Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s a dangerous thing to make a wish while holding an Infinity Stone.

Making a wish while holding all six could have disastrous repercussions.

After Tony snapped his fingers, all of his strength left his body. He found himself collapsing into the ground, supported only by the rubble surrounding them. His eyes darted across the field, searching for the faces he wanted to see most.

Suddenly a tearful Peter Parker was in front of him, bloody and messy and attempting a smile.

“-sir? We did it, sir. We won, Mr. Stark. We won, you did it. You did it.” His voice shook as he tried to reassure Tony and all he wanted to do was pull his kid into his arms and tell him everything was going to be okay but he couldn’t find the will to move. “I’m sorry Tony.” The boy whispered broken.

And then Pepper was there, pulling Peter away gently and adjusting him into Rhodey’s arms.

Tony’s head turned towards her sluggishly. “Hey Pep.” He muttered, grabbing at the hand she placed on his chest.

“Friday?” Pepper called, a tremble in her usually steady voice.

“Life functions critical.” She reported sadly.

Tony attempted to smile for the love of his life but he wasn’t sure if he managed it. “Oh.” He whimpered, looking around distractedly.

“Tony.” Pepper said. “Look at me.”

He met her eyes, dazed, as she smiling softly. “Hm?” He hummed.

“We’re gonna be okay.” She assured him, tears falling down her cheeks even as she smiled. “You can rest now.”

Tension Tony didn’t know he was holding released him and then he could no longer focus. The edges of his vision were blackening and he couldn’t feel the pain anymore.

His mind was awash with flashes of his family flickering through his mind. Pepper, Peter, and Morgan. The best things he had ever done. His last thought before he faded completely was; God I wish we could have more time.

“-trying to keep you from-“ Tony’s words cut off as he fell to the ground with a gasp and a low scream.

When he opened his eyes he was staring at the sky. Was this heaven? His mind felt sluggish as he continued to lay there. And then a voice cut across his confusion, alerting him instantly.

“Tones? Tony? You good, man?” Rhodey asked nervously, appearing in Tony’s line of sight clad in his War Machine armor.

“How did you die? You’re not supposed to be dead!” Tony gasped.

“Tones? You’re not making sense.” Rhodey answered, looking even more concerned.

“Tony?” Steve called out, a few feet away.

Tony moved to sit up and started looking around at his supposed afterlife.

His heart sank in his chest when he took in the familiar airport. The familiar people. A scene that he hadn’t seen in over seven years.

“Wha-“ Tony mumbled in confusion, standing slowly.

“Dad?” A small nervous voice called out.

“Dad?!” He heard multiple voices, including Rhodey’s, echo incredulously.

“Peter?” Tony’s head snapped up, turning around without sparing anyone else a look. “Peter?!” He practically yelled.

“Dad!” Peter cried out and then Tony had his arms full of spider. The boy clung to his suit, wrapping his arms a little too tightly around Tony’s middle but the only thing he could do was cling back. Was it really him?

“Underoos, is that really you?” He asked out loud, pulling back and running his hands cautiously over the kids suit, subconsciously checking for injuries.

“Tony.” Peter snuffled. “You’re here! How- but you died ! I heard your heart stop!” His voice was so broken and confused that Tony’s chest clenched and he pulled the boy back into a firm hug.

He could still hear people talking in the background but he couldn’t tear his focus away from the boy, his boy. “I’m okay. I’m okay.”

“I don’t understand.” Peter whimpered, ripping his mask from his face to show his younger appearance.

“I- I think we’ve gone back in time.” Tony whispered, eyes darting towards where Steve, Rhodey, and ( god) Nat were standing off to the side. All three were watching the duo with varying degrees of confusion.

“We went back in time!?” Peter yelled, pulling back. His head whipped from side to side and he looked slightly dizzy as he took in their current location.

“You what?!” Rhodey asked incredulously.

“Okay what’s going on and why is this kid calling you dad? And did he say you died ?” Natasha cut in, watching them calculatedly.

“Okay. Okay.” Tony breathed out, reluctantly detaching himself from Peter’s side. “This is going to sound crazy. You should get everyone out here so I can explain. Even the ant guy.”

“How do we know this isn’t a trap?” Rogers asked distrustingly, eyes going wide at the information Tony had.

Tony rolled his eyes at the accusation. “If you all want to run off to Siberia after I explain everything, feel free. I really don’t care.”

Rogers blinked at the comment and still looked slightly dubious but spoke quietly into his comms.

“You expect us to believe you have traveled from the future?” T’Challa questioned skeptically, sounding as though he were doubting Tony’s intelligence.

“Barnes didn’t kill your father, he was framed by a man named Helmut Zemo. A Sokovian who lost his family in the Ultron debacle.” Tony replied instead, earning a surprised look from all parties except for the Spiderling who nodded in agreement.

It wasn’t more than a few minutes before everyone was standing in front of Tony, watching him shrewdly. There was an awkward silence as they all stared at each other; Tony with a teenager clinging to his side desperately.

“Okay.” Tony breathed out, nodding. “Friday, make sure this conversation stays private.” He ordered the AI.

“Of course, Boss.” Friday said, sounding more robotic than he’d ever heard from her.

“Fri?” He called questioningly.

“I failed you Boss.” She replied with much more emotion in her tone. Oh god, she remembered.

“You absolutely didn’t fail me, babygirl.” Tony reassured the AI, heart breaking at the despair he could hear in her voice.

“But-“ She tried to protest.

“No, we’ll talk about his later and I’ll knock some sense into you.” Tony cut in, ignoring the confused looks from his once teammates.

“Okay.” He breathed out tiredly. “I don’t know about you but I’m sitting down for this.” He said, pulling himself and Peter onto the ground.

Rhodey was the only person who followed his movements but soon they were all sitting in a circle on the tarmac.

“Peter and I have somehow traveled into our younger bodies from the year 2023.” He summarizied. “And it seems that Friday remembers too.”

“How?” Wanda asked disbelievingly.

“Yeah, I’d like to know that too.” Peter added, looking at Tony in confusion.

“What’s the last thing you remember, Roo?” Tony asked softly.

Peter blanched but answered honestly. “Your funeral.” He mumbled.

“Oh.” Tony breathed. He should have expected that. He’d died so of course there would be a funeral.

“Yeah.” Peter croaked, tears filling his eyes again.

“I’m okay Bambino.” Tony reassured, pulling the kid into another hug before looking back up at the assembled heroes. “I think it had something to do with the Infinity Stones.”

“What are the Infinity Stones? I believe I’ve heard Mr. Odinson mention them.” Vision inquired.

“Well. That shiny rock in your forehead is called the Mind Stone and there are six others. The Time, Space, Reality, Soul, and Power Stones.” Tony explained, watching Vision as though he might disappear. “It’s good to see you, buddy.” Tony choked out.

“Oh I see.” Vision answered diplomatically. “It is nice to see you as well, Mr. Stark.” He added, only sounding slightly confused.

“When did you get a kid?” Natasha asked, watching them curiously.

“For me, seven years ago but I guess I technically met him yesterday in this time.” Tony answered musingly.

Natasha appeared confused until Tony added, “He’s not mine biologically.” “Ah.” “Yes.”

“Anyway, I’ve got a lot to tell you guys and I’m hoping you believe me enough to-“ Tony cut off as Friday spoke up.

“Incoming video call from Mrs. Stark.”

“Answer!” Tony almost yelled, standing abruptly and watching with bated breath as a hologram projected from his chest plate and filled the air in front of them and Pepper’s ashen face filled the screen.

“Tony?” She asked, eyes wild as she scanned him through the screen.

“Pep?” He asked back, not daring to hope that she remembered.

She swallowed thickly, “Do you remember-“

“Thanos?” Tony cut in. “Yes. Peter too.”

Pepper slumped in obvious relief. “Oh thank God, Tony I don’t understand what’s happening.”

“Well that’s a first.” Tony joked, earning an unimpressed glance.

“ Mommy? Is that daddy? ” A little voice called off-screen and Pepper looked to the side with a soft smile. Multiple people gasped as Tony’s face paled.

“Pep. Please tell me that is Morgan. Please tell me our daughter is standing next to you right now.” Tony begged, ignoring the looks he was receiving from the Avengers and co..

“Yes.” She answered for both of them, beckoning the little girl to her side.

“Daddy! You’re back! Mommy said you went to the stars like Petey.” Morgan chattered excitedly. “I missed you so much.”

Tony choked out a laugh, eyes watering. “I missed you too, Morgoona. And I have a surprise for you.”

“Really?!” Morgan’s eyes lit up at the prospect of a surprise.

“Yup.” He said, popping the ‘P’ and gesturing for Peter to stand as well.

Once the boy had filled the screen large smiles filled both Morgan and Pepper’s faces.

“Peter.” Pepper breathed, sounding relieved.

“Daddy, is that Petey? He’s back from the stars like you?” Morgan questioned innocently.

Tony’s smile turned pained. “Yeah honey, we’re both back.”

The four year old gasped as though she couldn’t hadn’t seen Peter standing right next to Tony. Her eyes scanned him up and down excitedly. “Hi Petey!”

“Hi Morgs.” Peter said back, a faint grin on his lips. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m your big brother.”

Morgan nodded, looking at Peter as through he were slow. “I know that Petey. Mommy and Daddy tell me bedtime stories about you.”

“Oh.” Peter breathed, eyes watering.

“Good to see you, Peter.” Pepper whispered, smiling shakily.

“Yes- good to- you too Mrs. Stark- I mean Miss- Miss Potts.” He stuttered questioningly.

Pepper barked a loud laugh, eyes sparkling. “You know you can call me Pepper, Pete.”

“Right.” Peter nodded. “Sorry, Pepper. Habit.” He said sheepishly.

“Where are you guys right now?” Tony questioned.

“SI.” She answered. “We just appeared in my office, thankfully nobody was around. What about you?”

“We’re in Germany.” Peter answered hesitantly.

Pepper gasped, her mouth falling open and hand moving to cover her heart.

“Before the fight happened.” Tony reassured, “I was about to explain when you called. We’re all fine.”

“Rhodes?” Pep whispered, eyes darting around as though she could see him.

“Standing a few feet away from me.” Tony answered, unable to help his grin.

“That’s- that’s good. You’ll be back soon?” Pepper breathed, watching them closely.

“As soon as I can.” Tony reassured. “I love you both.”

“We love you 3000, daddy!” Morgan replied for both of them.

Tony’s grin was so wide that his cheeks hurt but faded slightly as the call disconnected.

“That good enough for you? Can we go to the jet so I can explain in a more secure place?” Tony asked, gesturing around the airport.

“How do we know you aren’t just going to arrest us?” Clint asked, eyeing Tony speculatively.

“If I pinky promise, will you believe me?” Tony retorted, a winning smile on his face.

Peter snickered as everyone gave him a look . Tony rolled his eyes. “Look. Something big is coming. Destroying half the universe big, and the world is going to need the Avengers. I can’t afford to have you in prison.” He answered honestly.

Steve shot a questioning glance at Natasha and the woman nodded. “He’s telling the truth.”

“Plus I already know Barnes killed my parents.” Tony added, watching Rogers face as he blanched. “And I’ve had seven years to come to terms with it, no hard feelings. He directed the last part at Barnes. “So, jet?” He repeated, walking away without a backwards glance, holding his son tightly to his side.

“I will return back to Wakanda and contact you all at a later date.” T’Challa said and he heard Steve murmur a reply.

Once they had all settled into the jet, Tony had FRIDAY navigate back to the Tower.

“Damn this suit. Too damn heavy. I’ll have to-“ Tony grumbled as he adjusted in his seat.

“You need to explain.” Natasha cut in firmly, Clint at her side.

“Right.” Tony breathed, fighting the emotions he felt seeing the spy alive. “Right so I’ll start with the Accords and Barnes since it’s what’s most relevant right now.”

Steve bristled but stayed quiet after a sharp look.

“I was wrong.” Tony said simply. “About the Accords.”

At the vindicated sounds he cut a hand through the air, silencing them. “But I was also right. We do need oversight, but first we need to change the Accords. If we, and by we I mean you, refuse to sign until amendments are made, we all have a much better chance at fixing things. I understand that you don’t trust me but now I have so much data that I didn’t have an hour ago.” He paused. “Probably enough to get Ross arrested actually, now that I know where to look. And then Barnes-“

“I thought you were working for Ross?” Sam asked confusedly.

Tony and Peter both scoffed. “He was never working for Ross. He was trying to gather enough evidence to get him ousted from the UN Council which meant temporarily working with him.” Peter explained with a scowl.

“Underoos is right.” Tony nodded.

“I’d like to know why there is a child here in the first place.” Wanda spoke up, watching Peter kindly but scowling at Tony.

“I am not a child!” Peter yelped.

“Look, I didn’t know him that well then and I made a mistake. It was wrong to bring him here. I’ve already had this conversation with all of you, Pep, and the kids aunt and I really don’t feel like a repeat performance.”

“Oh god Aunt May.” Peter moaned and Tony blanched.

“Wow Stark, admitting you were wrong?” Clint taunted.

“It does happen, sometimes.” Tony retorted. “Anyway! Peter is right, I was never working for Ross. He’s a dickwad. But back to Barnes, again I know you don’t trust me but please remember that I’m quite literally from the future before you disregard what I’m about to say. If Barnes turns himself in to the UN, not Ross , he will be given a full pardon for his crimes and I already know how to remove the trigger words. As long as Princess Shuri doesn’t mind consulting with me on that.”

“You promise you’re telling the truth?” Steve asked, looking hopeful.

“On my mother’s grave.” Tony bit out only a little bitterly.

“Okay.” Steve breathed, looking only slightly guilty. “Thank you Tony.”

“Don’t thank me, Rogers.” Tony answered dismissively. “Once we get back to the Tower we can discuss that in more detail.”

“Thank you, Stark.” Barnes rasped from Steve’s side.

“No probelm, Elsa.” Tony said, shooting awkward finger guns.

“You’re so old, Mr. Stark.” Peter snickered, covering his mouth.

“Hey! I am not old. I am 46 years young! and I thought I was Tony or Dad now.” Tony teased back.

Peter blushed, leaning in for another hug. “Yeah Dad but you’re actually 53 so…” He trailed off cheekily.

“Be quiet you.” Tony mock scolded, smile wide.

When he looked up everyone, including Rhodey, was watching him with wide eyes and mouths agape.

“What?” He asked defensively.

“We just- we’ve never seen you like this.” Rhodey answered slowly.

“Like what, Platypus?” Tony asked, pulling Peter closer protectively.

“Paternal.” “Like a dad.” Natasha and Clint answered simultaneously, sharing a sly glance.

“Yeah well.” Tony said, flushing slightly in embarrassment. He paused when Peter yawned loudly. “How about I tell you everything else when we get back to the Tower. The Spider-Baby needs a nap.”

“‘M not a baby.” Peter grumbled but leaned further into Tony’s side, eyes drooping.

“Sure you aren’t, Bambino.” Tony indulged, chest warm.

He ignored the looks and raised brows from the group and ran his fingers through Peter’s hair gently.

Once they’d made it to the tower they exited the Quinjet to see three people waiting anxiously for them.

“Aunt May!?” Peter squeaked running towards the woman with Tony following behind.

“Peter! Oh my God, you’re okay! You’re both okay.” May said, rushing forward to meet them and surprising Tony when she pulled them both into a hug. “The last thing I can remember we were arriving at the- the funeral and then I woke up in our apartment in 2016!” The woman rambled.

“Aunt May.” Peter cried out again, holding her desperately.

“She showed up at the Tower a few minutes after our phone call.” Pepper added, watching them warmly.

Tony quickly broke away from May and Peter, practically teleporting over to Pepper and Morgan and scooping them into a tight hug. “Oh God.” He breathed, squeezing them.

“Too tight Daddy!” Morgan squeaked, arms wrapped around his neck.

He pulled back a bit, releasing Pepper and lifting Morgan onto his hip. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear tenderly. “I’m sorry baby, I just missed you so much.”

Morgan smiled brightly, plopping a wet kiss on his cheek.

“Pep.” He choked, looking at his wife. She was watching the two of them with tears in her eyes, her hand hovering over her mouth.

“Tony. I can’t believe- God I can’t believe you’re here. That we’re here.” She choked out shakily.

“I know Pep. I know.” He murmured, resting his chin on his daughter’s head.

“Wow.” Rhodey breathed from where he was standing with the rest of the group.

Morgan’s head snapped up and she grinned. “Uncle Rhodey!” She squealed, waving at the man.

Bemused, he waved back. “Hello… Morgan?” He replied questioningly, sending a soft look at Tony and the girl.

She let out another gasp as her eyes settled on Nat. “Auntie Nat! You’re back from the stars too!”

Tony winced at the look on everyone’s faces as that detail but Natasha only smiled. “Nice to meet you, Morgan.”

“You’re so silly, Auntie Nat. You already met me when I was a baby!” Morgan explained, wrinkling her nose at the spy.

“Oh right. I forgot.” Natasha said indulgently.

Morgan giggled. “Silly Natty.”

“That’s right, Morgs.” Tony laughed, his eyes bright.

“We should all head inside so we can talk.” Pepper interrupted softly.

Tony nodded, leading the way towards the common floor living room so that everyone could sit down.

He settled in, his family surrounding him from all sides. Alive and safe. He took a deep calming breath.

Dying had never felt so easy.

Chapter Text

“Okay, so talk.” Natasha said once they’d all situated themselves.

Tony, Peter, May, and Pepper were all squished into one of the couches, Morgan snoozing on his lap, not wanting to separate for even a minute.

“Okay first we should explain when we’re all from, right?” Peter asked out loud.

“Right.” Pepper nodded. “I’m pretty sure all four of us except for Tony are from just before Tony’s- his funeral.”

“Wait Tones, you actually died?” Rhodey asked aghast.

“Of course I did! What did you think Pete was just saying that for fun?” Tony answered, feeling out of his depth.

“Man, I didn’t know what to think.” Rhodey replied, eyes red.

“How?” Steve asked.

Pepper and Peter both flinched back, moving  even closer (if that was even possible) to Tony at the question.

“I uhm- I think I need to explain everything else before getting into that. It wouldn’t really make much sense without context.” Tony redirected. “So, in our original timeline, the fight escalated-“

“That’s one way to put it.” Peter grumbled.

“Shh. The fight escalated and everyone here except for me, Rhodey, Vision, and Peter were labeled terrorists. You were given sanctuary in Wakanda.”

“Nat too?” Clint asked in surprise.

“Uh yeah. She switched sides last minute.” Tony answered, sparing a single glance at the redheads unreadable face. “Two years passed after that without much fanfare. I started mentoring Pete, Pepper and I got engaged, it was nice. I’m not really sure what you guys were doing since you were all in hiding.

“The nicest!” Peter chirped. “I got to work in Dad’s lab and I used to sleepover here every weekend and sometimes when May had to work late.” And then he pouted. “My rooms gone.”

Tony huffed a laugh and ruffled the boys hair. “Don’t worry, Roo. I’ll have your room set up in no time.”

“And after the two years?” Sam cut in to their banter.

Tony’s grip on Morgan tightened slightly and he grimaced. “Then Bruce showed up, shouting that Asgard had been destroyed and- and Thanos was- he was coming to earth.”

“Bruce is alive?” Nat asked, perking up at the information.

“Yup. He’s in space with Thor, Loki, and Valkyrie.” Peter answered.

“He’s in space?! With Loki?!!” Clint bit out in shock.

“Yes, he is. We should probably try to contact Thor to warn him as well. Also we found out later that Loki had been mind controlled during the invasion, same as you.” Tony said apologetically.

“Anyway, minutes after Brucie warned us,  a giant space ship showed up in the middle of central park.” He said, clenching his eyes shut at the memories. “An alien, one of T-Thanos’ children, Ebony Maw had come for the Time Stone which is here on earth while some of his siblings looked for the Mind Stone.”

“Who is Thanos, exactly?” Steve questioned, eyes widening when every single time travelled flinched back from the name.

“He’s- he’s an alien from a planet called Titan. His species died from overpopulation or something and it fucked with his head. He’s since spent his time going from planet to planet and massacring half the population to ‘save them’ from themselves. The guy fancies himself some kind of God.”

“What the fuck.” Scott Lang breathed, eyes wide and panicky.

“Yeah.” Tony winced, rubbing his arm absentmindedly.

Pepper sat forward. “Are you okay? Does it still hurt.”

“No, Pep, I’m fine. Just- just memories.” He answered honestly, smiling when she deflated in relief.

“Anyway, he’s looking to collect all of the Infinity Stones so that he can- uh- kill half of all sentient life in the universe with a snap of his fingers.”

“A snap?!” Wanda asked incredulously. “Just like that?” She snapped her own finger for emphasis but stared wide eyed when Peter, Pepper, and Tony flinched backwards again.

“Yes. Like that.” Tony replied, ignoring his racing heart. “By the time we fought him he’d already gotten four of the stones and we- we lost. Badly.”

“Half of…” Sam trailed off.

“Yes, half of all life. Gone.” Tony answered. “It was- God it was awful. Most of the people in this room survived but not all.” He said, clutching Peter closer to himself.

“I- I died.” Peter spoke up then. “In space.”

Tony flinched. “Yes. He- yes.”

“But you said you were from 2023, and so is he, right?” Natasha asked, gesturing towards the young boy.

Tony sniffed but nodded. “Yes. Right so everyone was dead and when we found Thanos after, we found out that he’d used the stones to destroy the stones, which meant we couldn’t bring them all back. And then five years later, Scott Lang showed up claiming he’d been trapped in the Quantum Realm for the last five years, though apparently it was only five hours for him. With that, came the idea of a time heist.”

“A time heist? Who came up with that name?” Sam joked halfheartedly.

“Uh- Scott I think. Or me, couldn’t tell ya.” Tony answered, shaking his head. “Steve, Nat, and Scott showed up at my cabin and asked me to help them figure it out.” A deep breath. “I said no.”

“You what?! Tony how could you be so selfish?!” Steve cut in, scowling.

“Hey! Don’t talk about Mr. Stark like that! He had Pepper and Morgan to think about, he didn’t want to risk losing them! Can you say you wouldn’t have done the same?” Peter snapped back, lips pursed.

Steve didn’t reply but his mouth opened and closed a few times.

“I didn’t say I didn’t eventually help. I said I said no.” Tony spoke up defensively. “After you guys left I- I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Thinking about getting Peter back.”

Peter snuggled closer to his side, hand held tightly in May’s for silent support.

“So I invented a functional time space gps. Eventually we all went to different points in time to collect the stones, so that we could bring them to our time and snap everyone back.” Tony sighed heavily. “We succeeded for the most part, Bruce snapped everyone back. Clint got a call from his wife and kids. But there was a mishap in 2014 that led to the Thanos of that time coming to our own time so that he could redo the snap. We all- we all fought him but he ended up getting the stones. Luckily for everyone, I’d prepared for this possibility, even knowing our Thanos was dead by Thor’s hand. And so I got a hold of the stones before he could snap and did it instead, focusing on Thanos and his army disappearing. I- it killed me.” He finished solemnly.

It was silent for several minutes as everyone processed the information he’d dumped on them. He noticed a few of them had tears in their eyes where others were looking more and more determined by the second.

“So what do we do?” Wanda whispered, red whisps floating around her fingertips.

“Luckily, I don’t think Thanos has any of the stones at this point and I know where they all are. We need to collect them all and destroy them before he can.” Tony pointed out. “There are quite a few allies that we need to get into contact with. Most of them are currently in space so they can bring a stone or two with them.”

“Who?” Natasha questioned.

“Oh! Oh! There’s the Guardians of the Galaxy! They should be able to get the Power Stone!” Peter piped up.

“Ugh.” Tony groaned. “Those guys.”

“Hey! They’re pretty cool! Especially the antennae lady.” Peter defended.

“I guess she was useful.” Tony conceded. “But that Star guy was an idiot.”

“Okay, you’re right about that. I mean, he thinks Footloose is the greatest movie ever.” Peter mused.

“Yes.” Tony rolled his eyes. “A travesty. It’s obviously Star Trek.”

Peters eyes narrowed. “I know you’re just saying that to mess with me.”

“You got me Underoos.” Tony huffed a laugh. “Other than them there’s a woman named Carol Danvers. Fury should be able to get in contact with her.” Tony added, shooting a glance at Natasha.

“Fury is dead.” Natasha claimed neutrally.

“The fate of the entire universe is at stake, Nat. Is that really the answer you’re sticking with?” Tony asked, unimpressed at the lie.

“I’ll call him.” She said after a few beats, slumping in defeat.

“Good. Other than that, Wakanda was one of our greatest allies in the battle and then there are the wizards.”

“I’m sorry did you just say wizards?” Scott gasped.

“Yes, hiding right under our noses for centuries. Harry Potter style.” Tony said conspiratorially.

“Not exactly accurate but not inaccurate either.” An unfamiliar voice spoke from behind them.

Tony jumped up, shielding Morgan behind him and scowling when he saw the wizardess who had broken into his home.

“Daddy!” Morgan whimpers, clinging to him even harder.

“Jeez, Friday. Warn me next time.” Tony whispers, panic calming only slightly.

“Sorry Boss.” She said, not sounding sorry at all.

“Speaking of wizards.” Tony said, gesturing to the woman clad in yellow robes. “I assume you’re the Ancient One Strange told me about?”

“Yes, Mr. Stark. I sensed your arrival and decided to investigate when I heard your tale.” The Ancient One said.

“Well, join the party.” Tony said sarcastically, sitting back down and settling a still drowsy Morgan against his chest.

The Ancient One’s lips twitched into a smirk. “If you insist.” She said but didn’t move closer. She just stared. Not at Tony, but through him, as if she could see something humming beneath his skin.

“You carry the mark.” She said after a few moments, seeming to come back to herself.

Tony blinked, confusion and concern warring for dominance. “The mark of what now?” He questioned sharply.

“The Stones.” Her voice was tight, but not unkind. “They’ve touched you more deeply than any mortal should be touched. It’s… rare, that they would choose to act with such intention.”

That earned her a few wary looks from the room. Tony’s expression didn’t l flicker.

“Choose?” Tony asked, tone flat. “I didn’t exactly get the sense they were big on free will.”

“They aren’t.” She answered. “Except when they are. Power that ancient does not move on command.” Tony’s fingers stilled against Morgan’s back. “Or on accident.” The Ancient One finished.

Pepper sat forward, careful not to wake Morgan again. “You mean… they, the stones, they brought us here on purpose?”

The faintest smile touched the Ancient One’s mouth and it was all the answer they needed. Relief flooded Tony’s chest, and he blew out a breath, unable to control the reaction. He looked down at his two kids, hope filling his chest to the brim. When he looked back up, the sorcerer was gone.

“Looks like the universe just gave us the one thing it doesn’t usually hand out.” He said, huffing an incredulous laugh.

“What?” Peter asked curiously.

“A second chance.” May answered, pulling their kid into a side hug.

Quiet settled over the room and the air felt heavier somehow. There’s a sort of expectant energy filling the space. Nobody said anything for a long time. The only sound was the hum of the Tower and the faint clinking of Tony’s arc reactor when he exhaled too hard.

Steve was watching him, watching all of them like he was trying to piece together where this leaves him. Tony didn’t meet his eyes. He had enough of that disappointed look for one lifetime.

Then Natasha broke the silence with a clipped, “We’ll regroup in the morning.” And it was over. Just like that. The crowd dispersed.

Tony stayed still, waiting until the room was filled with only family before he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

His breaths shook as he squeezed Peter’s other hand and rubbed a soothing hand through Morgan’s hair. He had his family. They were alive and safe. He just had to keep them that way.

Sighing, he shook his head. Please let this work out. Please let us succeed.

He didn’t know if anyone was listening but he hoped to all and any gods to have mercy on him and his family. He couldn’t fail. Not again.

Living had never seemed so scary.