Choosing New York
Chapter 49
May 29th 2012
Almost a couple of months have passed since Thanos and his children invaded New York. Buildings were destroyed and establishments stopped operating. Constructions were undergoing everywhere around New York. The citizens who were scared of another invasion moved away and started selling their properties. On the other hand, most chose to stay for their love of the Big Apple and their curiosity over their heroes.
New York people still remembered who have helped them. Some recognized government people in black suits and kevlar, protecting them along with the police force and escorting them to safety. A few remembered being saved by people in monk robes transporting them to safety with magical golden portals. Others remembered Viking soldiers who defended them with the most old school weapons, such as swords, javelins and war hammers while shouting as the vanquished the alien soldiers.
The rest of them couldn’t not help but remembered the men and women who came before the invasion was over and somewhat became the biggest force behind the alien defeat. They were odd people who worn robes behind their clothes and defended them with pieces of wooden sticks that shot powerful lights and easily destroyed the enemy forces.
As New York was being invaded by not so green and big eyes friendly aliens, the whole world was watching through their screen. Most of the press choppers were flying outside the invisible dome, recording and reporting live. The pilots couldn’t understand how they weren’t able to get any closer. Some reporters tried to report from the land, but every time they got to close to New York, their equipment fizzled out and died, even after they replaced the batteries. That was why they couldn’t record anything important besides what any other reporters were able to tape.
The world might not see most of the heroes that were evacuating and defending the people, but nobody, no New Yorkers or the reporters outside the invisible dome or even the world could unsee the big heroes. They called them New York’s Avengers.
And because of the incitement from the people of New York and the world, the reporters were able to get a press conference to introduce the heroes.
There were the good aliens, Prince Thor and Prince Loki of Asgard. They were Norse God of Thunder and Mischief. The people were wary of the second Prince, but after the conference, nobody could whisper any bad things about the royal God. He was as charming as his boisterous brother. Let’s just say that they were undoubtedly charmed by the Asgardians. Their good looks helped a wonder to boost their popularity.
The rest knew about the secret agents from the secret organization called SHIELD. Their fighting capability and choice of weapons had raised the demand of self-defense and archery classes.
Nobody could get their heads around the resurrected Captain America. The story of how his close friend, the billionaire Howard Stark searched and thawed his frozen body out of the Arctic Ocean after being thought KIA for almost 70 years was famous overnight after it came out. The still living WWII veterans wanted to meet and shake his hand. Every Captain America fan boy wanted to fan over him. All women wanted to have his baby.
What everybody didn’t see coming was the hero who everybody dubbed as Iron Man or the co-leader of Avengers. It turned out that the man behind the robotic suit was none other than the Genius Inventor Billionaire Philanthropist. His input and help in tech and medical world was famed and respected by America and the world. His relationship with his co-CEO Pepper Potts was the envy and romance story of all female fans.
His adopting and protective streak towards his adopted twins received many positive review from the society. His ideas of better quality protection gears for their military, air force and NAVY were regarded with awe because since Tony Stark began working at SI, the number of American soldiers, pilots and sailors casualty have decreased by 30%. Much better than when SI still produced weapons.
So, when he came out humbly and as charming as ever as Iron Man, he was regarded with slack-jawed look before the questions were shouted to him from every directions. And when he was called before a congressional hearing, people were behind his decision of not giving the suit patent to the government. The Stark genius has presented them with plausible reasons and evidences that Iron Man would be better to stay with him and only be used in emergency vitals events.
Other than that, on the press conference, reporters asked about the missing heroes based on the news footages and testimonies of most New Yorkers. Tony has cited that the sorcerers were secretive people and could only be called to help when earth is in danger. Loki informed them that the Asgardian soldiers were permitted to help Earth on the order of his father, Odin king; therefore like the sorcerers, only on special circumstances could they be allowed to help Midgardians.
Natasha stated that SHIELD would always help Earth but through secrecy and behind the background to stop something like the invasion or 9/11 from happening, as not to panic the citizens.
Nobody had asked about the wizards or witches though. Since the event in 1920’s, MACUSA had had put a contingency to obliviate the knowledge of magical community from every no-maj’s mind. Just after the invasion, MACUSA President with the help of selected wizards and witches used this secretive contingency plan to erase their existence less than half an hour.
Even Fury forgot about their existence. Unfortunately he had written a short email to himself citing that Tony was a wizard and Phil along with Maria knew, which meant that he annoyed Tony constantly about the existence of ‘his kind’ and accused Tony of erasing his memory.
And for the rest of the big name heroes, Steve told them, that they wanted their identities to remain secret and would come to help when they’re needed.
Besides that, life was good. For instance today was Tony’s birthday.
***
It was 11 o’clock when Tony came up to his penthouse. The SI CEO woke up early to give a finishing touch and check up on the new STARK phone. Pepper would have protested, but since the invasion, Tony didn’t have enough time to come up with the next prototype to present to the Board. She reluctantly let him off of his curfew to stay in the workshop to get the prototype done.
Thank Isold, he finished just in time on his birthday. As he exited his workshop and got out of the elevator, he was ambushed by three pairs of arms.
“Happy birthday papa, “ said the twins merrily while his little sister exclaimed, “ Happy birthday big brother!”
As the girls hugged his waist, Pietro climbed his back and squeezed him tightly. “Pietro, you’re too heavy, kiddo, “ Tony said in a strangled voice.
He hopped down and with both hands on his hips, he apologized cheekily, “ Sorry, Papa. Mama said we’ll eat cake later. Is it vanilla? I love vanilla. You too right, Papa?”
“Pietro, “ his sister chided him.
“Mom told me that it’s blueberry cheese cake, “ Lily informed them, letting Tony go. “From your favorite bakery shop, Tony.”
“The one on the corner of Washington rd.?”Tony asked in delight.
“Uh-huh, “ she nodded cutely.
Tony took Wanda’s armpits and hoisted her up onto his arm, “ It’s our favorite cake, sweetie.”
“Well, that cake is okay too, I guess, “ the boy shrugged.
“Don’t worry silly, “ Lily patted him on the back. “Grandma is baking vanilla cake with chocolate frosting.”
In a second, the white-haired boy’s face turned so pleased and excited before he ran to the kitchen and squealed in delight. “I’m going to wipe the bowl of frosting!”
“Leave some for me!” Lily ran following him from behind.
Wanda wiggled out of his arm and followed her twin and little aunt to the direction of the kitchen. “Wait for me.”
Tony’s penthouse in the STARK Tower was buzzing with people. It’s his birthday today and everyone important to him had come. The ladies of Stark family, his mom, Aria, Aunt Pegs, Aunt Andy and Pepper were in the kitchen preparing birthday lunch for everyone. Of course with the appetite of the guests today, the homemade meals would not be enough. Tony has ordered a dozen of pizza, garlic bread baskets and appetizers before he went upstairs.
Harry, his dad, chuckled from where he was sitting with his father, Rhodey, Agent-agent, Teddy, and Natalia.
“Frosting. The most essential thing in a birthday party, “ the older wizard said, smiling with mirth in his face.
His father snorted, “ If it wouldn’t anger Marie, I would stand in line with the kids to get a lick of the frosting. Have I told you what we did the first time she made that cake? We used the frosting to…”
There were protests from the other occupants on the sofa ranging from ‘Father!’, ‘Mr. Stark!’ while Coulson’s face looked as pink as his father’s old flamingos at the old mansion. Only Nat who didn’t look disturb at the image his father almost blurted out.
She shrugged nonchalantly, “ Whatever it was, nothing I haven’t seen or experienced before.”
Of course that statement prompted Teddy’s ears and hair to change into the same shade of pink Coulson’s cheeks were.
Tony grinned and snickered at his oldest friend, “ You dog, “ while Rhodey snorted and tried to fist-bumped the auror.
“I know your husband and we worked together Ms. Romanoff, “ Coulson scrunched his nose to show disapproval. “I don’t need that image in my head.”
“I bet you’ve seen worse from Clint and Laura, “ she retorted in challenging note.
The agent sighed and conceded, “ He was in a circus and very very flexible.”
“God! I don’t need the image of the mother of my God daughter doing the deed with bird brain!” Tony protested loudly in disgust.
“Oh, Tony, “ his father said in a mock tone, “ Where did you think she come from?”
“As far as I know, a stork delivered my Lila angel to them, “ he sat next to Rhodey, crossing his arms defiantly.
“Is that the same way you think your little sister came from?” Bruce asked him from behind, failing to hide his amusement.
The billionaire of two children flabbergasted, which prompted everybody else to laugh on his account.
“Is this a ‘make Tony uncomfortable’ Day?!” Tony pouted. “And when did you arrive Brucie Bear?”
“JARVIS let us in, “ Bruce answered, taking a seat on the lone bean bag chair next to his dad. “Hi Mr. Potter, Mr. Stark. Guys and Mrs. Lupin.”
The red head waved her hand, “ Natasha is fine.”
Seeing his friends gathered together prompted a genuine pleased smile out of Tony. He spread out his arms, “ My three bears are here. My honey bear who is always busy with air force. My Teddy bear who is busy mooning over his wife and catching dark wizards. And finally my humble save the world Brucie bear. When was the last time the three of you were together in the same room?”
“Two months ago”, Rhodey told him.
“In this penthouse, “ Bruce continued.
“Planning Thanos demise?” Teddy added.
All three of them raised an eyebrow at him. So mean!
“That doesn’t count, “ Tony pulled out his bottom lip. “That was the end of the world. We didn’t get to do anything after the big bad alien lost. You (Rhodey) were busy with government calls. You (Teddy) were busy coordinating with the President and MACUSA’s Aurors. And you, Bruce, went back to New Mexico to see the wifey. By the way, where is Betty?”
“She went straight to the kitchen to help the other ladies, “ shooting an apology look at Natalia. “Not that you’re not a lady.”
“None taken. I’m not that good in the kitchen anyway, “ she snuggled into Teddy’s outstretched arm.
“You do make a mean pirozhki honey, “ the auror kissed her on top of her curls.
“Only for you darling, “ she turned her face to look at her husband and smiled fondly before giving him a quick peck on the lips which turned into a full making out too fast too soon.
“Seriously Teddy! Just rub it on the only single person in this whole penthouse, will you?!” Rhode groaned, putting his hands over his face.
“You’re not the only one, “ Tony waggled his eyebrows. “Teddy’s grandma is single.”
“Can you imagine me becoming his grandpa? Do I look that old to you?”
Before anyone could answer, he groaned, “ Don’t answer that. Speaking of happy couples. Where is the father of three and his wife?”
“Barton skyped me this morning with the family. Wishing me a great birthday. Can’t come though, Laura is still super protective of him, “ Tony smirked and a whipping sound. “He’s so whipped.”
“Aren’t you all?” The black widow stated calmly.
That prompted the only single man to laugh.
***
Not long after Pepper came out of the kitchen to tell them that lunch will be ready in ten, another group of close friends and family arrived. And through an unconventional way at that.
“Where is the birthday boy?” A strangely familiar voice asked from the direction of the recreation room.
Harry turned around and saw Lady Peggy smiling indulgently at Tony. Beside him was Captain Rogers.
“Aunt Peggy, you’re here, “ Tony got up and hugged his godmother.
They weren’t only celebrating Tony’s birthday today. They’re also celebrating Steve and Ms.Peggy’s one month wedding anniversary and his son’s engagement to the lovely Ms. Potts.
The good captain proposed to the former SHIELD Director after Thanos was defeated, at the same time, Tony also decided to propose to Pepper on the balcony of his penthouse. Both women said yes but unlike his son and Pepper who decided to plan their wedding in December, the soldier and Miss Peggy decided to have a simple traditional wedding not a week after. After more than half a century being apart, they decided not to wait any longer.
All of their friends and family came to witness their long awaited Union. Peculiarly, Howard looked more radiant and happier than the happy couple as he walked Ms. Peggy down the aisle. It was probably because he was a living witness of their budding love story, heartbreak and the reason behind them finding each other yet again.
For all he bolstered about his friendship to the soldier, his first loyalty would always be towards Ms. Peggy. They have a working relationship and friendship that spanned over the time it took to bring the Captain back to America after his plan first crashed.
“Happy birthday petit garçon, “ James appeared just around the corner of the entertainment room.
“Hey, you brought a hitchhiker, “ Tony grinned and walked towards his Godfather before holding him tightly.
“Hey, “ another voice protested behind the photographer. “They’re the hitchhikers. We were kind enough to pick them up.”
James let Tony go and went to his sorcerer, who looked as healthy and arrogant as ever. He grabbed his hand and squeezed it tenderly as he looked at ex-surgeon as if he couldn’t believe the man was alive and well.
“Thank you for picking them up, Vince, “ he smiled his little smile.
“Well. Anything for you, “ the man blushed at his lover.
The healer watched them with such a warm feeling. He was very grateful towards Death and annoyed at the same time over her plan. Harry had had enough of becoming a pawn in an impossible game of greater good. First, it was his sly scheming headmaster who put him in a position to sacrifice himself before defeating Voldemort once for all.
And just two months ago, he found out that he was a pawn in Death’s plan to defeat Thanos, her most loyal soldier. Most nutter bloke, more like it.
Two months ago…
New York
In front of Met Life Building
April 1st 2012
6.37 PM
“Fine… I’ll do it myself.”
“Teddy, bring…”
His godson apparated with James immediately and with no warning, Thanos was suddenly in front of him in a speed of lightning, he began throwing punch after punch at Harry. Surprise attacks could have worked on normal fighters, but Harry was a seasonal paranoid war veteran with a genius as son.
The moment he apparated to the steps of MetLife building and saw Thanos standing there cornering his godson and friend, he activated his protégo and strengthened the spell with Tony’s arc reactor band.
So he could deflect Thanos’ attacks, albeit not easily. Some punches still landed on him but not so painful and Harry managed to land some maximus bombarda and confringo.
The first counter attack on the wizard’s part surprised him; nonetheless, it didn’t hinder the Mad Titan from continuing his attacks on Harry. But Harry wasn’t a war hero for nothing. After all, the sorting hat was going to put him in Slytherin before he begged it to sort him into Gryffindor. The healer always has resourcefulness in him and as he grew up, he used his head more instead of running towards battle like a headless chicken. Hermione would be so pleased.
He used all simple tricky jinx that he knew and had used during the war. From Leg-locker jinx to Ginny’s favorite Bat-Bogey hex. It distracted Thanos immensely. Throwing all of these different spells and jinx rendered him from using his gauntlet.
“ENOUGH!”
Then he fisted his gauntlet and the red stone shone through brightly, breaking through Harry’s spells. Momentarily distracted, Thanos managed to grab hold of the wizard’s collar and hoisted him up.
“I will have the soul stone now, “ he stated to him with a grin, “ and let you live through the destruction of your world after I find the time stone once again.”
“Then you should take it from me, “ Harry told him calmly.
The Harry that Thanos was holding grinned up at him and disappeared like dust. The alien turned around to see a certain God of mischief grinning at him with dual sword knives in his grasps. The real Harry was standing next to him, one hand holding his abdomen. He waved his hand, wincing a little. “Hi tosser.”
“As the Midgardian saying, ‘you’ve been duped’, “ Loki stated the obvious at the furious looking alien.
“I don’t think it’s wise to infuriate the alien, Loki, “ Harry fidgeted uncomfortably.
“Then maybe he shouldn’t have invited himself to somebody else’s planet!” Tony stated through speaker as he shouted powerful repulsors at the titan.
His attack blasted the alien through the steps, causing dust and dirt to fly around from the impact of him hitting and broken the steps. Iron Man landed safely beside his dad.
“Tony, “ Harry grasped the metal shoulder.
“I wouldn’t let you fight him alone, Dad, “ Tony opened his face plate and transferred his nanotech armor into a moving robotic armor that is controlled and piloted by JARVIS.
“J, you’re ready, Buddy?”
“As ever, Sir, “ JARVIS held both repulsors at the steps, waiting for it to clear.
“Tony, I still did not agree to this. You should be wearing your suit. You’re safer that way, Son, “ Harry tried to appeal to him. “Please, Orion.”
“It’s hard to use magic when I’m in the suit, Dad,” Tony reasoned with him as he prepared his protego with a wave of his hand. “By doing this, you got iron man and another wizard at your side.”
“Fiendfyre!”
A surge of flame appeared looking like a furious dragon, hitting Thanos in the face. A dark spell and apparently Teddy who had just arrived back casted it. He shrugged, “Any dark and powerful curses are allowed during this trying time. It’s in the law you suggested to the president, Har.”
“Ah, almost forgot about that, “ Harry said in wonder.
“Wait, “ Tony looked spellbound. “Anything? Even the most dangerous darkest curse?”
“Yes, “ Teddy said as he and Loki began firing spells or in Loki’s case, throwing both ice knives and magic.
“Really? Anything? Even something worse than fiendfyre?”
“What bloody hell is worse than fiendfyre and the three Unforgivable Curses?”
Loki grimaced, “ Please put aside your silly questions and start attacking the bastard titan.”
Thanos had succeeded in using his gauntlet yet again, whisking himself away from the vile spell and turned the fiendfyre into harmless air bubbles. Harry used an AK that just made the titan angry. Sectusempra and every offensive spells he knew.
With Loki, Tony and Teddy by his side, Harry with his own powerful magic core managed to push the titan back. He transformed the cement under them to swallow and pinned the titan to the ground.
Loki enforced the trap holding the alien with ice barriers and manacles around his wrists and ankles. Harry knew they were winning and probably they should have informed Hulk or Thor to come, but strategically they were their biggest heavy hitter and should be let to defend them from the leviathans.
Harry was using the soul stone to weaken the alien inside his body, but it’s not enough. He was resisting tremendously. Being the owner of four of the infinite stones had shielded him from one infinity stone, especially if his mind has been protected by the mind stone.
Therefore, he asked Teddy to use imperio to deplete the titan’s control over his mind and force him to relinquish his hold against the gaunlet. But before Teddy could cast the unforgivable curse, Tony held his wrist.
“I have something even tougher to resist, “ Tony looked pale. “But I need you to lend me your magic, Ted. This is a dangerous spell.”
“Orion…”
Harry wanted to lend his magic to his son, but at the moment he was holding his transfiguration using all of his magic force and he needed to focus all of his mind on the soul stone.
Teddy held his hand towards Tony without hesitation. “However dark and vile it is, I’ll never look at you differently. Neither will anyone, not even your dd. He loves you too much to hate anything you do, Orion.”
He caught his son’s eyes and tried to communicate all of his pride and live towards the man he grew up to be. “I trust you.”
Tony held his gaze and stiffly nod. He dropped Teddy’s hand tightly and put his other hand above Thanos’ head. His genius boy began chanting, “ cruim ciope rio.”
For a couple of second nothing happened. Thanos was still struggling against his holding but then he stopped moving and breathing. Then he suddenly shook with his whole body and screamed in a blood curdling voice. It was horribly painful and you just wanted it to stop. It was like he wass being tortured to the inch of his life. Not something you wish even on your worst enemy.
Even Loki looked pale and tight-lipped. Tony and Teddy looked so white. Big droplets of sweat appeared on their faces. Their face looked right and pinched as if the spell had taken a lot of magic to perform and cast. Not even a minute had passed as Thanos stopped screaming at the top of his lungs before his body slacked off, weakened as a powerless buck.
Teddy let go of Tony’s hand and fell on his back. The metamorphmagus probably fell unconscious from the exhaustion and having his magic depleted. Nothing meals and a long rest wouldn’t help.
“Let go, “ Tony said quietly through gritted teeth. “Let go.”
Then Thanos opened his half- fisted hand. Loki being the closest one, took it off of the titan’s hand.
“Don’t worry. This spell will hold on for a while.”
“It’s a very revolting spell, young wizard,” Loki commented, but without any hint of disgust or any feeling whatsoever. Just stating a fact.
“Don’t I know it,” Tony sighed defeatedly, sounding hateful and bitter. “I cursed the day I invent this spell. It’s an atrocious spell.”
“I am not trying to demean you, “ Loki replied kindly. “Any means is necessary to win a war. You just have to remember your purpose in using it. There is no shame in trying to protect people you love.”
A smirk rose up on his son’s face, albeit it was not his usual big smirk. “I didn’t think wisdom is another title you obtained, God of mischief.”
“It came from dealing with Thor and batty commanders and advisors, “ Loki answered dryly.
Chuckling, Harry held out his hand to his son, “ I’m proud of you. You protected all of us.”
“Thanks, Dad, “ Tony smiled tiredly.
Suddenly the air grew colder and eerie. Harry knew this feeling. The atmosphere itself rarely visited him but once he felt it, he would always recognized it for whose sign it signaled for. Then realization dawned on him.
“Death, “ Harry sighed tiredly, but he couldn’t help but felt rather pissed. “I should have known.”
It is what must happen.
“Dad? Is it her?”
Loki looked contemplate as he let Harry spoke to the being that only he could see. Death came in her grand black robe with his bony fingers hovering over Thanos’ head.
Tony grabbed Teddy and pulled him towards Harry. Probably from feeling her presence in a close approximation to them.
“You used me, “ Harry caused her bitterly. “You know my history of being a pawn of powerful being. You know how much I loathe it. I’m not a chess piece.”
He is a thorn on my side. Using his judgement as a means to reach his goal. Such a persuasion. I do not need a man to do my job.
“You’re one of the most powerful being in the universe. You could have taken him.”
He will always be within my sight
Seriously…
“He’s your problem. Many have lost their lives today because you couldn’t stand the sight of your stalker.” He knew he was pushing the limit with Death, but he was angry, for Merlin sake.
It is what must be done.
Suddenly a familiar amulet appeared above Death’s bony Palm. The shell of the amulet fell to the ground as the stone hovered above Death’s palm. The rest of the infinity stones flew out of the gauntlet towards its sibling. The soul stone came out of his slacks’ pocket completing the six stones hovering above Death’s Palm.
A gilded cage is still a cage. A cage made of the most powerful stones in the universe is more than a cage. It is a beautiful prison. It shall held Thanos forever until time ends.
“What is she doing, dad?”
“She’s building a prison for Thanos from the infinity stones,” Harry narrowed his eyes.
“She’s not even gonna kill him?” Tony said in fury. “People died. James’ boyfriend died to protect that stupid time stone. And he,” Pointed his finger at Thanos,” gets to live in a fucking prison?! Where is the fairness?”
A favor is given. Not demanded.
“What do you mean?”
Unfortunately a favor this size demanded a prize
“What favor?”
Life returns from their resting place.
Hope blossoming inside him. The dead can be revived. Could it?
“At what price?”
What would you choose? To keep the title and power for future use? Or to give their souls back and cherish their presence? Or both?
“There is no choice,” Harry suddenly grinned. “Take your title. The present is all that matters to me.”
When Death disappeared with Thanos, Harry immediately ushered them all to apparate to Stark tower. Harry would always cherished the sight welcoming them at the tower.
The dead sorcerer wasn’t dead anymore and was sitting on the couch, looking confused at his own revival. James was kneeling on the floor, planting his face on Dr. Strange’s lap as he cried silently. The ex-surgeon stroked the brunette’s hair tenderly as if he himself couldn’t believe the second chance he was being given.
Harry received patronus from various wizards and witches saying that people had came back to life. Howard got called from Peggy telling him that there was no casualty because every casualty had come back alive.
Tony turned his face around to look at him as if communicating a similar thought.
It’s worth it.
***
Food had been put on the longest dining table Howard had and Tony’s pizzas and other orders had come and been placed on the table as well. Everybody gathered around Tony and the cake in the living room.
Then the Norse gods arrived just in time for Tony to blow the candles. Harry welcomed them in through the balcony. His son grimaced when he saw Dr. Foster entered through the door with both Gods.
Howard patted his back,” Be nice, Son. She’s a guest.”
“In my birthday party,” he grumbled under his breath.
33 and still a boy.
“Hey, you guys come just in time for my birthday speech,” Tony welcomed them with a charming smile. “That’s the best part of this party.”
“I thought I was invited to a feast,” Thor asked innocently.
Loki nudged his brother, which prompted the God of Thunder to a fit of laughter. “It was a jest, friend Antony. It’s your name sake day. Feasts is merely the second important after your speech. Happy namesake day, friend Anthony.”
“Happy namesake day, young wizard,” Loki smiled serenely.
“Thanks, Lokes.”
“Happy day, Stark,” The female astrophysicist smiled thinly at Tony.
“Sure, Foster,” his son returned the smile with a forced one.
Clearing his throat, Tony began his speech. “So, on my birthday, I would like to be thankful that New York has been saved. Nobody died even if the construction is still undergoing. At least we’re alive.”
Some laughed at this, some especially James, put his arm around his soulmate and looked very grateful.
“Moving on. I’m grateful to the love of my life,” he grabbed Pepper’s hand and kissed the back of it gently,” for putting up with me all these years and raising our twins together even before I put a ring on it. And thank Merlin she agreed to be my wife.”
Catcalls could be heard from Tony’s best friends.
“You sure take your time!” Rhodey shouted merrily.
“Hey! You’re the last one in our bunch who is still single,” Tony smirked.
“It’s tough out there man!” Rhodey defended himself.
Everybody laughed at this.
“Anyway,” the genius rolled his eyes at his friend. “Before Rhodey bear interupted me yet again, I’m going to continue. So, thank you Coulson, you have been a good friend. I know I haven’t been closed to you as I’ve been to my bear trio, love you guys by the way. My best friend, Tedmaster. My big bro, Rhodey. And my science bro, Brucie-bear. You have been the best friend a genius could ever hope for.”
“I feel loved,” agent Coulson said drily as Tony directed the topic away from him.
Another bouts of laughter could be heard around.
“Love you too, Agent-agent,” Tony winked at him. “And Steve, thanks for coming back alive and made my godmother the happiest woman alive. Happy one month anniversary, guys.”
Steve smiled goofily while Peggy put his head on his shoulder, mouthing ‘thank you’ at Tony.
“Welcome to the family, Strange,” Tony held his glass up towards Dr. Strange. “If you break my favorite uncle’s heart, you’re going to be dealing with all of us here. And Hulk will be the least of your problem. I’m going to sic my soon to be wife at you. She’s scarier than all of us combined.”
Pepper gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you for the vote of confidence, Tony,” then her gaze landed on the ex-surgeon coldly,”My fiancé is right. If you hurt James, nobody will know you exist by the time I finish with you.”
Then she smiled,” But I trust you won’t do that.”
The sorcerer supreme looked pale before facing his boyfriend,” Okay. She’s scarier than you, black widow and your son-in-law combined.”
“Well, she’s Pepper,” James shrugged. Everybody agreed and nodded at that reasoning.
“Okay, next,” Tony smiled at the twins,” to my beloved children. You have made me the happiest dad in the world and I’m proud that you chose me as your parent. Having you in my life has changed my life. I love you, Wanda, Pietro.”
The twins blushed at this.
“Silly Lily, you’re the best sister I could ever wish for. The first time I see you, I swear I would protect you, especially from boys. Boys are evil. Or girls if you swing that way. No dating until you’re at least 40, young lady.”
“Tony!” Lily’s face reddened embarrassedly.
“And Aria, thanks for making my dad happy. Thor and Loki, thanks for helping us with the invasion. Could have not done it without Asgard’s help. And thanks for coming, Foster. Betty, lovely Betty. Hang onto Bruce. He became stupid without you. And Natasha, thank you for accepting Teddy’s proposal. I couldn’t hear anymore pinning from him. It’s horrible. You’re as bad as he was. Ask Clint, he understood what I meant.”
Thor raised his glass up and shouted Asgard while Loki pretended not to notice his boisterous brother acting to him. While Foster grudgingly raised her glass and Bruce shouted indignantly at Tony’s comment. His wife chuckled at her husband’s protest. Teddy blushed and Natalia raised an eyebrow at Tony before kissing the blush away from her husband’s face.
“Aunty Andromeda. I know we’re not close but I’m glad you bring Teddy to America. I couldn’t thank you enough for his presence in my life.”
“You’re welcome, darling.”
“Aunt Peggy and Uncle James. I love you both,” Tony said warmly. “And you already know what I want to say.”
The list of people has dwindled down to them, Tony’s parents.
“And lastly,” Tony smiled fondly at the parents. “Thank you for raising me, dad, father and mom. I am who I am because of you. Thank you for teaching me compassion, Mom. I’m so grateful that I have the best teacher to nurture my passion of intellect in you, Father. And Dad…”
Harry’s eyes looked shining behind his glasses.
“Thank you for choosing New York,” he fiddled with his glass. “You wouldn’t have met mama and have me. Then we wouldn’t have met father and mom.”
“It would be such a shame,” Harry agreed, blinking the tears away.
“It would be such a shame,” Tony coincided, blinking the tears away from his eyes.
“Oh, Tony,” Marie said from her sport, next to him. “My boys.”
Howard cleared his throat and spoke ,” We wer... are blessed to have both of you in our life.”
This is his family. It all came down to the birth of one baby boy and a young widower who is desperate for a family. A decision to accept them to their lonely life. And a choice made by one grieving young man.
When he looked around the living room, where his boy had lighted up the candles, people singing birthday song with Tony blowing the candles at the end of the song with the help of his granddaughter and Tony’s children, Howard thought to himself.
He was thankful that they were in the right place at the wrong time 33 years ago. That wrong time had righted every single decisions they made that brought them to where they were today. Friends and family gathered all around.
And as he put his arm around his wife and kissed her on top of her head, he couldn’t think about anything else.
He was just happy.
As simple as that.
***
The end