Chapter 12
Tony was back in his lab, but this time he wasn't experimenting or building anything; he was packing.
Two weeks after Loki had left Thor announced he would be needed in Asgard and suggested that when he returns the avengers could go back with him for a vacation. After thinking it over and figuring that as long as there were no earth battles going on they could leave for a bit. It was when Thor said he'd see them in about twenty-five years that they were confused and doubting they could actually go, I mean, half of them could be dead by then. Thor laughed and explained that time works differently in Asgard. It'd be twenty-five years for Thor, but merely five months for the Midgardians.
So it was settled then. Thor would be bringing the avengers to Asgard for a vacation. There's no real reason why they're going except for the hell of it. So Tony is packing things he knows he needs and things he'll want in order to test what he finds in Asgard.
He'll also get to see Loki if he's lucky.
Yes, this is good. Tony will be like a kid in a candy shop, whilst on a play date.
Clint decided if he was having off time he'd be with his family on the farm, which everyone understood. His wife is pregnant after all.
Nat didn't have anywhere else she'd rather be so she might as well have some fun.
Bruce was just really good friends with Thor. This is a bros trip.
And if everyone else is going, why shouldn't Steve? He sure as hell could use a vacation, too.
In this time period things have changed for Tony.
He was now off T, living his life letting his body do whatever it wanted internally. At this age he had gotten all the possible changes of testosterone, and his periods should be stopping soon anyway. He can deal with the monthly bleeding. He found some special underwear (with the help of Pepper) that allows you to just wear those with no need to keep a supply of pads. His fat has redistributed, he's lost some muscle mass but he's still strong. He's still an avenger. That's like telling Natasha she couldn't be one. He's just as strong as Natasha plus he had a suit, the only difference is Nat was trained to be an assassin and he wasn't. They each have their pros and cons.
And no one's noticed a thing. The Avengers haven't pointed out that is body shape is slightly different, that he's a little softer in some places, and the public sure as hell hasn't either.
And you know what? Tony's happy. He actually feels pretty damn good lately. Mentally and physically he feels fit when he hadn't in so long even when he thought things were going good.
And if he has anything to say about it, he's going to continue to feel good.
Fin.