A/N: I seen the comments about people dissatisfied with the current development so allow me to clear the air a bit before we begin this next chapter, there are 3 main reasons as to why Tony decided to stay in America and isn't fighting Maria heavily, he could have easily just ignored and did what he wanted but, first reason: deep down he's a mama boy, he respect her authority over him and would never in a million years disrespect her, 2nd reason: he's feeling guilty because he almost made her miscarry, and the third reason will be shown either next chapter or the next chapter, but basically she's close to giving birth, anyways get your comments out of the way now, get it all out of your systems now because I don't want to see them going forwards 🙄
[Third Person Pov]
Tony floated lazily in the mansion's outdoor pool atop a bright red inflatable raft, one arm dangling into the cool water while the other rested over his stomach. A pair of dark sunglasses shielded his eyes as he stared up at the cloudless sky, the sun reflecting off the lenses. Despite the calm setting, his expression was distant, almost pensive. His mind wasn't entirely blank—stray thoughts drifted in and out, most of them circling back to U.A., wondering how far along the construction of the dorms must be by now and what everyone else was up to without him.
Resting comfortably on his chest was Beldum, its metallic body warm from the sun, its single eye shut in what could only be described as peaceful contentment. The gentle rise and fall of Tony's breathing seemed to lull it further into rest.
Nearby, Momo lounged gracefully in a reclining beach chair positioned at the edge of the pool. She wore a modest yet elegant swimsuit, her posture relaxed but refined as always. A cold drink sat on the small table beside her, beads of condensation slowly trailing down the glass and darkening the surface beneath it. She reached for it occasionally, sipping quietly while observing the scene around her.
On the neighboring chair, Gible sat comfortably, both short arms wrapped around an absurdly tall milkshake cup. A long, looping straw bent down toward its mouth as it drank with exaggerated enthusiasm, cheeks hollowing with each pull. Its eyes were half-lidded in pure satisfaction, and it let out a small, happy hum between sips, clearly enjoying the treat.
Meanwhile, Melissa swam leisurely around Tony's raft, her movements energetic and carefree. She was focused on teaching both Eevees how to swim, holding their tiny paws gently in her hands. The two Pokémon kicked awkwardly but enthusiastically, cheeks puffed out as they splashed water everywhere in their efforts. Melissa laughed as they managed to stay afloat for a few seconds longer each time, offering encouragement while trying not to get splashed directly in the face.
The peaceful afternoon atmosphere shifted slightly when Maria approached from the patio, walking toward the pool with Howard and Baymax following closely behind. Baymax waved politely, while Howard looked amused even before speaking.
"Tony, honey," Maria called out, her tone light but purposeful. "We have some news for you. Actually… we have news for all three of you."
That immediately caught Tony's attention. He lifted his sunglasses up onto his forehead and tilted his head toward her, finally engaging. Momo straightened slightly in her chair, and Melissa stopped swimming, treading water as she looked over expectantly.
Maria smiled pleasantly as she continued, "You've been scheduled for an interview with H.I.G.H—the Hero Institution of the Gifted and Honored. Some people call it Power High. It's essentially the American equivalent of U.A."
Tony blinked once.
"The three of you will need to take an admission test in order to be accepted," Maria added smoothly. "Now, technically, we could just pay the school and skip the process entirely, but knowing the kind of people you are…" her smile turned knowing, "…you'd much rather prove yourselves."
"Oh my god," Tony groaned immediately, tilting his head back so dramatically the raft bobbed beneath him. "Another entrance exam? Seriously? After everything I've done, they still want me to jump through hoops?" He waved a hand irritably. "The name Tony Stark alone should've made them crawl to me on their knees, clinging to my leg and begging me to attend."
Momo let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth, while Melissa snorted outright. Maria pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly used to this by now. Howard, on the other hand, merely shrugged, clearly in agreement.
"As true as that might be," Howard said calmly, "they don't want to show favoritism toward any one individual. They have an image to maintain. Even if they want you there, they still need to appear professional." He smirked slightly. "Besides, it's kind of a pride thing. I'm sure you understand."
Tony slowly turned his head toward Maria, his expression suddenly dead serious.
"Mother," he said.
She raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Will you permit me to say a bad word?" he asked solemnly.
Maria sighed. "Like my permission has ever stopped you. Go ahead."
"FUUUUUUUCK!" Tony roared, the sound echoing across the pool area. Beldum jolted awake in alarm, nearly sliding off his chest. "Fuck their test! Fuck their school! And fuck their stupid pride! They can fuck it so hard their pride turns into a goddamn rainbow!"
"Tony," Maria snapped sharply.
"I'm done," Tony replied immediately, exhaling and forcing himself to calm down. He adjusted his sunglasses again while everyone else shook their heads in collective exasperation. "God damn it. Now I have to go get ready for a stupid interview I don't even want."
With an annoyed huff, Tony climbed out of the pool, water dripping from his swimming wear as Melissa followed, with Momo soon after. Howard chuckled quietly as they walked away, their footsteps fading while Tony's irritated muttering carried through the air.
"How the hell do they think they're interviewing me?" he grumbled. "I'm Tony fucking Stark. I should be interviewing them. Are they even worthy of someone of my caliber? The arrogance…"
Howard just smiled to himself, thoroughly entertained.
…
After the three of them had changed into something far more suitable for an official visit, they were soon seated inside a sleek black limousine. The interior was spacious and polished, soft leather seats lining the sides as the city rolled past the tinted windows. Tony sat sprawled back with practiced ease, Momo composed and elegant beside him, and Melissa quietly observing the scenery. Across from them sat Howard and Maria, who had insisted on accompanying them for the interview.
The steady hum of the engine filled the space until Maria cleared her throat, her expression shifting just slightly—subtle enough that Tony almost missed it.
"Tony," she began carefully, folding her hands in her lap, "I feel like I should give you a bit of a warning."
Tony lifted his head and blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You're going to be meeting one of your uncles today," Maria said, keeping her tone even.
Tony stared at her for a second, then frowned. "Wait—What?"
"He's an instructor at the institution," Maria continued, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
Tony straightened immediately. "Hold on. One of them?" His brows knit together. "How many uncles do I even have?"
Maria sighed softly, clearly realizing she'd opened a door she had hoped to ease him through more gently. "You have three. Your Uncle Justin is the oldest, your Uncle Kane is the second oldest, and your Uncle Henderson is actually the youngest of all of us."
Tony processed this in silence for a moment, then hesitantly asked, "Do… Do I have any aunts?" He glanced at her. "Or were you the only female in the family?"
Maria let out a long, tired breath. "You have three aunts as well—Destiny, Matilda, and Linda. Matilda and Linda are twins." She paused, then added, "So from oldest to youngest, it goes Justin, Kane, Destiny, Matilda and Linda, then me, and finally Henderson."
She rubbed her temples. "And don't even get me started on your cousins. You might end up encountering a few once you officially enroll at the institute."
Tony slowly turned his head toward Howard, his expression completely serious. "Since I know Mom is far too kind to tell me directly," he said calmly, "which ones can I tell to fuck off right to their faces, and which ones do I need to be polite to?"
"Don't you dare answer that," Maria snapped immediately, shooting Howard a warning glare before turning back to Tony. "You should be respectful to everyone, Tony. They're your aunts and uncles. I don't want you being rude or cruel to people just because of me—"
"Kane," Howard cut in without hesitation, "is the only decent one in the entire batch and is the one you're going to be meeting at the Academy. The rest? You can tell them to fuck off."
"Thank you," Tony said earnestly, nodding as he leaned back into his seat, looking thoroughly satisfied.
"Howard," Maria scolded, her lips pursed. She reached over and clawed at his thigh in irritation, glaring at him reproachfully.
"I'm sorry, honey," Howard said sincerely, gently catching her hand and holding it protectively against his own. "But from everything you've told me about how they treated you growing up, they don't deserve an ounce of humility from us." His voice softened. "The only reason that family is still standing today is because of your kindness and patience. If it were up to me, they'd all be living on the streets."
Maria's ears slowly turned red as she looked away, lips pressed together. "Oh, stop it," she muttered. "I'm trying to instill good values in Tony here, and you're really not helping."
"Ugh, get a room," Tony groaned, sticking his tongue out dramatically at the two of them. Despite his words, the smile tugging at his lips made it clear he wasn't truly annoyed.
Maria finally sighed, the blush fading as she turned back to him. "In all honesty, Tony," she said gently, "I just want you to be someone who is kind and respectful—not because someone deserves it or doesn't, but simply because that's the kind of person you choose to be."
She met his eyes. "No matter who you're standing against, I want you to hold on to that goodness I know is deep inside you."
"Ahh!" Tony yelped suddenly, holding his hands up as if shielding himself. "Saint Maria! Your Holiness! It burns!"
"Ugh, you clown!" Maria exclaimed, crossing her arms with a playful sulk. "I'm trying to teach you a lesson here!"
The limousine filled with laughter, the tension dissolving into warm, familiar banter. By the time the vehicle finally slowed and pulled up to the towering entrance of Power High, the mood was light—and unmistakably familial.
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