Still Alive
Rogers always had something against him, they all did.
He knew this, from the start of this lovely little boy band, they never even wanted him. Tony Stark not recommended, was all it was reduced to, thanks Natasha, but hey he's had worse hadn't he? He was Iron Man now and you never got one without the other. Tony felt pretty smug when he proved that fact, when he helped the Avengers and saved New York from an alien invasion, thank you very much.
Was it enough ? Apparently not, no one called to see if he or Pepper were alright after the Mandarin, only Rhodey, loyal always there Rhodey. Just them two saved the President, then like most of the time, Pepper saved him.
Thor had a little incident in London, with more scary half alien elf people. He wasn't exactly surprised when Thor didn't call for help, since Thor didn't seem to understand much technology. Plus he had no idea what he would even do against them, besides Thor handled it.
Then no one called him for help when it turned out, saintly pure Shield wasn't exactly Nazi free. No please just ignore the fact on the first day, he literally showed Cap that he could hack into Shield whenever he wanted, no no he was no help. They couldn't trust anyone! Except maybe a new guy who was a therapist, and sweet blonde Sharon. Not the team that was made to help protect the world from big bad organizations like that, no no keep doing what you're doing Cap.
No, they all got back together when they realized they had no one funding them anymore, but they did have a billionaire friend didn't they? Who had a tower and billions of dollars and free time to help chase down hydra leads. Who could create any tool you needed to get the job done.
Of course they came back he realized they all had nothing else to go back to. At the time though he thought it was because they were finally becoming a team he could depend on so he could lessen the load on Rhodey and Pepper. After all he would be able to stay out of trouble with a team right?
Boy did that backfire.
No one cared enough to ask him about his mental health, after holding an evil staff and some witch brat messed with his mind. No one cared enough to ask after what he and Bruce were building, it was never a secret if no one asked damn it ! No one cared enough to blame Bruce, even a little, he helped build it too he could have stopped it if he wanted. No, it was all Tony's fault. Then the cherry on top, you know you had a good team when no one steps up to stop a fucking Demi-god from choking you by holding you by your neck in the air.
It couldn't even stop there could it? He lost Jarvis, no one cared, no one gave a single fuck about his boy, his god damn son. Because that's what he was damn it, he made him, watched him grow and helped him with his shit, never letting him down. No one batted an eyelash, except maybe Bruce. No, they all just blamed him so they expected him to make the sacrifice play once again by giving up his boy to save the world. He was the villain.
Not the two wonder twins who were on Hydas side, who volunteered for the damn testing. They were not children when they both agreed to help Ultron take over the world and destroy the Avengers, mainly him once again. No they only cared that Ultron didn't need them anymore and saw them as beneath him as well.
Steve and the others welcomed the two in with open arms. Eagerly inviting them in join the good guys, treating them more like teammates them him, despite him literally giving them a home.
Then when everything was over, they all hated him. He couldn't even be bothered anymore. He went back to where he was wanted, back to Pepper.
Tony loved Pepper, she was his everything. When he explained everything that happened she didn't blame him, she held him as he cried for his loss, she held him as he blamed himself for the thousands of deaths that happened in Sokovia. She held him together and he did the same whenever the world got too much for her.
They loved each other, he had no doubts. So when Pepper said she was pregnant, the next day Tony took Rhodey out to help him find a ring.
Happy and Rhodey both swear that he cried when she said yes, they're both filthy drunk liars, even if it was true. None of the Avengers were invited to the wedding.
He asked Pepper to take it easy while pregnant, not that she couldn't manage both but bad things happened to the best things in his life. So better safe than sorry. The only condition.
Anything Avenger related items appear, he had to drag her into them. Her and Rhodey both agreed that he wasn't going to be left alone with them, after all they weren't his team, they weren't even his friends.
Thankfully he didn't have to bother bringing them both in until once again Steve and his team fucked up and the world had, had enough. That was when the Accords came to life, with Ross and the King of Wakanda both backing it up. He called Rhodey over to call Pepper about them, and they all agreed this what the Avengers needed. They were getting out of hand and they needed someone to tell them when enough was enough.
“Pepper I don't know about this. I can handle seeing them again without back up and I have Rhodey. We can handle it, you don't have to come over.” Tony said trying to convince the woman who was currently boarding a helicopter to come see him.
“Are you saying you don't want to see your wife, Mr. Stark ? Because that is what it sounds like to me.” Pepper said smiling at her phone as Happy closed the doors behind her.
“No I live each day just to see you, obviously. It's just safer for you over there away from everything.” Tony reasoned as he rubbed his face.
“Well unless you would like to tell them and the media about your retirement as Iron Man while you have a child without your pregnant wife there as proof. They've never listened to you before Tony, you said it yourself. I'm your wife now so, unfortunately all of your many many problems are also mine. That means I get to help you whenever I want to, so you can be happy and make me happy. Think of it this way. After we tell them about our darling baby girl and how you're retiring, you can come back with me to Milan where we can relax and wait for our baby to come into the world. If that isn't a great plan I don't know what is.” Pepper said smugly seeing Tony's mushy excited smile behind his hand.
“That is a very nice plan.” Tony sighed loudly and shrugged, “Fine I guess you can come and sweep me away to paradise if you must. God Pepper what you make me give up for you, it's unbelievable.”
Pepper rolled her eyes as she sat down with a sigh, “Oh shut up, you love it. I'll meet you and Rhodey at the compound then?”
“Yes ma'am. Friday, baby girl make sure our Queen and her knight in shining armor come home safely please?” Tony said spinning in his chair.
“Course Boss. Shall I get the suit ready for departure ?”
Tony tilted his head before shrugging,“Yeah ring the bad boy up, been awhile since any of them seen it.”
Pepper smiled from the screen as he heard the motor start, “We're leaving now Tony. I have to go, I love you.”
“Well like I said you don't technically have to go but-”
“I love you Tony.” Pepper said louder.
Tony smiled and sighed softly, “Love you too Pepper. See you in a bit.”
With a small wave to the camera Friday cut the connection letting Tony groan and bang his head against the table softly. Crap, he didn't know how the others would react to Tony retiring, let alone being married and getting Pepper pregnant. Or the worse reaction, how would Pepper react to them starting shit?
“Friday, if Peppers heart rates gets too high tell me so I can get her out of the room alright ?”
“Course Boss, should I monitor yours as well?” Friday asked and Tony could swear he could almost see her smirk.
He stood up and began walking up the stairs, shaking his head at the ceiling, “ Don't you start with me misses! Don't think I didn't notice you looking up everything that could hurt the fetus. You're as bad as me, so don't sound so smug.”
“I'm sure I have no idea what you mean Boss.”
“Sure thing punk.” Tony huffed shaking his head.
“Oh joy, what are you two bickering about now?” Rhodey sighed from the couch watching Tony with a fond smile.
Tony waved his hand and walked over to the suit that was waiting for him on the patio, “Oh you know the normal. Who's going to feed the dog? Who's turn is it to check up on you so on.”
“Alright smart ass, you ready to go? I'm ready to see your wife's huge belly. Think we can feel the baby girl kick?” Rhodey followed him out where the War Machine armor was as well.
“Oh yeah I felt her kick last week. Just watch your face, don't want you getting a black eye if she got the jump on you.” Tony said smirking before letting the suit engulf him. He turned to face Rhodey who was shaking his hands a bit.
“That strong huh? She has to get it from Pepper then, cause you're like stick Tones.”
“Whatever you say huggy-bear. First one there gets first dibs on Peppers stomach?”
“You're on.”
*
Tony won. He laughed as he landed on the grass and watched as Rhodey came down already complaining, “Alright now that's just not fair! You fixed up your suit and what about my own? Poor baby is getting out of date.”
Tony rolled his eyes and flipped his mask up, “Nothing I make is out of date, just missing an upgrade. If you really want one I'll do it once we get home with Pepper and Happy.”
Rhodey walked over to Tony on the grass and looked over at the Compound, “You told them we were coming right ?”
“I knew I forgot something. Friday ?”
“I've let them know Boss, also Boss ma'am is here.” Friday stated just as the copter popped into view.
Tony couldn't help but smile brightly despite his nerves, he was going to see his wife her belly and go back with her finally. Just had to get this over with and off to paradise.
Once the copter landed Tony walked over and opened the door only to snicker a bit at the sight that greeted him, “You comfy there Happy you looked squished.”
Happy rolled his eyes from under Pepper, she was using him as one big pillow as she slept throughout the flight, “She said her back hurt and lying in this metal bed wasn't gonna help her so I'm the next best thing. Now are you gonna get your wife or am I gonna sit here all day.”
“I dunno Hap, what if she really needs the rest? You wouldn't take that from her would you?”
“Tony I swear-”
Tony laughed and waved his hand as he made the armor retract to his wrist and ankles, “Calm down, I've got her.”
Once the suit was gone he quickly hopped on the copter and grabbed Peppers hand and kissed it softly, “Pep, Pepper. Come on freckles you're slowly killing Happy. Up and at them. There you are.”
Pepper took a deep breath and stretched glaring at Tony the whole time. Making him huff and kiss her cheek, “Don't make that face at me. You're supposed to rejoice. Yay, Tony I, so happy to see you!”
“Help me up Tony.” Pepper yawned, she held out her hand and waited.
Tony pulled Pepper to her feet and kept an arm around her waist to keep her steady as she got her bearings. Once she did, she grabbed his cheeks and kissed him softly, “I'm so happy to see you Tony. You too Rhodey.”
As Tony grinned brightly as he helped his wife off of the copter Rhodey smiled and nodded as he stared at Peppers belly, “Glad to see you too Pep, boy you're swollen now aren't you.”
Pepper groaned and kissed Rhodeys cheek as he walked next to her, “Don't even remind me. She's going to give me hell I can already tell.”
“Well she is Tony's child.”
“Hey!”
Tony pouted as Pepper patted his head gently. She looked towards the Compound and sighed softly, “Are you ready?”
“Ready as I'll ever be, besides I have you guys I'll be fine. What's the worst they can do now.”
*
“Tony, it's been a while glad to have you back. You too Rhodey, we wanted to run more trial runs. So everyone gets used to each other.” Steve greeted, hugging Tony and Rhodey both.
Tony hummed as he shoved his hand sit his pockets, “oh training fun, but I'll pass. Unfortunately i'm not here to put the suit through it's paces. I actually have to tell you guys something's.”
Steve frowned as he looked Tony over, “Is everything alright?”
“Oh yeah yeah, never been better actually. It's good news Steve don't worry but it'll be easier to tell everyone as a team. Don't look so tense. “ Tony joked as he brushed past Steve to go towards the living room.
Tony ignored the way Steve looked at Rhodey suspiciously before following Tony inside, “Friday told you guys how I had a guest right?”
“Yes, I'm guessing it's not Rhodey. But you didn't come in with anyone else.” Steve affirmed as he closed the doors.
“Yeah, no, they're getting a few things from the lab and changing shoes, I don't know why she decided to not wear sandals or Uggs. They're better for her feet. She changed her mind real quick, but yeah they'll be right up.” Tony walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge, orange juice was good with calories and vitamins right? Sounded healthy enough.
“Hey, Friday gather the team up for me will you.”
“Tony the team's training right now, can't this wait till they're done?”
Tony turned around with the bottle of orange juice and shrugged, “It could but the sooner I tell you guys the news the sooner I can get out of your hair. It's a win win for everybody.”
He looked around for a glass as Rhodey sat down at the island smirking as Steve rubbed his face and sat down next to him.
“Boss, the Avengers are on their way, as well as your special guests.” Friday announced.
“Oh goodie. Rogers, where do you guys even keep the glasses here- Oh,nevermind here they are.”
As Tony poured three glasses of orange juice, the other avengers started filling in only pausing when they saw, Rhodey and Tony. Sam was a nice enough guy so Tony smiled when he walked over to say to Rhodey and him. Vision smiled softly at Tony and nodded, by Wanda's side. Of course once Wanda saw him, she scowled and walked over to the couches to be as far from him as possible. What caught Tony's attention was how Vision followed Wanda and sat down next to her. That was interesting but, he wasn't going to touch that with a ten foot pole. It was Visions choice who he had a crush on, even if he did have an odd taste in girls.
Last was Natasha, she actually smiled at them and walked over to sit next to Steve at the island. Guess Clint took the retirement seriously for his kids, good for him, looks like Tony would be a follower.
“Friday said you had something to tell us Tony. It's good to have you back. It's been quiet without you around.” Nat said smiling at him as she made a grab for one of the glasses, which he swiped away from her quickly.
She frowned up at him as Steve gave Tony a strange look, “Don't get used to it i'm afraid. After I deliver the news, I'm going on vacation.”
“A vacation? And what exactly have you been on since you were not helping the team?” Wanda spat.
Tony merely smiled and took a sip from one of the glasses, “I've been busy running my company. But speaking of helping the team, I heard because of what happened with your last mission, that was rough. Then you guys had a guest over. Ross right?”
Watching Steve's and Wanda's faces gave him his answer, “Yeah real shitty guy.”
“He wants us to sign the Accords, it's going to make us follow people like Ross’s agendas Tony.” Steve sighed looking up at him.
“Everyone has agendas Steve, this one just happens to have 117 countries behind it. It seems reasonable enough to me. Granted there's a lot that needs fixing but if you don't sign them now, you won't be able to change them and eventually they'll be forced on you. More countries are going to sign Steve.”
“You've seen them?” Steve asked frowning.
Tony ignored the way Nat was squinting up him like she was trying to figure out a puzzle, he nodded and put his glass down, “Rhodey and I already signed them. We've got some lawyers looking into fixing some stuff up for us. I can send you guys some if you-”
“You two signed them already ?! When? Ross was barely here yesterday, you couldn't have warned us?”
Tony rolled his eyes and shrugged, “Would warning you helped any? Look Steve it's the United Nations telling us that we need rules. After Shield fell, we haven't had any and that was hurting the people we were trying to save.”
“These rules are going to keep us from helping Tony, were the most qualified to help. In an emergency we can't just wait for permission to save lives, otherwise it'll be too late. Were supposed help the little guys and we can't do that with the Accords.”
“Steve we are not the most qualified. Were a ragtag group of people who were told that they were special. Countries have governments and soldiers that were trained to handle specific situations and know how to get the job done. With the Accords we get to work alongside these people, people who had to handle situations like the one at Lagos, we have their back and they have ours. It's the best thing to help people Steve, the UN can't just wait for the Avengers to reach them as fast as they can when they have soldiers at their disposal.”
“They're civilians Tony, they couldn't handle Rumlow, they would just get in the way and slow us down. What if the leader of any country decides that they don't want our help despite obviously needing it? What then are we just meant to sit back and watch knowing we could have done something? If we sign this were giving up our right to chose.” Steve snapped shaking his head.
Rhodey shook his head with a huff and looked over at Steve but Natasha surprised them both by interrupting.
“Maybe Tony's right” she started making Steve frown, “If we have one hand on the wheel we can still steer.”
Sam startled as he looked over at her and Tony could relate, “I'm sorry weren't you the woman who told the government to kiss your ass a few years ago?”
“I'm just playing the field.” she sighed brushing the hair out of her face, “Lately we've made some very public mistakes. We need to win back their trust.”
Tony smirked as he leaned forwards, “I'm sorry, did I mishear you or did you just agree with me?”
Natasha smiled softly shaking her head, “Oh, I want to take it back.”
“No, no no. No take backs.”Tony grinned as he saw Pepper walk in with Happy holding her arm gently.
“I told you, people will agree with you when you make sense it's not that hard Tony.”
Rhodey was quick to pull a chair over for Pepper as Tony snagged one of the pillows, placing it against the back of the chair for support. Happy helped her down, despite how she rolled her eyes and muttered a small, “I'm fine.”
Tony gave her the orange juice and watched as she tossed it back gasping, “Take it easy camel there's more. No one is going to take juice from a pregnant woman.”
He feels someone walk behind him and a small gasp, before seeing a mop of red hair sitting next to Pepper smiling. “You're pregnant, that's why you haven't been around. Oh Pepper that's wonderful! ”
Tony watches as Natashas hands hover softly over Peppers stomach not touching, this was the most unsure he had ever seen the spy. Her eyes wandering from Peppers face to swollen huge belly, then to Tony, who puffed out his chest proudly. Yeah that's his damn kid in there, and he was damn proud of it.
“It's yours, Tony”
Pepper sighed and nodded as Tony grinned, “Yes ma'am, her names Maria. Peppers almost 8 months along. I came here to tell you guys.”
“Tony, that's great! Congratulations, she'll be beautiful.” Steve came and patted Tony on the shoulder.
Tony nodded as he put his hands in his pockets. He knew she was going to be beautiful if she looked anything like Pepper it was a guarantee. Now all he had to do was ensure that he would be there to see her, can't let Pepper have all the fun raising her. He promised her, that he would do his best and he was going to keep that promise.
As he watched as the team circled his wife, cooing at her and offering them congratulations, he tried to think of a way to plainly tell these people, Hey you now that you see how my wife is pregnant, I was thinking about retiring from Iron Man for a bit so I could start a family. It sounded so reasonable in his head. This is the idle moment after all with all their eyes bright and happy for a mini person being made. All he had to do was say it.
“I'm glad you all like Maria, now I'm sure none of you will mind that I steal Tony away so she can have her daddy there with me, do you?” She looked around smiling almost shark like, daring anyone to challenge her on this and he knows that Maria will have the absolute best mother.
They all picked up on the hint quickly, turning their heads towards Tony to confirm it. “Yeah, gonna stay out of the suit for a bit, retire actually. You know, I wanna do this right, not bail every time the world needs saving. So I’m going with Pepper and just going to work on SI until I feel I can put the suit on again. Unless there's a major disaster happening, I'm going to have to depend on you guys to hold down the fort.”
He feels Steves and Natashas eyes on him but he couldn't be bothered because Pepper is smiling proudly up at him, so he knows he did the right thing. Strangely enough everyone agreed with him, saying how they would miss him, how they would do their best for him and his family. They would stay out of trouble and do their best to not drag him back.
He almost believed them.
Then Aunt Peggy died and Rogers got stirred up again by the Carters. It couldn't stop there, Vienna exploded and the King of Wakanda died. Barnes was blamed for the bombing and Tony watched from Milan as the new King get a determined glint in his eyes. He knew he wouldn't stop until he had his father's killer dead in his hands or behind bars. Tony felt bad for Rogers and Barnes but no one called so he just held Pepper and watched the news.
Rhodey called the next day explaining how he and the Black Panther, King Tchalla, had caught Barnes, Rogers and Wilson, after they had killed german policeman in their failed escape. Rhodey said he was just keeping him updated, “I know how you get Tony. You get antsy sitting by and doing nothing when shit is going south. So this is me telling you I've got it handled, Vision has my back surprisingly.”
Tony knew that Rhodey didn't want to be the one to call Tony back after he had only spent a few days with Pepper. She knew it too, that's why she told him to go back and help him finish it quickly.
As he reluctantly went towards his armour Happy and Pepper were by his side, the later giving orders already. “You don't do this alone, you hear me Tony? You need one babysitter who will ensure you come home to me. And I want to be kept up to date asap, call either Happy or me.”
“Pep, relax they're just throwing a little fit. I mean come on it's Rogers.” Tony cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently.
She held his hand shaking her head, “And he already killed 3 german police officers who were trying to take Barnes into custody. Then there's Ross, I-I just don't want to take any chances right now.”
“Alright Pep if it means that much to you. I'll be on my best behavior. Happy, take care of my woman while gone will you?”
“Like always Boss, you go set them straight.” Happy quickly responded.
“I'll be back as soon as I can. I love you.”
“I love you too, Tony.”
Tony didn't get there fast enough, Barnes Rogers and Wilson escaped again, and magically had all their gear go missing. He would have to give a talk to Shannon later about smart decisions. Like always it just kept going down hill, Vision called and said Wanda ran away with Clint, way to stay retired buddy, and now they had no idea where any of them were.
“I don't like this Tony. They're gathering together that doesn't sound like a peaceful thing.” Pepper said in his ear as he flew down to New York.
“I know that's why I'm getting some backup. Any help, will, you know help. Ross gave us 36 hours to bring their dumb asses in otherwise it's kill on sight. Make sure to keep record of that. Ross is bad news Pep.”
“I am. I'm also seeing how this backup is a teenager? You really want to bring a kid into this Tony?”
Tony sighed as he landed and the suit retracted, “I'll keep an eye on him, besides I'm still hoping they'll come nicely. Cap won't hurt a kid.”
“Ok Tony just be careful. With the kid, with everyone be smart.”
“Always am babe.”
*
They finally got a pin for the others at a airport in Lezipeg. He let Peppers and the others know right away. Then it became clear that Pepper was right, they weren't the only ones who got a couple of new faces.
T'challa didn't speak to him or seemed to acknowledge his existence, but the others sure did. Rhodey and Vision kept asking him to go back to Pepper, and he could see the guilt in Rhodeys eyes for making him come back. But he just brushed them off saying that they needed him. Natasha seemed conflicted when she saw him, but like always she rolled with it, and if he noticed her staying close and trying to keep him out of as much work as possible then hey who was he to judge.
The reaction that really got him was Roger's and Wilson's, there they were standing across an airfield walking with purpose with his precious Barnes by his side. Then he saw Tony and promptly froze.
“Tony?! What are you doing here?! You're supposed to be with Pepper, this isn't your fight.” Steve announced voice full of certainty.
“Mmm actually it is Steve. You and your little group made it my problem when you went and attacked Vision and your bud went a nuts and escaped. Rhodey said you weren't listening, so maybe now you will. For my sake maybe, you know so I can get back to my pregnant wife? Stand down and come back nicely. I'll get a group a lawyers for your little friend there that you'll work with directly and he'll have a chance.” Tony crossed his arms and frowned as he watched Rogers shake his head and clench his shield tighter.
“Bucky was framed Tony, and there's a bigger danger that needs to be dealt with. We can't go back. I'm sorry, just leave Tony. Go back to Pepper, I don't want to hurt you.”
They charged each other neither side backing down, Tony thought none of them would actually hurt the others right? They'd realize that they were going to far wouldn't they?
Again he was wrong, and he watched Rhodey fall, as Natasha let Barnes and Rogers get away.
He wouldn't be wrong again. He wouldn't let anyone else he cared about get hurt any longer. After all this was his fault, and he told Pepper so. Once he was finished explaining, she said she was flying over as fast as she could.
When she touched down with Happy, he walked over and cried in her shoulder, “He's paralyzed Pep. fucking paralyzed from the waist down and it's all my fault. I should have reached him. I could have reached him if I was closer but I was focused on fucking Rogers.”
“No it's not Tony. Tony you listen to me this is not your fault!” Pepper grabbed his face and made him look her in the eye, as she wiped his tears gently. “None of this was your fault Tony, you did everything you could. You came back and you helped Rhodey, you gave Rogers and the others a chance, which was more than any of them deserved. You are not the one breaking the law right now, you're fighting for it. I won't let you blame yourself because of them any more, do you understand me?”
After that lovely invigorating “Pep talk”, she lead him back to Rhodey’s room where Natasha and Vision were waiting for them. Natasha tensed in her chair as Pepper walked in glaring at her.
“Still playing the double agent card, Romanov? Doesn't it get old or is it in your genes by now?” Pepper snapped sitting next to Rhodey’s bed, she grasped his hand gently. While Tony stood by the door.
Natasha flinched and shook her head, “Pepper, they wouldn't have stopped at Rhodey. They would have kept kept going not caring who got in the way. They wouldn't have stopped, you need Tony and I couldn't let him get hurt.”
“Don't give me that, you've always been closer to Steve. Always running to him whenever you could, you changed your mind so don't go making it seem like I should owe you anything. You were only thinking about yourself not Tony, not me.”
“You don't understand! There's more of them, more soldiers. That's what they're going to stop. Hydra had more Winter Soldiers, and the person who framed Barnes is going to wake them up again, if they don't stop him. Tony, it's only him and Barnes against all of them. I don't know if they'll win.”
*
Pepper wasn't moved by Widows little speech, but Tony, well Tony's always been a bleeding heart of sorts. Once he has the evidence in front of him thanks to Friday, he feels a twinge of pity for the two, but that's not what gets him on his feet again.
Tony's done with trusting people who don't deserve it, he's done with letting people step over him because they think they can. He's tired of the world letting Steve Rogers get away with everything he does, just because he's Captain America. Looking up at Rhodey bed ridden and hooked up to countless machines, watching him fall, his Rhodey fall as Rogers got away scot free. He wasn't going to stand for it, he wouldn't let them get away with hurting him or his family any longer.
So he tells Pepper just that, out of sight of Romanov, leaving Happy and Vision in the room with her and a Rhodey. Pepper frowns softly, but he can see the sharpness of her eyes, she agrees with him even if she's reluctant to admit it.
She wants someone to pay for this and right now it all laid on Rogers, so again she agrees to let him go bring him back, just not by himself. Vision seems very eager to redeem himself in their eyes after his accident with Rhodey, Tony doesn't blame him for it. He could and it would be so easy to, but Vision is basically a kid and is still getting used to his own body let alone his emotions. So Tony agrees and asks Vision to come with him and help bring Rogers and Barnes back in, and if the Winter soldiers are a real issue more back up won't hurt any.
The only problem with their plan is that they have no idea where they went and the few who do are locked up in the Raft with Ross. So Tony and Vision make a quick visit. Vision asks to stay at the helicopter not wanting to see the others and Wanda locked up, Tony doesn't push and just pats Visions shoulder gently and gets off by himself.
He's not surprised by the bitterness everyone throws at him, even if Barton's words stings , “You better watch your back on this guy. There's a chance he might break it.”
Tony doesn't even pay him any mind, what right does he have to talk, he left his family for his job, for Rogers. It's not his fault he fucked up.
He has a actual civil conversation with Sam, the only problem is that he promises him to go to alone and as a friend. Tony almost feels bad lying to him, Sam's a good guy just like the rest of them, but got blinded by a shiny shield.
*
Tony tells Vision to stay back for a bit and let him go first. It's only later that he realizes it was a mistake.
He comes in trying to friendly like Wilson wanted and they manage to work together for a bit. Tony's surprised to see the Winter soldiers weren't a lie, they're dead but very real. No what surprises him is the clip.
He watches as Barnes kills his father, his poor father who knew tried his best but just wasn't made to be a father, he watches as his mom cries out for her husband. He watches as Barnes goes and breaks her neck, his mom, the women he is naming his child after, he just leaves them there like trash.
Turning he sees Barnes and Rogers faces, panic is plain on both of them. Barnes stares back at him determined, a guilty man, his head screams, a guilty man who knows what he did and is ready to face the consequences. Rogers has a similar look, but he's missing the part where he has to face the consequences, the world hasn't taught him that yet, but don't worry Tony could fix that.
“You knew didn't you?” Tony's voice calm with cool burning anger behind him.
“Tony, please it wasn't him he-”
“Don't play with me Rogers you knew! How long ? How long did you know? When you gave me a speech about secrets ?” He's snarling now and stepping closer and closer. Inside the helmet he can faintly hear Friday announce she was calling Vision and Pepper, but it falls on deaf ears.
“Tony I'm sorry-”
“Or was it when I fucking told you how I was naming my daughter after my mother! My Maria, my mom, my little girl is going to have her fucking name sakes!”
“ Oh god.” Barnes gasps staring at Tony with horror, it gets his attention because this man. This man killed his mother.
Rogers and his friends hurt his family again, again and again and again. Now he's going to make sure they can never hurt anyone ever again. So he chases them down and fights them.
He's barking orders at Friday telling her to get them down, while Friday is yelling right back at him about having Pepper on the line and waiting for Vision to reach him. It's pointless she should be helping him right now, focusing on Barnes and Rogers, if she explained everything to Pepper she would agree wouldn't she?
Tony's getting the upper hand and Steve and Barnes start fighting dirty in response. Steve keeps trying to plead to Tony to stop, but he can't, he won't. He won't ever let Rogers or his precious Barnes hurt his baby girl, he's making sure of it, or he tried to.
A series of hard hits from a metal arm, the same arm that killed his parents make him see black for a bit and he's had enough. Getting most of the power to the repulsed he watches with a sick sense of glee as it flies off of Barnes body as he crumples to the floor. He's alive, just downed, he's not a killer, no one will make him one.
Tony hears a growl and turns round just in time to watch as Rogers knocks him to floor, he's lost it. Rogers rips off the face mask with a few punches letting Tony spit blood out, but Rogers doesn't let up either. He keeps hitting and hitting until he grabs the shield and slams it down on Tony's chest, right on the arc reactor.
They both freeze when they realize what he's done. Tony doesn't feel anything at first, he just stares down at the broken glass on his chest and for a second panics. He can't live without the reactor, he needs it, he needs it to survive so he can see his baby be born. Steve quickly shuffles off of Tony and too his feet as he tries to move his hands to save what he can of the arc reactor.
Tony's unfortunately familiar of the feeling of shrapnel swimming their way to his heart, this is not the same pain. He takes a deep breath that hurts his chest and glares at Rogers, he doesn't need the reactor to live anymore, but he does need it to power the suit and get home. Roger's ignores his glare and opts to picking Barnes off of the floor, once he has him on good footing he turns around towards Tony, his face gone paler magically.
“Tony your baby- I'm so-”
“Mr. Stark! Mr. Stark! Tony ?!” Vision calls getting closer.
Rogers bit his lip and shuffled again picking up the shield and walking away quickly so Tony can't see him anymore from where the suit is powerless on the floor, “ I'm sorry Tony, I'm so sorry.”
“That Shield doesn't belong to you! My father made that Shield !” Tony growls crawling towards them with all he can muster.
All he hears is the clang of the shield falling on the ground.
Vision doesn't take long to find him, he takes in the scene in front of him and freezes for a moment, only when Tony gasps sharply in pain does he get moving again.
“Mr. Stark please don't move, you are extremely injured and I am not qualified to save your life.” Vision pleads, his voice pinched as he seto Tony against the wall.
“Vis, I've gotta get home. I've gotta get home to Pepper. You have to get me home to her please.” Oh god, his chest was caved in, he couldn't die. He was supposed to retire and start a family. “Friday, Friday Abby girl what are my options give me my options!”
“Boss ma'am has Dr. Helen Cho with her currently in Colombia with the cradle. Your status is dwindling by the second Boss, her and extremis might be your only chance. Or your highest chance by running the numbers.” Friday answered sounding frightened and nervous for him.
“Get it set up Friday, if this is my best chance I'm taking it. Steve Rogers is not taking me from my family. Vis, buddy you're going to have to carry me to the copter, you're my saving grace right now.” Tony joked trying to calm himself down, it was a good plan. This plan would work, it had too.
“Of course sir. I'll be as gentle as I can, the copter isn't far. I promised Mrs. Stark that I would watch over you, I will not break that promise.”
“Good, good. You and me both buddy.” Tony wheezed as Vision scooped him up into his arms. Distantly Tony wondered what he should do against Zemo, he was still here waiting for them to kill each other wasn't he ?
Vision turned and Tony quickly lost interest in Zemo upon seeing the Shield and arm. He was almost certain that Zemo would turn himself in, after all he had won hadn't he? The Avengers were broken over, at least for him, thing was, it could be argued that they were never even whole.
“Wait, wait Vis I know I'm asking a lot of you right now buddy, but we can't leave those here. We need to bring those back with us, can't let those fall into the wrong hands.”
Vision seemed conflicted for a second before obliging and placing them on top of Tony again, as gently as possible. Then they were off.
*
On the flight over, Tony and Vision were both being screamed at by an angry and terrified Pepper, and a professional Helen Cho, as one threatened to kill them both for not going together and scaring her like that, and the other was trying to direct Vision so he could properly save Tony's life. Or at least keep him alive till they landed.
“What were you thinking Tony! A promise to a criminal is not more important than your health! God Tony, they could have killed you! What if Vision didn't reach you fast enough ?! Where would we be then ?” Pepper sobbed, making Tony's gut clench, fuck did that hurt.
This was why he was retiring, a perfect example really, he also took died and left his pregnant wife alone to deal with all of this bullshit. God he didn't even want to think about it, after all it was still a possibility. “I'm so sorry Pep, I'm gonna be ok though I promise. I promise, this was the last time.”
“Damn right this was the last time Tony! Fuck, what Friday told Helen didn't sound good, you're not going to be doing much of anything for a while.”
“Does Extremis not work right away?” Tony asked confused, this was supposed to be a last ditch effort quick solution to save his life, did Pepper not want to use extremis ?
“If it works like we need it to, you're going to need a large dosage Tony, it'll form the cocoon around you. You'll be in there until you're fully healed, we don't know how long that'll be.” Helen clarified and Tony slowly shook his head.
“What ? No, no what if I miss the miss the labor cause I'm still under? I can't be stuck in there for god knows how long.”
“Tony, we don't have any other option. You're going to need a large dose to heal what Friday says you have and if it's even worse, then that's more. It's either you risk the possibility of missing the labor and live, or take a smaller dose and hope it's enough to keep you alive until the labor and later.”
Tony fought against the oxygen mask on his face as he squeezed his eyes shut. He had to be there for his kid, he wanted to be there for Pepper but he couldn't risk dying at any second and not being there for either of them later.
So the cocoon it was.
*
The closer and closer they got to Helen, the more Tony realized how dire the situation was. Vision was for fed to tube him just so he could breath and started pumping him full of morphine, because the pain was too much.
He was barely lucid when they landed, feeling numb and not being able to see anyone clearly scared the shit out of him. Faintly he could feel a hand in his and another stroking his hair, followed by a voice he could never forget.
“Thank you Vision, you brought him home thank you. You're gonna be ok Tony, you just rest and let Helen help you. I'll be right here when you wake up do you hear me? You just keep fighting, you don't leave us.” Pepper sobbed kissing his forehead, he opened his eyes and tried to look for her but all he saw were blobs. So he squeezed the hand in his as hard as he could, which wasn't very hard, before he felt it leave his and he was rushed away.
“We've got you Tony, you rest up now and I'll get you back to Pepper and that baby in no time. Just relax and go to sleep.” Cho said softly but urgently.
So he did. Tony closed his eyes and stopped feeling anything.
Then he felt a strong burning fire flow, it didn't hurt exactly. It just made him feel like he was roasting. The burning feeling lasted for a while before it started to cool down, fuck did he feel tired.
*
“Pepper, I'm so sorry this is all my fault. If I had just kept him out of this he would have never had to do this. He would have never even got hurt at all I should have kept him out of it like I promised.”
“Rhodey if you did that, god knows what would have happened to you if Tony didn't come. You know how he is, if anything happened to you and he didn't go to help he'd beat himself up over it.”
To his right he heard some shuffling and a chair creak as someone moved. He felt his fingers twitch slowly and squeezed the hands in his. Opening his eyes he smiled softly up at Pepper and Rhodey.
“Tony?” Pepper gasped squeezing his hand back, while the other cupped his cheek.
“I didn't miss anything did I?” he croaked.
Pepper jumped on the bed smiling brightly with tears in her eyes, looking her over he sighed happily seeing the huge belly she still had. He scooted over and found he was barely sore so he pulled her close and kissed her.
Thank god, he didn't miss anything, he was still here.
Thank god.