The End Game | MCU FanFiction

Chapter 35

"Still not caving, huh?" 

Tony looked up from where he was chained to the wall, forced up by his wrists. Despite the blood running down his face, he still managed a smirk. It earned him another punch in the face, but it was worth it, he thought, seeing the expression on Finn's half-burned face. Tony coughed up blood, hanging heavily on the chains holding him up. Finn sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Okay, I'm getting sick of this. You," Finn pointed to a young man, standing off to the side. The young boy clearly wasn't happy with the situation, but it wasn't really like he had a say in the matter. He looked up when he was addressed, saluting at his boss.

"Yes, sir," he said, his voice steady, despite himself. Tony looked up, breathing heavily as he eyed the young man. The boy was strong, he had to give him that. Finn waved his hand dismissively.

"Bring him back," he said, turning to leave. But before he did, he gestured for two other men to remove the shackles. He walked out with big, arrogant steps, and Tony had to hold himself back from spitting an insult towards him; he'd had enough beatings for today.

The men removed the shackles, and Tony fell forward at the sudden loss of support. The younger man caught him, keeping a hand on his chest to support him. Tony gave him a weak and exhausted smile, trying his best to stand up on his own to give the younger boy less weight to carry.

The boy slowly guided the beaten man back to his cell. Tony could feel how tense the boy was, and tried to ease the tension a bit by starting a conversation.

"So," he croaked out, absolutely hating the weakness of his voice. "What's your name, kid?"

The boy looked at him, flinching a bit when he saw the blood still on his face.

"Jake," he answered finally, his voice soft.

"Okay, Jake," Tony said, trying not to grunt as a sudden pressure was put on one of his definitely cracked ribs. "I can tell you don't want to be here. So, I'm curious, how did you get in this hellhole?"

"Well, um, I didn't want to," the boy started, looking down at the ground as he talked. "But, you see, my village wasn't exactly rich or anything. You know, too many mouths, not enough food, the usual really." Tony felt a feeling of guilt in his stomach at that. He knew that he couldn't help more than he already did, but he still felt bad, knowing he had food every day while there were places out there where kids went to bed hungry.

"I was offered a job," the boy continued. "I thought I was joining the army, I thought I was getting a well-payed job so that I could provide food for my family." Jake lowered his head. "It was all a trick, and I was forced into serving HYDRA, or they'd burn down our farm with my family in it."

Tony looked at the ground, thinking over what the boy had said. He knew what HYDRA was capable of, they would torture and kill without even blinking. He definitely believed the threat they'd used to force this young man to work with them.

"I'm sorry," he said, looking up at the boy's sad eyes. When Jake looked back, all he saw was sincerity. "I promise you, when we get out of here, then so will you. And you'll never have to worry about money again, trust me." he paused for a moment as they had arrived at his cell. He Jake looked at him gratefully, a bit of hope shining in his eyes. He reminded Tony of Peter and a feeling of sadness welled up in him. Gosh, he hoped the kid was alright.

"Thank you, for everything," Tony whispered, honesty in his voice. Jake shook his head.

"No, this is nothing. Just-" he paused, biting his lip. When his young eyes met Tony's, a hint of desperation was seen. "Just promise me you'll take me with you?" It came out more of a question, and Tony felt that feeling in his stomach increasing because man, that kid looked like Peter.