Chapter 21: Respect Between Legends
The First Conversation
Ethan Carter had met many people in his life.
But Tony Stark was different.
He wasn't just a genius. He wasn't just rich.
He was a man who had looked death in the eye and decided to do something better with his second chance.
And Ethan respected that.
A lot.
The two of them stood in the middle of a rooftop, the hum of Iron Man's arc reactor filling the silence.
Tony smirked, folding his arms. "So, what's your deal? Alien? Super-soldier experiment? Government lab mistake?"
Ethan chuckled. "Kryptonian."
Tony blinked. "That's… new."
Ethan nodded. "My planet was destroyed. I was sent here as a baby. Earth is my home now."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—you were raised on a farm?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "How did you—?"
Tony grinned. "C'mon, you scream 'small-town farm boy with a heart of gold.'"
Ethan rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."
Tony leaned against the edge of the building. "So, let me get this straight. You've got super strength, super speed, laser eyes, flight, and god knows what else."
Ethan nodded. "Pretty much."
Tony exhaled. "Man… you make my suit look like a tin can."
Ethan smirked. "You're selling yourself short, Stark."
Tony looked at him, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "You know, most people see me as a billionaire playboy. You don't."
Ethan's expression turned serious. "Because I know what you really are."
Tony tilted his head. "And what's that?"
Ethan looked him in the eye.
"A man willing to give his life to save the world."
For the first time, Tony didn't have a witty response.
Because Superman wasn't joking.
There was genuine respect in his voice.
And Tony Stark wasn't used to that.
Mutual Understanding
Tony exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "So… you've been keeping tabs on me?"
Ethan shook his head. "I just pay attention to the kind of people who make a difference."
Tony chuckled. "You know, I figured you'd be some holier-than-thou type. But you're alright, Kryptonian."
Ethan smirked. "And you're not as much of an arrogant jerk as I thought."
Tony placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Wow. That almost sounded like a compliment."
Ethan chuckled.
For a moment, they just stood there, two men who were wildly different, but in some ways, exactly the same.
Then Tony sighed. "Alright. I'll be honest. When you showed up, I wasn't sure what to think. A guy like you? With your power? You could take over the planet if you wanted to."
Ethan's voice was calm. "But I don't."
Tony studied him for a moment, then nodded.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I believe you."
A New Alliance
Tony extended a hand. "So, what do you say? A genius billionaire and a flying alien—think we can get along?"
Ethan smirked and shook his hand.
"I think we'll do just fine."