Chapter .4.
Steve slept with his arms around Tony. Holding him tightly. He had woken up several times to Tony's nightmares and had to settle him down. His dreams where more haunting then before as these nightmares had Tony in near tears and sending him into anxiety attacks.
Steve had woken up with Stephen each time and Stephen had only told Steve that Tony had real bad nightmares every night and they all nearly were about what made Tony lose his legs and get all the other injuries. Steve asked if Stephen would tell him want happened but Stephen said it was Tony's story to tell. So all Steve could do was hold him and whisper words of love and comfort in Tony's ears to he settled down.
The next time he woke up an alarm was going off. Steve groans but feels Tony moving next to him.
"Steve I need to get up. And so do you Breakfast will be served in an hour", Tony whispers
Steve opens his eyes to see Tony's haunted look. But he notices the bags underneath his eyes seemed to look better today.
"Had a good sleep sweetheart?" Steve asks
"Better then what I had in months", Tony admits, "Thank you"
"I will do anything for you", Steve says kissing Tony
"I didn't wake you up so much did I?" Tony asks nervously
"I don't care about sleep as long as you are comfortable. You need the sleep more then I did. But I slept fine", Steve says smiling softly
"Are you sure?" Tony asks
"I am. With the serum I don't need as much sleep as everyone else. I am fine. I would do absolutely everything for you", Steve replies kissing Tony again
"So would a lot of people", Stephen says as he wakes
"Morning Steph", Tony says kissing him too
"Morning Tones. We better get ready for the day", Stephen says groaning as he moves
"Can you help me into my wheelchair Steve?" Tony asks shyly
"Of course. Whatever you need", Steve replies getting up
He gently puts his arms around and under Tony and picks him up and sits him in the wheelchair besides the bed.
"What do you need me to do now?" Steve asks
"I am going to have a shower. Can you wait out here? I am not ready for you to see EVERYTHING yet", Tony says softly
"That is alright I will get ready out here", Steve says with an understanding smile
Tony wheels himself over to the dresser and picks out some clothes before going into the bathroom and shutting the door. Steve looks at the door and really wants to go and help Tony. But Tony said he didn't need help.
"He will be fine. He has been doing this on his own for months. He is not really alone anyway. We made a deal with Tony that one person has to be in the bedroom while he showers so we know immediately if he has an accident", Stephen informs Steve as he changes
"It is just hard. I only have seen him like this for less then a day", Steve admits
"You will get used to it. Now you better get changed. Can't go to breakfast looking like that", Stephen replies
Steve nods as he changes he looks around the room a bit more. Most of the furniture was down to a height which Tony could see over when he is in his wheelchair. There were pictures on the wall. All children's drawings. They were displayed proudly on the wall. Steve knew the Lila and probably Cassie did these drawings and some might have been Nate's. But he couldn't be sure.
There were also framed pictures on the walls of all the Avengers New, Old, Young and Rogue on the wall all displayed proudly. Steve could see pictures were from the times before Tony's legs out amputated and some after. And Steve could see the difference. Tony's eyes had a more haunted look then the ones before the amputation. But Steve could see the journey Tony has been on all these months.
"My therapist said it would be a good idea to show my journey from after the attack. I don't necessary agree with her. But some of them are good. But I am really self-conscious in photos now. I try to avoid them when possible", Tony says from behind Steve
Steve turns to find a fully clothed Tony with damp clothes watching him cautiously.
"I think your very brave to have been doing what you have. And those pictures show how brave you truly are sweetheart", Steve says honestly
Tony studies Steve for a minute to determine if he was lying. But Tony could see no deceit. So Tony nods and shows a small smile.
"Ready for breakfast?" Tony asks
"Whenever you are", Steve replies
"Follow me", Tony says
Steve and Tony walk through the hall to the elevator and Tony instructs JARVIS to take them to the personal kitchen and dinning room.
"Very well sir", JARVIS replies
"This place is a lot bigger then before", Steve comments
"We needed more room for all of the Avengers and all the other personal. Plus the Barton and Lang families. I decided we needed a change", Tony informs Steve
Steve nods.
"Do you like it?" Tony asks nervously
"I love it. You did great sweetheart never doubt it", Steve replies as the get out of the elevator
Tony blushes at the comment. And wheels his chair into the kitchen were Stephen, Daisy, Laura and Maggie were making breakfast.
"What can I do to help?" Tony asks
Steve was surprised Tony was offering to help. The Tony he knew didn't normally make breakfast.
"Maybe some pancakes. The kids all like those", Laura says smiling
"That I can do", Tony replies going to get the ingredients
Steve watches as Stephen, Daisy, Hope, Laura, Maggie and Tony all work in harmony cooking a lot of different types of breakfast food.
"What can I do?" Steve asks feeling useless
"Could you do a whole batch of toast?" Laura asks
"I can do that", Steve replies going over to help, "What else are we having?"
"I am making waffles and French Toast", Maggie says
"I am making the Hash Browns", Hope replies
"I am making the cinnamon rolls", Daisy replies
"I am making the blueberry, banana and chocolate muffins", Laura replies
"I am making a huge lot of eggs, bacon and sausages", Stephen replies
"I am making my famous banana, chocolate, blueberry, strawberry pancakes", Tony replies smiling slightly at Steve's shocked expression
"You know how to cook those?" Steve asks
Steve was surprised as Tony never really cooked for the Avengers before. They all felt he didn't know really how to cook.
"Yeh. I decided it was time I show my skills. At least I can be of some use around here", Tony mutters
Laura smacks his head and shakes her head as his little self worth.
"Ouch what is that for?" Tony asks
"You are very useful. Don't cast yourself short. You do a lot around here. If anything you should be relaxing", Laura replies sternly
"She is right. You are in change of the Research and Development Division, Science Division and Weapon and Technology Division. That is a lot of work. And your still the Head of the Accords Division!" Daisy exclaims
"That sounds like a lot of work Tony", Steve comments
"I just want to be useful", Tony mutters
Steve could see all the insecurities Tony now had. He would have to work on helping Tony with that. Steve goes to Tony leaving the toast for the moment. And lifts Tony's chin.
"You are great Tony. You too do much. You have done so much for us. Let us all help you", Steve says softly
"It is tough to break habits. I still feel like I am not useful", Tony replies
"You are more helpful then you can see. You're a great man. I love you Tony so much", Steve says kissing Tony's lips
Tony kisses Steve back.
"I will try", Tony says softly
"That is all I ask", Steve replies smiling going back to the toast.
They all work in harmony and Steve learnt that everyone I the man group of friends all took turns cooking breakfast and dinner.
"JARVIS can you wake everyone?" Tony asks
"Of course Sir", JARVIS replies
"Tell them if they want breakfast they better hurry", Tony adds
"I will rely that sir", JARVIS replies
Tony turns on the multi-coffee pot and starts to have everyone's normal blends being made.
"Steve can you help put all the food on the table?" Tony asks
"Sure. Is there any way to have it?" Steve asks
"No. Everyone just chooses a spot themselves. But I am always on the end with Stephen. Normally one on the kids takes the other spot. But you can seat in the chair next to me today. I want you close", Tony admits
"That is ok. I want to stay as close to you as possible anyway", Steve replies with a smile
Food was going on the table. Laura was putting jugs of orange cordial, milk and water on the table as the kids were coming running in. Jane, Darcy and Erik were coming in and all saying a soft morning. Going straight over for coffee.
"Morning Uncle Tony!" Lila says learning into hugging Tony
"Morning Sunshine", Tony replies with a smile
"Morning Uncle Tony!" Cassie says and does the same as what Lila did
"Morning Cassie-Bug sleep well?" Tony asks
"Very well. Did you?" Cassie asks
"I did thanks to your Uncle Steve and Uncle Stephen", Tony replies
"That is good. You needed it Uncle Tony. I am glad you go a lot of sleep", Cassie says smiling
"Hey Eagle you alright there?" Tony asks Cooper
"I am fine. This looks great", Cooper says with a smile
Others were starting to show up as Tony takes his place at the end of the table. Steve sits on one side and Stephen the other. As the others adults come trickling in.
"Who made all of this?" Clint asks kissing his wife
"It was a team effort", Daisy says with a smile
"Who?" Natasha asks
"Maggie, Daisy, Hope, Stephen, Steve, me and Tony", Laura replies
They all look at Tony in surprise.
"I just made the pancakes and put the coffee on. I had all your favourites ordered. They are each waiting for you in a pot. JARVIS can tell you which one is which", Tony says shyly
The Rogues and the SHIELD Agents weren't used to seeing Tony so shy. They would have to build his confidence back up soon.
"I am sure it is great", Natasha says smiling and picking up some pancakes
The others all dig in to all the food. They all take seats around the table. They where all surprised to find out the Tony had ordered all of the individual blends of coffee or tea. They realised that Tony was doing everything he could to make them comfortable here. They could also see all of Tony's insecurities. They new they would have to work on that but it was strange for them seeing Tony so unsure. They would also have to work on making Tony more comfortable too.
"These are great Tony!" Clint says moaning and digging in
"You did a great job", Natasha says
"These are great better then what I could do", Scott says
"You did good Tony", Sam says
"I love these Tony", Wanda says
"This is the best breakfast food I have had", Bucky says smiling at Tony making his heart flutter as Tony gave him a small smile
"I didn't know you can cook this well Tones", Rhodey says truly surprised at Tony's cooking skills
"These are very good Tony. How did you learn to make them?" Bruce asks the pancakes were truly delicious
"I decided I needed to step out and help around here. I found the recipes from my mother. These are her recipes", Tony says blushing at the praise
"Do you have any other recipes?" Wanda asks curious
"I have a lot. I might share some with you all soon", Tony promises
"You should try his brownies!" Hope says
"Or his eclairs they are so good", Cooper pipes up
"Or his tarts. He makes Treacle Tarts, Meringue Tarts, and Bakewell tarts", Daisy adds
"Or Uncle Tony's pies!" Cassie says excitedly
"I love Mr Stark's cakes!" Peter exclaims
"I like the Cheesecakes!" Harley says excitedly
"I like the cookies", Lila says smiling at her Uncle Tony
"How about tomorrow I make a whole lot of my mothers recipes. And we can have a feast?" Tony suggests
The kids cheer.
"You don't have to do that Sweetheart", Steve says softly
"I want to. I will ban everyone but Laura and Maggie from the kitchen tomorrow. The food will be a surprise", Tony declares
"Well…", Steve starts
"We will look forward too it Tony. Your food is amazing", Stephen interrupts giving Steve a look
They finish their breakfast and everyone takes their plates to the sink and all the return Avengers help clean up.
"I am going to take you all to my lab now. Are you ok with that?" Tony asks his returned friends and SHIELD Agents
"We will be fine Tones", Carol says smiling knowing what Tony was going to do
"Thanks everyone follow me. Peter! Harley with me", Tony says to all of them
They follow him to the elevator.
"To my lab JARVIS", Tony says
"Of course sir" JARVIS replies
"We are really going to your lab Mr Stark?" Jemma Simmons asks
"Yes. You are all lucky to see inside my lab", Tony says smiling at Simmons and Fitz's excitement
They were at the lab in seconds and they follow Tony to the dark doors of the lab. Tony puts his hand on the panel and the door turn green and the door opens.
"Wake up the kids J", Tony calls
The lab suddenly comes alive and they were amazed at the level of technology. The holograms on several of the tables showing detailed schematics and designs for several different products. Iron Man suits were displayed around the room.
Shuri looks around in amazement. She could already tell the everything she had heard about Doctor Stark was correct and he was a genius. He was very advanced. And he didn't have Vibranium! She could only wonder what he could do with Vibranium.
"This is amazing", Shuri breaths
"Thank you coming from you that is high praise", Tony replies smiling
"I can only imagine what you could so with Vibranium", T'Challa comments
"I don't know. But Vibranium doesn't really work with Starkenium Badassium", Tony informs the Wakandan's
"How would you know?" T'Challa asks curious
"I had a small stash of Vibranium that my father had. I ran tests and it didn't mix well together", Tony explains
"What IS Starkenium Badassium?" Shuri asks interested
Simmons and Fitz's were really interested in what it was too.
"It is the new element I developed when I was being poisoned by my arc reactor. It took some doing but now all my Arc Reactors are powered by the new element", Tony explains
Shuri was stunned that was something Wakanda had never done. She realised now how behind Wakanda was compared to Doctor Stark.
"That is amazing Doctor Stark", Shuri says
"Call me Tony. Nobody calls my Doctor Stark. It is normally Mr Stark", Tony says a little uncomfortable
"You have earned the Doctor title. It is only right to show you respect by calling you that", Shuri replies
"Only in a formal setting then", Tony allows
"Fair enough", Shuri concedes
"Why are we down here Tony?" Fury asks
"You called me Tony", Tony says shocked
"So what?" Fury growls
"Nothing. I bought you all down here because I have some gifts for all of you", Tony replies going over to one of the cases
He puts in a code and the cabinet unlocks and he pulls out a set of gloves. They were black and red.
"These are for you Wanda", Tony says handing her the gloves
"What do they do?" Wanda asks amazed by the design of the gloves
"They will help you control your power. I had help making them by Stephen Strange", Tony informs her
"Thank you Tony", Wanda says smiling
Tony goes over to the next cabinet and unlocks it with another code. And Sam sees his Red Wings.
"I made upgrades to them. And now they are the best unto I come up with new upgrades", Tony informs the Falcon and hands them to Sam
"Thank you Tony. You didn't have to do this", Sam says
"I wanted too", Tony replies softly
Tony then goes to the next cabinet and hands Natasha her new Widow Bites. She thanks him. Next where Clint's arrows, with a new quiver and bow.
"Your son has a similar one", Tony informs Clint
"Thank you Tony. What happened to my old one?" Clint asks
Tony scowls, "Ross destroyed it. But I think you will like this new one"
"Why is that? I am sure I would like it anyway you do it", Clint asks
"I made some upgrades that I drunkenly promised you ages ago. Grappling Hooks, Heat Sinking Arrows, Tracker Arrows, Poison Arrows, Tranquilizer Arrows, Explosion Arrows in all different size of explosion, Acid Arrows, and of course the normal arrows. All arrows have got a child in them and they will return to your bow about ten minutes after you use them", Tony informs him of all the new arrows that Clint now had at his disposal
Clint was in awe of his new arrows and bow.
"Thank you Tony", Clint says with a beaming smile
"Now Bruce turn these", Tony says handing him a silver bracelet
"What is this?" Bruce asks confused but puts it on none the less
"That will help you control the Hulk. Just take it off when you want to transform", Tony informs him
"Does this work? How did you come up with this?" Bruce asks
"Betty and Jennifer helped with it. And it DOES help. You trust me don't you?" Tony asks nervously
"Of course I do", Bruce says immediately
"Then you will be fine", Tony says with a smile
Tony picks up a StarkPad and goes over to a standing cabinet and unlocks it and Rhodey sees the War Machine Armour.
"I have upgraded it. It is fitted with the best I can offer for now. And you have your own AI", Tony informs his best friend
"My own AI?" Rhodey asks shocked
"Yes do you want to met her?" Tony asks nervously
Rhodey could see Tony was nervous. And he wished he could take the insecurity away from Tony.
"I would love too", Rhodey replies
Tony types on his Starkpad for a second before a female voice comes over.
"Hello Colonel Rhodes I am SARAH. I am one of the younger AI's", SARAH says in a Spanish accent
"Nice to meet you. Just call my Rhodey", Rhodey says
"I will call you Boss Rhodey", SARAH replies
"That will do", Rhodey replies with a smile
"She will help you with your suit she has JARVIS basic knowledge of the armour", Tony informs his friend
"Thank you Tones. I know you don't give you AI's out lightly", Rhodey says smiling at the trust his friend still has in him
"Why is that?" Shuri asks interested by that
"All my AI's are like my children. I don't give them out lightly", Tony explains
"How many AI's do you have?" Simmons ask curiously
"35", Tony replies to their shock
"What do they all do?" Fitz asks
"A lot of different tasks. Some control several different sets of armour. Including my seven children's armour", Tony says surprises them
"Children?" Steve asks shocked
"I never you had children Tones", Rhodey asks equally shocked
"We never knew that either", Fury says sharing a look with Coulson
"I kept them off the radar", Tony replies
"How many?" Steve asks wanting to know his beloveds children
"Eleven. 6 boys and 5 girls", Tony replies
"Where they at the party last night?" Natasha asks
"They weren't. They were busy. But they will be here in the coming days", Tony informs them
"I am looking forward to meeting them", Steve says smiling at Tony
"We all are", Bruce says with nods of agreement from everyone
"They are looking forward to meeting you all too", Tony replies
"How do you make AI's? I never been able to make one", Shuri asks changing the subject
"I am sure I can help you make one. I have a male AI I am putting the basics too", Tony then hesitates, "Would you like him?"
Shuri was in shock. Doctor Stark was offering her his AI when he was so protective of them?
"I would be honoured", Shuri replies
"We can work on finishing him later we better continue I have a couple of more gifts to give out", Tony replies
"I will hold you too it", Shuri says smiling
"I am sure you will", Tony replies
Tony now wheels himself to a table that had two prosthetics arms on stands. Both of them looking very different.
"One is for you Agent. The other is for you Bucky", Tony informs the two stunned men
"Why? I have done nothing for you", Bucky protests
"I did destroy your last one. And I wanted to apologies for the fight we had. Do you like the design?" Tony asks shyly
"I love it", Bucky says
"I have a chip that will allow you to move it with your mind and feel textures. Same with yours Coulson. So do you want me to fit them?" Tony asks the two stunned men
"I would be honoured", Coulson says
"So would I if you are sure", Bucky replies
"I am. Sit down", Tony says gesturing to the couch
It only takes half an hour each to fit the arms and insert the chips. And Coulson and Bucky were really surprised by how real their arms actually felt. They could feel them!
"Do you like them?" Tony asks nervously
"I like it. It is amazing", Coulson says
"I love it", Bucky says and hesitates going over to hug him
"You can hug me if you want Snowflake", Tony says softly
Bucky goes over and hugs Tony tightly. Tony actually hugs back. Bucky felt almost normal now. His prosthetic arm looked just like his real one.
"Thank you so much", Bucky says pulling away with tears in his arms
"It is no problem", Tony replies smiling at Bucky's happiness
Steve kisses Tony.
"You did great Tony. I have longed to see Bucky happy again. You have made his happy", Steve whispers to him
Tony blushes at Steve's praise.
"Sir Cooper and Kate would like to know if they can have the archery tournament with Mr Barton now", JARVIS says
"What do you say Clint?" Tony asks raising his eyebrow
"I am ready for it", Clint says proudly
"JARVIS tell them we will be right up", Tony says to the AI
"I will sir", JARVIS replies
"Prepare to by shocked by both of them. They are just as great as you as archers", Tony informs Clint smiling proudly
"Looking forward to it", Clint says
"Come on. Lets try out your new bow", Tony says wheeling himself out of the lab
They all follow him. They were happy to see some more life in Tony's eyes now. They were determined to get more life into those eyes. That would be their mission…
Author's Note: What do you think? Please review:)