They were back on the chariot. Tony can't say he is enjoying the scenery. It is very much like being in any supersonic vehicle, anything close by is a blur except for the wind tunnel view at the front or the back. The cobblestone road from and to the castle is wide and indirect, with twists and turns to accommodate natural landmarks like bypassing ancient looking trees and cutting across riverbeds. From the two roads he's travelled so far, Tony can safely deduce that the elfish version of civil engineering is construction not for convenience or efficiency, but of necessity. That and they seem to value nature like Frey had mention.

"How… did you find Onollo?"

It is the first time Thor attempt conversation of any kind in their outings. The one about his pets didn't count. Tony had just assumed the other isn't interested in small talk. After hearing the hesitation though, he's willing to give the big guy the benefit of the doubt. Maybe Thor doesn't know what he's doing either. Tony turns his stance lightly then braces his back against the chariot so that he can face the other without getting a neck crank. Huh, Thor's profile didn't lend much but guess.

So he says, "Good, even though I only got to one forge where they make the handheld weapons and light armor."

"I had expected Mortan to see to your needs, not to slight you so. I shall have words with him when I see him next."

Thor got the whole wrathful god look down if Tony ever really believed in that utter nonsense. Yup, complete with the scowl, the nose flare, and thunderous tone.

Realizing his words were taken as a complaint, Tony verbally backpedals, "No, no! He didn't shortchange me at all! I was totally catered, even got an ETA on my commission too. So I'm good; a completely satisfied customer. 'Kay?"

How Thor manages to switch facial expression without pulling a muscle, Tony would never know.

"Aye, that is good to hear."

They fell back into companionable silence as Thor happily guides the goats at a breakneck speed. Now that Tony thought about it, does the chariot even have brakes? What if they had to stop for a deer or that bilgesnipe thing? Now that the chatter started, Tony decides to fill up the silence with his personal brand of inanity, no time like the present to get the big guy use to his quirks.

"Can this thing come with seatbelts?"

Thor takes a moment to mull over his words before he inquires back.

"If I understand your wording correctly, it is a seat… with belts?"

Tony nods with a smirk, "Yes."

As predicted, now the big guy looks confused.

"There are no seats on a chariot and why would you wish to strap yourself to one if there were? Would it not be inconvenient to move about?"

Tony breaks into a wide grin before he lectures in a serious manner, "It is design for safety in mind. In Midgard, when we travel in fast vehicles and have to brake abruptly, the person won't be sent flying."

Thor goes from frowning to grinning, "Aye, worry not. I am the Mighty Thor. My reflexes shall prevent such an occurrence and likewise catch you before you fall."

It would seem he isn't the only one people say has a big ego. How humbling.

Chuckling softly, Tony comments out of the blue, "Aren't you the least bit curious what I ask Mortan to make me?"

With a shrug of nonchalance, Thor simply states, "Not at all. If you wish to share it, I shall be delighted to hear it."

Huh, sounds like a line straight from those Jane Austen movies Steve likes to pick for his turn on movie night. Not that Tony memorizes those sappy lines per se he just has a very good memory.

So Tony shrugs back, "Mortan says it'll take him less than two weeks to make it. I'll share it then."

This time, Thor actually turns his head to look at Tony with amazement before his gaze verves back to the road. He didn't have to wonder long about the reason.

"Ever since Mortan was appointed foreman of the Royal Forge by my father, he has forsaken the title of Master Weapon-smith. Tis a great honor indeed for him to take upon this task."

"Oh."

Wow. What more can he say. Tony knew the old cat-elf can talk shop with him, he didn't know Mortan is THAT good. Now, he couldn't wait until the two weeks is up. He must have really made an impression.

"The shade of your blush is redder than your shirt."

What the hell! Tony glares at Thor's grinning profile for commenting on the obvious. Again, that is not how one flirts.

"And you sir, are a jerk."

Take that Shakespeare.

"Tis not I, but I shall endeavor to drive the chariot at an even pace."

Lost in translation by default, even an insult goes unnoticed.

The castle is a welcome sight. Up ahead, he could make out the gnarled tree the goats were grazing under from earlier. Now there were four lightly armored humanoids; very tall and by the looks of one of them, very fat. As far as first impressions go, they look so thrown together. Like someone went to a fantasy warrior draft and pick out random folks: a Xena, a Genghis Khan, a Robin Hood and his Friar Tuck. Judging by how they relax at their arrival, Tony knew they're probably Thor's pack. He hadn't expected to meet them all at once and so soon.

Apparently neither did Thor as he reins in Toothgrinder and Toothgnasher with a jolt and shouts in surprise, "My friends! You are all here!"

Without waiting for a complete stop, Thor jumps over the chariot and hurries over to greet them. Tony has never seen the big guy more animated.

"I had sent word for each of you to arrive at a specific hour. How haps you come to this?"

Still on the chariot, Tony leans slightly forward and takes the opportunity to observe Thor and his pack. The round one is the first to cut through the physical greetings with enough bluster to make Tony grip the chariot as a precaution, "Tis not by design I assure you! Since my summon is at two, I arrive early anticipating the midday meal."

The tall leggy amazon one then comments with a smirk, "Aye, we all know how Volstagg cannot resist Alfheim' s succulent pheasants steep in honey mead."

Her voice, raspy and lyrical, Tony likes. Her tone has more bite than niceties but given how big this Volstagg is, he's an easy target. They all laughed, except the Asian one only snicker with good humor.

She then continues, "Likewise, since my summon is before his, I chose to arrive an hour early."

Next, the shortest of all them (though still taller than Tony), he now deems as the silent one comments, "I am on time."

Last of the round robin, the Errol Flynn lookalike chimes in his two cents, "And of course Thor saved the best for last. I took the liberty of arriving early as well to make myself comfortable. Tis a shame all the available sorts have been evacuated. So as you can see, we are all thrown together by happenstance."

Tony perks up at the sentence spoken beforehand. Is that what happen at Stone Cliff too? Though he didn't have long to think on it.

"I can certainly understand why you summon us. Thor, you lucky fiend! Will you be introducing us to your Betroth?"

That draws all eyes upon him. Probably just remembering his manners, Thor flashes him a smile full of chagrin and quickly returns to Tony's side. This time, Tony moves to the opening and extends a hand out instead of having the big guy pick him up by the waist. Thor literally beams with approval, which is odd, Tony considers touching his waist much more intimate than his hand.

Thor's own hand is warm, callous, and surprisingly gentle. It also engulfs his palm entirely. Tony tries not to over think that as he jumps down and promptly sways on his feet, just shy of leaning against Thor's armored chest. Mm, the big guy smells nice, like sunshine, ozone, and leather. If Tony could bottle that musk, he could probably make another cool million. Although, having other people smelling like his Betroth probably not such a good idea.

Murmuring his thanks, Tony takes a moment to pull away and face the others who in the interim averted their gaze, appearing occupied or other. He huffs at their unnecessary discretion and waits for Thor to do his thing.

"Prince Anthony Stark of Midgard, I present to you Lady Sif and the Warriors Three: Hogun the Grim, Volstagg the Voluminous, and Fandral the Dashing."

All self-titled, probably. Perhaps he should consider giving himself a title too.

Having been called out in a line up, they each took their respective bow.

Tony returns the gesture but decides to add a little Earth flavor to the meet and greet too. So he says, "Hello!"

And throw in a wave for good measure to which funnily enough, they do wave back. Meeting and making nice with other packs has never been his strong suit since Tony's pretty much been a loner before Steve came along, so silence ensues.

They're all staring at him, in one degree or another. Lady Sif is measuring, as if her supermodel good looks and athletic body is something Tony can't compete with, except there is no competition. Hogun is neutral but observant. Volstagg is shaking his head as he eyes Tony's height and trim waist. He should feel insulted but that bit with the waist, Tony wouldn't touch that subject with a ten-foot pole. And Fandral, well he's eyeing Tony all right.

Thor's response is immediate in placing his palm on the small of Tony's back and rumbles in warning, causing a shudder to run down Tony's spine in response. He's been around his fair share of Alphas, but never felt anything like this before. For some strange reason he has this overwhelming urge to bare his neck. It is all over and done within a matter of seconds and the urge disappears. After shaking his head to clear it, Tony caught the other pack mates giving censuring looks at Fandral's lopsided grin. Tony gets it; the guy didn't get to be called Fandral the Dashing without reason.

Caught off guard in more ways than one, Tony finds himself swept along the path as Thor heads toward the castle and declares, "Let us resign to the dining hall. My friends can regale us with their adventures since my absence."


Several hours later, Tony finds his patience worn thin. He loves a good party, especially the ones he hosts. This though? Sitting around the dinner table for hours retelling stories after stories, each more embellish than the last, all the while wining and dining away, being loud and noisome, not so much. If this is what they consider a good time, Tony hopes there are more options.

The midday meal had turn into dinner. Thor's pack mates had finish updating the Crown Prince long ago and move on to reminiscing some old adventure or other. Tony wishes he can leave so easily like all the elves around them, but the pack somehow boxed him in, always making a point to pause and get his reaction before continuing. However, once in a while, they'll begrudgingly slip up and mention something Prince Loki did (which is scoffed at most times) even though to Tony sounded quite ingenious.

Which brings to mind, why hasn't Thor introduce his brother to Tony yet? From what has been mention of that guy so far, it sounds like the mysterious second prince is reachable but busy doing something. After tonight, Tony can understand why. If smarts don't win points with this pack, he'd probably make himself scarce too. Obviously Thor is in for a letdown when Tony points out he's more a scholar than a warrior.
After the umpteenth yawn (Tony's been making it really obvious by now), his efforts finally pays off, though not in the way he intended. Fandral has been keeping his distance though his gaze is never far, well whenever Thor isn't looking and comments with a leer, "Thor, you horrible man! Anthony looks dead on his feet. I would say you should get him off to bed."

Yeah, no innuendo there. And apparently, Tony has been officially accepted into the pack so he's now just Anthony sans the title for them too. On his end, he's not comfortable enough to ask them to call him Tony just yet. That comment though, gets a myriad of responses from the table. Volstagg and surprisingly King Frey share a laugh, Hogun is Switzerland, Lady Sif is hiding her disgust not too well with a grimace, and Queen Frigga shakes her head in disapproval. While Thor, he—he looks contemplative.

That makes Tony jump quicker on his feet then anything. No time for diversions or witty comebacks. He had thought courting meant taking their sweet time, not put out on the second date. Not that he's a prude; it's just as an Omega without undergoing heat ever, getting it up is harder than people think. Also while Thor, with his rough edges is nice and respectful at times, Tony isn't attracted to him just yet.
So he fakes a laugh before addressing King Frey, "I should like to retire early if you don't mind, your highness?"

King Frey's lips curve in a knowing manner and nods his consent before teasing him further, "Thor, kindly escort your Betroth to his quarters."

Tony immediately flushes with mortification and makes to vacate the dining hall with as much dignity as he can muster. The following catcalls didn't help. He's twenty steps away from the exit when Thor finally catches up to him. Thankfully, the big guy refrains from commenting anything even though there is a perpetual smirk on his lips. They walk side by side in companionable silence until they reach his room. Not wanting to make it even more awkward with what is left unsaid since the dining hall, Tony makes to push his doors open and says goodnight. However Thor has other plans apparently. The big guy grabs his wrist to stop him then changes his grasp to tug on Tony's hand, signaling him to turn around. Both of their palms are damp with sweat.

Gulping with mostly anxiety and a bit of anticipation, Tony relents and raises his eyes to meet Thor's amuse ones.

"You are a strange one, Anthony Stark of Midgard."

Okay, not quite the words one would say before they go for the good night kiss. Tony finds his nerve receding so decides to wade it out for the rest of it.

"You are as bold and charming as anyone I have ever met. My mother is already fond of you, my uncle and my pack mates have accepted you… yet I find you a mystery still."

Tony smirks at that comment.

"Their earlier teasing, tis all in good cheer, there has not been a royal betrothal since my father's own. From what I have observe from their match, tis my hope that we shall take all the time we need to build trust and one day learn to love each other."

That little speech is rather elegant considering the whole Viking persona present in all his glory. They are essentially alone in a well-lit hallway and Thor is behaving better than most Alphas. Amaze by that revelation, Tony finds himself nodding in agreement and Thor beams with approval.

"We have made progress this day and will proceed no further lest without your approval."

To prove his point, the big guy slowly raises Tony's hand to his lip level and waits. Shaking his head at Thor's theatrics, Tony rolls his eyes and nods his consent. The kiss on his knuckles is soft and brief.

"I bid you a good night, Anthony."

Thor had barely walked around a corner when Tanna opens the doors of his quarters from the inside and Tony promptly staunches the shriek that threatens to burst forth. Nothing prevented the expletives fortunately.

"Jumping fucking gigawatts! Are you trying to cause a heart attack? How did you get here before me anyways?"

He places a hand to his chest as if trying to stop it from actually popping out.

"My apologies, Prince Anthony. Tis part of my duties to escort you in the absence of any Royal family members. I thought it wise to give you a moment to recover from your ki—well there you have it."

Luckily, she read his face pretty well not to continue in that vein of speech. Speaking of which, Tony signals her to move aside and he crosses the room to sit on the chaise as if he's holding court. Knowing her to be a smart girl (although she's probably older than is great-great-great grandmother), Tanna promptly closes the door and moves to stand a few steps before the chaise, her arms relax besides her, waiting for Tony to begin.

"I know it's only been three days and we barely know each other, but since you're assigned to me, I want to set up some ground rules."

He pauses to gauge her response, so far so good. So Tony raise a hand up and start illustrating the point across by counting with his fingers with each item.

"One, I'm cool about a lot of things, but some things I want to be kept strictly confidential unless I say otherwise. I'll let you know as it happens. So something like the Prince coming to ask you things about me is cool and all, but not always. You with me so far?"

He manages to get a frown on her face.

"To be clear, I only disclose your wish to see the forge because Prince Thor seeks guidance and knowledge regarding your preferences. If you are not… cool with this, please let me know? I shall remain silent on the subject."

Tanna had said the word 'cool' like it's a foreign concept. It probably is.

Tony consider her question after the day he had and says, "At first I didn't like the fact that you talk about me at all, but that is probably too much to ask for since you don't technically work for me. So to answer your question, if it is about my preferences, then the answer is yes, you have my permission to disclose it."

When her demeanor goes back to neutral, Tony continues, "Okay, that tie in perfectly with number two: the unmentionables. Things like my body, my habits, my hygiene, and my personal effects; things that make me cry, make me angry, so especially things that are personal are off limits and not negotiable. We clear?"

Her nod is quick and decisive. So Tony completes his countdown, "Lastly, number three. I want this arrangement to be more like you are my personal assistant, not my valet or my official escort. Deal?"

She actually looks curious now, a first for Tony to witness.

"What duties does a… personal assistant entail?"

Instead of explaining, he shot back with, "What are your duties now?"

"I see to your needs and escort you when I am needed."

It's Tony's turn to frown, "Wait, on-call like 24/7? What did you do before I came here?"

She frowns at first then answers him with more warmth then he heard at any other time, "I study my lessons, maintain the royal library and attend Queen Frigga when she visits."

"Wow. That sounds hell of a lot better than following me around and catering to my needs. Okay, so as a personal assistant, you only see to my needs when I ask you to. You also keep track of my schedule, like things I got to do and people I got to see. We can keep the escort part since I don't know my way around yet. When I got nothing going on though, you'll be off the clock and go spend it however you like. Deal?"

For a long moment, Tanna mulls over his words before she nods and says, "You wish for minimum supervision and personal space, am I correct to assume?"

Tony couldn't help the broad smile that plaster on his face. "Smart girl, got it in one."

"Very well, Prince Anthony. However, I must amend one of the items. I have been mandated to never leave you unescorted, as you would say, not negotiable."

Bristling with irritation, Tony gets up from the chaise and faces Tanna as close to eye level as he can manage without standing atop something.

"Okay, now I have a problem with that. Why can't I run around by myself? On Midgard, I have no such restrictions and can perfectly take care of myself, thank you very much."

In spite of his rising ire, Tanna remains calm and collective when she explains, "Tis for your safety, your highness."

That sounds rather rehearsed. Exasperated, Tony tries a different angle, "Alfheim is a peaceful realm, is that not what King Frey said?"

Her eyes narrows shrewdly before replying, "Aye, but peace comes at a cost. Precautions are made and rules must be followed."

She would make a good lawyer. Unfortunately for her, so would Tony.

"I heard on good authority that all unattached personnel have been asked to leave the castle manor, am I right?"

Tanna has a good poker face, but Tony press onward, "That's what the precaution is about, right? You worry that I'll get accosted or something before Thor and I bonded?"

After seeing her lips thin with confirmation, Tony then cajoles, "Look, I have been approach by unsavory Alphas before and have no problem correcting their notion that I am a bitch in heat. You should see this guy who caught me in the john once, I—"

"Prince Anthony, the customs on Alfheim, Asgard, and the other realms are much different than Midgard. You must heed these precautions; tis there for your protection."

"Now see here, I can't say I know your customs that well since your Ambassador Larien refuse to give us a manifesto on inter-realm do's and don'ts. So why don't you loan me a manual and we can both be on the same page."

The paleness of her skin blossoms into the color of a ripe tomato. Wow. If only Tony can take a picture. Dumb Proclamation and their damn rules. It took several moments before Tanna finds her voice, it comes out shaky. "…These are delicate topics. I… I am not the right person to speak of this—"

"Bullcrap! You are bonded right, so why can't you—"

He didn't think her face can get any redder. Apparently Tanna's composure is completely gone now when she yells, actually yells back, "I am not!"

That seems to cut Tony up short. Steve always did say he shouldn't jump to conclusions. In this case, he should heed those words. Derailed for the moment, he sat down heavily back on the chaise and pats the seat next to him. That seems to help her coloring to lighten up when she chose to whisper to the room in general.

"You misunderstood your good authority. All of those who have reached the rite of passage were asked to vacate the castle until the courting period has been observed and the Royal party leaves for Asgard."

Tony whispers back while he tries not to look at her, "Oh. So you're… actually really young for your… species?"

"Aye, I have a hundred years to go."

"Oh. A hundred more years of puberty must suck."

"Nay, our rite of passage is different than Midgardians' puberty."

Confused, Tony turns to look at her and promptly remembers her embarrassment. He turns his head in the opposite direction instead.

"Tanna, I don't want to be ignorant of your customs, so if you don't mind explaining?"

That seems to help too as he heard her take a deep breath and begin in a soft lecture voice, "I speak in general for the representation of the other realms. Midgard has three distinct classifications. If I am not mistaken, your distinction can be determine since birth, however for the other realms, it is not so. Ours is unknown until the… gathering and the rite of passage is… performed. Even then, most would straddle the identity of having more than one distinction."

Tony's read a study about this once. The rare few who are born with both traces of Alpha and Beta allele, the test group had the capability to choose one over the other as time pass and adjust accordingly.

"Do they pick one?"

"Aye, depending on the need of the pack, some Betas would become dominant Alphas and the reverse is also true."

He takes a moment to organize his thoughts enough to venture more questions now that Tanna is open to answering them. He has been pondering these for a long time.

"Is inter-realm breeding really compatible?"

"Aye, Queen Frigga is Vanir and Odin All-father is part Jotun and Asgardian."

"Can Betas get pregnant?"

"Nay. Tis the same as Midgard, only Omegas of either sex can do so, although an Alpha-Beta male can impregnate an Alpha female. Tis rare though, most Alpha female do not like taking the role of bearing the young."

"There are some studies on Midgard that has been debated a lot. Does the scent thing work differently too?"

For some reason, this question sends Tanna on to her feet and start pacing. Her face is that dark shade of color again. After three rounds across the floor, she manages to settle back down and finds her voice again. This time though, she sounds angry more than embarrass.

"Tis true then? In my studies, there are theories stating in the evolution of your species, the Norns has chosen to eliminate the sense of smell as a factor in choosing your bond mate."

It is Tony's turn to put on his lecture cap, "Well, that is a good theory. Our own studies hypothesize that since mankind started masking their scents during our hunter and gatherer days that the nose just became useless. These days, with perfumes, colognes, scented hygiene products, and not to mention the heavy pollution in most parts of the world, it makes sense not to trust the nose even further. Not all humans believe that though. Throughout our history there have been many testimonials that claim they found their bond mates via their scent. There's a movement trying to push for cleaner air and unscented products, even going au naturale like you guys do here."

"That is good news. Perhaps the damage can be reverse. I cannot even fathom such a disfigurement; unable to read another's mood, comfort, and attraction; without it we may as well be blind."

Tony sat up straight upon hearing that, "Wait, you can read all that just from a person's scent?"

This time, Tanna turns to him looking scandalized, "The scent is everything! For those who do not master it and learn to control their bodies in response, they become an Úlfhéðnar, a berserker, filled with uncontrollable rage and confusion. Tis the reason we must take precaution, Prince Anthony. Omegas are a rarity outside of Midgard. You are the first Omega the All-father has permitted to be accessible. Your scent must be contained."

"Oh."

That explains so much, yet now Tony has even more questions. But first, he has a point to make.

"Okay, I get it. I'll be cautious, so where's my safety zone?"

She looks taken aback, "Pardon?"

"There must be an invisible border you guys had drawn out for prohibition right? As long as I stay within the safety zone, we're good, yes?"

Realization dawns on her face and Tanna gives him a proper smile of defeat, "Your silver-tongue may be as dangerous as Prince Loki's. We are in accord. In the morrow, I shall bring you a map of the area. In the interim, until Lady Sif and the Warriors Three leaves the premise I shall continue to be your escort, your highness. Prince Thor is breaking tradition somewhat in presenting his pack mates so soon, especially when most of them are unattached Alpha-Betas, although you are quite safe with Volstagg, he is married. So you are not out of the woods just yet."

Tony sits there beaming with satisfaction in having won the argument. Now he can go back to his questions.

"Tanna, can you tell me more on how this scent thing works?"

When she gets up again, Tony kind of knew their information gathering session is about to end.

"I have surpassed my own sensibilities by far in discussing this subject. Please, I beg of you, do not ask more of me."

It is Tony's turn to sigh in defeat, but it wouldn't be him if he didn't try a different tactic.

"I understand, but can you at least give me a book to read about it or point me to someone who can give me answers?"

She seem to be more free with her smiles now, which makes Tony's goal to get through to her a success in his book.

"Aye, I can do better. I know just the book. In the morrow, I shall bring you the translation along with that map. In regards to whom, I have three recommendations: Queen Frigga, Astrid the Wise, and Prince Loki. Of the three, you will have better luck finding Queen Frigga. Anything else I may help you with prior to my saying good night and leave you to your ablutions?"

As much as he wants to cajole more out of her, Tony respects her limit, "No, that's all. Thank you, Tanna."


It is late.

The bustling noise from the castle by day differs dramatically by night. The crashing waves from the not so distant ocean sooths his thoughts by its familiarity. Out in the balcony, with the curtains half drawn to illuminate his room with the alien glow of Alfheim's two moons, Tony stood leaning against the balustrade, contemplating the past three days and what he's learn so far. The first night, Tony felt homesick as the newness and foreign nature of everything taking its toll emotionally. The second night, he felt pretty numb and hopeless about the betrothal working out given how barbaric Thor was. Now that it's the third day, Thor seems promising.

As much as things change for the better in his life ever since Steve happened, Tony finds himself back on square one. He's back in that gilded cage, only now it is a prince as his Alpha setting boundaries with foreign customs and alien biology. Thor is a Viking contradiction though, a gentle giant with his unhurried approach to courting and his uncanny ability to impress people without trying.

Except for Mortan. Tony smiles in remembering the old cat-elf. Of the few people he's met so far, the Master Sword-smith is the only person he hopes to see more of. His suggestion of using the horse-smith's forge certainly sounds promising too. The way Thor has said about taking their time courting, maybe Tony can convert it into his temporary lab for now. Tony has to make do before and was able to create and build works of art with such restraints. He can do so here. There is so much to learn, alien technology to absorb, and realms of possibilities for him to explore.

Settle with his plans for the future, Tony finally felt brave enough to open up his past. The black nylon duffle bag he packed days ago looks out of place next to the wooden trunk. He'd only retrieve his toiletry kit from a side pocket so far. Since he's been provided everything, it seems pointless now to even pack anything. But it isn't pointless, one day he would be permitted to see his pack mates again and Tony will need the constant reminder for going through with this until then.

With purposeful steps, he pads barefoot to retrieve the bag and place it on the foot of the nest. Tony drew himself up and sat cross-leg before it. Unhurried, he zips open the u-shape cover and peels it back. Thanks to Steve, half of the bag is stacked with Tony's favorite clothes, a mixture of old band t-shirts, wife beaters, sweats, and designer jeans. His white socks are rolled up and neatly tucked away next to his briefs. Oddly enough, he's been going commando with the leather pants and felt no discomfort at all.

On the other half of the bag, neatly packaged in various patterns and colors of wrapping paper were the going away presents he received from his close friends and pack mates. There wasn't a party, but Steve had sent a memo out to everyone making sure every item didn't violate the Proclamation agreement, so Tony didn't have to part from any of them. At the time, he joked about being a billionaire who can buy whatever they gave him but there were tears in his eyes when he said it.

Thinking he might as well start from top, Tony picks up small cube package with colored polka dots. He recognizes Clint's scrawl anywhere and carefully opens it. The blaring black Apple logo atop a white plastic container affronts his senses.

"You got to be kidding me! Come on, what happen to company loyalty?"

He opens the container anyways and sees a red shiny touch screen shuffle sitting in the cradle. Plucking it out, Tony turns it on and the device comes to life. Strangely interesting proof of time dilation, the device date and time says it's only been a day and a few hours since he left. It is certainly something to explore later. Out of curiosity, Tony starts scrolling down the music tab and breaks into a chortle, a playlist with all his friends', pack mates' as titles greets him. No surprise, Steve's list has jazz and swing music with a lot of Sinatra, Crosby and even Bublé. Bruce's taste is more eclectic, new age meditative music from around the world. Clint and his lewd rap music, huh, and unexpectedly country music. Then there's Pepper and her classics of course. Thank goodness for Rhodey, classic rock needs a representative. Even his driver, Happy and Widow added theirs. Tony dials it back to Rhodey's and plucks the headphones out of the cradle to plug it in the jack. After fitting the earbuds in place, the sweet anthem of youth fills the silence of the night and Tony sighs in satisfaction.

Bopping his head to the music, Tony picks up the next package that is a flat rectangular box, a little heavy and wrap in black with no name on it. He can guess that one and carefully opens it. It's a five piece set of black steel throwing knives with casing.

Okay. Quickly placing that aside on the bedding, Tony picks up another package and reads the little note: 'Can't believe they get you a shuffle without a charging station. Dumb shit, man. Don't do anything stupid! –Rhodey'

He could guess already but smiles anyways to see a USB solar charger. Tony places that aside and moves the next one mark Bruce. A bark of laughter fills the room when he discovers it's a CSI kit complete with an abundance of test tubes, vials and plastic bags. Setting that aside too, Tony opens the next item mark Pepper. The large package has a note on it too: 'Don't stop imagining. Come back when you need more. – Pepper'

After opening it, Tony chuckles at the contents: a box of 100 count yellow number two pencils with sharpener sits atop two stacks of 500 sheets engineering paper. Placing that aside, Tony places his hand back in the bag and comes up empty, so he fishes around and finds nothing. He then peers inside and only saw his clothes. Huh, nothing from Steve. Well, technically he has his uncle's playlist, but still. There should have been something.

Not wanting to feel ungrateful, he gets up and takes a deep breath to clear the threat of tears. Deciding to put his things away inside the large trunk, Tony begins with grabbing the stack of clothes with one hand. Something hard slip out from in-between, not even thinking about it, Tony caught it before it fell on the floor. His eyes begin to blur as large droplets of tears plop onto the small picture frame of Steve and the whole gang. Best present ever.