whatever it takes

Chapter 23: A Happy Ending

*Its been a long, long time by Harry James*

"Everybody wants a happy ending.But it doesn't always roll thatway. Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back,it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited, Ihope we get it back and somethinglike a normal version of the planethas been restored. If there everwas such a thing. God, what a world. Universe, now.If you'd told me ten years ago thatwe weren't alone, let alone to thisextent, I probably wouldn't havebeen surprised. But come on..." 

We were all sitting in the living room. Listening to the worlds my dad had recorded before his death. I was in a black dress. Same with Morgan and Pepper who were beside me. Ben was behind us, standing in a suit. One hand on Morgan's shoulder and the other on mine. Happy, Aunt May, and Peter were also all gathered around. As well as the rest of the team. 

" Who knew what epic forces of darkand light would come into play?For better or worse, that's thereality our children get to grow upin. That's why I thought I'd probablybetter record a little greeting, inthe case of...an untimely death on mypart. I mean, death at any time isuntimely, but...this "time travel"thing we're going to try to pulloff tomorrow has me scratching myhead about the "survivability" ofit all. But that's the hero gig,right? Part of the journey is theend. What am I even tripping for?Everything is going to work outexactly the way it's supposed to."

I felt him look directly at Morgan and me. It was like he even knew where we would sit. 

"I love you 3000."

With that, the hologram cut out and we all stood up to make our way outside. Our first was Pepper and Morgan holding the arrangement that included the arc reactor. I followed closely behind, holding on to Ben. My Ben. 

We walked out watching as the rest of the Avengers all stood in honor of Tony. As I looked out I also saw tears. I couldn't help but let out my own as well. 

When we got to the end of the dock Pepper and Morgan let the wreath go letting it float along in the lake. As I watched a part of my dad go I let out a sob. I could feel Ben hold on to me while I noticed Steve come up on my left and grab my hand. Peter also came over and I grabbed ahold of him with my right arm. He too had lost a father this week. 

After a while, we all headed back inside. Ben and I were talking to the team when Maria Hill pulled us aside. We walked upstairs to an empty bedroom. 

I looked at Maria waiting to see what was about to drop. I looked over at Steve who had also come up but he looked like he already knew what was happening. 

"Ophelia, you know your dad planned out everything. Well, I have in this folder, his plan for if he died. In summary, you are now the head of the avengers as well as the owner of Stark Industries. Pepper decided to step down to raise Morgan. Peter will learn from you so that he can lead some day and as for Stark Industries. Once Morgan turns 21, she will become a co-owner with you."

She handed me the envelope and I looked over at Steve. If I was the leader of the Avengers that meant he was leaving. As if he was reading my mind he nodded. It all suddenly felt real. 

I heard Ben step up behind me and place a hand on my back. He looked around the room then announced, "I'll move here. So she can take over. How soon does this take effect." 

"Immediately," Maria responded. 

Ben then looked at me, "Okay well it will probably take a month or two to switch over command of the First Order so we will just be separated during then but I promise as soon as its over I will be right by your side." 

I looked up at him with a soft smile and shook my head, "No. No. Don't do that. I can commute easily with the necklace. Do not give up your life's work. I will work here on earth then just come home to the Finalizer after. Plus I will create more phones so I can be reached and another Neckalce for Peter and Morgan. I am doing that. I will move in with you."