My Uncle, The Avenger

Chapter 2: Making Mistakes Seem To Be My Copyright

Tony

"Thanks to you, Stark, the rogues have officially been pardoned," Ross informed me, obviously annoyed by that fact. I nodded, feeling a moment of satisfaction.

"Thank you," I said, trying for a smile but failing. After five stressful months of trying to get them out of custody, I finally did it. I didn't know exactly why I wanted to, though. They hurt me and betrayed me, something I could never move past. I guess I just wanted them to be free.

"But," Ross continued. "Some adjustments have to be made." I frowned and folded my arms. Rhodey did the same. "What adjustments?" he asked, eyes flashing.

The hologram of Ross stared at me directly. "Because the Rogues can't just 'roam free', since they are a danger to our society, they are to be put under your supervision, Stark."

My blood turned cold. My heart started hammering against my chest. No. They couldn't stay with me under my supervision. No. I had nightmares about dying in that bunker. No. I had panic attacks even thinking of them. No. My PTSD was so much worse, and it was really hard to calm down from them.

No. 

And Peter. Oh god, what would they do to Peter? Ever since his Aunt died in an apartment fire a year ago, he had been staying in the compound with us after Pepper and I adopted him.

I felt myself shake with anger. "No!" I snapped, my eyes flashing angrily. "They can't come. Why do I have to supervise them? Why can't...I don't know, Fury supervise them?"

Ross scowled, and crossed his arms. "Everyone who has signed the accords has agreed that you, Stark, should look after them, being the person that asked for them to be pardoned." I squeezed my eyes shut as my heart started to race. 

Why did I do that? I thought. What kind of genius am I to make such a stupid mistake?

"Are you serious?" I was aware of Rhodey asking. "Yes," was Ross' calm answer. "That is ridiculous," Rhodey shouted. "They almost killed Tony; you can't expect him to supervise them – even be around them!"

Ross stared at Rhodey. "It's either that, or Tony goes to the Raft. This is part of the accords and if you go against them then you are no better than the rogues."

I sighed and picked up a pen and signed the contract that Ross sent us. "Fine," I said, gritting my teeth. "They can stay." Rhodey looked just as angry as me.

"When are they coming?" I asked, trying to calm myself down by taking deep breaths. "Tomorrow afternoon," Ross answered. "What?" I yelled. Rhodey clamped a hand over my mouth shutting me up. "Tomorrow afternoon?" he asked. Ross raised an eyebrow. "Stark," he said. I took Rhodey's hand off of my mouth. "We'll send it over," Rhodey promised.

I swiped through the hologram, and felt myself stagger around. I swore. "Tony, it's going to be alright," Rhodey said, placing his hands on my shoulders, steering me out of the office. 

I saw Peter on the couch, playing some Star Wars video game. He had been living with us (by that I mean Rhodey, Pepper and I) ever since the whole airport fiasco and May died in an apartment fire. Pepper and I ended up adopting him, and he had been our son ever since. 

"Hey, Mr Stark!" Peter exclaimed. Rhodey snorted and I shot him a glare. I looked at Peter. "Oh! Sorry, dad," he corrected, smiling. "So, kid," I said. "We got some news." 

Woah, I thought. That sounded creepy. 

"What is it?" Peter asked, pausing his game and turning to me. "I'm gonna send this in, Tones," Rhodey said walking off. "Kay, platypus," I called back. 

Rhodey barked a laugh. "Ha, ha."

"Well, you know, the Rogues have been pardoned," I said. "Finally." Peter looked confused. "But-but isn't that great? Isn't that amazing and-"

He froze. "Go on," he murmured, voice small. 

"Well, Ross said that." I took a deep breath. "They have to stay with us." Peter frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked. "Here? In the tower? With us?" 

I nodded, fighting back a snarky comment. "Yes." 

Peter's bottom lip trembled and I pulled him into a hug. He buried his head in my shoulder and I rested my chin on his head. 

"It'll be alright, kid," I mumbled. "It's not me I'm worried about," Peter mumbled back. I frowned and he continued to speak. "It's you." 

Peter pulled away. "I just realized how sappy that sounded," he said, cheeks red. 

I laughed, and ruffled his hair. "So, what's this game you've been playing?" 

---

Peter and I started playing the Star Wars game. Rhodey joined in too, when he came back. 

That was, until the elevator stopped. 

I felt myself freeze. I stood up, and turned, and my blood went cold. Peter and Rhodey did the same, pausing the game. 

"Hey," I said, stiffly, jaw locking into place. The Rogues were in front of us, standing awkwardly. "You're-you're a day early." 

I averted my eyes from their sorry-ful looks, ending up staring at the floor.  Rhodey took charge, stepping forward. 

"The two floors below are yours - they have kitchens and bathrooms. At no point in time you will come up to the penthouse unless it is a severe emergency. Okay?" 

I heard them grumble 'yes's and 'fine's. I looked up. "Get down. Now." Clint held up a hand. "Whose the kid?" he asked. 

I hesitated, thoughts running through my head. "Intern," I answered. "Then why were you playing video games?" Natasha questioned. 

"Jeez, Romanoff, don't have to be so nosy. Now get down."

They walked into the elevator begrudgingly, just as the world around me started spinning. "Hey, Tones," Rhodey said, putting a firm hand on my shoulder. "It'll be okay."

I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut, hoping the horrors from the bunker would go away.

Only more came. 

I choked on a sob, and Rhodey pulled me into a hug. "Thanks," I muttered. Peter looked concerned, but also looked like he didn't know what to do. 

I let go of Rhodey and sat down next to him. "I'm alright, kid," I muttered, as he rested his head on my shoulder. "Everything will turn out good in the end." 

I felt my phone ring, and I leaned back in the couch, answering it. 

When I got the message, my heart stopped.

Ooh! Cliffhanger - kinda, at least. 

Hope you liked that chapter, I will try and update another one today or tomorrow or - you get. 

I'd like to say thanks  Cynical_Cantelope for reading and voting - it means a lot to me that people are reading this story.

Peace Out ✌️ 

Daughter of Athena