A mile in my shoes

Chapter 25

They were sorely mistaken if they believed the Rogues would lay low for even a short moment. Despite the situation, the entire family attempted to have a normal breakfast, pretending as if everything was normal, just like any other day. Nathaniel was placed on his mother's lap while Tony and Laura sat close to each other. The baby was cranky and refused to eat. With Rhodey's help, the genius was making an effort to keep up a conversation with the other two children. It was not working very well either.

Tony should have realised by now that those kids were not easily duped. They were aware that something big was about to happen. Even though they were trying their best, the adults weren't very good at masking their emotions. Tony and Laura wanted to protect the kids from all their father was doing wrong. Clint, as usual, wasn't thinking about anyone other than himself. The archer had never been one to use his words for anything.

"Good morning."

Everyone turned in one swift motion to see who was speaking. Pepper looked exhausted, and her dishevelled appearance spoke volumes. She had managed to find an oversized hoodie and a pair of sweatpants that were far too large for. Her hair was still wet, but she had hastily tied it back in her distinctive ponytail. The visible patches of skin were red and raw in some places, but it was obvious from the way she carried herself that she didn't want to talk about it.

Despite being an android, Vision was very observant and thoughtful. He sensed that the woman needed some comfort and care. As Pepper sat down a little away from everyone, he offered her a plate filled with an assortment of the food he had prepared earlier on. Vision offered her a warm and understanding smile but did not comment any further.

They had hardly time to enjoy the food when a sudden explosion echoed in the distance, startling them. Clint seemed to take great pleasure in causing destruction to the compound. That level of violence was already not necessary when, not long ago, the archer came looking for Wanda. Another crime to add to his criminal record.

Since the battle of New York, Tony had been paranoid about what was about to come, and perhaps he still was, but it would certainly help today. When he had originally designed and constructed the compound, he had considered a thousand situations, things that had actually happened already and things that could take place.

The compound wasn't just a massive structure, it was also a fortress, thoughtfully equipped to handle any crisis that came their way. Tony had designed cells to hold potential threats, reinforced panic rooms for immediate protection, and state-of-the-art workshops to create innovative solutions. The genius had taken it a step further by creating secret exits and hidden passageways, just in case escape became necessary. Tony had built extra amours just in case, because it was still the best defence he knew to build. He had considered every angle, analysed every vulnerability, and developed countermeasures for each one. The only thing that had not come to his mind was that the threat would come from his own teammates. Tony was paying for that single mistake dearly.

Pepper did not like the endless array of armours Tony tirelessly built, but if things took a bad turn and became a little too dangerous for the civilians living in the compound, they would be able to evacuate to a safer location.

Tony's armour had improved thanks to nanotechnology. Each suit was now capable of adjusting to the shape of each body to offer the best protection possible. An AI would pilot the suits away. Tony had awoken Tadashi just for this very purpose. Shield and Natasha had previously managed to shut down Jarvis and Friday using crude methods, but Tadahashi was a different story altogether. Unlike Tony's previous AI creations, Tadashi operated off the grid, keeping him well-protected from potential hack.

Tadashi's programming went far beyond piloting and combat capabilities. His primary directives revolved around the well-being and happiness of the people under their care. He was a guardian, a protector, and a source of comfort in the face of danger. Tony hoped to help, knowing that he could not be around anymore.