Siberia happened
TONY STARK POV:
That was the end,wasn't it?
Siberia happened.
He was stuck in Siberia.In the cold.All alone.Without technology.Without FRIDAY.Without his suit.
It had powered off some minutes ago.When Ste-Rogers(not Steve anymore)had rammed the shield in his chest.The very same shield his father,Howard,had made.The same Howard who was friends with Rogers back at the 40s,the same Howard who never stopped searching for Rogers after the war,the same Howard who told Tony that he could never compare with Captain America,the same Howard whose assassination Rogers hide when it was found out that it was Rogers's bestie from the 40s who did it.
What an irony.Howard's most 'proudest creation' not only hid Howard's and Maria's deaths but he will also have killed Howards 'greatest creation'.
'Bullshit.'Tony thought.
'Me?His greatest creation?I would laugh if I could but my whole body hurts.It was bullshit when I first heard it and it still is now.'
Ohh and thinking about Howard Stark would surely make someone also think of Maria Stark,wouldn't it?
His poor,beautiful,innocent mother.His kind-hearted mother who would forgive anyone.His beloved mom who raised him with the help of Javris(the person) because her dear husband couldn't care about their own child.
How angry he had been when he looked at Barnes's face.At the end,he cut off Barnes arm in exchange of Howard's and Maria's deaths.But that obviously had not gotten unpunished by his dear old cap.Thank god Barnes's kid wasn't there.They probably didn't want her fighting the other super-soldiers and she probably was their backup.
While now that he has calmed down a bit,he can think more clearly and understand that technically it wasn't Barnes who killed his parents.Or at least it wasn't Barnes mind that killed them because his body surely was.And he probably should apologise to him for his arm but if he gets out of here alive.
Tony knew he didn't have much time left.He was sure that his youngest AI must have already send a search team for him...but he feared they would come to late to rescue him.He could already feel his body freezing and his eyelashes getting heavier and heavier by each passing second.
Tony tried to stay awake.He truly did but the exhaustion and stress of the last days were finally caughting up with him.
As much as Tony tried,he knew he wouldn't be able to fight it for long.He started thinking about the choices he made that lead here.SHIELD,the Avengers, Sokovia,the Accords,his own fuck-ups like his birthday party.He wasn't exactly proud of most of his life choices but he also was grateful for having met some specific people.
His precious mother who was there for him every time Tony needed her up until her death.His dear mom who sang to him and teached him how to play the piano.Who tried to be there for every of Tony's accomplishments.
Javris,his butler who helped raising him and Tony still had him in his heart.Going as far as to name his first AI after him(even though Tony claims JAVRIS stands for Just Another Very Rather Intelligent System).And just like the person Tony cares for the AI dearly too.
Auntie Peggy alongside her family.He grew up with the Carters thinking of them as his second family.And Sharon who was like a little sister to him even though she helped cap.
Rhodey who had stuck with him ever since MTA and was always there for Tony even if they had arguments.He became the brother Tony never had.
His sweet Pepper who deserved someone better than him.Someone who could give her a stable and normal life.They might have broken up but they were still good friends and supported each other.In the end Pepper go together with Happy and Tony was glad to hear that his bodyguard(Nowadays he's more of pepper's than his) finally admitted his feelings for Pepper.Back then he had jokingly asked Happy if he liked Pepper and he had said no Not that he believes that Happy would have ever betrayed him and tried to get with Pepper but now Tony sees that Happy had actually taken a liking to Pepper.Anyways he was really happy for his best friends .
Harley Kinner,the kid who helped him back then and he stole his little sister's watch.He did replace it afterwards obviously!He wouldn't forget to do that.After all,they're connected!He kept in touch with Harley and Tony had become a father figure to him.And even with his little sister,Morgan, but to her Tony was the "Uncle Tony" who never could visit and most definitely wasn't Iron Man.
His bots and his babygirl,FRIDAY,who in such a short time had developed so much.She even can feel emotions now(as much as an AI can feel).How proud Tony is of her!Now if only she didn't sass him so much all the time!But he sadly won't be able to hear her again...
The Vision,who Tony has grown fond of and they both care for and respect each other a lot.
He also thought of Peter.The spiderkid(Tony is not gonna call a 14 year old boy spiderman).It was such an idiotic move to take the kid out to a fight that didn't even concern him.Tony didn't even told the real reason to the kid's guardian.The kid was obviously a fan of the Avengers and Tony hadn't had any reason to break the perfect image Peter had of them.If Tony doesn't die after this,he will definitely get the kid to admit the truth to his hot aunt and Tony will apologise to both Peter and May.
'But only if I get out alive.'Tony thought as his eyes closed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Tony tried opening his eyes.
Everything was white.Was he dead?No, that couldn't be.He could hear someone calling his name.The voice felt familiar but he couldn't understand who it belonged to.
Slowly Tony tried opening his eyes again.
"Pepper?"he asked as he saw the woman crying in front of him.
"Tony.Oh thank the gods you're finally awake.How are you feeling?Should I get a doctor?"she asked.
"What happened?"Tony asked ignoring Pepper's conserns.
Pepper looked hurt at that but answered"I don't know what happened at the Siberia base Tony but when we found you,you were already dead for some minutes.They were able to bring you back but you still flat-lined some times Tony...you were in a coma Tony and we didn't know if you would wake up"
"How long was I out for?"Tony asked.
"Two weeks and three days."
Tony's eyes widened."WHAT?What happened to Rhodey,the kid and the rest Rogues?"Tony was shocked.Many things could happen in two weeks and tree days.
Pepper looked at him with pity before continuing."By kid, I'll guess you mean Peter Parker,right?I sent him home.He couldn't stay in another county longer.He looked very scared for you and blamed himself for not being able to do more.I ensured him nothing was his fault and that he tried his best but he still looked guilty."
Tony was glad the kid was alright and back at his home.He made a mental note to himself to explain to the kid that nothing was his fault.He should also go and apologise to him soon.And maybe offer him an actual internship at S.I. Peter was a bright kid and with a little help he could achieve many great things.
"Ross wasn't able to find where Rogers and Barnes headed after Siberia..."
Tony barely managed not to flinch at the mention of Siberia.
"...He came and wanted to talk to you but after he heard you were in a coma he backed off.He surely will came back now that you're awake.The other Rogues Avengers were broken out of prison by someone a few days ago.Noone knows where they are. "
Tony bit his lip.He should have expected this.
"Rhodey is out of surgery and is currently staying at the same hospital with you.After he woke up and heard what happened with you he demanded to be bought here with you.And if you are wondering where we are,we all are at one of your private hospitals."
Tony let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.That was good.Rhodey was okay.And he'd be even better after Tony made something for him to be able yo walk again.He tried standing up but he couldn't.
"Take it easy Tony.You are still hurt.You should rest more"Pepper held him down at the bed.
"I'm fine.I don't need more rest.I rested enough."
"Tony please..."
"No Pepper.I have a lot do"
"TONY YOU WERE DEAD!"Pepper screamed.
Tony was surprised at Pepper's outburst.He hadn't expected her to yell.
"AND ONLY RHODES KNOWS WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO YOU."
Only Rhodey?That was good.He trusted him not to have revealed what happened.
"DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW WE FOUND YOU.YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY DEAD IF...if we...if me and Rhodes hadn't"Pepper looked guilty at this."I am so sorry Tony and I understand if you don't forgive me after this..."
"Pepper what?What happened?What did you did?"
"The hospitals weren't enough Tony.In fact they were shocked you stayed alive untill we decided to move you to one of our privates hospitals six days ago.We called Helen Cho and with both mines and Rhodes's permission FRIDAY gave us the Extremis you completed.You were given the Extremis Tony."
Tony was shocked."What...?"
Pepper started tearing up."Tony I am sorry,we both are very sorry.And you can call us selfish all you want and hate us and stop being friends with me and Rhodes but we don't regret saving you.We know how much you wanted to remain human in a team with superhumans,spys and assassins but we would do it again and again if it meant you'd survive."
They were both tearing up now."It's...It's ok Pepper...I know I never wanted to be enchanted...but I gave you and Rhodey permission for situations like this"
"Tony are you sure?"
"Yes,I am.Don't worry Pepper I could never hate you and Rhodey."He smiled weakly at Pepper and she returned the simle."But now I really am craving some burgers"Tony said.
Pepper laughed."Of course you'd want burgers.I'II have them delivered at your room and I'II also get Rhodes here to see you.How does that sound?"Pepper asked as she wiped he last tears.
"Perfect."Tony answered.
After Pepper left Tony started thinking about what had happened back at yeh base in Siberia and what he will do from now on.
It seemed like the universe gave him a second chance and Tony was not about to lose it.
From now on,Tony will change everything that needs changing.From Ross,to creating a new real team.Not a ticking bomb like Bruce had said they were.The Avengers weren't his family.Not anymore and if the world planned to forgive them,then Tony Stark wouldn't.But he will need them when it comes and when it does,he will be ready. Because while everyone called him crazy for it,Tony knew.
There was a bigger threat coming...