Growing Up

Chapter Twenty Four

"Everybody wants a happy ending, right? But it doesn't always roll that way. Maybe this time. I'm hoping if you play this back... it's in celebration. I hope families are reunited. I hope we get it back, in somewhat like a normal version of the planet has been restored, if there ever was such a thing.

God, what a world. Universe now. If you told me 10 years ago that we weren't alone, let alone you know to this extent... I mean, I wouldn't have been surprised. But come on, you know. That epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play. And for better or worse, that's the reality the boys are going to find a way to grow up in. So I found a private area to record a little greeting in case of an untimely death on my part. Not that death at any time is ever timely.

This time travel thing that we are going to pull off tomorrow... it's got me scratching my head about the survivability of all this. But then again that's the hero gig. Part of the journey is the end. What am I tripping for? Everything is going to work out exactly the way it's supposed to."

(Y/n) clenched her tissue tightly in her fist, tears silently streaming down her face. She had been back in his life for only an hour or so had he had to go and save the world at the cost of his life. Dani sat beside her, arms wrapped around her infant son while her older boy sat between her and his father. She glanced at her mom and knew she must be in a whirlwind of emotions. The hologram of her father stepped forward to turn of his recording, seeming to stop and lock eyes with her mother.

"And (Y/n)," The widow covered her mouth, holding back a loud sob. "I love you." The hologram blinked off, leaving a palpable silence in the room. Rhodey placed a hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder from his place behind her, squeezing lightly to assure her she wasn't alone.

The small gathering stood and exited the cabin Tony and Dani had called home for five years, without their spouses. She leaned into Rhodey, unsure if she could manage the short walk to the pier on her own, holding a small wreath with the gift Pepper had given him years ago. 'Proof Tony Stark Has a Heart' the writing around his former arc reactor read. She had to admit she liked the little token, even if Pepper was the one who gave it when they were together.

There were so many new faces gathered to pay respects to her husband, and many familiar ones as well. On the pier she stood beside her family, glancing back at everyone. Somehow he had made friends with aliens more along his journey. Of course he did, she smiled sadly to herself. Dani gave her mom a supportive smile when she knelt to release the wreath into the water.

"I told him if he died in space that I'd never forgive him. I guess I have to forgive him for dying on Earth." (Y/n) tried to make light of her shattered world.

"I think he'd have talked his way out of your wrath, mom." Dani laughed through her tears. They turned to head back to the cabin, stopping to great and thank everyone who came.

"Hey Peter." She hugged the boy tightly. "He left this for you." She reached into her jacket pocket and handed him a small envelope. (Y/n) gave Aunt May a quick hug as well. Thor picked her up and held her in his strong embrace.

"Alright big guy, you're going to crush her." Bruce smiled softly, helping free her. He ruffled her hair, sparing her another deadly hug. Steve hesitantly held out his hand for her, remembering how angry she had gotten back during his and Tony's fighting. (Y/n) gently took his hand and pulled him forward into another tight hug.

"Thank you Steve, for being there for him."

(Y/n) moved on to the so called Guardians, thanking the blue woman for keeping him alive in space. Nebula simply nodded, not big on words she figured. Next was Dr. Pym, his wife, and Scott Lang. Short words were exchanged, condolences and thanks. (Y/n) and her daughter moved through the crowd, stopping to speak to every person. Clint and Laura were there with their three kids all hugged her for a long time. Wanda, Bucky, and Sam offered kind words, shaking her hand. There was a boy she didn't quite recognize.

"I'm Harley." He said politely when she approached him. "Mr. Stark saved my town." He offered the short version, she assumed.

"Well it's nice to meet you, thank you for helping him. I'm sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances." She shook his hand and stepped towards the cabin once more. Nick Fury stood on the porch, offering a nod in her direction which she returned with a smile. Carol stepped beside him and nodded as well. Dani caught up to her mother, sliding a hand into hers.

"Dad had so many friends." She squeezed her hand.

"I don't know how he kept them all. He was an ass." (Y/n) chuckled, heading inside again. She flopped on the couch, exhausted from the funeral. She closed her eyes and laid her head back. The couch dipped beside her and a small hand found hers.

"Grandma?" Theo leaned into her, setting something in her lap, holding his baby brother on his chest. Opening her eyes, she looked down to see the photo album she had made for Dani when she was little. (Y/n) picked it up and opened the cover, met with the picture from her high school graduation. "Can you tell me about gramps? He told me about you but I want your side of his stories." Tears welled in her eyes.

"Of course I can, sweetheart." She wiped her eyes and smiled, pointing to the two teens in the picture. "I first met him in the park when we were kids..."