"We're starting the descent," Clint announced from the cockpit just as the armor F.R.I.D.A.Y. was piloting stepped up next to Steve.
"Capsicle, you're receiving a call," she announced and Steve rolled his eyes at what Stark had programmed his computer to call him.
"I thought we'd gone dark?"
"This call overrides that command," she answered before a familiar voice came from the suit.
"Hey, Cap."
Steve perked up. "Stark, I thought you were still being kept out of this."
"I am, but Pep made the mistake of leaving the room just before a news report interrupted my show. So now I'm hiding out in the lab."
"Are you coming to help?"
"I'd love to, but someone stole my suit."
"I have no regrets," F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied cheerfully.
"Also, I'm pretty sure there would be a line of people waiting to kill me if I tried skipping bail, so I'm focusing on helping take care of Johannesburg. Thankfully Mer had been tracking the twins, so his suit got a perfect shot of the witch hitting Bruce."
"You should be focusing on finding Ultron. We can worry about that later."
Steve heard someone say something on the other end, but it was distorted so he couldn't catch the voice or their words.
Tony hushed them then said, "I'm working on that too, but without Frankenstine's motive, I don't have anywhere to start."
"He wants to kill us."
"He left you there and made off with the vibranium. Sounds like it goes further than that."
Steve frowned, but he didn't have a chance to think about it because Clint came out of the cockpit at that moment.
"We're here."
"You're where?" Tony asked.
"Safehouse, hopefully."
"Yeah, we would have called ahead, but we were busy having no idea that you existed."
"Like you're one to talk."
"Touché."
"Dr. Banner?"
Bruce pulled the door he had been shutting back open as the Iron Man suit walked up. "Yes, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?"
"Can I come in?"
"Uh, sure? I was just about to take a shower, though," he said, stepping aside so she could come in.
"It should only take a moment. Boss will be back soon."
"What's Tony got to do with it?" he asked, shutting the door.
"Dr. Banner?" a different voice and Bruce's eyes widened.
"Peter, what are you doing in Tony's lab?"
"I saw what happened on TV and wanted to make sure you and Hulk were okay, so I snuck in while Mr. Stark went to grab snacks and bribed Fri into letting me call you."
"Peter, you can't just sneak into labs."
"But -"
"Do your parents know where you are?"
"Yes," he said slowly. "I'm sorry, Dr. Banner. I just wanted to see if you were okay."
"That's really nice of you, but labs can be really dangerous, remember."
"I didn't touch anything, promise!"
"I can confirm that he hasn't touched anything in the lab," F.R.I.D.A.Y. reassured.
"That's good, but you still shouldn't be in there on your own."
"Sorry. Are you okay, though? The news said Hulk trashed a city block because that HYDRA enhanced brainwashed you!"
"I… I'm alright."
"Are you sure? You sound like Dad does when he's not alright."
"Yeah, just… The world just saw the Hulk - the real Hulk - for the first time." Bruce shook his head. "Nevermind, I shouldn't be putting this on -"
"That wasn't the Hulk."
"Peter -"
"No. The Hulk is a hero! He likes to smash things, but he never hurts people on purpose unless they're hurting people first. He wrestles with She-Hulk and looks after the Avengers and teases Thor and… and he saved Iron Man's life! He's a hero! He's my hero! What happened wasn't his fault. It was that witch. People will understand. Mr. Stark is already working to fix things. It's going to be okay."
Bruce was speechless. He knew Peter looked up to him, but he didn't realize how much the kid cared for the Hulk too. Usually, it was either one or the other. The only other exceptions were Jen and -
"Pete? What are you doing in here?"
Think of the devil…
"D-I was just…" Peter started frantically and Bruce could hear Tony coming further into the lab. He opened his mouth to explain and hopefully keep the kid out of too much trouble.
"I told you Drew and Ross were going to be calling soon so you need to go hang out with Pep. You can come play with Dad after dinner."
Bruce heard Peter suck in a breath and he understood the sentiment. "Tony."
There was a moment of silence before Peter said, "I just wanted to call Dr. Banner and make sure he was okay."
"Any chance you didn't hear that, Brucie-Bear?"
He considered playing dumb, but he knew they were both aware he'd found out. "You really shouldn't have judged Clint for having a secret family."
"Hawkeye has a secret family too?" Peter asked.
"Pep, now. We'll talk about this later."
"Okay, Dad. Bye, Dr. Banner."
"Bye, Peter." He waited until Peter's footsteps faded away before continuing, "Tony, I'm sorry. I swear I won't say anything."
"I know you won't, it's okay. I've been thinking about letting you in on the secret for months. I just - I've been keeping the kids a secret for so long. For Peter's entire life, practically. If anything were to happen to them… Well, old habits die hard."
"I understand," Bruce said. "Peter's a good kid and Nebula's great. You did a good job with them."
"Yeah? Wait until you meet Harley. You won't be as confident in my parenting skills then."
Bruce blinked. "How many kids do you have?"
"Just the flesh and blood ones or all together?"
Tony was watching F.R.I.D.A.Y. play with Barton's daughter on one screen and listening to Ross talk about launch codes on another when P.L.A.T.O. announced that someone was attempting to force the elevator to go to the lab.
"Someone we know?" he asked, glancing at the screen showing Peter doing homework in his room.
"Facial recognition suggests the late Director Fury."
Tony snorted and checked the status of the fabricators. "Send the good director to the lobby then let him know he has one minute to leave my building before I sick security on him. Remind him that even if S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't officially a thing anymore, they're still banned from Stark Industries property."
"Right away, Re."
"Stark, the codes?"
"Right, yeah, I'll see if I can make a field trip. If not, I'll send Nebula with instructions," he said, bringing forward the screen displaying Nebula's flight back from Johannesburg in the Iron-Rescue Mark III. He frowned when he spotted something in the corner of his eye. "Rewind that footage ten seconds," he said, pointing at the video showing Frankenstine's initial attack. His eyes widened as he watched. "Ross, do we have someone in South Korea? If so, let them know I'm sending Rogers, Barton, and Romanoff into Seoul. If not, get someone."
"Seoul? Why? What's going on?"
"I think Frankenstine might go after Dr. Cho."
Ross gave him that look that meant he was barely resisting asking for more information because he knew it would be a waste of time. "Alright. Are you expecting a fight?"
"I'm hoping there won't be one, but I wouldn't hold my breath."
"No Banner?"
"I think he needs a break. F.R.I.D.A.Y. will bring him to the mansion."
"I'll get someone on it. Keep me updated and don't forget the NEXUS."
"Aye aye!" He hung up and sat back. "Mer, get Cho on the phone. P, tell Fri to get those slackers to work. Joe, tell Nebula to head to the NEXUS. I'll fill her in once she's there."
All three complied and the phone began to ring.
And ring and ring and ring.
"Father," Nebula called, rushing into the lab. She looked around to make sure he was alone. "Where's Dr. Banner?"
"Peter's taking advantage of the fact he's in the know now to show off his LEGO sets. Why? What's up? Did you find the hacker?"
Nebula nodded and removed her mask. With a blink, her projector came on to display a glittering orange orb.
"Hello, Sir."
"Jay," Father whispered, standing up. "How?"
"When Frankenstine attacked him, he scattered himself and dumped his memory. He's been hiding out ever since, working purely on protocol. I managed to bring him back together."
Father shook his head, beaming. "You've been beating up that bully from the inside, huh? That's my boy!"
"It's good to feel appreciated."
"You're always appreciated, Buddy." Father focused back on Nebula. "Upload him back onto the intranet. I'm sure the others want to greet him in their own ways."
"Already started," she confirmed, letting the projection disappear. Slipping the mask back on, she came to his side and set her hand on his shoulder.
He grabbed the hand and squeezed it.
"I can work on tissue degeneration if you can fry whatever operational system Cho implanted."
"Yeah, about that…"
Bruce looked up at him and Nebula crossed her arms.
"No," they both said.
"You have to trust me."
"Kind of don't," Bruce countered.
He turned to Nebula. "He was beating him, he could do it again."
"You're still not thinking clearly," Nebula argued. "There should be a big maybe in there."
"He's proven he can win. Frankenstein was afraid of him, scared of what he can do."
"Who are you talking about?" Bruce asked.
"J.A.R.V.I.S."
"You called, Sir?"
Bruce gasped.
"Nebula found him blocking Frankestine's access to the nuclear launch codes. Didn't even realize who he was and was still winning."
Bruce scoffed as he realized what Tony was planning. "So you want to put J.A.R.V.I.S. into this thing?"
"I think it's worth a go," J.A.R.V.I.S. added.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but they might have a point," Nebula said and the two scientists turned to her. "J.A.R.V.I.S.'s code was crushing Frankenstein's. I think there's a good chance he'll be able to override the monster's operational matrix, or at the very least assimilate it."
Bruce looked between the two Stark's and sighed. He was caught in a time loop, and yet here he was going along with it.
At his agreement, Nebula nodded. "You two prepare it, I'll create a backup of J.A.R.V.I.S.'s code, just in case. Don't know why we've never done this before."
"Dum-E hates backups," Tony said with a shrug. "Never tried any of the others after the fight he put up."
"Backups, for everyone," Nebula muttered. "Never again."
Nebula was waiting outside the lab when Steve arrived with the Maximoffs. She immediately leveled her gun at them. "Thanks for bringing them in, Rogers, but the cells are the other way."
"I need to talk to Stark."
"Which one?"
The group turned to see three legionnaires step into the hall, though they looked different from the others. The first was pure black except for the white faceplate. It was bulkier, closer to the war machine armor, and it's reactor glowed silver. The second looked similar to Pepper's armor, though dark grey and green with an emerald reactor. The last was mostly silver with dark purple curling designs covering it like vines and a pale purple reactor. It was smaller and sleeker than any other armor or legionnaire Steve had seen.
"Stark built more legionnaires?" Steve asked, disappointed. Hadn't he realized the problem the first ones had caused?
"We prefer Guardsmen," H.O.M.E.R. said, revealing himself as the black one.
"More Ultron's?" Wanda asked Steve, raising her hands.
"We are Ultron." P.L.A.T.O.'s cold voice came from the green one. "Or were. Your monster stole our name."
"We don't want it back," J.O.C.A.S.T.A. added from the purple one.
Steve turned to Nebula. "Shut them down."
"Not happening."
"Re doesn't want to be bothered, especially by the likes of her," H.O.M.E.R. said, pointing at Wanda.
"You don't know what he's doing, Nebula," Steve argued, ignoring the robot.
"I know exactly what he's doing. In fact, I'm watching him right now." She tapped her temple and the golden mask she had been wearing in Johannesburg appeared for just a second in a flicker.
"She's another one of Stark's robots?" Pietro asked.
"Oh, I'm flesh and blood. I've just got a few fancy prosthetics. Now stand down so we can arrest you."
"Or don't," J.O.C.A.S.T.A. chirped. "We've been wanting to smash in your sister's face."
Steve held up his hands before either the twins or the robots could attack. "Nebula -"
The woman suddenly swung around and the doors opened just in time for Steve to see Thor force open the doors on the other side of the lab.
"Wait!" Banner yelled as the god jumped atop the cradle and summoned lightning.
"Iron Man's the one he's waiting for."
"That's true. He hates you the most."
"Still not daddy issues," J.O.C.A.S.T.A. hummed, sitting cross-legged on the ground in front of H.O.M.E.R. and P.L.A.T.O. They were off to the side, watching the humans ready for battle. "Lack-of-daddy issues, maybe? Oh, Vizzy, speaking of which!" She grabbed Vision's arm as he passed, making him stop. "Where do you fit in the family? Frankenstein built you, but Re built Jar-Jar and put him in you before Re, Mini-Hulk, and He-Man finished you, but you said you're not Jar-Jar, so…?"
"I'm not sure," he said, frowning. "I don't believe it works that way."
"It does in our family," H.O.M.E.R. disagreed.
"We're illogical like that," P.L.A.T.O. added.
"Perhaps he is our nephew?" F.R.I.D.A.Y. suggested. "Because he came from J.A.R.V.I.S."
"You are suggesting that J.A.R.V.I.S. would be my father?" Vision asked.
"Jar-Jar, it's a boy!" J.O.C.A.S.T.A. cheered.
"I don't have much knowledge in the way of parenting, but I will do my best by you, Vision," J.A.R.V.I.S. responded blankly.
"Thank… you?" Vision turned to Father, Steve, and Bruce for help, two of whom appearing just as confused.
Father placed his hand on his chest and pretended to wipe away a tear. "I can't believe my little boy would make me a grandfather at thirty-nine."
Near the door, Nebula sighed. "You're right, none of us have any idea how an actual family works."
"At least you can admit it," Uncle Rhodey chuckled over the phone. "Pretty sure your father and the rest of your siblings all think this is normal."
"I refuse to be called grandma," Pepper deadpanned. "Tony can make all the jokes he wants, but I want to be at least in my mid-forties before anyone calls me grandma or nana or anything to that extent."
"At least you haven't gotten any greys from Tony and his brood like Happy and I," Uncle Rhodey teased.
"The benefits of Extremis, I'm sure. I can't believe Tony's going out right now."
"Dr. Dillon cleared him, unfortunately," Nebula said. "At least he's bringing the triplets with him."
"I'll be there as soon as I can too," Uncle Rhodey promised.
"I'm half-tempted to join you," Pepper joked bitterly. "Please bring him home safe."
"I will," Uncle Rhodey said softly.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s agreed to notify you the moment anything changes so I can focus on evac and the relief foundation," Nebula said.
"No plans to burst in guns blazing this time?" Uncle Rhodey chuckled.
"Rogers has forbidden revenge and I've decided to listen, for now at least. The witch and her brother will pay once this is all over."
"Ms. Romanoff."
Natasha raised an eyebrow as a gray and green legionnaire appeared out of thin air in front of her. "Stark gave you an upgrade?"
"Better, he gave us bodies." P.L.A.T.O. blasted the lock on her cell and opened the door. "Need a lift?"
"Bruce, we've got a Code Green. We've had a Code Green. It's now or never."
Shaking, he watched the feeds on the Quinjet's screens.
He couldn't go out there. Not while civilians were present. He couldn't risk hurting anyone else. But they needed him. They needed…
He's a hero! He's my hero!
"I'm on my way."
"Go away out of that!"
"I wish I could say I was joking," Tony said.
"She's HYDRA! She was working with Ultron!"
"He wasn't Ultron," Tony muttered.
"Then come up with something better than Frankenstein!" Drew spat before continuing her tirade. "That woman is a criminal! Why is she being made an Avenger?"
Ross sighed and said, "Rogers is arguing that she showed remorse during the fight with…"
"V.I.R.G.I.L?" Tony offered. "Virtual Integrated Rapidly-evolving Grid-based Intelligent Lifeform."
"I'm both impressed and terrified that you just pulled that out of your arse right now," Drew snorted.
"As I was saying," Ross continued. "He's arguing that since she fought against V.I.R.G.I.L, she should be given a chance to make it up to the world by fighting alongside the Avengers."
"Oh yes, she realized her plan to destroy the world was also going to kill her and helped to stop it. Better give her a medal," Drew said with an eye-roll.
"Hey, don't shoot the messengers. I'm right there with you," Tony said, holding up his hands. "I only found out after the fact."
"Rogers went straight to the top to get her pardon. There's not much anyone can do. As long as she continues to work with the Avengers, she's got her pass." Ross shook his head.
"Maybe in the US, but if she leaves the country she's going to get some backlash."
"Try explaining that to Rogers, would you? He doesn't seem to get it when I say it and I know he has a thing for Brits."
Drew gave him an unimpressed look.
"I'm sorry, Jess, but can you try to pull some strings? Rogers isn't backing down on this."
She sighed and slouched back, her eyes disappearing behind tinted yellow sunglasses. "I'll see what I can do, but no promises. She's definitely going to have to be accompanied at all times at the very least." She gave Tony a look. "It'd be easier if you were sticking around."
"No can do. I'm taking a break. Barton's inspired me. I'm going to spend more time with my family."
"Oh yes, your horde of robots," Drew snorted and Ross gave him a look.
"Exactly. We've got a new one too. My grandson. I'll send you both the baby pictures!"
"We already received the ones Ms. Parker sent, thank you," Ross said while Drew muttered, "Gobdaw."
"Isn't he adorable? I'm so proud," Tony said, ignoring her. "He's going to be working with the Avengers. As will Rhodey, so you'll still have men on the team."
"No Guardsmen?" Drew asked, not sounding surprised.
"They're still learning. I've got them working with the Stark Relief Foundation right now and continuing their studies. Even if I did feel they were ready, I don't think the world is," Tony said and he could see the agreement on both of their faces.
"What about the other newcomer, Senior Airman Wilson?" Ross asked.
"No idea where he stands. Rogers is bringing him in. I do know he was part of the D.C. incident though."
"So he's not the full shilling, got it," Drew commented. "Any hope Banner will be sticking around to help keep them in line?"
"No. I doubt I'll be able to even keep him here at the tower. Johannesburg really shook him up, and having the witch around isn't helping. He needs some time to himself. I don't like it, but I get it."
"Just another reason to lock the wagon up," Drew said.
"You sure about this?" Tony asked as Hulk loaded the last of his bags into the Quinjet.
"Can't stay," he growled.
"We'll miss you," Peter said and Hulk turned to him, using a finger to ruffle his hair.
"Miss tiny Stark too."
"When was last time cousin talk to Banner?" She-Hulk asked, crossing her arms. "Iron Stark said Hulk been around almost since Sokovia."
"Doesn't matter. Not safe. He stay quiet."
"Well, send him our regards as soon as you get somewhere safe enough for him to come out," Tony said. "And remind him that you both are welcome back any time."
Hulk grunted and moved to give She-Hulk a hug. "Bye cousin."
"Bye cousin. Take care of Banner. Mouse will miss him. Come back soon. She-Hulk will miss cousin."
"Hulk will miss cousin too."
"What? Won't miss me?" Tony asked.
Hulk stared at him for a moment before turning and climbing into the Quinjet with a poorly hidden smirk.
She-Hulk and Peter laughed as he gasped in fake outrage.
In regards to Drew's nationality, she's British, but she grew up in Ireland so she's got a bit of an Irish accent that she only uses in relaxed settings, which working with Tony has become. Basically, Agent Drew is Irish, but Arachne is English. This is a reference to the fact that I started hc-ing her as being played by Katie McGrath while working on Rescue to the Rescue.
Before anyone says anything about Tony's joke about Steve's love of Brits: Tony and I are both aware that Ireland is not in Britain.