The ride back to the tower is mostly awkward silence. I know Tony was itching to ask me questions but Pepper probably told him to give me some space or to wait until she was there. Either way, I'm glad for the thinking time. Kayla and Rhodey ended up making awkward small talk over something that I can't remember while I stare out of the window.
As we near the tower Tony clears his throat. I turn my head towards him and he says, "I just thought you should know Audrey is at the tower already."
I raise an eyebrow, "Is she hears to kill you or take me away?"
He shrugs, "Honestly? I don't know but I already told you she's not taking you again."
I nod and go back to staring out the window. Happy pulls up into what I assume is the private garage. It occurs to me that I actually haven't spent a lot of time in the tower, besides being injured.
We climb out of the car and I glance around the garage. I smirk at Tony, "So this is where you keep all of your fancy cars. I was wondering about that."
He looks at me in mock astonishment, "You think I would move my baby's into the middle of the woods? Shame on you!"
"Like leaving them alone here is any better," Kayla mumbles. Rhodey and I both laugh at Tony's surprised face. He wasn't expecting that from a ten year old her just met.
She shrugs and says, "Just an observation."
His face softens into an amused smile as he looks at me, "I can see why you two got along."
We start walking towards the elevator, "It's more like her making sure I stay out of trouble and me keeping her life more entertaining."
She raises an eyebrow at that as Tony says, "I do the same thing for Rhodey."
Rhodey also raises an eyebrow and I whisper to Tony, "Well I think our Sour Patches are annoyed at our comments."
Tony nods, "I concur," Tony says as we step into the elevator.
Rhodey looks like he's about to say something when Friday says, "Boss, Miss. Potts would like me to inform you that she and Audrey are waiting for you in the living room."
Tony nods, "Alright Friday."
"And AJ, welcome back."
I smile, "Thanks Fri."
I glance over to Kayla. The whole conversation with the AI hadn't even fazed her, "That didn't surprise you?" I ask.
She shrugs, "At some point in life, things stop surprising you. Plus, we're at Tony Stark's tower. Of course there's an AI."
I roll my eyes at her, "Only you wouldn't be the least bit fascinated."
She shrugs again and I see Rhodey shake his head at us.
The elevator chimes and opens to the living room area. I hear my heart thundering in my ears as I step off the elevator. I glance over at the sitting area, and see Pepper and Audrey sitting on the couch. From their body language, I can already tell that they probably argued already.
As soon as we're in sight I see relief flash over Pepper's face. She stands up and walks over to wrap me in a hug. Her vanilla scent wafts into nostrils and I'm surprised how much I actually missed it.
"I missed you and I'm glad you're alright. Albeit, a little skinny. Thank you for bringing Morgan back," she whispers into my ear.
"Your welcome and I missed you too," I say as I return the hug.
We pull apart and I see her quickly wipe tears away. She raises an eyebrow in Kayla's direction so I quickly say, "Oh and this is my friend, Kayla. She helped me bring Morgan back."
Kayala extends her hand to Pepper, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Stark."
Pepper shakes her hand and says, "It's nice to meet you too Kayla. It's nice to put a face to the name, since Morgan's been talking about you non-stop for the last few hours. Oh and you can call me Pepper."
Kayla nods and then I hear Audrey clear her throat. I turn towards her and I met with conflicting emotions. Usually, I'm happy to see her but recently she keeps pulling me away from those that I love.
She gives me a small smile, "Sorry to interrupt, but we have some business to take care of."
Tony puts a protective hand on my shoulder, "We're not giving him back. I have legal rights as his father to keep my son."
"I'm aware of that Mr. Stark. The reason you were denied before was because I've seen your dangerous life style in person. But after your wife and I talked, I have decided to give you a second chance."
Tony and Pepper looked at her in confusion as I say, "Really?"
She nods, "He seems to care for you and this is the first parents of foster parents in five years that you haven't run from. I'm running out of options. There are some legal things for you to sign before I go, and I will have to check up on you occasionally, but AJ you can stay."
I grin, "Really?!"
She nods and I feel like a giant weight was lifted off my chest. Then I remember something, "What about Kayla?"
Audrey gives me a sad smile, "No one here has any legal ground for Kayla. I'll make sure she finds good foster parents."
At the word foster parents, I see a brief flash of fear cross Kayla's face. Apparently I'm not the only one because Rhodey says, "What if she stayed with me?"
Audrey looks at him in confusion so he elaborates, "I got my license to foster kids a few months ago in case it came down to AJ having to live with me before they approved Tony. I have the space if you want?" he said now addressing Kayla.
She looked at him in shock and I nudged her and whispered, "This is the part where you say yes."
She stammered out a "Yes," before still looking shocked.
Audrey looked thoughtfully for a moment before nodding, "You'll have to come with me to get some paperwork signed and stuff, but if all of your stuff is up to date, I don't see why not."
I grin over at Kayla and I whisper, "See, I told you that you wouldn't have to go back."
She snaps out of shock to say, "None of this went how you planned! You didn't tell me anything!"
I shrug, "Whatever."
We're about to continue on when Pepper says, "AJ, why don't you go change and get ready for bed while I help Kayla do the same? Rhodey, you and Kayla can spend the night since it's late and you two still have to sign some forms."
The four of us nod. I walk over to Tony and he wraps me into a hug, "Night, kid. Try to get some sleep before Morgan, Peter, and Harley come find you in the morning."
I smile, "Peter and Harley are around?"
He nods, "Yep. So is May and a good chunk of the Avengers. They wanted to make sure Morgan was ok. You coming back is just a bonus."
I roll my eyes, "Gee thanks Tony. Night."
I walk towards my room. I hear Kayla saying good night to Rhodey and Pepper telling Rhodey Kayla would be in the room next to his own.
I inched down the hallway to the room I remembered was mine, even though I don't remember spending much time here. Although I did sleep in here a bit. I open the door and I'm by myself for the first time in a long time. I missed sleeping in full bed. I drop my bag on the bed and head to shower.
After taking a shower I walk back into the room and look at the bed. I move my bag and slide it underneath my bed. I couldn't wait until I actually had time draw again.
I look up at the ceiling and for the first time in several months I fall asleep peacefully.
I sit up upright gasping for breath. It takes me a moment to realize I wasn't still on the farm. I relax back against my bed trying to get a grip. It takes me a minute but I eventually calm down. I glance at the clock and smile when I see it's four am.
"At least it's not two," I mumble underneath my breath.
"Friday?" I ask wondering if the AI would respond.
"Yes AJ?"
"Is anyone up?"
"No but Boss is in his lab. He did not technically go to bed. Would you like me to wake him?"
"No thanks. Do you know what he was doing?"
"I can not tell you."
"Because it concerns me?"
"I can not tell you. May I suggest going back to sleep?"
I sigh, "I'll pass on that but thanks for the suggestion. I think I'll just draw."
"There is a set of colored pencils in the desk drawer for you."
I walk over to the desk, "Thanks Fri."
I open the drawer and see a large range of colored pencils with a stack of paper next to them. I shake my head, Tony was always thinking ahead. For once, I decide not to sketch in my sketchbook. I grab a piece of paper and started to draw.
A while later, I glance at the clock. It's only six thirty and I have almost a complete drawing of the tower finished. I stretch and groan. I decide to go get something to drink.
I grab a t-shirt and throw it on before I exit my room. The rooms directly across from mine are Peter's and Harley's. They were, not surprisingly closed. I wandered into the kitchen and open the fridge looking for some water. I put the pitcher on the counter and it occurs to me that I have no idea where the glasses are.
I look around the cabinets trying to figure out what to do when I hear a voice from behind me, "There in the left cabinet."
I spin around and I see Captain America standing there.
I turn back around and grab the glass. After I pour the water, "Um...thanks Captain."
He smiles as he sits at the island. He's in work out clothes and looks like he's about to go for a run, "Sam's fine."
I nod, "Cool. I'm..um...AJ."
He nods, "Nice to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you."
"Probably not as much as I've heard about you."
He chuckles, "Probably not. What are you doing up so early? You know Tony's probably planning a thing."
"Yeah. I know. I just couldn't sleep."
He glances over at the clock, "Well you have a bit of time until Morgan, Peter, and the rest are up. Care to join me? I'm going to do a few laps in the gym."
I shrug, "Why not?"
He smiled, "Great. Follow me."
I nod and we both walk towards the elevators. Sam told Friday to bring us down to the gym. The elevator reached the gym floor and the doors slid open. My jaw drops at how huge the gym was. There was an indoor track, which I assume we're heading too. On one side of the track, was a sparring mat with boxing stuff and on the other side, was weights and other gym equipment.
Sam chuckles at my shock, "There's a shooting range on the floor above as well and an area where Thor and Bruce occasionally spar. We also use it for training simulations."
"Cool," I whisper.
Sam shakes his head and gestures for me to follow.
After we stretch we line up on the track. Sam glances over, "Um...I don't really talk while I run if that's ok with you."
I nod, "That's fine. I have a feeling there will be plenty of time to talk later. Do you always work out this early?"
He nods, "Normally earlier at four but I got in late last night. Ready? Don't try to keep up. It never ends well."
I nod as we start, "I'll keep that in mind."
The first few minutes were torture but after a while I hit my stride. It's been a while since I had ran just for the fun of it.
My lungs were burning but I decide to keep running anyways. I pass the mark on track and stop to catch my breath. I lean over and pant as I hear slow clapping from behind me.
I glance over to see Dani and Carmen. Carmen shakes the stop watch and gestures towards it, "Your fastest time yet. You're like a ten year old Jesse Owens. I could almost see the streaks around the track."
Dani gives a wheezy laugh as she adjusts the oxygen tube around her nose, "I could've beaten you."
I shake my head as I walk over to them, "Not a chance."
She raises an eyebrow, "You don't know."
I grab my hoodie, "Stick to music Dani."
She sticks out her tongue at me in response.
"Knock it off you two. We better get going home, the street lights just came on," she says pointing to the lights.
I sigh, "Yeah. We should get going back to the McKneels."
"Or not," Carmen says, "you guys hate the McKneels and they treat you like crap!"
"Food and a bed is nothing to complain about," Dani says as she slowly gets up and picked up her bag with her oxygen in it.
"That's true. We'll see you tomorrow. Promise."
Carmen looks at Dani for reassurance, "Promise?"
Dani nods as she starts to drag me away, "Promise. And I'll have a new song for you to criticize."
Carmen grins, "Oh great."
I turn and wave, "See ya Car."
She waves, "Bye guys."
My lungs are screaming as the memory ends. Sweat is pouring down my back as I slow to a walk. Sam is sitting on the side already doing his cool down. I'm sure he lapped me a few times, but I was honestly too distracted to tell.
I walk over and join him. He smiles up at me, "I'm impressed that you ran all that time without stopping."
"Had a lot to think about. How long has it been?" I ask as I drink some water.
"It's about seven thirty now. That why you were up so early?"
I stay quiet as I stretch, not really wanting to talk about my problems with Sam.
He gets the hint as he gestures towards the elevator, "If you go now, you can get in a shower before the rest of them are up. By the way, your welcome to run with me anytime."
I nod, "That sounds like a great idea. Um...thanks for the run. I think I might take you up on that offer."
"Looking forward to it," Sam says I walk off back to the elevator.
I get back upstairs to find the kitchen area empty. It was about 7:45 now, so I have time to take a shower. Maybe that'll get me out of my head.
I step out of the shower and look for a new t-shirt to throw on. I'd really missed hot water showers. The Greenworths didn't believe in it, unless it was for a reward.
As I'm drying my hair I hear a knock on my door.
I walk over and open the door, and Tony knocks me over coming inside so fast. He quickly shuts the door behind him.
I give him a confused look as he says, "Oh good. You're awake."
"So are you. You are aware that it's only 8 am, right?"
He gives me a small glare, "I am but I thought it would fun surprising people with your return. Morgan and the rest are going to come out for breakfast pretty soon."
"Finally. You guys get up so late."
"Or you just get up really early. Friday told me you and Sam went running."
"Yeah it was fun plus he was the only one up."
"Not true. Kayla and Rhodey got up pretty early but I'm pretty sure they're playing a game or something. Rhodey said they'd join us later."
I shrug, "Not surprised. So, what exactly did you have in mind?"
Tony grinned, "I'm glad you asked," he said as he began whispering the plan into my ear.
I'm sipping my coffee and watching Pepper cook pancakes when Morgan runs in. Not surprisingly, Peter and Harley are trailing behind her looking half-way awake. She probably woke them up.
She runs up to me, "Good morning Daddy!"
"Morning Morguna. How'd you sleep?"
"Good!" she said stretching out the 'oo' while Peter helped her onto the bar stool.
I look over at the boys while May and Happy walked into the room, "How about you two?"
"Good," Peter said still looking like he was waking up and his hair a mess.
Harley gave me a thumbs up as he sipped his coffee.
May and Happy reached the table and both climbed onto their respective stools. They both wave good morning as they too start to wake up.
Pepper starts to set the table and she looks at the boys, "Will you two help me set the table and not break anything?"
Peter groans as he gets up, "It was one time!"
"And very expensive china."
I snort as Harley drags Peter away. I pick up Morgan and say, "Come on, Mo. Let's help 'em out."
She nods and I grab a stack of pancakes and enter the dining room.
After all the food was on the table, I snuck an extra plate setting on to the table. Luckily, no one noticed since the only people who were really awake were Morgan, Pepper, May, and myself.
We all sit down and I clasp my hands together, loud enough to make a sound and say, "Dig in!"
I'm not watching my kids as they start to fight over food. I'm facing the hallway that leads to the bedrooms and I see AJ walk out. He strolls into the room, quietly might I add, and pulls out the empty chair in between Peter and Harley. He gives Pepper and I smile, as he grabs he picks up his fork, unlike Peter and Harley who had been bickering over tongs, and puts several pancakes on his plate. He grabs the syrup and pours them over the pancakes and begins eating.
I look over at May who was the only one who had realized that AJ had apppeared because she wasn't arguing over food. Morgan wasn't either but she liked watching her brothers bicker and was fully involved in that. Her mouth opened slightly but Happy gestured for her to stay quiet.
She does and I turn back to the kids. Morgan was the first to notice AJ, surprisingly, and I watch her eyes grow comically wide and her mouth drops open, "AJ!" she screams.
He looks up from his stack of pancakes, his fork half-way in the air. He gives her a small smile and says, "Morning."
Peter and Harley look over at each other and then look down at the same time. AJ waves up at them, "What's up guys?"
Peter and Harley both break out into a grin as Peter pulls AJ into a hug. Morgan runs around to the other side of the table and also hugs him with Harley briefly joining in.
I look at the scene and I feel tears at the back of my eyes as I see the picture of my family finally put back together again.
