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2002
Tony Stark lounged in his workshop, surrounded by the hum of cutting-edge technology and the sterile perfection of his empire, yet behind all the facade, he felt utterly alone.
It had been years since the accident that took his parents, leaving him to navigate the world with a hollow confidence that masked the gaping void inside him. He'd buried the pain in board meetings, parties, and the relentless pursuit of success, but no amount of wealth or inventions could fill the space where his family once was. He thought he'd lost them all; the loving but distant father, the kind-hearted mother, and the joyful baby sister he'd held in his arms one last time, her three-year-old giggles still faintly echoing in his memory. The weight of that loss was a constant, heavy presence, until the phone rang, shattering the silence.
"We've found your sister, Mr Stark."
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Tony's heart pounded as he stepped into the dimly lit room, the air thick with a mix of anticipation and disbelief. His eyes searched frantically, scanning over unfamiliar faces until they landed on her.
Aurora Stark stood near the window, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, her silhouette small and slender against the light. She was no longer the curly-haired toddler he remembered—his memories of her were hazy, snapshots of chubby cheeks, wide eyes, and giggles that echoed through the halls of their childhood home.
Now, before him was a young girl with long, dark hair cascading down her back, her features sharpened and more defined, yet unmistakably familiar. Her eyes, those same deep brown eyes, met his with a mixture of wariness and curiosity, reflecting a lifetime of stories he wasn't there to witness. She stood with a quiet strength that caught him off guard, it was a mixture of his mother's grace and his father's determination.
Tony felt a lump rise in his throat; he was staring at a stranger, yet every instinct told him she was home.
As he stepped closer, the years between them seemed to dissolve, replaced by a silent promise that this time, he would not lose her again.
"Hi, Rory," The word hung in the air, trembling between them. "Took you 10 years to find your way back, but i'm not complaining," he joked, trying to lighten up the tension.
Aurora didn't respond; she just stared at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution. Her head tilted slightly to the side, studying him as if trying to piece together a puzzle from memories she could barely grasp.
"Mr Stark," a voice called from behind. Tony turned to see who it was, and there stood tall, a figure that commanded attention.
Nick Fury
His presence was a blend of authority and mystery, accentuated by his signature black leather trench coat that swept around his legs as he moved. His face bore the marks of experience, sharp lines etched from years of decisions that shaped the world from the shadows. But it was his eye patch, covering his left eye, that drew the most attention, a stark black strap running diagonally across his closely-shaved head.
"Who the hell are you?" Tony demanded.
"We found your sister, Tony," he said.
As Tony tried to process Fury's words, the room's stillness was suddenly broken by a soft, hesitant voice. Aurora spoke, her accent slightly thick but unmistakable. "Tony?" she said, the name lingering in the air like a question.
Tony's heart skipped a beat, and he turned back to her instantly, his eyes wide with a mix of hope and apprehension. She seemed to be testing the sound of the name, as if she were trying to connect the word with the face before her. Her gaze was intense, searching his features for a trace of familiarity.
Tony's eyes glistened once more, his emotions wavering between tears and a growing smile. "Yes, Rory," he replied, his voice choked but steady. "It's me." The small step of recognition was an intense moment, bridging the years that had kept them apart.
Aurora's eyes flickered between Tony and Fury as she softly uttered the word, "Brother?" Her gaze was questioning, seeking confirmation from the man who had first told her of her sibling.
Fury, standing at the edge of the room, nodded. "Yes," he confirmed. "That's who I was telling you about."
Tony's heart ached at the look of confusion and hope in Aurora's eyes. She seemed to be grappling with the reality of her lost family, piecing together the fragments of her past. Tony took a step closer, his voice gentle. "I'm here, Rory. I'm your brother."
Aurora's expression softened as she slowly approached Tony. With a tentative but determined motion, she cradled his face gently in her hands. Her fingers, though small, were firm as she examined him closely, her eyes scanning every detail of his features. She tilted her head slightly, a wistful smile tugging at her lips as she said, "Same eyes." She then pointed between them, her gesture highlighting the shared trait that connected them.
The simple observation, made Tony's breath catch. He could see the reflection of his own eyes in hers, a powerful reminder of their shared blood. Tears welled in his eyes, and he nodded. "Same eyes," he repeated.
"Just me and you?" He questioned softly, remembering Fury only telling her she had one family member left.
