Once more, thank you SO MUCH to all the wonderful readers! I love you all so much! Thank you for taking the time to read, review, favorite, alert, or anything else! It's so wonderful to know that this story is appreciated! :D

I know these are difficult times so I hope this story helps you guys!

Enjoy!

Previously:

Ed had agreed to leave her automail limbs with Tony for him to do some scans. Tony had promised to return the leg the next day because it was still functional.

The next day

"Warn me before you reconnect it," I said as I eyed Tony carrying my leg from the table to where I was sitting.

"So you've mentioned a few times already, Short Stuff," he replied with a huff, taking his own seat and dragging a third seat closer to us to lean the automail against. "Still not clear as to the 'why', though."

I hadn't told him about the pain when the nerves reconnected and wasn't planning on telling him either… I didn't think I needed to. I was already mentally preparing myself for the reconnection and I should be able to contain most of the discomfort.

Should.

If he warned me before doing it, everything should go smoothly.

I lifted my left leg and watched as he positioned my automail against the chair in a way that it was close enough to the port for the reconnection. As Tony got the necessary tools assembled, I studied the leg, trying to see if anything had changed since last night, if he had somehow tampered with it in some way.

Yes, I trusted him but not completely either… If anything happened to this leg, I was stuck rolling myself around for the foreseeable future and I did not like that image.

"So, we just do what we did yesterday but in the reverse order," stated Tony, glancing towards me, probably for confirmation.

I just nodded and he went back to his tools as I mentally prepared myself for –

"What are the two of you up to now?"

I jumped slightly, glancing back to see Pepper enter the lab. From her position, she probably couldn't tell what exactly was happening because of the tables and my body in the way.

Hopefully it didn't look too weird…

"Getting my leg back," I replied, still hearing Tony moving around so I figured I still had time. Besides, I told him enough times to warn me.

Pepper hummed in acknowledgment as she approached, trying to get a better view. True, she hadn't seen my automail leg, just me missing said leg.

"Since it still works, I was going to –"

FUCKING SHIT!

I yelled out loudly, my leg jerking horribly and I fell straight off the chair.

I thought I did.

Maybe…

There – there was just…

"DAMN IT! I TOLD YOU TO WARN ME!" I bellowed, my eyes squeezed shut.

I tried to focus on my breathing and ignore in the stabbing pain in my leg; ignore the yelling that was probably coming from Pepper; ignore that for some fucking unknown reason Tony didn't fucking WAIT to reconnect me damn leg!

"Damn, Short Stuff, I thought being distracted would help, like ripping off a band aid."

I only barely managed to open my eyes to squint in Tony's direction and, through gritted teeth, replied, "Nerves aren't fucking skin, asshole!"

I laid my head back down as I took a few more deep breaths. Another moment passed before I slowly pushed myself up, wiping the sweat off my forehead. I then glanced at my leg, testing it out slowly by moving the joints. At least it was still functioning properly…

Then I turned towards Tony who was kneeling next to me, also staring at my leg.

"Ed? Are you alright?" asked Pepper worriedly, kneeling on my other side.

"I'll be fine," I managed to reply before glaring in Tony's direction. "Why didn't you listen to me when I said 'Warn me'?"

He finally stopped examining my leg, turning his attention to me. "Why didn't you tell me that it was a painful process to reconnect your limbs?" he questioned instead.

"Don't turn this on me!" I snapped, not liking how he constantly avoided my questions. "You just needed to tell me when you were going to attach it! That's all I asked for!"

"I'm making you new limbs, brat! And it's pretty important piece of information to know that the whole process is CONSTANTLY painful!" he snapped right back, motioning towards said limbs.

"It's not constantly painful!"

"Really?" he scoffed, raising his eyebrows in disbelief. "Getting those ports to attach each of your nerves wasn't painful? Screwing metal to your bones for those ports wasn't painful? Attaching the limbs? Getting used to prosthetics? The sheer weight of carrying them around? Any significant change in barometric pressure? Tell me when they're not hurting, it'll be a shorter list!"

I opened my mouth to retort but…

He may have a point.

And I didn't like that.

"Alright, not only do the two of you constantly bicker," sighed Pepper, "but now you're doing it in German, a language I do not understand. Can the two of you spend one day, just one without fighting?"

Tony and I stared at each other but I figured we both knew that would be an empty promise to Pepper…

"Next time, you need to warn me," I said more calmly, ignoring the part of the conversation about the pain my automail caused me.

"The next time your limbs are getting attached will be to a modified port or something I need to create, Short Stuff," was his response as he shook his head, pushing himself up and heading to one of the tables.

He was mumbling to himself by that point as he opened a screen but I couldn't make out what he was saying. Was he even speaking English…? Maybe he was and he was just too far away… He had noticed that I heard him well enough the first day here so he was probably being cautious.

"Do you need help getting up?" wondered Pepper and I felt slightly guilty for having forgotten that she was still kneeling next to me, still looking worried.

"I'm good, thanks though," I replied, managing to stand and ignore the few jolts of pain from my leg, the remnants of the nerves reattaching themselves to the wires.

Pepper stood as well, eyeing me carefully before sighing softly and nodding. "Alright, have you eaten lunch?" I shook my head and she motioned for me to follow her. "Tony, we're going out to grab some food, what did you want us to bring you back?"

"Nothing," was his response.

"Cheeseburgers it is," was hers.

I glanced back at Tony and caught a smile on his face as he continued to work on the screen, a type of smile I hadn't seen from him… ever.

And that had been caused by Pepper.

Maybe I was getting better at noticing certain things!

Several days later

I entered my room, spotting right away a box laying on the bed.

Weird, what could that be? How did it even get in my room?

Was it even safe to…?

Wait.

"JARVIS? Where did the box come from?" I asked, glancing up towards the ceiling. If anyone was to know how it showed up or if it was safe, JARVIS would.

"It is more clothes and other items," he replied matter-of-factly and I blinked, surprised by the response.

More – more clothes? Didn't I have enough? I thought back at what Pepper had first gotten me: it had already been nearly as much as I had back in the 1940s; of all the items I had accumulated within YEARS and these were during less than a month. And I was getting more… clothes…?

A part of me thought it was too much but another part of me…

I was a little excited to get new clothes.

"Thanks," I said to JARVIS, approaching the box quickly.

I managed to tear the tape off the top of the box after a few failed attempts: it was not easy with just one hand…

Once I popped the top open, I moved the bubble wrap aside and spotted the new clothes. I couldn't help smiling at the sight of them. I gently lifted the first article, a dark blue, long-sleeved shirt unfolded in front of me.

Well, I had to admit, Pepper had good taste in clothes.

I slowly set the shirt down and reached into the box once more, pulling out another long-sleeved shirt, this one light grey.

"Pepper is spoiling you."

I jumped in surprise, not having heard Tony walk up to my door. He was casually leaning against the frame, nodding towards the box.

"It's not spoiling if the person is grateful for whatever was given," I replied, rolling my eyes and pulling out a tank top.

"Who ever said that?" he asked smugly.

"What do you want?" I replied instead spotting a set of shoes as well in there. Wow… New shoes too?

"I don't want anything, Pepper does. She wants to know what to order for dinner for the two of us. Your choice, Short Stuff," he explained with a shrug.

I paused in emptying the box and turned towards him, thinking it over. "Good question, what haven't I tried?"

Tony didn't even hesitate as he nodded, pushing off the doorframe. "Sushi it is," he stated, already turning heel and walking away.

"Wait! What's that?" I called after him, jogging to the door.

"You'll see, Short Stuff!" he called back without glancing back.

I sighed loudly, rolling my eyes as I walked back into my room. He is still such a pain in the ass…

"Why couldn't he just answer the damn question?" I mumbled, scratching my head out of irritation. This was ridiculous… Once I was finished with the clothes in the box, I could just look it up on the tablet and…

I paused, remembering that, even though Tony hadn't wanted to answer the question, someone else might.

"JARVIS? Mind telling me what sushi is?" I asked, glancing at the ceiling.

"Sushi is Japanese dish consisting of rolls of rice served with a garnish of raw fish, vegetables, or egg," he answered.

That was so much simpler than with Tony. "Thank you," I said, trying to remind myself that I could ask JARVIS when I had questions.

I didn't need to do this alone.

That was a warming thought as I continued to see what else Pepper had gotten me. There were pairs of pants, both jeans and some loose-fitting cotton ones, a few more shirts, sweaters, and another pair of shoes.

And…

What's this?

I pulled out a smaller, colourful box, the last item of… the last…

OH!

"Fucking shit!" I threw the smaller box into the bigger one, whirling towards the door, praying that Tony hadn't somehow magically showed up again because I had no idea how to explain to him why a box of items for me contained a box of TAMPONS on top of everything else.

Thankfully, Tony wasn't there but… These items were from Pepper. Did she…? Had she somehow figured it out? I glanced at the clothes but I couldn't see anything drastically different from the ones she had already given me. These must still be men's clothing.

Then…?

"Miss?"

I jumped, my gaze snapping to the door once more. "JARVIS, what if –?"

"You must give me more credit, Miss," he cut in and I could almost picture the look of exasperation he would be wearing. "Sir is back in his lab and Miss Potts has left for the day. No one is within earshot."

It took a moment but I huffed in acknowledgement: JARVIS knew where everyone was in this house at any point, he wouldn't purposely screw up my pronouns in front of someone, especially considering he had been careful since I had arrived.

"Fine," I mumbled, flopping onto the bed. "What did you want to say?"

"From the look of panic on your face and your reaction, I gathered the… extra box with your clothing items gave you frightful thoughts," he explained and I rolled my eyes, nodding none the less. "To calm your nerves, Miss, I can assure you that Miss Potts wasn't the one who ordered them."

"That's not exactly calming anything, JARVIS," I snapped because if it wasn't Pepper than it would have been –

"I had added them to the order," he said.

Oh. Mental note, orders are done on the internet. JARVIS has access to said internet. It must not have been hard for him to quietly add the tampons without anyone knowing.

"Thanks, JARVIS," I finally murmured, reaching into the box and pulling them out. "I was going to need them soon."

"My pleasure, Miss," he replied. "And if you need any other feminine products, let me know and I shall place a discreet order for you."

I smiled up at the ceiling, nodding. Well, at least this part was going to be easier than it had been back in the 40s. At least once Peggy found out I had her to help. Before, however, especially when I had been travelling around the United States with Steve, I had to find creative ways to sneak away, not only to use said products, but to purchase them too.

With a small spring in my step, I headed to my bathroom and stashed the box away under the sink, behind some cleaning supplies before heading out.

Maybe I could bug Tony to see how far he had progressed with my arm before the food arrives.

Two weeks later – Tony's POV

Tony climbed the stairs from the lab, finally listening to his stomach that was in desperate need for some food. He didn't particularly know what time of the night it was nor did he particularly care either.

He had work to do! Not only work on his suit but work on the metal limbs for the unannounced teenager that was dropped in his lab nearly a month ago.

Speaking of…

Tony slowed his walk as he spotted Edward laying on the living room sofa, sprawled out on his back, his only hand under his sweatshirt making it rise over his stomach and, to top everything off, he was completely, fully asleep.

"Was your bed not good enough?" mumbled Tony out loud, shaking his head as he continued on his way towards the kitchen to… to…

He stopped, something catching his eye.

Even in the dim light of the room, Tony could still spot something different about Edward's exposed stomach. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not to just keep heading towards the kitchen to get his food and return to the lab before he finally decided to turn heel and make his way over to the couch, his curiosity getting the better of him.

The closer Tony got, the more the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach grew.

With a sigh, he sat down on the coffee table, leaning his head against his hand as he stared at the clear as day scar tissue on Edward's stomach. Just with a quick glance, Tony could tell there was at least two different injuries that had left those scars.

And, those added to the ones around the ports of the prosthetic limbs.

Tony rubbed his arc reactor, knowing all too well what scars lay around that and how he still had moments of pain from them.

A part of him wanted to know what the hell had happened to this teenager but the other part knew he wouldn't like the answer.

If he ever got a straight answer from the stubbornly secretive guest to begin with.

Not only answers concerning those scars but also on what Edward had apparently failed to do in the 1940s.

And that gate…

Tony could still clearly picture the scene when that monstrosity had appeared in his lab. Even though he had gone through the video feed multiple times, running a multitude of tests, he was nowhere near figuring out what in the world it was.

Which created even more questions on who exactly Edward was and where he had come from.

From what he had been told – all too often from dear old dad – that teenager had arrived with Dr. Erskine and had followed America's golden boy around after the Doctor's death. But… Not much had been known about him from before that time.

For Tony, it was a little too convenient that the town Edward had grown up in had been destroyed.

Maybe one day, he would have an answer.

In the far, far, very far future…

"What are you doing?"

Tony looked up to see Pepper making her way across the living room from the other side of the couch. The moment she spotted Edward sleeping, however, the confused smile on her face turned into a slightly guilty look.

It wasn't exactly necessary because Edward hadn't even stirred.

"To answer your question, I'm trying to determine whether I should draw a mustache or glasses on him," said Tony instead with a shrug. It may not be his favorite pastime, lying to Pepper, but he preferred that at the moment than sharing his jumbled thoughts with her.

When he had sorted through them better, perhaps.

Pepper gave him a look before shaking her head, glancing back at Edward. As she studied him, Tony studied her. He spotted the exact instant she finally noticed the scars: her eyes widening and mouth falling open ever so slowly.

She continued to stare for a moment before she managed to take a deep breath, schooling her features, returning to her calm and collected demeanor.

"He should not have been a part of that war," she whispered, leaning over the couch slightly and brushing away some of Edward's bangs aside. "He's still so young, I can't imagine how it had been when he had first been dragged into the fight."

Tony didn't add to that comment as he glanced at Edward, picking up on something in particular that Pepper had said about his age. Yes, Tony didn't disagree that the teenager was younger than them but he wasn't still so young age-wise.

However, especially now, while sleeping, Edward did still look like he was in his mid-teen years. And, when they had talked previously, Tony remembered pointing out the something similar concerning the appearance and age of their guest.

Had Edward lied about it to get into the Howling Commandos? Or was it just ridiculously good genes?

"He's growing on you," remarked Pepper suddenly, pulling him away from his thoughts.

Tony leaned back, shaking his head at that absurd declaration. "Absolutely not," he replied quickly with a scoff. "Short Stuff isn't growing on me."

However, Pepper was watching him with a knowing smile that he didn't particularly appreciate at the moment. The teenager sleeping on his couch was just an unasked-for time traveler, that was it, nothing more.

Because he didn't need anything more.

No, he didn't…

"Well, I think," began Pepper, still smiling, "that the universe heard your challenge and gave you an answer."

"And what challenge was that?" huffed Tony, raising an eyebrow.

"Remember when you had told me that you didn't have anyone but me?" she replied. "Maybe the universe gave you someone else."

Tony just shook his head adamantly. "You must be joking," he mumbled, leaning once more on his hand.

That apparently made Pepper smile even more as she readjusted her position to sit on the back of the couch and silence fell over them.

Tony didn't need anyone else, he was fine with Pepper, Happy, and Rhodey. Those were the only people he needed in his life.

He didn't need the partially metal, too young-looking pain in the butt who could somewhat keep up with him in the lab.

He...

Tony almost grumbled out loud at the realization that maybe Short Stuff might actually be growing on him.

Maybe, just maybe, – Tony wasn't going to ever admit it out loud – that what he had been told over and over again growing up wasn't… wasn't exactly true…

Well, some was, especially the temper and the attitude part.

However, whatever Tony had been expecting when he had realized that it was Edward Elric that had been unceremoniously dropped on the floor of the lab, the last few weeks proved him partially wrong.

He didn't particularly care for being wrong…

This was a mind puzzle Tony had not expected to ever have to deal with.

He –

Edward then began stirring slightly, catching Tony and Pepper's attention. However, the stirring didn't seem to be him waking up. His face scrunched up and his relaxed demeanor tensed up significantly.

And then the mumbling started.

Out of experience and from the few comprehensible German words coming out of Edward's mouth, Tony knew right away that it was a nightmare that was unfolding.

"Should we wake him?" whispered Pepper, slowly standing as she continuously watched as the nightmare seemed to get worse by the moment. "Tony…?"

The possibilities were running through Tony's mind as to whether or not they should even try touching the teenager in front of them. It could just wake Edward up and give him a quite embarrassing time but it could backfire as well.

Tony had heard enough stories on how this mere teenager could pack a punch when he wanted to and waking someone up from a nightmare that bad may just cause a violent reaction.

Just as Tony was processing his options, Edward rolled suddenly to the side, his arm stretched out in front of him.

"Damn it!" growled out Tony, reaching out quickly and just barely managing to grasp onto the teenager before he completely rolled off the couch.

"Tony!"

Pepper's hushed call barely registered as Tony wrapped his arm around Edward's waist and pulled up, trying to get them both onto the couch. However, the previous fears were materializing as the still sleeping teenager began to struggle in Tony's grasp, making it harder to keep both of them from falling into a heap on the ground.

"Short Stuff! Come on, you're heavy enough as it is," grumbled Tony, readjusting his hold around Edward's stomach and pulling him close.

"Ed, please wake up," urged Pepper as she had moved to the other side of the couch, bending slightly in front of the two of them, reaching out to place a comforting hand on the teenager's head.

And then…

Edward had finally stopped struggling, at least.

But the small whimper that came out of his mouth had Tony tightening his grip subconsciously around the teenager's stomach. That was not a sound he had ever expected to hear coming out of Edward and he didn't want to hear it again…

Tony took a deep breath before saying with a strong voice, "Short Stuff, it's time to wake up now."

That seemed to do the trick as Edward jerked awake, gasping for breath. If Tony hadn't released his grip when he did, he was almost sure this distraught teenager would have elbowed him solidly in the stomach through all the struggling.

Edward stumbled forward, seeming to not realize that he had passed Pepper, knocking into the couch and ungracefully flopping onto it. His breathing was ragged as he still looked lost, scanning the area around him but not seeming to register anything.

"Ed, you're fine," whispered Pepper, slowly reaching out and placing a soft hand on Edward's shoulder. "Just breathe, it'll be fine."

He jerked in surprise but his gaze focused on her, seeming more aware. "What…?"

"You were having a nightmare," she explained, moving closer. "We were trying to wake you."

His eyes widened at that answer. "Oh… Sorry…," he whispered, covering his face and rubbing it harshly.

"Don't apologize!" said Pepper quickly, sitting next to him. "It'll be fine, it was just a nightmare."

Tony bit his tongue at that wording. From Edward's reaction, this was not 'just a nightmare' like what other people have: this was probably leftover trauma from the war, to whatever happened to this teenager.

Whatever had happened that resulted in missing limbs and large abdominal scars.

When Tony returned his attention to Edward, they locked eyes and… it was almost a form of understanding that passed between them: that Tony knew it was a bad nightmare and…

It was almost as if it seemed that Edward recognized that Tony knew exactly what those were.

That assumption wouldn't have been wrong…

Pepper began rubbing circles on Edward's back, pulling the teenager's attention away. That left Tony take a deep breath and untense, unconsciously massaging the area around the arc reactor.

Nightmares… He wasn't a fan of them either.

"I can stay if you want some company," offered Pepper softly, trying to get Edward to look at her.

Edward quickly shook his head, avoiding her attempts. "No, I'll be fine," he replied quickly. "Thank you though… It's late and I wouldn't want to waste your time."

"Ed," she sighed, reaching with her other hand to cup his face and turn it towards her, "never think that me offering to stay with you, to comfort you or to distract you is a waste of time, understood?"

Even if Edward's head was facing Pepper, his eyes were locked on the floor. "Understood… But, I'll be fine. I've had these nightmares before, it's nothing I can't handle. Thank you…"

Pepper waited a moment, studying him carefully, almost as if she didn't believe him. Well, she did have experience with Tony and seeing through his bullshit.

However, she didn't have experience with those traumatic nightmares: Tony had made sure she never knew about them in his case.

Therefore, …

"You heard, Short Stuff, Pepper," began Tony with a shrug, making both of them turn towards him. "He's fine and it's late. Don't think I'll be paying for overtime."

"You don't pay overtime," replied Pepper, staring at him without a hint of amusement.

They stared at each other for a moment before Tony raised an eyebrow, hoping that she knew him well enough to get the message and do as he had suggested.

Thankfully, a flicker of understanding passed through Pepper's features and she nodded. "Fine, I'll be back in the morning with a good breakfast. How do pancakes sound?"

Tony had caught Edward's reaction at Pepper's agreement, noticing the relieved slouch in his posture. It had worked.

Of course it had, it was Tony's plan.

"Whatever tickles your fancy tomorrow morning," replied Tony with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I probably won't eat it anyway."

"More for Ed and myself then," she said as she patted Edward's leg before standing. "Now I hope both of you get some sleep at some point. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night," mumbled Edward, glancing up at her slightly.

Tony also echoed the sentiment, already forgetting the part about sleeping: he had projects to work on and he wasn't even the least bit tired anyway.

Pepper eyed him a moment longer before nodding, smiling softly at them and turning heel to leave. The only sound in the room was Pepper's heels clicking away until the door opened, she exited, and the door shut behind her.

That just left Tony and Edward alone in the living room, silence lingering over them. Neither of them moved nor spoke for several moments and, when Tony glanced towards Edward, the teenager was stubbornly staring at the floor, his left hand covering his metal port on his right shoulder tightly.

Once more, Tony wondered exactly how much pain those limbs caused. He had done some research on amputations and what was described as phantom limb pain. So, not only would Edward feel pain from limb he no longer had, he would also feel pain from the metal limbs he did have.

Hence why creating a new arm was taking much longer than expected for Tony: he needed to not only reverse engineer prosthetics that he still had no idea how they had even been created during the 1940s or even earlier, but he also needed – wanted – to improve upon them.

And, after the incident when he had reattached the leg, Tony didn't want to test the new arm constantly on Edward until it was fully upgraded and functional.

That would entail some modifications to his testing phase of the project.

Hence the extended timeline.

A good thing he was a genius or else creating mechanical limbs and his suit at the same time may have been somewhat of a challenge.

Truthfully, however, the truly challenging part in this entire scenario was the teenager still sitting on his couch.

Metal, Tony could handle. Robots, Tony could handle. Mathematical equations that left post-doctorate so-called genius stumped, Tony could handle.

A time-travelling teenager with trust issues, a stubborn temper and a bad connection to Tony's past…

That truly was the challenge.

Neither of them had moved just yet and Tony pondered his next step to face said challenge. Normally, he would do research on a topic he wasn't familiar with. In this case, he felt he was a little too familiar with said topic thanks to his father's constant bragging and comparing that he had done while Tony was growing up.

That wasn't a particularly good start. Tony massaged his neck as he thought…

He paused, reconsidering.

The information he had could be seen as the hypothesis part of the scientific process. Everything he knew about Edward was what he had been told. Now he needed to test said hypothesis to prove whether it was correct or not.

And that entailed spending time with the teenager.

Tony wasn't the fondest of that idea but, it was better than the alternative: not understanding.

Just as Tony opened his mouth to possibly suggest something, Edward beat him to it.

"Do you mind if I join you downstairs in the lab?" he asked softly, keeping his gaze lowered.

Well, that worked to Tony's advantage. "You can keep Dum-E company," he suggested without pausing, hiding his intentions.

Edward finally looked up, a ghost of a smile – a relieved smile – on his face. "Thanks," he murmured.

"Don't mention it. And I mean it, don't." Tony ignored the eye rolling from Edward as he headed to the kitchen, to finally get his meal for the day. "Hungry, Short Stuff?"

"Do you actually think I'm hungry after what you saw?" came the snarky response.

"What? You don't gorge yourself with chocolate or ice cream or something?"

There was a lack of a reply from the living room as Tony entered the kitchen, grabbing several snacks from the cupboard for himself and a bag of chips for Edward, remembering how the teenager had finished a bag the other night all by himself.

"Let's go, Short Stuff," called Tony as he exited the kitchen and made his way across the living room to the staircase.

As Edward stood and followed, Tony tossed the bag of chips back. He briefly saw the teenager catch it with one hand, a small smile on his face as he shook his head.

In the lab – Tony's POV

Well, if Tony had been honest with himself, this had not been how he had planned the night to go.

Or any night, to be honest.

But, here he was, probably well past midnight, indulging a teenager's curiosity on nearly everything in his own lab.

And, for the most part, Edward was keeping up with the explanations. Yes, there had been several hiccups when the technological advancements had been too drastic compared to what Edward had known back in the 1940s. This meant that Tony had to backtrack in time during his explanation several times but Edward absorbed everything like a sponge.

Tony had been sure he would have lost Edward at some point, that something would have caused him to tune the rambling of the older man out. It had happened in the past with Obadiah and other Stark Industries employees. Heck, it had even happened with Pepper, Happy, and Rhodey.

It had yet to happen with Edward.

It was – was almost refreshing?

Not that Tony would admit that out loud.

Something else he would never admit out loud was that the discussions the two of them were having seemed to have a positive affect on Edward.

When they had first entered the lab that night, Tony had noticed the paleness of Edward's skin, something that hadn't been obvious in the dim light of the living room upstairs. After about half an hour though, in the midst of explaining an engine, Tony had noticed that the teenager's complexion had significantly improved as his focus was solely on the project they were discussing.

Tony had figured when they had been upstairs that Edward had needed a distraction from that nightmare and, of course, he had been correct.

And the distractions were far from being over with the amount of side projects that were laying all over the lab.

"Are we going to keep avoiding talking about the armour?" wondered Edward after another hour as he swivelled in his chair, munching on the bag of chips that he apparently hadn't wanted several hours ago.

Tony eyed the pieces he still had out, debating whether or not to share that project specifically. Heck, not even Pepper knew what he was making or why.

However,…

Hell, why not?

"It is armour, Short Stuff," answered Tony, heading over to it.

Edward seemed surprised by the answer for a moment, probably not thinking that Tony would agree to talk about the pieces. He quickly jumped to his feet, leaving the bag of chips on a table as he hurried over.

"Is it normal for people to wear armour these days?" asked Edward, studying the pieces from afar, not yet touching them even though Tony could see the teenager's hand itching to grab onto something.

"It isn't, no. It's my personal project and, if it works, it may be used for some good."

"Used by who?"

Tony sent Edward a disbelieving look. "Me, of course. I wouldn't trust anyone else with it."

The teenager didn't look impressed by the answer. "Then, first of all, why are telling me? And why is it out in the open where Pepper or myself can see it? Also, who's to say that no one else can make one?"

If Tony hadn't been assaulted with the same type of questions for the past few hours, he would maybe have been somewhat phased. However, Edward's quick fired enquiries have become almost routinely…

Tony didn't know how he felt about that…

"Well, in order," he began, pushing those slightly troubling thoughts aside, "you're not going to make one or go around telling someone about it since you don't leave my house, Pepper gets to see my projects because she doesn't go blabbing to the world about it and, finally, no one will come close to coming up with this. Especially figuring out how to power it."

Edward glanced between the pieces of armour and Tony, not looking overly impressed. "It's a pair of boots, some… gloves and a chest piece with a hole in the middle," he stated, pointing to each item and finishing with poking a finger in said hole of the chest plate.

"Well, aren't you the least perceptive person in the world," grumbled Tony, swatting Edward's hand away.

"What is so special about these, then?" he countered and as he seemed to forget, once more, that he couldn't cross his arms, and the left hand rested on his hip instead.

Keeping his gaze on Edward, Tony motioned towards the line of cars he had, namely the ones that had suffered the accidental fly over with the boots and gauntlets aka the flight stabilizers. He had somewhat salvaged some of them but many of the cars still had damage clearly visible on them. Edward's gaze studied the cars before returning to Tony, looking quite indifferent.

"They burn cars?" he asked with a scoff.

"I burned them as I flew over them while wearing the boots and the flight stabilizers," countered Tony, pointing to the gauntlets before he got a snide question on what he was talking about.

Edward's eyes widened significantly and Tony patted himself on the back for making the teenager react like that. He was most likely impressed with the feat and –

"Why the fuck would ANYONE want to FLY for the fun of it?!" exclaimed Edward in disbelief. "In a large metal tube is bad enough but now, with – with NOTHING between you and the ground except for parts of a suit of armour? WHY?! Why not just keep your damn feet on the damn ground like WE'RE SUPPOSED TO?!"

Honestly, Tony had not been expecting that level of reaction.

Or even that reaction at all.

It had been so unexpected that…

Tony started laughing. He just laughed.

And the look Edward sent him only made him laugh even more.

"You've clearly lost it," stated the teenager, rolling his eyes. "Whoever decides to create something to FLY has clearly lost it. Your laughter just proves it."

"Easy there, Short Stuff," chuckled Tony, shaking his head. "I wasn't going to ask you to fly it."

"I won't ever get into one of these!"

Tony was almost happy to hear those words, realizing that his suit would not fall in the wrong hands because of Edward: he probably wouldn't pick it up. Also, when Tony had been told about the teenager's fear of flying from dear old dad, he had not thought it had been that bad nor that intense of a fear.

Once more, Tony was being proven that the perfect image that had been painted of Edward Elric was not in fact true.

Honestly, he could live with that.

"So, why the fuck are you so willing do defy gravity and possibly fall like a stone?" wondered Edward with a huff, motioning to the pieces of the suit.

"I won't fall like a stone, brat."

"Sure, I'll believe it when I see it…"

Thank you all once again! Let me know what you thought! :D

Keep safe everyone!

P.S. Some research showed that the first sushi restaurants opened as early as the 1950s in the USA (and even some think it was just in the 1960s), so Ed not knowing what sushi is works out quite well!