Chapter 18
Tony felt strange as he opened his eyes. The ground he was laying on felt almost cold against his back. He groaned as he sat up and pressed a hand to his throbbing temple, he swore he didn’t know what happened but he sure as hell wasn’t doing it again. A deep chuckle drew his attention as he looked at the one standing across from him that had his eyes widening. It was him but at the same time not. They had the same face but any would know that the one before him is not Tony Stark. There was a darkness to him, one that existed even if he wasn’t surrounded by shadows.
“Guess you’re that other me?” He knew the answer already.
Well no one can question your genius.
His doppelganger stated with a cold smirk.
The end is nearing for the mad titan, I thought it best we speak before then.
“Any reason I have a hell of a headache? Because I do my best talking when I don’t have one.”
His doppelganger chuckled.
Snarky as always. The pain will pass. What are your plans once the threat to your precious world is dealt with?
Confused Tony thought if this was another side of him surely he must know what he’s thinking. Still he figured he might as well answer, it’s not like he knows how the hell to get out of wherever it was he was.
“Pretty sure I’m going to be talking sweet science with my boyfriend. Other than that, haven’t got a clue. You?”
Another chuckle.
If all goes well you and I will not be separated as much. T’challa is an interesting choice. Smart, handsome, though I find it amusing that you’re both royalty and you can bear him an heir.
Tony groaned.
“Fuck, that’s…I’m still trying to process that but yeah. I’m still an outsider so I’m pretty sure Wakanda’s going to have something to say about that.”
His doppelganger rolled his eyes, a strange action coming from the one with cold eyes and surrounded by shadows.
Oh yes, they’ll protest their king wedding one that will allow a strong alliance with Asgard and Hel. They’ll protest him having a partner that can match him in intelligence, shares his love for technology and protecting the people they both care about, and more than capable of protecting their king should the need arise.
His voice was filled with sarcasm. Tony almost felt offended.
“You’re suppose to be a part of me, I’m sure you know how easy it is for people to hate me.”
They are idiots with the brains the size of a peanut, Wakanda is suppose to be advanced and smarter. Are you implying I’m giving them to much credit?
Tony decided the only appropriate response was to stick his tongue out. It earned him a laugh, one that wasn’t so cold as the being it came from.
Let us get to the matter I wanted to get resolved. I want us to co-exist going forward though I am aware my methods may be unappealing to you.
“Yeah, I’ve seen how mom acts sometimes around me. What exactly would us co-existing mean? Because I’m not sure I should be even considering this when you scare the hell out of the goddess of death.”
The other let out a sigh.
She is smart and aware of how powerful I am, it is only right to be fearful of such an unknown. I have no plans to harm our mother if that is what you’re asking. As for co-existing, just think of me as the Hulk to your Banner. I will act to protect us, however I will not be so forgiving as you are. The witch should have been dealt with long ago. I don’t intend to simply kill every criminal we come into contact with, just the ones that have truly earned my wrath. Don’t fight me and I will be at your command when you need our godly powers. In time the lines between us will blur until they are nonexistent. That will be a few centuries though. Do we have an agreement?
Tony scowled, the bastard knew how he felt about Hulk not being a monster. That he knew Bruce should give the jolly green giant more credit.
“Do you plan to do anything to Rogers and his group?”
A cold grin this time was the response he received.
Rogers and Romanoff yes, they are mine to do with as I please. The others, so long as you ensure they are punished for the idiocy then I will let them live.
Tony thought it over.
“What about Ross?”
Here his darker half raised a brow.
Is this a request I’m being given?
“He hurt Bruce and has continued to try and do his usual bullshit. Going to jail isn’t likely to stop him as much as I hate to admit it.”
Then I shall be the one to dirty my hands. I will take this as an agreement then?
Tony nodded.
~
Tony woke up no longer feeling the painful headache. He also found he was in his workshop resting on the couch. He sat up to find Jarvis and Vision at his side.
“Hey guys, it’s kind of weird that you’re just watching me while I take a power nap.”
“We were concerned as you returned fairly soon after departing to handle a threat with your mother and uncle.” Vision answered.
“I sensed an anomaly within you and wished to ensure you were not in danger.” Jarvis told him.
“Awe J, you do care!”
Jarvis let out a sigh but seemed happy when Tony hugged him.
“I need coffee, are mom and Loki back though?”
Both nodded.
“They returned about ten minutes ago. They are with Dr. Strange and Mr. Wong.” Jarvis answered.
“As I’m aware fighting can take a toll I’ve also gone ahead and ordered food.”
Tony grinned as he pulled Vision’s face towards him to kiss his cheek.
“My beloved son, you know me so well. Is it from my favorite place?”
Vision gave a nod of confirmation.
“To the family and food then!” He declared dramatically and ran off, his sons following after at a normal pace.
“Son.” Hela greeted relieved to see him alright though she tensed slightly as though seeing a threat.
Tony looked around confused.
“You’re eyes flashed blue.” Loki answered the unspoken question.
“Oh, that’s probably the other guy saying hello. We’re co-workers now instead of just strange roommates. He’s cool.”
Loki just raised a brow while Hela seemed to consider this news. He didn’t give it much thought as he went to the food. He kissed T’challa on the lips before sitting down with a plate.
“So that asshole is going to be dead soon. My doppelganger says this threat will be gone soon.”
“He refers to himself as Merchant.” Stephen replied, he looked tired but also relieved with food in hand.
“Ok, well my twin seems sure. So after this is over with, want to go on a date T’challa?”
The king looked at him a bit stunned.
“Any ideas of where?” He inquired.
“I’m thinking a weekend getaway, do whatever looks interesting.”
“That sounds fun, I’m jealous.” Bucky spoke up from where he’d just finished stuffing his face, apparently worrying made him hungry.
“We can do a getaway off world, I know a few places that will surely interest you.” Loki told his lover whose eyes lit up at the promise.
“I would very much like to spend a weekend with you.” T’challa told him. “Though I am certain I will have to attend to my duties is Wakanda for a time after the battle. My people understand the threat and that I am working with the Avengers to defend not only my country but this world. However once the threat has passed I will have many things to catch up on.”
“During that time Anthony can tend to his company while I spend some much needed time with my beloved.” Hela decided with a smirk as Tony gave her a look of betrayal.
“But mom!” he whined.
“Don’t talk back to your mother.”
Tony jumped at the sudden appearance of his father.
“Holy shit, who invited you?”
Zeus in the form of Howard gave him a look that only a disappointed father could offer.
“I need no invitation to come see my son.”
Tony decided to be a bit bitchy and shifted into his female form.
“What about now?”
Zeus actually had the slightest of a twitch to his lips.
“Nor to see my daughter. Now, I’ve come for a reason.”
“It’s the food isn’t it?” Bucky asked as he grab his beer to wash down the mountain of food he’d inhaled.
“It is.”
Tony stared wide eyed as his father sat down to grab himself a plate.
“Really?”
Zeus nodded.
“Some of what this world has to offer is far better than anything my own has.”
Hela rolled her eyes at Zeus’s words.
“You’ve come having found out that a few of Thanos’s children attacked. Does Olympus intend to send us aid?”
Zeus clearly doesn’t like being called out.
“You have enough forces. I am merely checking up on things.”
Tony didn’t say anything, just watched as his mom called out his dad who was trying not to show he cared. It was surreal. He caught Loki’s and Bucky’s knowing looks. They already knew what was going on and found it as amusing as he did.
He tried to just enjoy being with his family and their loved ones, happy to finally know about the side of himself he hadn’t known about before. He knew the final fight was coming, they may not all make it through. He just wanted to enjoy this while he could.