Chapter 30: Tony

In the hallway, Tony stopped, wiping his face dry with the back of his hand. Once he'd steadied his voice, he called up the stairs, "Pepper?"

She arrived a few seconds later, concern written on her face. "Tony? You okay?" She put a hand on his arm.

Tony forced back fresh tears. "For once in my life I don't know what to do," he said. "They're the only friends I have left and I want to protect them … but I don't know how."

Pepper smiled softly. "Be there for them," she said simply. "They need you, Tony, and you need them."

"Should I trust Loki?" he asked.

"Trust your friends," Pepper replied. "They have your back – whatever happens."

Tony breathed in, letting Pepper's words sink in. She was right, he realized. Maybe Loki was good, but if he wasn't, the team would only be able to fight him if they had each other's backs. They'd only be able to fight Thanos if they had each other's backs.

Tony leaned forward and kissed Pepper lightly. "Thanks, Pep."

Pepper simply smiled, encouraging, understanding. She followed him as he re-entered the workshop.

He could feel the eyes of everyone on him as he moved into the center of the room, waiting to see what he'd do or say. He pulled out his phone and flicked a 3D image of an Iron Legion suit into the air. "I can have fifty of these ready for battle in half an hour," he said to the group.

Slowly, smiles spread over the other Avengers' faces as they realized he was with them, back in business. Steve caught Tony's eye and gave him a nod of thanks.

Tony nodded back. "JARVIS," he called, "kit out the Iron Legion – all the add-ons, and double-time."

"Of course, Sir," JARVIS replied.

Tony turned to Thor. "Thor, round up the Guardians and get them here, please."

"Right." Thor moved to the doorway and yelled up the stairs, "Get down here! Now!"

Tony winced at the volume, but moments later the Guardians trooped into the room with Fury and Jane, looking curious.

"Where are Loki and Barnes?" Thor asked, frowning.

Rocket shrugged. "Dunno. Haven't seen them in a while."

Thor sighed, then yelled up the stairs, "Loki!" His tone was dangerous.

"I'll go find them," Steve offered grimly. And then he dashed away up the stairs.