[1993]
Looking around his room Michael made sure he had everything he needed.
For today was the day he was finally heading off to college.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology or M.I.T. for short.
On a full-ride scholarship no less.
Meaning whatever money his parents sent him was his own.
But it's not like Micheal will need it.
Since M.I.T. in addition to the full-ride scholarship had also given him $50,000 in grant money.
Which Michael knew was so he would attend their school and not go anywhere else for college.
For Micheal had subtlely mentioned he was looking at other colleges when he and his parents flew up to M.I.T. a few weeks ago, as requested by their admissions department, so some of their members could conduct an in-person interview with him.
Remembering that time Micheal couldn't help but let a small smile form on his face.
For everything that has taken place during that meeting had gone exactly as he had planned.
Making it one of the first in a string of successful plans he hoped to pull off going forward in his life.
But as he constantly reminded himself he needed to take it one step at a time.
For Micheal knew what happened when people like him, those with genius intellects, made snap decisions.
And those consequences were not pretty.
Like the creation of Ultron for example.
Which is another event Micheal is going to make sure never comes to pass on his current reality.
Though again, step by step.
Seeing that he had indeed packed up everything he needed Micheal left his room and headed downstairs.
Where once he arrived he found his family waiting for him.
Along with his best friend, Sam Wilson.
For the two had become close over the years since they met when his family arrived in Delacroix all those years ago.
Reaching the group Micheal moved to speak.
Only to be cut off when his mother wrapped him in a tight hug, a few tears begining to stream out of her eyes afterwards.
"Stay safe my sweet Mucheal. Stay safe." Abigail spoke. "And remember. Brush your teeth every night before bed, no drinking, and be sure to call every week. Also-"
"-Yes, mom. I understand. I'll make sure to do all of the things I promised to do." Micheal spoke. Interrupting his mother, while he pulled back from her hug.
He then initiated another one. "Don't worry. I'll be okay." Micheal spoke. Working to reassure his mom.
"I know." Abigail said. "I know." She mused once more.
Mother and son then broke their hug.
After which Micheal turned to Aaron and the brothers shared a quick first bump.
",Take care of yourself brother." Aaron spoke.
"Right back at you bro." Micheal replied.
He then turned to Sam.
"Mike." Sam said. Using Micheal nickname he had come up with a few years ago.
"Sam." Michael replied.
The two said nothing else to each other and just simply shared a manly handshake before breaking apart.
Once that was done Micheal said one last round of goodbyes before he and his father left.
So the latter could take him to the airport.
As the car moved on the road Marcus suddenly spoke up. "Son, I know you probably know this already but I'll say it anyway. You're mother and I are so proud of you. We love you. No matter what happens. So if at any time you feel college is too much then you can come home." Marcus explained.
"I know dad. I know. But thanks for reminding me." Michael replied. Putting a smile on his face.
One which Marcus soon mirrored.
The father and son pair then road in a nice silence all the way to the airport.
After which Micheal got out and was now truly on his own.
On the way to the next milestone of his life.
***
[Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts]
Walking across one of the universities numerous courtyards Micheal took in the students and faculty around him.
None of them batting an eye as he walked around.
His student I.D. secured around his neck.
Which Micheal knew was a given, seeing how many geniuses existed in the MCU.
Not to mention M.I.T. was the alma mater of a certain genius, billionaire, philanthropist, playboy.
Continuing on his way Micheal soon arrived at his destination.
The main building of the M.I.T. Biology department.
For when applying to the school Micheal had been accepted not just into the schools Electrical Engineering & Computer Science PhD program but also the schools Biology PhD program.
And as for why Micheal applied to both of those departments simultaneously there were various reasons.
The first of which was to get his name out in the greater scientific community.
While the second is because he wanted to stand out from his peers.
Along with a few others that aren't that important.
Entering the building Micheal headed for the administration desk, which is where he was supposed to meet his peer tour guide.
An older student M.I.T. had decided would guide Micheal around the biology building and give him a basic introduction to the department.
Arriving at the administration desk Micheal looked around for his peer tour guide.
That is until he noticed a young woman approaching him.
"Micheal Holt?" She asked.
"Yes, that's me. And you are?"
"Maya Hansen. I'll be your tour guide for the department today." The woman revealed.
[Insert Image of MCU Maya Hansen Here]
"I see. Understood." Micheal replied.
Who despite keeping a blank face on the outside was grinning like a fucking lunatic on the inside.
Given who had just encountered.
The progenitor of the MCU version of the Extremis Serum.
Looks like today was a good day for the young Holt.
A very good one indeed.