The Avengers base felt empty even though it technically wasn't.

Every time Tony stepped into the building, he expected some mild banter with Steve, or checking in on Andi's progress, or any number of things that wouldn't be happening anymore because only two other people remained. Everyone else was either incarcerated in an underground prison or gone, unlikely to return till things cleared up. And Tony doubted things would ever clear up with Secretary Ross after all the damage that was done.

Rhodey was doing better, which was an improvement. Tony had done everything he could to try and help him walk again, and he currently watched as he broke in a new prototype.

"It's just the first pass," Tony explained, slowly walking alongside him to offer assistance if it was needed. "Give me some feedback, anything you can think of."

Rhodey smirked. "You may want to think about some AC down in—" Before he could finish his sentence, Rhodey stumbled, falling toward the floor. Tony tried to help but ended up kneeling on the floor beside him.

Heaving a small, almost disappointed sigh, Tony reached out. "Let's go. I'll help you up."

Rhodey shook him off. "No. Don't help me." He rolled over with some effort so he wasn't laying down on his front, and was instead sitting upright, his legs stretched out in front of him. Tony watched him and after a moment, he chuckled. "138. 138 combat missions. That's how many I've flown, Tony. Every one of them could have been my last but I flew them. Because the fight needed to be fought." He looked up at Tony. "It's the same with the Accords. I signed because it was the right thing to do."

Rhodey paused to take a breath. "And yeah, this sucks. This is, uh... this is a bad beat," he sighed. "But it hasn't changed my mind. I don't think."

Tony didn't say anything. He just studied Rhodey for a moment, nodded slightly, and reached a hand out again. This time, Rhodey took it, and he slowly got to his feet with Tony's help.

Almost as soon as he did, there was a knock on the glass door behind them and Tony turned to see an elderly FedEx man at the door with a small box in his hands. He seemed to be having some trouble reading the label, even with it held so close to his face. "Are you Tony Stank?"

Rhodey snorted. "Yes, this is Tony Stank," he nodded enthusiastically. "You're at the right place. Thank you for that." Rhodey smirked in Tony's direction. "I'm never dropping that."

As he ambled off in another direction, Tony walked over to the door to pick up the package. He took it to his office and sat down at the table to tear it open. Upon emptying the contents onto the surface of his desk, he found an old flip phone, and an envelope with his name on it. Almost immediately, Tony knew who it was from. He wasted no time opening it up and as he read the contents of the letter, he could almost hear Steve's mind repeating the words in his head:

"Tony. I'm glad you're back at the compound. I don't like the idea of you rattling around a mansion by yourself. We all need family.

The Avengers are yours. Maybe more so than mine. I've been on my own since I was 18. I never really fit in anywhere, even in the army. My faith's in people, I guess. Individuals. And I'm happy to say that for the most part, they haven't let me down. Which is why I can't let them down either. Locks can be replaced, but maybe they shouldn't.

I know I hurt you Tony. I guess I thought by not telling you about your parents, I was sparing you. But I can see now that I was really sparing myself. And I'm sorry. Hopefully one day you can understand.

Andi misses you. She's scared, and she's worried, but she's safe. She wanted you to know that she didn't want to leave. She just didn't feel like she had a choice.

I wish we agreed on the Accords. I really do. I know you're doing what you believe in, and that's all any of us can do. That's all any of us should.

So no matter what, I promise you, if you need us... if you need me... I'll be there."