Stark Industries — A Meeting That Wasn't Supposed to Last
Howard Stark expected many things.
Arrogance.
Greed.
Posturing.
What he did not expect was Alexander Ashborn calmly examining a blueprint on the wall like he'd designed it himself.
Howard leaned back in his chair, studying the man across from him—immaculately dressed, relaxed, eyes sharp but amused.
"So," Howard said at last, folding his hands, "Mr. Ashborn. Care to tell me why you quietly bought twenty-five percent of Stark Industries without so much as a ripple?"
Alex smiled lightly.
"My gut," he said.
Howard blinked.
"…Your gut."
Alex nodded.
"It told me Stark Industries has a very good future."
There was no embellishment. No sales pitch.
Howard burst out laughing.
"That's the boldest answer I've heard all year."
Then he sobered, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"The Ashborn family does have a reputation for… uncanny investments."
He leaned forward.
"So tell me—do you have any ideas to improve Stark Industries?"
Alex shook his head.
"No."
Howard raised an eyebrow.
"But," Alex continued smoothly, "you probably do."
Howard paused.
Then grinned.
"Oh, I like you already."
He stood, pacing as he talked—about clean energy, compact reactors, propulsion breakthroughs, materials science far beyond current limitations.
Alex listened.
Truly listened.
Behind his eyes, Ciel activated silently.
"Analyzing… optimizing… improving…"
Alex interjected occasionally—gentle suggestions, refined angles, subtle restructurings.
Nothing impossible.
Just… better.
Howard stopped mid-sentence.
"…Wait."
He grabbed a pen, scribbling furiously.
"That—say that again."
Alex repeated it calmly.
Howard's handwriting grew messier with excitement.
"You just solved three problems I've been stuck on for years."
They talked.
Thirty minutes passed.
Then an hour.
Then two.
They laughed. Debated. Sketched wild ideas and grounded them again.
By the time Alex stood to leave, Howard felt like he'd just come out of a whirlwind.
Howard extended his hand.
"Mr. Ashborn… Alex," he corrected himself, "you're not just an investor."
Alex shook his hand.
"And you're not just an inventor."
Howard smirked.
"I think we're going to get along just fine."
As Alex walked out, Howard leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.
"…Tony's going to love you," he muttered.
An "Accidental" Encounter
Outside Stark Industries, the city hummed.
Alex turned a corner—
—and nearly collided with someone.
"Oh! I'm sorry—!"
Peggy Carter froze.
Her heart skipped.
"…Alexander?"
Alex smiled warmly.
"Peggy."
Her cheeks flushed instantly, her mind traitorously replaying that dream.
"I—uh—I didn't expect to see you here."
"Likewise," Alex said. "Fate's funny like that."
They walked together, conversation flowing easily.
Alex invited her to lunch—simple, unassuming.
Peggy agreed without hesitation.
They talked about work. About New York. About small things that somehow felt important.
When he dropped her at her door, Peggy hesitated.
"I had a nice time," she said softly.
"So did I," Alex replied honestly.
She watched him walk away, heart racing again.
"…Definitely not just a dream," she whispered.
Queens Across Realms
That evening, Hera stood on the mansion's balcony, moonlight brushing her hair.
She raised a hand, weaving ancient magic.
Across realms—
Frigga felt it instantly.
A presence warm, regal, familiar.
"Hera," Frigga said gently, appearing through shimmering light.
Hera smiled.
"Queen of Asgard."
Frigga returned it.
"So… you're living as a mortal now?"
Hera chuckled softly.
"For now."
They spoke quietly—about Alexander, about love, about change.
"You raised him well," Hera said sincerely.
Frigga's eyes softened.
"He chose his own path," she replied. "I merely trusted him."
Hera looked toward the city lights beyond the balcony.
"I think… I finally understand what that means."
Frigga smiled knowingly.
Threads Tightening
Howard Stark sat late into the night, ideas racing.
Peggy Carter lay in bed, smiling at the ceiling.
Hera watched a mortal world with growing affection.
And Alexander Ashborn—Phoenix Monarch, OAA, husband, investor—
Walked the world gently.
History remained intact.
But something new had begun to breathe within it.