Great Balls of Fire

Marvel Part 8

The next five years are spent trying to climb out of the mess Thanos gave us, stumbling along that hill while we do. Phoenix moved out after two years leaving it just Nick and myself. When Nick got interested in baseball I turned the entire side yard into a field for him and the friends he made. We go over to visit dad, Pepper, and my little sister Morgan frequently and they visit us, but we all still have our own family time. I think we're picking up the pieces fairly well.

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"He's scared." Natasha says as she, Scott, and Steve head back to their car after trying to convince Tony for their help.

"He's not wrong." Steve says.

"Yeah, but I mean, what are we going to do? We need him. What, are we going to stop?" Scott asks, clearly frazzled.

"He's not the only Stark in New York." Steve says and they all get into the car.

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"Nice hit, buddy!" I say, manning the automatic baseball shooter in the yard.

"Wildcard, there's a Miss Romanoff, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Lang at the gate requesting access." IVY says.

"No idea who that last one is, but sure, let them in." I say. I go back to practicing with my son after that, barley paying attention. I cheer when Nick hits what would be a home run.

"Great balls of fire!" He exclaims. I laugh and give him a high-five at that.

"Nice hit, Nick." Natasha says as she walks up.

"Oh! You're Lang. Shit...I should probably learn the last names of those I fight with." I say when I see Scott.

"Smooth, mom." Nick says, smirking at me. I hug my now eight year old in retaliation and he wiggles away, but there's a smile on his face.

"Go clean up. Lee's coming for your sleep over in a few."

"Mom! It's not a sleep over!"

"Yeah, mom. Sleep overs are for girls." Steve teases and I stick my toung out at him.

"Exactly."

"Just go make sure you have everything packed."

"Yes, ma'am."

"IF I FIND YOUR MEDICINE AFTER YOU LEFT AGAIN YOU'RE GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!" I call after him and he gives me a thumbs up over his shoulder. The other three give me confused looks. "ADHD."

"With the Stark genes, not that surprised." Natasha says.

"Right." I agree, heading out into the yard to retrieve the baseballs and them following me. "So, what's up? Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I have barely seen you two in five years and you since you turned into a giant."

"We may have something, Laurel." Natasha asks.

"Like what?" I ask.

"Do you know about the quantum realm?" Scott asks. I raise an eyebrow at him and say nothing. "Right. Stupid question."

"Little bit." I agree. I continue cleaning, IVY getting rid of the net that keeps the balls from going God knows where during practice, and the others following me. "Okay, hold on. Time travel? Seriously?"

"We all lost someone, Laurel. This is our chance to get them back." Natasha says.

"This is also a chance to lose what we already have. Let me guess, you went to dad first and he said no so you came to the other genius in the family hoping that you could appeal to the widow and impulsive nature in me?" I guess. I look over their shoulders as a car pulls up. Hangman steps out as a young boy runs inside, sending me a wave as he does.