"He made a choice. He chose you."

Y/N's POV

I made it back to the compound, and Tony came back the next day. Eric Killmonger also came along too. He believed he needed to be there and help us, he lost half of his own nation aswell.

Now it was time to put together the rest of the team.

I was currently in the quinjet, on our way to Tokyo, with Natasha. We were on our way to get Clint back.

Smoke left my mouth as I took the cigar from my lips, as I stayed seated as the quinjet remained on autopilot.

Natasha then walked in, wiping her face with a towel. I stood up realising I have to throw away my cigar and head towards the bin, throwing it in after I burned it against my skin to avoid flames.

Natasha: You okay?

I avoid eye contact and turn around, nodding.

Y/N: Yeah I'm fine. Just worried about Jeannie that's all.

I start to walk towards my seat before Nat steps infront, my breath immediately hitches and I look at her.

Natasha: I'm worried about you.

Y/N: Don't be.

I move from my position back to me seat, I hear Nat sigh and she follows me, sitting right beside me.

Natasha: You know, we haven't had the chance to talk properly. I mean, we go out to Disney land with Jean but we haven't had a one to one conversation.

Y/N: Is there something you want to tell me?

I say, finally looking up at her conflicted eyes, she shakes a bit before nodding. Her hand finds her way to my cheek which I allow her to, her eyes then look into mine painfully.

Y/N: Natasha...

Natasha: Back at Clint's house in 2015, we met, started talking and realized that we had so much in common. We shared the same thoughts, ideas and so many things in life as well. I fell faster than ever before, but at the same time felt that you were holding back a little. I tried to pull you close but you kept me at a distance...

Natasha: I am so in love with you but I know that your heart still belongs to her.

I sighed, knowing this isn't my fault but a part of me felt bad, tears were in her eyes and I couldn't dare to look at them.

Natasha: It's okay Y/N. It's my fault and I'm sorry.

Y/N: I... uh... I love spending time with you, whether it’s walking down the street, hanging out with Jean or watching movies. I cherish every minute I have with you because you are my best friend and an amazing person... but you're right, I can't love you the way you want me to, not the way I loved Wanda.

She nodded, agreeing with my statement, I placed a hand on her hand smiling at her confession. I then hugged her in close as she softly sobbed.

Natasha: I needed to say that just in case I don't make it out alive... maybe in another universe.

I pull away, kissing her forehead and sitting up straight.

Y/N: No one is gonna die, Natasha.

Natasha: I hope not, I want us all to live happily...

Y/N: This isn't going to change anything Natasha, you'll always be my best friend.

I rest my hand on her shoulder comfortingly, I never saw the Avengers as my family. Because truth is, the Avengers were just coworkers, nothing more. But Natasha was one of few that I appreciated more than anyone.

The quinjet flew into Japan and we were getting closer to where Clintwas rumored to be.

Y/N: Wanda and I have always wanted to go to Tokyo, wasn't imagining this was how my first time would be like.

Natasha: At least you'll have some firsthand experience when she comes back.

She said optimistically, making me somewhat smile. The quinjet door opened, revealing the city in a beautiful night time view, whilst it was raining.

I offered my hand to Natasha and she took it, we then walked out the jet as the doors closed behind us.

-

Natasha and I watched from a distance, the man who we assumed was Clint was a Vigilante, who was going around the city to take Yakuza and other gangs.

I shut my eyes, as I see the man's neck being slit open, Clint let vengeance take over him. And he was taking out his grudge on people.

The gang boss pleads for his life before collapsing on the wet concrete of the street from the jab of the Katana right into his body.

The masked man flipped his hoodie and took off his mask, as Nat and I awaited in the rain, culpability written on our faces.

Clint: You guys shouldn't be here.

We paused, rain cackling in the background as I begin to remember what he said to us two years back. Maybe he's going go deny us again.

Natasha: Neither should you.

Clint turned, he looked at our stoic expression and shared a feeling of guilt, this wasn't him, he wasn't being the brave archer he was anymore.

He was a murderer.

Clint: I've got a job to do.

I then decided to step into the conversation. It doesn't matter what's going on now, we need everyone's help.

Y/N: Is that why you're calling us? Killing all these people won't bring your family back and trust me I know what you're feeling, I went down your path once. It wasn't good.

We both got closer to the broken man, Natasha keeping me sheltered under her umbrella.

Natasha: We found something, a chance, maybe.

Clint looked back, slight disbelief and distraught in his eyes, his voice began to stutter holding back his tears.

Clint: Don't.

Natasha: Don't what?

Clint: Don't give me hope.

Natasha began to tremble at her words, holding the archer's hand tightly.

Natasha: I'm sorry I couldn't give it to you sooner.

Y/N: Let's get you home, bub.

We got on the quinjet successfully and flew back to the compound.

-

In the compound, we were all in the meeting room, Clint was talking to everyone whilst I was stood minding my own business.

The archer then approached me with a long box in hid hands, he put the box aside and pulled out what was from it.

Clint: Here.

A Japanese sword was in his hands laying there as it glistened in his grasp, he offered towards me as I looked at him and the weapon in confusion.

Y/N: Where'd you get it.

Clint: Had it for years actually, the guy's name was Yashida I believe. Take it, as an apology gift for what I said to you two years ago.

I unsheathed the sword from his hand, holding it in my right hand as I waved it around, astounded by the swords aesthetic, it had a scarlet handle, reminding me of Wanda's clothing.

Clint: No. Two hands. A Japanese sword requires two hands.

He corrected me, I clutch the sword with both hands and wave it around safely.

Y/N: Like that?

Clint: That's it. It's for the Ronin, you can be a Ronin too, a Samurai without a master.

It didn't sound right to me, I'm not a fighter anymore, I'm a dad who wants my child's mother back. I've stopped this life of killing and hero-ing.

I then shake my head, not agreeing with the gift.

Y/N: It's beautiful Clint. But I can't take it. I appreciate it so much, and I accept your apology, but it's not who I am.

Clint: I understand.

I insert the sword in the cover he was holding.

Y/N: I'll keep it safe, I'm sure Jeannie will love it as an orange peeler.

I chuckle and so does he, I put the Katana back in it's original box and store it by a table.

Y/N: Thank you, though. I really appreciate it.

Clint: Don't mention it, bub.

-

Plan was now in full motion, Stark began working on the time machine with the help of Rocket and Scott.

I walked into the main entrance with a beer bottle for myself and I was immediately greeted with a massive bear hug.

It was Thor?

I got squeezed by the Asgardian and lifted into the air.

Thor: AHHH Y/N! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE MY BEARDED FRIEND.

He put me down and I see him, very different, well I shouldn't be saying much, I've put on a ton of weight too so we were both in the same boat.

Thor: Ah! Notice you've got a dad bod too.

I stand there still awkwardly as he playfully taps my belly, he then gasps in awe at the bottle in my hands.

Thor: Is that for me? Thank you!

The larger man snatches the beer from my hands like an alcoholic and swaddled away.

Y/N: When did this happen?

I ask, Rocket then chuckles whilst he's working on the machine.

Rocket: I don't know really. He definitely mistakened 'excercise' for 'extra fries'.

Y/N: Right.

I walk away from the platform and make it into the laboratory, where Scott was trying on the suit.

Y/N: Time travel suit not bad.

Eric: Looks like a power ranger.

Y/N: What's that?

Eric: You didn't have a childhood.

Y/N: Alright...

I stand beside Killmonger and give him a quick fist bump. Bruce was currently trying to help Scott put the pym particle in his suit.

Scott: Hey, hey, HEY. Easy easy.

Bruce: I am being careful!

Lang held up the particles and shouted back at the scientist.

Scott: These are Pym particles! And ever since Hank Pym got snapped out of existence, this is it. This is what we have, we're not making anymore!

He snapped worriedly, Rhodey calms him down. Banner simply smirked at the sudden outburst.

Rhodey: Scott, calm down.

Scott: Sorry, we've got enough for one round trip each. That's it. No do-overs. Plus, two test runs.

Scott then messes up when inserting the pym particle, downsizing him with a gasp before he gets back to normal. He sighs as we stare at him.

Scott: One test run.... All right, I'm not ready for this.

Y/N: I'm game.

I interrupt, everyone's eyes are then glued onto me.

Y/N: I'll do it.

-

After having a quick brief with Bruce about what to expect I was now on the large platform, awaiting what was about to come, I had a twenty minute timer on my wrist and a device on it.

Bruce: Alright Y/N, we're going in three... two... one.

The mask closes infront of me and suddenly everything goes fast, the floor becomes a multicoloured hole and sucks me in.

I take a quick look at the team before everything turns multicoloured, a wave of fear washes me as I move through the unexpected.

I scream until it stops.

-

My eyes open fully to see where I am and my screaming turns into hitched breathing. Rugged green carpet, toys on the floor. I slowly rise up and deactivate my mask to see where I was and I was shocked to see

I was in my childhood bedroom. In the 30s.

It worked! I get up and jump in victory knowing that we could get the stones and get Wanda back.

Walking towards the window in my room, I take a look at my town,

Westview.

I always thought that Wanda and I could settle down here, away from the superheros and being a family raising some weird kids.

A smile makes it's on my face, the old cars, the dull clothing, early in industrialisation. The not so good ole days, but it was home regardless.

???: OH MY LORD, HELP ME!

I suddenly turn around startled and scream and the woman infront of me screams. Before I cover my face with a random object, the woman stops as I back myself away.

Slowly recognising who it was.

My mother.

Jean L/N.

Portrayed by Julia Roberts

Jean: You're better off leaving the sneaking to Jimmy.

I couldn't believe it, it was my mom, in the flesh.

Y/N: Oh, uh, I was going for a walk Mama.

Jean: What are you wearing?

I look down at my attire and chuckle, still trying to gain my focus by what was going on. I couldn't believe it was real.

Y/N: Oh these are my pajamas, Ma.

Mama was coming closer to me, no shock on her face. She gently placed her hand on my cheek, I swear I had to hold it in or I was going to immediately cry on the spot.

Jean: Why is there hair on your face?

Y/N: Uhmm it's a wig?

At this point, I couldn't figure out any excuses, she was not angry or confused, she simply smiled. She shook her head and brushed her finger across my temple.

Jean: You're not the Y/N I know at all, are you?

Y/N: Yes I am.

Jean: The future hasn't been kind to you, has it?

I force a smile through my emotional tears, taking her hands in mine.

Y/N: I- never said I was from the future?

My mother looks directly into my eye, and she smiles a little.

Jean: I'm your mother, Y/N. I know you more than you know yourself.

I nod, wheezing into tears while my mom remains that beautiful smile of hers and that caring persona, its been so long.

Y/N: Y-Yeah, I am totally from the future.

Jean: I know.

Y/N: I... really need to talk to you.

Jean: We can talk.

I collapse into her embrace, taking her into a long hug which I poured my emotion into, God I've missed her so much. It felt like a reality check.

We sat downstairs, my mother made me some pancakes, which filled me up nicely, making me feel like a kid again as I told her everything, from the claws, Jimmy's death to being kidnapped and being made a weapon, I told her about the Avengers and I told her about the great things like Jeannie and Wanda.

And the snap.

Y/N: His head was over there, his body there... and what was the point? It was too late. I was just an idiot with six claws.

Jean: It is not necessary to succeed every time you try to achieve something. It’s okay to fail sometimes. I’m already so proud of you.

Y/N: Y-Yes.

I say, munching on my feelings with my mother's homecooked pancakes.

Jean: An idiot now, a failure.. absolutely.

Y/N: That hurts a little.

Jean: But do you know what that makes you?

She asks, making her way beside me instead of opposite me, she sits close and strokes my hair with her fingers, checking on it strand by strand, something she did when I was a child.

Jean: Just like everyone else.

Y/N: You know these claws made me different, they used to call Jimmy and I animals.

Jean: I'm talking about the inside, Y/N. Everyone is flawed in the inside and different on the outside... and if I'm being honest, your claws are hanging!

I nod, looking down and scratching my hair.

Jean: The measure of a person, of a hero is how well they  triumph at being who they are.

I take in what she says and realise she's right, she holds my hand and I turn to look at her.

Y/N: I missed you, Mama.

I lean down and we both touch foreheads, when your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' It is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to do it anyway.

We pull away and she starts to play around with my hair again which makes me chuckle.

Jean: Your hair is so funny, Y/N.

She instantly reminds me of Jeannie, how she also messes around with my hair. She giggles before looking at me sincerely.

Jean: I hope you know one day how amazing you are and you deserve every happiness of this world. I am really proud of you.

Y/N: Can we meet again?

Jean: One day, my son. I have my own Y/N to take care of and you have your Jeannie to look after. Tell her that Grandma loves her so much.

Y/N: I will. Just no that I hardly show it, but I love you so much for raising me, I had no father growing up yet you kept a rood over our heads, made sure we ate and Jimmy, he was my father. I love you both so much.

Jean: I know. And he knows.

My timer begins to ring and I realise I'm going any minute now, I get up and so does my mother.

Jean: I guess this is goodbye.

Y/N: I guess it is.

I give her a final hug, taking in her scent and this last moment, she plants a motherly kiss on my cheek before pulling away.

Y/N: I love you.

Jean: I love you too. Now go be the man you were meant to be. And eat a salad.

I nod and wave goodbye, a smile in my face, I wasn't sad but happy that I could have the gift of saying goodbye to my mother properly.

The mask forms on top of my face and I'm immediately sucked through and I was back through where I was started.

-

I groan from the sudden pain and reality shift I was in, I hear the others step onto the platform and I turn my head to see Natasha running towards me worriedly.

Natasha: Hey, hey, hey, look at me.

She helps me up, touching my face and my chest as I regain my composure. I nod and smile at the others.

Y/N: It worked! I met my mom, it worked.

Tony smiles and thrusts his arm in happiness and accomplishment while I stood there happy, Natasha keeping me stable.

Now it was time to steal the stones.

-

A/N: AHHH WHAT DID YOU GUYS THINK? Personally, this is why Endgame arc is one of my favourites in the book. We see that Y/N is more interesting without Wanda, and becomes more Wolverine.

Who liked the interaction with his mom? It's crazy to see how far Y/N has come, he started off as a mystery and now he's a juicy and interesting character, trust me there's more. I hope you guys get shocked by what's happening in the next two chapters.

Who's loving the incoparation of the Wolverine movie stuff? To his witty quotes and movie references and fights. Hopefully you caught the sword one 😏. I think I implemented it well.

Book is really getting better from Infinity War onwards, God I am so happy lol.

Hopefully you'll see soon with what I'm doing with Natasha 👁️

ALSO THANK YOU FOR 50K ON THE BOOK!

regards,

ironboybooks