[1995]
Standing in front of his mirror Michael made sure his clothing was pristine.
Once he was sure it was he moved to put on the graduation cap and gown laid out on his bed.
For after two years at M.I.T. it was finally graduation day for him.
It was also a momentous occasion for the school as well, considering Michael would be its first graduate to have earned four PhD's before leaving.
Yes, you heard right four PhDs.
For after Michael started getting his coursework for his biology and electrical engineering degrees he found himself absorbing it all like water through his skin.
And since that was the case he decided to add some more work to his plate, if only to keep himself busy.
Thus he applied for and was easily accepted to both the Physics PhD program and the Mechanical Engineering PhD program of M.I.T.
Astounding the entire school.
As well as many in the scientific community.
Michael even found himself featured in an article in National Geographic last year.
After this happened offers from both the private sector and the government started rolling in.
For all of them wanted Michael to come and work for them.
Too bad for them he has no such intention of doing so.
Since Michael wanted to make his own decisions.
Thus he had already decided to found his own company.
In fact many of his future plans required it.
And since Michael wants them to come to fruition his only choice is to follow through.
Once he finished putting on his cap and gown Michael exited his dorm room, what had been his home away from home for the past two odd years, and went to find his family.
A task he accomplished easily.
Since all of them were waiting just outside his dorm building for him.
Putting a smile on his face Michael walked up to his family. "Hey everyone." He said. "So, today's the day." Michael mused.
Right after he did his mother came up and wrapped him in a hug. "Oh my baby, I'm so proud of you." Abigail told her son, a trail of tears beginning to stream down her face.
"We all are son." His dad added.
"Yeah, nice job bro." Aaron spoke.
"Thanks. All of you." Michael replied. "Also mom, can you please let me go. Not to be rude or anything but I am giving a speech today." He spoke. Michael reminding his mother he was giving the graduation speech today. Given he was summa cum laude this year and the school had asked him to do it.
"Oh right, of course." Abigail spoke.
She then stepped back and broke her hug from Michael.
"Thanks mom." He said.
Michael then quickly straightened out his gown.
After which he and his family headed for the graduation area.
Then once they reached it Michael's family went to go and find their seats, meanwhile he himself went to join up with the other graduates so he could get in place for the upcoming ceremony.
An event that eventually started, and went off without a hitch.
Even Michael's graduation speech.
Right after it did Michael, his four diplomas now in hand, went to rejoin with his family.
Though right after he did they all noticed a commotion taking place near the event parking lot.
Curious the Holt family headed over to it, and just as they arrived they all saw a 1995 Red BMW 8 series car come to a stop. Then right after it did a man got out of the driver seat.
Who Michael instantly recognized as a young Harold Joseph "Happy" Hogan.
[Insert Image of MCU Happy Hogan Here]
Telling Michael one thing.
'So, he decided to make an appearance' Michael thought.
Right after he did the passenger of the red BMW 8 opened and out of it stepped none other than the the future hero Iron Man himself, a young Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark.
[Insert Image of MCU Tony Stark Here]
The moment after this happened whispers began to fly through the air.
"It's Tony Stark!"
"What's he doing here?!"
"Wow, he's even more handsome in person."
All these words and more flew through the air but Tony made them no attention. Instead he scanned the crowd for the kid named Michael who he knew was graduating today. Eventually spotting him.
"Gotcha." Tony mused. "Happy, with me." Tony said.
He then began walking, Happy following right behind him.
As this occurred Michael and his family soon realized Tony and Happy were heading straight for them.
"Oh my god, is Tony Stark heading towards us?" Abigail asked.
"Yeah mom, he is." Aaron managed to speak. "Most definitely." He said.
A few seconds after he did Happy and Tony arrived in front of the Holt family. Tony pulling down his sunglasses and looking directly at Michael after he did.
Having to slightly look up.
Since Michael had hit his growth spurt and was now standing at 6'2" in height.
Though that wasn't much different from Tony, who stood at 6'1" in height.
(That's Tony's height from the mainstream comics without any armor. Since like I said I'll be throwing little tidbits like that in throughout the story)
"So, you're Michael Holt huh." Tony mused.
"That's right." Michael replied. "And you're Tony Stark."
"The one and only." Tony instantly replied. "Huh. You know I was told you were shorter."
"Where you paying attention though when whoever spoke about me to you actually did?" Michael asked. Raising a brow.
Since from the films, comics, and television shows he watched in his past life he had a pretty good grasp of Tony's overall character before, and even after, he become a hero.
"No comment." Tony replied.
"I see." Michael said. "Alright. So, to do what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Well when a kid graduates from my school with twice as many PhD's as me in the same amount of time I would be a fool not to take an interest in them." Tony explained. "And also offer them a job. So, what do you say kid, want to come and work at Stark Industries?" He asked.
Leading the Holt family and everyone watching the scene to become shocked at Tony's blatant offer.
"Sorry, I'll have to decline."
Only to become even more shocked a few seconds later when Michael instantly declined Tony's offer.
"Wow. I haven't been turned down that quickly since high school." Tony mused.
"Didn't you graduate from it at only fifteen?" Michael questioned.
"That I did." Tony replied. "Boy, were those days awkward for me." He said. "But back to the job offer. Why are you turning me down kid? If you take it you'll get a good salary, nice health benefits, and access to all the best parties."
"Well as tempting as all that sounds my answer isn't going to change. Otherwise how would I start my own company?" Michael spoke.
"I see, so you're one of those go-getter types huh."
"That I am Mr. Stark. That I am." Michael said. "So again, sorry but I can't work for you. But if you would like to work together in the future then I'd be open to it."
Hearing this Tony couldn't help but chuckle. "You got spunk kid. I like it. Lets' see if it holds up though in a few years." He said. Tony then pulled down his sunglasses and walked away.
Happy following right behind him.
Until the two reached the BMW 8 and then left.
Leading to a complete and utter silence in the area.
'So, that's the future Invincible Armored Iron Man huh.' Michael thought. "Cool." He said.
Breaking the silence.
Getting the graduation day activities slowly moving again.
Despite all that had happened between the two greatest minds to ever graduate from M.I.T.
The first of their many encounters.
***
A/N: Yes sir, Tony got an early appearance. I mean it would only be natural considering how Michael goes to his alma mater and beat his record in graduating with the number of PhD's to his name. Of course Tony would want to meet him. And meet they did. The first of many which I stated above. Though what those meetings will entail you'll have to continue reading to find out.
Until next time.