Jason Underwood being a better dad than Howard Stark for 9 minutes straight | Marvel Fic
Pairings: Tony x Pepper, JJ x Liz, Liane x Ethan
Summary: What happened when a man frozen in time suddenly is in charge of raising the heroes of tomorrow? In other words, Jason trying to keep everyone in check and doing well.
Characters mentioned: Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Howard Stark, Rei Stark, Ava Stark, The Avengers, Young Avengers and etc
Fandoms: Marvel Comics—> Iron Man 1-3, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Age Of Ultron
A/N: I blame Glen giving rom-com energy! I hate him (affectionately). His favorite song is Unwritten hehehe
Sequel to this fanfic!
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Tony sat down at his lab downtown with his eyes shot, the lights made him more than pale as he lay inside his car and faced the wall. He has been drinking since this afternoon. His tears filled his eyes as he looked to his side to find his uncle walking around to open the side of the car.
He was surprised to see him here, last he checked he was with Coulson on a small assignment.
“Tony..” He muttered, resting his head against his hand, “Come on buddy.”
“I can’t stand..I’m tired, JJ..” He replied, squeezing his eyes shut and leaned forward into his touch for a spilt second.
“It’s okay, I got you.”
Tony was silent as an arm was looped around his side, lifting him up and out of the car, standing over to leave the lab and head upstairs. Jason kept an eye on him asking if he was alright in which his nephew just nodded. He lay him down on the couch with a soft blanket across his body wrapped tightly to keep him warm.
A moment later, he returned with a small glass of water and some fruit. Orange slices to be consumed by Tony within a matter of minutes. He watched him as he sat, allowing his nephew to rest his head on his shoulder and even saw the crossword puzzle on his neck start to erase with time.
“..I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately…” Tony admitted with a small sigh biting down on another orange slice.
Jason hushed his voice for a moment before humming, “It’s okay..you just got overwhelmed, you need a break, step back and regroup..”
“I’m boyfriend of the year..are Pepper and I even dating?”
“I would like to say you are..you will figure out, just no more running off for a while. Please.”
The brunette only nodded, as his uncle found something on the TV for him to watch. He even wondered if he should provide him a vitamin C infusion, JARVIS recommended it. All that matter was to keep him away for the drinks for a while and not have him stray away from help.
He has a good idea where to start.
~~~
Jason carried a 2 year old Rei in his arms, resting the small brunette on his hip walking around the mansion trying to get him to stop crying.
It was early in the evening. His mother was gone for a week, his father was stuck at work with Pepper and JARVIS was no help.
Rei was whimpering, having just returned from the backyard not wanting anyone to know he got hurt. Jason of course figured out the problem and cleaned up the small mess on his knee. Now he rested his head on his godfather’s shoulder as his hand cuffed the fabric of the sweater.
Him and Tony were the same in this aspect, getting hurt by something and wanting to deal with it by themselves. Yes, it showed independence but still, it was alarmingly obvious it wasn’t the best move.
“Aw penguin..” He said softly, gently resting his head against his own, “Rei, it’s gonna be alright..you’re fine now.”
“It hurts..” He mumbled into his shoulder, as soft tears rose to his eyes.
“I know that it hurts, but you took medicine for it and now you’re going to feel much better I promise.”
“I’m dumb, papa..”
Jason was pacing around the room at this point and paused but kept a hand rubbing circles across his small back. He hated hearing his kids talking about themselves that way.
“Hey, hey, you’re not dumb..you’re Rei Stark, you’re one of the smartest boys I know. You fell cause you’re running so hard, that’s all. It can happen to anyone, even me.” Jason explained.
“You fell?” He questioned removing his head the shoulder he was resting on to face him properly.
“Yeah I fell a lot. I still fall and trip over things, if you only knew how much times I almost died tripping over your father’s toys.”
“Really?!”
“Yeah, really. It hurt a lot, but I got up again. Just like you did.”
At that Rei softly smiled and nodded, feeling a bit better about not feeling so bad for falling down earlier. He was a strong kid but rather sensitive about things whether he admits it or not.
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———-
“Pops, I think I like guys too now.” Rei blunted said entering the living room of Avengers Tower.
Jason was on the couch reading A Streetcar Named Desire when he heard his godson say those words. He took him a long moment to lock in what he said then smiled. JJ remembered Rei checking out some cute reporter two weeks ago but didn’t say anything to not embarrass him.
He already figured out that he might’ve felt that way but waited for him to come to his own conclusions about it.
Rei waited for a response, he was kinda shitting his pants wondering what the heck he was going to say to him.
A few seconds later Jason spoke, “I know. And I’m happy for you.”
“Wait what?” Rei asked as his eyes silently widened, “Dad freaked out!”
“Your father is just being dramatic, thinking you weren’t going to ever date until your mid twenties. Don’t worry about him. How do you feel?”
“I feel okay, I guess. How are you not freaking out?”
“Kiddo your grandfather and father aren’t straight eariler. I was just wondering to see if you were gonna being home a boy or girl someday, I’ll love you all the same. You know that.”
“B-but..I was ready for some lecture or something.”
“I’m not Cap, kiddo.”
“Wait grandpa wasn’t…that’s impossible he married grandma and dad never said..”
“Your grandfather has always been into blondes. Hence why he liked me, Cap, my sister and your grandmother.”
“Oh shit, grandpa was bi..and so is dad? Just to be clear, you’re cool with all of this, right?”
“Yeah, you’re my kid. As long as you don’t date some ignorant jerk or bitter bitch we’re fine.”
Rei nodded thinking it went better than he thought. Of course he wasn’t going to bring anyone to his house who insulted him or made him feel guilty, he wasn’t stupid.
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——————
Tony and Jason were in the middle of the kitchen together sharing some slices of pizza. A small mission went as planned, the heroes were all celebrating at home with them.
It was quiet. A little too quiet for his liking.
“Where’s our son?” Yelled a voice that belonged to his wife.
And there it is.
Despite not being officially confirmed as married to a legal counsel, in their hearts they are.
Liz came in with her arms crossed stealing a slice of pizza from the box muttering that she was hungry. Tony locked eyes with his uncle then looked at his aunt with a smile.
“Whatever it is, blame the kids!” Tony exclaimed taking another bite.
“You stole my blueprints from the basement without telling me.” Liz said looking between her nephews and husband.
“How is that a bad thing?”
“Because they are mine. Some of them were…made for the military during the war.”
“I was just going to reinforce them into better positions and transport your idea into something useful for the modern day.”
Jason joined into the conversation as he added, “Honey, you did make some explosive points when you created those fine numbers back in the day.”
Liz jokingly glared, “Who’s side are you on?”
“I’m afraid to say which one.”
“Good answer.”
Tony sighed, “In my defense, I was just curious! It’s not like I going to have something blow up in my head…this time at least.”
“I swear you’re more like your father every day..” She muttered softly smiling, as she pinched the bridge of her nose, “Next time, you come to me with an idea. We’re a family for a reason, you have my brain!”
The three of them talked it over coming to a good compromise. But a part of Jason couldn’t wonder how Liz would react if Louis, Tony’s brother who lived in another city within the United States, stole one of her blueprints too. It was always evident that the Stark boys tend to be the most curious boys alive, it resulted in those sets of brother destroying one of his favorite cars.
They always tend to take a small comment and trickle it down to a roar, as one small idea would turn into something great for humanity or an opportunity gone wrong. That’s how Ultron was created…
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“Alright. Relax your shoulders a bit, tighten the grip on the handle and have your fingers line up the tip of the arrow.” He instructed with a smile.
“Like this?” She asked, holding up her bow and arrow at an angle.
She could’ve learned from Clint but he was busy on a date with his wife and her mom was babysitting. She already knew how to use a gun, but extra protection in skills was always a plus.
She picked out a specific arrow she wanted to use and took care of the bow she was handed. She questioned if Jason even knew how to work this kind of equipment.
His response, “I never said I didn’t know how to use a gun. And never said I didn’t know how to shoot an arrow either.”
“Fair point. When did you learn to shoot with a bow and arrow?” She wondered with a smile.
“I was on a mission in Tokyo, to chase down some idiot who stole a type of drug. As I was running through the streets, s arrow came flying from a rooftop to straight into the guys leg. Then I met the guy who shot him.”
“What wad his name?”
“Karl Yune. He was a good archer, he taught me a thing or two about this.”
“Sounds like a nice man.”
“Yeah, his older cousin worked as a geneticist in Korea.”
“…they are not related to Ji-Hoon, they are?”
Jason just winked telling her return to training as she grinned softly to herself. The two of them went onto 2 rounds, as he showed her how to start feeling comfortable with holding such equipment. Rochelle wasn’t that bad at the game, shooting the wall full of targets as best as she could.
“Good. Now you’re ready for take on your real teacher.” He said with a chuckle, lowering his bow.
She raised an eyebrow confused by his wording, “What..”
As if on cue, walked in a tan skinned woman with long brown hair and tattoos. She held a grin greeting Jason with a tight hug before turning around to meet Rochelle.
“Lydia Barton.” She said holding out her hand to shake.
The redhead smiled shaking her hand and said, “Rochelle, but you probably already know who I am.”
Jason smirked telling them to be careful and have fun, that he’ll be back to check up on them later. Both girls just grinned leading into a casual but intriguing discussion on their favorite things, before training.
Something told him that they would be good friends.
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“Give it back! It’s mine you little twerp!”
“It was mine first! I saw the last batch of cookies before your ass ever thought about them.”
“Oh really mature using curse words at me!”
“What do you care? You’re failing grammar anyway!”
“HEY! That’s enough.” In called Jason’s voice as he swung into the room snatching the cookie out of Ava’s hand and placing against it lips instead, “If you were are gonna fight over a damn cookie, then neither of you deserve to eat it.”
Rei crossed his eyes like the 9 year old he was and scoffed, “It was mine!”
“Oh pleaseeee, you said you didn’t want any cookies in the first place anyway!” Ava barked back.
“I could’ve wanted it for later, ever think of that!”
“You’re such a smartass sometimes…no wonder you don’t—”
Jason glared at both kids, “Ava, don’t even finish that sentence. And Rei, if you wanted it so badly why didn’t you tell her? You two could’ve broken the cookie in half instead of making a mess out of it.”
Both young Starks looked away from their godfather, feeling guilty and embarrassed for causing such a scene in the kitchen. Yet there was an instant anger behind their eyes, as Rei and Ava glared at each other. It was normal for siblings to fight over plenty of things but theses two would argue over everything, not making up afterwards either.
Their godfather sighed softly as he watched both of them in silence waiting for an answer that ever came.
Then he spoke, “You know something? There is something I want both of you to understand. Listen good, when I say that you two only have each other. Friends will come and go, they won’t always stay despite your best efforts. But as siblings, that’s a unit that you created for the moment your brought into this family.”
Ava muttered, “But he’s a little smartass, he thinks he’s always right..”
“Cause I am..” Rei added hearing his big sister.
Jason gave them a certain look as he continued, “You two are young, so you don’t get it right now. But there will come a time when you need each other but because you were both so harsh and pigheaded with another, you’re gonna feel alone. You’ll hate each other..despite a little part of you that still loves them..you don’t want to accept that. Then you won’t even want to imagine what happens next to your relationship.”
At those words, the siblings looked at one another then glanced down at the floor, that heavyweight anger started to creep away from their systems. Ava started to feel sorry for her actions as Rei began to feel upset about staring a riot. They knew he was right but didn’t want to admit it. There was another moment of silence in the room, only the small sound of Jason’s biting down on the cookie that didn’t matter to them anymore. The sibling exchange small gestures of apologies toward one another, even apologizing to their godfather as well.
Ava asked, “Did you ever get into fights with your siblings?”
Rei added, “You and auntie Peg look like you could have fought a lot.”
“Well…” Jason replied with a half smile and shrugged, “..yes, me and aunt Peg fought a lot, but we always tried to make up for our mistakes. But I had another sister before her…her name was Dot, she was smart and cunning, she wasn’t ever around to help me…when she was, she treated me like crap, so we always fought..”
“Did you ever forgive her?” Ava asked out of curiosity, hoping for a good answer.
“Uh..we did forgive each other every once in a while..I tried to forgive her, but she never had the courage to forgive me. She was my big sister, I loved her, but she wasn’t really someone I would call to help me if I was in trouble, she would leave me out to dry..”
Rei nodded, “So that’s why you and auntie Peg are good friends..she was like a sister..so you want me and Ava to be like that too?”
“Exactly. You want both of you to look out for each other, make sure you’re alright and not hurt. Not leave the other in the dust.” Jason responded with a smile.
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Cue scenes of Jason playing with his first godchild, Ava Stark, in her bedroom pretending to be Pop Stars. Ava was singing along to Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne with a toy guitar in her hands.
Jason was sitting on the floor waving lights around and dressed in a funny hat, pretending to be her producer for a music video. He loved seeing his goddaughter shine acting out magic video footage in her bedroom as he filmed her. At first he didn’t want to be recorded on any cameras but after some encouragement from Tony and the others, she tried it out.
“I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky. And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change.” She sung into her microphone as she played the guitar.
“And break away!” Jason sung along to the lyrics.
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One of the things of having a little girl in the house, songs get repeated every so often you remember the lyrics yourself. Poor man still has Under The Sea stuck in his head from last weekend.
It’s one of those things that carries over every generation of children he gets to know is the music taste, he may not always appreciate or enjoy the music but it does tend to become an enjoyable ear worm for him. If it’s AC/DC album from Tony to Selena Gomez’s Who Say from Rochelle, they tend to get stuck in his head!
He tries to not let everyone in on his own playlist of songs but sometimes it will slip out…
Jason just finished a small meeting with the industry and answering questions from SHIELD investors, who just annoyed him the whole time, and decided to make himself a grilled cheese sandwich. He yelled out if anyone else wanted one but received no answer, so he shrugged, then popped in his ear buds cuing in his playlist. He had a bunch of songs.
“Starring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find…” He sang out to the lyrics slapping both sides of bread onto the frying pan.
That was when Ethan stumbled into the kitchen saying, “JJ you saying some..”.
He paused noticing that the blonde wasn’t listening and singing instead as Liane bumped into him, she exclaimed to her boyfriend something important but Ethan told her to hush as he pointed out the scene in front of them.
Liane was confused for a moment then squeaked seeing Jason singing out loud as he danced in place, it wasn’t something she saw coming but was more than surprised to see the man was in his element. She smirked to herself wondering what other songs he knew.
A couple of days later, the pair were coming back from their trip to the movie theater as that very song was playing on the radio. The two walked in singing it loud enough to hear along with a group of Taylor Swift songs. Before they knew some of the young avengers were humming the damn tune.
The tall blonde walked past hearing his serenity song being sung, raising an eyebrow at everyone’s actions wondering who else knew about this. Oh god he wasn’t gonna be able to live that one down anytime soon.
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One of the biggest things people always assume is that he was the best parent ever, due to the young avengers always wanting to hang around his chill vibes and warm atmosphere he created.
But the truth is that he wasn’t a freaking super-dad or anything. He grew up with a somewhat rusty alcoholic father and a mother who was always traveling around with her kids, leaving him to pick up the pieces himself when they weren’t at home bricking about something. In response he tried to convince the world he was going to be fine no matter what happened, he even believed it himself.
Jason even promised to make the best he can when he gets the opportunity to be a father himself, in this case an uncle, someone who was there for his kids. He might not know everything or even be skilled at certain aspects of life, but he tries. So when Tony was born he decided he would stick around, live closer to Howard and Maria, but it also meant he would be away for work and signing papers for different aliases. Still, he did it, even though he might not want to talk about it with many.
He keeps himself, cool, calm and composed in collected fashion. Yes, he has his flaws such as drinking, having a temper and smoking (it was for a short period of time, he quit in the early 70s), Jason was still there for Tony. Same thing goes for his godchildren, which is a privilege and gift to watch them grow and learn now, he still has those moments where he ends up not getting enough rest due to taking care of them.
So to Natasha, Tony, Bruce and the other parents he seems like the only well informed and intelligent one when it comes to parenting, it’s only was all due to respect, patience and watching how the ball rolls. He used to put so much pressure on being the awesome uncle and whatnot, then he realized that all you need to do is be there for your kids.
They don’t ask of much, only for you to spend time with them even if you’re far away and need to do a phone call with that. Same thing goes for any relationship romance or platonic, as long they know you’re there for them, that’s what matters.
Like the saying goes, ‘No one is freaking perfect’. He’s still learning how to raise theses guys!
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Nicknames. He doesn’t have nicknames for everyone, only if the person is comfortable with them, of course. But that never stops Jason from making up silly nicknames for the kids, usually they come out naturally without even trying.
Tony has had a few nicknames such as Butterball or Meatball when he was a baby, he was a round cubby little guy. Over the years it was Bambino, Bubba, Tones, Bunny and etc.
Rei was always Bubba, Sonny or Penguin, on occasion he would throw out the Papo (which is what him and his grandmother Maria use to call his father when he was younger)
Liane, he absolutely calls Princess or Your Majesty, when she's being a bit bratty
Rochelle tends to be, Li'l Red
For Cassie, he calls her Goldie cause her hair shines bright like gold in the sun
Melissa gets classic nicknames but he will throw out Peaches or Ladybug
Lydia, due to knowing her skills he will call her Sparrow sometime or just Ly
And the list goes on!
~~~~~~~
There has been moments where Jason has took a leap of faith to save his kids. Such as in 2013, when Stark Mansion was attacked and the whole place falling apart he remembered Pepper and Liz's screams as Ava was about to fall off the cliff of their home.
Tony and Rei were busy fighting and trying to get everyone to out of the house safely. But Tony's suit wasn't working correctly either. Jason swooped in, sliding down the rubble and dust coughing as he catches Ava before she can fall.
"Baby look at me! It's okay, I got you.." He said rescuing her, as she clung to him tightly.
The two of them climbed back up the rubble and into the destroyed mansion as Ava went to help the others. The drones just kept on firing and tearing apart the house. Suddenly water took over dunking Jason, Tony, Liz and Rei all down into the ocean as Pepper and the other kids stayed above water.
To say Jason has taken a lot of hits for Tony and the kids was an understatement. For example, that same Christmas in 2013, there a fight on the streets where they landed in after almost drowning, as two crazy bitches was about to attack Rei. Jason choked one of women out as he was stabbed in the side.
The crazy burning women gave Jason some flirty eyes as she did so. He was not pleased. Liz was pissed off having finished fighting some guy to protect Tony.
But she thankfully swoops in wracking the women in a pole as she yelled, "Hands off, bitch!"
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He did have good moment as well, that didn't involve a fight (yet), such as 2015 during a Stark party New York City. The Avengers, young and old just finished a battle, as a party was being made to celebrate.
Jason has been in and out of Stark parties over the years, sometimes he stayed the whole night and or times he went home early. This night felt like a good one, he had his girl with him, his friends were partying and the kids were enjoying themselves.
They all deserve a win.
Hell he even danced a bit, drank a beer with Thor and played pool with Sam. He saw Steve walking away for a moment to text some girl, not declaring on who it is he was messaging, despite Nat and the other teasing him.
Nat even muttered, "Oh I'll find out."
It felt good. He rolled his eyes at Tony's jokes and laughed at others. Soon enough, the party died down as everyone rested around the living room area sharing smiles as they all chatted.
Rick has Rochelle and Luna resting on each of his shoulder, Bruce was chatting with Natasha, Maria Hill was wearing Steve's jacket as she chatted with Liz and Liane was playing with a set of cards with Lydia beating her.
Steve and Thor were sharing another bottle of beer, Tony was grab one for himself and Cole was playing Janga with Rochelle. Everyone was there. Beside it held Thor's precious hammer.
"Come man, it's trick!" Clint exclaimed swirling his drumsticks.
"Dude, I tried lifting it once in New Mexico, it's glued to whatever ground it's on!" Jason added pointing to the hammer.
"Whoever shall be worthy shall have the power! Whatever man, it's a trick."
"Really?"
"Yeah!"
Thor smirked chuckling allowing Clint to take a swing at it. Everyone looked around amused of the honest challenge as Clint stood up smug looping his hand around the handle trying to pick it up. But failed dryly chuckling as he joked.
"Smell the silent judgement." Tony remark.
"Please, Stark, by all means." Clint said returning back to his seat next to his blonde friend.
"Oh this gonna be good.." Liz muttered hearing Liane snort at her comment.
Some of the young heroes wiggled their eyebrows, cracking a few jokes and engaging in conversations as they all watched.
Tony stood up muttering how it was all physic and how he planned to use rule Asgard as Bruce rolled his eyes, watching his friend trying but failed. He even returned with an Iron Man arm to help and lift it. Poor Rhodey was pulled into it too.
"Are you even pulling?" Tony exclaimed.
"Just represent. Pull!" Rhodey told him.
"Alright let's go."
Still nothing. Soon enough, almost everyone tried. Rochelle and Cassie gave it a try, as their eyes flashes trying to find the strength to do it. Rei scoffed as him and Rick round came, believing putting both their heads together they can do it.
Bruce pretended to turn like the Hulk as he pulled, causing a roar of chuckles and laugher from the gang. Nat smiled finding it cute shaking her head. Ethan and Ji-Hoon picked up the pace, but failed.
Liane and Cole teamed up to pick the hammer from it's place on the table. Hell, some of the teammates tried to use magic but instead moved the table and items surrounding it.
Liz and Lydia joined forces, taking the team up route. Tony joked how he tried it already but failed. It went on and on for a while, passing drinks and snacks watching the show of friends take their turn at Thor's challenge.
Then it was Cap's turn.
Steve took a swing of beer before getting up with a smile. His eyes narrowed rolling up his sleeves taking a deep breathe, looping his hands around the handle and pulled.
The Hammer Nudge.
It made a small squeaking noise, some eyes turned gasping to themselves and other didn't even catch wind of it quick enough to catch the moment. Thor's eyes widen as his stress level turned up a little thinking it was dreaming. Steve pulled again, as the hammer stayed in place.
Steve raised his hands in air declaring defeat with a small smile. Thor was chuckling as he said, "Ha! Nothing."
Luna and Natasha didn't even bothering knowing it won't work, despite Bruce and Rick nudging them on. They were smart in a way to watch and laugh the whole go on. Not everyone went, some decided to try again after getting some food in their system.
But again nothing.
"All difference to the man who wouldn't be king. It's rigged." Tony proclaimed searching for another beer.
"You bet your ass." Clint added in agreement.
Maria smirked, "Steve, he said a bad language work."
Steve sighed and looked at Tony as he said, "You tell everyone about that?"
Tony ignored his comment and joked, "The handles imprinted right? Like a security code? Whoever is carrying Thor's fingerprint is, the literal translation."
"If so, then Thor's son or daughter should be able to lift it right?" Rochelle questioned which sparked a whole other conversations among themselves.
One of them wondered who exactly can lift and what would it take to do so.
Thor stood up from the couch, putting his drink down as everyone looked at him.
"Yes, yes, that's a very interesting theory. But got a simpler one." Thor said bending down then lifting his hammer with such ease, "You're all not worthy."
Everyone chuckle, commenting on his words and either rolled their eyes at his answer. Some of them shook their heads, exchanging looks with one another.
~~~~~~
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Ahh that's what I got for now!💘 I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about Uncle JJ and his group of mishaps he calls children.
Please let me know what you think down below in the comments, any suggests or ideas and etc. ✨ You are more than welcome to write stories involving JJ if you want as well (pls tag me in them!👀)
Timeline: Phase 1 Pre—Avengers — Phase 2 Pre—Iron Man 3
Non romantic-Pairing: Jason Underwood & Pepper Potts
Characters mentioned: Howard Stark, Peggy Carter, Natasha Romanoff, Maria Hill, Maria Stark, Tony Stark, Edward & Ana Jarvis and etc
Summary: You rarely see a man who’s face never looked like anything phases him, but what happens when the chips are down and his emotions take front line one night? It’s a rare moment but it makes you remember how human he really has been.
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It was late or early in some accounts, when he awakened from his slumber. There were nights he didn’t sleep and if he did, it was short. Usually he would occupy his mind with whatever was on TV, packing for a trip and or, start cleaning up a small mess. But tonight, it didn’t suit him.
He sat near the open bar in the kitchen, leaning against the counter in his pjs rubbing his eyes and pouring himself another drink. He already had a snack from the fridge to not upset his stomach or anything. His mind looked crowded, it always seemed crowded in his opinion.
He sighed, taking a sip of his drink and exhaled.
And that’s exactly how Pepper found it.
She originally headed out to the bathroom but once she left, she noticed the lights on. That’s when she stumbled upon the blonde hair man of the house sipping a drink, it was a rare occasion. Jason was always a day drinker during a Sunday brunch or a simple weekday. But this, this was rarely the last thing she wanted to see at the moment.
She expected a late night snack at least, not a glass of cold wine.
“Jason?” She asked making her presence known, “Are you alright?”
“Huh?” He responded turning to face the strawberry blonde with a soft half smile, “I’m fine. Did I wake you?”
“N-no, I just headed out of the bathroom to pee, and I saw you here. Is something going on?”
“N-no, Pep it’s fine. I’m fine, just couldn’t sleep.”
“So you decided to drink instead?”
“Not my best moment ever seen but I had worse. I’m sorry you had to see me like this. Go back to bed.”
“Tony’s knocked out cold in his lab downstairs, he won’t be waking up anytime soon.”
Jason sighed deeply, he wanted to be alone with his drink and crackers to be honest. He wanted to be miserable in his thoughts. But he knew he wasn’t going get free of Pepper that easily. She was tough and always knew when to stand her ground. He pulled up a chair for her as she nodded, thanking him.
“What’s on your mind? You can tell me, I promise I won’t try to judge you on anything.” Said Pepper, knowing the men in this household mindsets were beyond compared to hers.
He sniffled and sighed, “It’s a lot. It’s a lot more complicated than you think.”
“Try me. I’ve seen weird stuff lately.”
“Heh, uh, I have been thinking. When am I not thinking? I’ve been trying to ease my mind on everything. I know I can’t control half of it but theses thoughts keep me up at night.”
“What do you mean?”
“My lifetime achievements are nothing special. I mean—I enjoy what I do! I get to see you, Tony, Rei, Rhodey and visit Peggy whenever possibly. But it doesn’t..um..crap.”
“It doesn’t what?”
“It doesn’t ever take away the guilt and painful decisions I’ve seen happen.”
Jason could’ve stayed quiet at that moment but the words just came out. He lived longer than expect, he has seen his own family fall and risk they’re lives. Sometimes he wishes he could end it, stop it from eating up inside but he can’t. It hurt, so much more than he knows. It was a rare occasion to see him say something like this, Pepper knows it. Tony knows it.
He always acts like nothing ever phases him and that he’s always fine. He has been doing that for a long period of years now. Always feeling like he has too, there is so much happening in the world that he can’t put that burden on anyone on how he feels. He never gets time to panic, react a certain way and or externally freak out.
But moments like this, he crumbles as his mind starts boggling and he can’t help it.
His voice hitches as he sniffed again, “It doesn’t take wipe away the whole truth. The guilt. The pain and the damage that happened…”
“What guilt? Sorry I’m not following me..” Pepper ask wholeheartedly, she knew of his story but not all of it.
“I’ve fought for paperwork, payed more than expected and traveled just to keep myself alive and safe..just for i don’t get questioned by authorities for how I look. Just for i can breath and watch Tony grow up. I thank Peggy every single day for taking care of him, her godson, when one of us couldn’t do it. But it doesn’t take away the fact that I was left behind..right where they left me..alone…”
His voice was shaky but he kept calm, taking a breath. Pepper put a hand on his shoulder.
“You seem happy now…?” She whispered, trying to be careful with her words.
“Not 100% happy.” He admitted, “I mean. Sometimes I just feel tired. It’s this tiredness and empty chest pain knowing I can’t do a freaking thing about it. I lost my sister cause she didn’t care about anyone but herself, I lost Howard and Maria…they were my family, as much as fought I loved them..Ana and Jarvis..t-they were the kindest people I met…but never had the chance to have their own children..it was horrible Pepper...i can still remember it all…what we been though..”
“What about Jack, Daniel and Peggy? I know you said Jack Thompson died being shot down during an investigation..i don’t know the details..”
“No one does..I still to do this day, as much as Jack was a pain my ass, I liked the man. I don’t know who murdered him or why..Daniel went on to almost married Peggy but he knew something was always holding him back. The SSR—SHIELD said he died during a mission, but I don’t feel like it was right..and Peggy…oh Pep..the times I thought I lost that women..”
“Oh JJ..it’s okay..it’s life and Peggy is still alive and kicking for the most part.”
“There’s peoples that I met but I don’t even think you or Tony know about. And now..”
Jason voice kept riding upwards and tears started to roll in, shaking his head, he chuckled. It would’ve looked hilarious to him, but how he carries so much weight on his shoulders and never felt like he can let some of it go. Pepper was kind enough to listen to him so late at night, when she should be asleep instead, in bed under the warm covers.
But she’s here listening to him talk, not interrupting him or telling him to stop talking about that. It was always the other way around, where he always listens and let everyone else talk. He was thankful for Pepper in that moment and hoped Tony married such an amazing women. She deserves to be more than just his assistant.
“..and now what?” She said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“And now with how much the world is changing…I’m scared, no terrified what I will see next. We have gods, mutants, more men and women in suits, genetically modified people, and no knows what?! I um..shit i don’t know..” Jason replied sniffing, “The fact that Captain freaking America is alive still feels unreal to me.”
“Me too. It’s crazy. I think i had to get a drink after hearing that news.”
“I remember hearing the radio about his death during the war, Peggy crying her eyes outs that the fact she lost him, Howard feeling like he’s maybe still around wanting to search for him…and..now knowing how much I know..I think my pain will hurt more if..”
“If what?”
“If the people who I thought were dead were alive all this time but hidden behind some block of ice. It’s terrible how much I fear the thought I might’ve been lied to and it was not even justifiable that we’re only finding out now..”
Jason knows something that Tony and the public must’ve taken for granted. Must’ve missed out on and forgot about. Howard Stark’s little sister, Elizabeth Stark, Tony’s aunt and one of friends he cared for.
Lizzie or Liz for short.
His friend group originally consisted of himself, Peggy, Angie, Howard, Hank, Maria, Jarvis, Ana, Daniel, Elizabeth and a few others.
And he remembers the day Lizzie died during a mission, they were heartbroken. He remembers the long standing nights, the wishes, the questions and everything. Where he thought he should’ve been himself. Replace his life, for she could live and see the world.
And he saw her again, he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. He would probably panic, hold back a sob or two, feel sick to his stomach, question how she survived for so long and god knows what?!
His mind would feel like it split in two, as if he didn’t feel like that already.
Trade his life for her. Take a bullet for her and all their friends. But now, he doesn’t know what to think.
“Pepper, what if I was supposed to be gone already?” He wondered.
“JJ, no, don’t say that. You were meant to meet us. I believe that you were given a chance to live longer and see the world.” Pepper exclaimed.
“What happened to the no judgement part? I’m kidding. It’s just feels like I can’t breathe sometimes. My life stopped being what I would considered normal the moment I fell into the water that night and my heart stopped. I was practically died for what must’ve been 5 long minutes…it took me forever to realize what happened that during nightmare of a week..”
“Do you regret it?”
“Sometimes more than most. I wished it wasn’t like this. Honestly, it acts like blessing and feels like curse..you can’t grow old enough to be with someone, you have to love and lose people. It’s why I never married or have any kids, that I know one.”
Pepper chuckled at that, they both chuckled at the last comment. It would be funny if a kid randomly showed up at they’re doorstep claiming that they’re father was him, but it won’t happen.
“I wish I could. I wish I could’ve had a wife or hell, even husband.” He said with soft chuckle, “But I don’t date. I don’t want to have a girlfriend where I can’t give them, everything they wished for.”
He thought about Angie and Violet. But he knew he couldn’t give them everything they would’ve like, still he would’ve married at least Angie.
He fell for Violet deeply she was an Angel but his heart danced and flutter when around Angie.
“And kids? I mean besides Tony and Rei, your nephews and nieces from Peggy’s family.” Pepper repiled with a chuckle, “If you couldn’t have a wife or husband, you could have one. You just need that push but what about a kid?”
“I would enjoy my own kid in my life, even if it’s just for a while.” He replied, “But I won’t make them sacrifice their lives, since the first few years would be great and we’ll have fun…but when they become older and I stay the same, they will have to lie. Not be able to introduce me to everyone as they’re father since the age difference. Or worse, they have to lie saying I’m they’re nephew or son instead, when they get into their late 40s and 50s. It will be a balancing act for them having to lie..”
“Hmm..wow, you come up with everything, don’t you?”
“No because it’s true. It happened. I didn’t ask for Tony, Sharon and Hope to keep up lie that wasn’t theirs to keep, they just did it. Subconsciously. Telling people that I’m an old family friend of some kind, which isn’t all falsely said. But still and I appreciate it. They’re kinda like my nephew and nieces…”
“But if you had to have one, would you? Because I think you would be a great husband and father. I mean, you’re already an uncle.”
“Yeah I would. A daughter. After helping babysit Sharon Carter and Hope Van Dyne, it’s different than a taking care of a boy. You girls look at your daddies, grandpas, godfathers, and uncles way differently than boys do. It’s cute.”
“But I do have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“Why all of this? What brought this last thought of yours?”
“Natasha.” He said softly, “You knew she and the other Avengers have kids, but they let fear and bruised feelings stop them from being great parents. It’s unbelievably understandable where they’re all coming from but still…i don’t know..”
“Jason, you know the reasons why. It’s hard for them…” She replied with a half smile.
“I know, Pepper. I know it is. Even if they had theses kids under odd circumstances, they deserve to get a chance to meet each other. There will be hurt feelings and mistakes made, but that’s part of it. No one knows how to be a parent! It’s something you learn along the way…”
“But it’s not easy as you say it is. You’re not in they’re shoes, even if you were, you would know it’s not gonna be easy.”
“Even if I had to give up my child for their best chance and to help me figure something else to make things better..I know, I’m contradicting myself when I say this but I had my own child out there and I knew where they are. I would make sure I would be their guardian angel and give them so advice, even if i don’t get to the part where I say ‘Hey I’m your dad!’. Make sure they’re okay…it’s hard concept, I know…”
“But you’re not all wrong. Things just take time..and you need to give things time for yourself.”
“Sadly, I have all the time in the world. But I’ll be okay..I’m always okay. Go to bed, Pepper.”
“But..”
“Go to bed. You got a long week coming up.”
“I know..but will you be actually okay?”
“Good night, doll.”
“Good night, Jason.”
——
Thanks for reading! What did y’all think? Let’s discuss
We asked 624 MCU fans based in the U.S. which Phase 1 villain they thought was the best, and their answer really wasn't a surprise.
Nearly 40% Of MCU Fans Polled Said This Is The Best Phase 1 Villain
[well duh]
Low-Key in Love with Loki
Nearly 40% of those surveyed said that Loki Laufeyson, the villain of "Thor" and "The Avengers," was the best villain in Phase 1. Loki's popularity is undeniable, because Marvel brought him back in Phase 2 and Phase 3, then gave him his own Disney+ series. Most of the other Phase 1 villains never made it out of their debut movie, let alone have that kind of attention. (In fact, "Loki" is set to come back for a second season!) Loki, played to perfection by Tom Hiddleston, is a charming, complex character that's hard not to love. He may be a god of mischief, but he's our god of mischief, darn it.
Loki isn't completely evil. His motivations are at least a little relatable to anyone who's ever felt overshadowed by a sibling, and he eventually manages to redeem himself in "Avengers: Infinity War." Way back in Phase 1, however, he was just a charismatic chaos deity who got tossed like a rag-doll by Mark Ruffalo's Hulk.
A Little Love for the Red Skull
The second-most popular Phase 1 MCU villain was Red Skull from "Captain America: The First Avenger." Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving, was the head of the nefarious organization HYDRA. He was defeated by Captain America (Chris Evans) at the end of that movie, but Marvel brought him back for "Infinity War," played by actor Ross Marquand. (Weaving didn't want to reprise the role, and we can't entirely blame him.)
And the Rest
So how did the rest of the Phase 1 villains stack up?
Red Skull's comrade-in-arms, Arnim Zola (Toby Jones), placed third with 12% of votes. "The Incredible Hulk" villain Abomination came right at the heels of Zola with just a little bit less than 12% of the votes.
"Iron Man" villain Obadiah Stane, played by Jeff Bridges, came in behind Abomination. That feels like a bit of a crime, given Bridges' great performance and "The Incredible Hulk" being pretty forgettable, but I'll allow it. "Iron Man 2" villain Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) earned right around 5% of the votes. Raza, the commander of the Ten Rings terrorist cell in "Iron Man," came in last with only 3.5% of votes. He wasn't really in the movie once Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) escaped the cave in the desert, so it's no surprise folks weren't as attached to him as they were a character like Loki, who had tons of screen time.
In order to make a compelling superhero movie, you need a great villain. Loki is definitely one of the best.
