The Prince and the Sol

*Worth*

ELIZA'S POV

Two things about Tony's lab: it's cold and it's messy. Maybe it's my mom-instincts, but I have this strong urge to clean it all, but I can't. This was how he left it. No one has touched it. This is how it's supposed to be.

"Hello, Dr. Banner," FRIDAY greets.

"Hey FRIDAY. I was wondering where Tony had plans stored somewhere for the Iron Sol. I wanted to wear it for a press conference." I'm finally back to a normal size, and since this meeting announces the future leadership of the team, I want to wear it. As a tribute, kind of. Tony was the one who wanted me first as an Avenger. It's the one year anniversary of that final battle. Which means it's the one year anniversary of his death.

"You would find that on his main computer, right across from you."

"Thanks so much! Play some music, too, please!" As I begin to scroll through the suit designs, I sing along to what must be one of Tony's playlists, considering it's full of eighties rock bands. Doing this is so fun. I finally understand why Tony loved to disappear into the garage for hours on end. "I love AC/DC," I mutter to myself.

There are literally thousands of suit designs, from the original suit to his upgraded nanotech one. I filter the results to my name and discover over twenty designs. Each of them slightly different, with different gold accents and gadgets. "Oh, Tony," I whisper, putting a hand to my mouth. I never would have expected something like this.

I choose one similar to my old suit: black spandex flecked with gold, laced with vibranium. Gold gauntlets and tall black boots. "FRIDAY, can you get this made for tonight?"

"I can have it made in one hour."

"You're the best! That would be fantastic, please do it." Out of curiosity, I scroll through other designs. There are a few Rescue suits for Pepper, as well as new Iron Spiders. I should tell Peter about them later. One name catches my attention towards the bottom of the list.

Rudolph.

"What?" I click on it.

It's for Claire. Golden with small green accents, probably meant for a five-year-old. No weapons systems, just the ability to fly a foot or two off the ground.

Tears begin to slide down my face. I miss him so damn much. It isn't fair. He should be here. I don't deserve to be leading the Avengers. That's not my job. It was Tony's, and Steve's, and Nat's. I can't even dream to live up to that.

Someone opens the door, and I do my best to act like I haven't been sobbing.

"Eliza? Bruce said you'd be in here, are you almost ready?" Stephen finally notices my red, tear-stained face. "What's wrong?"

"I'm-"

"Fine. Yes, I know." He gets me to smile a bit. "What's wrong?"

"I miss Tony." Stephen glances at the computer and realizes what must have happened. He doesn't give me a hug. I didn't expect him to. He puts a hand on my shoulder, though which is enough. "He should be here. I don't feel like I can live up to them."

"You can't," he says simply. I look up at him, confused. "There's no feasible way you can. That's not your job. You aren't meant to be them. Your job is to carve your own path out. Change the Avengers in your own way."

"I- I never thought about it that way." That's manageable. I'm not doing it like they would. I'm not replacing them. I'm being me. "Do you think I'll be able to do this?"

"You're telling me the acclaimed Dr. Eliza Banner can't handle a simple press conference?" He smirks. "You'll be fine. We all voted, it makes sense to be you. You're young, smart, and selfless. That's what we need right now."

"I still can't believe I was one of the ones you voted." We had to vote on three, and I definitely didn't pick me.

"Eliza, you were one of the names on everyone's ballot. Give yourself a little credit."

"Give yourself some, too." I'm glad he'll be up there with me. Stephen deserves this moment. "Carol's coming, right?"

"She should be here any minute. Speaking of it, we need to get moving. Are you ready to go?"

"FRIDAY, is the suit ready?"

"Yes, Miss. To your left." I pick up the bundle of fabric and find a renewed sense of confidence.

"Let's do this."

For everyone.

Hey! What did you think of this one-shot? Dr. Strange is one of my favorite heroes, and his movie is my favorite Marvel movie!