Welcome Home
The military airfield was loud.
Engines roared.
Soldiers moved with purpose.
And then—
Tony Stark stepped off the transport plane.
Alive.
Veronica froze.
Pepper's composure shattered instantly.
Both women rushed forward.
Tony barely had time to react before he was pulled into a hug.
"Easy, easy," he said softly, voice rough. "I'm here."
Pepper wiped her tears, trying to stay professional.
Veronica wasn't even pretending.
Alex stood back for a moment—
Then stepped forward and clapped Tony on the shoulder.
"Welcome back, buddy."
Tony smirked faintly.
"Good to be back."
Two Arguments, One Exit
They reached the car.
Veronica and Alex were about to get in—
When Tony and Pepper started arguing.
Two things.
"Cheeseburgers," Tony insisted.
"And a press meet," Pepper snapped.
Alex exchanged a look with Veronica.
They didn't even say a word.
Both stepped back.
"Bye, Happy," Alex said calmly.
Happy blinked. "Wait—"
Too late.
Alex and Veronica were already walking away—hand in hand.
Quiet Support
Alex drove.
Veronica sat beside him, watching the city pass by.
When they reached Stark Industries—
The press conference was already chaos.
Tony announced it.
Stark Manufacturing was shutting down.
Veronica and Alex exchanged a look.
"…We're going to be cleaning this up," Veronica sighed.
Alex nodded. "Together."
Afterward, Alex spoke quietly.
"Stay at my mansion for the next few months."
Veronica didn't hesitate.
"…Okay."
Trust
Later, Tony finished talking with Obadiah.
The three of them stood together.
Tony opened his mouth.
Alex stopped him.
"I'm not angry with you," Alex said calmly. "Neither is Veronica."
Veronica stepped forward.
"My brother knows what he's doing," she said firmly.
"And even if you lose everything, I'll follow you."
She puffed out her chest proudly.
"I'll take care of you."
Alex pinched her nose gently.
"How do you plan to do that, princess?"
She smiled brightly.
"My man will help me."
Tony burst out laughing.
Alex looked at him. "You know I trust you."
Tony nodded. "You've known me how long now?"
Alex smirked. "Twenty years and eleven months, buddy."
Tony chuckled. "…Yeah."
Cheeseburgers, Replaced
Alex glanced at the time.
"There's a new Chinese restaurant nearby," he said.
"Famous already. Veronica and I were going to try it."
Tony raised a brow. "You inviting me?"
"Yes."
Tony smiled. "I'm in."
They went together.
The food was incredible.
Tony made a mental note.
"I'm bringing Pepper here next time."
Afterward—
Alex dropped Tony and Veronica off at the mansion.
As Alex drove away—
The universe stayed quiet.
For now.