry today, which was not great for the home team.

Tony tried to slip past his dad (not touching him, obviously, paradoxes were a thing), when Howard turned around, looking puzzled.

"Do I know you, mister? You look awfully familiar."
Howard commented, his brow furrowed.

Tony almost tripped again, this time for real. "Uh, no, man, I mean, sir, I'm just a new guy here never seen you before goodbye!"

Tony managed to get out, then gracefully managed to leave the hallway, practically sprinting, only running into a few people along the way.


He passed Bruce near the hallway, slightly out of breath.

"Here you go, Science Bro."

He told him, shoving the ID card into his hand.

Bruce looked at him suspiciously.

"Are you okay, Tony?"
He asked, fingers closing around the card somewhat hesitantly.

"Yeah, yeah, fine. Just had a run in with my dad. It was a whole...thing. Now go, 'cause I think Rogers is gonna have a conniption sitting this one out without comms."

Bruce finally started off down the hall, came back, patted Tony's shoulder in reassurance, and left. Tony let himself relax. Science bro, yes.