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Chapter Text

After the terrifying storm of the Zero Matter incident finally subsided, the SSR office in Los Angeles seemed to be slowly awakening from a colossal nightmare. No longer was the suffocating tension and fear in the air, replaced by the scent of old papers, coffee, and a sense of restorative calm.

However, this tranquility was short-lived. Inside the SSR Los Angeles branch, a scene filled with subtle power dynamics and friendly banter unfolded. Daniel Sousa sat at his desk, his deep eyes filled with unconcealed confusion and bewilderment. He looked at Jack Thompson, who sat on his desk, carelessly resting his dusty leather shoes on his carefully organized pile of documents.

Daniel's gaze slowly shifted from Jack's shoes to his face, which wore a slightly cynical smile. His usually calm tone now tinged with a subtle resignation. He spoke, "I thought you'd already booked a flight back to New York, Thompson. After all, that's your home turf and your seat of power. You always said that only in Metropolis could you truly realize your ambitions, let those bigwigs in DC see your worth, and prove that you're not just some secret agent who just sits in your office drinking coffee."

Jack sat at his desk, his feet still carelessly resting on Daniel's documents. A meaningful smile played on his lips, and his low, slightly raspy voice echoed in the quiet office. "Indeed, New York is my home turf and my seat of power. I used to think that only there could I truly realize my worth, but on reflection, the US government still has many people like Vernon. People like Masters, those who manipulate power in the shadows and do whatever it takes for their own gain, are like pervasive viruses, corrupting the entire system given the opportunity. In Los Angeles, I see another interesting opportunity, and having worked with you twice, I have to admit, it's... quite interesting."

Jack unscrewed his feet from the table and leaned forward, looking at Daniel with inquiring eyes. His tone became more serious, but he still retained his characteristic teasing. "And don't let me take your place, Sousa. I can..." "I don't want those bigwigs at DC to think I'm coveting your position as Director. After all, I prefer to stay behind the scenes, watching you heroes charge into battle while I clean up the mess. That's what I'm truly good at, isn't it?"

His words were both a gesture of goodwill to Daniel and a rationale for his own stay. He didn't want to admit that a large part of his reason for staying here was because he had developed a certain sense of identification with this team. He loved the feeling of fighting alongside them; it was a pure and exciting feeling he had never experienced in the treacherous environment of New York.

Just then, Peggy Carter walked in, a subtle smile on her face. Her intelligent eyes flickered between Daniel and Jack. Her usually powerful tone was now unusually gentle. She spoke softly, "You're always a surprise, Thompson. I never know what you'll decide next."

Her words were both a tease and a validation of Jack's intentions. She knew that deep down, Jack had a heart that yearned for justice, but he had been bound by power and fame. Now, he seemed to be breaking free from those constraints, searching for his true self.

Jack's smile widened at Peggy's teasing. He stood up and walked over to Peggy, looking at her with inquiring eyes. His tone was tinged with teasing, "Well, you too, Agent Carter. I thought you'd be so lost in your pursuit of Captain... "I'll never be able to get over the longing for America. I thought Sousa would marry that nurse, and you'd spend your life with your job. But two months ago, Sousa announced her engagement, and two months later, you're unexpectedly together."

Jack's tone suddenly grew more serious. He looked at Daniel, his eyes filled with barely concealed gloating. "So, you're going to have a hard time, Sousa. You have to understand that Peggy isn't as obedient as other women. She has her own ideas and opinions. She won't just follow your lead just because you're a man. She'll only be a little gentler with you because you're Daniel. So, you'd better be prepared, because your future is going to be more difficult than any case you've encountered at SSR."

Daniel's face broke into a helpless smile at Jack's teasing. He looked from Peggy to Jack.

He knew that while Jack's words were a bit exaggerated, they weren't entirely without truth. Peggy truly wasn't content with being ordinary, and he was willing to face any challenge for her. He reached out and gently tidied the papers on Jack's desk. Then, in a calm voice, he said to Jack, "Thompson, if you really do decide to stay, I hope you'll put your shoes on the floor, not on my desk. This is my office, not your living room."

Peggy listened to Jack's words, which were both well-wishing and playful, and a confident smile played on her lips. She gently placed the papers on Dan's desk. Daniel sat on her desk, then, in her usual forceful voice, addressed Jack, "I take that as a compliment, Thompson."

The desk phone suddenly rang sharply, shattering the silence. A flicker of doubt crossed Daniel's deep eyes. He glanced at the phone, then at Peggy and Jack, then answered. His usually composed tone now sounded especially businesslike: "This is Sousa. What's up?"

On the other end came a voice with a British accent he knew all too well. It was elegant and gentle, yet tinged with a subtle hint of anxiety: "Good afternoon, Mr. "Sousa, this is Jarvis. I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to discuss something with you, Miss Carter, and Mr. Thompson. It's about a new device invented by Mr. Stark, and he'd like to invite you to the manor to participate in its launch ceremony."

Jarvis' tone was as polite as ever, but the concern etched between the lines didn't escape Daniel's ears. His keen intuition, cultivated over the years, told him that this invitation might not be as simple as it seemed.

Daniel recognized the distinct British accent. He held the phone, his brow furrowed slightly, and with a hint of confusion, he asked, "Jarvis, what's going on? Stark rarely invites us to participate in new devices."

Jarvis was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the line, then his voice became more sincere and frank. "Actually, the first sentence is correct, and the second sentence is mine. I'm sorry, Mr. Sousa, but I really don't know how to put it to you. Ever since the Frost and zero-matter incidents, Mr. Stark has become deeply interested in space and time. He's been working day and night in the lab, developing a new device related to space and time, which he named the 'Quantum Oscillation Stabilizer.' I... I'm quite worried about Mr. "Will Stark cause the same incident as Frost, or worse, inadvertently tear apart our own space-time? I'm truly... deeply worried."

Daniel, hearing Jarvis's honesty, a resigned smile crossed his usually serious face. He sighed softly, then spoke to Jarvis in a relaxed tone, "I imagine Stark must have plenty of free time, enough to create inventions that could potentially destroy the world. Okay, Jarvis, we'll come over and take a look. Please ensure there are no explosions before we arrive." Or perhaps an unexpected space-time distortion occurs. I don't think any of us want to experience another chaos like the Zero Matter Event."

Daniel hung up the phone and gently placed the receiver on the receiver. He looked up at Peggy, his deep eyes now filled with a complex emotion. Peggy, observing his serious face, keenly caught the worry in them. "What has Howard done? I bet he's invented something that could destroy the world and wants us to help him clean up the mess, right?"

She knew that anything could happen when Howard Stark was involved, and she was used to paying for his inventions.

Daniel told Peggy and Jack everything Jarvis had said on the phone, word for word. He didn't hide Jarvis's concerns, nor his own. In a calm and detailed tone, he explained the dangers of the "Quantum Oscillation Stabilizer" and Jarvis's anxiety.

Peggy and Jack's expressions darkened. They had both experienced the chaos and danger of the Zero Matter event. They knew that if Howard's invention truly caused a time-space warp, the consequences would be disastrous. They would once again be caught in an unpredictable storm, and this time they might not be so lucky to escape unscathed.

Jack listened to Daniel's account with a sardonic smile. He snorted, his deep voice echoing through the office. "I knew Stark would come up with something again. He always thinks he's the savior of the world, but he always inadvertently causes us countless troubles. I really don't know if we should trust a man who can't even get his own breakfast on time. Can his invention really take us back in time? Or is he just trying to get us to clean up his mess?"

Jack stood up and patted He dusted off his suit and said reluctantly to Peggy and Daniel, "Okay, let's go. It seems I won't be able to enjoy my lunch. Can't scientists really let me rest? I was hoping to enjoy my new life and see the nightlife in Los Angeles, but instead, I'm running around for an experiment that could blow the world apart."

His words were filled with complaints, but his steps were unwavering. No matter how much he disliked Howard, he couldn't bear to watch him do something so crazy that it could destroy the world.

Peggy watched Jack walk over and complain, a faint smile playing on her lips. She turned to look at Daniel, her brown eyes filled with trust and understanding. She gently patted his hand.

Stark Estase

Ana led the SSR trio into the lab. Peggy, Daniel, and Jack glanced at the instruments glowing with eerie lights, the piles of blueprints, and the scattered electronic components. A sense of foreboding seized upon them. Jack's face was unabashedly etched with the expression "I knew this was going to happen."

Howard stood before his massive "Quantum Oscillation Stabilizer." He turned and raised his brow at the three SSRs. "What's going on, Peggie? What can I do for you this time?"

"Actually, Howard, Jarvis asked us to come. He's worried about your..." Before she could finish her words, Jarvis' voice echoed from behind her. His usually gentle tone was now tinged with a subtle hint of anxiety. He gently finished Peggy's unfinished words: "It's the Quantum Oscillation Stabilizer. I'm worried it might cause an irreversible space-time catastrophe."

Daniel also came over, his usually calm tone now taking on a hint of seriousness. "He's worried your invention will cause the same incident as Frost, Stark. We don't want you to do anything that could lead to the same disaster again."

Howard opened his arms. "That's because she's Frost, and look who I am!"

Jack's expression grew even more playful as he watched Howard's almost narcissistic performance. His tone, always filled with sarcasm, became even sharper. He crossed his arms over his chest and coldly declared, "The most troubled man in America."

Howard, hearing Jack's sarcasm, listed his titles one by one in a tone that bordered on boasting, as if to prove his greatness to the world: "No, Thompson, I'm Howard Stark ,America's smartest inventor, billionaire,playboy and genius."

Peggy spoke in a more serious tone, "I believe time and space are beyond our reach, Howard. We shouldn't try to change them. If we fail, the consequences will be disastrous, even leading to the destruction of the entire world."

Howard said casually, "Peggie, Jarvis is just overly worried."

Jarvis, hearing Howard's defense, said, "Mr. Stark, given your record, I have to think that it's not right to talk to Miss Carter asked for help."

"Traitor."

Daniel turned his gaze to the massive device, pointed at it, and asked calmly, "So this... I can't remember its name, what does it do?" His words successfully drew everyone's attention to the massive contraption.

Howard, upon hearing Daniel's question, turned and explained with a boastful tone, "It can transport us to different times and spaces. Just enter the coordinates and password here, and we can easily travel to anywhere we want, right?"

He looked at Jarvis, "What's the password, Jarvis?"

Jarvis answered without hesitation, "38 25 36."

Daniel looked at Jarvis with a questioning look, "What's the meaning?"

Peggy smiled helplessly, shook her head slightly, and said sarcastically, "I bet those are someone's measurements again, aren't they, Howard?"

Her words brought a gloating smile to Jack's face, while Howard hummed softly, almost smugly, as if he was delighted that Peggy had guessed right.

Just then, Ana's voice came from behind them: "It's Gene Tierney."

Peggy and Daniel gave Jack a look that said, "See, we knew it was coming." They were already accustomed to Howard's usual flirtatious nature.

Howard's face lit up with a smug smile as he heard Ana's explanation. He clapped his hands lightly and, almost boastfully, said, "Yes, this will allow us to travel to different time and space. I can simply input any time and place I want, and we'll be there easily."

Jack asked in a questioning tone, "Okay, time travel, so what's the purpose of this invention?"

Howard: "This is just a little experiment, Thompson. I just want to test my theory. I want to see if I can truly control time and space, just like I can control my invention."

Da Niel stared at the massive instrument, his usually serious face now tinged with worry. He asked in a questioning tone, "It looks quite large. And are you sure this experiment will succeed? Are you sure you won't inadvertently trigger another disaster?"

Peggy turned her gaze to Howard, her face thick with worry. With a powerful voice, she asked, "Are you sure this experiment will succeed? Howard, we can't go through another chaos like the zero-matter event."

"I don't know, but science requires an experimental spirit." Howard's tone grew a little more serious. He reached out and pressed the massive switch.

However, the instrument didn't respond. It emitted a low humming sound, then fell silent. Howard's face was filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Jack looked at Howard's somewhat frustrated face. He waited a few seconds, then said in a playful tone, "Guess we need to keep working on it, genius..."

Howard paced back and forth, muttering to himself, "What's missing? Why isn't it responding? I've calculated everything, so why isn't it responding?"

Just then, seeing Howard's somewhat frustrated expression, Jack walked over to a table and tried to sit down.

As he sat down, he accidentally knocked a test tube onto the table. The tube cracked with a resounding sound, and the blue liquid inside instantly splashed onto the bottom of the quantum oscillation stabilizer. The moment the liquid hit the instrument, it emitted a loud humming sound, followed by a dazzling blue light that instantly engulfed the entire room. Everything was then plunged into darkness and silence.

Chapter Text

"Peggy? Peggy?"

Peggy faintly heard a familiar voice in the distance, gentle yet filled with concern, as if pulling her back from the endless darkness to reality.

When she finally struggled to open her eyes, the first thing she saw was Daniel's face, filled with anxiety and relief. His deep eyes flickered with a complex mix of emotions: relief at seeing her awake, yet also wariness and confusion about the surroundings.

Seeing Peggy finally awake, Daniel's frayed nerves finally relaxed. He half-knelt on the ground reached out his hand, and gently helped Peggy to her feet. His tone was filled with a gentle relief: "Thank goodness you're awake."

Peggy rubbed her aching temple, her consciousness still hazy. She looked around and found herself in an abandoned base covered in dust and cobwebs. Her intuition told her this was not a good place. She looked at Daniel and asked in a hoarse voice, "How long was I unconscious? All I remember is a blue light, and then nothing else."

Daniel stood up, brushed off the dust on his body, and explained calmly, "We woke up not long ago, but Thompson has already been patrolling the area."

Peggy carefully surveyed her surroundings. This was definitely not Stark Estase, nor was it any place she was familiar with.

At that moment, Ana also awoke from Jarvis's arms. Her usually elegant face was now filled with confusion and anxiety. She asked softly, "Edwin, where are we...where are we now? I only remember a flash of blue light, and then nothing else."

Jarvis patted her shoulder gently and soothed her in a gentle voice, "Ana, please don't worry. The only thing we can do right now is stay calm."

Just as they were trying to adjust to this sudden situation, Jack returned from one direction. He looked at Peggy and Daniel and spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "The good news is that Stark's experiment was successful. We've truly time traveled. The bad news is that we've reached the bottom of an unknown snowy cave. It's covered in cobwebs and dust, like a haunted house. There's an elevator that takes us up there, and it's snowing outside. This is clearly not the America we're familiar with. We might have arrived in a completely different time and space, or even a completely different country."

Peggy's expression instantly grew serious upon hearing Jack's words. She turned to Howard, "Howard, what coordinates did you enter?"

Howard's smug expression turned awkward upon hearing Peggy's question. He scratched his hair and spoke casually, "I just...randomly entered them. I just wanted to see if my invention could actually enable time travel. I didn't expect it to actually work, and even bring us to this place. I...I didn't expect it to be so successful."

Jack gave Howard a sarcastic smile, snorted softly, and then spoke in an angry tone, "Whatever? We're so thankful you didn't enter the coordinates of some volcano, ocean, or forest. Otherwise, we'd probably be a pile of burnt ash or buried under the sea. But I don't think this is a good place. An abandoned base covered in dust and cobwebs. The smell is nauseating, and the environment is unpleasant. Stark, you always find a way to get us into one trouble after another."

Howard heard Jack's sarcasm and turned to look at him. "If you hadn't dropped the test tube, nothing would have happened."

Jack's face flushed with anger at Howard's accusation. He snorted softly, but his ears were slightly red. "I admit, I did accidentally touch the test tube. But if your experiment wasn't so dangerous, even if it fell to the ground, it wouldn't have caused such a consequence. You always create dangerous things and then leave us to clean up the mess. All of this is due to your irresponsibility."

Peggy asked in a serious tone, "Howard, let's put aside this quarrel and tell us, what is the liquid in the test tube? Why can it cause such a space-time teleportation?" Howard's expression, which had been slightly angry, calmed down when he heard Peggy's question. He scratched his hair and spoke casually, "That was my failed product. I had originally planned to study it later to see if it could resonate with my space-time invention. I didn't expect it to unexpectedly activate my invention. It seems I don't need to study it anymore."

"So we're in an abandoned base somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Is this 1948?" Daniel frowned. He looked around at the dusty and cobweb-covered surroundings, trying to find any clues to their whereabouts.

Peggy said firmly, "Instead of arguing here, why don't we take the initiative? I've come up with a better idea:... investigate."

The group split up and began a thorough search of the abandoned base. Jack walked in front, his broad shoulders appearing resolute in the dimly lit corridor. One hand gripped his pistol, the other gently touching the dusty walls. His usually playful tone now took on a serious tone: "This looks abandoned for a long time. Dust and cobwebs are everywhere, and there's no sign of maintenance at all, but..."

Jarvis walked gently beside him, his usually gentle tone now taking on a hint of seriousness: "But its style is no different from our own time. It's the 1940s."

Jack's frown deepened. How could a base that looked abandoned for years retain the same style as their time? It all seemed so strange.

Peggy observed her surroundings, her gaze sweeping around every corner, her hand tightly gripping the pistol at her waist. "The war's only been over for three years. A military base this large couldn't have been so abandoned in such a short time, unless something happened here we're not aware of."

Besides only she, Daniel, and Jack were armed. Howard, Jarvis, and Ana had no weapons to protect themselves.

Daniel, his right hand tightly gripping the pistol, his left supported by his cane, surveyed the area. "I don't think there were bases like this before World War I. These large military bases only began to appear after World War II. Besides, the style here doesn't look American or British."

Ana spoke softly, "There's no American-style base... a snow cave... do the Allies have bases like this?"

"Britain, France, the United States, and Italy can be ruled out. Then it could be... Japan? Germany? Or the Soviet Union?" Howard explained.

Just as they were lost in thought, Howard suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. His gaze was drawn to a room. Curiosity surged within him, and he rushed in headfirst, completely ignoring Peggy's anxious cries behind him: "Wait, Howard!"

Howard's eyes were filled with all sorts of bizarre instruments and a room ravaged by massive destruction. Six giant yellow petri dishes were neatly arranged on either side of the room, each containing six naked human bodies. Their bodies had completely stiffened, their skin a strange blue.

Howard uttered a whisper: "Shit, there's someone in there."

His gaze fell on the nearby screen, which displayed a strange date: "16 декабрь 1991."

He didn't quite understand what "декабрь" meant, but at least he could tell it was Russian.

And 1991 was still a full 53 years away from 1948, where he was living...

Jack also walked in, his gaze fixed on the dead bodies in the petri dishes. "They're dead. They all have bullet holes in their foreheads, and it looks like they've been dead for quite some time."

His words filled the hearts of several people with unease. They didn't know who these people were, or why they died here, but they knew a fierce battle had taken place here.

Peggy scanned the room and spotted an unassuming little room with a single small window. From the outside, it looked like a small observation room, but as she got closer, she realized it was more like a place for scientists to hide and observe the outside world.

Daniel also entered. His deep eyes swept across the room, noticing the walls riddled with bullet holes and numerous signs of damage.

A fierce battle had taken place here, not long after. His usually calm tone now took on a serious tone: "There are signs of fighting here. It seems it wasn't long, but the damage is surprisingly severe. This level of damage is not something that ordinary firearms could have caused."

His gaze fell on the debris on the ground, and his eyes widened. His usually calm face was now filled with shock and disbelief.

It was a metal left hand, each finger formed from a precision metal mechanism. It looked like some kind of advanced technology, a hand that could never have been manufactured in their time.

Just then, there was a sudden sound of someone falling behind them.

"Mr. Stark, are you okay?" Jarvis's gentle voice broke the dead silence in the room. He gently helped Howard to his feet, his eyes filled with concern.

Howard's legs weakened with fear, and his usually confident face was now filled with a deep pallor and anxiety.

Peggy's usually resolute heart trembled at Howard's expression. She strode over to his side, staring intently at him, her tone filled with worry. "Howard, what's wrong? What did you see?" Her gaze swept across the stopped screens.

Howard's body trembled slightly with fear, and his usually confident voice trembled. In a voice almost whispering, he spoke, "Peggie... Sergeant Barnes... He's still alive..."

Peggy's face paled instantly, and her usually intelligent eyes widened with shock. Her usually calm heart trembled violently at these words.

Peggy's mind raced at this moment. Although she wasn't familiar with James Barnes, she knew he was Steve's best friend, a hero of the 107th Squad, and later a member of the Howling Commandos. However, during a train mission to capture Zola, he tragically fell off a train and died.

Steve, consumed by guilt, even resorted to alcohol to numb himself. She knew Steve wouldn't be intoxicated after the serum injection. Barnes's death had been a crushing blow to Steve, and now Howard had told her that Barnes was still alive...

"Are you sure? Howard, this isn't something to joke about. Are you sure you didn't recognize the wrong person?"

Howard's pale face gave way to a wry smile at Peggy's question. His usually playful tone now took on a touch of self-mockery: "Peggie, even if I don't recognize the woman I slept with, I will never forget Sergeant Barnes. That man...his face, his eyes...I can't mistake him. He's James Barnes. He's still alive, and...he doesn't look any older."

Jack's usually skeptical tone now took on a hint of confusion. He looked at Howard and, in a whisper, spoke, "So...Sergeant of the Howling Commandos..." "Barnes, is he... is he really still alive? How is that possible? Didn't he fall off the train? Or... was he just injured and rescued by Hydra?"

Peggy studied Howard closely. Howard's fear wasn't simply because Barnes was still alive. "Howard, if Sergeant Barnes were still alive, you wouldn't react like this. What else did you see besides Sergeant Barnes?"

Howard's body trembled slightly again at Peggy's questioning. He didn't speak, but simply reached out and gently pointed at the screen. Then, in a tone bordering on despair, he spoke, "You... you can see for yourselves..."

The screen lit up again, a blurry roadside surveillance camera. The time on the left read 7:28 PM, December 16, 1991.

At that moment, a car suddenly crashed into a tree. Puffs of white smoke billowed from the front of the car, and the car made a sharp grinding sound. Then, a motorcycle moved alongside the car.

Peggy's heartbeat quickened at that moment. She knew the accident wasn't an accident, but rather a deliberate act.

The elderly man in the car struggled to get out,he pleaded in a weak voice, "Please save my wife... She's in the car..."

But the man who disembarked from the motorcycle ignored his pleas. His eyes were filled with cold murderous intent. He mercilessly yanked the elderly man's white hair and dragged him to his feet.

Although the video footage on the monitor was blurry, the audio was surprisingly clear. The older man glanced at the man, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. "Sergeant Barnes..."

Peggy's eyes widened as she stared at Barnes on the screen. Her heart nearly stopped. His face remained unchanged. If this were 1991, Barnes would have looked similar to the older man, but he looked like a young man in his twenties.

A female voice suddenly rang out from the screen, filled with fear and despair. She softly called a name: "Howard..."

At the name, Howard's body trembled violently. He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his fists.

Everyone in the room turned to look at him, seemingly unable to believe that the older man on the screen was none other than Howard Stark.

On the screen, Barnes, without hesitation, struck the elderly man's already bleeding face with his metal left hand. The sound of metal hitting flesh echoed in the quiet room. It was so harsh, so terrifying.

When Howard heard the sound, his body went limp. Fortunately, Jarvis was behind him, holding him up, otherwise he would have collapsed to the ground. He couldn't imagine dying in such a way.

Daniel watched Barnes on the screen, filled with shock and anger. He turned to look at the metal left hand on the ground, and his heartbeat accelerated. Wasn't that the metal hand he had just seen?

That seemingly advanced piece of technology was being used for such a thing. He turned to look at the screen and saw Barnes, with just two punches, knock the elderly Stark immobile. His face paled even further. He knew that hand could easily...

"Howard..." the woman on the screen called softly again. Her voice was filled with fear and despair, her usually gentle voice now trembling.

Howard's body trembled again at that voice. This woman was his wife...

Barnes dropped his grip on the old man's hair. The man lay limp on the ground, his body devoid of any life. After confirming he was dead, Barnes grabbed him and put him in the car.

Everyone's faces paled. They knew Barnes was trying to stage a car accident.

Barnes walked back to the passenger seat, opened the door, and placed his hand on the woman's neck.

Although they didn't know what Barnes was going to do to the woman, they all realized that Barnes would not let her go. He would kill her and make it look like an accident, all just to cover up his bloody hands.

On the screen, Barnes fired his pistol at the monitor. The image froze in that moment, leaving darkness, silence, and despair.

The brutal scene on the videotape struck Howard's heart like an invisible bolt of lightning. His face, usually filled with confidence and arrogance, was now filled with helplessness and fear. He slowly fell to the ground, his hands clutching his hair tightly, and he let out a low, painful roar: "Fuck... I shouldn't have messed with time! I shouldn't have tried to change anything! All of this... all of this is my fault..."

No one present viewed Howard's collapse with gloating. Their faces were filled with a complex mix of emotions: sympathy for Howard's plight, and fear of the future world. Who among them wanted to see how they died? And such a brutal murder by a former friend?

Jack pursed his lips, the usual playful expression on his face completely gone. Even if he disliked Howard, he didn't want him to die like this.

He shifted his gaze from Howard to the screens filled with various instruments. He scrolled through them, trying to find any clues to their whereabouts and how they could return to the past. Just then, a report titled "Winter Soldier Program" appeared before him.

Peggy's intelligent eyes gleamed with determination in the dim light. She stepped forward and half-knelt beside Howard. Her hand gently rested on his shoulder, trying to calm him.

What would Steve think if he saw Barnes become such a cold-blooded killing machine?

Jarvis, filled with worry, gently helped Howard to his feet. Then, in a tone filled with sincerity, he spoke soothingly, "Mr. Stark, I know it's hard for you to accept all this right now, but if we could return to our own time and change everything, we could return here and save Sergeant Barnes. Furthermore, we could save you and Mrs. Stark's lives. It's not too late. We still have a chance to change everything. We can't give up here, because your life, your future, is in our hands."

Howard's body trembled slightly at Jarvis's words. He slowly raised his head, his usually arrogant face now filled with a desperate irony. In a tone bordering on self-mockery, he retorted, "Is this true? Jarvis, I'm dead, 53 years later... Even though I knew everyone wanted to kill me, I never imagined I would die like this. And I don't know why Sergeant... Barnes wanted to kill me. I even killed my future wife. I can't imagine settling down. I can't get married. I won't get married..."

He couldn't believe that after all his life of debauchery, he would settle down, even get married. And he would also be murdered by his former friend in his own future. He couldn't accept it.

Ana's usually gentle tone now took on a firmness. "I believe that since we've been able to travel to the future, it must mean we can go back and change our fate. Mr. Stark, this isn't a coincidence; it's destiny. We're here to prevent this from happening. We must believe we have the power to change this, to save your future, to save Sergeant Barnes's future. We can't give up here, because our futures haven't been written yet."

Howard's eyes flickered with hope at Ana's words, but his naturally skeptical nature prevented him from fully believing her. He questioned, "Do you really think we can change it? Aren't you afraid of the future? If we change the future, will the world we live in now disappear? If we change the future, will this timeline collapse completely?"

His words were filled with fear of the unknown, and his usually bold character was now shaken by this fear.

Jarvis heard Howard's question and a wry smile crossed his face. "Well, let's be scientific after all. For us, all this is a future that hasn't happened yet. I think... it should be fine. We just need to make sure we don't do anything drastically that would change history. We just need to make sure we can go back to our time and prevent all this from happening without affecting history."

Jack turned his gaze away from the screen, his usually playful tone now taking on a more serious tone. He spoke to Howard in a tone filled with warning, "Yep, at least we know this project was a joint effort between Hydra and the Soviets. They named it the 'Winter Soldier Program,' and the people in those six petri dishes were their experimental subjects. They were all injected with the Super Soldier Serum you created. Fortunately... fortunately, they all died, and the serum you created failed, otherwise we might be here now, killed by them."

His words were filled with warning and sarcasm towards Howard.

"Wait... Hydra and the Soviet Union are collaborating? How is that even possible? Germany attacked the Soviet Union. They were enemies. How could they possibly be collaborating?" Daniel's usually composed tone was now filled with confusion and bewilderment. He couldn't understand why two countries, once enemies, would collaborate.

Peggy explained calmly, "This was Hitler's idea, not Hydra's. Red Skull has always been in charge of Hydra. They simply exploited the war to achieve their own goals, and that goal is world domination. They collaborate with any country solely to achieve their own goals. They have no principles."

Peggy looked at Howard. "Howard, how could you, in the future, create the serum? This was Dr. Erskine's Rebirth Project. Didn't he destroy all the information related to the serum? Why did you create it?"

Howard stroked his head and whispered a few words in a tone of near despair: "If I had known I would die from this, and that I would kill someone, I wouldn't have created the serum. And I don't know why I created it. This... This is all too absurd. I can't believe I would do such a thing..."

After witnessing the horrific truth of the future, the atmosphere in the lab grew extremely heavy. The fear of the unknown future enveloped everyone like an invisible pressure.

Following Peggy's suggestion, they decided not to waste any more time and must find the exit to the upper level as soon as possible to leave this underground base filled with the breath of death. However, the first thing they faced was this underground space full of mysteries.

Chapter Text

When they reached the far end of the lab, they came across a massive hole. Peggy looked at it and said with a tone of resignation, "There used to be an elevator here, but now... there's only a huge hole. It looks completely destroyed."

Jack looked around at the ruins covered in dust and cobwebs, his broad shoulders looking particularly heavy in the dim passage. "It's useless. It's broken, and the place is completely destroyed. It looks like it's been through a huge explosion. We can't find anything usable here. There are only rubble and broken walls. It's a complete ruin."

Just when they reached an impasse, Daniel bent down, gently picked up the metal left hand, and said thoughtfully, "I think... we could try somewhere else, see if there's another way up. This base is so huge, there can't be just one elevator, and..."

Howard's eyes fell on the metal left hand in Daniel's hand, and his brows twitched slightly. His usually arrogant face was now filled with disgust："No! "I won't stay with that thing! I won't stay with that weapon... that hit me in the face twice!"

He turned his gaze away from the metal left hand and looked in another direction. He had to find the exit to the upper level as quickly as possible.

Peggy looked at Daniel："Daniel, what's wrong with you? Why are you so interested in this metal hand?"

Daniel let out a helpless smile and shook his head gently. "I just... I just wanted to understand how modern science can create such sophisticated prosthetics..."

Peggy's gaze slowly shifted from Daniel's face to his left foot. Her usually powerful tone now took on a touch of tenderness and determination. She spoke softly, "Daniel, we can fix it. I believe."

Even though the elevator was disabled, they quickly found another escape route to the upper floors. It was a narrow passage hidden behind a wall, wide enough for only one person. At the end of the passage, they found a heavy iron door. It looked like it was locked by some immense force. They tried to push it open, but it wouldn't budge.

Jack pushed against the door with all his might. "Fuck! It won't open! There's no switch on this door!"

Howard quietly walked to the door and opened the fuse box next to it. His intelligent eyes gleamed in the dim light as he carefully examined the intricate wiring.

Howard disconnected a blue fuse wire and connected the red one to the yellow one. He turned to Jack and said, "Try to open it."

"Success."

Howard said in a tone almost mocking, "Well, it seems Hydra and the Soviets didn't intend to design an escape route suitable for ordinary soldiers. They only designed a passageway that would be easily accessible for those with special abilities."

What came into view was a vast, empty underground space, surrounded by several narrow openings. These seemed like escape routes to the outside world, but the air was filled with an indescribable coldness and despair.

Jack was the first to enter this space. His steps were cautious and heavy, his pistol gripped tightly. He glanced around, his gaze landing on the ground where a figure clad in strange red armor lay. Beside them lay a helmet and a curved object.

Jack's brow furrowed slightly. "There's someone," he whispered to the person behind him, his pistol pointed at the figure lying on the ground. His steps were slow and cautious.

He slowly stepped forward, trying to get a better look at the figure. His gaze fell on the curved object. He turned to Peggy, his tone filled with unspeakable shock and confusion. "Peggy, come here and take a look. There's something familiar here... something you might recognize."

Peggy took a step forward, her gaze fixed on the curved object. Her body trembled slightly. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The distinctive five-pointed star pattern, everything about it, felt incredibly familiar, yet at the same time, incredibly strange. Her eyes widened, and she whispered in disbelief, "This... this... It's Steve's shield... but... how is that possible...?

This shield should have been buried with Steve...

Why is it here...?

Howard also saw the shield. He walked over to Peggy and took it from her trembling hands. He examined it carefully, his fingers gently stroking the surface. "Indeed, this is the shield I designed, but..."

He paused, his eyes falling on the shield. There were five deep scratches there, like fingernails scratching on a blackboard. But how is that possible?

"This shield is made of Vibranium. Even if a tank ran over it, it wouldn't be damaged. Unless it was the same Vibranium..."

Jack looked at Howard, his gaze shifting to the unconscious man lying on the ground. His red and gold armor, with its futuristic design, was unrecognizable.

But he knew this was definitely not something they could have created in their time. He raised his pistol and pointed it at the unconscious man. His usually playful tone was now tinged with caution: "Hey, everyone, this guy could very well be a secret weapon of the Soviet Union or Hydra."

Daniel looked at Peggy in silence. He knew Peggy was very sensitive to Captain How deep America's feelings run, and now she's seen his shield...

He sighed softly, then turned his gaze to Jack, who pointed his pistol at the man whose face was covered in scars and blood. "Hey, Thompson, what are you trying to do?"

"I'm protecting our lives, Sousa. Who knows if he's from the Soviet Union or Hydra? We haven't seen his profile yet. He could very well be their secret weapon. If we don't act preemptively, we'll be in grave danger."Jack's gaze fell on the man's chest armor, where several deep scratches marked it. He spoke to Daniel in a tone filled with caution, "Sousa, look at his armor here. He must have been struck by Captain America's shield. The marks on his body indicate he's fought Captain America before. He's very likely an enemy of the United States. We can't take any risks here. We must subdue him first, then interrogate him."

Chapter Text

Daniel looked at Jack and knew he was right. In such an uncertain environment, they couldn't take any risks. They had to ensure their own safety before making any decisions.

Even though he had never met Captain America, Daniel believed that the Captain America Peggy admired was a man of integrity and selflessness, willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of others.

Because Peggy was just that kind of person, and the man bore the marks of Captain America's shield, indicating that he had fought Captain America before, he was likely Captain America's enemy.

Daniel stared at the unconscious man. He gently reached out and touched his neck. His fingers felt the man's cold skin, and his brow furrowed slightly. "He's still breathing, but faintly, and his skin is freezing cold. It's a miracle he hasn't frozen to death in here..."

Jack sheathed his pistol at his waist and said to Daniel and Jarvis, "Go help him take off his armor."

Daniel and Jarvis exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with helplessness. Daniel looked at Jack, his tone filled with questioning, "What about you? What are you doing here? Aren't you going to help us?"

Jack heard Daniel's questioning, and a sardonic smile crossed his face. His usually playful tone now took on a thick layer of mockery. "Of course I'm here to prevent him from suddenly attacking us, Sousa. Have you forgotten that he could be a Super Soldier? We don't know when he'll wake up, and we don't know what he'll do to us when he wakes up."

Jarvis shook his head helplessly, his tone almost sarcastic: "Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Thompson, for protecting us from a dying man."

Daniel took a deep breath and looked at the man. "Even if we disarm him, it's still questionable whether he'll survive. We don't have medical equipment, so how will we interrogate him?"

But he still decided to act. He looked at Jarvis: "Jarvis, I'll take care of the upper body, and you'll take care of the lower body. We must remove his armor as quickly as possible."

"Okay, Mr. Sousa." Jarvis walked to the man's legs and gently placed his hand on them. He studied the man's face carefully, his brow furrowing slightly. He had a feeling this man looked a lot like someone he knew.

………

When Tony was attacked by Captain America and Winter Soldier, and Friday was forced to disconnect from her Mark XLVI, she felt helpless. She worried that Boss wouldn't be able to defeat these two Super Soldiers who had been injected with the serum.

She knew that Boss's Mark XLVI, while powerful, was vulnerable to these two Super Soldiers. She had to find help quickly, otherwise Boss's life would be in grave danger.

Who could help her now? She knew that the only people who could help Boss were Miss Potts and Mr. Hogan, but Miss Potts had broken up with Boss, and Mr. Hogan was already supervising Spider-Man.

And Colonel Rhodes had been taken to Metro-General Hospital for treatment, so he could no longer provide assistance to Boss.

Black Widow…she had switched sides and joined Captain America's faction. She had to warn Boss not to trust her anymore, because she had betrayed them. She was a traitor and unworthy of their trust.

Black Panther… she didn't know where he was. She couldn't contact him, couldn't ask for his help, couldn't get him to help Boss.

Spider-Man… she believed Boss wouldn't want the child to know any of this. Boss already felt guilty for getting the child into this. He didn't want to put him in further danger. He wanted to protect him, to give him a normal life, not to fight for him.

Vision… would he listen to her?

He was close to Maximoff. He might choose to help Captain America because of Maximoff, or he might choose to betray them because of Maximoff.

She had to find someone who could help Boss, someone who could change everything.

She checked Boss's emergency contact list. Besides Miss Potts, Mr. Hogan, and Colonel Rhodes, there was another contact named "Bastard." She didn't know who this "Bastard" was. Since she took over JARVIS's job, Boss had only told her about the armor and daily affairs, rarely sharing his past.

But she knew this contact must be the Boss's most trusted person, someone who could provide him with assistance in the most critical moment.

Now, she could only find this "Bastard."

⋯⋯

In the operating room of Metro-General Hospital.

Stephen Strange was about to perform a complex brain surgery. Outside the operating room, a row of interns and residents observed the legendary doctor's every move through the transparent glass.

In the operating room, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears played briskly.

For any other doctor, this would be unheard of, but in Stephen's operating room, it was a daily occurrence. His gloved hands delicately manipulated the patient's head with near-perfect precision, his body swaying gently to the rhythm of the music.

As the music came to a close, Stephen, without turning around, whispered to his assistant, "Next song, Billy."

Billy, upon hearing Stephen's command, gently pressed the play button, and the intro to "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen began playing.

"Seriously? Billy? Are you sure you want to play this? Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'? It's from 1979. Don't you think it's too simple?"

"Doctor, this was released in 1980..."

Stephen took the scalpel from his assistant. "No, Billy, it's 1979. It's the only single from 'The Game' released in 1979, and it was only three months after 'Save Me'."

"Indeed... 1979..."

Just as Stephen gave a look of "See, I was right," a nurse cautiously approached him. Her face was filled with fear and uneasiness, and her usually gentle voice was now trembling. She whispered to Stephen, "Doctor Strange... someone... someone's calling you right now... I... I don't know if I should answer..."

She knew Stephen didn't like being disturbed during surgery, but now she had to. Stephen asked in dissatisfaction, "What courage do you have to interrupt me during surgery?"

"...I...I'm sorry, Doctor...but I have to answer...because...because the person calling you...is...Asshole Stark..." The nurse's voice trailed off, her usually confident tone now trembling. "You're on his emergency contact list...and...and...his note is...Bastard..."

Chapter Text

Stephen handed the scalpel to his assistant and walked out of the operating room without looking back.

His assistant was more than capable of handling the remaining suturing, while he had to attend to the urgent call from "Bastard." As he was about to answer the call, a familiar figure lying on a hospital bed flashed before his eyes.

"Rhodey?" Stephen's eyes locked on the man lying on the bed.

He quickly walked over to the bedside. "Christine, what's wrong with him?"

"Stephen? A 48-year-old Air Force colonel. He fell from a plane over Germany while wearing armor and suffered a shattered spine, a fractured spine, and impacted legs. He was subsequently flown back to the United States. He's in critical condition. We're doing everything we can to save him, but his condition...is very grim." Christine's brow furrowed slightly. "Stephen, don't you have another operation going on?"

"The only thing left is suturing the wound, which my assistant can handle. I'll take over this patient later. Give me his medical records. I need to know his condition as soon as possible."

"But Dr. West has already decided to accept this patient and is ready to operate on him. You can't…" Stephen stopped before Christine finished her words. "Then tell him I'll take care of this patient."

He answered the phone. "If you're coming to me after 25 years about Rhodey, I don't think it's necessary. I've decided to be his primary physician. I'll operate on him myself. You don't need to worry about him. You only need to worry about yourself, you bastard."

After a few seconds, Stephen heard an unfamiliar female voice with an Irish accent. The voice was polite and professional, but also tinged with a hint of urgency. "Are you talking about Colonel Rhodes?"

Stephen's brow furrowed slightly. "Who are you?"

"I'm Mr. Stark's AI, FRIDAY."

"FRIDAY? I remember his AI was JARVIS…" Stephen leaned against the wall.

"JARVIS was Boss's previous AI, destroyed during the Ultron incident. And I'm FRIDAY, Boss's current AI."

Ultron incident

The name flashed through Stephen's mind. He remembered it happened last year in Sokovia, Eastern Europe, and it had caused numerous casualties. He remembered the news reports at the time, all of which attributed it to Tony's invention.

JARVIS was like Tony's late butler. He knew JARVIS existed in memory of the man of the same name, Jarvis, but he pretended it was just "Just A Rather Very Intelligent System."

Stephen knew Tony was a man of loyalty, but he was just being stubborn.

"Why didn't he call me himself? Why did he ask you to? Am I no longer worthy of speaking to him?"

"No, Mr. Bast..."

"It's Dr. Stephen Strange," Stephen corrected Friday.

Friday's tone was filled with apology: "I'm sorry, Dr. Strange, Boss entered your name as the B-word in the emergency contact list, so..."

Before Friday could finish his words, Stephen shook his head helplessly.

He knew Tony's character was like that, and his usually arrogant face softened slightly.

He knew that between him and Tony, it was like that: they hated each other, yet they also needed each other; they mocked each other, yet they also loved each other, but in the end, they broke up.

"It's okay, so what's the reason? What happened to him?"

Tony wasn't one to easily ask for help from anyone, but now that he had Friday come to him, it showed that what he was facing was definitely not a small matter.

Friday briefly divided the Sokovia Accords, Captain America, and Tony into opposing and supporting factions. She then described T’Chaka’s death, the German standoff, and Rhodey’s resulting injury. He discovered Howard and Maria had been killed by the Winter Solider in Siberia, and then Tony’s fight with Captain America and Winter Soldier, forcing him to disconnect…

Stephen’s brow furrowed, his body moving. “So you’re saying Tony was facing two Super Soldiers? You’re saying he was facing Captain America and Winter Soldier? You’re saying he was facing two Super Soldiers who had been injected with the serum?”

“Yes… When Captain America plunged his shield directly into Boss’s chest, I was forced to disconnect…” Friday’s voice was filled with unspoken anger and fear.

Stephen had read Tony's medical records. Eight years earlier, because the shrapnel lodged in Tony's body was too deep to be removed, he relied on an Arc Reactor to prevent heart damage. In other words, the Arc Reactor was Tony's second heart.

Even after Tony underwent surgery to remove the shrapnel and the Arc Reactor, his heart was no longer as strong as it once was.

He walked quickly to his office, his footsteps echoing in the busy hallway.

He placed his briefcase on his desk and retrieved a number of first aid supplies from the cabinet, placing them in the briefcase.

"Where is Tony in Siberia?"

"The boss is currently at the Hydra Siberian Facility."

"Hydra? Are there flights from the US to Siberia?" Stephen walked out of the office, his phone still in his hand.

"You can drive directly to Avenger Tower. Boss has a private jet that can take him directly to the Hydra Siberian Facility."

"Private jet?" Stephen knew Tony's wealth was beyond his comprehension.

Just then, Nicodemus West emerged from behind Stephen, annoyed. "Strange! What's your point? Haven't you always felt unchallenged with these patients? And now you're stealing my patient?! Don't you know I've already decided to operate on him?"

Christine followed West. "Dr. West, this is a hospital. Calm down. You can't make a scene here. You'll disturb the other patients."

She saw Stephen, dressed in his casual clothes, carrying his briefcase. "Stephen? Don't you have a few surgeries?"

Stephen continued walking without looking back. "Christine, please ask for a few days off and postpone a few surgeries. I need to get out of here. I need to take care of something."

"But..." Stephen interrupted before Christine could finish her sentence. His usually rational tone now took on a firm tone. "I've reviewed their files. They can still wait."

"Strange! You better give me an explanation!" West stepped forward and placed his hand on Stephen's shoulder.

Stephen stopped, his face filled with disdain and anger. He turned slightly, his gaze locked with West's. "There's someone who needs me, Dr. West. Don't waste my time. And that Air Force colonel is under my care. I won't let anyone else operate on him. One last thing. Don't put your hand on my shoulder."

It was the first time West had seen Stephen like this, and he dropped his hand in fear.

Stephen had already walked out of the hospital. And it was the first time Christine had seen Stephen so suddenly emotional.

Stephen arrived at the parking lot and got into a black car. He placed his phone on the passenger seat.

Friday's voice boomed from the car: "Dr. Strange, I've provided you with the fastest route to Avenger Tower. It's already been entered into your navigation system. Just follow the directions and you'll reach Avenger Tower as quickly as possible."

"Don't bother. It's not that far from here."

"I've hacked into New York's traffic system, reducing the journey from ten minutes to six. I've cleared all the traffic lights for you. Just drive as fast as you can and you'll reach your destination as quickly as possible, saving you a lot of time."

Stephen's brows raised slightly at Friday's words, and he unconsciously changed the word "him" to "Tony." "Tony, does this often? Have you hack into different systems?"

"Actually, Boss is doing it under the guise of 'inspection,' not 'hacking.' He just wants to make sure there aren't any vulnerabilities."

"That's very much his style..."

Sure enough, within ten minutes, Stephen arrived at Avenger Tower, and Friday loaded his car onto the lift.

Stephen retrieved his briefcase and phone from the car.

"Dr. Strange, could you please activate the Mark XLVI's backup power supply so I can get back inside? It's upstairs on the top floor, and I need to reboot its systems." Friday's voice echoed from within Avenger Tower.

"You can't? Aren't you an AI? Can't you activate it yourself? Can't you get back to it yourself?" Stephen glanced at his phone, which had already been disconnected.

"The Mark XLVI was just a new one Boss built for this occasion, and many of its features are still unfinished. I can't activate it remotely; it needs to be activated manually." Friday's tone was filled with resignation.

"Mark XLVI? He's been making armor for the past eight years? Doesn't he get any breaks?"

"Boss made the most different Marks in 2013, but then they all blew up."

"What happened that year?" Stephen walked into the lab, seeing a lot of stuff being packed into cardboard boxes. His brow furrowed slightly. "Are you planning to move?"

"Boss classified the information from that year. He thought Avenger Tower was too close to the city, so he built a headquarters in the suburbs for the Avengers to live and operate together. But I guess it's no longer necessary..." Friday said sarcastically.

Stephen pondered what happened in 2013. He quickly remembered that Tony's mansion in Malibu was blown up by that Mandarin. At the time, he had believed Tony was dead because he had foolishly revealed his address to the media.

Stephen couldn't help but sigh. What had he missed out on all that Tony had done all those years?

"Dr. Strange?"

"I was just wondering, where's that backup power supply?"

"It's on the left, just pull it down."

Stephen pulled the power cord down. "Did it work?"

"Okay, I guess I can get back to Boss..."

"Wait, I don't have a pilot's license, how am I supposed to fly a plane?"

"Don't worry about that, I can control it."

Stephen was silent for a moment. "Artificial intelligence..."

When Friday returned to the Mark XLVI, she discovered six new individuals in the Hydra Siberian Facility.

Two of them were about to remove her Boss's armor. She addressed them in an aggressive and threatening tone, "Hold still! Stop what you're doing!"

Chapter Text

Just as Daniel and Jarvis were carefully preparing to remove the unconscious man's armor, a strange female voice with an Irish accent suddenly echoed through the empty underground space. The voice was filled with aggression and threat: "Hold still! Stop what you're doing!"

The sudden voice made everyone stop what they were doing.

They all moved away from the man, turning their heads and scanning their surroundings warily. But apart from themselves, there was no one else in the empty underground space.

Jack's face was filled with alarm: "Who is it?! Come out! Don't hide behind us like a coward!"

Howard's eyes were fixed on the man's armor: "Is this here?"

"Stark, what are you talking about? This is clearly a man!" Jack drew his pistol again. "You lunatic, this is a man."

"Stark? Are you Howard Stark?" Friday's voice was tinged with uncertainty. Her system was scanning Howard. From genetics, blood type, and appearance, she confirmed that this man was Howard Stark. But how could he be here?

"You know me." Howard handed the shield to Peggy. He looked at the man's armor and approached with interest. "After all, there's only one Stark in this world, at least as far as I know."

"Howard!"

Jarvis spoke at the same time: "Mr. Stark!"

FRIDAY's system scanned Peggy and Jarvis again: "Miss Carter and Mr. Jarvis?"

Peggy frowned. "Well, it seems the elves living in the armor also know who Jarvis and I are. It seems we still have some influence in this era."

"Peggie, what era are we in? Are there still elves and ghosts?"

"This is obviously a technology..." Ana asked, curious about how the armor knew who they were. "Is it from the 1990s?"

Howard looked at Ana and nodded in agreement. "I even made flying cars in the 1940s. Such technologies wouldn't be uncommon in the 1990s."

FRIDAY listened to their conversation in silence, but she didn't have time to listen any longer. Her boss was facing grave danger. She said hurriedly, "I'm sorry to bother you. I don't know why you're here, but I need your help."

Jack chuckled sarcastically, "Help? How can we help you? He looks so Soviet in red. Isn't he a Soviet weapon?"

Friday's tone was filled with pleading and resignation. "We are not enemies, let alone the Soviet Union. Please believe me. Boss is in great danger. His condition is very dire. He might die..."

Daniel's eyes were filled with suspicion. "How can I trust you? Not only do you know Peggy, Jarvis, and Stark, but you told us not to approach this man. Furthermore, he bears the mark of Captain America's shield. He's an enemy of Captain America."

Jack said, "Sousa, don't waste your time. I have no affection for the Soviets. I know a Soviet woman who pretends to be American. She played us like a fool. I won't trust anyone from the Soviet Union again."

"Thompson..." Peggy knew Jack was talking about Dottie; they hadn't caught her yet.

A long silence followed. Friday said to them, "Please trust us. I'll explain everything later, but for now, please trust me."

"...Maybe we should just trust her first." Peggy's eyes fell on the shield.

"Carter!" Jack grumbled, "You could get us killed!"

Peggy looked at Jack, her tone firm, "I just want to ask him why Steve's shield is here? What happened in the past 53 years?"

"Carter, there's nothing to ask. Sousa, look at your girlfriend!"

Daniel looked at Peggy.

"53 years?" Friday's system was constantly analyzing their words. Were they referring to 1963? But their clothing style was from the 1940s, which didn't match their appearance. They looked much younger.

Besides, weren't Agent Sousa and Agent Thompson assassinated by Hydra agents in 1955? She'd learned all this from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified files, but the conversation they were describing didn't match the files.

"You seem confused," Howard could hear Friday's confusion.

Friday said to them, "Yes, you appear to have arrived here in the late 1940s for unknown reasons."

"We did arrive in 1948," Howard said.

Jarvis whispered to Howard, "Mr. Stark, is it okay to reveal our era like this?"

"Jarvis, this won't affect our era."

Jarvis opened his mouth but quickly closed it.

Daniel asked again, "If you're not the enemy, then who are you? How do you know about us?"

"...I'm an artificial intelligence, Friday. He's my boss, Tony Stark..."

"What?! Stark?" Howard exclaimed in surprise.

Everyone was shocked, and Peggy turned to Howard. "Howard, do you have any relatives?"

"No, my parents have been gone for years, and I'm an only child... He looks older than me, he could even be my father."

"Could he be your son? This is the future, and you're probably around 70, so it's not hard to guess," Daniel asked.

"I use protection when I have sex with most women. I can't be a father. I need Jarvis to take care of everything."

"So... that means... there are a few... unprotected..." Jack's tone was full of joking.

"Could it be Mrs. Stark from the video?" Ana asked.

"My wife?" Howard heard Ana say that, and the video flashed back to his mind. He saw that woman, a woman he had never seen before.

Oh my god... he actually called her his wife...

He was still enjoying his single life, and now someone who was also a Stark, but could be his son, appeared?

Jarvis looked at Tony, finally understanding why he had such a profound feeling for this man.

His hair color and features were remarkably similar to Mr. Stark's, and his facial features were probably Mrs. Stark's.

At that moment, a sudden gust of wind blew through the escape tunnels and reached them, accompanied by the sound of an engine, which grew closer and louder.

"Is that the sound of an airplane engine?"

Howard looked out at the vast expanse of white snow. He squinted. From afar, a small black dot was moving toward them at an unimaginable speed.

As the dot drew closer, Howard could see it was a white airplane. Its simple, streamlined shape exuded a futuristic feel, something beyond the reach of their technology. What truly shocked him was the logo on the plane's fuselage, a logo so familiar to him, a symbol of his hard work and pride: "Stark Industries..."

……

On the plane, Stephen quietly gazed out the window at the endless snowy plains. His left hand unconsciously touched the steel bracelet on his right wrist.

Today, he was still leading a busy but fulfilling life at the hospital, but for this call from Friday, he had put everything aside without a word.

"Dr. Strange, we'll arrive at the Hydra Siberian Facility in fifteen minutes."

"So soon?" Stephen had never imagined that a plane controlled by Friday could travel so quickly from the United States to Siberia. This meant Tony's condition was even more serious than he had imagined.

"Yes, this is a plane that Boss specially modified to prevent anyone from harming Miss Potts and Mr. Hogan. It's equipped with the same parts as Mark's: supersonic speed, bulletproofing, guns, and scanning capabilities, plus an emergency room."

Stephen's brow furrowed slightly. "Sounds safe... Where's the emergency room you mentioned? I think we'll need it later."

"It's on the left. The bathroom and kitchen are on the right."

"Kitchen? On the plane?"

"Yes, but I have something to tell you..."

"What?"

"In the Hydra Siberian Facility, there are six lifeforms. They're currently beside Boss. They're... they're... trying to remove his armor..."

"Enemy?" Stephen's tone suddenly grew anxious.

"No, I've scanned their genes through the armor's detection system. Those six people are Mr. Howard Stark, Mr. Edwin Jarvis, Mrs. Ana Jarvis, Miss Peggy Carter, Mr. Daniel Sousa, and Mr. Jack Thompson, all from 1948."

Stephen pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself. "Time travel? How could they show up in 2016? Or even in Siberia? Who are those three you mentioned later? I've never heard of them..."

"Miss Peggy Carter was Boss's godmother, and she passed away a few days ago. As for Mr. Daniel Sousa and Mr. Jack Thompson… I'm not sure about that either… I only know that Mr. Daniel Sousa and Mr. Jack Thompson were the first agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., founded by Mr. Howard and Miss Carter. They were assassinated by Hydra agents in 1955, but they say they arrived here 53 years earlier, in 1963."

"Godmother?" Stephen had never heard Tony mention his godmother before. He pondered. "Do you think they're experiencing a time error, or are they faking their deaths?"

FRIDAY couldn't help but admire Stephen. "I've analyzed fifteen possibilities, but the main one is that they still perceive Captain America as a hero who sacrificed himself for America. While Miss Carter is curious about Captain America's shield appearing at the Hydra Siberian Facility, Agent Sousa, and especially Agent Thompson, believe Boss is a Soviet agent, making communication difficult. He keeps pointing a gun at Boss..."

Her words expressed helplessness towards Jack.

Stephen's tone was tinged with sarcasm. "The Soviet Union? It's been collapsed for 25 years. How could they possibly think Tony was Soviet?"

"Boss's armor is red and gold..."

"So they think it's the color of Communism? But since it's decades old, it's not surprising... But that Thompson kept pointing a gun at Tony? A wounded, unarmed man?"

"Given their status as soldiers and agents in World War II, their behavior is not surprising. Dr. Strange, be careful when you get off the plane. They might mistake you for an enemy. By the way, the temperature in Siberia is below zero right now. We have warm coats here."

"What? Afraid I'd be considered a Soviet sympathizer?" Stephen put on his heavy coat.

"I'm sure Boss doesn't want you to get hurt, otherwise you wouldn't be on his emergency contact list."

Stephen fell silent. He picked up his briefcase, Tony's face flashing through his mind. "We're almost off the plane..."

As the plane drew closer, everyone looked up warily at who had boarded it, that futuristic plane, the one with the Stark Industries logo.

Even though it was a Stark Industries plane, Jack, for his own protection, kept his gun fixed, his gaze fixed on the aircraft.

The plane door opened, and a voice filled with arrogance and confidence rang out from within: "I assume your weapons are aimed at a doctor who gave up his job to come to Siberia to save lives. I suggest you put your guns down."

"Who are you?" Jack eyed the man warily.

"I'm assuming two possibilities. One is that you have amnesia, and I don't mind repeating it, but I'm more inclined to believe the second. It's common courtesy to introduce yourself before asking who someone is. Don't you know that?" Stephen stepped out of the plane, a gust of cold wind hitting him. Even though he was wearing a thick coat, he shivered.

Stephen looked at their outfits, which were full of retro '40s garb... His gaze shifted to Tony lying on the ground, and his eyes suddenly sharpened. "I can't believe you left him lying there! Can't you see he's hypothermic?"

He rushed to Tony's side, cursing under his breath. His rough initial assessment: Tony's exposed skin had turned blue, he was unconscious, his pulse and breathing were very weak, his hair and even his eyelashes were frosted, all indicating severe hypothermia. His face was covered in scars and bloody bruises.

It was even harder for him to imagine the extent of Tony's injuries beneath the armor.

"FRIDAY, can you remove Tony's armor?"

"It's already been removed."

Stephen immediately leaned over and carefully peeled off Tony's armor. It felt like a giant block of ice. He pulled a stethoscope from his briefcase and gently placed it on Tony's chest, listening to the faint, muffled heartbeat. His brow furrowed tightly.

Tony's lungs might have collapsed. Any movement would likely cause severe bleeding. His hands were so cold they seemed numb.

His eyes were now fixed on the fatal wound in Tony's chest. He had to treat him quickly. He wouldn't let Tony die in front of him. He wouldn't let Tony, like Donna and Victor, die in front of him because of his inability to help. All of this filled him with anger and helplessness.

"I need two people to help me carry him steadily to the plane."

"I'll do it!" Jarvis said first.

Stephen glanced at Jarvis. In his youth, he had only seen the older Jarvis, but he could still tell it was him. "Help me hold his feet first. I need another person!"

Daniel handed his cane to Peggy and limped over. "Come on."

Stephen held his briefcase while carefully supporting Tony's body. Was Tony eating well? He weighed less than an average man, suggesting he hadn't been taking good care of himself for some time.

"You guys get on board too. Don't stay here."

Peggy turned her gaze to Stephen. "He doesn't look like a Soviet, or Hydra."

"I'm getting on board anyway. I'm freezing, Thompson. I figured you'd get on board too," Howard said, looking at Jack.

Jack still glared at Stephen with disapproval. He was sharp-tongued, and it was clear he didn't like him. But Peggy and Stark were right. This was their only way to escape this freezing place. Let's get out of here first.

"Um..."

"Before you get on board, take these armors with you," Howard said, patting Jack on the back.

"Don't touch me. I'm not your man, and I'm not doing your bidding, Stark."

"I know you're interested in this armor, too."

Howard and Jack quickly loaded the scattered armor onto the plane. Meanwhile, Stephen directed Jarvis and Daniel to carefully carry Tony into the emergency room. "Left, be careful. Now, lay him on the bed. One, two, three!"

Stephen pulled out his briefcase. "Do I need an assistant, Jarvis?"

Jarvis said uncertainly, "I'm not sure what I can do. I'm a housekeeper, not a doctor."

"I'll tell you. Just follow my orders. FRIDAY, scan for critical injuries."

"Scanning for critical injuries. Boss has several... He has injuries that are almost 100% permanent, including frostbite to his limbs and lung damage from broken ribs. He's suffered severe head trauma and concussion, and his symptoms of hypothermia and low blood sugar are rapidly worsening. I've also detected that his heart is weaker than before…”

After listening to Friday's report, Stephen looked at Jarvis. "I need to perform surgery on him now. It will be a long operation, so I hope you're prepared."

"Based on my experience, I think a long operation shouldn't be a problem for me."

Daniel, seeing that he wasn't in any need, left the emergency room.

"Daniel, what's wrong with him? Is he okay?" Peggy handed the cane back to Daniel.

Daniel watched Howard and Jack examine the armor, while Ana peered curiously into the plane. "He's not doing well…"

Chapter Text

"Tony, what surprise do you have for me?" Stephen sat on the lounge's terrace, eyes closed, quietly listening to the sounds of the party and the thumping rock music emanating from inside.

The two of them had just barely escaped the sight of Rhodey, Hope, and the others.

"Don't worry, Steph. If you weren't even a little shorter than me, I wouldn't be able to cover your eyes. I wouldn't let you sit on the ground and close your eyes." Tony's voice rang out beside him, and he turned his head. "Did you close your eyes? Were you peeking?"

"I did. Are you sure you're only a little shorter than me?"

"Shut up, Steph. If you say another word, I won't give you the surprise."

Stephen sensed someone sitting next to him. It was Tony. Tony's voice rang out again: "Hold out your right hand."

"You're not going to give me something strange, are you?"

"You're overthinking it. Why would I give you something strange?"

Stephen felt something warm on his right wrist.

"Okay, open your eyes."

Stephen opened his eyes. A priceless-looking steel bracelet sat on his wrist. On it were the coordinates: "40°48'27"N 73°57'43"W."

"It's beautiful! As expected, the size is right." Tony's tone was filled with confidence. He had only held Stephen's hand a few times and already memorized Stephen's hand.

"...This looks expensive..." Stephen whispered.

"Of course it is. This is something no one else can buy!" Tony said with immense pride.

Stephen pursed his lips, a sudden surge of dissatisfaction rising within him. He knew that Tony, as Howard Stark's only son, had been born into a wealthy family.

And what about him? Born into a Nebraska farm family, he didn't dislike his family.

But Tony's behavior made him feel like someone being kept, and all of this resented him.

Just as he was about to refuse, Tony said, "It's well worth my time."

Stephen froze. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Of course. I made it myself from some steel from my dad's lab... Actually, I don't know the exact composition. Of course, no one else can buy it, but the important thing is, I'm giving it to you," Tony said nonchalantly.

His dad discovered him.

Howard had a tantrum, a volcanic rage that forced his mother, Jarvis, and Ana, even bringing in Aunt Peggy to calm him down.

His sixty-year-old father, like a brat, was furious and irritated with Tony.

But Tony didn't care. His father was just stingy.

He just happened to find the right material for Stephen's gift.

So, he and his father had a fight a few days before the 1989 celebration; it was a common occurrence.

He didn't want to have to endure Howard's irritation on the eve of the 1989 celebration.

Stephen looked at the steel bracelet on his wrist and mentally cursed himself for being an idiot. How could he be so foolish?

"I like it, Tony. I really do," Stephen said sincerely.

This gift wasn't worth money; it was Tony's hard work.

Tony smiled warmly and charmingly. "I knew you had beautiful hands. They needed something to enhance them. What were you thinking just now? You didn't look well."

"Just something stupid..." Stephen scoffed, then whispered, "Can I kiss you?"

Tony's eyes widened slightly, and Stephen realized what he had said. His face felt like it was on fire.

Tony's lips curled upward. "Then don't waste time. Stephen, kiss me."

Stephen slowly leaned closer to Tony. When their lips lightly touched, it felt like an electric current, coursing through their bodies, sending an overwhelming warmth through them.

Just then, the clock struck midnight, and the crowd in the lounge cheered, "Happy New Year!"

Stephen slowly stepped back, his forehead gently touching Tony's. "Happy New Year, Mr. Stark."

"Happy New Year, Dr. Strange."

"Not a doctor yet," Stephen said with a charming smile. "But I like the name."

"Stop ruining my fantasy, Stephen. You'll get used to it sooner or later."

"Hey! Have you seen Tones and Stephen?" Rhodey's voice came from the lounge.

"Rhodey's looking for us..." Tony looked at Stephen.

Stephen shook Tony's hand. "I think we need some private time. Don't bother with them."

"You interrupted me, but I agree."

…

1989

Stephen considered himself the luckiest and most blessed man in the world. He had a perfect partner, Tony, and two close friends, Rhodey and Hope.

However, that same year, Hope's mother passed away. This sudden devastation turned Hope's life upside down, and she began to distance herself from them. There were two reasons for this estrangement: First, Hope's father had always disliked her hanging out with Tony. Stephen wasn't sure why. Second, Hope's mother had been her spiritual support, and her passing was an unbearable blow to Hope, causing her to close herself off.

Poor Rhodey had lost his first love. Yes, he and Tony both knew that Rhodey's feelings for Hope had gone beyond friendship, but he hadn't yet realized it.

Stephen's life, however, took a new turn that year. He achieved top grades in medical school at Columbia University.

Even though his father, Eugene, was forced to convert the family business to farming due to business failure, this didn't affect his financial resources for college. His mother, Beverly, was a hardworking and loving woman who always took care of everything for him, allowing him to focus fully on his studies.

And his lovely sister, Donna, and brother, Victor, their presence, like sunshine, illuminated his ordinary yet fulfilling life. His life was like a perfect dream.

But unexpectedly, an accident marked the beginning of his loss of all the people he loved.

…

"Stephen, let's go swimming!" 17-year-old Donna's voice echoed in his room.

"Aren't you studying for your college entrance exams? You'll be going to college next year, and it's November now. Donna, don't you know it's cold outside?" Stephen glanced at the medical book in his hand.

"The exams are still a while away, and the three of us haven't gone swimming in ages. Plus, my good friends will be here; we have a competition planned," Donna's tone was pleading.

"Yeah, Stephen. You can show them while you're at it," 11-year-old Victor said jokingly, pointing to his clean face. "Donna wants to show off your new beard in front of everyone. She says it makes you look even more handsome with it."

Stephen stroked his new beard, a tryout to give Tony a fresh look. He pondered for a moment, perhaps taking this opportunity to ask Donna's friends for their opinions.

"Okay, but I can't swim. It's too cold right now. I don't understand why you chose this time to go swimming. This...this is crazy!" Stephen placed his bookmark on the page.

"We're making a bet, Stephen. You're the best big brother." Donna quickly put her arm around Stephen's waist.

Stephen patted Donna's head helplessly. "I'm your only big brother. Hurry up and get ready."

Stephen drove Victor, Donna, and her three friends to a nearby lake.

"Look, doesn't Stephen's beard look great?" Donna said with a hint of boasting.

"It does look nice."

"Stephen, do you have a girlfriend?" one of the girls asked.

Stephen was startled by the question.

"Why are you asking my brother that?" Donna said, feigning anger.

"I'm just curious. Stephen is so handsome, how could he not have a girlfriend?"

Victor said, "Of course Stephen has a girlfriend. There's a bracelet on his right hand; it must have been a gift from his girlfriend."

Stephen coughed a few times. "Okay, Vic, Donna, and the three ladies, stop focusing on me. We're almost to the lake."

But Tony's face was still floating in his mind.

Arriving at the lake, a biting cold wind immediately hit Stephen, and he shivered all over. He turned his gaze to Donna, her three friends, and Victor, all gazing at the lake with anticipation.

But as Victor dipped his foot into the water, a biting chill made him shudder. He had no choice but to stay by the lake and watch Donna and the others.

Stephen stood on the shore, watching Donna and the others dive and swim in the lake. Victor, meanwhile, watched Donna and the others compete in the swimming race, constantly cheering her on as she led the three.

The lake was truly beautiful, and the air was fresh.

Stephen thought he should find a vacation and invite Tony over, and let Donna and Victor get to know Tony. He was sure they would really like Tony.

He wonder what Tony is doing right now?

Just as Stephen was thinking about Tony, a shrill cry for help rang out from the center of the lake. Stephen's thoughts were interrupted by the cry.

He watched in horror as Donna struggled in agony in the middle of the lake. Donna could swim, so was she having a cramp?

Thinking of this, Stephen rushed to the lake without hesitation. He called to Victor, who was also terrified, "Vic, go find an adult. Anyone! Go!"

Victor nodded in panic, and without hesitation, he turned and ran to find an adult.

Stephen, regardless of the cold, swam directly into the lake. Donna's three best friends also sped towards her, but she was too far away.

"Help! Help me! Stephen!" Donna cried in agony, each word like a sharp knife piercing Stephen's heart. Her usually vibrant body was now completely paralyzed, and within seconds, she sank to the bottom of the lake.

"Donna!" Stephen watched as Donna sank.

Victor, along with several adults, arrived at the lake. Some of them comforted Donna's three best friends, some shouted at Stephen, and some called the police.

But Stephen refused to give up, sometimes surfacing to breathe, sometimes diving deep into the lake.

Victor watched helplessly as Stephen relentlessly searched for Donna.

After more than thirty minutes, Stephen finally gave up. He swam back to shore, knelt on the ground, and wept bitterly. It was just a lake, so why was Donna so deep, so hard to find?

Finally, the police arrived and told Stephen not to search for Donna on his own; they would send professionals to recover her.

Beverly's health deteriorated after learning her only daughter would not return. Victor also fell silent, and Eugene drank all day.

Then they received a call saying the police had recovered Donna's body. However, from being in the lake for so long, her body had swelled. They collected Donna's remains and quickly buried her.

After the funeral, Stephen chose not to return directly to Columbia University, but to find Tony.

He knocked on Tony's dorm door. Tony opened it and looked at the sullen, bearded Stephen. "Stephen? Why are you here? You look different?"

"Can I come in?"

Tony took Stephen's hand and pulled him into his room. As he closed the door, Stephen hugged Tony from behind, gently resting his head on Tony's shoulder. "Donna's dead..."

As Tony felt Stephen's tight embrace, his clothes became soaked with Stephen's tears. He was about to ask what happened when Stephen said, "Donna's dead..."

Tony remembered that Donna was Stephen's sister, the one who inspired him to become a doctor.

"If I hadn't allowed her to swim, if I had moved faster, Donna wouldn't have died..." Stephen said self-reproachfully.

Tony turned and patted Stephen's back, a little stiffly. He wasn't good at comforting people. He remembered a time when, as a child, he comforted a girl, and she only cried louder.

Tony felt something tug at his pants. It was Dum-E.

Dum-E brought the tissue box over. Tony thought this was not the right time, but he pulled out a tissue anyway.

"I'll always be by your side, Stephen." Tony took Stephen's hand. "You stay here today."

"I'm a medical student, aiming to be a doctor, but how could I not even save my own sister?"

Tony took the tissue Dum-E offered him and gently wiped the tears from Stephen's face with it. "Donna knows you tried your best. She knows you're the best brother."

"But I couldn't even provide the basic protection a brother should. I spent thirty minutes searching for her in the lake, but it wasn't as long as the police trying to find someone to retrieve her."

Tony remained silent, simply watching Stephen. He knew he needed to give Stephen some space; Stephen was going through pain he couldn't fathom. But he held Stephen's hand tightly.

Even as Stephen's emotions gradually calmed, his voice still held a hint of hoarseness from the tears. He looked at his T-shirt, which was crumpled because of him. "I'm sorry."

Tony glanced at his own T-shirt and jokingly said, "This is my favorite T-shirt. You stained it. But what's with your look? Fresh from the Himalayas?"

"I was planning to grow a beard. It would give you a fresh look, and it would have made you look better."

"Okay, I can't stand your new look. I don't want to sleep next to a snow monster from the Himalayas tonight. Come here, I'll help you clean up." Tony took Stephen's hand and walked into the bathroom. He shouted at Dum-E, "Dum-E, if you keep knocking over my things like that, I'll tear you apart! You idiot."

"What is this?" Stephen looked at Dum-E.

"Dum-E, this is Stephen. Stephen, this is Dum-E," Tony introduced. "Dum-E is my assistant. I build things in Howard's workshop. He looks a bit clumsy, but he's a great assistant."

…

After Donna's death, Stephen excelled in medical school, always at the top of his class.

In December 1991, Stephen and Tony were 21, and Rhodey, 23, had joined the Air Force. Just when Stephen thought his life was getting back on track, his life in New York stable, he received a call from Nebraska.

"This is Strange," Stephen said, standing by the phone.

"Stephen..." A boy's voice, now raspy and broken, came from the receiver.

"Victor. What's wrong? Why are you calling so suddenly?"

"Stephen... Mom's dying... You need to come back soon..."

Stephen's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Victor's voice was filled with anger at Stephen: "I said Mom's dying! You need to come back soon!"

"I'll come back soon!" Stephen hung up. Without even having time to call Tony to tell him he couldn't spend Christmas with him, he quickly packed his things and drove to Nebraska.

Stephen returned to Nebraska two years later. He hadn't been back since Donna left. He never expected to return to Nebraska until his mother was nearing death.

When Stephen parked his car in front of his home and opened the door, he saw Victor's eyes, red in the eye. "Victor, you've grown taller..."

Victor said in a flat voice, "How long have you been home? Don't waste your time. Mom's waiting for you..."

Stephen pursed his lips; he understood Victor's meaning.

He returned home to find his father sitting on the sofa watching TV, the curtains drawn. The only light in the house was the TV's glow. Near his father were a number of bottles of wine.

Seeing his father like this, Stephen felt a surge of anger. His mother was dying, and here he was, drinking.

Victor looked at Eugene and said, "Dad, Stephen's home."

Stephen said sarcastically, "You've just been sitting here, drinking and watching TV?"

Eugene glanced at Stephen, his eyes reddened. "Your mom's in the room," he said, then continued watching TV.

"You don't have to tell me. I'll go see Mom, too."

Victor led Stephen to the second floor and knocked gently on the door. "Mom, Stephen and I are coming in."

Victor opened the door, and Stephen saw his mother lying in bed.

Stephen looked at the frail Beverly and smiled. "Mom, I'm back."

"Stephen, what brought you back?"

Stephen glanced at Victor, who stared out the window.

Victor didn't tell his mother the real reason for his return.

"Mom, I'm sorry it took me so long to come back. How's your health?" Stephen held Beverly's hand tightly.

"It's okay. I heard from Victor that you are too busy in medical school and don't have time to come back. Since you are so busy, don't come back." Beverly knew that Stephen was an ambitious person, and she didn't want to hinder Stephen's future because of herself.

Victor continued to help him lie, and Victor had no idea about his situation in medical school.

Stephen didn't want to tell his mother the truth about his reluctance to return home. Donna's death was a thorn in their family.

"Mom, I'm done now. I can spend more time with you."

"No, Stephen. I know my body. I don't have much longer to live." Beverly's words were like a sharp knife, piercing Stephen's heart.

Stephen was suddenly speechless.

Victor's tone seemed to have a touch of habit: "Mom, you said that again. You'll be fine."

"Victor, you always comfort me like this. Stephen, I want to tell you that your father's farm business has failed. To pay for your and Victor's tuition, we have to sell off the assets..."

Is this why his father is so depressed? Hasn't he thought about making a comeback or finding a job, but is hiding at home like a coward?

"I still have a scholarship, and I can even work part-time. That money will cover your medical expenses, household expenses, and Victor's tuition."

"No, Stephen. Everything from now on will be your responsibility."

"Mom..."

"Victor can be impulsive sometimes. You have to help me keep an eye on him. Ask your father to drink less. It's not good for his health."

"You'll be fine, Mom."

"Stephen, forgive your dad and help me take good care of Victor." Beverly used all her strength to caress Stephen's face, then her hand stopped.

Stephen held Beverly's hand tightly and cried bitterly.

Victor also came to the bedside, knelt and cried.

But they didn't know that outside the room, Eugene was covering his mouth, tears streaming down his face.

After Beverly's death and the funeral, Stephen quickly fled Nebraska again.

December 22

Stephen sat in his car, looking at Victor, who was standing in front of his house in a black suit. "I'll send you money after I graduate. Don't use the money at home carelessly."

Victor just stared at Stephen in silence.

Stephen sighed. It was really hard to talk to a pubescent teenager. He had no idea what he was thinking.

"I'm going back. Take care of yourselves." Stephen said and drove away. He didn't know that Victor just wanted his brother to accompany him.

When Stephen returned to the dormitory, he saw Tony in his dormitory: "Tony? Why are you here?"

Tony gave a warm, charming smile, but Stephen couldn't tell how forced it was. "I've been waiting here for you."

"Waiting for me, what's wrong?"

Tony scratched his head. "I've called you so many times. I wanted to tell you about Christmas..."

Stephen interrupted Tony. "Tony, I don't have much free time for Christmas."

Tony heard Stephen's words and said, "I was just about to tell you..."

"Tony, I really don't have the time to spend with you, someone who has all the free time, no worries, and is just thinking about Christmas. I'm different. You have no idea what's going on with me or what responsibilities I have to bear. You're like a grown-up asshole who only calls his parents when things are bothering him!" Stephen said impatiently. Why couldn't Tony see how exhausted he was?

Tony was stunned for a moment. "Is this who I am in your mind?"

"You've always been this way."

Tony pursed his lips, put on his sunglasses, and his voice became cold, just like when Stephen first saw him. "Then I, this bastard, will leave now. I'm sorry to bother you."

Tony brushed past Stephen. As he opened the door, he looked at Stephen. "Maybe you should read the news and the newspaper, you mountain bastard."

Tony slammed the door shut, leaving Stephen stunned.

Chapter Text

Stephen watched Tony leave, dazed. He seemed to have said something a bit too much.

He walked to the windowsill and watched Tony walk to the passenger seat before the car drove off.

Is that Rhodey next to Tony?

What did Tony say about the news and newspapers?

To be honest, Stephen hadn't watched TV or read a newspaper in the week between his mother's death and burial, and even after returning to New York. He simply hadn't been in the mood to pay attention to the outside world.

Stephen went to the lounge and turned on the TV. ABC News was reporting from the studio. A picture of Howard and Maria Stark was playing on the screen.

"On the evening of December 16th, Howard Stark, the founder of Stark Industries, and his wife, Maria Stark, passed away in a car accident. A wake and burial took place today. Their only son, Anthony Stark, or as we know him best, Tony Stark, bid farewell to his parents at 10:00 AM, accompanied by Obadiah Stane, the interim CEO of Stark Industries."

Stephen listened to the news in astonishment. A car accident? Tony buried his parents today, and came to see him again tonight?

Had he been waiting for him?

But he had kicked Tony out…

The scene switched to Tony, wearing sunglasses and a neat suit. No one could tell if he had cried; Tony's reaction was unusually calm.

Stephen saw Jarvis and Ana standing behind Tony. Next to Jarvis stood a gray-haired woman whom Stephen didn't recognize.

But he knew Tony didn't like to wear such formal attire.

Stane was standing next to Tony, his hand on Tony's shoulder. Stephen wanted to pull Stane's hand away.

Could Stane please stop touching his lover?

The flashes kept hitting Tony. Could the reporters please stop? How could they not let go of a young man who had just lost his parents?

On TV, Tony stood on the stage. He glanced at the speech card in his hand, but all he said was, "This wasn't part of my plan." Then he walked off the stage.

Jarvis and Ana immediately surrounded Tony, dodging the flashes and avoiding the reporters' cameras.

Ignoring Jarvis and Ana's attempts to stop him, the reporters peppered Tony with questions. Then Obadiah stepped forward. "Alright, calm down our Tony. He just lost his parents, and he's so heartbroken he can't even finish his farewell speech."

The camera's view shifted from Tony being embraced by Rhodey, dressed in his Lieutenant Colonel uniform, to Stane.

"Howard, he's always been my friend. We shared a common goal: to build Stark Industries. Stark Industries is the greatest thing in my life, and especially in Howard's. Unfortunately, he and Maria were planning to stay in Long Island for a few days before heading to the Bahamas over Christmas break, when Howard got drunk and drove…"

Stephen turned off the TV and sat on the sofa, sighing. He should be there for Tony, just like when Donna passed away, Tony held his hand. Today, he should have been standing by Tony's side, holding him tightly in his arms and kissing him.

But his mother had just left them, and Stephen was thinking he should go find Tony, apologize, and ask for his forgiveness for being such a bastard.

Thinking of this, he walked out of the lounge without saying a word. He wanted to find Tony. Although he didn't know where Tony was going, he was willing to spend time looking for Tony. He could think of several places Tony would go. He could think of several places Tony might be.

Stephen drove through the American night, searching for several places Tony usually frequented, but he couldn't find him. The evening was almost dawn.

Stephen's car finally arrived at Stark Mansion, but there was exciting music coming from inside. Why was there such a loud noise inside?

Stephen got out of the car. The iron gate of Stark Mansion was open. He pushed it open and came in, but he did not forget to close it. Stark Mansion is mainly a mansion, and there is a residence next to it, which should be the residence of Jarvis and Ana. Isn’t Tony afraid of disturbing Jarvis and Ana?

He knocked on the door. "Tony? It's me, Stephen." He couldn't help but roll his eyes. The noise inside was so loud that it completely drowned out his own voice.

Stephen turned the doorknob and was shocked by the scene inside. It didn't look like the home of someone who had just lost their parents. There were many women of the same age whom he didn't know having a party at Tony's place.

At this time, many women were looking at Stephen. They were attracted by Stephen's appearance. They walked up to Stephen, thinking that he was also called by Tony to join the party.

Stephen blushed and avoided them. He looked for Tony in the dim light. There was no sign of Tony on the first floor. The basement was Tony's father's laboratory, and it had been locked by Tony.

Stephen finally managed to "escape" from the first floor. Unable to bear the noise, he made his way to the second floor. The music was still audible there, but it was much better.

The first floor consists of the Stark Family's meeting room, dining room, living room, several bathrooms, toilets, servants' and gardener's rooms. The second floor is their private area, consisting of two bedrooms, Tony's father's study, Tony's mother's dressing room and cloakroom, and another room. As Stephen passed the first room, he heard laughter and strange noises coming from the room.

Stephen could vaguely hear the sound. His instincts told him not to open the door. Nothing was happening inside, but the sound felt like a sharp knife stabbing into his heart.

But Stephen couldn't help himself, gently pushing the door open. It was a room with several windows, bathed in soft yellow light. He could see a piano, a glass of wine resting on the keys, and two people were embracing on a white leather sofa.(1)Stephen's body stiffened unconsciously, but he still walked forward lightly.

It was then that Stephen saw that one of them was Tony. His voice was faster than his actions: "What are you doing?"

Tony and the woman were staring at Stephen. The woman covered her private parts, while Tony lay disheveled on the sofa. Stephen could smell the alcohol on Tony.

Stephen's heart swelled with anger. Anger welled up in Stephen's heart. "Is this your negative attitude towards losing your parents? Drinking constantly and then finding a woman to have sex with?"

How was Tony any different from his father? Fortunately, his father was very loyal to his mother.

Tony's expression showed no concern, which only infuriated Stephen. "I was planning on apologizing and saying I was wrong! But there's no need for that now! You're an asshole!"

Tony looked at Stephen bewilderedly, then burped. "You don't even know me. I've always been this way."

"Yeah! Don't ever look for me again! We're breaking up!" Stephen grabbed the wine from the piano keys and threw it at Tony. As he turned and walked away, he heard Tony's cries of pain and the woman's terrified screams.

Stephen ignored the groans of pain and screams of terror behind him. He turned and left Stark Mansion without hesitation. He got in his car and drifted casually through the streets of New York.

Stephen soon arrived at a beach. He got out of the car and walked on the sand, gazing at the abyssal ocean. Then Stephen finally broke down, crying out, "Ahhh!!! I hate you!!! I hate you, you asshole!!!"

He was like a child kicking the sand, but he slipped and fell, tears streaming from his eyes. How could he forget what he had been like before met Tony? A playboy with a cocky attitude and nasty words. Why had he been so foolish as to give his heart to Tony?

Stephen looked at the bracelet on his right hand. He took it off and planned to throw it into the sea. But his hands were shaking. He thought about the time when Tony gave him the bracelet, he thought about kissing Tony on the terrace, he thought about how Tony had always been by his side after Donna died.

Stephen bit his lip and whispered, "Tony Stark, you asshole."

December 1991

After that night filled with tears and anger, Stephen and Tony's worlds parted ways. Stephen broke up with Tony, and Tony never contacted him again. For Stephen, the three years from 1988 to 1991 felt like a fleeting, brilliant dream.

January 1992

The headlines in major media outlets were dominated by the news that Tony had inherited Stark Industries and become the new CEO. Stephen would occasionally pass by newsstands and see updates on Tony's progress. Forbes magazine was particularly splashy, featuring Tony on the cover, dressed in a sharp suit, his hair seemingly longer than it had been on that unpleasant night. Behind Tony was Obadiah Stane, whom he disliked, and the headline read: "The New Kid Tony Stark takes reigns at 21."

Stephen ignored the news, devoting all his energy to medical school.

In 1994, Stephen finally graduated from Columbia University Medical School with the highest honors, and ultimately received both a Doctor of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy degree. He received offers from several prestigious hospitals, but he ultimately chose New York Hospital as an intern.

By this time, he and Tony had been separated for three years, and he had personally banished Tony from his life. Yet, news of Tony continued to permeate his life. For example, Rhodey, now in the US Air Force, became the liaison between Stark Industries and the US Armed Forces, meaning Tony was supplying weapons to the military.

Isn't that ironic?

He was a doctor, a man who had sworn the Hippocratic Oath; he respected life. Tony was an arms dealer, selling weapons to the military; he disregarded life.

At some point, Tony began to be labeled the "Merchant of Death" by the media. Whenever news reports about Tony were published, he would express disdain. Others assumed he disliked Tony, but who would have guessed that he and Tony Stark had once been lovers?

From 1991 to 1994, Stephen devoted all his energy to study and work. But one day he received a call from Victor.

"Victor? Didn't I already give this month's living expenses to you and Dad?" Stephen's tone was filled with impatience.

"In your mind, are Dad and I just people who ask you for money?!" Victor said angrily.

Stephen suppressed his anger. "What else do you want to say? If you want to come to me complaining about not having enough money or some teenage trouble, I don't have time..."

"Can you please stop being so self-centered and putting your own thoughts on others?" Victor lowered his voice. "It's Dad. He's dying!"

Stephen was bewildered by Victor's words and fell silent. How could it be possible? Aside from his excessive drinking, hadn't his dad always been in good health?

"Are you listening?"

"What happened?"

"...pancreatic cancer, terminal."

Pancreatic cancer? Stephen knew his father wouldn't live long. Once pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in the terminal stage, life is limited to a few months. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer is silent and difficult to detect in its early stages.

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Do you think I didn't want to tell you? It was Dad who insisted. He didn't want you to worry about living expenses, work, and his health." Victor's voice softened as he spoke. "Stephen, Dad misses you... Can you please come back?" His words were filled with a plea for Stephen.

Stephen swallowed. He had never told anyone. Even though he was a doctor, he didn't like facing the separation of life and death, especially from his family.

He could no longer bear any more tragedy, unwilling to face the death of another family member, but he still said to Victor, "I'll be back in a few days..."

"Stephen, Dad and I will be waiting for you."

Although Stephen promised to come back on the phone, a few days later, Victor's face was filled with an indescribable disappointment. He kept calling Stephen, but besides being rejected, all he received were some cold text messages, the contents of which were all excuses about flight cancellations due to heavy snow.

At home in Nebraska, Eugene's body became extremely thin due to pancreatic cancer, and his skin and the whites of his eyes turned yellow due to the disease. Lying in bed, he softly asked his youngest son, "Victor. Stephen hasn't come back yet?"

Victor sat by Eugene's bedside, "Dad, just hold on. Stephen will come back." He knew that even if Eugene hadn't fulfilled his responsibilities as a father, he had still been the only one who had been with him for sixteen years while he was growing up.

Eugene was supposed to be receiving treatment in the hospital, but for the past few days, he insisted on returning home. Victor was reluctant at first, but when he heard the doctor tell him that his father wanted to spend his last days at home, he took his father home.

Eugene looked at his youngest son, his eyes full of apology towards Victor. He felt extremely guilty towards his youngest son because he had not fulfilled his responsibilities as a father and often let Victor handle things alone.

"Victor, I don't think Stephen will come back. I long to see him... but I know he hates me. Ever since Donna died, I've been a coward, ignoring you and your mother. After the farm failed, I left the responsibility of the family entirely on him."

Victor wiped tears from his eyes when he heard Donna's name. He whispered, "Dad, I've never hated you, and Stephen certainly won't. He's a man of his word. If he said he'd come back, he would."

Eugene summoned his last bit of strength and addressed his youngest son, "Victor, after I'm gone, you and Stephen must take care of each other. I have some money, and I'll leave it to you. You can sell this place and move to New York and Stephen."

Victor shook his head, tears welling in his blue eyes. "I don't want it, Dad. This is our home for the five of us. I don't want to sell it."

Eugene gently patted Victor's head. "Vic, do you want to be alone here? Listen, go find Stephen."

"Dad, I want to stay here. This is my home. Donna and Mom have lived their lives in this house."

Eugene looked at the ceiling. "I'm sorry about your Mom and Donna, too. You can place my ashes next to your Mom and Donna later. I'm sorry to bother you..."

"Dad?" Victor looked at Eugene, who was still staring at the ceiling. He leaned against Eugene's heart and closed his eyes, just like when Eugene held him when he was a child. He listened to his father's strong heartbeat, while his mother held Donna's hand and Stephen walked between them.

But he could not hear his father's heartbeat.

………

When Stephen received Victor's call in New York, he poured all his time into work, trying to numb himself with endless busyness. At the hospital, he performed five consecutive complex surgeries, all with astonishing success. His name, Stephen Strange, became known throughout the hospital, and his colleagues hailed him as a rising star in the medical field.

After working all night for several consecutive days, Stephen finally got a short break. Victor had stopped calling and texting.

At least he could relax himself, so he came to the bar. Although he was physically tired, he thought this was his ideal life.

At this moment, Stephen felt a strong gaze staring at him. He raised his head and saw a slim woman with blonde hair and blue eyes staring at him.

Stephen simply nodded, not paying much attention. The bartender handed him a new drink. Stephen glanced at it and said, "I don't think I ordered that drink."

The bartender pointed in a direction. "That lady over there is treating you."

Stephen looked in the direction the bartender pointed. It was the blonde woman. He raised his glass and gently offered it to her. "Thank you for the drink."

The woman walked over to Stephen and sat down in the chair beside him. "Are you alone?"

"If you're not mistaken, I'm obviously alone." Stephen looked at the glass in his hand, then looked up at the woman. "I wonder what you want from me."

The woman gave him a charming look. "Let me see, you're a doctor."

Stephen felt a pang of interest at being guessed. "How did you guess that?"

The woman pretended to think, her hand slowly stroking Stephen's. "You look like a neat person, and you have a habit of putting things in your dominant hand."

Stephen looked at the woman's hand, not objecting to her touching him. He sipped his wine. "You're an intelligent woman."

"So, are you willing to examine me, Doctor?" the woman's seductive voice echoed in Stephen's ears, her scent tangling in his.

The next moment, Stephen was kissing the woman as he opened the door to his apartment. Entering the bedroom, Stephen and the woman undressed each other, their clothes scattered carelessly on the floor. Stephen pushed her down onto the bed.

The shrill, rapid ringing of the doorbell rudely shattered the morning tranquility, waking Stephen from his slumber. Dissatisfaction filled his face. He looked at the woman beside him, who shared a similarly displeased expression. Stephen put on his robe, walked out of the room, and opened the door.

"Victor? Why are you here?" Stephen's usually arrogant face looked at his younger brother, who was about to turn sixteen and was wearing a black jacket and black trousers. Victor's face was haggard beyond his years, looking like a man in his thirties or forties.

Victor didn't say anything, but rushed straight into Stephen's apartment. He looked at the men's and women's clothes scattered on the floor. He just stared at the ground without blinking, but his hands were clenched into fists.

Stephen was also helpless at Victor's actions. He closed the door and scratched his head. "Why did you come here unannounced? I have to go to work. Did you tell Dad?"

Victor turned around and, without hesitation, struck Stephen's chin with his fist.

Stephen didn't have time to react. Before he could say anything, Victor spoke up, "What right do you have to mention Dad, Stephen Strange!"

Victor tugged at Stephen's robe. "Are you even human?! I told you Dad was dying! Why didn't you listen? Dad's gone! I handled Dad's affairs all by myself!"

Stephen's body stiffened. Dad was gone... He hadn't seen his dad for the last time. Dad had passed away without him.

He left Victor, who was only fifteen years old, to deal with his father's funeral alone.

The woman who had slept with Stephen all night was wrapped in the blanket, her clothes and underwear scattered across the living room. "Stephen? Who is he?"

Stephen hid his face. Why did she come out at this hour?

"I'd rather believe you were too busy with work to see Dad one last time, but you actually slept with an ugly bastard."

The woman looked offended by Victor's words: "Who are you calling ugly?! Stephen, who is this rude person?!"

"Do you know that before Dad left, he was thinking about you the whole time? He wanted to see you! But what about you? You made Dad leave disappointed, and you've made me even more disappointed in you!" Victor loosened Stephen's robe and stormed off. Victor loosened Stephen's robe and stormed off.

Stephen watched Victor close the door.

The woman angrily said, her words dripping with contempt for Victor: "Stephen, this guy is so rude. He looks like someone without parental education."

"You're the rude one! He's my only brother. Pack your clothes and leave!" Stephen quickly put his clothes back on. "You better close the door for me."

The woman made a face, snorted, and picked up her clothes from the floor.

"Vic!" Stephen rushed out of the door and chased after Victor. Just when he was about to catch up with Victor and saw Victor's figure, he suddenly heard the sound of a car braking suddenly in front of him, followed by the sound of something being hit.

The sharp sound of tires screeching shattered the morning silence, followed by the muffled sound of metal colliding with flesh. Stephen felt his heart stop for a moment.

He saw with his own eyes a speeding car hit Victor. The immense force of the impact sent Victor flying off the ground, and he fell heavily to the cold ground a few meters away.

"Victor! Victor!" Stephen cried out in agony, rushing to Victor's side without hesitation.

Victor groaned in pain on the ground. Victor was groaning in pain on the ground. Stephen looked at the large area of severe abrasions on Victor's face. Victor's breathing became weak and rapid. He coughed fragilely, and bright red blood kept pouring out of his nose and mouth.

The driver, his hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, panicked. He defended himself to Stephen in a trembling voice, "He just rushed out of nowhere. It's not my fault..."

Stephen carefully stroked Victor's bloodied and bruised face with trembling hands. His voice became hoarse with fear: "Vic, it's going to be okay. I...I...I'm taking you to the hospital now, I will save you." His words were full of promise to Victor. Stephen roared at the panicked crowd around him, his voice nearly broken: "Call an ambulance! Call an ambulance!"

Victor's eyes gradually lost their luster, and he stared at Stephen with a distraught look.

Victor squeezed Stephen's hand tightly with his last remaining strength, his voice almost inaudible: "Stevie... It hurts... Can you take me home? Mom and Dad and Donna are waiting for us..."

"Vic? Vic!" Stephen kept repeating. He heard Victor's childhood nickname for him, and recalled how Victor always followed him, his voice slurring, "Stevie... Wait for me... Wait for me..."

And he always helplessly picked up Victor, stroking his soft brown hair. "It's Stephen, you little fool."

Stephen watched Victor's body lie motionless in his arms. Just like his mother, Victor died in front of him.

Eventually, street cameras confirmed that Victor had indeed run out of the road, but the driver who caused the accident was speeding and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Because Victor died in New York, no funeral home was willing to transport his body back to distant Nebraska in the cold December.

Stephen had no choice but to cremate Victor's body, then personally carried the ashes aboard a plane to bury Victor near his family.

Stephen looked at Victor's brand-new tombstone. It read: "Victor Eugene Strange, December 24, 1978 - December 21, 1994, Stephen and Donna's bravest and most upright brother, Eugene and Beverly's one and only youngest son, R.I.P."

Victor's sixteenth birthday was only three days away...

He looked at the tombstone next to Victor's. It was his father's. It read: "Eugene Stephen Strange, April 16, 1940 - December 15, 1994, Stephen, Donna, and Victor's strict father, Beverly's husband, R.I.P."

December 15th... that was the day he was most free; he didn't have to undergo surgery.

Next to his father's was his mother's tombstone, inscribed: "Beverly Donna Strange, June 12, 1945 - December 14, 1991, loving and gentle mother of Stephen, Donna, and Victor, wife of Eugene, R.I.P."

And the tombstone that had been there for five years read: "Donna Beverly Strange, March 8, 1972 - November 17, 1989, loving and lively sister of Stephen and Victor, only daughter of Eugene and Beverly, R.I.P."

Stephen looked at these four tombstones. In just five short years, he had lost four loved ones, as well as his once beloved lover, Tony Stark.

Stephen looked back at his former home. He carefully packed the important family belongings into a suitcase. After cleaning, he locked the door tightly. He would not sell the house.

He carried the heavy luggage, which contained the most precious belongings of his parents, Donna, and Victor, and walked to the four tombstones again. He said to the family members buried there: "I will come back to visit you."

Chapter Text

It seemed as if God was overly cruel to Stephen's experience. After five years of internship at New York Hospital, his life finally became peaceful and busy.

Tony experienced the death of his parents in 1991, and after becoming CEO of Stark Industries in 1992, Ana and Jarvis, who had always been by his side, passed away in 1995.

Ana died of a sudden heart attack, and Jarvis followed two months later.

Tony moved from Stark Mansion in New York to Malibu, where he met two people who would become crucial to his life: Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan.

⋯⋯

In 1999, Stephen met Christine Palmer, a newly appointed surgeon at Metro-General Hospital.

Stephen had to admit that Christine was a brilliant woman, and the two worked together seamlessly.

Stephen also began specializing in neurosurgery, focusing his research on the formation of new nerve cells.

December 26th

Stephen received an invitation to the upcoming "2000 Bern Science Conference" in Switzerland.

Taking advantage of Christine's free time, he extended his invitation: "Dr. Palmer, would you like to attend the Bern Science Conference with me?"

"Bern Science Conference? Dr. Strange, why would you invite me?" Christine raised an eyebrow. "You should ask your girlfriend or someone you're interested in to attend this event."

She and Stephen had known each other for less than three months, and he actually invited her to the Bern Science Conference. Wasn't he afraid that people would think they were a couple?

Stephen gave a wry smile. Ever since the day Victor passed away, he had kept his distance from other women.

He said to Christine, "I don't have a girlfriend, nor do I have a romantic partner. I wanted to invite you because you're a very knowledgeable person, and the Bern Science Conference is a gathering of scholars, so I think it would be helpful for you."

Christine gave him an understanding look. "I appreciate your comment on the accuracy of your first and second sentences. When is the Bern Science Conference?"

"December 31st. Perhaps we could spend the last day of 1999 together and welcome the new millennium."

Christine thought for a moment, then said, "That sounds appealing. I think I could accept."

"So you agree?"

"Yes, Dr. Strange. I think you'd learn a lot about medicine and science there."

Stephen nodded. "Then we can take time off on the 30th to go to Switzerland. The Bern Science Conference will arrange the flights and accommodation, and I'll have them add a room for one more person accompanying you."

"Thank you, Dr. "Strange, I'm going to work now."

December 31st

Stephen, dressed in a smart black tuxedo, glanced at the watch on his left wrist. Christine should be coming down soon.

Stephen saw Christine in an elegant yellow dress, her hair tied in a delicate bun, and a pair of emerald green earrings dangling from her ears.

Stephen had to admit that compared to her sharp and capable image at the hospital, Christine now looked softer and more beautiful.

"Dr. Strange, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," Christine apologized to Stephen.

Stephen shook his head. "I can't wait five minutes, Dr. Palmer. We still have time, May I?" he offered.

"Of course," Christine gently lifted Stephen's arm.

Since the Bern Science Conference was being held at their hotel, they could easily reach the venue by elevator.

After writing their names on their name tags, they prepared to enter the venue. A commotion erupted outside, and they curiously looked toward its source, wondering who had caught the reporters' attention.

"Mr. Stark, look over here!"

"Mr. Stark, is that the woman next to you the scientist, Miss Hansen?"

"Tony Stark! I love you!"

Stephen's body stiffened when he heard Tony's name. It was Tony. He hadn't seen Tony in eight years, and he hadn't expected to see him again today.

Tony's voice wafted from the entrance: "You have so many cameras, where do you want me to look... Hey, didn't you see her name tag?... Come on, don't fall in love with me..."

Stephen looked at a sturdy man in a suit standing in front. Behind him stood Tony, wearing sunglasses, his tieless and his shirt unbuttoned.

Stephen remembered that Tony didn't like to dress so formally, but who would wear sunglasses so late at night?

Stephen's sharp eyes noticed that Tony's nametag read, "You know who I am."

It really suited Tony's style. Who in this world didn't know Tony Stark?

Compared to Tony eight years ago, Tony now had a beard, which suited him perfectly, whether he had one or not.

Just as Stephen wondered if Tony would notice him, Tony and Hansen passed by Christine and him.

Tony didn't see him…

"Is that Tony Stark and Maya Hansen? I didn't expect Tony Stark to be there. Are they a couple?" Christine's face was filled with surprise.

She turned to Stephen beside her. "Dr. Strange? Are you okay?"

Stephen continued to stare at Tony as he left. "I'm fine. He's a self-centered person, isn't he?" His words were filled with sarcasm towards Tony.

Christine knew Stephen was referring to Tony: "Dr. Strange, I've heard people say you don't like Tony Stark?"

Stephen nodded: "Yes, let's take our seats."

The Bern Science Conference began at 8:30 PM and lasted until 11:30 PM. Dozens of speakers from diverse backgrounds and professions gave speeches.

These included Tony, Hansen, Killian, and Yinsen.

After Yinsen finished his speech, Christine clapped her hands and whispered to Stephen, "That's Dr. Ho Yinsen, a skilled combat surgeon in Afghanistan."

Stephen clapped his hands back: "He's an outstanding doctor."

It was then Killian's turn to speak. Although the content of his speech didn't impress Stephen and Christine, they still applauded Killian's determination and perseverance in overcoming his physical disability to found AIM.

Hansen then presented his research findings on a revolutionary genetic code rewriting technology called "Extremis."

"Hansen is a scientist specializing in biological DNA coding. If Extremis succeeds, it could also mean the human body could heal and regenerate from physical injuries, deformities, and even psychological damage. This includes the ability to regrow severed limbs in a very short period of time, various body enhancements, and the ability to generate heat." Christine's tone was filled with admiration for Hansen.

"Heat generation? What's the use of that?" Stephen frowned. Hansen's "Extremis" sounded promising, but what practical use could that so-called heat generation have? Staying warm?

After Hansen finished his speech, the host took the podium, his voice filled with excitement and passion: "Ladies and gentlemen, we now turn the floor over to the world's foremost genius, inventor, playboy, and philanthropist, Tony Stark!"

Amidst enthusiastic applause from the audience, Tony staggered onto the stage.

Stephen looked closely at Tony. He had a ridiculous hat, provided by the conference, on his head, and his gait seemed a bit unsteady.

Stephen could tell instantly that Tony was clearly drunk. He raised an eyebrow and whispered, "How much did he drink?"

Tony's intoxication wasn't noticeable to the audience, because he seemed perfectly aware of it in front of everyone else.

Tony's speech was about the latest research in integrated circuits. Even though it was different from Stephen's area of ​​expertise, he listened intently.

When Tony finished, the audience erupted in applause again, and Stephen clapped softly as well.

"I thought you didn't listen to Tony Stark's speech because you didn't like him, but you surprisingly paid attention," Christine said, turning to look at Stephen.

"Even though I don't like him, he's still a smart guy," Stephen said, looking at Tony, who had returned to his seat.

"You seem like a person who sees things in a very black-and-white way."

"Do I?"

When the last speaker finished, it was already 11:30 p.m. Stephen and Christine were about to leave when he saw Yinsen approaching Tony and Hansen, who were chatting and flirting with each other.

Tony was still wearing his hat, which lacked any aesthetic standards. Yinsen then led Tony to a Chinese man. If Stephen remembered correctly, the Chinese man was Dr. Wu.

Stephen had read Dr. Wu's research. He was a cardiologist who combined Chinese and Western medicine and a scientist with a deep understanding of ancient Chinese culture.

Tony and Dr. Wu shook hands. Stephen watched as Tony said something to Dr. Wu, whose expression darkened.

Tony and Hansen then left the venue. Stephen could still see Killian, leaning on his crutches, trying to catch up with Tony.

"Dr. Strange? Let's go back to our room and rest," Christine said to Stephen.

Stephen thought for a moment and said, "Dr. Palmer, since today is New Year's Eve, why don't we go out and find a bar to celebrate the New Year?"

Stephen pondered for a moment. "Dr. Palmer, since it's New Year's Eve, why don't we go out and find a bar to celebrate?" His tone held a rare sense of ease and joy, as if he'd taken a break from the rigorous and stressful routine of his surgeon's job.

When Stephen suggested celebrating New Year's Eve at the bar, Christine was surprised that Stephen would actually invite her to spend it with him. The invitation came so unexpectedly, yet with such sincerity that it was hard to refuse. She briefly considered returning to her room to rest, but then she realized that spending New Year's Eve alone in a foreign country would be a bit of a letdown. Besides, perhaps being with such a talented colleague might spark something new.

So she finally agreed, a faint smile playing on her face. "Okay, it's only about 15 minutes, so we should still have time to go to the bar."

Stephen smiled. "I think we have plenty of time."

⋯⋯

When Stephen and Christine arrived at a nearby bar where quite a few people had already gathered, despite the freezing cold outside, the bar was bustling with activity and warmth. People gathered in groups of three or five, their faces brimming with anticipation and excitement for the new millennium. The air was filled with the distinctive aroma of alcohol, perfume, and laughter. After all, people were celebrating the arrival of the year 2000, the dawn of a new era.

Stephen led Christine through the throng, eventually finding a relatively quiet corner and ordering a cocktail for her. Christine raised her glass to Stephen. "Thank you for inviting me, Dr. Strange. This Bern Science Conference has been incredibly beneficial. I've learned a lot and gained new insights into my research."

Stephen gently swirled his glass, the ice in it making a crisp sound. He looked into Christine's grateful eyes, his lips curling up slightly in a genuine smile. He said calmly, "I'm so glad this event was helpful to you. You're a brilliant woman."

This made Christine's cheeks flush slightly, and she felt a little embarrassed.

A waiter approached with a snack and said to the two with a warm smile, "This is for you. Happy New Year in advance. You look like a lovely couple."

This made Christine freeze. She was about to explain, but Stephen simply smiled politely and took the snack from the waiter. "Thank you. She's a beautiful woman. Happy New Year to you, too."

As the waiter walked away, Christine looked at Stephen with a hint of embarrassment. She whispered, "Dr. Strange, how did you let people misunderstand us as..."

Stephen gently placed his glass on the bar. "Dr. Palmer, if we explain directly, it'll be awkward for the waiter. Why don't we pretend to be a couple and enjoy the New Year's Eve countdown, and we'll just have to know the truth."

Just then, the bar began to count down loudly. In the lively atmosphere, Christine gradually forgot her previous awkwardness. An excited smile spread across her face, and she joined the crowd in shouting, "5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Happy New Year!"

When the New Year's bell rang, Stephen raised the glass in his hand and shook it gently: "Happy New Year, Christine." This was the first time he called her by her name without any title.

This surprised Christine somewhat. She raised her glass and clinked it against his, a clear clink. "Happy New Year, Stephen."

Stephen looked at Christine's beautiful face and a thought occurred to him: perhaps being with this beautiful and intelligent woman would be a good choice.

11 years ago, Tony had been by his side during the New Year's Eve countdown, and 11 years later, Christine was by his side.

But Stephen could not have imagined that on New Year's Eve, Tony had created an enemy for himself. This enemy would fully erupt on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 13 years later, bringing unimaginable disaster upon Tony.

And Hansen's "Extremis" would save Tony's life, allowing him to continue living.

⋯⋯
2008

For Stephen, 2008 marked a significant turning point in his life.

Stephen admitted to being attracted to Christine, and the two began dating in 2003, three years after they met. Later, that same year, Stephen and Christine jointly invented the laminectomy.

The success of the laminectomy inflated his inherent pride, and Stephen longed to take full credit for the technique. After all, at only 33, he had become the world's youngest neurosurgeon, a feat he wouldn't mind including on his resume.

But he ultimately chose to name the technique the Strange Palmer Method.

In order to better match his growing status, Stephen even moved from an apartment to a high-end building. Even though half of the cost was paid with a student loan, the shining medals and trophies, as well as the piano in the apartment that could be used to train hand muscle flexibility at any time, became strong evidence of his success.

February 12th

On a rare day off, Stephen had booked a table at a prestigious, upscale restaurant to surprise Christine.

The restaurant's atmosphere was elegant and luxurious, with crystal chandeliers gently shimmering in every corner. The waiters, dressed in crisp uniforms, exuded a sense of trained professionalism in their every move.

Christine sat across from Stephen, her womanly instinct telling her that this dinner was anything but ordinary; this restaurant was far superior to any other date they'd ever had.

When the appetizers arrived, she gently poked the food on her plate with her fork and asked with a hint of joking, "This is pretty fancy. Did you have to take out another student loan?"

Stephen couldn't help but laugh at her words. He picked up the napkin on his lap, gently wiped his mouth, and jokingly replied, "Nah, I just sold one of those kidneys that we operated last week."

Christine smiled helplessly. "So, um, I got you a little something." She pulled a beautifully wrapped gift box from her handbag, carefully placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Stephen. "Congratulations."

Stephen looked at the gift with a puzzled expression, looking at Christine with a hint of confusion, "What is it?"

"Open it and see." Christine didn't mention the gift directly, but let Stephen open it himself.

Stephen opened the box, his eyes flashing with disbelief and surprise. The gift he saw was a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetua watch, a watch of considerable value.

Stephen looked at Christine, who smiled. "Christine, this is... This is amazing. Thank you..."

Stephen took the watch out of the box and turned it over to examine the back. Small inscription read: "Time will tell how much I love you~Christine."

"We're not friends, Christine. We were barely lovers," Stephen said with a touch of emotion, putting his watch on his left wrist.

Christine softly replied, "Then I'll be grateful for your guidance from now on, Stephen."

Time has always been a magical thing for Stephen. It can bring about change and reveal the truth. He enjoys letting time prove those feelings he can't express.

After Stephen sent Christine home, he returned to his luxury apartment alone. As soon as he entered the door, he turned on the TV and went into the cloakroom to change into comfortable home clothes. The news was playing on TV, and when he heard the deep voice of the news anchor, he was stunned.

"Today, Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Industries, was on his private jet to Afghanistan to demonstrate the latest technology missile, the Jericho. On his way back to the US, he was attacked. His escort was completely destroyed, and Tony Stark's whereabouts are currently unknown. It's believed he was kidnapped, and the US military has deployed numerous soldiers to search for him... Tony Stark had just arrived in Las Vegas yesterday to attend Caesar's Palace, but he was not present to accept the Apogee Award. Obadiah Stane, COO of Stark Industries, accepted the award on his behalf."

Stephen's relief vanished when he heard Tony's whereabouts were unknown. He rushed to the living room and stared intently at the TV screen. The image switched to Rhodey, dressed in his Air Force Colonel uniform. Fourteen years had passed… Rhodey had risen from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel. Compared to the Rhodey he'd seen on TV in 1991, his face had lost its youthful immaturity, instead gaining a sense of maturity and composure.

Stephen looked at Rhodey's serious face and listened to him tell the media: "We will do everything we can to save Tony Stark. At this time, we still believe he is still alive."

"So, you don't know where Mr. Stark was kidnapped? And who kidnapped him?"

"Of course we don't know where he was kidnapped. We've asked the Afghan government to send someone to search for him. I believe Tony Stark has many enemies, and we'll investigate them as well."

The screen changed to the anchor: "Obadiah Stane delivered a three-minute speech regarding Tony Stark's kidnapping."

When the TV screen switched again, Stane, dressed in a sharp suit, a subtle trace of grief on his face, said, "Tony... I told him not to go to Afghanistan, but he still told me, 'Obie, we're Stark Industries. We sell arms, but we also protect America and our soldiers.' He's like Howard during World War II, wanting to see young Americans being used by the weapons he built to defend them. 'Jericho,' but today he was attacked and even kidnapped... May God bless Tony, and may Howard bless him and Stark Industries."

Stephen stared coldly at Stane on TV. He had always disliked him. He always felt that Stane was a cunning old fox, his eyes always harboring some hidden calculation. He also knew that Tony trusted Stane completely, which struck him as incredibly ironic.

Tony had always been like this. With the exception of his father, he trusted everyone, just like he trusted Jarvis and his mother. But Rhodey seemed to be the only person Tony could truly let down his guard, and he was willing to trust Rhodey with his life.

Stephen pinched the bridge of his nose, his heart swirling with conflict. Should he call Rhodey? But he had no idea if Rhodey would even answer his call, not even if his phone number had changed.

He knew Tony had completely cut him and Hope out of his life years ago.

Stephen pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't know why he cared so much about Tony's life or death; he only knew he wanted him to be safe. He opened a drawer, pulled out a square box, and pulled out the bracelet Tony had given him years ago.

He had kept the bracelet hidden in the box since that day at the beach. Stephen put it on his right wrist. He didn't know why, but it gave him a glimmer of Tony's presence.

For the first time, he had felt the possibility of Tony's death so clearly.

Three months had passed since Tony's kidnapping. February had quickly turned into May. Stephen's work remained as busy as ever, but he would secretly track down news reports about Tony through the news and newspapers, unbeknownst to others and Christine. Many media outlets had reported that Tony might have died.

But Stephen firmly believed that Rhodey could find Tony, and he also believed that Tony was still alive.

May 21st

Eight days before Tony's 38th birthday, Stephen, fresh from a complex surgery, walked wearily into the staff room.

As he entered, he saw Christine sitting on the sofa, her eyes fixed on the TV screen. She turned around and said to him, "Stephen, watch some TV."

Stephen was puzzled. He took a sip of water and replied nonchalantly, "TV? What's so good about it?"

"Watching TV will help you, Strange," West said, looking back at Stephen from the sofa, a mocking tone.

Stephen rolled his eyes. Stephen rolled his eyes, he knew West had always been hostile to him and he didn’t bother to pay attention to him.

But when he saw the title "Stark Industries Press Conference" appear on the TV, and the word "LIVE" in the upper right corner, his heart suddenly tightened.

He clenched his hands tightly, a horrible thought flashing through his mind: Could it be that Tony had really…

The next second, the TV screen switched, and he saw a crowd suddenly applauding. What were they applauding for?

Celebrating Tony's death?

The camera centered on Tony, dressed in a brown shirt, a lined suit, a brown tie with yellow dots, and brown leather shoes. His right hand was restrained, and his face was covered in scrapes and bruises.

Even with Stane beside him, Stephen was still happy that Tony was alive. Then, a moment later, his sanity returned to him: Seriously? After being kidnapped for three months, the first thing he did was hold a press conference? Without going to the hospital? Did he really think he was made of iron?

West said in shock, "As expected of Stark, even after being kidnapped for three months, he still managed to come back alive. He's really lucky."

Stane stood on the stage, while Tony was below, leaning against the podium. He said to the reporters, "Hey, would it be all right if everyone sat down?" Then Tony pulled a cheeseburger from his suit pocket.

Cheeseburger?

West and Christine were puzzled by Tony's behavior. Why would he suddenly pull a cheeseburger from his suit pocket?

But Stephen knew it was Tony's favorite food. Even though Stark had access to high-end cuisine every day, and Tony was half-Italian, even with Italian food, Tony still preferred cheeseburgers, this unhealthy fast food.

He remembered that when he used to visit Tony, he would always buy two cheeseburgers to share with Tony, and Tony would often steal his cheeseburgers.

One time, he looked at Tony as he stole a bite of his cheeseburger and asked, "Don't you already have a cheeseburger? Why do you always eat mine?"

Tony, crumbs hanging from the corners of his mouth, smiled and said, "Yours is better."

Stephen carefully examined the cheeseburger in his hand. "There's no difference. We buy our cheeseburgers from the same place."

Tony patted Stephen's head. "That's because it's your cheeseburger."

Stephen pulled his head back. "Don't mess up my hair." But he pulled Tony into his arms.

Stephen was immediately struck by the memory. Tony on TV raised his left hand: "Why don't you just sit down? That way you can see me, and I can be a little less formal and..." Before Tony could finish his words, he ate his cheeseburger.

The media and reporters all sat down on the floor at Tony's words, and the TV zoomed in, bringing Tony's face into sharper focus.

Stane sat next to Tony. Tony looked at Stane, who smiled at him. "Good to see you." Stane's smile was like a father seeing his son finally return safely. He nodded and patted Tony's shoulder.

"I never got to say goodbye to Dad," Tony whispered to Stane, then turned to the reporters: "I never got to say goodbye to my father."

Stephen leaned against the wall. Why had Tony suddenly brought up his father?

Tony continued chewing his cheeseburger, then put it down. He thought for a moment and said, "There are questions I would have asked him. I would have asked him how he felt about what this company did."

He paused, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, and said, "If he was conflicted, if he ever had doubts. Or maybe he was every inch the man we all remember from the newsreels... I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them."

At this moment, Stane glanced at Tony, curious about what he was trying to say.

"And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability."

As the reporters listened intently, a male reporter gently raised his pen, about to ask, "Mr. Stark."

"Hey, Ben."

"What happened over there?" Ben, watching Tony's thoughts, raised his own questions.

"I had my eyes opened." Tony stood up and walked to the podium. "I came to realize that I have more to offer this world than just making things that blow up."

Then Tony announced the shocking news: "And that is why, effectively immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark International."

The entire press conference fell into chaos. Everyone, including Stane, was shocked by the news. A large number of reporters immediately stood up and continued to question Tony.

Stephen, Christine, and West were all shocked by the news. They all knew that since Howard Stark, Stark Industries had always focused on weapons manufacturing, but now Tony had directly announced that he would shut down weapons production.

"Did Tony Stark become mentally disturbed because of his kidnapping?" West looked at Tony as he left the stage.

"But didn't he do a good thing?" Christine looked at West.

Stephen no longer had the heart to listen to Stane's nonsense. He said nothing, simply turned and walked out of the lounge. He knew the kidnapping incident in Afghanistan had directly prompted Tony's decision, which only made him even more curious about Tony's situation. What exactly had Tony been through in the past three months?

Before leaving, Stephen said to West, "Dr. West, I think you bought a lot of Stark Industries stock. You've lost a lot of money this time."

West's face darkened instantly.

A few days later.

A massive explosion occurred at Stark Industries' Arc Reactor, and then the news broke that Stane had died in a plane crash.

Stephen reflected that Tony would never escape the spotlight. As a doctor, Stephen naturally expressed deep regret for Stane's passing.

Tony picked up his speech card again and, after saying something irrelevant, said, "The truth is..." He looked at the camera and said, "I am Iron Man."

Stephen watched the Tony on TV. It seemed like he was a perfect match for the Tony of 1991, equally unpredictable. But compared to the Tony of 1991's feeble "This wasn't part of my plan," Tony's current "I am Iron Man" was so much more resolute.

But Stephen couldn't help but say, "What the hell is Iron Man?"

⋯⋯

May 2010

Ever since Tony revealed his identity as Iron Man, he seemed to have fallen in love with the feeling of maintaining world peace.

He often flew around New York in his red and gold armor, as if to announce his presence to the world. Stephen was puzzled by this. He couldn't understand why Tony was so high-profile. Wasn't he afraid of stealing the police's job?

The Stark Expo returned to the public's attention after 36 years. The last Stark Expo was in 1974, when he saw a video on television featuring Howard Stark inviting people to visit the Stark Expo in Queens.

He was only 4 years old at the time and wanted his parents to take him to visit, but his father thought that Stark Expo would not help him make money, and his mother had to take care of two-year-old Donna.

Stephen had no choice but to give up, but this time, Stephen had no intention of going to the Stark Expo. After all, he prefers medicine to science.

The day after Stark Expo opened, news reports were all about Stark Expo and Tony being asked to attend a congressional meeting in Washington, D.C. to discuss Tony's future as the famous superhero Iron Man.

Tony's congressional meeting was broadcast live on television nationwide. Stephen was surprised that Senator Stern would recruit Rhodey to oppose Tony. Stephen found it somewhat inconceivable. Didn't Stern know about Rhodey's relationship with Tony?

Tony then hacked into the congressional computer and revealed that the videos had nothing to do with him. He even discovered a video about Hammer Industries.

When Stephen saw the familiar face of Justin Hammer, even if Hammer had turned to ash, he would still recognize him.

He knew in college that Hammer always liked to bicker with Tony. He always liked to mention Howard Stark in front of Tony, as if he wanted to use Howard's achievements to suppress Tony.

Did Hammer think Howard could purify Tony?

"I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself, which is tantamount to indentured servitude or prostitution, depending on what state you're in. You can't have it." Tony said this, even provoking Stern while saying he was privatizing world peace.

This infuriated Stern so much that he forgot his own identity and cursed Tony directly.

Tony's actions were indeed provocative, but Stephen could tell that Tony was quite angry.

I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one?

He merged himself with the armor?

A few days later.

News reports blared about Tony handing over the CEO position at Stark Industries to Pepper Potts. So now Tony was giving up his job? He thought of the late Howard; he'd never imagined his son would hand over the company to an outsider, and Stane hadn't expected a woman to take the CEO position he'd always dreamed of.

Then Stephen was horrified once again. Why had Tony suddenly entered the Monaco Grand Prix?

He knew Tony could drive, but not everyone who could drive could participate in the Monaco Grand Prix. It was a race where people could die.

Sure enough, a man suddenly appeared on the track, wielding a whip-like weapon, and attacked Tony, severing the front of his car with it, causing it to crash along with several other cars.

The live broadcast was immediately interrupted afterwards. Even if Tony doesn't cause trouble, disaster will find him, right?

This was the second time he faced the possibility of Tony's death.

At the Stark Expo, Hammer Industries held its own weapons demonstration, titled "In Defense of Peace." After all, Hammer Industries now contracts weapons and equipment for the US military. But as Tony said, Hammer Industries is 15-20 years behind the world.

The man who attacked Tony at the Monaco Grand Prix was ultimately revealed to be Ivan Vanko, who was originally believed to have died in the prison explosion. His father was Anton Vanko, who had once worked with Howard Stark.

Stephen could only think of it as a dispute between two families.

The year 2011 was a year of peaceful and stable transition. The World War II hero, Captain America, was found on an iceberg. I wonder how Tony feels about this Captain America, whom he both loves and hates?

………

May 4, 2012

Metro-General Hospital, a busy hospital in New York, was even busier today.

The news reported that the whole of New York, especially Manhattan, was in chaos. The alien invasion turned the city into a battlefield and many citizens were injured. But the casualties could have been much worse.

But on the TV news, six heroes were saving the world. One of them, the one in the familiar red and gold armor, was the Tony he knew.

Stephen preferred to call him Tony rather than Iron Man.

There was also Captain America, a man with long blond hair in a stage costume and holding a hammer, Dr. Banner as the Hulk, and two men and women he didn't recognize.

Stephen pursed his lips and said to his colleague watching TV, "What are you still watching?! There are many injured people who need us! Dr. Palmer, you will be my assistant."

Christine nodded firmly, "Yes, Dr. Strange."

Stephen was used to listening to music while operating on others, but today he tacitly allowed his colleagues to play the radio.

"There are still many aliens emerging from a wormhole above Manhattan in New York. It's understood that the wormhole originally opened from the upper floors of Stark Tower. Some experts suggest this may be due to Stark Tower being the tallest building in Manhattan... We're now showing a live broadcast."

"The streets of New York City have become a battleground. The Army is here trying to contain the violence, but clearly, it's outmatched. And I have to say, in all my years of reporting, I've never seen anything like this. We have limited information on the team, but we do know that billionaire Tony Stark's Iron Man has intercepted a missile and is charging it toward a wormhole. We believe Iron Man is using it to attack the alien army."

Stephen suddenly stopped. Tony was charging toward a wormhole with a missile... his hands shaking involuntarily. How could Tony have rushed toward a wormhole without even thinking?

"Iron Man used Stark Tower as momentum to charge toward the wormhole. He made it directly there! He saved us and New York! But... the wormhole's opening is shrinking! Iron Man hasn't even appeared yet... the wormhole has already closed..."

The scalpel fell to the ground, and the sound of the scalpel brought many doctors and nurses, distracted by the sound of the radio, back to their senses.

Christine, on the other hand, looked at Stephen. She knew Stephen held himself to high standards. If anyone accidentally dropped a surgical instrument during his surgery, he would lash out and shoo them out.

But the person who dropped the surgical instruments was Stephen. Christine saw Stephen's expression of fear and terror. Christine had never seen Stephen like this before.

"Temple! Go get a new scalpel! Dr. Strange, are you okay?" Christine immediately arranged for Temple to fetch the scalpel, then said to Stephen, "Dr. Strange, I'll take over. I have experience with this type of surgery. You'll be my assistant."

Stephen nodded and swapped places with Christine. He pulled himself together; he had been distracted during the surgery.

"I see! Iron Man's fine! But he was falling at high speed and looked unconscious! Hulk saved him! He's back safe and sound!"

Stephen breathed a sigh of relief at the reporter's words, and his nerves relaxed. Tony was fine.

This was the third time he had faced the possibility of Tony's death.

New York is fine, Tony is fine, and the operation was successfully completed.

Stephen arrived at Christine's office. "Christine, are you ready to leave?"

"Almost. Give me five minutes. I'll just finish this patient's report."

"Today's surgery... Thank you for your help."

Christine patted Stephen's hand. "Stephen, how are you feeling today?"

"Yes, I was just distracted..." Stephen said, sitting in a chair with his feet up.

Christine covered the report. "Stephen, let's break up."

Stephen looked at her in disbelief. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"

Christine shook her head. "It's not your fault. I want you to truly understand yourself."

"What do you mean?"

Christine smiled helplessly. "What kind of person is Tony Stark to you?"

This question startled Stephen. He didn't understand why Christine would bring up Tony. She probably didn't know anything about him. He replied with a dismissive tone, "He's just a self-satisfied guy who only knows how to use his armor. He doesn't listen to advice and thinks money can solve any problem."

Christine raised her eyebrows. "I think this is the opinion of an ordinary person who doesn't like Tony Stark, Stephen. I used to think you were gloating over Tony Stark's misfortune, but today I think that's incorrect. Ever since you read the news about Tony Stark's kidnapping in Afghanistan, you've become more concerned about him. Of course, I mean that you've paid more attention to him."

Stephen fell silent. Did he seem that obvious?

She looked Stephen in the eye and continued, "I know what you're thinking. You've been hiding it well, but today in the operating room, your expression betrayed you. I've never seen you so frightened and terrified, not until you heard Tony Stark lead the missile toward the wormhole."

Stephen didn't expect Christine to observe his expression: "Christine..."

"Let me finish, Stephen. I'm not trying to blame you, but who is Tony Stark to you?"

Stephen leaned back in his chair. Who was Tony to him? Someone he hated? A friend? A stranger? Or perhaps a former lover?

Stephen stared at the floor. He wondered if he should tell Christine everything that had happened. Should he tell her about his relationship with Tony? He was afraid she would see him differently.

Stephen sat in his office chair, his hands clasped, looking at Christine with a complicated expression. He took a deep breath and said, "I hope what I'm about to say won't affect your opinion of me."

Christine simply said calmly, "You know I'm not that kind of person." She added, "Of course, it also depends on what you've done," with a hint of mischief in her words.

With Christine's encouragement, Stephen finally opened his heart and told Christine the past between him and Tony that had been buried for many years. He described their meeting and falling in love in 1988, Donna's death in 1989, his mother's death in 1991, and then Tony's parents died in a car accident, which eventually led to their breakup. In 1994, his father and Victor also passed away. He did not meet Tony again until the Berne Scientific Conference in 1999.

He looked up and said, "You know what happened next. I admit that I couldn't help but care about him because of everything he saw in the news, but Christine, I love you."

After listening to Stephen's story, Christine simply stepped forward and held him tightly in her arms. "Thank you for all the hard work you've done over the years. I can't imagine if I had lost everyone I loved in five years. Would I be able to get back on my feet like you did? Stephen, you're a very strong person."

He leaned against Christine's chest, greedily breathing in her scent. He knew that doing something like this in the office would completely shatter his image, but he didn't care at the moment. He just wanted to let go of his pride and ego for a moment in this warm embrace. He whispered, "Are you breaking up with me because I've been paying too much attention to him?"

Christine gently pushed him away, gently caressing his face. "Seriously? Stephen? Do you really think I'd break up with you because you've been paying too much attention to him?"

Stephen Confused, he asked, "Why else?"

He couldn't accept that their relationship had ended in such an unclear way.

Hearing his words, Christine let out a helpless smile: "Stephen, you're still in love with him."

Stephen froze. How could he still be in love with Tony?

Stephen, as if hearing a complete joke, said, "I'm in love with him? How is that possible?"

"Stephen, every time you learned of his accident, you pretended to be indifferent, but your expression deceived no one. And you were especially so today. When you learned he was back safely, you looked so relieved. Believe me, women's intuition is incredibly accurate."

Stephen's lips parted slightly, as if he were about to refute Christine's words. He lowered his head and whispered, "I... I feel like I've mentally cheated on you."

"I understand. Stephen, I'm breaking up because I want you to be happy. I'm not saying you won't be happy with me. You're a wonderful person and deserve the best love in the world, but I don't want you to feel guilty because of me. I want you to follow your heart." Christine whispered in his ear, "Even if time proves I love you, our love won't be romantic, but it can be like family and friendship."

Stephen gently pushed Christine away. His brilliant mind seemed to shut down at that moment. He could only whisper, almost whispering, "I don't know what to say..."

For Stephen, known for his eloquence, this statement was incredibly surprising.

Christine said jokingly, "Our Dr. Strange, who always spoke fluently, even on the operating table, sometimes had moments when he was speechless."

Stephen took a deep breath. "Christine, maybe we can't be together in this universe, but I will always love you... I love you. I love you in every universe."

These words weren't just a simple confession; they were his most sincere promise to her. He knew that even if they couldn't be together in the name of love, their love transcended the limitations of time and space. In every universe, he would love her deeply.

When Christine heard Stephen's words, a happy smile appeared on her face: "This is the most beautiful dialogue I have ever heard, Stephen." She knew how happy it was to meet a man who loved her in such a vast sea of people.

Even though she took the initiative to break up, even though the relationship could not last, she still thanked God for letting her meet him during this journey.

Hearing Christine's words, Stephen cracked a rare smile, a smile tinged with self-mockery and relief. He shook his head gently, his tone resigned, and said, "Well, it seems I'll just have to accept the breakup."

Stephen changed the subject, a sly glint in his eyes: "But I wonder if I'd be willing to take you home? As a boyfriend, for one last day."

"I do."

As they left the office, Stephen paused. "But I've always felt there must be more to your decision than just my concern for Tony."

"Stephen, there's another reason: you're too arrogant, and your focus on your career has made you neglect those around you." She continued, "Do you remember our interview with WHiH a few years ago?"

When Christine mentioned WHiH, Stephen's mind immediately flashed back to a moment from a few years ago: they had just completed a laminectomy and were at the peak of their careers. A WHiH reporter invited them for an exclusive interview to honor their contributions to the medical field.

Christine said to the camera with a loving tone, "I think we make a great team. Stephen's one of the best surgeons alive." Her words were filled with praise for him.

But Stephen, with his own arrogance and conceit, couldn't help but interrupt, "I'm the best actually. I mean, aside from you..." This statement not only embarrassed Christine but also left everyone present speechless.

When Stephen recalled that visit, a look of regret crossed his face. He gently covered his mouth with his hand, as if blaming himself for his careless words. His tone was filled with apology as he whispered, "Christine, I swear, I will never do this to you again."

Christine gently patted his shoulder. "I'll listen to this, Stephen. Also, you two were so childish back then. You clearly both wanted warmth and companionship from each other, but your words hurt him, and he retaliated against you by using other women. You two were like hedgehogs, wanting to be close but afraid of getting hurt, so you kept hurting each other with your thorns."

Stephen stopped and looked at Christine. "Do you think he did this on purpose?"

"Ask your heart, Dr. Strange."

⋯⋯

2013

A year had passed since the alien invasion that nearly destroyed New York. Although Stephen and Christine had separated, they remained friends, occasionally meeting for meals and discussing medical matters.

Throughout the year, New York City was busy rebuilding. Tony Stark, the hero who had sacrificed his life to save the city during the battle, fulfilled his promise, announcing that he had pledged funds and resources to help New York City rebuild its infrastructure after the invasion. He also invested in the United States Department of Damage Control to clean up the debris left by the Chitauri and Leviathans, which still littered the city.

In addition to aiding New York City's reconstruction, Tony Stark had also created a new technology: Binarily Augmented Retro-Framing, or B.A.R.F., which produced powerful and realistic holographic illusions.

December 22nd

Just as everyone was beginning to revel in the impending Christmas, the entire United States was gripped by a mysterious terrorist organization led by the Mandarins. Their attacks were widespread, using suicide bombings to sow panic and keep everyone on edge.

WHiH reported on a story called "Hollywood Landmark Explosions" about a horrific explosion at the Chinese Theatre in California, killing several civilians. One of them was Harold Hogan, Head of Security at Stark Industries. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Hospital for treatment.

Stephen recognized him; it was him who had stood before Tony and Hansen in 1999.

Now Stephen knew him.

Many people attributed the incident to a terrorist attack by the Mandarins, and the Mandarins had admitted responsibility for the attack.

"We're waiting for Tony Stark's arrival. We're hoping he'll give us the reaction. His reaction to the latest attack..."

Later, as Tony emerged from Cedars-Sinai Hospital, dressed in casual clothes and sunglasses, the Act Reactor on his chest emitting a faint blue glow, he was quickly spotted by a photographer. Reporters from various television stations quickly turned their heads and focused their cameras on him. Like a pack of hungry beasts, they surrounded him, vying for questions.

"Mr. Stark, hi there. Our sources are telling us that all signs are pointing to another Mandarin attack. Anything else you can tell us?"

"Hey, Mr. Stark. When is somebody gonna kill this guy?"

Just as Tony was about to drive back without responding, he was stopped by a question from a male reporter.

Tony turned around and sidelong glanced at the male reporter, who added, "I'm just saying."

Tony finally turned around, pursed his lips, and in response to the male reporter's question, he said, "Is that what you want?"

Then Tony addressed the entire media directly, "Here's a little holiday greeting. I've been wanting to send it to the Mandarin. I just didn't know how to phrase it until now. My name is Tony Stark Andrew. I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward. So I've decided."

Tony took off his blue-framed sunglasses. "That you just died, pal. I'm gonna come get the body. There's no politics here. It's just good old-fashioned revenge. There's no Pentagon, it's just you and me. And on the off chance you're a man, here's my home address. 10880 Malibu Point, 90265. I'll leave the door unlocked." Tony picked up the male reporter's phone. "That's what you wanted, right?" Tony said, then threw his phone. It shattered instantly with a resounding sound, causing several reporters to shy away and gasp in surprise.

The male reporter was also stunned by Tony's behavior. He seemed to have not expected Tony to do such a thing. After all, in the news industry, Tony Stark was known as the most interviewable person.

As Tony got into his car, he turned to look at the male reporter and said calmly yet domineeringly, "Bill me."

Watching Tony's car drive off the screen on TV, Stephen couldn't help but sigh. He knew that Tony's behavior this time was far more insane than any of his previous actions. He actually made his address public and directly declared war on a terrorist organization. For a man who always valued his life, what an incredible act!

Christine observed Stephen's furrowed brow and said, "It seems your ex-boyfriend acted too impulsively this time, going so far as to publicly disclose his address and declare war on terrorists."

Stephen shook his head gently, his tone filled with mixed emotions. He muttered, "He's angry because someone has touched his sensitive spot."

He knew Tony wasn't acting out of pure impulse; he was acting because his friends, his family, and the people he loved had been threatened and harmed.

December 23rd

The entire United States was in a state of panic. News reports were flooding in, reporting that Tony's Malibu mansion was reduced to rubble. Tony, who had been waiting for Mandarin there, was inside the mansion at the time. This led everyone to believe Tony was dead. Many media outlets only dared to report on the mansion after it was reduced to rubble, fearing the risk of their own lives. The Daily Times went all out with the headline: "MANDARIN ATTECK: STARK PRESUMED DEAD."

West sipped his coffee and read the newspaper: "I didn't expect Stark to die like this. Didn't he have armor? It seems armor can't protect against terrorists. The US government can't do that. With Stark dead, should we ask Captain America to save us?"

Christine rolled her eyes helplessly and whispered to Stephen, "He'll be fine."

Stephen remained silent. He believed Tony would be fine. He told himself that as long as he hadn't seen Tony's body, Tony was still alive.

This was the fourth time he faced the possibility of Tony's death.

Fortunately, a miracle occurred on December 25th, and Tony returned safely. For Stephen, this was the best Christmas present he had ever received.

⋯⋯

January 5, 2014

Stephen attended an American medical conference and gala. At the gala, he met Dr. Wu and took the initiative to shake his hand. "Dr. Wu, I've read your research paper. It's an excellent theoretical study."

Dr. Wu returned the handshake. "Dr. Stephen Strange, your laminectomy is also excellent."

"That's also thanks to Dr. Palmer."

Dr. Wu was surprised by this statement. He hadn't expected this usually arrogant and conceited genius to be so humble. He raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying, "You're a little different from what I expected. By the way, on January 3rd, I performed heart surgery on Tony Stark in Hong Kong."

"Heart surgery?"

"Yes, a three-and-a-half-hour heart surgery. I removed the shrapnel from his chest and the Arc Reactor. I still can't believe that those shrapnel and the Arc Reactor could have been inside him for five years. Oh, and I also have Tony Stark's artificial intelligence butler. Oh, let me think of his name... I think it's J.A.R.V.I.S. He's much friendlier than Tony Stark. We still discuss Tony Stark's future treatment plans from time to time."

Stephen was a little incredulous when he heard the name "J.A.R.V.I.S." Tony named his artificial intelligence butler after Jarvis.

Stephen looked at Dr. Wu, a sincere smile on his face. He whispered, "Dr. Wu, I'm very interested in your surgery. Can I see more information about the surgery and Tony Stark?"

Time flashed to 2015. The battle in Sokovia, Eastern Europe, shocked the world. News reports claimed that it was all caused by Tony's invention.

Until now… Stephen sat dejectedly on the airplane seat, his hair disheveled. He had finally managed to pull Tony back from the brink of death.

This was the fifth time he faced the possibility of Tony's death.

Chapter Text

Stephen slumped in the airplane seat, his hair disheveled, his face etched with an indescribable sense of exhaustion and helplessness. There is a report on the table.

Jarvis's mental state is not very good either, even though he was born during World War I and fought in World War II. He worked with Miss Carter to clear Mr. Stark's name and fight against Whitney Frost, enjoying the excitement of a peaceful life.

Even though he'd seen comrades torn apart, faced charges of treason, Roger Dooley sacrificed himself by leaping from SSR headquarters before his vest exploded, and personally recovered an old atomic bomb, he'd never felt afraid. He'd only occasionally felt disgusted and vented his anger.

The only time Jarvis had felt this frightened and helpless was when Ana was shot. He felt like his world was falling apart, and he was terrified of losing the most important person in his life.

But today, as he looked at what might very well be Mr. Stark's future son lying in the operating room, watching the doctors treating him, blood pouring from his body and wounds galore, he felt a sense of dread. At this moment, Peggy, with a commanding aura, pulled Howard by the collar. Howard said unhappily, "Peggy, what are you doing? I just made a new discovery about armor, why did you drag me over here?"

"Howard, you've seen enough armor. Now you should be concerned about the person lying in bed."

"I'm not a doctor, how can I care about him? So the operation is done?" Howard's face was filled with dissatisfaction. He adjusted his expensive shirt and said with a hint of complaint in his tone.

Ana watched Jarvis and Stephen's expressions, feeling a wave of unease. She gripped Jarvis's hand tightly. "Edwin, is he okay? Agent Sousa just said he wasn't doing well. Is that serious?"

Jarvis glanced at Ana. "Agent Sousa is right. His condition is like a wartime casualty. He suffered severe hypothermia, five fingers and three toes had to be amputated due to hypothermia, his left hand had signs of fractures, he had a concussion, and his lung capacity had been reduced by more than half due to pneumothorax. His heart function was rapidly deteriorating, and he had several cardiac arrests... The chest wound was the most severe trauma, and he also suffered a comminuted sternum fracture. This armor was no protection against that attack."

"This is still a critical period. It all depends on whether he can survive."

"So serious? But it's not surprising that it would have sustained that wound. Steve's shield is made of the world's toughest Vibranium," Howard said, scratching his head after hearing Jarvis' words.

Stephen looked at Peggy, who had caught Howard. His exceptional memory told him that even if he didn't know her name, he had seen Peggy before. There might be traces of age, but he recognized this woman from the gray-haired woman standing next to Jarvis at Howard and Maria's funeral in 1991. Was she the Agent Carter Friday had been referring to? She was also Tony's godmother.

Peggy was acutely aware of Stephen's gaze. She turned back to him, her eyes filled with scrutiny and caution. She said in a cold tone, "Do you know that staring at a woman like that is rude?"

"...I just remembered I knew you."

Howard chuckled and said in a tone filled with sarcasm, "Seriously? I thought men's courtship skills would improve in the future, but it's still the same: pretending to have met somewhere."

"Howard..." Peggy looked at Howard helplessly.

Howard ignored Peggy's reluctance and continued, "Let me finish, Peggy. Doctor, you're sitting here with a beautiful agent, and she already has a boyfriend, Agent Sousa. You should find someone else to be your girlfriend."

His words made Daniel, who was standing beside him, feel awkward. He looked at Howard and said, "Should I thank you?"

"I don't mind."

When Jack emerged from the bathroom, he saw a group of people gathered, their faces grim. When he saw Stephen, he strode forward, his tone tinged with sarcasm and scrutiny. "So, doctor, you came here specifically to save someone, how was the operation? I have something else to ask you."

Stephen's gaze shifted to Jack, knowing he wasn't in the mood to deal with him right now. "FRIDAY? Do you mind explaining yourself?"

"Sure, Dr. Strange."

Jack's brows raised. "Strange? Strange last name."

"Let me introduce myself again. I'm an artificial intelligence, FRIDAY. I was created by Tony. Stark, full name is Anthony Edward Stark."

"Anthony?" Howard's left eyebrow twitched at the mention of "Anthony." Coincidentally, his middle name was Anthony.

"What is artificial intelligence?" Daniel's face was filled with confusion.

They were all people who lived through World War II; they couldn't understand how an inanimate machine could think and speak.

Friday patiently explained, "Boss created me to learn and solve problems, to help Boss manage his affairs and provide him with better solutions." Friday added, "Boss's father is none other than Mr. Howard Stark."

Even though Howard had been mentally prepared for Sousa's words, he was still stunned and bewildered. That man lying in bed, covered in wounds, was his son?

Howard's mind kept replaying what Jarvis had just said to him. He was hurt, his heart even stopped several times, and his sternum was shattered. But how should he react? He knew a normal father would be worried and angry about his son being assaulted. But he was only 31, and he hadn't imagined becoming a husband and a father. To be honest, it was difficult for him to emotionally invest in a son who was suddenly older than him. He didn't know how to get along with him or how to love him.

He thought of his own father. He wasn't a good father. He beat him, scolded him, and never gave him any love or care. So, he had no concept of what a good father should be. Because he doesn't know how to educate a child, nor does he know how to care for a child.

How could he have the courage to get married, have children, and take on the responsibilities of a father in the future?

He never considered himself a good person. He was an inventor, a playboy, a genius, and now a filmmaker. He didn't care what the world thought of him. There were more people who wanted to kill him. He knew that his name was on assassination lists in different countries.

His weapons and inventions were stolen, and the entire United States, and especially the SSR, considered him a traitor. But he remained unconcerned, knowing that Peggy and Jarvis would help him clear his name.

But he also cared about what Peggy and Jarvis thought of him. To them, he was a troublemaker, and he took responsibility for the events he had caused. So when he kept Steve's blood and angered Peggy, he did everything in his power to save their friendship; he didn't want to lose her.

Did Jarvis think he didn't know he had returned Steve's blood to Peggy? Of course he knew, because he had tacitly allowed Jarvis to do so. For him, the existence of Steve...Captain America is proof that Howard Stark is a good person, and it turns out that he can also be a good person.

So he would go to the iceberg regularly to find Steve. Steve was the most upright and selfless person he had ever met. When he stood next to Steve, he would unconsciously feel how proud he, Howard Stark, was. Even if it took him a year, five years, ten years, or even the rest of his life to find Steve, he would be willing to do that.

Whether Steve was alive or dead, he had to bring Steve home. It was the only thing he could do for Steve and Peggy.

So as he took on the responsibility of being a father, he thought he would hope that his son could have the same noble sentiments as Steve, rather than like himself.

Chapter Text

"So that man is really Stark's son?" Jack asked still unsure.

"Boss and Mr. Stark's DNA and paternity tests are 99.5% accurate. Clearly, we're not Soviet spies or Winter Solider. Agent Thompson, I hope you'll calm down and think carefully next time."

When Jack heard Friday's sarcastic tone, his already serious face darkened even more, like the sky before a storm. He knew this self-proclaimed "AI" was a product of the Stark family and possessed arrogance. He hadn't expected a computer composed of code to speak to him in such a manner.

He snorted coldly, his eyes full of disdain.

"I have a question. Why is Captain America's shield here?" Daniel, standing nearby, ignored Jack's sentiments. He gazed at the aged shield, placed in a corner, a trace of confusion filling his heart. "According to Peggy and Stark's descriptions and memories, his shield should be with him."

"Agent Sousa, what year do you think it is now?"

"1991?" Daniel replied uncertainly. This was their best guess as to the year they were currently in, having witnessed the deaths of Howard and Maria.

"To be precise, it's June 24, 2016. Welcome to the world 68 years later." Friday tried to speak in a cheerful voice.

"2016?" Jack frowned. "I thought it was 1991, when we saw Sergeant Barnes murder Stark..."

"And his wife." Jack saw Howard's body trembling. He just wanted to use this opportunity to threaten Howard. A mischievous smile appeared on his face, and his tone was slightly provocative.

"...Have you seen that video?" Friday paused for a few seconds. She knew Boss was deeply distressed by the video, but she hadn't expected these people to have seen it, too. And... Boss's experiments and curiosity stemmed from Mr. Howard Stark. She could deduce that the person who discovered the video must be Mr. Howard Stark.

Stephen's gaze shifted to Howard. He was struck by the much younger Howard. He had always seen Howard in his fifties or sixties, with a white beard, the backward, stingy person Tony had described.

But the Howard before him was so young and full of life. Though his beard was already there, his eyes were filled with the rebelliousness of youth. Stephen couldn't help but picture Tony's similar face, and he couldn't help but wonder how much similarities there really were between father and son.

Is the video "FRIDAY" referring to the one where Tony saw Howard and Maria being murdered by the Winter Solider?

Stephen sighed softly, drawing everyone's attention to him. "What brought you to 2016?"

"It's because of Mr. Stark's quantum oscillation stabilizer..." Jarvis explained in detail how they had traveled from 1948 to 2016 and everything they had experienced.

After listening to Jarvis' explanation, Stephen turned his gaze back to Jack, a hint of unconcealed mockery in his eyes. He had thought Thompson was some remarkable agent, but he hadn't expected him to be the one who had accidentally transported everyone to this era.

"Perhaps I could investigate whether this is related to the wormhole. Is there any space-time fluctuation at the Hydra Siberian Facility?" Friday pondered.

"Hydra Siberian Facility? I didn't expect Hydra to build a base in the Soviet Union. Stark just mistakenly entered the coordinates for Siberia," Daniel said.

Jack still wasn't convinced. "Is it really that coincidental? Just coincidentally, the coordinates are between Hydra and Soviet bases, and Captain America's shield was discovered, and Stark's son was discovered."

"Thompson, do you think I can predict the future? If so, I wouldn't have let Sergeant Barnes kill me and...her," Howard interrupted him with an impatient tone.

"Calm down, Stark. I'm just saying."

"So am I," Howard scoffed, his tone tinged with sarcasm before he paused. "But that's not right... FRIDAY? I think I remembered your name correctly. You said June 24, 2016, but our time is actually October 10, 1948..."

Peggy's face lit up with confusion as she heard Howard's words. She asked softly, "What do you mean, Howard?"

"The quantum oscillation stabilizer I made can travel through time and space, but I've deliberately set the date to always be the day I travel through time, to prevent me from disappearing and causing panic among the beauties."

Peggy raised a brow. "We can ignore that last part."

"Come on, Peggy. This also means there's a minor problem with my quantum oscillation stabilizer."

Friday's voice echoed throughout the room, summarizing it succinctly: "Mr. Stark's quantum oscillation stabilizer was originally inoperable, but Agent Thompson's accident made it operational. Coincidentally, Mr. Stark entered the coordinates for the Hydra Siberian Facility, and the year..."

Howard pondered for a moment, then looked at the crowd: "I didn't think about that. I just entered the coordinates..."

His words drew murmurs of dissatisfaction from everyone present, especially Jack, who spoke with an angry tone: "So we already face the dangers of volcanoes, oceans, and forests, and now I realize we were also facing the Middle Ages, the American Civil War, Native Americans mistaking us for aliens, and even dinosaurs! Thank you, Stark, for your luck!"

"It's my fault." When Howard heard Jack's words, he didn't refute but just made a helpless expression. Howard's expression was surprisingly similar to Tony's.

"Mr. Stark, I really can't let you invent things so carelessly anymore. Your inventions are too dangerous," Jarvis said to Howard. He knew that while Howard's inventions could change the world, they could also bring immense danger.

"Jarvis, you can't just take away an inventor's interest." Howard looked at Jarvis with disapproval, a hint of complaint in his tone. But then, looking at everyone's eyes, his complaining tone gradually disappeared, and he could only lower his head. "Hey, I promise I will create a new quantum oscillation stabilizer and return to our time."

"Not today," Stephen said softly.

FRIDAY seemed to sense Stephen's intention. "The time aspect requires study. Before letting you study how to return to your time, I think there are many things you need to learn and know in these 68 years. I will now display on the screen the important events that happened from 1991 to 2015." Her words made everyone turn their eyes to several Stark laptops.

Daniel carefully examined the information displayed on the screen and pointed, "There's no data from 1949 to 1990."

FRIDAY explained to Daniel, "I'm hiding some of the relevant information to prevent important events from being altered during this period."

She also hid some of Boss's information and the Sokovia Accords. She knew Boss wouldn't want these people to know what he'd been through.

Jack looked at the information on the screen and gloated, "The Soviet Union collapsed?"

He looked at the date: December 26, 1991, and felt a surge of excitement: "I wish it had collapsed sooner."

Stephen said with a hint of sarcasm, "Now that the Soviet Union is called Russia, you don't have to worry about Soviet spies anymore."

His words embarrassed Jack, and he couldn't retort, so he could only snort his displeasure.

"So in 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Stark were killed by Sergeant Barnes, and then the Soviet Union collapsed... Carol Danvers is presumed dead? Who is she?" Daniel continued to examine the information on the screen and ignored Howard's disgusted expression.

"Captain Carol Danvers is a former United States Air Force pilot who served in the same unit as Colonel Rhodes and whose whereabouts remain unknown," FRIDAY explained.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Okay, two more people I don't recognize. Who is Colonel Rhodes?"

"Colonel Rhodes is Boss's friend."

"Who is Obadiah Stane? How did he become the interim CEO of Stark Industries? I thought it would be my... the one lying in the hospital bed now." Howard saw a profile about Obadiah Stane and just happened to see Stephen's disgusted expression.

Friday's tone turned cold. "That was Mr. Stark, your former partner at Stark Industries. You trusted him deeply. He only held the position for a few weeks, and then Boss became CEO of Stark Industries."

Howard sensed that neither Stephen nor Friday had a favorable impression of Obadiah Stane. If he could go back in time, wouldn't he have stayed away from him?

Jarvis turned his gaze to the screen and saw a copy of Forbes from January 28, 1992. Tony Stark appeared on the cover in a sharp suit, with the headline: "The New Kid Tony Stark takes reigns at 21."

Jarvis' eyes widened. "Becoming CEO of Stark Industries at 21? So Mr. and Mrs. Stark left Master Tony when he was 21?"

"Master Tony? Jarvis? Are you serious?" Howard looked disgusted when he heard Jarvis call Tony "Master Tony".

Jarvis said to Howard, "Well, Mr. Stark. Since Friday said Master Tony is your son, then naturally I'll call him Master Tony."

Ana glanced at Forbes. Who would have guessed that the Tony on the cover of Forbes had just survived a near-death experience, lying in the operating room?

Peggy looked carefully at the information on the screen, hoping to find any information about Steve, but she knew she needed to understand everything that happened from 1991 to 2015. She needed to understand how the world became what it is now.

Daniel looked at Peggy who was looking through the information carefully and sighed in his heart. He knew that Peggy was looking for information about Captain America.

When Peggy looked through the 1993 data, her eyes quickly scanned among the countless texts and images, and she saw a name she knew, Anton Vanko.

Her mind immediately flashed back to when she and Jarvis were working on Howard's invention, telling them that Roxxon was one of the few companies capable of producing nitramines and emitting life-threatening radiation, and he helped them. But in the end, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling Soviet weapons to Pakistan?

Peggy pursed her lips, pretending she hadn't seen the report.

"S.H.I.E.L.D.? What's this? It says S.H.I.E.L.D. wrote a report on Project Pegasus and the Quadjet Nick Fury used to travel to space," Daniel said, frowning.

Friday explained to them, "S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. It's a counterterrorism and intelligence agency outside the U.S. government, responsible for maintaining national and global security."

"Sounds like the SSR."

"Because S.H.I.E.L.D. was reorganized from the SSR, the Strategic Scientific Reserve, to continue researching advanced weaponry seized from Hydra, including the Tesseract. Its founders were Chester Phillips, Mr. Stark, and Miss Carter. Miss Carter was the director, and Agent Sousa and Agent Thompson were the first agents to join S.H.I.E.L.D., with Agent Sousa later becoming West Coast Security Chief and Agent Thompson becoming East Coast Security Chief."

Jack scoffed, "You've got to be kidding... I'm actually going crazy with you guys, how could Philips agree?"

Peggy's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She had never imagined she'd become the founder and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. She had always considered herself just an ordinary agent, a woman fighting for her country and justice. A surge of anticipation ignited within her: she hoped she could transform S.H.I.E.L.D. into an organization truly capable of maintaining world peace.

Howard scratched his head. S.H.I.E.L.D. was his idea, and it was where he hoped Peggy could develop her strengths, but his plans were put on hold because his inventions and weapons were stolen. In addition, he later became obsessed with the film industry and helping with Zero Matter.

It seemed his first order of business upon his return would be to reorganize the SSR.

As Howard and Peggy were lost in their imaginations about the future, Friday's voice rang out again: "And Nick Fury was the last Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Peggy's brow furrowed. "Last? What do you mean?"

"S.H.I.E.L.D. was eventually infiltrated by Hydra and collapsed in 2014."

Howard and Peggy fell silent. Howard had just planned to return and establish S.H.I.E.L.D., while the latter had just begun to look forward to the future when they were told that S.H.I.E.L.D. had been infiltrated by Hydra. It was a devastating blow to them.

Jack complained, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has been around for so long, and now, not only can't they eliminate Hydra, but they've actually infiltrated them? Stark, Carter, how are you leading?"

Daniel patted Jack's shoulder and said, "Thompson, calm down. Stark and Peggy don't want this to happen."

"Of course I know."

Stephen listened to Friday's story. It seemed Tony hadn't known before that his father and godmother were the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Project Pegasus is the name of a joint effort between S.H.I.E.L.D., NASA, and the United States Armed Forces to research the Tesseract and harness its power. It was originally a classified document within S.H.I.E.L.D., but when Boss encountered a minor problem, Nick Fury told him that Mr. Stark's research could help find a solution. So, Nick Fury gave Boss a relic related to Mr. Stark. Boss then discovered his father's research on the Tesseract and asked Jarvis for details about Project Pegasus."

When Jarvis heard his name uttered by Friday, he felt a wave of confusion. He pointed at himself, and as everyone looked at him, he asked with a hint of uncertainty, "Me?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. "Jarvis. The JARVIS I'm referring to is Boss's first AI butler. Boss named JARVIS after you, and I'm the second."

Jarvis pursed his lips, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up in his heart. He knew that Master Tony's use of his surname for his artificial intelligence butler meant he must hold a very special place in his heart...

Ana's face flickered with curiosity. "Why didn't Master Tony continue to use JARVIS?"

"JARVIS was destroyed during the Ultron incident... so I inherited JARVIS's position to assist Boss."

Jarvis's face paled instantly. The AI ​​named after him was actually destroyed...

"Ultron incident?"

"The Ultron incident happened in 2015. I can tell you the details later."

"FRIDAY," Stephen frowned. "FRIDAY, you said that Fury gave Tony Mr. Stark's relic to solve his little problem?" He felt a surge of anger. He knew Tony was Howard. As Howard's biological son, Tony had the right to inherit all of Howard's belongings. As an outsider, what right did Fury have to keep Howard's belongings and even give them to Tony under the guise of a "gift"? This was simply absurd to him. He said with a hint of sarcasm, "What he did could be considered theft."

Daniel heard Stephen's words and tried to explain, "Since Project Pegasus is about the Tesseract and S.H.I.E.L.D., as a classified agency, this is normal."

All of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s actions are to protect national security, so they have the right to keep these confidential documents.

Stephen ignored him. He demanded pointedly, "That proves S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't trust Tony. With Tony's intelligence, how could he not have known that?"

"Dr. Strange, I think Boss accidentally overlooked this."

"Overlooked?" Stephen narrowed his eyes. "FRIDAY, you must be hiding something."

"...Boss said it can't be made public."

"FRIDAY, I'm Tony's doctor. I value his life. He's my..." Stephen paused, looking at everyone present, "the most important person."

"...Boss will donate me at any moment if he finds out."

Stephen's lips curled into a faint smile at her words, and he whispered, "I got you."

Chapter Text

"This is Boss's 2010 medical report." A report immediately appeared on the screen, and Stephen stared intently.

His brow furrowed. He had only seen Dr. Wu's report on Tony, but he had never seen the one Tony had deliberately concealed.

How badly did Tony want to hide it from others?

Howard, in turn, looked curiously, quickly scanning the report, his brow furrowing ever deeper as he came across the sentence: "Heavy metal poisoning caused by palladium."

"I just want to see it." He snatched the tablet from Stephen's hand, earning Stephen an angry look, but he held his temper. After all, no matter how old Howard was, he was Tony's father after all...

Howard was shocked. He muttered to himself, "Heavy metal poisoning caused by palladium? How is that possible?"

He couldn't believe that a substance used only in cars, jewelry, and dental materials could actually appear in the human body.

Jarvis looked at Howard and asked with a hint of concern, "Mr. Stark? What is palladium?"

Howard paused, attempting to explain, but his thoughts were interrupted by another word in the report: "Arc Reactor."

His eyes widened, and he said with a hint of disbelief, "He has an Arc Reactor in his body? It was just a simple thought... but I never thought he could create one, or even place one inside himself. It's impossible."

When Jarvis heard the word "Arc Reactor," a look of confusion crossed his face. He asked curiously, "Arc Reactor?"

Howard said, "While searching for Steve, I happened to find the Tesseract. I hoped to harness the Tesseract's power to develop an inexhaustible, inexhaustible energy source, providing clean, renewable energy for humanity's future. I never expected it to succeed, but the Arc Reactor can't be miniaturized..."

FRIDAY said calmly, "The miniaturized Arc Reactor was created by Boss, and the first generation Arc Reactor was indeed created by Mr. Stark. You and others created a large-scale Arc Reactor for industrial energy production, Mr. Stark. You theoretically created a new element."

Howard's face suddenly changed at her words. He was shocked that his son had realized an idea he had once had. Friday continued, "You later hid the blueprints for your theoretical new element in a 1974 Stark Expo model and left a recorded message for the Boss containing clues to the true nature of the Stark Expo model. This message and your original research results were kept by S.H.I.E.L.D., known as Project Pegasus, while the Stark Expo model remained with Stark Industries."

Howard listened to this, looking at the tablet in his hand. His tone was filled with admiration for Tony: "A miniaturized Arc Reactor... He's a brilliant man... So... I can't possibly truly harness the power of the Tesseract or create a perfect Arc Reactor in my lifetime?"

Jarvis looked at Howard and said softly, "Like father, like... "Son, Mr. Stark."

Howard asked in an expectant tone, "Can I see the Arc Reactor I built?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stark. The Arc Reactor you originally built, which provided power to Stark Industries in Los Angeles, melted down and overloaded eight years ago. Now, Boss has ordered the engineers at Stark Industries to work tirelessly to repair it. In the years since your passing, Project Arc Reactor has ceased to be a priority for Stark Industries."

"What? Who did that?!"

"It was Stane, as we've been talking about. He directly shifted Stark Industries' focus to weapons production. He called this clean energy project 'publicity stunt.'" "

Howard was displeased that Stane had changed his policy so quickly after his death: "Publicity stunt? This is Stark Industries, not Stane Industries."

Ana, seeing Howard's anger, was met with confusion. "So why does Master Tony have an Arc Reactor? Why would he install one in himself?"

Why would a large industrial device appear inside a human body?

Jarvis was also confused. He carefully recalled everything he had just seen in the operating room. He muttered to himself, "But I didn't see any Arc Reactor in Master Tony's body just now. He has several scars and recent wounds on his chest."

FRIDAY paused for a few seconds. "Originally, I was going to talk about the 2008 incident later. Boss was attacked by the terrorist group Ten Rings in Afghanistan, and a bomb made by... Stark Industries exploded right next to Boss."

Jack said in disbelief, "Injured by a bomb made by his own company? His luck is so bad."

Howard was also stunned. How could a Stark man be injured by a weapon he had made?

As Stephen listened to FRIDAY, he finally understood why Tony was kidnapped in Afghanistan and the weapons manufacturing division was shut down. It wasn't just the soldiers who bravely fought for America who were killed by weapons made by Stark Industries; Tony was also injured by a weapon he had made himself.

Friday's next words sent shockwaves through everyone's hearts. She calmly declared, "In fact, someone deliberately murdered Boss."

"Intentional murder?" Ana covered her mouth. How could such a thing happen?

When Stephen heard Friday's words, he didn't hesitate. "It was Stane."

He knew this man was a complete hypocrite, someone who would do anything for power, so he never trusted Stane.

"Wasn't he Stark's partner?"

Howard's brows furrowed, and he pursed his lips. His eyes hardened. He felt a wave of betrayal. Since he had made Stane his partner, it meant he had once considered him a friend.

And yet, after his death, this man revealed his true colors, harming and even attempting to murder members of the Stark family.

"It was because of our partnership that they couldn't bear to see Tony become CEO directly, so they sent Tony to Afghanistan and, in the process, kidnapped Tony under the guise of the Ten Rings."

"Yes, Dr. Strange. You're right. The bomb fragments flew into Boss's heart. Dr. Yinsen eventually removed most of the shrapnel, but some were too close to the heart, so Boss used the Arc Reactor to prevent it from reaching the heart."

"Dr. Yinsen?" Stephen's heart skipped a beat. He remembered seeing Dr. Yinsen at the Bern Science Conference in 1999. "People say he passed away in 2007."

"Because he was also kidnapped by the Ten Rings, and Boss and him worked together in the cave to build the Arc Reactor and the Mark I. That's why the Arc Reactor is in Boss's body."

"So is Dr. Yinsen..." Stephen already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear it for himself.

"He bought time for the Boss and to activate the Mark I, but was killed by the Ten Rings and has passed away."

Stephen took a deep breath. He hadn't expected Yinsen to save Tony's life, yet sacrifice himself in doing so. If possible, he wanted to thank Yinsen for saving Tony.

Peggy listened to Friday's words, then looked at Howard, who was lost in thought: "He inherited your talent, Howard. He built the Arc Reactor in the cave..."

"Of course. Stark men are made of iron. They never cry or give up. Being kidnapped or bomb fragments flying into their bodies are nothing. They carved out a space in their bodies to place the Arc Reactor just to save their lives..." Howard smiled, but Jarvis could tell it was a forced smile.

Mr. Stark was lying.

"What's the Mark I?"

"It's the first generation of armor that Mr. Stark and Agent Thompson just saw. What you're looking at is the Mark XLVI."

Jack looked at the bullet-riddled and heavily damaged Mark XLVI and said admiringly, "This Stark is a remarkable man."

Daniel looked at Jack with an incredulous expression. "This is the first time I've heard you speak so highly of a Stark."

"That proves you never knew me, Sousa," Jack said, standing up.

Daniel thought back to the moment Thompson punched him in the stomach in the desert. He nodded in agreement. "It's true I've never understood you. You're so prone to sudden and inexplicable things."

"That's because I'm an Agent. I'm not someone who's easily read into my character." Jack walked over to Mark XLVI and tapped his helmet. "And the fact that he could create such armor in a cave with nothing in it proves his immense ability. Besides... I'm more satisfied with this Tony Stark than Howard Stark, who always throws the problem at us."

Howard looked at Jack. "You thought he was a Soviet or Hydra guy, an enemy of the United States, just an hour ago."

"Don't contradict me just because I don't like you, Stark. I'm doing this for everyone's safety. Even if I believe his injury was related to Captain America's shield, it doesn't affect my opinion of him." Jack, taking advantage of the moment when everyone was distracted, pointed his shield at the Arc Reactor on Mark XLVI. Coincidentally, the shield was aimed at the Arc Reactor. then whispered, "They're mainly targeting this thing. Really vicious, they want him dead."

Stephen glanced at Jack. Even though Thompson was quite self-centered, he didn't react to Thompson. He was angry about Steve Rogers's behavior, but he figured they'd soon learn that Steve Rogers had been recovered in 2011.

"Then why did he develop palladium poisoning?"

"Boss's Arc Reactor contained palladium, which gradually mixed into his bloodstream, causing heavy metal poisoning that gradually took hold of his body. He drank chlorophyll antidote every day. To find a palladium substitute, JARVIS experimented with combining various known elements, but all of them rejected it. Regardless, Mr. Stark, you saved Boss's life."

Her words sent a wave of shock through Howard's heart. This was the first time someone had said he'd saved someone. He'd never imagined that one of his inventions would save his son's life in this way in the future.

Chapter Text

Virginia "Pepper" Potts' love for Tony Stark is an extremely complicated emotion. This love dates back to the time before she became Iron Man, before she met Steve Rogers, Captain America, and before she joined the Avengers. At that time, he was a complete playboy, self-centered, and an arms tycoon who ignored moral standards from time to time. She loved the man who was talented and brilliant, but who desperately needed someone to take care of his affairs. Even though she had to deal with a mountain of administrative work every week and the mess of one-night stands he left behind, she never really wanted to leave.

Back then, Tony's life was a blazing fire, frequently having one-night stands with different women, then relentlessly dumping all the subsequent, tedious, "cleanup" work onto Pepper. She wasn't just his personal assistant; she was his chief crisis manager. Every morning, she might face an angry date, a confidential medical report, or a media crisis. This job went far beyond the typical secretary's duties, often making her the epitome of "overqualified" in the eyes of outsiders.

Pepper vividly remembered being taunted by the aggressive Christine Everhart at Tony's Mansion. With a condescending air, Everhart asked her in a caustic tone, "After all these years working for Tony, are you still picking up his dry cleaning?"

Undeterred by Everhart's sharp words, she instead gazed with unyielding determination, replying with a calm yet powerful tone, "Occasionally, taking out the trash. Will that be all?"

In that pre-Iron Man era, Tony's actions often defied the rules. He held a disdain for laws, contracts, and even the laws of physics. This forced her and Rhodey to remain perpetually vigilant, ready to clean up his messes. As his best friend and military liaison, Rhodey was responsible for handling official troubles.

Pepper, on the other hand, handled the administrative and interpersonal messes. The two of them were like a perpetual "cleanup team," forever standing in the shadow of Tony's dazzling brilliance, repairing whatever he had destroyed.

There were times when Tony didn't follow the rules, and she and Rhodey were always there to deal with problems and troubles. Although Tony was reckless at that time, at least he was still happy and carefree as a playboy, inventor and billionaire.

At that time, he had not yet shouldered the burden of the world. That kind of pure joy that belonged to genius was the reason why Pepper was willing to endure all the chaos, because she knew that kind of joy was precious and rare.

The life-and-death ordeal in Afghanistan became the day of Tony Stark's rebirth. When he returned as Iron Man, everything changed completely. He began to value life more and care more about the security of the United States and the world. Not only did he resolutely close the weapons manufacturing department of Stark Industries and began to use his technology to protect the weak, his originally chaotic private life also became more restrained, and he gradually stopped having one-night stands with other women, which made Pepper feel extremely relieved at first.

Because she knew this ordeal had finally made the world understand that Tony Stark had a heart; he wasn't the "merchant of death" as others had claimed.

While Pepper was genuinely comforted by Tony's transformation, a tinge of worry crept in her heart. The once carefree, self-absorbed Tony seemed to be gone forever, replaced by a superhero burdened with responsibilities, a frown on his face, and a constant state of readiness.

He is no longer as reckless as he used to be, but his happiness has also decreased. He begins to face greater dangers, more conspiracies, and more self-doubt, which makes Pepper sometimes wonder if she would rather he was just the playboy who would ask her to pick up the dry cleaning but was always happy, rather than the Iron Man who was noble but could sacrifice his life at any time.

As Tony's responsibilities grew, he built a stronger inner barrier, becoming less and less willing to show his vulnerability. Perhaps this was influenced by his father, Howard Stark's harsh yet profound words: "Stark men are made of iron. They never cry or give up."

This statement, like an invisible curse, forced him to cultivate an image of invincibility. Even as his body suffered from the excruciating pain of palladium poisoning, even as his mind was tormented by anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, he kept these problems secret from her, Rhodey, or Happy.

Pepper clearly felt that Tony had completely locked his emotions in his armor. Who would dare to say that Tony was a heartless and self-centered person? For the sake of peace in New York and the lives of millions of civilians, he could rush towards the deep wormhole with a nuclear missile without hesitation, putting himself in a life-threatening situation.

He felt deep guilt for everything he had done, especially the weapons he had built in the past, and he devoted himself to making amends and resolving the problem. The events of New York in 2012 made him realize that a greater threat was approaching Earth, sparking endless anxiety and a persistent drive to build more armor. The events of Sokovia in 2015 made him realize that even the best intentions could lead to irreversible disaster.

Even though Tony once publicly detonated all his armor for her and announced his "retirement" in an attempt to concentrate on being by her side, his sense of responsibility as Iron Man, as well as Captain America's questioning of him and his doubts about his behavior, still made him feel uncomfortable.

He couldn't truly let go. He knew he couldn't rest in peace as long as Earth remained under threat. Once again, he put her second, once again choosing to abandon their peaceful life and dedicate his life to the never-ending battle. This endless cycle ultimately exhausted Pepper's patience and hope.

Pepper realized that she would never be free from this worry unless she made a painful decision. She knew she couldn't ask Tony to stop being a good person, but she also couldn't continue to live with the fear of losing him at any time.

She asked for a breakup, and Tony's reaction at the time made her feel strange and heartbroken.

He looked at her silently and softly asked, "What did I do wrong?"

This sentence brought tears to Pepper's eyes, for this was not the Tony she knew.

In the past, Tony was a man full of defensive mechanisms. When he realized he was angry or had made a mistake, he would usually launch into a series of convoluted arguments, attempting to justify himself. Only when he saw she was truly ready to leave would he quickly apologize, then snuggle into her arms, constantly coaxing her with sweet words and inventions, trying to win her back.

What did she say then?

"Tony, you didn't do anything wrong. I just want you to come back to me one day when you can truly let go of your duties as an Avenger and Iron Man..."

She had always loved the Tony Stark who brought her coffee, gave her the gift she wanted most on her birthday, and entertained her with his genius, not the Iron Man who was always in danger.

She knew that Iron Man was a part of Tony, his salvation and also his burden, but she just loved Tony as an individual and she wanted him to live for himself and for their future.

But Tony's silence and ultimate refusal to give up his Iron Man identity were deeply moving.

May 3rd

Originally, she was supposed to attend a lecture on BARF technology at MIT with Tony, but she and Tony were having a cold war and chose not to attend. She no longer planned to spend Tony's 46th birthday with him. She withdrew herself from his life, trying to use distance to give them both space to calm down.

She embarked directly on a long business trip across Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. She needed not only to deal with the complex affairs of Stark Industries in Europe, but also an environment that could allow her to calm down and reflect. But at this time, not only the United States, but the entire world has become very unsafe. The media was constantly reporting on the Avengers, and as she was on business in Europe, she was naturally aware of the situation.

Every day in Europe, media headlines were filled with reports about the Avengers, their triumphs and their failures exposed to the public without reservation. Though Pepper was far away in Europe, she naturally followed the latest developments. She knew that the Sokovia incident, the devastating city caused by an artificial intelligence gone rogue, had ignited global controversy over the Avengers' actions. Public trust in them had reached an all-time low, and people were filled with unprecedented fear and anxiety about those with extraordinary powers and lack of supervision.

Even though Tony had chosen to detonate his armor and "retire" to protect her and atone for his mistakes, his resounding "Iron Man" moniker and the central role he had played in the past meant that people still considered him the face of the Avengers.

While she was away on business, another serious tragedy broke out, putting the Avengers in the spotlight again: Avengers led by Steve Rogers were on a mission in Lagos, Nigeria, tracking down and trying to capture Brock Rumlow, a remnant of Hydra who was attempting to steal biological weapons.

When Rumlow was forced into a desperate situation, he activated the self-destruct device on the combat armor he was wearing. The explosion was so powerful that it affected a high-rise building nearby, causing a large number of civilian casualties. Those innocent lives disappeared in the aftermath of the battle between heroes and villains, causing the Avengers to once again be severely condemned and controversial by governments and the international community. The global call for supervision of superheroes has reached an unprecedented level.

One Month Later

A month after the global public outcry sparked by the Lagos explosion subsided, an international treaty aimed at regulating superhero activities officially emerged. This treaty was proposed by US Secretary of State and former US Army General Ross, who leveraged his military prestige and government influence to forcefully promote the Sokovia Accords.

The launch of this agreement represents that the international community has reached a critical point of intolerance for the anarchic superhero power and is no longer willing to entrust global security to a small group of unconstrained individuals.

Pepper firmly supports the signing of the Sokovia Accords. Her business instincts and concerns for public safety make her understand the necessity of this agreement, especially after learning that it has been signed by 117 countries worldwide. Countries from Asia, Europe, and Africa have all joined in the oversight. No country wants to allow American Avengers to cause heavy casualties on their territory. In the eyes of the world, the Avengers are no longer saviors, but a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment. While they have resolved the threat, the collateral damage is enormous.

Pepper particularly believes that the Avengers, led by Rogers, have become too dangerous. While she understands that unpredictable factors like alien gods like Thor and Dr. Banner's transformation into the Hulk make the situation even more difficult to control, her stronger intuition tells her that the new member, Wanda Maximoff, a young mutant with telekinetic powers, is far more dangerous than Thor and the Hulk.

She is well aware that the large number of civilian casualties in the Lagos incident were caused by Wanda's mistake in trying to control the Rumlow explosion. Therefore, Pepper firmly believes that the "Sokovia Accords" can effectively restrain inexperienced but capable individuals like Wanda Maximoff and prevent greater tragedies from happening.

A few days later, Pepper was utterly bewildered and shocked by the news. She saw that some Avengers strongly opposed signing the Sokovia Accords. What struck her most was that Steve Rogers was a central figure in the opposition. She wondered, "Didn't he once serve in the military? Doesn't he know that oversight and restrictions are essential for ensuring compliance with the government and preventing excessive power? Just like a military unit must have strict discipline and obey orders."

A soldier who once swore allegiance to his country now argued that superheroes should transcend the oversight of sovereign states. This completely overturned Pepper's understanding of Captain America.

What Pepper couldn't understand was that Tony, who had previously stood up for the autonomy of his armor, a billionaire who had once harbored a deep distrust and rebellious attitude towards government institutions and oversight mechanisms, had unexpectedly decided to support government oversight and accountability.

This dramatic shift in stance left Pepper feeling dizzy. The man who had previously gone to court to defend his invention rights against the Senate was now willing to hand over his power to an international committee for oversight.

What happened to Tony?

June 18th

Pepper suddenly received a text message from Tony: "Peggy passed away peacefully in London, but I had work to do with Cap and the Sokovia Accords, and Ross wouldn't let me go. I couldn't attend her funeral. I hope she wasn't upset I didn't see her one last time. I owe her a eulogy..."

Pepper knew Peggy was Tony's godmother, but she had been suffering from dementia in her later years and had been sent back to England to live out her days. Sadly, she had forgotten Tony, even though Tony insisted on paying annual expenses to ensure Peggy could live out her life in the best possible environment.

She quickly typed away, sending a warm and understanding reply, each word laced with her deep love and unconditional support for Tony: "Tony, she knows you value her. She understands all your struggles and responsibilities. She won't be angry with you. She will understand that your current job is out of your control. Wait until I get back, okay?"

June 22nd

Less than a week after the devastating news of Peggy Carter's passing, Peggy saw the sensational news on the BBC: a horrific bombing had occurred at a protocol symposium in Vienna, Austria, killing King T'Chaka of Wakanda...

The king had made his first public appearance on the international stage, speaking at a conference on behalf of an African nation often considered a Third World nation, yet possessing exceptional technology. His sudden death was undoubtedly a grave provocation and blow to global security and international order, tragically propelling the once mysterious nation of Wakanda into the global public eye for the first time.

All news reports and international intelligence reports pointed relentlessly at Winter Soldier for the bloody attack. Video evidence provided by intelligence agencies worldwide identified him as the culprit, prompting a global manhunt for Winter Soldier.

Wakanda's anger has reached a boiling point after losing their beloved king, and the newly appointed T'Challa vows to personally hunt down and punish the assassin who is believed to have killed his father.

June 24th

Pepper, having rarely finished early, prepared to take a break. She turned on the BBC, the anchor reporting in a captivating British accent: "Yesterday, operations at Leipzig-Halle Airport in Berlin, Germany, suddenly ceased. It is understood that after the airport was evacuated, a physical altercation broke out between Team Iron Man and Team Captain America over a disagreement regarding the Sokovia Accords. This conflict caused millions of dollars in property damage to the airport. Ultimately, Iron Man, Tony Stark, paid for the damage and publicly apologized to the German government. Stark Industries will provide Germany with 3% of its electrical conductors and jobs to support Leipzig-Halle Airport employees. Team Iron Man's Colonel James Rhodes fell from the sky during the altercation, shattering his spine, fracturing the middle of his spine, and injuring his leg. He has been flown back to the US by a Stark Industries plane. Metro-General Hospital and receive the highest level of treatment."

Pepper's body suddenly stiffened. She covered her mouth and let out a nearly choked cry. Then she suddenly stood up from the sofa. The violent movement caused the water glass on her table to fall to the ground with a crisp shattering sound, but she was unaware. Rhodey was in trouble, and what about Tony?

"Team Captain America has been arrested for violating the Sokovia Accords and causing millions of dollars in property damage to Leipzig-Halle Airport. Former US Army paratrooper Sam Wilson, Wanda Maximoff, who caused numerous casualties in Lagos, Clint Barton, and Scott Lang, a former systems engineer and thief, have all been arrested and sent to The Raft, a facility in the Pacific Ocean that houses people with special abilities. Furthermore, Natasha Romanoff, formerly of Team Iron Man, has been reported by Wakanda's new King, T'Challa, for letting a fugitive escape. Her whereabouts are currently unknown. End of news report. Farewell."

The BBC news quickly transitioned to a forum program, with the host announcing in his magnetic British accent, "Welcome to this episode of our forum program. Today, we'll discuss the recent global controversy surrounding the Avengers and the Sokovia Accords. The panelists will be divided into two camps: Team Iron Man and Team Captain America."

"We believe the Avengers must sign the Sokovia Accords. The collateral damage they've caused is a fact! First, they caused severe damage to Sokovia, then this year they caused numerous innocent casualties in Lagos, and now they've caused millions of dollars in property damage at Leipzig-Halle Airport. If they're not strictly controlled this time, they'll surely continue to harm other countries. Thank goodness we have the Queen. God save the Queen."

"I disagree with you. Team Captain America signed the Sokovia Accords to protect the autonomy and right to life of superheroes and people with special abilities like Wanda Maximoff." Accords is equivalent to turning them into government property. In times of crisis, they must wait for orders like the military, which slows down response times and only leads to more innocent lives lost in the face of danger.

"The problem now is that too many people are already terrified by the Avengers' actions. The most paradoxical aspect is that Captain America served in World War II. What was World War II like? One of its most fundamental principles was that soldiers must obey their superiors' orders. Yet, Captain America ignored the government's advice and blatantly defied international treaties. Furthermore, we've discovered that Captain America is merely a title; he holds no official military rank or rank. His actions far exceed the responsibility of an honorary title. Furthermore, he even teamed up with a former systems engineer and convicted thief, Scott Lang. Captain America, the epitome of integrity and selflessness, is being associated with a thief..."

Pepper couldn't hear any more. She had to return to the United States as soon as possible! Beside Tony and Rhodey, she immediately notified her secretary to cancel all future meetings and switch to online conferences.

She pulled out her phone and called Happy. As soon as the call connected, she didn't even have time for small talk. "Happy, what's going on with Tony and Rhodey?"

Happy's voice came through the receiver, clearly exhausted and anxious. "Boss Lady? Rhodey's condition is very grim. He's been flown back to the US on a Stark Industries plane to Metro-General Hospital for treatment. Boss said there's a doctor there who can perform spinal surgery on Rhodey. He personally appointed him."

Does Tony know any top doctors at Metro-General Hospital?

Pepper, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear, quickly opened her laptop and began typing keywords into a search engine, asking Happy, "What's his name?"

"He said it was Dr. Stephen Strange, a renowned neurosurgeon. But another doctor, Dr. West, said Dr. Strange refused to perform unchallenging surgeries, so Dr. West ultimately took over Rhodey's surgery."

Pepper searched for "Dr. Stephen Strange." As she listened to Happy's subsequent description, her anger ignited. She raised her voice, speaking with a vehement indignation, "Unchallenging surgeries? What kind of doctor is he? He just randomly chooses surgeries? And what about Tony? Where is he now?" The computer screen displayed Dr. Stephen Strange's profile, revealing a seemingly arrogant, award-winning doctor.

Happy's voice sounded even more helpless. "Boss? Friday said he had to deal with Captain America and Winter Soldier, so he went to see them."

"Do you know where he's going?"

"Sorry, Boss Lady. Boss didn't tell me exactly where he's going, but I'm on a plane right now and have to deal with another mysterious mission Boss has assigned me."

"Plane? What's that?"

Happy hesitated, as if considering something. A hint of annoyance lingered in his tone. "Nothing. He just asked me to help look after a talkative and annoying boy... Oh..."

He blurted it out...

"Boy? What's going on?"

How did Tony even know a boy?

Happy heard Pepper's authoritative question: "Boss Lady, can I not tell you? This involves some of Boss's actions... which are extremely confidential and may provoke a strong backlash from you."

But Pepper didn't give him any room to back down. Her authority, the true ruler of Stark Industries, was instantly revealed. She responded with a cold and threatening tone: "If you want to skip the three warning letters and lose this well-paid, secure job, you can choose not to tell me."

Happy finally deflated. He sighed, his tone filled with a deep sense of resignation and betrayal: "...Okay, you're Boss Lady, you pay me. That boy is a 15-year-old high school student from Queens who Boss secretly recruited to fight Captain America..."

Pepper felt dizzy, her fingers trembling slightly with anger as she gripped her phone. "15-year-old high school student?! Why would Tony recruit an underage high school student to fight Rogers and his gang?!"

Tony To involve a child is beyond reckless; it's downright insane and irresponsible.

Happy hurriedly tried to explain, her tone tinged with complaint, yet she had to acknowledge the boy's uniqueness. "Don't underestimate him, Boss Lady. He's a special boy Boss discovered during a secret surveillance. He possesses the crawling ability of a spider, clinging to any surface with ease, and can even fire super-strong silk to bind his enemies."

However, Happy's tone suddenly shifted, transforming into the intense mental torture of a personal assistant: "But! He has a fatal flaw: He's incredibly talkative. He chatters away the entire time, filled with curiosity and endless questions about everything. I can't stand him... He's ten times louder than Tony on caffeine!"

Just as Happy's complaints faded, Pepper faintly heard a vibrant boy's voice in the background of her phone, tinged with the curiosity and eagerness of youth: "Where is Happy?"

This sudden interruption soothed Pepper's mood slightly. Her anger at Tony's reckless behavior was tempered by the boy's naiveté and Happy's... The urge to vent his frustration was tempered by the pain.

Happy sighed again, despairing. "Here he comes again… Boss Lady, I'm going to hang up now. He's giving me a headache, and I have to go do my babysitting duties."

Pepper knew Happy was exhausted by this moment, so she could only offer a helpless smile, her tone filled with understanding and relief: "Go, poor Happy."

Even after hanging up with Happy, Pepper's primary concern remained Tony's exact location. However, the most pressing crisis was Rhodey's devastating spinal injury. She had to act immediately to ensure Rhodey received the best care in the world.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm herself, and dialed the main number for Metro-General Hospital. She knew her target was the arrogant yet highly skilled Dr. Stephen Strange.

The call was quickly answered, and the operator's voice was polite and formal: "Hello, this is Metro-General Hospital. How can I help you?"

Pepper quickly switched to her signature Stark Industries CEO mode, speaking professionally and with authority: "Hello, this is Virginia Potts, CEO of Stark Industries. Is Colonel James Rhodes being admitted here?"

"Colonel James Rhodes? Yes, he's just been admitted. You're his..."

After confirming Rhodey's admission information, Pepper got straight to the point. She needed to seize the initiative as quickly as possible: "I'm his friend. I'd like to speak to Dr. Stephen Strange and have him perform surgery on Colonel Rhodes. Is he available?"

"Shirley, what's going on?"

Pepper heard another female voice in the background.

"Dr. Plamer, CEO of Stark Industries, Miss Potts is calling to ask for Dr. Strange."

"Let me hear it... Hello, Miss Potts. I'm Dr. Christine Palmer from Metro-General Hospital, and a friend of Dr. Strange's."

"Hello, I guess I shouldn't introduce myself, Dr. Palmer."

"Yes, you're looking for Dr. Strange? About Colonel Rhodes?"

"Yes, I'm hoping Dr. Strange can perform surgery on Colonel Rhodes."

"Don't worry, I think Dr. Strange will agree, as he's already decided to operate on Colonel Rhodes."

This news was like a huge weight lifted off Pepper's chest, her tense nerves finally relaxing a bit. She spoke with a hint of unconcealed surprise and gratitude: "...That's really great news."

"But I think the surgery will have to be delayed, as he had to leave on an urgent matter."

Pepper Although she felt a little strange, as long as the surgery could proceed, she had no other requests. She said generously, "Emergency? That's fine. Dr. Strange can operate on Colonel Rhodes."

"If Dr. Strange comes back, I'll have him call you."

"Thank you, Dr. Palmer. You can call me directly. My number is... Okay, thank you."

Just as Pepper was about to end the call, Christine hesitantly stopped her, "Wait, Miss Potts. I think Dr. Strange's emergency has something to do with Mr. Tony Stark."

"...Tony? Do they know each other?"

Her mind flashed back to Happy's earlier words. She had assumed Tony had stumbled upon Dr. Strange's exceptional medical background and had asked Happy to contact him. She hadn't realized Tony actually knew Dr. Strange.

Hearing Pepper's surprised tone, Christine realized she'd revealed information she shouldn't have. She apologized, "You didn't know?"

But Pepper couldn't care less. Her focus was completely on Tony's safety. She pressed anxiously, "It's okay, but do you know what it is?"

Pepper confessed bluntly, "I just found out a minute ago."

Christine apologized hastily, "Sorry..."

But Pepper couldn't care less. Her focus was completely on Tony's safety. She pressed anxiously, "It's okay, but do you know what it is?"

"I don't know the specifics, but Stephen was on the phone and left the hospital in a hurry. I think something happened to Mr. Stark, because Stephen rarely shows his emotions."

Christine's observation instantly peaked Pepper's fear. Stephen Strange was an extremely reserved person. If he lost control of his emotions over Tony's situation, Tony would be in great danger.

"Thank you, Dr. Palmer. Could you give me Dr. Strange's number?"

After receiving the number, Pepper quickly ended the call. Her finger hovered over the dial key as she stared at the unfamiliar number on her phone screen. Her original next move was to contact FRIDAY, but now that she had a more direct clue in Dr. Strange's name, she decided to call him first and ask if he knew Tony's whereabouts.