Day 12.
That Tony Stark was starting to get on their nerves.
Things at the agency were slow, as usual. With Mysterio's capture, everything else became too easy. The lower class criminals were easier to handle than taking candy from a baby. The more powerful individuals were just mere bumps in the road. Beck and Stark's relationship was no secret, it used to be, but when those two became more comfortable it was well known information to the public. Tony's mental breakdown was public too, and one could only guess that his emotional support terrorist's disappearance is the one to blame.
The Avenger was also quite vocal about who was responsible. Though, what he didn't know is just how much of a favor he was doing. If it was public information that Nick Fury was behind the capture of one of the most powerful villains, it would show how powerful the director was. Meaning crime would be limited in fear of getting sucked into the same fate. After all, Stark didn't say *how* Beck was captured. Leaving the rest to the imagination.
Even though Tony's return was expected... his timing was unexpected. Guards drew their weapons and pointed the barrels at the armored man as Fury turned his body to get a look. The director was only able to see with one eye, meaning he had to turn to be able to get around. Much to the agencies surprise, however, the Avenger didn't lash out or even move.
At least not until things settled. The nanotech retreated, revealing the genius inside, who simply stepped out before falling to his knees at the feet of the holder. The guns being pointed once more until dismissal. Tear filled eyes looked up at the man's face as they slid down his cheeks. Was he planning something? Was this a manipulation tactic that Mysterio had taught him?
"You've won, Nick, but I'm not ready to give up my fighting." Tony said, his brown eyes becoming dark as he furrowed his eyebrows. What was he trying to do? "I'd like to bargain."
How interesting.
"And what is your offer?" The Director asked, "As I told you earlier, nothing will make me release your terrorist, but I won't lie that I am curious at how far you're willing to go after almost killing a room of innocent people."
"That's just it now, isn't it?" Tony got off his knees to stand straight, hoping that what he says is enough to convince the man and shake his hand, "I've committed a crime. I've also escaped confinement. Twice. Have I not?"
"You have..." What is he trying to get at?
"Then that would make me a pretty bad guy. So, my offer is this. Free Quentin and I'll take his place."
That was his idea?
"I don't care how long you keep me in there. You could never even release me if that were the case. Peter has lived with my absence before, he can do it again... just let Quentin go."
"You know, Stark, coming from a genius, I expected you to propose a better deal."
"Quentin isn't who you think he is, not anymore. Can't you realize that? I know you don't have 20/20 vision but come on. Even a blind person could sense the change in his heart. He's always so on edge about every choice he makes, afraid it will hurt someone in some way. Would a so-called terrorist do that?"
"My answer is no." The director said firmly.
As he tried to turn away, the desperate man had gripped his sleeve, causing the weapons to be drawn once more.
"Okay, okay, fine! How about this... you can keep him in a maximum security cell, but you have to let me visit him every day!"
"Too risky, we've already tried that several times. You and your rescue squad have proven that doesn't work. In the prison realm, you can't help him."
"I'll give you my word that as long as I live I'll never try to break him out if you agree. Please." The billionaire stuck out his hand, really praying that Fury will accept his bargain. His Arc Reactor short-circuited when his gloved hand remained to his side.
"No."
"Okay, how about this-"
"Did you become deaf overnight? No! No matter what you try and offer, I will always decline. I already told you Stark, I *promise* you, that you're never getting him back."
"You can monitor him 24/7! Lock a tracking device around his ankle if you have to, just please let me hug him!"
"How many times do I have to tell you? My answer is no. Now leave my sight." The director grumbled as he tried to walk away from the conversation, only for Tony to once more slide in front to block his path.
"Fury, you have no idea how big of a mistake you're making. Quentin is more important to his family than you'll ever know. Without his presence, all our worst enemies are coming out to play. I can only hold them off for so long. Mysterio is needed."
The gap of silence was loud.
"Okay." Fury whispered.
"Okay?" Tony glanced up with hopeful eyes as the director pulled the box out of his coat. The Green smog that surrounded it only reminding him of what was trapped deep inside. His everything.
"Gate," Nick began, Tony's eyes growing wider.
A grin appeared on his face, his eyes having an unimaginable sense of evil. "Do absolutely nothing."
"You bastard!" Tony shouted, pressing his Arc Reactor to get into position, but he was too late. It was a signal from the crew onboard. Before his finger could even touch the hunk of metal in his suit, the sleeping gas grenade that had been hurled was his defeat.
As sad brown eyes shook with panic and anger, the last thing they were to see was the prison realm mockingly a few inches from his face. That asshole.
"Sleep well, Stark."