The sun was just rising over the military airport when Alex's eyes locked onto the familiar figure of his brother.
Tony Stark. Alive. Back.
Without hesitation, Alex ran forward and wrapped Tony in a tight hug.
"Welcome back," Alex whispered, his voice filled with relief.
Tony hugged him back, smirking."Thanks, little bro. Guess I owe you a few apologies… and maybe a few drinks."
Alex stepped back and smiled, shaking his head."I'll hold you to that later."
The Ride to Stark Industries
As they left the airport, Tony and Pepper began their usual arguing in the car—Pepper lecturing Tony about reckless decisions, Tony countering with witty comebacks.
Alex and Happy sat quietly in the backseat, unsure how to intervene.
Finally, after a few minutes of chaos, they arrived at Stark Industries, where reporters and cameras were already gathered.
The Press Conference
Tony strode confidently to the podium, the world watching.
"I'm shutting down the weapons division," Tony declared. The crowd gasped.
Alex's sharp eyes immediately scanned the room. Obadiah Stane was seated in the front row, controlling his expression, but Alex could see the tension behind it. The man's eyes betrayed fury he was struggling to mask.
Before Alex could react, Obadiah smoothly stood and approached the podium, speaking in measured tones, carefully spinning the story to make it seem as if he had been fully supportive of Tony's return. The press bought it. The world believed it.
When the press conference ended, Tony and Obadiah slipped into a private room for a one-on-one conversation.
Alex knew exactly what would happen. Obadiah would get a glimpse of the arc reactor in Tony's chest.
A Suspicious Visitor
Pepper and Alex waited outside, unsure whether to intervene.
A man in a suit approached, calm but authoritative.
"Excuse me," he said, handing Pepper and Alex a visiting card. "I'd like an interview."
Pepper frowned."This isn't the time, and I don't know who you are."
The man simply smiled and walked away.
Alex turned the card over in his hand and immediately recognized the name: Phil Coulson – S.H.I.E.L.D.
He smirked. Two attempts to recruit him in the past. He hadn't cared then, and he wouldn't care now.
Breakfast at the Villa
Later, at Tony's villa, Alex instructed J.A.R.V.I.S. to order breakfast for the group during their drive home. The three of them—Tony, Alex, and Pepper—ate together.
Between bites, Tony looked at Alex thoughtfully."What do you think about shutting down the weapons division? I know you have shares… I want your honest opinion."
Alex met his gaze calmly."Tony, I'll support your decision. Even if Stark Industries goes bankrupt tomorrow, I'll back you financially. You're my brother, and I trust you."
Tony laughed quietly, a mix of pride and gratitude filling his expression. Deep down, he realized that no matter what, Alex would always have his back.
The Mini Arc Reactor
After breakfast, Tony pulled his shirt slightly aside, revealing the new miniaturized arc reactor embedded in his chest.
Alex's eyes widened in appreciation."This… this is incredible. You shrank it to this size? The efficiency is remarkable."
Tony grinned, proud of his invention and happy to have his brother's praise."Thanks. Figured you'd appreciate the tech."
Alex nodded, smiling warmly."I'm impressed, Tony. Truly."
With that, he left the villa, leaving Tony and Pepper behind, both silently acknowledging that the Stark brothers had grown stronger—together and individually—ready to face whatever came next.