Sparrows and Iron

Chapter 13

So Jenny told their story - though mindful of maintaining the timelines - and when she was finished, the X-Men stared in shock, some with anger at HYDRA's mistreatment of her. Meanwhile, Erik spent the whole time glaring at Tony...

"How on earth did HYDRA get ahold of you?" Charles questioned, frowning.

Jenny shook her head.

"I shouldn't say..."

When Charles looked as if he were going to protest, she continued, "You'd be tempted to change it. And don't deny it, I know you. One of you..."

She looked around the room, making eye contact with each member of her family.

"One of you would change it. But if you do..." she trailed off, glancing at Tony. "Then my life won't take the course that it was meant to. I know, I've had horrible things happen to me. But the good outweighs the bad, by far."

Tony put his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Charles looked at the woman - Jenny, he reminded himself. She was avoiding eye contact with anyone, seemingly very interested in the floor. It was strange to suddenly see his little ten year old daughter as a grown woman. With a boyfriend... He could have sworn he had heard the name "Stark" somewhere before.

"Very well then, Jenny. As hard as it may be, we will respect your judgement," Charles sighed.

"Thank you, Papa..." Jenny suddenly paused. "Exactly what date is it?" she demanded. When her father answered, she paled. "Oh no..."

"Jenny?" Tony called. "What's wrong?"

"We have to go. Now. Anywhere but here."

Erik stepped forward, concerned.

"Why? What's going on?"

She shook her head.

"Tony and I shouldn't be here... We risk changing things if we stay."

"Jenny, calm down. Explain as much as you can..." Charles spoke up.

Taking a deep breath, she sat back in a chair.

"Okay... Something big is about to happen. I can't tell you but-- Oh... I want to change it so badly..." she breathed, running her fingers through her hair.

Tony sat next to her and pulled her close as tears welled in her eyes.

"I can't watch it happen again..." she muttered.

Then, she paused, her mind running a thousand miles a minute.

"Don't you dare think about changing anything," Alex piped up. "I know that look, even if you are a few years older. After the lecture you just gave, you shouldn't even be considering something like that, kiddo."

"But--" Jenny started.

"No," he interrupted. "What if you change it and because of that, you don't meet him?" he challenged, nodding at Tony.

Jenny deflated.

"I... I..." she sighed. "You're right..." She suddenly stood. "In that case, we should be going."

"Please stay..." Charles begged. "Just resist changing anything and--"

"How?" she demanded desperately. "How am I supposed to just let it happen?"

Tony spoke up, "Can I talk to Jenny alone?"

Charles looked hesitant, but nodded. Erik wasn't quite so willing. After a look from Jenny, however, he left as well.

"What's this about, Tony?"

He didn't answer at first, instead taking a deep breath and running a hand over his face.

"I think... I think you should change what you need to change."

She looked at him like he'd just grown a third eye.

"What?! Tony, I can't. What if--"

"This is your family, Jenny! That's more important than me. I'll still be around, but if you're going to lose one of them--"

"But you're my family too, Tony! You and the Avengers! How can I make that choice?"

He froze, seemingly caught off guard at her words.

"You... Look, I know what you're thinking, but it'll be okay. I'm telling you that it's okay to make this choice, so if that's what's holding you back... don't let it. It's alright to do this. I can see how much you want to."

She still looked conflicted.

"I..."

Tony kissed her softly.

"Do what your heart tells you."

Sighing heavily, she murmured, "I will... But my heart wants more than one thing."