00 | hopeful endgame

Tony

"Tony, you coming?"

I glanced at Romanoff when she peeked inside the room after I changed into our white uniform because for some unknown reason, everyone has to match.

"Unfortunately, not." I answered.

Oh, I was coming all right. My uncontrollable need to make everything weird and to annoy everyone simply caused me to change the meaning behind her question and my response. At that, I smirked at her.

"That's...the last thing I need stuck in my head right now." Natasha grunted before walking out of the room, frustrated. See, weird and annoyed.

Today's the day. The time machine is done and working. Five years. Five years since the world's population has decreased in half. We lost a lot. Friends, family...it was difficult...unimaginable. But throughout those five years, I've never had any motivation to come up with another solution because frankly, I thought there wasn't any.

I kept beating myself up for everything. Maybe I could've done something differently? I might not be the only one to blame for what happened but if there's something that I should be solely blamed for...that's bringing that kid with me. The only reason why I even had the motivation to do this stuff is because I can't let that be the end of Peter's story. If I can bring him back, then I will.

Though, if I can bring him back...maybe I can bring another thing back as well.

"A.N.D.R.E.A." I called. Up to this day I still admire the sound of that name. I knew I can't be with her, so at the very least, I named an AI after her. With that, I still get to say her name. Even if she herself can't hear me, or say anything in return.

Did I look for her? Yes. Yes, I did. But I only watched from afar and only for a little while. I didn't want to seem like a creep. I just had to see if she was doing okay. Though, 'okay' might not be the most fitting word for her at that time.

I stood up as I took my phone, setting it down on the table in front of me where it unraveled a holographic screen.

"Yes, boss?" A.N.D.R.E.A. answered. Her voice. I remember her voice so well, I managed to incorporate that in the AI. It made me feel like she's still by my side, guiding me into whatever shits I put myself through.

I love Pepper and Morgan. I absolutely do. There's nothing in this world that would make me say otherwise. But that doesn't mean that Andrea left my heart.

"Let's record a message, shall we?" I adjusted my hair. It already had white bits in it but who cares. If there's anyone who can pull off this look, it's me. Call it being cocky, I call it honesty.

"To whom will the message be directed?" The AI asked.

I sighed. I don't think I've ever said his name out loud after the snap.

"Peter Parker."

A.N.D.R.E.A. set up the camera of my phone. Soon enough, I can see myself through the holographic screen. Even with my form made up of blue and white lines, they still gave me justice.

Once it started recording, I looked directly at the lens, giving a small smile before opening my mouth and letting the insane words come out of my mouth.

"Hey there, kid." I greeted.

What I am about to put myself through could be the most dangerous one yet. So, if I'm really going to do this, I need to record a little something before anything happens to me. Something for someone who I know will do this for me.

"If you're getting this, well, that means I'm dead and probably playing strip poker with the angels." Oh how Heaven would treat me so well...if that's where I go after though. Downtown wouldn't be so bad, too, I guess.

Despite that joke, the smile on my face faded when I finally felt the gravity of the favor that I'll be asking the kid. This wasn't a joke nor is it a simple task. It would involve the life and the happiness of a woman who once was the love of my life. And the life and happiness of the said woman is too fragile that it needs to be handled with a carefully-thought plan.

Because one wrong move, and I risk breaking her even more.

"The reason you're getting this is because I need a favor from you. I need you to do this..."

One wrong move, and I not only lose her, but everyone else would too.

"and Andrea."

You are insane, Tony Stark.

—

This prologue is meant to be short because I'll be giving a lot more once the story truly starts, you have no idea. The next chapters would be in the past and in Hope's POV (still getting a hang of the first person povs though). I hope you guys liked how this revamp started. <3