"Let me make something, extremely, transparently, clear," Tony circles the room of the tower, addressing each and every Hero, SHIELD agent and meta present in the room, "I am not here to rejoin some cause. I am not resuming any initiatives. I'm here to launch my tech, sell it to my buyer, and return to California with my wife and daughter."
With Hydra loose and the city a complete mess, Rogers knows Maria needs the help. With his arms crossed, he stands in the corner;
"We need you, Stark, the team-."
"See? No. No team. I don't care anymore. And actually, Cap, HYDRA is your problem, if I recall correctly," Tony cuts.
"Tony-."
"I'd really like to eat my pizza in peace and your voice is giving me the migraine of the century. Pep? You got a pain killer?"
She grumbles with a moan and dramatically opens her wallet to search.
Stark takes the pill she offers, "Where's the Bad Big Pirate?"
"Fury's officially retired," Maria snaps.
Clint snickers sarcastically, "For real this time? Or are you still evilly plotting his demise."
"He's in Cuba," she mocks the archer.
Riley snorts and lifts her hand, wearing one of Garrett's sweatshirts, "For someone who is so anti- hero at this point in his life, I find it interesting that you brought your suit."
The man refuses to scold the younger girl, even if he feels called out. He scoffs, "I don't know how I feel about you kids being old enough to chime into these adult conversations."
Riley laughs as Garrett whispers something into her ear. His hands and fingers are moving, a subconscious action that takes over at times.
His American Sign Language skills are on point, being that Clint and Laura's son, Nathan, was born deaf. It's how they regularly communicate in that household for his sake.
With a deaf adoptive brother and a blind girlfriend, Garrett has mastered both sign language and braille for the people he loves...
Lucy is upside down in her chair, her feet up where her head should be while she scrolls through her dating app for a rebound. The ping makes her grumble;
"Stop texting me."
Jennifer keeps a vicious eye contact, lowering her own device, "I'll stop when you look at me."
"Nope."
"Lucy please!"
"Did anyone else hear anything? No? Didn't think so."
Jennifer doesn't care who is listening, "When I'm dead, are you going to come to my funeral?!"
Steve reaches to tap her arm, "We need to refocus; HYDRA is after all of us. Anyone with powers is in danger!"
Lucy slips and falls to the floor, her head knocking hard against the tile. Stark half wonders if she'll hulk out, and Clint barely moves to check in.
Izabella beats them to it, already on the ground with a hand on the girl's shoulder, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's me,' Lucy groans, pushing away from her once best friend, 'I could get run over by a train, and the train would break before I did."
"Where's Thor?" Tony circles the room.
Maria interrupts wryly from the side, "We removed him from the roster years ago."
Tony nods, "Lovely. Is he dead too? No one invited me to that funeral." He shares a glance with Jennifer before continuing, "Was it classier than the Banners? Without me threatening the population of NYC?"
The group shifts uncomfortably. Peter Parker interrupts the ramble in a panic;
"I thought you couldn't kill a demigod?! Aren't they supposed to be immortal?"
"Who are you? The one with the bug suit. The frog suit-."
"It's a spider suit. I'm Peter, Parker-Peter Parker Mr.- Sir...Mr. Stark! Actually! I'm here with Miss Walters! Not with-with her...! ANYW-."
"Peter, breathe," Jennifer chuckles.
"Yeah…okay. I'm breathing."
"The boys came in with me. I'm gonna need your help with them," Jennifer points to Peter and then Rick.
Tony laughs, "You all can't function without me can you? I'm flattered."
Maria stands with a sigh full of exasperation, "If Thor is alive, the best way to contact him would be through Darcy Lewis. At this point we need to gather our heroes. I'm not opposed to trying."
Peter scratches his dead, "Soooo, Thor is not dead?"
Violet nudges Riley, "We can gather our friends-."
"Adults first," Maria lectures.
"We are adults," Riley crosses her arms.
"Jen? How likely is it that we round up Patricia Walker?"
Walters snorts, "Now that my daughter has burned that bridge?"
Lucy huffs and stands taller, taking off her blazer, "You wanna go mom? Let's go!"
"Hey, look at that; she spoke to me. I'll take whatever I can get. How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while."
"Mom! Shut up."
Brody holds his head, "Lucy. Stop. That's your mom!
Riley huffs, "Seriously though. Work this out on your own time."
"Lici-stup," Lucy mimics the boy.
"Are you mocking me, druggie?" Brody glares.
"Call me druggie one more time and we'll see who ends up blind next!"
"No! Please stop," Izabella immediately stands in between them, her palms raised in defense of her brother.
"ENOUGH!" Maria slams her hands on the nearby table before Jennifer can intervene. She takes a breath, "We need to gather help. Riley and I cannot defend this city on our own. And SHIELD's resources are depleting."
Steve calls softly, "You know I'll fight beside you."
"As will I," Sam adds.
Clint stands, kicking his chair back to place against the table, "I'm out."
"I'm in," Jennifer adds tiredly, rubbing at her eye to play off any frustration.
"Before anyone gets any more wild ideas, I'm also out." Tony mumbles.
Maria sighs, already knowing his decisions before he had even announced it, "I never assumed otherwise."
Antonia swings her legs, sitting with Pepper, "You're not going to fight, daddy? Why?"
Tony snaps, "It's complicated."
"Why?"
Pepper crosses her arms, "I'm shocked you don't want to get involved."
"Pep! We've talked about this. I'm doing what you want, what you asked of me. I'm focusing on my family."
"Your family isn't safe if we can't attend events together without the facility continuously blowing up."
"Either way,' Maria chimes in, ''We're going to need as much help as possible. And there's only one person in this world I trust implicitly at the moment."
She makes a short pause and turns to her daughter.
"Riley? Do you think you're ready to head up an assignment?"
...Not to mention the fact that it removes Riley from NYC. Keeps her away from HYDRA, away from Linda…
Riley is too excited to breach. She's a tad defeated over 'reading' the fine print, "What's my mission?"
"Get us help. I can give you names Fury collected before retirement-."
"Can I pick my partner?"
Maria immediately regrets saying 'yes', watching her daughter grip at Garrett's arm.
Riley pushes through with her own agenda, "I choose Garrett. And by completing this assignment, he can prove to you that he's SHIELD material and ready to become an Agent."
Hill bites at her cheek, watching the couple, "Okay! Alright, fine."
"Thank you."
"But this mission requires utmost focus!"
"Izabella?" Steve addresses the Russian girl in her purple skirt who absent-mindendly toys with her necklace. "Are you up for some warping to aid Riley in her search?"
The girl freezes, hands suddenly clutching the chair underneath her for dear life. She feels all of their eyes on her, losing her breath and borderline ready to faint.
She recalls the incident, the damage, the blood from her nose and ears. The scars on her palms remind her every day of that moment and the frantic years of searching afterwards...
She swallows hard, "I don't think I can use my powers. I'm sorry, Riley, Captain Rogers, I just can't."
Brody empathizes, rubbing his sister's back. Steve nods, disappointed despite his words;
"We understand."
"Do we, though?" Lucy whispers only barely...
Riley sighs heavily, wanting her friend at her side in one form or another, "I mean, I could, still use a nurse on board. For...the rare and extremely unlikely case of an emergency on the road.."
Izabella forces a grin, "That's kind of you but my tetya Svetlana-."
"I can look after her while you're gone,' Steve offers without hesitation, 'She'll be in good hands."
"If our girl here can't warp; You're going to need a pilot," Brody laughs, half joking.
Maria taps her tablet, "For a quick mission during this time of crisis? Yes. You can fly. I want daily check-ins and reports from every single one of you, and a personal call from Darcy assuring me everything is okay when you get there and another one when you leave."
Sam wags his finger, "Don't let me down."
"You got it, Snap," Brody salutes.
Rick Jones shrugs, "I'd offer to help but I have no idea what I can do other than...guitar lessons?"
Riley shrugs, "What's one more body? I might enjoy some entertainment."
"Huh...well that would solve my loan problem! No rent for a few weeks."
"I'd volunteer, too, but I have SATs," Peter sighs, head down.
Tony offers another slice to Parker, curious about the teenager, "What's your damage, kid? What's your story?"
"Who, me?"
"Yes, you."
Jen whispers and coaches him from the sideline, "Show him the thing. With the hands. The thing you do…"
"Later,' Tony pats his shoulder, 'Let me get your number, you can chill with Pep Anna and I."
"Ehem!" Antonia clears her throat and stands, ensuring she's gathered everyone's full attention;
"Antonia Vivian Stark reporting for duty in place of my father; Fluent in French, Spanish, and artificial intelligence. I believe I can be a valuable asset to your team because I have such a wide variety of talents including but not limited to charming your target, not forcefully, into always saying 'yes'."
Tony snorts, "Sit down, Half-Pint. You're not going on a mission unless that mission is going to brush your teeth and then bed."
"Daddy, you're embarrassing me in front of my colleagues. Don't make me use my special charm! Someone has to represent the Stark family on the Avengers! I'm the Iron Baby!"
"She is your baby," Pepper shrugs, crossing a knee and keeping her eyes on Tony.
The engineer glares back, refocusing in Antonia, "You're not going anywhere, that's final."
Pepper checks her nails, "I don't necessarily see why a quick trip to collect a team is so dangerous.
"It's a team of metahumans!"
"Tony, if they attempted to attack us today they will not stop. We can't outrun HYDRA. Isn't it better to send Anna away while we figure out how to protect our family here."
Stark sighs, stepping closer to his wife, "You want to fight."
"No. I want to end this so we can go home and move on with our lives without wondering if someone will try to hurt our daughter."
He stands tall, mulling over her words and studying the group surrounding them.
Riley addresses Violet next, ready to recruit her into the mix.
The younger girl cringes;
"Honestly? I got accepted at this beauty pageant and it'd suck to miss it after all the hard work…I can stay here though! And help your mom if I can convince her."
"You're serious?" Riley's visibly disappointed.
Violet scoffs, "Yeah? Priorities."
"Oh whatever! I just wanted to hang out with you."
"Aww! Next mission?"
"We'll see. I'll think about it," Riley mutters stubbornly.
"Here's our preposition," Pepper stands after leaning forward, while Tony holds hands on her daughter's shoulders, "We will stay, and help Maria and the team. We believe Antonia would be safer with you all, out of the state."
Riley scoffs, "Pack your bags Princess. I hope you're ready to make lots of phone calls for me."
Antonia looks up and backwards at her father, "I want a suit, daddy."
"Fat chance,' Tony snaps his fingers, 'Not done! I'll agree to this only if Izabella doesn't even rub her hands together on the ship. No powers. One bit of static electricity and I fly to No Man's Land to kill you myself. I will personally ensure that any vehicle, aircraft, train, etc that we use is equipped with my security measures, my cameras-."
"Tony," Pepper lectures for him to calm down.
"Not one, green, misty spark in Anna's presence! Is that a promise I can count on from you?"
Mikhailov nods, a bit terrified, while Antonia runs to her friend to chat excitedly.
"And you," Tony points to Lucy next. The girl points to herself, mouth full of chocolate she's dug into.
"Me?"
"We want you to watch our spawn. You need a job, correct? One that pays well and doesn't require anything illegal?"
Lucy chews slowly, "Uh…yeah?"
"I'll pay you to watch her. To keep her safe and out of trouble."
Steve looks completely mortified and Jennifer bursts into uncontrollable laughter;
"My daughter…You want my daughter to watch Anton- okay."
"Yes, we do," Pepper reassures, "We think it'll be good for her to be given some trust and a little bit of responsibility."
Jennifer shrugs, "I suppose."
Lucy coughs with one more laugh, "Yeah! Sure! Why not?"
"Atta girl. I knew I liked you,' Tony smacks a hand, gently, against her back with a knowing grin, 'Leave the drugs and the liquor at home. Be responsible and I will buy you a penthouse."
"No way. For real?"
"Hell yeah! You need a car too?"
Riley waves her finger in the air, eyes closed as she lays on the sofa, "Yippee."
Maria keeps her thoughts to herself. Somehow a mission entrusted to Riley has already gone off the rails. But it keeps the kids out of New York, which is her primary focus. And backup will be necessary;
"Our budget-."
"-I'll take care of it. They'll need some new tech, probably outgrown everything I've given them…" Tony shoves his hands into his pockets and performs a silent headcount.
Thor stumbles into the large glittering halls post battle with a large smile on his face. He greets Sif first,
"Ah, my friends! I am so proud of our victory."
Natasha is next down his line of hugs. Her resting face startles and tears him from following through;
"So stern Lady Romanoff! I do apologize if I have crossed a line."
Valkyrie steps forward, carrying large handles mugs in her hands, "Drinks!"
Thor smiles, "Jane! My glorious queen!"
Foster steps forward, her eyes roving about the room with Agatha at her side and their fox behind them;
"Honey, have you seen Agmundr?"
"Again," Thor's expression drops immediately, as do his arms he initially intended to embrace Jane with. "That boy shall be the death of me."
"He's just a kid doing what kids do," she sighs and then starts to shout for her son.
Thor shouts next, "Agmundr!"
Valkyrie laughs in his face and turns with a whisper and her own sigh, headed down the opposite direction, "Perhaps a leash with some warning bells would better control this child?"
"I do not find your remarks amusing...well...perhaps a bit... ah, there he is. Agmundr!"
The boy looks up without moving his head, walking down the path towards his father.
Jane snaps through her retort, running ahead, "There you are! Why do you keep running off like that? How many times have I told you to stay in the palace hall during your dad's parties?"
"I don't like parties."
Thor wiggles his eyebrows, "Come on now, boy! That's where all the best food can be found!"
Agmundr groans, "It's not. I like Dippin Dots. I miss Earth."
Sid shakes her head, "He is like his father."
Thor bites at his lip, "Well! Perhaps…we go on your birthday? It is awkward when we are sworn to secrecy on Banner's location-."
"Ehem!" Jane clears her throat and shakes her head.
Valkyrie nudges Banner, "When are we having our spar? Your green side and I? We are due for a sparring!
"Ha,' Bruce sips the drink shoved in his hand, 'I'll ask him."
"Banner! Would you mind watching our offspring? Jane and I could use a moment of peaceful conversation."
"Yep!" Bruce mumbles.
"Thank you," Jane offers sincerely, taking her husband's hand.
"Take your time," Natasha offers with a small laugh and narrows her focus on Agmundr.
The boys shifts, "What?!"
"You know what."
"No I don't-."
"You do. I'm a human lie detector so don't even try," she adjusts her top, "We should go for a walk sometime. Admire the gardens, see what the mischievous foxes are up to. Talk."
Agmundr crosses his arms, "I'm not telling you anything."
"You will. Ohhh, you will."
Bruce takes a sip of his drink, preferring Agatha's calmness and love of animals. She's easier for him to get along with.
"What did I miss?" Banner asks.
"Nothing!" Natasha and Agmundr retort in unison.
Agatha snickers, misinterpreting, "You're talking about the hulk aren't you? You're going to threaten to send him after us if we don't listen. Well I'm not scared of him! Daddy says he's a good friend."
Natasha smiles and shakes her head, "You best believe the hulk will come after anyone who doesn't listen, absolutely."
Bruce narrows his focus with his smile slowly fading, "What are you talking about? Why is Agmundr mad? What aren't you telling me Tasha…"
The redhead crouches and deflects, "Who wants to go swimming?"
"Me!" Agatha shoots her hand up in excitement.
"All systems…are a go," Brody flips a switch, giddy over the rumble, "Do you hear that?"
Izabella leans over her brother's shoulder in a purple button down and black leggings. She holds her hair back to look over the control panel, "You look happier than you ever did on Christmas."
"God she's perfect. Listen to her sing."
"Do not crash us Brody Mikhailov."
"Chillax sis, I got this."
"I hope so. Izzy,' Riley comments, led to the cockpit by Garrett, 'tell me you're onboard to help us if we do crash?"
"I've got our first aid kit ready," Izabella brushes her friend's covered shoulder when she recognizes Riley's apparel, "I like your jacket."
"Thanks," She answers softly, mind melding a bit with Izabella over their shared thought for Romanoff.
Garrett looks over his shoulder, "Has Lucy boarded yet? I have a gift for her-."
Riley pivots, suddenly choosing Izabella's shoulder to lean on instead, "I haven't heard her whining. Can someone get contacts together? We are headed to Darcy's. Hopefully we can pick up a few more strays along the way. And I could use a hand in the weapons department. Tony's gifts are in the back."
Brody cringes with wide eyes and refocuses on his switches as the girls head to the back of the craft.
"She's mad at me," Garrett mumbles.
"I don't blame her. Bringing a gift for your ex."
"It's Lucy's old bow! Technically it's from my dad."
"Her future father in law?" Brody whistles, "That burns way worse."
Garrett frowns, "Riley has no reason to be jealous. She knows that I love her. Are you on my side or not?"
"Depends on how well you copilot."
"I'm here! I brought the boos! You know, because Riley will boo me, not booze booze," Lucy announces with the smallest backpack thrown over her shoulder.
Tony laughs- half petrified, half amused. He lightly reaches for her shoulder;
"Hey! I need a word."
The duo wait near the cockpit while appear squeezes their daughter;
"Antonia is the light of my life. If anything happens to her, I will…not end you, that's dramatic-."
"That just hurts for you to say because I'm Banner's niece."
"No! Well…No. I trust you, I like you, don't make me regret this."
Lucy smiles a bit more sincerely when she reassures, "I've got her, I promise."
Tony softens his expression and believes her entirely.
Antonia is ready to run before he scoops her up onto his arms mid spin and gives her a lecture on behaving.
"Lucy!" Garrett offers the white wooden bow in Lucy's direction.
"Dang!" She takes it carefully, "You kept this?"
"Err! My dad! He's actually quite sentimental."
"This brings back memories," she takes an arrowless aim that causes a boarding Rick Jones to panic and duck.
"Geez! Good morning!" Rick He mutters under his breath, guitar case swung over his shoulder.
Riley is led by Izabella to the back hatch, her body facing Maria.
Hill taps at the hatch, "Are you all clear?"
Riley is mid breech, chin lowered where she assumes her mother will be, "We're ready when you are."
Maria restrains tears, holding back over the adult mob behind her and Izabella beside her daughter;
"Good luck, Agent Hill."
Riley smirks, "Good luck Director Hill."
Izabella brushes her friend's shoulder, watching Maria signal for Steve to shut their boarding door.
Over in the window, Lucy has her arms crossed with her eyes on her mother.
Jennifer has an arm draped over her own shoulder when she reveals crossed fingers. She knows Lucy will see it.
Lucy lowers her focus when her mother mouths an 'I love you.'
Antonia is already tugging at Lucy;
"Riley wants us to wear seatbelts! We're taking off!"
"Okay! Okay!"
Rick pokes at Izabella who chooses a seat beside him.
"Hey."
She jumps lightly, "What?"
He reveals his instrument, "Give me a song for takeoff."
"Uh…"
Lucy purposely lowers her chair backward, crushing Izabella's legs behind her, "Waving Through a Window. Too much theatre for you surfer boy?"
Rick snickers, "Nah, I know it."
The musician's focus shifts to the scars on Izabella's scarred palms when she checks them.
Lucy's aggressive seat drop left her wrists twisted;
"How did that happen?"
"Bullets," Izabella answers emotionlessly, closing her palms.
He nods, realizing it's a touchy subject as he strums, "I like your necklace."
Lucy scoffs over the 'noise', watching Antonia wave through her window, "Are you talking about her red and green stones? Those were a wedding gift from my uncle to my aunt. You know, the people she killed. Along with my puppy cousin."
Izabella grinds her teeth together and tucks her chin, eager to switch her seat;
"Excuse me."
Rick watches her empathetically, tempted to follow until Riley, guided by Garrett walks up the aisle;
"Pull your seat up for takeoff Jameson!"