ＲＥＤＥＭＰＴＩＯＮ {TONY STARK'S LITTLE SISTER FAN-FICTION}

2. WELCOME BACK

The soft morning sunlight filtered through Elizabeth's bedroom windows, casting long shadows on the familiar walls. Slowly, she ran her fingers over every detail of her room, like a blind artist rediscovering her work. Her fingertips traced the grooves of the cracks in the floorboards, the faint scratches etched into the windowpane, and the cool edges of objects resting on her glass desk. Even the shadows on the walls seemed to hold memories, whispering echoes of a life that felt like it belonged to someone else.

Her curiosity drove her to the walk-in closet, where she sifted through each piece of clothing, her hands brushing against fabrics she hadn't worn in what felt like ages. The same ritual continued in the bathroom, with her fingers skimming over toiletries and bottles that seemed untouched. Everything was eerily familiar—exactly like the hallucinations she had been trapped in for so long.

But something was off.

The feeling gnawed at her, a quiet unease that settled in her chest. She quickly shook her head, forcing the thoughts away, just as a soft knock sounded at her door.

"Come in," she called out.

The door creaked open, and for a moment, she froze in surprise. The familiar, old creak was gone, replaced by silence. Tony stepped inside, catching the shock on her face.

"Yeah, I fixed it while you were in a coma," he said with a light smile, as if the statement carried no weight after what happened in this room. "Listen, I'm heading to the Avengers Compound today, and I'd like you to come with me. The nurses suggested you be supervised for the next few days, and honestly, I don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone."

Elizabeth watched him, her fingers idly trailing along the edge of the glass desk. She tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You really missed me, didn't you?"

Tony's brow furrowed. "Of course I did. Why would you think I didn't?"

"Because after Mom and Dad died, you pretended I didn't exist. Sure, it got better over the years, but—"

"But there's no excuse for it. I know," Tony interrupted, his tone soft but firm. Before she could respond, he continued, "I want to apologize for that, and I want to do better. I want us to have a real relationship."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, waiting for the inevitable catch. "But...?"

Tony held up his hands in mock surrender. "But nothing. Just get dressed, okay? Let's go."

–

The car ride was a blur for Elizabeth. Tony filled the silence with updates about the last year—what she'd missed, his projects, and the Avengers' activities. But her mind wandered, struggling to separate reality from the illusions she had lived in for so long.

When they arrived at the compound, Tony seemed unusually upbeat, his grin wide as he led her through the familiar halls. She followed, her unease growing until they reached a set of doors. Tony's hand hovered over the handle, and she instinctively grabbed his wrist.

"Wait," she said, narrowing her eyes. "What did you do?"

Tony didn't answer. He simply smiled and pushed the door open, revealing a room filled with noise, laughter, and familiar faces.

Elizabeth froze.

Her eyes swept over the crowd—Steve, Sam, Natasha, Thor, Clint, Wanda, Bruce, and others she didn't immediately recognize. The room felt alive, a stark contrast to the stillness she had grown accustomed to.

"Liz!" Steve's voice cut through the chatter, drawing her attention as he hurried toward her with a broad smile. His arms wrapped around her in a warm, protective hug, and she leaned into him, momentarily letting herself feel safe.