S.H.I.E.L.D

The cool hum of the containment chamber reverberated through the air as Tony Stark, still dressed in his battle-worn Mark 49 armor, stood alongside Bruce Banner, who was now in his usual human form. Across from them, Emil Blonsky—better known as the Abomination—lay unconscious within a fortified cage designed to hold the Hulk. A blend of cutting-edge technology and military precision. For now, Blonsky was contained, his monstrous form slumped in silence.

Nick Fury stood in the shadows, his arms crossed. His one eye flicked between the two men—Tony Stark, who had revealed his identity as Iron Man just an hour ago, and Bruce Banner, the man cursed with the power of the Hulk. Fury wasn't a man who was easily surprised, but today had been an exception.

"Good work,"

 Fury finally said, his voice gruff and low.

"Blonsky's locked down for now. But that doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet."

Tony shifted uncomfortably, wiping the sweat from his brow, as the subtle tension between him and Fury lingered in the air. The fact that Fury had only learned who Iron Man was an hour ago made this even more complicated.

"Yeah, sure,"

Tony replied,

"Now why don't you tell me, who the hell you guys are?"

Tony didn't want to risk fury being on his ass hence he decided to play dumb regarding SHIELD.

Banner was quiet, his mind still reeling from the transformation he had just undergone. The Mark Gamma armor had been a success—perhaps too much of a success.

"Let's go, I will answer your questions at a more suitable place."

Fury said, turning his back to the two of them.

"Oh and pray tell where are we going?"

Tony asked playing along.

"To the SHIELD HQ"

Tony glanced at Bruce, who still looked pale, his mind miles away.

"Hey, big guy, you alright?"

Banner rubbed the back of his neck, his expression heavy.

"Yeah... I think so. But the Hulk—he's more cooperative than before. It's like we've reached some kind of understanding."

"Well, that's something,"

 Tony said, offering a small, knowing smile.

"At least you won't have to smash everything every time he shows up."

Bruce gave a weak chuckle.

"Small victories."

As they followed Fury toward the transport waiting to take them to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, Tony's mind raced. He was here—stuck in the past. The fight with Thanos, the Time Heist, it was all still fresh in his memory. The destruction, the loss... it all hung heavy in his chest. He couldn't tell them. Not yet. Fury would never trust him if he knew the truth. And Banner—his younger self would be too distracted by what was coming.

They boarded the sleek black S.H.I.E.L.D. jet, and as the engines hummed to life, Fury remained silent, clearly deep in thought. Tony watched the landscape zoom by as they lifted off, his mind running through the day's events. It had been strange, fighting alongside this version of Bruce Banner—a Banner who had yet to experience the merging of the Hulk and his personality, who still feared the monster within him.

Fury finally broke the silence as the jet stabilized in the air.

"My name is Nick Fury and I am the director of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."

"We handle the stuff that people like you don't even know exists yet. Think of us as the ones standing between the world and the things that want to tear it apart—aliens, weapons of mass destruction, superpowered threats."

He paused, watching Tony closely to make sure he was paying attention. Tony gave a small nod, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, waiting for more.

"Our job,"

 Fury continued,

"is to intervene when those threats show up. We enforce laws, track down dangerous technology, and manage logistical operations all over the globe—quietly. And right now, we're looking for people who can do what no one else can when the time comes. People like you."

"Stark, I don't trust surprises. And you? You're one big, walking surprise. So, here's what will happen: we're going to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, and you're going to explain everything. How you got that armor, how you've stayed off our radar this long, and why you've suddenly decided to reveal your little secret today of all days."

Tony leaned back in his seat, folding his arms.

"What, no congratulatory speech for stopping a rampaging gamma monster?"

Fury wasn't amused.

"We can deal with Blonsky. It's you I'm worried about. You know more than you're letting on, Stark. And that makes me nervous."

Tony narrowed his eyes at Fury, The jet touched down moments later at S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ with a soft thud. As the cabin door opened, the familiar click of boots hitting the metal floor echoed through the space. A squad of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents flanked them, each one sharp and focused, their presence adding a sense of gravity to the moment.

Tony walked out, eyes flicking around, taking in the sight of the sprawling facility. Despite being the pinnacle of global defense in this era, S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ looked... well, dated. To him, it was a relic of what he knew it would eventually become. Stark couldn't help but marvel at the difference—old tech, blinking terminals, and agents hunched over monitors. Yet the place buzzed with purpose. It was a machine running at peak efficiency, even if it wasn't quite the future he had come from. Information flowed like currents through the walls, agents moving with almost military precision. Tony smirked—efficient, but rough around the edges.

They passed through a large control center, where a massive array of monitors displayed footage of the chaos they had left behind—the destruction from the battle with the Abomination still playing on a loop. Tony could see the smoke, the shattered streets, and the remnants of their fight rippling across the screens like some grim highlight reel.

Eventually, Fury led them into an expansive briefing room. The walls were lined with technology—some cutting-edge for the time, but nothing Stark couldn't have built-in his sleep. He let out a small breath of impatience as Fury motioned for him and Banner to take their seats at the large table in the center of the room.

"Alright,"

Fury said, his voice low and commanding as he began pacing like a predator sizing up its prey. His one eye locked on Tony with a laser focus, his every step deliberate.

"Let's get one thing clear. You're in my house now. I don't care who you are outside these walls but in here? You answer to me."

Tony leaned back in his chair, arms casually folded, still in the Mark 49 suit. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Fury go on.

"So, Stark,"

Fury continued, pacing around the table, never breaking eye contact,

"Let's start from the beginning,"

Fury's voice sliced through the silence, his one good eye fixed on Tony like a hawk stalking prey.

"Where did that armor come from? And how is it more advanced than anything I've seen in the last decade?"

Tony sighed dramatically, the usual flair for theatrics not lost even under pressure. He flexed his neck, and then with a quiet hiss, the plates of the Mark 49 suit began to shift and retract with seamless precision. The sleek metal folded away, armor panels rearranging themselves until the suit stood tall behind him, silent yet imposing, like a sentinel waiting for orders.

Free of the weight, Tony stood there in his casual gear—a snug black T-shirt with a witty science pun, "I Have Potential", stretched across the chest, and his ever-present jeans. Through the fabric, the faint glow of his arc reactor pulsed with soft, rhythmic light, casting an eerie reflection in the dim room. The tension had shifted—Fury's gaze was cold and calculating, while Banner sat off to the side, watching with concern, still coming to grips with everything that had transpired.

Tony surveyed the room briefly, noting the flickering monitors that displayed the wreckage of their battle with the Abomination. He could feel Fury's eyes on him, the weight of unspoken questions pressing in, but Tony wasn't in the mood for interrogation just yet.

He sauntered toward the large table, sliding into the chair with an effortless swagger, the kind that spoke of someone who'd been in far too many high-stakes situations to be fazed by this one. Leaning back, Tony took his time before removing his watch, casually placing it in the center of the table. The room seemed to hang on to his next move.

He glanced up, his voice smooth but commanding.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., buddy, you there?"

There was no hesitation. Before Fury could even form a response, a calm, robotic voice echoed through the room.

"Yes, sir."

Tony smirked, already knowing the answer but enjoying the control he had over the situation.

"Good. Now, lock this room down, block all surveillance feeds, and keep the armor on alert. Before Fury gets... antsy."

Fury's expression darkened, but before he could protest, the room responded to Tony's command. There was a soft hum as the security systems engaged, and suddenly, every monitor in the briefing room, which had been streaming live footage of the destruction left in Harlem, went black. One by one, they flickered back to life, now displaying a single word in bold letters:

STARK.

The room had transformed into Tony's domain, every screen a reminder of who was really in control here. Fury's reaction was immediate. His instincts kicked in as his hand shot to the gun holstered at his side, pulling it out in one swift motion.

But Tony was already ahead of him.

With a low, menacing hum, the Mark 49 sprang to life behind Tony. The Armor's gauntlets raised, each one pointed directly at Fury, the repulsor beginning to charge with a faint blue glow. The threat was unmistakable. The room was filled with the electric hum of potential energy, and in that moment, Fury knew—one wrong move, and he'd be vaporized before he could even pull the trigger.

"Sit down, Fury."

 Tony's voice was low but laced with the kind of confidence only he could pull off, his trademark smirk firmly in place.

"Trust me, you'll be blown to pieces before you can even blink. Not your best move."

Fury's jaw tightened, but he was no fool. His gaze shifted from the repulsor aimed at him, to Tony, and then back to the Mark 49, its unmoving, metallic form an impenetrable wall of threat. He exhaled a mixture of irritation and reluctant acknowledgment flashing across his face. With a slow, deliberate motion, he placed his gun on the table, the click of metal against metal echoing in the now tense room.

He pulled out a chair and sat down, never breaking eye contact with Tony.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Stark."

Tony snapped his fingers, and immediately, the Mark 49 stood down, the repulsor powering down as the armor returned to its standby position behind him.

"That's what I thought,"

Tony said with a sly grin, leaning back in his chair, arms draped casually over the armrests.

Banner remained silent, but his eyes darted between the two men, sensing the palpable friction in the air.

Fury's patience was wearing thin, but Tony wasn't done. He tapped the table, leaning forward now, his tone turning more serious but no less cocky.

"Look Fury let me make some things clear to you first you don't threaten me ever again Let this be a lesson and second as long as you have tech around it will always be my domain."

After letting him digest his words,

"As for the armor I got the idea after I escaped the ten rings, it was a crude version of this beauty as soon as I got home I went and made it using the best stuff I could get my hands on tests upon tests and after many upgrades, I made this armor"

He tells him there is no way he would tell Fury about the future as telling Pepper and JARVIS has been a big risk as it was and it would stay that way or his future knowledge would be useless if the timeline changed too much he couldn't risk that, in the past he and Fury never have seen eye to eye but they both had one thing common taking the hardest decisions to make sure the world remained safe he manipulating someone like Fury was a risk move but he had no other choice he would throw in a little bone for Fury regarding hydra as well it was better to get rid of hydra as soon as possible, but not now it wasn't the right time yet.

Fury leaned forward, his voice lowering, steady but with a razor's edge.

"That Armor's not from here. It's not just advanced—it's alien to everything we know. So I'll ask again—where did it come from? And this time, give me something I can use."

Tony raised an eyebrow, leaning forward to meet Fury's intense gaze, still with his usual smirk.

"You're good, Fury. Real good. But I'm telling you everything you need to know. This is cutting-edge Stark tech. I built it. That's it. The fact it's leagues ahead of what you've got? Well, I don't like to brag, but I'm Tony Stark. You've seen my résumé."

Fury's gaze didn't waver.

"Your résumé doesn't cover this."

 His voice was sharp, but calm, deliberate.

"Your R&D department might as well be in diapers compared to what you're playing with now. So unless you've got a secret lab hidden somewhere even S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't know about, I'm not buying your story. You're not just holding out, Stark. You're sitting on something much bigger. I need the truth."

Tony leaned back, crossing his arms, the smirk slipping slightly. The game was more dangerous now, and Fury was pushing hard.

"You've got all the truth you need, Nick. The armor works, and it stopped Blonsky. End of story. If you want to talk logistics, fine, we can talk logistics. But right now, the 'how' is irrelevant. We did what had to be done."

Fury was silent for a moment, then leaned back in his chair, never taking his eye off Tony.

"I'll tell you what's relevant, Stark. S.H.I.E.L.D. is tracking superpowered threats, off-the-books tech, and anything that even smells like it could cause a problem for national security. And you? You just lit up every red flag we have."

Tony tensed, his mind racing. Fury was getting too close to the truth, and Tony knew he had to steer the conversation away from it. He let out a breath and tried a different approach.

"Look, Fury, I get it. You're used to having all the answers, knowing all the angles. But right now, I'm telling you, you don't need to know everything. What you do need is a way to handle what's out there, and that's what I bring to the table."

Fury's expression didn't change, but his voice took on a dangerous edge.

"And what exactly are you bringing to the table, Stark? Because as far as I can tell, you're hiding more than you're showing. That suit is only a piece of the puzzle, and I'm not in the habit of leaving pieces unexplained."

Tony let out a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He could feel the walls closing in.

"I'm bringing solutions. Right now, that's all you need to know."

Banner, who had been silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke up, his voice calm but firm.

"Tony's right, Fury. We stopped Blonsky, and that's what matters. If you push too hard on this, you might end up alienating the one person who can help you."

Fury turned his attention to Banner, his expression softening slightly, though the intensity remained.

"Banner, you've got more skin in this game than anyone. Blonsky wasn't the only threat on the field today, and you know it. The Hulk is still a factor. We need to be prepared."

Banner nodded slowly.

"And that's why Tony and I are working together. The suit he built—it's not just a weapon. It's a way to control the damage, to minimize casualties, and cooperate with Hulk."

Fury's gaze shifted between the two of them, weighing their words. Then, after a tense moment, he leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath.

"You're right. We do need solutions. And I don't like unknown variables in my equations. But here's the deal—if you're gonna be part of this, you play by my rules. That means full transparency. No more secrets, no more games."

"Right, right. We'll save that conversation for later."

Fury stood up, clearly done with the back-and-forth, his patience worn thin.

"Stark, Banner—if you want to be part of what's coming, you'll follow my lead. No exceptions. This isn't just about you, or your suits, or the Hulk. There's a bigger universe out there, and we're only just starting to see the edges."

Tony stood as well, the tension still lingering in the room like a storm waiting to break. He looked at Fury, the smirk gone now, his tone serious.

"You have no idea how big that universe really is, Fury."

Fury's eyes narrowed.

"Then maybe you should start telling me."

For a moment, the room was silent. The weight of everything unspoken hung between them. Finally, Tony turned toward the door, his voice casual again, but with a note of finality.

"Like I said—one thing at a time."

Fury watched as Tony and Banner left the room, his mind turning over everything that had been said—and, more importantly, everything that hadn't. Stark was a mystery, one that he wasn't sure he could afford to leave unsolved. But for now, there were bigger battles to prepare for.

Back at Malibu Mansion

As soon as Tony and Banner arrived at the Malibu Mansion, the ocean breeze greeted them, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. The sprawling architecture of the mansion stood tall against the sunset, its modern design reflecting the golden hues of dusk. However, inside, the atmosphere was far from calm.

Upon stepping through the threshold, they found Pepper Potts pacing anxiously in the grand foyer. Her usually composed demeanour was noticeably frayed, her brow furrowed with concern. The moment her eyes met Tony's, a wave of relief washed over her, and she rushed toward him without a second thought.

Tony opened his arms, welcoming her into a warm embrace. He could feel the tension in her body begin to ease as she melted into him, her head resting against his chest.

"I'm glad you're safe,"

 she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The warmth of their connection enveloped them both, and for a moment, the chaos of the day faded away, this had been the first time Pepper had seen him in action and it had been nerve wracking to see him fight an monster.

After a few moments, Pepper pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face for any signs of injury or fatigue. It was in that instant that she realized they were not alone. Turning, she noticed Bruce Banner standing just a few feet away, his shy smile breaking the tension.

"I'm glad you're safe as well, Bruce,"

 she said, her voice brightening with genuine warmth. It was clear that during his stay, they had developed a comfortable rapport. Pepper had taken it upon herself to ensure Bruce was well cared for—always offering snacks and making sure he had time to rest rather than becoming lost in his research.

Bruce returned her smile, a hint of appreciation lighting up his eyes.

"Thanks, Pepper. I appreciate everything you've done. It's nice to have a friend in all this," he replied, his voice soft but sincere.

Pepper's heart swelled with gratitude at Bruce's words, knowing how isolating it could be to be constantly on the run from one's own nature. She stepped closer, her maternal instincts kicking in.

"You both need to eat. I made some pasta earlier; it should still be warm. And I stocked the fridge with those protein bars you like, Tony."

"Ah, the gourmet options are endless,"

Tony quipped, a playful grin spreading across his face. He took a step away from Pepper, but not before gently squeezing her shoulder, the affection evident in his touch.

Banner chuckled softly,

"I think I'll take you up on that offer, Pepper. I could use a real meal."

Pepper nodded, her expression softening as she turned to lead them into the expansive kitchen. The space was filled with natural light, the warm tones of the wood contrasting beautifully with the sleek, modern appliances. The comforting aroma of garlic and herbs lingered in the air, reminding Tony of home—a home that was not just about the walls but about the people in it.

As they walked, Tony and Pepper exchanged glances, the unspoken connection between them as palpable as the tension that had lingered from the day's events. They both knew that while the battle with the Abomination had ended, new challenges were on the horizon.

In the kitchen, Pepper set about plating the pasta, her movements fluid and efficient.

"So, what's next for you two?"

she asked, her tone casual but her eyes keen, seeking any hint of what they might be planning.

Tony leaned against the counter, folding his arms.

"Well, we might need to run some tests on the suit and look into what else is lurking out there. Bruce has some ideas that could be game-changing."

Banner nodded, grateful for Tony's support.

"I think we should analyse the gamma signatures from today's fight. There's a lot we still don't know about Blonsky and what he was doing."

Pepper's expression shifted, concern creeping in again.

"Just promise me you'll be careful. I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt out there."

Tony reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, I'm invincible, remember? Besides, I've got my own personal bodyguard now."

He gestured playfully toward Bruce, who laughed lightly.

Bruce added with a grin,

"I'll do my best to keep him in one piece."

As the three of them settled around the kitchen island, the laughter and banter began to fill the space, pushing away the shadows of the day. They were a team now, bound by the chaos they had faced and the uncertainties ahead. Together, they would navigate whatever came next, fortified by friendship and resilience.

At night

After enjoying a hearty meal and engaging in light-hearted conversation, everyone eventually retreated to their respective rooms, leaving the atmosphere in the Malibu Mansion filled with warmth and a sense of camaraderie. In the quiet of their private space, Pepper Potts found herself nestled comfortably in Tony Stark's embrace. The flickering light from the fireplace cast a soft glow around them, creating an intimate setting.

"Pep, I think it's time we move to New York and build the Stark Tower,"

Tony said, breaking the comfortable silence. His voice held a hint of excitement, reminding her of their earlier discussions about the future and their aspirations.

"Alright, I will make the arrangements,"

she replied, her fingers gently tracing the outline of his arc reactor, a symbol of his ingenuity and power. The reactor pulsed softly beneath her touch, and she felt a rush of affection for the man she loved, who had become so much more than just a genius billionaire.

Tony's gaze turned thoughtful.

"I was also thinking we should bring Bruce's girlfriend as well. The dude really needs to get laid."

Pepper chuckled, shaking her head in mock disapproval as she playfully slapped his chest.

"You're terrible, Tony! But I think you're right. He could use some happiness in his life."

"I think you said her name was Betty Ross, right? The general's daughter? She's good at genetics; it shouldn't be a problem,"

Pepper continued, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered the implications of Bruce's romantic life.

Suddenly, Tony burst into laughter, his deep, infectious chuckle filling the room. Pepper looked at him, confusion crossing her features.

"What is it?"

"It just hit me—imagine what would happen if Bruce turns into the Hulk while he's, you know… with her,"

Tony said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. The thought was absurd, and Pepper's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink.

"Oh my god, Tony!"

 she exclaimed, laughing despite herself.

"You can't just go around thinking of things like that! Poor Betty would be traumatized!"

Tony leaned back, a grin plastered on his face as he revelled in her reaction.

"But think about it! One minute they're having a romantic evening, and the next—boom! The Hulk bursts through the wall! 'Surprise!'"

Pepper giggled, shaking her head.

"You're incorrigible! I can already see Bruce's face, probably trying to explain to Betty that it's just a little transformation hiccup."

Their laughter filled the room, a soothing balm to the stresses of the day. As the chuckles faded, Pepper looked up at Tony, her expression softening.

"You know, deep down, I hope Bruce finds someone who can accept him for who he is, Hulk and all. He deserves that."

Tony's smile faded slightly as he nodded, the humour giving way to a more serious tone.

"Yeah, he really does. I've seen how hard it is for him. If bringing Betty into the fold helps him feel more grounded, I'm all for it."

Pepper leaned in closer, resting her head against his shoulder, a content sigh escaping her lips.

"Together, we can help him find that happiness. Just like we've found ours."

Tony tightened his grip around her waist, his heart swelling with affection. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe one day we'll all look back on this and laugh. Just remember, if Bruce ever needs a little nudge in the right direction, I've got some ideas."

She rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile betrayed her delight.

"Let's just focus on the Stark Tower for now, okay? One project at a time."

"Alright, deal,"

he said, planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

"But don't think I won't bring it up again. This is too good to pass up."

As they settled into a comfortable silence, the warmth of their connection wrapped around them like a soft blanket. Outside, the ocean waves continued to crash against the cliffs, a soothing rhythm that mirrored the steady beat of their hearts. Together, they had faced chaos and uncertainty, but in this moment, they were at peace—ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited them in New York, with Bruce and Betty by their side.

With that thought lingering in the air, they allowed themselves to relax, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.