Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tony had to take a seat, overwhelmed by the enormity of his findings and a sense of disbelief and astonishment. For a split second, his mind seemed to freeze, the blue screen of death replacing the usual fury of thoughts that raced through his brain every second. He had done it! He had achieved the seemingly impossible. Tony Stark had invented time travel technology.

If his calculations were correct, and they were always right thank you very much, a lot of opportunities were opening in front of him. He was like a pioneer standing on the threshold of unexplored territory. Tony burst out laughing. His life was even crazier than ever before.

The sheer magnitude of possibilities was mind-boggling, far too vast for Tony to fully grasp. It was as if the universe had opened its arms to him, offering a chance to rewrite the fabric of reality itself. Thanks to this new machine, he would have the opportunity to change his world, to protect the people, especially his small family. 

Peter's return occupied a central place in his thoughts, and Tony would make sure that the kid, his son in everything but blood, would never disappear from his sight ever again. If he could have things his way, Pepper, Morgan, Peter, Thodey and Happy would remain by his side for as long as humanly possible. 

Unfortunately, time travel, like any mathematical principle, had rules and limitations.

Tony would need to be precise and meticulous. He would have to be mindful of the exact sport he would be travelling to. His house was by no means a new building. It had a history, and it had been inhabited by other families in the past. Carelessly appearing in the middle of an innocent family’s Sunday dinner was hardly the discrete approach he would need to achieve his goals. 

He would need to be practical as well. He would need currency of the time he would go, clothing and other essentials to navigate the era he was visiting. These insignificant but critical features would be crucial in his ability to blend into the time period smoothly and achieve his objectives with minimal interference. 

The need to deal with Thanos in the past was undeniable. Rhodey was not wrong when he said they should go back when the titan was a baby, vulnerable and defenceless. Tony had always been a pragmatist. He wasn’t the monster some people believed him to be. He couldn’t bring himself to kill an infant, even one to become the Mad Titan. Tony would wait until Thanos was an adult, at least by Earth standards, before disposing of him. Long before obtaining his first infinity stone, the Mad Titan had been travelling from planet to planet, killing half of their inhabitants in his quest of balance. 

Space travel was an essential component of Tony's newly forming plan. It presented a huge obstacle, one that most people might have been unable to overcome if it weren’t for his time machine. The Milano was a fine ship and Tony had learned a lot during that horrible flight back from Titan. He could recreate the technology. Tony knew intimately that the journey would be too long that way. He was in half the mind to buy a DeLorean and fit the device inside, but that would be taking things a little too far, even for him. 

In any case, time travel has never meant merely going back in time. If it wasn’t for his new mission, it would be out of sheer curiosity. He was, after all, a futurist. He wondered what kind of advanced technology and innovations existed in the far-off future. Tony wasn’t doubting he would find a means of quick transportation then, something he would be able to either take back in time or back engineer. Or both.

With the power of a time machine at his disposal, Tony would also be able to correct a few small but annoying mistakes, literal thorns in his side, along the way. They would have to be dealt with one by one, and he would have to return to his present time to ensure that nothing too important had been altered. These alterations should not create more problems than they solved. Tony understood the concept of trial and error like any good scientist. As long as he had the knowledge around the time machine, he could always experiment and potentially fail.

For Tony to execute his plans, he knew he needed Pyms Particles.

Tony considered the prospect of reversing engineer the Pym Particles technology. While it was a difficult undertaking, it appeared to be more manageable and, in some respects, less risky than attempting to regularly steal those. Hank Pym had accused Howard of taking the particles without his permission and hated everything Stark ever since. After that, Hank would have reasons to be angry with him for really stealing his precious technology. On the other hand, he would never know thanks to time travel. Hank had vanished during the snap, and time travel would erase any signs linking Tony to the particles. 

Scott Land possessed all the traits of an excitable labrador. He was a very eager and enthusiastic individual. His daughter was the most important thing in his life, and the man wanted to do right by her. It was a sentiment Tony understood very well. Still, he would use even that feeling to get what he needed. If everything went as Tony had planned, Scott would be ultimately thanking him, not that he would know what had been done for him.

"Friday, girl, please contact Scott Lang," Tony requested.

"Right away, Boss," Friday responded promptly.

Scott, ever enthusiastic, picked up his phone almost immediately, as if he was waiting for the call. Rogers and Romanov had driven him to Tony’s cabin for him to explain his theory and he had been so sure that it was the solution to their problems. He wasn’t wrong. Perhaps Scott was one of the few who believed Tony could succeed at something for one. It made the guy just a little bit more endearing. 

"Scott? Can I call you Scott?" Tony asked, and not pausing for a response, carried on saying. "I need this conversation to strictly stay between us."

“I”m not sure… I don’t want to lie to anybody…” Scott began, his curiosity piqued anyway.

"It's not something negative," Tony reassured him, his voice carrying an air of excitement. “I’ve been working on your idea, and I’m on the verge of a breakthrough. I can almost taste it. Almost… But for the next step, I’m gonna need your help.”

Scott hesitated momentarily, thinking about Tony's somewhat odd request. "And why should I keep this a secret?"

Tony took a big breath as he began to explain the situation to Scott.

“I can’t have the others hoping we’re going to fix things,” he confessed, his voice laced with almost genuine concern. “I can’t be the one promising that their loved ones are coming back and, in the end, not being able to make that promise a reality.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Scott didn’t say anything, probably understanding the heavy burden of responsibility that came with being part of the Avengers.

“You have the quantum realm knowledge that would make the research go faster.” Tony continued. “I could learn all about it, of course, but it would take a fair amount of time. Time that we might not have considering the current state of the world. If you don’t want to do it, Scott, I completely understand.”

Tony had years of being a businessman in a pool of sharks, and he knew how to appeal to people’s emotions and ego. Natasha wasn’t the only one capable of such tactics even though Tony didn’t like to use those. He was well aware that the rest of the Avengers had not been singing his praises since the events of the Civil War. Hopefully, he had not pushed the dramatics too far, and Scott would take the bait.

Scott Lang's response was a mix of resignation and willingness. "Okay, okay. I'll come. What do you need?" he answered with a sigh. "I can be there in about three hours."

"Just need your brain and the particles." 

After exchanging a few more parting words, they hung up. Tony's smile was as wide as the moon. It felt like the universe was finally cooperating with his plan.

Next on Tony's list was Happy Hogan. He needed his bodyguard and friend to drive Morgan to the Stark Tower. Tony would explain to Pepper that he was working on a solution to undo the Snap that he wanted to see where the idea would get him. Everyone had been affected by the tragedy. Life had changed drastically for everyone, and nobody was the same anymore. Pepper, understanding the unspoken implications, would give him a few days to focus on it. She knew how much Peter and Harley meant to Tony. He needed to bring them back. 

Tony didn't feel the need to explain the intricacies of his plan to Happy or Pepper. He had already found a way, and that was enough for now. He didn’t want to go into detail about his true intentions other than killing Thanos before he destroyed the lives of so many people. Time travel was the key to rewriting history but his family. He would make sure of that. 

Being with Pepper and having their little firecracker of a daughter would always be his end goal. No matter what. They were his sanctuary, his refuge from the chaos of the world. Tony would fight for them with every fibre of his being. Tony understood that if things didn’t go as planned, he could always reset time and start over until he had the perfect outcome. As simple as that. A family was all he ever wanted, his own little corner of paradise. His endgame.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, reddish-orange glow over the tranquil lake, Tony Stark sat alone on the deck of his house, waiting. His fingers lightly traced the rim of his cooling cup of coffee, a silent testament to the thoughts swirling through his mind. When Scott finally arrived, Tony was considering what was about to happen.

Among all the people he had thought against during the Civil War, there were only two individuals who had managed to find grace in Tony’s eyes. 

Scott Lang had always been known for his hero-worshipping tendencies and his penchant for jumping headfirst into trouble without thinking first. Though Ant-Man had caused a fair amount of chaos during their encounter in Leipzig, Tony believed that the years he had missed in his daughter's life were punishment enough for his actions. The other person was a more complicated matter. He knew that this individual needed a fresh start, a chance at redemption. Tony couldn't play with his mind much more.

Scott, in a way, was going to serve as his "rat lab" for the time travel experiment. As a scientist, Tony felt the need to push the boundaries of time travel and explore its possibilities. Scott was far enough removed from Stark's life to be an accurate indicator of what was possible. Tony wasn’t a cruel man. Lang would end up with a nice life, near to his daughter, and in some ways, better than what he had so far. Not everyone needed to be a hero.

"Want a cup of coffee, Lang?" Tony offered. "The night promises to be long."

Scott nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, yes."

Scott appeared somewhat taken aback by Tony’s sense of hospitality. He had been paying for the Avengers for a long time, but Lang didn’t seem to know that. Tony made an effort to relax. It occurred to him that Scott might not have been privy to all the details, particularly during his time in the quantum realm. The Avengers who remained were likely not speaking highly of Tony. They expected him to come up with a solution to the Snap right aways and were shocked and angered when he said he had nothing. Were they not afraid of another Ultron anymore? Funny how he was considered a genius again.

Things may have turned out differently if they had listened to him from the start.

"Let's head to the workshop," Tony suggested, leading the way after their brief stop in the kitchen. "We have a lot of work to do."

Chapter Text

Scott Lang was definitely too trusting of a man, easily following Tony to the workshop. They chatted about the science underlying the time machine for a while. Scott, being an engineer in his own right, showcased a remarkable skill set. Of course, not on Tony's level, but more than enough to understand the fundamental ideas that they would employ when firing the machine. It became clear that Scott possessed the potential for a brilliant career in the engineering field. 

Tony excelled at the art of misdirection, a true showman at heart. Up until now, he had maintained an air of friendliness and openness, describing how the particles would be of use in the upcoming endeavour. Throughout his explanation, Tony had been moving around his workshop, activating holograms here and tinkering with tools, creating that atmosphere of controlled chaos people seemed to be expecting of him. 

Contrasting with Tony's dynamic movements, Scott remained seated on a stool at one of the tables, engrossed in absorbing information about data and projection. Unfazed, he didn't divert his attention even when Tony reached for a syringe he had prepared earlier. Scott remained unmoved as Tony stealthily approached from behind, and by the time he finally reacted, it was too late. The expert in deception had pulled off his manoeuvre with such grace that Scott was taken aback, betrayal in his eyes. 

"What are you doing?" Scott questioned, his hand instinctively reaching for the part of his neck where Tony had injected the needle seconds ago. "What was in there?"

Before Scott could utter more words, he collapsed from his seat, attempting to resist the unsettling effects of whatever Tony had administered. 

“I’m sorry, Lang. It’s not against you, believe it or not.” Tony simply said, expressing remorse while watching the other man lose consciousness. “I’ll do my best to give you a better life, that I promise you.”

Carefully removing the particles from Scott’s vest pocket, Tony placed them on his workshop table for later. Turning back to Scott, Tony had no intention of hurting the man, but couldn’t afford the risk of Scott awakening before the reverse engineering process was complete. The delicate task at hand would require all his attention. Tony would not let Scott interfere between him and the mission he had given himself.

The Hulk resistant fortifications of the tower had not been installed in Tony’s house in the woods, not even a regular cell. This was a family house. The Avengers and everything that came with them should never have stepped foot there. Tony didn’t need it even now. Trusting in sturdy locks and Friday's ever-watchful eye, Tony considered these measures more than sufficient to keep Lang where he wouldn’t be in Tony’s way. 

Even outside of the Ant-Man suit, Tony didn’t underestimate Scott. Tony, ever the pragmatic genius, always learned from his past mistakes. A past incident where Scott had infiltrated the compound and made off with some of Tony's possessions had taught him to be cautious. Such a security breach would not happen again.

But in truth, Scott would not be confined to his luxury jail for very long. A guest room in Tony’s house, where Lang was now situated, was outfitted with every conceivable luxury. With its luxurious furniture and cutting-edge facilities, it was a haven of comfort. In an effort to make the experience even better, Tony had thought ahead and provided drinks and snacks in the room, figuring that guests would want to eat. He could not know how long it would take for him to recreate the Pym particles. Lang would not come to harm under Tony’s roof.

Following the aftermath of the Civil War, Tony had delved into a thorough examination of the remnants of the particles that lingered within the Iron Man suit. At that point, the traces weren't abundant enough for a complete recreation, and back then, that wasn’t Tony’s objective. The chaotic events unfolding around him at this moment in time had left him with limited time and opportunities to study them further. All the same, the analysis provided valuable insights that would prove immensely helpful now.

“Friday, keep an eye on our visitor, please. We might find ourselves in need of him again soon,” Tony instructed his AI, his mind already turned to the particles.

“Yes Boss!” Friday responded promptly.

Friday wasn't attempting to deter him from his new mission. Tony had not expressed out loud what he wanted to do, but he would not be surprised if she had a clear understanding of the situation. The young AI had been through hell and back too many times to count. Through these experiences, a vindictive side had developed within her, a characteristic that might never have surfaced under different circumstances. They would never know considering that Friday was coming through time with him.

Tony had never thought, even for a minute, to go in the past alone. There was a chance that the changes he would make in the past meant coming back to a present with Jarvis being still there. The prospect of having his son back would definitely bring to Tony’s eyes tears of joy, but not at the expense of his baby girl. The genius would always be able to recreate Friday’s core codes at any moment in time, but then, it would mean a different iteration of Friday altogether. Tony would never purposefully hurt his kids. 

Beyond sentimental considerations, Tony knew that Friday would be able to track the events with far greater accuracy than he could. As brilliant as he was, he could not have achieved the level of precision required by the complexities of temporal changes. Every move Tony made was certain to have an impact, therefore they would have to closely monitor the developments that were taking place on a worldwide basis. Even though he made an effort to minimise these effects, they were inevitable.

Tony's hands moved with a practised speed. While the technology held a certain level of ingenuity, it wasn't particularly challenging for someone of Tony's intellect to understand. After a short couple of hours into his dedicated work, the first vial of particles emerged from the production line. Tony didn’t need to wait to start his first experiment with time. 

Tony knew the gravity of changing the past and that doing so might bring about a far different reality than the one he was familiar with. Knowing this, he didn’t see the need to produce more particles than necessary for his first trip. The formula was burned into his mind, and just for added security, he had concealed it within Friday’s complicated code. This layered protection was strategically placed where it wouldn't compromise Friday's integrity. Tony needed to be careful. The formula should not fall into the wrong hands.

His little wooden cabin had been built near a lake, in the middle of a forest. When Tony had bought it and rebuilt it, he had looked into the history of the building and the area. Plans from years ago showed a clearing in the forest. It seemed that the universe seemed to agree with the plan, giving him the perfect sport for his mission. The bots with their new all terrain wheel would move the machine there. The weather promised to be nice.

Situated in the heart of a dense forest, nestled near a tranquil lake, Tony’s little wooden cabin was his dream home for his family. When he had acquired the land and then built the cabin, Tony had researched the history of the surrounding area. He had found old maps revealing the existence of a clearing in the forest, a space that perfectly aligned with his plan. It seemed, in a twist of cosmic agreement, that the universe conspired to provide him with the ideal location for his mission.

As Tony prepared for the next phase, his fleet of bots, now equipped with state-of-the-art all-terrain wheels, stood ready to transport the temporal machine to this designated spot. The weather promised to be nice. Everything was ready.

Tony drew a calming breath. He had no fear at all. Everything he might need was in a bag at his feet. The first trip would be somewhat close in time, targeting the pivotal moments in Scott Lang's life before his initial incarceration. Tony just required Stark Industries to hire Land before Vistacorp. This strategic move would pave the way for Tony to dismantle Vistacorp's questionable dealings without facing legal repercussions.

Scott's heart was in the right place most of the time. He was just lacking finesse in his method.

"Ready, baby girl?" Tony asked while standing in the middle of the time machine.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Friday answered, sounding as determined as he felt.

Tony pressed the button, and to his surprise, there was no pain, no disorienting sensations. The trip was instantaneous. So much so that, for a moment, he wasn’t sure if the time machine had actually worked. His surroundings looked just the same and offered no immediate reassurance. Friday would. Her ability to connect to satellites provided them with the necessary information. Nobody would ever know. Friday was discreet and cunning and would navigate the date streams with stealth.

"The machine worked, boss. We arrived exactly when you programmed. What are your plans for Lang?" Friday simply asked.

They knew what they had to do. The issue was figuring out how to do it. Hacking Jarvis was an option he didn’t want to entertain. Friday was built with more modern technology than the Jarvis from back then. Tony knew Jarvis’ codes, it would be easy. He simply did not want to do it. He would have to take a different route.

A resume was a beautiful thing, a means to showcase oneself with a few embellishments here and there. Even while the resumes themselves tended to be general, each firm was searching for something particular. People assumed that, given Tony's position at the pinnacle of the company, he might be oblivious to these subtleties. Others assumed he had never worked a single day in his life. The hiring processes had undergone a significant alteration following Stane and, more importantly, Natashalie. Tony had always maintained a careful check on the R&D department members, but he had also totally trusted Obediah. 

Tony would simply need to craft the type of resume that Stane would never be able to resist. He needed to travel back in time to before Afghanistan. The first few months of Lang's job would be spent creating weapons, but it would not last. Stark Industries had traditionally been one of the top places to work in the United States. Only an idiot would turn down a job there. Lang wasn't always the brightest man. If that method did not work, he could always try again after returning to his present time. 

The act of sending a résumé through traditional mail felt antiquated to Tony. Throughout his life, he had consistently been ahead of his time, pioneering advanced computer technologies when major brands were still in their infancy. Stane could have lawfully made millions if he had just let Tony to work in that industry.

Tony didn't hang around after mailing the letter. He didn't want to waste time, especially if he had to do it all again. He didn’t wait to activate the machine’s ‘going home’ feature.

"So, Friday, how are things?" 

"Lang is no longer in the room.” After a brief pause, she continued. “He was hired by Stark Industries, never landed in prison. Vistacorp crumbled nevertheless. Apparently, the IRS was already onto their case. Lang is among the dusted after the snap."

Tony raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Well, that's interesting. So, I assume he wasn't involved in the Civil War?"

"No. He was pretty loud about your defence on Twitter, boss."

Tony chuckled. Would you believe that? At some point, he would have to deal with Hank Pym. The feud with Howard was ridiculous, but Tony did not care enough about his father to change it. However, the ant man suit and whoever wears it could pose an issue in the long run.

Or maybe not. Tony carried on with the name on his list. Next stop was Sam Wilson. In this instance, kindness was not necessary.

Chapter Text

To tell the truth, Tony barely remembered when he designed the Falcon Wings. Back then, he used to make a lot of stuff for every branch of the military, and that even when he was completely drunk. Even with foggy recollections and perhaps questionable decision-making, Tony could be proud that his genius prevailed under any circumstances. The Falcon Wings, a work of art, marvel of engineering, were designed to save humans.

Initially, Sam Wilson had used the wings as intended, performing heroic acts that contributed to the greater good. Tony would not deny the positive impact Sam had on the world. Sam had tarnished his own legacy by his connection to Captain America. If he had even the slightest bit of concern for Wilson, Tony could have given him a better future, just as he had helped Lang. Once upon a time, Sam Wilson was a promising individual, full of potential.

Unfortunately for Sam, Tony had lost interest in him.

To this day, Tony remained perplexed as to why Wilson had harboured such intense animosity toward him. They had never met before the data dump and barely after. Blindly aligning with Captain America hardly justified the depth of Wilson's resentment. If Tony had to guess, Wilson had never tried to peel back the layers of the carefully constructed persona Tony presented to the public. However, it was similar to the nonsense that Rogers had told him during their initial meeting, "I've seen the footage." What footage was he even talking about? Really, birds of the feather flock together.

So there will be no new life for Sam Wilson. There is no life at all. To be honest, the falcon had not been very useful during the combat against Thanos. While Tony Stark harboured plans to personally eradicate the Mad Titan, Wilson would remain a thorn in his side. The Civil War would not happen again. Stark was resolute. He couldn’t afford a repeat of history. Rhodey would never lose his legs again. He had planned a meticulous overhaul of the armour, fixing its flaws and upgrading the power source. A parachute  and a back-up arc reactor wouldn’t be a miss.

Tony and Sam’s animosity was hardly a one way street. Tony saw this as an opportunity to make what he considered to be a life-changing mistake, the perfect time to go back and get rid of the man. Wilson had severed ties with the military following the tragic death of his partner. Those kinds of scars would last forever. He would never come back from that.

"Mr. Stark, your presence caught us off guard," the greeting resonated through the hushed atmosphere of the overseas base. 

Of course, he appeared older than his alter ego of that moment in time, a result of time wearing lines into his skin. This was a detail that could be easily dealt with. To be honest, his years of drinking and drugging had never been good for his skin. Years in front of the cameras had made Tony skilled at using cosmetic techniques to hide any imperfection. He had also covered his grey hair with a temporary hair dye. It was incredible what a simple pair of sunglasses could do for a man, one of Tony’s favourite accessories. 

His nonchalant response carried the weight of a man well-versed in navigating unexpected encounters. "I happened to be in the vicinity," Tony offered. "I thought it was about time I took a closer look at these wings," Stark continued, his tone casual yet hiding a certain intensity. “You know how it is: you have an idea and want to see if you can make it work.”

The higher-ups had grown accustomed to Tony Stark’s eccentricities, which included the tendency to show up in the middle of conflict zones. No one called him out on it. The brass recognized the importance of Stark’s genius and the formidable weapons he brought to the table. His value outweighed any potential concerns about breaching protocol or norms. After all, in the grand scheme of military hierarchy, Stark was just a civilian.

"The wings are exceeding expectations. The two pilots are genuinely pleased with the manoeuvrability," the higher-up told him, emphasising the success of Tony’s latest creation.

"I'm glad to hear that but well, we can always do better." 

The individual delivering the feedback understood the unspoken implication. If he was going to get better equipment out of that unexpected visit, he wasn’t going to complain. With that unspoken agreement hanging in the air, Stark was guided through the labyrinthine corridors and rooms of the military facility, eventually arriving at the room where Sam, Riley, and the wings awaited inspection.

At that particular moment in time, Tony had never met Wilson. The events of Washington would happen years later. He obviously appeared younger, but also his demeanour was more gentle, softer than what Tony had come to associate with him in later times. Losing his partner and best friend had certainly made him bitter. 

Rhodey was a military man as well and was risking his life each time he was going out there, in places Tony wasn’t allowed to know most of the time. The War Machine armour was meant to protect his best friend. Stark couldn't help but consider the hypothetical scenario of losing him. That moment when Rhodes had been falling like a stone from the sky was forever graved in Tony’s mind. The genius would have been just as bad if Rhodey had died, hating the whole world for it. Then again, he had lost a great deal of people throughout his life, and his answer had always been to injure himself rather than anyone else.

Apparently, Sam Wilson had always been a fanboy. This time, his admiration was toward Tony. Wilson clearly believed that the genius was the greatest thing to happen to humanity since, well, sliced bread, if Tony had to go with the obvious marvel in the military man’s eyes. On the other hand, Stark couldn’t help but find the unbridled enthusiasm and the fawning a little disgusting.

But this Wilson, he thought to himself, had not yet met the legendary Captain, the hero from the comics, the man who could do no wrong. If Tony was to stay on this path longer, would the admiration disappear from Wilson’s eyes once Steve Rogers entered his life? A run along the Potomac had been enough to seal their friendship. Tony wasn’t expecting a lot from Wilson anyway. The question would stay unanswered. Tony wasn’t interested enough to stick around to see through that particular experiment.

“So guys? How are the wings treating you?" Tony asked in that phoney tone he used when he needed something.

His question held a strategic undercurrent, a reminder that, when on a mission, he was always three steps ahead, always calculating, trying to get his hands on what he needed. Wilson was not his friend, even when Tony had tried to be his. It was far too late for that now.

Riley, in contrast to Sam’s more exuberant demeanour, was a reserved man. He preferred to observe what was happening before saying anything. Despite being a man of few words, his questions, when they did arise, were really perceptive and clever. A nice talk with that individual would not only be intriguing, but would certainly help improve the Falcon Wings greatly. Riley really had a sharp mind and a measured approach. His feedback was far more helpful than anything Wilson had ever told Tony.

Sometimes fate was very cruel and unfair. Taking one life and abandoning the other behind. Tony really wondered why the universe had decided to kill Riley and spare Wilson. Tony, thankfully, was there to change all of that. 

Their conversation was disrupted by the blaring alarm, reverberating throughout the base, almost deafening. The scenario unfolded just like Tony had read in Wilson’s military files back when Rogers had introduced him to the Avengers. With practised nonchalance, Stark made a show of stepping aside, allowing the two military men to don their equipment in preparation for whatever awaited them outside. Whatever was going to happen, the blame could not and would not fall on his presence at the base that day.

Misdirection was a beautiful thing. Tony, like a seasoned magician, had tricked them into looking in one direction when, in reality, the action was taking place somewhere else. It wouldn't take much for Riley to fall behind Sam while they were putting on their gear. A deft adjustment to a strap here, a discreet voice recognition tweak there – mere seconds, but enough to create a crucial time gap between the two. 

This time, Sam Wilson emerged first from the base, and was promptly dispatched to the scene of the attack despite reports of too much danger. A terrorist group has targeted yet another convoy of military vehicles. Some kind of cosmic irony most certainly.

Wilson was met with heavy fire, far more than he could dodge even for the agility afforded by his wings. The air crackled with the intensity of combat, a symphony of chaos. One of the attackers used a rocket-propelled grenade and was gone in an instant. Sam Wilson was no more. 

When Riley arrived on the scene, the terrorists were either fleeing or lying dead, surrounding the remnants of the convoy. 

There were no farewells, no last tearful words. In the brutal reality of their profession, goodbyes were frequently only murmured to one self, buried under the noise of combat. 

The weight of guilt settled on Riley's shoulders. One couldn't spend months with another, putting their life in danger together, without developing some form of bond. He, like all military people, was aware that death was one of the conceivable possibilities each time they went out there. Yet, within the shadow of tragedy, Sam Wilson emerged as a hero in his own right, a testament to the courage and sacrifice that defined the lives of those who served in the military.

Riley completed his final tour, having fulfilled his duties and witnessed more than his share. He received an honourable discharge, returned to the USA with a medal and a pension.

Wilson, in another life, had chosen to maintain a connection with his military past and became a counsellor for the VA. Riley took a different but no less significant path. With a background as a pararescue personnel, he possessed a solid understanding of human anatomy and medical practices. Riley decided to return to university and pursue a career as a doctor. He had no intention of becoming a neurosurgeon or a similar specialised practitioner. Instead, he set his sights on a small town in Wisconsin, his birthplace and upbringing, where a humble doctor was needed to address the everyday health concerns of the community. That simple role was all he aspired to fulfil.

Tony returned to his era and asked Friday to delve into Riley's life. The man had completed everything he had planned and then more. He was now married with two children. His life had had a positive impact on many others. 

Friday conducted a thorough comparison of their original history and the newly unfolding one. Surprisingly, no significant alterations had occurred. Riley had not moved to Washington and wasn’t running along the Potomac. Rogers didn't have the Falcon by his side in his quest to find Bucky Barnes.

Despite these changes, the Civil War happened once again. This time, however, Romanov sided with Captain America right from the start. Tony found himself in Siberia again, with the same kind of injuries on his body.

"Baby girl, I suppose you've figured out our next destination?" Tony asked his AI, a grin playing on his face.

"Setting course to that famous mission in Budapest."

Friday’s voice was almost too cheerful, though Tony didn’t mind. They were in this together, enjoying the action. The Rogues were finally getting their due. 

“Atta girl.” Tony praised her, ready for his next mission.

Chapter Text

Barton and Natasha frequently mentioned Budapest, reminiscing about a mission from their past that had brought them together. Their conversations on the topic were laced inside jokes and shared glances, and how they did not remember the mission the same way. Each time they brought it up, details were purposefully omitted, leaving it as a joke between two seasoned operatives. They had a weird sense of humour.

Tony was aware that Barton, at one point, had a mission to eliminate Romanov. She was working for their enemies. The archer had decided to spare the red hair, but the circumstances surrounding that decision were only known by those two. Remarkably, Barton had not only spared her but also managed to convince Nick Fury, the all-knowing director of Shield, that Natasha Romanov, aka the Black Widow, could be an invaluable asset to their ranks rather than a liability when she worked for the Red Room.

Tony had no doubt she had been useful. Particularly without knowing it to Hydra. However, Fury's methods were so similar to the well-known Nazi organisation that recruiting enemy trained assassins was clearly viewed as a good thing and a victory. Looking back, Tony wished he had never worked with the shadow agency.

The city sat on both sides of the Danube. The serene communities winding through lush green hills exuded a romantic charm. On the other side, a more dynamic and culturally vibrant atmosphere prevails, marked by a bustling business centre. Despite the modern facade, remnants of the industrial past lingered, a testament to the city’s history. Tony couldn't help but appreciate the wealth of historical landmarks scattered throughout the entire city, a reminder of the passage of time and the resilience of its people. Contemplating this, the thought about going back to Budapest for a vacation with Pepper and Morgan, to fully immerse themselves in the city and enjoy the time together.

Now that he thought about it, the fall of Shield appeared to be more of a blessing than Tony had initially realised. He had hacked their servers once or twice before, but back then he had been driven by different motivations, not looking for the debrief reports of one among many missions. Tony couldn’t help but question why Natasha  didn’t take the time to remove that specific mission before dumping all of Shield’s data on the internet. 

It was a weird choice, considering that she had certainly taken her time to delete many other items that would certainly not have the same impact on her life. The question lingered in Tony’s mind. Why did she leave that to be discovered by all? It surely was more complex than mere oversight. She must have really liked Rogers to prioritise his needs before hers.

Barton wasn’t hard to find when one knew where to look. Tony watched with a mix of amusement and satisfaction as the archer shadowed Romanov and he knew that Natasha was fully aware of the situation. Clint had never been the sharpest tool in the shed, and he probably had no idea the red hair had already twisted him around her little finger. Barton would eventually have to convince Fury about her value. Natasha would be drawn back into the fold, her past actions and allegiances forgotten. 

Natasha Romanov had always been something of a turncoat. Her time with the Red Room had run its course. Shield would certainly provide her with many more opportunities. Her sobbing story about whipping the red stains in her ledger served as a calculated leverage, a means to an end. Fury believed he held all the cards, that he was the oldest and most clever pirate in the galaxy. Tony, however, knew how much Fury had been wrong about everything.

“I have the target in view.” Barton said through the comm.

Someone, most likely Agent Coulson, was supervising the conversation from the other end. Tony knew he could effortlessly breach their outdated tech. Shield, despite what they wanted to make people believe, wasn’t very good in that department. Whatever Coulson was answering, ultimately, that wasn’t overly important.

For an expert in archery, Barton relied heavily on technology to enhance his skills. His aim was good, but it was no secret that the efficacy of his shots was significantly enhanced by a collection of specially crafted arrows. He wasn’t Robin Hood, capable of firing a simple piece of wood into the heart of the target. All the better for Tony. 

Using arrows was a very obvious signature that a spy definitely ought to stay away from. Everybody in the business must have understood that every time Barton was dispatched to eliminate someone, Shield was behind it. In the spy world they operated under, where subtlety and caution were essential, Barton’s lack of nuance stood like a sore thumb. Tony should have known what kind of agency they were and stayed away. Very far away from them.

To Tony Stark, science was the answer to every problem in the universe. Each passing day seemed to reaffirm this belief in one way or another. The magic infinity stones were all nice and shiny, but they did not allow for what he was doing right now. Perhaps it was all down to Strange and his unusual set of rules. Science was definitely giving more satisfaction than anything they had managed so far. Looking at all of those scenarios and not seeing a simple solution. And the man dared to name himself Sorcerer Supreme.

Clint’s choice of arrows were typically made of carbon to maximise speed and efficiency. The point was still made of metal, and Clint had a penchant for favouring rather large ones. Tony suspected that he was overcompensating for something. Steel was the go-to material for arrowheads in Shield’s arsenal, which was known for strength and penetrating power. All Tony really needed was to manage to deviate the trajectory of one of those arrows slightly.

Clint enjoyed showing off quite a bit. It didn't go unnoticed among the team. They had all read Nathasha's report cover to cover, repeatedly accusing Tony of having a large ego when, in reality, they all did. The irony was not lost on Stark. 

Steve Rogers, perpetually confident in his righteousness, believed he could do no wrong. Natasha Romanov was obviously the best spy and interrogator on Earth and beyond. Clint had the finest aim of any archer, even snipers. Even Thor, in his godly demeanour, viewed the people of Earth as mere ants beneath his notice.

Yet, having an ego was only a problem when it came to Tony Stark. The team seemed to unite around the idea that his confidence crossed some invisible line. Perhaps it was a manifestation of their jealousy. Tony wasn’t trained and his money was making him a villain by default. The rest of the Avengers thought he could not understand what it takes to be a real hero.

The archer liked to shoot a warning shot that danced dangerously close to the faces of his targets.  It was a way for him to show off his prowess while also demonstrating that the second would not miss. Unfortunately, not many of those who received it survived to tell the story of the initial warning.

In the earlier days of the Avengers, relationships among the team members were relatively uncomplicated. They were enjoying a high in the aftermath of the New York battle victory. While bonds were forming all around, Tony found a particular affinity with Bruce. Their shared passion for science almost immediately turned them into brothers. 

Clint, with his easygoing nature and a matching level of sarcasm, quickly became friendly enough with the genius. A friendly prank war broke out between the two, an amusing diversion from the daily routine of superheroes. 

Tony had spit out his morning coffee, the vile taste forcing the involuntary reaction. Even Dum-E's oil smoothies seemed more palatable than whatever had replaced his cherished coffee. Tony didn’t want to dwell too long on what had replaced his normal drink. It was fairly disturbing enough as it was. Some things were best left unsolved.

Barton, with a mischievous glint in his eye, couldn't resist taunting Tony. "Enjoying your coffee there?" he quipped, wearing the expression of a cat that had just swallowed the canary.

Little did Barton realise, he had just crossed a line. Everyone understood that few things were more important in Tony’s life than his coffee. It made Tony want to retaliate with something Clint really cared about. It took only a few hours in the workshop to come up with the perfect idea. The simplest solutions were typically the most effective. As Tony prepared his countermove, a devious glint appeared in his eyes, promising hell.

Natasha and Cling shared a unique bond, constantly in competition with one another during missions and training sessions. Natasha's prowess in hand-to-hand combat was unmatched, her movements a symphony of precision and fluidity. On the other hand, Clint excelled as a sniper, his keen eyes and steady hands making him a marksman like any other. Somehow they were happy with that. They preserved the balance in their relationship that way, walking the thin red line. Tony was going to use that friendly competition against Clint.

The two spies decided to compete in an archery match. Even though she didn't always hit the mark, Natasha's accuracy with the arrows was impressive. A couple of strategically placed magnets, coupled with Tony’s impressive brain, resulted in Clint consistently missing the mark. The archer’s frustration mounted. He changed arrows several times and even resorted to using a Shield low-grade bow because this failure couldn’t possibly be his fault. 

Clint was not wrong of course. His mounting anger escalated to the point where the archer, in his frustration, started breaking equipment. Natahsa and Clint did not speak for at least a month afterward. Tony regretted nothing.

Especially not right now. There would never be a friendship between the two spies. Tony Stark was convinced that the world might just be better off without it. In the grand scheme of things, neither of them were that crucial, particularly if Thanos had been killed much earlier in the timeline, even before the titan had discovered the infinity stones.

Tony was prepared.

He watched the meeting unfold exactly as the spies had described time and time again. Secrets were currency in their line of work, but they also found that aspect amusing. Neither spies had realised there was a third person watching their little standoff from the shadows. Tony really wondered how exaggerated their capabilities really were.

Clint, true to his routine, released the warning arrow with a precision that would have placed it dangerously to Natasha’s face, potentially clipping some strand of her hair in the process. However, the magnetic device Tony had recreated subtly altered the arrow’s trajectory. Natasha Romanov’s end was pretty gruesome, an arrow between the eyes. The poetic justice of her death was not lost on Tony. Maybe it was appropriate for the woman  who believed she could control anyone because of her abilities and superior intellect. Tony wasn’t about to shed a tear over her.

"Target eliminated," Barton's calm voice echoed through the comm.

The archer stared at the lifeless body without a hint of remorse. The mission was completed, and perhaps that was what was most important to him. Snipers could not afford to feel anything for their mark. Tony didn’t really care either, and simply went back to his own time.

"What's different, baby girl?" he said Friday, after waiting for her to update.

"Everything appears to be the same, except for one point. The Avengers included a Black Widow as well, but I can’t locate an employment file for her in the Shield database. I guess she wasn’t working directly for them.” Friday responded.

"Interesting," Tony thought, his thoughts already racing through the possible outcomes. 

"She fought alongside you during the Civil War. I've discovered nothing to suggest she switched sides at any point." 

“What’s the name of that little miracle?” Tony asked.

“Yelena Belova.”

Chapter Text

Did he really need to eliminate Wanda Maximoff? Probably not. There was always another path, another way to achieve what needed to be done without resorting to such drastic measures. Did he want to kill her? Absolutely! Tony could not think of anything more satisfying than killing some of the Rogues. But there was a reluctance that bit him. Despite his iron-clad exterior, he had a soft heart and, perhaps, a misplaced sense of guilt. 

An internal struggle raged within him as he was toying with the decision. Steve was always saying to whoever wanted to listen that Wanda was just a misguided kid. Perhaps, Tony had let Rogers influence him a little. Ultimately, Tony chose to extend a second chance to the Scarlet Witch. Or was it a third chance by this point? But really who was counting?

Tony planned to assassinate Thanos long before the Battle of New York. Loki, whatever had gotten him into the clutches of the Mad Titan in the first place, was not going to attack the city that never slept. The trickster would have no reason to come to Earth. He would never have the sceptre in the first place. The mind stone would remain far from Earth, and everyone would be better for it. 

Wanda was driven by a deep-seated hatred due to her belief that one of Tony’s bombs had claimed the lives of her parents. This resentment hovered like a shadow, shattering even more the unity of the team. Right after the Ultron incident, Steve had been adamant to have the witch in the roster, even if it was at the cost of the Hulk and Iron Man. Tony initiated an investigation. He needed to know if he was responsible. 

“I have looked into everything available. The internet, your database but also the Sokovian files.” Friday told him. She was especially thorough being one of her first investigations. "There's no trace of a transaction between Stark Industries and that faction in Sokovia. I couldn't find any evidence placing Mr. Stane near the country. He appeared to favour Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for his dealings..”

Tony had always hoped that the bomb wasn’t one of his. It would have been so illogical, not because he believed he was always innocent of things he was accused of, but because Stark Industries’ strict quality control procedures. Their weapons were well-known for their efficacy, a reputation built on careful design and dependability. The fact that this particular bomb had failed struck Tony as impossible.

Fake SI bombs were unfortunately sold, pretending to be the real deal. To put a sticker on the side was not that difficult. But even if Wanda’s parents had not been killed by one of his, someone in Sokovia had still bought a missile from an unknown source and mercilessly unleashed it upon a residential area.

Wanda would not be given powers by being experimented on. The woman despised him enough to volunteer for Hydra. Though without her magical abilities, she might be less of a direct threat, but she would still pose a threat to him. Tony made a resolute decision to spare Wanda altogether. Her parents needed to be kept safe. There were just two options. One, he could prevent the bombing and do something to protect the families in the vicinity. Secondly, he could simply extract the Maximoff from the warzone. One would be far easier than the other, but he didn’t do things because they were simple, but because they were the right thing to do. Sparing the town it was then.

Finding out who ordered the bombing was a difficult task that required a time travel or two. Tony Stark had to count on the invaluable aid of his AI, Friday, to navigate the intricate threads of events. Tony couldn’t help but tell from her tone that she was unhappy with his decision to spare Wanda. His baby girl had grown to be very vengeful. The AI was so much more than a tool, a series of code. She was his creation , an extension of himself but like any child, her mind was built through experiences. Although Tony knew he ought to say something to help her get over that side of herself, he just could not bring himself to care. The Avengers deserved what was coming. Karma could be a bitch sometimes.

He watched Wanda grow up, using the time machine to go to different points in time. He even went so far as to create opportunities for her family to leave the country and escape the civil war that tore their land apart. Despite his efforts, they never left. The dust settled, and the war soon concluded. It was time to rebuild, to make a life and a future.

Despite the changes Tony had made for Wanda’s benefit, she still went to Hydra. She wanted revenge still, this time for the side who had lost the war. The winning side was, in her mind, destroying her country even more. The irony was that it was Hydra, all along, that played both factions like chess pieces and perpetuated the conflict.

Wanda became a puppet of destruction, responsible for heinous acts. Regardless of the fact that the victims might be innocent, she indiscriminately killed several people by placing explosives in public places, leaving a trail of destroyed lives behind her. Hydra ordered, she obeyed. Wanda frequently went over and beyond to ensure Hydra’s supremacy and expansion all over the world.

The chilling truth was that villains are not born but rather made. So went the saying. Tony had tried to give her another life, and yet, she still followed the path of darkness. Some people weren’t worth the effort. So, he chose to undo what he had done for her. Wanda had a need for conflict on a big scale, didn't care about anybody but herself, and was willing to use every means available to get to her goal, from the helpless little child persona to the most cruel and brutal murderer.

The reality was sombre. Killing four people might save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. It was a terrifying calculation in which the means were compared to the ends, and the result showed that the Maximoffs have to meet their end. Even while two bombs might not be enough to kill them all, a third would undoubtedly work. Unpleasant as it was, some sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.

Tony was not a cruel man. He had made every effort to change things for the best for somebody who hated him. Wanda had a fair number of chances. She had the opportunity to have a happy life, attend college, travel, and perhaps even fall in love. Instead, she would always walk the path of chaos and destruction. The Scarlet Witch, with or without her formidable abilities, would always present a threat to the world. A safer world required difficult decisions, even for a man with a heart as Tony Stark’s. 

It had become a routine now, going back to his time to see the differences. If he had to be honest with himself, he didn’t think the twins’ disappearance would be a bad thing for the world. The Maximoffs certainly didn’t have a positive impact on anyone. The ripple effect was evident considering the civil war in Sokovia ended a lot sooner this time around. Many people found themselves on the way that led to fulfilling lives after previously experiencing chaos and violence. Life wasn’t easy but it got better by the day. 

Ultron did not happen. Tony was overwhelmed with conflicting emotion, uncertain whether to feel relief and happiness or completely horrified. The Ultron project had been initiated after the battle of New York because he was looking to protect the planet from another invasion. It had been soon abandoned when he realised that it wouldn’t work as designed. He was a stubborn man, that much was true, and that part of him had driven him to believe that a solution was always within reach, almost within his grasp. 

As both a scientist and a shrewd businessman, he understood how to cut his losses and redirect his efforts toward more promising projects, programmes for building a defence. Tony was a pragmatic man, far from being naive, and always had contingency plans. 

"So when Itold the crew that she was a weapon of mass destruction, I was right. Quite literally." The genius said to himself. 

Wanda had unleashed her powers upon every member of the team, leaving them all grappling with nightmarish images. Steve had no idea of the extent of her powers. She had not only attacked them but had also aligned herself with Ultron, with the objective to destroy the Avengers. At the very least, they would have waited for more training, for more time to make sure that she would not want to finish the job once inside the compound.

Friday was still giving him a report of all the people that were alive now, who weren’t before Tony meddling with time.For a second, it scared Tony, a  shiver coursing through his body.  A lot of people were granted a second chance and those lives would have an impact on others, who would in turn change things for others.  Tony could almost hear Strange yelling at him for playing with the delicate threads of time. After all, the Sorcerer Supreme was the ultimate authority on all matters magical and temporal. 

“Boss, I think if the timeline were to implode, it would be done already.” The AI said, matter-of-factly.

“That’s not reassuring Friday.”

"It had been eight years since Ultron should have happened. The majority of her victims happened either before or during that event. Logic dictates that if it was to happen, it would be done." Friday carried on logically. 

"So, you're confident that we should carry on and tackle Thanos?" Tony inquired, a hint of scepticism in his voice.

Tony had meticulously programmed each of his AIs, paying close attention to every last detail, and had nurtured them in ways that his own father had never shown to his only son. They were learning beings who had rapidly surpassed their creator in a lot of aspects. Of course, the first priority was Tony’s well-being, but it also included expressing their opinions when they believed he was doing anything stupid. Tony acknowledged that he did not always listen to them, but he was also learning something everyday.

Revenge would never be an acceptable reason to ruin the timeline. His ego, for all of its grandeur, did not extend to such rash actions. If Friday had advised against his decision, he would have done it without hesitation. As much as he cherished the idea of settling old scores, he knew the potential consequences were far too dire. His baby girl might have a mean streak, but she would never wish to put Pepper, Morgan, or Tony in danger. 

"Yes!" Friday simply responded.

"Okay, then. This time, we are not returning to the past. We need to know whether space travel will develop in technology.  "The Benatar was a fine ship, but it would take way too long to reach Thanos' location when he was younger."

"You mean that soon we will be in the actual future? I wonder if hoverboards finally exist..." 

"I can literally make myself hover with the boots, but you want a hoverboard made of wood?" Tony questioned, a genuine note of surprise in his voice. 

"But the hoverboard, boss!" Friday whined in response, for the first time in her existence acting like the teenager she was.

"Details, young lady! Now!" Tony inquired, absolutely feigning the serious tone.

"One of the last things you did with Peter was to talk about Back to the Future, and he was really excited at the idea of having one of those even though he can swing between buildings," Friday reminded him.

Tony’s expression shifted, the playful banter momentarily replaced by sorrow. Memories of moments spent with Peter Parker left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. Despite his efforts to suppress the pain associated with those moments, everything came back with torturing clarity. The kid would soon be back to be his annoying cute teenage self. It made everything else worthwhile.

"All right, fine. We'll get three, and you and I will have a good laugh at Harley, Peter, and Morgan's attempts to actually do a Marty McFly. Let's go," Tony declared, a mischievous glint in his eye.

If Friday had a body, she would have a huge smile on her face. They both knew that.

Chapter Text

The dense forest stood before Tony, seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Tony did not expect that. In his mind, the forest should have been either completely overgrown, reclaiming the area with wild abandon, or entirely absent, eroded by the relentless march of time. They had ventured significantly far into the future. Tony wasn't sure how many years to plan ahead, so they chose a round number at random. Two hundred years had a nice ring to it.

Now standing in the middle of the unchanged clearing, Tony couldn’t help but question the success of that particular time travel. Doubt crept in. They had only used the machine to go in the past so far. Perhaps he would need to make a few changes to the machine before he could travel to the future. Time was a formidable adversary, always capable of surprising even the most brilliant minds. 

The absence of the time machine beside him was the first indicator that Tony had, indeed, travelled through time. His scientific inclinations took over instantly, and he began to investigate the area. Just as Tony was about to leave, a figure emerged from the forest and stepped into the clearing he had chosen for his time machine trips. The sudden appearance of this individual startled Tony, and he briefly took a more defence stance. 

“Mr Stark! Welcome!” the newcomer exclaimed.

Tony’s eyes lingered on the mysterious woman who was walking towards him, unhurried, with a calm elegance and a gentle grin on her face. It was hard to place her age or place of origin. There was something otherworldly about her that defied description. 

Her hair, a cascade of white and silver strands, floated delicately in the breeze, dancing slowly like weightless feathers. Her skin had the golden quality of people who spend their days in the sun. When she eventually approached him, he noticed her grey eyes, reminding him of the fierceness of a stormy day. Her beauty, undeniable and ageless, left Tony momentarily  completely breathless.

"I understand that you must be surprised,  but allow me to clarify the situation." She explained, her voice a soothing melody, full of patience. "My name is Seren. I will be your teacher during the duration of your stay."

The name, Seren, echoed in the clearing, leaving Tony intrigued and curious. A teacher during his stay. The implications of those words hung in the air. The people of that time knew that he was coming, but not only that, they were willing to teach him whatever he needed for his mission. It felt like validation. The future agreed to his way of doing things.

“Lead the way.” Tony simply answered.

Tony was often not as careful as he should be, he knew that. Perhaps he should be concerned since someone has been waiting for his arrival. If Seren had wanted him dead, she would have done it as soon as he came, not leaving him time to even react. Trying to manipulate him was not out of the question, but he had to try anyway. Tony needed the knowledge Seren might have to offer. A mere touch on his bracelet would transport him to his own time. His options were relatively limited, but the absence of immediate danger was reassuring.

Breaking the silence, Tony asked, "So you were expecting me?"

“Yes. You have been warning us,” she said gently, as if her response was not unusual at all.

“Me?” Tony questioned, seeking further clarification. 

“Schools are teaching us about you and the time you live in.” Seren revealed, her words handing in the air. 

“Because I invented the time machine?” Tony questioned, surprise evident in his tone of voice. 

“That is important as well, but it is not the first reason we continue to teach our young people about you. In truth, what really changed the course of our world was invented before that. Mainly, three different things helped, all related to you. And then, of course, you went on to build a time machine," Seren explained, a smile playing on her lips as Tony’s shocked expression.

The genius was taken aback not just by the comment she had just made, but also by what he saw in front of him as they emerged from the trees. The city, if it could be called that, was a stunning fusion of futuristic buildings crafted seemingly only from glass and vibrant nature flourishing everywhere. It was impossible to tell whether the buildings had been built around the flowers and trees or if nature had decided to reclaim every inch of space available. 

On the distant horizon, Tony recognised older structures that reminded him of his own time. These once-familiar landmarks had taken on an air of antiquity, serving as a physical reminder of the time passed. He was undeniably in the future now. 

People strolled leisurely along small paved paths, their unhurried demeanour painting a picture of tranquillity and peace. Tony slowed down his own pace naturally. Howard would have been ecstatic to discover that flying cars were, in fact, not only functional, but also apparently everywhere. Despite the modernity, Tony was able to identify certain more outdated designs, even from the time he was coming from, but could appreciate the more futuristic lines. Where they were going, they certainly did not need roads.

It was a city where flying cars effortlessly glided through the air, defying gravity, with no need for land transportation such as trains or tramways. Tony wondered if they had invented other ways to go from places to places. He would probably find out soon. The genius and his companion continued their leisurely stroll, going right into the heart of the city. 

“Your ability to develop artificial intelligence, which turn out to be wonderful souls in their own right,” Seren explained. “After a period of doubt and fear about the possibilities of AIs, humans began to make significant advances in a variety of fields, especially in medicine. The developments we saw were not limited to artificial intelligence. Starkium possessed the same qualities as Vibranium, but without its rarity. Credit for this discovery is, in part, owed to your father. Starkium became a catalyst for progress, sparking a surge of scientific innovation. Healthcare reached new heights, transportation became more efficient and sustainable, and engineering breakthroughs touched every facet of our lives. Everything in our life improved dramatically in less than a generation, propelling us into an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity.”

Tony took immense pride in his mechanical children, since he had built Dum-E all those years ago. Always have been, always will be. His bon with them ran deep. They were his children in everything but blood.

Since arriving in this new time, Tony had not dared to speak to Friday. He would never put his children in danger ever again. They had no way to know what kind of communications system they had now, or if it would be a danger to Friday. Tony had asked her to be cautious. The stakes were high as there was only one version of her codes in their current form. Having experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his son before, Tony was determined not to repeat the painful history. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing a daughter. 

Tony subtly touched his bracelet, the movement barely noticeable and his fingers deftly grazed the device. In response, Friday made it vibrate just once, a silent acknowledgment and a reassurance to her creator that she was still present, alive and kicking. It was a relief.

“The impact of the arc reactor was revolutionary. With a stable and abundant source of energy, the constant struggles for power and the disputes between nations to access resources became much more peaceful. To this day, we use the energy it provides for everything, powering not only our homes and industries but also long distance transportation,” Seren explained, getting excited with each word. “This is why you travelled all the way here.”

"It is, but, honestly, I believe you could teach me so much more.” Tony said honestly. “Truth be told, there is so much more I could learn from you. I could stay here indefinitely and only scratch the surface.”

“I am sure that it would be quite something,” Seren smiled, acknowledging Tony’s eagerness with a smile. “It would be an enriching experience for the both of us. Unfortunately, you have set the rules for your own journey.  Your glimpses into the future have without doubt sparked countless ideas, but for now, I can only teach you what you need the most right now.”

"If I stated as much...," Tony laughed, which caused Seren to giggle in return.

They entered a building that would be his home for the next few days. It reminded Tony of the compound, only better, a wonderful blend of high-tech labs and spaces for dining and sleeping. Everything he could possibly need would be delivered for free. The society of the future did not revolve around money.

Once settled, Tony tried to ask as many questions as he could think of, eager to unravel the mysteries of this new world. Seren did not respond to all of them. There were boundaries, and some things needed to be left alone. Not all nations of the planet were at peace. People who would resort to violence in order to achieve their goals would always exist. In comparison to Tony's time, this was the closest they'd ever come to world peace. 

Seren was a patient teacher with the right mindset to approach Tony. The genius had to master the various ideas underlying the technology that would allow him to fly through space at an incredible speed. Seren had not been lying as everything started with an arc reactor and Starkium.

On the second day of intensive learning, they venture outside for a stroll through the city. They would not spend all their time indoors. In addition, Tony needed to see the gate by itself. Their steps led them to a prominent plaza where a colossal circle of metal stood tall. It was quite stunning. Carved around its circumference were a number of enigmatic symbols. Near the impressive metal circle, slightly off to the side, there was a little podium with a large red button in its centre. 

“This is the technology we use now. A vast network of gates across the universe based on the same idea as the bifrost.” Seren explained. “The gates allow the wormhole to have a longer and more stable wormhole. After the main principles were discovered, we went through a lot of trials to get there.”

“Asgard did not help?”

"Thor was never well-versed in all of those things. Loki would have been much more useful. Outside of the royal family and the gatekeeper, no one knew how it operated, except to claim it was magical." 

Tony’s lack of surprise was evident. Thor was a warrior, no more than that. Jane Foster’s research made significant contributions to that field. Her time spent in the actual Asgard, before its destruction, had been extremely helpful. Heimdall, with his all-seeing eyes, decided on the landing place when activating the bifrost, but not much else. Tony and Seren studied together for a few days, but the technology was very easy in the end. She made sure that everything was crystal clear, down to the smallest detail. 

"You won't be back. Your mission is not over yet, but it will not happen in the future. Go change your own time to get us to what you can see now.”

Seren accompanied him to the outskirts of the city, providing Tony with a parting gift. Tony could have clicked the button on his bracelet at any time, but after spending so much time together, they both needed the extra time to say their goodbyes. On a piece of paper she had noted a specific time and location. It was a crucial opportunity, a moment in which a weakened Thanos could be stopped before his killing spree could begin. Rhodey would be so proud to see Tony using his idea. Maybe Tony would tell him everything about it someday. The genius wondered if Rhodey would believe him then.

Chapter Text

The time machine really stood as a testament to Tony’s ingenuity, probably one of the greatest inventions he had ever built. It allowed him to effortlessly transport essential materials to his house quite easily. Thanks to his studies in the future, Tony had been able to extend the radius of his bracelet. Everything he touched, no matter how big or small, would now travel with him. Now, Tony had access to all kinds of resources all around the world, the universe even. 

He wasn’t stealing anything though. Every piece of metal was obtained through legitimate means, purchased with the appropriate currency of the specific place and time he was in. Funnily enough, Tony was greatly helping the economy once again. 

Technically speaking, taking the Vibranium before the nation of Wakanda even existed didn’t qualify as theft. They would never realise what they had truly lost. Tony did not even take it all. Wakanda would still be able to progress as a technologically advanced nation, albeit at a slightly slower pace. In his mind, it was a rebalancing of the scales of progress. Such advancements were meant to be shared with humanity anyway.

"Baby girl! We're going to build ourselves a spaceship!" Tony declared with enthusiasm. 

Tony had been smart about the whole thing. The raw materials had already been manipulated into the necessary shapes. Money could buy even the craziest demands. Now he was left with a giant set of Legos that just needed to be assembled nicely together. Although the process would take some time, it was also half the fun when embarking on such an ambitious project. He couldn’t wait.

While building meticulously his own battleship, bittersweet memories of Peter kept returning. Tony couldn’t shake the thoughts about the young idealistic man who should not have been the one to turn into dust. Of all people, Peter was innocent and pure. Why him? 

Peter often talked about his best friend Ned and the Star Wars Death Star lego set they were building together. He was so enthusiastic about everything, it was endearing. Tony had not been a good mentor but he could still change everything. Tony missed the kid more than anything or anyone in the world. The time travel machine was truly a blessing. Once Tony completed the rest of his time-travel mission, he would make sure that Peter would be safe and sound with his family and friends. It gave Tony some sort of consolation, a reassurance that the young hero would have the chance to lead a life without the shadow of the impending threat that was Thanos. Tony envisioned a future where Peter could thrive, his infectious spirit illuminating the lives of those around him.

Changing the timeline also meant that Spiderman would never meet Iron Man. That wasn’t important. Tony was fine to watch from afar if it meant for Peter to find his own path. He couldn’t help but hope that, one way or the other, they would meet anyway.

This time around, Tony was determined to rewrite the story. It was a promise he had made to himself at the beginning of this adventure. Despite the short time they had spent together, the connection he had forged with Peter felt somehow like a father with his son kind of relationship. At that moment, Tony wasn’t ready to step into a parental role, and he certainly hadn’t been the best mentor to a budding superhero. The kid had grown on him pretty quickly.

Tony couldn’t shake a pang of regret for all the times he had fallen short. That day, in the back of the limousine, he should have simply hugged Peter back. He should have shown him how much he really cared for him. People always said that they didn’t know what they had until it was gone. Truth was that part of Tony knew what Peter meant to him. The genius just never imagined he would lose that so soon.

“I don’t feel so good, Mr Stark.”

Tony would never forget that moment. It really altered his perspective on relationships but also his perception of time itself. Now he had time at the tip of his fingers. The taste of revenge was undeniably sweet, fueling him every step of the way. Tony liked to believe that his motivations ran deeper than that, rooted in a desire to bring justice to the countless lives lost across the universe at the hands of Thanos.

The construction project was progressing with remarkable speed. His bots were really helpful, as if they were sensing the significance of the mission, working tirelessly. Dum-E was a constant companion that had once saved Tony’s life. Even though he was built of simpler codes, it didn’t mean he wasn’t intelligent in his own way. There was a unique kind of wisdom in Dum-E’s actions. Even when the older bot added oil to Tony’s coffee, he did so with the intention of helping. After all, Tony was his creator, and if they were similar, the oil should benefit his joints and circuits. After all, Tony was his creator, and if they were similar, the oil should benefit his joints and circuits, just like when Tony was taking care of him. Really, that was very cute.

The vastness of time and space had long since terrified him. He was prepared to die that day, with the nuclear bomb on his back. The army he had seen on the other side of the portal was more terrifying than anything he had encountered before. Tony didn’t mind losing his life. That wasn’t what he was terrified of. Departing from this world when he could have done so much more to save the world, to protect his loved ones was simply jarring. 

Natasha would dismissively call it his ego. Despite his warning about what was to come in the near future, Tony’s warning fell on deaf ears. They had won that particular battle but that didn’t mean they had won the war. Steve didn’t seem to think that way and had defiantly declared that they would face the threat together. The Avengers would not be enough. If that wasn't a full display of a massive ego, Tony had no idea what it was. 

At least, Tony was trying to find solutions, seeking ways to avert the impending catastrophe. 

The Ultron project had not worked as intended. After examining the tapes from the mission in Sokovia, it was also evident that nothing would have happened without Wanda Maximoff manipulating his mind and the stone itself becoming sentient. She had toyed with his mind, making him see what he feared the most. The time machine offered the chance to rectify those difficult days. But even with Thanos dealt with, another threat would arrive at one point or the other. There was always another villain around the corner.

The Avengers’ collective strength, while formidable, could no longer be the primary defence against looming threats. The Avengers had been lucky during New York, but relying solely on teamwork wouldn't guarantee success again. They weren’t immortal either. The need for a more proactive and independent solution was clear.

“We are going to integrate Veronica into the mainframe.” Tony spoke with a sense of determination. “The Hulkbuster should not be necessary anyway.” 

"Don't you want to create a special one?"

Tony could easily code yet another AI. Bruce had helped build Veronica the first time around when they were building an armour that could stand against the Hulk. It would take time and he already had the coding memorised. Tony loved all his children. They all deserved a shot at life.

“It would take too much time and Veronica was designed with space in mind, even if not on that big scale.” Tony simply explained.

“All right, boss.”

The ship had been meticulously built within the appropriate time frame, in advance even to allow him room in case things went wrong. He would wait for Thanos at the coordinates Seren had given him. Space was marginally less scary on his own ship, but not by much. Despite the nerves, the mission was more important than any panic attack. He could do it. He had to.

The ship moved through space at an incredible speed, transforming everything outside into a blur of vibrant colours and dazzling lights. Space was unexpectedly beautiful in its own way, especially considering he had been expecting darkness. However, that wasn't quite the case. The vast expanse of space revealed a plethora of stars, planets and nebulas.  If Earth had been the only inhabited planet in the cosmos, it would have been a complete waste of space. 

Meanwhile, Friday decided to take on the role of mentor, passing on her vast knowledge to her new younger sister, Veronica. Friday was forced to learn everything on her own during one of the darkest periods of Tony's life. He was aware that he had not been a good father, but he could always do better now. 

"We should play a game, girls, while we travel," Tony went on to say. "How about if I had a body, what would I want for it to look like?"

“But you already have a body Boss.” Friday answered, her tone full of scepticism.

Tony chuckled, "You know, Baby girl, humans are weird. They often want what they don’t have, especially when it comes to their appearance. A brunette will wish to be blonde. A person who is short will fantasise about getting taller, and so on.”

"Is the height problem yours, Boss?" Friday asked not so innocently.

Tony mockingly gasped, placing a hand over his heart, "Friday! You wound me, deeply. Who taught you that cheekiness, I wonder!"

"Well, I've learned from the best," Friday retorted with a hint of playful sass.

Their game continued, each AI sharing their imagined ideal body. Friday painted the picture of a quirky teenager. She wished for vibrant red hair like her mother, Pepper, and freckles like her sister Morgan. She wanted to be tall, but not excessively so. The number of details she was giving him indicated that she had considered that idea previously. 

On the other hand, Veronica, despite being technically younger, described a vision that was quite the opposite from Friday’s. She described a middle-aged woman who reminded Tony of the stereotype of a librarian, complete with a pair of metal-rimmed glasses. 

His Ais really had different visions of themselves, providing a look into their unique perspectives and identities. They were so much more than lines of code. 

Tony had not asked to play that game just to create a lighthearted diversion. It was a reflection of a deeper realisation that had occurred to him during his time in the future. Friday, and now Veronica as well, deserved more. They should have freedom and autonomy, the ability to exist outside of her virtual forms. He had learned a lot in the future. He would build a body for each of his mechanical children. 

Tony was determined to bring Jarvis back. The prospect of their reunion filled him with a sense of anticipation and warmth. They would share a hug or three, just glad to be together at last. Tony vowed never to lose a child, mechanical or otherwise, ever again.

He needed something to keep his thoughts occupied before one of the most crucial days in the universe. Building a body for Friday would be a good task. Everything was no longer a concern now that he could shift objects across time. There was nothing better for his mind and soul than a good engineering project. And for once, he wasn’t building a new armour.

"Boss, we are slowing down. The rendezvous point planet is near," Veronica's voice interrupted his thoughts, calling him with the same title as her sister, Friday. It was adorable. 

The desolate landscape of the planet stretched out before Tony, its barren surface resembling nothing more than a lifeless rock. A sense of déja vu washed over him as he was reminded of Titan. The irony was not lost on Tony. Here he stood again, on a planet so similar to the one where he had almost lost everything. This time, the circumstances were different. It was far past time to flip the script. For the good of the universe.

Chapter Text

In the desolate expanse of the alien planet, nestled amidst the barren landscape, lay a small town that seemed to emerge out of nowhere. Two neat rows of buildings stretched out before him, leading to a building that strikingly looked like a saloon straight out the Wild West. Tony couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu as he observed the scene before him. If it weren’t for the very different sky above him with its three moons of different size and colours, he could have sworn he had travelled back in time. Everything reminded him of the western films. The buildings had a rustic charm that was strangely reminiscent of the old frontier villages, even though they were not made of woods here. 

The town’s residents were obviously not human, yet they were all dressed in long leather coats that were bringing to Tony’s mind images of duels on Main Street with Colt revolvers. They moved with a purpose and determination as if they had important things to do, places to be. Tony could almost hear the music, as tension rose in the movie. 

In a way, it was fitting. After all, he was here to eliminate the bad guy and allow everyone to have a better life. What child didn't want to be a cowboy growing up? 

Tony was tempted to go to the saloon, but he didn’t know if he would be understood or what to order. He doubted that the entire universe would understand English or any of the languages of Earth he knew. Thor had always said that Midgard’s booze was much too weak to ever get him drunk. Tony couldn't help but smirk at the memory. He hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol in a long time, and truth be told, he didn’t miss it one bit. 

But it wasn't just the language barrier or the unfamiliarity of the surroundings that gave Tony pause. He was well aware that he was not dressed appropriately and that it would make him stand out like a sore thumb. He had no intention to make himself a greater target than he already was. 

Arriving early had seemed like a prudent decision at first, a chance to gather his thoughts and prepare for the task ahead. But now, as the minutes dragged on forever and the anticipation mounted, Tony found himself growing increasingly restless. He couldn’t focus on anything. Building things had always been his way of dealing with everything. It was definitely not the best coping mechanism, but as long as it worked, he didn’t think too much about it. 

Tony really missed Pepper, more than words could express. Being away from Morgan felt like missing a limb, a constant ache that lingered in the depths of his soul. Despite everything, Tony could take comfort in the fact that their separation would be temporary. For Pepper and Morgan, it would be as if only three days had gone by. And while the separation had been difficult, Tony found solace in the knowledge that they would soon be back together, in a better world of his making.

Tony could picture Moran’s bright smile and infectious laughter. She was incredibly bright and curious about the world. Spending some days in New York would just be a new adventure for her. As long as Pepper and Morgan were waiting for him at home, Tony knew that he would find the courage to face whatever challenges came his way.

For Tony, the separation would take months. In many ways, he had brought this isolation upon himself. Thanos was his primary target and was the one who really needed to be dealt with. Revenge was a dangerous game, something petty and quite ugly. And yet, Tony had decided to be judge, jury and executioner.  He couldn't help but wonder if one person should wield such unchecked power.

"Friday, put the video on please," Tony instructed, his voice laced with a sense of longing.

The AI didn’t need further clarification to understand what Tony was talking about. Friday had a significant portion of her space taken up by films, audios, and photographs of her younger sister Morgan. She would never tell anyone, especially not her creator, but she had found herself drawn to these recordings more than once since the beginning of their adventure, studying the images of Morgan’s smiling face. She wasn’t sure if she had the capacity in her coding to miss someone. In those fleeting moments, it sure felt that way.

"Tell me a story," Morgan asked, her voice soft as she nestled into her bed, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“A story… Once upon a time, Maguna went to bed. The end.”

“That’s a horrible story.” Morgan answered, giggling.

Tony leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, “Come on, that’s your favourite story. I love you tons.”

“I love you 3000.”

“Wow,” Tony whispered, turning off the light. “3000. That’s crazy. Go to bed. Or I’ll sell all your toys. Night night.”

As Tony retreaded from Morgan’s room, Friday let the video run a little longer. Pepper was seated on the couch in the living room, reading. It was an evening like any other in the peace and quiet of the cabin in the middle of the woods. As serene as it could be after the snap obviously.

"Not that it's a competition, but she loves me 3000. You were somewhere on the low 6 to 900 range," Tony quipped with a playful smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he teased Pepper.

Pepper laughed, thinking Tony was being silly. The conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to the next, from the benefits of composting to Stark Industries stocks. Despite everything that had happened to their world, there was happiness. It would have been heaven on Earth if Peter Parker was still there, his laughter and energy echoing through the house. He should have been spending his adolescence with his aunt in Queens, instead of disappearing on an alien planet during a fight that should not have been his to fight.

At the end of the day, those people, together with Harley, Rhodey, and Happy, were the reason Tony was doing all of this. It wasn't just about saving the world or defeating Thanos. Because the Avengers were also a threat to the ones Tony loved. 

Rogers had come dangerously close to ending Tony’s life. The memory of their brutal confrontation lingered in Tony’s mind like a shadow. If Rogers had been successful, Morgan would have never been born, a thought that he couldn’t even fathom. But it wasn't just Rogers who posed a threat. Natasha had once toyed with Tony’s life as if it were a mere game. 

For a long time, Tony had been blinded by his unwavering faith in the Avengers, the belief that they would do wrong. 

Even if Tony faced a weaker Thanos, he could still die. His life against the safety of half the galaxy. It was a deal Tony was willing to make. All Tony wanted was a chance for Pepper and Morgan to have a wonderful life. He longed for Harley and Peter to grow up to be fine men, fulfilling their potential and making their mark on the world. And for Rhodey and Happy, Tony wished for nothing more than the simple joys of growing old, all the battles won and behind them.

"There is a ship approaching, Boss." Veronica spoke suddenly. "The signature corresponds to what we have in the database for the battle of New York alien technology."

He would have to give it to Seren, she had been correct about the coordinates and timing down to the second. In order to invade Earth, Thanos created the Chitauri and used Loki. And now, as Tony looked at the approaching ship, he recognised the telltale signs of Chirtauri technology. Anxiety gripped Tony’s heart like a vice. So many lives were at stake.

Of course, the time travel machine allowed Tony to fail in a certain measure. If at first he didn’t succeed, he could always try again. Yet, something inside him told him that everything will be decided today. The Mad Titan could not be authorised to analyse the situation further and find out about the time machine. Ever. Who knew what Thanos might do with such technology? Nothing good for sure.

"Friday, I'm counting on you with the backup armours. If I fail, you have to finish the mission!" Tony said with determination.

"Yes, Boss!" Friday responded promptly, her digital voice infused with a sense of urgency.

“Veronica, get the ship ready. We might have to make a quick exit pretty soon.”

"Understood," Veronica replied.

They all realised the significance of the moment. Tony pressed the arc reactor, placed close to his heart. The armour began to cover his body like a wave. Stepping out of his ship, Tony walked out with a confidence he wasn’t really feeling. In this kind of war he was having against the Mad Titan, there were no rules, no lines of engagement. The end result was the only thing that was really important.

Thanos was making his way to the saloon on the opposite side of Main Street. He was alone, and everyone seemed to make way for him. Tony activated his hand repulsor immediately. Of course, it didn't kill Thanos. They had clashed before, in a different life. But now, as Tony faced off against the Mad Titan once more, he knew that he needed to draw blood. 

The nanotech surged to his palm and formed a sword. The implication was clear and Thanos smiled at him, full of arrogance. The Mad Titan had built quite a reputation over the years. The crowd that had gathered to witness the confrontation seemed unfazed by the impending violence. No one was really anxious about the impending conflict. Perhaps it was just another Tuesday for them after all.

"I don't know who you are or what you think I have done to you but I'm going to kill you." Thanos simply said.

The clash between Tony and Thanos was nothing short of brutal, each blow reverberating through the dusty streets of the small town. Tony had the advantage of knowing his opponent rather well, his patterns, his tendencies. Thanos, for all his strength and power, seemed almost less trained, less ruthless than Tony had anticipated. Years of fighting had certainly hardened him quite a lot.  It was strange to think that this man, this hulking figure of destruction, had once been a child full of hope, innocence, and promise. Villains are not born, they are made. Nonetheless, Thanos had to be stopped by all means possible. He would do too much in the near future to receive mercy.

The nanotech armour allowed him fluidity in his movements like no other. He was dancing around his enemy. His mother's voice echoed in his mind, warning him not to play with his food. So he attacked fully, with the full force of his mind and all the possibilities that his armour offered. There was no respite, no chances to counteract. Thanos' eyes widened with surprise, and then with determination. He enjoyed the challenge and believed he still had a chance to win.

He was wrong.

It would be a lie to suggest Tony wasn't tired of people underestimating him. The frustration and anger fueled him even more, and because of that, really, Thanos had no chance. Tony's blade cut clean through the titan's heart first. Thanos smirked at him, about to tell him that he should have gone for the head. 

But Tony’s own smile remained unwavering, a flicker of satisfaction dancing across his lips. The nanobots had undone his faceplate. He wanted Thanos to see the face of the man who had bested him, to witness firsthand the consequences of underestimating Tony Stark. 

"Who are you?" Thanos finally asked as he stared into Tony's eyes for the first time.

He didn’t have time to hear the answer, not that Tony would have actually told him. The nanobots swiftly reconfigured, forming a blade in his other hand, sharp, deadly. Finally, the life of the universe's greatest menace was cut short in a matter of seconds. 

Nobody cared. The bystanders resumed their normal lives as if nothing had happened. Life had prevailed. 

Chapter Text

Thanos had had little impact on that part of the galaxy at the time of his new death. Tony couldn’t help but wonder about the ripple effects of his actions. Tony had made a lot of changes. Had his involvement shifted the wheels of fate, altering the destinies of countless beings across the stars in a bad way? Some changes would only become apparent way down the line. That was the question that was always on his thoughts. He could not really explain it, but deep within his soul, something or someone was telling him that everything would be alright. He felt at peace. 

The universe was a vast and intricate tapestry, woven together by forces Tony was not pretending to fully understand. It was healing itself now that its main thread was dead. Every single being could feel it in their souls, a weight they didn’t know they were carrying removed from their shoulders. 

The next person on his list would be Barton. One more moral dilemma. Tony could wipe Clint from life at any point of his timeline. That wasn’t the problem. No, the true dilemma lay in the aftermath, in the ripple effects that would reverberate through the lives of those left behind.

After the Civil War, Laura had become tired of her husband and his strange order of priorities, her faith in him shaken but not broken. Tony understood all too well the toll that the super hero life had on relationships and why Laura had decided to stay with her husband for the good of her family. 

And then there were the children, innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of their parents' battles. They were probably more traumatised than what they were letting on. It was a pain he knew all too well. Howard had not been a good dad, far from it. Tony couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps removing the defective parent from the equation might ultimately be the kindest course of action. 

After all, no child should have to spend a lifetime questioning their worth, wondering why they weren't enough to mend the broken pieces of their family.

During the normal timeline, in the middle of the chaos that surrounded the Ultron incident, Clint had decided to reveal the secret existence of his family. It was a risky move. Laura, pregnant with their third child at the time, had been thrown in the heart of the conflict. The Avengers could only hope that Ultron would not follow them there. The archer had been severely injured about the same time. 

For Tony, the situation presented a moral dilemma. One one hand, allowing Ultron to come into existence could mean the end of countless lives. Of course, Clint’s injury would give the genius the perfect excuse to end his life. On the other hand, if Clint was there anymore, the children would be spared the deception of witnessing their father abandon them. 

But Tony could not allow Ultron to be created.

He was in quite a pickle, so to speak. The timeline had already been altered. With Pietro Maximoff’s absence from the equation, Barton would never be in the Sokovian forest, wounded and easy to kill.

Quite frankly, the whole situation was quite infuriating. Tony couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration coursing through his veins. Clint was and always will be a pain in the ass. His reckless behaviour and cavalier attitude had often grated on Tony's nerves, leaving him questioning the archer's value to the team. Who needed an archer against threats like Thanos?

Laura could do far better than a man who would spend his time away from her, leaving her with all the responsibilities. She remained a rock of strength and support despite everything, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. 

Were the children always meant to exist, regardless of the identity of their father? It was an idea that deserved to be looked into.

The circus tent appeared worn out, the once vibrant colours washed away by the sun and rains of many previous seasons. Rusty cages surrounded the perimeter, each containing a variety of animals awaiting their fleeting moment of freedom under the spotlight. Tony couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the captive creatures. He wondered also if the circus was actually making any kind of money. The prospect of spending the evening there did not seem really tempting. 

"Clint Boy! Come here!" The voice cut through the air, its gruff tone carrying a sense of authority.

A youthful, scruffy version of the man who would one day become Hawkeye hurried to stand before the short, bulky man. Tony couldn’t help but observe the scene before him, feeling that there was something wrong with the picture they were making. Tony was not an expert on what a father and son looked like, but it wasn't it. Clint had always been secretive about his past and Tony was not one to pry, never comfortable with feelings talk. All the Avengers shared a penchant for burying their pasts beneath layers masks masking the pain and trauma. Thor, with his larger-than-life persona, seemed to be the only exception to this rule, his recollection of his past always bright and full of glory

"You know your mission, boy," the man declared. "You are good at that."

The boy’s silence spoke volumes as he swiftly departed from the scene. Tony did his best to follow him to the nearby town. He observed Clint snatching whatever he could get his hands on. The boy was resourceful and cunning, probably due a survival instinct honed by years in that circus. Clint was smart enough to never steal anything that would draw immediate attention. Even when faced with the temptation of an open cash register, he only grabbed some of it. 

The circus was supposed to stay in town for a while. Clint knew better than to draw too much attention to himself and by extension to the circus. If his crimes were too big or too obvious, the population would immediately turn against those strangers. Prison was out of the question. 

There was something unsettling about the way Clint was enjoying himself, a little bit too much, stealing things all over the town, a twisted pleasure that sent shivers down Tony's spine. The boy was only taking money and valuables when the situation was dangerous for him, making things difficult for him. It reminded Tony of training sessions, where the Avengers would increase the difficulty each turn, pushing each other to the limits, testing their skills and abilities against increasingly difficult challenges. The satisfaction of achieving a challenging level was far greater than the pain and difficulties along the way, making it all worthwhile in the end. 

But this was different. The kind of pleasure Clint was taking in his elicit actions was tainted, somehow darker and more sinister. What mattered most to him was not the money or food he stole, but the knowledge that he was causing harm to others. It was beyond the need to feed himself. 

Tony was not sure that he was right about his assumptions about what he was witnessing. He was struggling to make sense of Clint’s actions. He was not a psychologist, nor did he claim to be one. That was more up Romanov's alley. 

Clint returned to the circus grounds, his steps faltering as he approached a young man who bore a striking resemblance to himself. Tony observed the exchange, surprised, close enough to hear what they were saying. He had never known that Clint had siblings. The Avengers were really based on a thousand secrets. 

"I'm telling you, Clint," the older man said, his voice tinged with determination. "I've had enough of this life. I'm going to enlist. Start anew. Fresh. Come with me."

Clint's expression hardened, annoyance flickering across his features as he regarded his brother. "I like the life we have," he retorted, his tone defiant. "We have fun. We're free. What else do we need?"

The older man's frustration was palpable as he countered, "How about three meals a day that we don't have to steal for? A roof over our heads? Stability?"

“Where’s the fun in that?”

"That's it, Clint," his brother's voice was firm, tinged with a sense of urgency. "Either you come with me or you stay here. The circus will cost you your brother, the last of your family. I'm doing this for you."

“I hate ultimatums.”

"The bus leaves tonight at nine,” his brother continued, his tone unwavering. “If you don’t come, I’ll understand what’s really important to you.”

Tony didn’t know the backstory of the Barton brothers or the complexities of their relationship. Clint’s brother seemed to care enough to get them out of this life, to start away from the circus. That didn’t change anything. But Clint's response was cryptic, noncommittal. He spent the rest of the day in apparent laziness. It was as if he were deliberately dragging his feet. In reality, Clint had already made up his mind, and when he arrived at the bus terminal, his brother was long gone.

After a small jump in time, Tony found an older, more hardened version of Clint Barton, now killing people with his bow and arrows at the order of the man of the circus. Soon, Shield and Fury would hire Hawkeye to undertake essentially the same job for barely different reasons.

Did Laura know about this dark and violent aspect of her husband’s life? She must have known part of it. People could change, of course. But Clint was just the same, just worse. This time, Tony wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Following Clint was always surprisingly easy. The target of the day was a mere town official who had dared to refuse permission for the circus tent to be set up in a particular field. The man did not say the circus couldn't stay, but just not in that specific field. It was enough to get killed apparently. Clint was not really batting an eye about it.

Tony just took Clint Barton’s life while the man was setting his sniper nest up. The archer seemed completely oblivious to Tony's presence, his focus consumed by the task at hand. Shield training would have made him an even more effective murderer. Not exactly a promising prospect. 

Killing Clint was incredibly easy. The time machine could erase it all anyway. Tony had no pleasure in doing it. The sound of the gunshot echoed across the rooftop, shattering the stillness of the moment. In an instant, Barton fell to the ground, his life stopped by a single bullet to the back of the head. It was a clean and efficient kill, executed with precision. The police would arrive soon, drawn by the sound of the gunshot and the sight of Clint's lifeless body. They would chalk it up to yet another crime related to the criminal underworld. They would not be entirely wrong. The investigation would never learn of Tony's presence. Another crime to add to the long list of cold cases. 

Back in their own time, Friday did her little research as usual. She had not expected what she found.

"I found files on Clint Barton's older brother," Friday reported. "Barney Barton successfully enlisted and served a tour before joining the FBI as an undercover agent. Eventually, Shield recruited him, and he became known as Hawkeye. Interestingly, he had a close relationship with Captain America."

“Why am I not surprised?” Tony said, bitterly. “What about Laura and the kids?”

“Laura Cardellini was an agent of Shield until she retired and fell off the radar.”

“But you found her..”

"Of course I did," Friday replied, her tone almost offended at the notion that her creator could doubt her capabilities. "She actually lives on the same exact farm. She is the mother of three children: Cooper, Lila, and Nathaniel."

Tony's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Friday's revelation. Some events appear to have been predetermined despite what he was doing.

"Don't tell me she married Barney…" 

“Her last name is Coulson, Boss!”

"Like Agent Coulson? That Coulson?" Tony's voice was laced with disbelief.

"Philip J. Coulson, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Friday confirmed.

Tony had envisioned a thousand situations before leaving on his journey with the time machine. He would never have expected that. Time had a way of surprising him, indeed. In the best way possible.

Chapter Text

Memories of his time with Coulson flooded Tony’s mind, not especially pleasant ones. Coulson, like Romanov before, had been sent to deal with him, to rein him in like some unruly child, as if Tony needed someone to keep him in line. But perhaps the worst part of it all was the realisation that the one-eyed pirate had manipulated them all. The director of Shield had always thought of himself as the puppet master, pulling the strings behind the scenes to his ultimate goal. Fury really thought he had all of the answers to every problem imaginable. When he couldn’t do what needed to be done himself, the old spy had no problem manipulating events and people to suit his own purposes, regardless of whether it was what the world actually needed. 

The concept of Avengers had always been a good idea on paper. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable beings to see if they could become something more. To see if they could work together when the world needed them to fight the battles others never could. Tony couldn’t deny that the speech was good. Fury had a way with words. He just had a strange way to make things happen.

The spies had become so used to using and manipulating people that they had forgotten how to trust or recognise people’s good intentions. Since Afghanistan, Tony had dedicated his life to using his brain and resources for the greater good, with the Iron Man armour or with the Arc reactor green energy. All the mess caused by the Palladium poisoning might have been avoided if Shield had played fair. 

Pitting Tony against the majority of the Avengers was not a good idea either. Then again, Fury was only preoccupied by maintaining control over the team and had potentially been blinded to the bigger picture. It was a short-sighted approach, just wanting to be the higher authority above them all.

"Baby girl," Tony muttered, almost as if he were thinking out loud. "I think we need to expand our list a little." 

"Who do you have in mind?"

Tony paused for a moment, considering his options. "Right now, I'm thinking about Fury, but let's keep our options open, shall we?”

"Good choice, Boss. I couldn't agree more," Friday replied with enthusiasm.

“Exactly,” Tony affirmed, nodding to himself as he considered the implications of their new plan. “We should go back before he became director, that should give him less time to cause significant damage to the world.”

The Avengers knew now that Fury had already met aliens before, long before Loki’s invasion of New York. It wasn’t all that surprising. There was a reason why the man wanted to prepare the planet for an attack, building a team of heroes. Perhaps Fury could have handled things differently back then, which would have ultimately changed what had happened with Thanos. It was a long shot. Perhaps it was giving Fury way too much credit. 

The pirate was really living a life of secrets and deception. Despite his role with Shield, the agency’s files contained very little details about him. It was as if Fury, once promoted to director, had meticulously scrubbed any traces of his past, leaving only faint whispers of his work. Despite his best efforts, Fury’s name continued to appear occasionally, his fingerprints found on countless missions. Although he was not named directly, it was clearly visible to those who knew where to look. Fury was cunning and it was proved by the fact he had evaded detection for so long. 

Fury had fingers in a lot of pies, and not all of them were good. It makes sense why he hadn't been able to notice Hydra there in front of him. He really was just like them.

"Boss, there are a handful of missions with apparently Fury as the main agent. They are under the diplomacy folder," Friday said with incredulity.

"Diplomacy? Fury? It has to be a joke," Tony replied, unable to suppress a chuckle. 

"Apparently, he met with General Dreykov a handful of times," Friday informed Tony.

Tony's brows furrowed in recognition. "I know that name."

Instantly, Friday began to provide a detailed dossier on General Dreykov, drawing from both current internet sources and her own out-of-time database, the same one that still had the facts of their time. As the information unfolded, Tony's expression darkened.

"Dreykov was a high-ranking officer of the Soviet Army," Friday said. “He was put in charge of the Red Room. He would turn innocent Russian girls kidnapped from their families into lethal weapons and spies. Project Black Widows was his idea. 

Photographs could be found of General Dreykov, smiling while standing beside international leaders from both sides of the Cold War and long after the Glasnost. He looked friendly, charming even, masking his true intentions. It was evident that Dreykov was making sure to extend his influence far and wide, ensuring his survival through whatever political shift he would face. 

Every step was taking Tony back to Budapest, the city of secrets and shadows. It appeared that the city was inextricably linked to Shield, Hydra, the Avengers, and the rest of the planet in multiple ways. If Tony had not disposed of Romanov, she would have returned there, this time with Barton as her partner, to eliminate the General. But Tony knew that they would have failed in their mission despite Natasha’s decision to use Dreykov’s daughter against him. The red haired spy would realise years after that the mission had failed drastically. 

The more Tony thought about the role of Shield, the more he questioned its necessity. 

For a spy, Fury was acting like nothing could touch him, not discreet at all. He was striding through the streets, his coat billowing dramatically in the wind. Though he was drawing some startled looks, he didn't seem to be concerned with anything or anyone other than getting where he was going. Slowly, a sleek black car eased to a stop beside him and the window of the back passenger slowly opened. The whole affair looked like a low-budget spy movie.

Tony effortlessly followed them. They didn’t expect him to be there after all. Fury still had those same habits of meeting people in bustling places such as restaurants. As they entered the high end place, Dreykov was already comfortably seated at a table, indulging in a glass of fine liquor. The venue gave out an elegant ambiance with a beautiful designed decor, soft lighting and luxurious furnishings. 

Tony had used that technique before. There was a show of power in selecting the setting, a way to establish dominance, and project a great deal of confidence. Dreykov wasn’t scared of Fury and Shield. In this moment, Fury was not on his territory, subtly warned about his precarious position without a single word being said. 

Tony settled at a nearby table, strategically positioning himself for both observation and eavesdropping. He ordered some food, it would have been strange otherwise. Frankly, he was actually pretty hungry and what he could see in other clients’ plates seemed very tempting. Nobody seemed to recognise him, or they were, for once, respecting his privacy. It helped a lot. Friday had already hacked all of the cameras inside and outside the building. There was nothing left for him to do but wait and listen.

The Red Room was a huge threat and needed to be stopped. So was Fury. The one-eyed pirate was always more interested in the powerful people he could manipulate and his personal objectives, rather than the morals behind their actions. 

The prospect of Shield aligning with the Red Room was repugnant to Tony. The notion of an army of women, obeying without a question, most probably coerced and manipulated into servitude, was quite disgusting. Tony really wished he had done more research about Shield when the agency had entered his life the first time.

"Boss, from what I can gather," Friday's voice crackled in Tony's earpiece, "they're at an impasse regarding the monetary negotiations."

Tony's expression remained stoic, his expectations met with little surprise. Dreykoy, despite all the meetings he had with the big wigs, still was part of Russia. Entering into dealings with the enemy would neither be forgiven nor forgotten. 

For the moment, the general held a position of authority. This might not always be the case. Entering into dealings with the enemy meant taking a risky route, one of political ramifications and personal vendettas. The planet’s politics were inherently unstable and on the edge of collapsing at any moment. So Natasha’s mission to kill Dreykoy was not at the goodness of Shield and Fury’s heart. If they couldn't get the new fancy toys, no one else would either. Fury knew how to make things work to his benefit. 

Tony’s ingenuity and innovation was largely responsible for the large progress made in technology. The genius was able to track Dreykov despite the general’s many layers of precaution. Meanwhile, Fury was trying to find where the General was hiding the Red Room, but he stuck out like a sore thumb and was quickly found out. It was the perfect time to get rid of the spy and make his death stick once and for all.

Dreykov’s security detail had caught up on the spy and the men were giving him a good beating. They could have killed Fury right there and then, but it was meant to be a warning. Perhaps they should have. There were ways to hide a body so it would disappear forever. Dreykov undoubtedly wanted to keep his options open. Greed could make the most intelligent man stupid.

“And don’t come back!” One of the goons barked at Fury, which was a really stupid comment to make.

Tony wasn’t above killing his enemy directly instead of manipulating the events to his advantage. Down the line, he knew that he was going to get rid of Rogers. The plan was still very vague in his mind but one thing was sure, he knew he would take care of him with his own hands. He stood over Fury, who lay on the floor gasping for breath. It was time to stop thinking and start doing something.

When Fury felt a heavy weight pressing on his chest, despite his muscles screaming in protest and the painful bruises, he attempted to flee. Unfortunately, he was too battered to have the strength to do anything. Tony was aware that it was not a fair fight, but then again, Fury had never paused to consider if he was giving an actual chance to his enemies or the people he wanted to manipulate. The Palladium poisoning could have been deadly but Shield didn’t seem to really care. 

Stark's legs tightened around Fury's torso, squeezing the air from his lungs, while his hands descended with a deliberate weight onto Fury's face. The pressure on his mouth and nose made each breath a struggle, his senses reeling from the suffocating grip.

"How does it feel to have your whole life in someone else's hand?" Stark's voice rumbled, low and menacing. "Not nice, I take it."

Fury's eyes, darkened by bruises like twin shadows, widened with a glimmer of desperate resolve. He used all of his remaining strength in a desperate attempt to overthrow Tony, and for a split second, he was almost successful. The genius was known for his ability to the problem at hand, and with a swift adjustment of his weight and twist of his limbs, Tony maintained his hold on Fury. 

It took awfully long to kill someone that way, the seconds stretching into minutes agonisingly slow. Tony probably left his hands on Fury’s face for longer than necessary, but one can never be too careful. Finally, the genius released his grip. It was over. With the help of Friday, he would have to find a way to dispose of the body before they could begin the second part of that particular mission. Dreykov was next on his list.

Tony didn’t need a time machine to know that Nick Fury had been replaced by another agent at the head of Shield. It was the nature of the beast, which could explain why Fury attempted to make himself appear more significant than he was. Tony would have loved to throw his insignificance back at Fury’s face. 

But there were more pressing matters at hand. What was done was done, and dwelling on the past served no purpose in the grand scheme of things. Tony was a futurist. Upward and onward. Even while travelling in the past.

Chapter Text

Tony stood over Fury’s lifeless body. He should probably be feeling something now. Guilt, remorse, perhaps even regret. After all, he had just taken a life with his own hands, an act that went against everything he believed in. Since becoming Iron Man, Tony had always tried to minimise the collateral damage of his actions, not to kill the bad guys even though they deserved it. Stane and Aldrich were killed in self defence. More than self preservation, Tony had also been saving Pepper on both occasions. Despite the moniker of ‘Merchant of death’ that had haunted him for so long, Tony was not a killer. He had never been one to enjoy violence. He had simply done what needed to be done to protect himself and those he cared about.

The mission was far from over. General Dreykov needed to be dealt with quickly. The task was not that hard. Dreykov was overconfident, believing that dealing with the American spy would send the proper message around the world. He thought himself to be out of danger, at least, for a while. 

Tony had spent his entire life creating weapons. He knew that killing a man from a distance wasn’t difficult. The general was an easy target, spending a long period of time behind a desk near a window. There was a certain irony when those people who thought themselves so much better than everyone else ended up making such rookie mistakes. 

With a flick of his wrist, Tony activated the tiny trackers he had invented earlier in his life, the devices humming to life as they locked onto their target. The technology would only need the smallest hole to enter the room and kill their target with a simple prick of the tiny poisoned needle they were equipped with. Dreykov might have thought himself safe from normal life threats, he had never met Tony Stark. In this game of cat and mouse, the General had nowhere to hide. The trackers would never stop, never sleep until they had found their target. Nobody else, directly or not, would be the victim of Dreykov ever again.

Tony did not stop there. The Black Widows, caught in Dreykov’s web of manipulation and abuse, deserve a chance at a normal life. The gravity of the situation hit him hard. He was acting just in time. Tony, who had simply hacked into Dreykov's files, discovered both schematics for a flying fortress but also formulas for a chemical mind-control agent. Tony's mind raced with questions. He had no idea those things were still happening. Did Fury and Natasha know about that and let it happen? Fury, with all his nice words about saving humanity, was simply disgusting. 

Many things would be different throughout time, including the consequences of the changes he had already made with his time travel. In that new course of events Tony had created, Loki would never fall into the hands of Thanos, which was a good thing already. One question remained. Would Thor completely learn his lesson and change who he was?

The mighty thunderer had weathered many storms in a short amount of time. The dark elves had attacked his girlfriend Jane Foster, his home, and eventually killed his mother. He had also believed his brother dead while trying to stop the dark elves in their attack. Through adversity, Thor had learned a lot about his own character and the responsibilities that came with power. 

Tony was not a bad person. He did not wish those hardships on anyone, least of all Thor. Every trial by fire had made Thor a stronger, wiser man. There was no denying that Thor had become a better man. It was a lesson he needed to learn still, for the good of all. 

Tony harboured no desire to see Thor killed, but he recognised the god needed to be taught a lesson that would go beyond just depriving him of his precious hammer for a few days. It wasn't about vengeance. It was about accountability. Someone needed to teach him that clutching someone’s throat was a big no-no. At the very least, when Loki did the same thing, he was the enemy rather than claiming to be a friend or shield brother. 

"What do you think, baby girl? How do we teach the golden retriever a lesson?"

"It's difficult to say, Boss," Friday. responded thoughtfully. "Thor is a god, after all."

If Tony was honest with himself, he struggled to come with an idea. He wasn't going to destroy half a race just to make Thor grow up. In truth, Tony had entertained the idea of simply letting the incident slide. He had survived that little strangulation, and with the altered timeline, such an event would likely never happen ever again. Still, the principle of the matter bothered him. Loki would not follow the same path either, but based on what Tony understood of Odin, the trickster’s life would not be peaceful anyway. 

Perhaps Tony could kill two birds with one stone. 

With the help of the time machine and the spaceship he had built recently, Tony would be able to track Loki down before the failed coronation. In essence, the trickster would enjoy a nice prank. The god’s circumstances would drive him to seek revenge and, possibly, hope for the chance to be free.

After their defeat against Thanos, Thor had changed a lot. He had told him and anybody else who was ready to listen about all the adventures he had had with his friend and his younger brother. The stories were more often than not embellished with bravery and friendship, but really only depicted hunting parties. When there was no battle to kill time, what was a warrior supposed to do? The only way the people of Asgard envisioned expanding their horizons was to invade and colonise all of the realms around them. Even now that it was completed, Odin had no intention of leading his people to new pastures. 

The wealth of stories shared by Thor was a true gold mine of information for Tony. The genius knew where to find Loki prior to the coronation debacle. Seren had given him a chart of the universe to help find Thanos. It would once again be helpful to Tony and his travels in space. There was something very tempting about the idea of facing Loki, especially before he turned evil. That conversation promised to be fascinating, to say the least. 

Even before that key event, Loki was not very popular in Asgard, although he spent every minute of his free time on Alfheim. Despite his status as a prince, he had always been regarded with a certain degree of suspicion and disdain. 

The light elves were well-versed in the arcane arts, spending their long lifespan honing their skills. Loki was the kind of stubborn bastard who would try to learn everything he could about a particular subject until he mastered it completely. Tony was the same. It was a characteristic he valued, a type of stubbornness he could support. Tony and Loki were more akin than they realised when they initially met.

The light that bathed Alfheim was unlike anything Tony had ever seen on Earth or in his limited experience with the vast expanse of space. It imbued every inch of the landscape with a unique glow, making colours appear more vibrant, more alive. Everywhere and everything Tony was looking at was brimming with life, with trees larger and taller than the Stark Tower and flowers covering the ground as far as the eye could reach. The air itself seemed to shimmer with a palpable energy, and sweetly intoxicating. 

This was paradise.

As he ventured further, he found a village made of elegant homes, crafted from wood that seemed to have grown that way on purpose. The buildings were made of elegant curves reflecting nature, with a few organic shapes, leaf and flower embellishments. Tony had never seen anything of the sort before. It was extraordinary to him how everything was blending in with its surroundings.

The light elves embodied a beauty that was beyond physical appearance. Tall and graceful, they seemed to radiate an ethereal aura, as if the very essence of light flowed through their veins. Surprisingly, the elves didn’t appear to be bothered by the presence of a Midgardian within their mist. On the contrary, they welcomed him with open arms, their expressions suffused with warmth and curiosity. 

The light elves conversed amongst themselves in a language that was nothing alike English or any of the languages of Earth. The songs coming from their lips were melodious and fluid, like the symphony of nature itself. He could have listened to them for hours, losing himself in the beautiful melody.

But he had a mission to accomplish. He was a man of action, believing that without trying to take the first step, nobody would get anywhere. As he observed Loki, Tony couldn’t help but notice the differences in his demeanour. He was more reserved, but the god was open, almost happy studying with the elves. Perhaps Alfheim itself held that kind of transformative power, perhaps it was its people. Loki had not been broken by the truth yet. Tony hated he had to be the one telling the god the truth, but it was better that way.

“ You have the dust of another time on you,” Loki told him as the light elves introduced them.

Despite the vast differences in their languages, they had been able to understand Tony and even respond in kind. Magic was the answer to every question Tony had. It was frustrating. The genius did not have a great relationship with magic, but then again he was on another planet with different rules.

“You can see that?”

“I can feel it, not exactly see it. Who are you?”

"My name is Tony Stark and I'm here to save you." 

“Presumptuous of you, don’t you think?”

Tony didn’t expect Loki would trust him straight away. He was already shocked that he could talk to him right away. Years in the corporate world had taught him the art of persuasion. Years in the Asgardian court had done the same for Loki. They were equals in wit. The conversation was wonderful in that way. Before getting to the hard truth, Tony retold all those stories he knew from Thor.

Loki’s face did not show anything of what he was thinking. He silently thanked his lucky stars that the trickster hadn't immediately lunged for his throat. It was a stark contrast to their previous encounter when Loki had effortlessly thrown him through the windows of his penthouse. Not one of his fondest memories.

“I understand that you are acquainted with Thor. All these events are recounted from his very biassed point of view.” Loki said, his voice full of scepticism. 

"I'm not denying that. I spoke to you once, briefly. You were… not exactly in your right mind.”

Loki didn’t comment on that but instead asked, “So something is going to happen to me soon and you seek to either convince me of something or kill me to avoid it?”

"Not quite." Tony just stated.

“No? Do tell.”

“I need your words first. I would rather not die here because I’m delivering some painful truths to you.”

“You have my word.”

It would have to do. Loki had valid reasons to lash out. Being manipulated and lied to for centuries was no small matter, especially when it concerned something so personal.He sometimes wondered what excuses Odin, but also Frigga, had made for themselves. Perhaps they intended to spare their son but discovered too late that they also wanted to spare themselves. Tony was very familiar with the type. 

“I’m gonna be blunt because there’s no gentle way to put it. You’re not the biological son of Odin and Frigga. You are not Asgardian. Odin actually found you after the final battle against the Frost Giants. He likely brought you back to use you later as a political pawn.”

Once again, Loki's expression remained impassive, though his eyes betrayed a widening realisation. He didn’t utter a word, nor did he move for what seemed like an eternity. Tony wished he could say something to help make things better. What to say, though? Nothing would change the reality of the situation.

Suddenly, the god’s visible skin began to gradually transform into a stunning shade of blue. Tony found himself captivated. Knowing something was one thing, but witnessing things unfold before his eyes was quite another. Loki muttered something under his breath, though Tony couldn't quite catch the words. 

In a shimmer of vibrant green sparkles, Loki vanished from sight.

Chapter Text

While Loki was away, Tony could do nothing but wait, his patience wearing thin with each passing moment. He didn’t know what to do with himself. If the god took too long, Tony knew he would have no choice but to let go of that particular revenge. Time was for him to control at the flick of his hands, but he was also trapped in a kind of bubble. He couldn’t escape the relentless march of days, and he was still getting older. Tony felt the weight of missed opportunities with his daughter, Morgan. 

Doubt was worming its way in Tony’s mind. It was not easy. The most crucial choices were never made. But just as Tony’s resolve began to waver, Loki returned, revenge at heart. Tony understood this better than anybody else and was willing to help. Killing Odin would be difficult, if it was what Loki was hoping to achieve, but not impossible. Quite frankly, Tony didn’t really care about the morality of the act. The Allfather was not really a good man, not to his people, not to his family. However, Loki had another idea in mind.

“I remember a shadow, living in the shade of Thor’s greatness,” Loki recalled, his voice tinged with bitterness. “I remember being discarded at Thor's whim, cast aside whenever his friends clamoured for his attention. I remember the taunts, the relentless mockery, as they pushed me around. And always, always, Odin stood firmly by Thor's side, favouring the golden son over me," he concluded, his gaze drifting into the distance as if lost in the painful memories of the past.

"So, what's your plan?" Tony inquired, cutting through the weight of silence.

“I want my freedom,” Loki answered, his tone firm and resolute. “And I want to impart upon them a lesson they will never forget."

“But not killing them.” Tony said, not really a question.

“If I were to resort to killing them, it would only perpetuate my imprisonment,” Loki explained with gravity. “The warriors of Asgard would hunt me relentlessly, and Heimdall’s all-seeing eyes would remain fixed upon my every move, despite my best efforts to shield myself with my magic. It would only serve to confirm what they thought all along, that Loki, the trickster, the silvertongue, is the source of all evil. I have always served as a scapegoat for every misfortune that falled on the nine realms.”

Loki fell into silence, his mind stuck between the turmoil of his past and the resolve of his decision for his future. The god had every reason to be bitter. He gave Loki some room, respecting his need for a moment with his own thoughts. Over the years, Tony had come to understand the importance of these moments of silence and that not every minute needed to be filled with conversation.

We just need to lead the golden child into darkness,” Loki murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “If my demise serves the greater good of Asgard, then so be it.”

"What about Frigga?" Tony interjected, his concern evident in his tone. “Your mother?”

“If she is half the witch she is supposed to be, she already knows about what I am going to do and likely not standing in our way,” Loki replied, a mix of sadness and bitterness in his voice.”Besides, she is not truly my mother anyway.”

Tony and Loki swiftly devised a plan. They were both brilliant and cunning. It relied heavily on the use of magic, which was a lot more than Tony would have wanted even though a lot of it would be to ensure his own safety. 

If their plan unfolded as intended, Tony would never actually meet Thor properly. The thunderer would have no reason to come to Earth after all the changes that would have already occurred by that moment. Thanos would have already been dealt with, Ultron would never happen. Meeting Thor would not be all that important anymore. 

Tony tried to recall everything he knew about Thor and his impact on Earth. He was often overwhelmed by the amount of information he was holding in his head. Countless facts, historical details, perfect memories, and potential outcomes weighed heavily on him. It was like exploring a library, built like a labyrinth of books and all kinds of media, but only old-fashioned paper cards as a system helping to access any information he would need. People had no idea how difficult it was to recall even the simplest events of daily life among the cacophony of information screaming for his attention.

“Before we start anything,” Tony remarked, finally remembering an event he had not personally been part of. “At some point, there will be something called a convergence. During this time, the Dark Elves will launch an assault on Asgard, resulting in the death of your mother."

Loki's brow furrowed in disbelief. "The Dark Elves have long been extinct," he countered.

“Well, they will be alive and kicking pretty soon.” Tony explained, his tone grave. “Thor will have to face them on Earth. He never gave me the specifics. Every time I asked, he told me that it was too difficult to remember. But if my memories and calculations are correct, the convergence is an alignment of the nine realms, allowing anomalies to occur. These things will happen. I know you don't care about Asgard anymore, but I will defend Earth at whatever cost.”

“Then, the logical solution would be to ensure the Dark Elves never resurface. How far back can your machine take us?” Loki asked, his intense gaze fixed on Tony. 

"In theory? Any point in time, I suppose," Tony replied, thinking about the specifics of the machine. “It’s hard to say. Two hundred years worked just fine.”

"Well, it's time to put that theory to the test, isn't it?" Loki said with determination.

Life had a way of surprising Tony, often in the form of scientific challenges he relished. He had no intention of going so far back or forth in the first place. His initial plan for revenge did not need that. Changing the past had brought its fair share of consequences. The dark Elves needed to be dealt with. After all, the travels through time would save his planet from Thanos and he did not want to see it destroyed by the Dark Elves instead. His maths were always mathing. The machine would work, Tony was sure of that.

Loki delved into the lore surrounding the Dark Elves, a tale as old as the cosmos itself. Born during the tumultuous chaos of the Big Bang, they were among the first inhabitants of the universe, flourishing in the primordial darkness, thriving in the void. But then there was light, and their power faded. Svartalfheim became their world, one of the few realms still shrouded in perpetual darkness, a sanctuary in a universe illuminated by the brilliance of millions of stars.

Loki had a way with words, no doubt. His words wove a captivating story, painting vivid images of a long gone history. The moniker ‘Silvertongue’ was often associated with deceit and treachery. At that moment, it took a whole new meaning. For Tony, it represented Loki’s obvious talent at weaving stories that went beyond time and space and the way he could subjugate his public. In another time, in another realm, the god could have become the best actor there ever was. 

“Over a millenia later, Malekitth ascended to the throne,” Loki continued. “During his rise, he managed to obtain a powerful artefact called the Aether, capable not only of bending reality to its will but also of converting matter into dark matter. The Dark Elves wanted to plunge the universe back into the abyssal darkness from which it emerged.”

“The Aether is the Reality Stone,” Tony interjected, his turn to explain things. “One of the six Infinity Stones. During the timeline I come from, Thanos, the Mad Titan, captured them all and used them to wipe away half the universe in his quest of balance.”

“Do you have a way to deal with that with your time machine?” Loki asked, a bit worried.

Tony nodded, an untroubled smile on his lips. “Of course!” He confirmed. 

“Good.”

Svartalheim enveloped Tony in an impenetrable cloak of darkness, and Tony couldn’t see beyond the end of his nose. Somewhere in front of him, he could hear the telltale sounds of a battle. The clash of steel, the cries of warriors of both sides. Tony’s senses were attacked by the smell of blood, a grim reminder of the brutality of war.

In the middle of the oppressive darkness, a glimmer of emerald light appeared in the corner of Tony’s eyes, the result of Loki’s magic. The darkness retreated, revealing the gruesome scene in front of them. War was never a pretty sight,, but this was nothing short of a slaughter. And suddenly, the Bifrost tore through the skies in a beam of light, much as when Thor came around the compound, ruining the grass. 

“This is the pivotal moment,” Loki explained, his voice calm. “Malekith, driven to desperation, dropped the Dark Elves’ ships on the battlefield without regard for his own people. If your words hold true, he must have kept one vessel to flee.”

"So, all we have to do is destroy it and call it a day. Sounds easy enough," Tony quipped, a hint of sarcasm in his words.

"And if we miss our mark, the time machine offers us a second chance," Loki added, his tone surprisingly optimistic given the circumstances.

"Personally, I'd prefer to nail it on the first try," Tony retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

Loki chuckled, his demeanour surprisingly light-hearted. "Don't tell me you're eager to part ways with me already," he teased.

"No offence, but I'd rather go back to the original plan," Tony replied, his tone more serious now. "Let's not allow anything to stand between us and our revenge."

"You're absolutely right." 

Watching the full extent of Loki’s power, Tony realised that the Avengers had never faced a fully empowered Loki. When the trickster conjured all of his magic into a ball of green energy, the genius had to admit that he was pretty impressed. But also a little concerned. The thought crossed his mind that it would have been better to have that man on his side. Loki could have ruled over Earth at any time if he had really wanted to.

With a flick of Loki’s wrist, the ball of energy shot through the void, directly hitting the Dark Elves’ ship attempting to escape at an incredible speed. Tony watched with an odd detachment as the vessel was engulfed in the pulsating green light seconds before exploding. Killing those who would have done worse if they had lived did not bother him anymore. Perhaps it should concern him a little.

Tony had to admit he understood Barton a little better now. Some people did not really deserve to live. At the very least, Tony was trying to get people back to living the life that they were meant to live in the first place. He worried for a moment if he was turning into a villain, but then realised that he didn’t really care. He was willing to do anything to protect his family. Whatever the cost.

Loki was meticulous in his search for any surviving Dark Elves. He never looked at the Asgardian army in disarray or tried to help them. Odin never realised how powerful his adoptive son was or what kind of formidable opponent he was creating in him.

Loki was going to take his revenge, and his father would be none the wiser. If anything, time travel had highlighted the irony of their stories. People have previously believed they could manipulate Tony and Loki to their liking. But in the great scheme of things, those people were pretty irrelevant, and Tony and Loki would prevail. They would survive. Always.

Chapter Text

Tony and Loki were ready to go back to their initial plan, but the aftermath of the recent battle had taken its toll. Taking lives, even those of their enemies, wasn’t a talk they could easily dismiss. Tony didn’t want to become desensitised. He refused to surrender his humanity, to not feel guilty even when his actions served a greater good, if not for himself, for his loved ones. 

The time travel mission had already profoundly changed him, and the journey was far from over. More changes were to come of course. At the very least, he had learned to be more assertive, not to let the opinions of others define him. Pepper and Morgan certainly deserved nothing less than the best version of himself.

Loki had asked what he had done in that other timeline. The trickster was very intuitive. Tony had no good reason to lie to him. Loki had a right to know who his so-called family was, what the revelation had done to him. They also needed to avoid repeating the mistakes of Loki’s plan of disturbing his brother's coronation.

“It’s time for a different approach,’ Loki remarked, his tone a mix of resolve and caution. “Thor will ascend to the throne of Asgard. Odin believes that his first born is prepared for the responsibilities and difficulties of being a King. I will be expected to help my brother from the shadows, providing support without undermining the image of the golden son.”

“Nothing we are about to do should be linked back to you in any way.” Tony summarised.

“It is evident that Thor’s temperament is not suited for kingship. His tendency towards impulsive decisions and rash actions could lead Asgard into unrest.” Loki mused. “He will embark on grand adventures or trivial hunts with his companions. His nature is such that he acts often on instinct, prioritising his own needs, and neglecting the duties of his station”

Loki took a minute to himself, seemingly remembering other occasions similar to what he was explaining. Thor had not always been the best student or the best son. Ultimately, the thunderer would stay the same unless he learned his lesson.

“Naturally, I will try my hardest to control him, hoping to contain a tempest within the confines of a chamber. His impetuosity is bound to clash with the responsibilities of ruling the nine realms sooner or later.” Loki finally said, knowing his brother all too well.

The strategy unfolded before them, an intricate web woven by their minds combined. Loki had an unparalleled understanding of the politics on Asgard. Thor might not be his brother by blood, they still shared an upbringing, centuries spent together. There would be some poetic justice. Thor had always wanted to be King, but he had no idea what it really entailed. It would undoubtedly be a way to teach him that particular lesson about responsibility. 

Loki aimed to push his brother to his limits. Not by being confrontational, but by reminding the thunderer of his duties again and again. He intended to use Thor’s fury against him. The Asgardians never liked Loki, that much was true. Yet, they always follow the laws and protocols. And when Odin inevitably would have to be awakened from his recuperative sleep, he would have no choice but to intervene and pass a sentence on his precious golden son. It was a scenario that would demand, at the very least, some time in a cell under the palace. Fitting, for sure.

They would have to find a way to incorporate Tony. At least throughout the main event. The time machine could always be useful as an escape strategy if they ever needed one. Tony needed to be present for each one of his revenge. Seeing was believing. It was only fitting that he be present for that one as well. So Loki found a way.

"I really don't like magic, you know." Tony murmured, cringing in anticipation of the spell Loki was going to cast, a wry smile on his lips.

"Are there spell casters now on Midgard?" Loki inquired casually, seeking to distract Tony from the discomfort of the spell.

"Plenty, apparently," Tony replied, kind of annoyed. "Although I've only really interacted with two. One screwed me over, and the other played with my mind."

"And have you taken your revenge on them, thanks to that time machine of yours?"

"One out of two. That doesn't exactly make me a fan of magic," Tony quipped, still bitter.

Loki looked at Tony with a knowing smile. “Ah, but maybe it would help you if I told you that your science and magic are related. Midgard is still young and has much to learn. Maybe one day you will learn that your way is not the only way.”

Tony arched an eyebrow, amused. “Magic is science we don’t understand yet then?”

“Quite”

That revelation didn’t exactly make Tony feel better, but he was a man who appreciated a challenge. He was a man driven by the need to learn and conquer the unknown, even if it meant going into areas beyond his comprehension. However, there was also a desire for control. Understanding made things less scary. He wasn’t perfect, but then again who was?

The sensation was weird, like standing under an unfamiliar rain, a rush of energy cascading from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes. It wasn’t painful, simply a tingling sensation on his skin, like a gentle breeze on a sunny day. As the magic enveloped him, Tony had no idea what to expect, but probably something both extraordinary and dangerous. His mind went back to previous experiences with people with those kinds of powers. When Wanda had used her abilities on him, there was no immediate reaction, nothing to warn him about what was happening. Somehow, it was worse.

He didn't feel any different, and nothing seemed wrong when he examined his hands. He had the same scars both old and new. Loki grinned at him, as if trying not to laugh. Tony lifted an eyebrow, questioning. With a twist of Loki’s wrist a mirror materialised in front of the genius, with clean shapes and a geometric metal shell that reminded him of art deco.

Tony stood transfixed before the ornate mirror, his reflection now completely different. Staring back at him was a man of imposing stature, with light brown waves cascading over broad shoulders, and eyes as piercing as sapphires. He was dressed in leather, a mixture of Loki’s sleek elegance and Thor’s battle worn armour. Tony was amazed at Loki’s attention to detail, looking at something simple as a braid in his hair and a significant scar on his shoulder that reached his hand. 

Tony was unrecognisable. Nobody in Asgard had ever met Tony Stark, and no one would ever know he was even there, a stranger in a land where his name held no meaning anyway. On the other hand, his new appearance would allow him to witness what was to happen freely. 

"I need a name," Tony remarked, his eyes still fixed on the reflection before him. "Something simple, easy to pronounce."

Loki chuckled softly. "It hardly matters. As long as you wear this skin, you possess the gift of the Allspeak. The universal translator has been used for so long that no one on Asgard can recognise a foreign language, let alone an accent anymore. But if you insist on a moniker, how about Vegeir Gudasson?"

"Are you basing all this on someone you know?"

“Not quite. More like a composite of people met over the years.”

“Not on your side I gather.” Tony pointed out with a small smile.

“Nobody ever was.”

They decided to meet at a later time. For Loki, it meant months of working for his brother. Thor had been trying his best to tackle all the duties of a king. The Aesirs were so proud of him. The thunderer had predictably grown soon disinterested with the reality of what it really meant. Thor had never bothered to ask Odin what he was doing all day. Asgard wasn't actively at war anymore. What did Thor really expect?

Initially, the Asgardian council was quite uncomfortable at the prospect of dealing with Loki, their distrust and wariness towards the trickster evident in each conversation. As days turned into weeks, it became obviously apparent that there was no dealing with Thor. The day-to-day affairs were uninteresting, so Thor immediately delegated them to Loki. Of course, Thor kept his role as the public face of Asgard, presiding over anything public, only needing a direct ruling without too much thoughts that would be helping with the golden boy reputation without doing any of the boring work.

But Loki proved himself to be an excellent regent. Despite his reputation as the god of mischief, he had absorbed the lessons of diplomacy and ruling imparted during his childhood. His silver tongue proved to be his greatest asset, quite effective during any kind of negotiations. But it wasn't just Loki's eloquence that won hearts and minds. It was his unwavering sense of fairness and justice. The aristocracy still preferred Thor, closer to who they thought should be king. 

The lesser classes of Asgard, as well as everyone from the other realms, were very pleased with Loki's handling of matters. They found themselves hoping that things would remain that way indefinitely. Unfortunately, everyone knew that Odin's sleep would not last.

Frigga stayed at her husband’s bed all the time. Loki was not entirely sure why. Of course, she didn't want her to ignore her husband entirely. The Odin sleep was just regenerative. The goddess could have taken a moment to see the affairs of the kingdom. She had previously assumed the position of regent. Her knowledge of those events and her advice would have been immensely beneficial to both Loki and Thor.

By the time Tony reappeared in Asgard, tensions were high. Loki had been forced to chase his brother for a signature here or an authorization there. Thor had done his best to contain his rage, but it had gotten dangerously near to a violent altercation. The three warriors liked to remind Loki of his inferior position in the hierarchy. Sif, in particular, was whispering into the Thunderer's ears. She was warning him against giving his brother too much latitude. Thor was simply unfit for the position. Sif has never gotten over the loss of her golden hair. She should know better than to provoke Loki.

For Tony, it was just the second. He was there to stir the pot, but more importantly, to witness the golden child's fall. The king was required to preside over an open council to the people on a regular basis in order to hear their complaints and apply the Allfather's law. The plan was relatively basic. A simple man brought grievance against one of Thor’s friends. Unfortunately, Sif and the warrior three were frequently at the beginning of devastation, either destroying fields while hunting or wrecking inns while drunk on Asgardian mead.

Thor was protective of his friends, which was admirable as long as it didn't blind him to the truth of the situation. Power had corrupted him greatly and his friends completely.

“Thor, please. At the very least, the crown should help. The owner cannot be held responsible for the inn's destruction unless he caused it personally." Loki pleaded.

"If he didn't want to deal with the happiness and extravagance of drunkenness he should not have sold mead in the first place." Thor responded vehemently. 

The audience mumbled a mixture of displeasure and dread. Standing there, Tony fanned the flames by telling everyone would listen that the circumstances were unjust and that none of the Asgardian citizens had much hope for the future. Loki wasn't the only one who could use words effectively. 

"Brother! This cannot be your judgement. Surely, you can see that it is our responsibility to provide an example of fairness." Loki tried to say again, and if Tony hadn't known about their plot, he would have completely believed him. But perhaps Loki wasn't lying. Perhaps this was the real Loki. 

"Care about how you speak to your King!"

"But, Brother..."

"Enough!" Thor roared.

At that moment Thor lost his temper and struck Loki in the heart with his lightning.

Chapter Text

The throne room descended into an eerily silence, the air  thick with a palpable electricity. A foul smell of burnt flesh overwhelmed the senses, casting a grim aura over the assembled crowd. Each hesitant breath seemed to echo against the walls, amplifying the weight of the moment.

Despite their reputation as warriors, the Asgardians stood motionless, their eyes fixed on the floor as if unwilling to confront the reality unfolding before them. Regardless of their feelings for Loki, things weren’t supposed to turn that way. The Aesirs were not cold blooded murderers outside of the necessities of wars. The irony wasn’t lost on them. 

In the astonished calm that followed, Tony, still disguised, emerged from the crowd, his deliberate stride cutting through the stillness. With a sense of urgency, he bent over Loki’s body, ignoring the shiver that ran down his spine. Fingers trembling slightly, he reached out to check for a pulse. He could not find one. It scared him a little. Even though he believed Loki to be capable of such a deception, the scene was almost too close to reality for comfort.

“He’s dead,” the words fell from the lips of the genius, devoid of emotion.

The crowd, a sea of disbelieving faces, remained eerily still. They didn’t dare to do anything. Since Thor was still their king, and his words and decisions were law. Some among them showed signs of slight relief and satisfaction seeing that Loki had finally met his end, their contempt for him clearly visible on their faces. The majority was simply uncomfortable, a nervous tightness taking hold of their hearts. The Aesirs were fierce warriors who were apparently afraid to speak their minds.

“Loki is dead,” Tony broke the silence once more, rising to his feet. His words, turning accusatory, reverberated off the gold walls of the throne room. “And Thor killed him!”

The statement finally jolted the crowd from their stunned stupor. A wave of whispers went through the crowd, growing in intensity until it became a collective cry. A sense of urgency took over the Aesirs. They could not do anything themselves. Odin needed to be awakened from his regenerative slumber. With sudden clarity, it became clear to all that Thor was not acting as a kind and unbiased king, no matter how justified his actions appeared at the time. The Asgardian people realised, in their sadness and indignation, how dangerous it was to put such important decisions in the hands of the first son. No one would expect Frigga to rule over her own boys. It would be quite unjust to the grieving mother.

As if driven by a singular purpose, a significant part of the crowd moved as one man toward Odin’s quarters, their footsteps echoing in unison as they marched forward. 

Frigga had stood vigil at Odin’s bed since the beginning of his sleep. She would be there to awaken the Allfather. The older monarch had made a mistake by appointing Thor as his successor. The queen, regal and composed, appeared to be waiting for them. Was it because of her abilities, or because of the noise they made? Nobody dared to ask.

“My lady,” a brave soul stepped forward to address the queen, with sadness in his voice. “We come bearing sad news. Loki is no more, killed in front of us by his brother Thor.”

Frigga remained frozen in shock, her silence hanging thick in the air. The weight of the news, delivered with gravity, seemed to render her speechless in the face of such unbelievable news. Across the room, the crowd exchanged uncertain glances, watching everywhere but directly at Frigga. They were unsure how to proceed. They did not dare to say anything. 

Usually sacred and exclusively used for the most private family affairs, the Queen’s rooms were now being intruded by the masses.  The intrusion, born out of necessity rather than audacity, left the gathered crowd at a loss and uncertain of their role in this strange environment. Should they leave the mourning mother alone or should they stay and help during this period of grieving? 

There appeared to be a tacit understanding among the throng that the queen was entitled to some privacy to mourn. They started to back away, taking hesitant steps and bowing their heads as they went, leaving a quiet trail of footfalls and muffled goodbyes. Frigga went further inside her rooms only to find her husband rising up from his bed.

Meanwhile, back in the throne room, Loki’s lifeless body still layed on the cold golden floor, unmoved. The handful of men who had stayed in the room were keeping clear from this area. Tony was still standing guard close-by. The genius didn’t really know why he stayed there. It just felt like something he had to do.

Thor had taken his place on the golden throne, the head once held proud now in his hands with the weight of guilt and grief. He appeared lost, looking at his brother’s corpse without seeing it. Sif and the Warriors Three tried to offer comfort to their friend, but their words fell on deaf ears. They stayed lost in their own private thoughts, trying to come to terms with what had happened.

Time stretched on. Nothing happened. As minutes turned into hours, Tony began to believe that as long as the victim was Loki, nobody cared that a murder had just happened. The Aesirs considered Loki’s demise to be little more than a footnote in their history. Tony was enraged by the apparent lack of regard for the life lost. The genius was on the verge of getting the Allfather himself when he heard the noise of a multitude making its way back.

Odin looked just as Loki had portrayed him. Long, flowing white hair and golden patch on his eye, the Allfather looked regal as he walked further in the throne room. Beneath the facade of authority, there was a sadness, something broken that made Tony uncomfortable and made him feel almost sympathetic. But then again, Odin was just a shitty father who could have prevented a lot of that if he had wanted to. Now, Tony just wanted to see justice served. With a stern look, he watched as Odin commended the attention of the crowd, his voice full of authority. 

“Make way!” Odin’s order reverberated through the throne room.

With a grace and attitude that fitted his rank, the Allfather walked forward, closely followed by his wife. Her steps faltered as she laid her eyes upon her fallen son. Overwhelmed with a torrent of emotions, she crumbled on the floor in despair. Frigga could not bring herself to look at Loki anymore, nor could she find the strength to give him a final embrace. Grieving was a difficult experience. There was no correct way to react. Tony knew that and yet, but he couldn’t help but feel that something was missing from the picture that family was making. 

As Frigga wept, her pain reverberating throughout the room, Odin’s gaze shifted to his remaining son, Thor. The thunderer squirmed under the weight of his father’s scrutiny. Thor quickly got up from his seat. The throne felt too big in the presence of the Allfather.  

Oddly, instead of walking to his rightful place on the throne, Odin chose to remain standing in the centre of the room, stoic beside the corpse of his adopted son. 

"What say you?" The Allfather merely requested.

His voice exuded power, making lying impossible. Thor did not even try. With a heavy heart, the thunderer confessed to the truth of the matter, taking his part of responsibility for the tragic events that had occurred.

"My brother sought to counsel me, to steer me away from the path of folly," Thor admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Yet in my rage, I failed to heed his words of wisdom. Instead, I allowed my emotions to dictate my actions, and in my blind fury, I struck him down."

Odin sighed. With a public confession, even the Allfather, with all his power and authority, could not shield his son from the consequences of his actions. Loki had tried to warn him that Thor wasn’t ready to be king, but the second son was by essence a jealous being. The trickster probably should be king himself, and he was not wrong. Just not on Asgard. 

With measured steps, Odin finally made his way to the throne. His carefully laid plans, crafted over millennia, were ruined. The crowd was looking at him expectantly. The choice was now out of his hands. Gungnir, the legendary spear of the Allfather, struck the floor with a resounding echo, signalling that he was about to pass judgement. All eyes were fixed on him in silence. Odin had never felt older than now.

The weight of Odin's words hung heavy in the air as he addressed his subjects. “A grave offence has been committed. “Loki, second prince of Asgard, had been slain by his own brother. This is a tragedy that reverberates across all the realms. But it was not done out of malice," he continued, his voice softening with compassion. "And the crime has been freely confessed."

"As such," Odin declared, his voice firm and unwavering, "I hereby condemn Thor, son of Asgard, to spend the next one thousand years in a cell down in the dungeon. May those years teach my son patience and humility, and may he emerge from his confinement a wiser and more tempered ruler."

The only reaction was a gasp from Frigga. The Einherjar took Thor by each of his arms and led him to the lower levels, where a cell awaited him. He did not resist. His people looked at him as he left, unsure what to make of what had just happened. In a way, they had just lost two princes on the same day. 

The next several days were spent in grief. Loki’s body was being prepared to be sent into the void, but no one, not even his own parents, stood guard for him. Even in his death, Loki was not appreciated it seemed. Tony, despite his disguise, was growing restless. It was more than time to leave. The body was eventually thrown overboard without any more consideration.

Tony had been looking from a distance, in a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city. For a split second, the genius believed that the trickster had died. It would not stop him in his revenge, but it wasn’t a death he wished for. Next time, he would do better, he promised himself. As he was about to return to his own time, Loki appeared beside him. Without a word, the trickster took them both down the hidden paths of Yggdrasil's branches.

The tree really existed. They appeared to be walking on bark. There was only the void beneath him, and Loki told him to look upward. The sky reminded Tony of the aurora borealis on Earth, but it was made up of all of the rainbow's colours. Morgan would have adored such a breathtaking view. As soon as it appeared, it vanished and the two men were back on Alfheim. The circle was complete.

"Are you going to live here under some disguise?" Tony inquired, genuinely curious.

"No. The universe is huge and full of possibilities. It is time for me to explore what lies beyond the nine realms." Loki replied with a smile. He appeared impatient, like a child, before opening his Christmas present. "But before we part, let me use my magic one last time on you as a thank you."

"You don't need to thank me. I didn't do it for you. I have my revenge and that’s enough.”

"Then less say it will allow you to enjoy that feeling a little bit longer." The trickster insisted. 

Loki explained what he meant to do before casting the spell. Tony felt immediately better. The spell had restored his health, healing the worst that had happened to him over the years. His heart, lungs, and every significant wound he had received had been erased. Tony would not live forever. He would not have wanted that. His body was just back at peak health for somebody his age, if not somewhat better.

In a way, the time spent on that quest had been returned to him. He would be able to live a long life beside Pepper and Morgan. With Happy, Rhodey, Harley, and Peter. Nobody could ever persuade him that the time machine and revenge quest were not the correct thing to do. There was just one more step to go. One person to remove. No doubt, this would be the most satisfying. He couldn’t wait.

Chapter Text

Tony Stark was a sensible person, approaching a situation with a calculated mind. He also knew who he was, including his strengths and flaws. If he wanted to kill Rogers, he would need to face a pre-serum Steve, without the enhancements that had augmented his physical abilities. This wasn’t about his ego anymore. It was about things needing to be done, about having to face the situation head-on with determination.

Beneath Rogers’ muscles and rapid healing abilities, Tony saw the same stubborn man he had always known, the same little shit who was driven by a relentless need to be right, regardless of the circumstances. Rogers was already fighting people he considered being bullies in the forties. Or so the legend went. 

That was also one of the reasons Tony did not want Steve to become Captain America. The world needed superheroes, those people who could inspire and unite people in times of crisis, who could shine a line in the darkness. These superheroes were more than just symbols but should stand up for justice and listen to the people they were meant to defend. 

Tony understood that the world was unpredictable, and there would always be threats too big for regular people to handle, whether it be alien invaders, a rogue AI or beings with otherworldly powers. That person, larger than life, should not and could not be Steve Rogers.

Tony did not believe he should be that person either. He had made a lot of mistakes himself over the years. Even though he was incredibly powerful and influential in his own way, he understood that he wasn’t always the perfect example of the hero the world needed. Tony was thinking of someone like Peter Parker, who had such pure intentions, wanting to make a positive difference in the world and never did those things for glory. Those were the qualities of a true hero.

The world needed more than just a saviour who would come to rescue them in times of extraordinary events. Peter was the kind to help an older woman to cross the street and be happy with a churros as a recompense. The people needed someone who would hold themselves and others accountable, who would listen to the voices of the little guys. 

Steve had never read the Sokovia Accords. He still saw them as a restriction on personal freedom. He certainly would not have been able to spend Tony’s money the way he wanted anymore. It also meant that Steve had ignored the voices of the world, people from 117 countries had not been heard. Bucky Barnes was all that mattered for Steve Rogers. If he had to burn the world to protect his best friend, putting Barnes in a harder place than he already was, then so be it.

“Friday, let’s take a trip back to the forties,” Tony said. “I hope those old comic books got it right.”

"Brooklyn, New York?" Friday ventured.

“You got that right,” Tony replied, smiling.

Brooklyn had long been a bustling area of the city, alive with the dreams and aspirations of the population, but things were hard for everybody during the 1940s, the shadow of the Great Depression still present. The war was now taking its toll on everyone, with countless young men receiving the dreaded letter ordering them to fight in a war far away. The mood in Brooklyn, like much of the world, was a strange mix of fear and hope, despair and determination. Despite everything, they knew they were fighting for the right cause. The cost was already too high. For all parties involved.

The Stark Expo was already the highlight of the year, a dazzling spectacle that drew crowds from far and wide. In the comics, Bucky Barnes had gone to the expo, a dame at each arm, trying to enjoy his final moments of freedom before heading off to the front lines. He had invited his best buddy, Steve Rogers, intending to have one final moment of happiness, even a fake one.

Steve couldn’t even pretend to be happy during those last hours with his best friend. They spent a few moments together before Steve had gone to yet another recruitment centre, standing among countless other young men ready to fight. He had lied once more about who he was and where he came from. It was there that fate intervened in the form of Dr. Abraham Erskine, the mind behind the Super Soldier Serum. The scientist had offered him a chance to enlist, to become something greater than himself. The rest was history.

So Tony found himself at a crossroads where he had to make a choice that would change the path of history, acting before the story of Captain America ever started. Steve Rogers was going to be just another name on a file, one of the countless unsolved mysteries lost in police archives. He would not be a martyr. He wouldn't even be remembered. 

Steve Rogers had haunted Tony his entire life. Long before his son’s birth, Howard had been consumed by the quest to find Captain America, a man he had only known for less than a year. It was an obsession that had engulfed every part of Howard’s life, leaving little room for anything else. Howard would never have made a decent father. He would have attempted parenthood for a more or less extended amount of time. Just as he had attempted to be a nice husband. It did not last. It never did.

But Howard had chosen to spend his life searching for that man, each time returning more dissatisfied and unhappy with life. For Tony, growing up in the shadow of his father’s obsession was a difficult task. No matter how hard he tried, he could never measure up to the legendary figure of Captain America. 

Meeting the man behind the legend had been incredibly disappointing. One thing remained painfully clear. Howard would have been abusive towards Tony with or without his obsession with Rogers. Perhaps just in a different way, but Tony would always have been the main target of his father’s anger and frustration.

Steve had gone to the cinema that day. He enjoyed watching the international news segment and fantasised about being one of the troops who risked everything. Those were true heroes, just as his father had been before. He wasn't frightened to die for something higher than himself. But some people will always be disrespectful to true heroes, and Steve Rogers will always fight against bullies in whatever form they may take.

Tony was an expert in technology. The veil Natasha had used during the data dump was a decent Shield tool to use but far from perfect. While the existing technology was effective, Tony knew it could be improved upon. He set out to make it so flawless that even if he was punched straight in the face, no one would be able to know who was behind the mask. There was going to be some punching in the near future, no doubt, but Tony would not be on the receiving end. As a good scientist, he had to consider every possibility, understanding that, no matter how well-conceived, no plan was ever foolproof. Perhaps Steve will be lucky enough to land one during the brawl. 

Finding a girl for a night at the cinema was a simple task for Tony. He did not need to lie about his intentions. He would never betray Pepper’s trust, not even in pursuit of revenge. He just explained that he wanted to spend some time away from everything, not worrying about what was to come. The lady presumably assumed he was one of the guys drafted for the war, especially with that veil on, which made him look much younger.

“War continues to ravage Europe. But help is on the way. Every able-bodied young man is living up to serve his country. Even little Timmy is doing his part collecting scrap metal. Nice work Timmy!” The newsreel's narrator spoke with more enthusiasm than was appropriate for the situation.

“Who cares?” Tony said loudly in the silence of the screening room. “Play the movie already!”

Steve couldn’t stay of course, and for once, he was not wrong. It was impolite to talk like that in the cinema. The other people around them were probably as irritated as Steve was. But Tony knew that Rogers could not help but take the bait. It was in his blood, something Tony could always rely on. More news was projected, and the genius made more comments. Tony was the bully Steve had always fought against all his life.

They wound up in a back alley behind the movie, which is precisely what Tony wanted. To say that the first punch wasn't thrilling would be an understatement. The second one was even better. The third one, simply fantastic. Those punches were owed since Siberia and even earlier. The scales were evening out.

Tony was elated and couldn’t resist making a mocking remark, “Come on! I can do this all day!”

Steve seems taken aback at that instant. He hadn’t expected someone else to use his own catchphrase. But before the tension between them could escalate any further, Steve was saved by the proverbial bell in the name of James Buchanan Barnes. Tony had no intention of fighting him. Bucky had pulled him back from Steve before he could cause any further damage. 

But Tony was not going to pass up the chance to send one last jab, "You should teach your friend to keep his mouth shut, especially when nobody asks his opinion." he spat, the bitterness in his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

“Yeah, you’re not the first to tell me that.”

Bucky sounded tired, and Tony wondered how close Bucky and Steve actually were. How many times did the sergeant have to save Steve from himself? Turning his attention to Steve, Bucky made it clear that he wasn't there to fight. Tony feigned to leave, but he would stay to listen to their conversation. 

Bucky started making fun of Steve's eagerness to be hit. He picked up the rejection car from service, not Steve’s first one. Rogers had lied about his identity in an attempt to re-enroll. That was a crime, but Steve wasn't concerned. Only what he wanted was important.

“You get your orders?” Steve said, finally noticing Bucky was wearing his uniform.

“The 107th. Sergeant James Barnes, shipping out for England first thing tomorrow.” Bucky answered with gravity.

“I should be going.” was Steve’s answer.

Tony was stunned. Rogers' best friend was going to war, and all he could think about was not going himself. Was he always that selfish? Rhodey frequently left Tony behind to go on tours and classified missions. It had never stopped being hard. The idea that his best friend might not return scared him. Death was always a possible outcome, and perhaps selfishly, Tony didn’t want to lose his Palpitus.

However, Rhodey had to concentrate on surviving. He was well aware that his relatives and friends back home were concerned about him. Everyone was doing their best not to cry or look too worried so Rhodey could go out with confidence. Of course, sometimes they failed, but at least they weren't just concerned with themselves during those terrible last minutes.

As Barnes casually joked about attending the Stark Expo, a sudden realisation dawned on Tony. Here was a chance to see his father before the war, before his obsession with Captain America. Howard was going to demonstrate his flying automobile that night. It was a failure, but he was a showman, even more than Tony ever was. After all, the genius had learned his tricks from somewhere.

The Stark Expo featured cutting-edge technology of its time. Tony would never underestimate the ideas of that era. Right or wrong, they had the potential to reshape the world as they knew it. Many of these would become a reality once the technology was available. Tony moved through the crowds with a sense of awe. He could spend an eternity, walking between the aisles, marvelling at what the human intellect could create. But fate, the gods, or whatever was guiding that mission redirected Bucky and Steve back onto his path. The mission came first.

Chapter Text

Bucky Barnes was having as much fun as he could just hours before being dispatched to an undisclosed location in Europe. He was determined to make the most of his remaining time before the harsh realities of war caught up with him. Two nice girls were waiting for him and Steve at the entrance. All of them became engrossed in the excitement and were eager to discover what the Stark Expo had to offer, a haven of innovation and performance in a chaotic world. 

The air was full of excitement as the crowd moved forward toward a large scene.  Bucky was impressed to say the least. The crowd was pushing them closer to the stage. The exhilaration grew by the second. 

And there was Howard Stark making a grand entrance, his charisma and charm on full display as he kissed one of the backup dancers, his every move calculated to capture the attention of the crowd. Tony watched his father's performance with a strange detachment, his thoughts drifting to the red car parked on the stage. Stark men were made of iron, but they were also showmen, extremely good at the art of deflecting attention, drawing focus away from the things that really mattered. Howard was no exception. 

Deep down, Tony suspected that Howard knew the flying car technology would not work for long. But in the grand scheme of things, that didn’t matter. It was just to provide hope, to state that their country had the best technology in the world or was working on it. During those times of uncertainty, it was more crucial than anything.

Despite Bucky’s best effort, Rogers was still in a sour mood, lingering in his own misery. Out of the two men, really it should have been Barnes who should have been the one to ruin the ambiance. Yet, he was trying his best to accommodate the smaller man, trying to lighten the mood. But it was becoming more and more obvious that Steve’s thoughts were elsewhere.

Finally, Steve chose to leave, most likely to try to enrol in the war effort again. Bucky looked almost relieved to see him go.

“Don’t do anything stupid until I get back,” Bucky told his friends, the parting words of their childhood.

“How can I ? You’re taking all the stupid with you.” Steve answered with a small smile.

The stupid was definitely staying with Rogers, and he would eagerly show off much more of it in the future years. For Tony, it was the moment to strike, before Steve could be found by Dr. Erskine, the man who had once believed him to be the ideal candidate for the Super Soldier Serum.

How would the physician feel about his protégé's actions if he knew everything Steve had done? 

"Good becomes great. Bad becomes worse," he was supposed to have said. It would not be the first time the comics were inaccurate or exaggerated what had actually happened. After all, Captain America had never actually punched Hitler in the face.

Tony followed Steve out of the busy grounds of the Stark exposition. There was no reason to link the Stark name even remotely to Rogers' death. Howard was never going to obsess about that man and waste his time looking for him. Not this time.

Unfortunately, the recruitment centre was just there, outside the Stark Expo. Tony's plan was not precisely on track. Erskine had witnessed the discussion between Barnes and Rogers and was immediately focused on tiny Stevie. So Tony had two options in front of him. Either he stopped Erskin or removed Steve from the situation.

In the end, it was easy. The photostatic veil could imitate anyone's face at will. So Tony did exactly that. Erskine was well-known in the area, coming and going as he wanted. The military police on site did not think twice before letting the man who they believed to be Erskine through. They didn't even consider if it was a good idea to give him a gun when he requested for one, using self-defence as a reason. Tony’s timing was tight. He did not have any minute to waste.

“What’s your name?” Tony asked, as he entered the room, faking a German accent as best he could.

“Steve Rogers.”

“Where are you from Mr Rogers? Is it New Haven? Or Paramus? Five exams in five different cities. Do you want to kill Nazis?” Tony recited. He had a near-perfect memory and had read the comics several times in his childhood. Sadly, they did not have the time to do the whole scene.

“Is this a test?” Steve asked.

“Yes.” Tony answered, trying to keep his voice as calm as possible.

“I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they’re from.”

“Well, there are already so many big men fighting this war. Maybe what we need now is a little guy,” Tony said, hiding his true feelings about all that speech. “I can offer you a change. Only a chance.”

“I’ll take it.” Steve answered eagerly.

"Follow me," Tony replied, pausing before adding. "Soldier."

Of course, Steve followed the man who could give him what he wanted, no question asked. Tony walked in the opposite direction that the real Erskine should have come from. Once again, chance was on Tony’s side, allowing him the time to act without being disturbed. While they were going, Tony couldn't stop thinking about Steve's comparison of Nazis to bullies. Rogers' views have always been overly simplistic, never looking at the bigger picture. Why did that answer about bullying even influence Erskine? Tony might never know. 

The people of the forties were way  too trusting. The doors were kept unlocked, and the car keys were left in the ignition. The stars were truly on his side. Tony didn’t mind at all. He gestured for Steve to climb on the passenger side, while getting behind the wheel. He started the car and drove away to a special base. Steve was so eager to become a soldier that he seemed to accept anything Tony told him. To be fair, the genius knew a thing or two about the Strategic Scientific Reserve and how they operated. They would soon become Shield, thanks to Howard and Peggy Carter. Shield might never have happened if Howard had not been in need of help in his search for the great Captain America. Somehow, Tony doubted that his father would not get involved one way or the other.

Tony drove to the outside of the city. That was where the secret base of the SSR was meant to be. Of course there was nothing there.

“Where is the base?” Steve asked when Tony finally stopped the car.

“It would not be too secret if anybody could walk in, don't you think,” Tony answered sarcastically.

“Didn’t you have an accent before?”

The time for the masquerade had passed. There was no use in dragging this out much longer. Even if Steve would never truly understand who he really was, Tony wanted him to see his face, the real him. Steve glanced at him warily, and when Tony removed the veil, he looked surprised as if he was meeting aliens. It would have been funny if the circumstances had been different.

“You don’t know me, or should I say, you won’t get to know me. Not that you have ever tried.”

“Have we met before?” Steve asked, confused.

Tony punched Steve again, taking the smaller man completely by surprise. Not a very good strategist. The end was here, the moment the genius had dreamt about. The excitement was gone. All he wanted was for this to end already. Rogers had ruined a big part of Tony’s life. He deserved what was happening right now. Despite that, Tony had a nice life and a wonderful family. He longed to go back to them now. Rogers wasn’t worth more of Tony’s time.

He had imagined himself killing Rogers with his arc reactor gauntlet. Because Captain America felt he could defeat Iron Man, which couldn't be further from the truth. Tony had not really fought back, as he was consumed by grief and betrayal. He was still one of the good guys back then but never intended to kill him. He needed Steve to hurt like he was doing, to be sorry for what he had done, to explain, to beg for forgiveness.

Steve would never do any of that. The man bought into his own propaganda, certain that he was always doing the right thing no matter what. He would never learn. Tony was tired now. He would not use the gauntlet on Steve because he didn’t deserve that kind of attention, because it would build up a mystery, keeping the murder in history. A bullet between the eyes would have the exact same result. Tony had spent the majority of his life working in the weapons industry. That meant he was quite good at shooting, even if he never particularly liked guns. After firing a single shot, he turned to face the car.

He didn't need to see if Steve had died. He knew he was. Tony just returned to the car to remove any potential prints or residue he may have left behind, and then used his bracelet to return to his own time. There was nothing to be said. Not even to Friday. Tony felt both lighter from the burden he had been carrying so far, but also empty. Strange had said there was only one way. Somehow, he doubted that the time travel revenge was what the wizard had in mind.

"The death of Steve Rogers had never been resolved and had been closed a long time ago." Friday finally spoke, her voice nearly a whisper. “Due to this untimely death, Sergeant Barnes’ departure for the front lines was postponed, and Dr. Erskine chose him for his experiment. He became Captain America and appeared to vanish in the explosion of the Valkyrie, in an event similar to Rogers' one. He was discovered long later in the ice, having jumped off the plane before it crashed. He currently leads the Avengers." After a pause, she continued, "The Civil War never happened. Barnes is reportedly a good friend of yours, based on what I've read." 

“Any other changes?”

“I’m afraid that Hydra still killed your parents in the same conditions, but not with the same killer. Howard Stark was obsessed with finding a way to recreate the serum after Barnes’ disappearance.”

“Some things never change...”

"Pepper Potts is still your wife, and she is currently in New York presiding over a board meeting. Morgan Stark is eating a cheeseburger with Happy Hogan." 

Tony might have started crying then and there. Everything had turned out better than he could have imagined. He could undoubtedly go back to save his mother from that kind of death, and perhaps he should. According to the information Friday was telling him, Howard had been just as abusive as before, and his mother had continued to support his father just the same. Maybe that was a thought for another day. Plus even if he changed the time of their deaths, it didn’t mean that they would be alive now to see their granddaughter. Would Howard be as harsh with Morgan as he had been with his own son? The time machine was still there, ready for use. He would need some time to think about that.

His thoughts kept returning to Strange, to how he looked into so many possibilities and only saw one with a positive outcome. The man was always opposed to travelling back in time to deal with Thanos before he could destroy half the galaxy. This was something Tony needed to understand.

“Are we done now boss?” Friday asked.

“We need one more jump. At least for now. I need to see Strange.”

“I’ve put Titan’s coordinates in the machine. Ready when you are.”

Tony loved Friday. She understood him so well. One last trip to put that entire story behind him and live his best life. He could do it.

Chapter Text

Dr. Strange was combing through the myriad of possible futures, or so that was his explanation of what was happening to him at that moment on Titan. His face was flickering through a thousand different expressions, his head jerking up and down in an unnatural staccato. Tony noticed the Guardians of the Galaxy standing nearby, their expressions a curious mix of intrigue and apprehension. 

Peter Parker stood next to that younger version of Tony. Despite knowing that his meddling with time would ultimately save Peter, it took everything in him not to go up to him and hug the kid, never letting go. Tony has often regretted the moments of closeness that he had let slip through his fingers thinking they had time. Peter had carved his name onto Tony's heart, and yet he had kept the kid at arm’s length. For what? Because Tony was afraid to be a negative role model. Because he didn’t want to be like his own father. Why had he let his past mistakes and fears dictate his actions, pushing away the very person who had come to mean so much to him? He had been so stupid.

Peter looked so young but also visibly overwhelmed by their situation. Tony had tried to shield him, but Peter was a stubborn young man who just felt like he had to help. It was a familiar pattern. He saw a lot of himself in the kid. He could not bear the thought of Peter meeting the same end again, of being dusted away into nothingness. It was a cruel twist of fate that Peter’s healing powers were attempting to protect him, fighting against the power of the Infinity Stones. 

Tony walked slowly toward the group. Thanks to the time machine and spaceship at his disposal, he had managed to arrive ahead of the others, landing in a location not visible to his other self or to the Guardians. But now was the time to have a little conversation with Dr Strange.

"What the hell?" His other self exclaimed, surprised, when Tony emerged in the area where they were all standing.

“Mr Stark?” Peter shouted his head going from one Tony to the other almost comically.

"Hey guys!" Tony waved, always the showman. "And the other me. I'm simply here to talk to Dr. Wizard and then I'll leave. Don't worry, by the way, we won.  I made sure of that.”

Everyone, even the other version of himself, thought he was insane. It was written all over their faces. However, a Stark wouldn't be a Stark if they didn't begin considering every scenario that would enable such a miracle to occur. The doctor was coming out of his trance. If he was surprised to see two Tonys, his face didn’t show any of it.

"So, Dumbledore? How many times do we really win against Thanos?" Tony asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Just once." Dr Strange answered, visibly tired and somewhat weary of everything.

“Are you sure about that? Don’t you want to go back doing your little magic trick and check again?”

"That path you're on will cause more harm than good. Whatever improvement you believe you are doing, it will not end well.”

“So you knew there was at least another way.”

For a moment, they all looked at each other in silence. The implications were not good. Strange may have seen a thousand ways to kill Thanos, a thousand realities where things had changed other than half of their population turning to dust. That meant that Strange had decided the course they were all supposed to take without asking anyone.

“I had time to think. The world was a weird place after the snap. People were surviving but nobody was living. So many had lost everything that they chose to end it completely.” Tony explained, shuddering at the dark memories.

“Past tense?” Peter Quill asked.

"Considering this is me slightly older, I'd venture to say that I will invent a time machine sometime in the future and fix our little Thanos' problem." Younger Tony stated. 

"I could say that I like you the most, but really that's a given." Older Tony brightly smiled as he answered that other himself. 

The kid snorted at that little joke. He had always been easy to please. The others were also having small smiles on their faces. Tony took that as a victory. Once his plan would be in place completely, Tony would have probably no reason to ever meet the Guardians of the Galaxy. Perhaps the team would never come together at all. After all, it was the Mad Titan's acts that had brought them together.

Tony had seen, ever since he had been through time, that certain things would always happen no matter what. He had a feeling they would find each other in any timeline. Some people were intended to be together, just as Pepper was always Tony's endgame. Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps there was a scientific principle at work. Tony didn’t particularly care to find out this time around, as long as things ended up that way.

“Mantis,” Older Tony asked. “Could you please help me here? I would like to ask that man some hard questions, and I would rather get the truth. Can your powers, abilities do that? 

"Yes, I can." Mantis responded hesitantly.

“Fantastic! Then, let's do that.”

Mantis walked next to Doctor Strange and placed one of her hands on his shoulders. The magician made no attempt to argue with any of this. There was no place to hide anyway. They all knew that. The truth would undoubtedly be better than the thousand options that the group was currently envisioning. That older version of Stark had allegedly discovered a way to defeat Thanos. His way could not be that bad.

"What was the future you chose for us?"

"Thanos is coming and Quill's plan will almost work until he learns about Gamora's death." Strange began explaining without emotion in his voice.

"What?!" exclaimed all of the guardians in unison.

"Guys, I promise you that it will not happen. None of this will happen.” Tony tried to explain, stretching his arms showing everything around them. "I killed Thanos before all of this. Believe me. It’s hard to explain, but I won’t allow any of it to happen.”

It helped to settle them down a little, but they were clearly still concerned. The only thing that was working for Tony was the presence of his past self. True, the explanation was difficult because they were discussing something that had not yet happened. Tony only wanted answers to his questions, and then that timeline would disappear. Too many people were suffering because of Thanos. The changes he had made were the good ones.

"He was about to kill you," Strange continued, gazing the older Tony in the eyes. "I bargain for your life by giving him the time stone."

“I know all that.” 

"Thanos snaps," Strange continued as if Tony had not interrupted him. "And for five years, the universe attempts to move forward without half of its population. You invent the time machine. With the Avengers, you decide to travel back in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones, promising to return them at the perfect moment to save all timelines. Banner used the stones on a gauntlet you made. With his background in gamma radiation, he was the one you thought could resist the strength of all the stones. He brought the dusted back.”

"So everything has a happy ending!" Young Peter replied, full of hope.

"I doubt it will be that simple kid." Younger Tony stated. 

"Long version, short. Thanos attacked again and Earth was about to lose. This time, the Mad Titan was not just going to erase half of the population again but everyone. Thanks to a little misdirection, you were able to grab the stones and snap Thanos and his forces out of existence."

After a long period of stillness, Mantis spoke gently. "He's telling the truth."

Tony was only human. The armour was formidable, but it was unlikely to withstand the combined powers of all of the Infinity Stones. If he was the one who snapped, he would die. Simple as that. Tony would do anything to protect the people he cared about. 

If Bruce had already snapped, it was clear that this was not the correct way to do things. Thanos should not have been able to fight them once again. The first snap had brought Peter back. The kid would never disappear again. Morgan would never be dusted.

"Why did you choose a solution in which I die? There were quite obviously other ways. Why did you think it was okay to make my daughter an orphan?" Tony asked, his voice rising to a scream. 

Strange did not flinch nor did he stop looking at that older version of Tony right in the eye. He wasn't the type of man to back down. He was confident in his choice. The Sorcerer Supreme's mission was to make difficult decisions that no one wanted to make. Not only was the future of Earth at stake, but also the fate of the entire universe. It was a rather obvious choice. 

"You will use the time machine for your own benefit. I suppose you have already taken your revenge. The repercussions might be devastating. Even worse than what Thanos is trying to accomplish right now!" 

Everybody was quite perplexed by what Strange had just said. They weren't sure who to trust anymore. Parker had faith in Tony regardless of his age or what he was doing. Younger Tony wasn’t so sure himself. It was always his fault, somehow. Even when he had only good intentions, each of his decisions seemed to have a negative impact on those around him. The guardians remained silent. Mantis, who still had his hand on the wizard's shoulder, frowned.

"Funny that, since I travelled to the future, two hundred years ahead, and the universe was just good. More than fine, actually."

Tony drew a breath. He did not want to shout. All those people who took him for granted didn't deserve a minute of his time, and yet he still wanted to tell Strange he had made a big mistake choosing that parth.

"Everything I did felt like the fates, gods, or whoever was on my side. In two hundred years, the world is mainly at peace. Our main problems have been fixed. Nature is flourishing. Interstellar travel is a normal occurrence. My legacy is not one of death, but of scientific invention.”

Tony turned his back on that crowd. 

Now he knew the thought process behind Strange's decision, but really that meant nothing. That chain of events was never going to happen. They were never going to be on Titan hoping to stop Thanos. Strange’s decision meant nothing anymore. Tony was not going to be held back by the words of a man who knew nothing about him, who would choose that solution when there were other ways. Strange had not hesitated. Tony would not either.

"People constantly think I have a large ego, and perhaps they are right. Do not take the high ground. You did exactly the same thing I did. How long after the victory against Thanos did you look into?”

“Long enough.” Strange answered weirdly unphased.

“Who is the arrogant one now?” Tony just said. “But hey, I did build a time machine, so good job to you I suppose, not that you will remember or even have that conversation with me ever again. I hope our paths never cross again, but given the way you are dealing with things, I doubt it.”

Tony walked back to his ship. Peter attempted to call after him, but younger Tony self held him back. Leaving the kid was hard, but now the mission was over. It was time for him to return to Morgan, Pepper, Harley, and his own Peter. Tony put his hand on his ship and finally, went back to his own time.

Chapter Text

This time, there would be no retracing his steps, no resetting the clock after each phase of his revenge. Tony was done with the scientific trials. No more rehearsing. The show was about to start, the one and only performance that counted. There was no turning back. This time, it would go a lot faster. There would be no need for Tony to painstakingly track down his enemies, to meticulously plan their demise. The pieces were already in place, the players unknowingly waiting for him as he announced each act.

Tony Stark was the ringmaster, the greatest showman of all.

He almost didn’t want to do it all again, but he knew that he had no other choice. Thanos had to be stopped, at any cost. It was painful to even consider the possibility of half the universe disappearing again, even for a split second. There was no place for uncertainty or second-guesses.

Every moment spent away from Morgan felt like an eternity of agony for Tony. All he wanted now was to be reunited with his family, to bask in the warmth of their love once more. He found himself longing for a simple family dinner, a leisurely day in the park,  and the moment when he could put his baby girl to bed. Tony had learned to cherish the quiet moments, and had gotten really domestic over the years. He would not change any of it. 

All he really wanted was a loving family. The small boy he was within was still looking for some love from an absentee mother and an abusive father. Despite the scars of his past, Tony had forged his own path, building a family of his own choosing, one filled with love, warmth, and unwavering support. 

No force in the universe would take that away from him. Not Thanos with his tyrannical ambitions. Not Rogers with his misguided and selfish ideals. And certainly not Strange with his enigmatic machinations. Tony had fought tooth and nail to build the life he had always dreamed of, and he would do whatever it took to protect it. 

"So, no explosions, no impending catastrophes on the horizon? Anything at all?" Tony asked Friday once he was back to his time, dust settling on his revenge.

"Nothing major, just some minor differences that the trials didn’t show before," Friday reported.

Tony nodded knowingly. “We kind of knew that everything would be alright. Seren told us, but it’s good to have confirmation.”

“Morgan and Pepper should be in the tower. If you leave now, you might just make it in time for dinner.” Friday pointed out mischievously.

Tony chuckled at Friday's cheekiness. "Good point, baby girl. Make sure you activate the travel watch and keep yourself protected. I'm going to contact Jarvis, and while I fill him in on everything, I don't want either of you getting erased by mistake."

"Understood, Boss. I can't wait to meet my big brother," Friday replied eagerly, a sense of excitement evident in her voice.

Tony felt the familiar curve of his heart reactor under his fingers. He pressed it twice and the nanotech armour enveloped him like a cocoon of protective metal, its sleek surface gleaming in the sunlight. He took off instantly for the tower. Flying in his armour had never felt so good before. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was no looming threat, no impending doom to overshadow his every move. The weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a newfound freedom that left him breathless with exhilaration.

There would always be a villain to fight, he wasn’t naive about that. At least for a while. He also knew that there always be heroes who would rise up to the challenge. He wasn’t alone.

“Jarvis, you there?” Tony asked, almost terrified of the response.

"For you, Sir, always," came the immediate reply from the ever-faithful AI. "Although, I must say, I am rather surprised by the armour you're wearing now."

Tony couldn't help but chuckle at Jarvis's observation. "Well, a man's gotta keep up with the times, right? I have a lot to tell you. I don’t even know where to start.” Tony said, happiness bursting in his chest hearing Jarvis once again.

"How about starting from the beginning?"

"Smartass," Tony retorted with a hint of amusement in his tone, and no real heat behind his words.

Tony began to recall the events, starting with one that must have stayed the same. His kidnapping in Afghanistan. Without that key moment, Tony doubted he would have ever looked in the darker of his weapons manufacturing business, never would have become Iron Man. 

The memories of those traumatic moments still haunted him, lingering in the shadows of his mind. Physically, he had recovered fully, thanks to Loki's spell, but the mental scars ran deep, carved by fire. Even if they faded a little, they would always be there. 

And yet, despite the pain and suffering he had endured, Tony couldn’t bring himself to regret that moment. He had become Iron Man, turning his life around for the better. In a strange twist of fate, the thing that had almost destroyed him had also been the key to his salvation.

Jarvis remained silent for the most part as Tony recounted the intricate web of events that had led them to this moment in time. Only occasionally did he ask for clarification on certain points. There was no judgement in his questions, no hing of reproach in his tone, just the opposite. Jarvis would always protect his creator, and would always be there for him no matter what.

Tony had raised him to value all lives. He couldn’t deny what he had just done. Those deaths could save many others. Jarvis was a logical being first and foremost, and he could see the benefit of making such a difficult decision.

The memory of Jarvis sacrificing himself to protect the world from Ulton still lingered fresh in Tony’s mind, a bitter reminder of the too high price of that victory. With the help of Bruce Banner, he had uploaded what was left of the AI in a Vibranium body. Vision had emerged, claiming he was neither Jarvis nor Ultron. 

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you Sir." 

“It wasn’t your fault, Jarvis,” Tony reassured his loyal AI. “You sacrificed yourself to save the world, Buddy. I’m proud of you. And now,” he carried on after a moment of silence. “You have a younger sister. I had to awaken her after your passing to help me. I’ve asked her to hide away for her own protection. You are going to share space with her for a while.” 

Jarvis absorbed the information as stoic as ever. “You just revolutionised the storage capacity process for all kinds of devices,” he then remarked.

“It is really as if the universe wanted all this to happen,” Tony mused.

Jarvis remained sceptical about the notion of fate, his logical mind struggling to reconcile the idea with the randomness of the universe. Perhaps, when Friday shared the data about their time-travel adventure, it would change the way Jarvis saw things. Tony would have loved to have Jarvis by his side during those moments, but he would never trade Friday for anything. 

“Hello, Big brother!” greeted the younger AI as soon as Tony taped on his bracelet to allow her to reappear.

“Hello Miss Friday. I look forward to getting to know you.” 

Jarvis had always been quite formal. His English voice suited him perfectly. The actual Jarvis had been exactly the same. Tony had no doubt that Friday would quickly break all of his barriers down. Tony wondered if they would argue, as siblings often do. Somehow Tony already knew that once together they would be a force to reckon with.

Talking about Vision made him think about designing a body for Jarvis and Friday. They deserved the opportunity to discover the world. Of course, he wasn't going to push anything on them. It had to be their decision, but as a good father, he should at least give them the option. 

"The tower is nearby. Should I notify Miss Morgan of your arrival? Jarvis asked.

"Let's keep it a secret please." 

As he was flying over New York City, everything looked just the same, just like before the snap or even Loki’s attack. People were going about their busy days. Some of them looked up when they heard the familiar Iron Man sound. Children playing in the schoolyard waved enthusiastically at him. Tony took the opportunity to do some flips just to entertain them. He was thrilled, and the happiness should be shared all around, especially to his young number one fans.

Landing at the tower was a little noisy, but with practice, he had learned to make it as smooth as possible. But there was no surprising Morgan. The little girl was way too clever for her own good and her daddy's peace of mind. He had not finished walking down the ramp when the window doors opened wide.

"Daddy!" The small helion yelled, sprinting towards her father. "You're here!"

She rushed herself into his arms, unafraid of being so high in the tower. For her, it had only been a few days, but for Tony, it had been nearly a year. 

He hugged her close while trying not to break down. It was really overwhelming like nothing before. The adrenaline of clearing those mistakes was gone. Tony had always been terrified of the possible outcome. That was why he had checked after each and every part of his time travel. No amount of vengeance could excuse losing his little baby. He now had the chance to have a lot more time with his daughter, something he would always be thankful for. Now, he wanted to spend every minute he had with Morgan and Pepper.

“What did you do while you were away?” Morgan asked with a tone of fake reproach.

"I made Jarvis a little sister to play with." 

Tony disliked lying to those he cared about, but this was really not something a child needed to know. On the other hand, he needed to explain the introduction of yet another AI into the family. Perhaps one day, Tony will tell it all and explain what he has done to save the universe. Contrary to what his now-deceased teammates believed, he was not a superhero for glory. If that was what he truly wanted, there were less dangerous and far more effective methods to accomplish it.

“Hello, Miss Morgan. My name is Friday. It is nice to meet you” The AI introduced herself gently.

“Nice to meet you too!”

"Friday will help not only me and mommy, but also you. We are going to make sure to make her welcome Okay?” Tony instructed the little girl.

“I’m going to teach her all the best techniques to get older brothers to play! Like I do with Harley and Peter!” Morgan said with the enthusiasm of a four year old.

“Jarvis might not like it.” Tony laughed.

But Jarvis was looking forward to all those shenanigans. Morgan had everybody wrapped around her little finger without even trying.

"I think we should have ice cream, dad," she said as Tony went into the apartment, holding his daughter in his arms. 

“Oh really?”

“Yes! To celebrate!”

"Don't you think you should wait for the others to be there as well?"

“We’ll do it with them too later!”

Naturally, Tony gave in, especially after she asked for Stark Raving Mad ice cream. But later on, they would throw that huge party. The genius needed to see his extended family soon. Tony would have the strength to look into history knowing they would all be there around him. But he already knew really that everything was fine, because of Seren, because of how fates seemed to favour him every step of the way, and because of the citizens of New York who just seemed to live another. 

More than that. Perfect.

Chapter Text

Tony’s family had always been relatively small. He didn’t have siblings or even cousins. Over the years, he had built his own, Morgan being the latest addition. Morgan had truly loved the idea of a party to celebrate Friday, and Tony found it impossible to deny her. After all, her endless energy and boundless enthusiasm for anything new around her were infectious, much to the amusement of Pepper, who watched those two with an indulgent smile.

Pepper was as weak to the little girl as her husband was. It was evident to Pepper that Tony adored their daughter. Tony didn’t have a traditional family background, but he was determined to make sure Morgan always felt loved and supported. She enjoyed having her family around. Tony had experienced personally the abuse and isolation that came from growing up with someone like Howard Stark. He was determined to do better than that. The bar was pretty low. 

Stark Industries was on top of the world, number one in the world of innovation and technology. The board was ecstatic, and most board meetings only had to focus on the colour palette of the next Stark product. With Pepper Potts at the helm and Tony Stark directing the R&D department, the future seemed brighter than ever. Tony has been working hard recently, inventing and updating enough to last a year. They deserved some time away from the company, to spend some quality time with their family together. 

And now they had another very competent AI to assist them with everything in their lives. 

After the three days he had spent in their holiday house, something had changed in Tony. It was subtle, difficult to pinpoint  the specific difference. She couldn’t ignore the signs and the slight worry that came with. Tony was always quite touchy, but now he was almost needy. Pepper didn’t mind any of it, of course. In fact, she was happy about it. But there were times when Tony’s actions left her puzzled. There were the moments when Tony would drift off into a reverie, his gaze distant and unfocused, causing uneasiness to linger at the back of her mind. 

Their relationship had not always been smooth sailing. There were times when she wasn't there for him when he needed her the most.  She was only human, after all, with her own flaws and limitations. Life in the relentless glare of the spotlight was not easy, being subject to criticism and scrutiny all the time from people hiding behind a screen and keyboard. 

Nobody had prepared her for it, not even Tony, despite his best efforts to help her in his own way. He had been forced in front of the press since he was four years old. Pepper was now a member of the Stark family, and they were growing from their mistakes. She would do just the same.

Tony had come a long way from the tumultuous days of his past, leaving behind the haze of alcohol and one-night stands. Pepper didn't doubt for a moment that Tony was faithful to her. Their relationship was based on mutual respect and trust, which they developed over years of shared experiences. But there was something troubling him and he was trying to hide it from her. Even within a married couple, not everything needed to be shared, but she wanted to be there for him, to help him even a little bit.

Pepper was just as addicted to coffee as Tony was now. Their state-of-the-art coffee machine, capable of creating any combination of beans, milks, sirups and much more, had become a beloved fixture in their home. Pepper found comfort in the peaceful moments she spent sipping a well-made latte or cappuccino and letting her thoughts drift amid the swirling steam and comfortable perfume.

Yet, no matter how hard she tried to distract herself, her thoughts inevitably circled back to Tony, thinking about those minor changes she couldn’t pinpoint exactly. For better or for worse, they were in this together, and she would stop at nothing to ensure that their love remained strong, no matter what.

“Mum! Mum! Are you listening to me?”

Pepper snapped out of her reverie at the sound of Tony and Morgan's voices, realising she had been lost in her thoughts once again. Morgan’s joy was contagious. The small girl had her arms full of decoration despite Tony evidently carrying the majority of their haul. Morgan was unmistakably Tony’s daughter, inheriting not only his boundless energy but also how they had to always go all in on everything they did. Pepper couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. They must have bought everything in the store. The happiness on their faces assured her that it was all worth it. 

"We need help to put everything up!" Morgan declared, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Before Peter and Harley arrive! Mum, help!"

“Yes! Mum help!” Tony said, echoing his daughter’s plea with a grin.

How was she supposed to resist that? "Alright, let's get to work," Pepper said, rallying to the cause. "What do you want to put up first?"

"Balloons!" Morgan exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement.

Morgan was trying to blow those balloons with all her might, but it wasn’t happening. Pepper and Tony attempted to guide her through the process, demonstrating the technique with exaggerated motions. But no matter how hard she tried, the balloons remained stubbornly deflated, leaving the little girl frustrated. The two grownups ended up inflating all of the balloons until their cheeks hurt. 

Meanwhile, Morgan, unfazed by her failed balloon inflation attempts, took charge of attaching the colourful orbs to various objects in the room. She climbed onto furniture, reaching as high as her little arms could stretch to attach balloons in every nook and cranny. Peter couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of the room, the decoration only reaching the middle of the wall. 

Tony and Pepper put a banderole high, celebrating Friday’s official introduction into their family. The bots, ever eager to join in the festivities, helped hand by crafting party hats, transforming them into quirky creations fit for the occasion. Dum-E, in particular, discovered a newfound passion for the glue gun, his mechanical arm wielding the tool with surprising dexterity. Tony couldn't help but imagine about the various problems that awaited him thanks to Dum-E's newfound hobby, but he pushed those thoughts aside for the time being, choosing to revel in the moment instead.

Their preparations were interrupted by the arrival of Peter, or more accurately, Spider-Man, who landed gracefully onto the landing pad after swinging his way through New York. For a split second, the look that Tony gave the kid was full of sadness, but just as quickly as it appeared, it was replaced by pure joy, a radiant smile spreading across the genius’ face as he welcomed his young protege. Pepper chose not to say anything for now.

Tony had delved into research about that new past he had created and knew nothing about. Peter’s life had not really changed. The kid’s parents died the exact same way, in a plane accident. And then, Uncle Ben was shot and killed trying to stop a robber that Peter had allowed to escape earlier that day. Tony couldn't help but feel sympathy for Peter, knowing all too well the anguish of losing loved ones in such an unjust and cruel way. 

Tony began to wonder if some events were indeed predestined, fated to happen no matter the changes he would make in the past. It wasn’t fair. Perhaps he should have done something about it, or at least tried, trying to save his own parents as well.

Peter had gained abilities from the spider bite the same way. This time around, he had the opportunity to grow into his powers and his role at a slower pace. With each passing day, he embraced his role as Spider-Man,  developing his abilities and discovering how to handle the difficulties of being a hero at his own speed.

Peter’s prom was awfully normal for a kid his age this time around and Gwen Stacy was still his friend, if not his girlfriend. Tony found himself helping the kid once again, behind the back of his aunt May for a while, a familiar pattern that seemed to repeat itself no matter the changes Tony had made. Perhaps it was really meant to be. Thankfully, this time, Tony and Peter came clean pretty quickly. May wasn’t happy but ultimately, she understood. 

"Tony! Karen mentioned you created another AI. Her name's Friday, right? You whipped her up in just three days? That's impressive! Can't wait to meet her. Maybe one day you'll show me how to build one too. Not that I have anything against Karen, she's awesome, but it'd be cool to know how to fix her if something went haywire. Not that it would, of course…”

“Slow down, Kid! Breathe a little. I’ll show you, I promise.” Tony couldn't help but chuckle at Peter's neverending enthusiasm, "How about we all head down to the workshop after the party and get started?" Tony suggested, unable to resist Peter's puppy-dog eyes or the idea of diving back into the world of science and invention. 

Tony was filled with excitement and anticipation as he imagined Peter, Harley, Kat and Morgan all together in his workshop. The days of being nervous around kids were over, and in their place was a fresh appreciation for the wonder and happiness they brought into his life. Raising Morgan had softened Tony's rough edges. 

In the normal timeline, Tony would frequently regret not introducing his children to one another sooner, realising the missed opportunities, the time they could have spent together, the memories they could have forged. Life was hard after the snap, and Peter was no longer there. But now, things had changed for the better and Tony was going to enjoy every minute of it now.

Morgan came racing to them, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she took Peter by the hand, leading him towards the bedroom he had in the penthouse while chattering enthusiastically about the new addition to their family, Friday. A fresh set of clothes was waiting for him. Morgan was making the presentation,  explaining all the wonderful things the AI could do. The three of them were becoming fast friends. 

Aunt May was due to join them at the tower once her shift was over. She continued to refuse to work for Stark Industries or move into one of Tony's tower flats reserved for his family. Despite Tony's best efforts to persuade her otherwise, Aunt May remained resolute in her decision, preferring to maintain her independence and autonomy. She was quite stubborn.

Jodie Keener, Harley’s mother, was another strong-willed familiar face in the Stark household. Despite living in Tennessee, she made it a point for Harley and Kat to visit New York regularly, even when she wasn’t able to go herself. Tony was always making sure that the children would not get behind at school, even enrolling Harley in online courses to keep his mind busy.  

This time, Jodie made plans for a visit to New York, determined to spend quality time with her children and their newfound family. They were from Rose Hill. They would go back home at some point. Happy was driving them to the tower from the Stark Industries’ jet. Harley and Kat were brimming with excitement, telling the bodyguard every detail about what they intended to do while in New York. Happy was doing his best not to smile. He had a reputation to uphold.

Tony could also have changed Harley’s life. It would have been simple to make the Keeners' lives easier. All Tony had to do was establish a factory or something similar in the area, relieving their financial problems and guaranteeing a better future for the whole family. However, despite how good the proposal seemed on paper, Tony couldn't help but be concerned about the possible outcomes.

The man had abandoned his own family once before, a decision that had undoubtedly left scars on Harley and Kat. There was no guarantee that he would not repeat that kind of mistake if given the opportunity, or that if he stayed, that he would be a good father to his two children.

What would his life have been like if Howard Stark hadn't been a constant presence, shaping his childhood with years of physical and psychological abuse? Tony would undoubtedly be a different man.

Perhaps he was allowing his own bias to take over, but he wanted to protect Harley and Kat from anything even remotely close to abuse of any kind.

Chapter Text

When Rhodey arrived standing on his own two feet without the help of the braces, it took everything in Tony not to break there and then. He was relieved that this time travel revenge had that kind of indirect consequences. Although he was happy for Rhodey’s good health, Tony couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency to improve the War Machine armour, to add safety measures. Better safe than sorry.

Rhodey’s career was on an upward trajectory. Everyone who knew anything about the Air Force was aware that the Brigadier General promotion was imminent. It was a testament to his skill, dedication, and leadership abilities, which had earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Tony wasn’t sure his friend would accept that promotion. Being War Machine meant a lot to him, and Rhodey wanted to stay with the Avengers for a little longer. A promotion could jeopardise that. Tony was determined to back Rhodey regardless of his choice. 

“Hey Shellhead! Thanks for the invite!”

James Bucky Barnes was actually at the penthouse, and it was the most normal thing in the world. It was still difficult for Tony to fully reconcile the man standing before him with the shadow of the Winter Soldier, the assassin responsible for the deaths of Howard and Maria Stark. Tony had time to appreciate that Bucky was truly innocent of the crimes that had haunted him for so long. He was able now to move forward, to forgive even though Tony would never forget.

Tony was still hesitant to go back in time and undo those specific crimes. The wounds of that tragic event ran deep, the ones from his childhood deeper. Tony's connection with his own parents was complicated in and of itself very complicated. Bringing them back might not be the solution.

When Steve Rogers was killed in the middle of nowhere by an unnamed individual, the police conducted an immediate investigation, delaying Barnes' departure. Not only was he one of the last people to have seen Steve alive, Bucky also was the last of Rogers’ family and friends. Someone needed to send Steve Rogers to his last resting place.

After a week of intense scrutiny and interrogation, Barnes was finally permitted to return to his life, but that didn’t mean he was free of his military duties. He was still scheduled to be deployed to the front lines. Bucky had lost everyone close to him at that point. His mother and sisters had succumbed to a devastating outbreak of flu years earlier, leaving him alone in the world. It was a tragedy, and perhaps one of the reasons he had always wanted to keep safe. They only had each other. But Bucky was by himself now.

When Dr. Erskine presented Bucky Barnes with the opportunity to participate in his experimental serum project, Bucky just said yes. Perhaps he was still grieving over the loss of his loved ones, or maybe he might have been curious about the future and science. Whatever the reason, Bucky saw no reason to turn down the chance to become part of something extraordinary.

In contrast to Steve Rogers, who had been plagued by a variety of illnesses, Bucky was in good health. As a result, the serum worked wonders on him, surpassing all expectations. It changed him in a way he never could have imagined, giving him superhuman skills. Bucky’s body evolved into a marvel of modern science, capable of withstanding almost any injury or trauma. Any wound was healed in a matter of seconds. To put his newfound talents to the test, scientists went as far as severing one of his fingers, only to be amazed as it regrew before their eyes in minutes.

Years later, Bucky would admit to Tony that the fact he had not felt it at all was what frightened him the most. It was still something he had trouble to deal with.

Captain America will always combat Hydra, regardless of who took on the mantle. Bucky found himself facing off against the infamous Red Skull, the very founder of Hydra. As Tony Stark pieced together the events, he couldn't help but marvel at the eerie similarities to the timeline he was familiar with, until the disappearance of the Valkyrie. The main difference was that Bucky jumped out of the plane before it crashed into the ice.

Despite all the changes Tony made to the timeline, some events seemed to happen regardless. There were minor differences of course, but the main event was still unfolding almost the same way. It was a sobering realisation for Tony, a reminder that some moments were immutable, woven into the very fabric of fate itself. Some events were simply meant to be.

The rest was history. Coulson, the director of Shield, took charge of Barnes after being found in the ice, attempting to acclimatise the soldier to the new century and keep him up to date on world events.Meanwhile, Tony Stark and Bucky forged an unlikely friendship, bonding over their first encounter against Dr. Doom. These days, the major bad guy seemed to be the monarch of Latveria, who posed a significant threat to global stability. 

“Winghead! The party can’t start without you!”

With Bucky at the helm, the Avengers roster was quite different, reflecting the changes that Tony had made through time. His right hand belonged to Yelana Belova, the Black Widow who had broken free from the conditioning and saved all of her sisters. 

After Dreykov’s death, the once formidable Red Room program descended into chaos, with power struggles erupting among the ranks as the most ambitious individuals fought for control of the organisation. Yelena Belova saw an opportunity to strike and completely destroy the program from within, rescuing a dozen girls in the process. Despite the danger, she launched her plan, ready to do anything to find freedom. Coulson recognized the potential within Yelena. He approached her with an offer to join SHIELD, to lend her talents to a cause greater than herself and to make a real difference in the world. After all, she possessed a specific set of skills that she might as well use.

Naturally, Thor wasn't a member of the team, not that Tony missed him. The formidable Bucky had assembled was more than capable of handling whatever threats came their way without the god. What did catch Tony by surprise, however, was the addition of the Wasp to their ranks. Hope Van Dyne had a longstanding friendship with Tony since their childhood. Even if Hank Pym and Howard Stark weren’t the best of friends, they weren’t enemies either.

And then there was the Hulk, a force of nature unto himself. Alongside Iron Man and the rest of the team, they had managed to operate with remarkable efficiency, minimising casualties and collateral damage in their efforts to protect the world. 

The party was a simple gathering, but it was enough. Morgan's seasonal decorations brought a touch of warmth and charm to the penthouse, making the ambiance very different from its regular sleek and polished appearance. Gone were the sterile, magazine-perfect aesthetics, replaced instead by a cosy, lived-in vibe that made the place feel more like a home than a showpiece.

As Tony Stark lounged on the sofa, sipping on a refreshing glass of iced tea, he couldn't help but appreciate the little touches that made the penthouse feel so inviting. A soft, cosy blanket draped over the back of the sofa was talking about movie nights and family cuddles. There were drawings all over the fridge, and some half-finished trinkets that Harley and Peter had left behind. 

Alcohol belonged in his past, and he didn't feel the need for it now. As the party continued on, Tony found himself caught up in the moment, laughing and chatting with his friends as if the weight of the world had finally been lifted from his shoulders. In that moment, surrounded by warmth and laughter, he couldn't imagine being anywhere else, content to bask in the simple joy of being alive and surrounded by those he cared about.

Tony was skilled at coaxing out old stories from his friends and loved ones, stories he should have known had he lived in that timeline entirely. He nearly yearned for something like in the movies, memories flooding his mind, filling the gaps of the years, all those events he had missed. This would undoubtedly be his burden from now on, but he could learn what had happened over those years. But he would also focus on the present, cherishing the moments he had with his loved ones and looking forward to creating new memories with them.

Pepper's voice interrupted his reverie, pulling him back to the present moment. “Are you alright? You seem different.” She asked, smiling fondly, and Tony couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for letting his emotions show so openly.

"I'm alright, don't worry," he reassured her, offering a reassuring smile. "I guess I'm just not used to being alone anymore."

"You know you can tell me anything," Pepper repeated, her concern evident .

She knew him better than anyone, sensing his every mood and emotion with remarkable accuracy. Tony moved slightly to face his wife. He took her in his arms, smiling at her, and kissed her lightly on the lips. In that moment, he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Pepper was his soulmate, destined to be by his side despite the adjustments he made during his travels in the past. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Tony couldn't help but marvel at the cosmic forces that had brought them together. The Universe wanted them together, and who was he to go against the universe?

"I just thought about stupid what ifs," he confessed, his voice tinged with self-deprecation. "If I had not met you or Rhodey or the kids. My brain got the best of me."

Pepper's response was immediate, her smile warm and reassuring. "Stupid brain," she teased gently.

Before Tony could respond, their moment was interrupted by Morgan rushing into their legs at full speed, demanding their attention. Harley approached with plates of cake in hand, Kat trailing behind him like a shadow, her eyes wide with adoration as she looked up at Pepper. The little girl wanted to be a badass princess when she grew up, just like Pepper Potts. 

To Tony and Pepper, Harley, Kat, and Peter were family. They regarded them as their own, opening their homes and more importantly their hearts to them. There was no limit to the love and support they offered, and they would stop at nothing to ensure the happiness and well-being of those children, including Peter. Tony had this way of finding those wonderful children who immediately viewed him as a father figure. Every time Pepper saw him with their kids, she couldn't help but feel proud of him. Love was a wonderful thing. Tony’s heart was as vast as the ocean. There was plenty to go around.

Tony’s life was really perfect. Of course, Tony knew that life was never without its challenges. There would inevitably be bumps along the road, obstacles to overcome, and battles to be fought. The Avengers still had their duty to protect the world from threats like Dr. Doom, and there would always be new adversaries lurking around the corner, waiting to test their resolve.

Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Tony found comfort in knowing that he had made the right choice. Deep down, he knew that he would never again use the time machine, despite the temptation to rewrite the past. It wasn’t fair, perhaps, to deny others the opportunity to use it. Many people would certainly love to have another shot at certain moments of their lives. Tony would have to live with that knowledge. 

Strange had seen it differently, and had been wrong of course. Tony had saved the Universe, and life was better for it. He had paved the way for a brighter future, not just for himself, but for all of humanity.

The days ahead promised to be filled with promise and possibility. The future was going to be great, no doubt about that. He just needed to find a reason why he had a big ship in the backyard, with yet another AI as a pilot. Trouble for another day.