iron-t-stark-blog

[iron-t-stark-blog]

Hit me up for starters from Stark!

[iron-t-stark-blog]

“I’m not saying to pick up the mantle again. I’m just saying when push comes to shove—when it comes to protecting innocent lives against god knows what’s out there—that the right choices are made. That’s all.” He said with a slight shrug. He knew Steve had abandoned the ‘Captain America’ title long ago, but he also knew if the world needed him, he would step up. Hopefully.

“We can change it. We can’t let them imprison and execute people for just being born. Mutants didn’t ask for this. I don’t know how we can get but—there has to be some way.”

Tony patted Steve on the shoulder a little, a sad smile coming to his lips. “Get back to Bucky, and the party. Have some fun tonight if you can. I appreciate you coming to talk to me. Thank you.”

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“They’re part of the problem.” Tony sighed, “not only do I have SHIELD watching me but I’ve got government officials practically salivating at the chance to make an example of me. That’s why I haven’t been as vocal as I want to be about the ban.”

He appreciated the advice though, and wanted to see if he could start in on the ground floor of something quietly and work his way up from there. Trying to recruit the Avengers to get back together was too dangerous right now but it wasn’t off the table in the future.

“If you know anyone, point them in my direction. I’ll help where I can. I don’t have a lab yet, but I’m working on it. No suits—but if anyone needs upgrades, I can manage that. Oh and… I mean. If you ever wanted it again, I’ve got your shield. I held onto it for you. In case… you know. You ever need it again. I also have a prototype one that I made about two years ago that I figured you could use. Just in case.”

Tony used to hate how much Steve was on his mind after their battle. He hated what happened to them and worse, he hated himself for what he had done to the people he cared about.

“I’m so sorry, Steve. I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive how foolish I’ve been.”

“I can’t, Tony.” Steve quietly shook his head when the other made mention of the shield. He had specific orders and he had to follow them or else SHIELD wouldn’t hesitate to expose his jobs that he did while he was underground at the beginning of the band. Hill made no secret of throwing him under the bus if he tried to get fancy and work around the agency. 

He glanced back at Bucky briefly, though the other wasn’t looking back at him, before looking at Tony again. “If I held a grudge for everything that happened in my past, I’d be one man carrying a heavy load. It happened, Tony, people were affected but it happened and we can’t change it.”

Steve was upset that they were on opposite sides of all this, but as the years went by it just slipped from the front of his mind. Tony only became a faint memory that Steve didn’t care much to dwell on. “I know you’re sorry, and I’m sorry too. I just can’t stand for what our world is doing right now— I can’t be him again.”

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TS: Hey, you *did* try to brainwash me once so its not a stretch to assume you’ve watched The Craft and learned a thing or two.

text: open

@iron-t-stark

TS: I’m sure you won’t want to publish my questions, but you can own them all you want TS: Where’s Thor and how in the hell did anyone—ever-think it was a good idea to let YOU run for mayor? TS: You brainwashed people again, didn’t you? LL: Okay, first of all: I don’t know. I’m not a babysitter. LL: Secondly: no, and how dare you.

[iron-t-stark-blog]

TS: I’m sure you won’t want to publish my questions, but you can own them all you want

TS: Where’s Thor and how in the hell did anyone—ever-think it was a good idea to let YOU run for mayor?

TS: You brainwashed people again, didn’t you?

text: open

LL: Asking for a friend:

LL: Does it strike you as even the slightest bit suspicious that our dear friend Mr. Dent appears entirely prepared to handle everything from a zombie outbreak at his own wedding to this most recent nonsense?

[iron-t-stark-blog]

“I guess I’ll let you get back to work then.” Tony said with a small smile. “Also it’s a great idea to keep an extra shirt in your office if you don’t already. I started doing that when I took over Stark Industries. Best decision I’ve ever made.”

He walked back to Foggy’s desk and picked up his coffee.

“Alright. I’ll see you there. But don’t be late and don’t stand me up.”

Tony knew Foggy wouldn’t unless something urgent came up, and that smile he wore stayed with him as he left the office and headed back to his penthouse to converse with FRIDAY about what to wear, because he had no clue.

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Foggy was up and gone before Tony could even ask him if he was alright, smiling a little despite himself. Did he really still have that effect on people or was Foggy honestly that thrown off?

He decided not to dwell on it as he got up and searched the office for some paper towels, gently setting the paperwork aside and saving it from the growing puddle of coffee on the desk. He cleaned everything up and tossed it in the trash, turning towards the bathroom with a small smirk still on his lips.

“Hey, you alright?” He asked, walking over and nudging the door open a little further to take in Foggy’s state. “You weren’t being a dick, trust me. And yeah, I’m a little insane so why not?”

Whelp… This was the usual state of affairs, he tried to be funny, ended up hiding in a bathroom hoping the current problem wouldn’t be too painful to solve, if only he could say this was the first time that had happened.

As it was, he’d been asked on a date… by Tony Stark… And he’d said yes, and now Tony was coming a little more into the bathroom, “Uhahahaha, sure…” he said, voice far too high-pitched. “Uh, I mean, yea, no harm done. I hate this shirt anyway. But umm… We could meet at the thai place two blocks away? It’s nice there.”

And a place he’d been to before, familiar, safe. “I finish at eight, could we meet at nine?” he asked quietly. A big-ass lie. The second Tony left he’d be running out of this office to further freak out and try to plan what the hell he was gonna do!

[iron-t-stark-blog]

Foggy was up and gone before Tony could even ask him if he was alright, smiling a little despite himself. Did he really still have that effect on people or was Foggy honestly that thrown off?

He decided not to dwell on it as he got up and searched the office for some paper towels, gently setting the paperwork aside and saving it from the growing puddle of coffee on the desk. He cleaned everything up and tossed it in the trash, turning towards the bathroom with a small smirk still on his lips.

“Hey, you alright?” He asked, walking over and nudging the door open a little further to take in Foggy’s state. “You weren’t being a dick, trust me. And yeah, I’m a little insane so why not?”

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“My monetary worth has nothing to do with it.” He said, waving a dismissive hand, “But that… wow. I’ve been rejected before but not to that extent. Cold, Franklin. Real cold.” He teased, smiling a little.

“But I’m actually serious. Doesn’t have to be, you know, a date or whatever—I do have the penchant for hitting on guys who don’t bat for the same team—but no obligation. Really.”

It wasn’t just to pay Foggy back for his generosity; that was what the coffee was for, after all. He was interested in him; there was something about Foggy that made Tony want to know more. He wasn’t just some boring, stuck up lawyer from New York.

Foggy felt like he’d been slapped in the face when Tony replied, “Wait… you were serious?” he squeaked, warring instincts took over his mind as he tried to shimmy off the desk, put the coffee down and grab his desk at once… it culminated in him shoving himself off his desk, crushing the coffee cup and jerking his hand up sending hot coffee splashing onto his shirt just as he landed on his ass in front of the guy who’d asked him out.

“Ow! Mamma-jamma! Ohh that stings! And you- you… wait right there!” he half-demanded, pointing as Tony as he inelegantly scrambled up and darted into the tiny bathroom that came with the offices, his face already bright red to match the scold on his chest. He splashed some cold water onto his shirt to counteract the slight burn and proceeded to have a ten-second freak out with his reflection before gingerly cracking the door just enough to stick his head out and looked at Tony in the main office.

“Uhh… Hi.” he said lamely, “So umm, I’m so sorry about being a dick before, I didn’t mean to! In fact if I’d known you were being serious I… you know- that is… Mamma jamma.” he repeated before mentally kicking himself in the balls and muttering, “Dinner would be great… if you’re insane enough to still wanna…”  

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“My monetary worth has nothing to do with it.” He said, waving a dismissive hand, “But that... wow. I’ve been rejected before but not to that extent. Cold, Franklin. Real cold.” He teased, smiling a little.

“But I’m actually serious. Doesn’t have to be, you know, a date or whatever—I do have the penchant for hitting on guys who don’t bat for the same team—but no obligation. Really.”

It wasn’t just to pay Foggy back for his generosity; that was what the coffee was for, after all. He was interested in him; there was something about Foggy that made Tony want to know more. He wasn’t just some boring, stuck up lawyer from New York.

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“I think a lot of people got a little more drunk than the intended.” He said with a soft laugh, “But nothing happened—and I’m glad for that. No drama for once in my life.”

He took a sip of his own coffee; a triple espresso, black. He had read somewhere once that people who drank black coffee were psychopaths—as most CEOs were as well—and every so often he found himself thinking of that. Maybe the world wanted to push him into acting out and being a villain, but he was too damn old for that nowadays.

“I’m feeling better, yes.” He nodded, “Thanks to you. I’m sorry I unloaded on you. I just… I don’t know. There’s something about you that makes it so easy for me to open up. That’s not like me.”

Then again, Tony hadn’t really felt exactly like himself lately.

He put the number in his phone and sent Foggy a text so he would have his number as well.

“You know, I had a bit of an ulterior motive for coming here. I was going to wait and call you later but… fuck it. Would you go to dinner with me? Whenever you’re done with… this.”

“Well that was kinda the point right? For everyone to let go and relax, go a little wild.” he grinned, “And it went well. You did a good for everyone, I’m sure many are very thankful.”

Foggy was enjoying the milky drink. Much as he often needed a shot of expresso to get him going in the mornings he had one hell of a sweet tooth and his usual culinary choices reflected that… So did his waistline but he tried not to think about that too much cause it would only depress him and he tried to stay as happy as possible.

“Well that’s good. And don’t worry, I whined to you some too, I’m just glad I was able to help. S’like I said, everyone needs someone right?” he said with a smile, glad that he could help the guy.  

He’d help almost anyone if he could after all.

Foggy saved the number he got from the text and listened to Tony, when he was finished he stared for a moment then burst out laughing.

“Ha! Good one Tony. Sure a hot billionaire would ask out me to dinner.” he snorted, “Oh funny. You’re lucky I’ve got a sense o’humour on me, otherwise I might have thought that was mean.” his brain didn’t let him entertain the notion the other was serious.  

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“I think a lot of people got a little more drunk than the intended.” He said with a soft laugh, “But nothing happened—and I’m glad for that. No drama for once in my life.”

He took a sip of his own coffee; a triple espresso, black. He had read somewhere once that people who drank black coffee were psychopaths—as most CEOs were as well—and every so often he found himself thinking of that. Maybe the world wanted to push him into acting out and being a villain, but he was too damn old for that nowadays.

“I’m feeling better, yes.” He nodded, “Thanks to you. I’m sorry I unloaded on you. I just... I don’t know. There’s something about you that makes it so easy for me to open up. That’s not like me.”

Then again, Tony hadn’t really felt exactly like himself lately.

He put the number in his phone and sent Foggy a text so he would have his number as well.

“You know, I had a bit of an ulterior motive for coming here. I was going to wait and call you later but... fuck it. Would you go to dinner with me? Whenever you’re done with... this.”

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Tony smiled and sauntered in, tucking his sunglasses into the neck of his shirt and handing Foggy the coffee he’d chosen. So this was what it felt like to be on the other end—grabbing the coffee and coming to bother someone at work instead of the other way around. He kind of liked it, and he liked who he was visiting even more.

“I have no idea what you even like so I just got what the barista suggested.” He said with a shrug, taking his own coffee and flopping down in the chair across from him.

“Figured lawyer types needed coffee though so it was a safe assumption. I’m just glad you’re here. I probably should have called but uh, I forgot to ask for your number the night of the party. Your personal number, I mean.”

Besides, Tony had a habit of just showing up sometimes.

Foggy grabbed the coffee like a kid being offered sweet and inhaled it’s scent, letting out a deep sigh of happiness before taking a sip, “Oh, I think there’s something vanilla-y in this thing. I like it!” he took another sip and turned to watch Tony sit in Matt’s chair, well he wasn’t gonna tell the guy to move, it wasn’t like Matt needed it right now.

“Your barista made a good choice, this is just what I needed, thanks so much.” he repeated the thank you and then lent back and half hopped to sit on his desk, the papers would survive.

“Oh we do.” he nodded, “My body actually forty eight percent coffee at any given time.” he clicked his fingers, “Sorry about that! I meant to give it to you but then I got more drunk and wellll… it slipped my mind.”

He pulled his phone out and reeled the number off for Tony, “So how are you Dude? Feeling a little better I hope?” he asked with a smile.  

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Tony easily fell into the rhythm, holding Diana close and moving with the music. This was probably going to end up on some tabloid, but at this point it didn’t matter. Plus, he had somehow, for some stupid reason, trusted Clark when he said he wasn’t one of the gossip journalists.

“Clark Kent. Handsome guy, glasses, kind of awkward?” He explained with a soft chuckle.

“A whole island full of women? If they’re all as beautiful as you it’s probably safe that the location always changes because stupid men like me would show up and get killed or something.”

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Tony didn’t care who was looking as he secured an arm around her and laced his fingers with hers, moving easily with the music. He fancied himself an alright dancer; he’d been to enough parties in his lifetime that he had to learn a couple moves.

“I’ll apologize now if you end up in the tabloids with some insane rumour.” He said, “A reporter for the Gazette came over and introduced himself to me earlier so I’m sure the gossip column will be filled with stuff from the party.”

As much as he didn’t like reporters, he was happy that Clark had been open with who he was, and seemed kind enough. Plus, as much as he liked men tall, dark and handsome, it was a lot easier to fall into bed with a woman given his penchant for accidentally sleeping with reporters that would run awful news columns about him the next day.

“You love this song? That’s adorable. Are you even old enough to have heard it when it first came out?” He teased lightly. “Tell me about where you’re from. What brought you to Star City?”

Diana shrugged, enjoying the cookie cutter dancing they had slipped into while Time After Time played all around them. It brought her back to that time period, the era of big hair and bright outfits. “I’m used to being under the media’s lens, so it’s alright.” She lifted a brow at that, and the only male reporter she knew that was here was Clark. Lois was also here, but there was no mistaking her for a man. “What was his name? Perhaps I know him.”

She nodded, unable to hold back the laugh that erupted from her at the question. “I am, yes. I saw Cyndi in concert once, she was amazing.” She lifted a brow, tilting her head slightly, “I come from an island called Themyscira. It changes its location quite frequently, to keep my sisters safe from mankind.” Diana swallowed and tapped her thumb just once on Tony’s shoulder, “Most of my friends and family are here, so I thought I’d be needed. I was correct in that assumption.”

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Tony looked up at him and cocked his head to the side slightly, eyes narrowing just a little bit at the phrase.

“I’m sorry did you just say you didn’t think people from earth are that nice? Meaning... you aren’t from earth?”

If there was one thing that scared Tony (other than the usual, human fears), it was the grandeur that he had seen in space during the battle of New York. He thought back then that he was going to die; he had made peace with the thought of it as he took it all in—it scared and thrilled him all the same. The nightmares after were haunting.

So who was this guy if he wasn’t from earth? He sure looked human. Tony’s heart began to beat a little harder, but he wouldn’t dare show panic on his features.

“You look human.” He said, “You sure you didn’t hit your head, Peter? How many fingers am I holding up?” He asked, holding up three fingers.

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Tony shook his head but he somehow believed the other; he seemed to have a cockiness about him and this definitely wasn’t his first fight. That much was obvious.

He stopped to shake Peter’s hand, smiling a little. “Nice to meet you, Peter. I’m Tony.”

Someone who didn’t know him—that was refreshing.

He took Peter back to his place and up to the penthouse, sitting him down on the couch before going to fill a bag with ice. He eased Peter’s hand down flat, examining it a little before putting a clean towel on his hand and ice on top of that.

“There. That should help with the swelling a little. Hopefully it won’t be too sore in the morning. Should probably wrap it up after icing it to be safe.”

Tony usually wasn’t this doting. Something about taking care of someone made him feel good, though, and he really did enjoy the fact that this guy didn’t know him at all.

Tony had led Peter back to his place, and honestly, the guy lived here? The place was huge, fancy, and he felt like he needed to keep his hands to himself lest he break something expensive. He tended to be a little clumsy sometimes, but he had one hand out of commission so maybe the odds would be in his favor this time around.

Peter sat in the seat he was offered, taking the time to look around and absorb everything he was looking at. It really was amazing. He couldn’t believe how anyone lived like that, or what they had to do to get something like this—the guy had to be some kind of businessman, maybe CEO of his own company. Or maybe he stole his money. Maybe he was shady, a spider and Peter had fallen into his web. 

He allowed Tony to maneuver his hand around and he was surprised at how gentle he was. His eyes darted up to the man’s face for a brief second as he was distracted with wrapping the towel around his hand to protect it from the ice. Peter looked away quickly and nodded, “You really didn’t have to do all of this, but… Thanks, man. I didn’t think people on Earth would be this… Well, nice.”

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Tony smiled and sauntered in, tucking his sunglasses into the neck of his shirt and handing Foggy the coffee he’d chosen. So this was what it felt like to be on the other end—grabbing the coffee and coming to bother someone at work instead of the other way around. He kind of liked it, and he liked who he was visiting even more.

“I have no idea what you even like so I just got what the barista suggested.” He said with a shrug, taking his own coffee and flopping down in the chair across from him.

“Figured lawyer types needed coffee though so it was a safe assumption. I’m just glad you’re here. I probably should have called but uh, I forgot to ask for your number the night of the party. Your personal number, I mean.”

Besides, Tony had a habit of just showing up sometimes.

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Tony had felt surprisingly at ease when he met Foggy at the party several days before. So much at ease, in fact, that he hadn’t had a better sleep in the following days. He felt bad that he burdened the man with so many of his miseries, but he was almost positive he felt ten pounds lighter after their talk.

Someone finally understood him—someone who was willing to listen and offer some sound advice, even. He hadn’t quite decided what he was going to do with the advice yet, but he had gathered up some ideas.

Tony didn’t know if Foggy would even be in the office when he headed out and picked up a coffee for him—he had no idea what he drank, either, so he made an educated guess. He didn’t really know why he was bothering the poor man at work; he was sure he had enough on his plate already, but here he was anyway, letting himself into the firm and heading back to Foggy’s office.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He said softly so he didn’t disturb him, “Figured you could use a coffee break.”

He gave the other a smile, leaning against the doorframe for a moment. He was dressed much more casually than when they’d first met; jeans, sneakers and a tee shirt lit up with the gentle glow of the arc reactor.

Foggy had enjoyed talking with Tony, it was nice to see the guy wasn’t just the careless playboy the media seemed intent on portraying him to be and Foggy felt he might’ve actually helped him by lending an ear. So for him it was something of a win win. Although, not easily satisfied it seemed he was planning to stick nose into even more of Tony’s business.

Of course he didn’t plan on telling the guy this cause he didn’t want him to worry and odds were he wasn’t gonna see Tony for a while, the guy was bound too busy to stop in and see such a small-time lawyer.  

He yawned into his hand and then went back trying to read over the paperwork dealing with a break in at some poor woman’s house. Matt was out dealing with the insurance side of the issue while he was dealing with the boring part. By this point he was twirling a pen in his hand more than he was reading a great deal of the paper. Sometimes law work could be a real snooze-fest.

Looking up when someone entered Foggy’s eyes widened at the (pretty attractive) sight of a casual Tony Stark complete with coffee.

“Hey! Great to see you man.” he smiled, standing up and gladly taking the coffee, “Thanks so much! I’d love a break I was practically falling asleep at my desk.” he said with a small chuckle.    

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Tony shook his head but he somehow believed the other; he seemed to have a cockiness about him and this definitely wasn’t his first fight. That much was obvious.

He stopped to shake Peter’s hand, smiling a little. “Nice to meet you, Peter. I’m Tony.”

Someone who didn’t know him—that was refreshing.

He took Peter back to his place and up to the penthouse, sitting him down on the couch before going to fill a bag with ice. He eased Peter’s hand down flat, examining it a little before putting a clean towel on his hand and ice on top of that.

“There. That should help with the swelling a little. Hopefully it won’t be too sore in the morning. Should probably wrap it up after icing it to be safe.”

Tony usually wasn’t this doting. Something about taking care of someone made him feel good, though, and he really did enjoy the fact that this guy didn’t know him at all.

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Tony watched the men turn tail as the fight seemed to get a little bit more even; most of the muggers were the same. Cowards. He could take them on with the little tech he brought with him and wouldn’t even have to break out a suit.

“You almost got shot!” He exclaimed breathlessly, tapping the mechanism on his wrist so the armour retreated back into it. Nothing to see here; no tech he wasn’t supposed to have, Nope.

He frowned as he looked at the man, took in the state of him. Roughed up, but not shot—or worse.

“Come on. You need a drink and some ice for that hand.” He offered, not waiting for a reply before ushering the young man out of the alley.

“So what can I call you?”

Peter shrugged and pushed back his hair, “That happens to me more times than I can count.” He replied casually, as if this sort of thing did happen to him on a daily basis—close to it. It seemed trouble liked to follow him wherever he went, and Earth was n different. He had opened his mouth, not to protest, but to accept the invitation before he was being removed from  he crime scene. Good thing, too, he didn’t need another run in with the law.

“Name’s Peter,” He replied with a grin, though flexed his hand a little to see if it was broken; no, not broken, but it was incredibly sore. It was definitely going to bruise in the morning. He held out his good hand for a handshake, “What do I call you?”

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@onehellofalawyer

Tony had felt surprisingly at ease when he met Foggy at the party several days before. So much at ease, in fact, that he hadn’t had a better sleep in the following days. He felt bad that he burdened the man with so many of his miseries, but he was almost positive he felt ten pounds lighter after their talk.

Someone finally understood him—someone who was willing to listen and offer some sound advice, even. He hadn’t quite decided what he was going to do with the advice yet, but he had gathered up some ideas.

Tony didn’t know if Foggy would even be in the office when he headed out and picked up a coffee for him—he had no idea what he drank, either, so he made an educated guess. He didn’t really know why he was bothering the poor man at work; he was sure he had enough on his plate already, but here he was anyway, letting himself into the firm and heading back to Foggy’s office.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He said softly so he didn’t disturb him, “Figured you could use a coffee break.”

He gave the other a smile, leaning against the doorframe for a moment. He was dressed much more casually than when they’d first met; jeans, sneakers and a tee shirt lit up with the gentle glow of the arc reactor.

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“No need to be coy, Clark. Just the truth.” He said with a small smile. “But you don’t really believe Metropolis is lost... I can see it in your eyes. They don’t have to lay down and give up. I have a feeling that someday heroes are going to be wanted... or needed again.”

“Heroes don’t just give up on the people they care about. We just... take breaks.” He shrugged, “I’ll risk the death penalty to save people. I’ll risk the hate, the backlash. I used to think they’d do the right thing, but the government doesn’t have all the answers.”

Tony turned slightly when someone called his name, pulling his attention from the reporter. “I should probably get back out there.” He frowned, “But you know where to find me if you want to interview me some more. I wouldn’t be opposed to a drink, either.”

He pat Clark on the shoulder once with a smile and turned to head away before coming back around again.

“Oh... and if you’re ever in Metropolis and see Superman? Tell him Stark is looking for him.”

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Tony frowned a little when the ban was mentioned and his eyes moved from Clark momentarily downwards. The ban had torn people’s lives apart—their relationships, parents losing children and more. Even Tony had caused the separation of the Avengers with his choices.

“Yes, originally I wanted everyone registered.” He said with a sigh, dark eyes meeting Clark’s again. “But now I think a little differently. I’ve seen what the ban is doing and I can’t be a part of something that ruins someone’s life so terribly. The world needs heroes, Clark, because without them New York would be a nuclear wasteland by now. Gotham would be overrun by criminal organizations and innocent people would get caught in the crossfire. Hell, Metropolis with your ‘Man of Steel’ would be devastated too. We need the Avengers. Batman. Superman. We don’t need to persecute mutants because of the way they were born. We need education, and programs—I… I’m sorry I’m rambling.”

If only Tony knew what to do to persuade the ones in power away from the ban, but even he was part of the issue back then.

“I didn’t think someone so handsome could ever come out of Kansas.” He said with a teasing smirk, “What made you choose journalism? Specifically about Superman?”

Clark listened to his explanation and the way his words changed into a sincere-sounding ramble. Everything he said made perfect sense and most of it was exactly how Clark felt about the entire ordeal. Yes, he had chosen not to fight the ban – but that didn’t mean he agreed with it at all. He had thought obedience would have been the better course of action; would have gotten the government to ease up, but most of the other heroes hadn’t seen it that way and things had only gotten worse.

“No, there’s no need to apologize. I feel the same way.” He expressed with a shake of his head. “I think Superman’s been on the bench ever since the ban was put into place, so Metropolis is probably already lost.” He said with a frown. At Tony’s flirtatious remark, Clark adjusted his glasses with a soft laughter. “Well, thank you for that Tony.” He said as he chuckled softly. “Journalism for me was just a way for me to be up close with some of the action going on around the town. My former editor always sent my co-worker Lois and I on a lot of risky assignments. When it came to Superman, he just sold stories. Everyone in Metropolis wanted to know about him.” He explained from both a first-hand and third-party experience in one odd package.

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- William Ernest Henley

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“They’re part of the problem.” Tony sighed, “not only do I have SHIELD watching me but I’ve got government officials practically salivating at the chance to make an example of me. That’s why I haven’t been as vocal as I want to be about the ban.”

He appreciated the advice though, and wanted to see if he could start in on the ground floor of something quietly and work his way up from there. Trying to recruit the Avengers to get back together was too dangerous right now but it wasn’t off the table in the future.

“If you know anyone, point them in my direction. I’ll help where I can. I don’t have a lab yet, but I’m working on it. No suits—but if anyone needs upgrades, I can manage that. Oh and... I mean. If you ever wanted it again, I’ve got your shield. I held onto it for you. In case... you know. You ever need it again. I also have a prototype one that I made about two years ago that I figured you could use. Just in case.”

Tony used to hate how much Steve was on his mind after their battle. He hated what happened to them and worse, he hated himself for what he had done to the people he cared about.

“I’m so sorry, Steve. I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive how foolish I’ve been.”

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Tony averted his gaze when Steve began to talk about being forced underground. He wasn’t the only one, either. Natasha had suffered — Vision and Wanda had run off to god knows where. T’Challa had lost his father and was fighting to stabilize his country. Clint and Scott took house arrest instead of prison time so they could be with their families.

It was all his fault.

“I’ve thought about that every goddamn day, Steve.” He said desperately, “What I did to you. What I did to the others. And how I could go about making it right. I still don’t know how to fix it. Now Pepper is gone and… and I’m lost.”

He sighed, running his fingers through his greying hair.

“I’m tired too, Steve. Sometimes I wish you guys had finished it.” He shook his head, downed the rest of his drink and set the glass aside.

“In this world, we’re not going to be in the right any longer. They’re killing them now… metahumans and mutants. I don’t know what to do to stop it. For once I don’t know how to help. And you’re the only person I’ve ever trusted enough to help me. The only one with enough sense… if I have to promise to never bother you or see you again I will but, I need your advice. I need your guidance.”

Steve had always been a team leader in every sense of the word, and Tony was desperate for any help that the former Avenger could provide, even if he wasn’t sure he was going to like the answer.

“They’re forming teams.” He offered the idea. Logan mentioned it to him a few weeks ago. If Tony wanted to get in the fight, he should. But Steve couldn’t take part in it— not yet. Not until SHIELD wanted to send him in. They couldn’t risk losing Steve early on in some random attack.

“My advice is you get in contact with those who already have established groups. I wouldn’t start a new one unless you want Hill and Fury on your ass for trying to rile the Avengers back up.” Steve didn’t know where a lot of them were, the last he saw was Natasha and she’d ran off where not even God knew.

“Or hell, mentor the younger teams. They could use someone.” Steve listened to Gwen often about problems the Titans faced. If Tony wanted to, Steve could mention it to her— that Tony wanted to help. 

Every bone in Steve’s body was telling him to put the suit back on, to go out and instill hope in people once again. But if he did that, SHIELD would sell him out to the government for disobeying their terms and he’d be gone for good.

[iron-t-stark-blog]

Tony frowned a little when the ban was mentioned and his eyes moved from Clark momentarily downwards. The ban had torn people’s lives apart—their relationships, parents losing children and more. Even Tony had caused the separation of the Avengers with his choices.

“Yes, originally I wanted everyone registered.” He said with a sigh, dark eyes meeting Clark’s again. “But now I think a little differently. I’ve seen what the ban is doing and I can’t be a part of something that ruins someone’s life so terribly. The world needs heroes, Clark, because without them New York would be a nuclear wasteland by now. Gotham would be overrun by criminal organizations and innocent people would get caught in the crossfire. Hell, Metropolis with your ‘Man of Steel’ would be devastated too. We need the Avengers. Batman. Superman. We don’t need to persecute mutants because of the way they were born. We need education, and programs—I... I’m sorry I’m rambling.”

If only Tony knew what to do to persuade the ones in power away from the ban, but even he was part of the issue back then.

“I didn’t think someone so handsome could ever come out of Kansas.” He said with a teasing smirk, “What made you choose journalism? Specifically about Superman?”

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Tony chuckled, “Sorry, did you want me to go into the long version?” He teased, patting the other on the arm gently. “Nah I’m just kidding. But yeah I don’t design suits anymore. Its a part of my deal with the government. Keep me out of jail and all that.”

He set his empty glass aside with a sigh. “I do miss it though. Being a hero. I guess… before all the controversy. I feel like there were still people doing more good than harm but no one sees it that way.”

He put his hand on the small of Clark’s back as he directed him away from the noise of the party so they could continue their talk.

“So tell me about you.”

“No, please, just the short response was perfect. I’m not a technology expert so any more detailed and you’d probably make my eyes glaze over.” He said with a small round of laughter as he followed Tony’s movements. “You do? Forgive me for being blunt, but weren’t you originally in favor of banning heroes from being able to do their jobs?” He asked curiously.

 “About me? Well there’s not much to tell. I was born and raised in a small town in Kansas, lived and worked on the farm with my mother and father. I eventually moved to Metropolis and began work as a journalist–writing a lot about the city’s ‘Man of Steel’ and whatever else they had me doing.” He explained casually.