A Place Made Of Memories
"I met her a while ago." Harley was explaining. "I had no idea."
"I don't think anyone did, kid." Tony told him as they reached the parking lot.
The three of them were rejoining the rest of the group, reminiscing on their moments with you. It was good to remember the better times since it kept the bad ones at bay.
"No, I think I kinda did, though." Harley continued.
"Yeah?" Tony glanced at him, a little curious. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know, she was so... She reminded me of you. I didn't ask but I thought about it a lot."
Tony averted his eyes again. It wasn't getting any easier to hear how similar you and him were.
"She was a genius, too." Harley smiled, suddenly digging around in one of his suit pockets. "Check this out."
In his hand he now held a pencil.
"Uh..." Peter tilted his head, speaking up again. "A pencil?"
"Impressive." Tony said flatly.
"Not just an ordinary pencil." Harley corrected.
He pressed down on the eraser at the top and each of them jumped as a spark erupted from the graphite tip.
"What's that?" Peter exclaimed, simultaneously fascinated and alarmed.
"Pencil taser." He stated proudly. "(Y/n) gave it to me."
"Okay..." Tony eyed it as the boy tucked it away again. "I'm gonna fault her on child endangerment there, but that is pretty sweet."
"I know, right?!"
"It's awesome." Peter said. "She didn't make things like that with me, but we did make a computer out of garbage remains."
His face fell as he remembered late afternoons before the garbage trucks rolled up to the apartment block. Sometimes he would keep a lookout as you took the dive in the smelly spare parts, and then other days you would hold him securely when he chose to brave the stench.
"I miss her." He mumbled.
Tony very slowly and unsurely reached out a hand to grasp Peter's shoulder and give it a comforting squeeze. He didn't know if it was what others normally did, but Peter seemed to appreciate the gesture with a ghost of a smile.
"Give me a call sometime and we'll do better than a computer." He offered thoughtfully. "You'd be surprised what you can do with cereal and a few magnets."
Although still very shy, he managed a nod. "I'd like that, Mr. Stark."
They finally stopped near a shining corvette and saw a few of the others admiring the vehicle. Evidently, this was the car you'd left to Rhodey.
He was sitting in the driver's seat as he chatted intently to Clint, both of them with big grins on their faces as they detailed the car. Clint also explained what had happened to it during the SHIELD collapse and why it needed so many weeks to be repaired. It was only after this explanation that he noticed Tony and the boys and waved them all over.
"Isn't this awesome?" He asked with a grin. "(Y/n) had taste."
"It's alright." Tony shrugged, playing off just how excited the car made him.
"Alright? You're kidding."
As he dragged his friend over, Harley and Peter remained rooted to the spot. Whether it was because they both thought the car was breathtakingly impressive, or simply because half of the Avengers were now standing less than ten feet away, neither knew. They just couldn't move or stop the looks of pure awe.
"I meant it, James." Roberta was telling her son. "Treat this car right."
"With respect and care, I know." Rhodey complied, smiling proudly as he reclined in the driver's seat. "(Y/n) trusted me, Mom, you've got to too."
"I do, but I also raised you. I know what boys are like when they get a new toy."
"Mom-"
"James."
She gave him a stern look which made him very reluctantly relax. "I'll behave."
Roberta smiled again. "Thank you."
Peter was the first of the boys to move, slowly approaching the Corvette with a very small twitch of his lips. He'd seen the car before of course because he had been living next to you for years now, but he hadn't seen it so polished. It seemed to shine.
"Iron Maiden." He said, letting his hands rest on the hood. "That's what she called it. I thought it was gone."
"Iron Maiden?" Harley questioned as he eventually stopped beside his new friend. "That's awesome."
"Yeah. Originally it was the Blue Iron Maiden."
"Even better. How'd she choose it?"
Peter turned red as his shyness came back. He hadn't really talked to anyone his own age other than Ned so conversing like this with Harley was strange but also fun.
"She said she named it after Mr. Stark but wanted her car to be a girl because girls are cooler." He explained.
Harley scoffed as he fought back a laugh. "Then I guess blue is for the color of the car."
"Actually, no. Well, not really. Kind of." He turned even redder at the stumble of words. "I mean, she actually thought of it because of a dress Ms. Potts wore to a gala, I think. (Y/n) liked it and said Ms. Potts was really pretty."
As the boys talked, Pepper and Tony shared a lingering gaze. They were touched by the sentiment of the Blue Iron Maiden being named after them and that familiar feeling of longing replaced the momentary peace everyone had found.
"Please look after it, Mr. Rhodes." Peter said, his voice timid and almost incomprehensible as he mumbled.
Rhodey nodded. "I will. Don't you worry, little man."
He took a moment to embrace the car again, from staring at the dash and the dials to letting his hands become accustomed to the touch of the leather seats. It smelt like polish and yet there was a distinctly familiar scent mixed in too. It was your scent. It was comforting.
"Thank you." Peter said. "I just want her things to be looked after."
Rhodey turned his attention back to the boy, his expression of content becoming one of kindness. "I'll protect the Iron Maiden with my life."
"Promise?"
"Promise." He smiled. "I'm her uncle, I've got no choice. I took care of (Y/n), and I'll take care of her car, too."
"He'll do more than that." Clint chimed in. "I say you take her for a spin internationally. Make her a famous getaway car for one of your missions."
Rhodey rolled his eyes. "Shut up. Don't start."
"James." Roberta had to scold him yet again. "Be nice."
Clint smirked. "Yeah. Be nice, James."
As the two bantered, Peter grinned up at them all, truly amazed that his heroes were all around him. Clint and Rhodey were back to talking about the car, Tony was talking quietly with Pepper, and Thor seemed like a very happy-go-lucky man as he proclaimed how proud Tony should be of his daughter. There was even a joke that Tony should build a female-fitting suit to match with the car.
Soon enough, Hill returned with Steve, Natasha, and Bruce.
"We've discussed the will." She announced, returning the air of seriousness to the area. "We're all aware of what (Y/n) left to the Avengers."
"Yeah, not really." Clint commented in return. "It was pretty cryptic."
"Well, that's the point. The location is a secret."
"Do you know?" Tony asked her.
Hill shrugged lightly. "All I can say is that it's Upstate. We'll take a jet. It's faster, and we're busy."
"Then let's get this show on the road. Everyone good with that?"
The other five Avengers showed their agreement.
"Great." Hill said. "Follow me."
"Let's hope I don't destroy the tiny flying machine." Bruce muttered to himself.
Before they all left, Tony turned back to Pepper one last time and kissed her softly.
"I'll be back." He promised. "I just gotta check this place out."
Pepper nodded in understanding. "I know."
"Are you gonna look at the apartment?"
"Yeah. Take your time with everything, okay? There's no rush."
Tony considered her words and let out a shaky sigh, fighting to keep the calm exterior. "Noted."
She reached up to cup his cheeks. "Be safe. And be nice."
He jokingly pouted. "Damn."
"I mean it."
"Yeah, I get it. I'll just have to find another means of entertainment that doesn't involve painting Cap's shield hot pink and sensual red."
She couldn't help but smile. "I love you."
He leaned in for another quick kiss. "I love you."
With a lingering gaze, they began to part ways. When Tony turned around, he was faced with his best friend again.
"See you soon." Rhodey told him.
Tony nodded. "Head to the tower. JARVIS will let you in. There's plenty of food in the kitchen if you get peckish or something. Thank Hammersmith and Everdeen for that."
"Got it."
They shared a quick hug before Tony finally turned his attention to the two boys from before again. He placed a hand on Harley's shoulder and ruffled Peter's hair a bit.
"You kids have fun." He told them. "No snacks after midnight."
They both smiled up at him and, almost as if they planned it beforehand, hugged him around the middle at the exact same time.
The action surprised Tony and he took a few seconds to reciprocate the hug. When he did, the boys held onto him tighter. He closed his eyes, relishing in the moment.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself staring at your grave in the distance. It was located near a stunning tree on top of the hill. It looked almost peaceful from this viewpoint.
He made a mental note to visit you very soon with more flowers.
-
Apartment buildings were always odd.
Some were covered in dust, some were dilapidated, and some were just abandoned. This particular building, however, stationed rather conveniently in the middle of Forest Hill, was not as lifeless as some of its neighbors.
The dust and occasional unsafe staircase were all over, but it wasn't abandoned or devoid of life. There was one floor that seemed more devoted than others. The floor where you had lived with the Parkers.
Pepper, Happy, Harley, and the Parker family had arrived in separate cars.
They couldn't see each other, but all of them had the same difficult expressions on their faces. It wasn't necessarily grief anymore, but there was a different semblance of loss and pain. While Pepper, May, Peter, and Harley arrived first and took the elevator, Ben and Happy were slightly behind.
"The street's going to be crowded." Ben said as they started to near the complex. "There's a place called Delmar a couple minutes down this road if you want an easier time of it."
Happy, having seen just how many cars were already lining their destination, nodding. "Never say no to an easier time."
While they took the quick detour, the others stood in the elevator at the end of the floor hallway, feeling rather small all of a sudden. How could one simple floor become so intimidating?
"I've got legos." Peter spoke up, hoping to ease the somber atmosphere. "Star Wars."
Harley grinned. "Really?"
"Yep. We can try out the computer (Y/n) and I made, too."
"Cool."
"So, how long have you been here?" Pepper asked May.
"Four years now." May replied, smiling sadly. "We moved from 15th."
"Any reason?"
The older woman glanced at her nephew who was still quietly chatting to Harley.
"It wasn't the safest place." She excused. "We did it for all of us."
Pepper nodded in understanding. "I didn't mean to pry."
"No, no, it's alright. We're happier here anyway."
The elevator door finally opened then.
The boys led the way, the adults following soon after. They stopped outside the Parker's door, but only to look at the door next to it.
There was a tribute there for you. Flowers, jarred candles, cards, and various pictures and notes. The candles and flowers made it smell homely and sweet.
"It's beautiful." Pepper whispered.
May nodded sadly. "It is."
She then turned to the boys, putting her arms around them.
"Peter, why don't you show Harley your room? Grab (Y/n)'s key as well, please."
Peter nodded, waiting until their door was opened before showing Harley inside. As they did, Pepper walked over to your door, crouching down in front of the tribute and looking at all of the pictures.
"These are from the entire building?" She guessed.
May nodded. "Everyone loved her in some way or another. She was always helping out. Peter said her life was full of those side quests you find in video games these days."
Pepper chuckled. "I can imagine that."
She curiously picked up the card closest to her - a small but vibrant yellow one - and read it.
Ellen,
Thanks for cat-sitting last month. McWhiskers is going to miss you x
She picked up another one.
Ellen Campbell/(Y/n) Stark...
Who needs a mechanic when you've got Ellen Campbell living on the floor above? We (and the cars) appreciate all you did for us.
Lots of love from the Nelson family
Pepper read a few more, her eyes glistening with tears after each loving card. She was so proud of you. She just wished she could tell you that over and over again.
"Even something as simple as watching a plant for a day merits a lot." May said.
"Aunt May?" Peter asked, coming back into the hallway. "I've got the key."
"Thank you."
She ruffled his hair with a fond smile before taking the key and all its keychains into her own hand. There were a lot of different chains attached, notably sci-fi logos, a joke, and a few quotes from various shows.
"I suppose this is yours now." May said, offering the key to Pepper.
Peter watched as the mentioned woman smiled sadly and accepted the key. His gaze also wandered down to the cards by the door and he found the one that he wrote to you right next to one from Ned and his moms.
Pepper took a moment to collect herself before she even dared to slot the key into the lock. Once she did, she let out a long breath before pushing the door open and carefully stepping over the tribute to get inside.
She didn't know what she was expecting from the place that you lived in, but somehow this apartment just made sense. It was quite like your room from the Malibu mansion, only far more organized and full.
The walls were cream and gave the living room/kitchen a light appearance which was aided by the large windows through which the sun streamed inside. The floors were pine boards with the only cover being a vintage-esque carpet over the sitting area.
You had a comfy looking couch with various cushions and a blanket draped over it, as well as a matching armchair positioned in front of one of the windows. There was a small coffee table between these seats and the long cabinets on which the television sat upon. On either side of the screen was a speaker connected to a stereo which was also next to a record player. On the other side of the television was a small piano settled into the corner. Various plants and wall art also dotted the room.
The kitchen area was also cozy and bright, consisting of minimal cabinet space for utensils and the sink, a pale oven and cooker from which tea towels still hung, and a rectangular wooden table against the opposite wall for the kettle and dining necessities.
After taking a minute here, Pepper opened a door into the bathroom.
This was different to the main room, covered in white tile only. There was only one window on the wall directly across from the door with a bath mat lining the entire room. It was only a small space. The toilet and sink were on one side, and the bath/shower was on the other. The only utilities inside this room were personal care and again a plant or two.
After this came the room Pepper was most dreading and yet the most anxious to see. Your bedroom.
The walls could barely be seen in this particular room since every inch was covered by posters and lights. The likes of AC/DC, KISS, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Metallica, and other famous classic rock bands were the most prominent. The movie posters consisted of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Back To The Future, and Star Trek. There was a poster of the NYC Survivors, and even a few Avengers posters beside that one. There was also a line of posters displaying nerdy jokes, and a banner of what must have been your Hogwarts house right above the bed.
The wardrobe was a small closet with the sliding door open. You didn't seem to have a set style because Pepper could see almost everything from leather jackets and ripped jeans to summer dresses and even denim dungarees. There was also a box which she assumed was for jewelry and accessories, and a place for shoes below that.
You had a bookshelf too. Its contents again fit the geeky and nerd theme from the rest of the room, being lined with series after series of books such as the Harry Potter ones, Game of Thrones, Percy Jackson, Shadow & Bone, and even The Chronicles of Narnia. The shelf was also home to a vinyl record collection, all being of the genre of rock and metal. It reminded Pepper of Tony's collection back home.
LED lights were strung above the bed to provide reading light, and on the window ledges was more floral decor. And, finally, the bed itself looked very comfortable. It was more of a couch/bed combination and draped in multiple blankets and pillows, as well as stuffed toys.
Pepper entered the room fully, her footsteps muffled by the carpet beneath as she explored every inch of the place. She was in awe of how comforting and peaceful an aura it presented, and she was even happier to see how creative and obsessed with little things you were. She remembered your fondness for reading and music and was glad to know it hadn't dwindled in the years you were away.
After looking at everything, she settled on the bed, her eyes drawn to a stuffed bear in the corner. She couldn't believe it.
It was her bear.
Her grandmother had given it to her as a child and she always wanted to give it to her own kid if she ever had one. She believed it lost when The Mandarin destroyed the mansion but apparently not. You had it the entire time.
Her fingers grazed the worn cotton, its beaded eyes and nose, and eventually the ears. One of them had stitches to keep it in place.
Back at the front door, Happy had just arrived.
He had been talking to May for quite some time and putting off the inevitable before gradually walking in. He was having some mixed emotions knowing that your apartment building was so close to his own home. All this time he could have had a chance of seeing you again and somehow it didn't happen.
He didn't move around the apartment. He simply just stood there and took it all in. At least until he heard muffled crying coming from what looked like a bedroom.
He peered through the door, surprised to find Pepper sitting on the bed with a very old teddy bear clutched to her chest.
"Hey." He spoke softly.
She looked up, hastily wiping her eyes free of tears. "Hi."
"It's... It's a nice place, huh?"
"It is. Did you just get here?"
He nodded, taking his time to observe the room before eventually sitting beside her on the bed.
"It's... Neat." He said.
Pepper chuckled. "Makes a change, doesn't it?"
"Yep. Do you know how many times she went missing as a kid? The amount of hiding places in her room-"
They shared a laugh, both having had their fair share of digging through your old room in attempts to find you after a tantrum or a bad day.
"Was that hers?" Happy then asked, motioning to the bear.
Pepper shook her head. "It was mine. My grandmother gave it to me. I really thought I lost it after the mansion collapsed."
"(Y/n) found it?"
"She must have."
Her eyes teared up again and Happy gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a side hug. Pepper let her head rest against his shoulder as she closed her eyes.
They missed you so much.