Prologue

The funeral was nice. Nothing too big. Although, my dad used to think his funeral would be akin to a rave. Natasha never thought she would have one.

Now everyone gathers in the tower when it should just be the family. All of these strangers, people who opposed my dad and what we stand for as heroes are mingling in my living room. It bothers me so much I have to force my jaw to relax as I watch senators and business moguls laugh while munching on the hors d’oeuvres my step mother laid out.

Pepper had run every event for my dad. Anything that was sponsored by Stark Industries, Pepper took charge and dad would watch her thrive in her element. When I was a child I would watch in awe as she floated around the Malibu Point mansion, watching Pepper scrutinize every last detail before guests arrived.

This morning I watched curled up on the stairs to the lab as Pepper’s hands shook, small tears she tried to ignore falling down her cheeks, staining the white linen table cloths around the tower residence. The men I’ve been staring down look at me. Giving me fake sympathetic stares as they whisper with their heads down. I roll my eyes in disgust as one of them lets out a booming laugh he immediately tries to silence.

Having endured enough I stomp off up the stairs to the lab floor. It’s the last part of this place where I can still feel my dad’s presence. Approaching the mechanical section I press my hand to the scanner, the glass double doors opening for me instantly. The cool air of the lab soothes me. The clean smell mixed with leftover soldered metal makes my jaw fully unclench. “Anything you need me to prep Selene?” F.R.I.D.A.Y’s smooth voice echoes around the lab. “No, thank you. I’m just hiding out.” She doesn’t respond. I’m not sure she wants to anymore. Ever since dad died F.R.I.D.A.Y. has been less helper more Google search bar.

I’m afraid she might deactivate herself and then dad will really be gone.

Taking in the unfinished Iron Man suits on the wall I let out a long sigh. I’ll miss the long days hunched over the work bench with dad. Fixing something on our suits or building something new. We were supposed to save the world. How am I supposed to do that without him?

Picking up a helmet dad left on the work bench I hold it in front of me like Hamlet. Staring into the lifeless eyes waiting for the familiar white glow of the suit powering up.

I scan the lab. Everything was how we left it last week before the world went to shit. Before Thanos.

The lab doors swish open, I whip around to find Sam, Clint, Steve, and Peter filing in. Each one of them is staring at me like I’m going to implode. I’ve been getting that look a lot lately. From strangers to reporters to everyone who lives in the tower. I look like I’m taking dad’s death better than I actually am. Inside I’m a wreck. My power wants out. To decimate the world and end those who took him from me.

“Hey kid,” Clint says softly. “Thought I saw you sneak away.”

“Hey.” I watch as they subconsciously form a semi circle around me. Looking at me like they’re going to throw a bomb that’s about to go off and run. Tension grows as I narrow my eyes at each of them. I can hear their heart beats pick up. Some are sporadic while others do better to keep a calm, steady rhythm in their chest. Peter looks anywhere but at me. Rocking on his heels, sweat beading on his hair line.

“We want to talk about what’s next.” Sam kicks off. I shoot him a questioning look.

“I thought we were waiting on the lawyers. We aren’t meeting with them until next week.” Sam looks to Clint for help. Steve stays silent as the nervous ticks take over his body.

“We are.” Clint amends. “It’s just that…we’ve all talked and the decision is pretty unanimous.”

“What decision?” I bite out. My own heart kicking up against my ribs.

“Some of us are done, Sel. We can’t keep going and now’s the time to get out.” I step back like they’ve each just taken a turn slapping me. “Out? Out of what?”

“You know what, kid. We knew the Avengers wouldn’t last forever. We wanted to tell you that we’re moving out of the tower starting tomorrow. It’s yours to do what you want with.” My jaw hardens again. They can’t all be leaving me. I’m losing my family all over again? What the fuck did we just fight tooth and nail for? I’m not sure what I scream at them.

The helmet leaves my hand, smashing against the wall to my left.

I’m not sure what I said next but god I hope it was unkind.

I hope it was something there’s no coming back from.

I storm out of the lab. They all call after me but I don’t care. I don’t care that I stomp through the full residence like a petulant child. I don’t care that everyone is watching me. I don’t care that Peter is chasing me, pleading with me to just talk to him.

I slam the door to my bedroom, tearing through my things, packing a duffle bag and suit case with all my shit. Not a word leaves my lips as Peter begs through the door to just talk to him. I have nothing to say to him right now. Peter was supposed to be my brother! We were supposed to be in this together! Peter did always have the easy way though. Dad favored him when it came to powers, suit upgrades, training, and whatever else they could bond over.

Favored Peter for having the brain of a true scientist.

Ripping off my funeral dress and kicking off my stupid red bottom shoes Pepper practically shoved on my feet, I pulled on a pair of jeans and a plain shirt along with my boots.

Stomping back through the residence Pepper rushes up to me, begging me to stay so we can talk. Whispering angrily at me about how it looks that Tony Stark’s daughter is walking out of him and Natasha’s joint funeral. The other members of my team call out to me but I ignore them all.

Taking the elevator down to the private garage I sense Peter still following me. I’m halfway to the car as the second elevator dings and the scuff of dress shoes echo of the concrete. “Selene, please stop! Just talk to me. Selene!” Peter grabs my arm, spinning me to face him.

Throwing my bags down I stare up at him defiantly. “You wanna talk, lets fucking talk! If you don’t think I’m worth anything since dad died just say so! There is not a single reason I can think of why any of you would stop doing what we do. Why we would possibly stop being the Avengers! And to ditch me when I need you most? I thought you were my family?” I shake my head in disbelief. I fight tears threatening to well in my eyes. Peter does not get to see me cry over this. Peter can’t bring himself to look at me again. I'm not sure if it's out of shame or if he'll just break down.

“Some of them don’t see the Avengers the way you do.” My heart cracks in two. My world falls apart all over again as the realization hits me. These people were never my family. We were never even close. Just strangers brought together by a series of unfortunate events involving science and magic.

How pathetic of you Selene Stark.

“It’s not permanent,” Peter murmurs. “MJ and I are going to college and I...I love her.” The longing in his voice makes me want to feel happy for him. But I can’t be when my brother is leaving me. Picking my bags up I let out a deep sigh.

“What should I tell them?” Peter asks, knowing he’s lost this battle with me. “Don’t call. And don’t ask me for a god damn thing." I pop the trunk throwing my bags into the back of dad's favorite car. A sleek black Audi. Fast and showy.

"If you all think this is over, you’re more naive than I thought. And that is truly disappointing.” I climb in the car, slamming the door leaving Peter standing there like a fool. Throwing the Audi in drive I don’t look back as I peel out of the garage. The city streets are empty for late afternoon but I don’t question it as I press down on the gas pedal, flying through every green light I hit, pressing the pedal down harder once I get on the highway.

I keep driving north until my anger turns into tears and the road becomes a black and green blur illuminated by the bright oranges and pinks of the setting sun.