Thank you everyone for the wonderful reviews and for favoriting this story! I hope it continues to live up to you expectations!
Enjoy!
P.S. I know people are VERY excited for Ed to get her alchemy back and I promise that she will. The only thing to consider is alchemy could almost be a "magical" science so we may just need some form of "magic" for it ;P That's all I'm saying!
Previously: With the paparazzi picture still circulating, Ed was asked to stay in the Malibu mansion. She deems it house arrest but at least the others have helped somewhat. Tony had also updated her automail arm with holographic technology and has asked her to look into a replacement for palladium.
May 2010 – Flushing, New York
I breathed deeply, trying to keep calm and ignore the amount of people surrounding me from all sides. My head was already beginning to pound from the sheer amount of noise around me and I knew it wasn't going to get better any time soon. I was stuck here until the end of the event.
And Tony still hadn't arrived to even BEGIN it…
Sadly, what didn't help as well was –
"Is JARVIS integrated into the entire house?" asked Ned in a hushed – but not that hushed… - tone as he nearly bounced next to me. The questions had not stopped since we had met up. It seemed everything that he hadn't wanted to write down in an email was just coming out tonight.
"Pretty much," I replied before someone bumped into my back and I nearly collided with Peter on the other side of me. "Sorry," I mumbled to him before sending a glare to the overly excited girl behind me.
Peter had a hand on my arm to steady me, the other holding a 'video camera' as he smiled. "Oh, don't worry about it." He then leaned a little closer to add softly, "You were right about being sandwiched between us, it's safer!"
I couldn't agree more…
Ned was on my left side and Peter, who knew about my now holographically disguised automail arm, was on my right. That way, the only one who would possibly hit it was him.
And that had already happened several times since we found a spot amongst this huge crowd at the opening ceremony of the Stark Expo.
"Excuse us! Parents coming through!"
I glanced back at the source of the voice and the Leeds and Parkers adults were weaving their way towards us. Thankfully, they placed themselves all in a row behind the three of us. No more pushing from that girl!
"How have you been holding up?" wondered May, leaning down slightly as he ruffled her nephew's hair. "Ed's doing a good job watching the two of you?"
"We're great and she's doing well. Haven't gotten into any trouble!" replied Peter with a laugh. "So excited to see Mr. Stark!"
"It should be soon," I replied, looking up but it was hard to make anything out specifically with all those lights and even some fireworks.
"You're ready to film the epic arrival?" asked Ned, leaning almost too close to me to talk to Peter. The problem was, Peter may not be able to hear Ned very well but I did… And it was loud…
I was going to get a migraine by the end of the night…
"So ready! Wide shot and then zoom in –"
I took a small step back to try and reduce the volume of the two boys as they went over every way possible to film Tony's arrival. I didn't want them to notice my discomfort about this whole event and I had been trying to hide it since getting to this large area. I just hoped it would start soon so we could leave…
And then – sadly – the cheering got LOUD.
I had to physically stop myself from covering my ears to block out the yelling from the people around me as music began blasting from the stage and all around us and a group of… of women in…
Oh dear, I felt my face heating up at the sight of the beautiful women dressed in what could only be described as a bikini.
And they started dancing.
Fuck… My blush only deepened.
Thankfully, I felt a tap on my shoulder to distract me and to finally pull my gaze away from the dancers to… May. She was leaning close to me, looking me in the eye a little too intensely. "Thank you again for the tickets. The ones for the entire year," she said with a smile. "You know you didn't have to."
"As I said, I wanted to," I replied which earned me a hug from the back from her.
"I know. Won't stop me from continuing to say it. How are you holding up with those rumors and everything?"
I shrugged, not exactly disliking the arm that was still hooked around me as I thought over my answer. "Good but we still have to be careful," I said with a sigh.
"It'll die down eventually. I'm sure of it," encourage May, hugging me again. "For now, at least, you have us."
I glanced back at her with a smile in thanks before focusing back to the stage and… crap. I was blushing again.
They were so damn pretty…
Thankfully May had lowered her arm by then so she wouldn't notice the blush and rising body temperature.
Focus on… Focus on…
Die down eventually. Those words from May had been the same ones from Pepper. And Peggy. And even Tony. I, on the other hand, didn't see it nor believe it…
The paparazzi were still near the mansion, even this morning when we had left and they had snuck me out in the back seat. Those gossip channels were still trying to dig things up and I even had to hide out ON the damn jet when we had arrived in New York to make sure there was no one around when I finally disembarked…
Thankfully, Happy could still drive me to the Expo before he had to wait for Tony after the opening ceremony. At least I wasn't completely alone in trying to hide my relation with Tony.
However… I was beginning to doubt that the 'eventually die down' wasn't going to happen…
One day at a time I guess…
"There he is!" cried out Ned, pointing at the sky.
We all followed his line of sight and, lo and behold, there was Tony flying across the dark sky, beelining directly towards the stage in his Iron Man suit.
And the crowd started chanting Tony's name.
Loudly.
I didn't know if it was possible for me to go deaf in such a short period of time but I truly hoped not.
The chanting continued as Tony landed in a crouch resulting in even more cheering from the audience. Even Peter and Ned were bouncing next to me in excitement.
As the suit was being disassembled by mechanical arms from the stage itself, a large flag of the USA was shown on the screen in the back of the stage and… I had a sense of déjà vu hit me as I took everything in.
It reminded me of…
My eyes widened slightly at the connection I had just made: the Stark Expo opening number resembled Steve's USO campaigns back in the 1940s.
The women, the dancing, the fireworks, the crowd.
It was all pretty similar.
However, I knew better then to ever bring that up to Tony considering the previous times I had mentioned Steve around him.
This comparison would have him lose ALL patience with me.
By then, the Iron Man suit had been completely removed, leaving Tony in a normal black suit as he smiled towards the crowd.
And they just wouldn't stop. If anything, it had gotten louder.
It hit me then just how damn popular Tony truly was. I thought I had somewhat understood it before but here, now, seeing the audience's reaction to him just showing up, I realized I completely underestimated the level of fame he had.
No wonder the rumors didn't die down as quickly as I thought they would.
Fucking shit…
"Oh, it's good to be back!" called out Tony with an overly large smile. "You missed me?"
There was some more cheering and some random guy nearby shouted out, "Blow something up!"
"I missed you too and blow something up?" repeated Tony, almost thinking it over. "I already did that."
Watching him now… It almost seemed like it was another Tony Stark… This one was used to being the center of attention, used to addressing this immense crowd whose focus was solely on him.
He even had the timing to let the audience laugh before continuing smoothly.
"I'm not saying that the world is enjoying its longest period of uninterrupted peace in years because of me."
Another pause for more cheering.
"I'm not saying that from the ashes of captivity never has a greater phoenix metaphor been personified in human history."
He was a natural. I glanced around me at all the cheering people, amazed at how easily they were believing all this. He was laying it on pretty thick…
"I'm not saying that Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't come across anyone who's man enough to go toe-to-toe with me on my best day."
Really, REALLY thick…
Someone seemed to be falling for it as a woman yelled, "I love you, Tony!"
"Please, it's not about me," he said, holding up his hands and I actually snorted. All that and it wasn't about him? What the hell had gotten into him? "It's not about you. It's not even about us. It's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations. And that's why, for the next year and for the first time since 1974, the best and the brightest men and women of nations and corporations the world over will pool their resources, share their collective visions, to leave behind a brighter future."
Well, that sounded better than the beginning of his speech and, from the cheering that resounded around us, the rest of the crowd agreed.
"It's not about us. Therefore, what I am saying, if I'm saying anything, is welcome back to the Stark Expo!"
All this cheering was truly going to give me a migraine…
"And now, making a special guest appearance from the great beyond to tell you what it's all about, please welcome, my father, Howard."
Even if I had been warned about this part, I – I…
Oh boy…
Seeing Howard, older and alive on such a large screen sent pangs of sadness through me.
"Everything is achievable through technology."
Fuck. Hearing his voice wasn't helping either. I clenched my fists tightly to help in controlling my emotions because I was stuck here, in the middle of a large crowd and surrounded by people who would most likely ask questions if they saw any sign of distress.
Questions such as why I would have such a bad reaction to seeing a man who died when I was technically, on paper, a baby.
I wouldn't be able to come up with a good enough excuse.
Keep. It. Together.
"…, I would like to personally introduce you to the City of the Future."
Fuck…
I scanned the stage and noticed that Tony had walked off. Without really thinking, I pulled out my cell phone from my pocket and found our text messages.
Ed
You think that entrance was dramatic enough?
Old Man
I had to actually dial down said drama.
Ed
Speech made up for it.
Old Man
Thought you would like it.
I'll be waiting for the comment about my ego once we're done here.
Ed
You'll get an earful. Don't worry.
"… the sweet life. The Stark Expo. Welcome."
I looked up just as the image of Howard faded and was replaced with the logo for the Stark Expo of 1974 and then the one of this year.
And the cheering wouldn't stop…
"That was so cool!" gasped Ned, bouncing in excitement.
"Everything is on tape!" added Peter. "We can do a full montage, add some music –"
"Effects!"
"Yes!"
The two of them continued to bounce ideas off of each other until Ben stepped up to them and said, "How about we explore a bit more before it gets too late? How does that sound?"
Thankfully everyone agreed to that and we began to walk towards the exit and hopefully a quieter area.
An then I felt my cell phone vibrate.
Old Man
Are you staying longer or heading to the hotel?
Happy wants to know. Not me. So we're clear.
Ed
Happy has my number. It hasn't changed.
So to answer YOUR question, I'll stay longer with the others and head to the hotel.
Old Man
Ok little miss independent
Ed
You're a pain
"Ed? Everything alright?"
I looked up to see the group two meters ahead of me, all watching and waiting.
For me.
Oops.
I needed to learn to type and walk at a normal speed. Eventually. It hadn't gotten better in the last several months.
"Sorry," I said, jogging to catch to them. "Got distracted. But everything's okay."
Even though the adults shared a look, I smiled at them reassuringly and they thankfully dropped it.
I followed the group out of the opening ceremony area and I almost sighed in relief at the nearly instant difference in the noise level around us.
Maybe I wasn't going to leave here with a headache after all.
We randomly decided on a direction and headed there, taking in the sights as we did. Even if it was an Expo Tony had been working on, I knew very little about it.
It wasn't actually a subject of conversation we had had in the last few months…
Therefore, all this was as new to me as it was for everyone here that night.
And…
It was incredible.
I now understood why Peter and Ned wanted to spend as much time as possible here and, with their year-round tickets and the Expo being so close to their neighborhood, they were going to be able to do just that.
I, on the other hand, was going to have to travel a bit more or… visit as much as possible while here.
I was NOT going to take an airplane for the fun of it just to visit the Expo…
No fucking way.
And considering I not wanted to only limit the number of times I took an airplane but also to spread out those times, it had been planned that we would stay in New York for a couple of days.
Might as well take advantage of the Expo while I could.
As we entered an area that housed displays on the advances made in transportation, it reminded me of the failed demonstration Howard had done at the World Exposition of Tomorrow, back in 1943.
Where I had met Steve and Bucky for the first time.
Who would have thought we would have gone through so much together?
It… It seemed so far away.
No.
I had made a promise that I would remember the good things, that I wouldn't wallow in sadness because of the memories of the past.
I needed to remember the positive.
Like at how Steve had impressed Dr. Erskine and myself with his answers, how happy he had looked when he had been given a chance to join the fight.
And that literal run in with Bucky who had been looking for Steve.
Bucky had known Steve all too well considering all he had done was spot an enlistment poster and he knew exactly where his friend had gone.
"What are you thinking about?"
Crap. I blinked, glancing towards Ned and Peter, the former having asked me the question.
"I…" Should I tell them? Well, not the full truth, of course, but at least… "I was remembering how my great-uncle had been to one of these back in the day. When he had met… Captain America." I remembered at the last minute to refer to Steve by his title. Evelyn wasn't that familiar with Steve Rogers.
And I definitely couldn't say anything about Bucky.
That was NOT a known fact…
The boys' eyes widened at my explanation and a part of me began to worry that maybe I had said too much. Maybe it wasn't common knowledge. Maybe people weren't told when Steve had met Dr. Erskine.
What the hell did people know?!
"It's true!" exclaimed Ned excitedly. "It all started at the World Expo! Can you imagine people then would have just walked past Steve Rogers, not knowing who he'd be? What if we came across a future superhero at this Expo?!"
Don't. React. Just DON'T.
If only he knew he was standing next to Edward Elric. But I was too deep into this lie to spill my secret now.
Besides, it could put those boys and their families in danger if my secret got out and they had known about it.
"We'd better keep our eyes open then!" added Peter before lifting his camera. "And document as much as possible!"
"Speaking of…"
The three of us turned towards Ben who was holding his own camera up, the one that could take pictures contrary to Peter's that took videos.
They had to explain it to me and I still felt some remnants of embarrassment at that memory…
Ben motioned with his hands as he said, "How about a picture of the three of you together?"
The boys didn't hesitate and almost sandwiched me between them, their arms going almost too easily around my shoulders. Another reminder that even with our age gap, they were nearly my height…
It took me a moment to untense from the sudden hug from both of them but, when I did, I managed an… easy smile.
"Perfect! It'll be great memories!" added Ben as he took the picture. "We'll send you a copy of the pictures, Ed, once we get them developed."
"Thank you, and I could –"
"If you're going to mention anything about money, young lady, I will be keeping said pictures," he cut in quickly, sending me a look.
Well, damn. "Ok, then thank you."
"That's better," said Ben with a smile.
"Hey! Look at that!" cried Ned suddenly, dragging both Peter and myself with him towards… something.
At this point… I just followed, happy to be out of the Malibu mansion, not having to worry about paparazzi and just enjoy myself.
While trying to not get a headache with the amount of people around me.
"Hey Ed?" I glanced towards Peter, cocking my head to the side. We had been walking around for while now and we all somewhat spread out in this new area, Peter and I having walked off in the same direction. "Can I ask about…" He motioned towards my right arm quickly before stopping. "If you want, of course. You don't need to! I was just curious and –"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "It's fine," I replied, eyeing where the Leeds were standing, far enough that they wouldn't hear the explanation and possibly cause a scene about my arm being a prosthetic.
However, I was almost sure Ned knew about the arm with how much Peter and Ned shared with each other. Even in our emails, even if I had mentioned something to only one of them, the other could have easily brought it up later on without any prompting from my part.
"Tony wanted to test out holographic technology and used my arm as a… uh, what was the word he used? Hamster?" I explained, keeping my voice down.
Peter tried to cover up his snort but I still heard it, fighting a blush at the fact that I, once again, didn't understand a saying and mixed it up.
"Sorry! Sorry!" quickly apologized Peter, waving his hands in the air as he tried not to laugh. "Sorry! I just hadn't heard of it being a hamster instead of a guinea pig."
"Oh, that's what it was," I mumbled, stuffing my hands into my pockets. I wasn't going to add to the fact that I wasn't exactly sure what a guinea pig even looked like.
"Sorry for laughing though," repeated Peter sincerely.
I shook my head. "Nah, it's fine I guess it was kinda funny."
Peter cleared his throat, his laughter having finally died down before he said, "So…, holograms?"
I held up my uncovered hands, looking at both. It was still a little weird seeing two 'flesh' hands but I knew that automail was still hidden underneath one of them. "He said he installed small projectors all over so that it shows a mirrored image of my left arm," I explained, showing him my hands.
His eyes widened as he pushed his glasses up and studied my hands up close. "I wouldn't have even guessed it was a mirror image. But that's so smart!" He was just growing more animated as he looked at my right hand. "I'd have to look it up but this may be the most advanced holographic technology yet!"
"Well, I couldn't tell you," I said with a shrug. "I didn't even know he had been working on it before he installed the new arm."
Peter stared between me and my automail several times before he slowly asked, "Are you… 100% sure you're… not related?"
Fucking…
I huffed, dropping my hands in exasperation. "Peter Parker, I swear I'll… we're NOT related!"
At least he seemed to regret having asked that question. "Sorry, it's just all the things he does to help, he's very nice!"
I paused, going over those words before glancing at my right hand again. Fine. Peter did have a point. Even though Tony was a real pain sometimes, he… he was trying.
In his own, annoying way.
He didn't need to let me stay at the mansion.
He didn't need to make me new automail arm or leg.
He especially didn't need to add holographic technology to my arm.
And he didn't have to say 'yes' to me asking for tickets for the Parkers and the Leeds.
Fuck.
I may need to thank him more often. He was definitely going to rub it in…
The least I could do for now was continue to work on that research project Tony had given me. I had thought it would have easy but… nothing so far would be able to keep up with the energy needed to power the arc reactor AND the suit.
However, I was far from having exhausted all possibilities so there was still a good chance of finding that alternative. I still had different combinations of elements to go over and even including isotopes to the formulas could help.
Maybe when I get back to the hotel, I could do a bit more research before going to bed.
Besides, I wouldn't want Tony to start teasing me about not being able to complete the research project or more, the TEST, he gave me.
He didn't need more ammo.
"Peter, Ed, over here!" called out Ned, waving his arms. "And you gotta start filming!"
Peter and I shared a look before jogging over,
This night hasn't stopped being interesting and I don't think it was going to let up any time soon.
As I walked alongside the others, I got distracted, pausing and frowning slightly. Had I just heard…?
Fishing my cell phone out of my pocket, I glanced at the screen and…
Two new messages from Pepper.
Pepper
Do you have a moment?
Have you heard about the situation?
Oh fuck…
My mind went straight to the rumors and someone having possibly figured something out during the travelling we did between Malibu and here. Please don't let there be another photograph out there…
Taking a deep breath, I quickly typed back a response.
Ed
What situation exactly?
Moments after I sent that text message, Pepper was calling me.
Crap, crap, crap.
"I'll be right back!" I called out to the group, already walking away, answering the cell phone as I did. "Hi, please don't let it be bad news."
"Depends on who you're asking," sighed Pepper and my stomach started twisting into knots. Don't let it be another photograph… "I had thought it would be a bad idea having the opening ceremony this late but, of course, Tony didn't listen." I frowned but didn't say anything, letting her vent as I tried to figure out what she was annoyed about… I still wasn't sure but… it didn't sound like another rumor problem just yet. "And now, they're driving, DRIVING, all the way down to Washington for that committee hearing tomorrow morning."
What…?
"If he had just listened and had it earlier, I could have booked a flight but no, he had –"
"Pepper, what are you talking about exactly?" I finally asked, my confusion only increasing the more she went on.
There was a pause from her end before she said, "They Armed Service Committee hearing. In Washington, D.C."
"And that's…?"
"Oh… I'm sorry, Ed," sighed Pepper and I could almost picture her massaging her face. "I thought I had told you about it. The committee wants Tony to hand over the suit and let the government take possession of it. For the people or so they say."
"They want… what?!" I was floored by that revelation. Tony could lose his Iron Man suit? Why? The damn army couldn't make their own? "They're fine with Tony going around and fighting their fights but they want the suit for themselves?" I growled out in annoyance.
"I know, I know. I'm flying there now. The entire thing will be televised so you'll be able to watch it tomorrow as it happens. I know better than to suggest you fly to meet us in Washington and you are NOT driving there."
I shuddered at the thought of getting back onto an airplane so soon after the one we took THAT day, across the damn country no less.
But…
"Don't feel guilty about this," added Pepper as if she was reading my mind. "You wouldn't have been able to attend the hearing anyway, not without spilling some secrets to even get you into the room. We won't be staying there long hopefully and we can either meet you back in New York or Malibu." She paused for a moment, adding softly, "Actually, maybe New York will be better, so you don't have to take the plane back alone."
I couldn't help but smile at that remark. "Thanks… We'll figure it out. Good luck tomorrow."
"Thank you. And don't worry about your hotel room, it's fully paid. Do you still have your emergency credit card?"
"Yes, I haven't lost it yet," I replied, actually hoping that I did indeed still have it.
At least it earned a chuckle from Pepper. "That's good. Are you going to be okay on your own?"
I glanced behind me where the Parkers and the Leeds were studying the map of the Expo, a smile forming. "I'm not but I'll be fine tomorrow."
"Oh, that's right… Say 'hi' to them from me. I would have liked to meet them but this hearing is getting in the way… We'll schedule something later, ok?"
"I think they'll understand."
"Ok, get back safely. Text me when you do and try not to forget?"
"I'll try." But I had a feeling we both knew I would indeed forget… As I had said, I hadn't gotten better with texting...
We said our goodbyes and hung up. I stared at my cell phone for a moment, wondering how had I not known about that hearing. Pepper may have forgotten but Tony had never mentioned anything either.
Had I been kept out of the loop on purpose?
I knew I wouldn't have been able to do much if I had known but…
I sighed, stuffing my hands into my pockets as I headed back to the others. I hadn't known but now I did. Besides… I don't think they would maliciously keep me in the dark about it. However, the more pressing matter was the fact that the government wanted Tony's suit and that could spell trouble. If ever they got their hands on it… who knows what they would do.
My mood went from happy to shitty very quickly…
And I had a feeling –
"Everything alright, Ed?"
I should have gotten my features under control before walking back to the others. "Uh…, Pepper says 'hi'," I replied at first, thinking over how to explain everything else. "As for alright… Yes, you can say that. She called to tell me her and Tony are on their way to Washington for a hearing tomorrow."
The boys' eyes widened in surprise as the adults shared a look. I hoped they wouldn't ask more questions about the situation, not with all the people walking around us and possibly able to listen in on the conversation.
And I didn't want to get riled up even more than I already was with what was going on.
"Wait," began May and I almost groaned out in annoyance, "there's something I'm not comfortable with right now." Fuck… "Does that mean you'll be heading back alone tonight?"
I blinked, staring at her in surprise. That's what she was focusing on?
May glanced at Ben who already nodded his head before she continued. "It's settled, you can come back with us, stay the night. I don't want you wandering around the city late at night all by yourself."
I quickly shook my head. "It's okay, I… I don't want to impose and I can take care of myself. I really don't mind heading back to the hotel by taxi. I'll figure it out."
And especially considering I could DEFINITELY take care of myself if ever something happened on my way back. If I could get through Hydra factories and battle fields, the streets of New York would seem like a breeze!
"You wouldn't be imposing," added Ben with a smile. "We wouldn't offer if it were the case."
"And I have no doubt you can take care of yourself," continued May. "But you can also let us take care of you as well. As thanks."
"I agree with May and Ben," added Mrs. Leeds eyeing all of us. "We'll all rest easier if we knew you were safe."
But I WAS!
Damn it… This was the problem: I had no way no way of convincing any of them that I could actually take care of myself. I was just a 20-year-old, shorter for her age, less tech savvy than I should be, young adult who didn't live in New York. Everything was pretty much stacked against me.
"Ed, you won't be imposing, I promise," repeated May, staring at me intently but also… reassuringly.
I took a deep breath, stuffing my hands into my pockets before reluctantly nodding. "Fine," I sighed. "Fine, thank you."
There was honestly no good reason I could find to reject the Parkers' offer that wouldn't sound incredibly rude.
"You are very welcome," replied May with a smile.
Besides… It felt nice to know they cared so much.
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