┌─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐
The journey back home was marked by a quiet atmosphere, Tony appearing lost in contemplation. During the ride, Ava finally took the opportunity to check her phone, which her father had handed to her after she had left it behind in the compound prior to her departure with Clint and Wanda.
Her phone buzzed with messages from Liz, Ned, and Michelle, all inquiring about her whereabouts. Aware that her father had fabricated an excuse with the school, claiming that Peter was accepted into an internship, Ava followed suit and informed her friends that she had joined him.
Upon reaching the compound, Ava swiftly stepped out of the car, beginning to head back to her room. However, Tony's voice promptly arrested her progress. "Hold on, young lady. Where do you think you're heading?"
Ava froze in her tracks as her father's voice cut through the air. She turned to face him, her expression a mix of surprise and anticipation. "I was just going to my room, Dad," she replied.
Tony crossed his arms, leaning against the car and regarding her with a knowing look. "You know, Ava, I've been giving some thought to our little adventure in Germany."
Ava's heart raced slightly, her mind racing to catch up with his words. She nodded cautiously, her eyes never leaving his gaze. "Yeah, Dad?"
He arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I think it's time we had a proper chat about your actions and their consequences."
Ava felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation welling up inside her. "I'm ready to talk," she admitted, her voice steady.
Tony pushed away from the car, gesturing for her to join him. "Good. Let's take a walk."
Ava fell into step beside him as they began to stroll through the compound. "I get it, you know," Tony began, breaking the silence. "I understand why you wanted to help in the fight."
Ava glanced at him, surprised by his understanding. "You do?"
He nodded, his expression serious. "You've got a strong sense of responsibility, just like me. You see a problem, and you want to do something about it. It's a Stark thing."
Ava's lips curled into a small smile, "I didn't want to just stand on the sidelines, watching. I wanted to make a difference."
Tony's gaze softened as he looked at his daughter. "I get it, Ava. But you also need to remember that actions have consequences. Your safety is a priority for me."
Ava nodded, her smile fading slightly. "I know, Dad."
"I never wanted this life for you, Ava. But I suppose there's no convincing you otherwise," Tony exhaled wearily, his glasses removed and his hand massaging his forehead.
"Way past that point, Dad," she chuckled, playfully raising her hand and sending a gentle ball of energy towards his shoulder, akin to a light tap.
Tony gave her a sidelong glance, a mixture of exasperation and amusement in his eyes. "Using your powers for mischief now, huh?"
Ava shrugged with a mischievous grin. "Hey, you said I'm a formidable fighter. Gotta keep you on your toes, right?"
Tony shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're something else, kiddo."
Ava's smile softened, and she approached her father, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "Love you, Dad."
Tony returned the hug, his hold tight and protective. "Love you too, Ava. Just... be careful out there."
"I will," she reassured him, pulling away slightly. "And don't worry, I'll make sure Peter doesn't get into too much trouble either."
Tony chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Good luck with that."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Returning home brought a bittersweet comfort to Ava. The familiar surroundings offered solace, yet an undeniable emptiness pervaded the space. The absence of Wanda's presence down the hall, the quiet lounge where Steve and Nat's laughter once echoed, the vacant room where Sam tinkered with his gadgets – it all magnified the fracture within their family. The sense of wholeness they once shared seemed irretrievably lost, leaving an ache that time could never fully heal.
Ava sought comfort in her uncle Rhodey's ongoing recovery, a sense of gratitude filling her as she witnessed his steady progress. She threw herself into a collaborative effort with her father, channelling her technical skills and ingenuity into the creation of a leg brace that could facilitate his movement and aid in his rehabilitation.
With Rhodey positioned beside parallel bars fitted with advanced technology, Tony provided a brief explanation, his tone cautious and hopeful. "It's just the first pass."
Ava, standing on the other side of Rhodey, couldn't contain her encouragement. "You're doing so well, Uncle R!" Her words were infused with genuine pride.
Tony's voice was light-hearted as he solicited feedback, his humour evident. "Give us some feedback. Anything you can think of. Shock absorption. Lateral movement. Cup holder?"
Rhodey began to offer a suggestion, "You may wanna think about some AC," but his sentence was cut short as his legs gave way. Ava acted swiftly, conjuring two protective forcefields to support him, preventing a fall.
"I've got you," she reassured him, her eyes emanating a gentle, soothing glow.
Tony remained attentive, ready to assist. "Let's go. I'll give you a hand."
Rhodey, however, displayed his determination by declining help. "No, no, don't. Don't help me." He gradually transitioned to a seated position on the floor next to Tony, a mix of resilience and vulnerability in his posture.
With a touch of wry humour, Rhodey reflected on his military experiences, his words carrying the weight of his convictions. "138. 138 combat missions. That's how many I've flown, Tony. Every one of them could've been my last, but I flew 'em. Because the fight needed to be fought." He seamlessly connected his past with his stance on the Sokovia Accords. "It's the same with these Accords. I signed because it was the right thing to do. And, yeah, this sucks. This is... this is a bad beat. But it hasn't changed my mind. I don't think." His expression held a crooked smile, underscoring his resolve.
Rhodey extended his hand toward Tony, inviting his assistance in getting up.
Ava turned her attention to Rhodey, her voice full of concern. "You okay, Uncle R?" As she spoke, she withdrew her protective forcefields.
He turned to Ava with a warm smile, his affection evident. "I am, little one." With a gentle gesture, he ruffled her hair.
Amidst their conversation, a knock on the window disrupted their focus. A FedEx driver stood outside, holding a package.
Temporarily lightening the atmosphere, the driver's inquiry carried a touch of humour. "Are you Tony 'Stank'?"
Rhodey embraced the humour, responding with a chuckle. "Yes, this is- this is Tony 'Stank'." He shared an amused glance with Tony, adding, "You're in the right place. Thank you for that! I'm never dropping that, by the way." With a playful nod to the driver, Rhodey continued, "Table for one, Mr. 'Stank'. Please, by the bathroom."
Ava couldn't help but groan at the thought. "Please, no. I definitely don't want to be Ava 'Stank'."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Ava's life slowly began to regain its sense of normalcy, prompting her to immerse herself once again in her school routine. The return to her everyday rhythm felt liberating, as she could relish her morning commute without the constant presence of Happy hovering nearby or Vision maintaining his vigilant watch.
This particular morning, she opted for a change and decided to commute to school on her own terms. Donning a stylish pair of sunglasses, thoughtfully designed by her father and equipped with advanced features like his own, and sporting wireless earphones, she walked with a newfound sense of independence.
Caught up in a holographic video call through her high-tech glasses, Ava's best friend Sarah's voice piped into her ear. The holographic outline of Sarah's phone appeared on one side of her field of vision, causing her to momentarily flinch at Sarah's exuberant squeal.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Sarah's excitement was palpable, even through the digital connection.
Ava couldn't help but chuckle at Sarah's reaction. "Well, I'm telling you now, aren't I?"
"After you've already gone and kicked ass with the Avengers?" Sarah playfully retorted, her tone tinged with mock disbelief.
Ava shared a light laugh, acknowledging the truth in Sarah's words. "Yeah, well, there wasn't exactly a lot of time for a Facetime call during all the ass-kicking and getting my own kicked."
Curious and excited, Sarah leaned into the conversation. "So spill the beans! Was it as epic as my imagination's painting it?"
Ava gave a nonchalant shrug, her gaze focused on the to-go coffee cup cradled in her hand. She took a sip before responding, her tone reflective. "Kind of bittersweet, honestly. I finally got my dad to see me as more than just his delicate little girl. But, you know, it came at the cost of my family. I miss them."
Sarah nodded in empathy, her own smile tinged with sadness. "I'm so sorry, A. How are you holding up?"
Another shrug, accompanied by a wistful smile. "Managing, I guess. But, on the bright side, my mom- well, Pepper- I'm still getting used to that- she felt bad for my dad, and they're giving their relationship another shot."
Sarah's face lit up with genuine happiness, her voice filled with warmth. Settling back on her dorm bed, she responded, "That's amazing news! It's great to hear that things are looking up in that department!"
"Yep, I really missed her. Anyway, I'm on my way to Pete's now. Planning to swing by this adorable bakery I stumbled upon and grab some breakfast for him and his aunt," Ava informed, her gaze shifting around the street as she recalibrated her bearings.
Sarah playfully chimed in, her tone light-hearted, "Girlfriend of the year award, right here, A."
Ava laughed in response, defending her intentions. "Hey, I'm just trying to be thoughtful. I think Peter's a bit down lately because Dad assigned Happy to keep an eye on him, and let's just say, Happy's not exactly thrilled about the babysitting duty. Especially after the... well, the hotel incident."
Curiosity piqued, Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Hotel incident?"
Ava's voice lowered as she leaned into the conversation, revealing a secret. "Oh, yeah. I completely forgot to fill you in on that one. Brace yourself—Pete and I... well, let's just say things got a bit steamy at a hotel in Germany. And, well, Happy found out. I think he's under the impression that he might lose his job if my dad ever catches wind of it."
Sarah's reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, her excitement manifesting in a high-pitched squeal that made Ava wince once again. "S! Seriously, no more squealing, please! My hearing can't take it!" Ava laughed.
Sarah playfully cleared her throat, feigning composure. "Got it, got it. No more high-pitched noises. But seriously, Ava, you and Peter? That's huge!"
Ava's cheeks warmed at the mention of Peter. "Yeah, it is. I mean, it wasn't planned or anything. It just... happened."
Sarah's teasing tone came through again, "Spontaneity, huh? I like it. But about Happy and your dad... How's that whole situation playing out?"
Ava let out a sigh, her tone tinged with a mix of exasperation and understanding. "Complicated, to say the least. Happy's trying his best to avoid Peter like the plague, but I think deep down, he knows he can't keep it up forever."
Sarah's empathy was evident in her response. "Well, I hope it all works out. And as for breakfast, Pete and his aunt will appreciate the gesture, even if Happy's giving him the cold shoulder."
"Thanks, Sarah. Your words mean a lot." Ava smiled warmly, grateful for her friend's support.
"Anytime, A. Now go ace that breakfast delivery and brighten Peter's day," Sarah encouraged.
Ava nodded, a determined gleam in her eyes. "Will do. Catch you later, Sarah."
After bidding goodbye with a wave and tapping the side of her glasses to end the call, Ava pressed forward, her stride purposeful as she made her way toward the bakery.
With one bag holding drinks and another filled with a variety of pastries, Ava swiftly arrived at Peter's apartment building.
Pausing briefly to regain her breath and tidy up her appearance by smoothing down any stray strands and adjusting her braid, Ava entered the building. She then pressed the elevator button and waited for the doors to open. Stepping inside the elevator, she selected the seventh floor and leaned back, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.
Navigating the hallway with a pleasant demeanour, Ava exchanged friendly smiles with her neighbours as she passed by, noticing their curious glances. Adjusting the bags in her hands, she pushed her sunglasses up to rest atop her head and approached the designated apartment. With a quick adjustment of her grip on the bags, she raised her hand and knocked on the door, a warm smile on her face.
Ava's anticipation grew as she waited, the prospect of reuniting with Peter filling her with excitement. The door swung open, revealing Peter dressed casually, a pleasant surprise evident on his face.
"Hey," he greeted, his eyes brightening as he took in the sight of Ava.
Returning his smile, she playfully replied, "Hey yourself," her grin widening. "I've brought breakfast and drinks."
Peter's expression shifted to a blend of enthusiasm and gratitude. Stepping inside, Ava closed the door behind her and handed him the bag filled with morning delights. "I thought we could kick off the day with a little treat," she suggested, a mischievous sparkle dancing in her eyes.
Peter leaned in, giving her a quick kiss, "I can't believe how lucky I am to have you," Peter murmured against her lips.
Ava's heart swelled at Peter's words, his sincerity making her feel cherished. She returned his affectionate smile, her eyes locked onto his.
"Well, get used to it, because I plan on sticking around," she said with a playful wink.
Peter's eyes held a warmth that matched her own. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied, his fingers gently brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Their longing for each other led to another kiss, however, they abruptly broke apart as the sound of footsteps grew closer. Peter's aunt May's voice carried from the hallway.
"Peter? Who was at the door?" Her inquiry hung in the air before she entered the room, her gaze landing on Ava.
Ava's cheeks flushed slightly, and she offered a friendly smile. "Morning, May. I brought some breakfast and drinks for you both."
May's expression softened, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Well, aren't you just a sweetheart? Peter, you didn't tell me you had company."
Peter scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin forming. "Surprise?" he offered with a chuckle.
May chuckled, her welcoming demeanour evident. "Surprises are always a treat. Ava, it's lovely to see you again."
Ava nodded, returning the smile. "It's great to see you too, May."
└─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘