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It’s been on his mind lately, how much time he doesn’t spend with Maria and Tony. He had thought that giving more responsibilities to Obadiah would ease his workload, and it had in SI, but every time he started walking out the door of his office, Peggy or another SHIELD agent showed up asking for help on something urgent. He has barely slept in the last two weeks, especially with the preparations for this year’s trip to the Arctic ongoing and the departure date so close by. Whenever he thinks about not going on the trip, he hears Peggy Carter’s voice asking for more and dismisses the idea. He could use peace and quiet, though that would only solve half of his issue unless Maria and Tony came along. Would they even want to come? Howard starts packing for the day as he considers the idea of a Family trip. It’s not the ideal location, and there might not be enough to entertain a small child, but they would be together, and no matter how much paperwork Howard brings, the connection the boat has is not enough for long conversations or meetings. This is starting to sound better and better the more I think about it.
By the time he arrives home, the rest of the household is asleep, and it strengthens his resolve to bring his family along for the trip.
Something has to change.
Howard starts making plans the next morning by checking with his secretary about his calendar for the next few days - he needs to actually schedule time to speak with his family! - and have her check what is required to add to the supply list for two more people for two more people.
After that is done, Howard speaks with Building Security and sets up a new protocol - visitors are only allowed with an appointment and need to provide proof of the appointment. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are to follow protocol as well, and this time around, the police should be called to remove anyone unauthorised from the premises. The new protocol is set to start as soon as he leaves for the trip. He can use the trip preparation to send the details to Peggy; she can't yell at him if he isn't there.
Things in motion, Howard goes home to discuss his plan. First stop is with the Jarvis’s, “Pack for the three of us, Jarvis. We will be having a Family Trip. You and Anna can take some time off as well if you wish to. Though someone from the Security Department at SI is coming to check over the estate. It's been a while since we had one.”
Both Jarvis look surprised but follow Howard's instructions with a smile. Howard finds Tony and Maria in the Music Room, where Maria is currently teaching Tony how to play the piano. Howard leans in the doorway as he watches and relaxes for the first time that day. Yes, this is the right choice.
The two players finish the song, and Tony lifts his head, spotting his father for the first time, startling Maria, “Daddy, you're home.”
Howard walks towards the two and picks Tony up as Maria smiles at him, “You’re right, Tony. I also have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? Is it a project?”
“It's something for all three of us. Instead of just me going on my trip, we're all going. The boat has a lot of space, a workshop we can share and no distractions until we reach the Arctic. We might even see penguins when we arrive.”
“Really? What about SI? And Peggy?” Maria asks, looking lost and afraid to hope. Tony, on the other hand, cheers and hugs Howard, chanting repeatedly, “Penguins, penguins…”
“I know. I have been making some changes. Obadiah is ready for more responsibility in SI, and the trip's destination is something for Peg. Just because some of it will benefit her doesn’t mean we can't enjoy ourselves on the way and maybe find new things. Jarvis and Anna are packing our bags. During the next week, someone from the Security Department is coming over for a Security check, so we need to clean up a bit before going. Ok, Tony?” Howard looks at his son before putting him down and kneeling in front of him, “Put all your tools and projects in the right places and out of the way, so nothing gets damaged.”
“Ok, Daddy. I go now,” Tony says as he runs out of the room after waving to Maria.
Maria watches Tony leave before turning to her husband and incredulously asking, “Really, Howard? A Family vacation to the Arctic? How is that a good idea?”
“Well, it's step one of my current plan to spend more time with my Family. It needs a lot more work, but the first phase is to get us away from the States for a bit.”