IronStrange Oneshots

One

!!!!!HUGE ENDGAME SPOILERS!!!!!

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                      I stood next to Wong, watching Pepper and Morgan walk towards the lake.  I had known that this  was bound to happen.  Tony was going to sacrifice himself.  I just couldn't except it.  I've had five years to digest it, but even now I'm in denial.  Grief consumed me.  If had tried a little harder to stop Thanos back on Titan, maybe this wouldn't have happened.  So there I stood, watching Tony's family and closest friends grieve for him.  

                        He had a family.  A wife.  A daughter.  But he had to be the hero.  That's who he was.  And I aspired to be like that.  That selfless.  That heroic.  That sacrificial.  Now,  I've had my share of heroics, but they're nothing in comparison to Tony's.  I felt horrible.  Peter's father figure and idol was gone.  Morgan is going to grow up without a father.  Pepper will have to deal with the absence of the love of her life.  Rhodey won't have his best friend anymore.  The world won't have Tony Stark.

                         After standing by the lake, close family and friends went inside and I followed.  Tony had recorded a message for everyone close to him.  He began discussing the situation and what was about to happen.  "I love you three thousand."  He told Morgan with a smile.  He looked at me, almost like he was actually there.  "Don't blame yourself Stephen.  I made the choice."  I gave projection Tony a sad smile.  

                          The message turns off.  Quiet sniffling is heard throughout the house.  I look over at Peter and give him a hug.  The kid hasn't even known me for long, but hugs me back harder and buries his face in my shoulder.  "Was there really no other way?  Couldn't someone else have done it?"  His voice cracks, emotion heard clearly in his voice.  

                           I sigh.  "Tony was the only one who thought he had to do it.  Everyone else was dedicated, but not as much as him."  I whisper  "He did it for you."  

                          "How do you know he did it for me?"  

                          "He loved you.  You were like a son to him.  You could see it in his eyes.  The way he looked at you."  I told Peter as he continued to cry.

                            "I'm going to miss him."  I told Peter so quietly he barely heard.  "I think I was in love with him.  Still am.  I know he's with Pepper and has a daughter and all, but....."  I trail off.  I thought of the look on Tony's face when I held up my finger, signaling that this was the only chance.  The only one we won.  Peter nods, wiping his tears.  

                              "I think he was in love with you.  For a little bit.  But he went back to Pepper because he thought you were, you know.  Dead."  The word was barely a whisper, but it still hung in the air.  Luckily, Pepper and Morgan were over talking with Happy and Steve.  He didn't want them, especially Pepper and Morgan, to hear.  

                                "If you need anything, call me.  I know it's going to be hard without him."  I explained, handing Peter my number.  "I'll always pick up.  You need someone to look after you, after all."  I motioned towards Happy.  "He'll be there for you, too.  Tony would want us to take care of you."

                                 He let out a sob and May came rushing over.  She shakes my hand and holds Peter tightly.  "I think we should go.  He needs time to cope."  I give Peter another quick hug before retreating back to Wong, who was outside.  

                                "You did good, Strange."  Was all he said.  I gave a faint nod.  We remained quiet for a couple more moments.  "He was the only one.  Along with Ms. Romanoff.  They saved us.  They saved the universe."  

                                   And right he was.  The whole universe owes their lives to Anthony Edward Stark and Natalia Alinova Romanoff.  Tony and Natasha were the true heroes of the Avengers.  Through all the heartache of Tony's death, Stephen smiled.  Tony was finally at peace.