Thank you to everybody who has read or reviewed the story and series over the last 5 1/2 years. During a break from packing, I decided to finalize this chapter and upload it. After more than half a decade, we have reached the epilogue of our journey. Due to the fact this journey has been so long, this is a multipart epilogue. I will save my goodbyes and thank yous for the final section.
This epilogue is going to be like what I did for Alex Suarez, where we will be jumping through time a lot. I just want to give you little glimpses of the future and for you to see how the Infinity Saga went differently this time around. There are a lot of Instagram posts in the epilogue. It would've been Twitter, but Instagram has a larger character count, which is useful for the type of story I'm writing. I'm using photo descriptions to make up for the fact that I, unfortunately, don't have accompanying art. Oh, I wish I did.
Epilogue part One: One year in the life of the Stark Rogers family and Team Coulson
Instagram accounts of I Am Iron Man
January 1, 2015, 12:09 AM
[Descriptive caption of image: Tony Stark being kissed by Steve Rogers at the stroke of midnight from the balcony of Avengers' tower. Colonel James Rhodes is off to the side clapping.]
Photo credit: Pepper Potts
I'm sure I'll be yelled at for doing it this way instead of through an actual press release, but I'm sure my PR team knows by now that I never stick to the plan. We were going to tell everyone after Thanksgiving, but that got derailed.
Me posting a picture of Captain America kissing me at the stroke of midnight was not the plan but isn't he just adorable, and Pepper is a great photographer. This is the way to start a new year. Even Uncle Sam allowed platypus to come visit.
So yes, I'm dating Steve Rogers. No, Pepper was not my beard. Bisexual and pansexuals exist. Stop trying to erase our existence. Which one am I? Well, I've never been a label person. Really this should surprise nobody thanks to a certain sex tape that came out in the 90s.
It also should not surprise you since I mentioned I had a boyfriend a few months ago during an interview with the late Christine Everhart. I promised her I would introduce the world to my boyfriend on her show, but unfortunately, that's not an option. This is because the soon to be former Senator Christopher Ward had her killed. I can't wait until they finally expel him from the Senate, so that her family may have peace.
Steve and I have been together since May. Yes, I transitioned very fast from Steve to Pepper. That's not a slight against Pepper because she is the most amazing woman in the universe. Honestly, I was never good enough for her. #PepperPottsDeservesBetter
I would ask for privacy, but I don't think I've had privacy since I came out of the uterus, but don't worry, we're fine. Pepper Pot even took this picture. She got my best side.
Anyway, happy New Year from me, my super hot boyfriend, and the best CEO in the world. 2015 will be a remarkable year for Stark industries as we continue to strive for a better future. Today is just the beginning of Stark industries' new legacy.
XXXX
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
January 3, 2015, 8:33 AM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Steve Rogers sitting next to Tony Stark with an arm around him in front of a very futuristic fireplace. On the left of Tony is L. Fitz Stark.]
Photo credit: J. Simmons
Let me just start with that Steve and I are overwhelmed with all your well wishes over the last three days. There was a lot more of that then there were of people telling me to go to hell. Although if you told me to go to hell because Pepper deserves better than me, then I probably liked your post.
You're probably wondering who the other guy with us in that photo is. That is L. Fitz Stark, my son. He will be coming on board Stark industries as the head of research and development for our new Humanitarian, International Education, and Lifesaving division.
Yes, I have a secret kid that you knew nothing about. No, I haven't been keeping that from the press for the last 27 years intentionally. I didn't know I had a son until this past June. We met for the first time this spring because his best friend ended up being my new personal lab partner/assistant Dr. J. Simmons. Dr. Simmons realized that I went to college/hooked up with Fitz's mom about 9 months before she gave birth. A DNA test was performed, and I found out I had a 26-year-old. It was pure chance that we found each other, but I'm so glad because I couldn't picture my life with my son.
You're probably wondering how I can have a 27-year-old son. Well, maybe you shouldn't go to MIT by yourself at 14. It's very easy to do things you're not ready for when you're trying to fit in. Bad choices and drugs were involved.
Again, I'm going to try to ask for privacy, and I'm aware I'm probably not going to get it. If you can focus your nasty remarks on me and not the rest of my family, that would be wonderful.
Xxx
"I am surprised that Jane gave your father access to his Instagram account again," Daisy said to Leo after she placed her cell phone in her pocket. They were currently in her room at the Avengers' compound, waiting to leave. "I thought she was pissed after your dad announced that he was dating Captain America via Instagram."
"She was until they found out that it went over better than it would have with a traditional press release. Stocks have gone up 3%." Leo answered.
Leo was ready to go, unlike her. Daisy was trying to find her shoes and not given in to the impulse to change her outfit again. Daisy was ridiculously nervous, which is why she took a moment to check out Tony's Instagram post when she got an alert. She has gotten to the point of calling Tony Stark by his first name. He is her best friend's father, after all. Seriously what do you wear when you're about to meet your mom for the very first time ever?
"People needed some good news after Caldwell, Cooper, and Baker were arrested and expelled from the board due to Hydra ties. Jane is just happy that he waited until she got back from her Christmas vacation in the Bahamas," Leo added.
"It's a good thing he paid for that Bahamas vacation because Uncle Tony just told the world about you via Instagram." Trip said from the bed. He passed his phone to his cousin and his girlfriend, who just arrived with lunchboxes for some reason.
"It's a good picture," Simmons said with a smile.
"Because you took it," Leo stated as he kissed his girlfriend on the cheek.
"Of course. I'm an excellent photographer." Simmons said as she handed the black cooler bag to her boyfriend. "Lincoln told me that the food is usually a little unpredictable, so I packed you enough of your favorite sandwiches to last you at least three days even though I know you're only supposed to be at Afterlife for two days. Also, in that cooler bag, the sandwiches will last for at least two weeks."
"Prosciutto with mozzarella with a hint of pesto aïoli?" Fitz asked.
"Along with the peppercorn turkey with Swiss on ciabatta," Fitz responded by kissing his girlfriend. They were so adorable.
"Hey, what about me? I am the one meeting her mom for the very first time. Not that I can actually keep down food now." Daisy said, just as she finally found her boots. These are meet your mom for the very first-time boots.
That's when Simmons pulled out another bag. "In addition to one of the sandwiches in the coolers being specifically tagged for you, I also have granola bars chocolate biscuits and your Oreos. There is also ginger ale, which will settle your stomach. Although if it gets too awful, ask Lincoln to give you something. I gave him several medications calibrated specifically for your enhanced metabolism." Daisy quickly ran over to Simmons and hugged her.
"You are the best."
"I just wish I could come with you." Because she needed as many friends as possible. What if her mom hated her? She was a Shield agent. She still was despite now having powers. Some were wary of her, although others thought it was cool now that she had some control over her powers. She may have spent three weeks at the Incredible Hulk cabin, but she's starting to be able to handle herself. She's on the verge of throwing up, and the room is not shaking. That's an improvement.
"I wish you could come, Tripp as well. Lincoln said it wasn't possible." Lincoln arrived with his own suitcase at that moment.
"I tried, but the Afterlife elders don't want anybody who is not inhuman or related to somebody inhuman to step foot in the sanctuary. At least not yet. They're already wary about our ties to Shield." Lincoln explained.
"Which I understand considering what Hydra did to my mom," Daisy adds. "However, thanks to baby Antonio, Fitz can come with me. I love loophole abuse."
"I also invited Natalie because it would be a good chance for her to learn about her heritage. However, she wants to start at SI as soon as possible, and Ross just cleared her for a return to the real world. She said she would join us next time." Lincoln tells the group.
"Also, my father just announced on Instagram that I am his son, so I think I want to be somewhere where the paparazzi won't get me."
"That is definitely Afterlife. You cannot even get a cell phone signal there." Daisy giggles at Lincoln's words.
"I'm sure Jarvis can." Daisy boasted.
"But I don't want him too," Fitz says to the group.
"Gordon is meeting us on the front steps of the compound in five minutes to teleport us," Lincoln said as he grabbed Daisy's snack bag.
"I really want to study his abilities," Simmons mumbled, but they all still heard her.
"Don't actually ask him about that." Lincoln sighed. "I know you're naturally inquisitive, but that is a little offensive."
"Noted," Simmons said before grabbing Leo's bag before dragging Leo out of the room with her just leaving her, Tripp and Lincoln.
"I'm terrified," Daisy confessed.
"I know, and I really wish I could be there for you like you were there for me when I met my family." Trip squeezed her hand.
"I wish you were there too," Daisy whispered.
"It will be okay. You'll have Fitz and Lincoln with you. You'll be okay." Tripp kissed her on the forehead. So, nothing happened at Christmas with either guy. Daisy decided that she should focus on learning to deal with her earthquake powers before diving into any new interpersonal stuff. The recently discovered parents' thing is enough.
"I promise I will take care of her." Lincoln smiles at Tripp.
By the time Gordon showed up to the compound, Daisy was sure she was going to throw up. Lincoln may have given her a shot, which she was thankful for. Teleporting is weird. She and Fitz went first. Lincoln came a few minutes later, followed by the luggage. They were met by the woman in the photograph that Lincoln gave her.
"Welcome to Afterlife." She said with a bright smile.
"You're my mom?" Daisy asked because she needed to be sure.
"Yes, but you don't have to call me that. I understand that this may be difficult for you."
"That's an understatement." However, Daisy still ran forward to hug the woman.
"But I'm so happy to meet you, Daisy."
"So am I."
XXXX
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
February 15, 2015, 8:32 AM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Tony Stark and his son L. Fitz Stark having lunch with the new head of biological-based research at Stark industries Natalie Wolf and her son Alex.]
Photo credit: Steve Rogers
Some of you have been curious about the woman I had lunch with on Valentine's Day. Mainly because certain publications decided to crop out our children from the photograph. (Not this photo because it was taken by my boyfriend, but the ones taken with the telephoto lens that also mysteriously exclude Steve.) Also, many publications said that it was dinner, not lunch.
None of you managed to get pictures of my romantic dinner with my boyfriend. Hot fudge was involved. Don't let the American Boy Scout exterior fool you.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Natalie Wolf, who will be the new head of biological-based research at Stark industries. Dr. Wolf will be working out of the new upstate campus once completed. She is part of the team that will be bringing SI into the future.
Sorry ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary individuals; Steve Rogers is not back on the market, nor will he be anytime soon. Of course, this is because Steve asked me to marry him, and I said yes. This was why hot fudge was involved. This is also the reason why I did an amicus brief for the Supreme Court. I would love that by this time next year, I will be able to put a ring on it.
XXXX
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
April 5, 2015 3:32 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Tony Stark in a bunny costume holding Madison May Stark-Rogers dressed as a yellow ducky. Standing next to him is Steve Rogers holding Antonio Stevens Stark-Rogers dressed in a purple bunny costume. Off to the side, fellow Avenger Melinda May is rolling her eyes as L. Fitz Stark and Colonel James Rhode laughs.]
Photo credit: Natalie Stark
Happy Easter from the Stark-Rogers family. I guess this is the time to mention that we've adopted two adorable twins all the way back in November. Surprise, I can keep a secret. Meet Antonio Stevens and Madison May Stark-Rogers. Their mother was a Shield agent who died during the Hydra uprising, and their other mother died shortly after giving birth.
They are the cutest babies in the universe, and we love them to pieces. Fitz really enjoys being a big brother, and Rhodey is happy I finally made him an uncle to children that are still cuddle size. Although they're currently mad at us for putting them in those cute little bunny and ducky suits. They will get over it.
BTW, in what will surprise no one, it turns out Natalie Wolf is my half-sister. Because we are all aware that Howard Stark's reputation was well earned. She's the one taking the photo. I think my big sister has skills.
XXXX
Instagram post from CEO of Stark Industries Virginia Potts
May 1, 2015 5:22 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Image of Tony Stark, L. Fitz Stark, and Natalie Stark nee Wolf in the board room of Stark industries New York offices. The Stark industries symbol is prominently in the background.]
Photo credit: Stark Industries
We are pleased to announce the addition of Natalie Stark and L. Fitz Stark to the Board of Directors of Stark industries effective immediately replacing recently created vacancies.
L. Fitz Stark graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Engineering with doctorates in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering by age 16. He currently has 113 patents in his name, including the new Stark dwarf drones that will be hitting the market in early 2016. Natalie Stark is a graduate of the Georgetown school of medicine with a specialty in reproductive science. In addition, she also received her MBA from the same institution.
Stark Industries is committed to keeping this a family company. We are thrilled to have the latest additions to the Stark Family joining the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with both in the years to come.
xxxxx
Instagram post from Steve Rogers
June 26, 2015, 4:25 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Steve Rogers kissing Tony Stark holding their children at their home.]
Photo credit: Melinda May
I grew up in a very different time where being myself could get me killed or, at a minimum, arrested. Although there are many things about the future, I hate, being able to be with the man I love is not one of them. Thanks to the Supreme Court today, I will legally be able to marry the love of my life.
It has taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears of many to get to this moment. Fellow Avenger Melinda May's stepfather was among the protesters arrested during the Stonewall uprising. People like him are how we got here. I won't forget that, and neither should you.
However, now is a moment to celebrate. Honey, what are your opinions on a Valentine's Day wedding?
Xxxxx
"You actually want to have our wedding on Valentine's Day?" Tony asked his fiancée after reading his Instagram post. Tony wasn't 100% sure Steve even knew how to use Instagram. Yes, he had a Twitter account, but that was mostly to find food trucks now that they lived in Arlington at least 50% of the time (to make it easier to co-parent with May and Coulson).
Tony blames Steve Prime. The man has been around a lot more now that May is on speaking terms with her stepdad again. The smug asshole knew this would happen today and conspired with May to capture the moment when they found out.
"We told the world we got engaged on Valentine's Day, so we should be consistent." Steve pointed out.
"You want to get married on a day dedicated to pink and glitter?" Tony asked his boyfriend.
"I assume we would go with red and blue. May would never wear a pink bridesmaid dress."
"Blue-and-white. Let's be classy about it." Tony would have kissed Steve at that moment, but Madison started crying.
"Our daughter has impeccable timing."
Xxx
July 2, 2015
Daisy was really hoping that her birthday this year would, at a minimum, be better than Thanksgiving last year when she accidentally developed superpowers. First, she now knew her actual birthday and was excited to celebrate it on the real day for the very first time. She was also going to spend the day with both of her parents. Dr. Suarez cleared Cal for the party if they had it at the Avenger compound. After many months they were starting to build some sort of a relationship. It was hard with what he did to Tripp, but the family therapy sessions with Dr. Cruz have been helping a lot. Her kidnapping did a lot of damage to him. Unfortunately, Daisy really should have had both doctors work with her mother.
So, it turns out that Cal is the relatively sane parent, especially now that Dr. Suarez has his medication mix correct. Of course, getting dissected by Daniel Whitehall and being left for dead in the woods would fuck anybody up. Although she didn't think it would be kidnapping an 8-month-old baby and try to kill everyone, non-inhuman fucked up. Daisy is really regretting not having Dr. Suarez work with her mother now that she's trying to get Baby Tony away from her.
Really, she should've known this was going to go FUBAR when Alicia called Lincoln to tell him that she found Reina's body in the woods outside Afterlife. Also, for some reason, she was the only person left in the community between the ages of 18 and 70. Of course, by that point, Tony's new assistant/nanny was dead and along with six agents who were unlucky enough not to be inhuman. However, Natalie, Antonio, and Madison survived. Thankfully Lincoln's theory was right. Between being a carrier of the inhuman gene and having the super-soldier serum in her system, Madison was able to survive, although she did not transform.
Per the security footage/commentary from Jarvis, after transforming, her mother expected Natalie to automatically be on her side. Instead, she shot Jiaying twice. When Jiaying tried to drain Madison's life force, Natalie teleported, yes teleported, to them three rooms away. Lincoln and Stephanie rushed in to take care of Madison and Natalie. She, Tripp, and Steve went running after Jiaying. Everyone else, including Tony and May, were dealing with the forces that Gordon just teleported into the compound.
Due to being super fast, Steve was already fighting Jiaying to get Baby Tony back by the time they caught up to her by the river. Thankfully Lincoln's hypothesis was right again, and Steve was not affected by the human lethal Terri genesis crystals. Daisy knew that Tripp did not have such immunity. That is why she used her powers to toss the rest of the Terri genesis crystals into the river. That way, Jiaying couldn't hurt Tripp, and the other agents that Daisy knew were making their way down here. She could even see Cal in the distance. Daisy refused to let anyone else get hurt.
Thankfully her actions distracted Jiaying long enough for Steve to get Antonio away. The man was a blur as he ran to get Antonio to safety. Of course, at that moment, Jiaying turned her attention to Daisy. Daisy will spare you a word by word repeat of her mom's villain speech. Basically, she stole Antonio to make Shield and May pay for Daniel Whitehall and Bahrain.
Halfway during the villain speech, Tripp tried to hit Jiaying with a night-night grenade, which had no effect whatsoever except to make Jiaying attempt to suck the life out of Tripp. Tripp was, unfortunately, unconscious by the time Daisy was able to use her powers to push Jiaying.
The fight went on for forever until Jiaying overpowered Daisy and started to suck the life out of Daisy. Apparently, Jiaying believed that if she brought Daisy into this world, she has a right to take Daisy out of this world. Fortunately for Daisy, Cal disagreed.
So now the Avengers facility has multiple Inhumans in lock up. Gordon isn't one of them because he accidentally materialized in front of a repulse or blast. Neither is Jiaying. Daisy is now sitting next to her body in the medical room. The body really should be moved to the morgue, but Stephanie and Simmons wanted to give her a moment to mourn in peace.
"Are you okay?" May asked her as she takes the seat next to her.
"I feel like I should be asking you that question. Are the babies okay? I am so sorry that she…" Daisy could not even finish that sentence; she just kept crying.
"The babies and Steve are okay. Madison wasn't affected, and neither was Steve." Daisy exhaled in relief. "Although Antonio seems to be trying to levitate his teddy bear. He managed to get it an inch off the ground."
"Your 8-month-old can levitate? I don't think that's any definition of okay." Daisy said, worried.
"And his father was born in 1918 and is in his mid-30s. Also, apparently, his aunt can now teleport." Well, at least she wasn't the newest person on the compound with powers anymore. Although she didn't want Baby Tony to deal with suddenly getting powers.
"I'm sorry I invited her here. I have no idea she would try to take Antonio or…" As the tears became too much, May wrapped an arm around her.
"It's okay. The compound is safe. My babies are safe. You're safe. That's what matters."
"Except for the dead agents that I passed. How many casualties?" How many people lost their life because she just wanted to spend her birthday with her mom and dad?
"Only seven. No one else died after Gordon teleported the other attackers into the building." May explained, and Daisy is grateful that the casualties were not worse.
"What about Tripp?" Daisy asked.
"Resting. Lincoln thinks he will be conscious in a few hours."
"You can go, I'll be okay. You have babies that need you. Besides, I'm sure Lincoln will come by as soon as he can."
"Lincoln expects to be free to visit you in two hours and 15 minutes. Currently, he is attending to those wounded during the assault on the compound." Jarvis answered for her.
"Then I'll leave in two hours and 15 minutes. You are my child too, and you shouldn't be alone right now. Tony, Steve, and Phil are with the twins right now, but you need me." May tells her holding her tighter.
"I'm okay. Your babies are more important. They're probably so scared." At that moment, May pulls out a Stark pad and pulls up the Friday's twin monitoring service app. On-screen, she sees Madison and baby Tony in their crib together, cuddling each other sound asleep.
"I can watch them from here just as well. Your mom tried to kill you. I won't leave you."
"She is not my mom, you are," Daisy whispered so low that she wasn't sure May heard her until the tears started to come.
XXXX
Instagram Post from I am Iron Man
[Descriptive caption of photo: Steve Rogers trying to blow out the sparklers on the cake as Madison Stark Rogers puts her hands in the cake. Tony Stark is trying hard to keep Antonio Stark Rogers from grabbing one of the sparkler candles and is failing.
Photo credit: Melinda May
Happy Fourth of July from the Stark-Rogers family and the rest of the Avengers. Just enjoying the fireworks and birthday cake. I'm engaged to the hottest 97-year-old around. Now excuse me while I go get my kid out of the cake. What is it with small children and cake?
Xx
Tony quickly puts his phone back in his pocket as he leans back on Steve. Madison and baby Tony are a few feet away "playing" with Clint's daughter and son.
"Okay, I posted a photo of the family to Instagram and on Twitter. That way, people won't realize that we're hiding out in a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere due to our kid suddenly developing telekinesis after our home was invaded again. Although I'm sure Platypus and Pepper will not fall for it and will be sending concern text messages any moment."
"It's very annoying that our home keeps getting invaded," Steve remarks.
"Maybe we should've relocated to the house in Arlington full time. I'm wondering if we should be there now. I heard Carter Jones Fourth of July parties can be legendary."
"Next year," Steve kisses Tony cheek. "Madison and Antonio are having an enjoyable time with the Barton children. The only other child they've interacted with so far has been Alana when she comes to visit Agent Hunter."
"Children that we didn't know existed until May packed us up for this little retreat." Phil was with them, but Natasha stayed behind with Marcy and Alicia (now the new Afterlife representative) to deal with the fallout of the invasion of Daisy's mom. The Burton kids are mad that their other mom couldn't come to visit. Tony has so many questions.
"Also, I'm pretty sure Hunter is going to end up adopting her at some point."
"May thought it was best to get Daisy out of there, but she didn't want to be away from the twins. Besides, I've always wanted to spend my birthday in the country." Steve smiled at him.
"It is a nice little farmhouse even if we are sharing a room in the attic with the twins." Steve hit his head last night because he forgot about how low the ceilings were when Madison cried for her pre-sunrise bottle. "May is right. Daisy needs some time away to process. I was a mess after my father figure tried to kill me. I didn't process it well."
"You processed it by announcing you were a superhero on live television."
"Still better than that time I gave a terrorist my address on live television," Tony said, half-joking.
"This is true. I felt similarly when I realize that Bucky was the Winter Soldier." Steve told him.
"We're going to have to talk to Steve prime. Maybe you'll be able to visit your James soon. We should call him to wish him a happy birthday," Tony suggested. "If I'm doing the math right and I always do the math right, he is 172 this year. His cake is probably a fire hazard."
"May said he celebrates his birthday on June 13 now. Remember last month when she took the kids to Maryland for the day."
"That's right. I do remember Phil texting us a picture of the twins diving into a birthday cake. Although the things that happy 90th and no candles. There should have been 90 candles." Tony remarked.
"I'm so glad you didn't try to put 98 candles on the cake." See placed the kiss on Tony's neck.
"That was the plan before we relocated to the middle of nowhere farmhouse, but we forgot to bring the candles with us. Although considering what the kids did to the cake, it was probably for the best."
"At least May got the shot before Antonio dived headfirst into the cake." Steve joked.
"We're going to be getting blue frosting out of his hair for days. It looks like we missed a few spots."
Tony joked. "I sincerely regret getting the red white and blue cake."
"No, you're not."
"No, I'm not." Tony leaned over to kiss his fiancé.
Xxxxx
From: Natasha Romanoff-Barton
To: Team_MayCoulson
Subject: Phil just asked me to go engagement ring shopping with him.
Time sent: 10/4/2015 08:43:04
Daisy is also coming with us.
I expect an actual engagement within the next 48 hours. We will announce the winner of the 'when will they get engaged' pool at that time.
From: Natasha Romanoff-Barton
To: team_MayCoulson
Subject: follow-up May popped the question instead
Time sent: 10/06/2015 21:42:45
Apparently, I did not realize that May convinced Jarvis to send her all of the emails sent via the Team_MayCoulson mailing list. She decided to take things into her own hands tonight and proposed to him. They both have engagement rings.
Engagement photos attached courtesy of Jarvis. Congratulations to Dr. Suarez and Nick Fury for winning the pool.
Stark, do not do a congratulations Twitter or Instagram post.
xxxxx
"This explains why we have the babies tonight," Tony said as he swiped the hologram of Natasha's message away. "I'm not surprised Patches won the betting pool. Not shocked at all."
"I'm not either," Steve said from the floor. He was playing with the twins. They are engrossed in this puppy toy that teaches them how to zip things up and use buttons. They just like making a lot of noise. He's cool when that noise is in the form of the twins calling him daddy.
"They better not actually get married before us," Tony said as he sat down on the floor next to Madison.
"Of course not."
"And I wasn't going to send congratulations via Instagram. That's tacky. I'm sending them a champagne and chocolate gift basket."
"And will this basket also contain sex toys?"
"I'm not answering that question in front of the babies."
"That's obviously a yes."
Xxx
From: The Mechanic
To: pepper_pot
Subject: sorry you weren't here
Time sent: 10/27/2015 22:42:45
Hey, I am so sorry that you had to miss the Twins' first birthday party due to having to go to Japan for a last-minute meeting even though Platypus managed to get leave to come. I will not mention the fact that Bruce is also missing the Twins' first birthday party for a trip to Japan. Isn't it interesting that you're both in the same country at the same time? Even flew into the same airport, in fact. I'm sure if I asked Jarvis, he'd tell me that you're both at the same hotel. Possibly in the same room. If you're dating my science bro, more power to you. I totally ship it.
So, you missed May and Agent telling the grandparents about the engagement. Roger cried. I also got to meet the elusive Erik. His cousin sent some sort of bracelet that is helping with my one-year-old tendency to levitate toys to himself. Unfortunately, Antonio didn't receive the bracelet after levitating the cake only to drop it into Steve's lap. Well, his cake anyway. They both dived headfirst into Madison's cake. I am delighted we got a third cake. So very glad. Stephanie is one smart big sister.
Anyway, literally hundreds of pictures and video files attached because Jarvis and Friday are competing with each other when it comes to documenting the life of the twins.
XXXX
From: pepper_pot
To: The Mechanic
Subject: Re: sorry you weren't here
Time sent: 11/28/2015 02:34:58
I'm sorry I missed the party too. It seemed fun. I'm glad James was able to get leave though. He loves spending time with the twins.
I hope they liked my present. It wasn't as cool as innovative technology to keep a one-year-old from levitating things, but I'm sure they'll love their Captain America and Iron Man plush bears.
Yes, thank you so much for not asking about Bruce. I'll answer that question once I'm ready. Childhood birthday parties look good on you even if you're covered in cake.
I promise we'll see each other at Christmas, if not before then. I'm sure there will be some board meetings coming up soon.
I would say Thanksgiving, but I must go back to Arizona this year. My mom refuses to come back to New York again or even consider coming to my house in Malibu. Is Mr. May still staying in the Arizona house? I just wanna know in case I need to get a hotel.
Xxxxx
From: The Mechanic
To: pepper_pot
Subject: Re: sorry you weren't here
Time sent: 11/28/2015 06:40:38
I despise board meetings even though we got rid of most of the worst members (due to hydra ties) and replaced them with family members. Apparently, we couldn't get rid of all the misogynistic assholes because they were at least smart enough to avoid Hydra. I'm bringing the babies with me to the next board meeting. Technically, both own a small fortune in Stark industries stock, so they have a right to be there.
No, Mr. May is back in his condo. I was hoping to see you at Thanksgiving, but I'm never doing Thanksgiving in Arizona again. Mr. May is coming out to DC. He'll do a brunch Thanksgiving at the Arlington house, and Katie and the wife will be there. Then we will do afternoon Thanksgiving with the Carter-Jones Family with Ms. and Mr. Stevens.
So, it turns out that mommy Stevens was Marcy's SO. She's been trying for years to get her to come to a Carter-Jones Thanksgiving. That's going to be one fun Thanksgiving.
PS: The kids love their bears. They never put them down.
XXXX
Instagram post from I am Iron Man
December 24, 2015, 8:23 PM
[Descriptive caption of photo: Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Pepper Potts, Colonel James Rhodes, Natalie Stark, Alex Stark, L. Fitz Stark, J. Simmons, Antonio Stark Rogers, and Madison Stark Rogers are standing in front of Avengers-themed Christmas tree. The topper is a replica of the Captain America shield. Madison and Antonio are sitting in front of the tree playing with their Iron Man and Captain America teddy bears.]
Photo credit: Stephanie Triplett
Happy holidays from the extended Stark-Rogers family. I'm sure you're all aware that this is usually a tough time of the year for me. The anniversary of my parents' death always weighs heavy on my heart. Especially now that we know, it was part of a conspiracy by Hydra and former chief financial officer Obadiah Stane to destabilize the company. Thanks to my three wonderful children, my sister Natalie, nephew Alex, and, most importantly, my fiancé, I was able to get through this season.
Because of their love, I don't feel anywhere near as alone as I did before, but it also makes me realize I have this wonderful extended family of friends as well. Family isn't always blood. It's built upon love, and I'm so grateful for that.
Also, don't worry about the twins, those are special bears for one-year-olds that eat everything courtesy of their Aunt Pepper. They love their Aunt Pepper because she gives the best presents.
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"Okay, now that I have the Instagram photo out-of-the-way, let's get one with everybody," Stephanie called out, telling everybody to get in the frame.
"They're never going to stop playing with the bears," May said, trying to get her daughter away from the Capt. America bear, but failing miserably.
"You're just mad that they don't have a Melinda bear yet. You need a code name. Actually, we need codenames for all the new Avengers coming in January." Tony remarked.
"If you call me the Cavalry, I will kill you. They have Steve and Phil, you're just a bonus dad." May said with her patent glare.
"I am offended," Tony replied in mock horror.
"No threatening to kill each other on Christmas Eve," Roger said as he picked up Antonio from the floor. May's mother and stepfather were spending Christmas Eve and Christmas with the family. Mr. May was coming up for Lunar New year in a few weeks. It was the best option.
"Wait, who's going to stay out of the picture to actually take the picture?" Natalie asked.
"Jarvis, can you do the honors?" Tony asked the AI.
"Of course, sir."
To be concluded
I really wanted to do the epilogue in one post, but it got really long.