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SAMPLE #1
Of all the places he wanted to be and should have been, he was here; smiling, putting on his best billion dollar performance for the crowd of people he used to fit in among. It was a good cause. Friday reminded him of that over a thousand times on the way over. Not only would he be helping his city's youth but his presence-- the very public way he presented himself to the world's reporters and influential media outlets, it could be the turning point his teammates need to reclaim their good names. Though he told himself and anyone that listened that he didn't care what happened to Captain America and his band of misfits, that they'd made their beds and he'd leave them to lay in it. He was here, whispering about favors and promises into all the right ears. As angry as Tony was, as much as he wanted to hurt them... All for their incessant stupidity and blind faith, he didn't want them dead. He woke up every morning terrified that he'd turn on the TV and find their bloodied bodies on display across numerous news stations. That was what the future held for them if they kept on like they were and Tony disappeared like he wanted to.
People, these people that he surrounds himself with, that were all grins and playful comments, they were terrified and as much as he hated to admit it? They had every right to be. Not just of Steve and his pigheaded crusade but of all of them. Himself included. The Avengers, all these new "Inhumans" popping across the globe and showcasing their abilities; they meant well. Tony knew that better than anyone but so did the Government. As hard as it was to wrap one's mind around; it was true. The senate, the military, even Ross -- they weren't acting out of pure hatred or need to weaponize the super-humans falling into their laps. They were acting in response to the people they were appointed to protect, to the a quick spreading fear blowing an airport to hell did nothing to dampen.
"I hear you and... You know I would do anything for you, Tony." Senator Joseph Philberry spoke, his eyes saddened as he looks back at Stark and branches a hand out to catch him by the shoulder. If it had been anyone else, Tony should have stiffened or strained to keep his expression steady. He knew Joe though, Howard and Maria had been good friends with him. After they died, he'd tried to help ease Tony into the world they'd left behind, even went as far as to come back to Stark Industries that first summer to make sure Tony was mastering the ropes his Father left him. "But I don't know what you think I can do. You're the one with the power to change things. They're just whispers but I know you've spoken to the President about stepping up as Secretary of Defense."
That was all it took to bring his smile down.
Yes, the President had asked to meet with him and suggested he move in for the position since Ross was considering a career change and yes, he knew he'd get it. There was no fear of rejection and it would make his life as Iron Man easier. He could go back to the way things were. He could move on any threat he wanted without the push and pull of a democracy at his back. Tony could save his friends from the prosecution they'd be up against once they were finally caught again.
More important though, he could prepare the world for what he knew was coming.
Stark didn't want to though. It wasn't just that he was tired or angry, wasn't just his fear either; of starting something new after the colossal mistake that was Ultron. It was what being Secretary of Defense really meant. He'd backslide, he'd once again become the Merchant of Death. King of a sweltering Weapons Industry. He leaned on the Iron Man because, though it was weaponized and packed to it's nines with missiles and other deadly creations - it was the shield he'd first described it as. Iron Man wasn't a War Machine. It wasn't built to hurt people, it was built to save lives.
"Yeah... Maybe."
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