Where do we Go from here?
"I'd also like to say that this USB is gonna burn out in a minute." You added on a slightly less serious note at the end. "You know, just in case certain people try to get their hands on this. Precautions and all that."
You took a slow intake of breath.
"That's it. For real, now. Goodbye... I love you."
Your words were hanging in the air even after the video had finished.
Nobody knew what to say or what to do or who was supposed to talk first after all of that. They simply kept to themselves in silence, the occasional sound of a sniffle or quiet sob being all that got through.
Pepper took a long minute to gather her thoughts and emotions as she wiped her eyes tenderly. She was the first to speak.
"Did (Y/n) leave anything else?" She asked quietly.
"I think that's it." Foggy said.
"No, there's more." Matt said, receiving a curious look from his partner. "Not something she left, but something she said."
"What was it?" Tony questioned, his tone eager.
"Only that if any of you needed help, you come to Nelson and Murdock if you don't know where else to go. She trusted us and she hoped that would be enough incentive. We hope so, too."
Foggy was quite surprised, clearly not having been in the room when you discussed this with Matt. The Starks and Parkers were also pleasantly taken aback, but found comfort knowing that you were watching out for them even now.
"We do have a calling card." Matt added. "Please, don't hesitate if you need us."
A silence followed as he waited for Foggy to put the copies of the mentioned card on the table. When he sensed that his partner didn't move, he lightly nudged Foggy's shoulder, prompting him into action.
"Thanks." Tony murmured, picking up one of the cards. "We'll think about it."
He was being genuine, of course. If he or Stark Industries ever needed a hand or two in legal obligations, he was assured by your faith in the lawyer duo. Pepper was thinking the same as each of them also took a card.
"Thank you." Ben also said, tucking it into his jacket. "If she trusted you, that's more than enough."
-
After the meeting had been called to end, everyone headed out of the office.
"Until we meet again, Mr. Stark, Ms. Potts." Matt said, shaking their hands once more.
"It was a pleasure." Foggy added, doing the same.
"Thank you for taking care of (Y/n)'s wishes." Pepper said.
"She was wonderful to work with."
"Even after you tried to gift her with cigars." Matt commented.
"She said she was flattered."
"And that's where we stop talking." Tony quickly intervened. "Again, thanks for everything."
They exchanged farewells and, soon after, Pepper noticed something.
"Where's Harley and Peter?" She asked.
Tony looked around, spotting Roberta in conversation with her son and Happy. They walked over while the Parkers stayed to talk to Hill.
"Roberta, where are the boys?" Pepper asked again.
"They're just outside, dear." Roberta said, having heard the concern in the other woman's voice. "Safe and sound, I promise. They're taking a good look at that watch (Y/n) left to Peter."
Tony's lips flickered up in a small smile at the news. Before, whenever someone mentioned your name, he would find his chest tightening and his heart thumping, but now, although those feelings still remained, it was accompanied by something lighter too.
"I appreciate the eye." He said.
"Anytime." Roberta smiled. "And I have to ask, how did the meeting go?"
"It was certainly something."
"She told me to get a girlfriend." Happy spoke up, smiling weakly.
"Oh, did she now?" Roberta chuckled, also with a tilt of the lips. "That's easily remedied. I have a list of my friends' daughters who are single."
He immediately turned red with embarrassment. "You don't have to do that."
"Nonsense. If (Y/n) wanted you to get a girlfriend, we'll get you one. I'd recommend Alice. She's lovely, that girl."
As Roberta started to list the qualities of 'Alice', Happy looked to Rhodey for help, motioning for him to change the subject quickly.
"She also made a video." He said, saving his friend.
Roberta stopped what she was doing and a small gasp of surprise escaped from her lips. "She did?"
"Yeah."
"And what did she give you? Do you need a woman too?"
Rhodey looked down with a smile as he shook his head. "No. She actually left me her car."
"Oh, how lovely."
Tony couldn't resist a little smile as he moved behind his best friend to mouth 'it's a flying car.'
Roberta showed intrigue. "A flying car..."
Rhodey looked back up and wondered how she knew, only to catch sight of Tony mimicking a flying motion. He playfully glared and Tony shrugged innocently.
"A little unconventional, I'll admit, but our little girl always was as eccentric as her father." Roberta admitted, sparing Tony a kind glance. "A flying vehicle sounds just like her dream car. I hope you'll be sensible, James."
Rhodey nodded. "Always, Ma."
Roberta was assured by that at least. She trusted him to be safe enough since he already did the majority of his military missions in the War Machine suit anyway. Perhaps the car would be a useful addition to those missions too.
It brought a tear to her eye thinking about it. She could remember when you were barely old enough to talk, and one of the first things you said was Rhodey's name as you gave him your favorite toy car.
"Do you know what kind of car it is?" She asked.
Rhodey went to answer but paused when he realized that he didn't actually know. "I didn't ask."
Almost as if the mention had summoned them, Hill and the Parker couple walked over as well. Rhodey asked about the car as soon as he could, eager to see it.
"It's here." Hill explained. "The parking lot, all the way from the garage."
"And it's in good condition?" He asked.
"There were damages from the incident but we managed. I'll take you."
"Hold on, which incident?" Roberta questioned.
Hill looked towards Tony with an uneasy glance. There were some people who didn't know all the details about your death and she was one of them.
"I'll explain later." Hill said for now, motioning for Rhodey to follow her.
"Mom?" Rhodey asked, offering his hand.
Roberta happily accepted, going to follow the two.
"Hold on." Tony called, intervening before they got too far. "(Y/n)... She said she left the Avengers a place, that you'd show us. Where is it?"
Hill paused, sparing him a second glance. "In time. After I've sorted the car out, then you'll see the surprise. Just hang around."
"Alright. I'll be here."
She nodded thankfully and left with the Rhodes duo. After this, Tony turned back to Pepper and the others, tuning in to their conversation also.
"Where's Peter?" May was asking.
"Your nephew is okay." Pepper reassured her. "He's with another boy, Harley Keener. Is that alright with you, Mrs. Parker?"
"Of course, Ms. Potts, it'll be nice for him to make another friend. And, please, call me May."
"Only if you call me Pepper." The other woman teased, smiling at her. "I think they're just around the corner."
"Thank you. I've got to say, it's an honor to meet (Y/n)'s real family."
Pepper nodded in agreement. "We're all her family now. She loved you just as much as us by the sounds of it."
"I hope so. Ben and I will be heading home soon and we'd love for you to join us. It's a chance to see (Y/n)'s apartment before it's tidied."
"Of course." She looked over at Happy next. "We'll follow behind?"
"Sure." Happy confirmed. "No problem."
She would've asked Tony to come with them too but he had the whole Avengers thing to deal with first. She knew he'd rather get that out of the way before seeing the apartment. And with that concluded, Pepper, May, and Happy headed towards the cars. Ben opted to stay behind for a moment.
He found rest against a wall and had been completely quiet during the women's exchange due to the 60k check in his hands. He still couldn't believe your generosity, knowing he truly didn't deserve a reward that great after everything. The SHIELD stamp on the paper and your signature dotted down in cursive glistened in the dying sunlight, making him sigh.
Tony, who had been observing the other man from a distance, finally chose to approach. "Ben Parker?"
The older man looked up, shaken from his thoughts. "That's right."
"Hey. It was good to meet you, even under these... Well, you know."
Ben gave a stiff nod. "Yes, I know."
"Yeah. So, you, uh... You doing alright?"
In all honesty, there wasn't an answer to the question. Instead, he just showed Tony the salary check.
"This shouldn't be mine." He said. "If anyone, you should take it."
Tony raised a brow. "What?"
"You're her father. She always loved you the most, even from the start. She was good like that."
"That's what they tell me."
"I'm sorry you didn't get a redo. It was all she wanted during the last few years. She... She didn't know what else to do but work and save and survive. And this money, I can't accept it. Please, take it."
Tony hesitated, considering the words for a moment. "She left it to you, not me."
"Sixty thousand." Ben sighed. "I've only ever dreamed of that amount, and it's not even the whole thing. Agent Hill said there's more."
"Unfortunately I'm already rolling in money and silk sheets." He joked. "I think you should save it for the kid. That's what she wanted."
Ben remained silent for a moment, staring at the check. "She loved him so much."
"I'm sure. I wish I'd known her like you did. I didn't know anything until it was too late."
Ben understood. He thought back on the shared conversations with you about family issues. You used to be so angry and acted out because you didn't feel like Tony could see you when you were younger. He thought about how it all changed when the hit was sent out, when you changed.
Maybe Tony was right.
Even if Ben didn't want to accept all the money, the least he could do was respect your wish and send Peter to MIT when he was old enough if that was where he still wanted to go when the time came.
"You are a normal family, right?" Tony then asked. "No aliens, secret spies, or wizards involved? I'm only asking because there's been a lot of that lately."
Ben looked at him, holding back a small chuckle. "We're normal."
"Good. That's good. So you met (Y/n) through Fury?"
"That's right."
Tony waited for more. "You gonna make me ask about it?"
Ben did let a chuckle slip out that time and nodded. "I'll tell you. But it's what he'd call 'classified' so I'd appreciate it if you kept it between us."
"Yeah, no, totally." He mimicked a cross over his heart. "Just between us girls, I promise."
Ben smiled, already seeing shining similarities between you and your dad.
"It started with my brother - Richard - and his wife, Mary. They worked for SHIELD in the early days." He explained. "The agent and the scientist, that's what everybody called them. They were high up in the ranks and were one of the few that Fury called friends. They left Peter with May and I when they had missions out of state."
"They're gone too?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay. It's been a while."
Tony, much unlike he usually would, felt a strong pang of sympathy for Peter losing his parents, especially as it sounded like SHIELD business probably ended their family. He knew that pain, losing you in a similar way.
"Does the kid know?" He asked.
Ben shook his head. "After we were told, I wanted Fury to remove everything. I didn't want any trace of Peter there to risk him being a target. When he's the right age, if he asks, then he'll know."
"Just like (Y/n)." Tony mumbled, remembering that the fear for others' safety is what prompted the running away. "Do you know why Fury chose her?"
"I'm not sure, to be honest. He told us that it just had to be. Peter just needed someone."
"Why? What happened?"
"There was... It was a bad series of incidents with a babysitter. Peter didn't understand what was happening until we realized and put a stop to it."
Tony stayed silent for a moment, mulling over the words. He understood what Ben hadn't explicitly said and felt more sympathy for Peter after hearing it. It also triggered some of his own worries about you and all the years he missed. What if something similar had happened because he hadn't been there? Did you ever have to experience that same confusion and fear?
"(Y/n) came afterwards and it really helped Peter." Ben added. "They had a good connection. She taught him how to build things and laugh again, and he even taught her some things too. Namely pranks."
The two men shared a smile at that.
"Peter's a sweet kid. He's kind and intelligent, and he needed someone like (Y/n) to grow with that. Especially after what happened with the sitter. I'm pretty sure the best part of his life was when she introduced him to Star Wars. Star Trek and Back To The Future too."
Tony nodded, envisioning the scene in his head.
"She's the reason he wants to go to MIT." Ben also revealed. "She said that the great hero Tony Stark went there too and he was fixated on it after that."
Tony had a mixed flurry of emotions go through him after that. You called him a hero. Not Iron Man or the Avenger, but him.
"Did she talk about me a lot?" He asked.
Ben smiled, giving him a nod. "Once she started to hate all the anger she felt and made it positive instead, she couldn't stop. Rather than resentful she became proud. She was so scared during the Battle of New York. Terrified. Then there were the panic attacks and the anxiety... She hated being away."
A lump formed in Tony's throat and prevented him from breathing properly. Every time he heard it, an apology or how proud you were, it didn't feel real. After all, he may have changed, but there would always be part of the man he used to be inside of him. That was a man no one should ever want to be proud of.
Ben was about to mention you being at the Stark Expo next but was suddenly interrupted by Harley and Peter. Peter was looking incredibly shy, and Harley rather excited. He took Peter straight up to Tony.
"Hi." He beamed.
"Hey, kid." Tony replied.
"This watch is so cool!" Harley showed Peter's wrist where it was still strapped on. "Karen is awesome! She's smart and cool and even funny! She tracks things too! (Y/n) was super smart!"
"Sure was." He smiled, taking a good look at the design. "What do you think, Peter?"
Peter looked like a deer in headlights, stunned that his hero was actually talking to him.
"Really cool." He mumbled. "I'm happy (Y/n) remembered."
"She'd never forget." Ben said as he ruffled his hair affectionately.
"You were pretty close, huh?" Tony asked.
Peter nodded. "She said we were special siblings. Not related by blood but related because of happiness and choice."
Tony Stark wasn't the kind of man to get emotional over simple words but knowing how much Peter clearly meant to you fueled that strange urge to protect the boy even more. He wanted to continue your mission to watch over Peter, to make you proud again.
"Hey, underoos." He said, kneeling down in front of Peter. "You're (Y/n)'s neighbor so that means you're mine now, too. How does that sound?"
Peter still looked pleasantly bewildered but now there was also a light in his eyes again.
"I'd like that." He said.
-
On their way back to the office, Matt and Foggy were deep in conversation.
Foggy was of course driving while Matt was verbally listing what you had willed and making sure that everyone had gotten what they were left with. After it was all confirmed, Foggy let his curiosity get the better of him.
"I didn't know (Y/n) wanted us to look out for her family." He commented. "I mean, I'll say yes, but it was in the will?"
Matt sighed as he nodded. "Sorry I didn't tell you."
"When did it happen?"
"After we sorted everything else last year. I made a promise to her."
Foggy glanced over, curious. "Why do I get the really annoying feeling that you're not telling me something?"
-
A year ago, Matt had wound up in a SHIELD recovery wing.
Some very lucky thugs had managed to get a few good hits in before he stopped their criminal activity. He was only saved a worse beating because a certain (Y/n) Stark had arrived with SHIELD agents to deal with the criminals too.
You were talking with the SHIELD doctor about Matt's condition. After a lengthy debrief, all things considered, he was going to be okay as long as he got plenty of rest.
"Thanks." You said to the doctor, giving him a friendly smile before you split ways.
He went into the office by the wing entrance and you headed over to Matt's bed. He was awake which was good.
"Morning, princess." You teased.
He turned towards the sound of your voice, managing a small smile. "Ellen."
"Hey. How you feeling?"
"Like a million bucks."
"Oh, I'm sure. By the way, I hope my estate agent is still kicking. That was quite the brawl."
"He's okay." Matt promised. "Alive? Yes. Traumatized? Probably."
You scoffed in amusement, sitting down beside the bed. "I guess that's the best any of us can ask for, huh?"
"Apparently so."
"You know, it's a good thing my team brought you here instead of the hospital. You and I both know a certain nurse who complains every time she's gotta stitch you up."
Matt nodded, smiling again. "'Violent vigilantism' she calls it."
"Exactly. At least in SHIELD, no one complains."
"Ah, yes. What's the jury on that?"
"A few broken ribs, a dash of bruising, a nice big spoonful of pain." The two of you shared a laugh. "Seriously, though, you'll be fine. Just rest up for a few days and take the painkillers as prescribed."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ugh, please, I'm definitely not old enough to be considered a ma'am."
His lips curved up in a smirk. "Keep telling yourself that."
You mocked a gasp. "Matthew, how dare you."
He raised a hand in surrender. "Sorry. I couldn't resist."
You smiled either way. "You're lucky I like you, Mr. Vigilante. Although, I'm really not a fan of the suit."
Matt groaned. "Really? This again?"
"Come on! Let me work my magic. Pretty please?"
"No."
"But they're literally just pajamas at this point. And without a proper suit designed to withstand a few matches, what if you get hurt even worse in future? Do you really want everyone worrying about you? I mean, with a new suit I could modify shock absorption, boost the force of a punch, even give you soles as light as a feather so you're extra quiet-"
"Fine."
You froze. "Wait, really?"
"You won't stop until I say yes, so... Yes. Just don't lose sleep over it. I know what you're like."
You grinned, happy. "Thank you, Matty."
"Just don't give me one of those AI's you're so fond of. I like FRIDAY, but I don't want that kind of distraction."
"Okay, okay. We'll take notes later."
"You're very persistent, you know that?"
"I do. It's great."
Matt shook his head with a subtle smile. "How are the others?"
"They're fine." You replied. "Worried about you, but fine. I let them know that you'll live."
"Good. And thanks again."
"For what?"
"Arriving with those agents. I'm pretty sure I'd be at the bottom of a dumpster without you."
"Hey, no sweat. I'm just happy I got to kick some ass."
"Still, I don't like it when others have to get involved." He lowered his voice so any lingering ears wouldn't pick up what he was saying. "Especially when one of them is a runaway billionaire."
"Again, I got to kick ass. It's all good."
You shared a smile.
"Oh, and Fogs called earlier." You added. "Just beside himself with worry."
Matt chuckled. "Really?"
"Dreadful, it was. But I dropped by at the office and explained what happened and he found solace in my words."
"Naturally."
"Yep. You've got a true friend there. He even gave me cigars as a thanks for helping you out."
"Of course he did." He sighed.
"Yeah, what's up with that? Why cigars?"
"We're probably better off not knowing."
"Fair point. I'm more of a beer drinker anyway. Maybe a really aged wine. Anyway, I told him I was flattered. I'll probably be handing them off to some of the guys who might actually use them. Don't tell him that last bit, though."
"Your secret is safe with me."
"Many thanks." You laughed a little but soon turned serious as you remembered the second reason you stopped at the office. "While I was there I also dropped off the box for the will. And the USB."
Matt nodded in understanding, knowing how much all of it meant to you. "How are you holding up?"
You went to reply but hesitated. In all honesty, you were scared. The will was just a precaution and you tried to play it off with jokes but the reality that things could turn very bad very quickly was starting to bite at you.
"It's weird." You confessed. "Planning my own death is... You don't expect to be doing that until you're at least fifty and yet here I am. I'm just glad I've got you, Matty. And Fogs. I wouldn't have asked anybody else."
Matt reached out and you held his hand as he spoke next. "We'll always be here for you, (Y/n). I promise."
"I know. I'm grateful. Any other person would've blabbed to the whole world about who I am."
"Yeah, well, I was taught to respect others, not exploit them."
You smiled a little. "I didn't expect morals from a boxing background."
"You'd be surprised."
"I don't doubt it."
You hesitated next, thinking about a request you had.
"If it's not too much, there's something else I'd like to add in the will. Well, sort of. It's more of a personal thing."
Matt nodded. "Of course."
"If something does happen to me in the end and I do end up... Dead... I want to leave your details with my family. The Parkers and the Starks. I'd feel better knowing they had you and Fogs protecting them."
He was surprised. "We'd be happy to. But your dad? I think he can afford better than us."
"True, but I don't exactly trust anyone else after what happened. His lawyer could be a - a sewer alien or something."
"A... Sewer alien?"
You laughed. "I don't know! But... Yeah. And you never know, you could even be an honorary Avenger out of it."
"I think I'll pass on that. Do they even need the help?"
"Everyone needs help."
"Alright. We'll do what we can."
"Thank you, Matty."
"I should be saying that to you." He joked, referring to his current condition.
You squeezed his hand lightly. "Still, I appreciate you looking out for me."
"(Y/n), I'd do anything for you. I promise."
You felt a warm sensation inside, like butterflies of nerves and anticipation. Whether it was just his words or something else entirely, you found yourself drawn to Matt. He was so genuinely kind and helpful and intelligent. He was one of the truest people you knew.
And so, letting your bold side take control, you slowly leaned in until your lips were mere inches apart. You felt both his and your own breath hitch at the sudden closeness. For a moment, you hesitated. But neither pulled away.
Matt was the one to close the gap, kissing you so softly you almost wanted to beg for more. His hand tightened around yours and you used your other hand to cup his cheek and deepen the kiss.
-
"How did I miss all of that?!" Foggy practically yelled, stunned.
Matt remained silent as he reminisced on that day. He wished more than anything to relive it, to have just one more moment with you.
"(Y/n) didn't mention any of that to me." Foggy continued. "I remember the night, though. And I definitely wasn't as worried as she made me sound. I was super cool."
Matt hummed to show he was paying attention.
"The Avengers, though. Wow. Imagine if we got to defend the Avengers. That would be awesome!" He glanced over at his friend again. "I can't believe you kissed (Y/n)."
Matt had been waiting for that bit to come up.
"Were you guys ever a thing?" Foggy asked.
"Don't start." Matt told him lightly.
"No, really. Were you?"
"Shut up."
And despite the pestering from his friend, Matt didn't let up and give an answer. He remained completely silent on the drive back.